In This Issue: From the DirectorWhat do you do to relax? I tend to have a favorite activity that changes every few weeks or months. At different times, I might work on the yard or house, solve a crossword puzzle or Sudoku, go for a long bike ride, or read a book. A couple of years ago I had a hovercraft phase that lasted for several months. At other times I have had a CCEL proofreading project that I would work on for an hour a day or so. I like the proofreading projects because in addition to serving as a relaxing change of pace, they also give me motivation to spend time each day reading something good—and they serve the millions of CCEL users around the world at the same time! Are you interested in reading a good book and serving the world at the same time? Pick out a good book at the CCEL and proofread it! I recommend printing out 20 pages of the PDF version and working on that with pen in hand. You can make corrections online using the "correct an error on this page" link that appears at the bottom of CCEL book pages when you are logged in. We can also keep track of how many times pages have been proofed with the "I have proofed this page" link. The goal is to proof each book at least twice. We have set up a group at the CCEL where you can find out more.
Harry Plantinga
Featured ClassicCatechetical Lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem (c.313–386)Reviewed by Lester Ruth Can a theologian be a good pastor or evangelist? Can an effective, church-growing evangelist be theological? Can a caring pastor preach doctrine in a relevant way? Is it possible for one person to be a dynamic evangelist, pastor, and theologian all at once? Many today would answer “no.” That’s why looking at Cyril, the fourth century bishop of Jerusalem, is so helpful. In his addresses to the baptismal candidates in his church, he does a masterful job of weaving together solid theology, effective evangelism, and nurturing pastoral care. Whatever Cyril’s vestments actually were like (who knows exactly what a fourth century bishop would have worn?), he did wear simultaneously the metaphorical caps of evangelist, pastor, and theologian as he prepared new Christians for their baptism at Easter and preached to them the meaning of the sacraments afterward. Cyril’s catechetical lectures raise questions that are still important: What do people need to know to be active Christian disciples? What’s the appropriate threshold for baptizing someone? Is “buying into” the commonly held doctrines of the church essential in evangelizing someone? Cyril’s answer is a resounding “yes.” Read the complete review at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Featured Hymn"And Can It Be" by Charles Wesley —from the new Hymnary, developed by the CCEL and co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (read more about the Hymnary)
Read more about this hymn at the Hymnary
Featured Book GroupChristian Mysticism: A Study on Practical Applications Update from this group: We have just finished studying Practical Mysticism, a book about mysticism addressed to non-Christians by Evelyn Underhill. Those that are just joining the group are encouraged to start with this book. Remember that this is an ongoing study and that there is no rush to finish any book or section before you are ready too. Read or Join this Book Study Group
Usage HintBrowse By Format You can browse the CCEL by file format. On the home page, under "Browse Library," click "By Format." Select a file format—such as MP3, alm Docbook, or ThML—and you'll see a list of all books available in that format. Classic ReflectionsClassic Reflections for the Season of Pentecost [The Spirit's] operations, what are they? For majesty ineffable, and for numbers innumerable. ... [The Spirit] existed; He pre-existed; He co-existed with the Father and the Son before the ages. ... Is it Christ's advent? The Spirit is forerunner. Is there the incarnate presence? The Spirit is inseparable. Working of miracles, and gifts of healing are through the Holy Spirit. Demons were driven out by the Spirit of God. The devil was brought to naught by the presence of the Spirit. Remission of sins was by the gift of the Spirit, for 'ye were washed, ye were sanctified ... in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the holy Spirit of our God.' There is close relationship with God through the Spirit, for 'God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father.' The resurrection from the dead is effected by the operation of the Spirit, for 'Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created; and Thou renewest the face of the earth'. Read this classic at the CCEL
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The CCEL Times 3.6 (June 2, 2008)
Submitted by bdv4 on Thu, 2008-05-29 15:44.
