by Webmanager | Nov 28, 2017
November 28 – Calvary University announced that Dr. Joaquim Braga will transition from Biblical Counseling Department Chair to the Adjunct Faculty role he formerly held. Dr. Braga was part of a bold initiative to lead the department from Brazil, while developing a Brazilian counseling ministry and extending Calvary’s reach into Brazil. After successfully leading a redesign of Calvary’s Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, and after relocating to Brazil to launch his counseling ministry there, Dr. Braga concluded that he would not be able to effectively serve in both roles, and requested a transition back to the adjunct role. Braga explained, “The only reason I’m asking Calvary to consider finding a replacement for me is because I really believe that having someone on campus will be incredibly beneficial for the program…I have come to realize, through my experience these past several months, that it will be difficult for me to do that job well while also starting our counseling and teaching ministry in Brazil.” Braga added that he very much looks forward to staying involved as an adjunct faculty: “I have absolutely loved the interactions with the students as department chair these past several months – interacting with them always energized me and encourages me spiritually.”
Dr. Cone expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Braga’s ministry and is glad Braga will be able to continue as faculty. “Dr. Braga is a tremendous example of a man who practices what he preaches. Just as he is teaching our students to serve others from a Scriptural foundation, he is doing that in his own life and ministry. And sometimes that means making really difficult decisions about priorities and time commitments. I am proud of Joa, and thankful he is a member of our faculty. I think our students are paying attention and recognize that there is as much to be learned from observing how our faculty live and make decisions as there is to be learned in the classroom.”
Dr. Cone added that Calvary will be seeking a Department Chair for the Biblical Counseling department who will be able to build on the good work done by Dr. Braga and his predecessors in advancing Calvary’s strong commitment to God’s word as sufficient and authoritative and to providing students with the best training and most usable credentials.
by Webmanager | Nov 10, 2017
by Dr. Christopher Cone
I met Harry Waterhouse not long after I was appointed as president of Calvary. He had written the fascinating history of Calvary, entitled, The Making of a Warrior – a book that was tremendously helpful to me as I sought to truly understand Calvary’s history and legacy. Harry’s work chronicles the school’s journey from its founding in 1932 until recent days. I remember being so excited to talk with him and gain an even greater historical perspective. Harry did not disappoint.
In that first conversation I was struck by his vitality, energy, and sharpness – I did not believe him when he told me his age. I pray that if God allows me the longevity He allowed Harry, that God would also allow me to be as effective as was Harry – he was just remarkable.
As time passed, I also got to know and appreciate Harry’s incredible generosity and kindness. He was readily willing to give of his time and energy to bless those God put in his path. It was very evident that Harry loves the Lord, he loves the Lord’s work, and he loves the Lord’s workers. Even though Harry is now at home with the Lord, I refer to him in the present tense, because I have no doubt he still carries those traits with him even now in the Lord’s presence.
I am so thankful for Harry’s ministry to Calvary these many years – both with the radio station and with the school – but more personally, I am deeply thankful for his investment of time in me and my family. I every context I saw him, Harry was a faithful steward of the time and skills God had given him.
Harry reminds us in his book about how God built Calvary, and he showed me in his life what a true Calvary Warrior looks like. I thank God for Harry’s example and for his friendship. I pray that God will encourage and strengthen Harry’s family as they will surely miss him. We all look forward to seeing him again soon. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word (2 Thess 2:16-17).
by Webmanager | Oct 31, 2017
The Zobrist Family: Look What God Can Do by Tom Zobrist
Last Sunday afternoon, I read a wonderfully encouraging book written by Pastor Tom Zobrist of Liberty Bible Church. Last year, his son’s professional baseball success brought fame to the name “Zobrist” when Ben received the honor of MVP when the World Champion Chicago Cubs won the World Series. I had the privilege of interacting with the elder Zobrist just before the drama unfolded a year ago. His humble approach to his son’s early success on a team headed to the World Series after being a member of the 2015 World Champion Kansas City Royals caused me to reevaluate my approach with my own children. Pastor Zobrist simply lives his faith.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was pleased to learn some more of the back story of one of my current baseball heroes. But the real treasure of the book is the revealing of the heart of a father. I do not want to spoil the story, so I just want to let you know that this is worth reading. The book does not focus on baseball; it is an official account of God’s powerful influence in a man’s life. You will see what God can do!
I give Zobrist’s book five stars. You can find out more information at:
https://www.tyndale.com/stories/the-zobrist-family
by Webmanager | Oct 31, 2017
Dr. Christopher Cone and Dr. James Fazio have co-edited Forged From Reformation: How Dispensationalism Advances the Reformed Legacy. Forged From Reformation, published by SCS Press, and containing chapters from sixteen dispensational scholars from diverse colleges, seminaries, and universities, celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation by explaining how dispensationalism is connected to the Reformation.
Buy Forged From Reformation at Amazon.com.
Summary:
It has been five-hundred years since Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door at Wittenberg, fanning the flames of the Protestant Reformation. These many years later, we are no less indebted to Luther and the many who accompanied him in times of reform – who set out to return Christian thought and practice to a more biblical orthodoxy. Exemplified by Luther’s five solas (sola scriptura, sola Deo gloria, sola Christus, sola gratia, and sola fide), the Reformation represented and was spurred on by a return to biblical scholarship in the original languages, and by a more consistent application of the literal grammatical-historical hermeneutic.
