TNIV's 'The Books of the Bible'

I recently decided to pick up TNIV's The Books of the Bible and read it for my devotions. So far I have really enjoyed it. (I wouldn't encourage using the TNIV for serious study, but I think it's alright for devotionals.) What I like most about The Books of the Bible (TBB) is its format. All of the verse and chapter numbers have been removed (there is a very faint Scripture reference point at the bottom of each page to give the reader a general idea of where he/she is reading from). Nice. Also, sections of Scripture are broken up by a break, or change, in argument/thought. If it's a minor change in thought then there will be a single space between sections, all the way up to four spaces between the sections for major breaks in thought. Another nice feature is the ordering of the books. The OT is arranged in the Hebrew-esk fashion with the Law through Samuel-Kings at the beginning, the Prophets (in chronological order) next, and the Writings at the end (with Daniel being the last book of the OT). The NT begins with Luke-Acts and proceeds with Paul's letters (in chronological order), then on to a mixture of Matthew and Mark with Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, James and Jude, and then finishing with all of John's writings (i.e. John's Gospel, his three letters and Revelation). I think it's a great arrangement. The other great thing about TBB is that it combines 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1& 2 Chronicles into one book each as they originally were. All-in-all I'm very pleased with TBB. It flows well and has a great arrangement. Go getcha one.

Voddie II

"The key to understanding the role of the family in discipling children is understanding the purpose of the Fifth Commandment. This commandment was not given for the sake of the individual child as much as it was given for the sake of the community. The Fifth Commandment was the foundation upon which the concept of multigenerational faithfulness is built. God designed the family to disciple children and insure the faithfulness and perpetuation of the community of faith throughout the ages. In other words, God says to us (through the Fifth Commandment), "If you want to continue to exist as the people of God in the midst of the pagan land that I am about to give you, you will have to do so by training and discipling your children." This is the linchpin in every argument I have made or will make in this book. God has designed your family--not the youth group, not the children's ministry, not the Christian school, but your family--as the principal discipling agent in your children's lives. The most important job you have as a parent is to train and disciple your children. This truth completely transformed the way Bridget and I viewed our role as parents. Suddenly we realized that if we raised our children to be great doctors, lawyers, athletes, or musicians but did not train them to honor us and obey God, we would have failed. Thus we had to rethink our schedule, our priorities, everything. In fact, this is one of the key truths that led us to home education. It was inconceivable to us that we could accomplish this monumental task without giving our children an education that completely embraced and undergirded this philosophy."

Voddie Baucham

Family Driven Faith, p. 118-9

Voddie

"When I first became a Christian, I thought that all Christians were sold-out, fire-breathing, truth-telling, water-walking follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also believed that I should be able to trust anything that was written by a Christian author and published by a Christian publisher. I soon discovered I was wrong. Most Christians in our culture live like everyone else. There is little distinction between our lives and the lives of the pagans down the street. We wear the same clothes, watch the same movies, read the same books, send our children to the same schools, and sign the same divorce decrees as everyone else. Furthermore, there ought to be a sign posted in every Christian bookstore that reads, "The views expressed in these books do not necessarily express the views of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." I'm not saying, don't read Christian books. I'm just saying, read with discernment."

Voddie Baucham, Jr.

Family Driven Faith, p.112

You tell 'em Voddie.

Haddon James Nichols

He's here...

Born: August 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM

7 lbs. 0 oz.

19 3/4 in.

Man-child.

Penal Substitution

"The notion which the phrase "penal substitution" expresses is that Jesus Christ our Lord, moved by a love that was determined to do everything necessary to save us, endured and exhaused the destructive divine judgment for which we were otherwise inescapably destined, and so won us forgiveness, adoption, and glory. To affirm penal substitution is to say that believers are in debt to Christ specifically for this, and that this is the mainspring of all their joy, peace, and praise both now and for eternity."

