JESUS + NOTHING = EVERYTHING

Does One's Immigration Status Disqualify A Person From Pastoral Ministry?

2012-02-20T22:03:00.003-05:00

Phil Newton writes: "In my observation, the greatest oversight by churches considering elders--or even churches that have deacons functioning as elders--is neglect of biblical qualifications. In regard to requirements for elders and deacons, the bar must be raised if these officers are to serve their respective churches as they ought. Nothing is, in fact, more important than examining men in light of the qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and expecting those men to maintain faithfulness in these qualities" (Elders in Congregational Life: Rediscovering the Biblical Model for Church Leadership, 49).

So here is a very interesting question. What do the Scripture's say about the qualifications of a pastor/elder and deacon? And, do these qualifications prevent someone whose residency status is by law considered an illegal one by the country in which they are residing? For many this issue is black and white. For others it is a little more murky. In recent days I have been asked to respond to some questions like this one in light of serving in Hispanic ministries on both sides of the United States as I continue to do here in North Carolina. What do the Scriptures say?

In 1 Timothy 3, we find one of Paul's descriptions of a qualified pastor. The other is of course in his letter to Titus. Both of these men were asked by Paul to identify faithful men who met these qualifications. Titus, for example, was asked to do this on the island of Crete (Tit. 1:5). Before we go any further, you have to ask yourself a serious question. Are these qualifications constant, established by Christ for His Church, etc.? Can they change over time? Do they change as one moves from society to society? Are they adapted to meet the needs of different cultures at different points in New Testament history? This is something called a hermeneutical question. How you study and interpret God's Word is going to have huge ramifications for how you answer these questions. Now...back to the qualifications.

Paul writes: "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peacable , free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." (1 Tim. 3:1-7)

Pay special attention to the words "above reproach." Mal Couch, in A Biblical Theology of the Church, explains being "above reproach" in this way: "No charge can be laid against him presently. He walks uprightly, and he is transparent in character" (176). Benjamin Merkle writes, "The general or overarching qualification of an elder is that he must be 'above reproach.' This requirement does not call for perfection but for godliness. To be above reproach means to be free from any blemishes of character or conduct...Outsiders cannot point their finger and discredit his profession to be a faithful follower of Christ" (40 Questions about Elders and Deacons, 117).

What sorts of things would you agree keep a person from being above reproach? What would you say if you had a man being considered for pastoral leadership (which is servant-leadership) who met all of the qualifications, man of one wife, gentle, etc., etc. but he regularly stole ten dollars from a cash register at work to pay for his gas to a fro. Let me guess. That's not above reproach, right? Right. Why? Because the Scriptures are clear that it is sin to steal, both in the Old and the New Testament.

Now, what if you talked to this pastoral candidate and gave him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he doesn't know that it is sin. So, you share it with him. You show him the verses. And, guess what...nothing. He dodges the question. He ignores the verse. He even tells you stories about other men who have done the same thing and God has blessed their ministries. But, nothing changes in his life. This area of his life is not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Qualified or not qualified? The answer is not qualified.

Listen, beloved. With the numerous pastors/deacons that I have spoken with about this issue, the church is tempted to have a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell" mentality when it comes to illegal immigration and pastoral ministry. The question you have to ask is, would you allow this mentality with any other willful rebellion against God's Word? The truth is many churches do have this mentality with many other areas of personal character. There are pastors with more than one wife in places. There are pastors who use money that has been sacrificially given for the work of the ministry for their own personal gain and satisfaction. The temptation with Hispanic ministry is for a pastor's or pastor-to-be's residency status to be this (knowingly and unknowingly) overlooked area for evaluating whether or not this man is qualified for the ministry to which he is aspiring.

"Do not steal." "Steal no longer." Optional or absolute commands in Scripture?

Now, what about this one? "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."

Now, I'm sure to some, this may sound harsh. The last thing that I want to be is "harsh." The last thing that I want to be is unloving. In the various ministries where I have served, one's immigration status has never made me love any one less or more. One's immigration status has never consumed a second in my thought life. Whenever a brother or a sister has asked me for counsel on this issue, I have always loved on them and shared God's Word with them. It should not surprise you that all illegal aliens live in fear. They need our love and our compassion. But, we cannot remove the fear. We cannot replace it with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Not in situations where the Scriptures command one thing, and our lives go a different way.

One Church's Position On Illegal Immigration

2012-02-20T00:21:00.000-05:00

Illegal immigration is a hot topic to say the very least. For someone who is interested in one church's response to illegal immigration, I'd direct you to this post.

Lawrence O. Richards and Christian Education

2012-02-19T18:32:00.000-05:00

Over thirty-five years ago, L. O. Richards (1975) published his theology of Christian education. His approach to Christian education went away from the classroom model. “The classroom,” he writes, “which once was our whole vision of Christian education, is now recognized to be only a part—and not even the most important part” (1975: 7). More than moving Christian education away from the classroom, Richards’ theology emphasized a Christian education that is holistic, interpersonal, accomplished through modeling and practicing, and marked by servant-leadership.

Richards emphasized an every-member ministry. He emphasized education that took place in and out of the classroom, but he considered the more important of the two the latter. Is this a perfect book? Nope. Is it insightful especially in thinking about discipleship and leadership? Yep! I'm enjoying picking it up again this evening!

Just Finished Taking The MAT's

2012-02-18T11:17:00.001-05:00

I just returned home from NCSU. This morning I was taking the MAT's. The scores will be mailed to SEBTS in a couple of weeks. Surprisingly, I had the greatest difficulty with the mathematical analogies considering math was my strongest subject in secondary school. Shew... :)

Computer Advice: Can You Help?

2012-02-18T11:13:00.001-05:00

We are going to purchase a new computer for the Greek class (in Spanish). I have a question and would love for you to help us out. Which computer would you recommend for live streaming the classes?

We are using an external camera and microphone for higher resolution.
We are broadcasting the class live in different locations, so the comp needs to be easily transported (i.e., laptop).

Any suggestions? Email me or comment here. Thanks so much.

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento: Lección 2

2012-02-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

I'm very thankful for the opportunity to walk through a study of New Testament Greek I with a group of pastors and missionaries throughout Latin America. What a blessing! These students are so, so excited to be studying this language. They participate in class. They express their thankfulness constantly. And, they are getting it. We have only covered two chapters in David Alan Black's introductory Greek grammar. And, I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, God answered our prayers for a new computer. We needed the new computer in order to broadcast the classes. My personal computer (about 4 or 5 years old) simply will not handle the video and streaming. Special thanks to the brothers at CBMC for meeting this huge need. You guys have been there since the day the Lord saved me and have constantly encouraged me in my walk with Christ and serving others. Thanks for being co-laborers in our Lord's work all these years. I shared the answered prayer with the class this evening!

Keep praying for these students!!!! Keep praying for me!!!!!

Small world update. One of the students lives in a town in South America when my cousin lives. I recently sent him his address and contact information. Be praying because this pastor is going to invite him out to get some coffee and talk. I have shared the gospel with my cousin many times before. I'd love to see the Lord use this class, this pastor, etc. as the opportunity to save him.

griegonuevotestamento on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

One Marine's Take On Leadership

2012-02-03T23:29:00.001-05:00

What do you think about this?

Sergeant Alford L. McMichael (USMC, Ret.) writes in his semi-biographical leadership book:

"In the thirty-seven years from that day in Hawaii, I have been to every major country on earth and experienced leadership from every angle and approach. I have seen leaders with no fancy titles to generals, senators, cabinet members, even presidents who could have used some time at the knee of my grandmother. I have learned more about human nature in all its beautiful and twisted forms than I could have reasonably expected had I not followed Sherman [my brother] into the Marine Corps. I also learned that real leadership is a lost art. This concept I'm referring to is that old-fashioned, fundamental, old-school leadership where those in charge walk the walk, talk the talk, and still have the confidence and integrity to lead from the heart. Plenty of people in high places give orders and issue edicts designed to make their subordinates jump. I've seen it every day in the Marine Corps. And in business, politics, even academia, managers, officers, and professors still use the time-worn tool of fear to manipulate people into action or to prevent them from acting at all. Everyone, from parents and coaches to religious 'leaders' and military elites, frequently demand behavior that belies their own actions. But real leaders, whether in the military, in a corporate or civic setting or taking care of a family, inspire people to perform. We are effective leaders when we people we lead go that extra mile because it is the right thing to do, and they recognize as much. There is an old saw that goes, 'Ears don't see.' Most people are motivated to action far more by what they see than what they hear. That's why genuine leadership is hard to fake. As with anything else, a person can stand out in one of two ways: You can be a character. Or you can demonstrate character." (9)

I really like what I just read. I want to be the type of leader that leads with love and through one's own example. Leadership in the Kingdom of God is not the "barking orders" type of leadership that we see so often. Leadership in Christ's Church is by no means whatsoever a "flex and show your muscles" kind of leadership. The way up in the kingdom of God is down. If any muscle is actually going to be flexed, it should be the one used to pick up the basin and the towel.

Lesly´s Father: The Miracles Of Jesus

2012-01-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Lesly´s Father: Blessings

2012-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

The psalmist wrote, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides you” (Ps. 16:2). Elsewhere in the Psalms it is written, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Ps. 34:8). The latter psalm is especially interesting considering the subtitle it has and its use by the apostle Peter. Psalm 73 begins and ends speaking of the goodness of God. In the last verse, Asaph writes, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works” (Ps. 73:28). Both Psalm 106 and 107 begin with “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his lovingkindness is everlasting.” Indeed, “The LORD is good to all” (Ps. 145:9). The rest of Psalm 145 is a huge comfort:

“The LORD is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and your godly ones shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and talk of your power; to make known to the sons of men your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due time. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his deeds. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him; he will also hear their cry and will save them. The LORD keeps all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Ps. 145:9-21).

God is good. He is merciful. He is the giver of every good thing. He is glorious. He is mighty. He is majestic. He is king. He is everlasting. He is Lord. He is the one who upholds. He is the one who raises up. He is the one to whom we look. He is the one by whom we are fed. He is the one who withholds no good thing according to his perfect plan. He is righteous. He is kind—in every way. He is near to us. He gives us what we need and satisfies our souls. He hears our cries when we hurt and comes to deliver us. He is the shepherd and the judge. Even more, he is holy and worthy to be praised.

There are many things that I could only hope to share with you. To be honest, I cannot even articulate into words the transformational power this trial has had on my life through the grace of God. God is good. Nothing has changed. Surprisingly, this trial has only magnified his goodness. We have yet to receive the news that he has ultimately given us what we want, namely Lesly’s father healed and healthy. But, we have had a surplus of God’s grace the past two weeks. He has made his love and care for us known time and time again. But, how? In what way can Lesly and I look around and see the greatest display of God’s love and care for us during this time of trial?
This display has come through the beautiful fellowship of the Body of Christ. There has been no greater comfort to us during this time than the comfort in Christ we have received through our brothers and sisters.

I have attached some pictures. One is of Lesly´s father resting once he returned to the home. Another is of him prior to the surgery deciding which children´s Bible story to read. And, the final picture is of Lesly with a hymnal singing hymns to her father.

Thanks so much for all of the love and encouragement. Thanks for all the prayers. Thanks for being ministers to us.

Blessings,

Thomas

La Clase De Griego Se Inicia El Jueves (6:30PM EST)

2012-01-17T22:07:00.000-05:00

Lesly Has Arrived In Teguc

2012-01-15T20:05:00.001-05:00

Lesly arrived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras this afternoon at 2:00 (EST). She's now one hour behind us in North Carolina. She is happy. Her voice has changed. Her spirit has been lifted. Her father and sister went for her in the airport. I know that this was very, very special. I am so thankful that she is able to be in Honduras right now with her family. She needs them. And, they need her. They have a very close family, something that is typical of Hispanic culture. Even though it is characteristic of families in Honduras, Lesly's family is especially close. I would say much more than every other family I have met there. This is an opportunity to be a blessing to her family. And, she is going to be a huge one.

Lesly's father is going to the hospital tomorrow at 12:00 P.M. (1:00 P.M. our time). He is going to have some more tests including a CAT scan. On Tuesday, he is going to have the results.

Did I mention that Lesly flew first class from ATL to TGU today? Well, she did! That was a first for her. We are all very thankful for Brian F. for getting us a ticket. Brian, what a huge blessing that was for us! Thank you.

And, Christmas comes in January in Honduras. Not really, but Lesly brought a few presents for her family that we purchased after Christmas. One of the presents, for Lesly's father, was from my father. He purchased it last year. It was a very nice fishing rod and reel combo. Lesly's father was "practicing." The last I heard, everyone in the family was telling him to "Watch out!" Apparently, he was getting really close when swinging it around. Lesly said he loved it and was like a young boy at Christmas when she gave it to him. They do not fish like we fish up here. They use other methods. He said that he had never seen a fishing rod and reel before. When they fish there, they use nets. Pretty cool.

One of the biggest concerns for Lesly's family has been the cost for all of the tests and procedures. God provided for all of those yesterday. When Rigoberto, Lesly's father, shared what was going on in his life with his employer, his boss cried. Rigo has worked at the same place for about 16 years. The only days that he has missed from work during that time were for his daughter's wedding in Apex, NC back in 2008. Other than that, he has worked six days a week. Anyways, his boss told Rigo and later called and told Lesly's mother, Judith, the same thing, specifically that he was going to cover all of the expenses for the tests and exams that Rigo has. What a blessing. I know this guy. I've shared the gospel with him on a few occasions. I'm thankful that the Lord touched his heart to do this for Lesly's family. Even more, I hope the Lord will somehow use this to draw him to Christ!

Speaking of sharing the gospel, I spoke with Lesly's uncle last night. He and his family have been so loving to me since the first day that they met me. I truly love them with all my heart. I've had the opportunity to share the gospel with Wilberto, Rigoberto's younger brother, a few times as well. Last night was a wonderful time of talking about what Christ has accomplished on the cross and how a person can be forgiven of their sin and have eternal life. Be praying for them as well.

Lesly just sent me some pictures too. Let me share one of them with you. I can't get the others to load. Enjoy!!!

The Best Friend, Especially In Trials

2012-01-14T22:34:00.003-05:00

Do you know who Joesph Scriven is? Better yet, do you know who his friend is? Joseph was born in 1819. He was Irish growing up in Dublin, Ireland. After graduating from Trinity College, he moved from Ireland to Canada. This young man was not unfamiliar with divine crucibles. Just like every other Christian, Scriven could not have ever grown in his intimacy with Christ apart from sharing in his sufferings. Despite graduating from a high-quality school with a high-quality education, and perhaps expecting a "high-quality" life as the world defines one, he found something and someone that is more valuable, more precious, and more worthy of our entire devotion than anything this world can ever offer. He found the Friend. I was reading a short snippet of this guy's testimony this evening. I thought you might enjoy it as well.

"Joseph Scriven had wealth, education, a devoted family, and a pleasant life in his native Ireland. Then unexpected tragedy entered. On the night before Scriven's scheduled wedding, his fiancee drowned. In his deep sorrow, Joseph realized that he could find the solace and support he needed only in his dearest friend, Jesus. Soon after this tragedy, Scriven dramatically changed his lifestyle. He left Ireland for Port Hope, Canada, determined to devote all of his extra time in being a friend and helper to others. He often gave away his clothing and possessions to those in need, and he worked--without pay--for anyone who needed him. Scriven became known as 'the Good Samaritan of Port Hope.' When Scriven's mother became ill in Ireland, he wrote a comforting letter to her, enclosing the words of his newly written poem with the prayer that these brief lines would remind her of a never-failing heavenly Friend. Sometime later, when Joseph Scriven himself was ill, a friend who came to call on him happened to see a copy of these words scribbled on a scratch of paper near his bed. The friend read the lines with interest and asked, 'Who wrote those beautiful words?' 'The Lord and I did it between us,' was Scriven's reply."

