Wrestling with God

Recommended by John Wilson, editor of Books and Culture | posted 3/31/2009 09:30AM.

This is a great and provocating, sometimes heart tearing book to read. Simone Weil is a Christian mystic who suffers from physical and emotional illness. One of my own favourite

Wrestling with God : An Introduction to Simone Weil Simone Weil

If you haven't read the sometimes exasperating, often unsettling, but entirely unforgettable French thinker Simone Weil (1909-1943), this handsomely produced booklet in the Trinity Forum Readings series would serve you well. It combines brief selections from her writings with a helpful introductory essay by Alonzo L. McDonald. And I expect it will leave you wanting to read more. The booklet would also make a good gift for a student or a friend who is herself wrestling with God. Driscoll and Breshears bravely follow Christ in his descent to hell to preach to those who are held captive by sin and death.

Wrestling with God

Recommended by John Wilson, editor of Books and Culture | posted 3/31/2009 09:30AM.

This is a great and provocating, sometimes heart tearing book to read. Simone Weil is a Christian mystic who suffers from physical and emotional illness. One of my own favourite

Wrestling with God : An Introduction to Simone Weil Simone Weil

If you haven't read the sometimes exasperating, often unsettling, but entirely unforgettable French thinker Simone Weil (1909-1943), this handsomely produced booklet in the Trinity Forum Readings series would serve you well. It combines brief selections from her writings with a helpful introductory essay by Alonzo L. McDonald. And I expect it will leave you wanting to read more. The booklet would also make a good gift for a student or a friend who is herself wrestling with God. Driscoll and Breshears bravely follow Christ in his descent to hell to preach to those who are held captive by sin and death.

Postcards from the Edge (10)

Postcards from the Edge (10)

Resources for Lent

Christianity Today, March, 2009

My Top 5 Resources for Lent

Best books to read before Easter.

Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center | posted 3/25/2009 10:22AM

Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter Orbis Books

Six dozen penetrating readings from evangelical stalwarts (Chambers, Stott, Yancey), classic masters (Augustine, Luther, Pascal), English favorites (Chesterton, Lewis, Sayers), and scores of others provide deep insight across the gamut of Lenten themes.

* * *

Small Surrenders: A Lenten Journey Emilie Griffin

Short, simple reflections encourage us to move beyond the surface question, "What are you giving up for Lent?" to embrace small surrenders. This is "a series of large and small conversions, inner revolutions, that lead to our transformation in Christ."

* * *

The Way of the Heart Henri Nouwen

In his inimitable style, Nouwen leads readers through the practices of solitude, silence, and prayer to teach us very practical ways to "fashion our own wilderness"—one of the great themes of Lent.

* * *

Fasting: Beyond our Appetites Lynne M. Baab

To a consumer generation always feeding but never satisfied, Baab presents fasting as an invitation to "back away" from the madness of this table and feed on the living bread. This book is a fitting primer for those seeking a broader understanding of fasting.

* * *

Eastertide: Prayers for Lent through Easter Phyllis Tickle

Whatever disciplines we do or don't choose for Lent, at the very least, we need a way to pray. Taken from her larger work The Divine Hours, this small paperback provides fixed-hour prayers to carry you through the season. Don't leave home without it.

read more

Resources for Lent

Christianity Today, March, 2009

My Top 5 Resources for Lent

Best books to read before Easter.

Ruth Haley Barton, president of the Transforming Center | posted 3/25/2009 10:22AM

Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter Orbis Books

Six dozen penetrating readings from evangelical stalwarts (Chambers, Stott, Yancey), classic masters (Augustine, Luther, Pascal), English favorites (Chesterton, Lewis, Sayers), and scores of others provide deep insight across the gamut of Lenten themes.

* * *

Small Surrenders: A Lenten Journey Emilie Griffin

Short, simple reflections encourage us to move beyond the surface question, "What are you giving up for Lent?" to embrace small surrenders. This is "a series of large and small conversions, inner revolutions, that lead to our transformation in Christ."

