For of him, and through him and unto him are all thing. To him be the glory for ever. Romans 11:36
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service Romans 12:1
20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1Corinthians 6
It is only in our body that we can be redeemed off our sin through Jesus Christ.
If we do not make use of our limited time while in our body form, we will bring our sins into eternity.
Since we had died and resurrected with Jesus Christ:
-Therefore we must make full use of our body to glory God.
-We can either use our body to please God or to please Satan.
-We must think, act and feel according to God's will.
.
What is the meaning of life? Are you born with a purpose, or you are just the results of accidents?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
The five principles of Reformed Theology
T Total Depravity (i.e. Total Inability)
U Unconditional Election
L Limited Atonement (i.e. Particular Redemption)
I Irresistible Calling
P Perseverance of the Saints
Source:The Five Points of Calvinism
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11
U Unconditional Election
L Limited Atonement (i.e. Particular Redemption)
I Irresistible Calling
P Perseverance of the Saints
Source:The Five Points of Calvinism
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35"Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11
Sunday, August 29, 2010
How to have faith?
Faith comes from believing in the words of God.
Faith does not come from believe in belief itself.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
16But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Romans 10
Faith does not come from believe in belief itself.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
16But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Romans 10
Sunday, June 27, 2010
How to lead a life after salvation?
We must be led by Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit leads through:
1) Words of God, i.e. Bible
2) Words in fresh, i.e. Jesus Christ
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119 NIV
The guidance of Holy Spirit is like your mother holding your
hand when you first learned how to write.
You must let go and let God guide you.
2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Holy Spirit leads through:
1) Words of God, i.e. Bible
2) Words in fresh, i.e. Jesus Christ
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119 NIV
The guidance of Holy Spirit is like your mother holding your
hand when you first learned how to write.
You must let go and let God guide you.
2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
6The mind of sinful man[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
How to lead a victorious life?
Love of God touched us:
1) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
2) Jesus died for us on the cross.
3) Holy Spirit dwell in us.
The works of the Holy Spirit:
-Recollects what were written in the words.
-Guide us into all truths
-Rebuke sin
-glorify God
-dwell in us
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
Romans 8
1) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
2) Jesus died for us on the cross.
3) Holy Spirit dwell in us.
The works of the Holy Spirit:
-Recollects what were written in the words.
-Guide us into all truths
-Rebuke sin
-glorify God
-dwell in us
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
Romans 8
Monday, June 21, 2010
Is it possible to sin after salvation?
We are saved in term of position. But we are surrounded by both sinners and sins.
Every moments we are at war with our lust and hostile environment.
Even Jesus went through the same temptations, but He did not sin.
We want absolute freedom, yet as a result we become the slaves of sin.
After salvation, it does not mean that from now onward, we are free to sin, because real salvation must be followed by sanctification.
Neither Salvation nor Sanctification is brought about by self maltreatment.
Every moments we are at war with our lust and hostile environment.
Even Jesus went through the same temptations, but He did not sin.
We want absolute freedom, yet as a result we become the slaves of sin.
After salvation, it does not mean that from now onward, we are free to sin, because real salvation must be followed by sanctification.
Neither Salvation nor Sanctification is brought about by self maltreatment.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Slave to Righteousness Vs Slave to Sin
Before Salvation:
-We are slaves of sin in our fresh, our minds and desires.
-We offer the parts of our bodies in slavery to sins.
-With freedom to sin (dead in sins) but no freedom to free from sins.
-Is bound by law as a woman is bound to her husband by marriage.
-Old sinner
After Salvation:
-We are slaves of righteousness. (just as a pregnant woman is enjoying her pregnancy).
-We offer the parts of our bodies in slavery to righteousness.
(This include our eyes, our mouths, our hands,
-Is free from sin by grace of God.
-Released from the law.
- New creation. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2Cor: 5
Law is like a red light, its functions are meant for the benefits of the user.
But sin turns the goodness of law into somethings which works against us.
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6
1 Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?
2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.
3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.
4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.
5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.
6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7
-We are slaves of sin in our fresh, our minds and desires.
-We offer the parts of our bodies in slavery to sins.
-With freedom to sin (dead in sins) but no freedom to free from sins.
-Is bound by law as a woman is bound to her husband by marriage.
-Old sinner
After Salvation:
-We are slaves of righteousness. (just as a pregnant woman is enjoying her pregnancy).
-We offer the parts of our bodies in slavery to righteousness.