I cannot read the words of this beautiful poem without thanking God for his amazing friendship. I needed this blessed reminder that none of us can carry the burdens of this world ourselves and, at the same time, have the peace that comes from God. Much like our justification in Christ, there is a "great transfer" that takes place in our sanctification. We can cast all of our anxieties on God, and, in turn, God leaps his peace and comfort and grace upon us. I remember sitting in a class and reading the words Peter wrote. "...casting all of your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you." I remember asking myself, "How would you explain how to cast your anxieties upon God to someone who was suffering or about to?" If you follow Christ, you can be sure that this is a question that you will encounter. You might ask it in the face of personal trials. Or, someone might ask you in light of the trials that they are facing. I know that this casting process is holistic. It requires the mind, the heart, and the exercise of spiritual strength. But, what needs to happen in order to cast one's cares upon the Lord?

The first thing that I can share with you is that it involves going to Jesus. For those that do not have a relationship with Christ, the trials of this world are overwhelming. This is why in Matthew 11, Jesus invites everyone saying, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest...You will find rest for your souls" (Matt. 11:28-29). Rest begins with coming to Jesus. Comfort begins with finding the one who is "gentle and humble in heart" (Matt. 11:29). For those who have through faith been saved from their sins, there is a new yoke and a learning process. Jesus says, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me" (Matt. 11:29). Discipleship is a learning process. Living with the yoke of Christ upon your neck is far from burdensome. The degree to which a yoke is burdensome is measured by the character of and the degree to which the person standing behind the yoked is guiding and moving things along. Jesus assures us that we need not worry. He is gentle and humble in heart. Isaiah 42:3, at least to me, gives the most beautiful explanation of his character. Isaiah wrote, "A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish." He is so gentle that he can walk past a reed that is near broken, barely staying together, and it will not fall to the ground. He is so gentle, so gentle, that he can walk past a candle that is just about to go out...just faintly giving off the slightest amount of firelight...and it will not burn out. That is Jesus. You can go to him. You have to go to him, especially if you are going to cast your cares upon him in the midst of trials and suffering.

The second thing that I can share with, something you cannot miss when reading Scriven's hymn, is that casting your anxieties upon God cannot be done apart from prayer. Just as he wrote, "O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer."

I would encourage you tonight to prepare your heart. Prepare your mind. Flex your spiritual muscles. If you are weighed down with the weight of the world, you can go to Jesus right now.

Don't wait; Don't hesitate; Don't postpone; He is the dearest friend the world has ever known.

Dedicated to to my precious Lesly. I love you.

Huge Prayer Request

2012-01-14T18:55:00.002-05:00

I received a phone call Friday evening. Nothing was out of the ordinary. We talk every night with our family in Honduras. Yesterday it was Bere, Lesly’s sister, who called. She was telling me about how she went swimming at the pool with some of her friends. I was telling her I was jealous. The place where she went is one of my favorite in the city. The pool is located on top of a building and overlooks all of Tegucigalpa. We talked a little more. Then, I asked her, “So, how did the exams go with your father?” Yesterday afternoon he had an appointment with the doctor about some pain he had been having. Bere's voice changed as she said, “About this, I need to talk with you, Thomas.” My heart sunk.

Lesly’s father has been diagnosed with cancer in his stomach.

We know that God is good. We know that he loves us. We know that he loves Lesly’s father, Rigoberto. We know that he is full of mercy. We know that he is sovereign. We know that he is King. We know that he has a perfect plan. And, we are trusting in him.

Lesly and I would appreciate your prayers for her father and our family. She is heading to Teguc tomorrow morning. On Monday and Tuesday, the doctors will be doing tests in order to determine how advanced the cancer is. Thank you so much.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:6-7)

The "Trial" Run: What Happened?

2012-01-10T21:34:00.002-05:00

So, I mentioned a big prayer request earlier this week and shared with you that we were going to do the test launch for the Greek class. So, what happened? How did it go?

Nathan Stam from the Apex Baptist congregation provided us with a very nice microphone for the class. Answer to prayer. Brian Long from Apex provided us with a very nice Sony camera for the class. Answer to prayer. We had an older computer with a fire wire connection. Answer to prayer (we didn't even know that it had such a connection). Randy Allen from the Colonial Baptist assembly provided us with a very nice location to have the class. The location comes equipped with a strong Internet signal. Answer to prayer.

So, we had all of the ingredients. But, how did everything mix together? The answer is, "Answer to prayer." We broadcasted live and audio and video worked great! The class is set to go. We would benefit from a higher quality computer with a fire wire connection (mandatory) if you know of anyone who has one. But, everything works. As I wrote on the white board, I was a little curious as to whether or not the video would capture and broadcast the image well. It did! But not very clear.

The computer with the fire wire port that we have is 7 years old. We have to broadcast the class in the lowest resolution (mobile resolution). I wanted to share with you this need that we currently have. In order to broadcast the class in a higher resolution, we really need to purchase a Mac that has fire wire capabilities. The computer has to have fire wire in order to broadcast the class live over the internet.

If you are able to help with this huge need, please send me an email or feel free to call me. Also, feel free to pass this along to those whom you know that might be interested in helping.

I'm extremely thankful to the Lord. There is still more to pray for. Keep praying for us, the students and myself, as we embark on a viaje griego juntos. Are the students getting excited? A new student registered for the class tonight, this one in Colombia. This is how the student answered the question, "So, are you ready?"

"Por su puesto que estoy lista! Y muy emocionada. Entonces estaré sintonizando la clase del jueves por livestream. Gracias por todo. Le avisaré a algunos hermanos para ver si se animan."

Translated: "Of course I am ready!!! And, very excited!!!! So, I'll be streaming the class on Thursdays via Livestream. Thank you for everything. I'm going to let some other brothers know about the class to see if they are interested."

Noticias Sobre La Clase Del Griego

2012-01-10T21:18:00.001-05:00

Hay dos opciones para ver la clase en línea. La primera opción es en la página de mi blog personal: http://jpnee.blogspot.com/p/nt-griego.html. La segunda opción es directamente en la página de Livestream: http://www.livestream.com/griegonuevotestamento?t=306799.

Estamos pensando hacer la “prueba” y conocer los estudiantes el jueves o posiblemente el sábado. Esta semana estuve haciendo algunas pruebas personales de la conexión en el lugar. Y, ¡Todo está trabajando muy bien!

Estoy alegre que ustedes tienen la oportunidad para estudiar el griego y aprender cómo usarlo en el ministerio. Espero mucho que sería un gran bendición para ustedes, y que podemos ofrecer otras clases en el futuro. Obvio que vamos a ofrecer la segunda nivel de griego después de Abril.

Por favor, enviar un correo a todos los pastores que tú conoces para notificarles sobre la oportunidad de estudiar el griego del Nuevo Testamento. Queremos maximizar esta clase para el reino del Señor.

Muchas gracias, hermanos y hermanas.

Estoy alegre, muy alegre, que estarás en la clase con nosotros. ¿Estás listo?

Nate Busenitz's Essay On J. Edwards And Broken Resolutions

2012-01-10T08:03:00.000-05:00

Ever made a "resolution" that you didn't keep? Then you might enjoy reading this post by Nathan Busenitz about Jonathan Edwards and the resolutions he made as a late teenager. Check it out.

Big Prayer Request

2012-01-08T23:08:00.001-05:00

Do you see that this class is a group effort? I love that. We have a brother who has donated the location for the class. We have another who has donated the camera. We have the local church helping with the microphones. Etc.

Tomorrow, Lord-willing, I am going to attempt the first "official" trial-run (la prueba oficial) using all of the cameras, microphones, computers, etc. We are attempting to check out if any logistical issues arise on our end. There is still a chance that there will be some logistical issues for the students as they attempt to view the classes overseas. Some, for example, may experience that their Internet is too weak to receive the broadcasts without interruptions. I just don't know yet. But, I want to work out any sort of issues on this end. Please be praying that this will be a success, on our end and their end. This is not just an opportunity to teach a Greek class. This is an opportunity, which some of the pastors who have written me shared, that some have been waiting for...for a long time. Some never thought that they would ever have an opportunity to study this language. The truth is, at this point, they really have no idea just how beneficial this tool can be for their various ministries. But, as they invest the hard work, they are going to see it bear eternal fruit, especially as they preach and teach.

I'll keep you updated on how it goes! Thank you for praying and being our co-laborers in this kingdom work.

Just Received This Encouraging Email

2012-01-07T23:25:00.002-05:00

"Thomas: Le agradezco a Dios que le haya puesto en su corazón la necesidad de compartir sus conocimientos de griego para ayudar a muchos pastores que requieren de esta lengua para interpretar la ´Bíblia con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo. Dios le prospere en guarde en su ministerio."

Gracias a usted, hermano. Estoy alegre que estas en la clase. Dios le bendiga, y mucho.

Another Student Added To The Class Roll

2012-01-07T22:56:00.001-05:00

Another student has just emailed to tell me that he wants to study New Testament Greek! I'm thrilled. This is going to be a very interesting next four months. We've got a lot of work ahead of us. Please keep this class in your prayers.

John 17 Journal Article

2012-01-07T22:53:00.000-05:00

I received an email Friday that said that my journal article submission has been accepted for publication. The title of the article is "An Application of Discourse Analysis Methodology in the Exegesis of John 17." I'm thrilled. I do have to make some revisions to the paper prior to resubmitting as the final draft for publication. I'll be working on those this week. All of the suggested revisions that have been provided to me are from the double-blind peer review. Each time these suggestions have been given to me, they have been spot-on and have only made the paper better. I'm really thankful for this experience. I'll keep you updated on when it is actually published.

Upwards And Sharing The Gospel

2012-01-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

Today I had a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel at Apex Baptist Church. I loved getting to share from two passages during two half-times. I shared about how God demonstrated his love toward us when Christ died for us. And, I shared about how our certificate of debt was cancelled by being nailed to the cross. What a wonderful time!

Another Survey Received

2012-01-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

As you know, I have requested students upon registering for the upcoming Greek class to complete a short survey. Want to see what they look like? Here is the most recent one that I have received.

Clase De Griego: Carta A Los Estudiantes

2012-01-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Si usted desea tomar esta clase y no se ha inscrito aún, por favor envíeme un correo electrónico antes que el final de esta semana. Muchas gracias.
__________

7 de enero 2012

Estimados Estudiantes,

Estoy muy alegre por la oportunidad de enseñarles el griego del Nuevo Testamento. Y, estoy muy alegre que ustedes han tomado este enorme, memorable paso en aprender esta idioma. Esto va a ser una enorme inversión en sus vidas y sus varios ministerios. Esto va a ser muy difícil también. Pero, les prometo que Dios es fiel. Usted será capaz de aprender esta lengua. Estudie con perseverancia y usted será capaz de ver la fruta eterna como ustedes sirven en sus iglesias locales.

La clase comenzará el 19 de enero a las 18h30 (tiempo de Carolina del Norte, Estados Unidos). Espero programar un tiempo la próxima semana para transmitir de Carolina del Norte en vivo. Yo les enviaré una fecha y el tiempo en cuanto sé. Esto les permitirá nosotros para encontrar el uno al otro antes de la clase. Esto también les permitirá para probar su conexión a la Internet para comprobar todos los asuntos logísticos sobre su lado de la conexión.

No preocúpese de la compra de un libro para la clase. Proveeré ustedes con todas las hojas y materiales que ustedes necesitan cada semana.

Oren que Dios preparará su corazón y su mente para esta clase. Recuerden, las lenguas bíblicas son sumamente importantes. Ellos les permitirán para estudiar el texto bíblico con la exactitud y la profundidad. Sin embargo, tal conocimiento es sólo tan valioso como ustedes lo usan para la gloria de Dios en sus iglesias locales…como un líder-siervo.

Gracias por tomar este “viaje tecnológico” conmigo. Esperamos que esta clase sea la primera de muchos. Y, sobre todo esperamos que esto sea una enorme bendición para ustedes y para aquellos a quien ustedes están sirviendo.

Bendiciones,

Thomas W. Hudgins

Another Student In The Greek Class

2012-01-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

We've added one more student to the class list for the Greek class (Spanish) starting later this month. Glad to have you, brother!

One More Update...

2012-01-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Lesly made her Chicken Alfredo tonight! D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I asked her if she could store me a plate for tomorrow. Is it tomorrow yet?

More Updates...

2012-01-04T22:31:00.002-05:00

This evening, Lesly and I went over to a dear couple's house. Tomorrow is their 15th wedding anniversary (Congratulations!). Lesly had a wonderful time hanging out with the kids while our friends went out to dinner to celebrate. I hung out for a little while and then had to hit the books. One amazing thing happened. Back in August I took our friends' son fishing with me. I don't know what part he enjoyed the most, staying out later than normal (it was night-fishing) or actually going fishing. The highlight of the night, which I had been praying about leading up to the adventure, was talking to him about the gospel. Well, tonight, Kevin asked me to come into the other room away from where the other kids were watching Kung-Fu Panda. He took me into the formal living room and showed me his brand new Abu-Garcia/Berkley fishing reel and rod combo that he bought. Very cool. He made a good choice...All of my rods and reels are the same makes! I asked him if he wanted to go fishing again when it gets warm. He said definitely. I'll be looking forward to it! He was having a little trouble with the fishing line, so we redid the line and took it outside for a trial run. Its running fine now. And, can you believe it? Not a drop of water in sight and we still got our lure stuck in a tree. Go figure.
I've been working hard, real hard, at working out all of the logistical issues for the upcoming Greek class. I'm praying that this is going to go well and that the result will be pastors whose hearts value and treasure the Word of God more and who have an amazing "tool" in their belts to use in their various ministries throughout Latin America. One of the issues I was having earlier is that the camera would go into power save mode. Problem solved! Then I ran into another mode that the camera starting going into..."demo mode." That one was a little easier to figure out. Now, the camera runs with no interruptions. Still praying for the audio equipment. I'm hoping to schedule a "meet and greet" with the students via the live broadcast sometime before the start of the class. I think they would appreciate a "trial run" as well in case there are any logistical issues they need to work through on their end. And, I know that we'd all love to meet each other, speak a little bit, etc. Oh, in case you did not know, there is a chat box attached to our Livestream channel where the students will be able to communicate with me while I am teaching the class. I'll also be able to shift between my desktop screen and resources directly on my laptop if I need to. Another thing I worked through tonight was getting it ready so that I can type Greek into the chatbox just in case I'll need to. Technology!
Keep praying for my coworker, Floyd. Today, we got to talk about the Fall. He started a conversation about the purpose of work. He said, "I know it says somewhere in the Bible that man has to work by the sweat of his brow." In Spanish that's "con el sudor de tu rostro..." (Gen. 3:19). He mentioned it and we talked about it. I think this guy is going to be a good fit at the company. I'm hoping that God will use me to introduce him to his Son and that one day my man Floyd will be talking about how God knew exactly what he was doing and how he brought him to this company in Apex, NC just so that he could hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and have eternal life.
Chris Woods, who is taking a class about the persecuted church, continues to keep me updated. Very interesting.
I may be speaking and sharing the gospel five times on Saturday. I'll keep you posted!
It looks like Lesly, even though she was hired as a seasonal employee, has been the recipient of God's grace and found favor in the sight of her employers and may be staying on as a regular part-time employee. Praise the Lord.
So thankful for brothers and sisters who are NOT full-time pastors but ARE full-time Christian ministers. So thankful for their constant willingness to partner for the sake of the gospel and get things done for King Jesus.
Thankful for the Biblical Recorder. Laura with BR spoke with me today and informed me that they put an announcement for the Greek class in Spanish in their last edition. Received a couple more emails from pastors in North Carolina who want to take the class. Sadly, these two pastors do not speak Spanish. I have not seen the information that appeared in the BR. If you have, does it mention that the class will be in Spanish? Just curious. The response from these two pastors has me thinking there may be a future opportunity, if all goes well with the Spanish broadcast, to do this in English as well. We'll see.

What's Happening...

