Rantings of the Bored

Providence and Science

2010-05-11T00:26:00.004-04:00

As a Christian studying in a secular University I find that one of the most frequently occurring issues used to undermine the validity or even feasibility of Christianity is Science (by Science I mean the natural sciences). My previous program of study was Life Science at UofT, so I am slightly familiar with the terrain. Though I did not finish the program I was there long enough to bask in God’s glory demonstrated in the awesomeness and intricacies of nature. Analyzing anatomical systems, cellular structures, and complex chemical reactions just increased my awe before God. "Our God designed all of this!!!" I could not help but be amazed. Though I am astonished at the feats man has created (transportation, internet, architectural marvels), they all pale in comparison to the natural wonders we see around us. As a Christian I do not see Science as incompatible with Christianity. For some odd reason many people do.

One issue that has somewhat disturbed me is the impact Science has on the doctrine of Providence. I am no Theologian, but when I discovered the doctrine of Providence I was startled by the practical implications it bears within one’s own life. The question (at least how I understand it) that the doctrine of Providence asks is to what extent is God active, deliberate, or consciously involved within the Universe. One response that I have heard is that God is not active/consciously involved within every minuscule event. God has set up natural laws such that God is the primary (first cause), but not necessarily the direct, cause to an effect. For example, God is not active/consciously controlling the number of Sodium ions crossing the walls of my nerves. This is not strictly deism. God is not removed from the universe; he is still involved in events.

I have serious issues with this point of view. One must first understand that the proponent of this position is trying to navigate the difficult waters of Science and Christianity. They may affirm that the Bible is the Word of God. Yet it seems that plainly, when one looks into the world, one observes that there do appear to be natural laws. Does this necessarily take away glory of God? From my own personal experience, I can see God glorified in these natural laws. But at the same time, it appears that the biblical witness goes further than saying that God simply creates natural laws and his activity is relegated to primary cause status rather than active within every event.

For me, I would claim that God is active and deliberate within every event in all creation. He is the one holding my chair up as I write this piece, ensuring my computer does not crash, and he is the one deciding and allowing the proper transfer of ions across my nervous membranes such that I can type. Can I argue this from Scripture?

There appears to be many examples which affirm this position. For example in Genesis 8:22 God states that, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease”.[1] This passage is within the context of the receding of the flood. Though the flood brought irregularity to the earth, “there is a return to regularity and predictability in the world of nature”.[2] Victor Hamilton states that “regularity in nature is a given, a promise of God”.[3] This statement seems to be a sweeping proposition regarding God and his activity (and also his promise) in nature. Though it does not specifically state that God sprouts the seeds at harvest, and decides which nutrients are involved in fertilizing agriculture, it is clear that the implication is that God is in control of these regular events. These mundane, repeatable events that we take for granted in life, come about by God’s promise. Vern Poythress rightly states that “according to the Bible, [God] is involved in those areas where science does best, namely areas involving regular and predictable events, repeating patterns, and sometimes exact mathematical descriptions”.[4]

Another passage that seems to affirm this is Hebrews 1:3: "He 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". The phrase that has me pondering is he upholds the universe by the word of his power. This text is specifically referring to Jesus. George Guthrie informs one that:"the action (that is of upholding/sustaining) speaks of the continual organization and carrying forward of the created order to a designed end".[5] If this is correct, it implies that the continual existence of the universe is dependent on Christ. What happens when one removes the sustenance to a living object (i.e. food, water, etc)? It ceases to exist. Not only does this passage indicate that the present sustenance is dependent on God’s activity, any future existence is also dependent on Christ.

Is God deliberate in all aspects of life? The above biblical texts seem to affirm this. The regularities of science are not only designed by God, their very nature and existence is dependent on Christ. If God is not in control of the molecules found within cancer cells, if God just leaves them alone and lets them run their course, then what point is there to pray for healing. My prayers are directed to a God who I believe is in control of all things. If He is not, then if I ever contract a terminal disease, then I would be truly lost. Praise God that he is in control of the little details. I can live my life trusting him.

