3416. One should always have the Psalms on hand and constantly and without interruption reflect upon them, because we can never adequately appreciate their splendor unless we read them diligently (p. 343).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
1877. The doctor said: For some years now, I have read the Bible through twice annually, and if I compare the Bible to a large and majestic tree, and all the words the small limbs, I can say I have knocked them all about to see what they were and what they meant. (p. 326).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
700. The Lord's Prayer binds people together, so that one prays for another and with another, for that reason it is strong and powerful, so that it banishes all evil and death itself (p. 320).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
I have been an avid user of Bibleworks for the past 17 years (since version 3.0!). Over these past 17 years I have only grown more convinced that it is the premier exegetical software for studying Scripture. In God's providence I have had the privilege of becoming a certified Bibleworks trainer, conducting training workshops throughout the United States for students, professors and pastors. But even cooler than that is serving as a beta tester for a few of the versions, including the one they have just released--Bibleworks 9.
There are so many reasons I love this software. If you are unfamiliar with Bibleworks, the best place to begin is here. If you are already familiar with Bibleworks and are wondering what is new in this most recent release, check it out here. For more even more discussion of the new features in Bibleworks 9, be sure to check out the unofficial Bibleworks blog, where there is an ongoing series of posts covering the new features in detail. Among the most exciting additions are a quantum leap forward in tools for textual criticism, a new fourth column that expands the information you can display on the screen, and several new tabs within the Analysis Window. Included in the standard package is The New Moody Atlas of the Bible that includes high resolution maps and photos. Available as add-on modules are the ESV Study Bible, Reformed Dogmatics (4 Volume Set) by Herman Bavinck, and Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem (for a full list of available add-on modules, see here). They even have the NIV2011. There is literally something for everyone in this latest release.
To whet your appetite, here is a short video that shows you Bibleworks 9 in action:
Here are just a few of the endorsements, including my own:
Even better
BibleWorks 9 is an invaluable tool for studying the scriptures... I use BibleWorks every day, and BibleWorks 9 makes a great product even better!
Dr. Thomas Schreiner
Louisville, Kentucky
June 2011
9 is a 10!
Version 9 of BibleWorks is, well, a 10! The addition of the textual apparatus from the Center for New Testament Textual Studies is alone worth the upgrade, not only because of the astonishingly detailed information it provides, but also because of the masterful way in which that information has been integrated into the program -- and all of this at no extra cost. The inclusion (also at no extra cost) of the Moody Bible Atlas (with high-resolution images of its beautiful maps and photos) and the addition of various other enhacements and tools make this extraordinary program even more useful than before. I for one am a very grateful customer.
Moisés Silva
Author and scholar
Translator for both the NAS and ESV bibles
June 2011
A giant leap forward
BW9 takes a giant leap forward in terms of opening up the world of textual variants and text criticism. A new database lets users access the major variants in every verse of the Greek New Testament. The manuscript witnesses for each variant are laid out in a chart displaying the manuscript's approximate date and type (that is, uncial, miniscule, etc.) for instant analysis of the witnesses. Even more exciting, the transcribed texts of the major uncial witnesses can be selected as display versions. I can read the critical text, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, Vaticanus, and others side-by-side, such that the historic witnesses come alive as real texts, and not just as symbols at the bottom of the page of the print edition of the critical text. These are also accessible through a new "manuscripts" tab in the analysis window, together with photographic images of select manuscripts.
The introduction of the fourth window dramatically enhances ease of use. Now I can have the window displaying multiple versions, the analysis window displaying lexical resources, and a browse window showing the verse in its full literary context all displayed across the screen. A new "use" feature provides gives me an instant book- or canon-wide concordance of any word under the cursor. That feature is an amazing time-saver.
David A. deSilva, Ph.D.
Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek
Ashland Theological Seminary
June 2011
Prepare to be impressed!
The first time I opened BibleWorks 9 on my desktop, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! An avid user of the last five versions of the program, I have long regarded BibleWorks as the gold standard for personal research and classroom use. If you're like me, then, you might wonder what more they could do. Prepare to be impressed! I noticed immediately that I had more choices at my fingertips, so that options available in earlier releases were more accessible. In fact, with the colorful, user-friendly toolbar, I was unsure whether I was now seeing, as if for the first time, tools and resources I had overlooked in previous versions. BibleWorks 9 introduces new text-critical resources – including the CNTTS apparatus, line-by-line comparison of mss., even images of some of the more important ones. This means I won't be moving back and forth between my computer screen and my hard copy of the Greek New Testament as before. I opened the new, second analysis window and found I could work on issues of grammar and usage (or any mix of possibilities) at the same time. Now I can simultaneously search the lexicon, study usage, and view a text in context – and that's only one combination of options available to me in this new configuration. A great resource for serious biblical studies just got better…
Joel B. Green, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament Interpretation &
Associate Dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies
Fuller Theological Seminary
June 2011
Familiar and friendlier
BibleWorks9 is a significant and attractive upgrade. It offers an updated interface that will be familiar to existing users and friendlier for new ones. The BibleWorks Manuscript Project and the CNTTS NT Critical Apparatus modules are remarkable resources that will especially appeal to those interested in New Testament textual criticism. All users will enjoy the easier access and increased functionality provided with new features like the pop-out fourth column, the "Use" tab, and the instant difference highlighting. Considering the other texts and resources provided, BibleWorks9 is a comprehensive study package and tremendous value.