2012-01-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

I picked Lesly up from her Bible study this evening. So glad that she gets to fellowship with other Hispanic sisters.
Brian Long let me borrow his Sony HandyCam in order to try out the LiveStream broadcast. And, I purchased a firewire cable this evening ($40). It worked like a champ! Now I am hoping that the Lord will provide some audio equipment. Some previous plans apparently fell through. So we are having to reach out to brothers and sisters that we know in order to get everything we need to broadcast the class, which is scheduled to go live January 19th. Please be praying for all of this.
We have a new guy at work, Floyd. He is a really nice guy...33 years young...very humble disposition. I'm sure I will have an opportunity this week to talk to him about the gospel. Please be praying for our conversations.
Chris Woods is taking a class on the persecuted church at SEBTS. He is calling me everyday after class to give me the updates and how the Lord is using the class in his life. I'm jealous.
There were quite a few slots open for this Saturday's devotionals in between Upwards basketball ministry at our local church. If they remain unfilled, I'm scheduled to step in and absorb them all. Of course, I'd love for others to have an opportunity...but should the opportunity present itself, I'm definitely looking forward to sharing the gospel more than once on Saturday.
I'm praying for the Lord's direction for our lives. Where, if not here, does the Lord want us to go? How will he have us to serve him? How can we maximize our lives for the sake of the gospel?
I'm preparing for Ed.D. seminars that reconvene next week (Monday-Thursday). Papers still to put the final touches on. I shared my research idea with a professor at a seminary in Latin America. He was thrilled about the topic and encouraged me a whole lot in a brief email!
Dr. Black has asked me to serve as one of his graders this semester...I'm humbled and extremely excited about the opportunity. More on this later! I love him a lot, and so thankful for the investment that he and Mrs. Becky have made in our lives.
I'm praying for one of my closest friends, Ricky B., as they seek the Lord's direction in relocating to Yankee land. I'll never forget when I moved to NY (albeit briefly), going to restaurant, and ordering a sweet tea. Yep. Not the same thing. We definitely need to be praying for him :) .
Yesterday, Lesly and I had a sweet time of fellowship with a dear sister in the Lord. She has been unable to attend church/Bible study for the past four weeks due to her health. She was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve and has been recovering since. Lesly and I had a wonderful time of studying the Scripture with her, then praying for her and her family, and then cleaning her home. If you are ever looking for a rewarding time of ministry, find a dear lady in your congregation and go visit her. You'll be the one who is blessed! I promise. Mrs. Ruth's husband was a Methodist minister for the majority of his life before going home to be with the Lord. I love hearing what the Lord has taught her over the years, especially some of the missionary travels that they shared as a husband and wife team.
Now, I am off to bed!

Some Thoughts From Moisés Silva On The Biblical Languages

2012-01-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

Here are some really great quotes from Mr. Silva's appendix in God, Language, and Scripture. I hope you enjoy!!!

"Today we are far removed fro the cultural and linguistic world of the Bible...Someone has to bridge the gap. Translations act as our primary bridges. Individual translators have done the hard work necessary to make the ancient texts accessible to the moder believer. It could be said that ministers who have not studied the biblical languages enslave themselves to English translations. To be sure, this need not be an absolutely fatal relationship, but it certainly puts ministers at a serious disadvantage."

"Suppose, for example, that a parishioner notices a significant difference between two New Testament translations. On what grounds will the 'Greekless' pastor offer a responsible solution?"

"In my own preaching during the past twenty-five years, explicit references to Greek and Hebrew have become less and less frequent. But that hardly means I have paid less attention to the languages or that they have become less significant in my work of interpretation. Quite the contrary. It's just that coming up with those rich 'exegetical nuggets' is not necessarily where the real, substantial payoff lies."

La Misión De La Iglesia De Contender Por La Fe (Judas 17-23)

2012-01-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

This morning, I had the opportunity to share from God's Word with one assembly of Christ's Church in Apex, North Carolina. We looked at Jude 17-23. This time, James Munger translated for me. He is an excellent translator, by the way. He and his wife have served with Trans World Radio for forty years. Currently, he serves as the Director of Hispanic Ministry in the United States. Throughout their life and ministry with TWR, they have served in Spain, Venezuela, and travelled extensively. Jaime, thanks so much, brother!

A Great Quote

2012-01-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here is a great quote I ran across this morning. All I can say is...This motivates me even more to do serious exegetical work for the field of education.

Herman Horne wrote, "Those who are interested in education have not known about Jesus and those interested in Jesus have not known about education" (111).

_____

Horne, H. (1971). Teaching Techniques of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications.

Some Thoughts On Jude 17-23

2011-12-31T18:55:00.003-05:00

Contending for the Faith Requires Being Able to Recognize False Teachers (vv. 17-19)

In 2 Peter 3:1-3, Peter encouraged believers that they should “remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior given by the apostles.” One of the messages that they needed to remember, one which the prophets spoke often about and one which the Lord Jesus Christ often warned about, was that the last days would be marked by false prophets and teachers. Jesus told his disciples, “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:11-14). He also warned, “False Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:22-23).

When Peter writes his second epistle, the “mockers” have still yet to enter into the mix, at least on a large scale. His reference to the false prophets and teachers is still a warning about what is going to be, not what already is. Peter writes, “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts” (2 Pet. 3:3).

By the time that Jude writes his letter, false teachers have come. Jude writes, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 3-4). At this point in the history of the church, the false teachers have arrived on the scene. They remain, for each generation leading up to the return of Christ will be faced with their theological garbage, their apathy toward holiness, and their perverted influence over those who God hopes to forgiveness and eternal life.

The question, then, is what are Christians supposed to do? Like Peter, Jude’s first exhortation to the believers is that they “remember” something. Peter told his audience to “remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior given by the apostles” (2 Pet. 3:2). Jude’s exhortation is an abbreviated form of Peter’s, but it says the same thing. He tells his audience that they “ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 17). Jude’s exhortation makes no mention of the holy prophets and no mention of the Lord Jesus Christ. His letter, in fact, makes no mention of the prophets with the exception of Enoch (Jude 14-15). And, the only references to the Lord Jesus are found in the salutation (Jude 1) and the doxology at the end of the letter (24-25). Jude does mention the apostles, however. At the very least, in his exhortation, he is referring to what had been spoken beforehand by the apostle Peter, in the portion of Scripture which we have already read. Verse 18 is undoubtedly a direct reference to Peter’s letter, although it is not a direct quotation.

What is Jude trying to do in verses 17-18? If the false teachers, the “mockers,” are already present, why do they need to “remember” what the apostles said? Here is the reason! Remembering what the apostles, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy prophets communicated to us about false teachers allows us to identify them. There are some key descriptions about false teachers in the Bible that help us to recognize them. In Jude’s letter (vv. 3-16), he concentrates on the eternal fate of false teachers and the characteristics that mark their lives. They were destroyed (v. 3). He compares them to disobedient, fallen angels who rebelled against God. They are going to be judged (v. 4). They are like Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities whose inhabitants were immoral. They were also destroyed, with fire (v. 5). These false prophets and teachers reject authority; they are like Cain; they lust after money. They are present week after week, despite the judgment that they are facing, within the assembly and among the saints. Remembering v. 4, they are skilled at being “unnoticed.” They want attention and they long for a following. But, they desperately care that no one will identify them for their immoral passions and abuse of the doctrines that make up the Christian faith. They grumble. They look for the wrong in everything. Their main objective is to satisfy their own longings. They are marked by pride, as opposed to humility. And, they will seize every opportunity to say the right thing to just the right person so that they can get the things that they are after. Peter described them as people who do not believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is going to return. They say things like, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Pet. 3:4). They teach in private and target the weak, some of them even denying Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 2:1). They will lie and cause others in the fellowship great harm just for the sake of personal advancement (2 Pet. 2:3). Peter says, they are “daring, self-willed” (2 Pet. 2:10).

Contending for the Faith Requires that We Press Forward in our Devotion to the Gospel (vv. 20-21)

What else are believers supposed to do? The main verb in this section is “keep” (Jude 20). Specifically, believers need to “keep themselves in the love of God.” What does this look like? Jude gives three explanations.

First, believers should be building themselves up upon the faith that has been handed down, first from the Lord Jesus Christ, second from the apostles, and third from faithful teachers thereafter. I remember being on a construction site when I worked as a carpenter. When we got to the job site, there would have already been a lot of work done. For example, we did not lay the foundation. We were responsible for building upon that foundation. That involved squaring up, identifying the parameters, etc. In addition to this, everything that we needed to build upon the foundation was already on-site. When we arrived on site, we usually saw a section of the area that contained all of our materials, the lumber, the nails, the sub-floor glue, etc. What the false teachers were trying to do was woo and deceive the workers to move to another site, to use a different set of plans that the owner had assigned to the contractor, etc. False teachers attempt to distract believers from doing this most important work. Because they long to have the greatest impact against the work of the gospel and because they long to manipulate as many as possible for their own personal gain, they do, in fact, target the weak in the faith.

Second, Jude mentions “praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20). There is nothing mystical about this sort of praying, as some like those in more charismatic groups do suggest. The clause “in the Holy Spirit” is merely a way to emphasize the distinction between genuine believers and false teachers. As Jude mentioned in v. 19, false teachers lack the Holy Spirit. Believers, however, have the very presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It is true, in addition to this, that the Holy Spirit is closely connected with prayer. Paul mentions in Romans that he assists believers in prayer, especially at times of great trial when the believer cannot even utter the words that are trying to flow from his heart and mind. The main point, here, is that true followers of Jesus Christ are men and women committed to prayer. They are committed, as Peter wrote, to growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, they are committed to intimate, private and corporate, fellowship with God through prayer.

Third, believers are patient for God’s timing and redemptive plan. Although believers desperately long for the Lord to return and to be with him, they submit themselves to his authority and pursue lives that honor and glorify him in the meantime.

Contending for the Faith Requires that We Reach Out to Others (vv. 22-23)

What else are believers supposed to do? What about those who have been influenced by the false teachers? What about those who are beginning to follow after these teachers, becoming like them, thinking like them, living like them? Jude mentions three groups, three groups over which the false teachers are having an influence.

We have to consider who these people are? One way to think about them is whether or not they are saved. Jesus’ parable, which shocked the apostles, about the wheat and the tares sheds a little light on the matter. In the fellowship of the church, Jesus told us that it would not be a completely pure gathering. Instead, he told us that there would be a mixed group. Some would be genuinely saved, the wheat. Others would eventually be separated from the fellowship. All those who despite being physically present among the genuine believers and hearing the word of God preached and taught who did not repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ would eventually be subject to eternal punishment. Jude does not explain his three groups along these lines. The first group consists of those who are indecisive but, nonetheless, considering all the things that the false teachers are saying. Many translations say that they are the ones who “doubt.” The doubters may not be the best way to refer to them. They are weighing all of the information that they are hearing. They are, generally speaking, new to the faith, although today there are a lot of long-time believers who would fall under the category as being “weak in the faith.” With these, Jude says that the believers need to exercise mercy, not judgment. This means that believers need to live among them and invest in their spiritual lives in the same ways that God demonstrates his own mercy to people. In the simplest terms, believers need to demonstrate Christ-like love, patience, long suffering, and every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.

Jude uses much stronger verbs for the second group saying “save others, snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23, emphasis added). This group is more convinced about the things they are hearing from the false teachers. They are not indecisive. They have made a decision, one that has very negative, eternal consequences. These are in great danger, greater perhaps than the first group. These are on the brink of damnation (see the use of “fire” in 2 Peter, Jude, and the gospels). With these, Jude is suggesting that believers should have a sense of Great Commission-urgency.

Still, there is a third group. They need the same mercy as the first two groups. But, there is some caution from the pastor’s heart expressed here. Instead of the believer simply demonstrating God’s mercy (as with the first group), Jude qualifies the manner in which believers need to interact with those who fall under the third group. It has to be “with fear” (Jude 23).

Time In The Word

2011-12-31T15:05:00.002-05:00

Many of you may be thinking about "New Year's Resolutions." May I recommend one? Spend time with the Lord while reading the Scriptures that unveil him. I know of nothing that has more power, more promise, more pleasure than a life that is devoted to and devoted to being in the Holy Scriptures. There really is no one or nothing more valuable, more precious, more honorable, more worthy of our entire devotion than the Lord Jesus Christ. Very simply, there exists nothing tangible that is more valuable, more precious, more worthy of our entire devotion this side of heaven than the very Word because it makes him known. Be resolute in your devotion to them. One can come to the Word of God and tragically fail to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is true. Nevertheless, I know of no one who can neglect precious attention to the Scriptures and still grow in the grace and knowledge of him.

Jude 17-25: Greek Diagram

2011-12-31T12:24:00.003-05:00

Here is my diagram from the Greek text of Jude 17-25.

The Qualifications Of An Elder: Is Experience On The List?

2011-12-25T23:22:00.004-05:00

The qualifications for an elder are found both in 1 Timothy and Titus. In 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Paul sets forth these qualifications to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith who probably, like Titus, is charged with identifying elders in local assemblies of the Body of Christ. Here is what he writes:

"An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?); and not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

So, here is the question: Is experience on the list? I believe it is...

I was reading a report this week put out by none other than Durham's Duke Divinity School back in 2003. The title of the report is "What Do Lay People Want in Pastors?" When they spoke with congregations that had memberships greater than 600, as one could expect, experience was a big criterion. A.T. Lummis reports, "Lay leaders...were especially apt to say that one of the criteria for their new pastor is demonstrated ability in church administration, a criterion that they had to use in turning down quite a number of applications" (19). One church shared, "We have turned down quite a few--especially those applying who had only been in very small congregations" (20). Another shared, "We turned down people who did not have a good administrative background to match their ability in the pulpit" (20). In Cynthia Woolever's article "What Do People Want in Their Pastors?" (Parish Paper, 2009), experience is fourth on the list. She writes, "Many congregations want a young pastor and someone with experience. Younger candidates often don't have much experience, while experienced candidates are typically older. Another wrinkle in the age-experience dilemma: more seminary graduates are now second-career pastors. They have life experience but possess little pastoral experience."

Mark Dever has some really strong insights for elders and congregations in his E-Journal article "What's Wrong with Search Committees? Part 1 of 2 on Finding a Pastor." In it he talks about the elevation of some not-so-important issues that usurp the importance of character and commitment to the Holy Scriptures. Let me just reproduce a large portion of what he says here.

"Too often search committees will look at a number of different candidates, rank them, and conduct a kind of pastoral skills tournament, all while sincerely wanting the best for their church. But does our church really need to have a good pastor who is better than other good pastors? Wouldn’t we really be better off simply looking one brother at a time for someone who could serve us well? We don’t want to turn our search process into a kind of pastoral beauty pageant."

"Consider how a man looks for a wife. He doesn’t line them up, glance over their resumes, and then compare them to one another. Through natural relationship networks, he gets to know them one at a time. He takes time to know a woman’s character. Why should finding a shepherd to lead and feed God’s people be treated with any less care?"

"Search committees tend to be too risk-averse…Most commonly, committees prefer experience over character and giftedness. It’s true that young men tend to have great acuity, but poor depth perception. They see truth sharply (and often accurately) but don’t have experience in knowing how to implement things well. But that’s not true of all of them. And a humble character which seeks wisdom from older, godly men is a sign of a good leader."

"God raises up young men who watch their life and doctrine closely and are gifted to teach his Word publicly. Hire them when they’re a cub. Let them chew things up around the house for a while, and you’ll have a lion that loves you for life! Young pastors make mistakes. But young pastors—if they’re called and equipped by God—can stay for a long time, and have deeply fruitful ministries for decades. Committees, frankly, just don’t have this long-term perspective."

"Search committees also tend to have an inordinate hunger for resumes! They’ll take hundreds! But wouldn’t it be easier and more immediately productive to get a single reference from a trusted pastor? If there is no one in your congregation suited to be a regular teacher of God’s Word in every-Sunday preaching, then find a church you like, with a pastoral ministry you like, and approach that pastor for a suggestion. Pursue that person until you are certain he would not be good."

Concerning what some congregations shared in the Duke report, we have to ask if full-time, salaried, staff positions are the only way to measure whether or not someone has demonstrated ability in "church administration." For those that Timothy and Titus would identify as qualified elders, the experience criteria had a different shape. The church did not previously exist and, as Paul was writing, the foundation was still being laid (Eph. 2:19-20). This meant that had this requirement, as it is known today, been required then, the foundation would have never been laid. It was not one then, and it should not be one now (at least not in the sense that search committees are looking for it!).

