Ex Nihilo

Crucial for a correct, orthodox understanding of the doctrine of creation is the principle ex nihilo, meaning 'out of nothing.' It shows that creation isn't eternal. Matter has not always existed and only came to be when, “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The Bible is clear where everything came from: God. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made” (Psalm 33:6). Everything was created at God's command, His voice. That means everything must be dependent on Him – existing because of Him and sustained by Him.

When Paul preaches in Athens to the philosophers, he describes the unknown God to them. He is the God who “gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24) In fact, ex nihilo is dead against Greek thought. Like the words from Sound of Music “nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could” (Aristotle came up with the original lyrics here – in Latin!) It's worth remembering God is Almighty and nothing is impossible for Him.

Let's say matter has existed eternally. What would that mean? God's independence, sovereignty and His right to be worshiped would be undermined. In Psalm 90, God says, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” When Job can't work at why he, a good man is being punished by God, He gets a sovereignty lesson: “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you understand.” (Job 38:4)

Matter has no meaning or purpose if it always existed. But since God created it, He has a right to rule it and use it for His glory. The ongoing cause of the universe is Yahweh. That means He keeps willing and causing it to exist. Without that, it would fall apart. The world cannot have made itself. Matter can't create itself when it doesn't exist! The earth displays God's glory, yet it isn't God's glory. It is distinct in it's nature.

Fireproof

I can't go any longer without giving a much-deserved recommendation of 'Fireproof' - a film that has made a tremendous impact on U.S. marriages. In a time when most films devalue marriage or simply feature everything up to the wedding day, this is a welcome contribution. A film that portrays marriage as it truly is: a challenge in need of perseverance and the grace of God.

Here is the quick summary: At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the colling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever... rescuing his wife's heart.

A few great things about this film: 1. it has a clear gospel message (without Jesus, our best efforts are filthy rags) 2. the scripting, acting, music and filming is of the highest standard 3. thousands of marriages have already been rescued by its message 4. it gets to the heart of relationship problems and generally challenges the way we live (I was convicted of a few things while watching).

All in all, a great film (and I don't often review films!) Here is a link to the resource site. You can watch clips, find out about the church that was largely responsible for this project and get hold of resources to use in small groups or as a married couple. Enjoy!

My Summer

Sorry anyone who reads this for the inactivity. My first year at Wales Evangelical School of Theology is finished. The last few weeks with exams and essay deadlines were a bit of a blur, but I've had time to step back and consider the great blessing of the year.

I'm writing on the back of a week at a conference listening to Wayne Grudem, professor at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona and a widely respected author. He spoke on the doctrine of Scripture: the Word of God; the canon of Scripture; its authority, inerrancy, clarity, sufficiency; the necessity and interpretation of Scripture; and Bible Translations.

I learnt so much from Dr. Grudem's teachings and his humble attitude. Maybe I can post some more blogs on the subjects he covered. One thing that stayed with me was what he said was the basis for trusting the Bible's authority. We can look to archaeology, history or reason to argue for the authority of Scripture. But if we're convinced by these things alone or primarily, then these become a higher authority than the Bible.

The Bible's claims for itself coupled with the crucial assurance of the Holy Spirit within a Christian, convince us that it is true in every matter. Hopefully more to follow on this.

A few things are lined up for my summer: a week-long teenage Bible camp, my sister's wedding preparations, some summer school English teaching and some work for quoakle.com.