* * *

The Way of the Heart Henri Nouwen

In his inimitable style, Nouwen leads readers through the practices of solitude, silence, and prayer to teach us very practical ways to "fashion our own wilderness"—one of the great themes of Lent.

* * *

Fasting: Beyond our Appetites Lynne M. Baab

To a consumer generation always feeding but never satisfied, Baab presents fasting as an invitation to "back away" from the madness of this table and feed on the living bread. This book is a fitting primer for those seeking a broader understanding of fasting.

* * *

Eastertide: Prayers for Lent through Easter Phyllis Tickle

Whatever disciplines we do or don't choose for Lent, at the very least, we need a way to pray. Taken from her larger work The Divine Hours, this small paperback provides fixed-hour prayers to carry you through the season. Don't leave home without it.

read more

Reformed Perspectives Magazine Volume 11, Number 13

Reformed Perspectives Magazine Volume 11, Number 13 (March 29 to April 4, 2009), is now available. The following articles are featured in this issue:

1 Timothy - An Introduction
A Sermon
By: Scott Lindsay
Webpage PDF Word

The Shepherd and His Flock
An Article
By: Murdoch Campbell
Webpage PDF Word

The Lord’s Prayer, III
An Article
By: Robert Traill
Webpage PDF Word

Summary of Christian Doctrine, III
An Article
By: Louis Berkhof
Webpage PDF Word

There Was Silence in Heaven
An Article
By: Kim Riddlebarger
Webpage PDF Word

God’s Golden Warriors
An Article
By: Jim Williams
Webpage PDF Word

Reformed Perspectives Magazine Volume 11, Number 13

Reformed Perspectives Magazine Volume 11, Number 13 (March 29 to April 4, 2009), is now available. The following articles are featured in this issue:

1 Timothy - An Introduction
A Sermon
By: Scott Lindsay
Webpage PDF Word

The Shepherd and His Flock
An Article
By: Murdoch Campbell
Webpage PDF Word

The Lord’s Prayer, III
An Article
By: Robert Traill
Webpage PDF Word

Summary of Christian Doctrine, III
An Article
By: Louis Berkhof
Webpage PDF Word

There Was Silence in Heaven
An Article
By: Kim Riddlebarger
Webpage PDF Word

God’s Golden Warriors
An Article
By: Jim Williams
Webpage PDF Word

The Wisdom of the Desert Abba and Amma (16)

A certain man said that there were once three men who loved labors, and they were monks. The first one chose to go about and see where there was strife, which he turned into peace; the second chose to go about and visit the sick; but the third departed to the desert that he might dwell in quietness. Finally the first man, who had chosen to still the contentions of men, was unable to make every man to be at peace with his neighbor, and his spirit was sad. He went to the man who had chosen to visit the sick; he found him in affliction because he was not able to fulfill the law which he had laid down for himself.

Then the two of them went to the monk in the desert, and seeing each other they rejoiced, and the two men related to the third the tribulations which had befallen them in the world. They entreated him to tell them how he had lived in the desert. He was silent, but after a little he said unto them, "Come, let each of us go and fill a vessel of water." After they had filled the vessel, he said unto them, "Pour out some of the water into a basin, and look down to the bottom through it," and they did so. He then said unto them, "What do you see?" And they said, "We see nothing." After the water in the basin had ceased to move, he said to them a second time, "Look into the water," and they looked, and he said unto them, "What do you see?" They said unto him, "We see our own faces distinctly."

He said unto them, "Thus is it with the man who dwelleth with men, for by reason of the disturbance caused by the affairs of the world he cannot see his sins; but if he live in the peace and quietness of the desert he is able to see God clearly."

The Wisdom of the Desert Abba and Amma (16)

A certain man said that there were once three men who loved labors, and they were monks. The first one chose to go about and see where there was strife, which he turned into peace; the second chose to go about and visit the sick; but the third departed to the desert that he might dwell in quietness. Finally the first man, who had chosen to still the contentions of men, was unable to make every man to be at peace with his neighbor, and his spirit was sad. He went to the man who had chosen to visit the sick; he found him in affliction because he was not able to fulfill the law which he had laid down for himself.

