And So the Summer Begins

Since I haven't been posting as much as I used to, I thought a brief update might be in order.

I'm enjoying the second day of my vacation/sabbatical and am already hard at work on my next project--a book on the two kingdoms.  I'll have more info about it as the project moves forward, but I've been working on it for some time and hope to make significant progress over the next nine weeks.

My study time will be interrupted by a trip to the URCNA synod (in New London, Ontario), a week in Mammoth Lakes with a bunch of friends from church, as well as a number of weekend forays to places my wife and I enjoy visiting.

I should also tell you, it has been a long and difficult year at Christ Reformed.  We've been without an associate pastor since Thanksgiving, and we've had a number of difficult ministry issues arise (such as a Megan's law offender worshiping with us) which have demanded much time and energy.  I'm not one to "take time off" when I am on vacation/sabbatical, because I actually enjoy writing and being able to concentrate on one task.  Not having to continually multi-task is relaxing!  A good cigar or two is also nice on break.

But I will take the time to watch a host of DVD's people have recommended, I will attempt to plow through a stack of books (most of which are related to my current project), as well as spend time with my sons before they return to grad school and college respectively.

I also am looking forward to one of my favorite aspects of my summer break--sitting in the pew with my family and hearing the word of God preached.  Our assistant pastor (Rev. Andrew Compton) is a very good preacher and we've got several promising seminarians getting a chance to preach this summer as well.  I'm very much looking forward to it.

So, I'll be around, but won't be taking questions or phone calls, and I'll post once in a while as I am able.  I hope to have a productive summer, and I hope you enjoy yours as well.

Comments

[pb]

Your newly refurbished office, right? I seem to recall that as last year's project?

[Lloyd I. Cadle]

Have a great vacation,

Blessings,

[James Patrick]

Looking forward to the new book!

[rick]

What!?!? You're allowed to smoke indoors - I'm jealous!

[Kim Riddlebarger]

Rick:

My wife is great about my "habits." Hey, I keep up the yard, plant her flowers, kill spiders, take out the trash and all that. What is a cigar once in a while? Especially since the smoke goes up and out through the window above me--especially in summer when it is hot and when I am more apt to smoke. Not like I am a chain-smoker.

Besides. It is my study. I don't smoke in her kitchen.

[timinator]

Enjoy your time off.

[Charles S]

New London Ontario? If its Canada, you can pick up some Cubans. Mind you, you'll have to smoke them north of the border and only outside in designated areas to keep it legal.

[Andrew]

There is no such place as New London, Ontario. There is a London, Ontario, where I live. Perhaps that's what you meant? The URCNA synod takes place in London, Ontario at the end of July.

[Brian Davilla]

Have a great vacation. Let us know when the book is available. I'm needing a good read since Mike's Systematic Theology is on hold.

You can great some good Cuban smokes up there in Canada. I got some when we cruised into Victoria.

[Lloyd I. Cadle]

I know that we will pay for your new book, but please help us all out and give a free copy of it to all members of the senate, congress and the white house.

Both the Dems and the Republicans confuse the two kingdoms. I actually think that Sarah Palin would be a good president, but she, like all of the politicians confuse the two kingdoms.

[Ken Rapoza]

Enjoy your sabbatical. I have profited greatly from your first two books, I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!

BTW - what variety of cigar do you smoke?

[Neal P.]

Are you still planning to write a Reformed response to Dwight Pentecost's Things to Come at some point?

PLEASE respond to Joel McDurmon of American Vision who alleges that 'two kingdoms' is primarily a Lutheran concept in your forthcoming book. You can find his argument on YouTube under 'How We Got to this Point,' which is a recent episode of the Gary DeMar Show. They've got some good arguments against Dispensationalism, but McDurmon's allegation about 'two kingdoms' theology struck me as rather odd.

[Joe from Yorba Linda]

Kim, in my opinion, Hookah smoking is much better than a cigar. What kind of beverages are in the cooler behind you.

[Patrick Yamada]

Enjoy your vacation! I look forward to reading your book.