So, let's go back to the question: Is experience on the list? I believe it is...but not in the way that churches are looking for it and certainly not the experience which when lacking is cause to turn away a godly, qualified candidate as often as it takes place today. So, where is it? Here is what Paul wrote, "He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)." A man who aspires to the office of overseer should be faithful and should have experience in leading and administration. I know of no better place that a church should look than his home life and his experience with his family. The man should be faithful in the small things and the big things. Nothing will tell more about this than how he is with his family. Paul knew this! Let's not think that Paul could not have put some more requirements down...He could have. He could have told Timothy and Titus to find men who had 3-5 years management experience, etc. Guess what...He didn't. Moreover, these are not Paul's qualifications, but rather they are God's qualifications.

More Photos

2011-12-25T12:58:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Mi Amor

2011-12-25T11:27:00.001-05:00

Lesly,

I am so thankful to the Lord for you. You are a treasure, one that I am so thankful to have found and so thankful that I get to enjoy for the rest of our lives. May the dreams and desires that you have in the Lord be yours! And, never forget how much I love you!

Thomas

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here is what the message says:

Dear Family & Friends,

Lesly and I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. We are very thankful for you and consider all of you blessings in our life. Thank God for the precious Son which he gave to us as a demonstration of his love for us. That this child, which was spoken of in Isaiah 9:6-7, would take the punishment that was rightfully ours and would take our sins upon his shoulders (Isaiah 53:4-6) is amazing. Through him we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

Merry Christmas! And praise God for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who humbled himself at his birth, throughout his entire life, and all the way to his death on the cross so that anyone who believes in him and turns from his or her sin to follow him is completely forgiven and has eternal life!

Thomas & Lesly Hudgins

The Neglect Of Greek In Ministry: One Researcher's Findings

2011-12-24T21:09:00.001-05:00

I'm looking through Blair Yager's Doctor of Ministry dissertation entitled "An Outcome Assessment: The Use of Greek in Ministry" (1994). One of his sections deals with the neglect of NT Greek in ministry. What were the reasons he found from surveying some of the literature on the use of Greek in ministry?

There is an abundance of reference works in English. So, why use Greek?
The pastor is "too busy" to use NT Greek in ministry. "They see the numerous demands of ministry as more pressing and urgent than their study time."
The minister is afraid it might cultivate pride or arrogance in his life.
The minister believes it makes his sermons "dull."
There is a pragmatic argument as well. Big name pastors of big name churches don't use it and yet they seem to be doing fine. So, why use it?

He has a dagger-in-the-heart quote from A.T. Robertson: "But the chief reason why preachers do not get and do not keep up a fair and needful knowledge of the Greek New Testament is nothing less than carelessness, and even laziness in many cases. They can get along somehow without it, and so let it pass or let it drop." BOOM!

Now, what were some of the reasons he identified from his research concerning why Roanoke Bible College graduates were not using Greek in ministry? Was A.T. Robertson right? Is it really just laziness? Well, Yager reported: "58% stated that what they needed [to use it in ministry more] was the discipline to study and use the language." 56% mentioned the constraint on time. Pretty interesting.

LifeWay's Translation Survey: Some Thoughts And A Problem

2011-12-24T20:08:00.004-05:00

David Roach reported in Baptist Press about the survey conducted by LifeWay concerning Bible translation preferences (2011). Two thousand people participated in the survey. That's a good sample size. In addition, they provided one important qualifier, namely that each participant is actually reading the Bible either on his or her own or in a family setting (a.k.a., not just hearing it at church). So, there is a good sample size. And, the research topic is one that definitely caught my attention. I want to know what the preferences are. I have my own thoughts, of course (which include using multiple translations), but I was curious what others were thinking. When I started reading the questions, however, some big red flags were raised.

First, let me tell you what they found out. 61% of those surveyed preferred a word-for-word translation. In other words, they preferred a "literal" translation as opposed to a "dynamic equivalent" or "functional equivalent" translation. The results also pointed out to what degree one actually held this preference, in other words whether they strongly or somewhat preferred it. Those who preferred a word-for-word translation had a greater tendency to "strongly prefer" it whereas far fewer who preferred the other type of translation actually preferred it strongly.

Here is the biggest flag that came up for me. We have to be careful what we ask when we are asking research questions. Here is one of the questions concerning accuracy: "In general, what is more important to you in a Bible: total accuracy to the original words, or easy readability?" Do you see the problem in the question? The researchers clearly set "total accuracy" in contrast to "easy readability." However, those who have advocated D-E/F-E translations would hardly agree that they were giving up "accuracy" to the original languages. So when this question is asked, which one would you go for? Accuracy or readability? When it comes to God's Word, don't you want accuracy? The question leans toward receiving a greater percentage who favor word-for-word.

The Holy Spirit obviously felt that word-for-word was not the only way to go. Without minimizing the importance of the words (after all, they are inspired and chosen and intentional), accuracy is not limited to word-for-word, literal communication. We can see this in Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, and Luke 3:22.

Mark 1:11
καὶ φωνὴ ἐγένετο ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν, Σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν σοὶ εὐδόκησα.

Luke 3:22
καὶ φωνὴν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ γενέσθαι, Σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱός μου ὁ άγαπητός, ἐν σοὶ εὐδόκησα.

Matthew 3:17
καὶ ἰδοὺ φωνὴ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν λέγουσα, Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου ὁ ἀγαπητός, ἐν ᾧ εὐδόκησα.

There are variations between all three. But, two of the three share the exact wording coming from the Father concerning the Son. Mark and Luke have the Father speaking directly to the Son while Matthew has the Father speaking to those who are present at the Son's baptism. God definitely said one thing. It was probably in Hebrew. So, each author of an account of the gospel has a translation. Neither of the three is inaccurate. Remember, that is what the LifeWay question was concentrating on with one end of the spectrum ("accuracy"). The meaning is not found in whether or not the statement was being directed toward the Son or to those who had come out to see John the Baptist. The meaning is "Who is Jesus Christ and how does the Father feel about him?" Each one of the gospel accounts accurately communicates the answer to this question, in effect saying exactly what God said about Jesus without using the exact wording.

I really think we need to be careful in not perpetuating some false realities about Bible translations. This research study pointed out to me that there is a faulty understanding that word-for-word translations equal "total accuracy" all while suggesting that thought-for-thought sacrifices accuracy for readability. I've got my own preference on a translation that I carry with me from place to place. But, I really want to be careful on casting shadows of doubt on those who carry translations with "strange" abbreviations.

Lesly's Early Christmas Present

2011-12-24T16:52:00.001-05:00

Lesly got an early Christmas present this afternoon. There are two things that she misses greatly each Christmas while we are in the United States. First, she misses her lovely family. Words cannot express how much she misses them, and rightly so. I miss them a lot also. Second, she misses the food from her country. So yesterday I placed an order at a Central American restaurant in Raleigh. I bought Lesly seven tamales. For the numerologists reading the blog, if any, there is nothing significant about the number seven with the purchase. This morning I went and picked them up. Right now Lesly is diving into a plate of three...and she's loving every bit!!!!! If you have ever wanted to try some Central American food, let me recommend Mama Greta's in Raleigh. The prices are not cheap but not 5-Star high either. The food is definitely authentic. The soups are delicious, the pupusas are amazing (especially queso con chicharron), and the tamales are...well...just ask Lesly the next time you see her :) .

A Letter To Lesly's Father

2011-12-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

24 de Diciembre 2011

Señor Rigoberto,

Tu eres un gran hombre en mis ojos, señor. Estoy alegre que puedo llamarte mi segundo “papa.” Tu ejemplo como cristiano, esposo, padre, hermano, y amigo siempre está en mis pensamientos. Me anima cada día a caminar más cerca con el Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Gracias por todo que haces para nosotros. Gracias a Dios que tengo alguien como usted en mi vida. Te quiero mucho, y te extraño mucho esta Navidad. Dios le bendiga siempre. Y que Dios me bendiga por su gracia a seguir en el ejemplo que me has dado los últimos seis años.

Tu hijo,

Thomas

Thomas & Lesly Hudgins: 2011 In Pictures

2011-12-24T16:03:00.002-05:00

New Picture

2011-12-24T15:16:00.001-05:00

Hey! Check out our new picture on our "About Us" page.

Theological Education, Biblical Languages, And Pastoral Ministry

2011-12-24T15:08:00.002-05:00

I was reading an article this afternoon that appeared in the Concordia Journal back in 1985 entitled "Hebrew, Greek, and 'Real-Life Ministry.'" I think the author has some really good insights. The biblical languages are useful. The labor required to arrive at the point where one can work with the original languages is great. The labor required to work in the biblical languages is even greater. But, the rewards are worth the effort. How much students are learning their biblical languages in theological education programs is still a field of research that wide-open. How much they retain it after they enter into the ministry is equally so. In theological programs where students are at a minimum required to take six credit hours of biblical languages--often totaling over $1200 per student--warrants investigating this aspect of theological education. The author of this article calls the pastor-teacher back to the study and encourages them, for their own sake and the sake of those who have been entrusted to their care, to enjoy the benefits of preaching, teaching, and discipling arrived at by means of exegesis with the biblical languages. The author writes:

"There can be no doubt that Bible study done on the basis of Greek and Hebrew will add depth and substance to Bible classes and sermons alike, which will be appreciated by an increasingly informed and educated laity, and which will give to the pastor himself a renewed sense of satisfaction in his task and confidence in his message." (122)

In the following quote, he mentions that exegesis minus the biblical languages limits the pastor to resources that alone work in the language that they speak. While he mentions "English" I could not help but think of all the sermons that I have heard in Spanish. So often pastors resort to using the Real Academia (the premiere dictionary for the Spanish language) in order to explain the meaning of a word. As a matter of fact, I do not remember one sermon while serving in El Salvador where this was not done. Those pastors who I have met who had some formal instruction in hermeneutics and/or the biblical languages did this far less. The author of the CJ article mentions that a little knowledge can be dangerous when it comes to the biblical languages. However, it can still be better than nothing. This is true where there are a plethora of resources available such as commentaries that deal with the biblical languages. Some knowledge allows pastors to work with the original languages even when they cannot work in them.

The goal in theological education should always be character forming, Christ-exalting, and driven towards use for the duration of one's life.

Here is what the author wrote:

"[W]e certainly recognize that not all seminarians-turned-pastors retain--or even attain--some idealistic level of language fluency, worthy as that goal should be and helpful as it is to such practical tasks as teaching a Bible class where various English translations shed various nuances upon a text. On the other extreme are those who have been accurately cited by the aforementioned seminarians and yet, whether they admit or even realize it, have nevertheless gained some practical benefits from language study. Even minimal acquaintance with the Biblical languages, however inactive their use may be, produces a passive sensitivity to the basic problems of translation and exegesis and an awareness that professional Bible study is not quite as simple as using an English translation and looking up words in an English concordance or even an English dictionary." (122)

Luther On The Biblical Languages

2011-12-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

This is a very familiar quote of Martin Luther's, but I enjoyed reading it again this afternoon:

"Let us, then, foster the languages as zealously as we love the Gospel...Let us ever bear this in mind: We shall have a hard time preserving the Gospel without the languages. The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained. They are the case in which we carry this jewel...Although faith and the Gospel may be preached by ordinary ministers without the languages, still such preaching is sluggish and weak, and the people finally become weary and fall away. But a knowledge of the language renders it lively and strong, and faith finds itself constantly renewed through rich and varied instruction."

Two Questions About Christmas

2011-12-23T23:06:00.000-05:00

Two questions: First, what is Christmas all about? Second, is it wrong or bad to celebrate Christmas? Enjoy.

EDD Dissertation

2011-12-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

I've been working on my doctoral dissertation in the evenings this week. More than anything, I've been thinking through the research question and sub-questions and how to approach the study. I've got a preliminary outline as well. I'm really excited about digging in to God's Word and seeing what wonderful truths concerning education that will come out of the study!

Still Reading The Spanish Commentary On Mark

2011-12-18T23:29:00.000-05:00

I'm still reading this book written by Juan Mateos and Fernando Camacho, Marcos: Texto y Comentario. As I move through the text, the authors' affirmation of liberation theology is impossible to overlook. I really need to check out their other book Evangelio, Figura y Símbolos simply because their figurative interpretation is applied here without explanation. My guess is that the explanation is found in the other text.

The Greek Class: A Divine Appointment?

2011-12-18T21:46:00.000-05:00

Who knows how God will use this upcoming Greek course. I'm anxiously waiting to see God's hand and to see what sort of ways he uses it, in my life and the lives of the students as well as beyond. Here is a prayer request concerning the "beyond."

One of the students who sent me his information expressing interest in the course is from a certain place in South America. When I saw exactly where he lives and where he is serving the Lord, my mind immediately began thinking of one thing, namely the salvation of my cousin who lives in this same city with his wife.

I've had many opportunities to share the gospel with my not-much-younger cousin. The first was when he was in one of the darkest times of his life. I wrote him a letter and shared with him my testimony of how God saved me and what Christ accomplished on the cross. My most recent opportunity to share the gospel with him was during the week of his father's death and the services held for his funeral. I was thankful to the Lord when my cousin asked me if I would "officiate" the funeral services, mostly because it was an opportunity to serve him and demonstrate the love of Christ to him by meeting a huge need that he and his family had at one of the most difficult times in their lives. It afforded me the opportunity to share the gospel with a roomful of men and women who for the most part did not know the Lord Jesus Christ and had yet to receive and experience the forgiveness that he alone offers. The nights during that week gave me many opportunities to sit outside in the thick, Florida air and talk about the eternal significance of the cross of Christ. More than anyone else in my family, the Lord has placed this one cousin heavily upon my heart.

So, back to the Greek class. I've asked this Greek student who pastors a church in the same city where my cousin lives to get in contact with my cousin, show him the love of Christ, and share with him anew the grandeur of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here is what the pastor wrote me back: "Apreciado Hermano, en lo que te puede servir, dime como me comunico con ellos y les visito o si ellos se comunican conmigo. solo dime como hacemos. Su servidor."

I'm very thankful for such a servant's heart. I'm praying that God will use this brother to bring my cousin, and his wife, to a knowledge of and faith in the Gospel. Please be praying with me. As I get some updates, I'll have to post them here and keep you informed.

Another thing that I am thankful for is that this class is already taking on a very "missional" mindset. I want to communicate to the students the imperative of our witness to the world with the Gospel. My favorite classes, the ones in which I was shaped most in my walk with Christ (in addition to being the ones where I learned the content of the class most), were the ones where the professors emphasized proclaiming the gospel, near and abroad.

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento: Información Importante

2011-12-16T20:56:00.004-05:00

Aquí hay dos respuestas que me envió esta semana que me gustaría compartir con todos los que se va a estar en la clase de griego y para aquellos que estén interesados en tomar la clase.
____________________________________________________________________________

Hermano,

No problema, hermano. Estoy aquí para servirle. En este momento estoy traduciendo el pensum y haciendo algunos cambios. Tu puedes ver la clase en dos lugares en el internet.

El Blog, Jesús + Nada = Todo (http://jpnee.blogspot.com/p/nt-griego.html)
Directamente en Livestream (http://www.livestream.com/griegonuevotestamento)

Estamos planificando a grabar todas las clases, especialmente para algunos pastores/misioneros en España. Por la diferencia en hora, no pueden ver “en vivo.” Quiero animarte que si tu puedes estar en la clase “en vivo,” sería ideal. Tenemos la oportunidad que podemos interactuar/comunicar, especialmente si hay preguntas.

No podemos usar el texto completo de Dr. Black, pero yo voy a hacer hojas usando su texto para los estudiantes. También, puedo recomendar el texto de J. Gresham Machen, aun es muy antiguo (casi 90 años). Por los primeros 13 clases, las hojas serán suficiente. Y por los pastores que no tienen dinero, comprar un texto podría ser difícil.

Y definitivamente, quiero animarte a comprar un Nuevo Testamento griego! No vamos a usarlo inmediatamente en la clase. Pero el propósito de la clase es que tu vas a usar el griego en el ministerio!! Fui al mall con mi esposa hoy. Ella estaba mirando una camisa, e yo estuve leyendo mi griego preparándome para domingo.

Estoy orando por ti! Estoy alegre que puedes estudiar con nosotros, y más que Dios puso en tu corazón el deseo a conocer su palabra mejor! Que puede ser la herramienta más valiosa en tu ministerio al Señor Jesucristo.

