Some people may know that I have been playing the guitar now for about over four years. I have been trying to rekindle my love and passion for the instrument and have been shopping around looking for some good bands. A friend suggested me to get Dave Matthews Band's Crash Album, which was their first album. I must say it is difficult to find. Surprisingly I received the CD as a gift for Christmas (I opened it early) and quickly I fell in love with the album. Dave Matthews is an awesome guitarist. But secretly I am a little drummer boy on the inside. I can hold a simple beat on the drums, but it ain't that great; but one thing I love to do is watch amazing drummers, there is something captivating about it. Carter Beauford, who is the drummer for Dave Matthews Band, is one of the best drummers I have ever heard or seen. Check out his drumming abilities in my favorite track on the album titled #41.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Rejoice! Rejoice!
A lot of Christians may remember the old folky and cheesy praise song:
The tune is so corny that even today when I hear it I dread singing it. Really, how ignorant am I, to have this tune distract me from the real message of the song (sometimes tunes do no justice to lyrics in some songs). There is so much here in this phrase that one cannot help but actually rejoice.
The verse is found in Philippians 4:4 and reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" The Epistle to the Philippians is filled with these exhortations of joy for the church in Philippi. (1:4-5; 2:17-18; 3:1) So a reader could not ignore this recurring theme. Secondly, Paul is a perfect example of this attitude since on his first visit to Philippi he was singing praises while imprisoned. (Acts 16:25) And the most amazing thing about this is that Paul is in prison again, writing this letter to their church, and his attitude remains to be that of rejoicing. (1:12-14)
D. A. Carson in his book Basics for Believers (Baker, 1996) notices two details about this verse.
The first detail is that Paul is interested in the grounds for rejoicing, and that is God. The most important and central ground for our rejoicing must be God, and not in our circumstances.
Carson states:
One day I met this very interesting fellow while I was sitting in a cafeteria at my school. He began talking to me and halfway through that conversation I asked him if he believed in God. He replied, "sometimes". I quickly requested him to elaborate. He told me that when everything is good, and everything seems to be turning out for his benefit or pleasure, he believes in God. When circumstances and events in his life are garbage and it appears to be sorrowful he does not believe in God. He did not appear to be a professing believer in Christ, and what that conversation revealed to me was how little he viewed God. Likewise, we Christians can do the same thing.
Rather than seeing God as the sole reason for rejoicing, we let circumstances dictate when we praise God. In order to conquer trial and adversities, we need to realize our joy is found within God and not within in the events of our lives. We expect God to answer to our every desire making us happy to our own passions, and we praise God when these are fulfilled. When disaster strikes, we are quick to raise our fists to heaven in anger. We have this tiny view of God that he allows sorrows to happen for no apparent reason. Instead, we need to see God as the source for all and ever-lasting joy. Perhaps, as Carson proposes, this is why God allows pain to come into our lives, to learn this valuable lesson.
Secondly, this verse tells us when and how long we are to rejoice, simply put, always! And the reason why we can rejoice in the Lord always, because our grounds for rejoicing is unchanging. God does not change, he is infinite, and since this is the God we rejoice in, then there can never be a situation for rejoicing to cease. It is a command, and I believe we need to strive for this. To learn a rejoicing heart, such that when turmoil arises, even though sorrow and tears are rightly appropriate, we can and must rejoice, because we are rejoicing in God.
This has huge ramifications within one's own life. Every single person in this world knows that life is not perfect, pain and sorrow is seen all around. One cannot turn to the news and not listen for too long without hearing some heart-wrenching story about an innocent child being hurt, or several people dying in a bombing. Pain even strikes closer to home with family problems, maybe financial problems, and even one's own self pity or depression. But having a proper understanding of rejoicing can change all this. Our sorrow can turn to praise, our tears of pain into tears of joy, our cries of anger to cries of thanksgiving. Why? Because we rejoice in God. The same God who sent his Son to die for our sins so that we may live.
So back to the cheesy song. Even though the tune does not appeal to me, what should is the meaning of the song. How deep and profound this truth that we are to joy in the Lord and that He is the source of our joy. It is our duty as Christians to display to this world the joy that is supposed to reign so supremely in our hearts.
