Pronunciation:
os-ten-si-ble
Definition:
stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so
As used in a sentence:
Their ostensible goal was to clean up government corruption, but their real aim was to unseat the government.
V 15, one to one relationship with Christ, not one to group.
V12, reminds me of the leaders of many churches I've seen in NY (e.g. Redeemer)
Looking back at my recent schedule, I figure that I'm not vigorous enough. I could have accomplished much much more.
A powerful tool from Microsoft. One that may supersede ms dos batch scripting.
So I took a quick course (Understanding Powershell 5 by Matt Hester) on Lynda.com.
Good resources:
Get new tips everyday: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/heyscriptingguy/
Script Repository: https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter
Final day of The Feast of Tabernacle (sukkot): in the court of women, 4 stands, each holding 4 golden bowls that lit during the feast. Multiple symbols from exodus to harvest. Jesus is the light.
Francis Crick, one discoverer of DNA: dna maybe planted by aliens. Such is the explaination by denial of God.
V14, testimony requires two. But here, the Lord his divinity.
V33, Funny: they were slaves to Egypt, Babylon, now Rome. This shows how justified/in denial they feel after the special rights they've gained from Rome pertaining to monotheism.
Jesus said to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, you are wrong, free men are not enslaved by society. In contrast, at Redeemer, they would shy from such criticism but they wouldn't hesitate to praise some of Rousseau's quotes.
Pastor was introduced to Van Til in person in his late years.
Tabernacle, only feast in NT NOT fulfilled. By you now, as light of the world.
The Westminster Confession of Faith by John Gerstner.
I would group this church under "Party Church" now.
When Tim Keller was around, his sermons were the only things dreading those who love God. Then one would start wondering if that is all a mega church could offer. No fellowship, no Bible study that matter. Nothing else led by Keller that is crucial to any congregant. You can buy his books, he loves writing books, that's about it.
When Keller announced his departure from the pulpit ministry, I thought, he would still come back, especially if the number dwindles. I was at the same time stories worried that this church would jump on the prosperity gospel rail, which would be the only way to survive without Timothy Keller. But then, he actually dared to stepped down, that's when I prayed for a way and God provided...a gem church I found that has been hidden from my sight for 15 years.
I noticed one thing, even in Redeemer, that the blacks, generally are more evangelical in the English speaking community. Even if they are influenced by post modernism. I was given a Redeemer Downtown "self made brochure" by a black young lady on a Saturday leaving NYGC. I'm sure that there are also those, at least the Koreans, who still think that Redeemer is Tim Keller's church, which they attend hoping to hear him preach. Even to this day. They are either like fish longing for water on dry land or groupies who were stuck outside the backstage. They think Keller's vision is to preach the gospel, they got it wrong. Keller's vision is to help build as many churches in crowded neighborhoods as fast as possible, without much filters. It could be the fastest method in the world, that is the goal. So anything goes, any denomination, any qualification, any volunteer. Keller will strategize this vision behind the scene.
Because of Keller's background, many staffs have aligned themselves with Westminster Theological Seminary doctrine, which is good. But I fear that this won't last. I pray God will raise more serious churches around the city where Christians who do not follow after numbers/popularity congregate. I was in Redeemer only because I found no better church, but now I found one.
Now, Redeemer can be a good resource center, but it will not be wise to be affiliated with it. Because of this, it reflects the level of maturity Christians are in the city. If there are no good churches coming out of this, the blame does not end with Redeemer nor Keller, but also stretched out to all fellow Christians who are around, where great resources are here for the potential of building a great church. This opportunity will not last long, because I see that Redeemer will either stray from the reformed or it will soon disappear.
I just thought, Hebrews 7:9 can be a good reference for it.
One might even say that the infant was baptized through the father. For the infant was still in the father's "loin" when the father was baptized.
An interesting coverage by Redeemer Downtown. Though I don't go to Redeemer anymore.
Ben Brock is ambidextrous, challenges anyone to checkers (either hand) or moonwalking, and has been a part of Downtown for a year and a half. Ben works in the arts and lives at City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan.
Ben’s interests are many and varied, which is how he likes to think about the church. Because of the Spirit’s unique role in each person’s life, he desires to see every person find their special role in the church. He says, “This will sometimes mean inventing new ministries and means of service that reflect the Spirit’s unique gifting. The Church is intended to be a vehicle for cultural and interpersonal formation and enrichment and should be as multifaceted as the sum of its congregant's capabilities. We're like lights in a Christmas tree, people, you gotta be plugged in.” After the 5 p.m. service, you’ll find Ben at coffee hour trying new things to help promote connection and community. He’s always looking for volunteers!
Good conversation starters to use with Ben, include: Back to the Future (he can quote it in its entirety), Disneyland, Reformed Theology, Presuppositional apologetics, Gato Barbieri, Martin Kippenberger, and Marcel Proust.
