Paul uses the Old Testament significantly in his writing to the church in Rome. With writing to a partially Jewish population, it is important that he use Old Testament citations to display that he is not teaching a new doctrine altogether, but a completion of the message. After all, Christ Himself stated that He did not come to abolish or destroy the works of the Law and the Prophets, but rather to complete it.[1] It must therefore be deemed that Paul follows the same mission, a follower and disciple of Christ, as he admits in his letter to the Corinthians. [2] The Old Testament speaks greatly of the message he has to share to Rome.

MacArthur states that the key doctrines in Romans are: mankind’s sinfulness, justification by faith, sanctification, and reconciliation.[3] Within the concept of mankind’s sinfulness, we see references to Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, 1 Kings, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. Justification is referenced in the OT in Leviticus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. Sanctification resides mainly in Psalms and Ezekiel. Lastly, reconciliation refers to Leviticus, Daniel, and Isaiah.[4] In all, however, Paul cites mainly from Psalms and Isaiah, for use of prophecy of Christ.[5] It would seem, therefore, that those two are his favorite to reference.

Reading through the book of Romans, it is obvious that Paul does not directly quote Scripture. For example, Romans 4:8 cites “[b]lessed are those whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”[6] Paul is referring to Psalms 32:2, which reads “[b]lessed are those whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”[7] While the reading may seem similar at first glance, two glaring differences exist. First, will never is much stronger than does not – taking an obvious stance in the emphasis. This suggests to the reader that Paul is quoting from memory, not direct quotation. Secondly, the reference of Lord in Romans versus Lord in Psalms is of great consequence with interpretation. Lord is merely a title of sorts, while Lord is a reference of name.  Viewing the original Hebrew text will show that Lord is rather a reference to Jehovah or Adonai.[8] This leads theologians to believe that the Septuagint may have been referenced instead of the Tanakh.

Paul references to two main OT personalities at different times in his letter. First, in the argument of faith versus works, we have Abraham. Covered in Galatians, “Paul views Abraham as a central figure in his understanding of salvation history.”[9] Abraham is considered the father of the Jews and the spiritual father of the Christian Gentiles. He uses Abraham in the discussion of his justification based off faith, in relation to both circumcision and the Law.[10] [11]Another personality at his dispense is Adam. Christ is considered to be the second Adam, the life, and thus is appropriate to reference the first Adam, the death. Paul considers this in light of the original sin issue.[12] The discussion of the issue of original sin in Romans 5 marks the impact and significance of the Genesis account being considered true.

In all, Paul uses the Old Testament significantly in his proofs of the Law, sin, and freedom of it. In order to declare the reason for freedom of the Law, he must first provide the problems of the Law, and present it accurately.  After all, as it goes to the beginning, Paul considers himself a disciple of Christ, Who spoke of being the completion, not the replacement, of the Law.

Bibliography

Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2007.

“Romans: Summary of Christian Doctrine.” In The MacArthur Bible Handbook, by John MacArthur, 363. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003.

Moo, Douglas J. Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Exposition. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.

Stern, David H. Complete Jewish Bible. Clarksville: Messianic Jewish Publishers, 1998.

TNIV Reference Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001, 2005.

[2] 1 Corinthians 3:11

[3] (MacArthur 2003, 366)

[4] Ibid.

[5] (Geisler 2007, 148)

[6] Romans 4:8 TNIV

[7] Psalms 32:2 TNIV

[8] (Stern 1998, xxxiii)

[9] (Moo 2002, 91)

[10] Ibid, 91-94.

[11] Romans 4

[12] (Moo 2002, 103)

If I couldn’t fail at any one thing, I suppose that one thing ought to be my utmost duty in life: being a father. It’s not that I’m not a father already, because I am, but that the fear of failing to be the father my son needs is constantly present. My dad was not around for me when I was growing up, and if it wasn’t for my faith and personal strength to never give up, I’m sure I would have been lost today. The damage caused by his absence will never truly be repaired. Learning from that experience, I am ever-vigilant on the importance on being everything my son could need, for it is from a father’s validation that a boy becomes a man. The ability to know I could not fail in this pursuit would provide me the confidence necessary to take the step of faith into trusting myself as having the skills to raise a boy, never having seen those employed myself.

So what about you?

