Theology 7372, Fall 2009

While i was reading through 1 and 2 Chronicles i came across a passage that  really inspired me.  It was in 1 Chronicles, chapter 19 verse 13.  Joab noticed that his army was surrounded by the Arameans and the Ammonites.  So he lead half of his force commanded by him against the Arameans and his brother Abishai lead the other half against the Ammonites.  To any commander, this was a tough place to be in to fight.  Joab said to his brother, “The LORD will do what is good in his sight.”

This gave me great comfort…….Why?

Joab didnt say the Lord will save us or grant us victory.  He did not tell his brother that everything was going to be all right, just trust in God.  No, he said none of that.  He looked death in the face and said, “God will do what is good in his sight”.  Meaning, that if it was Gods decision for them to die, then that is fine.  Joab seems to completely give himself up to God and says,”whatever happens… happens”.

Today we think the good thing for God to do would be to help us out here or their, in ways that we think would better ourselves.  When in reality, we should give our lives up to God and say whatever happens, if i succeed or fail, you know what’s best.

Blake Herridge

Dizzy Gillespie was born on October 21. Gerhard von Rad was born on October 21. I was born on October 21. This confluence of birthdays may demonstrate that the intersection of culture and biblical studies.

In a moment of Noah’s weakness

which of his son’s  disgraced him?  (Ham)

Welcome to Personal Learning Environments. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Welcome to Personal Learning Environments. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

Welcome to Personal Learning Environments. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

The Babylonian exile began in 597 followed by the destruction of Jerusalem and the second deportation in 587

I thought that I would start with a little background information.  I have grown up in the Baptist tradition.  My dad is a Baptist minister, my mom plays the piano in a church and works at the local Baptist association.  I have served as a youth minister, music minister, and supply pastor in Baptist churches.  The Baptist tradition has shaped how I view God, Scripture and the world.  I have seen both the beauty and danger inherent in the Baptist understanding of following Christ…but more on that later.

I am in my final semester at George W. Truett Theological seminary working on a M Div.  I received a B.A. in General Studies with a minor in counseling from the University of North Texas.  Before that, I graduated from Denton High School in Texas. 

After seminary, the door is wide open.  I feel called to be a minister of the gospel.  I also feel a calling to the local church and pastoral ministry.  However, I can pursue this calling through many avenues.  At some point, I desire to go back to school and get a D Min. 

During this course, I would like to work though difficult areas of the biblical text.  In many ways, the second half of the Old Testament is foreign to me.  First, I want to study biblical promises: when is it advisable for me to take promises that God made to specific individuals or to Israel as a nation and apply them to my life and the lives of my congregation members?  Second, how should I use OT prophecy?  These are a couple of the questions that I would like to address throughout the semester.

What is your religious/denominational background?
: Presbyterian is the biggest denomination in my country so I went to Presbyterian church first and then I changed to Baptist.

1.  Briefly describe you level of participation in a local church. Include any ministry experience, ordination, etc.

: From the high school, I Participated in student choir and I learned voice so I was a soloist of choir and then I have conducted the chuch choir and did music minister.
2. What is your educational background (e.g. your undergraduate major, other degrees, etc.)?

Bachelor Degree-Church Music(Voice), Master Degree-Voice

3. What are your career plans for after Truett?

I want to be music pastor or missionary.

4. How can this course best serve you?

I would like to know background of OT.

Hi there. I’m Laurel and am originally from Houston.  I have a lifelong home in Baptist churches, but have been involved in interdenominational and interfaith circles as well. I’ve recently left my position on staff of the children’s ministry at a Methodist church, and my husband & I are looking for a Waco church home. I have a music background, with a degree in Music Business/Management, from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. I think living in a city where I knew 3 other Christians almost taught me more about the world’s faith (and people’s negative & positive views of Jesus people) than music.

I’m working on the dual M.Div/MSW right now and am not sure of my career plans. My one certainty is that my work will aim towards those forgotten, whether they be incarcerated, homeless, young, poor, lonely, etc. Working as a social worker among the youth prison system is a definite possibility, as is working within or starting a non-profit (secular or faith-based), but I am open to the path ahead. I have a background in work at churches, prison ministries, inner-city youth organizations, and music companies. My husband is studying psychology, and-despite my love for Texas-we have dreams of cooler weather and a richer arts/music community. Seattle, Denver, & NYC are at the top of our evolving list of our next adventure! All I know is God will take us where we need to be, and I pray there are lots of venues for playing our songs live and lots of good restaurants to try out, and perhaps a great coffee shop as well (you know, it’s the little things).

This course will best serve me as a guide in the area of biblical text I know the least about. I am fascinated by the connection between the old and new testaments, and I look forward to learning much. Thanks for stopping by.