Monday, December 07, 2009

Seminary Survival Percentage

Going to Seminary
Visit Going to Seminary for seminary tips and advice.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Chuck Norris is Cool


The world of Chuck Norris info just keeps growing and I can't get enough of it! For example, did you know:

. . . Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
. . . Chuck Norris doesn’t need a weapon. He is one.
. . . When Chuck Norris does push-ups, he isn’t pushing himself up. He’s pushing the earth down.

Sometimes, I really want to be like Chuck.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Grade 1 Fun


"One for all and two for one . . ."

"No sweetheart, its 'one for all and all for one'"

"No Daddy, that's how my friend taught me."

So I overheard my kids playing and attempted to correct them on their obvious misuse of the phrase made popular by the Three Musketeers . . . but apparently I was wrong. I guess this is what happens when East Indian and Chinese kids start playing together . . . the collision of centuries old cultures "activate" the deep rooted cheapness in their genes.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sowing & Reaping

Some bad late night television . . . very bad late night television . . . oh so bad . . . (yes, I'm talking televangelist). This was a segment done by an Australian show highlighting the "worst of late night tv." Good grief.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What I'm listening to . . . and wish had more time to . . .

Not enough time in the world for everything, but in my ideal world I would make time to audibly digest the following artists:

Adrian Gruning (Ibanez Signature artist - Argentinian jazz bassist)
http://www.myspace.com/adriangruningmusic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J9LSFb6Y6E (yes I have a SR300 as well)

Gabriela Montero (Venezuelan Concert Piano Diva - Improvisation Specialist)
http://www.gabrielamontero.com/

Lenny White (freaking Jazz drummer extraordinaire)
http://www.lennywhite.com/
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/lennywhitereturnforever.html (Clark, Di Meola, Corea & White - make me soil myself)

Gregory Charles (the music man)
http://www.gregorycharles.com/
Was my Sunday morning drive talk show guy . . . until CBC 2 Radio pulled him ("In the Key of Charles"). Read here for the CBC layoffs and cuts. Guy would be on the piano doing "live hosting" playing and singing whatever the show's theme was. Crazy amount of musical knowledge and actual chops that were legit! Always the man in my book, always gonna be.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

How Bing bankrolled Bill's Korean mission

Amidst the emotion and tears of the return of Laura Ling and Euna Lee . . . there seems to be another story. Not the one about American celebrity host Lisa Ling going on television to leverage the American public - something the North Koreans are sure to love. Not the story about how two employees of Al Gore's Current TV Cable television outlet somehow ended up in the custody of the North Korean border patrol. Not the story about former President Bill Clinton's ability to get the job down of securing the release of Ling and Lee. Not the story of Clinton's wealthy friend, Steve Bing ~ the guy who owned the "white jet" the girls stepped off of ~ financing the "rescue" mission. Not the story about how an American private jet carrying a former US president, a team of US Federal Secret Service agents, and members of Clinton's staff could even land in North Korea without being shot down . . . those stories would be worth researching.

No, the other story that got to me was the reminder of those who intentionally bring the gospel subversively into lands that are hostile to Jesus. The ones who don't just report across the river of danger, but cross over then journey deep into the land of danger. As followers of Christ, the reality of our faith is suffering . . . not comfort, not convenience, and certainly not copping out. I am reminded to pray for those who suffering, being tortured, even killed daily for the gospel . . . even American missionaries die for Jesus . . . that's expected.

A hint of this suffering can be found at "The Voice of the Martyrs" ~ a global perspective of the persecution of God's children. Open Doors ~ a ministry which serves the persecuted church worldwide ~ also has a word ("No Pardons for Thousands of North Korean Prisoners") for the church of Jesus Christ amidst the release of Ling and Lee, it can be found here.

Jesus once said this, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5.10 NIV). This is the story I am reminded. God's peace and grace to you Laura Ling and Euna Lee . . . God's mercy to all of us.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Christopher Yuan's Testimony

The testimony of a former homosexual, HIV-positive, passionate follower of Jesus Christ.



