Wrong application?

As a break from the ESV and gender issues here is something that is close to my heart.
The statement in the Word that "by His stripes we are healed" is so often applied to physical healing, yet the context of the statement seems to me to apply the statement to spiritual healing.
Personally I think that that being healed spiritually is far more important that physical healing.
I am aware that making such a statement about the mis-application of this statement will probably be greeting with howls of horror in some quarters, but I firmly believe it to be the case.
I wouls just add at this point that this is no academic subject for me.
I have spent the last 4 years battling with Hep C and although the treatment was successful (treatment in my case lasted 6 months and was worse than the illness) I am still recovering and I still have 8 daily painkillers to wean off. Down from 21 a day last November when the treatment finished.
God has taught me so much over the last few years, what an amazing classroom. God is so good. I have gained so many insights and much understanding of perseverance.
Do not misunderstand me, I firmly believe that God heals and I have personally witnessed some amazing healings including the regeneration of a severely damaged lung.
Too many people these days have an atitude towards healing of 'I am a Christian therefore if I become ill I will be healed, it is my right as a Christian'.
Nowhere in scripture is that stated, healing yes, as a given right no. From all this comes the insidous belief that if you are not healed you must be steeped in unrepented sin.
Of course the heretical 'Health & Wealth' movement is not helping, but that is a whole other subject.

Battle of the sexes

Over the last couple of days I have been commenting on other blogs on the ESV, gender and the like. I have noticed from some of the comments that a few people are repeating things they have been told, but without actually checking it out properly for themselves.
Leadership being male always causes confusion and the enemy laughs long and loud. It amazes me how many people seem unaware that although we are equal before God spiritually, He has assigned us different roles which were established before the fall not afterwards, and therefore qualify for the "very good" comment from God.
If being head of the household doesn't drive you to your knees then nothing will, what an incredible responsibilty. Of course you are to do it as God commands and not the way that some men do which is harsh and domineering in nature.

Oh dear, my secret is out

Oh well, no more anonymity for me, Adrian Warnock has announced my existence in the blogging world on his blog. I have had two visitors already.
Looks like I will have to be more productive on my own blog.
That might be a good thing!!!

ESV thoughts

Well, well, so much controversy about the ESV. One of my own posts was quoted by David Warnock (no relation to Adrian) as an example of an ill informed Conservative Evangelical. Interesting, but meaningless. I gather I am ill informed because I stated something he didn't agree with. Hardly the best approach.
Am I a Conservative Evangelical? In the best possible sense, yes. Although I have to say that with the current trends in the Evangelical world the phrase doesn't have the same meaning that it used to and as such could be misconstrued. (wilfully or otherwise)
Theologically I put myself in with the likes of Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, John Piper, C J Mahaney, Wayne Grudem, Albert Mohler, Terry Virgo, Arthur Wallis, Martin Lloyd-Jones, J I Packer, R C Sproul, Ken Ham, and others.
With all of them I am a Berean. I except nothing just because it comes from a certain author.

TOC answers

At last the answers to the questions that Adrian Warnock presented on our behalf to the ESV TOC. It is already getting some interesting postings.
I look forward to the rest of the answers and the postings that come out of it.

So much information!!

I have been looking at several blogs and when they are updated and how often they refer to other blogs.
I have to assume that some of these people must spend an inordinate amount of time reading other blogs as well as updating their own, maybe too much time?

Looking forward to...

Only a few weeks to go until the New Frontiers 'International Leaders Conference' in Brighton, UK. This year we have the pleasure of the company of C J Mahaney speaking on Sovereign Grace. Leaders and delegates from over 40 countries are expected.
As usual it will be exciting to hear what Terry Virgo has to say,as well as the other speakers, several of which are from outside New Frontiers. (as usual)
I look forward to seeing friends from India as this is the only opportunity I get at the moment to see them face to face.
If you want to know more check out www.newfrontiers.xtn.org

Fasting

Hi,
I would like to recommend two seminal books on fasting; 'Gods Chosen Fast' by Arthur Wallis and 'A Hunger For God' by John Piper.

'Gods Chosen Fast' was published in England in 1968 with the first paperback appearing in 1969. It is only 119 pages long, but is full of Biblical wisdom relating to fasting including some very practical guidelines for starting and finishing a fast. These relate more to longer fasts but have value in regard to all fasting. A must have for any serious library.

'A Hunger For God' appeared in a UK edition in 1997. This work is 239 pages long and raises very pertinant observations regarding the application of fasting and our heart attitudes.
As always with John Piper you cannot get away with a half hearted attitude to this subject. After reading this book you will have no excuse for wrong application or for wrong attitudes in regard to fasting. Another must have for any serious library

Hi

Mostly what I will be posting here are reviews and comments on books I personally like and have in my library.
Sometimes I will add comments on other issues. Just so I am upfront and clear about where I am coming from; I am a Bible believing Christian. I believe in 6 literal days of creation and in the God ordained roles of men and women (see the Danvers statement)
I also believe in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God and Salvation by Faith alone. And for those who fret about such things, I am Pre-Mill. and Post Trib.