SavagePresbyterian's Xanga

My Thoughts on Sports

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:28:07 GMT

I've noticed that pretty much every television show has an episode in which the father or mother takes one of the children out and they spend the afternoon playing some sport, (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, etc.) only to come back home and tell the other parent. Our child has no ability to do this sport. It is, to me, a symptom of much that is wrong in America. There is no concept of hard work displayed.

One of the fundamental things that sports, especially youth sports teaches is the concept of hard work. One must spend hours mastering and perfecting the finer aspects of their sports. Yes, I agree that there are those individuals who will never posses the agility, strength, size, coordination to be a viable athlete. And yes, I realize that there are those who can pick up a sport and master it in a short amount of time. But between these two extremes are a whole panacea of individuals who are capable of excelling in any given activity with a significant amount of practice.

Twenty some odd years ago I began to play football and wrestle. It took long hard hours of running through tires throughout the summer and doing drills to become proficient at football. It took even longer, harder hours of drilling, weight lifting, and practice to become a Missouri State Wrestling Champion. I was by no means a "gifted" athlete coming into either of these two sports. Heck, my wrestling coach even glories in telling stories of how I tripped over the edge of the wrestling mat when I first came out. (A bit of an exaggeration as I don't remember doing that) I was not very coordinated. It took me a lot of hard work to overcome that.

Would we not do better by our children to teach them that if you put the time and effort into something, be it school sports, their education, work, marriage, or parenthood, etc. you can be successful. I can't remember who the basketball player was on the Gatorade commercial who basically said, " I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression by making it look easy, Sorry if you didn't see the hours of work I put into becoming a great athlete.

I'm not as disciplined of an athlete anymore, but I still remember what it takes. Maybe I can beat my body once again to make it obey me.

SDG

Edwin H. Schulze

Oil for the Tin Man? Anybody? Anybody?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:48:46 GMT

Oh my gosh! Looky there! It's been three months since I've blogged something. I dunno. It's been hard to know what to write. Work has been good (for those about to obsess over my work situation). My boss' church bought a large furniture store and we are doing what is referred to as a "build out". Which means almost totally gutting out the inside and rebuilding it into a church. It's kept us working pretty steady since Christmas. The good news is that they are in the process of getting another church to build right after this one's done. We'll see how that goes.

It's been a little hard working so steady. I come home tired and haven't really gotten on top of that. I usually come home to take a "power nap". It turns into a several hour semicomatose vegetative state which I come out of in time to take a shower and go to bed. I blame the drive home. I feel good when I leave work. I think of all the good things I'm gonna do when I get home. But by the time I swing the blazer door open, it's all I can do to make it inside. That's lame, I know. I've been trying, for weeks, to get up to my cousin's so I can see my Godson. It's just not happening. And that's frustrating.

Yesterday I competed in the famous "Shamrock Games" in Springfield, IL. For those of you not involved with the Scottish games, the "Shammies" as insiders call 'em are held inside. They are the only Scottish games in the country (perhaps the world) that are held indoors. They're held at the state fairgrounds in the colosseum where they do rodeos and such. Spaces fill up fast and this was my first year of competing in them.

It was a good day. Er...well...sorta. I felt pretty good considering how good I have been. Aaaand, I may (or may not) have set two new PR's. One in heavy weight for distance, and one in Braemar stone. That's the good part. I pretty much stunk at the rest of it. I was rusty. I didn't mind stinking at weight over bar, but my heavy hammer was embarrassing. And I didn't even get 18' in the sheaf (but people were telling me that the bag was too tight and hanging up on their forks also). And I couldn't pick the caber because the ground was so soft that I couldn't get my footing and drive off them. I'm not trying to make excuses, just observations.

So, I feel a little sore today, but not bad. Actually I feel pretty good. So I'm gonna have to start practicing more. It's good life, as long as you don't weaken.

SDG
Edwin H. Schulze

I couldn't say it any better.

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:47:20 GMT

Holiday eating tips. Number 1: Have a sense of humor.

By: Judith Evans

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Many versions of this are floating around the internet (my boss sent one to me), and we thought it was funny enough — and true enough — to share:

1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the holiday spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s Day. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them, and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can’t leave them behind. You’re not going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean have some standards, mate.

10. And one final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.

Article printed from Recipe Exchange: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/recipe-exchange

URL to article: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/recipe-exchange/recipe-exchange/2008/11/holiday-eating-tips-number-1-have-a-sense-of-humor/

Crowned

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:08:15 GMT

Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy
name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all my sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the
eagle's.