-J.I. Packer, quoted from In My Place Condemned He Stood

Embracing Accusation

I have learned much (as elsewhere) from the master theologian, churchman, public figure, and normal Christian believer, Martin Luther. It is well-known that in his writings [and] in table conversation Luther would often refer to visits from the Devil, how the Devil would come to him and whisper in his ear, accusing him of all manner of filthy sin: “Martin, you are a liar, greedy, lecherous, a blasphemer, a hypocrite. You cannot stand before God.” To which Luther would respond: “Well, yes, I am. And, indeed, Satan, you do not know the half of it. I have done much worse than that and if you care to give me your full list, I can no doubt add to it and help make it more complete. But you know what? My Saviour has died for all my sins—those you mention, those I could add and, indeed, those I have committed but am so wicked that I am unaware of having done so. It does not change the fact that Christ has died for all of them; his blood is sufficient; and on the Day of Judgment I shall be exonerated because he has taken all my sins on himself and clothed me in his own perfect righteousness.”Luther knew what temptation looked like; he knew his own wickedness; but he also knew the all-surpassing perfection and grace of Christ. So, in closing, I want to thank my blog critics, the crass, the colourful, the profane, and the plain old crazy, for helping me to understand better my sin and my Saviour. You think I'm arrogant? You should talk to my wife: she could fill you in on just how arrogant I really am. You think I'm ruthless and cold? Believe me, you don't know where half of the bodies are buried. You think I'm a weak and spineless girlyman? Hey, you don't know nearly the extent of my cowardice. You think I'm an inveterate street fighter? Bring it on. If someone will hold my coat, why go out onto the street? We can finish this right here and right now. But you know what? My Saviour knows the full depth of all my sleaziness, my sin, and my moral insanity, and has covered by his blood all these crimes you allege against me. Indeed, he has covered many more and much worse; and your reminders of my sinfulness and my need of him are most
gratefully received.

-Carl Trueman, quoted from Thank God for Bandit Country

Nicodemus and Cheetos

I've read the book of John a few times, but for some reason I've never made the connection between John 3:1-21 and John 19:39, both of which refer to Nicodemus. In John chapter 3, John never tells us what happened to Nicodemus, but apparently the dude got saved. I just thought that was interesting.

On another note...

I have recently come to the realization that Flamin' Hot Limón Crunchy Cheetos may be the greatest tasting snack, ever.

Baby #2

I forgot to post that Amber is pregnant again and... it's a boy! This will bring the Nichols household to: two adults, two kids, and two dogs. Having a girl has been such a joy, but I must say that I'm a little nervous about having a boy. I think the reason for this is because my son's example of what it is to be a godly man is going to be me... that's intimidating. We'll see how it goes.

Baptism of the Spirit... update

Okay, after talking with a very good friend of mine about this baptism of the Spirit thing, I have reached the conclusion (for now) that we are born of the Spirit at conversion and baptized/filled with the Spirit at some point after that (although Scripture seems to indicate that the baptism/filling could happen simulaneously with conversion). I think this view is consistent with Scripture which gives us the ultimate example of this in Christ, Who was born of the Spirit (literally) and later baptized/filled with the Spirit at His baptism. So far I am satisfied with this view and it would take a lot to convince me otherwise. But go ahead and let me know if this is heresy. Thanks.

Baptism of the Spirit

My views on the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit have been anything but consistent. I used to believe that the Baptism/Filling of the Holy Spirit happened only at conversion. I have also held to the belief that a person was baptized with the Spirit at conversion and then subsequently filled with the Holy Spirit at a later time for ministry. Currently I believe that Scripture uses the terms "Baptism" and "Filling" interchangeably in regards to the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:5 and 2:4) and that after conversion believers must constantly pursue subsequent baptisms/fillings of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:29-31). For further reflection on this, check out the following:

1. John 7:39; 14:15-17; 20:22; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4
2. Luke 3:21-22 (see also Mark 1:10 and Matthew 3:16)
3. Acts 4:29-31 (cf. Acts 13:52)

Any thoughts?

Your Thoughts?

1 Peter 5:7-10 vs. 1 John 5:18

Read it. Pray about it. Let me know what you come up with.

Peace.

Piper on Marriage

"The ultimate thing we can say about marriage is that it exists for God’s glory. That is, it exists to display God. Now we see how: Marriage is patterned after Christ’s covenant relationship to his redeemed people, the church. And therefore, the highest meaning and the most ultimate purpose of marriage is to put the covenant relationship of Christ and his church on display. That is why marriage exists. If you are married, that is why you are married. If you hope to be, that should be your dream."

-John Piper
quoted from This Momentary Marriage, p. 25

Click here to download this book in its entirety for free. Yeah, you heard me.

President Barack Obama

Well, crap.

McCain v. Obama = Life v. Death

Read this before you vote. Tell your friends.

Morality According to Hallmark

Al Mohler recently posted a blog on something that I find quite disturbing. Hallmark has decided to launch a new type of greeting card to cater to all those homosexuals who apparently are feeling a little left out. Last year Hallmark released a wave of "coming out" cards. They have now expanded their gay horizons into the land of wedding and anniversary cards. You can read Mohler's take on all of this here. Peace.

