Hymns

I think I have got into habit practising hymns at home. There are plenty of resources that help us to get familiar with the tunes. It is especially useful if you need to learn the parts.

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/
Interactive scores that you can change tempo and key.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/index.htm
They have plenty of scores but you need to install the free Noteworthy viewer or plugin. http://www.noteworthysoftware.com/composer/download.htm

http://www.christianstudy.com/lifehymns.html
Basically the whole hymn book is up there.

空谷的回音

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Outreach Night

After the weekend preparation of the mailing packages, the publicity portion of the outreach came towards the end. Now we can keep our focus in prayer for the guest coming to the event.
We should give special thanks to
1. Our chief artist for the poster design.
2. Our webmaster for the webpage design.
3. Our media coordinator for the media connection and poster posting.
4. Our manager for looking over all the details.
5. Last but not least, all of you for sacrifying your weekend to prepare the packages.

Still keep praying for
1. The magnets would be delivered on time.
2. The invitation letters would be reached to the appropriate audience.

Should we care ...

What do think? Do we need to do care about Pope's speech / apology to Muslim recently?

1. Don't Care. We are Christian. He is Cathalic.
2. We should support his words
3. Avoid the wording, but support him
4. Just stay away with this topic, you don't want to get into trouble.
5. Why care? Does it matter with my Christian life?
6. I don't understand this question.
7. Others

John the Baptist and Jesus

In Matthew 11, it reads

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2-3)

 

It seems that John did not know who Jesus is.  However,

1. John's mother and Jesus' mother were relatives.

2. John was the one who baptized Jesus.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (Matthew 3:13-14)

 

How should we interpret the seemingly contradicting passages?

Showers of Blessing

Browsing through SOBEM and found that videos below. Are we giving our best back to our Lord?

Favorite 聖經金句

I have one favourite 金句, which is John 3:16. This 金句 catch my eye when I was little. I still feel touching sometimes when I read it.

神愛世人
Four word, tell us one of the most important fact of this universe

甚至將祂的獨生子賜給他們
An example to show how much God loves us. Draw our emotion.

叫一切信入祂的
What we should do, as simple as that.

不至滅亡
The outcome

反得永遠的生命。
Better than we what we expect.

How about your favorite 聖經金句!?

Know, Understand, Feel, and Experience

After talking to Micah, I have learnt more about communication and relationship with God. And this morning, the following come across my mind:

Know: This is the first step. We have to know HIM. It is the job for Christian to spread the gospel.

Understand: We should spend time to study Bible, so we can understand God and HIS work. If we spend 20+ years full-time to study in school, we surely need to spend more time to learn about God.

Feel: To get closer with God, I think we need to feel HIM, like our family, our friends. For example, from history book, we learn many things about historical people, but we hardly feel closed to them. But Jesus is different, we learn about him from Bible. But we should still able to feel HIM because HE is still with us. In the last couple years, I start to gain this feeling.

Experience: To gain close relationship with God, I think the best way is to experience HIM. But actually I can't talk too much for this point, because I don't have any strong experience with God. From friend's sharing and Bible, I see people who have experienced God. Simply says, they are different. My favourite example is Paul. From a punk who messed up with Christian, to a fearless warrior who spread Jesus name. That was a huge turn-around.

One question as usual: How do we experience God!? From all the stories I heard, most time God come to them. It is not like they need to pray for it.

Taboo Question 1

Related to sex stuff, read at your own risk ....


In the movie "The Da Vinci Code", Tom Hanks asked this question:
I believe Jesus is God. But even Jesus has a child on earth, does it really conflict with his divine status?

First of all, I need to proclaim that I don't believe Jesus had an affair with Mary Magdalene or had a child. But I have a few questions.

1. I have an understanding that Jesus didn't have sexual desire. This is OK to me. Just a fact. But I also have an impression that Jesus didn't have sexual desire because it is bad. Does Bible really mention sex is bad?

2. I have learnt Jesus had bear many weakness of human body, such as pain and fear (he prays for God's mercy before getting caught). Then why can't he also bear sexual desire?

3. Jesus is our example to be a perfect man. He had a human body and show how to be good. But I guess he may cheat a little .... A lot of sins are related to sex. How Jesus show us to avoid those sins if he did not have this problem at all?

Rumors and News

News (especially bad ones) and rumors are spreading fast with the information boom. The same happens inside the church.  I dare not to say I never spread rumors.  Moreover, you can never assume the one next to you knows nothing about your secret.  Given the amount of news I have heard over the last 2 years, what would be the biblical way to resolve the pressure?  I have a urge to talk over the news with brothers but at the same time I feel extremely guilty of spreading rumors, especially when my news source does not authorize me to spread the news.