Psalm 103:1-5

Happy Thanksgiving! Be thankful to God today...and every day.

Tis the Season To Be Jolly

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:19:33 GMT

Let me start this entry with certain qualifying comments about myself. I am a Christian. A Bible believing, Christ confessing, Conservative Christian. Some would even say that I'm a little to the right of Attila the Hun. That may be just a bit of exaggeration but it gives scope to what I have to say.

I believe that Christians should give the rest of the world a little, no a lot of a break. The Holiday season is coming up and the first thing I heard on Christian radio is that someone had a list of the Stores who have a policy against saying "Merry Christmas." I didn't hear much but I assume it was for the purposes of boycotting them.

My question is do we really want to do this? Is this how Christ has taught us to be? To bind the conscience of people is not according to the Spirit of God. There are many reasons and considerations for why the business community has this policy. One, maybe there are those companies who in fact are hostile to the Christian faith. Sad but true. Here's the thing. Our attempts to bind their conscience will only result in an increase of hostility. Only the Holy Spirit can change a person's heart. The Kingdom of God will not be advanced by our demanding our faith be observed by everyone. What keeps running through my mind is the passage, "This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me." Mt15:8. Forcing pagans and people from other religions to Say "Merry Christmas" is not what Jesus had in mind when He told us to "let our light shine".

I know that "Jesus is the reason for the season". I agree with that in general but only for us Christians. Jewish people celebrate Chanukah or is it Hanukkah. Should we expect Jewish people to say Merry Christmas? Is it wrong for us to say Happy Chanukah? Well interestingly enough Jesus celebrated Chanukah. Don't believe me? Look it up for yourself in John 10:22-23.

And what about those sincere Christians who believe that because the Bible never commands us to celebrate Christmas. There's a whole other subject. The same Christian liberty that allows for us to be able to celebrate Christmas also allows for them to not to celebrate. Or do we just decide to judge them for their belief?

It's interesting that we who shun the notion of the materialistic aspects of Christmas, will turn around and boycott certain businesses because they won't say Merry Christmas. Think about that...if a store won't acknowledge Christmas you will honor Christ by practicing your materialism elsewhere.

I like it when people say "Merry Christmas." I like saying it to other people. I think it's sad that others will celebrate Christmas without any thought to Christ. Yes, there have been times in the past when I have gotten angry at people who won't say "Merry Christmas" also. And yes I'd like everyone to Believe in Christ. Why wouldn't I? But I know I can't force on them. That's the work of the Holy Spirit.

This Christmas let us keep Christmas by being gracious Christians. GRACE FILLED CHRISTIANS Let us be filled with all the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control we can possibly contain. Then, by the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our nature, the world will come to Christ. Well at least some of them. I'm still a Calvinist don't ya know.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Edwin

Of Lumps and Goosebumps

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:31:55 GMT

I'm not usually the kind of person who is given to emotion. Not that I'm against it either. I just am introverted in nature. Sometimes I see people who close their eyes and just siiiinnnnnnnggggg!!! Most of the time I wonder, "Wow! Why don't I feel that? I never get those "spiritual goose bumps" that others get. Especially with the new worship music.

But there a few hymns and songs which get me a little misty eyed and put a lump in my throat. We sang one yesterday. "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing". I always get that lump in my throat when I get to the third verse because I can relate to it so often.

"O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be;
let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander Lord, I feel it--prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."

YEAH!!! I KNOW, "AIN'T IT GREAT??? (Oh go ahead, make fun of me, I don't care)
Of course we ended the service with "Nothing But the Blood". (yeah, I know, that's a "Baptisty" song but who cares).
Strangely enough I found myself moved by the Chorus;

"O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus"

It's sort of been echoing in my head today. Cool huh?

Soli Deo Gloria,
Edwin H. Schulze

Savage Bungee Jumping

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:40:37 GMT

It's just a patch of weeds now. I pass it most every day. If I'm going almost anywhere, I have to pass it. Most days I scarcely put a conscious thought to it. But a couple of decades ago the thought of it would put a chill down my spine. Now it sometimes haunts me in a different way. It calls to me in a strange way.

You see for several years as a youth I had to share a bus ride (well actually two bus rides) each school day with some of the meanest older boys you'd ever want to meet. And they made it their hobby to torment me. Why? Because I was a "goodie-two shoes". My parents were (and still are) what you would call "upstanding citizens of the community." They always tried to teach me right from wrong; things like not getting into fights and such. At that time I didn't understand the subtle difference between starting fights and defending yourself. So it made me an easy target.

