To the Golden Shore

Lisa & Jason

2009-05-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

LUTHER, MAN OF GOD

2008-04-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

It is worth research about the life and works of Martin Luther. Many times Martin Luther is accounted as a legend who broke the solid ground of dark age and open the door for the new world, bring the light into the room, not only religiously but also socially. It is true and undeniable. However if one regard history thus, not as continuous movement of causes and ramifications but an event ex nihilo, history may lose its reliability rapidly. True, Luther is the hero of Protestant Church and also the legend for the Reformation but it should be all about Jesus not Luther. Therefore history gets clearer window for whomever wants to look into it when Luther's work is accounted as the hinge that swings door to open from dark to new, Medieval to Reformation, pinnacle of the all that was developed before not as the solitary event. However one mystery still remains. Why Luther? After all those movement has been developed for that very moment of October 31st. But why God chose Luther?

“Arise, O Lord, and judge thy cause a wild boar has invaded thy vinyard.”
Thus began the introduction to Exsurge Domine, the papal bull published by Leo X against Luther. When Luther burnt it in front of the public did he have too much confidence on Frederick the wise or was it a mere reflection of his character? Quite a character Luther was; he could not take "No" for his assertion. “I cannot deny that I am more vehement than I should be.” said he. Luther was bull-headed, coarse-tongued and intemperate. It seemed there were no one other than Katherine von Bora who could calm him down. While others thought that he was very difficult person to be with for his temperament, it was evident he genuinely thought that was only of necessity. Although he wrote in his journal as all his life was patience that he had to out up with the pope, the heretics, family and Katie he always loved Katie, “his rib” and whole heartedly concerned for the family and church. This might be one reason why the LORD chose him.

Luther’s genuine love for his wife was never questioned despite of those harsh words came out of Luther’s mouth to her. It was also evident that Katherine truly loved Luther until last day of her life, that she knew his heart. It also might be a reason regardless of his temperament God used him mightily for the Reformation for the corrupted church. Some said he was a man of grand contradiction. But he himself looked at it differently. “I was born to war with fanatics and devils.” So most times he actually seemed gentle but other times when it was necessary in his conviction, he was an angry man. “Anger refreshed all my blood, sharpens my mind, and drives away temptations,” said Luther.

And also comparing with “love and gentleness in all times”-Erasmus may give another insight. Although both counted the Bible as their supreme law of life and both became the giant figures of the Reformation it was Luther who walked all the way up from his conviction of sin while Erasmus was more in a judging side of others. When Luther was angry it was plausible to think that he was either angry on himself or indignation of God he was expressing.

The sociopolitical and historical background of Luther’s day definitely needed someone like Luther who can break the ground and even jump into the fire not like for the truth. Luther could be transformed into someone totally different in that regard and no doubt God would used him however could have taken longer to see the reformation. It is true “that the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). But it is also true that “to everything there is a season, a time to love and a time to hate” (Eccles. 3:1, 6).

All the reasons men can give for the great success of the Reformation, however still Jesus is the beginning and the ending of all great event. After all, history is His story and never less. Amen.

He loves me. he loves me not.

2008-04-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Born of a woman
When I was little it was quite a customary thing for a child to be asked, “Do you love mom more or dad?” Soon most kids learned how to answer for this question wisely. The answer has to be “equal.” Smart kids knew it was a trick question and you always have to say “I love them equally. They are tantamount.”
Now I am thirty two years old and still would not take partiality toward my mom or dad. However, looking back there was a certain period that I did not value much daddy’s role for my birth. I was born from a woman in a painful delivery, even carried in her own body for ten months. What did my dad really do for this? It wasn’t until then I reached my puberty to find out how important my dad’s role was.
Thank God who is the master of all creation including mom and dad. His unfathomable love has been always reflected through my mom and dad. Praise Him for His sovereignty. Amen.