Mark GV Hoffman
Assoc. Prof. of Biblical Studies
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
June 2011
Hard to believe
If your goal is to understand the biblical text in light of careful study of the original languages, there is no better tool available than Bibleworks 9. It is an indispensable part of my study of Scripture, whether I am writing a commentary, working on a journal article, preparing a sermon, putting together a Sunday School lesson, or crafting a small group Bible study. I am so convinced of its value that I am now requiring my Greek students to use it for assignments.
In the past i have found it challenging to introduce Greek students to the field of textual criticism. But with the cutting edge advances now available in Bibleworks 9, I am eager to show them just how valuable it can be even for the busy pastor with limited time.
Once people begin to mine the riches of the CNTTS New Testament Critical Apparatus, they will wonder how they ever managed to survive with just the NA27 apparatus. Combined with the breathtaking Manuscript Project, Bibleworks 9 is now the tool of choice for those who want to do careful work in the manuscripts of the New Testament.
In the realm of Bible software, there is simply no better value than Bibleworks 9. To create a comparable set of resources in other software programs, you will pay 2-4 times as much. And in some cases you still won't be able to match what Bibleworks 9 offers. To put it bluntly, not only does Bibleworks 9 do things that no other Bible software program can do, it does so at a speed and cost that is frankly hard to believe.
Matthew S. Harmon
Professor of NT Studies
Grace College & Theological Seminary
June 2011
For ordering information, see here. There is special pricing available for upgrades from previous versions, and information about group discounts can be found here.
1959. A Christian is bound by a dual obedience; obedience to God and obedience to authority. And this dual obedience comes into conflict only when the authorities command something that is against God's will. When that happens, one must obey God rather than man (p. 188).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
In this week's installment from Off the Record with Martin Luther, Luther extols the Word of God and describes the best way to preach it:
4812. The magnificence of the Word of God is never-ending and indescribable. We can never thank God enough for it. Human reason thinks thus: "Oh, I would walk to the end of the world if only I could hear the Lord our Creator here upon the earth!" Hear, dear brother, God the creator of heaven and earth does talk to you through His preachers. He baptizes, instructs and pronounces us free from sin through His Sacraments. And the Word of God is not to be compared to the words of Plato or Aristotle, but rather God Himself speaks. And the Word is best learned by the common people and youth when preached simply and plainly without the slightest obscurity or ambiguity, just as Christ taught through simple parables. And that is the best and most suitable manner for the congregation to hear the Word of God and never doubt the preacher. It is especially important when the people are not quite secure in their belief that the pastor speak simply, so he can help and guide them. For although God can certainly overcome opposition, he cannot tolerate confusion and contradiction. (p. 228).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"4579. Let us simply pray! For the Lord's Prayer is worth more than the entire world: Every single word conquers the entire world through its strength and fullness of expression. And he said that he prays a whole lot more in German than Latin, because the mother tongue is more effective." (p. 360).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"2433. The world neither acknowledges nor believes in the hidden treasures of God; it cannot be disputed that an obedient maid, a true diligent servant, and a child-bearing wife are far above a praying monk, who does not see beyond his grub; each, however, under the command and control of God." (p. 111).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
As part of our church's Grow Initiative, we have begun selecting one book a quarter that we are encouraging our people to read. Because the gospel is so foundational, we began with Greg Gilbert's book What Is the Gospel?. The book does an excellent job of explaining in very simple but profound terms the basics of the gospel message. In his foreword to the book, D.A. Carson writes:
"This book does not so much claim to break new ground as survey afresh some old ground that should never have been ignored, much less abandoned...This book will sharpen the thinking of not a few mature Christians. More importantly, it is a book to distribute widely to church leaders, young Christians, and even some who have not yet trusted Christ who want a clear explanation of what the gospel is. Read it, then buy a box of them for generous distribution." (p. 14)
To help our people identify and digest key aspects of the book and its implications, several staff and I recorded a video podcast discussing the book. Here is part two of that podcast:
"2410b. I find nothing that promotes work better than angry fervor; for when I wish to compose, write, pray and preach well, I must be angry. It refreshes my entire system, my mind is sharpened, and all the unpleasant thoughts and depression fade away" (p. 110).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"6438. On Jun 10, 1545, Doctor Martin Luther wrote a thesis for a doctoral disputation, and was extremely exhausted. It was late when he finally rested and he said: I have had more than enough to do today, would like to have done much more and written two books, one in Latin, and one in German. I am weak. Come, Lord, and set me free! Those who know nothing about writing think there is no work to it. Only three fingers are used, but the entire body is worn out. It is a noble work, worthy of praise, for those who do it correctly." (p. 171).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"2146. He who wants to study theology and accomplish something is a fool, and will not become a theologian. The highest art of a future theologian is that he very carefully differentiates between the cleverness of reason and the Word; that is the wisdom of God. For those who confuse the two get heaven and earth mixed up." (p. 216).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
This is the time of the year when Greek students are wrapping up the semester and looking forward to their summer break. For some it means the end of their formal Greek study, while for others merely a three month pause until they resume in the Fall. Other readers of this blog are actively involved in ministry and are years removed from their Greek studies. Regardless of which one of these situations describes you, Constantine Campbell has written a book for you. The title says it all: Keep Your Greek: Strategies for Busy People. Based on a series of blogposts, Campbell provides equal parts motivation and tips to equip you to fight the good fight of language retention, all in less than 100 pages.
