Free Audio of Luther's "Here I Stand"

To celebrate Reformation Day (this Saturday), The Listener’s Bible is giving away a free mp3 download of Martin Luther’s “Here I Stand” narrated by Max McLean. From Andy Naselli:

Jenni and I just listened to Martin Luther’s Here I Stand this morning to begin our celebration of Reformation Day later this week. It’s a simple 24-minute recording by Max McLean, and it’s moving. After we heard Luther’s famous words again, we both remarked, “That was awesome!”

You can download it for free through Sunday, November 1.

Related: Max McLean’s audio recording of the ESV is worth your consideration. You can choose either the New Testament (audio CD | MP3 download) or the whole Bible (audio CD | MP3 CD | MP3 download). Other titles to consider: The Valley of Vision, Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, and John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Through the Fellowship for the Performing Arts, Mark also has theatrical presentations of Mark’s Gospel and C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters.

Olinger on The Shack

Dan Olinger, one of Heritage's elders, reviews The Shack at the Heritage blog.


Note: Each Friday we post a book review written by one of Heritage's elders or church planters for our congregation. To date we've posted the following:

• The Night of Weeping by Horatius Bonar (review by Dennis McKinsey),
• A Proverbs-Driven Life by Andrew Selvaggio (review by Jonathan Matias),
• The Deliberate Church by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander (review by Todd Davis).

"The tree of life may thrive, while the tree of life is languishing"

Charles Bridges:

Studious habits are attended with ensnaring temptations. The tree of knowledge may thrive, while the tree of life is languishing. Every enlargement of intellectual knowledge has a natural tendency to self-exaltation. The habit of study must be guarded, lest it should become an unsanctified indulgence; craving to be fed at the expense of conscience or propriety; employed in speculative enquiries, rather than in holy and practical knowledge; preoccupying the time that belongs to immediate duties; or interfering with other avocations of equal or greater moment [importance]. A sound judgment and a spiritual mind must be exercised, in directing these studies to the main end of the Ministry. Let none of them intrench upon those hours, that should be devoted to our study of the Bible, or our preparation for the pulpit. And wheresoever we find our inclination too much attached to any particular human science [knowledge], let us set a guard upon ourselves, lest it rob us of Divine studies, and our best improvement. A Minister should remember, that himself with all his studies is consecrated to the service of the sanctuary. Let every thing be done therefore with a view to one great end; and let us pursue every part of science with a design to gain better qualifications thereby for our sacred work (The Christian Ministry, 49).

BibleWorks Seminar at Heritage

Heritage will host a two-part, one-day seminar on BibleWorks.

What is BibleWorks? From the BibleWorks website:

BibleWorks 8 is the premier original languages Bible software program for Biblical exegesis and research. It comes with Greek, Hebrew, and Septuagint Bibles for your computer, as well as translations in English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and more! For over sixteen years, BibleWorks has satisfied Bible software users around the world.

When is the Seminar? Saturday, November 7. The day will begin with a workshop for beginner-to-intermediate users (9:00 a.m. until noon), followed by a workshop for advanced users (1:00-4:00 p.m.). You may sign up for either or both workshops.

Beginner to Intermediate (9:00 a.m. until noon). Go from ground zero to knowing everything you need to know for daily BibleWorks use in just three hours. Special focus on tools aiding exegesis, especially quick and accurate searching. Includes fun activities like the BibleWorks radio show!

Advanced (1:00-4:00 p.m.). Review your intermediate BibleWorks knowledge and then learn what all those other buttons do, including the Advanced Graphical Search Engine. Presenter will include time for questions and remain for more, so come prepared!

Presenter. Mark Ward is at the dissertation stage in a New Testament Interpretation Ph.D. at Bob Jones Seminary; he is also a Bible Curriculum Author at BJU Press. Mark has taught BibleWorks and Logos at seminaries, conferences, churches, and his own living room. All his seminars include a brief philosophy of technology, the opportunity to install a simple electronic filing system he designed, and as much personal consultation as possible.

Cost. Attend one workshop for $30 or both for $45.

Student discount: Current students may attend both workshops for $15 each.

Heritage discount: Heritage members should inquire about a special discount for them.

Registration. Information about registration is forthcoming.

Attention Logos Users: Similar workshops for Logos are scheduled for Saturday, January 23. Save the date!

What Letterman Can Teach Us about the Gospel

Russell Moore, Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Seminary, has a thought-provoking post about late-night entertainer, David Letterman. Last week Letterman admitted to having multiple inordinate relationships with women staffers from the Late Show. He came forward because, allegedly, a blackmailer threatened to release the information publicly and thereby damage his personal and professional lives.

So what can we learn about the gospel from Letterman's situation? Here's a snippet from Moore:

Let’s remember the gospel, and learn from Dave Letterman how scary blackmail can be. As the accusations come at us, let’s acknowledge the truth of the satanic claims. Let’s find ourselves in Jesus. And let’s point to a bloody cross and an empty tomb where those accusations were verified and crucified.

Moore's piece is available at the Gospel Coalition blog.