Posts Tagged Books
Truth Tuesdays- For the Sake of His Name
Posted by Randall W. Ross in Teaching, Theology, Truth Tuesdays on July 6, 2010
While I was attending this year’s Ligonier National Conference, I received a complementary copy of R.C. Sproul’s commentary on Romans. I wasn’t expecting this gift, but there it was. Strangely, I have been thinking a lot about Romans lately and so the arrival of this study help is very timely.
On a regular basis, in conversation or listening to conversations, I hear Romans referenced as an anchor. Many of our most fundamental beliefs and doctrines have been clearly articulated in this book so I guess it makes sense that it is mentioned so often. Sadly though, even given the fact that I have been involved in ministry for many years, I have never studied through this important book. I guess it is time.
I look forward to diving into this book of all books, this great manifesto of out faith. I’m certain that it will be difficult and also that it will be glorious. What better way to focus on Truth then to see it in the pages of Scripture? (Actually, is there any other way but this?) As Jesus said, “Your Word is Truth” (John 17).
“…for the sake of His Name among the nations…” Romans 1:5
To begin, I am struck by the simple line found in Paul’s opening statement. I perceive that this captures a common theme that will wind its way through this book. We have received grace, this is sure. But we have received it for the sake of His name.
Chasing down every word of this line will produce vast landscapes of the most beautiful reality…the only reality of redemption. To ponder the extent and the expense of Grace…To recognize and comprehend the way that we have received this…To be arrested by the authority and power of the Name that distributes this grace and establishes our faith…To see the mission of this Name reaching and changing the nations…We need this. We need this constantly.
Romans is not for the “Gospel” tract or for the dorm room argument. Romans is for all of us in every moment because all of us in every moment are for the sake of His name among the nations.
Two New Videos at Gather Cafe
Posted by Randall W. Ross in Book Reviews, Media Critique, Music, Theology and Doctrine on July 28, 2009
Broken Down House by Paul David Tripp
City of Black and White by Matt Kearney
Check it out…Click HERE…And dance for Joy.
Christless Christianity
Posted by Jason Ragain in Book Reviews, General Ministry, Leadership Issues, Resources, Theology, Theology and Doctrine, Thoughts and Reflections on May 12, 2009
Recommended 
Review by Jason Ragain
Horton, Michael. Christless Christianity. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008.
“Do More; Try Harder.” According to Michael Horton, author of Christless Christianity, this phrase is the pervasive message that is being regularly communicated in our churches today. This deed-oriented faith is not merely found in churches that have embraced theological and practical liberalism; it is becoming more common place in many evangelical churches. The result of embracing this “do more, try harder” message (which is rooted in American pragmatism) is a faith that has become trivialized, moralized, minimized, and irrelevant. Horton does suggest that evangelicalism has not become theologically liberal but rather theologically vacuous (pg 23). In this environment, Christ is viewed as a resource to help improve ourselves and/or our current situation rather than being our Lord, Redeemer, and Savior. In order to be relevant in our American culture, many churches have embraced this pragmatic message and have communicated this new gospel through moralistic messages of self help, self improvement, and privatized religion. By preaching these messages, churches pass on good advice, but neglect the greatest message of all…the Gospel.
Gather Book Store…Any Ideas?
Posted by Randall W. Ross in Curriculum, Leadership Issues, Parenting, Resources, Teaching, Youth Culture on April 20, 2009
We are discussing the idea of having a book store (really just a table with books on it) available to you on Sunday mornings and other special events. The books, magazines, articles, videos, etc. would be selected for their connection to student ministry, parenting, teaching and ministry leadership. Some items would be for purchase and others could be loaned out (like a library).
With this in mind, we’d like to know from you any suggestions for what should be on that table. What have read lately…What have you seen or heard…What is something you’d like to read see or hear…that we should make available through this book store?
Please leave your suggestions as a comment on this post…or click here.
Thank you so much for your help!
ESV for You and Me
Posted by Randall W. Ross in Curriculum, Resources, Teaching, Thoughts and Reflections on March 3, 2009
A student asked me recently on a Thursday night. So, I gave it some thought and here is my response.
A little over a year ago, I picked up a copy of the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. It was recomended to me by a friend and some other pastors and leaders that I respect. It is a fairly new translation that has gained much acclaim in the evangelical world.
The ESV is what is known as an “essentially literal” or a word-for-word translation. The translators went to the original languages (Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic) and found the best meaning they could while keeping the same structure of the ancient text. Other word-for-word translations include the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the New King James Version (NKJV).
Other types of Bibles that we would be familiar with are “Thought for Thought” translations and Paraphrases. Thought-for-thought translations (i.e. the New International Version NIV and the New Living Translation NLT) work to capture the thought of the original words but not the same structure. Paraphrases are an expanded version of the thoughts of the passage while adding to the text modern language or imagery as well as application statements.
I recommend getting a good word-for-word translation. Having the closest translation to the original language is always a good thing. The ability to study the original words is easy with a Bible like the ESV. Since the translation sticks to the way the ancient text is written it is easy to pinpoint the specific words that you want to study. This isn’t always the case with the other types of Bibles.
I wouldn’t discourage the use of other Bibles and translations, but you should have something like the ESV as a starting point. Going to other translations can be helpful in understanding a passage, but shouldn’t replace your own study. I also use the ESV in all teaching and preaching. So, if you are a student or have a student I would recommend picking up an ESV.
I hope that answer will suffice. I think I’ve said ESV enough for you to get a good idea what I would recommend.
