Danny Luong + Hurricane Rita = Herniated Disk

Danny Luong + Hurricane Rita = Herniated Disk

Who's Jesus: Mediations on Hebrews 1:1-3

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Hebrews 1:1-3

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (v.1-2.)

1. Jesus is the current revelation of God, that is if you want to know the one true God, you must seek and know Jesus (John 14:6).

whom he appointed the heir of all things (v.2)

2. Jesus is God's appointed heir of all things, that is Jesus is the inheritor of everything (Gal 3:16).

through whom also he created the world(v.2)

3. Jesus is God's means of creating the world, that is he helped God create the universe (Col.1:16)

He is the radiance of the glory of God(v.3)

4. Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God, that he is the beauty of God shown forth to the world (John 1:14)

the exact imprint of his nature(v.3)

5. Jesus is the exact imprint of God's nature, that is he is very essence of God (He is God) (John 1:1)

he upholds the universe by the word of his power(v.3)

6. Jesus upholds the universe by his breath, that is he provides the strength for the world to be in existence (Col.1:17)

After making purification for sins(v.3)

7. Jesus has purifies sins, that is he died for the sins of the world (John 3:16)

he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high(v.3)

8. Jesus is at the right hand of God, that is he is in position of authority over all things (Col.1:16)

Thoughts On Homosexuality

1. Is homosexuality wrong?
Yes, according to God, who defines what’s right and wrong, He states that it’s wrong.

a. 26For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.-Romans 1:26-27

1. The reason homosexuality exist is because God in His judgment gave people over to their evil desires and away from loving God. (v26)
2. The Bible calls homosexual activity as unnatural, shameless, and deserving of due penalty (v 27)

B. The Bible describes God’s design for marriage to be between a man and a woman

24Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. – Genesis 3:24

C. God designed sexual acts to be in a marriage (man and woman, not in a same sex) relationship.

1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." 2But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. – 1 Corinthians 7:1-2

D. Homosexual unions distorts the symbol of marriage which is suppose to point to Christ (the husband) and the church (the wife)

31"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church – Ephesians 5:24

E. Verses

9Do you not know that the unrighteous[b] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,[c] 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

F. Other verses (Lev. 18:22, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Jude 7)

2. Isn’t Christianity all about love, why should we rebuke homosexual practices?

a. We should never rebuke someone unless we first love them (1 Corinthians 13).

b. But we should rebuke homosexual practices because God has declared it to be sin, and like any other sin; we must repent and turn to Christ and His commandments. Love always seek the greatest good for a person, therefore it is "loving" to correct someone behavoral in order for them to enjoy Christ, which is there greatest good.

3. If homosexuality is natural, how can God still condemn us?

For one, homosexuality being genetic in nature is debatable, but even if we say it is, God is just in condemning homosexuality because all sins inherently come from our fallen nature since birth, therefore if God is just to condemn those sins, He is just in condemning homosexuality.

4. How Should We Deal with Homosexuals?

a. Love them and be patient with them.
b. Tell them the truth about their life-style.
c. Point them to Christ, who forgives all sins.
d. Point them to Christ, who provides the power to break sin, even though it may be slow.
e. Pray for them

5. To Those That Are Homosexual

a. FPC will love you.
b. FPC will fight with you if you decide to battle your sin.
c. FPC will always point you to Christ

God to You

7And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you- Genesis 17:7


In Genesis 17:7, God made a covenant with Abraham that was so amazing and wonderful, that is He promised "to be God" to Abraham So the God, who created the world (Genesis 1), promised Abraham, that he would have an intimate and covenantal relationship with the almighty and authoritative God.

But God doesn't just make an everlasting covenant with Abraham, but he also promised "to be God" to Abraham's offspring. So then the question is who is his offspring? Apostle Paul helps answer this question in Galatians 3:16, 26-29.

16Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ- Gal. 3:16

26for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.- Gal. 3:26-29

I take these verses to mean that God made the everlasting promise of "God to you" not to all of Israel (or the world) but first to Abraham and Jesus Christ (v.16), and then to those connected to Christ by faith, i.e. Christians (v.26-29).

