Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. And if that applies to you, dear reader, I hope yours is joyful and uplifting!
As I look back over this year, there’s much to be thankful for. The following points will focus on what’s happened in 2023.
First, I started this “Biblical Theology” Substack, and people are reading it. I’m so grateful for this. I’m grateful for you! Thank you for reading these articles. The internet is a never-ending ocean of content. I’ve desired this resource to be a site with biblical and theological reflections on all kinds of topics and passages. The first post was January 1, 2023, and the year isn’t over yet!
Second, in May 2023, I completed my first year as an associate professor of biblical studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I’m grateful to be on faculty with such stellar God-loving and Bible-shaped people. Being able to teach courses for Boyce College and Southern Seminary is a true joy. But now that the fall semester is over, I’m going to enjoy this break!
Third, in May 2023, my newest book, Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall, released from Crossway. I’m grateful for Crossway’s support and investment in me as a writer. The completion of this book was especially gratifying, since I’ve wanted to write a book on Genesis 3 for a long time.
Fourth, on July 16th my firstborn son Jensen was baptized. He just turned 15, so he was 14 at the time. I had the privilege of baptizing him, and it was a joyful and moving experience. Leading up to his baptism, we had in-depth discussions about what it means to trust Christ and follow Christ. I’m grateful for the Lord’s grace at work in Jensen’s life, and I’m proud of the young man he is becoming.
Fifth, on July 30th my wife Stacie and I celebrated 18 years of marriage. We were married in 2005, and I’ve been so blessed to have her as my wife. We met in college when I was 18 and she was 19, so we’ve known each other for over half our lives. She is an amazing mom, and she loves being a pastor’s wife.
Sixth, on August 26 I marked 11 years as the Preaching Pastor for Kosmosdale Baptist Church. What a joy it is to shepherd such a loving and peaceful people, who love the Lord and love his Word and love one another. I look forward to being with them each week. Their encouragement and support are lifegiving, and the Lord has been so faithful to us.
Seventh, I’m thankful for the book of Psalms. Beginning in January, I started preaching Book 1 of Psalms, and this past Sunday—November 19—I completed my exposition of Book 1. Being in the depths of those forty-one psalms this year has been one of the most personally edifying seasons of study I’ve ever had. Thank you, Lord, for Psalms!
It is good to reflect on the blessings of the Lord. Truly, if we pulled out a pen and sheet of paper and began to list them, we would need more and more paper and more and more ink.
It isn't Thanksgiving here in Canada but I suppose I can still be thankful. In the context of this newsletter, I'm thankful that you have been faithful to post such interesting articles with such regularity. I'm also thankful that my daughter has begun to attend your church (without me ever mentioning to her your name or the church's).