Musings (7/14/2023)

Riddleblog/Blessed Hope Podcast News:

• Logos Re-flagger has been added to the Riddleblog—whenever your cursor hovers over a biblical citation, a popup will appear citing the passage in the ESV.

• The new pod series, “the Future,” has launched on the Blessed Hope Podcast. “The Future” deals with the question, “what does the future hold for the people of God?” It is a series of pre-covid Bible prophecy conference lectures I’ve given through the years, combined and edited to podcast format.

• The Blessed Hope Podcast has just passed a very significant milestone in terms of downloads (who’d have thunk??), so thanks to all of you who listen, and especially to those of you who recruited new listeners!

• A head’s up . . . My annual trip to the Eastern Sierras is coming up soon, so there will be a week or so with little activity here at the blog and at the pod.

Just Finished Reading:

J. V. Fesko’s Last Things First is a book I put in my “must read” pile a while back, but a gazillion other things got in the way before I could get to it. Now that I am retired, I am going through my pile of books and getting to some gems that I simply didn’t have time to read. One of these is Fesko’s very helpful book on “Protology.” Protology (not to be confused with proctology) deals with first things, in this case the relationship between Genesis 1-3 in light of Christology and eschatology. Fesko tackles a number of subjects—including the imago Dei, the purpose and role of Eden, the covenant of works, the relationship between the first and second Adam, and the importance of the Sabbath. He notes that “the opening chapters of the Bible are not about science, rather they find their meaning and significance in light of the second Adam, Jesus” (205).

For those who have tackled (or tried to tackle) Meredith Kline’s Kingdom Prologue and found it tough going, this book will be of great help to you. It is a solid work of biblical theology surveying the first three chapters of Genesis from the vantage point of Christ’s person and work. Fesko sets out a number of important biblical-theological connections that are easy to miss. But once pointed out to you, you’ll see the creation account in an entirely different light. This is a profound and not overly technical book. It is a real gem and highly recommended. You can purchase Last Things First here.

Next up: Avenging Pearl Harbor: America's Battleships Raised from the Dead. A truly remarkable story of how American tradesmen managed to do the impossible—resurrect five of the battleships sunk by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 to fight again.

Links to Important Stuff:

• New hope for the politically homeless (like me). A new statement of conservative principles

• If you are wondering why we confessional Reformed folk have little time or patience with Doug Wilson, here's why. Wes Bredenhof, a CanRC pastor (now in Tasmania), has given us a non-sensational, nothing but the facts compilation of Wilson's egregious behavior (thanks Wes for wading through this morass to put this excellent summation together). Doug Wilson's Very Questionable Judgment

• Scott Clark on Sub-Christian Nationalism Very helpful series indeed!

• Another important essay: D. G. Hart: The Existential Threat of Anti-Christian Nationalism

• This is an episode from one of my favorite podcasts, The School of War, hosted by Aaron MacLean (who is a great interviewer). This was a fascinating discussion. School of War: Hew Strachan On Clausewitz

• I might actually go see this one in the theater. Can’t wait! Trailer for Ridley Scott's Napoleon

Links to . . . Interesting Stuff:

• I just about spit out my coffee when I saw this: Corpse washes up on Delaware beach

• Man set world record for running while on-fire: But the real story is, Guinness World Records runs out of things to worthy to consider world records

• But it wouldn’t stop beeping . . . So, man destroys 1 Million Dollar Research Project

• Potty training scofflaws! Poor kid gets busted for an immodium moment

• I’m afraid of heights but a Barehanded man climbs to 72nd floor

• Ugliest dog for 2023: Yup, scooter's ugly

• MTG (the clueless congress person): My big screen is spying on me!!!!!

• This is unbelievable: Kentucky Man Finds 700 Rare Coins Buried in His Yard. Watch out for all the holes in my yard. I keep looking. I did find a 1950’s quarter once. We can hope. The dig goes on.

• To read the prior installment of musings, go here: Musings (6/24/2023)

This Week’s Video:

Butt Drugs (in Corydon, Indiana) has gone the way of all flesh. But their commercials were priceless. Merica at its best!!!!