Making of the New Testament

I am currently reading this book for a review in Studies in Religion.  While it will be some time before the review appears, I will say that it is very good and I highly recommend it.

The Making of the New Testament: Origin, Collection, Text & Canon By Arthur G. Patzia / IVP Academic A textbook introduction to the origin, collection, copying, and canonization of the New Testament documents. In this revised and expanded edition, Patzia gives an overview of the evidence and theories on the NT canon; explains how the documents were copied and transmitted over the centuries; and surveys the basic elements and practices of textual criticism. 263 pages, softcover from InterVarsity.

Lent Twenty

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
(Lamentations 3:22–26 ESV)

Great Book Deals

Christian Book Distributors have some great deals.  You can purchase any of these books by clicking at the links below.  The prices listed in this post may change at some later time.

The Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer, 5 Volumes By Francis Schaeffer / Crossway Books & Bibles Only $49.99, a savings of $100! Dr. Schaeffer was one of the 20th century's champions of reasoned faith. Though he died in 1984, his influence continues through his writings. This affordable set contains all 22 of Schaeffer's books. Five indexed 6" x 9" softcovers, from Crossway Books. Titles include: The God Who is There Escape from Reason He is There and He is Not Silent Back to Freedom and Dignity Genesis in Space and Time No Final Conflict Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History Basic Bible Studies Art and the Bible No Little People True Spirituality The New Super-Spirituality Two Contents, Two Realities The Church at the End of the Twentieth Century The Church Before the Watching World The Mark of a Christian Death in the City The Great Evangelical Disaster Pollution and the Death of Man How Should We Then Live? Whatever Happened to the Human Race? A Christian Manifesto

ESV Study Bible, Hardcover By Crossway Books & Bibles Only $29.99, a savings of $20! The ESV Study Bible includes more than 20,000 notes, written specifically for the ESV Study Bible. These notes focus especially on understanding the meaning of the text, giving answers to frequently raised questions, and providing theological, historical, and archaeological background—all for the purpose of helping readers to understand the Bible in a deeper way. The ESV Study Bible also provides a wealth of additional resources. Thus the introductions to each book include essential information about the author, date, and place of writing; an extensive chart of key themes; a summary of how the book fits in with the rest of the biblical storyline; a description of literary features; an outline of the book; and a large full-color map showing the setting of the book. Another unique feature is the inclusion of over 50 helpful articles on topics such as the authority and truthfulness of the Bible, reading the Bible for application, the Bible in worship and prayer, the reliability of the biblical manuscripts, the relationship between archaeology and the Bible, an overview of biblical theology, and many more. Other key resources include a system of 80,000 cross references and a concordance (which together facilitate easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes). In addition, over 200 color charts, located throughout the Bible, provide clear, concise presentations of essential information. View a complete list of editors, contributors, and articles. Features: The ESV Bible text is set in highly readable 9-point type, in a single-column, book-text format. Section summaries are highlighted for easy location throughout the notes. Summaries provide an overview of each main section and correspond to the outline shown in the introduction for each book. Over 200 full-color maps printed throughout make events and places in the Bible come to life. Over 25,000 notes focus especially on understanding the Bible text and providing answers to frequently raised issues. Words from the Bible text are printed in bold for easy reference. Over 80,000 cross-references provide easy access to key words, passages, and themes throughout the Bible. Numerous diagrams bring fresh understanding to key places and events in the Bible, based on the best, most recent historical and archaeological research. Over 200 charts provide concise, “at a glance” summaries of important themes and teaching. Presentation page Family Record pages

Systematic Theology, 3 Volumes By Charles Hodge / Hendrickson Publishers Only $19.99, a savings of $80! The magnum opus of one of America's most prominent theologians offers an in-depth exploration of theology, anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology. This monumental work, now a standard for theological students, was written while Hodge served as a professor at Princeton, where he permanently influenced American Christianity as a teacher, preacher, and exegete. Includes a comprehensive index. Three hardcovers, from Hendrickson.

Lent Nineteen

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side. 
Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” 
Then he led me back to the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh.And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.”
(Ezekiel 47:1–9 ESV)

Lent Eighteen

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
(Jeremiah 31:31–34 ESV)

Spotlight on Stanley Porter

Stanley Porter is the president of McMaster Divinity College and was my co-author on Unmasking the Pagan Christ.  Here is a selection of books by Stan that you can purchase from Christian Book Distributors  by clicking on the links below.

