I’ve been tagged by Bryon aka A.Admin who writes at Aberration blog and Peter at Beauty of the Bible (they must really not like me) to list ‘Ten Random Beliefs’. There are no rules. I believe:

1. Everyone is crazy but to a different degree and
2. Jesus was perfectly sane and is our model of a perfectly sane person
3. There is no intelligent life in the universe other than on earth
4. No matter how hard we try, we can’t figure ourselves out
5. All of the books of the Protestant canon (which is what I’m familiar with) are valuable and can teach us more than we realize
6. Grand Theft Auto is an evil game and don’t know how any Christians who want to be holy could play it
7. It’s wrong to add flavors to coffee
8. In reading commentaries all the way through
9. Hair should not by dyed
10. Suits and ties are conforming to the world in the form of corporate culture

So, there’s some stuff about me you probably didn’t want to know.

Please thank God with me. I won a certificate for this Bible from entering a contest at Chosen For Grace. I have a low book budget and this is a great addition that will leave money for other books.

I had a chance to get in on reviewing it but turned it down because I didn’t feel a need for a devotional Bible. Little did I know that the devotional part is weekly and is all at the beginning of the Bible. It’s full of great quotes in addition to material that spans church history and liturgy. Plus it’s hardcover (and also comes in leather with a beautiful spine) which is what I like and want/need. Our leather slimline is very nice but I mostly read lying down and it’s kind of floppy.

There are still more chances to win at least through November 27th. You can find reviews and many questions answered at those sites.

As much as I’m tired of the hoopla surrounding Calvin, I liked these first two quotes.

I’m not up for a debate right now but wanted to post these. I will say that regarding the third quote, I realize there is some room for leeway and some people believe in an older earth not necessarily just because of science (I hope). You can still comment if you’d like but I won’t be able to respond to this post.

——

‘Lamenting that many churches today have lost confidence in the truthfulness and authority of the Bible, Julius Kim, associate professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary in California, called Christians to heed Calvin’s voice.

“In many of our churches the Bible has been functionally rejected in place of what we could gain from some sort of rational exercise on the one hand or some sort of emotional experience on the other,” Kim said at the national conference, hosted by Desiring God Ministries, on Friday.

“We need to hear Calvin’s voice once again calling us back to the Scriptures as our only source of truth and life,” he emphasized.’

Evangelicals Urged to Heed Calvin’s Voice

——

So long as your mind entertains any misgivings as to the certainty of the word, its authority will be weak and dubious, or rather it will have no authority at all. Nor is it sufficient to believe that God is true, and cannot lie or deceive, unless you feel firmly persuaded that every word which proceeds form him is sacred, inviolable truth.

–John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008) 359 (3.2.6).

HT: Michael Metts

——

Question: Why would any Christian want to take man’s fallible dating methods and use them to impose an idea on the infallible Word of God? Christians who accept billions of years are in essence saying that man’s word is infallible, but God’s Word is fallible!

This is the crux of the issue. When Christians have agreed with the world that they can accept man’s fallible dating methods to interpret God’s Word, they have agreed with the world that the Bible can’t be trusted. They have essentially sent out the message that man, by himself, independent of revelation, can determine truth and impose this on God’s Word. Once this ‘door’ has been opened regarding Genesis, ultimately it can happen with the rest of the Bible.

A young Earth—it’s not the issue!

Some may think endorsing this title is strange coming from a complementarian like me and that the article is written by a complementarian (but it’s not of course).

I thought I’d pass it along because I haven’t seen this blog before. The article talks about Mary, the Lord’s biological mother, Mary, the sister of Martha, Phoebe and Priscilla.

Mary’s song and Martha’s contemplating Jesus are some of my favorite passages in the Bible.

Some who are egalitarian may not like a couple of the things written here just as a warning.

NT Womanly Dominion
by Carolyn Mahaney at girltalk

Clearly it is unbiblical and inaccurate to conclude that the ‘weaker vessel’ is the ‘less competent vessel.’”

Luke 1:46-55
46 Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
49 For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
50 He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
52 He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
54 He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
55 For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I, Jeff, will would like to proclaim to you that today I will be speaking in a manner that is not unlike the type of tongue many of our Scriptures are translated to. For I would like to demonstrate that in order to speak the thoughts of my heart, I do not need to speak in such a manner that it may be difficult for many of the saints, even Gentiles, to understand, and that to portray myself in this manner may even be deceitful, for I do not think nor speak in this manner myself, though it might be accurate in our tongue long ago.

Fear not, lest you think I will be speaking unto you in this manner for days to come. For I am only doing so to open the eyes of your heart to what this may sound like to many saints and Gentiles alike.

Does this mean I reject this way of speaking? By no means! For some see it as proper and some see it as puffed up words. There is a time for thoughts of old in order to make known a doctrine or saying that is difficult to bring forth in any other word.