Da Vinci Code, The movie

I watched this movie last week, because of 2 reasons:
1. Want to watch Tom Hanks
2. I don't understand the ending of the book. What did Robert Langdor realize? Mona Lisa!? Maybe the movie can explain better.

Review of the movie, 2 things:
1. Tom Hanks lost weight
2. Still don't understand the ending of the movie. What did Robert Langdor realize? Anyone offer help?

God is listening

Case 1: Prayer Requests

In the retreat last week, I raised a question during panel discussion: If God know everything we need, why still pray for any specific request? It will not change God's mind anyway. In the same night, the people next to my room played so loud and so late till 2am. I can't sleep. Now I know what to pray specifically: Guys please go to bed soon! Well God gave me a good lesson.


Case 2: Bible Study

Recently, I'm looking for a Bible Study group within the company. I ask around and search for web but got nothing. Last week I passed by someone's office and saw a Bible on his desk. I didn't know this guy. But I want to check out if he knows any BS group here. Today I go to his office and start the conversation: I saw you have a Bible and I am a Christian ... Then he immediately told me they have a Bible Study lunch meeting every Wednesday, and invite me to join them!

God and Logic

I once read a book from 李天命. He mentions that Logic is the most strictly analysis process. Based on Logic, he derives many argument to question Bible and God. One classic paradox he likes to use: Can God make a rock so big, that even he can't lift it?

I spend some times to study the best explanation to counter this argument. There are a few good one but all seem to argue within the scope of Logic analysis.

Then my question: Is God beyond Logic!?

I think Yes. Human can only understand Logic within our brain limit. Plus, does Logic really can explain everything!? I don't think Logic can explain the creation of Universe. From nothing to something. Logic and any Science can't explain that. In another word, human can't explain anything beyond the point of creation, not even mention the Creator.

Genesis Trivia

- In Genesis 30, Jacob negotiated a new contract with Laban. They agreed that all non-white sheep were wages to Jacob. Being a deceiver, Laban sent away all non-white sheep on the same day. Jacob reacted by putting striped almond branches in front of the sheep and the sheep would give birth to striped sheep. (This is similar to parents-to-be put up cute baby posters in their room in hope for cute baby) Genetically, this would not work. However, it was God's blessing on Jacob to make it happen.

- Jacob had 12 sons. Levi's descendents did not receive any inheritance but Joseph's received twice as much (through his two sons). Historically, the eldest son received twice as much inheritance as the other sons.

Book introduction

I am reading a book called 游子吟. I like it very much. I feel the author has similar style of mine. Lots of questions and has strong interest on natural science. He is much more knowledgeable though. This book describes his thinking process from a non-believer to a Christian. Reading this book is like talking to a friend who answering many of my Q&A stuff. This is the table of content:

第一章 神存在的真实性
第二章 《圣经》是神默示的
第三章 谁是真神
第四章 耶稣基督复活的证据
第五章 现代科学与基督教信仰
第六章 创造论与进化论
第七章 进入永生

I first jump around on the chapters I am interested the most, which are 1, 3, 6. The author often introduces new yet interesting question. For example, Darwin's theory was introduced about 150 years ago. Back then the society in Europe was still heavily favor on Christianity. But why this theory could gain such popularity so quickly? The author then answers this own questions.

This book is claimed to be quite popular. Sold 600,000 copies with three edition. Anyway, paper back is just $8. And a web site has the full content:

http://www.afcinc.org/afcsite/big_5code/literature/mc_lit/Song/prod-ct.htm

Why I buy Chinese Stocks (3)

My brothers ordered many dishes. It included all kind of animal I had never heard of. I enjoyed the food though. At the end we had a lot of left over. I want to box up some. Then my mother told me people usually didn't take left over when they ate there. Too troublesome I guessed. Well, seriously I didn't want to waste food so I insisted. But, I would regret I did that.

So we continued driving back home. Once we entered Zhuhai downtown I saw a lot of beautiful lighting on the streets. It was pretty late already, yet there were still many people hanging out. It really was a city full of energy. I felt proud of my home country. When we reached the custom, we need to leave the car and walked over for custom check. This joyful trip was about to end. I was holding a bag of leftover and then I closed the car's door.

Suddenly, someone pull very hard on the bag of my food. My first thought: robbers! But when I turn back, I saw no one. Then I looked down. I saw a little girl, around 7~8 years old, was pulling my bag. Besided her there was a shy little boy, seemed to be her little brother. This girl spoke to me in Mandarin: Give me, give me. I didn't eat for two days already. To be exact, these was what she said:

叔叔, 給我, 給我, 我二天沒有吃東西.