The implications of these verses are huge for a Christian. First, we should be overwhelmed with the fact that the God, who created and controls the universe, promises Christians (Kevin, Silly, Tracy, Jenny, Neil, Jason, Maria, Tree, Anna, Justin, IJ and Wilson) now and forever (everlasting covenant) that He will be "God to you". Secondly, we should "boast only in the cross of Christ" because it's only because of our connection with Christ, who died for our sins and imputes his righteousness(Gal. 3:13, Romans 3 and 4), that the promise is made truth for us. Thirdly, we now know that we have a wonderful message to the world, that is the world can now have a covenantal relationship with God through faith in Christ.

Molher on "Homosexual Unions and Brokeback Mountain"

Being a biblical voice in the public arena is not an easy thing, that's why I admire Dr (Al) Mohler, President of Southern Seminary, so much. Last night Al Mohler was on the Larry King Live Show, speaking against homosexual unions, and throughout the show he was pictured as unloving, naive, and was even called a "bigot".

LARRY KING: For example, you're a reverend, didn't you have some compassion for what happened to the younger one of the two (referring to Brokeback Mountain)?

CALLER: . Have they (Molher and the other person against against homosexual unions) -- my question is, have they ever had the privilege of having a friendship with a gay person? I hope they will so they will not speak of them as sub-human the way they are tonight. It's breaking my heart.

CALLER: Hi, Larry. I just wanted to ask Mr. Mohler and Ms. Parshall, they both sound so bigoted. And since they haven't seen the movie, would they not consider opening their minds and receiving, as Judge Judy says, just receive and see if they will consider going to see the movie? Thank you.

I don't doubt that there are Christians, who are unloving towards homosexuals, but I don't think you can call Dr.Mohler that (both with his words and his message-just read the transcript*). What Dr. Mohler was actually doing was "love" when he speaks against homosexual acts because he is articulating what God has defined as truth love, truth beauty and true joy.

MOHLER states: You know my main concern, Larry, is not with the gospel of heterosexuality, even though I think that's very important. It's with the gospel of Jesus Christ and what I find lacking in the movie, the screenplay and in the short story is any resolution that really brings these persons to know why they were created and how God really intends them to live and how they would find their greatest satisfaction in living just as God had intended them for his glory.

MOHLER (responding to a caller, who has a gay son): I hear this mom, I love her love for her son, but you know, we have to be really careful that we don't accept the wrong things when it comes to behavior, and we don't bless the wrong hopes. And that's where -- I want to come back to say, I don't know thinking about sex that's really all that important to know, that other people haven't figured out a long time ago. But God, our creator has something to say about sex in his word and to that, we're absolutely accountable. But beyond that, Larry, I think one of the sad things about most conversations about homosexuality and especially when you have people like I'm honored to be with on your panel tonight, I don't want for homosexuals to know less joy than they know now. I want them to know more joy, great joy, eternal joy. And I believe that can only happen as they come to know the Lord Jesus Christ his savior and as they find out what God's perfect intention and design was for their lives all along.

So it's important to remember that true love is defined by God's word and it contains boundaries (we shouldn't murder people or marry our mother's- and call it "love"), and love is not based entirely on what "feels" right or how it effects or is defined by our society. God bless Dr. Mohler for providing us a model of strength and love for people and truth.

"Transcript of the Larry King Show:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/17/lkl.01.html

**You can listen to Dr. Mohler's daily radio show at:

http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_list.php

The Perfect Gift for Geoff

The Anh "DANG...you're going to New Orleans?" Interview Part 2

10. You mentioned Pastor (Tim) Keller, a well-respected Presbyterianpastor in NY, as one of your heroes, could you briefly describe whohe is and why exactly do you consider him a "hero"?

Tim Keller is the senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NewYork City that has a vision of building a great city through the gospel movement that "brings about personal conversion, community formation, social justice and cultural renewal in New York andthroughout the world." For me, heroes are people who can identify a need, make a plan, organize resources, and take action. Tim Keller has an amazing ability to speak truth and cast a vision for thekingdom of God that inspires and challenges all to think more deeply about how to live out faith.

