The CCEL Times 3.1 (January 3, 2008)

In This Issue:

• From the Associate Director
• New Release
• Usage Testimonial
• Usage Hint
• Featured Classic
• Classic Reflections

From the Associate Director

The lack of job satisfaction is said to be one of the major complaints of a significant portion of the American population. Money and power pale as job motivators when compared to doing something that is worthwhile and appreciated. I know first-hand that this is true.

Last November marked my one-year anniversary with CCEL. I was introduced to the CCEL Times readers in the January 2007 issue. I thought my career before working at CCEL was very exciting. I had held a number of decision-making positions in large companies and had many great opportunities to use my skills. However, none of my previous work was as genuinely rewarding as being part of CCEL and all it stands for. In my personal journey, this position is a significant milestone – the first time I have had my faith and my job intertwined – the first time I am helping other Christians instead of creating shareholder value. I believe in the value of our library, and I get as excited as a child when we are able to offer something new.

I know this wonderful organization could not exist without the support and encouragement of our readers and Web site users. Thank you so very much for believing in the CCEL, and thank you for giving me the chance to serve you.

Sincerely,

Nyna Sykes
Associate Director of the CCEL

New Release

New! First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians had a profound impact on the early church and was commonly read aloud to congregations through the fourth century. Clement of Rome, the author of this letter, was a prominent Christian leader who worked closely with the apostles and cared deeply for the Church. As persecution increased for the early believers, writings like this one helped them persevere. May it do the same for you.

The narration is by Gerard VanHalsema, a professional theatre student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The cellist is Peter Plantinga and the audio technician is Emily Hanna.

Learn more or order this CD
Listen to a sample of this CD (mp3)
View more products in the CCEL store

Usage Testimonial

Reading from the Cyber-Stacks in Seminary
by Robert Easter, student at Wesley Biblical Seminary, Jackson, Miss.

As a seminary student with very limited funds, I have been continually encouraged to find the books and references I have needed for my assignments, and many more books for future enjoyment, from your cyber-stacks! To loan out a volume of the Ante-Nicene Fathers shows friendship—to provide the entire collection for ready reference from a laptop is astounding! So many books I've hoped to find someday, I find among your stacks, freely available.

While currently unable to pay the download "donations" I do thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these texts available. I do include links to the site in my blog, and hope to repay your kindness, in cash or kind, in the future. You are doing a great service to the Body of Christ, and to the Kingdom of God!

How have you used the CCEL to deepen your research, discover new voices, and enliven your faith? Submit a usage testimonial.

Usage Hint

New Feature: Printer-Friendly Format

If you've ever tried to print a book page directly from the CCEL, it probably didn't turn out as you expected. The PDF format (which is available for almost all books) is generally better formatted for printing, but is not always convenient.

So we have added a new "printer friendly version" link to the bottom of book pages. Whenever you need to print a page or two, just click this link and you will be given a nice, clean page without the clutter of the titlebar, side bars, or toolbar.

Previous Usage Hint

Featured Classic

Luther's Commentary on Galatians
Reviewed by Nathan Bierma, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

I've been reading from the first volume of Frederick Dale Bruner's brilliant commentary on Matthew and came across his statement of very high praise for Luther's commentary on Galatians, which made me rush to bookmark the work in the CCEL:

"Luther's favorite book by far was Galatians, with its crystal-clear doctrine of God's gifted righteousness; see Luther's classic "Lectures on Galatians," the most helpful book, outside of Scripture, that I have ever read. (168)

A related work by Luther is a sermon with the title "The Twofold Use of the Law and Gospel," from Luther's Assorted Sermons. In these reflections lie the foundations of the Protestant Reformation.

Read this classic at the CCEL
Read more works by this author at the CCEL

Submit a Featured Classic review

Classic Reflections

Classic Reflections on Epiphany

What was it that induced [the magi] to worship? For neither was the virgin conspicuous, nor the house distinguished, nor was any other of the things which they saw apt to amaze or attract them. Yet they not only worship, but also "open their treasures," and "offer gifts;" and gifts, not as to a man, but as to God. For the frankincense and the myrrh were a symbol of this. What then was their inducement? That which wrought upon them to set out from home and to come so long a journey; and this was both the star, and the illumination wrought of God in their mind, guiding them by little and little to the more perfect knowledge. For, surely, had it not been so, all that was in sight being ordinary, they would not have shown so great honor.

- Chrysostom, (c. 349-407), from Homily on Matthew 2

Read this classic at the CCEL.
Read more by this author at the CCEL.

*** Sponsor the next issue of The CCEL Times by purchasing an ad ***

---

Your Subscription
You are receiving this monthly newsletter because you elected to subscribe to it as part of your CCEL user account. To unsubscribe, log in to the CCEL, click "my account," and click "my newsletters" under "Manage subscriptions." De-select "CCEL Newsletter" and click "Submit."

Share With a Friend
Do you know someone who would benefit from receiving this newsletter? Please forward it to them, and encourage them to create a CCEL user account and subscribe to this newsletter. Thanks for your help!

Read Last Month's Newsletter

Christian Classics Ethereal Library
3201 Burton St SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
About Us - Contact Us