Thanks for the Input Eleanor
The early day heroes of faith were willing to risk all to protect our right to the freedoms we are so blest with today. But.. they are wanning, are we willing to risk ourselves to maintain our spiritual freedoms for future generations? The measurement of our thanks for the blessings we enjoy is what we do with them and what we are willing to risk to maintain them for future generations.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanks giving
As Thanks Giving approaches, we take time to give Thanks to God, our Lord Christ for the many Blessings he bestow on us individually as well as a community and as a Nation. It is well that we reflect on heroes like George Washington, Abe Lincoln how they gave Thanks to God. It is also reflective for us to compare how much we have change since the time of those heroes and now.
Both heroes called on us to humble ourselves in penitence for our disobedience. We must confess our sins with contrition, ask for God’s mercy and give Him praise for his love, for all of His care for us.
On this Thanks Giving Day, let us begin in the Church with repentance. That we as a nation has abandoned the first decalogue and so like the Book of Judges conform to the world.
Have a safe and wonderful ThanksGiving with family and friends
Blessings
Eric
Both heroes called on us to humble ourselves in penitence for our disobedience. We must confess our sins with contrition, ask for God’s mercy and give Him praise for his love, for all of His care for us.
On this Thanks Giving Day, let us begin in the Church with repentance. That we as a nation has abandoned the first decalogue and so like the Book of Judges conform to the world.
Have a safe and wonderful ThanksGiving with family and friends
Blessings
Eric
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Book of Judges--old and irrelevant for the 21the Century Christian?
I like to share with you this morning's sermon which is still relevant in 21th Century.
Synopsis:
1) Peace, abundance, blessings
2) Complacency, lukewarm reception to the 'hand that feed' the people, leading to a generation that turn away from God, a nation that is illiterate in understanding what God has done for them
3) Pain, and suffering resulting from self flagellation and still not able to comprehend the Truth
4) Cry out to the Lord
5) Lord hears the cry of his people and send a deliver/ Judge.
( modified and adapted from Steve Harms sermon)
Rephrase it
Cycle of the book of Judges essentially deals with :
A) Sin: Israel disobey the First Decalogue ( Exodus 20:1-17)
B) I AM judgement/Servitude: Nation loses its freedom to their enemies
C) Supplication: Israel cries out to God for help
D) Salvation: Israel is delivered and temporary peace
Relevant expansion on Book of Judges:
FAITH: Each generation must walk that path on their own--- FAITH. A generation grew up and not know who God is (Judge2:10-11) Does it sound like 21 Century America? How did we come to this condition when Christians are marginalized by society. I suggest to you that as Christians we have failed because of our disobedience to the First Decalogue/Decalogues. I am not going to argue from a Dispensationalist or Theonomic Reformed view or any views. Suffice to say I lean towards the view that the Law of Christ fulfilled the Law o fMoses. The point I want to make is that Christians are marginalized because we have not equipped our 'ambassadors' be they high schools or university students, or members of Church Body, with the proper equipment to defend their faith. How can we expect NOT to LOSE our 'ambassadors' when they are confronted with questions like: Do you really believe in Jesus -- son of the Virgin Mary. That He was resurrected. Please dont bring up the 'God of the GAP.' We are not conversant enough to defend the onslaught of unbelievers who question us about I AM, on salvation history and lives by an ethic that believes in oneself ( Oprah for example in her : New, new, age:--- The Secret) or some other god--materalistic wealth, sex, science. Against such odds men like Gideon, Barak ( no relation to Barak Hussein Obama) these heroes of faith tremble, but by faith-- grounded in the Lord, they overcome their fear and prevail.