For anyone who has chosen to hate others, to hate God, and even themselves. This is the word of the Lord for you, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2.20 NIV). This is the hope and confidence we can have only through Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins and have faith in Jesus Christ.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Gender Wars



Does the Bible have anything to say about gender or gender roles? I thought Genesis 2 was sufficient - man and woman, man created as incomplete and in need of help; equal nature and likeness but distinct in gender roles (man is neither more/pig or less/spineless).

One recent argument I read pits the doctrine of the trinity against itself: a hierarchial view of the trinity VERSUS a mutuality view of the trinity. On top of this would be the less than sola scriptura hermeneutic which presupposes certain 1st century Palestianian household codes (as found in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 and 1 Peter 2) were used to structure family businesses for maximum profitability. Hence, lateral movement of such principles would violate biblical principles - family as business? Also, to superimpose such principles would simple reflect the fallen nature of humanity; hence, egalitarianism.

I know, I'm the dumb guy . . . here it goes. God is the Father - the Son refers to Him as such and relates to Dad as such (hierarchy?). Nowhere in the Bible do I see a conspiracy theory where the Holy Spirit takes lead in the Trinity either . . . that I know of. Aside from the fact that the Son is okay with the knowledge of certain events known exclusively only by the Father. Just as a note, I am not a subordinationist (members of the trinity are less than one another in nature and essence - this heresy would suggest that God is the nose tackle, Jesus is the linebacker, the Holy Spirit is the free safety ~ in terms of power structure) . . . I hold to what Millard Erikson describes as "economic subordination" ~ one godhead existing eternally in three persons, all three persons (hypostasis) of the trinity are equal in substance (ousia) but distinguished by their roles (economic).

As far as the family household code/family business protocol . . . yikes. Husbands are to be the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Isn't Paul just reflecting on the headship as taught in Genesis 2? Is that analogy a business model? Is Jesus the CEO/CFO of the "biz"? What the freak? So Paul's take on wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters . . . not unpacking a certain power structure that needs to be maintained in order for harmony to occur? I'm seriously confused. If anything, this is a good example of prima scriptura . . . starting point is something in addition to the bible, not just the bible itself. A different kind of fidelity - faithfulness to the bible . . . kinda . . . and a bunch of smart dudes with degrees . . . and views that can only be afforded by a western nation that finances it's institutions towards neo-radical liberalism. I think.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

JI Packer Gets the Boot



"From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'." (Matthew 4.17 NIV)

JI Packer was recently kicked out of the Anglican Church of Canada when he told his denomination to repent of their sin of condoning same-sex marriage. Because they did not repent, Packer went on to call them heretics. Now, for some of us, this is a big and weighty word with power behind it. Mark Driscoll asked Packer, “Why did you call them heretics?” This is Packer’s response (paraphrased by Driscoll):

Heretics don’t call people to repent of sin . . . all you need to do to be a heretic is accommodate sin, tolerate sin, bless sin, sanction sin, excuse sin, not oppose sin . . . the first word of the gospel is ‘repent’ that is what Jesus preached. Anyone who does not call their people to repent, does not love them, does not love the Lord, does not love the word.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

John Piper's Panel Quotes

Some great insight and wisdom from Pastor John Piper's response to Stephen Um's question "How do you apply/emphasize a word-based ministry in your local church besides merely preaching?" (ala The Gospel Coalition 2009 Conference).

"[speaking to preachers] lead by teaching . . . I'm breaking my back not to be the authority in this church . . . get your nose in this book [the Bible] . . . don't hover over text [e.g. drawing attention constantly to yourself, your stories, your authority, your analysis, your insight, your psychology, etc.], land in the text."