If you knew you couldn’t fail at any one thing, what would you do and why would you do it?

Comedy is in the eye of the beholder, it would seem, since I find things humorous that others do not, or most often, what is in hilarity to my peers doesn’t tiggle my bones in the least. That caution being given, this true tale I tell I look back on in humor and have shared many-a-times, without pause to consider the laugh meter status.
When I was younger, my family and I would go golfing at one of the local courses. We started with a range and classes to learn how to golf, then began with a simple nine holes. Eventually, once or twice, we even attempted the grand eighteen-hole afternoon. I wasn’t the best of sorts as a young lad, not in any sport. However, I would try regardless.
One time, I knocked the ball off the fairway into the rough, in between a couple of trees. Instead of getting frustrated, or giving up, I took this opportunity to practice my expert skills of one-shot wonders. I lined up my club, aimed for the flag, and took some practice swings. I was about a hundred or so yards out still, but being in the rough, I would need to use an iron instead of a club. My favorite was the seven. Now was the moment to prove I could succeed. I prepared for the final blow, swung my iron, and watched my ball as it disappeared into the horizon. I couldn’t believe it. Where did it go? As my backswing finished, the front of the iron hit the ball that shot up vertically, knocking my forward about fifteen yards. Unbelievable. My family laughed, I was impressed. Looking back, a memorable family activity chocked with humor stands out…

What’s your funniest true story?

First off, the forward by Rick Warren is challenging and moving – bringing us back to the reality of where we ought to be. His comment fully supports the book and the form of missional discipleship.

This audiobook is narrated by Adam Verner – a first for me. He sounds plain, not overly monotone but still slightly, and slightly computerized. Although I do listen to these audibooks on my Cliq XT, it still performs accurately and well when compared to the website’s audio, even with my headset bluetooth. Adam moves appropriately through the text, but still reminds me of an advanced Text to Speech output provided by TomTom or another form of electronical device. After listening briefly, it is my conclusion that this book is better read than listened to. It’s not a background reading – you need to focus on the audio to hear the words. Unfortunate, but good for those who prefer to listen during a reading time. While during that time I’d recommend an excellent audio Bible instead, this can serve its purpose for a short period.

Overall, the audio feels bland and estranged. I don’t know the authors, but it seems like a British variant of them. Pers0nally not interested, I actually find myself disenfranchised to the book itself, and lack the desire to read the paper variant. That’s definitely the lowest any of these audiobooks have come by, which us unfortunate for sure. I’d recommend skipping this one, unless it’s an intentional listen, and go for another short, perhaps Stuff Christians Like?

Score:
+25 author-feel
-10 monotone
-5 bad cover art
-10 not mobile listening
-15 lost interest
=-15 pts. Move along, move along…

The Power of Affiliation – Help Us Out!

This review is written for ChristianAudio. I have been provided a complimentary copy of the audiobook for reviewing purposes and have not been compensated in any other way.  I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’ve seen many ministries recommend a slew of Accountability software options, most popular X3. However, I haven’t seen many recommendations for filter software. The difference being this: accountability watches, filter interferes.

Having a filter is good practice for public access computers, as well as family-access computers. It’s best to not provide your children the opportunity to go down that trap…

For some time, I used Family Fellowship and have had no issues. Still working on mobile platforms and 64-bit, it is useful for most other environments. In fact, they published a testimony I had written on their site.

“My experience with this program has been nothing short of amazing. I’m glad that there is someone out there that recognizes the need, and acts upon it. Thanks.”

Jonathan E. – Infinit Love Ministries

Update 7/21/10 2:19 PM: Please note it is familyfellowship.com. I’ve provided a hyperlink above for easy access. Turns out there are several “mocks” of this great site…

Alas, we are on to another audiobook. How amazing is it to be able to listen to all of these? Everyone once in a while, I get the excellent opportunity to listen to an audiobook that is read by the author. This can be a great treasure, or a terrible curse. For example, Stuff Christians Like blew me away, and captured my intrigue in Jon Acuff. In fact, it led me to work on audiobook reviews. On the other side, Forgotten G-d by Francis Chan disappointed me. I was looking forward to an energy like Jon’s that would capture the passion I had read. It let me down.

