Monday, July 3, 2017

Keeping Busy!

When the queen of Sheba visited Israel, she said to Solomon, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me.”

I kind of feel that way about retirement. People warned me that their life became more hectic AFTER they retired. But indeed the half was not told me! Wow, have I been busy!

Here’s some things I have been doing in my “spare” time:

  • Helping folks with their computers, tablets, cell phones, MP3 players, printers, email, internet connections, web browsers, etc.
  • Learning just enough about the Linux operating system to be dangerous! Well, actually my purpose is to help people with their Linux problems.
  • Helping people digitize music from cassette / LP records.
  • Helping with a videography project for someone in Australia.
  • Running the NTM Homes sound board for chapel.
  • Speaking at chapel and church.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. The main project I am working on is writing a textbook for Bold Grace Ministries. The book is titled Hermeneutics 2—Issues in Interpretation. Here are some of the proposed chapters:

  • How to Obtain Objectivity in Interpretation
  • The Hermeneutics of Augustine—Mr. Allegory
  • The Dangers of Allegorical Interpretation
  • Paul’s Use of Allegory in Galatians
  • Covenant Theology vs. Dispensational Theology
  • The Importance of Old Testament Priority in Interpretation
  • Matthew’s Use of Hosea 11:1
  • Complementary Hermeneutics & Progressive Dispensationalism
  • When Did the Church Begin?
  • The Church as a Mystery
  • Replacement Theology
  • A New Perspective on Paul
  • The Hyper-Grace Controversy
  • The Hermeneutics of the Word of Faith Movement

I am familiar with most of these topics. However, some have required a fair bit of research on my part to get up to speed. I feel like I have spent most of my time doing research and very little time actually writing. I must admit that I am somewhat obsessive-compulsive when it comes to writing. I almost feel like I need to know everything there is to know about a topic, before I feel confident enough to write intelligibly on the subject matter. The deadline for the book is July of next year. But with all these other “odd jobs” taking time, I am somewhat nervous that I might not be budgeting my time appropriately. So I keep telling myself, “Less research and more writing!!!”

And if that is not enough, I will be flying back to the Missionary Training Center for 2 months to help with the course there.

I do appreciate your prayers on my behalf. I especially need to be wise in the area of time management, and need wisdom as I put my thoughts into writing.

Bob

* * *

Let Freedom Ring

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

—The US Constitution

“The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.”

—Billy Graham

“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged”

—Ronald Reagan

“I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

—James Madison