Then the two of them went to the monk in the desert, and seeing each other they rejoiced, and the two men related to the third the tribulations which had befallen them in the world. They entreated him to tell them how he had lived in the desert. He was silent, but after a little he said unto them, "Come, let each of us go and fill a vessel of water." After they had filled the vessel, he said unto them, "Pour out some of the water into a basin, and look down to the bottom through it," and they did so. He then said unto them, "What do you see?" And they said, "We see nothing." After the water in the basin had ceased to move, he said to them a second time, "Look into the water," and they looked, and he said unto them, "What do you see?" They said unto him, "We see our own faces distinctly."

He said unto them, "Thus is it with the man who dwelleth with men, for by reason of the disturbance caused by the affairs of the world he cannot see his sins; but if he live in the peace and quietness of the desert he is able to see God clearly."

The Day of the Triffids

This is one of the earlier science fiction books I read which has hooked me to science fiction ever since.



The Day of the Triffids
John Wyndham
(1951)

Wyndham’s novel has two strands of catastrophe. Firstly, lights from a meteor shower blind anyone who watches it (and that’s most people) and the visionless society completely breaks down. Then the triffids – walking, killing, meat-eating plants – take advantage of the whole situation and go on the rampage.

.

The Day of the Triffids

This is one of the earlier science fiction books I read which has hooked me to science fiction ever since.



The Day of the Triffids
John Wyndham
(1951)

Wyndham’s novel has two strands of catastrophe. Firstly, lights from a meteor shower blind anyone who watches it (and that’s most people) and the visionless society completely breaks down. Then the triffids – walking, killing, meat-eating plants – take advantage of the whole situation and go on the rampage.

.

Tank Warfare in Warhammer 40,000

After a busy day of preaching twice and giving a talk, I am happy that I am able to relax by reading a novel on tank warfare. I wish to thank all my prayer partners that literally prayed me through this grueling day.

I found this book, Gunheads by Steve Parker at the MPH bookstore. It is a novel about Warhammer 40,000.


From the wiki

The Warhammer 40,000 game setting is a space opera that takes place
in a gothic science-fantasy universe. Set in the 41st millennium, most of the major storylines that provide the backdrop and history span over millennia. Central to the Warhammer 40,000 universe are the Space Marines, somewhat anachronistic combinations of genetically enhanced super-soldiers with world-destroying firepower, and crusading knights with an unswerving, fanatical loyalty to the God-Emperor. While Space Marines act as the special forces of the Imperium, the bulk of mankind's military power is found in the Imperial Guard, which consist of billions of regiments, each thousands of soldiers strong. Their quintessential opposition is the Chaos Space Marines, who betrayed the Emperor during the Horus Heresy, led by Warmaster Horus (who was eventually killed by the Emperor). Much of the Milky Way galaxy is controlled by the Imperium of Man, though it is not the only galactic power. Other races include the Orks, a barbaric humanoid green-skinned semi-fungoid race; the Eldar, survivors of an ancient fallen civilization reminiscent of classic fantasy Elves; the Tau, a young and technologically-sophisticated civilization of aliens that work for the "greater good" of their empire and its inhabitants; the Necrons, soulless living metal constructs tricked into slavery by star gods; and the Tyranids, an all-consuming, all-organic, bio-engineered, extragalactic hive-swarm. Each of these races have playable armies. Other playable armies include the Witch Hunters and Daemonhunters, organizations within the Imperium, as well as the fallen Dark Eldar and the capricious Daemons of Chaos.

Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop, set in a science fantasy universe. I have watched a few games being played but am not involved in the inticracies of the game yet.

picture source here and here

Tank Warfare in Warhammer 40,000

After a busy day of preaching twice and giving a talk, I am happy that I am able to relax by reading a novel on tank warfare. I wish to thank all my prayer partners that literally prayed me through this grueling day.