Two of them were brothers, Kenny and David. And they lived in a shack of a house that stood in the midst of that patch of grass. The other was Mike, who lived only a stone's throw away from Kenny and David. They were without a doubt trouble makers. Long hair, smoked pot, and whatever mischief they could get into. And they absolutely, positively, HAAAATED me!

Usually they rode in back. And the way the bus route was laid out, we, the four of us, were the first ones to get on in the morning and the last ones to get off in the afternoon. There was virtually no time in which I had the bus to myself. And each time they would walk past me there would be the proverbial wack in the back of my head. Sometimes they would make threats which I never knew were to be believed.

They've been gone a long time. And so is the house. It truly is just a patch of weeds. Long before I even entered high school and became a football player and wrestler. My sister and I have often surmised that I probably could twist them up like a pretzel. I've often wondered under what rock I could find them. I have no fear of them.

But that's sort of not true either. Actually what I fear is what's inside of me. I've often wondered if I were to meet one of them again would I be able to show them the love of Christ? Have I truly forgiven them? Or would I, in some repressed hatred, turn my back on them and shun them? I'd like to think, "Oh sure! I could do that!" Everyone would like to think that. You'll never get me to do the "bungee jump thing" or jump out of an airplane. This is my version of the "bungee jump".

So... this is not an exhaustive list. They are just the standard bearers. And sometimes I think about the people in my life now who are hard to be around and it's kind of like, "oh sure you'll bungee jump off the huge bridge but you're afraid of the 4' step stool." That just tells me how much I need an extra "helping" of God's grace.

Soli Gratia,
Soli Deo Gloria,
Edwin H. Schulze

I am "THE Best Man"

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:56:40 GMT

Well, Saturday was my sister's wedding and for at least one day of my life I could say, "I AM The Best Man!" It was a good day all in all. It was a good wedding too. I was so pleased for many reasons. I was pleased that my sister was so happy. As I said in the toast, it's been hard to watch our family and friends meet people, get married and have children. So it was great to be able to see my sister get married.

I was so pleased at my cousins and their families. Their kids were so great in the wedding. I would have been proud to call any one of them my own. They were adorable and did a great job of walking with dignity and grace. Even Andrew the three year old ring bearer made it down the aisle.

My cousin Susan was the Maid of Honor and mother of two of the junior brides maids and one of the flower girls aaaand Andrew. She and her family did so much to square things away. Mark, her husband, took care of so many things including getting Andrew ready. He's a real good guy.

Her brother Scott, father of the other junior brides maid and the other flower girl was so much help to me. The tie that the rental place gave me was incredibly tight and made my shirt collar pucker up unmercifully. I was about to lose my mind when he and his wife helped me out. I stood there patiently allowing them to work on my tie and collar thinking to myself, "so this is what it'd be like to have a brother." It was a good feeling. And his wife Tracy helped out despite being very much "with child."

It means so much to me that so many people helped out so much to make that day go right. My aunt and uncle and Tracy's parents helped out a lot too.

And I was proud to be Presbyterian too. I could see that there were many out there in the crowd who had never been to a Presbyterian wedding. You see, as Presbyterians we believe that a wedding is actually a worship service for all the participants (including the ones in the pews) and not just some ceremony for the wedding party. So there are things that are different. There are only hymns and Christian songs. Music like Mendelssohn's wedding march is out as it was written for the play "A Mid Summer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare about a pagan wedding.

The pastor's homily (sermon) clearly and unmistakably included the Gospel of Christ's love and sacrifice for his bride which is the church. I know that there were some who were taken a back by this but I was glad that it was in there for all to hear. A few scoffed but oh well.

I could go on and on but I'm tired and it's late. And I don't want to get into what color the bride's maid dresses were and what kind of flowers there was. Not my thing.

Back in Plaid!

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:03:07 GMT

Well, I got to go out of town to Springfield, IL for a Scottish Games Competition. I needed to go, bad! It was good for me to get away and have some competition that would sorta blow me away. It was a kick in the seat of the pants. I did alright. Not the best I ever did but okay. I like everything about the competitions.

It's sad how many of them this year are plagued with problems. St. Louis games are, (the ones in October) canceled. "Ancient Athletics " have had venue problems because the power grid at the Illinois state fairgrounds went down sometime in February. And they still aren't up as I understand. I also have it from a good source that there is some question about whether the Quad-City games venue is secured. Someone is, as I understand it, trying to reserve the fairgrounds up there out from under the "North Central Heavies." I missed the games in the `Burg because I was broke. I wanted to go to the Kansas City games but their on Sunday, and that day just belongs to the LORD.

