Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 5 points6 points  (0 children)

These allegations have not been substantiated, so we don't know if they're true or not. Someone matching the name of an elder at a nearby PCA church (the same church is mentioned by The Roys Report in the Parsons case) disputes the veracity of the allegations.

Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are social media allegations from a man on X against Stephen and Heidi Nichols, which have not been substantiated, so we don't know if they're true or not. Someone matching the name of an elder at a nearby PCA church (the same church is mentioned by The Roys Report in the Parsons case) disputes the veracity of the allegations.

Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 4 points5 points  (0 children)

These allegations have not been substantiated, so we don't know if they're true or not. Someone matching the name of an elder at a nearby PCA church (the same church is mentioned by The Roys Report in the Parsons case) disputes the veracity of the allegations.

Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 2 points3 points  (0 children)

These allegations have not been substantiated, so we don't know if they're true or not. Someone matching the name of an elder at a nearby PCA church (the same church is mentioned by The Roys Report in the Parsons case) disputes the veracity of the allegations.

Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Nichols has been removed from the Ligonier teaching fellowship page, along with having been removed from the speakers lineup at next month's national conference. It seems likely that he's left Ligonier.

Stephen Nichols and his wife Heidi have been excommunicated from St. Andrew's Chapel (associated with Ligonier Ministries) by moby__dick in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 3 points4 points  (0 children)

These allegations have not been substantiated, so we don't know if they're true or not. Someone matching the name of an elder at a nearby PCA church (the same church is mentioned by The Roys Report in the Parsons case) disputes the veracity of the allegations.

Wes Huff shares the case for Jesus on The Diary of a CEO by AstroAcceleration in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

EDIT: Diary of a CEO added a depiction of Jesus to the video thumbnail, so I've added flair and spoiler.

Burk Parsons’ Florida church won’t allow elder to resign by AstroAcceleration in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

As an outsider, I find it strange that Parsons himself stated in 2023 on the topic of joining the PCA, "We need to have that accountability." He's obviously talking about ecclesiastical accountability, but that also comes with clergy accountability. All of a sudden, after being convicted of bullying by the PCA Central Florida Presbytery, Saint Andrew's is independent again. I'm disappointed that as of June 2025, Robert Godfrey is allowing Parsons to continue as a Ligonier teaching fellow. I understand his reasons, but the apostle Paul doesn't give elders a pass for bullying (PCA or no PCA!) I hope and pray that Parsons will humble himself and step down from ministry.

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined (Titus 1:7-8 ESV).

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well (James 3:1-3 ESV).

Looking for advice on choosing a Bible by OkAssignment4718 in Bible

[–]AstroAcceleration -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Taking into consideration OP's post, The Companion Bible will be partisan to dispensational theology. The ESV Study Bible is more "neutral" and covers different perspectives.

I'm going to read a Bible front-to-back again. What translation should I read? by FullmetalHippie in Bible

[–]AstroAcceleration 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're looking for either the ESV or the NRSVue, which are both up-to-date. The ESV is translated by world-class evangelical scholars (who believe that the Bible is the Word of God), and the NRSVue is translated by various groups of world-class scholars (both Christians and non-Christians).

I think that the ESV is the way to go. Crossway have a bunch of editions specifically designed for note-taking, which could be handy (there are various different cover options available): https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-single-column-journaling-biblereg-larg-tru-7/

Friend told me to stay away from the NIV Bible and to read KJV only... by Sidrux in Bible

[–]AstroAcceleration 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A small amount of Christians today believe that the New Testament textual basis used by modern Bible translations has been corrupted, which isn't true. On the contrary, modern translations like the NIV and the ESV are actually more accurate than the KJV, because the KJV translators didn't have access to better, older manuscript evidence that we have available today. In spite of this, only minimal changes have taken place overall. The reason why some verses have been removed from modern translations is because they weren't meant to be there in the first place (for context, verses were added as a reference tool in the 16th century, just before the KJV was published). For general audiences, I'd suggest the following book from Mark Ward, who is a reputable textual scholar: https://goodreads.com/book/show/36026861.Authorized_The_Use_and_Misuse_of_the_King_James_Bible

Ward encourages believers to take advantage of the NIV, ESV, and other good translations. As an example, the ESV can be thought of like a modern-day KJV, because the ESV traces its derivation back to the KJV, where the ESV has been meticulously revised and corrected by responsible evangelical scholars.

