Reformed Churches in Penang

Posted on August 2, 2014 by timlyg

It is interesting to note that there are some reformed tradition churches growing in Penang. Praise be to God. I am unfamiliar with this, but will be keeping an eye on this issue.

Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church
Some sermons to listen online. Though it seems to be centered in Singapore.
I briefly listened to a sermon...by Rev. Lanning, on against labor union (labors cannot band together - insubordination to the boss). An issue that has been raised several times in U.S., CRC generally accepts labor union but cautions it vaguely. Lanning was staunch opponent of it, obviously.

Reformed Baptists, Presbyterians, etc. too.

My first instinct was the fear that these American pastors couldn't stand the liberalism of the West and take their conservative, if not ultra-conservative views to Asia.

I don't mind, if the ministry of these Westerners are genuine. But often times, you have to fix your own country before you try it on other countries. I said often times, because there are very rare exceptions (ie. a big heart that is willing to serve anywhere and not a means to escape certain obstacle at home).

I would rather our own Malaysian Christians instead of foreign deserter ministers, build up a reformed church community, which as far as I know, is happening in KL, under the leadership of 王俊才牧师.

Posted in Theologization | 10 Comments

On Genuine Bible Study

Posted on August 1, 2014 by timlyg

If someone well versed/showing enthusiasm in Biblical teaching/knowledge, and yet does not care nor attempt to converse before, during or after a Bible Study, regarding matters of the Bible, then it is unlikely that he fully grasp that treasure which he claims he discovered. For the word of God creates love and care and fellowship of the Saints. Even if there are no saints around, there are certainly disciples in the making, there is no excuse.

Therefore, the only conclusion is, that he stole his teaching material from somewhere else and does not give credit to where it is due, for he wants the credit for himself, while remaining silent about it to pretend modesty. Nonetheless, he is a thief.

Posted in Theologization | Leave a comment

Logical Proof: Qu'ran is False

Posted on August 1, 2014 by timlyg

Credit goes to Sye Ten Bruggencate. In his debate with Matt Dillahunty @1:30:20

One has heard far too many times how the Muslims love to host debates with Christians on "Is the Bible Really the Word  of God?". And I've often wondered how it invites physical threats if we debate about the Qur'an instead of the Bible.

But the thing is, there is no need to debate if Al Qur'an is the word of God. A simple logical disprove can be done.

Premises:

1. The Qur'an says that the Bible is the Word of God.

2. The Bible is the Word of God.

3. The Bible predicted something like the Qur'an is not the Word of God.

4. Muslims say the Bible is corrupted but not the Qur'an and believes the Qur'an.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the Qur'an is false

 

Explanation:

If the Bible is false, then the Qur'an is false;

If the Bible is true, the the Muslims must listen to the Bible and believe that the Qur'an is not the Word of God. But because the Muslims heed not the Bible, therefore, the Qur'an must be false.

 

Update 09/26/2014:

Posted in Theologization | Leave a comment

Charismatics on Globalizating of Christendom

Posted on July 30, 2014 by timlyg

I agree with Dr. Stephen Chan on this, provided that he's referring to the God loving Christians who are involved but never really fall prey to the erroneous doctrines of the denomination.

Next I would use my "used by God but outside of His grace" line.

The key is preach the Gospel to strangers, and the charismatics, especially the evangelicals, are always strong in this, while the reformed and the thinkers only love to talk and write blogs.

Both movements are needed. One is wise to balance the two.

Posted in Theologization | Leave a comment

Did Esther Really Kill 75,000?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by timlyg

Recent talk by Dr. Stephen Chan, he mentioned the killing of 75,000, which is far greater than Bloody Mary's 300 top.

If it is true, what Esther did in a few days would be comparable to King Henry VIII's lifetime of slaughter.

However, I must note two things:

1. Matthew Henry was right when he said that Esther's slaughter was not against the innocents or civil rebels but against the foes that sought the lives of the Jews. It would equivalent to that of the casualties of a war. And by God's providence, out of fear, the foes have surrendered their lives to the Jews.

2. There are different prescriptions to the number being slaughtered. Septuagint has 15,000 while the Targums read 10,107. Also, the word אלף (thousand) could be read as family, clan.

Posted in Theologization | Leave a comment

6 Lesser Known Museums in NYC

Posted on July 29, 2014 by timlyg

http://gothamist.com/2014/07/29/6_cool_nyc_museums.php

Posted in News | Leave a comment

Vocab: 作祟

Posted on July 29, 2014 by timlyg

Cause Trouble, trouble.

- Dr. Tong Roman Series Disc 70

Posted in Vocabularies | Leave a comment

Secrets of New York City

Posted on July 29, 2014 by timlyg

http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/new-york/nyc-secrets-you-didn-t-know-existed

Posted in News | Leave a comment

Christians Can Never Say: The Devil Made Me Do it

Posted on July 29, 2014 by timlyg

By Ligonier:

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/are-we-too-concerned-demons/

By R.C. Sproul:

In recent years, there has been a renewal of interest in the work of Satan. Hollywood has given us a host of films to whet our appetite for the satanic. Within Christian circles, there has arisen a concern for ministries of deliverance. Some of these deliverance ministries have developed a bizarre and radically unbiblical view of demon possession and deliverance.

