2 Corinthians 4:6
"For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
Is this how you describe your conversion experience? I'm not talking about the basis of your conversion. I'm talking about the experience of your conversion. Can you say, "As I heard the Gospel, as I looked intently at Jesus Christ, God did something miraculous in my heart; He revealed Himself in all His glory to me in the person and work of Jesus Christ." That has been the clearest description of my own conversion experience. I felt so humbled as I reflected on how the Bible knows my heart more than I know it myself.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Week in Review 11/06/09
What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week was definitely exciting! Though I was sick (must be something going around at Chinese Christian Schools!), I had the wonderful opportunity to hear RC Sproul in Fremont. I will also be seeing him today at a pastor's breakfast. Shaking RC's hands and hearing his Gospel presentation was truly the highlight of the week. Other than that, I had a real nice break because I skipped classes this week due to my sickness. I also had a nice long chat with my roommate, a very rare occurence! Looking forward to the Men's Conference, Titus 2 fellowship, and of course Sunday preaching!
Interesting Happenings
Over the past three weeks, I ate over $100 of McDonald's. Woohoo!
Check These Links Out
95 Theses - Last Saturday was the 492nd anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing of his theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral.
Desiring God Audio for Free - Don't miss out on a great opportunity!
Paganism - Albert Mohler on the rise of Paganism in America.
Planned Parenthood Director Calls it Quits - Interesting article on abortion.
The Centrality of the Glory of God - John Piper's attempt to define God's Glory.
The Ever-growing Wish List
2009 Ligonier Conference DVD - Holiness of God
Christianity for Modern Pagans - Edited By Peter Creeft
Beauty Will Rise - The latest Steven Curtis Chapman album
TULIP - DVD lessons by John Piper
This week was definitely exciting! Though I was sick (must be something going around at Chinese Christian Schools!), I had the wonderful opportunity to hear RC Sproul in Fremont. I will also be seeing him today at a pastor's breakfast. Shaking RC's hands and hearing his Gospel presentation was truly the highlight of the week. Other than that, I had a real nice break because I skipped classes this week due to my sickness. I also had a nice long chat with my roommate, a very rare occurence! Looking forward to the Men's Conference, Titus 2 fellowship, and of course Sunday preaching!
Interesting Happenings
Over the past three weeks, I ate over $100 of McDonald's. Woohoo!
Check These Links Out
95 Theses - Last Saturday was the 492nd anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing of his theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral.
Desiring God Audio for Free - Don't miss out on a great opportunity!
Paganism - Albert Mohler on the rise of Paganism in America.
Planned Parenthood Director Calls it Quits - Interesting article on abortion.
The Centrality of the Glory of God - John Piper's attempt to define God's Glory.
The Ever-growing Wish List
2009 Ligonier Conference DVD - Holiness of God
Christianity for Modern Pagans - Edited By Peter Creeft
Beauty Will Rise - The latest Steven Curtis Chapman album
TULIP - DVD lessons by John Piper
Monday, November 2, 2009
Justification by Faith
Galatians 3:11
"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
This Sunday I preached on justification by faith. One thing that I found interesting is that even the man who tries to be justified by works has faith. It is simply that his object of faith is unable to to justify. The works that he so eagerly trusts in do not justify. They damn (cf. Galatians 3:10). Yet our souls are so inclined to trust in dead works rather than in Jesus Christ's finished work that gives life. It is evident my brothers and sisters that "no one is justified by the Law." Let us look to Christ in faith. Let us abandon our confidence in ourselves, and turn to Christ and His work for justification before God.
"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
This Sunday I preached on justification by faith. One thing that I found interesting is that even the man who tries to be justified by works has faith. It is simply that his object of faith is unable to to justify. The works that he so eagerly trusts in do not justify. They damn (cf. Galatians 3:10). Yet our souls are so inclined to trust in dead works rather than in Jesus Christ's finished work that gives life. It is evident my brothers and sisters that "no one is justified by the Law." Let us look to Christ in faith. Let us abandon our confidence in ourselves, and turn to Christ and His work for justification before God.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Week in Review 10/30/09
What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week, I had the nice pleasure of sleeping Friday morning. I usually have to get up by 5:50-6:00 in the morning everyday, so it was a nice a little rest. However, he is still behind in his Hebrew class so please pray for him. Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining some leaders of SFC to discuss their winter conference. It seems like it will be a very edifying time. Please consider going! We are also going broomballing tonight with SJKPC. Looking forward to it!
I also received my laptop stand this week. I think it was a great investment. If you use a laptop regularly at home or in the office, consider getting one!
Interesting Happenings
Nothing really this week! Sorry!
Check These Links Out
Benny Hinn Interview - Interesting.
Why Was Zedekiah Roasted in the Fire? - John Piper on physical suffering in this world.
The Problem of Evil (Yes it IS a Problem) - Something to chew on by Phil Johnson.
Isn't Evolution Wonderful - Funny thoughts on evolution by Dan Phillips.
Emotivist Ethics - Phil Ryken quotes an article about the troublesome ethics of many people today.
How Willingly Do People Go to Hell? - John Piper again with some great insight.
The Ever-growing Wish List
Pilgrim's Progress - Edited by C.J. Lovik Illustrated by Matt Wimmer
This week, I had the nice pleasure of sleeping Friday morning. I usually have to get up by 5:50-6:00 in the morning everyday, so it was a nice a little rest. However, he is still behind in his Hebrew class so please pray for him. Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining some leaders of SFC to discuss their winter conference. It seems like it will be a very edifying time. Please consider going! We are also going broomballing tonight with SJKPC. Looking forward to it!
