Another Gift from the Lord!

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
-Psalm 127:3 (NASB)

God has graced me with numerous and immeasurable gifts. With Christ, Heon, immediate family, Pillar Bible Church family, the Bible, etc. Just over three years ago, God graced us with a beautiful daughter, Keilah Cho. Today, on April 29th, 2008 at 8:05 AM, God has again graced us with another child, a 7 lbs. 15.7 oz. and 20 inches long son, Isaiah Cho. Please pray for us that we might be able to reflect the glory of God to our children in hopes that He might use us as His tools to lead them to Christ.

P.S. God has also allowed me to further enjoy this day by providing me the means to watch the San Antonio Spurs victory over the Phoenix Suns at the hospital. Today was a good day!

According to God's Sovereignty

Here is an excerpt from Richard D. Phillips' What So Great About The Doctrines of Grace? regarding the sovereignty of God (Purchase it here: Click Here! or Click Here!):

"By sovereignty, we mean that God actively governs everything. By everything, we mean all things that happen, from the greatest to the least of occurrences. 'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?' asked Jesus. 'Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father' (Matt. 10:29, NIV). So sovereignty means 'according to God’s sovereign will.' God’s sovereignty in salvation means that believers are saved for this sole ultimate reason: 'according to God’s sovereign will.' Or as Paul wrote, our salvation was 'predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will' (Eph. 1:11). That sums it up about as well as possible: we are saved according to God’s sovereign purpose, by God’s sovereign working, according to God’s sovereign will. Salvation truly is 'from him and through him and to him' (Rom. 11:36). When this truth breaks into our minds and hearts, we glory in God forever" (2-3).

Review of "Expelled"

Dr. R. Scott Clark from WSC (Westminster Seminary, Cal) has posted Dr. Robert B. Strimple's review of the movie "Expelled" on his blog (Read it here: Click Here!).

It's Good to See Them Get Some Credit!

If you know me, you know that I am an avid San Antonio Spurs fan. As a basketball fan, I enjoy watching them because they play excellent team basketball and I like the fact that they let their game do the talking. They are an underrated team with unappreciated players as well as a coaching staff. Which coach has been winning as consistently as Greg Popovich has? Anyhow, it's good to see the Spurs get some credit (Read and see it here: Click Here!).

ESV Study Bible (Wow!)

I am a former NKJVer (i.e. New King James Version user) who made the difficult transition to becoming a NASB-Uer (i.e. New American Standard Bible Update user) not long before I came to Pillar Bible Church, where I am serving now by the grace of God (just ask my wife how much time I spent reading about different Bible translations, bindings, and even leather covers). It was a "difficult transition" because I had been reading and studying from the NKJV for some time and was quite acclimated to it. Currently, I am using the NASB-U Single-Column Reference Wide Margin in Black Calfskin leather, which was a gift I received not too long ago from my mother. I like its single-column, individual verse divisions, 11 font point size, and of course, calf-skin leather. It's really a beautiful Bible (The best deal for it is here: Click Here!)! Yet, I believe the publisher of the ESV has outdone itself with their new ESV Study Bible (coming out on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008). Having had the opportunity to see one at the recent 2008 Together for the Gospel Conference and read about its features, formats, contributing articles, and endorsements, I am inclined to say that the MacArthur Study Bible will finally meet its match later this year. I don't know if I'll ever be able to transition out of my beautiful NASB-U calfskin Bible, but I do know that the ESV Study Bible will be a must have. Check it out for yourself: Click Here!

Curt Daniel's "Helpful Hints on Reading the Bible" (Part 10)

This is Dr. and Pastor Curt Daniel's tenth and last helpful hint on reading the Bible. What he suggests is likely not a common practice, but by no means is it a futile practice. It would probably be most helpful when one has a difficult time finding the rights words to pray (I would encourage that one consistently practice it, however). This method obviously requires a deepening understanding of the Word of God, which then would translate into a deepening prayer life, which supports the notion that Scripture elicits sanctification (John 17:17). The Genesis 1:1 example provided by Daniel's shows how this can be applied. Note how the reading of the text transitions to acknowledgment of God's creative power, which transitions to thanksgiving, which transitions to humble supplication. Enjoy the read:

