The Living Word

How Do You Describe Your Conversion Experience?

2009-11-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 4:6

"For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Is this how you describe your conversion experience? I'm not talking about the basis of your conversion. I'm talking about the experience of your conversion. Can you say, "As I heard the Gospel, as I looked intently at Jesus Christ, God did something miraculous in my heart; He revealed Himself in all His glory to me in the person and work of Jesus Christ." That has been the clearest description of my own conversion experience. I felt so humbled as I reflected on how the Bible knows my heart more than I know it myself.

Week in Review 11/06/09

2009-11-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week was definitely exciting! Though I was sick (must be something going around at Chinese Christian Schools!), I had the wonderful opportunity to hear RC Sproul in Fremont. I will also be seeing him today at a pastor's breakfast. Shaking RC's hands and hearing his Gospel presentation was truly the highlight of the week. Other than that, I had a real nice break because I skipped classes this week due to my sickness. I also had a nice long chat with my roommate, a very rare occurence! Looking forward to the Men's Conference, Titus 2 fellowship, and of course Sunday preaching!

Interesting Happenings
Over the past three weeks, I ate over $100 of McDonald's. Woohoo!

Check These Links Out
95 Theses - Last Saturday was the 492nd anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing of his theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral.
Desiring God Audio for Free - Don't miss out on a great opportunity!
Paganism - Albert Mohler on the rise of Paganism in America.
Planned Parenthood Director Calls it Quits - Interesting article on abortion.
The Centrality of the Glory of God - John Piper's attempt to define God's Glory.

The Ever-growing Wish List
2009 Ligonier Conference DVD - Holiness of God
Christianity for Modern Pagans - Edited By Peter Creeft
Beauty Will Rise - The latest Steven Curtis Chapman album
TULIP - DVD lessons by John Piper

Justification by Faith

2009-11-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Galatians 3:11

"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"

This Sunday I preached on justification by faith. One thing that I found interesting is that even the man who tries to be justified by works has faith. It is simply that his object of faith is unable to to justify. The works that he so eagerly trusts in do not justify. They damn (cf. Galatians 3:10). Yet our souls are so inclined to trust in dead works rather than in Jesus Christ's finished work that gives life. It is evident my brothers and sisters that "no one is justified by the Law." Let us look to Christ in faith. Let us abandon our confidence in ourselves, and turn to Christ and His work for justification before God.

Week in Review 10/30/09

2009-10-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week, I had the nice pleasure of sleeping Friday morning. I usually have to get up by 5:50-6:00 in the morning everyday, so it was a nice a little rest. However, he is still behind in his Hebrew class so please pray for him. Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining some leaders of SFC to discuss their winter conference. It seems like it will be a very edifying time. Please consider going! We are also going broomballing tonight with SJKPC. Looking forward to it!

I also received my laptop stand this week. I think it was a great investment. If you use a laptop regularly at home or in the office, consider getting one!

Interesting Happenings
Nothing really this week! Sorry!

Check These Links Out
Benny Hinn Interview - Interesting.
Why Was Zedekiah Roasted in the Fire? - John Piper on physical suffering in this world.
The Problem of Evil (Yes it IS a Problem) - Something to chew on by Phil Johnson.
Isn't Evolution Wonderful - Funny thoughts on evolution by Dan Phillips.
Emotivist Ethics - Phil Ryken quotes an article about the troublesome ethics of many people today.
How Willingly Do People Go to Hell? - John Piper again with some great insight.

The Ever-growing Wish List
Pilgrim's Progress - Edited by C.J. Lovik Illustrated by Matt Wimmer

Were Not Our Hearts Burning?

2009-10-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Luke 24:32

"They said to one another, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"'

What can make a down heart burn with excitement and joy? The exposition of God's Word. I pray it is the experience you have every time you hear the preaching of God's Word. Let not our hearts grow so calloused that we no longer feel the awe and wonder of God's truths.

