My Journal

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.