Thursday, July 19, 2007

Gettin' Ready

In September, I'm supposed to deliver presentations (about 45 minutes each) at the San Jacinto Church of Christ on:

1. "The Unity of the Spirit"

2. "I Believe Because . . . "

I know, either of those could go on for at least the length of a book. The second title begs for some clarification. What is it that I believe? That God exists? That Jesus of Nazareth is uniquely the Son of God? That the Christian Bible is divine revelation?

I'm tempted, in the second lesson, to offer a critique (as stinging as I could make it) of Lockean evidentialist apologetics. . . . Nah.

In October, I'm speaking at the Comanche Trail Church of Christ on their annual "Friend Day." I wasn't assigned a topic for that one. I think I might speak about, what else, friends.

My question to you is, On these topics what books, articles, websites, insights can you recommend?

5 comments:

Matt said...

Make sure not to leave out, "Why I am a Member of the Church of Christ"!

I should be able to think of something for those two but my mind is pretty blank.

Neva said...

Song #357 in Faith and Praise is good for "I beleive because"--it encompasses the entire gospel story--I believe because in Bethelehem He was born--fulfilling all prophecy. I believe because He walked in Galilee--healing the sick, preaching the word, etc. I believe because in Gethsemane He prayed, He agreed to choose to die for my sins knowing it was difficult, I believe because He died on Calvary--but He didn't stay dead. It is a very cool song--the harmony is beautiful and the words are so powerful, I have often thought "that'll preach"
and the song would help as a reminder.
Just a thought---
peace
Neva

Arlene Kasselman said...

Try to download Rob Bell's sermon, "everythingisspiritual" from his sermon tour last summer. I am not an apologetics in the pulpit fan, but I think for your "I believe" lesson it may be a good way to begin incubating some ideas. It may be on the Mars Hill Bible Church site, or on Zondervan, you may even check Nooma, but it was not part of the Nooma series.

Stoned-Campbell Disciple said...

I have always had a soft spot for the Declaration and Address and Robert Richardson's Principles of the Reformation. Very good stuff.

Bonhoeffer's Life Together also is quite stimulating. One more is Moltmann's little "The Passion for Life" also bristles with insight.

Lee Strobel's The Case for Faith is a handy dandy and easy to read book. His other works are not as good. Alister McGrath's new review of Richard Dawkins book is outstanding.

Shalom,
Bobby Valentine

Frank Bellizzi said...

Thanks, all, for your suggestions. I'll try to keep you updated on any "progress" of mine.