Forged from the fires of the Reformation’s heightened attention to the Bible and its details, a more refined and systematic dispensational understanding has developed and continues to be shaped. This book, written by a diverse and accomplished group of dispensational scholars, articulates in each and every chapter how, five-hundred years later, dispensational thought upholds and advances the legacy of the Reformation unlike any other theological system in Christian tradition.
Reviews:
“With contributions from top scholars among leading Christian universities and seminaries across the country, Forged from Reformation will give you helpful insights into the truths of Scripture which have shaped our past and still impact our lives for Christ.”
David Jeremiah, Chancellor, Southern California Seminary, Senior Pastor, Shadow Mountain Community Church
“It is an honor to endorse Forged from Reformation … I applaud the authors of this volume in demonstrating the importance of normative dispensational thought that furthers the Reformation on its 500th anniversary. It argues well that Reformed Theology does not own the Reformation, but that in fact dispensationalism continues the many great themes of the Reformation in establishing the Bible-centered theology it purports, its commitment to literal interpretation, its emphasis on salvation by grace through faith for the redeemed of all ages, its goal in the glory of God, and its focus on Jesus the Messiah, and His kingdom. I trust that the book will have a wide and fair hearing.”
H. Wayne House, Distinguished Research Professor of Theology, Law, and Culture, Faith International University and Faith Seminary
“Drs. Fazio and Cone have edited an excellent collection of articles on the dispensational heritage of the Reformation. At a time when it is generally assumed that Reformed theology only gave rise to a limited form of eschatology, the contributors show that the Reformers’ emphasis on biblical hermeneutics eventually led to the dispensational understanding of progressive revelation. The contributors help us better understand the biblical, historical, and practical implications of the Reformation for dispensationalism today.”
Ed Hindson, Founding Dean, Distinguished Professor, Rawling School of Divinity, Liberty University
“I’ve been waiting a long time for a book like this. I’m especially impressed by its width and depth. It’s a theological tour de force. Forged from Reformation cogently clarifies the continuity of dispensationalism within the stream of Reformation history. It will quickly become the go-to book for any historical defense or evaluation of dispensationalism, especially as it relates to the legacy of the Reformers.”
Mark Hitchcock, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary, Senior Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Edmond, OK
“When evangelicals think of the Reformation, they rarely think of dispensationalism. This is a mistake. While it is true that the modern dispensational movement has been trans-denominational, especially in its American development, one should not be hasty to exclude a movement that stands in the direct path of the trajectory of Reformation hermeneutics. In fact, dispensationalism in many ways is the Reformation taken to its logical conclusion and the discussion is not just about eschatology as detractors sometimes posit. As a result of dispensational thought, the evangelical world has rediscovered in greater detail the Jewish perspective of the Bible. The volume Forged from Reformation connects the dots and allows the reader to see clearly what others overlook so readily.”
Mike Stallard, Director of International Ministry, Friends of Israel, Founder and Moderator, Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics
by Webmanager | Oct 23, 2017
We would like to take a moment to introduce Dr. Gary Gromacki to the Calvary University alumni, family, and friends!
In the beginning of fall semester 2017, Dr. Gary Gromacki joined the faculty of Calvary University as Professor of Bible and Theology at the Seminary. Gary has also been tasked as the Director of the new Ph.D. program and Editor of The Journal of Biblical Authority.
Gary has been married to his best friend Kim for 36 years and the Lord has blessed them with three adult children, two of whom are married: Julie, Gavin (married to Sandy) and Allison (married to Brian Cates). Gary and Kim became grandparents this fall as Liam Robert Gromacki was born to Gavin and Sandy.
From 1998-2017 Gary taught Bible and Homiletics at Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA. Gary also served as Editor of The Journal of Ministry and Theology. For ten years he taught Bible at Cedarville University as an adjunct professor. Before going to BBS, Gary served as a pastor of two different churches for thirteen years.
Gary is a student of the word of God as he earned a B.A. in Bible and Greek from Cedarville University (1980), a Th.M. in Bible Exposition (1984), and a D.Min. in Pastoral Leadership (1997) from Dallas Theological Seminary before getting a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (2006) from Baptist Bible Seminary.
Gary’s goal in life is to reach as many people as he can with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach Christians to become devoted disciples of Jesus. He is committed to serving the local church as he has served as a lead pastor of two different churches, led men’s discipleship groups, taught adult Bible classes, worked in church plants, and served as a deacon and elder. Gary has gone on mission trips to preach the gospel and teach national pastors and students in Niger, Benin, Liberia, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Canada, South Korea, and Jamaica. Gary has written a number of journal articles that are posted on www.academia.edu. Gary is available to preach in local churches in the Kansas City area.
Gary enjoys spending time with his wife Kim, playing with his dog Mocha, visiting his children, going on hikes, playing golf, and watching sports.
Gary is excited about teaching Bible and Theology courses at Calvary University and is looking forward to equipping the next generation of leaders for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