I agree with Calvin when he said:

God is deemed omnipotent not because he can indeed act, yet sometimes ceases and sits in idleness, or continues by generous impulse that order of nature which he previously appointed; but because, governing heaven and earth by his providence, he so regulates all things that nothing takes place without his deliberation. [Quoted by Bruce Milne, Know the Truth (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1998), 102.]

[1]All biblical texts are taken from the ESV unless otherwise stated.

[2]Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-17 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 310.

[3]Ibid., 311.

[4]Vern S. Poythress, Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006), 54.

[5]George Guthrie, Hebrews: The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998), 48.

Evolution

2010-04-18T23:51:00.000-04:00

I was originally enrolled in the Life Science program at UofT. My first class was Biology 105 (at least I think it was 105): Evolution. As a Christian this is a difficult subject to deal with. Personally, I do not think the biblical doctrine of providence is compatible with Evolution. I also am weary of further underlying issues within the present acceptance of theistic evolution which I will not discuss. There are many people who now more than ever seem to think it is compatible. Evolution, at least as I understand is contingent on Natural Selection and Genetic Drift, both of which depend on randomness and chance. Evolution makes non-sense of God's providence. Fundamentally, if evolution is dependent on randomness (and this is to produce variation within alleles) and chance (the chance that certain traits are actually passed on to an offspring for survival) this would then imply there are certain things that are out of God's control. A theistic evolutionist, who affirms a classical reformed understanding of the providence of God, may claim that this randomness is in fact driven by God. Well then, I would further recommend people read this post by Tony Reinke.

Holiness

2009-11-23T00:16:00.003-05:00

I am going to read J. C. Ryle's Holiness. It has been sitting on my shelf for a while (as well as many other books), and it seems about time to read it. Here is something from his preface which struck a chord with me:

"It is easy to get crowds together for what we called "higher life" and "consecration meetings. Anyone knows that, who has watched human nature and read descriptions of American camp meetings and studied the curious phenomena of the "religious affections." Sensational and exciting addresses by strange preachers or by women, loud singing, hot rooms, crowded tents, the constant sight of strong semi-religious feeling in faces of all around you for several days, late hours, long protracted meetings, public profession of experience-all this kind of thing is very interesting at the time and seems to do good. But is the good real, deeply rooted, solid, lasting? That is the point. And I should like to ask a few questions about it.

"Do those who attend these meetings become more holy, meek, unselfish, kind, good-tempered, self-denying, and Christlike at home? Do they become more content with their position in life, and more free from restless craving after something different from that which God has given them? Do fathers, mothers, husbands, and other relatives and friends find them more pleasant and easy to live with? Can they enjoy a quiet Sunday and quiet means of grace without noise, heat, and excitement? Above all, do they grow in charity, and especially in charity toward those who do not agree with them in every jot and tittle of their religion?

"These are serious and searching questions and deserve serious consideration. I hope I am as anxious to promote real practical holiness in the land as anyone. I admire and willingly acknowledge the zeal and earnestness of many with whom I cannot co-operate who are trying to promote it. But I cannot withhold a growing suspicion that the great "mass meetings" of the present day, for the ostensible object of promoting spiritual life, do not tend to promote private home religion, private Bible reading, private prayer, private usefulness, and private walking with God. If they are of any value, they ought to make people better husbands and wives and fathers and mothers and sons and daughters and brothers and sisters and masters and mistresses and servants. But I should like clear proofs that they do. I only know it is far easier to be a Christian among singing, praying, sympathizing Christians in a public room, than to be a consistent Christian in a quiet, retired, out-of-the-way, uncongenial home."

Assumptions to Avoid?

2009-10-02T00:34:00.000-04:00

As my bio mentions, I am majoring in the study of religion at the University of Toronto. This is (Lord willing) my last year. I am one course shy of completing my major in religion (though I am taking extra courses in biblical studies); the course I am missing is world religions. Today in our course we were graced by the presence of a guest lecturer from another University. His area of research is Old Testament/Septuagint studies. Thus he delivered us an introductory lesson on the history of Ancient Israel followed with a quick lesson in biblical interpretation.