Bendiciones,

Thomas W. Hudgins
____________________________________________________________________________

Hermano,

Qué bueno escuchar las noticias. Y si, he recibido los archivos. Muchas gracias por enviándomelos.

Aquí esta mas información, hermano.

La clase comenzará a las 6:30 pm (EST). Esto significa que la clase se comenzará a las 5:30 pm, por ejemplo, en Campeche, México, creo.

La primera clase será el jueves, 19 de enero. La clase es gratis.

Estamos programando 3 horas para la clase, pero preveo que va a terminar antes del final de las tres horas para la mayoría de las sesiones.

Las fechas de la clase están:

Enero 19 y 26
Febrero 2, 9, 16, y 23
Marzo 1, 8, 15, 22, y 29
Abril 12 y 19

Queremos maximizar esta oportunidad por la gracia de Dios. Seguemos orando.

Bendiciones,

Thomas W. Hudgins

Learn New Testament Greek I: Meeting The Students

2011-12-13T21:01:00.004-05:00

I'm really thankful for the doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The training that I am receiving is having immediate benefit in ministry! One of the requirements for Dr. Porowski's class encouraged me to "get to know the students" before teaching. I'm glad I am. And, I am thankful to the students who so graciously filled out my short questionnaire. What effects have the responses the students' responses had on my heart? Let me just say this: (1) I am even more committed to providing this class for them and (2) I am humbled, completely humbled, that I, along with a group of faithful co-laborers in the work of the gospel, am in a position to meet this huge need in Latin America.

Here is what the "encuesta" looks like:

On it asked the following things:

How old are you?
In what manner are you serving the Lord in your local church? Please check all that apply.
In what part of the world are you serving the Lord?
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Have you previously received courses in a seminary or Bible institute?
Have you ever received classes on New Testament Greek?
If you have not had the opportunity to study New Testament Greek, what do you think is the reason why not?
Are you using New Testament Greek in ministry? If yes, please explain in what way(s).
Why do you want to study New Testament Greek?
Are you a full-time or bi-vocational minister?

I have not received responses from every student. But, from what I have received, I am expecting a very gracious, thankful, and dedicated class. The majority of the students appear to be older than 45 years of age. The oldest student, thus far, is 58 years old. All of them are serving as pastors with the exception of one. All of them are teaching in their local churches. The majority have graduated from the university in their respective countries. North America, Central America, and South America are all represented. I have received some feedback from pastors and missionaries in Spain who are interested in watching the class once they are loaded online. The timezone difference makes it nearly impossible for them to be in the class live. One of the pastors is serving right beside one of the most persecuted parts of the world, perhaps the most persecuted in the Western Hemisphere, between southern Mexico and Guatemala. Half of the students have studied in a Bible institute before. None of them has ever studied Greek. Half are full-time, and half are bi-vocational.

Why haven't they ever studied Greek before? When reading the responses, you can feel the frustration that they have as soon as you get to this question. One pastor wrote, "There are many reasons." In a list format, he mentioned that there are no seminaries that offer it. When there are classes offered, they are very expensive. As a matter of fact, almost every student mentioned how expensive theological education is.

How are they using NT Greek in ministry? Well, all of the students said that they use it in preparation but in a very limited capacity. One student wrote, "I use Vine's and Strong's dictionaries to investigate the meaning of words and the manner that they are used in other New Testament passages." Another student who also uses the Bible dictionaries wrote, "Yes. I use it. But only the words that I find in the Bible dictionary. But, I believe that it is not sufficient."

Why do they want to study NT Greek? One pastor wrote: "I believe that the original language in which the New Testament was written is necessary for the interpretation of the biblical texts. The pastor has to be prepared and not be an 'amateur.' As an amateur, he can end up teaching lies as truth." He added later, "I believe that the pastor has a great responsibility. He is to care for his congregation correctly." Another student wrote: "The books of the NT were inspired in Greek...Studying the Scriptures in its original languages would provide me with better resources for my study and exposition of the Holy Scriptures. I believe that this is a vital tool, in these days, for the ministry of the Word."

I told you. I'm getting even more excited. Let me ask you something. Will you please commit to praying for me, the class, and the students over the next four months? May this class be a huge blessing to these pastors and the churches whom they serve. I'm praying that the Lord will maximize it for the sake of his name. I'm praying the pastors will continue to spread the word and encourage one another to invest the time and the discipline to acquiring this skill which will undoubtedly lead them to stronger Bible study and powerful preaching week after week.

More Interest In Studying New Testament Greek

2011-12-11T21:23:00.001-05:00

This email came from Nicaragua and it really encouraged me, reminding me of how great this need really is. Fernando writes:

"Brother wonderful news! Knowing that I can access the study of the Greek New Testament is one of my greatest desires. But I had not had the opportunity. And I will be with many of my brothers in the class once we hear how we can sign up. I will speak with them and will notify you ... And I will give the list of their names. Thank you, brother, for inviting me to study...."

"One of my greatest desires," he writes. Nothing thrills me more than to hear something like this. It is humbling to imagine how blessed I have been to be able to study at SEBTS and TMS and to have received the training that I have received. It too was one of my greatest desires, that is to study the biblical languages. And, I've had the opportunity to study under some of the finest professors! Now 2 Tim. 2:2 is coming full circle. That which I have heard in the presence of many witnesses, I am now having the opportunity to entrust to other faithful men who will then teach others also.

Have you noticed something else about these pastors writing from Latin America? One thing that stands out to me is the great commitment that they have to see Christ proclaimed by every pastor. They demonstrate nothing that resembles a competitive heart. They want their fellow brothers who are serving in ministry to have this opportunity as well. And, they are passing the word along and encouraging them to get on-board for what will hopefully be a very useful tool that they can use in their ministries for the rest of their lives!!!!!

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento: La Inscripción Está Abierta Ya

2011-12-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

La inscripción está abierta para la clase Aprenda el Griego del Nuevo Testamento. Usted puede encontrar el formulario de inscripción junto con una encuesta de cada estudiante. Estos pueden ser devueltos a thomashudgins [arroba] hotmail.com.

Inscripción

Encuesta

What About The Magi?

2011-12-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

Will Varner from The Master's College finishes his latest post on his blog with "Stay tuned." I'll go ahead and warn you. The blog post that I am linking to is going to challenge some traditional understandings of the Christmas story. I'll also tell you that he is going to really grab your attention and have you checking back each day over the next few days to get some really strong, biblical answers surrounding the nativity narrative in Matthew's account of the Gospel. Who were the magi? How many were there? What is the whole deal with the "star" that they followed? Be sure to read his post here...and be sure to check his blog over the next few days to see what else he puts on there!

Are You Praying For Our Brothers And Sisters In Iraq?

2011-12-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

This is exactly the question that hit me when I read this article over at FoxNews. The article is entitled, "Mob Attacks on Iraqi Christian Businesses Raise Security Concerns." The success of the Church is not dependent upon the presence of any nation's military or politicians, etc. Still, it has me wanting to pray for my brothers and sisters. How will this transition affect them? What needs will they have? What are they already going through? What is coming? Let's keep them in our prayers!

"What Does The Spiritual And Intellectual Makeup Of A Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Graduate Look Like?"

2011-12-09T21:18:00.001-05:00

Dr. Daniel Akin, the President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, answers this question over at BetweenTheTimes blog. Here is his answer:

"The easiest way to answer that question is he or she looks like a Great Commission Christian. In other words, they have a consuming passion to make disciples of all the people groups scattered around the world teaching them to be faithful to all that Jesus has taught. In that context, a Southeastern graduate will hopefully be a person who loves God well both with the mind and the heart. It is very difficult to strike that balance, and it is my prayer that those who graduate from this school will have a heart that is passionate for our Lord and His glory but also a mind that thinks in a Christian “world view-ish” kind of way. We bring no honor to our Lord by having empty heads. We also bring no honor to our Lord by having empty hearts. So my goal is that we would be spiritually balanced as we seek to honor the Lord and love Him well with our head, our heart and our hands. Finally, a Southeastern student is going to be a servant who follows in the beautiful model provided by our Lord Jesus (see Mark 10:45). We are called to serve the church. That is the calling I hope will grip the heart of every SEBTS grad."

I'm very thankful for Southeastern. I LOVE the school. I love the mission that drives every single class. I love the professors. I love my fellow students. I love the campus.

I sincerely hope, and believe it to be so, that Southeastern successfully accomplished this in my life. I've hardly "arrived" in my Christian life. But, when I think back on the time before I arrived in Wake Forest, North Carolina back in January of 2002 all the way to December 9, 2011, I know Southeastern has played an extremely important role in shaping me and molding me. Southeastern has always been a Great-Commission school. I'll never forget the pleas from Paige Patterson for our students to go to the ends of the earth during chapel. In the years since, this commitment has only intensified. Around campus you will often hear the saying "Great-Commission classrooms." This is very true. When you go into any class out Southeastern, be it New Testament Greek or Pentateuch (not just the Missions class), be forewarned...Southeastern wants to impress upon each student's heart a desire to go to the mission field and to lead churches in being churches committed to the Great Commission. I've been amazed at the focus on reaching the lost around the world with Christ grow and grow each year. I've been changed by the emphasis being placed upon theological education abroad, not just preparation for pastoral ministry. I've loved seeing the student body grow more and more diverse and dynamic each year. From an alumnus and student perspective, I love the trajectory of Southeastern's direction.

"Open The Eyes Of My Heart": A Special Performance

2011-12-09T16:40:00.000-05:00

If you don't check out Justin Taylor's blog regularly, I highly recommend it. Justin's blog is a daily blessing in my life and a constant resource. Today, he had a link to this amazing video. On his blog, he writes, "10-year-old Christopher Duffley was born premature, blind, and autistic, and was adopted by his parents at 15 months of age. God has given him the gift of music." Here is the video...enjoy!

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento: Promo Video

2011-12-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento: Update

2011-12-06T23:14:00.000-05:00

Exciting news to report. Livestream, the host for the New Testament Greek class in Spanish, has lifted the fifty viewer limit! We are officially "unlimited" on the number of viewers that we can have in the class!!! Great news.

Fond Memories Of Los Angeles

2011-12-04T21:57:00.001-05:00

I have some really fond memories of Los Angeles. One of them is the opportunity that I had to spend time with pastors from the Dominican Republic and Central America when they visited the campus of Grace Community Church. A dear brother in the Lord, a partner in the work of the gospel, always gave me the opportunity to pick the pastors up and drive them to the church early in the morning. I loved it. These brothers encouraged my soul so much and they constantly encouraged me to consider investing in pastoral training in Latin America. More than anyone else, these pastors painted a picture of the great need that exists in Latin America for someone to have a 2 Tim. 2:2 ministry there. On Saturdays, I had was able to show them a little about California. Spending time with them is one of three things I miss most about Los Angeles. The second is the early morning breakfasts with Robert Thomas at Norm's. The third is having the opportunity to minister at the Drug and Rehab Center near Lake Castaic.

One of the pictures below is taken in Santa Monica. If you know anything about Los Angeles, you know that Santa Monica is beautiful, lying just south of Malibu (Zuma Beach). But, you also know that just south of Santa Monica is a place called Venice Beach. Believe me, it is one of the oddest places that you can imagine. The last picture below was taken at my friend Ricky's apartment. Ricky and his wife Laurie opened their home up to these pastors and cooked some amazing food for them. We had a wonderful time that night.

Learn New Testament Greek I: Websites

2011-12-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

You can actually see the channels where the Greek class is going to be broadcasted live over the Internet already. There are two options. The first is right here at Jesus + Nothing = Everything on the NT Griego page (see the first picture below). The second is at the LiveStream website where the channel is hosted (see the second picture below). Both places allow the viewer to maximize to Full Screen. And, both places provide a "chat" room where students can interact with their teacher, yours truly. (*The chat feature is only available when not in Full Screen.) This feature is going to be a huge blessing to the students. They can even post directly to their Facebook and Twitter if they so desire. Watching a video on New Testament Greek via a typical distance learning program is great, but it does not afford the student any option of seeking clarification or asking a question, etc. In Spanish, such resources are very, very few. There are three seminaries/institutes that I am aware of that have video recorded NT Greek classes available in Spanish (FLET, SETECA, etc.). None of them are live. My guess is that this is where the technology is eventually going to go, as it should. Global theological education will never be the same once it does.

One Family's Journey To Do More

2011-12-04T12:06:00.001-05:00

We had the joy of having George King in our fellowship group this morning. He was given just over five minutes, but they were tremendous. I was so, so thankful that he shared a little of what God is doing in his family's life and through each of them as they seek to serve Christ and maximize their lives for the sake of the gospel. George was sharing with us about a ministry his family started, "Seeds of Mustard Ministries." The way he introduced himself immediately grabbed my attention. He said it was just a few years ago that God really showed him that "going to church," "going to Sunday School," and "working a full-time job" just weren't enough. In fact, God used a tragedy in his life to bring all of this about. On September 18, 2009, while he and his family were visiting children in the remote villages of the Dominican Republic, George's sixteen year old son was taken home to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His son, David, had just confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior one month prior to the trip. George shared with us that he was able to reconcile this tragedy with the gospel only because God the Father himself knew what it was like to lose his own Son. And, God used the loss of his own Son to accomplish something that was eternally significant, namely our salvation. So, he and his family asked how God might use the loss of their David to bring others to know Jesus Christ.

George and his family operate a thrift store in Cary, North Carolina. I'm very familiar with the location because it is in an area that is predominantly Hispanic. Their goal is to use this thrift store to help people in need AND to share the gospel with everyone who enters their store. That's exciting. You can read more about Thrift 'N Gift here. He also shared with us some needs which I am going to pass on below:

Prayer
Donations
Store Volunteers
Financial Support
Drop Box Bins
Display Racks
A Box Truck
CPA
Medical Volunteers
Spanish and Arabic Speaking Volunteers
Store Front Space (perhaps to put a flier)
Drop Box Sites
Christian Counselors
Display Cases
Attorney
Graphic Designer
Store Managers

If you are interested, there are ways to contact them on the website.

Aprenda El Griego Del Nuevo Testamento I: Update

2011-12-03T22:56:00.003-05:00

I've been working on my class notes/student notebook for Learn New Testament Greek I. I've attached a sample below. I'm going to be using our translation of David Black's Learn to Read New Testament Greek for the class. While the students will not (at this point) have an opportunity to use the text first hand, they are going to reap the benefits. The "lecture" notes that I am developing for the class are a direct adaptation from the text. These notes are not going to be as good as the text itself, but they are going to help the students in their note-taking and studying ad interim. Keep praying for the translation of the book as well. It is currently being reviewed by a publisher.

Be praying for the class. I'm meeting with the pastors of our local church on Wednesday evening. We've got some logistical/technological issues that have arisen and need our attention. I am very thankful for our children's pastor, Nathan Stam. He has a genuine and strong desire to make this class happen. I'm thankful for the burden the Lord has put on his heart, and thankful for his willingness to serve pastors throughout Latin America in this project. Christian ministry is team-ministry. Nathan is yet another brother that I am so thankful to have as a co-laborer in the work of the gospel.

A Missionary's Response To A New Culture And The Temple Of Doom

2011-12-03T17:07:00.005-05:00

Many of you are familiar with the Indiana Jones series, especially the Temple of Doom. Do you remember when Jones and his stranded associates stumbled upon Mayapore and later made the trek to Pankot Palace? One of the things I remember is their different responses to the different foods. Kate Capshaw and Harrison Ford had two completely different responses to the different cultures. In the desolate Mayapore village, the two were offered a "specialty" dish. I'll never forget "Indy's" words when "Willie" hesitated to taste: "You're embarrasing me." Later in Pankot Palace, "Willie" got a true "Temple of Doom" experience. When dessert was finally served, it was none other than...monkey brains. She fainted.

Going to a new culture is a wonderful, enriching experience. But one thing that is extremely important for the missionary is to have an open mind and a willingness to try and adapt to those things that are norm's in the new culture. Now this obviously does not refer to those things that are clearly contrary to God's revealed will in the Scriptures. But, in different cultures, one is bound to be faced with something that they never thought that they would encounter. This is not limited to food either. It has to do with the entire culture.