Conversation with Paul
The Apostle Paul says “I do not permit a woman (γυναικὶ) to teach or to have authority over a man (ἀνδρός), but to be in silence.”
Wait a minute, Paul! I am sorry to say this. Is it because you don’t have a wife? Or was there something wrong between you and your mom? Why such a harshness toward innocent women and moms. Why is it so important?
Have you not read, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (Gen 3:1-13).
Oh time out, Paul! Do you think our LORD is narrow-minded and still remembers all that happened six thousand years ago? What does that really have to do with this matter?
This not cumbersome but conspicuous!

Cujus regio, ejus religio
Unless you are a Gnostic you will not openly professes that God is all comprehensible. However, often you seem to act on the contrary. In one hand you say you cannot understand everything God wills and does but on the other hand you rebel against the clear doctrine of the Word. Whenever the Word contradicts with your moral, ethical, cultural, empirical and even religious opinions you simply alter it’s meaning.
But after all, who are you to reply against God? how dare you question God’s sovereignty? Did you already forget that you are mere dust? (Gen 2:7). Didn’t you profess that He is your LORD and the living Word (λόγος)?

Orthodox and prima facie
Some told me “women leadership” has been a forensic point over the history of church. But do you know what I have found? It was too obvious for churches to controvert. So there is no record of church dispute until 20th century when all denominations rushed into liberalism. (Thank God for Paige Patterson who predicted and vaccinated for this contagious opprobrium.)
You said of this, “God’s will for this generation,” “It’s cultural hermeneutics,” “God used Deborah, didn’t He?” “How about old women who were permitted to teach?” “It’s just discrimination against women,” “Women don’t wear hats any more?” and “Then, why don’t you keep the Sabbath?” Being ignorant does not make you capacious. You said it was preposterous but you are rapacious. We just became convalescent and no time for your concupiscent. Your hallucination is in fact a transubstantiation. Above all, Christ did not die for your lapsed and pernicious liberalism. Aloof disparagement will always become sacrilegious modus vivendi. Remember mercantile Christianity will come to an end and has to.

Pig
Allegedly I was called a Chauvinistic pig. But I am not even married! Who can value a woman more highly than I do? So maybe pig but not C. So thus, when Paul wrote this it was never about a hierarchy but an office (function). There are certain things for men and another, woman. I may look pregnant to you but you and I both know that is not possible. Why not? God created that way and we have to follow for the best. God has created man and woman in certain ways not because He loves one more than the other. These are things we simply have to trust and follow instead of making our own way of salvation. I wouldn’t want my children to disobey my word not because they are inferior or I don’t love them but that’s God’s providence. If we do not obey the Word how can we expect them to obey our word, unless being hypocrites.

Who do you love more, really?
I threw dozens of books and quoted a lot of God’s Words at you in love and kindness. And now I wish you well. We have a merciful God who makes the sunrise and rain on the just and unjust, who has made all for Himself. Yes, even μωρός for the day of doom. Hallelujah!
Dear pastors, elders, deacons, brothers and sisters, please remember, for love is of God true love can only be perfected in His truth. Don’t marry with Jezebel even if she might get you whatever you want. And don’t you take away the privilege and divine authority of your mom and wife because of your liberalism (Gen 2:18). These “jot and tittle” will never perish, “whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to men more than to God, you judge?” Amen.

Early Christian Arts

2008-03-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

New Recommend: Anabaptist

2008-03-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

One recommendation.

The recovery of the Anabaptist Vision

If you are like me you may not even heard of the Anabaptists before you come to SWBTS. And when I was introduced to them I was like the disciples at the Ephesus before the apostle Paul, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

Started off my journey with half translated(!) work of Verduin, the Reformers and their Stepchildren, yet I was still so much hungry. And eventually bought the book, the Martyrs Mirror, my second best investment, and many others. However I often wondered what their true philosophy and theology were and are. I have read many stories and their godly deeds yet not read much on their doctrines. And this book is one of my treasure that I found.