This girl was a beggar I believed. Did she really eat nothing for two days!? I doubted. But watching a little kid begging for food, I felt bitter. My first reaction was to give her the food. But a defensive thinking came to my mind. If I gave her the food now, what would happen? Would other beggars rush to me for more? I couldn't handle that... So I hold on this bag for some moment, while she kept pulling for the food. At the same time I yelled to my mom if I could give this girl the food. My mother was surprise to see this situation but she immediately said yes. So I released the bag. The girl said thank you to my mother (not me) then started to run. I wanted to give the girl some money, but I hesitated for other consideration. Then she disappeared inside the crowd.

After I went back Macao, I were very unhappy for many days. I was upset although there were many modern development in mainland, some children still need to beg for food on street. I was more upset about myself. Why couldn't I just give her the food without so many second thought. Imaging a picture of a big guy fighting food with a little girl ... shame!

Now when I pray before dinning, I truly felt the mercy God had put upon me. I thanks HIM for providing me food, without the need of begging. In big dinner such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, sometimes I recall the face of that little girl.

It has been five years already. This girl should be a teenager now. I hoped her life had improved. I understand no country can eliminate all poverty. But I felt sad to see kids begging for food in the middle of a modern city downtown. I offer my prayer for a better life of ordinary people in China. I also buy some Chinese stocks hoping to help the economic and creates more jobs there.

Why I buy Chinese Stocks (2)

My brother had a mainland driving license, so he drove for this trip. Once we crossed the border of Zhuhai (珠海), most of the time we stayed on the highways. In the old days, it took 7 hours to get to Foshen. This time, it took less than 3 hours. One minor complain, we stopped eight times meeting some good looking young ladies ... they were cashiers collecting road fee.

We spend a nice afternoon in Foshen. Surely it had great developments. Tall buildings and nice shopping malls everywhere. We met relatives and enjoyed the local food. In the evening we headed back to Macao. Around 8pm, when we were nearby Zhuhai, we felt hungry. My brother decided to bring us to eat.

His drove his car off the highway, going into some bumping countryside roads. He kept driving for 10 minutes. Now it was getting very dark outside. I guess we were driving inside a farm. I started to feel uneasy and ask where we were heading to? He said we would eat something nice. I doubted. Did he get lost?

Finally I saw some light ahead of us. In the middle of nowhere, there was a big house with decorative lightnings. My brother said that was the restaurant for our dinner. What kind of restaurant would locate in such a remote area? Then my brother said we would eat wild life animals (野味)!!

[to be continued ... last section tomorrow]

Sharing: Why I buy Chinese Stocks

There is a personal story I want to share for sometimes. Sometimes mean around five years. Whenever in special days like Thanksgiving and Christmas, when there are a lot of nice food on the table, I recall this experience. However, this was a very unpleasant incident. I didn't know how to start this sharing in the Fellowship.

This July, I will go back to Macao/China for visit. That experience flash back to my memory again, because it happened in China. I guess, blog space is the easiest place for me to share this story.

In the summer of 2001, I went to Macao for vacation. My family kept telling me there had been a lot of positive change in mainland. They will show me around all the great development in the country. In fact, I am looking forward to. On Saturday, me. my elder brother, my mother, and my nephew, were ready to visit my home town, where is Foshen (佛山). This supposed to be a fun one-day trip. What I didn't expect, I were about to encounter something that made me very unhappy for the rest of my vacation.

[to be continued .. two days later, haven't finish all the writing]

Be Strong in the Lord

Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage, your mighty defender is always the same. Mount up with wings as the eagle ascending, victory is sure when you call on His name.

* Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage for He is your guide. Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord, and rejoice, for the victory is yours.

So put on the armor the Lord has provided, and place your defense in His unfailing care. Trust Him for He will be with you in battle, lighting your path to avoid every snare.

* Repeat

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

Long answers

When I google some answer on Christian question, I often see those loooong article that make me marry-go-around without straight answer. Seriously I feel pretty frustrating on this kind of writing. Why can't they just straight to the point. If I answer my boss's question like that, I am sure I have been long gone.

My explanation: there is no definite answers for many spiritual questions. It really depends on how we interpret the Bible. So people just point out every scenarios. Then we, as readers, make our own judgement.

Aging Problem

Yes.  We have aging problem in our society.  And yes, we also have aging problem in church, especially for Chinese congregation.  It is not merely that we all get older.  It is our mentality and our spirit.  The younger generations are not as energetic or creative as the older generations.  We just don't want to get involved.  This is not a good sign, but what can we do?

your first name, my last name

For Christian couples, I realize the wife, almost all, change to use her husband's last name. I wonder if this is something that Bible suggest to do. Or simply a tradition for Christian, or perhaps just Hong Kong people. I find most couples from main land China don't do that.

Mine survivor

The sole miner survivor released one last comment about the tragedy. I find this lines are pretty touching and inspiring:

"We were worried and afraid, but we began to accept our fate," he wrote. "Junior Toler led us all in the Sinners Prayer" — a prayer for salvation of one's soul.