(This include our eyes, our mouths, our hands,
-Is free from sin by grace of God.
-Released from the law.
- New creation. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2Cor: 5
Law is like a red light, its functions are meant for the benefits of the user.
But sin turns the goodness of law into somethings which works against us.
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6
1 Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?
2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.
3 So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.
4 So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.
5 For when we were controlled by the sinful nature,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.
6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Shall we continue to sin after salvation?
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? Romans 6:1
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? 6:15
Nothing is free, even the grace of God. Jesus paid the price for our sins.
Just like shaving, sometimes when you cut yourself, if there is a lotion which can heal quickly, does that mean that you can continue to cut yourself repeatably? The lotion does not come cheap also.
We should let our bodies be the slaves of righteousness, instead of letting our bodies to become the slaves of sins. We are dead so long as sins are concerned. We are alive to the righteousness of God.
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? 6:15
Nothing is free, even the grace of God. Jesus paid the price for our sins.
Just like shaving, sometimes when you cut yourself, if there is a lotion which can heal quickly, does that mean that you can continue to cut yourself repeatably? The lotion does not come cheap also.
We should let our bodies be the slaves of righteousness, instead of letting our bodies to become the slaves of sins. We are dead so long as sins are concerned. We are alive to the righteousness of God.
Born of fresh Vs born of Spirit
Through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners. Does that mean that when one man was obedient to God we are automatically saved? Let look at what Jesus said:
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again. John 3.
We must be born spiritually to be saved.
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again. John 3.
We must be born spiritually to be saved.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Adam Vs Jesus
Adam: Disobedience
According to my own will
Jesus:Obedience
May Thy will be done
From Adam to Moses: There is no law--- death is the king
From Moses to Jesus: There is law-- still results in death => laws cannot save us.
From Jesus to now: There is Salvation-- Eternal life
God will guide us to lead a life of obedience if we obey Him.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 5)
According to my own will
Jesus:Obedience
May Thy will be done
From Adam to Moses: There is no law--- death is the king
From Moses to Jesus: There is law-- still results in death => laws cannot save us.
From Jesus to now: There is Salvation-- Eternal life
God will guide us to lead a life of obedience if we obey Him.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Romans 5)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Happy Easter
24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
This is the real meaning of Easter !
Romans 4
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This is the real meaning of Easter !
Romans 4
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Be grateful for all things
Food, water,air which one is most expensive? But which one is most important? No doubt air is the most important. We can go few days or weeks without food, we can't last few minutes without air. Yet it is free! This is God's grace.
The processes of salvation are sanctification, reconciliation, and glorification. These are all accomplished through God's grace.
We should be grateful even during suffering, because it is the resource to help others who are suffering.
Men must be in harmony with:
1) Environment
2) Fellow humans
3) Self
4) God
Human beings are not created for the first three, but for God Himself.
The grace of God is free but not cheap.
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5
The processes of salvation are sanctification, reconciliation, and glorification. These are all accomplished through God's grace.
We should be grateful even during suffering, because it is the resource to help others who are suffering.
Men must be in harmony with:
1) Environment
2) Fellow humans
3) Self
4) God
Human beings are not created for the first three, but for God Himself.
The grace of God is free but not cheap.
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Reason vs truth
People do not believe because they deemed something as illogical. The matter of fact is that whose logic they follow? Most of the time is their own logic.
Evaluating truth by logical thinking itself is not logical at all. Things which ones think are logic, may not be logical few years later.
They don't always think logically before they do things like gambling and looking for Fung Shui.
The object of faith will determine the value of faith.
Romans 4:17-25
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Evaluating truth by logical thinking itself is not logical at all. Things which ones think are logic, may not be logical few years later.
They don't always think logically before they do things like gambling and looking for Fung Shui.
The object of faith will determine the value of faith.
Romans 4:17-25
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Sunday, March 21, 2010
God vs men
It is: -Theocentric vs anthropocentric.
-Grace vs wage.
-God's grace vs men respond through faith.
-Faith first vs law latter.
What is the different from other religions if we know how to pray for our gain instead of listening to Him?
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-Grace vs wage.
-God's grace vs men respond through faith.
-Faith first vs law latter.
What is the different from other religions if we know how to pray for our gain instead of listening to Him?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Anthropocentric vs Theocentric
It is like geocentric vs heliocentric.
Religion,church,salvation, what is your methodology ?
Theocentric: if God does not want to save, no one can be saved.
