Reformation Day 2012

Happy Reformation Day! Today, we Protestants celebrate the symbolic beginning of the Protestant Reformation (it was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his "95 Theses" on the door of "Castle Church" in Wittenberg, Germany). I'd like to highlight some great "Reformation Day" resources I've found throughout the web...

Over at Crossway, they've made Greg Forster's book "The Joy of Calvinism" available for FREE download:

At Ligonier, along with the Mystery of the Trinity special I mentioned the other day, they are offering R.C. Sproul's "Luther and the Reformation" series for FREE download (MP3 & MP4) as well:



Desiring God has FREE digital downloads of John Piper's biographical sketch entitled,"Martin Luther: Lessons from His Life and Labor":



More Reformation resources:



Don't forget to check out the various pages on this blog... there are some great Reformation resources in the "Historical Theology" section as well as a number of classic and contemporary Reformed/Evangelical articles on the other pages.

New (Old) Books...

I obtained several great books today. Many of them are old, but most are in really good condition. Here are the titles (click on the images to learn more)...

I am really excited about Benjamin Keach's text on typology. I am fascinated by the biblical study of types and metaphors, and it looks to be a good resource for such an endeavor. The "Dogmatic Theology" by W.G.T. Shedd is actually Zondervan's three volume edition, which is a welcome addition to my growing Systematics section (and they look sleak as well). Berkouwer's "Studies in Dogmatics: Holy Scripture" is also a great addition to my Systematics collection, which I see myself returning to regularly in my study of the doctrine of Scripture. I've been trying to get my hands on Carson & Beale's "Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament" for years, so I am extremely happy I was able to get a "gently used" copy at a low price. There were a couple Historical Theology additions also: Shelley's "Church History in Plain Language" and Torbet's "A History of the Baptists" (of which I am eager to look at since I am ignorant of much of credobaptist heritage). I was also able to get my hands on a few coveted commentaries by F.F. Bruce, Charles Bridges, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Derek Kidner.

Credo Magazine Book Giveaway...

Credo Magazine is giving away a copy of Gregg Allison's "Historical Theology"...

"This book presents the history of various doctrines in identical order to their appearance in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Rather than following the history of Christianity and learning about various doctrines as they arise, readers can trace the development of vital Christian theology topic by topic.

Most historical theology texts follow Christian beliefs chronologically, discussing notable doctrinal developments for all areas of theology according to their historical appearance. And while this may be good history, it can make for confusing theology, with the classic theological loci scattered throughout various time periods, movements, and controversies.

In Historical Theology, Gregg Allison offers students the opportunity to study the historical development of theology according to a topical-chronological arrangement, setting out the history of Christian doctrine one theological element at a time. Such an approach allows readers to concentrate on one tenet of Christianity and its formulation in the early church, through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and post-Reformation era, and into the modern period. The text includes a generous mix of primary source material as well, citing the words of Cyprian, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and others. Allison references the most accessible editions of these notable theologians’ work so that readers can continue their study of historical theology through Christian history’s most important contributors. Historical Theology is a superb resource for those familiar with Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology or interested in understanding the development of Christian theology." (Publisher's Description)

To enter the contest, CLICK HERE.

Fresh Picked Daily (23 May 2011)

The Monday edition of "Fresh Picked Daily" is about pastoral education, evangelism, church membership and church history. Enjoy!

On Choosing a Seminary: Over at Reformation 21, William B. Evans of Erskine College provides some wisdom for those called to ministry considering pastoral education... "Prospective students choosing a seminary need to recognize that schools differ, that there is no such thing as 'generic seminary education.' Just as students need to be concerned about 'fit' when they choose a college or university, so also they need to pay close attention to the distinctives of the seminaries they are considering." It is the task of institutes devoted to pastoral education and training to balance theology and practice, catechesis and critical thinking, and ecumenical breadth and confessional depth.

Its a Matter of Time: At The Gospel Coalition, Petar Nenadov of Lakeside Christian Church in Akron, Ohio recently interviewed Rico Tice of All Souls Church in London, England on the subject of evangelism. Tice, who is known for his book entitled "Christianity Explored" (a Christological study of Mark's Gospel) explains the importance of evangelism and prayer in the life and preaching of the pastor, collective relational evangelism, and balancing church work (administration) with the work of the church (making disciples).

Church Membership: In the latest issue of 9Marks' E-Journal, Matt Chandler of The Village Church in Highland Village, Texas examines what the Bible says about church membership. Starting with Hebrews 13:17, he poses a number of questions regarding pastoral responsibility (care & discipline) and the obedience/submission of believers under elders. Next, Chandler provides biblical evidence for the need of fellowship and service for the sake of building up the body of Christ and postulates a divine mandate for membership in a local church.

Historical Theology: I have created a resource page for the study of church history. My plan is to have pages dedicated to Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Exegetical Theology, Pastoral Theology and Apologetics. I hope to update the pages regularly with links, books, PDFs, articles, etc. If you have any books, articles or online resources to share... I would love to hear from you!

That does it for "Fresh Picked Daily"... make sure to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for updates. I am also on The City. Soli Deo Gloria!