The Truth: Absolute and Unchanging. Infinite and Incarnate.
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth for ever. This fact, too, is a just foundation for universal praise…” - Albert Barnes
“The truth of the matter is that all truth is absolute — there are no relative truths. If something really is true, then it really is true everywhere and for everyone.” - Norman Geisler
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6
Key takeaway(s):
- The nature of truth is absolute.
- The nature of truth requires a decision.
- We must apply the truth by: Living it, Defending it Without Fear, and Proclaiming it.
Overview:
Among the plethora of topics discussed on this site, Truth remains at the core of all that TiS stands for. The declaration of an absolute, unchanging, infinite and incarnate Truth is what TiS’ sole mission is founded upon (click here for details). Without an accurate and objective understanding of Truth as a philosophical concept, it is impossible to realize the need to seek Truth and understand that it demands exclusivity. For instance, if one were to…
Whose witness are you?
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” - Usual Suspects (1995 move release)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2:9
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” - 1 Peter 3:15-16
Key takeaway(s):
- The church is in the business of disciple making.
- Never let the primary cause of Christ become the secondary purpose of His church or His people.
- Goal is not to bring people to “church” but rather to Christ.
Overview:
If one was to witness a crime, such as stealing, and yet did not come forward to provide their eye witness account in a court of law - what would we think of them? If we knew of someone who observed a heinous act such as rape and when asked to speak against the culprit in judicial proceedings they shirked their duties as a citizen in fear of retribution - what would we think of them? Even worse, what if…
Theodicy or Fallacy? Suffering in a world of a loving God.
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?” - Epicurus, as quoted in “2000 Years of Disbelief”
“Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” - Job 38:1-4
“Then Job answered the LORD : “I am unworthy — how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” - Job 40:3-5
Key takeaway(s):
- Humanity continually wishes to usurp God’s role as sole judge.
- God’s sovereignty demonstrated by His role as Creator is a continual reminder that the created (humans) cannot have the same wisdom as the Creator.
- Suffering can be used by God even if we can’t understand its purpose. His ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:9)
- Worrying or complaining or questioning God = epic logic fail = epic faith fail
Overview:
As the scale of calamity increases for any disastrous…
From shadow to substance: Jesus in the Old Testament
Key verse(s)/quote(s):
“The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed and the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed” - Anonymous
“The One who hung the earth in space, is Himself hung; the One who fixed the heavens in place is Himself firmly fixed to the tree… Through Whom the Father made the things which exist from the beginning of time.” - Melito (bishop of Sardis, died c. 180)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Key takeaway(s):
- Christ is from everlasting to everlasting as clearly seen in the Old Testament and New Testament
- All fullness of Deity lives in bodily form in Christ (Colossians 2:9)
- All may honour the Son just as they honour the Father (John 5:23)
- This should give you confidence to contend for the faith that you have that is once and for all entrusted to you (Jude 3)
Overview:
This post is part 3 of a 3-part series of messages I had the pleasure of sharing at our 2010 church summer conference. The 2 additional components of this series overview the prophetic significance of both The Tabernacle (click here to read) and The Jewish Feasts (click here to read).
In the beginning was… Jesus. So often we find that the deity…
God is Good! My first Sunday morning message.
God is good! I must start this sharing on that simple yet profoundly real note. For years, I have constantly prayed for God to show me the next step. That is all I have asked for and He has always been faithful. I didn’t need to see my entire future or even have my immediate questions or concerns answered. I just prayed a simple prayer asking for a clear view of what God wishes me to do next and He has always replied. God is good! Be it learning the meaning of worship, teaching Sunday School, counseling the youth at my church, planning out the vision for our English congregation, getting my doctrinal fundamentals built, learning apologetics, or taking on a position on the church board to serve as evangelism chair - God always revealed that one next step. This leads me to an important step I took yesterday.
Yesterday, I delivered my first Sunday morning sermon. I have taught Sunday schools, led workshops, shared in fellowship discussions - in my church, at other churches or even university fellowships but this was my first Sunday morning message. It was a big step for me. Funny how as I was preparing I asked myself what the big difference was between a Sunday morning message and all the other areas of service God has called me to. Functionally, perhaps not much but meaning wise it was of tremendous significance to me. I thank Rev. Felix Wong for accepting me and giving me the opportunity to speak at Toronto Simpson Chinese Alliance Church…