Interestingly enough this book has been written by various Anabaptists(?) of these days tributting to Harold S.Bender (some of you might thought this is where Herald Press came from but like my mistake it was Herald not Harold, however you are right about Judson Press and Erdmans). This book is consisted with over twenty essays from the great Anabaptist theologians and professors.

Look at the names and be impressed. Besides Harald S. Bender, Robert Friedmann, John H. Yoder, Franklin Littell, John C. Wenger, John S. Oyer, Ernest A. Payne and Roland H. Bainton. Wow! I’ve read at least one of their books and these are great and great authors and orthodox thinkers.

Therefore I definitely believe this is a good place to start for Anabaptist and through the study of the Church History, for the past-Reform section will be greatly beneficial.

Glory to the LORD for the day of His sacrifice, Amen.

JC (Mt6:33)

Favorite Quote : Who Am I?

2008-03-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Who am I?
I read Pilgrim’s Progress more than hundred times,
I married with the most beautiful wife in the world, although you may not agree,
I had 20,000 volumes in my bookshelf and I read them all,
I am a Baptist preacher, but never ordained,
I am counted as the best preacher yet I never went to the seminary,
I look at myself as more of puritan than a Baptist,
I was born in England yet my ancestors are from Dutch,
I was born in June 19th, 1834,
I was told by my friend here, at heaven that I preached to the most people in earth,
I preached to 20, 200, 3,000, 12,000, 15,000, 50,000, and most 65,000 at once.
I built the church, schools for preachers, houses, helping-hands facil, and orphanage,
I have influenced to more great preachers than anybody after me, yet humbly claim,
However,

“Oh God, this is thy first seal to my ministry!
Thou knowest I would rather be the means of saving the souls from death
than to be the greatest orator on earth!”

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “the Shadow of the Broad Brim.”

In many school works often it’s hard to catch up with your passion for Christ. One of the thing that trying to pursue even during the course work is reading Biographies of the giants like Spurgeon(Broad Bim), Luther(Here I Stand), Judson(Golden Shore), Finney(Like Passion), Criswell(Standing Promise) and many others.

Although my favorite is form Bainton, of course, R.Ellsworth Day is good too. And I can really say this generation is the one we really have to look back into the history and find what is the true believe and how much we are far form it. Lest or deeds do not become wasted in bema. And I believe the above very words from Spurgeon depicts so well what kind of heart we might miss from this generation as a prospect pastor.

Even so, Come, LORD Jesus. Amen Amen.

JC (Matt6:33)

Book Review : Christian Jihad

2008-03-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Christian Jihad : unfinished tasks.

Dr.Stilley said in the first lecture, “Do not predict the ending from the beginning.” It was true for this book I read. Yet found not only true for this book but for everything in nature we never know how God is going to use what and how the means for His purpose.

I started off thinking, ‘Isn’t Crusade a history? Does it really have a valid story to tell more about it in retrospect for our age?’ I was totally wrong it is not only containing the valid story but also the very task, which was misunderstood and thus miscarried in Jesus’ own name, is still carried by so-called, we-Christians. And the retaliation from the opposite is definitely acting and reacting on behalf.

“Hoc est corpus meum.” Today is the Good Friday. Remembering His sufficient blood shed and crucified body for the salvation of all. Although standing over the shoulders looking out is clear it must have been confusing to them even to the very early Church Fathers; while Tertullian said Christians to participate in the military is to have a dual citizenship, serving Ceasar with Christ. However Origen thought it can be a lawful thing, argued isn’t the spiritual battle more brutal?

Some acts of your forefathers you hated often you realize that you eventually doing the same. Chapters two and onwards show that how Christians has been persecuted by different means, especially governments. And soon when the Constantine empire embraced Christianity; church-state oneness, no Christian found necessity of dying for their faith. Easy-believism came along.