Methodology within biblical studies is one of my areas of interest. A person's method can determine their conclusions. Some questions that I find intriguing are: can a Christian committed to the bible adopt a historical-critical approach to it? In what ways can a Christian apply modern scholarly methods to understanding the text? In many ways, these methods elucidate and reveal much within the text. But at other points, some of these methods can draw disastrous conclusions that could ship-wreck a person's faith.

Interesting enough, our instructor gave us four assumptions to avoid in order to interpret the text as a scholar:

The text is fundamentally cryptic - there are some texts that appear ambiguous and seem apparently morally wrong. For example, in Genesis 22 how can God command Abraham to sacrifice his son? Christians (or Jews) may respond to this by first claiming that though this may be the surface meaning, there is an underlying meaning.
The texts are a book of lessons ascribed to the reader in their day. They must be modernized for modern use.
The Bible does not contain any contradictions or mistakes.
The Bible is divinely given in which God speaks through prophets.

As mentioned above, these are assumptions that are to be avoided in order to interpret the text correctly. Now, there are some scholars who claim that faith is compatible with being a biblical scholar. But, the faith presuppositions must be dropped in order not to dilute/contaminate scholarly work. If I may return back to my original questions, if a Christian is committed to the bible as the Word of God (as most evangelicals are), then it follows that once these scholarly methods are adopted, and these assumptions dropped, this basic commitment is essentially dropped.

What hope is there for the Christian (I qualify this with evangelical Christian) within biblical scholarship? I'll leave on one note:

This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:13 ESV)

Gerald Bray talk on Piper and Wright

2009-10-01T23:46:00.000-04:00

Listen to this recent talk here.

(HT: JT)

Southern Seminary Panel on Wright

2009-09-22T22:49:00.001-04:00

Check out this panel discussion at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary on N. T. Wright and his view of Justification. Watch it here.

BIG NEWS!!!

2009-08-27T22:28:00.003-04:00

This is an important announcement:

I now own 1000 books. Anyone can check them out by clicking here.

Matthew 5:8

2009-08-05T00:20:00.004-04:00

From Martin Lloyd-Jones (Studies in the Sermon on the Mount):

"What is meant by this term, 'the heart'? According to the general scriptural usage of the term, the heart means the centre of the personality. It does not merely mean the seat of the affections and the emotions. This Beatitude is not a statement to the effect that the Christian faith is something primarily emotional, not intellectual or pertaining to the will. Not at all. The heart in Scripture includes the three. It is the centre of man's being and personality; it is the fount out of which everything else comes. It includes the mind; it includes the will; it includes the heart. It is the total man; and that is the thing which our Lord emphasizes. 'Blessed are the pure in heart'; blessed are those who are pure, not merely on the surface but in the centre of their being and at the source of their every activity. It is as deep as that. Now that is the first thing; the gospel always emphasizes that. It starts with the heart."

Truett Lectures

2009-02-19T14:58:00.002-05:00

A friend at my work just introduced me to a George W. Truett Theological Seminary page of lectures. It has many scholarly lectures (N. T. Wright, Jurgen Moltmann, Ben Witherington III, John Sanders, etc). Check it out here.

Blogging the Institutes: 1.2.1.

2009-01-09T01:58:00.002-05:00

it will not suffice simply to hold that there is One whom all ought to honor and adore, unless we are also persuaded that he is the fountain of every good, and that we must seek nothing elsewhere than in him. This I take to mean that not only does he sustain this universe (as he once founded it) by his boundless might, regulate it by his wisdom, preserve it by his goodness, and especially rule mankind by his righteousness and judgment, bear with it in his mercy, watch over it by his protection; but also that no drop will be found either of wisdom and light, or of righteousness or power or rectitude, or of genuine truth, which does not flow from him, and of which he is not the cause.

