Semester First Impressions.

I've been through all my classes at least once now. I'm taking...

Greek 2
Theological Exposition (The Theology of Preaching)
Intro To Philosophy
Intro To Music
Daniel and Revelation

I must say this semester will bring the most reading of any semester before it. I should have expected that once I entered my now Junior year.

I'm convinced Greek 2 will be a wonderful class for many reasons. I have a better professor this semester. He does devotions from his own translations of New Testament Texts and has applications for us today. In these he also reviews Greek Grammar where it comes up. He then actually has structured helpful lectures on the material which is a change from last semester. I now also have Mounce's Grammar and the CD that comes with it (which has short audio/powerpoint lectures of its own) to aid my study. I think I will have an easier time in Greek this semester because of the review over break and the better quality class. I'm looking forward to it for sure. The only challenge to this class outside of the nature of learning a language will be the personality of the professor. He teaches as if he's preaching with unction every class. He has a certain commanding presence about him. My introversion is likely going to squirm and freeze when he calls on me to the point where I won't be able to think straight in the limited amount of time he gives to answer a question. May God help me develop courage and clarity of thought during this class.

Theological Exposition is not what I expected. The professor (who is also the department chair) decided to restructure the class this semester. It was originally a class on how to prepare topical messages that emphasized a theological theme. I heard students in the past preached on hell and other doctrines. Now the class could be better titled "The Theology of Preaching." Now it's emphasis is more so on thoughtfully working through the discipline of preaching through heavy reading and class discussion. In fact I expect it will be my most reading intensive class next to Dan/Rev. We will read assigned articles on preaching, answer questions, and meet to discuss. Then near the end of the class we will be comparing the sermons of two preachers at a time and discussing them. the majority of the grade will fall upon the reading. One of the most interesting parts of this class is that it's only 10 students in a small room with rectangular table that faces inward. It will be like having a home Bible study with the professor on a much more personal level. I'm excited about this format, but I hope I have time to thoughtfully interact with this class as I would like and most benefit from.

Philosophy looks like it will be interesting. Apparently I have the best professor among student consensus and he seems to be a funny guy too. The reading is still somewhat a mystery as I don't know how much we'll read of this one huge book we have. I really hope the reading for that class is not as daunting as the other major two. One of our books is by R.C. Sproul and I've neevr read any of his stuff so I'm looking forward to that.

Music class is the one I frankly am least concerned about. Our first class session was today and while it seemed enjoyable for what it was, I really hope the workload is minimal. I was overjoyed to hear that he required NO textbooks... what does that mean? NO READING! He almsot gave the impression that much of what we'd be doing is listening to music... I'm up for that. We even get to have a time of prayer and song together... amen to that.

Dan/Rev looks like the class will give me what I wanted in choosing it as one of my 2 Bible electives. I wanted a better grasp on Eschatology. With all the personal study and reading this class will require I'm sure I'll be happy with it when I'm finished (in more ways than one). Other than that... it is what it is.


I continue to attempt to find better employment here in Chicago. It's an everpresent struggle to trust God even though my immediate needs are provided for. God is gracious and so good. I heard the call center on campus had 12 positions open this semester so I emailed the contact person and then called her to leave a message (bear in mind this is the second day of school). The grocery store I've been working at is expecting a call from me by the end of the week to give my new availability and start next week so my job search would have to begin and end this week. I decide to walk over to the appropriate building and I see approx. 10 students there practicing to work for the call center. My heart stirred with a combination of sadness and shock as the woman in charge approached me. I told her I'd contacted her about working for the call center and hadn't heard form her. She said she'd email back tonight but that she was in training now. I left the building in utter defeat as I did that one morning when I was passed up for the job with campus radio. As I walked, I tossed back and forth with God confused about His will. When I reached the library to begin my long task of heavy reading I sat down first to pray and acknowledge Him and His soveriegnty and recognize that even by what I can see.. I would likely get through this semester and possibly the next one. I go to eat dinner and return to my room to receive an email from one of the only people that I would not expect to hear from considering the circumstances. More than that it was an email that could only be by the hand of God and therefore bring Him the most glory. Who was it? The very manager of Moody Radio who forgot me over last summer and hired someone else. He wants an interview and I'm happy to give him one!

Lord, why do I doubt You? Lord, why do You remain so faithful to me?


I'm also looking forward to being on leadership for Student Outreach this semester. I still don't know if I'll be doing the training for the upcoming nights but my mind has already started working as to how I would approach it if I did. It will be good to get back out on the streets preaching the gospel again. May the Lord use me in whatever capacity I contribute to the team and His Commission!

How Was Your Break?

This is a question I and most of my fellow students will be asked repeatedly over the next few weeks. I wasn't sure what to expect when entering this past break. I can ultimately it was a combination of busy, relaxing, and full of awkwardness... as usual I suppose. It was awkward because it seems the longer I spend more time here at college than at home, this place and these people become more of a home and family to me than my actual one. There are a number of reasons for this, but it's primarily just the time spent. I found myself taking longer to re-adjust or perhaps not adjusting at all when I went to church and especially to work over break. It's amazing to almost watch the lives of people pass by as you're away for months at a time. I saw new people at church, new looks, maturity, and all kinds of things. I wasn't able or at least didn't pursue evangelism as strongly as I could have. I was going to go the last night, but made a promise to spend time with someone before leaving.

Much of my break wa spent studying Greek to make up for last semester. I went through a lot of Mounce's book page by page... which I recommend wholeheartedly. Still have catching up to do tomorrow with that. I spent too much time time staying up late watching TV. I also had time to meet with a few people, but not all that I wanted to sadly. Last night I was over at an old friend's house up till 2am talking about studying Hebrew and speaking in tongues with him and his dad.

I got a good check from the grandparents for CHRISTmas that primarily went to school. I did pick up a few gifts for myself with it. Found a couple CDs I'd wanted for $6 each and a Hebrew Grammar book for half price that I couldn't pass up. My best friend also got me some workout shoes for this semester. Please Lord let me be disciplined enough to get back into a regular workout routine. This is not a New Year's Resolution. Also had 2 separate friends get married and one get engaged over break. It allowed me to ponder a bit on my status and what that meant to me. I was reminded that yes I am single but that God doesn't stop being sovereign.

Well... time for dinner!