As Christians we must equip ourselves so that we can like Apostle Paul in his dialogue in Act 17 articulate in an Irenic evidential, coherent manner persuade them of the truth of the gospel. The benefits are two fold: As Christians we are able to show that our worldview is indeed the BEST explanation, thereby reinforcing our believe on solid ground and not be lost by false ideas. Second, their hearts will be pricked and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
SIN: " The only thing needed for evil to win is for good men to do nothing,"
Here we see nation's leadership failure much like ours. In the name of inclusivness and tolerance, Christmas is discriminated (Christophobia). In education we have what is commonly mistaken as 'Separation between church and state.' Justice Black stated that the First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. Constitutional scholars disagree because Black incorporated OUT OF CONTEXT Thomas Jefferson's 'wall of separation.' Essentially, at every level of government where this nation was founded on Christian principles is now showing Christians the door, if not barring them from entering.
Punishment: We are losing our liberty, our First Principle where our Founders build this Nation on. Universal Health Care. As Christians who can say NO to that. Where in the Constitution can you show me that mandate Universal Health Care. Second, since when does Uncle Sam tell me that I have no choice but to buy health care otherwise I will be fined and libel to be jail? It is like telling us we must trade in our car/clunker to get another car. Third, and most telling, these same people who make all these rules are not bound by them like you and I !!!!
Supplication: Currently, we are about to cry out to our Lord for deliverance. And when we cry out to our Lord, are these cries 'crocodiles tears?' That is to say we claim we have sinned yet we appoint a leader without turning to God for guidance?
Deliverer!!!!!!!!!!
Most comforting of all is Our Lord is in Control. We have been given gifts, if only we use them.
Your thoughts ?
Blessings
Eric
Synopsis:
1) Peace, abundance, blessings
2) Complacency, lukewarm reception to the 'hand that feed' the people, leading to a generation that turn away from God, a nation that is illiterate in understanding what God has done for them
3) Pain, and suffering resulting from self flagellation and still not able to comprehend the Truth
4) Cry out to the Lord
5) Lord hears the cry of his people and send a deliver/ Judge.
( modified and adapted from Steve Harms sermon)
Rephrase it
Cycle of the book of Judges essentially deals with :
A) Sin: Israel disobey the First Decalogue ( Exodus 20:1-17)
B) I AM judgement/Servitude: Nation loses its freedom to their enemies
C) Supplication: Israel cries out to God for help
D) Salvation: Israel is delivered and temporary peace
Relevant expansion on Book of Judges:
FAITH: Each generation must walk that path on their own--- FAITH. A generation grew up and not know who God is (Judge2:10-11) Does it sound like 21 Century America? How did we come to this condition when Christians are marginalized by society. I suggest to you that as Christians we have failed because of our disobedience to the First Decalogue/Decalogues. I am not going to argue from a Dispensationalist or Theonomic Reformed view or any views. Suffice to say I lean towards the view that the Law of Christ fulfilled the Law o fMoses. The point I want to make is that Christians are marginalized because we have not equipped our 'ambassadors' be they high schools or university students, or members of Church Body, with the proper equipment to defend their faith. How can we expect NOT to LOSE our 'ambassadors' when they are confronted with questions like: Do you really believe in Jesus -- son of the Virgin Mary. That He was resurrected. Please dont bring up the 'God of the GAP.' We are not conversant enough to defend the onslaught of unbelievers who question us about I AM, on salvation history and lives by an ethic that believes in oneself ( Oprah for example in her : New, new, age:--- The Secret) or some other god--materalistic wealth, sex, science. Against such odds men like Gideon, Barak ( no relation to Barak Hussein Obama) these heroes of faith tremble, but by faith-- grounded in the Lord, they overcome their fear and prevail.
