In essence, the whole sense of Scripture can only be understood truly, via obedience to God.
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Not all Scripture is comprehended via reasonable understanding
Posted in Theologization
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Choosing Spouse - The Likeness of God
It is said, that when we forgive others, as Jesus commanded, we do it in love, we don't take into account a wrong suffered (1Co 13:5), hence it is regardless of the presence of repentence from others. Consequently reformers like John Calvin categorize forgiveness in two ways, both enjoying a genuine forgiveness though of different judgments for each account (Calvin Commentary on Matthew 18:21-35).
But do we say that we are not God, hence we cannot "choose" who to forgive? Are we better than God for being able to forgive even the unrepentant? It is then logical to ask of the relationship of God's mercy as compared to the image we reflect of Him. I shall rather say, it stands to reason that if God forgives those who are not yet repentant, then we mustn't restrict our forgiveness to only those who have repented their offences.
Then what about predestination? Of those, the only ones whom God personally elected since the foundation of the cosmos, for salvation, to be His children? Are we completely restricted to understand this mystery? How could it be revealed to us while forbidding us the understanding of it? Thus it stands to reason that predestination or the doctrine of election is not "the secret things" of God (Deu 29:29) but if there be any misconception, it is only due to our own culpability.
I propose therefore, that this right of election, is parallel to when a bridegroom receives his bride. Favoritism? Definitely. Respecter of person based on her conditions? Only where God permits since there is no respecter of persons with God (Romans 2:11). Infallible decision? Well, we're but mortal, sinful men.
Posted in General, Reflection, Theologization
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John Jacob Astor - Astoria
The town Astoria in Queens, NY has a unique history for its name.
June 12 1839...The town of Sunswik is renamed Astoria in an
attempt to flatter millionaire John Jacob Astor into paying for a
women's college. Astor isn't fooled and the college is never built –
but the name sticks.
Posted in News
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Short Fable: Let No Man Despise Thy Youth
The elders of a church instructed a reluctant young man to teach a group of young children. Reluctant because he believes himself to be less qualified than other married and older members of the church.
One day, after noticing an even younger and gifted preacher on the news, one of the elders said to the young humble fellow: "You see, you have much catching up to do...he is even younger than you!"
The young adult smiled and replied tenderly: "I agree. But what's more troubling to me, is that I see those who are much older and sitting on higher position than I and they're not even half of my worth."
-- Let no man despise thy youth...(1 Timothy 4:12a)
Posted in Authoring, Theologization
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Problem with people dealing with Homosexuality
As many preachers find it hard to answer questions pertaining to this subject, I believe the problem lies not on how should one deal with homosexuality, but on a more fundamental one: It is obvious one can see homosexuality is a sin in scripture, but the problem is that one doesn't understand why it is sinful.
Those who tried to tackle this often failed because they dismissed it too lightly.
Posted in General
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It is only a hypothesis
On one or two accounts have I met preachers, who pride themselves of their response to those questions asked of fictional example: It is only a hypothesis. So, they believed they have found their excuse to avoid a challenging question.
I would respond: In Luke 20:29, they asked "There were therefore seven brethren..." To which Jesus stopped them and replied: "WHere? Who? Show it to me! This is just a hypothesis".
Posted in Theologization
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The Neutral - I don't know - I don't take side, etc.
In Luke 20:7, they replied Jesus that they could not tell whence John's baptism is from.
They knew the different answers. They understood the consequences of the answers. But that is obviously not what they seek - to ask of it. They want self comfort if they were challenged the question, hence their answer. Obviously, those who wish not take sides, have a sense of uneasy in their self comfort, hence, they ask Jesus in order to reveal their wickedness that is born of their uneasiness.
So it is for those who do not seek further, knowing what the consequences are. But they hold whatever level of understanding they have to find comfort. And as time passed, this selfish cowardice turns into evil sin.
When we ask questions, it can never be for the knowledge of it alone, but for our own growth in spirit. Anything else, is wickedness in vanity.
Posted in Theologization
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Church of Scottland Gay Ordination
As it is becoming popular in christendom today, it is sometimes delightful to see those in the robes upholding the commands of scriptures as ordination of gay clergy has become a norm.
Last it was the PCUSA, now the Scotts. It is still interesting to understand the design that led to the discipline of the few, despite tremendous pressure. Of course, one could also be like Martin Luther, who would take no leave other than excommunication.
Posted in News
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The end of the world
I heard of it a couple of years back, from Harold Camping of Family Radio. May 21st, 2011, judgment day, end of the world. He had once admitted he miscalculated in 1994, now he's at it again and failed.
I had conversation with others on this and one even brought it up during my youth Bible Study. I used what I've learned from Rev. Tong, that it will surely not happen on that day, because if it does, it would disprove the "but of that day and hour knoweth no man..." verse in Matthew 24:36.
However, the reason I make this entry is something interesting that brought to my attention. As people in NYC had all kinds of celebration to contrast the irony of it, they have parties, 'rapture parties' some called it, to show how they simple don't care about judgment day. Thus, I have now a better vision (rather than just the movies' depiction of judgment days with gangs and harley davison riders) of it. It is like a preview to Jesus' statement in Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Many dispensationalists like to have this rapture and tribulation theory which they claim biblical, which had them confused about how Jesus could come as a thief and having this grand apocalyptic judgment day at the same time. But from this preview, the nonchalant attitude of men on the news, I can see how Jesus would come as a thief.
Posted in News, Theologization
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The Charismatic/Pentacostal Movement
A couple of Sundays ago, I brought up the fact that Faith Bible Church in Flushing is just like Time Square Church, a charismatic movement type, regardless of their non/inter-denominational title.
One thought that I might be too 'strict', when I said I measured it by the music songs they use.
That's one thing that got me thinking.
I would say this, that I define the charismatics' chief problem on the fact that they see themselves more spiritual than others. So this would be apparent in music, in prayer and even attitude.
I believe John MacArthur nailed it when he mentioned that they are the cause of most if not all of church problems today. 12/23/2023 Update: As a supplement: Here's the source of such claim:
The charismatic movement is largely the reason the Church is in the mess it is today.
In virtually every area where Church life is unbiblical you can attribute it
to the charismatic movement. In virtually every area, bad theology,
superficial worship, ego, prosperity gospel, personality elevation.
All of that comes out of the charismatic movement.
Posted in General
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