After a brief introduction, Campbell offers the following ten tips, each with its own brief chapter:
Read Every Day
Burn Your Interlinear
Use Software Tools Wisely
Make Vocabulary Your Friend
Practice Your Parsing
Read Fast
Read Slow
Use Your Senses
Get Your Greek Back
Putting It All Together
The book then concludes with an Appendix for current Greek students entitled "Getting It Right the First Time."
In my estimation this is now the go-to resource to help students think through practical ways they can keep their Greek fresh.
"114. 'My Dear Brother, do not be surprised that the devil tortures you so, Christ said, 'If you were of the world, then the world would not hate you. But because you are not of the world, etc. [John 15:19].' You may take your doubt and torment as a sign that you are a child of God. That is why Satan torments you, throws you into doubt, and makes you his son." (p. 309).
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"6544. When God wants to punish a kingdom, land or people, the first thing He does is take away devout, religious teachers and preachers, as well as God-fearing regents and advisors, prudent and experienced warriors, and other honorable people." (p. 301)
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
Go, make the tomb secure as you know how:
Send out a watch--you have the guards you need.
And set the seal: if death does not give heed
To this, at least prospective thieves will bow
Before raw military might, and plow
Some other furrow less foreboding, freed
From threat of soldiers' angry blows. This seed,
Pernicious rumor, can be stifled now.
The One enthroned in heaven laughs an scoffs.
Imagine stone to hold th'eternal Son!.
Imagine that a seal could be enough
To stay redemption's plan now well begun!
The stone retreats: three days have run their course.
No seal, no soldier can restrain this corpse.
The darkness fought, compelled the sun to flee,
And like a conquering army swiftly trod
Across the land, blind fear this despot's rod.
The noon-day dark illumined tyranny.
Still worse, abandonment by Deity
Brought black despair more deadly than blood
That ran off with his life. "My God, my God,"
Cried Jesus, "why have you forsaken me?"
The silence thundered. Heaven's quiet reigned
Supreme, a shocking, deafening, haunting swell.
Because from answering Jesus, God refrained,
I shall not cry, as he, this cry from hell.
The cry of desolation, black as night,
Shines forth across the world as brilliant light.
As part of our church's Grow Initiative, we have begun selecting one book a quarter that we are encouraging our people to read. Because the gospel is so foundational, we began with Greg Gilbert's book What Is the Gospel?. The book does an excellent job of explaining in very simple but profound terms the basics of the gospel message. In his foreword to the book, D.A. Carson writes:
"This book does not so much claim to break new ground as survey afresh some old ground that should never have been ignored, much less abandoned...This book will sharpen the thinking of not a few mature Christians. More importantly, it is a book to distribute widely to church leaders, young Christians, and even some who have not yet trusted Christ who want a clear explanation of what the gospel is. Read it, then buy a box of them for generous distribution." (p. 14)
To help our people identify and digest key aspects of the book and its implications, several staff and myself recorded a video podcast discussing the book. Here is part one of that podcast:
P.S. If you are in the Winona Lake area and want to attend a Roundtable Discussion of this book, join us at 7:00pm tonight at Christ's Covenant Church.
"2799. The human heart can bear neither good nor bad. When we have money and possessions, we have no rest; in poverty, no peace. In the middle is correct, that is, to be satisfied with one's fortune.'" (p. 115)
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
"2903. Those who are called to an occupation are the most peaceful in their profession; those who have chosen an occupation may be happy in the beginning, later, however, are plagues by the devil. It is said: 'Blissful are the pure [Psalm 119:1].'" (pp. 117)
DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.
, Luther extols the value of the Psalms:
that includes high resolution maps and photos. Available as add-on modules are the 
, 
by Herman Bavinck, and 
by Wayne Grudem (for a full list of available add-on modules, see 
. The book does an excellent job of explaining in very simple but profound terms the basics of the gospel message. In his foreword to the book, D.A. Carson writes:
. Based on a series of blogposts, Campbell provides equal parts motivation and tips to equip you to fight the good fight of language retention, all in less than 100 pages.
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994), 61.