0 - 2016 - Jeremiah's Vow

Book Review: #OrganicJesus

It is helpful to look at things from someone else’s vantage point.

#OrganicJesus by Scott Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Irreverant. Funny. Provocative. Sincere. Challenging.

The Good
Scott Douglas does a great job of keeping you on the edge. He says things in a way that challenges you to think more deeply. He has a knack for seeing the ironies and the humor in the Christian subculture. But, he does this while a committed member and defender of that same community.

The Bad
There is not a lot. This book is not about theology per se. It does tackle some theological topics in general terms. This leaves the reader wondering what they should believe on the matter. It would have been nice for there to have a been a nudge toward other resources to dig deeper. But, in the end, this is not the purpose of the book.

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Satisfied with God

As a Christian, my greatest joy and deepest satisfaction is found in God, and God alone.

Introduction

The culture in which we live tells us that we should have whatever we want.¹ As a matter of fact, if we are unable to get what we want then some injustice has been perpetrated against us. As a Christian, I have to fight against the weight of this temptation. It has become so pervasive in our culture that we have begun exporting it around the world. The craziness is that there is a secular and a religious version of this message. As an American, we call it the American Dream. As a Christian, it takes the form of “name it and claim it” theology. In either form, it is harmful to the human soul and detrimental to our societies and local communities. Continue reading “Satisfied with God”

A Short Film | “Riva” by Noble Lure

A beautiful short film by Christopher Wiegand re-imagining the story of the woman with an issue of blood in Mark 5.

If you need twelve minutes of distraction, use this short film to fill it. You won’t regret it.

Beautifully dramatized, visually striking, and the score is just as poignant.

Description from the creator:

Led by a mysterious compass, a homeless woman embarks on a perilous journey to find healing for her broken hands.

/// Adapted from Mark 5:34 \\

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Film is produced by Chris Wiegand of Noble Lure.

Book Review | The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: How They Were Developed – Understanding Their Differences – Finding the Right One for You

One of the most helpful and concise guides for understanding Bible translation.

The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: How They Were Developed – Understanding Their Differences – Finding the Right One for You by Ron Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a helpful, easy to read introduction to the background of the most popular Bible translations, this is the book for you. I will definitely be referring back to this volume.

The Good
The major issues surrounding Bible translation are covered in this book (translation philosophy, textual basis of each translation covered, gender-neutral language issues). The historyical context that caused each translation to be undertaken is provided. And, several benefits and cautions are provided for each translation.

The Bad
There is not much to complain about in this book. The author offers his own opinions, but they are measured and brief.

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Christian Cuevas | “To Worship You I Live”

Great rendition of “To Worship You I Live” by Christian Cuevas, The Voice 2016 contestant.

Verse 1
Away away from the noise
alone with you
away away to hear your voice
and meet with you
nothing else matters my one desire is

Chorus
To worship you I live
to worship you I live I live to worship you
To worship you I live
to worship you I live I live to worship you

Tag
oh oh

Verse 2
Away away, away away from the noise alone with you
Away away to hear your voice and meet with you
It’s been a while but hear my heart cry again

3 Reasons Lasting Disciples are not Made in the Church

We have to see that the reason we study, memorize, and teach what the Bible says is so that we can become what Jesus was. While the cliqué has become tired, the truth it contained has not. If we want to do what Jesus did, we have to become who Jesus was.

Over the last several years, the subject of discipleship has become an important topic for me. One that occupies my mind most days. I have spent a good amount of time reading, studying, discussing, and engaging in discipleship as much as I can. Of all the things Jesus said to his original disciples, and were written down for us to read in the Scriptures, what Jesus said about discipleship requires careful consideration. Continue reading “3 Reasons Lasting Disciples are not Made in the Church”

Book Review | Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation

This collection of essays does a good job of making the case for the “essentially literal” Bible translation philosophy.

Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation by Wayne A. Grudem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Good
This collection of essays does a good job of making the case for the “essentially literal” Bible translation philosophy. I found the arguments compelling. The first three essays are worth the purchase of the book. The strongest case for the “essentially literal” approach are clearly presented.

The Bad
Making the case for a word-for-word philosophy does not need to descend into accusations of malpractice on the part of those that do not follow this approach. Grudem’s essay (the first essay) did this a few times (four or five times). It was unnecessary.

The final two essays were a little more technical and not as helpful. While these two did tease out the practical implementation of an essentially literal approach, it was a little hard to follow.

That being said, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a clear and concise argument FOR the essentially literal translation approach.

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Video Spotlight | “What is the particular genius of the constitution?”

Sometimes you can learn a lot from a movie. With Honors is one of my favorites.

In light of all that is happening in the political realm of the United States.

If you have not seen the movie With Honors, I would encourage you to do it. It’s a great movie. Probably one of my favorites.

5 Lessons to Reflect on after the 2016 Election

Self Reflection is hard. But, it should be done. Here are five lessons to reflect on after the 2016 Election.

After one of the most historic political seasons in US history, I am taking some time to think about about what I have learned over the last two years. Continue reading “5 Lessons to Reflect on after the 2016 Election”

Book Review | “How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth” by Gordon D. Fee

How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versions by Gordon D. Fee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Good:
Provides clear and helpful information about the history of translation and the entire process involved. They explain what they mean when using technical ideas and jargon. And, they offer clear critique of the twenty or so versions they survey.

The Bad:
At every turn, they are clearly “biased” toward a particular kind of bible translation (mainly less “literal” and more meaning based translation approaches). They do not hide this bias (which is nice). And, they provide a clear explanation about what a “literal” translation approach means. So, this is not meant to be a slight against versions that use this approach. It is just not their preferred approach.

I would have given it 4 stars if it had not been so tilted in one particular direction. This is still an invaluable resource to have in your library for the study of bible translations, and I will be referring back to it.

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