11. Pastor Keller's church (Redeemer) is known for it's diversity. What have you learned at that church that has helped you in dealingwith diverse people, especially living in NY? What advice and encouragement would you give to a church that isn't necessarily diverse racially or social-economically? And why do you it's important to be diverse?--dan… this isn't a question I necessary agree with. redeemer isn'tactually a diverse church at all… it's made up of mainly Asians andCaucasians, highly educated, mostly middle class and upper class,young adults. It's basically known for its great teaching, mainly Tim Keller. They have a church planting model that is great and highly encourage people to take part in the local churches and communities. So although I still listen to his sermons and follow what is happening at redeemer, I actually go to a local church and serve there. What I realize with going to the local church is how much more connected you are with the body of believers and how that keeps you accountable for how you live out faith. With a smaller community, you can make so much more impact as a whole than being in a huge community that is disconnected with each other.

12. Recently you have made it known that you have quit your job in NYand will be going to New Orleans to help in the "recovery" process. Could you briefly explain what you will be doing there and what you plan to accomplish?

Just to clarify, although I have quit my job, I am not actually moving out of NYC and moving to New Orleans just yet. I am actually just taking an extended time to do some relief work in New Orleans and hopefully return to NYC when my time in New Orleans is finished. I will be going down to New Orleans with some friends to continue the relief effort to restore a sense of hope to the community there in NewOrleans by working with some relief organizations(www.commongroundrelief.org) and churches and helping families rebuild their homes. part of my return to new orleans is doing research for a project exploring how design and technology can be applied in ways to create awareness of social issues among groups which hopefully will then generate activism for social justice.

13. How did you know that God was calling you to New Orleans? How do your parents feel about the decision?

In all honesty, I'm still a bit baffled about how all this have come about. I think God has just provided the best circumstances for me to do this in terms of being able take a break from my jobs and do some off site freelance work and concentrate on doing some relief work and doing research for another project and being able to come back whenever. Sometimes, I think you just have to take a leap of faith and see where you land. as God has richly blessed me with amazing experiences in my profession thus far, it seems like a good time to take a break in the midst of transition to give back what I've learned and practiced and apply it to a cause that is worthwhile. Since I took the leap, it has been surprising how things just fall into place in terms of people, especially my employers and my parents, being incredibly supportive and encouraging. All in all, I think being there taught be the importance of presence in the midst of disaster that restores hope to those who may have given up hope-- which is the very essence of what Christianity is about. If we can live our lives giving hope to others, it will bless them, bless us, and bless the Lord. There's a quote from CS Lewis that I particularly like in terms of embracing the moment for God's glory:" happy work is best done by the man who takes his long term plan somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment "as to the Lord."it's only our daily bread that we are encouraged to ask for. the present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received."

14. I get the impression that you see your life as some kind of "journey" and New Orleans being one of the destination. In your life,what directs you in your journey and how do you know you're going in the right direction?

I do see life as a sort of journey and New Orleans is actually more of a tangent than not. I'm a bit of a Calvinist in believing the God has predestined our journeys and paths. And so I guess what has been important for me is to just continue to walk on in faith and trust in the Lord. And the hard thing is sometimes it's hard to walk on in faith and trust in the Lord. But all of that is part of the journeyand part of growing in faith. In the end, I guess the journey is more important than the destination.

15. How can we pray for you?

Please pray for restoration and healing for the people in New Orleans and all other disaster stricken areas here and abroad.Please pray for all the volunteers who come down for good health and good spirits.Please pray that wisdom and grace and love be evident to those we interact with. 1 peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thingin which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The Anh "DANG...you're going to New Orleans?" Interview Part 1

I have known Anh Dang, since freshman year of college. She always been a cool girl to hang and to talk to and she has always been a good friend to Julia. So it was an extreme honor to hear Anh's thoughts on life, since it's been hard to keep up with her in New York. It was also amazing to hear her thoughts on going to New Orleans to help minister to that city.

