How to Pray for Each Other

During our morning service, our Pastor (Dr Kittredge) instructed our congregation on the best way to respond to those who ask "how I can pray for you?". He said our response should be "Please pray for me that my heart will not be deceived into thinking I can be happy without Jesus. " I thought this was very helpful. Indeed, it should also be my own prayer.

Blogging for Blogging's Sake

I did some work on this website yesterday, mainly for my own edification. I wanted to put links and information at one place where I could have access from any where. I am also amazed who shows up at my blog depending what subject I write about. Anyway, I have been doing a lot of thinking about some things and maybe I should be writing some of these things down. We'll see.

Reading (Listening to) the Bible

I am not a good reader. I would like to think I am, but the truth is I am not. I struggle with Bible reading, primarily because I can't concentrate on certain passages that contain dusty details or long lists genealogical or geographical names. Recently I purchased Max McLean's The Listener's Bible. I loaded it onto my iPod and it has made a big difference in my daily Bible reading. It is must easier to follow along and understand the text. I wish I had started this long ago.

New ESV Study Bible Part 2

Over at Challies.com, Tim Challies reviewed the new ESV Study Bible. Obviously he liked it, but I was surprised he wasn't a little more enthusiastic. But then I tend to get excited about new study Bibles.

The Bible is quite big and not very portable, but I have been using it at home during study already and I am very happy with it. I bought the red genuine leather pictured on my first ESV Study Bible post.

New ESV Study Bible

I received my new ESV Study Bible yesterday. Needless to say, this new Study Bible from Crossway seems to live up to the hype. The bible is huge as it is jammed pack with notes and articles. The font is very clear with the the text single column with the notes double column. I understand that the WTS Bookstore sold more than 1200 of these last weekend. Many of the contributors come from the Reformed faith so I am excited about that. I am looking forward to exploring it more this weekend.

Firstborn of All Creation

Below is a note I wrote a friend about Colossians 1:15.

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn (Gr. protokotos) of all creation.

The JW translation (New World Translation) translates the same as the English Standard Version which I am using. The JWs would say or say this this means Christ was created first and/or there was a time when Jesus did not exist. The way to understand the Scriptures is to interpret it with other Scripture. Since there are verses that indicate Christ is eternal and is the creator rather than the creation, that this verse can't say what the JWs say it means. If the apostle Paul wanted to indicate that Christ was the first created, he would use protoktsis (first created) instead of protokos. The church Fathers of the 4th century (those at the Council of Nicea) and most modern reformed theologians see the term "firstborn" with being an heir. Paul did not mean that the Son was the first created being, for this would contradict verses 16-17. Again, in the light of the clear affirmation of Christ's divinity elsewhere in the NT, it is best to understand the term "firstborn" to mean "the favored son who is the principal heir to a family estate". The term is used in Colossians to denote status. Because he is especially loved by his Father (v. 13) and because in him, by him and for him, alhings were created, Jesus exercises authority over creation.

Why Attend Seminary?

A question I have asked myself is why at almost 55 years old would I want to attend seminary. Generally speaking it is for the following reasons:

1) Understand God's Word at a deeper level.
2) Make me a better Sunday School Teacher
3) Make me a better witness at work.
4) Prepare me for leadership in the church
5) Make me a better disciple to serve the Lord in the church

I may live one more day or thirty more years. I want to finish strong in the Lord and be prepared for whatever He calls me to do.