Tag Archive - DTS

It is finished…for now

May 8, 2010 in life with 2 Comments


Yelp, that’s where I sat for the last ten days. I don’t think I left that chair for more then two hours at a time, including sleep, the last ten days. I’m thankful that my wife wasn’t frustrated (or at least did a great job of hiding it) that I kept the table looking like that all week.

However, another semester is over, and if you follow me on twitter, or read my status updates on facebook, then you probably know this semester has consumed me. If you are thinking of going to seminary, don’t expect it to an awesome, four, year summer camp…it’s not.

But it is good. Real good.  You’ll learn more then you ever thought your brain could learn. You’ll also learn that you’ll never, ever learn all there is know about God. Ever. You’ll get humbled. A lot. You’ll learn that you’re not near as smart as you think you are. And you’ll learn that God loves us. A lot.  More then we could ever wrap our minds around.

I’m planning on resting (somewhat) this next week, and then the busy summer schedule begins….here’s to having a few sno-cones next week…!

God is…..Triune

July 7, 2009 in life with 9 Comments

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A few days ago I asked my friends on twitter and facebook this question;

“If you had to describe God in one word; what would it be.”

(not that any amount of words could ever adequately describe God)

Here are some of the many replies….
—————————————-
Awesome
God
Love
Indescribable
Unconditional
Word
Holy
Good
Father
Daddy
Hope
Faithful
Perfect
Amazing

——————————————-

While most of these are great adjectives for God; I was saddened that no one described Him as the one quality that is His, and His alone – Triune.  It is this quality that sets God apart, that sets Christianity apart from any other religion. If you have the other qualities, but not this, then you don’t have a Biblical picture of God. Why is this not one of the first things that comes to people’s minds when then think about the One, True, God? Why do so many “Bible Teachers” neglect to talk about God in Triune (Biblical) terms? Why do we not teach our students (let alone our adults) about the face that God is Triune? That if God wasn’t Triune, if Jesus wasn’t fully God and fully man, then His death wouldn’t have mattered? Why do so many neglect this?

I’m so thankful that God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and that each is fully God and there there is only one God.

This is so vital because

“What a person thinks about God is the most important thought they will ever have. Because what a person thinks about God will determine what he thinks about everything else.”

Are we “thinking” right about God? Are we teaching Scripture to people in a way that would cause them to think “right” or “Biblically” about God? To think of God as Triune? Every time I open up the Bible to teach Scripture I ask myself “How can I make sure people walk away “thinking” CORRECTLY about the God this Bible describes?”

How about you? How would you answer the same question? When is the last time you have heard a sermon on the doctrine of the Trinity? When’s the last time you taught someone about the TRIUNE God? Do you make it a priority to teach about the Triune God of the Bible? Just some thoughts….

{On a side note – there are two professors at DTS, Dr. Scott Horrell and Dr. Jeffery Bingham, that God has used to really change my life, and my teaching. These men taught me more about the Doctrine of the Trinity and the importance of TEACHING it in my sermons then anyone ever has. I owe these men more then I can ever repay them. Thanks guys, you’ll never know the impact you have had on my life.}

thank you Ambassador {and The Cross Movement}

May 6, 2009 in life, videos with 8 Comments

If you’ve never heard the music of William Branch, aka – The Ambassador – you’re missing out! Him, and his group, The Cross Movement, have ministered to me for almost ten years! (Wow, ten years is a long time!)

William went to the same graduate school that I attend, and is now a pastor in Philly. (Check out this video my school put together.) His music is simply incredible. The lyrics. The content. The “deepness.” The way it honors our Triune God. I can’t tell you how many times I have worshipped (and even been brought to tears) as I have reflected on the content of some of his songs. (here are a few of my favorite song lyrics – When It’s On In The Whirlwind – It Was Love – Oh Wretched Men – The Fall – Off The Hook – What Do You See? – This is only a start – I could list many more!)

Here is a video off one of his newest cd’s. Enjoy.
{p.s. – do yourself a favor and pick up some of their tracks off of itunes today!}

Orange Conference {day 3}.

May 3, 2009 in life, photos with 0 Comments

After a nice few days hanging out in Atlanta, I’m back home in good, ‘ol Dallas, Tx. I had a GREAT time meeting so many awesome people – I only wish I had time to mention them all! {by the way – I broke a “cool rule” this week – I actually asked a few folks I meet if I could snap a few pictures – that’s a no-no when your sitting backstage at an event like this – talk about looking lame! – oh well!}

I must say, Reggie, and his team, know how to do things right! The entire conference was done with such excellence! (you wouldn’t believe how well they treated all the people who were apart of it – I had LOTS of great food!) I was very excited (and honored) they asked me to be a part of The Orange Conference. I am POSITIVE that I learned WAY more then I was able to “teach” anyone. I have much to say about all I learned the last few days – but not now! This week is going to be spent finishing up the last week of my many seminary projects, exams, readings, etc – not a very fun week I might add!

I have added some pictures from the third day at Orange ’09 – hope you enjoy!

{P.S. – I am going to be giving away a SINGED copy of Reggie Joiner’s new book – Think Orange : Imagine The Impact When Church and Family Collide – so be sure to check by soon for details on how this could be yours! – FOR FREE!}

{oh, and “one more thing” – I just wanted to add that I”m really digging the design of Reggie’s new book! Ok, maybe I’m a little biased since the designer of my website, and my good friend, Jared – did the artwork for the book! – check out the credits in the front of the book! – Jared is the man!}

Spring Seminary Reading List – 2009

January 14, 2009 in life with 2 Comments

A great classic book it logo from pizza hut.

The Book It logo was awesome...!

Well the spring semester at DTS has arrived, and has brought with it a new set of books that must be read, digested, critiqued, discussed, and interacted with.  Non-seminary friends often ask what books I’m currently reading in my graduate studies in theology.

In light of that; I thought it would be helpful to list my current semester’s assigned readings. Perhaps some of these books may be of interest to you! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me; I’d love to chat more about any of these topics with you!

 

 

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