John Calvin

Two become One

2008-08-17T23:21:00.003-04:00

As of August 15, 2008, I am officially married. Here are the vows that I wrote:

Jody, 2,000 years ago God saved you and I from our sins and his wrath by sending his son for us. Christ lived the life that I ought to have and should live, and died the death that I ought to have died. What more can I say then I thank God for saving you and me. By his grace and patience, through our good times and bad times, God has brought us here to this point. So I know what you desire from me and I will vow it to you. And that is to follow and continue to trust in God and his grace. And it is by his grace that I vow to love you. I will love you with everything I have, and I will fight to love you more and more. With Christ as my example, I will strive and push to love you graciously, and not based on conditions. I will strive to love you sacrificially, by providing and protecting you and putting you first, above me. I will strive to love redemptively, loving and helping you become an increasingly more beautiful bride, by Christ being glorified in you. I will strive to love you with understanding, with patience, perseverance and humility willing to know and understand you more and more. I will strive to love you with honor. And with Christ leading me, I will lead you with love. These vows, that I have given you leaves a pretty high standard for myself, and so I am left desperate and in need of help. But I praise God for that help can only come from the cross. Jody, I can love and lead you because, and only because, Christ first loved me, and I praise God for that. And I hope and know that in our future together, starting now, until we get wrinkly, and up being called to glory, that Christ and knowing Christ, will bring us to the end. I love you Jody.

"This is Home"

2008-05-06T23:10:00.003-04:00

This song was recorded by Switchfoot and it is to be played during the ending credits of the new movie Prince Caspian.

Sunday Rantings

2008-04-27T13:45:00.006-04:00

It is after service and in an attempt to bring life back into this blog I will (or hope to) reflect on the sermons on Sundays. Hopefully this will be a good exercise size for me to both think over and meditate on God's word that was preached. By this I hope that God will be glorified.

Today's message was based on 1 Corinthians 3:10-23. Here Paul discusses about key indications of what causes church divisions and therefore how to remedy the problems. Richly flowing through the whole of chapter three is the complete sovereignty of God in the activity of the church. God is in control from the conception, to the maintaining, and even to the end of the church.

Verse 7-8, remebered by many states, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God gives the growth". Here we see God's activity in bringing to life the seed which is going to be the church. In verse 10 Paul claims that "according to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation". What gives Paul's work any form of merit or value is God. It is God's grace that clearly enables Paul to build, instruct and nurture the church. In verses 14-15 we see here that God is the judge of the work of the labourers who toiled on the church. And only those churches that stand the test will recieve the reward. But again, what churches can meet these qualifications? It is obvious from the test, that it is the churches built by the grace of God, with men who trust in Him to help their labours.

God is sovereign in the activity of the church from the beginning to the end. Brothers and sisters we have to remember this. It is God who is in control of all our ministries and endeavors. We do not need to grow embittered with one another for other peoples work. It is God who appoints people to ministry, and it is God's grace that sustains people in their work for God. How much quarrelling and chaos can be avoided if we understand this truth. Even if men are appointed, we trust that God ordained those people for those purposes. And if they are not qualified for that position, God will deal with them, and may God's mercy rest on those people.

Reflecting on this after service helps encourage me. Too many times we see and here things in the church which are discouraging. We sometimes are too judgmental on people and what they are accomplishing, believing that their work is wrong. We are quick to criticize and point out flaws on the church. We are in an age where people want to satisfy their own selfish desires. We choose churches because we like the preachers or the people or even the cushions in the church. Brothers and sisters, the church is maintained by God alone, and by no other. We do not take credit for His work. We are merely his servants, and what a blessing this is that God would even allow us to partake in the building up of His church.

In no way am I saying that we do not need to be critical. We must and have to defend the truth of the Gospel. We need to maintain the integretity of the word. But what we desire is to promote maturity and growth in the Church so that God gets the glory. We must take up our responsibility in building up the church.

This brings to mind for me Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." This is the calling of every individual in God's family. And Paul roots this in a wonderful truth:

"Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heavan and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-10

And with this in mind, with Christ as the ultimate examplar of humility, we too need to be humble. The church is not about ourselves, it is about serving others. Paul knew this, "What is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed" (1 Cor. 3:5). We need to think of others. This is our duty as Christians, this is how God receives glory and honor. When we stop thinking about our own desires, point and offer them God, look at the work of Christ on the cross, and joyfully and gratefully serve others, we know that this is for the glory of God the Father.