As Christians we must equip ourselves so that we can like Apostle Paul in his dialogue in Act 17 articulate in an Irenic evidential, coherent manner persuade them of the truth of the gospel. The benefits are two fold: As Christians we are able to show that our worldview is indeed the BEST explanation, thereby reinforcing our believe on solid ground and not be lost by false ideas. Second, their hearts will be pricked and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
SIN: " The only thing needed for evil to win is for good men to do nothing,"
Here we see nation's leadership failure much like ours. In the name of inclusivness and tolerance, Christmas is discriminated (Christophobia). In education we have what is commonly mistaken as 'Separation between church and state.' Justice Black stated that the First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. Constitutional scholars disagree because Black incorporated OUT OF CONTEXT Thomas Jefferson's 'wall of separation.' Essentially, at every level of government where this nation was founded on Christian principles is now showing Christians the door, if not barring them from entering.
Punishment: We are losing our liberty, our First Principle where our Founders build this Nation on. Universal Health Care. As Christians who can say NO to that. Where in the Constitution can you show me that mandate Universal Health Care. Second, since when does Uncle Sam tell me that I have no choice but to buy health care otherwise I will be fined and libel to be jail? It is like telling us we must trade in our car/clunker to get another car. Third, and most telling, these same people who make all these rules are not bound by them like you and I !!!!
Supplication: Currently, we are about to cry out to our Lord for deliverance. And when we cry out to our Lord, are these cries 'crocodiles tears?' That is to say we claim we have sinned yet we appoint a leader without turning to God for guidance?
Deliverer!!!!!!!!!!
Most comforting of all is Our Lord is in Control. We have been given gifts, if only we use them.
Your thoughts ?
Blessings
Eric
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sign of respect?
The Bow that even embarrass the Japanese.
Check out on the 'you tube' about Obama's bow. What do you think?
Blessings
Eric
Check out on the 'you tube' about Obama's bow. What do you think?
Blessings
Eric
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Essence of Christianity/ RESURRECTION
At house worship in San Gabriel on November 8, 2009, I challenged followers of Christ and the unchurched on the topic: Resurrection.
It should be noted that this house church consist of members that have Ph.D, Head of Science Department at a local high school, two medical students who will eventually earn M.D; Ph.D, and the challenger himself has a M.B.B.S degree ( British degree equivalent to M.D in USA)
It should be noted that the topic itself can be considered googolplex. Thus for me to even mention it will not do any justice. Nevertheless, I will attempt to give the basic highlights/essentials of the Resurrection.
As a Christian when I present Resurrection to unchurched or even to my fellow brethren my aim is to articulate coherently, cogently, in an intellectual manner why I believe what I believe.
A. Our culture is biblically illiterate
B. Books like 'The Jesus Dynasty-- The hidden history of Jesus, his Royal Family and the Birth of Christianity' by James Tabor or the Jesus Seminar. Jesus is just a good man, prophet lower than Mohammed, lived in hearts of his followers, did not physically rise from dead and so on.
C. Books you may want to have in your library to develop your mind and heart. a) The Risen Jesus and Future Hope by Gary Habermas. History of Christianity by Montgomery to name afew.
D I present the following evidences for you to ponder in an honest and sincere manner. These are historical data that honest skeptics consider to be true.
1. Jesus was crucified and buried
2. Disciples were dismayed, disenchanted, depressed due to death of Jesus
3. Few days later Jesus tomb was empty
4. Actual experiences of Christ walking, talking among his disciples
5. Disciples were transformed to be what they were meant to be--spread the Good News even at the cost of their own lives
6. Resurrection was the central to the preaching of the early church
7. The church was born and grew because of Resurrection
8. Sunday is the first day of worship. This is significant as these men were Jewish.
9. Was a skeptic but James became a believer when he saw Jesus
10. Paul also became a believer when he too experience the physical appearence of Jesus
Tests the above historical data with all sorts of theories out there and you will come to the conclusion that Jesus Resurrection is True
Blessings
Eric
It should be noted that this house church consist of members that have Ph.D, Head of Science Department at a local high school, two medical students who will eventually earn M.D; Ph.D, and the challenger himself has a M.B.B.S degree ( British degree equivalent to M.D in USA)
It should be noted that the topic itself can be considered googolplex. Thus for me to even mention it will not do any justice. Nevertheless, I will attempt to give the basic highlights/essentials of the Resurrection.
