The story thus far...

"Finishing The Game"

2007-10-10T01:36:00.001-03:00

After watching this trailer... how could I not share it?
http://www.youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/

wedding pictures and thoughts

2007-08-28T21:31:00.000-03:00

So it's been about three months since our wedding day, and all I can think of is... what a great day it was! We had to wait a little over 2 months for our wedding photos, but overall I am pleased with them. Our photographer used a very photo-journalistic approach... which basically means, he stays out of the way and captures the day for what it is. Very few posed shots... perhaps too few (says my wife). But I suppose if you wanted a perfect compilation of photos, you'd hire both a photojournalist and a portrait photographer.

Anyway, like I said... I'm happy with what we got, and I have an appreciation for the art of photojournalism. It's better than having someone who gets in your face every ten steps.

Our wedding photos can be viewed at www.glennisandsunny.com

learning how to use facebook...

2007-07-28T13:19:00.000-03:00

I've returned from CSU, and I am now learning how to use facebook...

I got married!

2007-06-12T13:11:00.000-03:00

June 2nd turned out to be a really good day! There is little I'd change about it. So, we made it! And now I am a married man. Life doesn't get much sweeter than this... :)

We have to wait 3 weeks for our wedding photos to be processed by our pro photographer, but I'll be sure to post them when they're ready.

We just got back from our Honeymoon in southern Florida. Lots of sun mixed with rain. But now it's time to get back to work...

almost there...

2007-06-01T12:23:00.000-03:00

The clock is ticking, and the 24 theme plays in the back of my mind... One thing for sure, something in my life is going to change in the next 24 hours. We're almost there... Stay tuned.

Pasta Lovers NYC

2007-04-24T14:27:00.000-03:00

So yesterday was Glennis' Birthday, and I took her to this Italian place called Pasta Lovers on W. 49th Street. I just have to say... the food was amazing, with great atmosphere, and friendly service! So if you have an important date or a special gathering, and you can afford $18 to $25 per dish, I highly recommend this restaurant!

I've moved

2007-02-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

Well, I did it... I got out of Albany. It wasn't the most difficult move I've been through, but it was crazy enough. I'm glad I did it though; this will be good for me in the long run.

So I'm experiencing a change in scenery and a different way of life. Most of it is self explanatory. It has been both fun and stressful. But I'm getting used to it fast.

In transition...

2007-01-29T01:02:00.000-04:00

This is the last entry I will write from my apartment here in Schenectady, NY; my seventh and final residence in the capital district of New York. So after 11 years, I am finally leaving…

It has been quite a journey. This is a place I've called home. I've grown so much during my time here (both in the spiritual sense and the physical :P). Many fond memories… along with many regrets. But I am confident that God has used every circumstance to bring me closer to what He wants me to be. I am thankful that He has brought me to this point in my life. Though in a way, it's sad to leave... I have a feeling the next chapter in my story will be far more exciting.

So after Jan 31^st, I’ll be living in good old Flushing. I am getting married on June 2^nd. So this is a very exciting time of transition for me. I am also planning to join the staff of the EPIC Movement of Campus Crusade for Christ. This is a ministry that focuses on Asian American Students. (more on this later..)

So far I’ve driven 2 carloads of stuff down to the city. The truck arrives tomorrow, and hopefully my move will be complete. Glennis has been so great in helping me pack and organize my stuff. Don’t know what I’d do without her. My fiancée is the best.

On transporting fish:
Probably the toughest part of my move is transporting my fish. Yes, I’ve been a tropical fish enthusiast for many years now. It’s a hobby I enjoy, and hope to continue. Typically you’d put fish in plastic bags filled with water, and then put the plastic bags in insulated boxes… where the fish would survive for 4 hours before dying of ammonia poisoning. The other method is to put the fish in a barrel full of chemically balanced water, and drive very carefully. The fish might survive 8 hours before freezing to death (since it’s winter). The problem is… I’m expecting this move to take at least 12 hours. So this is a tough one…

I am engaged!

