The Gospel According to Yeeks

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown" And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to your better than light and safer than a known way." M.Louise Haskins

I've figured I will try this plan for 2015.  Bible Reading Plan

Dear Process Dept, As we approach the Christmas holiday tomorrow, please permit me to write to you some things behind the significance of this holiday to all our lives. Many regard this holiday as a "Christian" holiday but in truth it belongs to everybody regardless of your culture and it is a day we have simply set aside to cherish in the birth of Somebody. I ask that you allow some space in your hearts to read what I am about to write. I consider the sharing of the Christmas story to be far more important than the sizing of vessels, control valves, relief valves and many other day to day work that we do as Process Engineers. Not that they are not important of course. But just as the sun dwarfs the lamp in light-giving, so the proclamation of things revealed to us triumph over daily engineering work. This year is the year 2014. It is actually more appropriate to refer to the year as 2014 A.D. and A.D. is Latin for anno domini which is the starting of a reference poi

Roman forum - Not unlike the Agora in Acts 17 One of the things I have learned from Paul in the Mars Hill account in Acts 17 is the emphasis of the Resurrection in his discussions. I have often wondered if we have made a mistake by not encouraging others to emphasize the resurrection of Jesus more in their evangelism. We notice this in the passage below: 16  Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18  Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”— because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection . 19  And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you

Grace Baptist Church Youth Camp 20th of December, in the year of our Lord 2014

This is by far one of the most interesting books I have read this year. While I do not really agree with everything that is written in it, I love it for its pastoral love, humble tone, sincerity and a passionate presentation of the grace of God. The man who wrote this obviously has a heart which loves the Word. May I also have the same that I can love Him after realizing what love He has for all of us.

http://www.vancouverstar.com/index.php/sid/227523125 Nahum 3 3 Woe to the bloody city,     all full of lies and plunder—     no end to the prey! 2 The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel,     galloping horse and bounding chariot! 3 Horsemen charging,     flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain,     heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end—     they stumble over the bodies! 4 And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute,     graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings,     and peoples with her charms. 5 Behold, I am against you,     declares the Lord of hosts,     and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness     and kingdoms at your shame. 6 I will throw filth at you     and treat you with contempt     and make you a spectacle. 7 And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?”     Where shall I seek comforter

I have recently been reading a rather intriguing book called "The Genesis Genealogies" by Dr Abraham Park. He shared through the book how one can use reference points to date the events. Now we know the timelines are always there. I just have not met someone who has done serious mathematical calculations with them. So for example you can prove that the Exodus events occurred in 1446 B.C. Here is how. "Now it came about in the four hundred and eightieth year (480) after the sons of Israel came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD." (1 Kings 6:1) So historically Solomon ascended the throne in the year 970 B.C. and he built the temple in 966 B.C. Using that we can add 480 to 966 to obtain 1446 B.C. as the year of the Exodus. But there is more. "Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years

I recently wrote an article for my church's quarterly newsletter. The article may be downloaded here .

I went to watch Joe Satriani tonight. Courtesy of a friend who gave me a complimentary ticket. As you can see the ticket costs $0.00. I was very grateful for that but there were moments during the concert where I teared. And the reason I teared is because a few years ago, this was my world. Guitars and music dominated me. There were times when I wished to be exactly like Satriani. But I no longer have those desires. They are all dead. I teared because I know He has begun a good work in me. Instead of being a student of Satriani, I now want to be a student of Christ. The road is full of struggles. I have a long way to go. But there is no way back now. I am dead to the world because I know nothing in it can satisfy me.

http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2014/11/13993/ Can't help but think of Judges when I read this. "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes." (Judges 21:25)

I stand before God with my conscience clean on these two matters - that in the realm of public discourse I have defended the authentic gospel against firstly, those who would validate that the love of God permits an antinomian lifestyle of homosexuality and secondly, against those who think the privileges of the gospel of Jesus Christ do not extend to those who struggle with such same sex desires and are genuinely repentant

The devil uses the gospel so we think our sin is excused, rather than pardoned. - Rev Dr John Kleinig