I found this book, Gunheads by Steve Parker at the MPH bookstore. It is a novel about Warhammer 40,000.


From the wiki

The Warhammer 40,000 game setting is a space opera that takes place
in a gothic science-fantasy universe. Set in the 41st millennium, most of the major storylines that provide the backdrop and history span over millennia. Central to the Warhammer 40,000 universe are the Space Marines, somewhat anachronistic combinations of genetically enhanced super-soldiers with world-destroying firepower, and crusading knights with an unswerving, fanatical loyalty to the God-Emperor. While Space Marines act as the special forces of the Imperium, the bulk of mankind's military power is found in the Imperial Guard, which consist of billions of regiments, each thousands of soldiers strong. Their quintessential opposition is the Chaos Space Marines, who betrayed the Emperor during the Horus Heresy, led by Warmaster Horus (who was eventually killed by the Emperor). Much of the Milky Way galaxy is controlled by the Imperium of Man, though it is not the only galactic power. Other races include the Orks, a barbaric humanoid green-skinned semi-fungoid race; the Eldar, survivors of an ancient fallen civilization reminiscent of classic fantasy Elves; the Tau, a young and technologically-sophisticated civilization of aliens that work for the "greater good" of their empire and its inhabitants; the Necrons, soulless living metal constructs tricked into slavery by star gods; and the Tyranids, an all-consuming, all-organic, bio-engineered, extragalactic hive-swarm. Each of these races have playable armies. Other playable armies include the Witch Hunters and Daemonhunters, organizations within the Imperium, as well as the fallen Dark Eldar and the capricious Daemons of Chaos.

Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop, set in a science fantasy universe. I have watched a few games being played but am not involved in the inticracies of the game yet.

picture source here and here

The Depressed Christian

Depression and the Christian Life

Sermon Statement
It is a myth that Christians do not suffer from depression. The community of faith must be prepared to help those suffering from depression.

read more

The Depressed Christian

Depression and the Christian Life

Sermon Statement
It is a myth that Christians do not suffer from depression. The community of faith must be prepared to help those suffering from depression.

read more

Boy's Brigade Enrolment Service 2009

Sermon on Discipline
Text: 2 Tim. 2: 3-7

Boy’s Brigade Enrolment Service 2009
29 March 2009
Holy Light Church, Johor Bharu

read more

Boy's Brigade Enrolment Service 2009

Sermon on Discipline
Text: 2 Tim. 2: 3-7

Boy’s Brigade Enrolment Service 2009
29 March 2009
Holy Light Church, Johor Bharu

read more

Therese of Lisieux

A good slide documentary



by jpitera123

Therese of Lisieux

A good slide documentary



by jpitera123

A.W. Tozer on Foolishness

"The notion that the careless sinner is the smart fellow and the serious-minded Christian, though well-intentioned, is a stupid dolt altogether out of touch with life will not stand up under scrutiny. Sin is basically an act of moral folly, and the greater the folly the greater the fool."

Man The Dwelling Place of God, 48.

Will Video Games be Better than Life?

Will Video Games be Better than Life?

The Health and Longevity Gospel

From Mark Galli's blog, a post, The Health and Longevity Gospel, about red meat increasing the risk of early death. I like his insight about stewardship of our bodies and discipleship.

This fixation on food’s relationship to death is but another sign of our
culture’s deep fear of death. The subtext of these studies is “Eat and exercise
like a Spartan now, and be active and alert into your 90s—and with Viagra,
anything is possible!”
This addiction to longevity is especially evident in
the area of medical care—and not just among those who have no faith, but
especially among the most devout.

read more

The Health and Longevity Gospel

From Mark Galli's blog, a post, The Health and Longevity Gospel, about red meat increasing the risk of early death. I like his insight about stewardship of our bodies and discipleship.