Week in Review 10/23/09

2009-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week went by quite fast! Since my friend has been filling in for me in the pulpit, I was able to catch up with a lot of work that had been piling up. I also started playing the McDonald's monopoly game which is actually quite fun. You get to eat a lot of McDonald's as well. I didn't spend a lot of money this week which is a relief! I'm glad the outflow will stay low for awhile. So many things are coming up that I feel a bit overwhelmed. Please continue to pray that I'll be diligent and get work done. A few things coming up: SFC conference in December, Youth Gospel Trust meeting on November 2nd, exegesis project and final on first week of December, planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas events.

Interesting Happenings
One of the first graders looked at my Greek New Testament and said, "Ew, it's ugly. It's like poo." My Greek New Testament is a brown leather.

Check These Links Out
Biblos.com - A very cool Bible resource!
12 Bacon Products - I love bacon, but this seems a bit too much. The baconnaise sounds good though.
Perspectives - Video by Peacemaker Ministries. Really good. You should definitely watch it.
Stott the Prophet - Justin Taylor quotes a remark by John Stott that impresses upon you the importance of the local church in a ever growing digital culture.

The Ever-growing Wish List
If God Is Good - Randy Alcorn's book on suffering.
Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller of Idolatry
Light All Around - Music by The Master's Chorale

By Preaching

2009-10-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Titus 1:1-3

"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior"

How has the knowledge of the truth been manifested at the proper time? By the kerugmati. Or in English, "preaching" or as in the NASB "proclamation." Paul saw God's revelation as primarily being revealed through his preaching, not miracles, healings, wonders, etc. He was entrusted with the message of the Gospel. He saw his preaching ministry as a direct commission from the Lord. He was responsible for making known the mystery to the world (Ephesians 3:8-12). Do you want to know the mysteries of God, the history of redemption, the glories of heaven? Listen to preaching. It is the divinely ordained means through which men might come to a knowledge of the turth. It is no wonder why Paul would charge Timothy so solemnly to "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2).

Week in Review 10/16/09

2009-10-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week was quite a lovely yet trying week. Last weekend, I had the privilege of reading the Scriptures at my friend's wedding in Burbank, Ca, and since I was down south for the wedding, I also got to spend some time with my parents who termendously encouraged and edified me. I came back and spent the Lord's day with my church and on the way back home to Berkeley, I stopped by my friends' place and watched a Japanese drama. It was an enjoyable weekend.

But the week was quite trying. I found myself behind in schoolwork, and I did not have the will to stay up and get it done. On Wednesday, I visited my brother to have dinner, and we had a long conversation about life, money, and ministry. I realized that there's so much to pray for and so much to pay for as well. I was thankful that the Lord constantly places me in a position where I have to contemplate my trust in Him.

I have a lot to look forward to this weekend. I have plans to watch the Phantom of the Opera on Blu-Ray with my friends, and another friend will be coming to preach in my stead this Sunday. It'll be a great way to end this week!

Interesting Happenings
I spent 3+ hours watching a Japanese dramas on Sunday night with friends. Wow.

Check These Links Out
Simply Unprecedented - Albert Mohler talks of the shifting morals signaled by President Obama's endorsement of the LGBT community.
Did People in the Medieval Age Believe the World Was Flat? - Thomas E. Woods dispels the myth that they did!
Deuteronomy 29:29 - An insightful take on this verse by Dan Phillips.
How Piper Became a Pastor - Celebrating Piper's 30th year of ministry at Bethlehem. You can even see a picture of him from 30 years ago!
Parents, Obey Your Children - Mohler once again with great insight on the times.

The Ever-growing Wish List
The Intolerance of Tolerance - D.A. Carson
David Brainerd, A Flame for God - Vance Christie
Shepherd's Conference '10 Registration

Love One Another

2009-10-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

John 13:34

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love on another."