Linguistics and the New Testament: Critical Junctures By Stanley Porter / Continuum International This volume continues the major work published by the JSNT Supplement Series in the area of Greek linguistics of the New Testament. The first half of the volume includes essays from the 1996 SBL Section on linguistics and other forms of biblical criticism. Here are essays on such topics as linguistics and literary criticism, linguistics and historical criticism, and linguistics and rhetoric. The second half of the volume includes essays arising from sessions of the Bible Greek Language and Linguistics Section of the SBL. In some of the essays, old models are reviewed, and in others, new models and criteria of linguistic analysis are proposed.

Diglossia and Other Topics in New Testament Linguistics By Stanley Porter / Continuum International The first part of this volume, devoted to diglossia, includes a summary of this important area of study in both Septuagintal and New Testament Greek, and a review of these issues in the context of linguistic research generally. A second part includes contributions on aspects of research into the Greek of both Testaments, featuring both new areas of research, such as Critical Discourse Analysis, and more traditional issues such as the nature of the Septuagint translation.

Idioms of the Greek New Testament By Stanley Porter / Continuum International Students needing a tool to guide them from elementary textbooks to full fledged reference grammars will welcome this book. This grammar can be used in three ways: as an instructive handbook, as an intermediate level textbook, and as a basic reference work to the Greek of the New Testament. The major topics of Greek grammar are treated in a useful pedagogical sequence. Substantial discussions are provided on Greek verb structure, the case system, the use of prepositions, particles, and various types of clauses, among others. This book charts new ground in many of its chapters. Among the innovative treatments are those on tense and aspect, mood and attitude, conditional clauses, word order and clause structure, and discourse analysis. The entire grammar is written with one eye on the traditional categories of Greek grammar and with the other on recent discussions of structural linguistics. A glossary of terms and full indexes are provided.

The Rhetorical Analysis of Scripture: Essays from the 1995 London Conference By Stanley Porter / Continuum International

Inking the Deal: A Guide for Successful Academic Publishing By Stanley E. Porter / Baylor University Press In this straightforward and sometimes hard-hitting guide, prolific author Stanley Porter shares the tools necessary for scholars seeking advancement in the world of academic publishing. From his years of experience as an editor, author, and active scholar in his own guild, Porter presents industry insights and practical suggestions for both seasoned scholars and newly minted Ph.D.s. Written primarily for scholars in the arts and humanities, Porter's advice will help gain a valuable understanding of the publishing process and a new confidence with which to pursue academic success.

Christian Worldview and the Academic Disciplines: Crossing the Academy #1 By Stanley Porter & Deane Downey(Ed.) / Pickwick Publications

Paul in Acts By Stanley E. Porter / Baker Academic

Computer and Internet Lessons

First Baptist Church Meaford is offering free computer and Internet lessons, Mondays at 10:30 am.  If you live in the Meaford area, and if you have always wanted to learn how to use a computer or to use the Internet, this is a great opportunity.  Even if you know how to use a computer but have slow Internet at home, you are welcome to join us and to just use the wireless Internet.  You can bring your own laptop or we can provide one for you to use.  Computers are limited so email me at meafordbaptist@bmts.com if you are interested.

Lent Seventeen

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
(Isaiah 60:1–3 ESV)

Should Stay at Home Dads be Disciplined?

Popular pastor Mark Driscoll has suggested that at his church, stay at home dads could be put under church discipline.  Here is the video:



To be fair, part of what he is talking about is that of able-bodied husbands and fathers who could work, but refuse to because of laziness, forcing their wives to work.  That of course should be a concern.  But if a wife has a career and she wants to pursue it and if the husband has the gifts and temperament to raise the child, I see no reason why the man cannot be a stay at home dad, after all some dads are actually more nurturing than some moms.

Driscoll would respond by stating that this is unbiblical.  His text is: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8 ESV)  Unfortunately, Driscoll does not provide the context.  Paul is not speaking about stay at home dads or moms or anything about the marriage relationship.  The context is that there were families that were able to provide for their elderly parents but were dumping them on the church to take care of.  Hardly relevant to the issue at hand.

