My Journal

Some do not discern. Because they think of Matthew 10:42 where Jesus commend those who give a cup of water. But there is a portion omitted: "...because he is my disciple..." or "...you belong to Christ..."

Therefore, one test which cannot be always executed, is to see how they take a good rebuke. If they will not accept the rebuke, it is clear where their motive lies.

Other tests could be formulated based on the above: reaction to preaching, presence/absence of disagreement, etc.

God does not begin to save us because we repent. We repent because he's begun his saving work in us. ~ Keller

A simple point...whose work is it in conversion, salvation, etc. The only answer is "The Holy Spirit", or else it is heretical.

Not because God foreknew the man will choose him and therefore begin His election on him, for that is illogical with the terminology of election/predestination.

God elects according to his foreknowledge means he knew what he was doing. Period.

Last week, at Dr. Stephen Chan's Reformed Institute's evening forums, I was conversing with a lady (first night) who attempted to convince me (without reasons) how Tim Keller of my church was not reformed. Then I tried to convince her there's no reformed fellowship in NYC, which she began to suggest Lyna's pastor, Rev. Laura Lin, was reformed. I merely replied, as I have already told her that I've been to that church before. And she had no response but smile.

I've learned enough to know not to talk too much to those who care not about which that they speak or ask. Yes, I believe this was the case. It's not about "innocent until proven guilty" or vice versa, but careful conversation with content.

My answer was clear. She could either accuse me of something I am not or believe what I said. And if it be the latter, she is free to ask me with follow up questions, which I would give answers such as "Supporting or proclaiming reformed doctrine/people do not make one reformed", "Rev. Lin's position is more or less - to the reformed she became like the reformed, to the charismatics she became like the charismatics, etc.", if and only if in that sense a reformed, yes, I can accept that, but I wouldn't trust her with a reformed fellowship.

Another follow-up answer would be: Would you call it reformed when white lies can be justified or when an elder/deacon believes everyone in the world will eventually go to heaven or when those who hate sermons were entrusted over those who love sermons to teach Sunday School...

Perhaps there was no time as our conversation happened only a few minutes before the workshop. But if she truly cared, she should not hesitate to get an answer out of me at any opportune time, which she did not. It took me a while to find a solution to this, but if I were her, I would take down my contact information for further answer.

If one really must isolate a ministry in the Lord calling it youth ministry, then one thing is to be noted: Any youth ministry that does not allow parents to be able to "spy" on, is a problem ministry by itself.

Calling extrapolation the truth is as bad as claiming knowledge of the methodology of God's creation.