For example, we hear that particular demons cause particular sins. There is, they say, a demon of alcohol, a demon of depression, a demon of tobacco, and so on. Others say we can recognize the departure of a demon from a human soul by a manifest sign that is linked to the particular point of bondage. I have listened to recorded talks from well-known deliverance ministers (whose names I will not mention, to protect the guilty) in which they teach the signs of departure of the demon. A sigh, for example, indicates the departure of the demon of tobacco. Since the tobacco demon enters with the inhalation of smoke, he leaves with an audible exhale. Likewise, vomiting may be the sign of departure of the demon of alcohol. There are demons for every conceivable sin. Not only must each one of these demons be exorcized, but there are necessary procedures to keep them from returning on a daily basis.

I know of no polite way to respond to this kind of teaching. It is unmitigated nonsense. Nowhere in sacred Scripture is there to be found the slightest hint of this kind of demonic diagnosis. These teachings cross the line into the sphere of magic and result in serious harm to believers who are duped by them. Sadly, too much concern with Satan and demons means that we focus less of our attention on Christ. That must please Satan, and it is certainly not pleasing to God.

The Scriptures indicate that Satan can oppress us, assault us, tempt us, slander us, and accuse us. But a Christian who is indwelled by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by a demon. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17). If a person indwelled by the Holy Spirit can at the same time be sovereignly controlled by an evil spirit, then our redemption is meaningless.

All this emphasis on Satan and demons tends to distract us from another very real menace, our own sin. Yes, there is a Devil. There are real demons. But there is also the reality of sin. Satan may be our accomplice in our ongoing sin, but we cannot pass the blame and responsibility for our sin to a controlling demon. We do not have to be possessed by a demon to get drunk. There is enough abiding wickedness in us to do it all by ourselves. We can never say, “The Devil made me do it.” We can say that we are tempted, incited, or seduced by Satan, but not that we are controlled or coerced by him.

There are two serious problems with the view that our sins are the result of controlling demons. The first is that we yield to the temptation to take no personal responsibility for our sin. How can we be responsible if in fact we are not able to resist? Second, we are lured into thinking that we are powerless without the aid of the deliverance minister. We are encouraged to think that we are not really guilty and that we are actually helpless without a minister with special powers of deliverance. This negates the entire biblical concept of sanctification. It is surely unbiblical to teach that we cannot lead lives pleasing to God unless some so-called expert on deliverance comes to our side. Therefore, I say with all urgency that believers must turn away from those who teach such things. Indeed, we should run for our spiritual lives.

Excerpt from R.C. Sproul’s Pleasing God. Copyright 2012 R.C. Sproul. Pleasing God published by David C Cook. Publisher permission required to reproduce. All rights reserved.

Posted in Theologization | Leave a comment

Tim Keller Q&A on Twitter

Posted on July 29, 2014 by timlyg

Some interesting views:

Pike: I'm starting seminary next month. biggest piece of advice you can give me?

Keller: Always ask the, "So what?"--question. When studying we can forget "the WHY we are" question.

 

Nelson: how come you don't like/pay attention to sports?

Keller: It often takes too much time.

[A "nice" way of saying, it's a waste of time].

 

Andlovec: what drew you to Presbyterianism, as opposed to CRC/RCA, Anglicanism, etc...?

Keller: Roger Nicole's stuff on infant baptism help start it, but Kathy was there first.

 

Galiardo: if you could recommend one book this year, what would it be?

Keller: Words of Life by Timothy Ward is a great book on Scripture I read recently.

 

Noe: favorite puritan?

Keller: That's easy, John Owens because Jonathan Edwards is not technically a Puritan.

 

Noe: favorite Lewis book?

Keller: Another easy one: Mere Christianity.

 

Rischmuller: What is your opinion of "praying in tongues"?

Keller: I like Don Carson's book "Showing the Spirit" on this one. Balanced, thoughtful, and rooted in Scripture.

 

Finch: should infant baptism be an issue that ends a dating relationship?

Keller: You shouldn't marry someone who will not happily go to the same church with you.

 

Poblete: Most influential book on pastoring?

Keller: Charles Bridges "The Christian Ministry" and Richard Baxter's "The Reformed Pastor" and William Still's book on pastoring

 

Lingafelt: What is your favorite movie?

Keller: The Black Stallion

 

Eventides: What advice, counsel, or scripture would you give to a new father struggling with anger?

Keller: Get help in discovering what idols are at the root of your anger.

 

Russell: fav commentary series for the NT?

Keller: Pillar and Bible Speaks Today Series.

 

Stead: what brings you the most joy in ministry??

Keller: Conversions.

My answer too.

 

Burdeaux: ministry ever hurt so bad you thought your heart couldn't take anymore?

Keller: Of course.