The authority of God is found and established in God's word . . . nothing else (e.g. narrative, current events, stupid jokes, blather, etc.) . . . hence, the primacy of God's Word - sola Scriptura.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Kim Jong IL - E Harmony



"you throw and then in the hole . . ."

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Evangelism Without Proclamation

William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army "insightfully remarked" (prophesied) of a false gospel that would be preached in the twentieth century. He warned of "a generation that would accept a gospel that preached a faith without repentance, religion without the Holy Spirit, a salvation without Lordship and a Christianity without Christ." Unfortunately, that description fits most of the churches I know. God help us . . . Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.

"There is a tendency in some quarters today to promote a kind of evangelism without proclamation. Acts of service done or people are invited to experience Christian worship. But without words of explanation these are like signposts pointing nowhere or, worse still, signposts point to our good works. The gospel is good news - a message to be proclaimed, a truth to be taught, a word to be spoken, and a story to be told."

(page 54, "Total Church" by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis)

Saturday, June 06, 2009

When in doubt, "TAP OUT!"

Not to be confused with Sensei Gene Lebell's mantra, "When in doubt, choke 'em out!" The following is a tribue to bad boy PK at UPenn. You will forever be "That Freak of Nature"! I don't even remember what happened. I think it was an arm bar . . . or Kimura . . . or Americana . . . don't remember much since you were beet red in freaking pain. Anyhow, here's the 411 in case that ever happens again. Call it BJJ gone bad, I was careful. And, for reals, I'm sorry mang. Peace.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Chris Botti - When I Fall in Love

Botti 'da freak and 'da mang!



His "Live in Boston" is off 'da hook and too schweet to pass up - very musical and tasteful.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

WARNING: "Illiterates Are Not Welcomed"

Well, they are welcomed here . . . but in the leadership of the local church they do tend to spoil the food. Here's a humbling post by Dr. Ligon Duncan III:

"Here's a quote to chew on (even more relevant in an internet age than when its sentiments were uttered in the nineteenth century).

Philip Schaff observed, with dismay, the popularity in America of self-educated theologians, unexposed to the traditions of the academy, who presumed to establish themselves as authorities in matters of religious truth. He lamented that 'every theological vagabond and peddler may drive here his bungling trade, without passport of license, and sell his false ware at pleasure.'

E. Brooks Holifield, Theology in America: Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War (Yale University Press, 2003). Quote is on page 17, in the introduction."


Yes, in my "youthful" arrogance (though not as youthful anymore) and impetuousness I do agree with Dr. Duncan ~ here is the original post. Lord, have mercy on me.

Friday, April 17, 2009

"Listening to the Beliefs of the Emerging Church" Quote #1

In response to Doug Pagitt's chapter "The EC and Embodied Theology", Mark Driscoll writes the following:

"If both doctrine and practice are constant, the result is dead orthodoxy, which Pagitt is reacting against. If both doctrine and practice are constantly changing, the result is living heresy, which Pagitt is contending for. But if doctrine is constant and practice is constantly changing, the result is living orthodoxy, which I propose is the faithful third way." (page 147, "Listening to the Beliefs of Emerging Churches)

I am still processing Pagitt's assumptions regarding the theological endeavor, there are a few thoughts that intrigue me. However, the big MD shooting from the hip somehow always nails the bullseye.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Good Eats - not all that "cheaps"

Some good eats . . . but not particularly cheap . . . but still good. Alright, this is just my own list of where's to go when jonesin' fo' some eclairs and choco-ssaints.

Le Moulin de Provence (Ottawa, ONT) - located in the ByWard Public Market. Francais pastries? Provence? Yeah. Grab a cafe while you are there.

Le Panier (Seattle, WA) - across the street from Pike Place Market (across is where the foodies hang . . . not in).

La Baguette et L'Echalote Vancouver Bakery and Pastry Boutique (Vancouver, BC) - Granville Island's ultimate French pastry experience. When here, I go to Blue Parrot for a cup of java . . . and even the occasional raspberry mocha.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Art's bakeshop (Vancouver, BC) - I keep hitting "La Baguette" but PAICA is the bomb.