I've had the pleasure of being in quite a few different cultures: Canada, western North Carolina/Tennessee, upstate New York, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, St. Lucia, Mexico, Los Angeles (Cali), Guatemala, etc. All of them are different, even those that fall under the umbrella of Latin America. Inside of some of these, I've still experienced very different cultures. In California, I enjoyed weekly fellowship with brothers and sisters in Philipino groups. I enjoyed sipping tea with brothers and sisters from Argentina. My closest experience to a "Willie" experience was in an upscale home in Cary, North Carolina with a Chinese house-church. We had all sorts of food. Nothing there could be found on a typical Chinese restaurant menu (i.e., there was no General Tso's chicken to be found). Before dinner was served, they asked if I liked Chinese food. I said, "Oh yeah!" They asked if there was anything I did not want. I said, "No, I want to try everything." They looked at me like "We'll see..."

I'll never forget a pastor telling me about mission teams that come from the States. His impression of the "Americans" was that they love to share the gospel but they hated to spend time with the brothers and sisters in the church. I asked for an example. He said, every day/night after the campaigns, the Americans always opted to head as a solo group to the nearest Mickey D's or back at the hotel. Do I have any problems with that...yep. I made a point the first time I went to Honduras to not stay with my group. Instead, I went from house to house throughout the week and ate with different families. It was one of the best trips I ever had. The next time I returned to Honduras, I stayed with one of the families I ate with...for an entire month. The next time I returned, I returned to live. And, the next time I went on a "mission trip" (to Nicaragua), I chose not to stay in a hotel, but to stay with a family. The fellowship was the best ever. We were able to maximize the opportunity we had to minister to this pastor and his family. They served and sacrificed greatly in order to have us in their home, even giving us their own master bedroom while the husband and wife moved everything they had into their only other bedroom in their home. I was so thankful when I found out later that week that Lesly had packed over half of my Spanish books in the luggage. Before we left, we were able to give a pastor all of those books, thus doubling the size of his library.

Here's the deal. We are expected, for the sake of the gospel, to enter these cultures as visitors. We are expected to not be a stumbling block for the ever-important gospel. We are to make nothing of trivial matters so that all the attention can be placed on the most important matter at hand.

On your next cross-cultural mission experience, whether it be as nearby as Cary, NC or as far away as India, set your mind resolutely to do whatever is necessary to not steal attention from the gospel. Be willing to try new things. Be better at making less of yourself and instead honoring those whom you are serving.

Read Matthew McDill's Post "Thoughts On Ministry And Money"

2011-12-03T15:08:00.001-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post and I'd encourage you to read it as well. Be forewarned. It challenges the statu quo. But, I suggest reading it not because it goes against the grain but rather because McDill goes directly to Scripture.

Here are his final remarks (before the Scripture quotations):

"It is clear, however, that the local church is called to support those who are ministering the word them (1 Tim 5:17-18; Gal 6:6). I suggest, though, that it is still not best to support such elders and teachers through any type of salary budgeted from the undesignated gifts of believers. Instead, they could be supported through the designated gifts of anyone who is convinced they should support them."

What's Going On?

2011-12-03T14:57:00.000-05:00

Today, Lesly is wrapping a few small Christmas presents.
I just got done going through a bunch of papers that had accumulated and reorganized some books that I was reading and using but not anymore.
I am reading a book for one of my upcoming Ed.D. seminars which start up next week. After this round of classes, I officially start the mentorship process in the program which includes writing the first two chapters of my dissertation!
I watched the last half of the Carolina-Kentucky basketball game with my father. Sad to see the heels give up with 5.9 seconds on the clock.
I'm reading my next section of the gospel of Matthew.
I'm writing in three Christmas cards that are going to be sent out to El Salvador, Spain, and Honduras.
I'm going to drive Mrs. Lesly to her job at 5:30 and pick her up after work.
I'm planning my first two lessons for the New Testament Greek class in Spanish. I am preparing the objectives, notes, etc.
I'm praying for some people that I am hoping the Lord will save, for the Greek class, for my Ed.D. classes, for a professor's trip abroad, for Lesly's father who is having some pain and has an appointment with a specialist in Honduras, for Lesly's spiritual growth as well as my own, etc.

It's a pretty action packed day!

Great Night

2011-12-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

I woke up early this morning and headed to work. I worked all day and loved it. God is good. Then, when I got home, Lesly presented me with some tacos deliciosos!!!!!! Homemade. You cannot buy anything in a restaurant like them. Afterwards, Lesly and I sat around and talked about ministry (what the goals are, what the joys are, etc.) and our relationship with Christ. Then, we called her aunt to wish her a happy birthday. This particular aunt actually lives in Kansas. She was so excited to get a call from us. And, then, we headed out to the store to pick up a new space heater!!!! Now...it's bed time. Great night.

More Interest in Learning New Testament Greek

2011-11-28T19:28:00.002-05:00

More pastors are expressing interest in the upcoming class in Spanish on New Testament Greek. The more the better. I was excited to receive this email today. I love this pastors willingness to be a servant to pastors of other congregations!!!

Saludos hermano!...Estoy interesado en el programa de clases sobre lenguas bíblicas, tanto para mí como para otros maestros de la congregación en la que sirvo. Estaríamos disponibles para comenzar un grupo en nuestra iglesia local e involucrar a otros hermanos de otras congregaciones. ¿Podría facilitarme más información sobre el programa y sobre la forma en que se han pensando las transmisiones por Internet? Quedo a la espera. Gracia y Paz.

That's excellent! Keep praying about this class! We'll need your prayers throughout, myself and the "students" both.

Currently Reading...

2011-11-27T20:46:00.001-05:00

Yesterday and this evening I have been reading a book written by Juan Mateos and Fernando Camacho. Its title is Marcos: Texto y Comentario, published in 1994 by Ediciones El Almendro (Cordoba, Spain). It is interesting. I've definitely got some hermeneutical differences. But, I'm enjoying reading it. If you would have asked me ten years ago if I would have been speaking, reading, or writing Spanish, I could have laughed. I'm hoping to gather a few notes after I finish the text, type them up, and post them here so that you can get a feel for how these authors have interpreted the gospel according to Mark. Be prepared though. They put a lot of emphasis on figurative language.

Isaiah 42:1-4

2011-11-26T18:26:00.001-05:00

I just got done looking at Isaiah 42:1-4 this evening. Really powerful verses. These verses are quoted in Matthew's account of the gospel as well. I've put together a little something so that you can see them side by side.

I will never forget my favorite professor at The Master's Seminary, Dave Farnell. I love this guy. He made a huge impact in my life, in the classroom and out of the classroom. Truth is, he probably has no idea just how much God used the time I had around him. One of the things that he drove into me and all of his students was this section of Scripture, specifically Jesus' character in dealing with souls. "A battered reed he will not break off, and a dimly burning wick he will not put out" (Matt. 12:20).

Learn New Testament Greek: Update

2011-11-26T17:29:00.002-05:00

I'm going to be offering a New Testament Greek course beginning in January. The class is going to be broadcasted live over the internet so that pastors and teachers throughout all of Latin America can learn the language that the New Testament was written in. I'm thrilled at the response we have received so far. Today for example, I received this email:

"Me gustaria inscribirme y recibir informacion de horarios y costos del curso. Mi nombre completo es Victor Salvador Soto Rivera, recibi al Señor a los 17 años en el año 1990 hace estoy casado y tengo 4 hijos trabaje con Campus for Christ por varios años como conferencista y seminarista y en el proyecto de la película Jesus, ahora trabajo para Walk Thru the Bible desde hace 8 años en el área de capacitación soy el director de capacitación para Centro América. Me congrego en la Iglesia Bautista Luz y Verdad y soy predicador en esta iglesia soy un estudiante de las escrituras ese es mi mundo estudiar y enseñar la palabra de Dios. Nunca he tomado clases de hebreo ni griego por eso estoy interesado y si si tengo internet en mi casa para ver las clases."

Here is the translation:

"I would like to register [for the class] and receive information concerning the hours and costs of the course. My full name is Victor Soto Rivera. I received the Lord at the age of 17 in 1990. I am married and have four children. I worked for Campus Crusade for Christ for many years as a conference and seminar speaker and with the Jesus film project. Now I work with Walk Thru the Bible (for the last 8 years) in the area of equipping. I am the director of equipping for Central America. I am a member of Light and Truth Baptist Church and I am a preacher in this church. I am a student of the Scriptures. That is my world, namely to study and teach the Word of God. I have never taken a Hebrew or Greek class. For this reason I am interested. And, yes, I have internet in my home to see the classes."

Victor, I'm thrilled you will be in the class. I'm looking forward to this opportunity and, especially, to seeing how the Lord uses it in the lives of the students.

There is a huge need for pastors to learn the biblical languages wherever one is in the world. Latin America is no exception. And sadly, since theological education has been very few (and often very shallow) in this part of the world, studies in Hebrew and Greek have likewise been rare. One pastor friend in Tegucigalpa has often shared with me the huge desire of pastors in the densely populated capital of Honduras to study the biblical langauges. I'm praying and hoping that we are going to be able to meet this need to a great extent.

In addition to Victor, we have received emails from pastors in Peru, Honduras, Nicaragua, and two States here in the US. If you know of any Spanish-speaking pastors or other Christian servant-leaders who might be interested in taking this class, I'd encourage you to recommend this class to them.

Blessings,

Thomas

What Are You Most Thankful For? Are the Scriptures Up There?

2011-11-24T00:30:00.001-05:00

You may not be able to see it in this picture, but the man inside the yellow square is holding a Bible. This morning I had the opportunity to hold this very Bible in my own hands. It was a joy for me and something that I will always remember. But, why?

I've shared a little about Dan's father in a previous post which you can read here. But, I will mention a great portion of it below. Dan and my father work together, hence the connection. Dan's father, Virgil Charles Wemmer, was a soldier who was captured during World War II. From sometime around May 1942 to January 30th, 1945, he was a prisoner of war. For nearly three years, he was held at Cabantuan.

This morning, chills ran up my arms as I read the Western Union notification telling his family that something tragic had happened and that they did not have any information about his well-being. As the message states, "No report of his death or injury has been received and he may be a prisoner of war." I cannot imagine receiving anything like this, especially concerning someone I love.

As I mentioned in the post mentioned above, on January 30, 1945, US Rangers along with Filipino guerrillas successfully rescued more than 500 soldiers from the POW camp. The rangers lost two in the rescue, two who gave their own lives for the many. I'm tempted to write "only two" in light of the great risks that were taken in order to carry out the mission, but for fear that it might even slight the great cost that was paid by those two even a little I rather not. Had they not been rescued, these soldiers were set to die.

This morning, I also got to hold the Western Union notification his uncle/aunt received almost two and a half years later. I cannot imagine the joy and thankfulness that I would have holding such a letter in my own two hands.

It was amazing to see these documents! As if it couldn't have been any more thrilling, Dan made me a copy of his father's diary which he kept while he was overseas. It is so powerful to read. I came across this entry tonight from January 7th: "We are living in a mine tunnell now...the water leaking thru the rocks at the extreme inboard end makes a good place to bathe. [The] air is damp and it is all very gloomy...[tonight] they had chili and I sure enjoyed a hot chow..." On January 14th, he wrote, "We are still living in the tunnel." January 30th's entry jumped out. It showed so much about the heart of this man, a heart that had been redeemed some five years before he left for the Pacific (the date was marked in his Bible). He wrote, "Pretty quiet. They brot one dead Japanese and one with a leg which needed amputating because of a wound. Some of the men object to showing them any mercy, but I don't." On April 10, he wrote: "We were getting dug in all right when we received word to go to a tunnel on top of Coriggedor. We had to walk up there and then when we got there, they sent us off to another point. The place where the tunnel is looks like no man's land. Railroad lines are in the ground, and there is a look of desolation about that makes me fell terrible. At the place where we are now-where they brot us from the tunnel, we are out in the open, and have dug fox holes. There are almost continuous bombing and shelling of the last strongholds of Luzon. Tyree and I dug a fox hole for two."

His entries nearing to May report a change. On May 5, he writes, "More shelling and bombing. Morale is low. Men leave their small guns during the day. There is much talk of wanting to quit." And, on May 17, he writes, "We surrendered at noon on May 6th...Most of us were, I believe, relieved when we had surrendered. We knew it was coming. The Japanese have been very good to us as prisoners."

Then, there is a turn. On June 2 (1942), he mentions, "Four men who tried to escape were executed yesterday afternoon by shooting." On June 4, "I am weak-so weak I feel like I can hardly stand for long." The entry on June 6 mentions that they were given five cans of rice for each 160 men. By July 11, he says that the rations were depleting. On September 29, "I washed my only shirt, so I'm using a mattress cover for a shirt. My shoes are full of holes." On January 9, "The Japanese issued every man a bar of toilet soap and a G-string. They are so generous."

Out of all of the things I held this morning, this Bible meant the most to me. It was a reminder of how precious and valuable the contents found within actually are. It was a blessing to flip through the pages to see what sorts of verses someone like this in circumstances like this marked or made notes beside.

I'm thankful to the Lord for the Scriptures so much today. There is nothing on the face of this earth that can ever compare to the great value that they have. I'm also thankful to the men who have left us so great an example, men who have placed themselves under the Scriptures and, in some ways like angels, have strongly desired to understand them.

Learn New Testament Greek (Translation of Letter in Spanish)

2011-11-20T22:58:00.002-05:00

*Course will be taught in Spanish. This letter is a translation of the previous post.

November 20, 2011

Dear Pastor,

Do you have a desire to learn New Testament Greek? If so, we are pleased to announce our plans to offer a free class to teach you how to study the New Testament in its original language and to use your knowledge to prepare sound, expository messages for use in your local church ministry!

There are very few resources and options available for pastors, missionaries, and other Christian servant-leaders throughout Latin America to learn the biblical languages. One reason is that there are very few resources available to assist one in his study of New Testament Greek. Many times those that are available are very costly in local bookstores. Another reason is that many pastors would need to relocate to another city, sometimes another country, in order to attend a class on New Testament Greek. This is very difficult, of course. Despite these reasons and others, a pastor should not be deprived of an opportunity to study the New Testament in its original language. One thing is for certain—being able to study the New Testament with a knowledge of the Greek language will increase the effectiveness of pastors and teachers in local church ministry.

Dr. David Alan Black has written in his book, Using New Testament Greek in Ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors (1993: 16), these convicting words:

It was a preacher named Martin Luther who said, ‘Let us zealously hold to the [biblical] languages…The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained.’ It is no accident that this tribute to the biblical languages comes from an acknowledged prince of evangelical Christianity and out of the heart of the Protestant Reformation, which was Germany’s version of America’s Great Awakening. Facility in the biblical languages has long been recognized as a basic requirement for pastoral ministry. No person is likely to grasp the intended meaning of the Bible, on its deepest level, unless that person learns to read and, in some sense, think in Hebrew and Greek.

Now imagine what God could do in Latin America with a generation of pastors and teachers who had a knowledge of Hebrew and Greek? Of course, the biblical languages are not powerful in and of themselves. The power comes from the Holy Spirit who uses the preached Word to lead people to Christ and grow them in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing the biblical languages is a tool, a very useful (and necessary) tool, for the work of pastoral ministry.

Now, here is your chance. Are you ready? The classes are going to be offered on the campus of Apex Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. For those who are near the Raleigh-Durham area, you will be able to sit in the classes on location. For those who are located outside of this area, you will be able to sit in the class from the comfort of your home, office, or church. These classes are going to be broadcasted live over the internet! If you would like to take the class or would like to request more information, please send me an email at thomashudgins@hotmail.com. As of right now, the dates are tentatively set for January to April 2012.

If you do decide to take the course, please consider the investment of time and hard-work that will be expected of the students. We want you to take the class! But, if you do, make a commitment that you will begin and finish the entire course and that you will study each week preparing for class (Luke 14:28-33).

I look forward to hearing from you, brother! May God continue to bless your ministry and may this class bear eternal fruit for the sake of the gospel!

Feel free to forward this letter to as many people as you like who have an interest in learning New Testament Greek. Pass the word along!

