Albert's Update 28/9/13

Albert (left) and Aaron practicing their swing
for MARS Golf outing (notice the audience)

I was the subject of a fair bit of good natured ribbing this week. Let's just say that NZ's defeat in the America's Cup did not go unnoticed at Seminary. All done in good fun of course!

This year it seems that while my workload is less, the work is harder, if that makes sense. Especially in Doctrinal studies. It feels like a real step up from what we were learning last year. But I am certainly enjoying it. I have already got a few small assignments under my belt, and I have been trying to load up my reading before I get really busy with my assignments.

My preaching in Calgary went well, and it was a good opportunity to catch up on some work on the plane flight, and on the Monday before I flew out as well. The next time I am scheduled to preach at this stage is in Des Moines Iowa, which is about 5 1/2 hours drive. We are seeing about making it a family outing.

This Semester I am taking a number of subjects.

The first is OT 214 Interpretation of the Revelation before the Monarchy

This is a big class, with it being 4 credits. It is basically Genesis to Ruth. There are a number of papers that need to be written for this class.

Tied in with this is  M0 211

This is an Applied Exegesis class. We need to write an exegesis paper, as well as preach a sermon in class.

NT 213 is Interpretation of the Gospels and Acts.

Tied in with this is  MN211

This is also an Applied Exegesis paper. Again a paper and a sermon is required here.

DS 213 is Christology. This class is taken by Dr. Venema, who many of you may have met in New Zealand last year.

For this class I will be writing a paper looking at subordination of Christ to God the Father.

DS 212 is Anthropology, the Study of Man.

For this class I am writing an exegetical paper on Romans 7, looking at what state Paul was in when he wrote this chapter.

Finally, I am taking a class on Karl Barth and his Church Dogmatics.

This paper is a formidable one. We are looking at Karl Barth's theology, and comparing it with Classic Reformed Theology. Barth is not the easiest to read, but I am enjoying the challenge.

On my bookshelf to be read at the present:

Karl Barth: Church Dogmatics: The Doctrine of God

J Mark Beach: Christ and the Covenant: Francis Turretin's Federal Theology as a Defense of the Doctrine of Grace

Donald Macleod: The Person of Christ

This afternoon I am working on an assignment for OT 214, Looking the Toledot structure of Genesis.

Have a good week,

Albert