The problem with the author’s reading, just like watching a movie by the author, is that the imagination, the creativity, dies. I pictured Chan’s reading to be so entirely different, just as when I read a book, the characters are never as they seem on screen. I have trade in my desired outcome for reality. I get a notion that part of that is what Radical is about, with the upside-down house on the cover. But on to the narration…

David doesn’t disappoint. It sounds like him (I would hope). I can feel it, I can picture it, and I can move with it. This is not a good book for mobile listening – not the design of driving and listening at the same time, but would be an excellent companion for reading along, or dimming the lights and kicking back. David keeps the journey going, moving fluidly and organically. Definitely worth a listen, and if this audiobook is anything like the book itself, it makes that itself a read. On that note, if you plan to read, check out my power of affiliation below, and be sure to share your commentary on it!

Score:
+50 passion
-10 raspiness
+25 original
-20 im-mobile
-10 runny
=35 pts – worthy of the listen.

Affiliate Assistance Anyone?

This review is written for ChristianAudio. I have been provided a complimentary copy of the audiobook for reviewing purposes and have not been compensated in any other way.  I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I loved reviewing this book for Thomas Nelson. It is a worthy read. Check out the book review. But alas, now on to the audiobook portion…

The audiobook isn’t that bad, but isn’t amazingly good, either. This book is a more technical book, thus I recommend the audio only for those who can keep up with it. I’m in my Senior year at Liberty and I’m not tracking on all four cylinders. However, the narration isn’t all too bad. Sean Runnette is the narrator for this book as well, and he stepped up his game a bit. While you can tell that it is the same guy, he is more fluid in this book than he was in Doctrine. He keeps up fairly well, but still retains a part of his computerized monotone attitude. How does this guy do it? I’m at a loss, but it’s impressive nonetheless…

Here’s the part we’re all waiting for!

Score:
-40 monotone narration
+25 narrator improvement
+20 accurate portrayal
-15 complexity
+10 cover art hotness
= 0 – breaking even. Just okay….

Power of the purchase, affiliate-style:

This review is written for ChristianAudio. I have been provided a complimentary copy of the audiobook for reviewing purposes and have not been compensated in any other way.  I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There’s so much in life that can hold us back, trap us, and prevent us from living to our fullest potential – G-d’s call on our lives. Why do we allow that? The Bible teaches perseverance to be a fruit of the Spirit. We are not to rush into anything, especially out of our own impatience. What if the “rushed” decision is really the right timing, and the right pace. Would that not be G-d’s designation?

If you are facing a difficult decision, don’t allow the advice of others hold you back or push you forward. Pray. Seek His will regarding all things. Only then will you move at the right pace, whether that be the turtle or the hare. After all, He carries the broken and contrite, giving strength to the soul and mind. But He can only carry those who accept.

Every decision we make is either for or against G-d. Have you chosen His path today?

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This audiobook is reviewed by Johnny Heller. I’ve got to give the guy credit – he does a great job. And not just because our names are similiar, which is pretty sweet and tells me I have a future in the audiobook narration industry, but because he rocked the the voice for this book. It captured and fascinated me – lulled me in – and made me want to continue. I was past chapter three before I realized it. Moving quickly, and energetically, Heller gives this book the voice it needs. I picture Christian or Ryan speaking, and can see – imagine/visualize – what the writing is addressing. While still monotone, he flavors it enough to keep you moving, but not distracted. Great job. I loved listening to this audiobook.

Score:
+50 good narration
+25 sweet cover art
= 75 points. A good listen.

As a reminder, audiobook reviews address the quality of the audio, not the book. If you’d like to see this book reviewed, please drop me a line. Same for any other books. From the listening, it brings a good point overall – we should be hands and feet. But did they address it rightly? Start the discussion, and let’s see where it goes…

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This review is written for ChristianAudio. I have been provided a complimentary copy of the audiobook for reviewing purposes and have not been compensated in any other way.  I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What does the Commandment mean, to honor thy mother and father? Being OT, it is best to obtain a Jewish, not Gentile, perspective on what G-d meant by the matter. Chabad covers this excellently, in a manner I haven’t considered before. More after the jump…

Honoring Mom & Dad – Kindness.

What do you believe G-d meant to honor thy mother and father? Do we do the same for G-d, since we are children in His family? Thoughts? Comments? Contributions? Questions? Open Forum…