As a Christian when I present Resurrection to unchurched or even to my fellow brethren my aim is to articulate coherently, cogently, in an intellectual manner why I believe what I believe.
A. Our culture is biblically illiterate
B. Books like 'The Jesus Dynasty-- The hidden history of Jesus, his Royal Family and the Birth of Christianity' by James Tabor or the Jesus Seminar. Jesus is just a good man, prophet lower than Mohammed, lived in hearts of his followers, did not physically rise from dead and so on.
C. Books you may want to have in your library to develop your mind and heart. a) The Risen Jesus and Future Hope by Gary Habermas. History of Christianity by Montgomery to name afew.
D I present the following evidences for you to ponder in an honest and sincere manner. These are historical data that honest skeptics consider to be true.
1. Jesus was crucified and buried
2. Disciples were dismayed, disenchanted, depressed due to death of Jesus
3. Few days later Jesus tomb was empty
4. Actual experiences of Christ walking, talking among his disciples
5. Disciples were transformed to be what they were meant to be--spread the Good News even at the cost of their own lives
6. Resurrection was the central to the preaching of the early church
7. The church was born and grew because of Resurrection
8. Sunday is the first day of worship. This is significant as these men were Jewish.
9. Was a skeptic but James became a believer when he saw Jesus
10. Paul also became a believer when he too experience the physical appearence of Jesus
Tests the above historical data with all sorts of theories out there and you will come to the conclusion that Jesus Resurrection is True
Blessings
Eric
Essentials vs Non-essentials
This afternoon I had an interesting experience. It was one of those few days when I had extra time and was looking for a church that can use my passion and love for Christian Apologetics. I was explaining to this brethren who is in a position of authority , what most apologists knew as to why Christianity has been marginalized and why we are losing our children when they leave for University when I mention about instrumental music. I stated that instrumental music is a non-salvation issue and non-essential and I would be comfortable in worshipping with my Christian brethren. Unfortunately, this brethren look at it from a different perspective. Instrumental music worship is not scriptural--I agree, (disagree with the following) : it is a sin and therefore false worship must stop. These are fallen christians and will not inherit the kingdom of God. I disagree to those statements.
I have not even mention about complementarianism vs egalitarianism. This will really throw a monkey wrench into our discussion.
What I would like to highlight here is : ESSENTIALS VS NONESSENTIALS
We must distinguish between the essentials of the Christian faith and the non-essentials. Concerning Salvation: We need to be able to state exactly what the Bible says is essential for salvation. In other words what exactly is the content of what a person needs to believe to be saved. I am not going to try to discuss the essentials of salvation but to try to show the reader that one need to distinguish that so as not to get lost and 'fight the peripheral fight.'
I will start out with The Essentials as that is the most important. Like Francis Schaeffer said:
True Truth. Not dependent on culture, time, season, location, or situation. It exists as True or False in and of itself. The followings are the Essentials of Christianity
God (Jehovah) is the sovereign Lord and creator of the universe.
• The Bible is God’s inspired word to mankind.
• Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, who came to earth to present the gospel.
• Christ was crucified for our sins, was resurrected, and ascended back to God.
• Christ commanded all Christians to evangelize.
• The Lord’s Supper is a weekly communion service with God.
• Baptism was established for the remission of sins, so that believers might be reconciled to God, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• The Church was established on the Day of Pentecost and continues to serve the spiritual and physical needs of believers.
(Adapted from Visalia Community Church of Christ.)
Non-essentials Truth/ Truth that are non-essentials. Here we have issues that does not pertain to one's salvation. Glossolalia has that ceased or not. Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism
Most Christians confuse the above with
True relativity. These right and wrong depends on culture, time, regions, seasons, locations. An example while worshipping should women wear head covering.
