Ezra Resource Available Online

A few days ago, I was discussing an online review of Phil Brown's Hope Amidst Ruin, and a friend mentioned that he benefited greatly from it in preparation for a sermon on the book. He went on to tell me that Brown's book--his doctoral thesis--is available in its entirety online. You can access it here.

If you're curious, the review that prompted our conversation was written by Jim Hamilton, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology at the Southern Baptist Seminary. Hamilton calls it "the best literary and theological analysis of Ezra available." Since his initial review Hamilton has posted his "notes on what Brown says about plot, point of view, and characterization. Excellent stuff, and the description of Ezra’s theology is even better."

The book is also available for purchase.

Execution of Afghanistan Aid Workers

In case you hadn't heard, ten Christian aid workers were executed by the Taliban late last week. A friend of mine knew two of the victims. He said that the group had taken all appropriate precautions, but were nevertheless intercepted by the Taliban. You can read more about the tragedy here.

May the Gospel advance in the Afghan people.

A Missionary's Perspective on Immigration

One of our missionaries, David H., is on furlough in the States this summer and observes the following:

A little time in some churches has given me the impression that some Christians are allowing their feelings and positions on a variety of significant national issues to be forged by conservative TV and radio personalities, rather than the Scriptures.

As a prime example David points to the issue of illegal immigration. After pointing out the missiological opportunities the American church has to reach these people, he concludes:

Instead of seeing this issue as an opportunity to reach lost people, we are forming and fueling strong negative feelings against immigrants by spending more time listening to unregenerate radio personalities than meeting actual people from all over the world, praying for them, and telling them about Jesus.

Shame on us.

Read the whole article here.