The first thought that comes into my mind when I read this verse is that this new commandment is not meant for individuals. The command is to a congregation, a brotherhood. The reciprocal and the plural audience inherent to the command requires the mutual love of two or more individuals. Therefore, this command cannot be obeyed as Christ intended for the Church without a local congregation, the daily and constant interaction between believers. That being said, please commit to your body and love them as Christ loves them. Christ gave His life for His Church humbling Himself and taking on the form of a slave. If our Master has done so much for His Church, should not we, who are His disciples, do the same? Let us humbly and sacrificially love our local bodies.

2009-10-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
I had a wonderful week spending time with some precious brothers and sisters in the Lord. Started off with a nice dinner with a couple whom I cherish. The dinner prepared before me was absolutely satisfying, but what was more delightful was news concerning the Gospel in a certain country in Southeast Asia that my friend related to me. He was there teaching on the book of Acts. How thrilling! The next day, I had steak with old friends and reflected on God's goodness in the past years. We had an exciting conversations touching on computers to Genesis.

This was a very full week and there is yet more to come. Looking forward to seeing my good friends make their vows before the Lord as they are brought together as one flesh. What a great picture of the Gospel!

Interesting Happenings
Today, one of the 1st graders was telling her classmate, "Hurry up, hurry up!" The classmate in reply, "I'm hurry-uping!" So cute!

Check These Links Out
What David Letterman Can Teach Us about the Gospel - Dr. Moore reminds us of the Gospel in light of David Letterman's recent comments about being blackmailed.
Homesick for Heaven - Another clip by D.A. Carson with some sobering thoughts on the Kingdom of Heaven.
How to Train Your People to Laugh at Everything - Some sobering thoughts on how we view speakers. Make sure you hear the audio and think upon it seriously.
7 Reasons I Love Youth Ministry - Austin Duncan from Grace Community Church lists his reason. As a fellow youth minister, I found it quiteencouraging.
Glee Grieves the Spirit - A biblical review on the new hit TV show Glee. Well worth your contemplation.
Meet Ardi - Answers in Genesis answers some questions people might have over the hype in the media concerning a supposed new find for evolutionary thought.
Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize? - Even commentator Michael Binyon on Times Magazine thinks it is absurd.

The Ever-growing Wish List
Cedar Shoe Trees by Allen Edmonds
The Swans Are Not Silent by John Piper (All five books in the volume)
Looking for Calvin and Hobbes by Nevin Martell

One Thing

2009-10-05T08:58:00.001-07:00

Psalm 27:4

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple."

In our Middle School Small Group, one of my students pointed out that there's actually three things that the psalmist is desiring. He missed the whole point. The one thing that the psalmist sought was to be with the LORD. Our union and fellowship with God is the most prized object we seek. We must ask ourselves a very critical question: If I could ask God for only one thing, what would it be? As you meditate upon that, I pray you come to the conclusion that God is the highest good that we can ever have. Desire Him and Him alone.

"He loves Thee too little who loves together with Thee anything else and not for Thy sake." Augustine

Week in Review 10/02/09

2009-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
This week started off with a bunch of car problems. I had to visit the shop 3 times this week to fix my door handle, horn, and a few electrical problems. Thankfully, they are having Parent Teacher Conferences at school, so I have a four day weekend. That has been a much needed break. I was able to read, memorize scripture in Greek, and work on some vocab. I don't know if that sounds exciting to you, but it is to me!

Yesterday night, I was able to talk with my parents. It's always such a blessing to hear how they are growing in the Lord and managing to"survive" as my dad puts it. Excited to see them next weekend.

Really looking forward to college group starting this Saturday!

Interesting Happenings
I was driving back from seminary when suddenly my car started beeping and the seat warmer turned on by itself! Weird...

Check These Links Out
Insightful Thoughts on Rob Bell - Article by Phil Johnson about Rob Bell's recent statements at the Boston Globe.
O to Say O- Short post by missionary Matt Hauck on a very powerful little word.
Ligonier Conference Sermons- Some time in the future, I would like to listen to all these sermons.
Panel Discussion at Desiring God National Conference - Some very insightful thoughts are in panel discussions. I never want to miss those at a conference.

