The Agora of Socrates
Agora originally meant "gathering place" but came to mean the market place and public square in an ancient Greek city. It was the political, civic, and commercial center of the city. Socrates spent most of his time at the agora in Athens discussing the serious issues of the day with anyone who was willing.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Why Blog?
Blog – an online diary of your thoughts on whatever crosses your mind…
You can use cutting humor and the other weapons of argument, but be slow to do so because these are not easily mastered and can go very wrong… The advantage of blogging is that it will oblige you to live in the world of ideas and debates, and to do so at the modern pace.
At present no great blogger has emerged with a distinctly evangelical worldview. When one does, with humor and insight attached as well, that person(s) will have an enormous impact on the world.
Begin by studying the key blogs that are currently available, such as Instapundit.com, Kausfiles.com, vpostrel.com, volokh.blogspot.com and powerline.blogspot.com
Hugh Hewitt, "In But Not Of - A Guide to Christian Ambition and the desire to influence the world"
You can use cutting humor and the other weapons of argument, but be slow to do so because these are not easily mastered and can go very wrong… The advantage of blogging is that it will oblige you to live in the world of ideas and debates, and to do so at the modern pace.
At present no great blogger has emerged with a distinctly evangelical worldview. When one does, with humor and insight attached as well, that person(s) will have an enormous impact on the world.
Begin by studying the key blogs that are currently available, such as Instapundit.com, Kausfiles.com, vpostrel.com, volokh.blogspot.com and powerline.blogspot.com
Hugh Hewitt, "In But Not Of - A Guide to Christian Ambition and the desire to influence the world"
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Leon: Looks like everything is not so peachy in China huh?
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Brought to you by The Voice of the Martyrs
When 34-year old Jiang Zongxiu went to her neighboring market last June in Guizhou Province, China. Along with her mother-in-law, Jiang went through the marketplace, taking opportunities to hand out Bibles and Christian literature and telling people about Jesus. Only this day they had an encounter with the Chinese police.
The two Christian women were handcuffed together and brought to the police station. They were interrogated throughout the evening of the 17th. The next morning they were sentenced by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) to 15 days incarceration for “suspected spreading of rumor and disturbing the social order.”
Jiang and her mother-in-law knew the risk of spreading Christian literature in communist China. Both had been active in their church for more than 10 years and dared to go forth. Even when they were arrested, interrogated and sentenced to serve 15 days, they were willing to accept the consequences of their actions—all from a government that claims to have “freedom of religion.”
But it was not enough for the PSB to arrest and beat these two Christian women for the crime of passing our Christian literature. In the afternoon of June 18th, Mrs. Jiang Zongziu was pronounced dead by the PSB office of Tongzi County. They claimed she died of “natural causes.” The fact is she was beaten to death.
The Voice of the Martyrs has received video testimony from the surviving family, photos of Jiang body showing her bruised body, and a copy of the actual arrest document. All of this had to be smuggled out of China as the authorities continue to attempt to hide their systematic persecution of Christians. An international campaign is now under way on behalf of the surviving family.
Much of the world would like you to believe Christians are no longer persecuted. Sister Jiang’s family would disagree. Now you can stay informed of what is really happening to your Christian brothers and sisters in countries like China and even discover practical ways to help, with a FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. Don’t turn your back on today’s persecuted church. Subscribe today.
Click here to receive your FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award-winning newsletter.
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Brought to you by The Voice of the Martyrs
When 34-year old Jiang Zongxiu went to her neighboring market last June in Guizhou Province, China. Along with her mother-in-law, Jiang went through the marketplace, taking opportunities to hand out Bibles and Christian literature and telling people about Jesus. Only this day they had an encounter with the Chinese police.
The two Christian women were handcuffed together and brought to the police station. They were interrogated throughout the evening of the 17th. The next morning they were sentenced by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) to 15 days incarceration for “suspected spreading of rumor and disturbing the social order.”
