Singing to the Lord!

While reading A. W. Tozer's "The Attributes of God", I came across this paragraph that made me chuckle.

"Do you ever stop to think about the rapture? It's going to be something that's never happened before. You might be walking around on the street and hear the sound of the trumpet - and suddenly you're transformed! You won't know what to do or how to act. And the people lying in their graves, what'll they do? I know what they'll do - they'll sing! There's going to be singing at the consummation, on that great day!

'Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us' (Revelation 5:9) - that's the theme of the new song. The theme of the new song isn't 'I am'; it's 'Thou art.' Notice the difference! When you look at the old hymnody of Wesley, Montgomery and Watts, it was 'Thou art, O God, Thou art.' But when you look at the modern hymns, it is 'I am, I am, I am.' It makes me sick to my stomach. Occasionally a good hymn with testimonies is all right, but we've overdone it. The song of the ransomed is going to be 'Thou art worthy, O God.'"

What made me chuckle was Tozer's strong words, "It makes me sick to my stomach." I can relate to his frustration. I have written a few posts on my preference for hymns. Because of my tendency to be self-righteous, I was once very rigid about the style of music I would prefer in a worship service, and I once shunned contemporary Christian music altogether. By God's grace, I have realized how arrogant and prideful my attitude was, and have come away from that stance. Everyone has his or her own preference for style of music. But that's all there is to it, it's just personal preference. Some are more inclinced to express their praises and thanksgiving to God through hymns accompanied by the organ or piano only. Some sing praises to the Lord with raising their hands, even clapping, with an ensemble of instrumentalists leading the music. My thinking on this subject will continue to be molded and changed, I know. For now the conclusion at which I have arrived is that the style of music is not essential and does not matter that much. It's the content of the songs/hymns that carries the weight. Like Tozer said, is it all "I am"? Or is it centered on the triune God, "Thou art?" Are we singing of God's attributes and praises to Him? Or are we exalting ourselves and our emotions with the words? I have to admit that I still have some disdain for some CCM songs because of their man-centeredness and emotionalism. But praise the Lord! There has been a wave of musicians who have brought back the God-centeredness and Scripture-filled content into the churches (Keith and Kristyn Getty, Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Grace Ministries, Indelible Grace, Red Mountain Music, just to name a few). It's very exciting to see how God will continue to teach His people to sing praises to Him. In the meantime, let's keep on singing to the Lord!

"Happy Holidays"?

This year I bought some cards with Monet's painting on it. Inside it says "Happy Holidays". A friend of mine, who received one of those cards from me, said that he's wondering now if I'm a raging liberal inside because the card says "happy holidays", rather than merry Christmas and such. He was just joking, by the way.

That's the thing, though. Are we afraid of mentioning even the word "Christmas" now? Why do people celebrate and what do people celebrate in December now? Christmas has become really just a cultural thing. We play Christmasy songs on the radio (even Christian radio stations) that sing of snow, coming home, Santa Claus, Rudolf, etc. We put up a tree in our living room with presents underneath. We run around shopping malls trying to find the perfect present. We go home for a week or two. We eat turkey (is that what people eat for Christmas? I'm not sure. In my family we eat Chinese food for any occasion) and sing carols (again, often about Santa and things). What's the point of all that really? Is it just a time to gather with family and feel loved by getting presents?

We Christians should all know what we are celebrating this season. Sadly, though, we often fall into the same secular sentiment this world celebrates. I always wonder why in the world Christian radio stations would ever play "Santa Claus is coming to town" and the like. Because I know my own tendency to go along with the secular sentiment for Christmas, I always intentionally stay away from anything that has to do with Santa. But it's really hard to find any Christmas cards now that doesn't have Santa, snowmen, reindeer, trees and things on it. It's even harder to find cards with a solid message about the Savior. Am I trying to excuse myself from having given a card that doesn't say "merry Christmas"? Maybe. Honestly I just really liked the Monet paiting. But I'm also ranting about the lightness we attribute to Christmas now. If we really spend some time meditating on the birth of Jesus, how can we be not amazed? God the Son, the Creator of the heaven and earth, became flesh, and was born or Mary, a virgin! No miracle is greater than that! If we really think about the amazing love God has shown us through the birth of Jesus Christ, how on earth would we still want to celebrate Santa Claus is coming to town? I hope in the midst of all the craziness that is almost inevitable this season we will take time to be in God's Word, thinking upon and be amazed by the glorious miracle of Jesus' birth.

Rethinking my loyalty to "Gilmore Girls"

Confession. I watch "Gilmore Girls" regularly. In fact, I have been watching the re-runs almost everyday while eating dinner. It's very tempting to just plop myself into the couch in front of the TV after a long day and veg out for an hour. And apparently I give in to that temptation almost everyday...