Anthropocentric: By using fallen mind, thinking how to be saved by merit.
Summation of all laws is love.
Love God and love others like thyself.
If one breaks one law, he breaks all laws.
Law brings us to the dead end, force us to accept God grace. That is from anthropocentric to Theocentric
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrew 11
28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans3
Religion,church,salvation, what is your methodology ?
Theocentric: if God does not want to save, no one can be saved.
Anthropocentric: By using fallen mind, thinking how to be saved by merit.
Summation of all laws is love.
Love God and love others like thyself.
If one breaks one law, he breaks all laws.
Law brings us to the dead end, force us to accept God grace. That is from anthropocentric to Theocentric
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrew 11
28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans3
Friday, February 26, 2010
Men's idealism vs God 's wills
Axiology:According to subjective theories of value, things are valuable only insofar as they are desired; objective theories hold that there are at least some things that are valuable independently of people's interest in or desire for them.
Sophism: Sophists were self proclaimed wise men. There were no higher authority other than themselves.
Sophist idealogy:
* There is no knowable truth, period! There is only sense perception, so leave it there and try to have a good time!
* Cognition is a fantasmagoria, because: 1) There is nothing "beyond" the sense perception of objects; 2) Between the sense perception of objects and the perceived objects as such, stands an irresolvable dichotomy; 3) Since all sense perception of objects is subjective, any attempt to communicate about the perception of perceived objects is a double waste of time.
* There are no higher principles of lawfulness in nature; therefore the method of hypothesis for discovering higher principles in nature is mere wasting time. Hypotheses non fingo, period!
* As higher principles in nature are denied, there are, of course, no higher principles governing society. Natural law is a fantasmagoria. In society, there are only arbitrary—social, political, legal—settings, either tending in the direction of pragmatic "conventions" or, more, towards postulates like, "The strong rule the weak. Representatives: Gorgias, and Protagoras
They loved the victory in debate instead of finding truth.
" http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2003/sci-techs/3035sophism.html
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. Romans 3
Sophism: Sophists were self proclaimed wise men. There were no higher authority other than themselves.
Sophist idealogy:
* There is no knowable truth, period! There is only sense perception, so leave it there and try to have a good time!
* Cognition is a fantasmagoria, because: 1) There is nothing "beyond" the sense perception of objects; 2) Between the sense perception of objects and the perceived objects as such, stands an irresolvable dichotomy; 3) Since all sense perception of objects is subjective, any attempt to communicate about the perception of perceived objects is a double waste of time.
* There are no higher principles of lawfulness in nature; therefore the method of hypothesis for discovering higher principles in nature is mere wasting time. Hypotheses non fingo, period!
* As higher principles in nature are denied, there are, of course, no higher principles governing society. Natural law is a fantasmagoria. In society, there are only arbitrary—social, political, legal—settings, either tending in the direction of pragmatic "conventions" or, more, towards postulates like, "The strong rule the weak. Representatives: Gorgias, and Protagoras
They loved the victory in debate instead of finding truth.
" http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2003/sci-techs/3035sophism.html
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved. Romans 3
Truth vs belief
The existance of God is independent of whether men believe it or not. Likewise, truth is also independent of beliefs or disbeliefs of men. When men are self centered, they will forget their finiteness, and will absolutize themselves. They will not only reject others but also God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge." Romans 3
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3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written:
"So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge." Romans 3
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
Superficial vs genuine
Genuine faith is not superficial, it is manifested from within. It is not religion nor knowledge of religion that matters. A person's action will reveal everything.
27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[c] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
Romans 2
27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[c] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
Romans 2
Location:U
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The functions of law
1) Knowledge
2) Knowing the will of God
3) Know how to differentiate between Good and evil
17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. Romans 2
2) Knowing the will of God
3) Know how to differentiate between Good and evil
17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. Romans 2
Grace vs wage
Grace is not equal to wage.
Grace is given to us freely.
Grace is not given to us because of our good deed.
Grace is not earned, it is given.
When we enjoyed wealth and power and health, do not be proud.
We should thank God for all we have. No one is good enough to deserve these.
Grace is given to us freely.
Grace is not given to us because of our good deed.
Grace is not earned, it is given.
When we enjoyed wealth and power and health, do not be proud.