Draeger's Markets (Bay Area, CA) - I know, you say "what the?!?!" Hey, this is the Dunkin' Donuts of low end pastries . . . and my what a nice selection of wine they have.

Balthazar Bakery (Lower Manhattan, NY) - Mo' betta' butter babee!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Munus Triplex


Props to John Calvin for the concept of the mediatorial three-fold offices of Jesus Christ:

- Christ as Prophet
- Christ as Priest
- Christ as King

Something that we men might want to listen up and pay attention to (cf. 1 Timothy 2.5; Ephesians 5.25 - 26). As prophet, Jesus represents God before the people. As priest, Jesus represents the people before God. As King, Jesus rules by the authority of God. Men need to learn to lead well - in true Christ-likenss, as prophet, priest and king of our families. We don't lead separate from Christ, we are able to lead because of what Jesus did for us.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Wonder Working God

Toon with Andy Park doing their new song "Wonder Working God." Check sit out . . .

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Currently I-tuning . . .

"Songlines" - The Derek Trucks Band (2006)

Gov't Mule-ish, Allman Brothers-ie - southern blues rock with a soul groove and twist. To describe this album as being musical is an understatement . . . Derek Trucks is one of the foremost masters of the slide (haunted by Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson).

Here's a youtube of "Joyful Noise" . . . ah soulful riffs . . . "can I get a witness?"

Saturday, February 28, 2009

My Top Bible Translations


Being Chinese this somehow makes more sense to me. I don't know where I learned this from, but essentially when looking at the endless number of bible translations available there are two things to consider. In the realm of translations there are a myriad of factors to consider when going from the original manuscript language (i.e. biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, or Classical Greek - none of which are used or spoken today; see? Just like Chinese) to whatever language you are translating to. Who is doing the translating? What theological persuasion do they represent? Are they just "hard-core ancient text geeks" or "diehard into Jesus"?

The two main considerations would be which translation would you require? The two main approaches to bible translation are "formal equivalence" and "dynamic equivalence". "Formal" would be your "word for word" or literal approach while "dynamic" would be your "thought for thought." I would argue that both approaches are quite useful for the serious bible student - "serious" would mean giving great care to being faithful to the original meaning and thought. Having said that, here are my picks for bible translations that I would use for bible study and sermon preparation:

Formal Equivalence:
English Standard Version
New American Standard Bible

Dynamic Equivalence:
New Living Translation (2nd Edition)
New International Version

I also keep a New Revised Standard Version around because my bible school professors prefer using it, while the "CEV - Contemporary English Version" would be the NRSV's "thought for thought" wingman which also maintains "gender sensitive" language. I also like the readability and flow of Eugene Peterson's "paraphrase" "The Message".

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

My music has slipped . . . and faded . . .

Here's Theo Chou, "pal-o-mine" from the early 90's ~ we played together back in the day. He has since graduated from Berklee and moved onto better things . . . like session work in Taiwan (c'mon, who goes there?).



Notice Theo's white Strat Yamagishi custom ~ I believe so. Back in the day, Jimi was Yoda to all the aspiring musicians . . . all the SoCal Asian Christian pop bands, how I dread the memories. But then, God did some hard love hooking me up with my crew. "Thank you Lord for love and fellowship, guitar strings that sing out to you . . ." (ala AACF Terasaki fame).

Some of my peeps who can stir me to motion ~ local BC/Ottawa flav:

Stephen Toon or here
Vania Levans or here

Post-script note - props to Yoda Yamagishi, "Nippon Hendrix Axe Grill Marinade Master." For a lighter shade of LA, check out my "dai low's" tunes here.