This fixation on food’s relationship to death is but another sign of our
culture’s deep fear of death. The subtext of these studies is “Eat and exercise
like a Spartan now, and be active and alert into your 90s—and with Viagra,
anything is possible!”
This addiction to longevity is especially evident in
the area of medical care—and not just among those who have no faith, but
especially among the most devout.

read more

A Canticle for Leibowitz

An excellent science fiction to read if you are looking for good books



A Canticle for Leibowitz
Walter M. Miller Jr.
(1961)

A nuclear war has devastated the world. The monks in a Catholic monastery in an American desert are attempting to preserve books that could save humanity. Miller was part of a bomber crew that helped destroy the Monte Cassino monastery in Italy during World War II and that experienced served as an inspiration. A Canticle for Leibowitz won a Hugo Award in 1961.

A Canticle for Leibowitz

An excellent science fiction to read if you are looking for good books



A Canticle for Leibowitz
Walter M. Miller Jr.
(1961)

A nuclear war has devastated the world. The monks in a Catholic monastery in an American desert are attempting to preserve books that could save humanity. Miller was part of a bomber crew that helped destroy the Monte Cassino monastery in Italy during World War II and that experienced served as an inspiration. A Canticle for Leibowitz won a Hugo Award in 1961.

The Balanced Spiritual Life

Disciple Ah Lek went to the other brothers working in the field and said, “St. John said ‘Do not labour for the food which perishes’ (John 6:27) and St. Luke said ‘Mary has chosen the good portion’ (Luke 10:42).” He became such an nuisance that the disciples complained to Abba Ah Beng.

Abba Ah Beng instructed disciple Ah Kow, “Put Ah Lek in a cell with his Bible and nothing else.” Ah Lek was very happy to remain in the cool cell while his brothers worked in the hot sun. When dinner time came, Ah Lek was watching the door expectantly but no one came to call him for dinner.

After an hour, Ah Lek cannot stand his hunger so he went in search of Abba Ah Beng. Abba Ah Beng was relaxing under a Frangipani tree and a pleasant soft fragrant was in the air. He gave a satisfied burp when he saw his disciple Ah Lek.

“Has all the brothers eaten?”

“Yes we have,” replied Abba Ah Beng, “and we had chilli crabs as the main course!”

Ah Lek’s stomach convulsed at the thought of missing chilli crabs which is his favourite dish. "Why did you not call me?"

Abba Ah Beng said to him, “Because you are a spiritual man and do not need that kind of food. We, being carnal, want to eat, and that is why we work. But you have chosen the good portion and read the whole day long and you do not want to eat carnal food.”

Realising his misinterpretation of the scripture, Ah Lek said “Forgive me, Abba, for misusing the Holy words.”

Abba Ah Beng said to him, “Mary needs Martha. It is really thanks to Martha that Mary is praised. It is because of Martha that everyone is fed. There need to be a balance of Martha and Mary in our lives.”

“Mary is the sitting at the Lord’s feet and enjoying his presence and love.”

“Martha is providing the support so that the Lord’s work may be done.”

“Neither sister is independent of one another. However, there is another in the house who loves and empowers them.”

“Who is it? Is it the Lord?” asked Ah Kow who has joined them under the Frangipani tree.

“No,” answers Abba Ah Beng. “It is Lazarus who has experienced the power of a new life. A resurrected life.”

“Ah Lek, you think we are carnal because we work for a living and you are spiritual because you spend your time in prayer and reading scripture. A true spiritual man is a perfect balance of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. There is a time for work, a time for contemplation and a time for renewal.”

“This is like the Holy Trinity; the Father , Son and Holy Spirit who are in perfect communion and harmony with one another. Theologian Rahler called it the economy of the Trinty,” continued Abba Ah Beng. Like all preachers, once get started Abba Ah Beng found it hard to stop.

“This spiritual man is dying of hunger,” Ah Lek whispered to himself.

Abba Ah Beng looked at his miserable disciple and a faint smile appeared on his face.

