6 Great…

Today my wife and I are celebrating our sixth anniversary. That’s right, on August 8, 1998, a scorching hot day by anyone’s standards, Aileen and I were married in historical St. John’s Anglican Church in Ancaster, Ontario. Our wedding represented was was probably the one and only time a Reformed pastor has spoken from that particular pulpit. The wedding was followed by a reception at the nearby Old Town Hall where we baked in the unairconditioned historical building. But it was a wonderful wedding. In the ensuing six years God has blessed us in so many ways, not the least of which are playing outside at the moment, alternatingly digging in the garden and slapping each other.

Since the number six has special relevance today, I thought I’d list some other great things, six at a time (and in no particular order):

Six Great Books

1. The Murder of Jesus by John MacArthur. This book meant a lot to me as I studied not only the events surrounding Jesus’ death, but also the significance and meaning of these events.
2. Decisions, Decisions by Dave Swavely. A very Biblical book that looks at how Christians are to make decisions. In this day of subjectivism, the author returns to the objective truth of God’s word as the ultimate key to making decisions.
3. Whatever Happened To The Gospel of Grace by James Boice. A brief but very good look at the five solas of the Reformation and their relevance to the modern church.
4. Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur. MacArthur presents great truths about the modern church and compares them with the Downgrade Controversy of Charles Spurgeon’s day. It takes issue with much of what we consider normal in the church today.
5. Classic Christianity by Bob George. Though not perfect theologically, this book made me think a lot about the nature of the life that God gives us. George tries to reclaim much of what used to be considered Classic Christianity.
6. Twenty Controversies That Almost Killed A Church by Richard Ganz. I am in the midst of writing a thorough review of this book, but will summarize by saying it is a thoroughly Biblical look at the issues faced by the church at Corinth. But more than that, it shows how those issues are relevant to us today and how we need to hear Paul’s call to Biblical holiness even today.

Six Great Albums

1. Beyond Belief by Petra. The first Christian album I ever bought, this one will always have a special place in my collection. It was released at the time that Petra was at the top of their game (and at the top of the charts) and builds around the theme of God’s amazing love.
2. Highlands by Whiteheart. While most people consider Freedom Whiteheart’s best album, I have always loved Highlands. It has a great vibe (and even some bagpipes) and a great mixture of loud songs and ballads. The Flame Passes On has to be regarded as one of their best songs.
3. She Must And Shall Go Free by Derek Webb. You knew I was going to mention this one. Without a doubt one of the best Christian artists and certainly one of the most Biblical as well, Webb cries out for the church to return to its roots and rediscover the truth of God’s Word. Reformed, Biblical, stirring – you need to hear this album.
4. The Beautiful Letdown by Switchfoot. Again, if you come by this site with any regularity you knew I had to mention this one. Switchfoot is one of the best things to happen to Christian music and this album captures them at their best. It’s fun, thoughtful and Biblical. I highly recommend it.
5. Caedmon’s Call by Caedmon’s Call. Their debut album is still their best as it had a rootsy feel they have not been able to capture since. With plenty of great songs and lots of folksy vibes, this one was absolutely original and defined them as one of Christian music’s top acts.
6. Take Me To Your Leader by Newsboys. I guess this one isn’t as much good as it is fun. But it’s really fun. It had all sorts of fun songs and Steven Taylor shone as the producer. This captured the band at their peak and it seems it’s been all downhill from there.

So there you have it. Six years, six books and six albums. Today good things come in sixes.