2006-10-31T15:53:00.000-04:00

I was driving down from Albany the night before in the rain, wondering just how am I gonna do this. The nice warm days are well behind us, and it's just going to get colder from here on. I had always hoped to propose by the water, under nice weather... but it didn't seem like a possibility. The weather report was very bad for the weekend. Then I thought to myself, doing this indoors might be just as nice. When I arrived at her house that night, I left a dozen roses and a small box on her porch. The box was just big enough to hold a ring... (it actually was the box the ring came in). When she found it, I told her to open it. To her surprise, it was full of Hershey's kisses.

I thought it might be more special to propose somewhere other than her house. Since the plan was to do this indoors, I had planned to take her to a nice museum in Manhattan. God had other plans.

DATE: October 28th, 2006. TIME: approx. 3:15pm. LOCATION: Central Park, New York City.
The rain ended in the morning, and it turned out to be a beautiful autumn day with a nice breeze. We never made it to the museum. Instead we went for a walk in Central Park, something I've never really done before. And we came across bow bridge, one of the most beautiful cast iron bridges in the world. It was overlooking the lake, with the 5th avenue skyline in the background. I thought to myself.. this has got to be the place. So I said "Glennis, I want to ask you something". I pulled out the ring, held my breath, got down on one knee and said... "Will you marry me?" ... And she said "Yes! I will marry you". This is all very special to me... the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions... and most definitely, the right girl. :) Below is a picture of us minutes after she said yes.

Glennis and I have known each other since childhood. We have been good friends for many years. I spent a good 7 years of my life praying for her... just praying. She has been, and always will be the most special girl in my life.

We started dating on August 13th this year, after some careful thought and prayer. Yes, after only 11 weeks, we got engaged. Dear friends... when you know, YOU KNOW. It does not require a set number of years of dating to know that someone is the one. The formula for a successful marriage includes... 1)having your lives focused on God; 2)being best friends with each other; 3)and being totally in love with each other! ... Everything else is secondary.

So, there's a wedding coming up, but I'm not sure when. I've never been engaged before, so this is all very new to me. But I do feel blessed. There are some things that I can only dream of happening... this is one of them... yet it's not a dream. God has been faithful in so many things. It is He who orchestrated everything, and it is He who deserves all the honor and praise. May it be so... for as long as we live.

the mission of the Church

2006-09-12T19:11:00.000-03:00

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the campus of Columbia University. I was there for an event called "Praise on the steps", organized by Christian groups on campus. The idea was to have all the Christians on campus gather together on the steps of the library; praying, and singing songs of praise. And this was a totally informal event... all it took was a few guys with guitars, and a few laptops... and the rest was up to God.

I was reminded that day, that worship in itself is the most amazing tool of evangelism. Basically, gather a few believers together in a public place, have them sings songs and worship in an authentic way. Those who pass by will wonder what's going on, and they will be intrigued... because that's what God does. If the presence of God is there, it will be felt by all those around... and they will be affected one way or another. As Christians, we're all about making an impact in the community.

It all of a sudden hit me, that this is clear picture of what churches are supposed to be doing. If GOD calls me to it (and I think He will), I'd like to plant churches someday... and it's so important to have a clear vision.

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." -- (Acts 2:46-47)

The Biblical model of Church is placing a group of believers in the center of a community, where they will worship, share the gospel, and love others... therefore, impacting the community. These days there are many reasons why someone would want to start a new church... sometimes it's about politics & power, sometimes it's about being exclusive, sometimes it's about doctrine & theology, and sometimes it's about pride & money... but how much of a difference would it make, if everyone who planted a church kept in mind that their mission is to love others and to give them Jesus.