But I have been wondering if I should continue in this pattern. For one, this simply is not the best use of my time. Those hours spent on watching the show could have been used for many other things (reading, cleaning, exercising...) that are much more beneficial. The unproductive use of the hour alone should have stopped me from watching it.

Another reason is that I realized that underneath the innocent, warm and sweet guise of the show is the blatant manifestation of immorality, falsehood, sin. If you have not been following the show, here's a very brief synopsis. Lorelai, a young, witty, attractive single mom, lives with her daughter, Rory, in a small town. Lorelai had Rory out of wedlock when she was only 16. They share an unconventional mother-daughter relationship, as they are each other's best friend. Basically the show revolves around these two characters, their work, school, friends, townspeople, Lorelai's parents, and most of all, their relationships with men.

What kind of message is the show really displaying? For one, it's exalting extremely flawed parenting. Lorelai hardly ever disciplines Rory, because, as she openly admitted once, she's afraid that Rory might get mad and their "friendship" would be damaged. So Rory gets an "aw...it's gonna be okay" after she had sex with Dean, an ex-boyfriend who was married to someone else at the time. Fornication is portrayed as the norm (and it sadly is this day and age). The show paints a self-righteous, ridiculous picture of Christians and God. And yes, you can count on the show to promote feminism. Both Lorelai and Rory initiate relationships with men. Neither of them are domestic (Lorelai doesn't know how to operate most kitchen gadgets for that matter). Oh, and Lorelai proposes marriage to her boyfriend, Luke. The female characters in general are portrayed as strong, independent, assertive, while the men in general as whimpy, clueless and passive.

All those things I mentioned and more, however, are quirks that attract and appeal to its viewers. A fellow seminarian, Owen Strachan , has written a few posts on the weak manhood represented in Hollywood. I agree with his take on that completely. As for the ladies, Hollywood has also painted an obscured picture of womanhood. Without exception (at least, I can't think of one right now) all the leading female characters on TV resemble Lorelai and Rory in many ways. Hollywood "celebrates" women's freedom in choosing their own boyfriends or sexual partners. Lack of homemaking skills is a sign of one's sophistication and an asset towards career success, which is on top of the priority list for most. Marriage and family take a backseat to social life and career pursuit. Sure, those women, like Lorelai and Rory, are feminine. But the femininity they represent is almost the complete opposite of the womanhood that is taught in Scriptures (Owen, by the way, has also written about women's role as homemakers. Check it out.)

Owen asked this question in his post, Men looking stupid--and society rewarding them, "Hollywood has had its say about men. Have you noticed their whispering? Or did you, like me, soak it all in without even noticing?" I want to ask the ladies the same. Have you, like me, soaked it all in without even noticing the immoral, feminist and blasphemous teaching disguised in the shows you watch?

Take a break

I have an OT test tomorrow, and I do need to be studying right now. But I couldn't help but wandered onto some blogs for a study break. And this is what I stumbled across on Discerning Reader. I laughed my head off. Take a look, especially if you're studying.

Perhaps we ought to be different

This past weekend I found myself in a situation that brought great anxiety and disturbance to me. I was confronted with, again, the question of whether we as seminary students are different. I was confronted with disappointment that many of us are not any different from the rest of the world. I witnessed the lifestyle of some seminarians that is just the same as the world. In my last post I asked the question whether seminary students should be different from the rest of the local congregation. After reading some people's comments and further pondering on this question, I've come to believe that while we should not be considered any more "sanctified" or special, there should be more expected of us.

The reason what I witnessed this past weekend greatly disturbed me is that I've seen a pattern in many seminarians' lives of a prolonged college lifestyle. We treat our dating relationships with casualness, just like the world does. We party the night away with shallow social exchanges, in an atmosphere that strangely resembles the "Hookup culture" . Why do so many of us come to a seminary where one studies the Bible in an academic setting, and conduct our off-campus life in a manner that really cannot be distinguished from the rest of the world?

I must confess and repent of my judging heart. I have sinned as I judged my fellow seminarians in their behaviors. I am definitely not the one to judge on how a seminarian should conduct his or her life. But I would like to encourage fellow seminarians and future seminarians to examine their own heart. Why are you at the seminary? How are you glorifying God and setting an example for church members, who are watching closely, by your lifestyle and relationships?

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:15-16

In the latest 9Marks newsletter Owen Strachan, a student at Southern, wrote an article called Doing Seminary Well. I found this article very convicting, yet encouraging. There's much to be learned from it. Read it. May it be a valuable lesson to you as it is to me.

Are we any different?

Are we seminary students any different from the rest of the congregation? In a local church should those who attend seminary be expected to do more? Should we be considered the "cream of the crop"? Should it be assumed that we should teach and lead simply because we're in seminary? What is our role in the local church? Are we any differnt?