I respect the decision for many to have working dads and stay at home moms.  At this point, that is where our family is.  However, we do this not because it is biblically mandated, but because it fits with our current situation.  If in few years Amanda gets a much better paying job than I have, I would seriously consider applying for the position of stay at home dad.  Driscoll is welcome to his beliefs, but to condemn all different beliefs is somewhat concerning.  

Lent Sixteen

“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. 
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
(Isaiah 53:1–12 ESV)

Lent Fifteen

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.”
(Isaiah 42:1–4 ESV)

Lent Fourteen

“For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, “Be gone!” 
And he will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and bread, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. In that day your livestock will graze in large pastures, and the oxen and the donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned fodder, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. And on every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the LORD binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.”
(Isaiah 30:19–26 ESV)

Spotlight on Paul Copan

One of today's most talented Christian apologists and philosophers is Paul Copan.  His books can help readers navigate the conflicting truth claims within our culture.  You can purchase any of these books from Christian Book Distributorsby clicking on the links below.

Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God By Paul Copan / Baker Books A recent string of popular-level books written by the New Atheists have leveled the accusation that the God of the Old Testament is nothing but a bully, a murderer, and a cosmic child abuser. This viewpoint is even making inroads into the church. How are Christians to respond to such accusations? And how are we to reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the two testaments? In this timely and readable book, entitled Is God a Moral Monsterapologist Paul Copan takes on some of the most vexing accusations of our time, including: God is arrogant and jealous God punishes people too harshly God is guilty of ethnic cleansing God oppresses women God endorses slavery Christianity causes violence Copan not only answers God's critics, he also shows how to read both the Old and New Testaments faithfully, seeing an unchanging, righteous, and loving God in both.

How Do You Know You're Not Wrong?: Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless By Paul Copan / Baker In today's postmodern world, believers more than ever before are faced with a host of objections to Christianity. Expert apologist Paul Copan describes these objections as "anti-truth" claims and with "How Do You Know You're Not Wrong" he provides a helpful resource with thorough, biblical answers to such regularly used objections as: "Whatever works for you"; "Just as long as it makes you happy"; "All religions are basically the same"; "Christianity is anti-Semitic". At the end of each chapter, he provides practical and easy-to-share summary points to help readers intelligently and effectively answer the challenges of their non-Christian friends and neighbors.

Is Everything Really Relative? By Paul Copan / Ravi Zacharias International Ministries We've all heard one-liners like "That's just true for you, but not for me" or "That's just your reality." Relativism is so common in our day that to question it is to invite charges of arrogance and intolerance. Philosopher Paul Copan argues that even relativists believe in certain objective truths that apply to everyone. In fact, no one can escape making objective claims regarding truth, reality, morality, and religion. This is a booklet for those wondering if truth exists at all, as well as those who believe in truth but are unsure of how to defend their position.

True for You, but Not for Me, Revised By Paul Copan / Bethany House Learn to respond to one of the most common objections about Christianity - that it claims to be the only faith. The message of relativism and religious plurality is very popular and its argument is commonly accepted. Here you will find clear explanations to counter those arguments, including: the absolute quality of relativism, the exclusivity of inclusivity, the uniqueness of Jesus, and, "What about the unsaved who have never heard?".

When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics By Paul Copan / Baker Books There is apologetics, when the actual Bible, God or the faith are being actively maligned, and then there are the difficult questions that sometimes arise in casual conversation. In this book Paul Copan is addressing the latter, and carefully examines each one - its logic, validity and theological implications. This is what he calls 'everyday apologetics', and whether the questions are directed toward Christianity itself, the Christian worldview, or simply truth and reality he does not shy away from tough problems some people - even Christians - have with the faith. Questions about denominations (Why so many?), lying (Is it okay to lie to Nazis?), and God (Why does He seem so egotistical?) just scratch the surface of Christianity's uniqueness. Over a dozen questions are dealt with head-on, but many others are answered within each chapter, and end-of-chapter suggested reading lists will assist those who need to dig deeper.

Loving Wisdom: Christian Philosophy of Religion By Paul Copan / Chalice Press Presenting a distinctively and deliberately Christian philosophy of religion, Loving Wisdom addresses a wide range of topics and questions. Copan acknowledges the difficulties, mystery, and disagreement of religion, and instead of using the language of "proofs," he attempts to show how the Christian faith does a much more adequate job of answering a wide range of questions.