For me, it'd truly be a privilege... if someday God brings me to a place where the gospel is rarely heard... (and that doesn't necessarily mean another country; there are places here where the gospel is rarely heard!) And it'd be great if I can team up with a group of believers, with the same vision... to worship, and add numbers to the kingdom.

thoughts on communion

2006-08-31T02:11:00.000-03:00

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you..." -- Luke 22:19-20

The Lord's Supper is an ordinance that takes place in most Churches today. A question that stirs up much debate is... Who is qualified to take part in the Lord's Supper?

Well, everyone has their own reasons for doing things the way they do... some of these reasons are scripturally valid, others are not.

First, what is GOD's view on communion? At the last supper, Christ said to His disciples "Do this in remembrance of me". I am quite sure Christ was speaking to all believers, not only certain denominations. I don't think Jesus believed in denominations. Now I was reading John chapter 17; this chapter brings me so much encouragement. Before Jesus was arrested, He prayed not only for His disciples at the time, but for all of us who believe in Him today.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -- John 17:20-23

It's very clear that Jesus believed in the universal body of believers. He wanted all of us to be in complete unity. Christ did a remarkable thing on the cross. The body of Christ was broken for all people; his blood shed for the sins of the world. Those who have accepted this as truth, and have put their faith in Christ... have every right to take part in the Lord's Supper. It's what Jesus wants us to do, to remember Him by. Simply put... if Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you are qualified to take communion. That is the Biblical perspective on communion.

But now we need to look at communion from the perspective of the local Church. Basically, Christ is not really your Lord and Savior unless you agree with the doctrine of that particular Church. Now this is not a problem... provided that the doctrine of that particular Church is Biblically sound. The fact that you've confessed your sin, accepted Christ into your heart, put your faith in the work He did on the cross... that really should be enough; but in many cases it's not. So some Churches require proof that you are actually "saved" before they let you partake in the Lord's table. I guess this is understandable... because in 1 Corinthians 11:27 it says... "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." Okay, so Churches tend to want to guard against this, rather than open the table to anyone. I don't think this is a problem until churches start enforcing "unwritten rules". In most Southern Baptist Churches, you are not qualified to take part in the Lord's Supper unless you are Southern Baptist. Don't ask me to explain the logic in this... because I can't. It's like saying, unless you are part of our denomination... you're not really a Christian at all.

I believe there are two things a person should think about before taking the Lord's Supper. First, look around you and know where you are. Personally, I would not feel comfortable taking communion in a Church whose doctrine I totally disagree with... because IF I think their view of God is corrupted, it makes me wonder if God is even worshipped there. And if God is not worshipped there, it's not really Church... and the Lord's Supper really isn't the Lord's Supper... it's something else, that I want no part of. Why you're there in the first place is another story.
Second, I believe in the warnings stated in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. We do need to examine ourselves before we take the bread and the cup. Ask yourself.... "at this moment, Is Christ really LORD of my life?... Am I doing this in remembrance of Him?" Because drinking the cup in an unworthy manner really is a bad thing.

faithful God

2006-08-15T04:11:00.000-03:00

Back at my base of operations in upstate New York, and I thought I'd share a little. The past 96 hours can be described as "memorable" at the very least.

The missionary Hudson Taylor once said,
"God always gives His very best to those who leave the choice with Him".
This is one of my favorite quotes... because it's so true. In the past I've learned... the more we focus on ourselves and try to make things the way we want it... the easier it is for us to miss out on what God really wants for our lives. Not that our choices are always bad (though many times they are..).... but there's a difference between a "good choice" and a "God choice". The idea is to desire what God wants... and believe me, He has ways of making it clear what He wants... the real question is whether you're actually gonna do it.

Great things happen by Faith. Five days ago something unbelievable happened in my life. And only because I had enough Faith in the one who has brought me this far. Since then I've lived some of the happiest moments in my life. I wouldn't trade these memories for anything in the world. It's indescribable what I've been experiencing lately, almost unreal. It's stuff like this that makes me want to fall facedown and worship. If we choose to proceed in life, with the understanding that God is God... He truly does amazing things... and He does give His very best. His faithfulness does not fail.

