Month: May 2016

The Emperor Has Spoken

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emperor

The edict has just come down from the Imperial Palace, formally known as the White House, directing all public schools in our nation to allow so-called “transgender” students to use the bathroom they self-identify with. I guess in a country where a President can self-identify as a king and can get away with it, even to the degree that other members of our republican government join the facade and put on the costumes of court subjects with most fighting over the one of the court jester, it was inevitable a high school boy could “self-identify” (wink, wink) and get into the girl’s bathroom or gym showers.

We were already forced a few weeks ago to think through this issue (as I did here for myself), and many of us decided that this wasn’t going to work for our families. Now in a move shocking both in its suddenness and brashness, we have a nationwide proclamation that hits in a place that should definitely be protected from such shenanigans: our schools.

I’m heartbroken for our country. I’m heartbroken for the family that has no other option besides public schools. I’m heartbroken for the good public school teachers who will now be put in a hopeless situation. I’m sorry for the accredited Christian schools or colleges who will have trouble avoiding this ruling. Most of all, I am sorrowful for the helpless children who will suffer.

The children of our country deserve better. Many children who abuse another child are ones who have been abused themselves. The adults need to protect them all. A safe bathroom is a minimum requirement, wouldn’t you say?

I do want to thank God that homeschooling is still a legal option.  I applaud all homeschooling mothers, who even though you may want to pull your hair out at times, you are one of the true heroes of our generation. I want to thank those involved in providing Christian schools too. With what is going on in public schools, homeschoolers and Christian school families need not split hairs.

There’s another thing that needs admitting at this time. Perhaps the drama of the 2016 presidential election with Trump and Hillary and the others made us forget for a moment. Obama is the most perversely effective president in our nation’s history. He has gotten through so much of his grotesque agenda, an agenda far beyond what we thought in 2008. He has used methods not mentioned in our Constitution, methods never heard of before, and they have worked with apparent ease. Every few months now we are getting the shock of our lives. And that’s exactly what this nationwide “transgender” bathroom edict really is. May God help us.

Kregel Exegetical Commentary on the Psalms, Volume 3

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psalms

The set is finally complete! Now we have a commentary on Psalms that will be a treasure for the rest of our lives. This isn’t hyperbole–it’s one of the best commentaries we have and certainly the best on the Psalms.

This final volume covers Psalms 90-150 in 1000 pages. If you already use the previous two volumes, you will be glad to know that the quality doesn’t waver as has been known to happen in some other large commentaries. His aim is pastors first and scholars second and he succeeds on both levels.

To see the value you will get in this volume just check out his commentary on Psalm 90. Most modern scholars place this Psalm claimed to be from Moses’ hand as post-exilic. He in just few words shows the shaky ground that claim is on while he argues for Moses. That takes guts in these days and I love it.

He always puts his psalms in the proper context and category. His commentary on Psalm 119 would make a fine book of its own. I might still believe the Pilgrim Psalms were pilgrims heading to worship opposite of his stance, but the commentary is outstanding.

The winning setup remains the same: text and textual footnotes, composition and context, exegetical analysis, commentary in expository form, and message and application. None of those sections are throwaway.

This is an incredible resource for pastors and teachers and I give it the highest possible recommendation.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

RELATED POSTS:

Psalms Volume 1

Psalms Volume 2

Illustrated Bible Survey–A Great Resource!

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IBS

This volume is one of the best of its kind released in a long time. Though aimed at college-level students, it is ideal for any studious laymen as well. As a pastor, I would love to see those I pastor use this volume in their studies.

Written by Ed Hindson and Elmer Towns, both of whom are experienced at writing to this audience, the book begins with two helpful introductory chapters on how we got the Bible and how to read it. From there we get a chapter on a general introduction to the Old Testament, followed by individual book introductions. We get a similar New Testament introduction before individual NT books are introduced as well.

This book scores a home run on every level. The writing is good, the maps and other graphics are outstanding, and many exceptional charts are included too. Each book has a “Key Facts” graph, a background, an outline, a message of its contents, all followed by a practical application section.

If my guess is correct, this book will be highly successful. The book itself is beautiful and I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.