“Go,” he ordered Ah Lek, “I told the kitchen to keep some chilli crabs and rice warm for you.”

picture credit

The Balanced Spiritual Life

Disciple Ah Lek went to the other brothers working in the field and said, “St. John said ‘Do not labour for the food which perishes’ (John 6:27) and St. Luke said ‘Mary has chosen the good portion’ (Luke 10:42).” He became such an nuisance that the disciples complained to Abba Ah Beng.

Abba Ah Beng instructed disciple Ah Kow, “Put Ah Lek in a cell with his Bible and nothing else.” Ah Lek was very happy to remain in the cool cell while his brothers worked in the hot sun. When dinner time came, Ah Lek was watching the door expectantly but no one came to call him for dinner.

After an hour, Ah Lek cannot stand his hunger so he went in search of Abba Ah Beng. Abba Ah Beng was relaxing under a Frangipani tree and a pleasant soft fragrant was in the air. He gave a satisfied burp when he saw his disciple Ah Lek.

“Has all the brothers eaten?”

“Yes we have,” replied Abba Ah Beng, “and we had chilli crabs as the main course!”

Ah Lek’s stomach convulsed at the thought of missing chilli crabs which is his favourite dish. "Why did you not call me?"

Abba Ah Beng said to him, “Because you are a spiritual man and do not need that kind of food. We, being carnal, want to eat, and that is why we work. But you have chosen the good portion and read the whole day long and you do not want to eat carnal food.”

Realising his misinterpretation of the scripture, Ah Lek said “Forgive me, Abba, for misusing the Holy words.”

Abba Ah Beng said to him, “Mary needs Martha. It is really thanks to Martha that Mary is praised. It is because of Martha that everyone is fed. There need to be a balance of Martha and Mary in our lives.”

“Mary is the sitting at the Lord’s feet and enjoying his presence and love.”

“Martha is providing the support so that the Lord’s work may be done.”

“Neither sister is independent of one another. However, there is another in the house who loves and empowers them.”

“Who is it? Is it the Lord?” asked Ah Kow who has joined them under the Frangipani tree.

“No,” answers Abba Ah Beng. “It is Lazarus who has experienced the power of a new life. A resurrected life.”

“Ah Lek, you think we are carnal because we work for a living and you are spiritual because you spend your time in prayer and reading scripture. A true spiritual man is a perfect balance of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. There is a time for work, a time for contemplation and a time for renewal.”

“This is like the Holy Trinity; the Father , Son and Holy Spirit who are in perfect communion and harmony with one another. Theologian Rahler called it the economy of the Trinty,” continued Abba Ah Beng. Like all preachers, once get started Abba Ah Beng found it hard to stop.

“This spiritual man is dying of hunger,” Ah Lek whispered to himself.

Abba Ah Beng looked at his miserable disciple and a faint smile appeared on his face.

“Go,” he ordered Ah Lek, “I told the kitchen to keep some chilli crabs and rice warm for you.”

picture credit

Teresa of Avila

Teresa of Avila is one of my favourite Christian mystic and this video is really good.




Saint Teresa of Ávila, known also by her religious name, Saint Teresa of Jesus and baptized as Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, was born March 28 1515 at Avila, old Castile, Spain, died October 4, 1582 at Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain. She was a Carmelite nun and prominent Spanish mystic and writer of the Counter Reformation. She reformed her religious Order and together with St John of the Cross founded the Order of Discalced Carmelites. She became the first female to be named a Doctor of the Church in 1970 and is one of the three females to be awarded that honour, along with St Catherine of Siena and another Discalced Carmelite, St Therese of Lisieux.

