Random Stuff for the Week of 8/5-8/12

* This past week marks the completion of our first year here in Louisville, Kentucky. It has been quite the journey and one that blessed us in many ways. Remembering and cherishing the friends of yesteryear while embracing new found kindredness, we are excited to see where the Lord has taken us and with whom he has placed us. May this next year be even greater than the last! * Many of you know that Steve Gaines, former pastor of First Baptist Gardendale, AL, is the new pastor of Bellevue Baptist in Memphis (following Adrian Rogers leave), but the buzz around the blogosphere is that Dr. Thom Rainer is leaving his office as Dean of the Billy Graham School here at Southern to become the next president of Lifeway. Steve McCoy broke the news with his blog, but others have picked up on it as well. Looks like I might be having a new dean!!! * I just recently purchased R.C. Sproul's latest book called What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics (Baker, 2005). If you have ever wanted a great introduction to Reformed theology with limited technical terminology, this would be a great read. From a very experienced theologian, Sproul has written this NOT for scholars, but for anyone/everyone who would like to have a better understanding of this theological framework. A worthy read. * Lastly, I have been reading some good blogs lately and would like to recommend some. Justin Taylor, researcher and co-author of several books with John Piper, has a blog called Between Two Worlds; Phil Johnson, elder at Grace Community Church and founder of the Spurgeon Archive, has a great blog called PyroManiac; James White, pastor, scholar, and founder of Alpha Omega Ministries, has a blog on his website; Tom Ascol, executive director of Founders Ministries, has a great blog as well. These are just a few. Others can be found on the blogroll on the right-side toolbar. Don't forget to check out the weekly polls! Let me know what you think! - t.n.b.