Thats Just Your Interpretation: Responding to Skeptics Who Challenge Your Faith By Paul Copan / Baker In our relativistic society, Christians more than ever are bombarded by tough questions about their faith. Author Paul Copan has observed that many of these questions emerge as "anti-truth claims" that are part of today's skeptical mind-set. Christians defending their faith often hear slogans and questions as: It's allrelative; Everything is one with the Divine; all else is illusion; The Gospels contradict each other; Why would a good God create hell? This book provides incisive answers to slogans related to truth and reality; theism, pantheism/Eastern religion, and naturalism; and doctrinal issues such as the incarnation and truth of Scripture. Each of the twenty-two chapters provides succinct answers and summary points for countering the arguments. Copan's book is accessible for all Christians who want to defend the plausibility of Christianity in the marketplace of ideas. It also includes helpful summary points for countering the arguments, f and additional documentation in the endnotes for review and discussion.

Lent Thirteen

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. 
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.”
(Isaiah 11:1–10 ESV)

Lent Twelve

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
(Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

Spotlight on John Wesley

Having recently attended a conference on John Wesley, I thought I would post some links to some of John Wesley's works.  You can purchase any of these books from Christian Book Distributors by clicking on any of the links below.

The Works of John Wesley, 7 Volumes: Third Edition By Wesley / Baker The most complete collection available of Wesley's works! The writings in these volumes include Wesley's comments on more than 4,000 subjects, hundreds of personal letters, his complete journal, homiletical pointers, scores of addresses, sermon resources, and an extensive subject and Scripture index. Originally published in 14 volumes. 7488 pages total, seven hardcover volumes.

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection By John Wesley / Hendrickson Publishers Wesley's emphasis on personal and social holiness is one of the hallmarks of historic Methodism. Widely read among the spiritual writers, he encouraged his followers toward a Christ-centered, experiential sanctification encompassing all of life. His views profoundly affected later evangelicalism and Pentecostalism. 187 pages, hardcover. Hendrickson.

The Works of John Wesley: Journals & Diaries, 7 Volumes By John Wesley / Abingdon Press There's no finer way to get close to the heart and mind of Wesley than with the first critical edition of this spiritual classic. His complete journals together with hundreds of personal letters offer a unique look at the man who changed the course of English history. Includes a general index to all volumes. Approx. 580 pages each, seven hardcovers.

How to Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer By John Wesley / Value Books Let John Wesley guide you into a deeper prayer life-these excerpts from his prolific writings will motivate and challenge you to greater communion with God. In approximately 45 readings, Wesley explains the why and how of prayer for believers at any stage of the Christian life. Lightly edited for ease of reading, Wesley's insights are sure to improve the way you pray!

The Holy Spirit and Power By John Wesley / Bridge-logos Publishing This book contains ten Spirit-empowered, original sermons of John Wesley from John Wesley's "Standard Sermons," parts of John Wesley's testimony, material from The Journal of the Rev. John Wesley, portions from Wesley's letter to Dr. Conyers Middleton, Holy Spirit power points at the end of each message, a subject index, and a full index of complete Holy Spirit passages from The King James Version of the Bible.

John Wesley's Sermons By A. Outler & R. Hetzenrater, eds. / Abingdon Press Wesley's sermons are here arranged chronologically, making it possible to trace the development of Wesley's theology during his lifetime (1703-1791). Informative introductions to each sermon have been prepared especially for this volume. His plain, unornamented approach with a movement from law to gospel, ending with a strong emotional appeal and practical application was particularly powerful in outdoor settings. 576 pages from Abingdon Press.

On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision

We are starting a new study at First Baptist Church Meaford.  It is a study looking at how to understand and express the Christian faith in a reasonable way.  The study will start on April 4 and will be Monday nights at 7 pm.  There are ten sessions that include:

1) What is Apologetics?
2) What Difference Does It Make If God Exists?
3) Why Does Anything at All Exist?
4) Why Did the Universe Begin?
5) Why Is the Universe Fine-Tuned for Life?
6) Can We Be Good without God?
7) What About Suffering?
8) Who Was Jesus?
9) Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?
10) Is Jesus the Only Way to God?

This study would be appropriate for Christians wanting to learn more about the faith and non-Christians who are interested in finding answers to the hard questions.  If you are in the Meaford/Owen Sound/Thornbury/Collingwood area, you are welcome to join us.  You can purchase the book at the link below.