“Deus Volt Deus Volt” This is one very thing really triggers my mind to look up the bible even in my day of my very life. So many times this has been used to justify their act and even more often used out of context. Unban II’s fascinating preaching gathered all the troops to go for the Holy Land. How plausible it is. Yes, that’s true I despise the liberal theology, not the men. Some little flaw or one little tiny chasm and even jot of tittle of compromise for God’s truth and His true meaning background in professing the ultimate authority of the Scripture can really be spread into something you never intended. The brutality of the crusade made millennial impression about Christianity and even Bin Laden’s speech makes so much sense and justice to the fanatics.

Yet it was interesting how the authors used Anabaptists as one of the attempt to recover form the wrong impression about easy believism and state-church brutality in sixteenth century. It just came short handed that time. (However we have many trained in that fashion in SWBTS so we still can have optimism in Him) The story goes on for the 150, 2,500 people who went on to the regions of those brutality of Crusades one millennium ago.

As finishing the book, I questioned what really Salvation is. How could all those brutality carried on in Jesus name and eventually one generation has to apologize for the act. Not saying they were all bad and we are all good. I am saying how can we please pursue the truth knowledge of the Gospel and bear the faith and keep the faith Jesus intended.

I want to conclude this review with one question. Tolerance and persecution are both two edged swords in my perspective. Authors seem to profess that the liberty of any religious acts should be tolerated and never be persecuted unless they broke the law or peace; of course this is very hard to define as well like the “hate-speech” vs. “freedom of speech”. But in this fashion, I believe, we all came up with all kinds of ecumenical and perverted “love and embrace all” kind of Christianity. In some church, you witnessed, invite imams and monks to listen. We should definitely be either cold or hot, hot if possible, but not into to extremes please.

JC (Mt6;33)

Picturing the Bible

2008-03-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Everybody likes to watch a movie. Almost everybody likes to listen music. But only some people like paints to look at. People simply become more and more simple and cannot stand the act of ‘contemplating’ any more. All the above except for the paintings cannot be perceived and enjoyed without engaging any deep thinking. Painting is one of the unique forms of art that requires thinking. It is fare in painter’s point of view it is obviously one superior form of art comparing others in general. It is also true that the painting has less opportunity to appeal to the people. In other words it is limited to a piece of canvas to communicate with the viewer. However can anyone think any better communicator than the painting?

Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is hosting a special exhibition from November18th, 2007. The title is ‘Picturing the Bible, The earliest Christian Art’. Anyone is welcomed who can afford twelve dollars and appreciate these rare arts are in town. Another reason to visit Kimbell Art Museum is because it is already famous with its permanent exhibition. Especially for Christians Baroque and Medieval Christian Art Collections are something cannot be missed. Now must be a good time for Southwesterners to visit the Kimbell since they can experience many Christian arts in chronological order up to 18th century, little over to ‘church and empire’ period.

The exhibition is displayed starting with the pictures of catacombs, which have been redrawn into a paper in early twentieth century. Walking through these catacombs, pictures are well depicted that the visitors easily recognize the intention of the exhibitor. They almost enforce the visitors to think they are the persecuted Christians of the first century. The lights were dimmed down and all pictures are displayed very closely together to take away the breath of resting between the steps of the visitors moving unto the next picture.

It is also so evident that nothing much in painting style has changed over almost two millenniums. Although we have different names for the major eras and styles there always this simple way of depicting what the painter wanted the observer to understand. One canvas is yet very limited but it definitely is stronger than any other art forms. First century Christians did not leave much writings but drawings. But even the ones seem like not Christian depiction still look very religious. As in Romans 1:19 says, “What may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.” people might have not known who it is but seemed to be so longing for someone out there. Painting how they thought He was looked amazingly similar to God we know from the Bible. It was actually picturing the Bible.