The slide show starts with panoramic view of Avila, the town built on the hill overlooking the Adaja River and the highest city in Spain. The city is surrounded by distinctive stone walls, we can see the picture of Avila Cathedral followed by vintage and modern pictures of St Teresa convent exteriors - including the Saint statues, and interior - with St Teresa beautiful chapel. These pictures are followed by the image of young Teresa and several of her images painted both by famous artists as well as by more popular productions. We can see also little collection of stained windows depicting the Saint, as found in her convent chapel and in Churches dedicated to her from around the world. We can also see two vintage holy cards dedicated to her. The slide show concludes with the picture of St Teresa reliquary containing her heart and Discalced Carmelites shield followed by drawing representing of St Teresa canonization Mass at St Peter's in Rome back in 17th century. The background music is from the track "Salve Regina" by Benedictine Monks chanting favourite hymn of St Teresa, Ave Verum, followed by Adoro te and short sequence Sub tuum presidium.

jpitera123

Teresa of Avila

Teresa of Avila is one of my favourite Christian mystic and this video is really good.




Saint Teresa of Ávila, known also by her religious name, Saint Teresa of Jesus and baptized as Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, was born March 28 1515 at Avila, old Castile, Spain, died October 4, 1582 at Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, Spain. She was a Carmelite nun and prominent Spanish mystic and writer of the Counter Reformation. She reformed her religious Order and together with St John of the Cross founded the Order of Discalced Carmelites. She became the first female to be named a Doctor of the Church in 1970 and is one of the three females to be awarded that honour, along with St Catherine of Siena and another Discalced Carmelite, St Therese of Lisieux.

The slide show starts with panoramic view of Avila, the town built on the hill overlooking the Adaja River and the highest city in Spain. The city is surrounded by distinctive stone walls, we can see the picture of Avila Cathedral followed by vintage and modern pictures of St Teresa convent exteriors - including the Saint statues, and interior - with St Teresa beautiful chapel. These pictures are followed by the image of young Teresa and several of her images painted both by famous artists as well as by more popular productions. We can see also little collection of stained windows depicting the Saint, as found in her convent chapel and in Churches dedicated to her from around the world. We can also see two vintage holy cards dedicated to her. The slide show concludes with the picture of St Teresa reliquary containing her heart and Discalced Carmelites shield followed by drawing representing of St Teresa canonization Mass at St Peter's in Rome back in 17th century. The background music is from the track "Salve Regina" by Benedictine Monks chanting favourite hymn of St Teresa, Ave Verum, followed by Adoro te and short sequence Sub tuum presidium.

jpitera123

Spiritual Gems for Lenten Meditation

Spiritual Gems for Lenten Meditation

The Theology of Church Extinction

The Other Side of Church Growth
Philip Jenkins says we need a theology of church extinction.
Interview by Stan Guthrie posted 3/18/2009 08:45AM

The Lost History of Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — and How It Died by Philip JenkinsHarperOne, October 2008297 pp., $19.99
In our time, we are witnessing an extraordinary phenomenon: the virtual wiping out of the church in a place it has existed for nearly 2,000 years. The plight of Iraq's Christian community reminds us that church expansion is not a constantly upward slope.

In his 2002 book The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity, historian Philip Jenkins told the world where Christianity was heading. In his latest—The Lost History of Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — and How It Died (HarperOne, 2008)—Jenkins looks at where it has come from. The Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Humanities at Penn State University, Jenkins first notes that the faith is not rooted in any one culture. "The more you look at history, the more you realize Christianity is not solely a European religion," he says. "It's European, but it's also Asian and African, and it has a long history of developing in very different societies."

read more

The Theology of Church Extinction

The Other Side of Church Growth
Philip Jenkins says we need a theology of church extinction.
Interview by Stan Guthrie posted 3/18/2009 08:45AM

The Lost History of Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — and How It Died by Philip JenkinsHarperOne, October 2008297 pp., $19.99
In our time, we are witnessing an extraordinary phenomenon: the virtual wiping out of the church in a place it has existed for nearly 2,000 years. The plight of Iraq's Christian community reminds us that church expansion is not a constantly upward slope.