Therefore, let it be said that this is the day unto which Biblish is spoken and this day only.

Truly, may the Lord bless your day today and your week this week. I hope to hear from you soon while the day is still today so that you might make known your thoughts to me.

This is partly written for future use when I need to use it. It’s also under the category of “if you care to know”.

I’d like to mention some things. On another blog a commenter thought I was post-modern and was very critical of me because I didn’t “man-up”. Don’t ask me to explain because I don’t understand it myself. Other times people come here and fire a drive by shot.

Masculinity isn’t about “manning-up” or picking fights. I see a lot of harsh treatment of each other on other blogs (not many at all of the regular commenters here though) and it seems to be the norm.

I started out as a 145lb. weakling and eventually became a 220lb. powerlifter (below). Although I was a Christian, I was a hot-head and thought I had a lot of answers. I never fought in real life but online I was often looking for an argument and offline wasn’t afraid of telling people how much I disagree with them (I wasn’t just a keyboard warrior).

I can see this aspect of myself in others, especially those who are younger. Ah, to be young and know it all.

Then I developed some mental health difficulties which became very humbling. God used and is still using suffering along with Scripture to help me see others in a different light.

Then I developed major back problems. This brought me further along. I’m now a 168lb. weakling which is pretty humbling after losing all that. It takes all my energy just to maintain the tiny bit of extra muscle I still have.

Lately God is doing another round of helping me to be more gentle, peace loving etc. mainly through Scripture by itself this time thankfully. I sure have a long way to go though.

It’s more masculine to hold back and be meek when dealing with others, especially those who are Christians. It’s also masculine to be extremely forceful with those who are oppressing others. The latter isn’t usually what we deal with on Christian blogs when we’re interacting with each other.

So if you want me to “man-up” or are looking for an argument (as opposed to a discussion) or want to incite me, it probably won’t happen unless I reach a moment of weakness or am defending truth, justice and the American way. Interesting paradox.

James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Although God commanding war isn’t something I really struggle with to the point of shaking my faith, even though it seems extremely unfair to us and the thought of violent loss of life is extremely bothersome, I found this article very helpful.
How Could God Command Genocide in the Old Testament?

Edited: 9/26/09 for clarity

At 2:55 in this video Matt Chandler says this. He’s talking about being careful about where his affections are. I’m the same way. I follow my team and enjoy watching sports, but I’ve had to work on making them less important because if I’m too into it, I let it become more important than God for that period of time.

I don’t have any rules, like I can only watch so many games or so many highlights or only read so many web sites (I don’t read about sports much anyway), I just pay attention to what’s going on in me.

The things he says about affections are very interesting. I’m going to try to pay more attention to what affects me positively and negatively and try to adjust things in my life accordingly.

Exodus 34:14
You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.

1. I regard Adam as one person, as did Jesus and Paul.
2. I think that each day of creation was most likely a literal day as we know what a day is now.
3. I believe the Scriptures are inerrant.

Those are just a few examples relevant to this post.

It saddens me that people call me names or put labels on me because I believe these things. I’m not a fundamentalist and I don’t believe these things because I’m Reformed/Calvinist. I believe the first two because I believe that’s what the Bible says. I believe the third for many reasons.

I will defend what the Bible says and have a high view of Scripture (although I know that term may sound arrogant) without apology.

When I strongly disagree with others, I may say it’s because of unbelief if I think that’s the case but I won’t make the judgment that they are not a Christian if they’re a brother or sister in Christ because of secondary issues and I will not put negative labels on them. It saddens me that this seems to be the norm in some areas of the biblioblogosphere.

I’m certainly not perfect in this area and I still need to work on being more gentle and kind. But if you could have seen what a hothead I was 10 years ago, or even 3 years ago…

Just wanted to get that off my chest.

I’m not much into news but I thought I would point out an interview with Tullian Tchividjian at Christianity Today after dissident church members tried to remove him as senior pastor of the 2,500-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

HT: Between Two Worlds

Matthew 9:32 REB
They were on their way out when a man was brought to him, who was dumb and possessed by a demon;

I’m not usually into being especially politically correct but I’m glad that the word dumb, used for people who can’t speak, has been replaced with the word mute, here in the USA.

I was reading R.T. France’s commentary on Matthew and he uses the word dumb with no comment at all which was surprising to me. Every modern US translation uses unable to speak, mute or couldn’t talk. The latest one I could find was the 1977 NASB which they changed to mute in the 1995 revision.

So I was wondering if it’s still in use in the UK. I looked up deaf dumb in Google News and found that it’s used across the ocean from us here in the US. I looked at R.T. France’s bio and saw that he is from the land of tea, warm beer, mist and fog also. I then looked at the REB which is the Revised English Bible, as in England, and it uses the word dumb also (as seen above).