10. PRAY THE BIBLE.

"What does it mean to "pray the Bible"? This is more than simply praying before and after reading it. It is even more than praying as you read and study. Praying the Bible simply means using the words and thoughts of a passage in your prayers. This is generally done most in private devotions. This is most easily done with the Psalms and prayers in the Bible, of which there are hundreds. For example, first know what the writer is saying. Then use his words as your own as you speak to God. Try to identify with the writer and his circumstances. When you wish to confess sin, you may want to pray Psalm 51. You may find it useful to pray certain psalms which call upon God for help in time of persecution, affliction or doubt. Even the imprecatory psalms can be prayed with the right attitude (such as Psalm 59). When thankful, you can pray most of the psalms, for most are psalms of praise. And of course, there's the Lord's Prayer. In all this, however, one must not simply use mindless repetition without faith or understanding. But with faith and understanding, one can pray the Bible regularly as he reads through it. It can be done with all parts of Scripture. This will usually mean a certain amount of paraphrase. Listen as God speaks to you in the verses you read, and meditate on them and reply back to God according to the meaning and message of that very passage. Some devotional books are just that. Take Gen. 1:1. A prayer on this passage might be something like this: "Lord, in the beginning of time, You created all things. You designed and formed all that is or was or ever will be. You created the Heavens and the Earth, that which is up there and that which is down here, that which is seen and that which is invisible. Lord, You say here that You Yourself created the universe. I thank you that it was you, the loving and personal God who did that, and not a mindless, impersonal Evolution. Savior, create in me a new heart. As Your creation reflects your glory around us, may Your spiritual new creation reflect the beauty of Jesus Christ in me." Praying the Bible thus becomes a personal conversation with God. Be careful to use your mind in this, else it can easily become emotional mysticism which misuses Scripture. Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17), especially when reading God's Word. May the Word of God speak to our hearts and produce an echo of faith and love. 10. Pray the Bible. What does it mean to "pray the Bible"? This is more than simply praying before and after reading it."

Curt Daniel's "Helpful Hints on Reading the Bible" (Part 9)

There are only two more posts (including this one) left with regards to Dr. Daniel's helpful hints on reading the Bible. Take note that this suggestion was probably made before there were palm pilots and whatever else technologically advanced gadgets were made available to man. Any "version" suffices. Also note the italicized portion. It's actually kind of funny. Here is #9:

9. CARRY A POCKET BIBLE.

"The Bible has been printed in sizes from suitcases to matchboxes. Most are about the same size as a hymnbook. Many Christians want to carry a Bible with them but find the average Bible too large. So, publishers have given us pocket-sized editions. Some are only New Testaments, others cover the entire Bible. Some have very small print. Pocket Bibles can be helpful in a number of ways. You can refer to them while waiting in a line or waiting room. Also, many Christians find them invaluable when witnessing - a larger one might scare someone off, but a pocket copy can be referred to on an important point. Haven't you wanted a Bible handy when confronted by a cultist or atheist, or even someone who asks what the Bible says about a certain topic? Pocket Bibles are especially handy in emergencies. Then there are those informal conversations with other Christians where a copy of the Scriptures would come in useful. Most are small enough to carry in a ladies purse or a man's suit pocket. Occasionally they may bulge a little, and it may look like you're packing a gun. You have something more powerful than that. Even if it isn't a pocket Bible, it is a great idea to have a Bible at home, at work, and in your car. You never know when you may need it. A whole Bible is better than just a New Testament. For example, when you witness to a Jewish friend you would want to refer to Isaiah (and he may be offended if you have only a New Testament, as if you rejected the Old Testament). Also, the Old Testament is most useful for answering questions on Creation and Evolution (Gen. 1), the occult (Deut. 18) and other key subjects. A two-edged sword is better than a single-edged one" (Emphasis Added).

Perhaps, the Biggest and the Wealthiest Heretic in the World?

The Fide-O Blog run by Jason E. Robertson and Scott Hill has been one of my favorite blogs for awhile now. For the most part they like the things that I like, and of course, they are Reformed. Though it is highly doubtful that anyone checks my blog, it is insensible that anyone would check mine and remain unaware of Fide-O. Anyhow, check out this video they posted: Click Here! I wish that every born again sister (and brother) who watches her would view this video and take heed.

Wanna Earn Your Salvation? Yeah Right!

Do this and you'll live! Click Here!