There is no better place to be than in the center of God's desired will.

staying focused

2006-08-09T02:26:00.000-03:00

Some of my friends know there's an issue that's been on my heart for a while now... several years actually... And after months of praying and petitioning to the Lord, I have decided to do something about it... confident this is what He wants me to do. I mean, if we can't trust in His promises... what can we trust in?.. right?... So tommorrow I will take that historic journey down to the city... and I will be satisfied knowing His will is done.

It has not been an easy week for me, dealing with an array of political and social attacks from those I might call friends. It's not surprising satan has chosen this week to orchestrate this type of attack... causing confusion and tension among God's people... whom I need right now. Nevertheless, I am staying focused. When I return from the city... I am expecting a chain of dramatic events to unfold. Sometimes peace is so hard to find. I remember a quote from the Lord of the Rings..

Theoden: "I will not risk open war."
Aragorn: "Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not"

Such is the life of anyone who chooses to live in obedience to Christ. I don't know about you... but it's all worth it to me.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -- Ephesians 6:12

tough issues & absolute truths

2006-08-06T18:18:00.000-03:00

There are some topics many pastors tend to avoid, because it's too controversial, and there are too many views on it... you can't hold a particular view without offending somebody. We live in a world where the rules have changed... where preaching what people want to hear is the norm. And I understand where they're coming from. As a minister, the last thing you want is negative feedback... beause job security is a real isssue... unless of course you're the pastor of a g12 system.... *pause*... (okay, not right now.. we'll get into that later!). Anyway, somewhere along the line Christians have forgotten the Gospel of truth is an offense to the rest of the world. If there's an absolute truth, we must learn to follow it.

Well, even though I don't have all the answers... I'm all about dealing with the tough issues. If there's a tough issue somebody wants to talk about, BRING IT.
::
When we talk about Churches, and when we talk about our spiritual walks... sometimes there's really a lot of stuff to process in our minds... Another option would be, Let's just leave it and not process it! But is that what GOD really wants? Being a mostly active Christian for many years now... I've probably seen as much of the bad as I have the good... if not more. Having heard 'different versions' of the gospel, and having observed all types of denominations and cults... I feel like I've seen things that most people don't even think about. In the Christian community, most people do avoid the tough issues... the ones that stir up "trouble", saying... Let's not be "troublemakers", let's just get along.... (*right!!.. whatever you say). Most people do find it irrelevant to dig deeper into the truth. In other words... Christianity has become "whatever works for me" rather than "what I believe is true". If you haven't noticed by now... I'm a pretty big "troublemaker".

When asked "Why are you a Christian?", common responses include; "because that's how I was raised", "all my friends are Christians", "Church is a fun place to hang out", "I enjoy rock music", "this is the religion that works for me". Seldom do I hear the proper response, which EVERY mature Christian should be able to say without even thinking about it... "This is what I believe is true".

When I was a young teenager many years ago, growing up in Church, I was blessed with teachers who shared the Gospel, and taught the truth... something I will be forever thankful for. And it's the truth I've been grounded in all these years. I realize not everyone gets the same opportunity... especially when I look at the condition of our churches today. It is nearly impossible for a young person to hear the Gospel of truth these days. Make no mistake... the mission field is right here.

For many of the tough issues some of us think about (and others avoid), there are absolute truths. It's been said that if we seek the truth, we will find it... (Matthew 7:7).

My friends, does GOD challenge you to think about the tough issues? (or do you not care), Do you care about digging deeper into the truth? (or do you feel fine where you are), Are you doing this for Jesus? (or are there other reasons), Is Christianity who you are? (or is it just what you do).
If you answered yes to these questions, we have something in common. So let's encourage each other. God bless!
::
"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me." - (Proverbs 8:17)

Question: who was the biggest "troublemaker" of all time?
Answer: JESUS

Denominational Hermeneutics

2006-08-03T22:15:00.000-03:00

The interpretation of Scripture, otherwise known as "Hermeneutics" varies within just about every denomination. I was reading about it today, and here is a pretty good illustration...

