Say "F-U" : An Easter Sermon

Last Week For SBL Super-Saver Registration Rates

I just wanted to remind everyone that this week is the FINAL week to get the 1st Tier, Super-Saver registration discount for the 2011 Annual SBL meeting in San Francisco (Saturday, April 30th is the last day!). You can access the online discount registration form HERE.

Clement's 1 Corinthians 1-32: Readings in the Aposotlic Fathers (Audio)

So, I am beginning to work my way through the writings of the Apostolic Fathers in both English and Greek. As part of familiarizing myself with this literature, I am doing silent reading, translating and also, audio recordings. Ideally, I would like to record all of the texts (Clement through the Shepherd of Hermas) and I hope to do so. I also have some other projects I'm doing with those texts. Anyway, here's an audio sample from the first half of Clement's first letter to the Corinthians (spanning the Intro to chapter 32). If you have any thoughts, comments or questions related to the material, feel free to leave them in the comments section. Enjoy!

PS: Since it's Resurrection Day, check out some of what Clement says in the first half of his epistle about resurrection:

(1 Cor 24:1) Let us consider, beloved, how the Lord continually proves to us that there shall be a future resurrection, of which He has rendered the Lord Jesus Christ the first-fruits by raising Him from the dead. (2) Let us contemplate, beloved, the resurrection which is at all times taking place. (3) Day and night declare to us a resurrection. The night sinks to sleep, and the day arises; the day again departs, and the night comes on. (4) Let us behold take the fruits of the earth¦, how the sowing of grain takes place. (5) The sower goes forth, and casts it into the ground; and the seed being thus scattered, though dry and naked when it fell upon the earth, is gradually dissolved. Then out of its dissolution the mighty power of the providence of the Lord raises it up again, and from one seed many arise and bring forth fruit. (25:1) Let us consider that wonderful sign of the resurrection, which takes place in Eastern lands, that is, in Arabia and the countries round about. (2) There is a certain bird which is called a phoenix. This is the only one of its kind, and lives five hundred years. And when the time of its dissolution draws near that it must die, it builds itself a nest of frankincense, and myrrh, and other spices, into which, when the time is fulfilled, it enters and dies. (3) But as the flesh decays a certain kind of worm is produced, which, being nourished by the juices of the dead bird, brings forth feathers. Then, when it has acquired strength, it takes up that nest in which are the bones of its parent, and bearing these it passes from the land of Arabia into Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis. (4) And, in open day, flying in the sight of all men, it places them on the altar of the sun, and having done this, hastens back to its former abode. (5) The priests then inspect the registers of the dates, and find that it has returned exactly as the five hundredth year was completed. (26:1) Do we then deem it any great and wonderful thing for the Maker of all things to raise up again those that have piously served Him in the assurance of a good faith, when even by a bird He shows us the mightiness of His power to fulfill His promise? (2) For the Scripture saith in a certain place, Thou shalt raise me up, and I shall confess unto Thee; and again, I laid me down, and slept; I awaked, because Thou art with me;" (3) and again, Job says, Thou shalt raise up this flesh of mine, which has suffered all these things. (27:1) Having then this hope, let our souls be bound to Him who is faithful in His promises, and just in His judgments. (2) He who has commanded us not to lie, shall much more Himself not lie; for nothing is impossible with God, except to lie. (3) Let His faith therefore be stirred up again within us, and let us consider that all things are nigh unto Him. (4) By the word of His might He established all things, and by His word He can overthrow them. (5) Who shall say unto Him, What hast thou done? or, Who shall resist the power of His strength? When and as He pleases He will do all things, and none of the things determined by Him shall pass away? (6) All things are open before Him, and nothing can be hidden from His counsel. (7) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handy-work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. And there are no words or speeches of which the voices are not heard.

Where Classical Meets Urban

This video is sooo amazing to me, check it out:

Like Christian Rap? Check Out The Inscripted Project

That's right, if you get a minute, head on over to InscriptedProject.com and check out the music, blog, interviews, free beats & loops, etc. The Inscripted Project, fronted by Christian rapper HALC (that is, me, Michael Halcomb), has, in just one month, become quite popular on site such as ReverbNation, SoundClick, Youtube, Facebook, etc. So, head on over, take a look around and spread the word.

Summer & Fall Courses: Stone, Witherington & Keener

So, I just registered for my last 3 courses (+ 1 audit) of PhD work and on the one hand, it's a relief but on the other hand, I kind of feel lost. Essentially, I've been in higher education for 12 years and by the time I finish the PhD, it will have been 14-15 years, which is longer than the time I spent in K-12!!! Anyway, I am looking forward to my classes, here's what I'm taking:

* Summer: Historical Geography of Israel: (Studying in Israel at Jerusalem University College; proctored by Lawson Stone)

* Summer: Socio-Rhetorical Criticism of the New Testament (Ben Witherington, III)

* Fall (audit): Acts of the Apostles (Ben Witherington, III)

* Fall: Revelation (Craig Keener)