On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision By William Lane Craig / David C. Cook This concise guide is filled with illustrations, sidebars, and memorizable steps to help Christians stand their ground and defend their faith with reason and precision. In his engaging style, Dr. Craig offers four arguments for God's existence, defends the historicity of Jesus' personal claims and resurrection, addresses the problem of suffering, and shows why religious relativism doesn't work. Along the way, he shares his story of following God's call in his own life. This one-stop, how-to-defend-your-faith manual will equip Christians to advance faith conversations deliberately, applying straightforward, cool-headed arguments. They will discover not just what they believe, but why they believe-and how being on guard with the truth has the power to change lives forever.

Lent Eleven

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
(Psalms 16:8–10 ESV)

Lent Ten

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
(Psalms 23:1–6 ESV)

Lent Nine

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 
Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 
Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 
For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 
But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 
I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 
From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever! 
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. 
All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”
(Psalms 22:1–31 ESV)

Classics Podcasts

If you are interested in the area of classics and Greco-Roman civilization, I have a couple of podacsts to suggest.  First is the History of Rome podcast by Mike Duncan, a weekly podcast tracing the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.  Secondly is the classics podcast from the University of Warwick.  Warning this second podcast can be graphic at times.

Lent Eight

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.”
(Psalms 2:1–4 ESV)

What is a Service Dog?

During my time in Toronto, I have taken Logan and Halo to a number of places.  I had assumed that Toronto of all places would be familiar with service dogs.  However, I have experienced more gawks and more questions here that I ever have in the smaller towns of Meaford and Owen Sound.  I am reminded that I should never assume.  So for the sake of people who read this blog, I will go over what a service dog is.

First of all, I should explain the need.  Very often autistic children have little to no sense of danger.  Some, such as Logan (but not as much Abby), also have a tendency to dart.  Logan has numerous times taken off from the house.  Being an extremely fast runner, this is a problem.

This is where the service dog comes in.  We received our service dog from National Service Dogs.  Halo has a jacket that he wears, that when he is wearing it gives us public access to places like malls and schools.  Logan wears a belt that is attached to a tether which is attached to the dog.  This brings an incredible amount of peace.  For example, the other day I took Logan and Halo to a store.  I put Halo into a stay and purchased what I was buying.  I did not have to be hyper-vigilant that Logan would be half way across the mall the moment that I turned my back.  While I still have to be aware, it brings the stress level down to normal levels of a parent and a child.  My main concern is to just stop people from petting Halo.

Although Halo has already saved Logan by the tether a number of times, the benefits are more complex than that.  I normally bring Halo when I take Logan to men's breakfast at Woodford Baptist Church.  Last time I tried an experiment and left Halo at home.  Logan was a mess.  He was totally stressed out and was all over the place.  Even when they are not connected, just having Halo in the same room calms Logan immensely.  This week in Toronto has been so much better because Halo is here to help Logan and I.  So if you see us or another family with a service dog, that is what it is all about.    

Our Week So Far

Here we are half way through March Break.  Logan and I have been spending it in Toronto at Tyndale University College.  Tyndale puts on a March Break autism camp and that is what Logan has been doing during the day.  I have taken this week as a study leave and it has worked out well.  On Tuesday morning, I attended the John Wesley symposium at Tyndale.  In the afternoon I sat in on an undergrad apologetics lecture with guest speaker Andy Bannister from RZIM Canada, speaking on apologetics to Muslims.  Tuesday evening, Logan and I went to the mall and saw the movie Mars Needs Moms.  It was good movie that was worth seeing with kids.  Today, I have been getting some other work in but took time to attend Chapel, where Andy Bannister was speaking again.  Tonight, we are going to go visit Abby.  I am really looking forward to that.  I should mention that it is not just Logan and I.  We have Logan's service dog Halo with us.  He has been a great help.  He really keeps Logan calm and has kept Logan safe as well.  He has been doing a great job.  We are enjoying our week, but are looking forward to seeing the rest of the family.