The Heart of a Father

Here recently I've decided to read through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew over and over again. I'm not really sure when I will move on to something else, but for now I like it. Last night when I was reading I was affected by Matthew 6:1-4 which reads, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (2) Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Besides the obvious call to "silent generosity", I noticed in this passage the gracious heart of God. God has promised that obedience brings reward, but what stuck out to me was the fact that God not only wants our obedience, but He desires to reward us. In this passage I see the heart of a Father. He is not just shelling out a list of commands, but He is telling the crowds how to receive their heavenly reward. The Sermon on the Mount is a radical call from God Himself for His people to live in a peculiar, distinct way, which calls for a painful death to self. But what is so amazing is that this hard path of obedience is the path to joy, and our heavenly reward. We serve such a great God! There is grace behind every command and there is a great reward at the end of all obedience; and that reward is God Himself. Peace.

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave

I am currently reading a book by Edward T. Welch called Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave and I highly recommend it for everyone. The last chapter I read is called Staying Violent. The two verses at the beginning of the chapter are Matthew 11:12 ("From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.") and Matthew 18:18 ("If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."). Pretty intense from the get-go. After reading this chapter I come away really wanting to deal with my own sin and addictions. Why? Because it's flat out war-time manliness to do so! And it honors God. Battling sin is like a Biblical UFC (not the sissy new UFC, but the old-school "go until someone's unconscious" UFC). Here are some of my favorite quotes from the chapter...

"There is a mean streak to authentic self-control. Underneath what seems to be the placid demeanor of those who are not ruled by their desires is the heart of a warrior. Self control is not for the timid. When we want to grow in it, not only do we nurture an exuberance for Jesus Christ, we also demand of ourselves a hatred for sin." (pg. 225)

"But unlike our old conception of warfare, where battle lines are clear and the times of battle can almost be predicted, this is modern warfare in which you are not always sure where the enemy lurks. It is guerilla warfare. There are strategically placed snipers. You let down you guard for a moment and the village you thought was safe suddenly opens fire on you." (pg. 226)

"The problem is that as Christians, we often forget we are in a war. Or worse, we don't even know that there is a war. Unlike most warfare, where at least we know that there is an enemy somewhere, spiritual warfare tends to be especially covert. No one is getting shot and many people--even addicts themselves-- seem to be managing their lives fairly well. It all looks like business as usual. Add to this the fact that we actually like the enemy, and it is easy to understand why many of us act as though we were on vacation." (pp. 226-227)

"If someone can actually flee something that he deeply desires, then, once removed from the external temptation, he must follow through by taking his soul to task. We are attracted by the temptations outside us because of the sinful desires we harbor within." (pg. 230)

"Maybe we haven't given into the temptation, but we are dialoging with it rather than rebuking it. When a serpent comes across your path speaking lies, you should run from it or kill it. You shouldn't sit around for a friendly chat." (pg. 239)

"When temptations come, we live mindfully. We look past the facade of temporary pleasure and notice the smell of death that goes with it. If the temptation hooks our desires, we go public. We confess it to a friend, we confess it to the Lord, we get other people praying of us, we ask for counsel that helps us to see that the Serpent is dangerous. Above all, we remember that God's commands are good. They are inteded to bless us." (pg. 240)

"Why would God allow temptations? They are divine testings that reveal our hearts." (pg. 240)

In summary, 1) Buy the book, 2) Read the book, 3) Buy another copy and give it to someone, 4) Read the book again, 5) see #3. Peace.

Long awaited pictures of the Baby

Back from Sabbatical

I've been doing a little studying/thinking on the Emergent movement lately (and really Postmodernism in general). Check out this helpful quote from Christian philosopher William Lane Craig:

"To assert that ‘the truth is that there is no truth’ is both self-refuting and arbitrary. For if this statement is true, it is not true, since there is no truth. So-called deconstructionism thus cannot be halted from deconstructing itself. Moreover, there is also no reason for adopting the postmodern perspective rather than, say, the outlooks of Western capitalism, male chauvinism, white racism, and so forth, since post-modernism has no more truth to it then these perspectives. Caught in this self-defeating trap, some postmodernists have been forced to the same recourse as Buddhist mystics: denying that postmodernism is really a view or position at all. But then, once again, why do they continue to write books and talk about it. They are obviously making some claims—and if not, then they literally have nothing to say and no objection to [the rational] employment of the classical canons of logic."

The letter E is equal to the letters M and C squared.

Today is Albert Einstein's birthday... he's 129. I think we can all learn a valuable lesson from his life: Pipe-smokers are geniuses. Thanks Al.