March, 2006

OK, C.J., It Wasn't a Harp

March 2, 2006

C.J., you finally break me down.  I wanted to play the trumpet or trombone, but my orthodontist made me play a woodwind that did not require a mouthpiece on the teeth. So, I played the clarinet.  It is not a matter of great pride, because my heart was not fully in it.  At first, my playing sounded like a nauseated duck.  I progressed to a somewhat healthier duck sound. 

Happy now? 

Can we talk theology again now?  Sheesh. 

High School Band

March 2, 2006

Al, I am honored to be invited on your radio program but I cannot even consider this kind invitation until you answer my question about what instrument you played in the high school band.

Call C.J., Right Now

March 2, 2006

C.J. is too busy to do my radio program tomorrow.  I’m not buying it.  If you think he should do the program, call him.

Great Luther Quote, Mark! And more Packer info

March 1, 2006

Mark, thanks for the Luther quote. It is so spot on for our situation today. It reminds me of Calvin’s statement that he who would be Christ’s disciple must first become teachable.

Now, still more of you out there in T4G-land have let me know that the Packer chapter from which I quoted is available online. Justin Taylor tells me that you can get it online here. Another T4G friend, Steve, wrote in a comment that it could be found here. Read and enjoy!

What comes first?

March 1, 2006

In earlier posts, I’ve mentioned that I read through a different theologian each month.  Last month was Augustine (I read De Magistro).  This month is Luther.  Here is a good word from a very young Luther about being a disciple, before you become a leader.

“In holy and divine matters one must first hear rather than see,
first believe rather than understand,
first be grasped rather than grasp,
first be captured rather than capture,
first learn rather than teach,
first be a disciple rather than a teacher and master of his own. 
We have an ear so that we may submit to others,
and eyes that we may take care of others. 
Therefore, whoever in the church wants to become an eye and a leader and master of others,
let him become an ear and a disciple first. 
This first.”
(Martin Luther, First Lectures on the Psalms II, Works II.245-246).