Lent Seven

“Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high. My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God, that he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor.”
(Job 16:19–21 ESV)

Lent Six

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
(Leviticus 17:11 ESV)

Lent Five

“Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it over the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat. Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses. No one may be in the tent of meeting from the time he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place until he comes out and has made atonement for himself and for his house and for all the assembly of Israel. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. And he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleannesses of the people of Israel. 
“And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall present the live goat. And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins. And he shall put them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness. The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness.”
(Leviticus 16:15–22 ESV)

My Week With Logan

Tomorrow is the beginning of March Break.  This will be a different March Break for me.  Logan and I are going to spend the week together in Toronto.  We will be staying at Tyndale University College.  Tyndale is putting on an autism camp that Logan will attend during the day.  While he is at day camp, I will be on study leave.  There is a conference at Tyndale on Wesley studies that I will be attending.  In the late afternoons, Logan and I will hang out.  I hope to catch a couple of movies with him and just have some quality father-son time.  Feel free to pray for us as this will be a stretch.  I am thankful that we will have Halo with us as support.  And if you are in the Tyndale area, feel free to watch for us and say 'hi.'

'Twas the Night Before Easter

Make sure to get the new Veggie Tales!  You can get it from Christian Book Distributors for only $9.99.

'Twas the Night Before Easter, VeggieTales DVD By Big Idea It's the night before Easter and all through the town, not a creature is stirring---except a gigantic 20-foot robotic rabbit! He's ready to star in the biggest show ever to open in Crisper County: the musical egg-stravaganza "Up with Bunnies!" But with all the excitement surrounding this "hare"-raising production, will folks forget the true meaning of Easter? Closed-captioned. Approx. 45 minutes. DVD Features: Audio Commentary "Hopperena" Singalong Behind the Voice of "Cassie" with Melinda Doolittle Larry's Backstage Pass to "VeggieTales Live!" "Easter Carols" Interactive Matching Game English and Spanish Subtitles Widescreen and Fullscreen Formats

Spotlight on John Calvin

John Calvin was one of the greatest of the Reformers.  His writings continue to have much to teach us today.  Here is a selection of his books.  You can purchase them from Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links below.

Calvin's Commentaries, 22 Volumes/with bonus copy of Calvin's Institutes By John Calvin / Baker A prolific scholar and theologian, John Calvin authored not only his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion, but also commentaries on twenty-four books of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament except for 2 & 3 John and Revelation. These classic commentaries by a towering figure in the Reformation continue to be valued exegetical reference works for pastors and serious students of the Bible. All 22 volumes of Calvin's Commentaries are handsomely bound, and come with a bonus copy of Henry Beveridge's classic translation of the Institutes. Note to our international customers: Due to the weight of Calvin's Commentaries, 22 Volumes/with bonus copy of Calvin's Institutes, this product has an additional $50.00 international shipping surcharge to help us cover our actual shipping costs. The surcharge will be reflected on the final checkout screen before you submit your order.

Institutes of the Christian Religion By John Calvin / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Theologian par excellence, Calvin is best known for his Institutes of the Christian Religion, a theological introduction to the Bible and vindication of Reformation principles. Beveridge's 1845 translation of Calvin's magnum opus is now available in a one-volume format that retains the pagination of the original two volumes. 1310 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.

John Calvin, Tracts and Letters - 7 volumes By Banner Of Truth Long unavailable, this collection of Calvin's tracts and letters will delight those who admire the great 16th-century reformer. Three volumes of tracts offer insight into Calvin's thought on a range of thorny issues, including his disagreements with Rome. Four volumes of letters document his correspondence with kings, princes, friends, fellow reformers, and common people. Seven hardcovers, from Banner of Truth.

Faith Unfeigned By John Calvin / Banner Of Truth Faith Unfeigned comprises four sermons preached by Calvin in 1549 and reworked by him for publication in 1552. They deal with a very practical problem: How to confess Christ and maintain the integrity of one's faith in a hostile environment where believers face not only ostracism but persecution and even death. Calvin's advice is firmly based on the scriptural premise that we belong, body and soul, to God our loving Father and to Christ our faithful Redeemer. The four sermons combine sound theology with strong pastoral concern. To them a small number of related Reformation texts has been added. Time has not diminished the importance of the issues which Calvin raises. His four sermons are, in a sense, as contemporary now as when first preached. The pressure to conform to non- or sub-Christian religions and cultures is something no Christian can escape. Persecution in many places is as painful a problem for pastors and people as it has ever been. In our weakness we are all adept, as Calvin frequently observes, at inventing excuses which fool no one but ourselves. To ponder the preacher's words is to be reminded of the cost of discipleship, and of the need for a much larger vision of God's saving grace and of the goal to which we are being led.