I also received my laptop stand this week. I think it was a great investment. If you use a laptop regularly at home or in the office, consider getting one!
Interesting Happenings
Nothing really this week! Sorry!
Check These Links Out
Benny Hinn Interview - Interesting.
Why Was Zedekiah Roasted in the Fire? - John Piper on physical suffering in this world.
The Problem of Evil (Yes it IS a Problem) - Something to chew on by Phil Johnson.
Isn't Evolution Wonderful - Funny thoughts on evolution by Dan Phillips.
Emotivist Ethics - Phil Ryken quotes an article about the troublesome ethics of many people today.
How Willingly Do People Go to Hell? - John Piper again with some great insight.
The Ever-growing Wish List
Pilgrim's Progress - Edited by C.J. Lovik Illustrated by Matt Wimmer
Monday, October 26, 2009
Were Not Our Hearts Burning?
Luke 24:32
"They said to one another, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"'
What can make a down heart burn with excitement and joy? The exposition of God's Word. I pray it is the experience you have every time you hear the preaching of God's Word. Let not our hearts grow so calloused that we no longer feel the awe and wonder of God's truths.
"They said to one another, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"'
What can make a down heart burn with excitement and joy? The exposition of God's Word. I pray it is the experience you have every time you hear the preaching of God's Word. Let not our hearts grow so calloused that we no longer feel the awe and wonder of God's truths.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Week in Review 10/23/09
What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week went by quite fast! Since my friend has been filling in for me in the pulpit, I was able to catch up with a lot of work that had been piling up. I also started playing the McDonald's monopoly game which is actually quite fun. You get to eat a lot of McDonald's as well. I didn't spend a lot of money this week which is a relief! I'm glad the outflow will stay low for awhile. So many things are coming up that I feel a bit overwhelmed. Please continue to pray that I'll be diligent and get work done. A few things coming up: SFC conference in December, Youth Gospel Trust meeting on November 2nd, exegesis project and final on first week of December, planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas events.
Interesting Happenings
One of the first graders looked at my Greek New Testament and said, "Ew, it's ugly. It's like poo." My Greek New Testament is a brown leather.
Check These Links Out
Biblos.com - A very cool Bible resource!
12 Bacon Products - I love bacon, but this seems a bit too much. The baconnaise sounds good though.
Perspectives - Video by Peacemaker Ministries. Really good. You should definitely watch it.
Stott the Prophet - Justin Taylor quotes a remark by John Stott that impresses upon you the importance of the local church in a ever growing digital culture.
The Ever-growing Wish List
If God Is Good - Randy Alcorn's book on suffering.
Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller of Idolatry
Light All Around - Music by The Master's Chorale
This week went by quite fast! Since my friend has been filling in for me in the pulpit, I was able to catch up with a lot of work that had been piling up. I also started playing the McDonald's monopoly game which is actually quite fun. You get to eat a lot of McDonald's as well. I didn't spend a lot of money this week which is a relief! I'm glad the outflow will stay low for awhile. So many things are coming up that I feel a bit overwhelmed. Please continue to pray that I'll be diligent and get work done. A few things coming up: SFC conference in December, Youth Gospel Trust meeting on November 2nd, exegesis project and final on first week of December, planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas events.
Interesting Happenings
One of the first graders looked at my Greek New Testament and said, "Ew, it's ugly. It's like poo." My Greek New Testament is a brown leather.
Check These Links Out
Biblos.com - A very cool Bible resource!
12 Bacon Products - I love bacon, but this seems a bit too much. The baconnaise sounds good though.
Perspectives - Video by Peacemaker Ministries. Really good. You should definitely watch it.
Stott the Prophet - Justin Taylor quotes a remark by John Stott that impresses upon you the importance of the local church in a ever growing digital culture.
The Ever-growing Wish List
If God Is Good - Randy Alcorn's book on suffering.
Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller of Idolatry
Light All Around - Music by The Master's Chorale
Monday, October 19, 2009
By Preaching
Titus 1:1-3
"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior"
How has the knowledge of the truth been manifested at the proper time? By the kerugmati. Or in English, "preaching" or as in the NASB "proclamation." Paul saw God's revelation as primarily being revealed through his preaching, not miracles, healings, wonders, etc. He was entrusted with the message of the Gospel. He saw his preaching ministry as a direct commission from the Lord. He was responsible for making known the mystery to the world (Ephesians 3:8-12). Do you want to know the mysteries of God, the history of redemption, the glories of heaven? Listen to preaching. It is the divinely ordained means through which men might come to a knowledge of the turth. It is no wonder why Paul would charge Timothy so solemnly to "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2).
"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior"
How has the knowledge of the truth been manifested at the proper time? By the kerugmati. Or in English, "preaching" or as in the NASB "proclamation." Paul saw God's revelation as primarily being revealed through his preaching, not miracles, healings, wonders, etc. He was entrusted with the message of the Gospel. He saw his preaching ministry as a direct commission from the Lord. He was responsible for making known the mystery to the world (Ephesians 3:8-12). Do you want to know the mysteries of God, the history of redemption, the glories of heaven? Listen to preaching. It is the divinely ordained means through which men might come to a knowledge of the turth. It is no wonder why Paul would charge Timothy so solemnly to "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2).
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