Curt Daniel's "Helpful Hints on Reading the Bible" (Part 8)

Dr. Curt Daniel's helpful hint #8 on reading the Bible. There are only two more left. Here it is:

8. READ A BIBLE COMMENTARY

"This suggestion is more than recommending having some good Bible commentaries in your personal library for reference when you get to difficult passages. Rather, it can be a very useful project to read a commentary all the way through as you study a certain book of the Bible. For instance, when you choose a book you want to memorize, it helps a lot to read a commentary on the book at the same time. Naturally, some commentaries are better than others. Some are more scholarly than others. Some have almost nothing to do with the passage upon which they are allegedly expounding. Some concentrate on the original languages; others are more practical; still others dwell on typology, prophecy, illustrations, history, etc. Further, some are not commentaries but expositions – sermons which expound all the way from basic explanation to general application. Obviously, the Christian will benefit more from those which respect Biblical inspiration and inerrancy. Commentaries by liberals, cults or Catholics should be avoided. Also, ask for recommendations from reliable teachers and preachers. Know the level you are looking for. There are excellent ones on every level. Commentaries which cover the entire Bible in a single volume are useful for the new Christian. The older believer may want something more. He can then chose individual volumes or a set which covers the whole Bible (some cover just the New Testament). Some Christians try to read all the way through the Bible in several years while reading book-length commentaries on every book of the Bible. That is an ambitious undertaking. Still, medium-length commentaries can be read all the way through with much benefit. Lastly, some commentaries are classics and should be consulted by all. Top of the list is the one by Matthew Henry. It is available in the unabridged 6 volumes or the I-volume abridgement. Spurgeon and Whitefield both read the entire unabridged set several times. The Expositors Bible Commentary is another [sic] fine 12-volume commentary."

Curt Daniel's "Helpful Hints on Reading the Bible" (Part 7)

Here is the seventh installment of Pastor Daniel's helpful hints on reading the Bible:

7. TAKE NOTES WHILE READING THE BIBLE.

"We retain more if we read something than if we merely hear it, but we retain most if we write it down. Hence, taking notes on the Bible is one of the most profitable ways of studying it. This can be done in personal study, hearing a sermon, attending a Bible study, in Sunday School, listening to a tape or the radio, and so on. Though a few preachers do not like their listeners taking notes, most encourage the practice. What does one write down? You can write down an exact quote, a new idea, a story, the meaning of a word in the original language, or any other useful piece of information. It can be especially good to write down your very own thoughts. Some Christians write their notes in a notebook and save them for future reference. In effect this becomes their own Bible commentary. Others keep a spiritual journal in their private devotions. These can be very rewarding to read later on. Wouldn't it be interesting to read what you were thinking shortly after you became a Christian when the Bible was so brand new to you? Or, you can take notes directly in your Bible itself. Some Christians say we should not write in our Bible because it shows disrespect. That is half true. We should not doodle or write jokes in our Bibles. But there is nothing wrong with recording your reverent and personal thoughts on a passage while you read it. Some Bibles are printed with extra wide margins for this purpose. Underlining a key verse can be useful, especially if you think you'll want to refer to it later on (such as in memorizing key verses). Some Christians underline with different colors. A well-marked Bible usually indicates hours of study. One Christian not only filled all margins and blank pages with notes, but went back and wrote additional notes across them at a different angle in a different color ink. Ever read someone else's Bible notes?

Curt Daniel's "Helpful Hints on Reading the Bible" (Part 6)

Dr. Curt Daniel's helpful hint #6 on reading the Bible is today's post. Of course, our age is of mp3 downloads and CDs, not tapes. The point is to regularly listen to and benefit from the those who preach the Word of God. Here is the post:

6. LISTEN TO BIBLE EXPOSITIONS ON TAPE

"Most sermons are not expository - they do not expound the passage but get off onto topics or tangents. But some preachers stick closely to the text, and tapes of their messages are very useful when studying through the Bible. This is especially useful with individual passages or books which you are trying to memorize. Understanding helps memory. Again, these can be listened to in the car or at home. Or you can give them to friends or family. Some churches have a ministry where they regularly supply preaching tapes to shut-ins and the elderly. Certain well-known preachers are known as expository preachers, and their messages are most helpful in Bible study as opposed to general listening. John MacArthur Jr, James Montgomery Boice, and Al Martin are among the best. Tapes of the late D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the prince of modern preachers, are also available. There are dozens of major tape ministries and hundreds of smaller ones. Some only lend, others only sell, others both lend and sell. Only a few are totally free. Some handle only a single speaker, others carry many speakers. Some tape ministries carry taped sermons on virtually every book of the Bible, thus covering almost every verse of Scripture. Sometimes it is very useful to have a taped message on a specific topic for yourself or a friend. It is not always easy to obtain messages on the more unusual but still important topics. On the other hand, it is a good idea to have access to a good tape of a basic Gospel message to give to a non-Christian friend. He may listen to a tape when he would never read a book. These can be given as gifts at Christmas or as the need arises. Tapes on specific problems or cults can also be very useful to give away. Still, the main idea here is the value of tapes of expository, consecutive messages directly on the Bible. These can be listened to in tandem with personal Bible study on the passage to great profit."