McCloy wrote. "The last person I remember speaking to was Jackie Weaver, who reassured me that if it was our time to go, then God's will would be fulfilled."

All 12 trapped miner died except Randal McCloy, who had been in comma for about a month after the tragedy.

News Link

Why God wanted to become human

Someone asks me this old question: Why God need to turn himself into human (Jesus) to save us?

My interpretation of the question is: why God need to use such strange way to save human being? Any practical reason? My answer is to show HIS Love. And in the old time people need to kill animal to erase their sin. So Jesus do it all using his holy blood. But my answer isn't too convincing I guess ...

But now I have question too. In the old testimony, why need to kill animal to erase our sin? It is not their fault. And they have animal right too.

What can we do?

What can we do/not do as a Christian?
1. Can we watch movies?
2. Can we smoke?
3. Can we drink wine?
4. Can we play mahjong/Big 2?
5. Can we play video games?
6. Can we become a businessman?
7. Can we become insurance agent, financial adviser or any job based on commission?
8. Can a Pastor drive a sport car?

I won't list every possible question.  However, we've got to find a general rule of thumb on these issues.

Applications

This is a quote from Pastor Paul Sheppard on a radio promo:
"Stop talking to people who have your problems and start talking to people who have your solutions."
While this sounds right, do we have any Bible reference for this?

singing

When we sing a song in church, quite often the music lead asks people to sing like this:
- girls sing 1st part
- guys sing 2nd part
- then sing together

Any particular reason we like to do this so often? I think of a few:

1. let people to catch a breath
2. so we know how bad guy can sing
3. more variety
4. Bible teach us to do so !?

The World? The Spirit?

1 John 2:15-16:
15 不要愛世界和世上的東西。人若愛世界，愛父的心就不在他裡面了。
16 原來世上的一切，就如肉體的私慾，眼目的私慾和今生的驕傲，都不是出於父，而是從世界來的。

Romans 12:2:
2 不要模仿這個世代，倒要藉著心意的更新而改變過來，使你們可以察驗出甚麼是　神的旨意，就是察驗出甚麼是美好的、蒙他悅納的和完全的事。

Ephesians 2:2:
2 那時你們在過犯和罪惡中行事為人，隨著時代的潮流，也服從空中掌權的首領，就是現今在悖逆的人身上運行的靈。

John 15:19-20:
19 你們若屬於這世界，世人必定愛屬自己的；但因為你們不屬於世界，而是我從世界中揀選了你們，所以世人就恨你們。
20 你們要記住我對你們說過的話：‘僕人不能大過主人。’他們若迫害我，也必定迫害你們；他們若遵守我的話，也必定遵守你們的話。

Romans 14:1-6,12,15,23:
1 你們要接納信心軟弱的人，不要論斷引起爭論的事。
2 有人相信所有的食物都可以吃，信心軟弱的人卻只吃蔬菜。
3 吃的人不要輕看不吃的人，不吃的人也不要批評吃的人，因為　神已經接納他了。
4 你是誰，竟然批評別人的家僕呢？他或站穩或跌倒，只和自己的主人有關；但他必定站穩，因為主能夠使他站穩。
5 有人認為這日比那日好，也有人認為日日都是一樣；只要各人自己心意堅定就可以了。
6 守日的人是為主守的，吃的人是為主吃的，因為他感謝　神；不吃的人是為主不吃，他也感謝　神。
12 這樣看來，我們各人都要把自己的事向　神交代。
15 如果你為了食物使你的弟兄憂愁，你就不再是憑著愛心行事了。你不可因著你的食物，使基督已經替他死了的人滅亡。
23 但如果有人存著疑惑的心去吃，他就被定罪了，因為他不是出於信心。凡不是出於信心的，都是罪。

James 4:11-12:
11 弟兄們，不要互相毀謗；人若毀謗弟兄，或判斷弟兄，就是毀謗律法、判斷律法了。如果你判斷律法，就不是實行律法的人，而是審判官了。
12 立法的，審判的，只有一位，就是那能拯救人，也能毀滅人的　神；你這判斷鄰舍的，你是誰呢？

1 Corinthians 6:12:
12 甚麼事我都可以作，但不是都有益處。甚麼事我都可以作，但我不要受任何事的轄制。

Philippians 4:11:
11 我並不是因為缺乏才這樣說：我已經學會了，無論在甚麼情況之下都可以知足。

Genesis 1:28

1:28 And God gave them his blessing and said to them, Be fertile and have increase, and make the earth full and be masters of it; be rulers over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing moving on the earth.