I hope this interview will help you dream a dream on how to love people,

dan





1. Tell us briefly about your background, especially as it relates to God and Christ? Borned and raised in deep in the heart of texas in the city of houston, i began a spiritual journey as a youth sitting in a language and culture class taught by nuns. this laid the foundation of my faith, though at the time, all i knew was that God existed. then in college, attending church on a whim, getting involved in a bible study, & christian fellowship group, I started to discover what it meant to be a person of faith and the idea of letting go (of trying to figure out life on my own terms) and letting God (trusting God with my life by accepting that Jesus was the sacrifice for connecting me back to God). so in the spring of my freshman year in college, i let go and let God.

2. What are you currently doing now?- design consultant in New York City which means i look at things and try to make it look pretty and be functional... specifically, I look at websites and software applications and think of ways in which design can be better implemented to improve its ability.

3. What type of Christian ministry, whether at work or church, are you involved in?- artist/design community where i often get to present the gospel in an interactive project (http://thirteensquares.com/gospelspectrum) i didf or my graduate thesis project.

4. What do you find to be the hardest part of your ministry?- balance and time: time for self. time for others. time for god. time for work. time for play. time for sleep.

5. What advice would you give a young person in discerning God's direction for them in their future occupation and ministry?

Seek wisdom. Feelings often change in a moments notice based on circumstances. through your experiences and the experiences of those you confide in and seek advice from, god has poured out his wisdom to you. seek wisdom and cultivate it. use wisdom to discern what is best. often times you may not know what to do, but trust that things will always fall into place and know that things can also change and be ok with that.

Network.Talk to people who are working in the area you are interested in. The beauty of community is sharing experiences with one another. More likely than not, you will walk away knowing more about if a certain profession or ministry is a good fit.

Be adventurous. Try new things. It'll give you teach you so much as you explore new terrains of whatever it is that you are doing.

Be connected.In what ever you do and wherever you go, stay connected to a communitythat will encourage you, support you, and help you along.

6. What people have influence you the most in your Christian life? in undergrad: laurie lau, mentor post grad: chad karger, pastorgrad: tim keller, pastor, sonja lee, friend

7. What are 5 essential books you would recommend, besides the Bible?

for theological ponderings: total truth, the courage to be, blue likejazz, mere christianity, celebration of disciplines

for good life lessons: oh the places you go, the giving tree, harrypotter books, chronicles of narnia, the little prince (hmmm.. is itweird that these are all children books?!)

8. What advice would you give a young Christian, as he or she walks with God?

Seek mentors (or a community) who can share his/her wisdom and guide you along your journey of faith. Faith is meant to be lived outtogether.

9. What are some of your hobbies?

designing, reading, photographing, traveling, learning, exploring,baking cookies, and eating icecream on rooftops.

That's Why We Memorize Scripture

From Pipers sermon "How God’s Word Produces Our Work"

"On December 21 when the urologist said, “Your prostate feels irregular, we need to do a biopsy,” and left me in the room alone to get ready, a stab of fear went through my heart. I had no Bible with me, but I had my memory. I prayed and called to mind the promises of God. And Christ came by his word with the sweetest peace, and I almost fell asleep on the table before the doctor came back.

And that’s the way we have walked together since then. Word, prayer, peace. He has come to me in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” Among the thousands of good things God is doing through this cancer, I know one of them beyond the shadow of a doubt: it is to make me rely less upon myself and more upon God. That is crystal clear. I thank God for this mercy.
He has come to me in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” John Piper is not destined for wrath, Christ died so whether I died or live, I live with him. What a great salvation we have! Do you have this?
He has come to me in Psalm 4:7-8, “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” I thank God for the gift of peace and sleep. It has come every night.
Finally, he has come to me in today’s text: Death is swallowed up in victory because of Christ. Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, and work your fanny off for Christ and his kingdom. I said to the elders, “Settling it in your mind and heart by grace that Christ is real is a wonderfully energizing thing.”
That’s what the “therefore” of verse 58 means. Know the Christ who conquered your death, and know how he did it—read that, memorize that—and then pray, and God will give you peace and strength and a passion for his cause in the world. I am deeply thankful for your prayers. "*