For the record, I still prefer Paul Reed Smith (electric) and Taylor (acoustic) guitars . . . I really can't stand anything else but the Kurzweil PC-2X (weighted 88 key with B-3 options) . . . I just can't get away from the Ibanez Soundgear look and feel (2 MK1's and that light ash or mahogany bod) . . . and some day I will enjoy either the Mesa Dual Rectifiers or that psycho Bogner amp with the 11 setting. "Some day" when I learn to play.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

If I Was Back in LA . . .

If I was back in LA, I'd be doing this every night . . . Koreanz BBQ meets Taquería!


Visit page on mun2


Check out Kogi here and for their next "truck stop" here.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The B-I-B-L-E

"This week I happened to be in the fellowship room of an A.M.E. church in Philadelphia and there was a Bible on one of the tables, so I opened it instinctively. I discovered that it was the pastor’s Bible, and on the cover page I saw scrawled vertically the word 'B.I.B.L.E.', written as an acronym: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

It’s possible that I got overly excited about that. Maybe it’s a trite and hackneyed play on words old as the hills that I just never happened to come across before. I hope the man made it up himself."


Props to Sister Andrée Seu for that delightful insight. I believe there are roughly 24 AME churches in the greater Philly area.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Arrogance of Youth

One "pomo" take on the "pomo" generation . . . or the whatever they are called this second.

"There's just an arrogance to youth because life hasn't got a chance to beat it out of you yet" (Matt Chandler).

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Seminary Survival Quiz


80%
Visit Going to Seminary for seminary tips and advice.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Favorite Movies of All Time . . . so far

For my own records, these are my favorite movies of all time . . . so far (in no particular order):

Kelly's Heroes (1970)
TRON (1982)
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Last Starfighter (1984)
Red Dawn (1984)
The Goonies (1985)
Ran (1985) - Akira Kurosawa on 'roids
Hoosiers (1986)
Top Gun (1986)
Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
The Mission (1986) - Jesuits versus Portuguese slave traders
Glory (1989)
Die Hard 2 (1990) - John McClane versus top-of-the-food-chain "spec-ops gone bad"
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Patriot Games (1992)
Rudy (1993)
Tombstone (1993) - "I'll be your huckleberry . . ."
Clear and Present Danger (1994)
The Rock (1996)
Armageddon (1998)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Les Misérables (1998)
Three Kings (1999) - Kelly's Heroes remixed
The Patriot (2000)
Remember the Titans (2000)
Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)
Cast Away (2000) - "Wilson!!!!"
Pearl Harbor (2001) - with the exception of Alex Baldwin's appearance at the end.
Blackhawk Down (2001) - 5 Stars
We Were Soldiers (2002)
Windtalkers (2002)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) ~ ethnic connection
Tears of the Sun (2003) - Bruce Willis, Navy SEAL Commander
The Last Samurai (2003)
King Arthur (2004) - Clive Owne's best "Gerard Butler" impression
Batman Begins (2005)
300 (2006)
Transformers (2007)
The Dark Knight (2008)
Kung Fu Panda (2008) - by far the best kung-fu flick for local-borns

Anything by Pixar is also quite entertaining and thoughtful; for the record I choose Star Trek over the Star Wars franchise.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Gun Safety Technology


Here are 10+ ways/methods of making guns more safe. These would include both the traditional locking mechanism and the newer technologically saavy fingerprint scan and radio frequency proximity sensor. Click here. "Gun safety" is an oxymoron on par with a perpetual "brain fart".

Friday, January 02, 2009

#1 Defensive Team in the NCAA


I never thought that watching football in HD (though it was still 1080i) would ever be that gratifying. Yesterday was an incredible experience of visual proportions. The Trojans stomped the Nittany Lions ~ yes, PAC-10 all the way! Mark Sanchez and his giant receivers (think average NBA shooting guard height) dominated in the 2nd quarter . . . as they say, "the rest was history." Sanchez even read the D during a pass rush and ran in for a TD! C'mon, USC has got to be in the top 3 - Big 10 was not even the same caliber.