I’m not sure of the etymology of the word for this usage but it certainly has a negative connotation to us here in the US in contemporary language.

So I thought I’d mention that if you see the word dumb being used, it’s common in some areas outside the US.

Has there been any discussion on this over there or is it seen in a different light than we do here? I’m not making any judgments, I’m just asking.

We often hear of athletes praising God after their victories. It’s become so common (not that it’s a bad thing) that it has become cliche. It makes one wonder how many of them are genuine.

I remember quite a few years ago, in a losing locker room interview, a Christian praising God for the hope that he has and that football isn’t the most important thing in his life even though a big loss is tough.

So I came across this recent example and thought I’d pass it along.

Michigan State’s Cousins: Jesus isn’t changing
Monday, Sep 21, 2009
By Staff

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (BP)–Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a costly interception on the Spartans’ final offensive play of the game that sealed a 33-30 win for Notre Dame Sept. 19.

After the game, while answering questions from the media, Cousins testified to his faith in Jesus Christ.

“There’s nothing I can do about it except learn from it and keep my head up,” Cousins said. “I’ve got faith. Football’s not my foundation, it’s not my identity. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and he’s not changing any time soon.”

A holy passion is a passion inflamed by a godly motive. To pursue the knowledge of God to further our understanding of Him and deepen our love for Him is to embark on a quest that delights Him. Jesus encouraged such a pursuit (John 8:31-32). Jesus linked knowledge not with power but with freedom. Knowing the truth is the most liberating power in the world. Not the power to dominate; not the power to impress: These are not the powers we seek. But the power to set free–to give true liberty–is tied to a knowledge of the truth.

–by R.C. Sproul, Developing a Passion for God at Ligonier Ministries blog

If you don’t already, remember to pray for God to give you the grace to experience this passion more and more. I can vouch for it.

When Trials Come

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow

I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in it’s shadow I shall run
Till You completes the work begun
Till You completes the work begun

One day all things will be made new
I’ll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old

Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Jason Staples at Outside the Building has a series on Misinterpreted Bible Passages. I learn a lot from these.

I like the “Judge not, lest you be judged” post. When people say this, I call it “playing the Judge Not card”. (As in “playing the race card”.) I hear Christians and non-Christians alike using it all the time. This is a good rebuttal. I’d like to condense it sometime and post it so that I can point people to it.

Holy Bible: Mosaic releases today from Amazon.com.

They’re hosting a giveaway today only. Join their launch party and you could win a deluxe edition of Mosaic and an Amazon.com gift certificate for up to $500. See their site for details.

For information on the Mosaic Bible you can go to their web site at:
www.HolyBibleMosaic.com

I first saw this video at Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth:

For some great comments on it, see Justin Taylor’s blog.

Here is a response:

Was Adam a Real Historical Individual? at Analogical Thoughts
12 reasons why an evangelical view of the Bible commits one to the existence of Adam as a real historical individual.

This is the clincher for me:
8. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul draws his famous parallel between Adam and Jesus. The transgression of “one man” (Adam) brought judgment and death, but the obedience of “one man” (Jesus) brought righteousness and life. If Adam never actually existed (never mind sinned), Paul’s parallel — on which his theological argument depends — falls flat.

HT: Between Two Worlds

I don’t understand why people want to turn this stuff around and take the much harder reading and call the plain reading (in all of Scripture, not just Genesis) “very highly literalistic” as if it’s not legitimate or sophisticated.

And here is a response to the response at Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth.

Update: here is an excellent rebuttal to the rebuttal to the rebuttal at Analogical Thoughts which offered the 12 reasons linked above.

Update: The Historicity of Adam: Genesis DEconstructed and REconstructed at THEOparadox

This would be filed under “I’m embarrassed I didn’t realize this until now”.

Jesus was from (of) Nazareth but later on Capernaum became his home.

Matthew 4:13-16
He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali,
beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,
16 the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
a light has shined.”

17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

I don’t know how many times I read this until it rung a bell last week. I simply never thought about it for whatever reason.

At the risk of being sacrilegious, maybe this was in part so that Jesus in his humanity would know what it is to have to move.

Seriously, if you would like to read more about this, see the comments to this post at NT/History Blog where Peter Kirk and Bill Heroman discuss this.

The blog which was brought to our attention by Brian Fulthorp at living the crucified life.

2 Chronicles 16:9a
The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

The larger context of this verse is negative. King Asa didn’t put his trust in the LORD. Let’s be fully committed to him and be strengthened by him.

Worship (falling down above etc…) is one of the most ‘useful’ things any person or angel could possibly do. It is an enjoyment of Him beyond any normal action. A person who truly worships, will do right actions. A person who does ‘right’ actions without worship is probably involved in ‘vain works.’

–Iris Godfrey

Matthew 4:10
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”

Hebrews 1:6
And when he brought his firstborn Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.”