Taken from:
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/sermons/06/010806.html

Purpose and Happiness

Purpose and happiness do not have to belong together. One could create a purpose in exclusion of happiness, for example, your parents could say"your purpose in school is to get straight A's and get into UT regardless if the process is or produces joy or not". But your parents could create a purpose that doesn't exclude your happiness, that is they could say "get straight A's, get into UT, and you must be happy in the process and it also must produce more joy".

According to Q1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, God's ultimate purpose for humans includes our happiness, that is "the chief end of man (the main purpose of man)" is to glorify God (make Him look valuable) AND to enjoy him for ever. So God has created a universe that commands you to glorify Him AND to find your HAPPINESS in HIM (Piper would say this is one and the same, that is glorifying God IS enjoying God (I agree)).

Q2 of the Shorter Catechism, tells us to the rule or authority on how we may glorify and enjoy God, that is through the authority of the Bible. So mediating and reading on the Bible isn't something we do in exclusion of our happiness, but the instrument that teaches us how to glorify and enjoy God.



Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]
Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, [a] is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. [b] [Flavel]
Matt. 19:4-5 with Gen. 2:24; Luke 24:27, 44; I Cor. 2:13; 14:37; II Pet.1:20-21; 3:2, 15-16
Deut. 4:2; Ps. 19:7-11; Isa. 18:20; John 15:11; 20:30-31; Acts 17:11; II Tim. 3:15-17; I John 1:4

Pray for Piper

Pray for Piper


*Article take from:
http://www.desiringgod.org/news_events/dgm_news/2006/20060106_cancer_announcement.html

John Piper Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer*

January 6, 2006

Dear Friends,
I hope this letter will encourage your prayer, strengthen your hope, and minister peace. I am writing with the blessing of the Council of Elders of Bethlehem Baptist Church to help you receive the news about my prostate cancer. At my annual urological exam on Wednesday, December 21, the doctor felt an abnormality in the prostate and suggested a biopsy. He called the next day with the following facts: 1) cancer cells were found in two of the ten samples and the estimate is that perhaps 5% of the gland is affected; 2) my PSA count was 1.6, which is good (below 4 is normal); 3) the Gleason score is 6 (signaling that the cancer is not aggressive). These three facts incline the doctor to think that it is unlikely that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, and that it is possible with successful treatment to be cancer-free. Before going with my wife, Noël, to consult in person with the doctor on December 29 about treatment options, I shared this news with the Bethlehem staff on Tuesday morning, December 27, and with the elders that evening. Both groups prayed over me for healing and for wisdom in the treatment choices that lie before us. These were sweet times before the throne of grace with much-loved colleagues. All things considered, Noël and I believe that I should pursue the treatment called radical prostatectomy, which means the surgical removal of the prostate. We would ask you to pray that the surgery be completely successful in the removal of all cancer and freedom from possible side effects. With the approval of Bethlehem’s executive staff and elder leadership, we are planning surgery in February. The recovery time is about three weeks before returning to a slow work pace, and six weeks to be back to all normal activities. This news has, of course, been good for me. The most dangerous thing in the world is the sin of self-reliance and the stupor of worldliness. The news of cancer has a wonderfully blasting effect on both. I thank God for that. The times with Christ in these days have been unusually sweet. For example, is there anything greater to hear and believe in the bottom of your heart than this: “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)?God has designed this trial for my good and for your good. You can see this in 2 Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” And in 2 Corinthians 1:4-6, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God . . . If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation.”
So I am praying: “Lord, for your great glory, 1) don’t let me miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for me in this experience; 2) don’t let the people of Bethlehem miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for us in this; 3) grant that the surgery be successful in removing cancer and sparing important nerves; 4) grant that this light and momentary trial would work to spread a passion for you supremacy for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ; 5) may Noël and all close to me be given great peace—and all of this through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” I hope God will lead you to pray in a similar way.
With deep confidence that
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting. The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Pastor John
With Sam Crabtree, Lead Pastor for Life TrainingKenny Stokes, Lead Pastor for SpreadingTim Johnson, Chairman of the Council of EldersRoss Anderson, MD, Bethlehem Elder

What Type of FPCer Are You?