Jiang and her mother-in-law knew the risk of spreading Christian literature in communist China. Both had been active in their church for more than 10 years and dared to go forth. Even when they were arrested, interrogated and sentenced to serve 15 days, they were willing to accept the consequences of their actions—all from a government that claims to have “freedom of religion.”
But it was not enough for the PSB to arrest and beat these two Christian women for the crime of passing our Christian literature. In the afternoon of June 18th, Mrs. Jiang Zongziu was pronounced dead by the PSB office of Tongzi County. They claimed she died of “natural causes.” The fact is she was beaten to death.
The Voice of the Martyrs has received video testimony from the surviving family, photos of Jiang body showing her bruised body, and a copy of the actual arrest document. All of this had to be smuggled out of China as the authorities continue to attempt to hide their systematic persecution of Christians. An international campaign is now under way on behalf of the surviving family.
Much of the world would like you to believe Christians are no longer persecuted. Sister Jiang’s family would disagree. Now you can stay informed of what is really happening to your Christian brothers and sisters in countries like China and even discover practical ways to help, with a FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. Don’t turn your back on today’s persecuted church. Subscribe today.
Click here to receive your FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award-winning newsletter.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Dave's original introduction to The Agora
Note: this is a classic intoroduction that Dave wrote that I (Leon) just felt should be published here.
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Agora
What is your 'hot button'?
What 'disses u off'' and keeps you up at night?
IF you can change one thing in the world, what would it be?
(Questions that Ps Soo Inn asked at an Ibridge camp last year, though not in those exact terms)
Sometimes, I get 'sleepless in Puchong' and bang my head against the wall when I think of the questions culture is asking about "What is truth? What is the good life? etc." because it appears that the Bible has some pretty good answers.
But somehow, we're not thinking after God's thoughts or loving Him with our minds as well as our hearts.
Like me, most Christian kids me go through education without sufficiently equipped to handle the -isms they learn in class. So we either swallow them whole or ignore them or retreat into a ghetto-like piety.
Everyday we are shaped by the spirit of the age without being aware of it. And I don't mean the 'territorial demons' hovering above KL, ok?
Naturalism in the papers - "Scientists found genes that cause infidelity".
Islamic polemics over radio - "How can God be one and three?"
Relativism in the movies - "There is no spoon"
Secular hedonism in the popular songs - "It can't be wrong if it feels so right".
On one hand we got fantastic scholars in Kairos writing fascinating stuffs. But most of the grassroots seem to be 'asleep in the light'.
Can't we bridge the gap and 'put these cookies on a lower shelf'? (To borrow Greg Koukl's phrase)
Recently some friends and I got together to start something. We have no name for it yet. "Submergent" sounds too much like an undercover-underground cell - haha!
One suggestion was: Project Lord of the Rings. Because it seems that people of diverse backgrounds and gifts are coming together to contribute their bit. We need a healthy mix of hobbits, elves and wizards... also, some human students, intelligent and inquiring adults, lawyer, philosopher, politician, Christian hedonist - strange and potent blend, indeed.
Time: 6.00 pmVenue: CDPC (map in www.cdpc.org)Date: 16 October 2004 (Saturday)Topic: "Do All Roads Lead to Rome?"
Interested folks can contact me at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: Leon suggested a hermeneutical community... maybe, a 'fellowship of the King' sounds less intimidating?
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Agora
What is your 'hot button'?
What 'disses u off'' and keeps you up at night?
IF you can change one thing in the world, what would it be?
(Questions that Ps Soo Inn asked at an Ibridge camp last year, though not in those exact terms)
Sometimes, I get 'sleepless in Puchong' and bang my head against the wall when I think of the questions culture is asking about "What is truth? What is the good life? etc." because it appears that the Bible has some pretty good answers.
But somehow, we're not thinking after God's thoughts or loving Him with our minds as well as our hearts.
Like me, most Christian kids me go through education without sufficiently equipped to handle the -isms they learn in class. So we either swallow them whole or ignore them or retreat into a ghetto-like piety.