Christ the Only Way

2008-04-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

(HT: D.T.)

John Piper on the Prosperity Gospel

2008-03-04T16:30:00.003-05:00

This is an incredible video.

Valley of Vision

2008-01-09T01:14:00.000-05:00

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,
    where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;
    hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox
    that the way down is the way up,
    that to be low is to be high,
    that the broken heart is the healed heart,
    that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
    that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
    that to have nothing is to possess all,
    that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
    that to give is to receive,
    that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,
    and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;
Let me find Thy light in my darkness,
                     Thy life in my death,
                     Thy joy in my sorrow,
                     Thy grace in my sin,
                     Thy riches in my poverty,
                     Thy glory in my valley.

This is a puritan prayer titled the Valley of Vision and it is found in a book of the the same title which is a collection of puritan prayers and devotions. When reading this prayer it becomes obvious that this is radically different than our conception of where happiness and pleasure is found.

One does not have to look too far in western culture to see where joy and happiness are claimed to be found. Fulfillment is supposed to found in fine dining, wealth, clothes, entertainment, social status, possibly the endeavors of one's children, etc. There is a large billboard outside of the University of Toronto Mississauga which has the slogan "be recognized". Clearly this billboard affirms the idea that recognition is a desirable trait for people. There is nothing really wrong with fine dining, wealth, being recognized, and the like, but should these things be our desires and if not what is?

What amazes me about this prayer is that sometimes it is so easy for us to pray and ask God for superficial pleasures; health, food, good friendships, and likewise (which is not wrong). But what is central here is that God's glory is seen and desired, especially when life is filled with sin produced by others, and even in one's self. See, for the person who is praying the Valley of Vision, they desire joy and freedom from the bondage that is entrapping them. But rather than praying directly for light, joy, and life, rather what is desired is to behold the glory of God. And I would say this should be the greatest desire, which no other desires can compare, within life and existence itself.

Nothing is greater than beholding the glory of God, to come face to face with His awe-inspiring beauty and splendor, to see how majestic and mysteriously tremendous God is. There is nothing else that should be desired. God's glory is revealed in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4,6). We should be like Paul in saying that "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). Christ's worth is beyond compare and this is because God's glory is displayed within him.

But the beauty in the Valley of Vision is that God's glory can and is displayed in the deepest and dark recesses of life. We are surrounded by mountains of sin, such that natural light is blocked out and all that looms overhead is the deepness of the shadow of iniquity. But within the darkness light shines so much brighter. This is where God's glory is beautifully displayed. Within the gruesome event Christ's suffering and crucifixion, at the apex of history, God's glory is revealed. God's wrath poured on His Son, such that we are now justified, and pardoned from all sin. Here is where God's beauty is seen. In spite of the pain and suffering, God uses these events to pour out His grace.

It is amazing how in this prayer "to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, to have nothing is to possess all". This hearkens back to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When we are at our weakest points, such that we do not even have enough strength to lift even our smallest finger, even at those points we are strong.

This is why Paul can all the more say "to share in [Christ's] sufferings, to become like Him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead" (Philippians 3:10). Paul desires to share in Christ's pain so much that he wants to follow Him to death. And what is clear here is that Paul is looking forward to something greater. Not simply eternal life, rather an eternity with Christ (cf. Philippians 1:23). For Paul suffering and hardship will and did lead him all the more to be with Christ, and this is where God's glory is displayed.

I pray that this is the heart cry for all people of all nations. That we all desire to see and behold the glory of God. That we learn and see the beauty of Christ in the deepest darkest valleys, because this is when we are made strong, and this is when God's grace is displayed so powerfully in our lives. Let us not seek our own good, glory, riches, and life. Rather let us seek God's glory. This is where all satisfying pleasure and happiness is found, within God Himself.

Let me find Thy light in my darkness,
                     Thy life in my death,
                     Thy joy in my sorrow,
                     Thy grace in my sin,
                     Thy riches in my poverty,
                     Thy glory in my valley.

#41 Drumming

2007-12-24T00:16:00.000-05:00

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.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

2007-12-22T00:02:00.000-05:00

A lot of Christians may remember the old folky and cheesy praise song:

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)

Would we be happy in heaven if Christ were not there?

