No city made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites who inhabited Gibeon; all of them were taken in battle. For it was the Lord's intention to harden their hearts, so that they would engage Israel in battle, be completely destroyed without mercy, and be annihilated, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Joshua 11:19-20 HCSB)
Many sinners refuse to make peace with God. They will receive God's justice. Those who seek God, like the Hivites, will receive His mercy.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your grandson, how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, that you may know that I am the LORD. (Exodus 10:1-2 NASB)
"He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them." (John 12:40 ESV) quoting from Isaiah 6:10, see also Acts 28:27.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hivites, Destined for Slaughter, but Saved
When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you, and when the LORD your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them. You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly. But thus shall you deal with them: you shall break down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and chop down their Asherim and burn their carved images with fire. (Deuteronomy 7:1-5 ESV)
When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they acted deceptively. They gathered provisions and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They wore old, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies. Their entire provision of bread was dry and crumbly. They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, "We have come from a distant land. Please make a treaty with us."
The men of Israel replied to the Hivites, "Perhaps you live among us. How can we make a treaty with you?"
They said to Joshua, "We are your servants."
Then Joshua asked them, "Who are you and where do you come from?"
They replied to him, "Your servants have come from a far away land because of the reputation of the Lord your God. For we have heard of His fame, and all that He did in Egypt, and all that He did to the two Amorite kings beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who was in Ashtaroth. So our elders and all the inhabitants of our land told us, 'Take provisions with you for the journey; go and meet them and say, "We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us."' This bread of ours was warm when we took it from our houses as food on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and crumbly. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals of ours are worn out from the extremely long journey." Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but did not seek the Lord’s counsel. So Joshua established peace with them and made a treaty to let them live, and the leaders of the community swore an oath to them.
Three days after making the treaty with them, they heard that the Gibeonites were their neighbors, living among them. So the Israelites set out and reached the Gibeonite cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the community had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Then the whole community grumbled against the leaders.
All the leaders answered them, "We have sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. This is how we will treat them: we will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them." They also said, "Let them live." So the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had promised them. (Joshua 9:3-21 HCSB)
The sons of Gibeon, 95. (Nehemiah 7:25 ESV)
The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743. (Nehemiah 7:29 ESV)
The God who is merciful to the Hivites is the same God that is merciful to me.
When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they acted deceptively. They gathered provisions and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They wore old, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies. Their entire provision of bread was dry and crumbly. They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, "We have come from a distant land. Please make a treaty with us."
The men of Israel replied to the Hivites, "Perhaps you live among us. How can we make a treaty with you?"
They said to Joshua, "We are your servants."
Then Joshua asked them, "Who are you and where do you come from?"
They replied to him, "Your servants have come from a far away land because of the reputation of the Lord your God. For we have heard of His fame, and all that He did in Egypt, and all that He did to the two Amorite kings beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who was in Ashtaroth. So our elders and all the inhabitants of our land told us, 'Take provisions with you for the journey; go and meet them and say, "We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us."' This bread of ours was warm when we took it from our houses as food on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and crumbly. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals of ours are worn out from the extremely long journey." Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but did not seek the Lord’s counsel. So Joshua established peace with them and made a treaty to let them live, and the leaders of the community swore an oath to them.
Three days after making the treaty with them, they heard that the Gibeonites were their neighbors, living among them. So the Israelites set out and reached the Gibeonite cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the community had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel. Then the whole community grumbled against the leaders.
All the leaders answered them, "We have sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. This is how we will treat them: we will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them." They also said, "Let them live." So the Gibeonites became woodcutters and water carriers for the whole community, as the leaders had promised them. (Joshua 9:3-21 HCSB)
The sons of Gibeon, 95. (Nehemiah 7:25 ESV)
The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743. (Nehemiah 7:29 ESV)
The God who is merciful to the Hivites is the same God that is merciful to me.
Monday, October 29, 2012
God Is Not the Author of Sin
This website gives Jonathan Edwards anology of the sun to explain why God is not the author of sin.
QUOTE
"If the sun were the proper cause of cold and darkness," he says, "it would be the fountain of these things, as it is the fountain of light and heat: and then something might be argued from the nature of cold and darkness, to a likeness of nature in the sun.” In other words, “sin is not the fruit of any positive agency or influence of the most High, but on the contrary, arises from the withholding of his action and energy, and under certain circumstances, necessarily follows on the want of his influence."
UNQUOTE
When the sun is blocked, it becomes cold and dark. Likewise when God is disobeyed, sin prevails. We do not blame the sun for cold and darkness; neither can we blame God for sin.
Then come the next question. I cannot blame the sun. Although it may be powerful, but it is lifeless. But since God is almighty and predestines all things, how can He be disobeyed?
God did not answer this question, but instead He asked those who ask this question a series of questions (Job 38:1 - 40:2). It started with "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. (Job 38:4 NLT)" and ended with "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers? (Job 40:2 NLT)"
QUOTE
"If the sun were the proper cause of cold and darkness," he says, "it would be the fountain of these things, as it is the fountain of light and heat: and then something might be argued from the nature of cold and darkness, to a likeness of nature in the sun.” In other words, “sin is not the fruit of any positive agency or influence of the most High, but on the contrary, arises from the withholding of his action and energy, and under certain circumstances, necessarily follows on the want of his influence."
UNQUOTE
When the sun is blocked, it becomes cold and dark. Likewise when God is disobeyed, sin prevails. We do not blame the sun for cold and darkness; neither can we blame God for sin.
Then come the next question. I cannot blame the sun. Although it may be powerful, but it is lifeless. But since God is almighty and predestines all things, how can He be disobeyed?
God did not answer this question, but instead He asked those who ask this question a series of questions (Job 38:1 - 40:2). It started with "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. (Job 38:4 NLT)" and ended with "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers? (Job 40:2 NLT)"
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Feasts
Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God. (Exodus 23:17 ESV)
Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. For I will cast out nations before you and enlarge your borders; no one shall covet your land, when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year. (Exodus 34:23-24 ESV)
Three times a year, all the males of Israel has to go to Jerusalem. Yet during these period, Israel was not attacked by any foreign country.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 ESV)
Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. For I will cast out nations before you and enlarge your borders; no one shall covet your land, when you go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year. (Exodus 34:23-24 ESV)
Three times a year, all the males of Israel has to go to Jerusalem. Yet during these period, Israel was not attacked by any foreign country.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7 ESV)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Dharma
Karma means "to do" or "action".
Dharma means "the way things are" or "truth".
Dharma, with a capital D, is the teachings of Buddha.
Buddhists like to think of Dharma as something like mathematics and science. It is there, waiting to be discovered. Even if Buddha did not preach it, it is still there. Discovery of mathematics and science made our life better. Thanks to mathematics and science, we now have technologies that enable us to communicate faster, live more comfortably, and cure more diseases. If we have not discovered mathematics and science, we will still live, but our lives are harder and we may live like stone-age men.
Buddhists believe that Dharma is like that. If we do not know Dharma, we struggle through life with suffering and living out endless cycles of rebirth. If we follow Dharma, we will know the ultimate truth, put an end to suffering and escape from the endless cycle of rebirths and attain nirvana.
The problem is Dharma is not mathematics and science. No matter how I see it, whether from the right to the left, from the top to the bottom, from the front to the back, Dharma is not mathematics and science. It is an unproven and unverifiable hypothesis put forth by a man who claimed to be a Buddha (Awakened or Enlightened One). Of course, much of Buddha’s teaching is attractive and logical, but it rest entirely on reincarnation as a fact. Buddha did not prove reincarnation scientifically but just accept it as is. The whole Dharma now rest on a fairy tale. It is not mathematics and science.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)
Dharma means "the way things are" or "truth".
Dharma, with a capital D, is the teachings of Buddha.
Buddhists like to think of Dharma as something like mathematics and science. It is there, waiting to be discovered. Even if Buddha did not preach it, it is still there. Discovery of mathematics and science made our life better. Thanks to mathematics and science, we now have technologies that enable us to communicate faster, live more comfortably, and cure more diseases. If we have not discovered mathematics and science, we will still live, but our lives are harder and we may live like stone-age men.
Buddhists believe that Dharma is like that. If we do not know Dharma, we struggle through life with suffering and living out endless cycles of rebirth. If we follow Dharma, we will know the ultimate truth, put an end to suffering and escape from the endless cycle of rebirths and attain nirvana.
The problem is Dharma is not mathematics and science. No matter how I see it, whether from the right to the left, from the top to the bottom, from the front to the back, Dharma is not mathematics and science. It is an unproven and unverifiable hypothesis put forth by a man who claimed to be a Buddha (Awakened or Enlightened One). Of course, much of Buddha’s teaching is attractive and logical, but it rest entirely on reincarnation as a fact. Buddha did not prove reincarnation scientifically but just accept it as is. The whole Dharma now rest on a fairy tale. It is not mathematics and science.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12 ESV)
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Approaching the Unapproachable God
God dwells in unapproachable light.
... Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. ... (1 Timothy 6:15-16 ESV)
But we approach God via Christ, our great high priest, who sacrificed Himself for our sins.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens - Jesus the Son of God - let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:14-16 HCSB)
... Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. ... (1 Timothy 6:15-16 ESV)
But we approach God via Christ, our great high priest, who sacrificed Himself for our sins.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens - Jesus the Son of God - let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:14-16 HCSB)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
God Is Both Transcendent And Immanent
God is both transcendent and immanent.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15 ESV)
"Am I a God who is only close at hand?" says the LORD. "No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:23-24 ESV)
The Bible never reconcile the transcendence and immanence of God. It just mentioned both in one breath, showing that God is both.
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time - he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:13-16 ESV)
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. (John 8:23 ESV)
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:6 ESV)
Transcendence
God is apart and separate from His creations.
To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4 ESV)
For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. (Psalms 97:9 ESV)
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? (Psalm 113:5-6 ESV)
Immanence
Immanuel, God with us, through His indwelling Spirit.
And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 Young's Literal Translation)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 ESV)
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17 ESV)
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV)
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15 ESV)
"Am I a God who is only close at hand?" says the LORD. "No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:23-24 ESV)
The Bible never reconcile the transcendence and immanence of God. It just mentioned both in one breath, showing that God is both.
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time - he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:13-16 ESV)
He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. (John 8:23 ESV)
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:6 ESV)
Transcendence
God is apart and separate from His creations.
To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:4 ESV)
For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. (Psalms 97:9 ESV)
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? (Psalm 113:5-6 ESV)
Immanence
Immanuel, God with us, through His indwelling Spirit.
And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 Young's Literal Translation)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 ESV)
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17 ESV)
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Delusion 癡
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 ESV)
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. (Hebrews 3:4 NASB)
All who reject or refuse to recognize God will suffer from delusion.
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Romans 1:18-32 NASB
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NASB
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." (1 Corinthians 3:19 NLT)
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. (Luke 10:21 NASB)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:1, Psalm 14:1 KJV)
It ought to be clear as daylight that God exists. However, it is also obvious that many people doubt the existence of God, and there are agnostics who claimed that God has not given them sufficient evidence for His existence. This is because they are deluded, like the brilliant Greek mathematician and philosopher Protagoras, into thinking that man is the measure of all things. When men think that they are the centre of all things, they cannot see God. They had started with the wrong view.
The wise Buddha also realize that the right view (正見) is very important. Thus his Eight-fold path (八正道) began with the right view (正見). Buddha also taught that the wrong view (Delusion 癡) is one of the three poisons that caused suffering. The other two poisons being Greed (貪) and Hatred (瞋). Men are attached to things of the world, which are impermanent (無常).
大地及日月 時至皆歸盡 未曾有一事 不被無常吞 (佛說無常經)
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31 NIV)
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:10 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
But Buddha attached permanence to dharma, instead of the Creator of dharma. This is also a Delusion (癡).
The wise Buddha also realize that the right view (正見) is very important. Thus his Eight-fold path (八正道) began with the right view (正見). Buddha also taught that the wrong view (Delusion 癡) is one of the three poisons that caused suffering. The other two poisons being Greed (貪) and Hatred (瞋). Men are attached to things of the world, which are impermanent (無常).
大地及日月 時至皆歸盡 未曾有一事 不被無常吞 (佛說無常經)
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31 NIV)
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:10 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
But Buddha attached permanence to dharma, instead of the Creator of dharma. This is also a Delusion (癡).
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. (Hebrews 3:4 NASB)
All who reject or refuse to recognize God will suffer from delusion.
The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
Romans 1:18-32 NASB
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NASB
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness." (1 Corinthians 3:19 NLT)
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. (Luke 10:21 NASB)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:1, Psalm 14:1 KJV)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Right View 正見 - 1
Buddha told us that the first of the Eight-fold path 八正道 is to have the right view 正見. This is very true. Once you have the right view, you will have a good beginning.
And this is the right view - the Biblical world view.
First, know that there is a God.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NASB, NLT, NIV)
Next, know that God created everything through His Word - Jesus and for Him.
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3 ESV)
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 NASB)
Thirdly, know that God create all things for His glory.
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. (Isaiah 48:11 ESV)
The right view must be produce the right relationship. Acknowledge God as the creator.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3 KJV)
And God will make us His sons, and He our Father.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 ESV)
And we shall have eternal life.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Know that God always has your good in His mind.
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:11-13 ESV)
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5 ESV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 KJV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NASB)
And this is the right view - the Biblical world view.
First, know that there is a God.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NASB, NLT, NIV)
Next, know that God created everything through His Word - Jesus and for Him.
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3 ESV)
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 NASB)
Thirdly, know that God create all things for His glory.
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. (Isaiah 48:11 ESV)
The right view must be produce the right response.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)The right view must be produce the right relationship. Acknowledge God as the creator.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3 KJV)
And God will make us His sons, and He our Father.
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 ESV)
And we shall have eternal life.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:11-13 ESV)
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5 ESV)
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 ESV)
Therefore, be wise, and know God.
Therefore, be wise, and know God.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 KJV)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NASB)
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Bema Seat of Christ
The Judgement
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess[a] to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12 ESV)
each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)
The Rewards
Crown of Life (James 1:12)
The Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)
Casting the crowns
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:9-11 ESV)
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess[a] to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:10-12 ESV)
each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)
The Rewards
Crown of Life (James 1:12)
The Incorruptible Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)
Casting the crowns
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:9-11 ESV)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Bible - Creation and New Creation
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NASB, NLT, NIV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
Between the creation and new creation are recorded the acts of God, what He had done, and the prophecies, what He will do, to bring about the new creation. All the acts of God are done on earth, in this dimension, verifiable, auditable, so as to prove God, who is transcendent and unapproachable. Some of the prophecies given are fulfilled, others awaiting fulfillment.
Many refused to believe in God, resisting the Bible even from Genesis 1:1. They came up with their own theory, created religions and philosophies, explaining why the world was suffering and provided their own solution.
Others accepted Genesis 1:1, believed that there is a creator, but they want share the glory of the creator. They cannot accept that the world is created for the glory of the creator and wanted to recreate the world in their own way. So they created a creator in their own image, wrote their own books where they can have a leading role. But their books cannot be added to the Bible, because leading role in the Bible was given to Jesus.
He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:9-10 ESV)
And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." (Revelation 22:10-11 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
Between the creation and new creation are recorded the acts of God, what He had done, and the prophecies, what He will do, to bring about the new creation. All the acts of God are done on earth, in this dimension, verifiable, auditable, so as to prove God, who is transcendent and unapproachable. Some of the prophecies given are fulfilled, others awaiting fulfillment.
Many refused to believe in God, resisting the Bible even from Genesis 1:1. They came up with their own theory, created religions and philosophies, explaining why the world was suffering and provided their own solution.
Others accepted Genesis 1:1, believed that there is a creator, but they want share the glory of the creator. They cannot accept that the world is created for the glory of the creator and wanted to recreate the world in their own way. So they created a creator in their own image, wrote their own books where they can have a leading role. But their books cannot be added to the Bible, because leading role in the Bible was given to Jesus.
He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:9-10 ESV)
And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." (Revelation 22:10-11 ESV)
Friday, October 19, 2012
God Cannot Be Selfish
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Many people find God's motivation for creation selfish, creating all things for His own pleasure. Maybe we should just examine ourselves. First, look at the comfortable chair that we are sitting on. We created the chair for our pleasure. No one ever call ourselves selfish, for creating comfortable homes, furniture, clothings and a host of other things. And think of it, these things are made from material created by God, and we never thank Him for them.
Many people find God's motivation for creation selfish, creating all things for His own pleasure. Maybe we should just examine ourselves. First, look at the comfortable chair that we are sitting on. We created the chair for our pleasure. No one ever call ourselves selfish, for creating comfortable homes, furniture, clothings and a host of other things. And think of it, these things are made from material created by God, and we never thank Him for them.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
God's Selfishness Benefits Us
God does not care about anything except His own glory. This is good for us.
We will succeed because we bare His Name (we are Christians). If we fail, He will lose face.
We will succeed in His way. If we succeed in our way, He will lose face.
His way is the best way because He holds the future. We will succeed beyond our wildest imagination if we follow Him.
God is the only Being that is worthy of being selfish. For He is One and all things are created by Him and for Him.
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 NASB)
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. (Isaiah 48:11 ESV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
We will succeed because we bare His Name (we are Christians). If we fail, He will lose face.
We will succeed in His way. If we succeed in our way, He will lose face.
His way is the best way because He holds the future. We will succeed beyond our wildest imagination if we follow Him.
God is the only Being that is worthy of being selfish. For He is One and all things are created by Him and for Him.
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16 NASB)
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. (Isaiah 48:11 ESV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Contentment And Humility
Give thanks to God in all things and you will be content.
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20 KJV)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Give glory to God in all things and you will be humble.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20 KJV)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
Give glory to God in all things and you will be humble.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Buddhism - the Unverifiable Alternative
This is a quote taken from a booklet written by A.L. De Silva, "Beyond Belief: a Buddhist Critique of Christianity". It is taken from Chapter 7: Buddhism - the Logical Alternative.
QUOTE
If you have no satisfactory teacher, then take this sure Dhamma and practise it. For Dhamma is sure, and when rightly undertaken it will he to your welfare and happiness for a long time. (The Buddha)
Christianity is based upon certain supposed historical events (the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc), the only record of which is an allegedly reliable document called the Bible. If these events can he shown to have never occurred, and if the documents recording these events can he shown to be unreliable, then Christianity will collapse. In this book we have seen that the claims are at best highly doubtful and at worst demonstrably wrong.
When we examine the teachings of the Buddha we find an entirely different situation. Even if we were able to prove that the Buddha never existed or that there were mistakes in the Buddhist scriptures this would in no way undermine Buddhism. And why? Because Buddhism is not primarily about the historical Buddha or about events which happened in the past; rather, it is about human suffering, what causes that suffering, and how it can be overcome so that humans can be free, happy and radiant. If we wish to verify or understand Buddhism we don't pick through scriptures squabbling about the meaning of words or phrases; rather, we become sensitive to our own experience. Let us examine the four principles which are the doctrinal basis of Buddhism.
UNQUOTE
I just cannot believe what I am reading. Here the author is asking us not to trust in a religion based on verifiable events, but to trust Dhamma, something which is not objectively verifiable, yet has to be "rightly undertaken" and can only be subjectively experienced.
Truth Verification
There are two ways to verify truth. One is the legal way, and the other the scientific way. The legal way to verify truth are those used in the courts, based on eye witnesses and evidence. Scientific way is to come up with a hypothesis and prove it by doing experiments.
Christianity
Christianity is based on verifiable events, not cunningly devised fables. Christianity is based on the fact the God exists, and He had acted throughout history, and these actions are recorded in the Bible. These actions are recorded with witnesses and objective evidence, evidence that can be proven or disproved scientifically. Thus like what the author A.L. De Silva wrote, "If these events can he shown to have never occurred, and if the documents recording these events can he shown to be unreliable, then Christianity will collapse." Even apostle Paul knew that and he wrote it in the Bible.
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. (1 Corinthians 15:13-15 NASB)
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16 KJV)
Eye witnesses, truth, facts and faith based on facts. This is what Christianity is about.
Buddhism
A.L. De Silva did a very bad job in defending Buddhism. I believe what he is trying to say is that the Dhamma is like science and mathematics. Scientists and mathematicians can be wrong, but science and mathematics still exist, because it is true.
However, Dhamma is not science and mathematics. How can I know that the Dhamma is true? Tell me, how do you test your hypothesis of Dhamma by doing experiments? It is impossible.
QUOTE
If you have no satisfactory teacher, then take this sure Dhamma and practise it. For Dhamma is sure, and when rightly undertaken it will he to your welfare and happiness for a long time. (The Buddha)
Christianity is based upon certain supposed historical events (the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc), the only record of which is an allegedly reliable document called the Bible. If these events can he shown to have never occurred, and if the documents recording these events can he shown to be unreliable, then Christianity will collapse. In this book we have seen that the claims are at best highly doubtful and at worst demonstrably wrong.
When we examine the teachings of the Buddha we find an entirely different situation. Even if we were able to prove that the Buddha never existed or that there were mistakes in the Buddhist scriptures this would in no way undermine Buddhism. And why? Because Buddhism is not primarily about the historical Buddha or about events which happened in the past; rather, it is about human suffering, what causes that suffering, and how it can be overcome so that humans can be free, happy and radiant. If we wish to verify or understand Buddhism we don't pick through scriptures squabbling about the meaning of words or phrases; rather, we become sensitive to our own experience. Let us examine the four principles which are the doctrinal basis of Buddhism.
UNQUOTE
I just cannot believe what I am reading. Here the author is asking us not to trust in a religion based on verifiable events, but to trust Dhamma, something which is not objectively verifiable, yet has to be "rightly undertaken" and can only be subjectively experienced.
Truth Verification
There are two ways to verify truth. One is the legal way, and the other the scientific way. The legal way to verify truth are those used in the courts, based on eye witnesses and evidence. Scientific way is to come up with a hypothesis and prove it by doing experiments.
Christianity
Christianity is based on verifiable events, not cunningly devised fables. Christianity is based on the fact the God exists, and He had acted throughout history, and these actions are recorded in the Bible. These actions are recorded with witnesses and objective evidence, evidence that can be proven or disproved scientifically. Thus like what the author A.L. De Silva wrote, "If these events can he shown to have never occurred, and if the documents recording these events can he shown to be unreliable, then Christianity will collapse." Even apostle Paul knew that and he wrote it in the Bible.
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. (1 Corinthians 15:13-15 NASB)
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16 KJV)
Eye witnesses, truth, facts and faith based on facts. This is what Christianity is about.
Buddhism
A.L. De Silva did a very bad job in defending Buddhism. I believe what he is trying to say is that the Dhamma is like science and mathematics. Scientists and mathematicians can be wrong, but science and mathematics still exist, because it is true.
However, Dhamma is not science and mathematics. How can I know that the Dhamma is true? Tell me, how do you test your hypothesis of Dhamma by doing experiments? It is impossible.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Let Us
Hebrews 10:22-24 ESV
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Love Is Action
Love is action.