In his 2002 book The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity, historian Philip Jenkins told the world where Christianity was heading. In his latest—The Lost History of Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — and How It Died (HarperOne, 2008)—Jenkins looks at where it has come from. The Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Humanities at Penn State University, Jenkins first notes that the faith is not rooted in any one culture. "The more you look at history, the more you realize Christianity is not solely a European religion," he says. "It's European, but it's also Asian and African, and it has a long history of developing in very different societies."

read more

Tank Warfare

Tanks changed the concept and strategy of warfare as the horse did many centuries before. It was with the skillful use of tanks that Hilter and his generals were able to capture Europe and Paris so rapidly during the beginning days of the Second World War.

Tanks was first introduced during the First World War. Initially it was unreliable and as dangerous to its drivers as to the enemies. Christy Campbell, a former war correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph gave an interesting and readable account of early tank warfare.

I had a good time reading it.

.

Tank Warfare

Tanks changed the concept and strategy of warfare as the horse did many centuries before. It was with the skillful use of tanks that Hilter and his generals were able to capture Europe and Paris so rapidly during the beginning days of the Second World War.

Tanks was first introduced during the First World War. Initially it was unreliable and as dangerous to its drivers as to the enemies. Christy Campbell, a former war correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph gave an interesting and readable account of early tank warfare.

I had a good time reading it.

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Who Can Be A Doctor?

A Quandary in Sweden: Criminals in Medical School

A year ago, Sweden’s most prestigious medical school found itself in an international uproar after it unknowingly admitted a student who was a Nazi sympathizer and a convicted murderer, then scrambled to find a way to expel him.

It is hard to imagine how the case could get any more bizarre. But it has.

The 33-year-old student, Karl Helge Hampus Svensson, having been banished from the medical school of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm on the ground that he falsified his high school records, has now been admitted to a second well-known medical school — Uppsala, Sweden’s oldest university.

read more


This news report raises an interesting question. Should a convicted murderer be allowed to train to be a doctor?

.

Who Can Be A Doctor?

A Quandary in Sweden: Criminals in Medical School

A year ago, Sweden’s most prestigious medical school found itself in an international uproar after it unknowingly admitted a student who was a Nazi sympathizer and a convicted murderer, then scrambled to find a way to expel him.

It is hard to imagine how the case could get any more bizarre. But it has.

The 33-year-old student, Karl Helge Hampus Svensson, having been banished from the medical school of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm on the ground that he falsified his high school records, has now been admitted to a second well-known medical school — Uppsala, Sweden’s oldest university.

read more


This news report raises an interesting question. Should a convicted murderer be allowed to train to be a doctor?

.

Doctrine Bears Repeating

Something from Christianity Today online

The Twelve Apostles from the Ethiopian Bible Doctrine Bears Repeating Evangelicals need to brush up on basic Christian teachings. By Charles Colson with Anne Morse Listen to Charles Colson read his column

Doctrine Bears Repeating

Something from Christianity Today online

The Twelve Apostles from the Ethiopian Bible Doctrine Bears Repeating Evangelicals need to brush up on basic Christian teachings. By Charles Colson with Anne Morse Listen to Charles Colson read his column

Update of Redeeming Your Time

I have posted previously about an excellent community project by Hebron Presbyterian Church in Johor Bahru in helping school dropouts to attend an IT course, receive certification and then job placement appropriately called Redeeming Your Time

Here is an update from Elder Daniel Sin

To date, we have recruited 5 dropouts and 1 game addict...In April, 4 dropouts or more will be joining our Campaign.

All these students were invited to join our Youth Aflame and YA Steamboat Fellowship on 20th March 2009. Both bro Doulos and Pastor Daniel had made special arrangement to channel them to join our Youth and YA CGs.

Some of these students will be presented with Cert of Completion (subject to completion of projects) and MLM Book 1 Cert during Easter Service on April 12 at Hebron. Also, a special arrangement has been made to involve 4 ofour students to be interns in a nearby Advertising company mid April. PTL!

I am very encouraged by the effort of this small externally focused church. However they still need help financially and man/womanpower. Those interested may contact Elder Daniel Sin(Elder, not the Pastor) at danielsinhf@hotmail.com.