The good news is that the "Gateway Cabermen" are going to have a competition in September at the "Irish Festival" in St. Charles. They also are thinking about having something on July 5th here in St. Louis. I'm really stoked about that one because it's really close to me. Woo-hoo!!!

One thing I don't understand though is that the rest of the guys (and gals) never put their kilt on till they get there and they can't wait to take them off at the end of the day. Me, I like to wear them to and from the games. I want people to look at me funny. In fact even when I do they don't look at me funny enough. I live in Jefferson County Missouri. It's a redneck part of the country, (though not a hillbilly part) but even there I don't seem to even raise an eyebrow. I think that if you make fun of someone in a kilt then you aren't man enough to understand. It's kind of like that Jeep bumper sticker. "It's a `Kilt Thing' You Wouldn't Understand!" Usually if someone makes that same old weak comment about wearing a dress, I just look at them as if to say, "I can't believe that you said something that lame and stupid. Maybe you'd like to try again and come up with something more clever this time." If you're worried about what someone thinks then you're probably not MAN enough to be wearing a Kilt. That's right I wanna see your man card at that point! Anyone I have to explain a kilt to someone is not MAN enough to be worthy of me coming up with a response! I'm secure in MY Manhood! What the heck is wrong with you???

I think that some people would be happy if they didn't even have to wear the kilt to compete. I'm just the opposite. I think that if they took that rule away, then I'd lose interest in competing. I'm just funny that way I guess.

SDG
Edwin H. Schulze

It's Just Me!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:12:55 GMT

Over the past several months my pastor has been taking us through the process of developing our Personal Philosophy of Ministry. Which includes a "summary of calling", a "spiritual gifts assessment", and personality profile. I've tried to copy and paste it on here, but it didn't come out as nice as the one I did on microsoft word. But oh well! Here it is. Or should I say..."Here I am!"
Summary of My Calling
Ed Schulze is a teacher-evangelist gifted by God to proclaim and explain the gospel of Jesus Christ to people in public and home visit settings: to disciple others in the art and science of communicating the Gospel: and to teach theology in a small group or Sunday School setting, and a passion to lead a Concert of Prayer for reformation and revival; and to pray for the leadership, vision, and ministry of Trinity.

Spiritual Gifts
1. Teaching (33/37 points) The supernatural ability to discover and analyze biblical truth and communicate that knowledge and truth in a way that people can see, learn, and be transformed.
2. Faith (32/37 points) The special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of God’s power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction.
3. Discernment (30/37 points) The gift that allows the believer to sort through options, facts, and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. The ability to apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite relevant and practical in proper decision making and daily life situations.
4. Shepherding (29/37 points) The special ability to assume the long term responsibility for the spiritual growth and welfare of a believer or group of believers. This is the discipling gift.
5. Knowledge ( 29/37 points) The special ability to discover, organize relate and clarify information and ideas.
6. Evangelism (28/37 points) The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of Christ through conversion to Christianity.
7. Encouragement/ Exhortation (28/37 points)The special ability God gives some to offer comfort, words of encouragement, hope and reassurance to discouraged, weak or troubled Christians in such a way that they are consoled.

Ministry Passions
If I could be involved or contribute to any ministry anywhere, it would be: In the Evangelism Explosion ministry and some sort of leading a small group or Sunday School class. Also, even though I did not score high on intercession, I have a strong desire to lead or be involved with praying for reformation and revival which would include praying for our church and government leaders, for vision for our church

In the past, others have commented they have been helped or blessed by my service when I did the following; Taught a group studying the Westminster Confession of Faith and in discipling others in EE Training. Co-Lead the Concert of Prayer group.

Personality Profiles

My Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment is an ISTJ – Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging (Introverted Sensing with Extroverted Thinking)

Notable ISTJ’s
George Washington
Donald Rumsfeld
Condoleeza Rice
Gordon Ramsey
Gary Sinise
Kirk Douglas

Fictional ISTJ’s
Bruce Wayne (Batman Begins)
Joe Friday
Fred Mertz
Darth Vader

Strengths: As an Analytical, ISTJ I tend to look for and see the value and beauty of traditions and rules. But I am not obsessed with tradition just for the sake of tradition. There must be a compelling reason or message that undergirds it for it to have meaning to me. I am most comfortable working with tired and tested procedures.