The Ever-growing Wish List
Gourmet Butter by Gourmet Butters

How Can I Make Myself an Enemy of God?

2009-09-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

James 4:4

"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy with God."

Do you not know? James assumes this to be common knowledge. Those who think that God is not hostile towards anyone are simply wrong. What's more interesting is that James equates "wishing" to be a friend of the world, not "being", with making oneself an enemy with God. O, how our discontent with what God has given us (acting like adulteresses) not only grieves our Lord, but also fans the flame of His terrifying anger. Do not love the world unless you want to make the Almighty your Enemy.

Introducing Week in Review

2009-09-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Every Friday morning, I will try to post some thoughts recapping the week and linking some stories and articles that I think are worthy of your time.

What Did Your Pastor Do This Week?
Weekdays are quite busy for pastors. We do not just lounge around waiting for Sunday to come around. Seminary picked up to full speed this week and it seems it will be a difficult year. I finished a book I started a few weeks ago, you can read my review on facebook WeRead app (it's one of the best apps to have on facebook). With that done, I started reading a new book to prepare for New Testament Survey class that will start this Sunday. You should get really excited about that; I am! I will end this week with spending time with our Youth Group at BWF and Saturday morning service.

We also got started on our Middle School Bible study. It will start this week. Because of that, I had to purchase some curriculum, and while I was at it, I made some other purchases. Spent a lot of money this week! Actually, the Bible study kit just arrived! Woohoo!

Please do keep in mind that I also do work 30+ hours a week at a private school. So if it seems that your pastor is not putting in more time for pastoral duties, please do be gracious with him!

Interesting Happenings
A kid at Chinese Christian Schools hurt is toe pretty badly (the nail was almost coming off) because he opened the door too quickly over his bare foot. There was quite a bit of blood. I had to clean him up and carry him to the nurse's office.

Check These Links Out
My Church of Kingdom? - Article by Ray Ortlund. Well worth your time.
Rebuilding the Basics of Bethlehem - Article by John Piper on the Doctrines of Grace. Yes, the Doctrines of Grace should be the basics of any church.
I Do Not Permit - Clip of D.A. Carson showing the fallacy of an argument that wants to make the command in 1 Timothy 2 not absolute.
Why Do the Nations Rage? - Article by Albert Mohler on National Blasphemy Day, September 30th.

Looking Forward To
A Tale of Two Sons - A DVD study guide for MacArthur's book on the Prodigal Son.

The Ever-growing Wish List
Adoration: Solo Piano Hymns by David Nevue
Keep in Step with the Spirit by J.I. Packer
Socratic Logic 3e by Peter Kreeft

Do I Have a Good Reason?

2009-09-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Jonah 4:3,4

"'Therefore now, O LORD, take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.' The LORD said, 'Do you have good reason to be angry?'"

The answer? No. Think about it the next time you're angry, covetous, discouraged. We might just be little Jonahs complaining about a gracious, compassionate God.

Laboring to Enter that Rest

2009-09-07T11:51:00.001-07:00

Hebrews 4:11

"Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience."

Today is Labor day. It is a day we rest from our labors. May it be a reminder to us of our future rest, the true rest we hope in. As the author of Hebrews exhorts us, let us be diligent to enter that rest. No rest from labors will be as sweet as the one that awaits us in the day of the Lord. We have not entered it yet, meaning that our labors are not finished. So let us be diligent to obey the precepts and commands of our Lord; let us fulfill our ministry! God bless!

He Is Able to Do Far More Abundantly

2009-08-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 3:20, 21

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church in Christ Jesus to all generations."

This is an amazing verse that portrays an even more amazing God. Paul describes God as one who can do " far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think." . He works abundantly beyond what we ask. And even when we don't ask, He works abundantly beyond what we think.When we say that God is good and that He is working all things to work together for good, we can only say it with a partial knowledge of God's ability. Our perception of his goodness and power fall drastically short of what they actually are. Ponder that thought and marvel at our awesome God. To this mighty God belongs all the "glory in the church in Christ Jesus to all generations."