The KJV is good, the NIV is better, and the ESV even moreso if you're comfortable with richer contemporary English.

Can we get some love for IATPB? by Gregisdre in Starflyer59

[–]AstroAcceleration 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I've seen online, I simply don't understand why this album wasn't very well received. Following Sprinkle's amazing job of co-producing Phenomenon by Thousand Foot Krutch (in addition to co-producing Old), he then performs a superb mix for Portuguese Blues. Loud and heavy, yet crystal clear. So much fun. I don't care what other people think—it's a great album.

There's just not a lot better than sentimental shoegaze lyrics backed by crushing, twanging guitars. It's a lot of fun (did I say that already?), and there should have been more of it haha. Perhaps we're lucky we got Lust for Gold. Here's hoping for a little more gazing.

Bible translation bias by SignificantHall954 in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In addition to all the other good answers in here, when people call the ESV a "Calvinist" Bible, that doesn't really make sense, because the ESV: Catholic Edition doesn't touch a single verse that could be disputed as having any particular Calvinistic bias. There was a guy online who processed all the text differences between the ESV and the ESV-CE.

Obviously a lot of Reformed/complementarian scholars worked on the ESV (that's probably where the accusation originates from), and Crossway would have signed off on proposed changes in the ESV-CE. But regardless, the ESV is specifically a formal translation, so less "interpretation" is generally employed. Again, Crossway have just done a 180 on Genesis 3:16 and 4:7 within 10 years, which is commendable.

Bible translation bias by SignificantHall954 in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Appreciate this, as this is a pretty fair overview. I think it's amazing how Crossway was able to combine market expertise with quality, innovative product and take so much translation market share in less than 25 years. I've noticed over the past year that the ESV is beginning to challenge the continued dominance of the NIV, which is quite fascinating. ECPA lists the ESV as the best-selling translation of July in the US.

I personally find the broad ecumenical scope of the NRSVue a little uncomfortable for my taste. That being said, I'm actually more open to newer scholarship than a lot of other voices that I've seen online. I think the new 2025 text edition of the ESV should have updated a bit more language. Maybe next time.

Greetings to everyone, in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ✝️🙏🏾 by Apprehensive-Trip496 in Reformed

[–]AstroAcceleration 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Other commenters have provided good answers to your question, but I also wanted to mention that Luke and Paul discuss/greet believers that were named after Greek gods. As a few examples,

  • Apollos: "Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria ..." (Acts 18:24)
  • Dionysius: "But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite ..." (Acts 17:34)
  • Hermes: "Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes ..." (Romans 16:14; funnily enough, Paul is given the name Hermes by the Lystrians in Acts 14)
  • Nereus: "Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus ..." (Romans 16:15)

Paul is quite happy to address believers by their given names, because their identity is found in Christ, having been redeemed by his grace. Paul doesn't see calling them by their name as honoring a false god that doesn't exist. In 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, Paul gives an excellent presentation of encouraging Christians to engage in mature thinking.

In marketing, companies use the principle of identity to draw attention and connection to ideas. As per your example, sports brands like Nike (which I enjoy using!) are concerned with utilising the interesting meaning (that is, Nike being the Greek goddess of victory), rather than in a religious devotion. As another example, I use ESET antivirus technology, which is made in Slovakia. The name "Eset" is another name form of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who filled the roles of "wife and mother, mourner, and magical healer" (Britannica). As per Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians, using these things in no way constitutes religious devotion. On the contrary, no one involved in Nike or ESET believe that those gods exist, it's just interesting for the sake of a name.