Weaknesses: Sometimes I tend to doubt that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and I am sometimes painfully aware of areas for self—improvement.

Temperament on the DEAA Scale
I am primarily an Analytical (Score: 22) Secondarily a Driver (Score: 19) Thirdly is Amiable (Score: 17) I rated lowest on the Expressive scale (Score: 11)

As an analytical I am a task –oriented person who enjoys perfecting processes and working towards tangible results. I have high expectations of myself and others which sometimes makes me over critical.

Depending on the situation, I am usually able to quickly make assessments and come to a decision based on evidence and logic. I do tend to over evaluate my words and actions after the fact.

Evangelistic Style
I tend toward an intellectual style of evangelism.

Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish argument s and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Contemporary Examples: Josh McDowell, D. James Kennedy

Traits:

Analytical

Logical

Inquisitive

Likes to debate

More concerned with what people think than what they feel

Talent Inventory
(in no particular order of priority)

Conversing: Talking one on one, sharing ideas and feelings, discussing current events, exchanging views, explaining things with a high degree of mutual understanding.

Speaking in Public: Communicating clearly and persuasively to a live audience, such as a committee, club, church congregation, or other gathering, with limited audience interaction.

Teaching: Helping others fully understand a subject, topic or idea in a classroom, seminar, workshop, club, association, church, or other group setting.

Imagining: Spending time imagining new stories, theories, and science fiction ideas, philosophical concepts, and the like (also referred to as daydreaming).

Researching/ Investigating: Collecting a lot of information from different sources about one or more subjects for present use or future reference (may include field research).

Analyzing: Looking over an object to see how it is put together; studying a subject or opinion to determine its good and bad points and how it compares to other items.

Guiding Personal Values- In Order of Priority
Learning: Lifelong commitment to growing in understanding

Personal Development: Wanting to use one’s potential and grow to the fullest

Authenticity: Ongoing desire to honestly express who one is

Competency: Wanting to meet or exceed standards or expectations

Humor: Enjoying the witty or amusing

Balance: Giving proper weight to each area of a person’s life

Creativity: Being imaginative and innovative, going outside the norm if needed

Fairness: Giving everyone an equal chance

Additional Major Influences

Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, by Henry Blackaby—Generally speaking, the clearest understanding of what our lives as Christians ought to be centered around. The curriculum I would probably use first to disciple a new Christian. It truly has been life changing for me.

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman—Was highly instructive of Christ’s method’s of evangelism and our call to evangelism and discipleship.

The Writings of Francis Schaeffer—Opened a window to the Christian World and Life view for me. Truly one of the greats of not only philosophical thoughts but also a prophet visionary of things to come. His book How Should Then We Live was particularly meaningful to me.

The Works and Writings of R. C. Sproul—My first and most extensive introduction to Reformed Theology and thinking. Particularly The Holiness of God, Chosen By God, Knowing Scripture, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, Grace Unknown, Consequences of Ideas, Battle for Our Minds, Pleasing God.

Significant Worship Influences

Rich Mullins—Arguably one of the greatest Christian songwriters of our time. His work makes me explore the magnitude and magnificence of God. It is at it’s heart worship and art at the same time. Despite his flaws (or maybe even with) he is an inspiration to me. Rich Mullins lived in a rusty trailer and taught the Gospel to children an Indian reservation.

Valley of Vision by Aurther Bennett—A collection of Puritan prayers and meditations I have used to broaden my understanding of Prayer.

Luther’s Prayers by Herbert Brokering—A compendium of prayers on a wide variety of Prayers that I have gone to time and again to enhance my prayer life.

Significant Systematic Theologies

Dr. Robert L. Reymond’s A New Systematic of the Christian Faith— Recommended to me by the eminent Dr. David Ludwick as a readable treatment of the contemporary understanding of Reformed theology. Reymond was the Professor of Systematic Theology at Covenant Seminary for 20 years and currently teaches at Knox Seminary.

Dr. Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology—My first systematic theology. It has a broad treatment of a variety of Biblical understandings both within and outside of Reformed theology.

A.A. Hodge The Westminster Confession A Commentary—A study I used extensively to study and prepare to teach sections from the Confession of Faith in a small group setting. I liked it’s summarized Chapters and its’ explanations of the concepts.

The commentaries of G.I. Williamson—In particular, his commentaries on the Confession of Faith and the Shorter Catechism. I have used them in my own personal studies of the Shorter Catechism. Has great graphs and charts to aid in understanding.