In Christ,

Thomas W. Hudgins

Aprenda el Griego del Nuevo Testamento

2011-11-20T22:53:00.004-05:00

20 de Noviembre de 2011

Estimado Pastor,

¿Tiene usted el deseo de aprender el Griego del Nuevo Testamento? ¡Si es así, estamos contentos de anunciar nuestros planes para ofrecer una clase gratis para enseñarle cómo estudiar el Nuevo Testamento en su lengua original y usar su conocimiento para preparar mensajes sanos, expositivos y usarles en su ministerio de iglesia local!

Hay muy pocos recursos y opciones disponibles para pastores, misioneros, y otros líderes-siervos cristianos en todas partes de América Latina para aprender las lenguas bíblicas. Una razón es que hay muy pocos recursos disponibles para ayudar en su estudio de Griego del Nuevo Testamento. Muchas veces aquellos que están disponibles son muy costosos en librerías locales. Otra razón es que muchos pastores tendrían que trasladarse a otra ciudad, a veces otro país, para asistir a una clase de Griego del Nuevo Testamento. Esto es muy difícil, desde luego. A pesar de estos motivos y otros, un pastor no debería ser privado de una oportunidad de estudiar el Nuevo Testamento en su lengua original. Una cosa que es cierta—ser capaz de estudiar el Nuevo Testamento con un conocimiento de la lengua griega aumentará la eficacia de pastores y maestros en el ministerio de la iglesia local.

El Doctor David Alan Black ha escrito en su libro, Usando el Griego del Nuevo Testamento en el Ministerio: Una Guía Práctica para Estudiantes y Pastores (1993: 16), estas poderosas palabras:

“Hubo un predicador llamado Martin Lutero que dijo, ‘Déjanos agarrar apasionadamente las lenguas [bíblicas]…Las lenguas son el estuche en la cual esta espada del Espíritu está contenida.’ Esto no es ningún accidente que este tributo a las lenguas bíblicas viene de un príncipe reconocido del cristianismo evangélico y del corazón de la Reforma Protestante, que era la versión Alemana del Gran Despertar de América. La capacidad en las lenguas bíblicas mucho tiempo ha sido reconocida como una exigencia básica para el ministerio pastoral. Ninguna persona puede entender el significado intencionado de la Biblia, sobre su nivel más profundo, a no ser que aquella persona aprenda a leer y, en algún sentido, pensar en el hebreo y el griego.”

¿Ahora imagínese lo que Dios podría hacer en América Latina con una generación de pastores y maestros que tienen un conocimiento de hebreo y griego? Por supuesto, las lenguas bíblicas no son poderosas en ellas mismas. El poder viene del Espíritu Santo que usa la Palabra predicada para conducir a las personas a Cristo y crecerles en la gracia y el conocimiento del Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. El conocimiento de las lenguas bíblicas son una herramienta, muy útil (y necesaria), para el trabajo del ministerio pastoral.

Ahora, aquí está su oportunidad. ¿Usted está listo? Las clases van a ser ofrecidas en el campus de la Iglesia Bautista de Apex en Apex, Carolina del Norte. Para los que están cerca del área Raleigh-Durham, usted será capaz de sentarse en las clases allí. Para los que viven fuera de esta área, serán capaces de sentarse en la comodidad de su casa, oficina, o iglesia para recibir la clase. ¡Estas clases van a ser transmitidas “en vivo” por Internet! Si le gustaría inscribirse en la clase o le gustaría solicitar más información, por favor enviar un correo electrónico a thomashudgins@hotmail.com. Las fechas previstas son para enero-abril de 2012.

Si usted realmente decide tomar el curso, por favor considere la inversión de tiempo y el trabajo fuerte que estaremos esperando de los estudiantes. ¡Queremos que usted tome la clase! Pero, si usted lo hace, haga un compromiso que comenzará y terminará el curso entero y que estudiará cada semana preparándose para la clase (Lucas 14:28-33).

¡Espero noticias suyas, hermano! ¡Que Dios siga bendiciendo su ministerio y que esta clase de fruto eterno por el evangelio!

Por favor, siéntase libre de compartir esta carta a tantas personas que como usted tengan el interés en aprender el Griego del Nuevo Testamento.

In Christ,

Pastor Thomas W. Hudgins
Estudiante Doctoral, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, Carolina del Norte

Blogging Break

2011-10-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

Annual ETS Meeting Program

2011-10-22T12:01:00.003-04:00

I cannot attend the annual ETS conference this year in San Fran (CA). But, I woke up this morning and decided to flip through the meeting's program. I noticed a few units that I wish that I could attend:

1. F. David Farnell, “Evangelicals and the Rise of the Searching for the ‘Historical Jesus’”

2. David A. Croteau, “Analyzing Professions of Faith in the Fourth Gospel: Is Everyone Who ‘Believes’ Saved?”

3. E. Ray Clendenen, “A Passionate Prophet: Reading Emotions in the Book of Malachi” and “Discourse Type, Slot Machines, and the Hebrew Bible”

4. Abner Chou, “So They All Saw the Same Thing?: The Unified Vision of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Paul, and John and the Exclusivity of Jesus”

5. Gordon Johnston, “Nature of the Davidic Covenant: ‘Unconditional’ or ‘Irrevocable’?”

6. Allen Veryhey, “Jesus as a Paradigm for Dying Well”

7. Daniel L. Akin, “Biblical Marriage in a Broken World: A Theology of a Redeemed Relationship”

All of these should be really good! I'm most unfamiliar with Veryhey (who teaches at Duke) but his presentation, under the ethics heading, sounded alright. Can we see in Jesus an example for dying? Dying well? Most definitely. It will be interesting to hear what is actually presented.

I also noticed an advertisement for the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation in the program. How do you market a Bible, especially in English when there are literally dozens and dozens of different translations? It is not so hard to make a decision between a BigMac and a Whopper. They are pretty similar but there are enough differences that someone can get something that they like more than the other. In the world of Bible translations, it really hinges on the translation (especially if you are marketing it to a bunch of academic professors from a broad array of theological institutions). So how did the HCSB do it? They took the most known Bible verse and showed that they were willing to go against the "norm." John 3:16.

Of course not everyone puts the emphasis on the degree of God's love instead of the manner in which God's love is made known (see the NET). What do you think about the translation of this verse? Manner or degree?

Better yet, here is a verse to consider, especially from a Baptist perspective...Matthew 28:19-20. Wonder why they didn't opt for the word "immerse" instead of the "norm" transliteration of βαπτίζω? Hmmm.

Happy Birthday, Lesly! Part II

2011-10-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Lesly! Part I

2011-10-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

Credentials For Ministry: What Are They?

2011-10-18T20:34:00.000-04:00

I was reading something from the ol' Bib Sac this evening. I cannot tell who the author is. I do know that it is volume 36, pages 560-579. The content deals with theological education for those who did not receive college training. I loved these words:

"The Christian ministry is never described in the New Testament as an exclusive order, open to those only who have a certain amount of knowledge or culture. It is a distinct class of men ordained to a distinct and sacred work. But there is room in it for all kinds and ranks of devoted and useful brethren; and he who stands lowest among men may stand highest before God. Not even Peter and Paul draw any sharp distinctions between the clergy and laity. Least of all does Paul speak of his own superior dignity or sanctity by virtue of his Greek scholarship.

The grand qualifications for the Christian ministry are not educational, but spiritual and divine. This we must not forget. Nothing that can be called 'education,' in the technical or ordinary sense of that word, no intellectual strength or skill, no scientific or literary culture, no certificate, diploma, or degree, nothing that comes from schools, colleges, or universities constitutes a good minister of the gospel, but spiritual gifts and graces, such as goodness, faith, love, patience, the vital force, the knowledge, wisdom, zeal, and efficiency which spring from the baptism of the Spirit. Be it ever so true that the most mighty and useful ministers have been thoroughly educated, still education is but an instrument. Its office is subordinate. Its importance may be unduly exalted." (570)

Fellowship: A Cure For Anxiety

2011-10-18T09:14:00.001-04:00

If you get alone and allow your mind to wander in anxiety, the best thing to do is read Scripture. Sunday night I read almost half the book of Psalms. It helped me concentrate on the goodness of God and his lovingkindness to those who trust in him. Scripture tells us that the battle is in the mind and that God's plan is to continually transform us by the renewing of our mind. Renewing your mind is not something you can do on your own. God does the renewing as the mind is faced with the truths of Scripture. We are responsible for thinking on certain things, things which have been revealed to us from Scripture (i.e., whatever is pure, right, etc.). In other places, these things are called "the things above." Reading Scripture Sunday night was a huge help. Having my wife pray for me was incredible. The day began earlier than that though, so did the encouragement! I think it was a grace gift that the doctor's appointment was scheduled on a Monday. Sunday's time of fellowship helped me so much get my mind on Christ and the things above.

I'm real thankful to Tammy and Dwayne. They planned on opening their home over a week ago. I'm sure it was a blessing to all the other families who came to eat and hang out. But, it really ministered to me. I think the Lord, at least in part, was putting it on their heart so that I could be there with Lesly and get encouraged by the fellowship. (FYI, the soup was delicious too).

The emails have been real encouraging too!

Eva and Kathy have no idea how much God used them in my life over the last week. They are huge blessings. Both are nurses and were so encouraging in helping us get ready for Monday.

Here is my take away for this morning. Hebrews encourages the believer to get together with other believers. The strength of perseverence is in: (1) the fellowship with one another (Hebrews 3 and 10) and (2) the looking to Jesus (Hebrew 12).

How Am I Eating?

2011-10-17T20:59:00.000-04:00

This just in...Received from a good friend. Very funny. In our Lifegroup at ABC, there is nothing the lead teachers won't do to serve.

Thanks for the laugh James!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, I"m enjoying a lot of apple sauce, pudding, and mashed potatoes. Lesly sure is caring for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful wife!!!

Recovery Pics

2011-10-17T20:14:00.001-04:00

Thomas is recovering well. Thanks for all the prayers! Click below here to see. (There is nothing graphic!)

Special Thanks!

2011-10-16T00:16:00.000-04:00

Special thanks to:

Angela and Timmy for playing "Happy Birthday" for me on the flute (in English and Spanish). It was great and a huge blessing.
Bailey and Annika for singing "Happy Birthday" to me so beautifully. It too was a huge blessing.

I love all of you! Thanks so much for being such big blessings in my life. I hope that each of you walk with Christ and love him more than anything else in this entire world!

I'm Going Offline...Temporarily

2011-10-15T23:51:00.000-04:00

Hey brothers and sisters. With the upcoming minor surgery on Monday, I'm going to be taking some time off from posting on the blog (not because I want to but because the meds are going to make it impossible). Keep me in your prayers Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (maybe Thursday too) as I hit up the surgery and then proceed through recovery. Let me give you a few Scripture verses that I am thinking about as everything draws near.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

"Casting your anxieties upon the Lord because he cares for you."

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 118:6

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who
hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

Compared with many of the trials that other believers are walking through, this is not a major trial. But, I've been rethinking about what this trial, any trial, really is, regardless of circumstance. Namely, it is an opportunity to glorify God. So, I've asked myself, how can I glorify God in this situation? I have to put my trust in him. For me, this surgery has proven to be a test. I'm not afraid of dying or anything like that. I am afraid of the "pain." So, I'm placing my trust in Christ. He is good and he cares for me. I've also asked myself, realizing that the pain is inevitable (even with strong narcotics), what can this pain teach me? It may sound crazy, but I was thinking about the way Christ describes hell...it is a place of eternal dental pain ("weeping and gnashing of teeth," emphasis added). Whatever pain I am going to feel on Monday through Wednesday, it is nothing compared to what Christ has saved me from with what he has accomplished on the cross. The greatest pain that we can experience upon this earth is temporary and minuscule in comparison to the pain that we would have experienced apart from the saving work of God by Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins! It should make me, you, and every one of us embrace and treasure Christ even more as we ponder these experiences in light of what he has done for us. Eeewww, Lord, help me to live by these words.

Lord-willing, I'll be able to give you an update sooner than later.

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

Today was a wonderful day. Last evening before bed, I had my first birthday celebration. The family who has become such a blessing to us over the last few months had a family celebration with us last night. It was superb. Their two youngest children made two very sweet cards for me...and they were very creative too. I talked to the youngest son (5) this afternoon. He explained the picture for me. He drew us both standing side by side and wrote our names above our heads. I was about a centimeter taller, in his words, "because you are just a little taller than me." Perspective is very different as we grow in different stages of human development. While I have a more realistic perspective, more accurate in terms of measures, I think this perspective is contra at times to the type of perspective God wants us to have. He wants us to be accurate, for sure. But, he also wants us to have faith like a child. What a blessing this family is.

Today, I spent the afternoon with my parents. We had lunch at what has become our family Chinese restaurant. Four people eat for less than eleven dollars. Can't beat that. I love my mom and dad a whole lot. They've done so much for me and I wouldn't trade them for any other set of parents in the world. Tomorrow is going to be a continuation of today with them. In the afternoon, we are going to head out to the fair. What are our favorite things and top reasons to go to the fair? It may sound simple, but we love checking out the livestock, visiting the grist mill and getting our free and fresh hush puppies, and just walking around talking together. I can't wait. My mom made me a cake which I previewed today, but we've left it untouched so that we can all enjoy it together tomorrow.

Then tonight, I had the opportunity to go with the guy who shared the gospel with me about eleven years ago to an event that concentrated on life-on-life discipleship (2 Tim. 2:2). This guy has poured his life into me spiritually since God saved me. It was a blessing to get my "perspective" back this evening. It was a healthy and needed reminder of who I am in Christ, while also reminding me what Christ has accomplished for me through the cross and how he brought me to a knowledge of himself apart from any doing of my own.

Excellent, birthday!

*Still a little nervous about the surgery on Monday, so keep praying for me. :)

Update And Prayer Request

2011-10-13T13:27:00.002-04:00

I'm back from the oral surgeon's office. I have gauze in my mouth. They had to cut away to let the infection drain out. So, I got some antibiotics and have a surgery scheduled for Monday A.M. They are going to take the two lower teeth out at the same time. I'm a little anxious. Be praying for me.

Man, I was surprised at how much this is going to cost! $1,500. KA-REY-ZEE! I'm sure on Monday the last thing that I am going to be thinking about is the cha-ching.

Prayer Request

2011-10-13T00:15:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning I have an appointment with an oral surgeon. My mouth is "on fire." This wisdom tooth seems to be getting worse. Maybe that is the best. If it was tolerable, I'd be tempted to postpone treating it or deceiving myself to thinking the pain will go away. From the swelling, I may actually have some infection going on. So, the pain grows worse. I'll be honest, dentist visits are one of my least favorite things to do. I'd really appreciate your prayers. This is not heart surgery or anything so serious like that, but it is giving me a wonderful opportunity to trust in the Lord, both for his provision ($$) and for his care during the recovery. I don't really know what the surgeon is going to say other than this tooth has to come out. Please be praying for me tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. And, to make things a little more complicated, isn't it a perfect time to have a cold. :)

Thanks, everyone!

I Can Still Drive

2011-10-12T18:24:00.000-04:00

I woke up early this morning to hit up the NCDMV office over in Cary. Thirty minutes early and the line was already six deep. I didn't have to wait once through the door though. I headed over, chatted to the officer a little, and then pressed my head against the eye machine. I was a little worried about the eye exam. My eyes have been hurting me a lot lately and giving me some tough headaches. But, I passed the eye exam with flying colors. Maybe my eyes just get fatigued and I need to give them a rest every now and then. I'm glad I was able to renew the license this morning. I'm good for eight more years!

Sometimes Wisdom Hurts

2011-10-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

Almost ready to celebrate 30 years of life and I have a huge pain in the lower corner of my mouth. I hurt. I hurt so bad at this point that I am going to hit up an oral surgeon tomorrow for a little consultation. That alone is going to cost $185. Lesly and I do not have any insurance, so we are going to try and figure out some way to cover the costs. I'm hoping that the oral surgeon will let me make some payments. Keep me in your prayers. If there is one thing I don't like, yep, it's the dentist. AAAHHHHHH!