1:28 神 就 賜 福 給 他 們 、 又 對 他 們 說 、 要 生 養 眾 多 、 遍 滿 地 面 、 治 理 這 地 ． 也 要 管 理 海 裡 的 魚 、 空 中 的 鳥 ． 和 地 上 各 樣 行 動 的 活 物 。

Sometimes I feel Genesis 1:28 is the 1st task God gave mankind. But in recent years, I heard all the news about global warning. Sometimes I wonder, do we all screw up God's 1st assignment to us?

Global Warming Capable Of Sparking Mass Species Extinctions

Quarter of Species Gone by 2050

Limit Atonement

I remembered someone mentioned about this concept long time ago.  But I forgot until today bible class.  Jesus died for the believers only.  How does this conflict with the Bible?

Can you feel the Love

A few years ago, I often chat with a co-worker, who has a daughter, about childcare stuff. She expressed the strong relationship between her and her daughter. I told her I can UNDERSTAND the love between a mother and a daughter. But I can not FEEL it.

Now I become a father, I can feel this love. It is totally different than just understanding it.

I am thinking about my relationship with God. I read Bible and listen sharing from bro/sis. I have no doubt that Jesus has deep love to me and everyone in this world. But do I really feel his love? How do I feel more his love?

Once Saved Always Saved

We had a Bible Study last Friday and we touched on this topic again.

The passage we studied was Hebrew 6:6-8. Our understand of the passage was that once you put shame on the name of Jesus, you are nailing Jesus on the cross again. There will be no way out.

Guess who?

"It is fascinating. In the West, you have bigger homes, yet smaller families; you have endless conveniences -- yet you never seem to have any time. You can travel anywhere in the world, yet you don't bother to cross the road to meet your neighbours," he said.

Do you think the above words are quite meaningful? Can you guess who say that?

Dalai Lama.

I am not a big fan of Dalia Lama but sometimes I feel what he says is quite insightful. Now as usual I have a question: Is it OK for a Christian to like words from other religious figure?

Inside / Outside Church

Let's think about the way we deal with these people:
1. co-workers
2. family members
3. friends
4. bro/sis in church

I guess some Christian, including myself, use different approaches to deal with these four types of people each day.

Recently I have some thought about type 3 and 4. Some people in type 4 are also type 3. The funny thing is we may treat them a little different when we are inside/outside church. Inside church, we are bro/sis and serving the Lord is our 1st priority. But outside church we are just friends and there are many reality concern we need to deal with first. So I have two question:

1. Is the problem just on me? Does other Christians have consistent manner to bro/sis inside/outside church?

2. Even it is the case, so what!? Does Bible teach us to treat our bro/sis same way inside/outside church? Or doesn't it?

Karaoke

Is there any Karaoke DVD for Chinese Christian songs out there?

Playground 5

I bought the CD Playground 5, which contains the song "If I can see". This album is so popular that I am only able to buy a demo version (the last one) from the store. The album contains mostly slow pace HK-pop style of songs. I like most of them. I used to like electronic dancing song and later R&B. Perhaps I am getting old, my heart couldn't stand those fast beat or heavy base anymore. Now I prefer softer music, Playground 5 is my cup of tea.

Message to the Love One

In one meeting of my cell group, which is for married couples with kids, our leader came up a creative game. Each person wrote one thing that hope his/her wife/husband to do more often. Then gave this note to the love one. The intention of this game is a reminder for relationship improvement.

In the next cell group meeting, our leader came up another creative game: shared what we wrote to the husband/wife ... ...

Surprisingly no one objected, so we shared what we wrote ...

Everyone requested something different, but all touch one similar topic: spend more time just between husband/wife. It is true ever since having a kid, time with the love one alone become rare. That makes me think ... if God want us to do one thing more often, will it also be spending more private time with HIM?

Listening God's word

A while ago Felix mention how to know God's word. The same question also puzzle me for a long time. Last Sunday I suddenly learn the "way" to listen God's word. It seems working for me a least for one case. But still I am not so sure. Let's see if this method works more often, then perhaps I can share with you guys and exchange some ideas.

It is privilege, not a right.

I got a traffic ticket a few months ago, so I'm taking an online traffic course. The web site emphasizes this many times: for anyone, driving in California is a privilege, it is not a right.

Then I recall Felix's earlier post: If you can see.

Perhaps, all good stuff we enjoy on Earth is a privilege from God, it is not our right. When we lose something or couldn't get something, we may feel better thinking this way: without God's privilege, we won't have anything in the first place anyway.