An issue came up at church today, and those questions have been racing through my mind. We are being trained and equipped formally in preparation for ministry. We are in seminary because we have the desire to serve perhaps in a fuller capacity, and we possess a level of maturity that our churches have deemed suitable for ministry (hopefully). We may obtain more knowledge on various subjects, such as church history, biblical languages, etc. We are different in that aspect. However, I personally don't think that we should be treated any differently from any other member in the congregation. Certainly we should not be perceived as the "cream of the crop" (someone at church actually referred to us by that). Yes, we are getting theological education in a more intensive and formal setting. But systematic theology and church history are not exclusive subjects to those in seminary. Pastors and teachers should be teaching doctrinally sound theology from the pulpit and in Sunday school classes. Congregations should be fed with biblical theology whether they're seminary students or housewives. Members of the local church can certainly benefit and grow in faith through learning of the lives of early church fathers and the Reformers. It's tempting for us seminarians to think that we're above others, or even that we've arrived. Being worshipped (that may be too strong of a word) or paid special attention and reverence by fellow church members certainly does not help us cultivating humility.

Every church member should be encouraged to be involved in some capacity of ministry, public or behind the scene. Serving is doing something when there is a need. It was suggested that if we have any desire for a particular area of ministry, we would be encouraged to inform the leadership and just do it. I agree that if we see a need in the local church we work with the leadership to meet that need. I would be against it if we start a new ministry to meet our own needs, our need to practice for future ministry, our need for a class credit, our desire for a particular ministry whether or not it's appropriate or needed at this church, or our need to show off our education. Of course no one is going to admit that's their intention in doing ministry. But let's be honest in examining our intentions. Doing ministry should always be for God's glory and for the benefit of the church; it should never be for our own glory and our selfish gain, whether you're a seminarian or CEO.

Also we shouldn't assume that every seminary student is fit to teach and be in leadership position. We may have the head knowledge, but many of us, in fact, a growing number of seminary students are fresh out of college without much life experiences (I'm including myself in this category). We are all in different places in life, maturity level varies greatly from one person to the next. The title of a seminary student does not warrant wisdom and maturity, sadly.

On the other hand, I know someone, a fellow seminarian, whose personal conviction is that he's in a season to learn and to grow. Therefore, instead of seizing an opportunity to serve even when the need is rather urgent, he is going to pass and focus on learning and receiving. I may sound a little bitter. But I simply cannot wrap my mind around this argument. You just can't segregate your life like that. You're always called to serve; you're always a part of the body of Christ, whether you're in school or retired. What do you have that you have not received? We as seminary students have this great privilege to receive formal theological training. I believe we are receiving more. Why hold on to it instead of sharing with brothers and sisters while you can?

It's tricky I find. While I don't think we should assume leadership and teaching position simply because we are in seminary, and while I dont' think we deserve any special attention and treatment, we do need to be mindful of the blessings from God through our seminary education. Share the blessings wisely and generously with brothers and sisters.

I may have been rambling on. I may have been ranting a little. I apologize to my fellow seminarians. Please know I didn't mean any disrespect. Any input will be welcomed, and feel free to correct me.

Some back to school thoughts

Classes begin tomorrow. The most popular question this past week has been, "Are you ready for school?" YES! Call me a nerd if you wish. I like going to classes. I love my studies at the seminary. I enjoy reading a lot (but because of my lazy nature, I appreciate the assigned readings in each class that keep me accountable). Once in a while I even enjoy writing papers. Seminary has been a tremendous experience. Southern Seminary has one of the best faculty in my opinion. When I think about my time here at Southern I'm always amazed by God's grace in leading me here.

At the beginning of each semester I'm always eager to see and learn what God will teach me and how He is going to mold me, not only through the academic training from the seminary, but also through ministry, relationships, work, and more. He's never failed to surprise me each semester with unexpected turns and sometimes trials in my personal life. And He's never failed to grant me more than sufficient grace to come out walking even more closely to Him. This semester will not be any different I suspect. Already there are new challenges and new responsibilities in ministry. And looking at my track record there will be issues that I'll struggle with. Somehow I am excited about those struggles and challenges. I've had some of the sweetest communion with God through difficult times.

By God's grace (I'm not taking this phrase lightly, I do recognize that it is God's grace alone) I've had one of the most amazing and fruitful summers. Having spent most of the first 24 years of my life with my grandparents and having seen them age and deteriorate rapidly these couple of years, I'm truly thankful for the 5 weeks I spent at home in Vancouver with them and my parents. I cannot express adequately with words how much I enjoyed and appreciate my trip home this summer. I also visited a Sovereign Grace church in Vancouver ( Crossway Community Church ). Although I didn't have time to establish any relationship at that church (Lord willing, someday I'd like to), I was encouraged and learned much from their Sunday services. Then I went to Indonesia. If you're interested in reading a bit about my trip you can go here . In a nutshell, it was a wonderful trip.

Now that I've recapped my summer I'm even more ready for the new semester!