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Thrifty Thursday - Win a Free ESV Study Bible

According to our current Two Cent Tuesday poll, you folks are pretty big fans of the ESV.  That being the case, I’m sure that you’re planning on picking up the new ESV Study Bible when it gets released in October.   Amazon has the list price at $49 and $31.49 as their offer price.  That’s a nice little chunk of change… Wouldn’t you rather just get it for free?

Well, if you want to give it a try, Best-Bible.org is giving away a free ESV Study Bible. All you have to do is leave a review for something on the site and/or link to the website.  The more reviews you leave the more entries you get in the drawing.

Potentially save $30 while helping people learn about Bibles… sounds like win/win if you ask me.

Bible Meme

First, I still don’t really understand this whole “meme” thing… I think that since I got tagged, I now have to answer and then tag 5 other people?

I’ll do it, but someone please explain this whole phenomenon to me:

1. What translation of the Bible do you like best?

• I’m an ESV guy… But if you want more info on bible translations then check out the best bible site.  It has lots of helpful information on finding a bible.

2. Old or New Testament?

• Is that even a legit question? Do you like the first half of the movie or the second? Do you like the front of your car or the back? Do you like your left or your right nostril? Sorry… Whole thing.

3. Favorite Book of the Bible?

• Ephesians

4. Favorite Chapter?

• Ephesians 2

5. Favorite Verse? (feel free to explain yourself if you have to)

• Ephesians 2:4 “BUT GOD…”

6. Bible character you think you’re most like?

• The number of funny jokes I came up with here is amazing. However, none were very good for public consumption… that and I don’t want to get struck by lightening.

7. One thing from the Bible that confuses you?

• Just one… sheesh… Let’s start with the Hebrew language (I’m taking Hebrew II right now)

8. Moses or Paul?

• In a cage match… Moses. I’m sure he got some mad ninja training in Pharaoh’s house… then all those years herding sheep… He was probably a tough cookie… that, and the bible is clear that Paul let other people do the fighting (Acts 7:58). So, yeah, Moses in a cage match… was that what was ment by the question?

9. A teaching from the Bible that you struggle with or don’t get?

• Shoot… all makes sense to me Seriously though, I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Why am I even in seminary?

10. Coolest name in the Bible?

• Zebediah (means Son of Michael… and, yeah, my friend Mike named his kid Zebediah… now that is cool!)

Now tag five people. Chad, Nick, Jeff, Paul, Julie, & Terry

Should women attend seminary?

Now, some of you might read that and think, “that’s a stupid question.” And of the ones who think that, half of you think it is stupid for one reason and half think it is stupid for another.

However, the fact is that whether the question is good or not, it’s one I think we should tackle.

My short answer is yes. In fact, my answer is so much a yes that Just a Gal (my wife) is going to seminary with me. And by going, I mean attending.

The longer answer is that I think anyone who has the ways and means should attend seminary. And if you don’t have the means, I’ve already blogged about the ways… so, there is really no excuse. So, why everyone? Well, I guess mine is kind of a reverse logic… meaning, why not? Why not take time to study the depths and beauty of our redeemer and his gracious word? If you are a Christian, why would you not take the opportunity to do that?

Now, sure, we can have all kinds of debates about who can be an elder or deacon or sunday school teacher… and all the other debates that surround woman, men, and gender roles… but we can’t debate with Jesus.

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Is this a proof text for women to attend seminary? It has to be:

1. Uh, yeah Dr. Insert Your Professor’s Name is great… But this is JESUS!
2. Jesus was teaching. Again, better than Dr. Insert Your Professor’s Name.
3. Jesus said that Mary chose the good portion. He like that she was attending his seminary class.

So, there you have it ladies. Go to seminary. Jesus thinks its a good thing and so do I… but Jesus’ opinion is probably the better one to go with… I’m just a tag-a-long.