We should thank God for all we have. No one is good enough to deserve these.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The will of God
There are four levels of the will of God
1) The decree of God in eternity
2) Arrangement and Individual guidance of God. This can found through examining, seeking diligently via praying and reading the words of God.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
3) The permission of God, Even if they know through bible that this is not the will of God,they will request fervently. They make use of God to achieve they own selfish ends. Under some circumstances God will permit this to happen. After much sufferings as the consequences of their actions, only they realized that they were wrong and started to seek the will of God.
4) God gave them up to do whatever they want.
There are four categories of people according to what level they respond to the will of God.
-"My lost or gain is not important, what is important is God's will'
"God,What they gain in curiosity will lost in their pride."--Augustine
26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.John 6:
24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesian 4: 24
Human beings were created after the image of God with truth,righteousness and holiness. Other traits like eternalness, freedom and creactivities.
"The words of God express the will of God; the power of God accomplish the will of God"
17 If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. John 7
"Your feet decide your mind"
We should follow truly the will of God, not follow the will of God for our own sake.
Source: Steven Tong: Romans 1:21-24
1) The decree of God in eternity
2) Arrangement and Individual guidance of God. This can found through examining, seeking diligently via praying and reading the words of God.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
3) The permission of God, Even if they know through bible that this is not the will of God,they will request fervently. They make use of God to achieve they own selfish ends. Under some circumstances God will permit this to happen. After much sufferings as the consequences of their actions, only they realized that they were wrong and started to seek the will of God.
4) God gave them up to do whatever they want.
There are four categories of people according to what level they respond to the will of God.
-"My lost or gain is not important, what is important is God's will'
"God,What they gain in curiosity will lost in their pride."--Augustine
26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.John 6:
24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesian 4: 24
Human beings were created after the image of God with truth,righteousness and holiness. Other traits like eternalness, freedom and creactivities.
"The words of God express the will of God; the power of God accomplish the will of God"
17 If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. John 7
"Your feet decide your mind"
We should follow truly the will of God, not follow the will of God for our own sake.
Source: Steven Tong: Romans 1:21-24
Monday, February 08, 2010
When men leave God
-They absolutize themselves.
-They become their own gods
-They created a false god.
Created creature will create a created god.
Atheists deny the existence of God so that they are free to do anything.
They do it deliberately to escape the judgment of God.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. NIV Roman 1
-They become their own gods
-They created a false god.
Created creature will create a created god.
Atheists deny the existence of God so that they are free to do anything.
They do it deliberately to escape the judgment of God.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. NIV Roman 1
The meaning of life
What is the chief end of man?
Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. ---Westminster
Shorter Catechism
KJV 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
KJV Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created
Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. ---Westminster
Shorter Catechism
KJV 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
KJV Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created
Sunday, February 07, 2010
General Revelation
You know who is your father not because you put him under scientific test. It is because your mother told you so.
The existence of your father is independent of your belief or disbelief.
Likewise the existence of God is not as a result of belief or disbelief of men
It is the exact reason why men believe or disbelieve.
"It is more difficult to disbelieve than to believe" ------Kant
The existence of your father is independent of your belief or disbelief.
Likewise the existence of God is not as a result of belief or disbelief of men
It is the exact reason why men believe or disbelieve.
"It is more difficult to disbelieve than to believe" ------Kant
Common grace and salvation grace
Common grace:
The ability to believe in universally distributed evenly to all human being
We are being created with the ability to believe.
God had created in human the ability to respond to God and he is the only creation with this ability.
Man is what he reacts before God.
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1
Salvation Grace(Faith)
Jesus is the creator and accomplisher of faith.
This kind of faith comes from reading the words of God and prompting of the Holy Spirit.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. John: 3:16
The mankind can be divided into two categories:
In the Adam and in Jesus Christ
The ability to believe in universally distributed evenly to all human being
We are being created with the ability to believe.
God had created in human the ability to respond to God and he is the only creation with this ability.
Man is what he reacts before God.
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1
Salvation Grace(Faith)
Jesus is the creator and accomplisher of faith.
This kind of faith comes from reading the words of God and prompting of the Holy Spirit.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. John: 3:16
The mankind can be divided into two categories:
In the Adam and in Jesus Christ
Methodology of belief
For a normal human being, untouched by the Holy Spirit, tends to use the following
methodology in order to believe:
1) Understanding
2) Seeing
3) Proof
4) Experience
The methodology of God is exactly the opposite of all the above.
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrew 11
methodology in order to believe:
1) Understanding
2) Seeing
3) Proof
4) Experience
The methodology of God is exactly the opposite of all the above.
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrew 11
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