Losing steam in your time in God’s word as the summer is wearing on? Losing sight of why we are even doing it? Here’s a good video with D.A. Carson to remind us of the importance of reading the Bible, and even goes into a bit of why we should not. Enjoy.
The Problem of Violence in the Old Testament
A friend from church pointed me to this presentation on the problem of violence in the Old Testament. It isn’t something that deals with any specific passage for this week, rather I bring it up as a response to difficulties that arise from many passages we’ve now covered in past months of Year in the Bible. Follow this link to Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and click to listen to the talk by John Dickson. It is about 25 minutes, so maybe save it to listen to later today.
Violence in the Old Testament, part 1 of 2
Some of his point is that we should not approach the Old Testament thinking throughout that Israel is some sort of paragon of morality and holiness. Just because Israel performs an action or one Israelite performs an action, and such actions are recorded, does not mean that those things are right and good for us to emulate. Much of what is recorded is the sinfulness of God’s people, further showing to us the continued dependence we all should have on God’s grace. Not now and not ever have we been able to rely on our own righteousness. But Dickson does concede that he is troubled by some passages, and we should not avoid such feelings.
But don’t just read to my summary, go listen. He’s got an Australian accent, if that further encourages you to give it a shot.
A Song for Psalm 51
On Sunday I invited everyone who is not reading along with Year in the Bible to read one thing this week, Psalm 51. It’s thought to be a psalm written by David after Nathan the prophet came to him, rebuking him for the sin he committed with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12).
It is a psalm of repentance and reliance on God, and it is one of my favorites. A band called Indelible Grace plays an amazing version of a song based off this psalm that balances a plaintive, yet hopeful tone. I think this is fitting given the context and the depth of pain and brokenness we see in these words. There is a desperate longing to be reconciled with God. But there is still hope because of the work of God and the assurance we have that he will forgive. Check out the song at this link, and let me know what you think:
Video Overview of Ephesians with NT Wright
If you wanted to hear an overview of Ephesians before you sat down to read it, or better yet, if having already read it, you wanted to hear someone’s thoughts on the letter and be reminded of what you just read, take a look at this video.
In it NT Wright runs through the entire book of Ephesians in about 15 minutes. Although I’d hesitate to say, as it is titled, that this is a quick tour of Ephesians given that you could probably read the whole book in just about that same amount of time.
Paul, an apostle, tweets to you in Galatia
I found this not too long ago and it may be a bit silly, but at the same time it sums up Galatians very succinctly. David Mathis has boiled down the entire six chapters of this letter into 30 tweets. That’s not just 30 sentences, since each tweets is limited to only 140 characters. I think it’s impressive. But don’t go reading this instead of Galatians. Think of it like a good outline.
Here are the first couple:
Jesus gave himself at the cross both for us and for God—for our good and ultimately for God’s glory #Galatians 1:1–5
There is one gospel. One path from which saving grace flows to sinners: Jesus. Every counterfeit is damnable #Galatians 1:6–9
The Gospel in Rhyme
This is our third time through a gospel this week so this is a great time to look at this video that seeks to summarize what the gospel is in just a couple of minutes. It may not be in the preferred style of everyone’s musical tastes, but regardless of personal preference, you have to admire the lyrics.
Thanks to Desiring God.
A Song of Psalm 36
An oldie, but a goodie from Third Day, with words taken from Psalm 36, which is in our week’s readings. Enjoy.
Paul’s Passport
Unless you were a geography major, you’re probably a little lost with all the movements of Paul as he goes about the ancient world preaching Jesus Christ. You may have some maps in the back of your Bible, which are great resources, but I also found some animated maps that may be helpful in placing Paul in his ministry.
You’ll find all his missionary journeys here.
Year in the Bible 