“Boyish rapture in the Highland hills”

Describing the book of Ephesians, former Princeton Theological Seminary president John Mackay said, “To this book I owe my life.” He went on to explain how in July 1903 as a lad of fourteen he experienced through reading Ephesians a ‘boyish rapture in the highland hills’ and made ‘a passionate protestation to Jesus Christ among the rocks in the starlight.” Here is his account of what happened to him: “I saw a new world … Everything was new … I had a new outlook, new experiences, new attitudes to other people. I loved God. Jesus Christ became the center of everything … I had been ‘quickened’; I was really alive.”

John R.W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians, p.15

Have you ever experienced ‘rapture’ as you encountered the truth of God’s word? How did that experience affect your life?

Will your local orchestra soon be playing the Roger Federer Overture?

Okay, maybe it lacks the thrill factor of shooting an apple off your son’s head with a bow and arrow, but Roger Federer’s stunt is still pretty impressive.

To be honest, I’m usually not a big fan of stunts or “stupid human tricks.”  Though some might think my Bible-In-A-Month Challenge falls into this kind of behavior.

Have you ever participated in an overture-worthy stunt?

New Testament In A Month — FINAL DAY!

Today, June 30 — Jn. 11:12-21:25

You made it through the entire New Testament in the month of June. Congratulations!

I’m going to reflect on the past month a bit, and post something of an overview of how things went for me. This has been something of an experiment, so I want to identify what was helpful, and what I might change if I were to do something like this again.

Tell me about your experience. I’d love to hear what you’ve learned, and how this challenge impacted your life.

New Testament In A Month — DAY 21

Today, June 29 — Jn. 2:16-11:11
Tomorrow, June 3 —  Jn. 11:12-21:25

New Testament In A Month — DAY 20

Today, June 28 — Rev. 10:12-22:21, Jn. 1:1-2:15
Tomorrow, June 29 — Jn. 2:16-11:11