I welcome comments
Blessings
Eric
I have not even mention about complementarianism vs egalitarianism. This will really throw a monkey wrench into our discussion.
What I would like to highlight here is : ESSENTIALS VS NONESSENTIALS
We must distinguish between the essentials of the Christian faith and the non-essentials. Concerning Salvation: We need to be able to state exactly what the Bible says is essential for salvation. In other words what exactly is the content of what a person needs to believe to be saved. I am not going to try to discuss the essentials of salvation but to try to show the reader that one need to distinguish that so as not to get lost and 'fight the peripheral fight.'
I will start out with The Essentials as that is the most important. Like Francis Schaeffer said:
True Truth. Not dependent on culture, time, season, location, or situation. It exists as True or False in and of itself. The followings are the Essentials of Christianity
God (Jehovah) is the sovereign Lord and creator of the universe.
• The Bible is God’s inspired word to mankind.
• Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, who came to earth to present the gospel.
• Christ was crucified for our sins, was resurrected, and ascended back to God.
• Christ commanded all Christians to evangelize.
• The Lord’s Supper is a weekly communion service with God.
• Baptism was established for the remission of sins, so that believers might be reconciled to God, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• The Church was established on the Day of Pentecost and continues to serve the spiritual and physical needs of believers.
(Adapted from Visalia Community Church of Christ.)
Non-essentials Truth/ Truth that are non-essentials. Here we have issues that does not pertain to one's salvation. Glossolalia has that ceased or not. Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism
Most Christians confuse the above with
True relativity. These right and wrong depends on culture, time, regions, seasons, locations. An example while worshipping should women wear head covering.
I welcome comments
Blessings
Eric
Monday, November 9, 2009
Electromagnetic fields
I am concern about the high tension wire that the House Church will be exposed to when they move over to Pasadena. Below are links to cell phone radiation and electromagnetic fields. See especially the Bioinitiative Report !!!!!! Very technical but uptodate. Bottom line : Children and elderly are prone to develop tumor. Rest of age groups are not immune either.
http://weepinitiative.org/Bioinitiative.html
Blessings
Eric
http://weepinitiative.org/Bioinitiative.html
Blessings
Eric
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Faith vs Knowledge Christianity : Is there a difference?
Thank you Ana for the challenging question.
What are your views on faith-based Christian belief vs knowledged-based Christian belief? I have always been a Christian based on faith but as I became more aware of knowledged-based Christian belief ie arguments from Intelligent Design, historical evidence for Christ this has deepen my spiritual walk and made it easier to talk to others about my faith. Has faith-based Christianity been more important or knowledged-based Christianity walk been more important?
Ana
What are your views on faith-based Christian belief vs knowledged-based Christian belief? I have always been a Christian based on faith but as I became more aware of knowledged-based Christian belief ie arguments from Intelligent Design, historical evidence for Christ this has deepen my spiritual walk and made it easier to talk to others about my faith. Has faith-based Christianity been more important or knowledged-based Christianity walk been more important?
Ana
Monday, November 2, 2009
THANK YOU !!!
Dr. James Dobson
Thank you for your steadfastness, consistency, love for God and God's children. After three decade of your guidance, fight for us you have not only the foresight and ability to say it is time to let other leader(s) take the helm, you make sure that these were capable leader(s).
We LOVE you and may God continue to Bless You and your love ones
On Behalf of AsianChurchofChrist I would like to take this opportunity to say : We are indebted to your guidance and your role model for many of us. THANK YOU, SIR !
Blessings
Eric
Thank you for your steadfastness, consistency, love for God and God's children. After three decade of your guidance, fight for us you have not only the foresight and ability to say it is time to let other leader(s) take the helm, you make sure that these were capable leader(s).
We LOVE you and may God continue to Bless You and your love ones
On Behalf of AsianChurchofChrist I would like to take this opportunity to say : We are indebted to your guidance and your role model for many of us. THANK YOU, SIR !
Blessings
Eric
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