(P.S. Here is a music video to a song called "You Are My Joy" by David Crowder* Band)
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice. (x2)
Rejoice, Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice. (x2)
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say Rejoice. (x1)
The tune is so corny that even today when I hear it I dread singing it. Really, how ignorant am I, to have this tune distract me from the real message of the song (sometimes tunes do no justice to lyrics in some songs). There is so much here in this phrase that one cannot help but actually rejoice.
The verse is found in Philippians 4:4 and reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" The Epistle to the Philippians is filled with these exhortations of joy for the church in Philippi. (1:4-5; 2:17-18; 3:1) So a reader could not ignore this recurring theme. Secondly, Paul is a perfect example of this attitude since on his first visit to Philippi he was singing praises while imprisoned. (Acts 16:25) And the most amazing thing about this is that Paul is in prison again, writing this letter to their church, and his attitude remains to be that of rejoicing. (1:12-14)
D. A. Carson in his book Basics for Believers (Baker, 1996) notices two details about this verse.
The first detail is that Paul is interested in the grounds for rejoicing, and that is God. The most important and central ground for our rejoicing must be God, and not in our circumstances.
Carson states:
"If our joy derives primarily from our circumstances, then when our circumstances change, we will be miserable. Our delight must be in the Lord himself. That is what enables us to live with joy above our circumstances."We so often praise God for what he had done for our lives, and seek pleasure and delight in him when things are going well. This is not wrong, and we are to have thanksgiving in our hearts, especially when we pray (4:6). But how do we respond to God when heartache comes our way.
One day I met this very interesting fellow while I was sitting in a cafeteria at my school. He began talking to me and halfway through that conversation I asked him if he believed in God. He replied, "sometimes". I quickly requested him to elaborate. He told me that when everything is good, and everything seems to be turning out for his benefit or pleasure, he believes in God. When circumstances and events in his life are garbage and it appears to be sorrowful he does not believe in God. He did not appear to be a professing believer in Christ, and what that conversation revealed to me was how little he viewed God. Likewise, we Christians can do the same thing.
Rather than seeing God as the sole reason for rejoicing, we let circumstances dictate when we praise God. In order to conquer trial and adversities, we need to realize our joy is found within God and not within in the events of our lives. We expect God to answer to our every desire making us happy to our own passions, and we praise God when these are fulfilled. When disaster strikes, we are quick to raise our fists to heaven in anger. We have this tiny view of God that he allows sorrows to happen for no apparent reason. Instead, we need to see God as the source for all and ever-lasting joy. Perhaps, as Carson proposes, this is why God allows pain to come into our lives, to learn this valuable lesson.
Secondly, this verse tells us when and how long we are to rejoice, simply put, always! And the reason why we can rejoice in the Lord always, because our grounds for rejoicing is unchanging. God does not change, he is infinite, and since this is the God we rejoice in, then there can never be a situation for rejoicing to cease. It is a command, and I believe we need to strive for this. To learn a rejoicing heart, such that when turmoil arises, even though sorrow and tears are rightly appropriate, we can and must rejoice, because we are rejoicing in God.
This has huge ramifications within one's own life. Every single person in this world knows that life is not perfect, pain and sorrow is seen all around. One cannot turn to the news and not listen for too long without hearing some heart-wrenching story about an innocent child being hurt, or several people dying in a bombing. Pain even strikes closer to home with family problems, maybe financial problems, and even one's own self pity or depression. But having a proper understanding of rejoicing can change all this. Our sorrow can turn to praise, our tears of pain into tears of joy, our cries of anger to cries of thanksgiving. Why? Because we rejoice in God. The same God who sent his Son to die for our sins so that we may live.
So back to the cheesy song. Even though the tune does not appeal to me, what should is the meaning of the song. How deep and profound this truth that we are to joy in the Lord and that He is the source of our joy. It is our duty as Christians to display to this world the joy that is supposed to reign so supremely in our hearts.
(P.S. Here is a music video to a song called "You Are My Joy" by David Crowder* Band)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Would we be happy in heaven if Christ were not there?
Today I was reading God is the Gospel by John Piper and a very interesting question was asked:
So would you be happy? Would I be happy? Piper answers that we as Christians should respond with a resounding NO!
What makes us happy? Naturally people would respond: good health, purpose in life, lots of good friends, enough money to stabilize oneself, etc. At first glance, none of these are really wrong. But when looking into these items further it is apparent that they are self-centered. Happiness for most people involve, as Piper would say, being 'made much of'. We are at the center of our own happiness. This can even be taken into the Christian life such that it twists what divine love is. For us, we praise and serve God because he loves us (which is true). But if his love for us at its core involves us being made much of, who is then getting praised?