However my amazing excavation at the catacomb was interrupted when Dr.Koo who went to the Kimbell together grabbed my attention into what he discovered. ‘Sarcophagus’ was a definitely new word to look up. Such an elaborate and exquisite sarcophagus had much to talk about. Dr.Koo’s cold joke was the initiation mark of much discussion. He said that the sculptor who made this must have taken his lifetime. He meant that it looked as if it would take so long that the sculptor would have designed for himself. Then I made a comment on it saying, “Did every casket have this kind of carvings on it?” And the answer was obvious ‘no’ since there should be more pieces to be found and also these could have not been so precious. “Then who could afford to order this?”. “Even in the first and second century there were rich Christians, sir.” The answer from a manager was not satisfactory but was not a big issue when I reached at another new question. “They did not ask to make sarcophaguses which have their own lives drawn but mostly of Christ. Okay, this is the expression of their faith. But then even if it is so beautiful once it is buried under the ground that would be able to look at this beauty?” Then I came to the logical conclusion that it was their faith representation unto the Lord who can see everything in everywhere. Isn’t our God omnipresent and omniscient after all and above all? I maybe too mystical here yet I was amazed and impressed in honor of their faith. All these arts were so carefully picked, designed and ordered to the sculptor for exalting the Lord Jesus Christ. “so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Phil. 1:20, NKJV)

I was frustrated in strong conviction. Even if I was said to be one of the mature and fanatic for the Lord these dead Christians seemed a lot better than I. I might be the first person who would be convicted with jealousy by looking at a coffin. While I was depressed without knowing it we were standing in front of another sarcophagus which I cannot remember the name. It is rendered mostly with Jonah’s story. Interesting! It is more like a dragon than a whale when they depicted the ‘great fish’ in the Bible. So I looked for other sarcophaguses and they all looked the same, dragons. This new discovery somehow cheers me up. When the whale that I know happens to the dragon that I have not seen or sure of historical existence whole my imagination lifted up to fantasy. And no one can blame me for this since if the first century Christians thought the ‘great fish’ was a sort of dragon than a whale, the chances are they must know better. “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17, NKJV). Dragon is more likely to swallow and spit out Jonah since the whale looks stiffed-neck than dragon.

It is true that many times I have thought there aren’t many Christians who appreciate the Christian arts and there are not many who can financially support these works. However at this exhibition we both reached in a different conclusion on it. ‘Art itself has not been shared Gospel.’ In other words, there are many Christians going and sharing a Gospel with the artists and therefore the art itself is lost. The art is going to hell since nobody is telling them the truth.

From the catacomb to the bookstore at the exit this was my careful conclusion. All art is religious in some sort. Many have been truthful since anyone eagerly seeks the Lord could meet Him. Art was a ramification of their worship to Jesus. And it digressed and depraved by the false religion. Many started to believe what they wanted and started to worship in their own ways. However bad art is not all bad after all since it is the record and will become a history how much we are lost.
Therefore I come to this conclusion, “The art may never lose its worship but it can easily lose its worth.” I hope hundred years later my kids will look back and see the major turn in Christian Arts from my generation’s reformation on Arts. Until the day comes, amen. Even so, come, my LORD JESUS.

Paul VS Jesus

2008-03-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

Ask your friends, sirs and madams.

Yesterday someone told me that I should not value equal to Jesus's own words in the gospels and apostle Pauls' words in Paulines. He told me that's why he and his wife spend times on meditating in the Godpels than others since while they mary vary His Words are eternal. O, by the way he is our seminary student.

I don't know. You decide if there is any to choose.

jason

purity or unity

2008-03-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dear scholary comrades,

I am having so much strugg
le trying to find the right balance between "purity" and "unity" in church. Our modern church history definitely shows much interest on "unity" even to the extent of forsaking few critical doctrinal issues. However there were such a movement called "free church" or more recently Anabaptism in 16 century and on. Have you experienced to be a literalist in some point such as in disputing "woman leadership" in the church, or un-participatory(?) in "charismatic harmony" or even "small fellowship meeting (but you cannot bring your Bible because it's too offensive)"? I have. And it's quite surprising how quickly you can be isolated from the crowd. I am looking for good sources; books or journals and anything hardcopy, since I do not rely much on internet on "purity" and "unity" and "free church" and finally your opinioon, encouragement, complaint will be welcomed. Thank you, comrades.