The doctrine of the Fall (both of man and of some “gods,” “eldils” or “angels”) is the only satisfactory explanation. Evil begins, in a universe where all was good, from free will, which was permitted because it makes possible the greatest good of all. The corruption of the first sinner consists not in choosing some evil thing (there are no evil things for him to choose) but in preferring a lesser good (himself) before a greater (God). The Fall is, in fact, Pride. The possibility of this wrong preference is inherent in the v. fact of having, or being, a self at all. But though freedom is real it is not infinite. Every choice reduces a little one’s freedom to choose the next time. There therefore comes a time when the creature is fully built, irrevocably attached either to God or to itself. This irrevocableness is what we call Heaven or Hell. Every conscious agent is finally committed in the long run: i.e., it rises above freedom into willed, but henceforth unalterable, union with God,

Paying attention to the way Jesus speaks in the Sermon on the Mount can show us wonderful things: “ You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22   But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother [ c ] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults [ d ] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell [ e ] of fire. Matthew 5:21-22 “ You have heard that it was said , ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32  But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.   Matthew 5:31-3

“Believe” The Theme of Book of John John 1 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. (John 1:7) 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) John 2  This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11) When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2:22) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. (John 2:23) John 3 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe , how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? (John 3:12) And as Moses lif

Many times, God's first words to us is "Do not be afraid." because our first response to Him is always fear. :)

"So what seems to be the problem?" "The problem is I already know ..." "What do you mean?" "He is going to tell me my heart is clinging on to idols, to set my worth on Christ, to hope in things eternal, to love others more than self, to carry the weight of the Cross, to rely on the inner workings of the Spirit" "Is he right?" "He is right about everything." "So?" "It still feels horribly empty and void. As if he is describing a world completely different from mine."

"When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus." (John 12:9-11)

Gary Moore — The Messiah Will Come Again: http://youtu.be/7k07j7LcLqw

Biblical Theme: The Messiah: http://youtu.be/3dEh25pduQ8

"You can have the best holiday in the world, all the masters education you want, the best possible job the best possible husband, the best possible friends and yet all these things put together will not even come close to what Jesus Christ gives and does for a person. This is why I tell everyone about Him. Don't joke about this." An admittedly very angry response to a friend. Lord have mercy on me.

You were the one who left

"In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense." (Isaiah 17:7-8)

A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD

For use in the office fellowship tomorrow!

Once Captive Illustration from Red Yellow Gorilla on Vimeo .

The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God by Gregory K Beale. I have purchased the book above as part of my reading for the youth camp sermon.

"Millennial views" by Lamorak - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Millennial_views.svg#mediaviewer/File:Millennial_views.svg

There has been a lot of things happening and as result, this blog has been somewhat neglected but if you are reading this I want you to be informed of  few things that God has let me be a part of. Pray for faithfulness and God's sustenance and that I will trust in Him no matter what: 1. Care groups in Church After finishing our studies in Nehemiah, we now begin a study on the Sermon on the Mount. Its very different from Nehemiah but a worthwhile study. As ever I find myself learning so much as I try to teach. Both the care groups at Young Adults and Uncle HK's have been a blessing. I enjoy serving them and thank them for the privilege of serving them. 2. Acts Baptist Church I recently did two talks for the youths at this church. It was my first time being exposed to ministry at a different church. I gave two talks within the space of a month. One on baptism - what is its purpose and why do it. Second one was on the very weighty topic of the doctrine of election. I hope th

The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulla down the strongholds of the devil.

“True prayer,” wrote Samuel M. Zwemer, “is God the Holy Spirit talking to God the Father in the name of God the Son, and the believer’s heart is the prayerroom.”

Sean: Do you have a soul mate? Will: Define that. Sean: Someone you can relate to, someone who opens things up for you. Will: Sure, I got plenty. Sean: Well, name them. Will: Shakespeare, Nietzsche, Frost, O'Conner... Sean: Well that's great. They're all dead. Will: Not to me, they're not. Sean: You can't have a lot of dialogue with them. Will: Not without a heater and some serious smelling salts.