Christian Radio Program on RTHK Radio 5

A brother in Christ mentioned about several Christian programs on radio in last fellowship.  The first program consists of bible story.  The second program is interview with Christian.

http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio5/sunservice
http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/radio5/lifeabu

If you want to get a playlist of all previous programs, you can use:
http://csua.berkeley.edu/~hkhung/cgi-bin/sunservice.cgi
http://csua.berkeley.edu/~hkhung/cgi-bin/lifeabu.cgi

Da Vinci Code & Faith

The recent court case on Da Vinci Code recalls my experience on reading the book. I read this novel mainly because I heard my favourite actor Tom Hanks was making a film on it. So I want to know what is all that about this book. It is quite interesting in the beginning, some mysterious murder and some puzzle games. In the middle the religious conflict starts. The later part is kind of boring as the plot starts to become ordinary. It is typical answer-is-in-the-beginning type of investigation story.

About the Jesus and Mary Magdalene conspiracy, I am not too surprised, as I heard about this rumor long ago. I still think it is just rumor. There is one statement in the book that really shocks me though. It says something like that:

Jesus is not God. In fact, around 400 A.C. in Roman, the Church Committee had an intensive debate to decide if Jesus is God or a just a great Saint. The result: a narrow win to vote Jesus as God. This set the direction for Christian Churches throughout centuries.

The novel describes the above part as fact, not fiction. That really bothers me. Is all of our faith just based on a few votes? I can't resist to dig into more on this topic. I borrow some Christian history books from the library and research on the web. My conclusion: it is true. The debate did happen, and it was intensive. But as I read more Bible, I start to understand the debate was well under controlled by God. Jesus is God and this must be the only outcome of the debate. It is just human, as always, don't have enough faith on HIM.

Well, reading Da Vinci Code shakes my faith a little. But a follow-up study strengthens my faith even more than before. It is an interesting yet fortunate experience.

If you can see

Last Sunday a female group presented this song during worship. The lyrics fits closely with her message about the Beijing orphanage. The song reminds us how blessed we are.

【若你能看見】
詩集：團契遊樂園 5 - 應許，3
曲、詞：盧永亨


如若你能看見藍天，能望到千朵白雲隨風轉，
願你不忘記感謝神，能看見絕未必然。

如若你能聽到潮聲，能聽見千萬狂濤飛濺，
願你不忘記感謝神，能聽見乃主恩典。

環顧世上不知幾多眼睛，連自己雙手亦無從一見，
若你抬頭仍舊見藍天，請緊記凝望多遍。

環顧世上數不清的耳朵，連父親聲音亦從未聽見，
若你偶然緩步至岸邊，請多聽潮浪一遍。

Does God give you any responsibility

Thank you Micah for forwarding me a document about "Vision from God" (異象). I always feel this is an interesting topic. Vision!? Do you really see something? I remember during the retreat in 2003, the Pastor told us he had a vision from God when he was a student, then he decided to become a servant of God. I asked him what was the "Vision" looked like, then he spend some times to explain to me.

In Micah's document, there is a question that cause me some serious thinking, which is as shown in the title: 神有沒有放一些 “負擔” 在您的心上呢?

Is there any for me!? I think there seems to be one. Probably not a big deal for other Christian. For me it doesn't look like an easy task in near future, still working on it ...

Testimony Story

I recently received this email, which is a story I heard of before ...

*** *** ***

Title: Did God Create Evil?

The university professor challenged his students with this question:
"Did God create everything that exists? "

... ... bala bala ... ...

The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

... ... bala bala ... ...

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God.

... ... bala bala ... ...

The professor sat down.

The young man's name --- Albert Einstein

*** *** ***

You probably heard of this story. If not, search google. My question is, do you really believe Albert Einstein said that!?

I've heard another story. There are two good friends who don't believe Bible is true. They went different path to research the false on Bible. Many years later they reunion. The couldn't find any. And they both became Christian.

Again, do you believe this story really happened!?

I agree "Albert Einstein's" explanation. I also believe the Bible is absolute true. But I feel unconformable to listen this type of fabricated stories, at least no backup proof. Perhaps the testimony story is just symbolic. It just means to give a stronger impression. But I guess sometimes it may put negative effect on non-believers who listen them. Too hard sell isn't it!?

Joy Returns in the Morning

It takes me forever to learn how to pronounce correctly. A nice song that we will be hearing soon.

My child, I see your sadness, I know the pain you bear.
I walked the road of suff'ring and in your grief I share.
I was despised, rejected, afflicted with shame and despair.
Yet, all your sorrows I've carried to the cross and laid them there.
And joy returns in the morning,
The tears of sadness and pain from the night fade away.
And joy returns in the morning,
As the sun breaks through the darkness with hope
for a brand new day.
I am the God who fed the many thousands,
The God who calmed the ragin sea.
The God who formed you and knows you,
so place your trust in Me.
And joy returns in the morning,
With the hope of new beginnings, and promise for each new day.
And joy returns in the morning,
All thoughts of fear and dismay are erased with God's love.
And joy returns in the morning,
As the sun shines through the sadness, reflecting the face of God.