Korean Cowboy Preacher, jason
For His Kingdom come,

me

2008-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Once my teacher taught me if i could articulate what this general spoke against the pirates i could well be a profound preacher...Do you think so? After all it's even difficult for Americans....

jason

World needs demonstration

2008-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

I had a privilege to visit a Midland Baptist Church last Sunday to preach. I took the passage from Hebrews 2:1-4 which it talks about the great salvation. And when I was dilligently studying for that passage I was taken a back that how many so called Christians would fall back from true Chritianity of Jesus Christ our LORD. And as I was giving the sermon I could urge them, and myself, that if it is that great we are to share it to the world more eagerly.

The world is looking for a true definition of Christianity not a new definition of it.

καλός καί κάλλιστος‏

2008-02-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Beautiful and so beautiful

How beautiful she was! My eyes were glued to her pretty countenance and how much I try they were keep returning to her face. Despite the scholarly eagerness of myself I just could not stop looking at her. Her penetrating eyes were even glowing so bright whenever she moved her lips to smile at her friends beside. Looking at her nose was imagining the most aesthetic living creature. And then, at that very moment I was expecting to hear her beautiful voice to resonate through the room but there was only a silence. In fact the silence was so loud that I thought I heard something yet nothing registered into my brain. She was mute.

How unthinkable! But maybe it is one most fairness of God; for that beauty with silence. But our God is not a god but sui generis; need not of any competition nor bound with any obligation. But then I thank God for her to be here on this very ground of His bliss that she can learn about Him.

And I thank her, do not even know her name and probably she won’t even know of my gratitude, for that she taught me what it means the Word became flesh when John proclaims in John1:1 and also why and how the written word of God should be trreated.

To the Golden Shore

2008-01-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

LET ME START OFF EXPLAINING WHY i HAVE CHOSEN THIS TITLE:

How many times I bursted into tears. A week ago it seemed little too detail and so far to the Golden Shore but this morning as I finally reached to the last chapter of this great book I just wished there were more pages as if I could delay the death of Adoniram and hear more great stories of him. O Father, I feel so shameful and guilty for the emotions exclaimed through my mouth many times this year; loneliness. And now I know that this book is so expedient for my pilgrimage of Christian walk.

+ When Nancy, his first wife, died he wrote his mother and sister:
“I still live alone, and board with some one of the families that compose the mission. After the Wades left, I boarded with the Bettets. After Bettets left for Rangoon, I boarded with the Cutters. After the Cutters left...I have no family or living creature about me that I can call my own, except one dog, Fidelia,...but she is now growing old, and will die before long; and I am sure I shall shed more than one tear when poor Fidee goes.
(about loneliness, page 411)

++ When Sarah, his wife, was dying, Adoniram convers with her:
“My love, I wish to ask pardon for every unkind word or deed of which I have ever been guilty. I feel that I have, in many instances, failed of treating you with that kindness and affection which you ever deserved.”
“Oh,” she said, “you will kill me if you talk so...I...should ask pardon of you...I only want to get well that I may have an opportunity of making some return for all your kindness, and of showing you how much I love you.”
“Do you still love the Saviour?” 
“O, yes, I ever loved the Lord Jesus Christ.” 
“Do you still love me?” 
“Of course.”
“Then give me one more kiss.”
then she died.
(about love, page 439)

+++ Adoniram sent emily a letter to comfort her in criticism:
“There is nothing that ought to disturb one of pure and high purpose. Before God we are indeed full of sin; but we may still feel that the path we are treading is one which the common people have neither capacity to investigate, nor right to judge.”
(hope to encourage any great Christian, dedication to Dr.Patterson, page 459)

AND THAT'S WHY...I AM UNALTERABLY CONVINCED THAT WE ALL NEED THIS SPIRIT; passion, dedication, love, sacrifice, courage, etc IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK.