This article explains prayer for what it actually is: A quest for the will of God. The basic question that many people ask is this: when we pray, can we ask for what we desire? Or should we rather say "let Your will be done." We know that as fallible human beings we often ask for the wrong things, and that God is infinitely wise, so He alone knows what is best for us. And He is sovereign, which means He dispenses grace as He independently decides. Many people lose the motivation to pray when they think about the sovereignty of God. However, as the article attempts to explain, prayer is an adventure; a guiding hand that God extends for us to know His will and to follow Him.
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This article was written as a reflection, in between the studies of the Book of Exodus and Joshua. And this is its central question:
Joseph was led to entry but was denied exit. Moses led the exit but was denied entry. Joshua started conquest but was denied its completion. David accomplished conquest but was denied the Temple. But why did God do things this way? Why deny Moses entry when he had been so faithful in leading the people and did but one small mistake? Why deny Joshua, a faithful aide and an obedient servant, conquest of the land? Why deny David the privilege of building the Temple of God only to hand the task to a son who was no better than him? |
The issue of church governance normally grows in importance as a congregation grows in, size. Such pragmatic approach, though common, is potentially damaging. As the saying goes, a failure to plan is a plan to fail. And considering a system of governance only when the need arises could mean that certain complexities have already arisen that will hinder the placement of an effective system. As such, the article serves to consider the different system of church governance, for early placement. I would encourage those who are involved in ecclesiastical work to ponder upon this, not when the issue becomes pertinent, but as early as possible.
After arguing the strengths and weaknesses of each model (Episcopalian, Presbyterian and Congregational), the article argues for the Presbyterian model - not as a direct import of biblical imperative, but rather as one best suited to ensure biblicality in practice. The article presumes basic knowledge of the definitions of each system on the part of the readers. |
In the modern age where the most excellent sermons are accessible through the Internet, is going to a physical church still a must? The article argues for the insufficiency of only mainaining a private devotional life, and argues for the necessity of a healthy Christian fellowship; not only for the growth of the individual but also for the edification of the whole church. It argues that through fellowship, God ensures that His people are kept pure; that they grow organically; and that they are united with the true faith. This is what Christ meant in Matt 18:50 when He promised His special presence for a fellowship in His name.
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THE BLESSED MARRIAGE (Series)
Session 1. The institution of marriage was initiated, designed and sanctioned by God from the very beginning. God's task for mankind to multiply and subjugate the earth was centered on the union between Adam and Eve. The centrality of the family for godliness and fruitfulness, therefore, cannot be understated. It is for this very reason that we can expect a concentrated attack by the adversary on the institution of marriage. And we have seen this in many aspects when the world now invent marriages that are some things other than the monogamous, pure, and God-centered union prescribed in the Book of Genesis. In this first session, we will discuss marriage as God intended: marriage that is (1) Good, (2) Designed, (3) Pure, (4) Natural, (5) Instituted, and (6) Productive.
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