Road to Heaven

How could it be possible that everyone is joyful and happy in the Heaven!? We know we have a lot of weakness as human. Some are easy to be jealous, some are easy to get angry. If God simply change all of our bad DNA upon arriving Heaven, then we are not ourselves anymore. In fact if this will be the case, why don't God just do it now?

So sometimes I day dream. Perhaps as Christian, we are only qualified to enroll into Heaven. But we still require a lot of training and examination. Fortunately, we will have Angels to train us. We have multiple chance to take the exam. And we have endless time for training. It means it still need hard work to make our soul a perfect one. Hmm, I wonder if Bible describe detail on how human is transformed in Heaven?

Low Battery

Recently, somehow I don't have much Christian question in my mind. Perhaps my spiritual battery is low, some recharged is need ...

Another thing, I met 5CM in a Bagel Shop last Friday. He told me he still read this Q&A Blog. I am a little surprised because he has been quiet here for so loooooooong. We had a good chat about this blog.

Justices to Weigh...

Please keep an eye on this issue. Look for information about what exactly it is.

Inspiring Story

I heard an inspiring story on radio this morning.  It is a sermon message.
"I borrow a car from a friend for two weeks.  When it is time for a fill up, I go to the gas station and fill it up with diesel.  The hood says it's a diesel car.  The fuel door says it is a diesel car.  But the engine is a gasoline engine.  My friend converted the car into a gasoline powered car two weeks ago and forgot to tell me.  He has not removed the stickers saying 'Diesel'.  At the end I have the diesel pumped out from the car and there is little damage."
"We are all labeled 'human'.  However, after we have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, we can not survive with the same food as before.  We need the high octane gasoline instead of the diesel."

In memory of ...

http://nolegstoland.blogspot.com/2006/02/today.html

Brokeback Mountain II

Today is Valentine's day. Some say it is a good day to watch the movie Brokeback Mountain, because it is a good love story ... The success of this movie will probably raise the debate on homosexual vs Christian again. Most traditional churches I know have very firm stance on this issue. However churches seldom discuss further what to do if any bro/sis feel they are homo. Should they see a doctor and simply pray!? I guess as a Christian they must suffer tremendous pressure. It won't be easy for them to even speak out ...

Bible Questions

1. Old Testament mentioned the use of casting (抽籤).  eg Book of Jonah.  Do we have casting in New Testament?  Why don't we need to use casting anymore?

2. 以賽亞書7:14, the baby is Jesus.  However, in 7:15-16, the baby seems not to be Jesus since the baby does not know what is right and wrong.  How should we explain these verses?

I have a product for you

Do you feel emptiness and bore in your life? Do you find no true friendship? Don't know where to go on Sunday? Let's come to our church, here are our features:

- Worship starts after 11am, so you don't need to wake up early. It also means you can stay out late on Saturday night.

- Our church equips with the best audio system. The church play upbeat modern music. You can even stand and move your body. Good exercise.

- Our Pastor speaks in presentation style, point by point. It won't waste your time and you can surely learn something.

- Free coffee and snack provided.

- Our church also provides free workshop in health care and investment topic, a good place for social networking.

- The easiest way to go to heaven while improving your social life.

The above is an exaggerated FAKE story. Don't take it seriously. But I heard some Christian worry that modern church may become too commercialize. I also visited some church before that gave me similar impression. Actually, I don't have much comment if this type of new church style good or bad. I just feel interesting that when a church tries to attract more people, it may become more like a commercial product.

Old and New Testaments

How should we treat the words in Old and New Testaments?

A friend of mine is very keen on reading the Four Gospels.  However, when it comes to Paul's letters, he has doubt on them.  He thinks Paul added a lot of rules to our life.  At the same time, Paul was quite mean.  Paul's words is not as straight foward as and as strong as Jesus's.

He believes Jesus is God and we are saved by his sacrifice.  Why do we still need to learn about what is done in the time of Old Testment?

Reading Bible

How often we should read Bible!? My friend can't keep up to read Bible daily, and he feels bad on it. I also can't discipline myself to read Bible daily, spent too much time on blogging :P ... But I don't feel too bad on it, perhaps I should ...

Future

I heard a brother/sister saying that he/she cannot see his/her future in the church.  I cannot stop thinking about my own future too.  Frankly, this could be his/her personal relationship with God.
Every year, you can see devoted Christians suddenly disappear from the church.  Very unlikely you will know the reason behind.  How can we move forward despite seeing/hearing all these incidents?

A Christian who is afraid of ...

一個怕老婆的基督徒, 是否不符合上帝的心意. 好奇問一問, 和本人無關 ...
A Christian who is afraid of his wife, is this against God's will!?