Short Clip of John Piper of Bible Versions

2009-08-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Thought this was very insightful, especially for those who were wondering why they should get a more literal version of the Bible.

Holiness

2009-08-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:16

"Because it is written, 'You shall be holy for I am holy.'"

Last week, I had the privilege of attending my first SFC retreat. The theme was holiness. It is so easy in this "unholy" world to forget how serious the issue of holiness is. The author of hebrews exhorts us, "Pursue... sanctification without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). We really need to ask our selves, "How am I being sanctified? Am I growing in holiness?" 1 Peter reminds us why God wants us to be holy: God is holy. As His children we reflect and proclaim His excellencies. We do not pursue sanctification to be just before God's eyes, we pursue sanctification because we are His children. Let us not make such a worthy endeavour a means to express our legalistic heart. Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!

An Offering that Costs Something

2009-08-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

2 Samuel 24:24

"However, the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.'"

Too many Christians offer God offerings that cost them nothing. How much one is willing to suffer to make an offering depends one how worthy he views his recipient. Christ is infinitely worthy, and even a sacrifice that costs us much is not close to what He truly deserves. So let us not seek to offer Christ offerings that are of little cost to us. Let us make an offering that costs something. Let us offer Him our very lives. Stay strong and God bless!

Denying Oneself

2009-07-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

Matthew 16:24-27

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deed.'"

Denying yourself, carrying your cross, and following Jesus is not a secondary matter in Jesus' mind. It is a matter of gaining or losing your soul; it is a matter of salvation or damnation. It saddens me that people do not recognize the gravity of the situation. Maybe it's because people believe gaining the world is much better than forfeiting their soul, or maybe they believe that they can give good works in exchange for their soul. Maybe they do not see the link between "forfeits his soul" and "must deny himself." Whatever the case, it is clear that Jesus requires you to deny yourself and carry your cross. That is how you follow Jesus and gain your soul. Only regenerate eyes can see the beauty of doing this.

The Joy of Being Silent

2009-07-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Exodus 14:14

"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

The Israelites had just left Egypt through the deliverance of the LORD, but now they found themselves stuck between the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptian army on the other. So what does God tell them to do? Stay silent. You have to wonder why? They're in a pretty big mess! Well, here's what I think: when we stay silent, God does everything, and God gets all the glory. We witness the mighty power of God, and the sight lifts our hearts to worship. We take joy in being helpless and seeing God deliver mightily. I believe it is a picure of salvation. God does the saving; we do the rejoicing. Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!

Happy Birthday John Calvin!

2009-07-10T14:49:00.001-07:00

Today is John Calvin's 500th birthday. 500 years later and he's still relevant. A day to thank God for gifting His body with a theologian whose work still directs our minds and hearts to Christ. Stay strong and God bless!

Every Spiritual Blessing

2009-07-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 1:3

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ"

I love how this verse says "has blessed" and not "will bless." Every spiritual blessing is not some distant promise. It is a reality that true Christians experience now as they are "in Christ." It also says "every spiritual blessing" rather than "some spiritual blessing." Through Christ we experience every spiritual blessing the Father has intended for and has given to us. So what is "every spiritual blessing"? In context, I believe it is the Christians union with Christ foreordained by the Father. But I believe it also has a very physical aspect as well. I believe it is the Church. Being part of this heavenly body is a grace that we'll never fully fathom and appreciate as much as it deserves. What grace is this that sinners who deserve nothing have gained everything!

He Is Able

2009-06-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jude 24-25

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

God is glorious because He is able where we are unable. We are unable to keep ourselves from stumbling; we are unable to make ourselves stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy. But God is able. And because He is, He will receive all the glory, majesty dominion and authority. We trust and worship a God who is able. Stay strong and God bless!