God love us by dying for our sins.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. (1 John 4:9 NLT)
We love God by obeying Him.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15 KJV)
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. (John 14:21 NASB)
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23 KJV)
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3 NLT)
And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. (2 John 1:6 ESV)
God love us by dying for our sins.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NASB)
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. (1 John 4:9 NLT)
We love God by obeying Him.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15 KJV)
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. (John 14:21 NASB)
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23 KJV)
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3 NLT)
And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. (2 John 1:6 ESV)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Gospel
What is the Gospel?
The Gospel is Jesus Christ, seed of David, resurrected from the dead.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. (2 Timothy 2:8-9 NIV)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4 KJV)
The Gospel is Jesus Christ, seed of David, resurrected from the dead.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. (2 Timothy 2:8-9 NIV)
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4 KJV)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Truth Versus Democracy
Truth always win. Even democracy loses to truth. If everyone in the world vote that the earth is flat, the earth is still round.
Jesus said, "I am ... the truth, ..." (John 14:6)
Do not reject the truth.
Jesus said, "I am ... the truth, ..." (John 14:6)
Do not reject the truth.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Seek Do Teach
Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (KJV)
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (ESV)
Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. (HCSB)
לִדְר֛וֹשׁ,וְלַעֲשֹׂ֑ת,וּלְלַמֵּ֥ד
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. (KJV)
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (ESV)
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. (NASB)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (NIV)
This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. (NLT)
Ezra had spent his entire life studying and obeying the Law of the Lord and teaching it to others. (CEV)
לִדְר֛וֹשׁ,וְלַעֲשֹׂ֑ת,וּלְלַמֵּ֥ד
Seek, do, teach. (KJV)
Study, do, teach. (ESV)
Study, practice, teach. (NASB)
Study, observe, teach. (NIV)
Study, obey, teach. (HCSB, NLT, CEV)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Faith Needed And Dangerous
We need faith because we are not omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotent.
Omniscience
If we know all, we do not need faith. If we know, we do not need to be convinced, we do not need to be assured. We do not know, so we have to trust that those who tell us are telling the truth.
Omnipresent
We can be present physically at one spot and chronologically at a moment. Let say I can be present from now till tomorrow simultaneously, I can know the future. We need faith because we do not know the future.
Omnipotent
We cannot do everything ourselves. We need to trust someone to do it for us. We need faith in someone.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV, NASB)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)
Faith is dangerous because faith leads you to believe in things which you do not see. We hope, therefore we believe. If we have false hope, we will have false beliefs.
Omniscience
If we know all, we do not need faith. If we know, we do not need to be convinced, we do not need to be assured. We do not know, so we have to trust that those who tell us are telling the truth.
Omnipresent
We can be present physically at one spot and chronologically at a moment. Let say I can be present from now till tomorrow simultaneously, I can know the future. We need faith because we do not know the future.
Omnipotent
We cannot do everything ourselves. We need to trust someone to do it for us. We need faith in someone.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV, NASB)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 NLT)
Faith is dangerous because faith leads you to believe in things which you do not see. We hope, therefore we believe. If we have false hope, we will have false beliefs.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Walk
2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight (KJV, ESV, NASB HCSB)
We live by faith, not by sight. (NIV)
For we live by believing and not by seeing. (NLT)
So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight, and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 HCSB)
Faith pleases God
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 HCSB)
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:9 HCSB)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
Faith glorifies God
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (Romans 4:20 NLT)
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. (Romans 3:27 NLT)
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27 KJV)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight (KJV, ESV, NASB HCSB)
We live by faith, not by sight. (NIV)
For we live by believing and not by seeing. (NLT)
So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight, and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10 HCSB)
Faith pleases God
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 HCSB)
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:9 HCSB)
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
Faith glorifies God
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (Romans 4:20 NLT)
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. (Romans 3:27 NLT)
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (Romans 3:27 KJV)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV)
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