"The law of the Lord is perfect,     reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,     making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right,     rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure,     enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean,     enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true,     and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold,     even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey     and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned;     in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11

"The place of resort was now altered, it was no longer the tavern, but the minister's houses that was thronged far more than ever the tavern wont to be." Jonathan Edwards, A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God, 1736

The tragedy of idolatry is that we imagine God to behave in a certain way and to respond to us in a certain form. Not only do we then bow down to this self created idol but we then invite others to do the same. The real God cannot be imagined. He is known only when He reveals Himself. And He does so through His Word.

At the end of the reading you must leave convicted that you have been found to be a murderer, an adulterer, a liar, a hypocrite.

Look at the Book Preview: http://youtu.be/kkYvqGHDeHg

Behold I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel. (2 Chronicles 2:4) "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, "The LORD, the God of Cyrus king of Persia, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the LORD his God be with him. Let him go up." (2 Chronicles 36:23)

 Delivered this sermon at our Young Adults Retreat this weekend. The best retreat so far. God really did a mighty work this weekend.

"Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins, while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded, and have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops, blighted before it is grown." 2 Kings 20:25 - 26

The theology behind 1-2 Kings is perfectly summed up by this verse. Will there be a King that fits this bill. 1-2 Kings is a frustrating list of failures of the Kings who can walk this way. There will come a Son of David who walked with the Lord in even greater ways that David did. David wrote the Psalms but He lived and fulfilled the Psalms. David committed adultery but He never committed adultery with the Bride He so loves. For this and so much more, He is enthroned forever.

"And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies?Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? " Luke 5:20-23 Many would think that the ability to heal a paralytic is a big deal but this misses the point of what Jesus is saying. The more difficult miracle to perform is the forgiveness of sins. We are so silly to be impressed by the healing of the paralytic that we forget that Jesus performed the more difficult miracle first. "Which is easier?" The healing of the paralytic is easier. The forgiveness of sins would require the death of the Son of God.

"For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor 4:6 is Paul preaching the gospel from Gen 1:3

By William J. Irons (1812-1883) What sacred fountain yonder springs Up from the throne of God, And all new covenant blessings brings? 'Tis Jesus' precious blood. What mighty sum paid all my debt, When I a bondman stood, And has my soul at freedom set? 'Tis Jesus' precious blood. What stream can sweep away My sins just like a flood, Nor lets one guilty blemish stay? 'Tis Jesus' precious blood. What voice is that which speaks for me In heaven's court for good, And from the curse has set me free? 'Tis Jesus' precious blood. What theme, my soul shall best employ Thy harp before thy God, And make all heaven to ring with joy? 'Tis Jesus' precious blood.

John Locke - Essay on Human Understanding. Jonathan Edwards - Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections From Paradise to Promised Land - T.D. Alexander

My previous post on the Inclusio of the Book of Matthew is shaping to be some useful material for GBC's Youth Bible Conference. Worked with some of the younger ones today. Thankful for the opportunity Lord. Please acconplish your work among us.

The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew, Though justice be thy plea, consider this, That, in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much To mitigate the justice of thy plea; Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2014/05/21

1 Kings 6:37-38 "In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid, in the month of Ziv. And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it." 1 Kings 7:1 "Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house." Thirteen years to build our own houses and seven years to build God's house. This is exactly how we treat God.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2014/05/14/god-can-be-known-in-personal-experience/

http://themysteriesofgrace.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/questions-and-answers/

From wikipedia: "In literature, inclusio is a literary device based on a concentric principle, also known as bracketing or an envelope structure, which consists of creating a frame by placing similar material at the beginning and end of a section, although whether this material should consist of a word or a phrase, or whether greater amounts of text also qualify, and of what length the frames section should be, are matters of some debate. Inclusio is found in various sources, both antique and new." The Inclusio of the Book of Matthew is that it starts and ends with "Immanuel". At the start, after the genealogies we are told that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (Matt 1:22-23). "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,     and they shall call his name Immanuel” It then ends with "Immanuel" being fulfilled in the act of discipling. "G