Not Literally Binding

From 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law, by Thomas R. Schreiner, on what is commonly called the third use of the law, the use of the law as a rule for life for Christians:

Strictly speaking, the idea that believers are under the third use of the law is mistaken, for we have seen that the entire law is abolished for believers. Still, the notion is not entirely wrong since Paul’s teaching is filled with exhortations that call upon believers to live in a way that pleases God. As we saw in the previous question, some of the commands are from the Old Testament law, and surely they function as a standard for the lives of believers today. Still, derivation from the Old Testament does not make them authoritative. They are God’s will for human beings because they represent God’s character. Even though the Old Testament law is not literally binding upon believers, we see principles and patterns and moral norms that still apply to us today since the Old Testament is the word of God.

What do you think?  

Book Review: The Organized Heart

A Woman’s Guide to Conquering Chaos by Staci Eastin.

Staci Eastin is a blogger I’ve known for a while. She runs in my circle of blogging friends, you might say. When I found out she was writing a book for women on organizing the home—or “organizing chaos,” to use the wording of the subtitle—I was pretty sure this wasn’t a book for me, since I’ve never had much a problem with chaos in my home, at least not for long.

But then Staci offered to send me a copy of her book. How could I refuse?

Guess what? It turns out that there’s a chapter especially for me in The Organized Heart; or rather, there’s a chapter for a younger me. (I’ve been at this running a home thing for 35 years now. I’ve worked things out, or more accurately, God has worked in me, and I’m mostly content with things as they are.)

But I’ll get to the chapter that applies to me after I quote what Staci writes about this book.

This book will be different than any other book on organization that you’ve probably read. I have no schedule to offer you, I won’t tell you what day to mop the kitchen floor, and you don’t need to buy a timer. Your standards for an organized home and a reasonable schedule will vary with your personality, season of life, and the needs and preferences of your family.

Staci looks at our difficulties managing our homes through the lens of idolatry. 

Click to read more ...

Thankful Thursday

 

I’m thankful that son and I had a safe trip. We put on a lot of miles without incident, if you don’t count the bug goo that I can’t get off the hood of my new car, that is. We found a way around all the closed roads in southern Saskatchewan that didn’t add a whole lot of miles to the trip. I’m thankful that God’s hand worked all that out for us.

We saw my niece married and had a good time with all the wedding activities. I got to see my dad and sister and all my sister’s kids. I’m thankful for my extended family and time spent with them. 

I’m thankful for the produce from the garden. Everything is so much bigger than when we left. We’ve had lettuce and other greens, cauliflower, and broccoli, and there are tomatoes that will be ready to pick in a couple of days. I’m thankful for the rain and the sun and the soil that grows my garden vegetables.

I’m thankful that our God is a benevolent God; I’m thankful that he gives good gifts. I’m thankful that he is rescueing God; I’m thankful that he saves and protects. I’m thankful that he is a trustworthy God; I’m thankful that he keeps his promises.

Throughout this year I’m planning to post a few thoughts of thanksgiving each Thursday along with Kim at the Upward Call and others.