 

Poblete: One mistake you witness church planters making more frequently than others?

Keller: Concentration on superficialities-such as vibe or look.

 

Moore: I've listened to your sermon on Gods love for cities. How do you feel about rural ministry?

Keller: I think its important. See my article "The Country Parson" from 2009.

 

Deighton: Can a person be a Christian without being a member of a church?

Keller: Yes, but you are not an obedient Christian if u are not a member of a church. You can't obey Heb 13:17 without membership.

Membership is overrated, I do see the all churches of God as my church, and thus, submit to their leaders. However, I am not against membership and its package (comply with local rules).

 

Lockhart: Confused while trying to see story of Jesus/Gospel while reading 1&2 Chronicles. Can you help?

Keller: See Michael Wilcock on 1&2 Chronicles.

 

Shidler: Your process to teaching someone how to pray?

Keller: I have a book coming out in Nov. on prayer and it's my effort to teach people how to pray more fruitfully.

 

Horn: Calvinism or Arminianism?

Keller: Calvinism. You must have known I would say that? 🙂

 

Matthew: advice for someone who wants to be a future theology teacher?

Keller: Get some pastoral experience as well as a great academic degree.

 

Crane: Are there any books you would recommend to someone who is grieving? My friends just lost a child at 6months old.

Keller: Books are hard with those who are grieving, but try to find Elisabeth Elliot's book "A Path Through Suffering."

 

Morgan: Tips for raising a family in the city?

Keller: My wife Kathy has written on "Why the City is a wonderful place to raise children." It is very good.

 

Mckinney: What would you say is the MAIN difference between teaching and preaching?

Keller: The goal. The goal of teaching is inform the mind, maybe warm the heart, but preaching is worship.

I'm with Pak Tong on this...preaching is like child labor, teaching is cultivating, etc. Neither of Keller's goals deal with personal relationship, which is an issue.

 

Cook: What would you say is the primary purpose of apologetics?

Keller: To clear the way for evangelism.

 

Etherington: Is the Problem of Evil the biggest objection to faith people have today?

Keller: It is still in the top 2. The other one is the charge of narrowness and bigotry, but that has many forms.

 

Furney: Would you care to mention one of your failings that we might find encouraging? Many thank yous.

Keller: Not one-I have struggled with sins of all types-not enough love, not enough faith, not enough hope, self-pity, selfishness, more

I'd add "It's not right to use others' flaws as encouragement." Sounds harsh, but it must be heard.

 

Reedy: Why did God create people. Did His own great value compel Him with an irresistible enthusiasm to share Himself?

Keller: Read Edwards "Concerning the End for which God created the World."

 

Dagenais: What's one piece of advice you would tell your younger self, or something you wished you knew then that you know now about The Lord?

Keller: I would tell him that prayer is way more important than he thinks.

 

Ward: recommend any bible reading plans?

Keller: I like to use M'Cheyne's first three columns. That takes you through the Bible once in a year, three chapters a day.

 

Ligon: Why are so many of our fellow Reformed believers so bitter/angry?

Keller: In fairness, those opposing Reformed theology seem pretty bitter and angry too. It may be "the age" and the internet.

 

White: Whats your favourite book this year?

Keller: Charles Taylor's A Secular Age.

 

Morcos: Can you please recoomend books on 1-Sin in believer's life 2-Spiritual discipline

Keller: 1-Owen On Mortification. 2-Owen on Spiritual Mindedness. These are not easy reads.

 

Noble: Serious question: Have you read 's How (Not) to Be Secular? If so, any thoughts?

Keller: Yes, It's a very subtle and sophisticated critique of secularism. Christians need it.

 

Hopkins: what was your favorite Theological class? Undergrad or Grad

Keller: Meredith Kline's class on Old Testament theology.

 

Baker: How much does your wife influence how you think, prep, and preach?

Keller: Enormously. More than any living person.

 

Schniepp: What's the first step you take when you begin writing a new book?

Keller: I read a lot of other books on the subject.

 

Kramer: An open endorser of BioLogos would almost certainly be outside the theological bounds of TGC. Why do you get a pass?

Keller: theological statement is on the website and council members are free to believe in an Old Earth.

 

Hubbard: (this is real question) point me to a good understanding of "women will be saved through childbearing"?

Keller: Many theories-one good one is Paul is thinking of Eve in Gen and the promise that the Savior will come through her offspring

 

Kim: And where do you get your news from?

Keller: NYT, WSJ, New Republic, Atlantic, and my sons.

 

Tati: What is most important when choosing someone to marry?

Keller: Besides being of the same faith, it would be someone who can forgive and repent regularly.

 

Breen: biggest problem you see in modern evangelism efforts?

Keller: Talking past each other is happening more and more as we have less and less common ground to stand on.

 

Smith: What is your opinion of street evangelism? Can it work? Is it a helpful alternative / addition to relational mission?

myself: Was this one answered? I would like to know the answer to that as well

Keller: It was answered. Depends on context and demographic.

Posted in News, Theologization | Leave a comment