The Bondage and Liberation of the Will By John Calvin / Baker Edited by A. N. S. Lane; translated by G. I. Davies. An English translation of Calvin's most complete treatise of the relation between grace and free will.

On Prayer: Conversations with God By John Calvin; John Hesselink, ed. / Westminster John Knox Press On Prayer collects for the first time John Calvin's teachings on prayer, taken from his 1559 classic Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin scholar John Hesselink puts Calvin's views in context with an introductory essay for the book. A summary and questions for discussion precede each segment of Calvin's text, making this volume ideal for personal and group study.

Lent Four

“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”

(Exodus 12:13 ESV)

Spotlight on Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Many have enjoyed Eric Metaxas' book on Bonhoeffer, now read the works of the man himself.  Here is a selection of books by Bonhoeffer.  You can purchase them from Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links below.

Psalms: The Prayerbook of the Bible By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Augsburg Fortress Claiming that "the richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart," Bonhoeffer unfolds guidelines for holy living and spiritual growth. He describes the individual's moods in relationship to God, catalogues the psalms by their type of petition, and shows how they all point to Christ. 88 pages, softcover. Augsburg/Fortress.

Ethics By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Touchstone Bonhoeffer writes about Christians and the world we live in, a world of government, politics, labor, and marriage. We do not "live in a vacuum", therefore, we must have concrete instruction in a concrete situation. Bonhoeffer died before completing his work but this book is recognized as a major contribution to Christian ethics. He sees no division be tween church , family, labor, and government. We are re- sponsible before God in the world he made and we have re- sponsibilities for the institutions of that world.

Letters & Papers from Prison By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Touchstone This new, greatly expanded version of Letters and Papers from Prison, while omitting nothing found in the earlier edition, shifts the emphasis of earlier editions on Deitrich Bonhoeffer's theological reflections to the private sphere of his life. Bonhoeffer's letters now appear in far greater detail, and show his daily concerns and the enormous warmth and humanity of the young German pastor who was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for his part in the "officers' plot." References to Bonhoeffer's fiancee and their plans for marriage, omitted in earlier editions, are now included as is her recent article containing excerpts from his personal letters. Letters fro Bonhoeffer's parents, brothers, sisters, and other relatives have been added. The book also contains hitherto inaccessible letters and legal papers referring to Bonhoeffer's trial, a reminiscence of Karl-Friedrich Bonhoeffer of the time spent in prison by members of his family, and a new introduction by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's close friend Eberhard Bethge. These and other pieces--when combined with the historical and theological passages--give aspects of Bonhoeffer's experience a new setting in the context of the war years.

Who is Christ for Us? By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Augsburg Fortress In the summer of 1933, Dietrich Bonhoeffer delivered powerful lectures that insisted Christians encounter Jesus Christ as a living person today, as well as in history and church life. Formulated in the face of the new Nazi regime, a decisive moment in Bonhoeffer's own commitment to the Confessing Church, his words drew attention to the living Christ as always the humiliated "man for others," the lodestar of Christian commitment and service. This volume, well introduced and contextualized by Nessan and Wind, consists in excerpts from the 1933 lectures--strikingly relevant today--along with other, contemporary writings from him and about him.

Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / HarperOne After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. In his book Life Together we learn of Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience within Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together serves as bread to all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

Meditations on the Cross By Dietrich Bonhoeffer, edited by Manfred Weber / Westminster John Knox Press Never before translated into English! As both an evangelical and an ecumenist, Bonhoeffer had an abiding interest in ethics, world peace, community, and racial justice. These searching sermons and letters focus on his pre-eminent theme---"Only a suffering God can help." 128 pages, softcover. Westminster John Knox.

Spiritual Care By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Augsburg Fortress In Bonhoeffer's book he provides a theological base for pastoral theology, but he offers advice on many familiar ministerial tasks, such as conducting baptisms, funerals and weddings. It is a mine of wisdom and detailed practical advice on how to exercise spiritual care.

The Cost of Discipleship By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Touchstone The Cost of Discipleship compels the reader to face himself and God in any situation. Bonhoeffer speaks of "Cheap Grace": preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. "Cheap Grace" is grace without discipleship. "Costly Grace" is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. "It's costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."