Arguments

What is the best way to resolve arguments with brothers and sisters?  If I got insulted, I would walk away quietly.  I don't like to get into arguments because I am tired of it.  However, the bad feeling does not go away.  Any good suggestions?

Like or dislike

This week, someone mentioned the following during our conversation: "Many people don't like the Pastor of their church". I think what s/he really mean is: Compared to other brothers/sister in the Church, Pastor is less likable because Pastor is usually more serious. Not as fun in another word.

I don't really agree. I kind of like all the Pastors I know. Although some of them is very serious and not at joking, but I still like them. I think that's what a church leader suppose to be. We go to church because we want to worship our Lord and learn to be like Christ. That's the top priority. Of course having fun is a big plus!

P.S. "Someone", please correct me if I misunderstand your statement ...

2005恩典盘点

2005 Top Ten Grace 十大恩典 (tagged by 米迦)

#10 Thank you God for giving me the strength to go back school after a long break. Especially put me into an easy class with a lazy professor that never assign any homework.

#9 Last year I have a few technical publications as co-author. This was something I wish for a long time. Thank you God for giving me these presents.

#8 Thank you God to have my brother and nephew visiting me during the Christmas holiday, although they keep complaining the food in US ...

#7 Thank you God (and Felix) to give me an opportunity to write in Christian Q&A. I am not good at give sharing in front of a group of people ... 我怕羞.

#6 Thank you God for giving my wife a job nearby home. Now she can save 3 hour of commute time everyday ... and do more housework ...

#5 Thank you God for keeping my job, although I didn't do much useful stuff at work last year ... (don't forward this to my boss).

#4 My daughter was 1 year old in 2005. Thank you God for protecting her and her family.

#3 Thank you God for keeping good health for my parents.

#2 Last year was 10 year anniversary of dating my wife. Thank you God for having her in my life.

#1 Thanks God for not giving me up even though I did not go to church as much last year. This year my daughter is older so I should able to go to my favourite church more often.

Now just follow the game rule I need to pick 5 other lucky persons to write their 2005恩典盘点 (use this as blog subject):

Felix, Alvin, Henry, 5CM , and 結他手Tommy仔

Reference: 米迦網誌

Purpose Driven Life: a different opinion

The 1st time I heard of this book was in 2003. Then my fellowship used this book for bible study in 2004. I continue to hear other fellowships use this book. Nearly everyone Christian endorse this book.

But honestly, I read till day 8 then I stop reading it. There is only one reason: I don't quite like what the author writes. I do agree the central idea of this book, we are on earth to glorify God. But the author spend a lot of writing to tell us we can glorify God by doing our daily stuff right. Well, it make me think the author is just writing something to make us feel good. Reading this book make me to believe it isn't too hard to be a good Christian. But, can this writing really help me to become a better Christian, I have some doubt.

Well, the main purpose of this blog is not to criticize this book. The main purpose is for me to share a different opinion. I feel it is difficult to share non-mainstream religious opinion in Church, so I dare not to speak above comment in Church. Another example, I can't really speak anything negative about the U.S. President, 'cause nearly every main-stream Christian says he is good ... ...

Once Saved Always Saved

神保證人在得救的應許上，是「一次得著救恩便會永遠擁有這救恩」
Once Saved Always Saved

I have some doubt on this scripture. For example, a man truly admited his sin and believed in Jesus when he was young. Many years later he forgot about Jesus and Bible and go back to live his sinful life. When this guy die, will God accept his soul?

Some in my fellowship think so.
Some in my fellowship not so sure, think God will make the final decision based on his justice.

I just hope I can keep a honest faith with Jesus till the last day so I won't need to face this uncertainty.

Reading 1
Reading 2

Burn in Hell

The Bible says, for those don't accept Jesus Christ. When they die, they go to Hell, get burn by fire and suffer forever.

As a Christian, or just a normal human being, it is hard to even think about such punishment. It is too cruel isn't it. How could God apply such torture to HIS creatures? This leads me to think:
a) It is not really like that, the Bible just to scare you
b) It is true

If the answer is b), then I have these thought:
A) Ugh! It hurts.
B) Even the worst criminal don't get such punishment in this society. Is our punishment too light or God's punishment too heavy?
C) For those Christmas who are singing and dancing in Heaven. When they see their non-believer friends and relatives get burn, how could it be possible for them to still have joy up there?

Well, don't mean to question God's authority. HE has all the right. But I just feel the "get burn forever" situation not really making sense based on my limited understanding with Bible.

Munich

Another debatable movie I would like to watch. This movie touch a topic related Christianity to (the land of Israel). This also remind me a statement made by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson recently, 'Punishment for dividing God's land'.

I think, every land in the Earth belongs too God. Why this specific "God's land" creates so much trouble for mankind. Is it really necessary for God's plan?