What type of FPCer are you? Answer "Yes" or "No" to the following questions and check the chart below:


1. Do you know what "chicken-butt" is?
2. Have you played "Powerball"?
3. Do you know that Marie is a "tree" and Big Amy is "Shaq" and Silly is "Silly" and that Kevin, Justin, and Wilson are "SCRUBS"?
4. Have you played "Bang"?
5. Have you eaten at China Bear?
6. Do you know that "everyone is a winner"?
7. Have you played flag football?
8. Do you listen to Chris Tomlin and DCB?
9. Have you heard one of Mike's corny jokes?
10. Do you desire "Basketball Supremacy" and dislike "Darko"?
11. Do you call Albert, "Albert" instead of "Alberto or Berto"?
12 Have you been poked by Matthew, Fernando, Kevin or Justin with their finger?
13 Have you ever said to yourself "that Guillermo sure is loud!"?
14. Have you heard Jenny Jong say how cute Chris Tomlin is?
15. Have you ever screamed "WHOOOOOOOO" at retreats, lockins, service, whenever anything happens, and for pleasure?


0-2 "Yes" - "What's FPC?"
2-5 "Yes" - First time at a fpc lockin, retreat, or church
6-8 "Yes" - I only come during big events
9-10 "Yes" - Baby Voltron or Teen Girl Status
11-13 "Yes" - Young Voltron or Teen Girl Status
13-15 "Yes" - Full-fledge member of Voltron or Teen Girl Squad

UT RULES!!!!!!!

I Don't Do Tax Returns

Dr. (Kim) Riddlebarger on his blog, from "White Horse Inn" radio show, indirectly takes a shot at me. He writes (commenting on Dave Hunt's book):

"Dave Hunt is living proof that accountants should not do theology, just as ministers should not prepare tax returns. I don't recognize my own position in Hunt's book, but then again it is patently obvious that Mr. Hunt (who, I am sure is a fine CPA) has no idea what he is talking about when it comes to Reformed theology. Shouldn't you actually read some Reformed theology before you set out to refute it? Hunt's efforts are just plain lame. "*

*http://kimriddlebarger.squarespace.com/just-plain-nutty/

Picture of the Week

If Theologians Were Basketball Players...

If Theologians were Basketball Players...John Calvin, the great Protestant Reformer, would be Dr. James Naismith, Basketball inventor.


Calvin on Christ's Righteousness to Christians -"That Christ, by his obedience, truly purchased and merited grace for us with the Father, is accurately inferred from several passages of Scripture. I take it for granted, that if Christ satisfied for our sins, if he paid the penalty due by us, if he appeased God by his obedience; in fine, if he suffered the just for the unjust, salvation was obtained for us by his righteousness; which
is just equivalent to meriting. Now, Paul's testimony is, that we were reconciled, and received reconciliation through his death, (Rom. 5: 11.) But there is no room for reconciliation unless where offence has preceded. The meaning, therefore, is, that God, to whom we were hateful through sin, was appeased by the death of his Son, and made propitious to us. And the antithesis which immediately follows is carefully to be observed, "As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous," (Rom. 5: 19.) For the meaning is - As by the sin of Adam we were alienated from God and doomed to destruction, so by the obedience of Christ we are restored to his favour as if we were righteous. The future tense of the verb does not exclude present righteousness, as is apparent from the context. For he had previously said, "the free gift is of many offences unto justification." - Calvin Institutes Chapter 17, Section 3.














More on John Calvin check out:

1. http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/calvin.html

2. Read John Piper's Bio on Calvin at http://www.desiringgod.org/library/biographies/97calvin.html