On NIV

Posted on April 1, 2006 by timlyg

NIV is a rather good translation of the Bible. It is copyrighted and not to be distributed freely by human law. There are other translations of the Bible with this kind of restrictions.

Nevertheless, there are many better translations out there that are free. KJV, KJV+, ASV, etc. These may be harder to understand, but they are translated more directly from the original texts more often than others such as NIV. Psalms 76:10 is a very good example.

Translations that paraphrased the original meanings of the Bible are to be mindful of, not rejected without cause.

Translations that based on the changing world to fit the need of the modern cultures are sad, pathetic disgrace. This proves nothing more than the fact that evolution(macro-evolution) is false, which is why humans are dumb and dumber today. God does not "fit" us; We are the ones who should be changed.

Freely you have received, freely give. Some people just can't seem to understand this concept.

Lawyers are those who know the law, break the law and need not be judged by the law. Hence, the court is the most unjust place on Earth. (Dr. Stephen Tong)

I thank God for the few lawyers who, like Mary, pour precious ointment on Jesus.

Again, illegal does not mean sin. Legal does not mean sinless.

Nonetheless, Christians should not rebel against authorities on Earth.

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Essense of Sins, Desires

Posted on April 1, 2006 by timlyg

When you take what is partial as whole, and accept it as the whole truth, as absolute, such, is the perversed form.

Even to those interpreting the Bible this way.

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Predestinationism Motivates Evangelism

Posted on March 30, 2006 by timlyg

Today as I sat on the bus, I come to think about Predestination.

Many
reformed misunderstood or misinterpreted predestinationism, ergo failed
to acknowledge the importance of evangelization; Eventhough the most
intense study of predestination according to biblical truth comes
mainly from the reformed church. Nonetheless, I'm also well aware that there are many other
reformed thinkers who take evangelization with fervent seriousness.

It
was the misconception of predestination that since the elects are
already elected, we do not need to preach. What we failed to realize is
that preaching/evangelization, is not because of the result (Noah
preached for 120 years and who heeded?), but because of our duty and
responsibility as christians. As instructed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

And
be it the misconception of predestinationism or the rejection of such
doctrine, one of the main causes is due to our humane fault (indeed all
faults come not from God but ourselves), which is the intention,
whether it be conscious or unconscious, aware or unaware, of escaping
from the responsibility of evangelization. For if one truly understood
the meaning of predestination, one should recognize the serious guilt
of not evangelizing. For in God's foreknowing of His own will, He has
predestined us, the elects, therefore in His predestined plan for
salvation even before the foundation of the world, He has foreknowledge
that He has Himself called and will call those of us who are elected by
Him through sanctification of the Holy Spirit and the blood of our Lord
Jesus Christ.

Thus, how can I, after knowing this, be any less
encouraged to preach the Gospel, which is my responsibility given by my
Lord Jesus Christ. How can I ignore this task, as a truly elect of God,
who has given me such responsibility with His election, His calling.
For all my works, He will judge.[@more@]

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Book: Purpose Driven Life

Posted on March 29, 2006 by timlyg

Well today is the due date for the book. And I cannot renew it.

Thus, I would have to pause my book review for now.

Whether I would continue reviewing it again, depends on my time available. For this is not a book too worth the time.

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Absent Minded

Posted on March 28, 2006 by timlyg

I don't recall adding a schedule to tutor Neal today. Somehow it showed up in my Outlook Calendar and I went...

Maybe I dreamt it and put it down. But that wouldn't really explain how I could also typed in the correct phone number because the only other way to get his phone number would be to go through much complicated methods which would not be easily forgotten.

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Assumption, Skepticism

Posted on March 27, 2006 by timlyg

Assumption is the slave of conviction.[@more@]

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The Love of God

Posted on March 27, 2006 by timlyg

Of all the universe He made, I am chosen.

I have nothing but awe in Him.

My ways, my paths, be them from Thee.

God loves those He has chosen. Let me be Thy instrument, Oh Lord, in witnessing Thy works, Thy marvelous Plan.

Forgive me my faults Oh Lord, even the hidden ones. May I never be tempted by evil.

Rebuke me Oh Father, Rebuke me. For Your loving kindness is forever, Your mercy is abundant. Show me Thy ways, lead me in Thy paths.

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Fresh Input

Posted on March 25, 2006 by timlyg

It's better to listen to audio lectures and also read books alternatively.

Or else, I think I might go crazy.

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Distracters

Posted on March 25, 2006 by timlyg

There are those who ask questions earnestly seeking answers; But there are those who ask but do not care for the answers.

Those who truly seek, seek with the sincere desire to learn, discuss and confirm.

Those who do not, are trying to play around, satisfy self-pride, showing off and therefore resulting in jealousy, never coming to the truth.

There are those who have questions but don't ask also:
1. They don't know how to ask.
2. They are too proud to ask, for they don't think their questions can be answered.

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Comfort

Posted on March 21, 2006 by timlyg

Sometimes when you are not appreciated for the things you do before God, remember, Jesus has comforted Mary when she was for washing Jesus' feet with costly oil. John 12.

But when you do God's will, be sure you are doing God's will. Not your will. Your will is not God's will. Your will needs to be reformed under God's will. Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Christus, Soli Deo Gloria.

Amen.

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