Pegasus Bridge

June 6, 1944 marked the largest single assault in military history. One of the objectives of the battle was the “Spear head” in which the objective was to have a point that broke through the enemy lines so that the Normandy landing could proceed up from the landing site. In this operation troops were flown in plywood gliders under the cover of predawn darkness to secure “Pegasus Bridge.”

In yet another compelling work, Pegasus Bridge: June 6, 1944 Stephen Ambrose gives details of the training and lead up to the operation through a few first had accounts. The carnage that took place the predawn operation is unbelievable, yet the heroism stands tall. These men knew that this would be a pivotal moment in history as they captured the Pegasus Bridge.

D-Day

Stephen Ambrose the dedicated historian captures the story and emotions of June 6, 1944 in his book D-Day using more that 1,400 interviews and first hand accounts. It is the story of the largest military action to ever be assembled. We should all remember the sacrifices that so many made that day to ensure our freedom and the freedom of those around the world.

So as we mark Memorial Day 2006 make yourself aware of those who have gone before you and read a book that will fill you with gratitude. D-Day is the story of courage and heroism, fear and determination that secured democracy shaping the twentieth century for millions around the world.

Ambrose was instrumental in starting the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans. It is the largest collection of eyewitness accounts of a single in the world. I was privileged to have toured the museum shortly after it opened. It is a remarkable reminder of the courage of that day in 1944. You can view some of what is in store for those who attend the museum at D-Day web site.

Citizen Soldiers by Ambrose picks up the story from June 7, 1944 to May 7, 1945. It follows the U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the surrender of Germany. Amborse is a master of the interview process and weaves interviews and historical narrative to create an account that you will not be able to put down. Another work, Band of Brothers was made into a miniseries by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. It follows E Company, 506th Regiment, and 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler’s eagles nest. I have found that D-Day and Citizen Soldiers gave me a very good understanding of what these young men faced. I have been profoundly grateful for their sacrifice.

Listen to Edwards

Download Jonathan Edwards sermons and books being read on MP3's at Audio Sermons .com a site I am sure you will visit over and over. Check out link under Sermons for a complete listing of all sermons available online. With 89,200 sermons you can listen and listen and listen...

This is a personal favorite. I have a 45 minute drive to work one way which is just enough time to listen to a sermon or lecture.

Above All Earthly Powers: The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World

The 2006 Desiring God National Conference registration information and speaker information is now available. Conference dates are September 29-October 1, 2006.

John Piper gives and invitation to the conference.

I have attended past conferences and have been inspired and encouraged. The bookstore has been the best that I have seen for a conference.

To see past conferences click the link:
2003 - A God-Entranced Vision of All Things
2004 – Sex and the Supremacy of God
2005 – Suffering and the Sovereignty of God

Don't miss this conference!

Edwards Online

To find out more about Jonathan Edwards the following links may wet your apatite. Read sermons or download PDF works of Edwards from the links I have listed in order of my personal preference:

Monergism has a section on Edwards is most helpful and has lots information.

Yale has a good site that when completed will have Edwards complete works.

The Writings of Jonathan Edwards many with PDF download – This is spot that I downloaded and read Religious Affections.

Many of Jonathan Edward’s sermons are found on this site.

Calvin College has a site that is not visually great but has works you can download.

Edwards Resolutions

I would like to hear from anyone who has other Edwards’s links that have been helpful.

The Glory of God - learing from Edwards

A great book that I have read recently is by John Piper, "God's Passion for His Glory" which has included in it the complete text of Jonathan Edwards work "The End for which God Created the World."

John Piper helps to unpack Edwards thought on "The End for which God Created the World." He brings clarity of understanding with biographical background and theological perspectives. He shares with us Edwards, "radically God-centered view of virtue - which is, in fact, the end for which God created the world - and apply its scathy relevance to cultural transformation and world evangelism."

The book includes the complete text of Edwards work. Although difficult to understand in our day because of use of enlightenment arguments in the first half - the second half brings into view the Christian perspective and is worth the effort of wading through the first half. You will expand your understanding of the Glory of God in the reading of "God's Passion for His Glory."

To purchase the book or to download the online book with pdf files
Part 1 chapter 1, chapter 2-3, Part 2 introduction, chapter 1, chapter2

"All that is ever spoken of in the scripture as an ultimate end of God's works is included in the phrase, The Glory of God." Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards - Favorite Author

Jonathan Edwards has fast become one of my favorite authors. Recently I have completed two classes offered at our church and taught by Nick Nowalk. The classes helped students dig into Religious Affections and The End for Which God Created the World. Each of these works demands of the reader to work hard in understanding the concepts Edwards is communicating and to rethink prior postions that one may hold in this modern age.

Edwards is truely one of the great puritins and preachers to grace the American landscape. His theolgical interpretations continue to be wrestled with today.

I will be commenting more on Edwards as he is the imputis to starting this blog. Other important church figures will be discussed on these pages.

United 93

The most important and talkedabout film of the year...
If you have not seen United 93 - the unflinching drama that tells the story the fourth hijacked plane on the day of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil: September 11, 2001 – it is time you do.

While some attempted to condemn the movie as “too soon,” overwhelming response to the opening of United 93 shows that America is a nation not only ready to revisit that day, but to confront the issues of world terrorism and discuss the imperative search for real answers and solutions…

“FOUR STARS. … about the most consequential day in US history.”- Michael Medved

“This harrowing yet restrained film that honors the men and women of United Flight 93 and the honor they bestowed on their country, must be seen.”- The Today Show

“An extraordinary film. …the movie left me shaken, moved, and filled with respect. This is a great act of filmmaking.”- Roger Ebert

Visit Motive Entertainment’s http://www.u93.org/, where you can view the Movie Trailer, Video Commentaries from Religious, Political and Educational Leaders -- and download free teaching and preaching resources to engage in key issues like, “Why do Islamic terrorists hate America? How should we respond as Americans? As Christians? As Jews? As Muslims?”

Hammer and Nail blog launch

As I launch the "Hammer and Nail" blog my hope is to pass along my love for books, history, biographies, theology, and politics. My plan is to have book reviews of books I have enjoyed. Share ministries that have been helpful to me. Post items of theology that have caused change and encouraged my faith in God. And lastly look at political news items that are in need of further discussion. I don't claim to have all the knowledge on a topic but a willingness to share my thoughts in order to open a discussion that will be more clarifying.

The title of the blog comes from the quote by A.W. Pink. I will share more about Pink in the future.