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IF the phrase, "THE CAT SAT ON THE MAT" was in the Bible, this is how it might be interpreted:

The Liberal theologians would say, the cat didn't really sit on the mat... it's just an expression. Furthermore, cat and mat had different meanings back then, and it should be interpreted according to the customs and practices of that time period.

The Evangelicals would make an essential condition of faith that a real physical, living cat, being a domestic pet of the Felix Domesticus species, and having a whiskered head and furry body, four legs and a tail, did physically place its whole body on a floor covering.

The Catholics would develop a holiday called the 'Festival of the Blessed Cat'. This day would teach about how the cat was naturally white, and the mat was made out of gold, and how the cat eventually ascended into heaven. The ceremony would require the mandatory lighting of 5 candles, and the ringing of bells 3 times.

The Orthodox Church would immediately break away from the Catholic Church saying, scripture mandates that 6 candles be lit, and the bell should ring 4 times.

And eventually... the Southern Baptists will say, the cat actually dunked it's whole body in water and was fully submerged... before it came up out of the water, and sat on the mat. Therefore, we must do the same.
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So which view is correct? Most people in Church will believe whatever they're told. It's not even an issue.

Here's what I think; GOD gave us Scripture for a reason. If He didn't mean what He wrote, He wouldn't have written it. So I think we should take God's word at face value. As I previously stated... when it comes to doctrine, I believe the only thing worse than legalism is liberalism.

Now about legalism... If GOD actually required more than what the Scripture says... I think He would have wanted us to know, and I think He would have been clear about it.

"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." -- Hosea 6:4

only the truth matters

2006-08-03T04:29:00.000-03:00

Ever since my fall-out with the Southern Baptists... there has been a fire burning inside of me, which has sent me on a quest for theological truth. We live in an age where the Church is divided, the doctrine of man is being preached everywhere, and being "Christian" is no longer enough. Instead we must choose whether we're Baptist, Anabaptist, Presbyterian, Dispensationalist, Calvinist, or some other label. It's too much... and I don't believe it's the picture Christ had in mind when He established the Church.

Well, I am a Christian, and I refuse to label myself as anything else... I believe the only thing more dangerous than legalism is liberalism. The truth based on scripture which is God breathed, is really all that matters. Denominations are nothing more than men coming up with their own set of rules of what Christianity should be. There's nothing wrong with Churches having preferences on secondary issues... but when preferences become absolutes, and secondary issues become primary issues... that's a problem. Now I understand there are many genuine Bible believing Christians who happen to find themselves in a denominational Church... but it's usually the "higher ups" who are problematic... those who issue statements like this:

"My way is the only way acceptable to God. If you don't believe what I believe, then you are in error. Therefore I will not fellowship with you."

This statement is all too familiar to me. I've had my share of pointless theological debates over the past months. I'm sure there will be many more, which I am NOT looking forward to. The truth is, I'd rather spend my time preaching the Gospel to those who haven't yet heard. However, I am passionate about disproving false doctrines, and I will do what it takes to stand up for whatever is true.

Hello World

2006-08-02T16:50:00.000-03:00

Today I've decided to get into the sport of blogging. It's good place to express some of my serious thoughts with the rest of the world. Hopefully it will be a blessing and encouragement to others... I know it will be for me. I'll be writing mostly about theology and Christian related issues... because that's who I am, and that's what I do. If you have a problem with that... please leave... (just kidding).

I didn't want to do this on xanga, because the environment there seems a bit immature. No offense to those who use xanga. Besides, everyone I know uses xanga... and I have to be different.

You can also visit here to read about the latest news and trials in my life (just the facts ... I will not drown you with my sorrows).
God bless you, and have a great day!