As Piper says:
The truth is (and this is a wonderful and glorious truth), great happiness comes from beholding a great splendor, and the greatest splendor is God himself. For anyone out there that will read this, the greatest and highest good of the gospel is the "glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". (2 Cor. 4:6) That which is the only possibility in this world that will make us deeply satisfied and happy is God himself. So do not stray away from this truth, happiness is only found in one place and that is at the cross. The cross provides us with the greatest gift ever imaginable, and that is God himself and this is seen and reflected most amazingly in Christ.
"If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?" (pg.15)
So would you be happy? Would I be happy? Piper answers that we as Christians should respond with a resounding NO!
What makes us happy? Naturally people would respond: good health, purpose in life, lots of good friends, enough money to stabilize oneself, etc. At first glance, none of these are really wrong. But when looking into these items further it is apparent that they are self-centered. Happiness for most people involve, as Piper would say, being 'made much of'. We are at the center of our own happiness. This can even be taken into the Christian life such that it twists what divine love is. For us, we praise and serve God because he loves us (which is true). But if his love for us at its core involves us being made much of, who is then getting praised?
As Piper says:
"We are willing to be God-centered, it seems, as long as God is man-centered. We are willing to boast in the cross as long as the cross is a witness to our worth. Who then is our pride and joy?"
The truth is (and this is a wonderful and glorious truth), great happiness comes from beholding a great splendor, and the greatest splendor is God himself. For anyone out there that will read this, the greatest and highest good of the gospel is the "glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". (2 Cor. 4:6) That which is the only possibility in this world that will make us deeply satisfied and happy is God himself. So do not stray away from this truth, happiness is only found in one place and that is at the cross. The cross provides us with the greatest gift ever imaginable, and that is God himself and this is seen and reflected most amazingly in Christ.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The Golden Compass
I was able to see the Golden Compass on the opening day and it is a very captivating movie. The animation and effects really draw you into the movie; it was an interesting society and world. There are witches, magic, and all sorts of Victorian allusions; at the same time though there was a futuristic feel represented most definitely in the technology (soul dividing machines, etc) at times though it did seem as their technology was behind ours. The story is also quite interesting.
Before getting into details, I would first like to mention I have not read the book, but the movie did get me interested in the book. I am aware that the author of the novel behind this movie, Philip Pullman is a self proclaimed atheist. And therefore this story is supposed to show how tyrannical and oppressive the church is. When the movie was over though, I thought to myself that the average person who knows nothing of the church may not see the connection here. Rather they would see an enchanting and thrilling story about the quest for the truth. Al Mohler has a really good treatment on this movie, so check it out here.
Rather than try to nit pick the movie I will mention a few things. First off, the movie by the end had me really disliking the Magisterium, which is supposed to represent the church. I desired that the Magisterium's inhumanities stop. Secondly, if I were a child (at times I still think I am), I would leave that movie desiring to have a daemon (animal counterparts to all human). As a Christian, these are two cautions that I need to be aware of.
Most definitely, Pullman's portrayal of the church is a bleak one, and if his desire is to have people dislike this group, than he may be successful in this area. For Christians though, we should be readily and able to respond to this movie. I do understand there are many Christian groups advocating a boycott of this movie, and there could be good reason to do so. But at the same time people should be prepared for this movie, and Christians should know how to respond, in the workplace or in school. We as Christians need to show people that the Church is not an oppressive institution; rather it is a blessed community.
It is a community of believers devoted to the one and only true God; and this God does not suppress us, rather we are freed from the oppression and bondage of sin by God's grace. The Church at many times throughout history has had a black taint on it's name, but this is due to the folly of man. We need to be prepared to "destroy every argument or lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5), in order to bring an adequate and truthful view of God to sinner's ears.
The Golden Compass may in many ways offend some Christians if they have read the books or understand at least the idea and concepts behind the movie, but this should not shy us from a response; this movie might even give us chances to show love to other people, thereby having the gospel proclaimed. Let us pray for this.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Prince Caspian Trailer
Check out the new trailer for the Prince Caspian movie expected out May 16th, 2008.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Grace: The Source
For the last several weeks I have been attending Rexdale Alliance Church in Etobicoke, Ontario and during these worship services they have been going through the book of James. Today's message was on James 4:1-10, and what a wonderful passage this is.
