Wayne Grudem is a leading scholar in theology. His systematic theology volume is one of the best on the market, and I believe that it should be in the library of every serious student of Scripture.
If you don't have the $30 to shell out for his book, there is good news. You now have the chance to sit in on Wayne Grudem's "Christian Essentials" Sunday School class. Here's the link.
I am thankul to Justin Taylor for bringing this to my attention. Read More......
All of us have beliefs and opinions, and each effects us in some way. Christianity is different though. If taken to its logical conclusion, the effect of Christianity should influence every area of life. It effects your time, pleasures, goals, etc… Because of this far-reaching effect, everyone at some time has this thought: what if this isn’t true? C. Michael Paton explains what he does at these times... I think that each one of us needs to be balanced in regard to this, seeking to find many anchors in many places. For example, my primary anchor is the historicity of resurrection of Christ. I am not just saying this to appear academic. It truly is. My doubts quickly fade when I think to myself, “Oh yeah, Christ rose from the grave. What do I do with that?” I look at all of the evidence for the resurrection as objectively as possible and I cannot conclude anything other than that this event actually happened. To deny it, opting for some possible yet improbable alternative, would be an irresponsible use of my reason and judgment. The evidence is simply overwhelming. This anchors my faith more than anything else. For me, that fleeting question is a matter of God’s existence and not of Christianity. The first though that usually comes to mind centers on the cosmological argument(s) (at its simplest form it states that everything could not come for nothing). For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Rom 1:20) I’ll back it up with Scripture in case I get accused of a lack of faith. Anyway, what is your first thought when that question comes to your mind?When we have doubt, skepticism, and moments of weakness in our faith (and we all do), we search for a place to go, for solid footing somewhere. I often lay my head down on my pillow at night and have a fleeting thought, “What if none of this is true? What if I am wasting my time? What if Jesus is not real? What if God does not exist?” This will normally come after a day of discouragement. When bills are not getting paid, when I have spent the day with my invalid mother, or when I just don’t feel too spiritually connected to God. The thought is “fleeting” not because I suppress it to the back of my mind in order to live in a state of cognitive dissonance, closing my mind and shouting at the doubt in Jesus’ name, but precisely because I intentionally place it at the front of my mind. I want to deal with it. And in dealing with it, there are many things that quickly drown out the doubt, or at least the most significant part of it. There is an anchor to my faith that won’t let me drift.
At twenty five, Benjamin Franklin conceived a plan for moral perfection. Originally he had twelve virtues that he sought to add to his life. But when a friend told him he was considered prideful because of his debating skills, a new virtue was added to the list, humility.
It has been said that once you realize you have humility you have lost it. There is perhaps no passion so hard to subdue as pride. Franklin found his pride manifested itself when a debate arouse. Rather than being content with being right, he was overbearing and rather insolent. Franklin stated that this was clearly seen in his disregard to the opinions of others. He purposed to fix this by not contradicting directly others beliefs and not making any positive assertions of his own. He changed every word or expression that conveyed a fixed opinion such as “certainly” and “undoubtedly” to “it appears to me” or “I believe.” When a person asserted something that he thought was wrong, rather than allowing himself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, he strove to hear him out and then to humbly show why that opinion might not be suitable in that situation. Franklin said that when he adopted this rule his conversations went on more pleasantly, his friends were more ready to accept his opinions, and it also helped him to admit when he was wrong. I might also add that asking questions is also a good device to use. We often do not know why a person has come to their conclusions. Rather than assuming, we should find out clearly the reasons he believes he is right. Also, questions change the mode of the debate from deductive to inductive. It then becomes a process of self-discovery. It is somewhat of a backdoor approach. Rather than assaulting the castle head on, we slip through the back (perhaps this isn’t the best illustration for humble debate :-). I believe often we confuse the purpose of private debate. The point is not to prove the person wrong but to win him to your side. Your choice between these two will affect your tone and attitude, and I might also add the response of your hearers. In closing, I believe that Franklin is right: all of us need to practice humility in our debates.
Chris in his blog, Cloud of Witnesses, has written a post on how to find free education and free books. These sites will give you free mp3's of class lectures and also class syllabi. Here are some sites that he listed and some that I found:
We should always be striving to improve our understanding of God's Word and what better way is there to do so than for free. Also, if you know of any other free courses, please comment below.
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Leo Babauta has a helpful article on the 10 Benefits of Rising Early, and How to Do It.