2007-12-13T23:33:00.000-05:00

Today I was reading God is the Gospel by John Piper and a very interesting question was asked:

"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.

The Golden Compass

2007-12-09T22:54:00.000-05:00

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.

Prince Caspian Trailer

2007-12-06T23:21:00.001-05:00

Check out the new trailer for the Prince Caspian movie expected out May 16th, 2008.

Grace: The Source

2007-12-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

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)

The Kite Runner

2007-11-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last night I got free advanced screening passes to see the movie The Kite Runner. The movie is based on the novel by an Afghanistan American named Khaled Hoseeini. I have not read the book but the movie was captivating. It tells the story of two Afghan boys, one the son of a democratic leader in Kabul, while the other is the son of a house servant. The two boys are best friends at first, with the servant's son showing remarkable loyalty to the other boy. The setting of story is during the time of the fall of the Afghan Monarchy to the time of the occupancy of the Soviet Union, following a massive outflow of refugees to Pakistan and then to America, and lastly with the regime of the Taliban in control. It is an amazing story, I was moved throughout the whole movie. To see another culture at the brink of what appears to be birth pains leading to its demise, and how a father and son survive this ordeal. Also, to see how two close friends end their relationship in bitterness and strife, but to see restoration in the end (and not in the most likely of ways). I would suggest that all see this movie, mind you some scenes are a little uncomfortable to watch.

One thing that really got me thinking was how I as a friend has failed in may circumstance my friends. How we as people for our own selfish reasons, do not even try to restore peace to those we have hurt or turned our backs on. I do not know how many friends I have lost to my sinful attitude. If there is one thing that I admire in this movie, there was an apparent biblical principle mentioned (even though the movie is clearly told within a Muslim setting). The principle was that, settle your disputes as soon as possible so they do not fester and grow worse. In the context of that movie, the father told that to the son in a situation where he was filled with great anger. I am reminded of the passage, "do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26).

Many a times does confusion and strife cause conflict between people with the result of bitterness and anger between the two. Rather than solving the problem quickly, we take our time and allow our anger and rage grow, driven by pride and confusion a valued relationship slowly deteriorates. If there is division between friends or even with anyone else, solve it soon, clear up the confusion, before it leads to something much worse than anticipated.

Mark Driscoll on Humility

2007-11-28T02:44:00.000-05:00

How I suffer from pride. I need to know what humility is, and to learn it more and more everyday. I pray earnestly that my heart and actions can truly reflect what Paul says, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others." (Phillipians 2:3-4)

With Christ being the ultimate example I am shamed by own arrogance and pride. How humbling it is to hear Mark Driscoll on this issue. It is amazing to hear a preacher admit this, I believe that Christians can learn a lot from Driscoll's example.

Simply Wonderful

2007-11-28T01:43:00.001-05:00

I was going through Justin Taylor's blog and he has put up a post of a simply amazing video. I couldn't help but praise God for the sheer beauty of his word and the amazing day that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior was born. Praise God for Charlie Brown and the Peanuts, and how even today it is still aired on television to remind of us of God's loving grace.

This is the Beginning

2007-11-07T01:48:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning...the beginning of what? Well thoughtful reader this is the beginning of my blogging experience. So for my first post I will begin by ranting out of my boredom, hence the title. One thing that I guess you should learn about me is that I am a thinker. I am not a great thinker or even an intelligent thinker, I just think a lot. And because of this I will be posting (at least I hope to) about what I have read, learned, studied, and other random interests. I hope that this blog will be a blessing to and encourage many people to not indulge in boredom but to do something productive. From the get go I will jump out and say that I consider myself to be a Christian. What I mean by this is that I believe in a single, perfect, infinite, holy, loving, good God who created the Universe who by His grace has redeemed me from my sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ so that whether I am alive or dead I will live with Him. I do not want to mislead anyone, so everyone understands my background, and through what lenses I view this world. So I say hello to the blogging world, and I hope I will enjoy this wonderful experience.
Soli Deo Gloria