Going through the book of James we see that he discusses many issues that appears to be problems with the addressees of this letter. In Chapter 1:1-18, the theme that is apparent is that James desires these Christians to practically live out what they proclaim to believe, and most notably, if anyone remembers something from this books they will remember, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given him." (v.5) He then goes on to discuss the sort of duplicity that is going on, where these believers are double minded (v.8).
Again, several issues are named: being quick to anger (v.19), not being doers of the word (v.22), showing partiality (2:1-13), no control of the tongue (3:1-12), jealousy and selfish ambition (3:14-16), and quarrels and fights (4:1-2). This is a hefty list of issues, which even I myself have to admit being guilty of.
And then James goes into a harsh rebuke, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (4:4) They desire their passions and the wrong things, they desire things of this world, and the language used in their rebuke is that of adultery. God being a faithful husband to an unfaithful bride then burns with jealousy (4:5).
How can one not help but feel disappointed with themselves, and disgusted, suffering from wrong desires and passions, those not of or for God. What a pitiful person I am, who claims to be called but still suffering from friendship with the world, but there is hope. With this dismal view of ourselves, which is an inescapable truth that we are all sinners, there is a brilliant light:
"But He gives more grace." (4:6a)
But - in spite of suffering from this enmity that is between us and God because of our sinful passions and desires
He - the Only, Perfect, Holy, Infinite, Loving, Creator of all things above and below the earth, Omnibenevolent God
gives - God is the source of grace, therefore He alone can bestow grace, for grace belongs to God
more - He gives more, to help us with more
grace - the unmerited and undeserving gift given to those who believe and humble (v.6b) themselves towards God
What a wonderful thing it is to know that God is the source of grace, and to him alone does it belong. For because of his goodness and love he bestows grace just when we need and abundantly so. We humans that struggle with our iniquity, and not only that which is revealed within ourselves, the sin that manifests itself in our everyday life, God gives more grace. I cannot help but praise and rejoice God for not only his beauty, but all the more that in our bleak and dark lives, he provides that light and the grace to endure. This grace begins with the Cross of Christ. Small wonder that James can begin by saying, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds". (1:2)
Going through the book of James we see that he discusses many issues that appears to be problems with the addressees of this letter. In Chapter 1:1-18, the theme that is apparent is that James desires these Christians to practically live out what they proclaim to believe, and most notably, if anyone remembers something from this books they will remember, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given him." (v.5) He then goes on to discuss the sort of duplicity that is going on, where these believers are double minded (v.8).
Again, several issues are named: being quick to anger (v.19), not being doers of the word (v.22), showing partiality (2:1-13), no control of the tongue (3:1-12), jealousy and selfish ambition (3:14-16), and quarrels and fights (4:1-2). This is a hefty list of issues, which even I myself have to admit being guilty of.
And then James goes into a harsh rebuke, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (4:4) They desire their passions and the wrong things, they desire things of this world, and the language used in their rebuke is that of adultery. God being a faithful husband to an unfaithful bride then burns with jealousy (4:5).
How can one not help but feel disappointed with themselves, and disgusted, suffering from wrong desires and passions, those not of or for God. What a pitiful person I am, who claims to be called but still suffering from friendship with the world, but there is hope. With this dismal view of ourselves, which is an inescapable truth that we are all sinners, there is a brilliant light:
"But He gives more grace." (4:6a)
But - in spite of suffering from this enmity that is between us and God because of our sinful passions and desires
He - the Only, Perfect, Holy, Infinite, Loving, Creator of all things above and below the earth, Omnibenevolent God
gives - God is the source of grace, therefore He alone can bestow grace, for grace belongs to God
more - He gives more, to help us with more
grace - the unmerited and undeserving gift given to those who believe and humble (v.6b) themselves towards God
What a wonderful thing it is to know that God is the source of grace, and to him alone does it belong. For because of his goodness and love he bestows grace just when we need and abundantly so. We humans that struggle with our iniquity, and not only that which is revealed within ourselves, the sin that manifests itself in our everyday life, God gives more grace. I cannot help but praise and rejoice God for not only his beauty, but all the more that in our bleak and dark lives, he provides that light and the grace to endure. This grace begins with the Cross of Christ. Small wonder that James can begin by saying, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds". (1:2)
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