Everyday we are shaped by the spirit of the age without being aware of it. And I don't mean the 'territorial demons' hovering above KL, ok?
Naturalism in the papers - "Scientists found genes that cause infidelity".
Islamic polemics over radio - "How can God be one and three?"
Relativism in the movies - "There is no spoon"
Secular hedonism in the popular songs - "It can't be wrong if it feels so right".
On one hand we got fantastic scholars in Kairos writing fascinating stuffs. But most of the grassroots seem to be 'asleep in the light'.
Can't we bridge the gap and 'put these cookies on a lower shelf'? (To borrow Greg Koukl's phrase)
Recently some friends and I got together to start something. We have no name for it yet. "Submergent" sounds too much like an undercover-underground cell - haha!
One suggestion was: Project Lord of the Rings. Because it seems that people of diverse backgrounds and gifts are coming together to contribute their bit. We need a healthy mix of hobbits, elves and wizards... also, some human students, intelligent and inquiring adults, lawyer, philosopher, politician, Christian hedonist - strange and potent blend, indeed.
Time: 6.00 pmVenue: CDPC (map in www.cdpc.org)Date: 16 October 2004 (Saturday)Topic: "Do All Roads Lead to Rome?"
Interested folks can contact me at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: Leon suggested a hermeneutical community... maybe, a 'fellowship of the King' sounds less intimidating?
Blogs
Other blogs "ditaja oleh Agora":
http://toucheart.blogspot.com/
http://ale-web.tripod.com/main.htm
http://www.gaweb.biz/jacksons.htm
http://leon-alicia.blogspot.com/
http://www.johnsee.net/journal/
http://toucheart.blogspot.com/
http://ale-web.tripod.com/main.htm
http://www.gaweb.biz/jacksons.htm
http://leon-alicia.blogspot.com/
http://www.johnsee.net/journal/
Trust and Obey
By David Ting
Yesterday, I was attending the seminar by Rev Stephen Thong. In one of his Q&A session when he response to a question is to obey God in order to grow spirituality. He further added that it is not how much we know about God, not how much we read the Bible, how much we sing, how many times we ask the Holy Spirit fo fill in us nor how much we serve. We must obey the written word of God. This is to pursue holiness. Like
what Billy Bright said, "Holiness is not an option for Christian lives".
Following is the hymn which is well know to all... TRUST & OBEY
The music for this hymn was composed by D. B. Towner, the first director of music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This hymn was written in 1886 during and occasion when Towner was leading singing for D. L. Moody in Brockton, Massachusetts. In a testimony service, he heard a young man say, "I am not quite sure – but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the words and sent them to his friend J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister, who
developed the idea into a full hymn.
The refrain came first “it is a capsule version of the entire song“ and the verse later.
D. L. Moody said in one occasion: "The blood (of Christ) alone makes us safe. The Word (of God) alone makes us sure. Obedience (to God) makes us happy."
Trust & Obey
=========
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Yesterday, I was attending the seminar by Rev Stephen Thong. In one of his Q&A session when he response to a question is to obey God in order to grow spirituality. He further added that it is not how much we know about God, not how much we read the Bible, how much we sing, how many times we ask the Holy Spirit fo fill in us nor how much we serve. We must obey the written word of God. This is to pursue holiness. Like
what Billy Bright said, "Holiness is not an option for Christian lives".
Following is the hymn which is well know to all... TRUST & OBEY
The music for this hymn was composed by D. B. Towner, the first director of music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This hymn was written in 1886 during and occasion when Towner was leading singing for D. L. Moody in Brockton, Massachusetts. In a testimony service, he heard a young man say, "I am not quite sure – but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the words and sent them to his friend J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister, who
developed the idea into a full hymn.
The refrain came first “it is a capsule version of the entire song“ and the verse later.
D. L. Moody said in one occasion: "The blood (of Christ) alone makes us safe. The Word (of God) alone makes us sure. Obedience (to God) makes us happy."
Trust & Obey
=========
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