Lent Three

“Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes.”
(Genesis 49:9–11 ESV)

That Despicable Mega Mind

I have been enjoying the kids movies that have been coming out.  They are enjoyable for adults and children.  Two of my favorites are Despicable Me and Megamind.  They are similar in many ways.  They are both about super villains.  They both seem confident in their role as a villain.  Then they enter into relationships were they experience love for the first time.  This transforms them and they find a new calling as heroes.

As much as these are children's movies, this is a true story.  We all begin in sin.  The only thing that will change us is a relationship where we experience true love.  That relationship is with Jesus Christ who loved us enough to die for us.  This relationship can change us, transform us completely.  We can find a new calling.  We may not feel like heroes, but there is a whole new world open to us where we can share the love that we have received from Christ.  The makers of these movies might not realize it, but they have tapped into the greatest story ever told.

Lent Two

“When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
(Genesis 22:9–14 ESV)

Lent One

“The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

(Genesis 3:14–15 ESV)

Spotlight on William Lane Craig

William Lane Craig is one of today's most popular and effective apologists.  He has written on a wide range of philosophical and biblical topics.  Here are a selection of his books.  You can purchase them by clicking on the links.

Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics, Third Edition By William Lane Craig / Crossway Books & Bibles A deep philosophical look at apologetics, both in theory and practice, as presented by master apologist William Lane Craig, now in its third edition. First penned in the 1980s, Reasonable Faith is now updated for the 21st century by Craig himself, digging even deeper into the nature of truth, reason, and Faith. Examining the broad topics of faith, man, God, creation and Christ, Craig elucidates biblical truths, logical proofs and critiques of other relevant writers. The end of each chapter lists citations and recommended resources for deeper study, contributing to this multi-faceted resource book that is deep in philosophical logic as well as the biblical truth to put it all into the proper context.

On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision By William Lane Craig / David C. Cook This concise guide is filled with illustrations, sidebars, and memorizable steps to help Christians stand their ground and defend their faith with reason and precision. In his engaging style, Dr. Craig offers four arguments for God's existence, defends the historicity of Jesus' personal claims and resurrection, addresses the problem of suffering, and shows why religious relativism doesn't work. Along the way, he shares his story of following God's call in his own life. This one-stop, how-to-defend-your-faith manual will equip Christians to advance faith conversations deliberately, applying straightforward, cool-headed arguments. They will discover not just what they believe, but why they believe-and how being on guard with the truth has the power to change lives forever.

Hard Questions, Real Answers By William Lane Craig / Crossway Books & Bibles Why doesn't God answer my prayers? If God is so powerful why does evil exist? And if He is so good, why do we suffer? Nonbelievers, and even Christians, are often troubled by questions about suffering, doubt, failure, and unanswered prayer. Yet careful, compassionate answers are hard to find, in part because evangelicals have not taken the life of the mind seriously enough. The intellectual currents of our day are just too strong for simplistic responses. In this book, William Lane Craig doesn't offer trite phrases or pat answers--he offers honest insights gained from a life of study and ministry. Readers in the midst of doubt and confusion will find real answers to these perplexing questions and learn to stand on the only sure foundation for hope--God Himself. This expanded new edition includes chapters on abortion and homosexuality to help readers know how to think about these volatile social issues.

God, Are You There? By William Lane Craig / Ravi Zacharias International Ministries Does God exist? If so, does it matter? Philosopher William Lane Craig argues that there are very good reasons for believing in God, including support from the available scientific evidence. Throughout this booklet, Craig examines numerous commonly used skeptical counter-arguments; he shows how these arguments in no way undermine the rationality of belief in God. This is a booklet for those genuinely seeking answers to some of their deepest questions about ultimate reality.

What Does God Know? By William Lane Craig / Ravi Zacharias International Ministries Doesn't the God of the Bible appear to "repent" or be surprised by human actions at times? "Open theism" has hit the evangelical world like a storm, asserting that God doesn't--and even can't--know the future choices human beings will make. Philosopher William Lane Craig shows how biblically, philosophically and theologically problematic these arguments are, and how God's foreknowledge includes genuinely free human choices - without compromising his sovereignty. 64 pages.

The Son Rises By William Lane Craig / Wipf & Stock Is the Christian message of Jesus Christ and his resurrection true? Using ten lines of historical evidence, Dr. Craig defends the probability that Jesus was resurrected following his crucifixion. He examines the origins of the Christian movement, and more provocative subjects, such as the Shroud of Turin, parapsychological phenomena, and hallucinations.