Peter The Συμπρεσβύτερος

2011-10-11T21:01:00.002-04:00

I've been looking over 1 Peter 5:1-5 this evening. It really is amazing how Peter refers to himself in the letter. Of course, he identifies himself as an apostle in 1:1. That word does not show up again. And, if there was ever a place in the letter for it to show up, it would be in 1 Peter 5. Why? Well, if one considers that verses 1-5 are somewhat corrective or preventative, it seems like having that apostolic authority would go a long way. Or is that just the way we think...over here...in the Western hemisphere? Instead of referring to himself as an apostle, Peter uses the word συμπρεσβύτερος ("fellow elder"). Why the change? Lewis Donelson suggests that epistolary rhetoric during the time Peter's letter was written needed this sort of identification between unequals if an exhortation was going to be given. Donelson writes:

"The protocols of exhortation in ancient letters include such rhetorical identification between unequals." (Donelson, 143-144)

I'm not completely sold on this though. I would definitely need to do some more studies, especially looking at extra-biblical sources from the same time period. I'm sure Donelson has done those types of studies, so it is worth considering. Paul definitely uses his apostolic authority when he needed to in writing the Corinthians. I think another option is the fact that Peter's apostleship was unchallenged, whereas Paul's was constantly challenged...you know the 13th apostle.

Almost every single commentary author mentions that this term is "unusual." Apparently it is extremely rare if not unique. Thomas Schreiner suggests that Peter may have coined the term (Schreiner, 232). Maybe, maybe not. Paul appears to have been in the habit of prefixing prepositions to the beginning of words as well. Regardless of whether or not he "coined" the term, the value of the word is in the fact that Peter...Peter...used it. I Howard Marshall writes:

“Peter addresses himself to them on the basis of his own position, which is expressed in quite a remarkable way. Here is the apostle who is presented in Acts as the original leader of the church in Jerusalem—the first apostle among equals, if you like. Here is the apostle whom Paul calls the apostle to the circumcised as he himself is the apostle to the uncircumcised…Here is the apostle who is venerated from an early date as the founder of the Christian church in Rome, or at least as its first bishop. By A.D. 96 he is venerated as a leading martyr. Whether or not this present letter is directly from the pen of Peter, one would expect the instructions to reflect his authority and leadership in the church; but not a word of it. Of course he refers to himself as an apostle in 1:1; yet thereafter he slips into the background. And when he comes to this section of the letter he is content to say that he is a fellow elder, another older man called to leadership on the same terms as they are.” (Marshall, 160)

Beyond this description, consider the personality, say some thirty years earlier, of the man who used the term here. The letter is the work of one whom God has been working on to humble and to strengthen in the faith. He is a more mature believer at this point in his life. This letter is written by the one who has forgotten to be concerned with what happens to John and is solely concerned with the perseverance and character and life of the "flock of God."

There is a great deal within these verses that SCREAMS equality in the body of Christ. The titles, like the one mentioned above. The prepositional phrases like ἐν ὑμῖν ("among you"). The three "not/but" explanations that describe what the elders are to be doing. They are all measured by the same test and standard. They are all called to be faithful shepherds.

One thing that I noticed tonight is the textual variant in 5:2 dealing with ἐπισκοποῦντες. Is it original or not? Metzger says the committee recognized the "doubt" that was cast over it. They opted to include it but put it in brackets. Nearly every translation, like the NAS(U), translates it without the italics one would find if reading Mark 16:9ff. I know one thing. Every pastoral ministry class loves this section in Peter because it has all of the words used to describe the pastor and his work. I've never sat through a discussion of these verses where it was asked whether or not someone added this participle.

Pastors are not supposed to have any other type of mindset except that of a co-laborer in the work of the gospel. Paul self-identified with every single believer, except where his calling as an apostle was questioned and the life of the church or the message of the gospel jeopardized. Peter also demonstrates his own resolve in not perpetuating ecclesiastical hieracrchies. After all, what is going to provoke a greater response? For Peter to say, I am an apostle? Or, as he does all throughout the letter, Look at the example of Christ? And, so it should be for us. We should learn from this excellent display of leadership. Point others to Christ. Model Christ-like attitudes and behaviors before them. Throw away the type of "lordship" that kills instead of edifies. Christ is the Chief Shepherd, and rightly so. He is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls because he went to the cross. The best thing that we can do as pastors is follow in the example that he has set before us. And, if we do, we'll follow in the footprints of the Servant-Leader.

___________________________________

Richard, Earl. Reading 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter: A Literary and Theological Commentary. Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, 2000.

Marshall, I. Howard. 1 Peter. The IVP New Testament Commentary Series. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991.

Donelson, Lewis R. I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.

Schreiner, Thomas R. I, II Peter, Jude. NAC. Volume 37. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2003.

What Is One Thing I Have In Common With Dwight Eisenhower?

2011-10-10T22:34:00.002-04:00

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Ferdinand the VII, king of Spain for twenty years. King James II, king of England for three years. Ralph Lauren, as in Polo Ralph Lauren. Roger Moore, the "less famous guy" who played James Bond after Connery. John Wooden, college basketball coach with the most wins. Usher. And, Chris Thomas King, the musician who sold his soul to the devil in "O Brother Where Art Thou" who I also had the opportunity to share the gospel with once.

What do I have in common with everyone above? They were all born on the same day as me, October 14. I cannot believe that I am actually going to celebrate thirty years in just a few days. God has been extremely gracious to me. The most memorable and life-changing thing that has happened to me in all of these years is coming to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Nothing has ever compared or will to knowing that through him, his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, I have been forgiven of my sin and have peace with God.

There is noone and nothing more valuable, more honorable, more precious, and more worthy of our entire devotion than the Lord Jesus Christ.

Training _ The Ministry, Not _ The Ministry: The Difference One Word Makes In Theological Education

2011-10-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

Sam Burton in his historical overview of theological education over the last two hundred years says of the Methodist circuit-riders, "[T]hey were training in the work rather than for the work" (7). I don't think that the solution is in more than for or for more than in. Training needs to be both for and in.

While I'm thinking about the goal of theological education, I'll never forget The Master's Seminary lemma: "Training men as if lives depend on it." Guess the doctrines of grace come through with the "as if."

*Sam Westman Burton, Disciple Mentoring: Theological Education by Extension (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2000).

We Lost Our Chickens

2011-10-08T21:42:00.000-04:00

My father has had some pet hens in the backyard for a few months now. He had some previously before these three. But, the pen did not have a roof and some animal culprits took those out of the pen late in the evening. Tonight, my father lost three egg-layers. This time the culprit lived closer to home...my mother's dogs broke into the pen and...well...you guessed it.

Lesly Has A New Résumé

2011-10-08T19:21:00.001-04:00

Lesly has reworked her résumé today. I helped. It looks great. Keep us in your prayers as we continue looking for employment.

I had a job interview yesterday with a building contractor who needs someone to work with staffing (bilingual). She mentioned she was going to call back. The Lord knows and we are trusting him for the place and opportunity that he has for us.

If you know of anyone looking for a full/part-time administrative assistant or someone with the qualifications Lesly has, shoot us an email.

Thanks, James!

2011-10-05T21:59:00.004-04:00

We had a guest teacher in class this Sunday. Well, he and his dear wife, Eva, are there every week. But last Sunday, James had the opportunity to teach us through Romans 5. It was a great class. The Lord used the time to teach us about the significance of the death of Christ in our place. And, James showed us that this substitution has a huge effect on how we live our everyday lives as believers. The gospel is not just for justification. We move, breathe, speak, and live in light of the gospel always remembering what Christ has done in our place. Great job, brother.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Marianela!

2011-10-05T21:55:00.001-04:00

Lesly and I had a wonderful time at a surprise birthday party tonight for a dear sister in the Lord. It was a blast! Bill and his family did a wonderful job singing the song Feliz Cumpleaños in Spanish! Way to go Marcelo!

Happy Birthday, Marianela. We are very thankful to the Lord for your life. May Christ always be your Rock and the one you value and treasure more than anyone and anything else in this entire world!

Christophe Rico On Suffixes And Semantics In The Study Of New Testament Greek

2011-10-04T14:23:00.002-04:00

Christophe Rico has got what looks like a pretty valuable tool for learning New Testament Greek in French. I haven't looked at it a whole lot, and I haven't ever looked around to see what resources are available in French by which to compare it. It is called PolisKoine.

I did enjoy reading a little section of an interview with Rico. He was asked the question, basically, how does a study of semantics inform biblical exegesis? I don't have time to translate it. But, this is his response (in Spanish). Blessings.

¿Cuál es la repercusión de la semántica del griego koinè en el estudio de los problemas filológicos que se plantean los investigadores en el campo de la filosofía y de la interpretación de la Biblia?

Hay que estar prevenido contra la tentación de trabajar sobre los textos de la antigüedad sin un conocimiento profundo del idioma original. A nivel científico, parece sencillamente imposible. Algunos creen que desde el momento en que un texto está traducido no se necesita ya acudir al texto original. Ya vimos las dificultades de interpretación que planteaba una palabra tan común en filosofía como lógos. Cuando uno investiga la palabra lógos, tanto en Platón como en Aristóteles, se da cuenta de que designa en algunas ocasiones lo que podríamos llamar sintagma, expresión. “Bonito caballo”, por ejemplo, sería un lógos, algo que no llega a ser frase pero que sí es sintagma. Aristóteles, a una secuencia de palabras de este tipo, la llega a llamar lógos. Para Aristóteles también puede ser lógos una definición: “animal bípedo” o “animal racional” como definición del hombre. Pero tanto para Platón como para Aristóteles, también es lógos el enunciado, es decir, la frase provista de sentido que alguien ha podido pronunciar. Por último, Aristóteles en su Poética llega a llamar lógos a toda la Ilíada, porque se trata de un enunciado completo, de una obra literaria provista de unidad.

En castellano no tenemos una palabra que refleje toda la riqueza semántica de la palabra lógos. Para la filosofía, es tarea esencial investigar el sentido de las palabras para poder entender mejor los textos de la antigüedad y los debates filosóficos que tienen lugar en cada momento.

Otra dificultad que hallamos en griego es la traducción de los sufijos. En griego existe una gran riqueza de sufijos nominales; el sufijo -sis se disttingue tanto del sufijo -ma como del sufijo -mós. La palabra téichisis, por ejemplo, que aparece repetidamente en la Guerra del Peloponeso de Tucídides, evoca el hecho de fortificar, de “construir una muralla”. Téichisma designa en cambio a las fortificaciones ya realizadas, la muralla misma, y teichismós, por fin, nos remite a la acción de fortificar contemplada en el transcurso de su desarrollo. Este tipo de variaciones semánticas exigen de nuestra parte un estudio. En la medida en que el griego antiguo, clásico o koinè, no se habla ya hoy en día, se precisa recopilar muchos textos e identificar muchos contextos para poder fijar el sentido de una palabra o de un sufijo determinado.

En el campo de la Biblia, donde están en juego temas de gran importancia, el estudio de la semántica es fundamental. Siempre se puede traducir mejor. Las traducciones actuales de la Biblia al castellano son fieles y perfectamente válidas en su conjunto. Lo que sucede es que siempre se pueden mejorar las traducciones teniendo en cuenta la riqueza del texto original. Tomemos un ejemplo sencillo. En el capítulo cuarto del Evangelio de San Juan, se dice que cuando Jesús llega al pozo de Sicar, está “kekopiakôs de caminar”. En la Vulgata de San Jerónimo, que es una versión de una extraordinaria fidelidad, la palabra kekopiakôs fue traducida al latín por fatigatus. Habitualmente todas las traducciones, ya sean inglesas, francesas o españolas, traducen el vocablo original por la idea de “cansado”. Pero kekopiakós es un participio perfecto del verbo kopiáo. El perfecto de este verbo es absolutamente inusual en griego: aparece muy pocas veces tanto en el Nuevo Testamento como en la Septuaginta. Dentro del campo semántico del cansancio, se trata de una palabra muy específica. Al traducirla por fatigatus, San Jerónimo emplea una palabra latina que no significa solamente ‘fatigado’, sino ‘agotado’.

Puede parecer un detalle nimio, pero tiene su importancia para entender todo el pasaje. Al principio de ese capítulo, Jesús está “agotado del camino”. Al final del pasaje, encontramos a Jesús hablando con sus discípulos y les dice que uno es el que siembra y otro el que recoge, que él los ha mandado a cosechar aquello que no habían sembrado ya que otros kekopiákasin (“se han agotado”): los discípulos entraron pues en el fruto de las penas de sus predecesores, en el fruto de su cansancio y de su ‘agotamiento’.

Se ve pues cómo hay una relación entre el principio y el final de ese capítulo. Incluso podríamos ir un poquito más lejos y preguntarnos: ¿quiénes son esos otros que se han ‘agotado’? Ante todo, se trataría de Jesús mismo, ya que al principio del pasaje aparece ‘agotado’ del camino. La semántica nos lleva pues como de la mano a la hermenéutica, a la comprensión profunda de los textos.

Interesting. You can read more at his book's website.

Pastor Search Committees: Suggestions?

2011-10-02T02:14:00.000-04:00

I saw this interesting article and thought I would share it with you. Agree or disagree, it is worth the read.

Theological Education: From The Surface Down

2011-10-01T23:49:00.001-04:00

Theological education is extremely important. Here are a few thoughts.

First, we do very little at giving people at our churches more than a surface level encounter with God's Word, and that, often times, is shaky at best. The number of theologically malnourished ministries far exceeds the amount of theologically enriched ones. We tend to think our messages have to be short. We tend to think they have to be alliterated when many times they are "illiterated." We tend to concentrate on the "What Now" instead of allowing our preaching and teaching to be concentrated on what the text actually says, what the main point of the text is, what key flow of thought is present, what key words are there, what theology is being communicated within the text, etc.

Second, we tend to think those things that lie underneath the "surface" level of theological education are those fields reserved for pastors-to-be or missionaries or any other sort of believer that is gearing up to devote all of life to serving the church. Nothing could be further from the truth. We need to have people studying theology and thinking through God's word all throughout the church. We need fathers who value and treasure God's word so much that they want to know it more...more than just a fifteen minute devotional's worth before breakfast or right before falling asleep. We need Sunday School teachers who do not wait for someone to forward them the powerpoint and notes or LifeWay materials before they put together their lessons. We need them to be able to go to God's word themselves and be able to operate the tools so that they can edify brothers and sisters with their own message from God's word, one that the labored over and one that the Holy Spirit used first hand in their own life as they worked through the text while guiding them in their preparation. We really need churches that are filled with believers who, when they come across the word 'propitiation' in Romans, they: (1) want to know what that means, (2) don't wait for someone to get to it and explain it to them when it comes up in the LifeWay curriculum, (3) know where and how to do some research to find out the answer, (4) become competent to explain it to others later and, especially, why it is important.

Third, pastoral and Christian leadership development overseas is in need of a commitment to the kind of theological education outlined below. The surface level really gives the mentee/student an overview of the Scriptures that local churches should be giving them week after week. At that level, they will get a "movie-trailer" kind of look at each book of the Bible including author, date, recipients, main themes, etc. The next step is definitely to take to the original languages. One of the things that I have seen time and time again whether in the States or abroad is the tendency, in some places, to put theology in the curriculum before its time. Theology is dangerous apart from the original languages. And, when you consider those practical theologies, being knowledgeable in the biblical languages is almost like being anchored to always go back to the Scriptures when thinking about various issues like evangelism, etc.

Putt-Putt Fellowship Tournament

2011-10-01T20:54:00.001-04:00

Today's tournament was a huge success! We accomplished what we set out to, namely to serve Christ by sacrificing a little of our time and $$ to help one of our brothers in Mexico all the while enjoying intercultural fellowship with one another. Shew! That's a breath-full. But, it was a great time. We had three rounds. The championship match included the shoe-in Brian "Another Hole-In-One" Long versus Thomas "Anakin Wants To Beat Obi Won Kenobi" Hudgins... Well, needless the say, the "Force" was with Brian this afternoon. I held the lead up until hole 14 or 15. At the final hole, I had the chance to tie the game with a hole-in-one. It was a full-court toss that, sadly, fell short. In the end, Brian claimed the Putt-Putt Championship!!!!!!! All joking aside, this afternoon was a huge blessing. The fellowship was great. And, the fact that we all joined together around this effort to minister to a brother in Mexico (who only one of us had met) was great.

For some more pictures, click below.