Fellow students,

The last TSG was the 23^rd study and marked a milestone for the group as it has been 3 years since we commenced.  When we started the group we never wanted to become an institution and it’s always helpful to have a built in review period.   I always had in mind 3 years for that, so here we are.  After due thought Paul and I have decided that we will not run the TSG for this year.  There are a number of reasons for this and for a while anyway, we want some of our energies to be channelled elsewhere.  We may well continue TSG after a break but we’ll take soundings first. 

One idea I have in mind for the next year is to organise an informal book reading club.  We often know there are books that we should read but never get round to.  For some of us the only way to do this is to meet every couple of months and discuss what we have read.  One person could be nominated to circulate a summary previously (a couple of pages) which point to some of the more interesting books.  I am suggesting cheaper paperback books which have a moderate theological content; for example:

• Fee & Stuart, How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth
• ACUTE: The Nature of Hell
• D Peterson (Ed) Holiness & Sexuality
• Graham Cole: Engaging With the Holy Spirit
• Stott: The Cross of Christ
• Ovey etc: Pierced For Our Transgressions.
• Loads of books that I haven’t read!

The above are only suggestions and the group would nominate books of interest. We could meet on a Saturday evening. What do you think?  You must let me know if you’re interested. I’d also like to hear from you about books that you’d like to read.

Even if we don’t read some books I’d like to keep you up to date with theological matters.  One piece of very good news is that the best student theology journal, Themelios, is now available free of charge and is also now edited by Don Carson. ttp://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios The articles give a good account of what standard is expected of post graduate students.  he best (and thankfully most accessible parts) are the excellent editorial and the book reviews. I suggest you only print what you know you’re going to read as there are over 100 pages. 

I’m sorry if you’re disappointed that we are pausing here, but I hope you understand why. I  would like to take this opportunity to thank the many regulars for your friendship and encouragement over the last 3 years.  May you know the Lord’s rich blessing in your ministry and as you delve ever deeper into the mystery that is divine.

Keith