Church History One: DONE

This week we had the privilege of studying ancient church history.  It was a delight to read Augustine.  Being reminded of how those who have come before us suffered and contended for the faith, built my faith.  Remembering how we stand on their shoulders and are able to learn and discuss the doctrines they suffered for was humbling.

I am getting my feet grounded and into a routine with PC and family life.  Getting to know some of the guys better and starting to build closer relationships with a few of the guys.

We also had our first Care Group with Gary and Betsy Ricucci.  That was nice...

Some Highlights of the Week:

• Hope's 9th birthday.  She chose a night out.  We had a babysitter for Zoe and all the girls got dressed up in dresses and we had a wonderful evening out as a family.
• The girls made apple cider at a nature center.
• Seeing how the girls are responding to Becky and they are having a sweet year of home schooling.

Soli Deo Gloria!

RFB

Quote: Robin Boisvert

Robin was not the first to say this:

All theology should lead to doxology.

Old Testament 1: DONE

This was a much busier week than last week.  I finished my exam last Saturday and on Sunday we headed to Colonial Williamsburg in VA for a retreat with our Classical Conversations co-op.

Becky and the girls stayed until Tuesday night and I had to come home Monday night for class the next day.

We had a great time.  Some highlights

• We stayed at a waterpark and had so much fun on the rides.  
• We went to the historic Jamestown Settlement the first permanent European settlement in North America 
• At Colonial Williamsburg we saw many trades from that era:  Silversmith, blacksmith, book printer and binder, shoe maker, gunsmith and many more.
• Also visited Yorktown Battlefield where the British surrendered to George Washington.

We are enjoying the history of this area that we don't have back home!

Today in our back yard we found 2 praying mantises (see picture above) and we able to squish our first stink bug.  Yes, they really do stink...

Looking forward to church history this week in the PC and Hope's birthday on Friday.  The girls have been doing a great job with school which makes Becky's job easier (I am sure it is a result of a great teacher!).

Soli Deo Gloria,

RFB

Quote: Bruce Chick

God loves the church far more than you ever will.

What a great reminder of where our abilities lie, only in the grace of God.

The Basis of holiness is grace.

RFB

Quote: Piper

When you are using illustrations in your sermon, use the Bible.

Wow, why did I never think of the obvious?

Quote: Waltke

The biblical writers write real history in order to teach theology.


Amen.


RFB

First Exam: DONE

We finished our first class this week:  Systematic Theology 1.  This is one of seven courses on systematic theology throughout the year.  We have lecture all week and then a take home exam on the weekend.  This week we had three essay questions to answer in two hours with only an unmarked Bible.  I did not get the third one done to my satisfaction and I was not able to proof read any of the essays, but they are DONE.

Some highlights of this week:

• Date night!!!  Becky and I have been blessed by a wonderful single lady here at the church.  She is watching the girls for us for date nights.  The girls loved her, Gracie said she reminds her of Miss Becky. There is no higher compliment in this house than that.
• Foosball and ping-pong tables showed up in the PC classroom this week.
• We met the Covenant Life second grade class, each of us is adopted by a student and they bring treats in every Friday for us.  Each week one of us spends 30 minutes in their classroom.

It is 8 pm on Saturday night, what is a PC student to do?  Start reading for next week of course...

Soli Deo Gloria,

RFB

Quote: Warfield

The blessedness of man is rooted in the true knowledge of his God—for this is life eternal, that we should know the only true God and Him whom He has sent.

Scripture is the living voice of God speaking directly to the individual soul.

Quote: Wayne Grudem

No believer should think himself or herself too foolish to read Scripture and understand it sufficiently to be made wise by it. 


The only foundation firm enough to rest one's faith on is the word of God itself..


That is encouragement to me!  And remember "encouragement is Red Bull for the soul."  (Prater)

Quote: RC Sproul

Resisting the lordship of Christ is not only sinful, but it is stupid, because God raised Him from the grave, placed Him at His right hand, and given Him all authority in heaven and on earth and has called every person to bow the knee before Him.

Week One: DONE

Well, our class of 23 men from 5 different countries bringing 65 kids along to Maryland has finished week one.

It was a wonderful slow start orientation week of getting to know one another and the staff of SG and Covenant Life Church.

Mostly we had the opportunity to get to know each other better.  I am truly looking forward to ten months of learning from these men.  As Gary R says "the greatest resource you have is each other." That is going to be so true.

Some highlights:

• Lunches with SG and CLC staff
• Meeting many SG staff that I have "known" but never met
• The "Athletic Assessment" with the PC men
• Getting a taste of learning from Jeff Purswell
• Having one PC family over for dinner this week, our goal is to have each family over at least once this year

And for those that know me best, part of my assigned reading for the weekend?  Grudem and Calvin.  Pinch me, I get to focus for 10 months on learning how to continually watch my life and doctrine closely.

Finally, for those of you who have supported us in so many ways, thanks you so much for making this possible for our family.  The thanks to each of you can never be said enough.

Soli Deo Gloria,

RFB