Hebrew II

Today I began the second winter course at WSC. We are continuing with the basic verb forms, learning more vocabulary, and studying more verbs to learn how to read the Hebrew text. Last year’s  final was difficult, but I realize that I need to be consistent in how I study. repetition is not always fun, yet it is vital in the learning process. In fact, one learning style is memorization, which includes rote memory. However, painful that process is , it is the main way people learn things. The challenge is to look beyond the seeming monotony to envision the goal of learning. Why is it that people learn a subject? What is the goal for such an intellectual pursuit?

I am reminded by professors that the process is not easy, but to be patient while learning. Seminary is a place that affords one the opportunity to study and to learn the basics. The founder of WS believed strongly in the original languages and formed the curriculum around that basic premise. I agree with that goal, however, it is not an easy task. At times, I forget that I’m studying the Bible, yet I’m reminded by a slower pace to dig deeper into the text and to meditate on the truth of the Bible.

It’s great to start a new year at WSC. I am grateful to be a student, especially of God’s Word.

A Great Class at WSC

This week the winter term began at WSC and I had the privilege to take a class on the founder of Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. D. G. Hart taught the class in a clear and cogent way, highlighting the major themes that shaped Princeton and the Modernist Liberalism that pervaded unabatedly for most of the later part of the 19th century and up to the controversy that lead to the formation of the OPC.

Now I need to get an outline for two papers regarding Machen’s views on politics and Christianity and why many didnot follow Machen out of the PCUSA.  Now I have an even greater appeciation for confessional and reformed theology and the deep convictions of MAchen to defend the Christian faith. Many of the same issues MAchen faced are present in today’s church, and though MAchen wrote Christianity and Liberalism in 1923, his work speaks to the state of the church in our day and age.

Gospel Conversation

For the new year, I have statred a new book titled Gospel Conversation by Jeremiah Burroughs, a puritan of the 17th century. This book is a collection of sermons he preached in 1645 about Phillipians 1:27.  Conversation is a term that has taken on a different connotation in our most-modern age, where we have even more form s of communication than in ages past, yet in my estimation, we communicate less. At times, I get frustrated by my own passivity and lack of initiative in regard to gospel conversation. What is meant by that phrase?  For one, we need to hear the gospel truth. We need to hear the sweet and excellent gospel truth as the Holy Spirit applies that truth to our lives and hearts.

Conversation is not easy. For some, words roll off the tongue and to talk is a mere formality. For others, conversation is difficult. What should be said in this or that situation?  I think, from my experience, that a lack of listening contributes to a lack of meaningful conversation in general and specifically with gospel intentionality.

I am a reflective person who speaks with brevity, yet I often find that I speak without listening to others and how the gospel of Jesus Christ applies to the conversation, whether with a fellow believer or with a non-believer. Gospel conversation is important for our growth as disciples and for our edification. May our conversation begin with the truth of the gospel. He who knew no sin became sin that we may have the righteous of Christ. May our conversation be a witness to Christ and his finished work on the cross.