Ministers Musing

I just heard this week that the folks at Crossway are planning to release a VERY cool ESV Study Bible this coming fall.   This looks to me to be the mother of all Study Bibles!  

Here are some of the stats:

• Smyth Sewn- Tired of your Bible falling apart?  I am.   The ESV comes with various cover options, but every Bible is Smyth sewn - the best binding possible!   The calfskin leather version is going on my Christmas list!
• 25,000-plus notes, focusing especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues.   Many of the contributors are former and current professors from Westminster West!  (Steven Baugh - Ephesians; Ian Duguid - Daniel and Zechariah,  Mark Futato - Jonah, and Dennis Johnson - Revelation) 
• Over 50 articles, including articles on the Bible’s authority, reliability, and interpretation; on biblical archaeology, theology, worship, prayer, and personal application.   These articles are written by men like David Powlison, John Piper, Wayne Grudem, J.I. Packer, Kent Hughes, Mark Dever, etc. 
• Over 200 full-color maps created with the latest digital technology, satellite images, and archaeological research; printed in full color, throughout the Bible.   These are not your grandfathers maps! 
• 200-plus charts offering key insights and in-depth analysis in clear, concise outline form; located throughout the Bible.
• 80,000 cross-references to encourage easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes.
• More than 40 new full-color illustrations including historically accurate reconstructions of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon’s temple, Herod’s temple, the city of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time and throughout the history of Israel, and many more.   Like having a grown-up Picture Bible!
• Free ESV Online Study Bible for everyone when you purchase a copy of the printed version!  This is a terrific idea.  

For the full scoop go to www.esvstudybible.org.   You can also sign up to receive ongoing updates via email.  

A closing thought.  We are the most blessed people in the history of the world when it comes to having access to the Word of God and study helps.  Let’s not let this blessing be to our judgement.  Pray that God would open our hearts and eyes to see and treasure the astounding beauty of his book!

Blessings,

Pastor Dale

• Leave a comment...

No, your eyes are not deceiving you.  Yes, I am officially entering the world of blogging.  As a good Presbyterian I will provide you with my grounds.

1.  All the hip pastor’s are doing it. 

2.  John Piper is doing it. 

3.  Brittany Hunter did all the hard work of setting it up and then gently twisting my arm and…..well, how could I say no? 

4.  I actually like the idea of sharing thoughts and interesting news tidbits.   Don’t expect great profundity here.  Don’t expect daily posts either.  But I do come across things I would like to share - particularly books and articles I think you would enjoy.   

5.  This could be another avenue to continue the conversation (a very hip word) with the congregation.  In other words, we can discuss recent sermons, you can ask what I think about a pressing topic on your mind, I can ask what you think about an upcoming sermon series.  We could, like, do this together! 

I am excited about the interactive possibilities a blog presents. So, we’ll see how it goes.  Feel free to say nice things about my efforts.  You might send a note commenting on my new techno savvy.   You could even read some of the books I recommend!    Blessings to all of us as we start this new venture!

Pastor Dale

• Leave a comment...