From Christianity Today
Amid our purity pledges and attempts to make chastity hip, we forgot to teach young Christians how to tie the knot.
When is the time to get married? Why are we delaying marriage in our time?
Here is the link to the article.
Urgent Prayer Request for for Daniel Choi
From UBF.org
Daniel Choi (the youngest son of M. Isaac Choi of Chicago) had surgery on Saturday, Sept 26. His GI doctor discovered two spots of perforation on his colon. However, surgeons could not reconnect his swollen colon after surgery and he is under medical supervision at Rush's SICU. They are planning an attempt to close his colon this Thursday or as soon as the swelling subsides. Please pray for him. He needs God’s mercy and the prayers of God’s servants to be fully healed.
Person of Christ
Apostle John said, "We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands." (1 John 2:3)
Four statements must be understood and affirmed in
order to attain a complete biblical picture of the person
of Jesus Christ:
1. Jesus Christ is fully and completely divine.
2. Jesus Christ is fully and completely human.
3. The divine and human natures of Christ are distinct.
4. The divine and human natures of Christ are completely united in one person.
This is a good resource as we study 1 John.
Knowing Jesus is our salvation. The gospel coalition wrote a paper on the person of Jesus. Here is the link.
Four statements must be understood and affirmed in
order to attain a complete biblical picture of the person
of Jesus Christ:
1. Jesus Christ is fully and completely divine.
2. Jesus Christ is fully and completely human.
3. The divine and human natures of Christ are distinct.
4. The divine and human natures of Christ are completely united in one person.
This is a good resource as we study 1 John.
Knowing Jesus is our salvation. The gospel coalition wrote a paper on the person of Jesus. Here is the link.
Friendship
From Ray Ortlund's blog
“Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” Proverbs 20:6, NLT
A spirit of self-assurance is a gospel-denying, self-deceiving, friendship-destroying mentality. It is natural to say to ourselves, “I’m doing my part. They should be grateful.” It is supernatural to say to ourselves, “I place myself under the judgment of the Word of God. I humble myself. Even if the other person is wrong, that gives me no right to assert myself. No matter what the other person does, no matter how much I am misunderstood and misjudged, I will remain in the fear of the Lord, I will entrust myself to God.” True friendship thrives when, before God, each one is more aware of his debts than his rights.
If God has given you reliable friends, and surely he has, hold them close to your heart. Each one is a rare treasure.
Counterfeit God
Tim Keller's new book, "Counterfeit God" will be released in Oct.
The table of the contents and introduction are available online.
The table of the contents and introduction are available online.
Who we are
We are members of the University Bible Fellowship.There are three areas we are focusing on:
1. University or Campus
2. Bible studying and sharing -The Bible is all about Christ
3. Fellowship in God or put another way, Christ centered Fellowship
So we are focusing 3 Cs.
Campus
Christ of the Bible
Christ centered and Christ exalting fellowship
University -Campus
Several of us are reaching out to U of I students. Most of us are all students. We pray that we can reach out to our friends and we can bring our student friends to Jesus.
Bible -Christ
In addition, we are forming a Bible reading club under the leadership of John Jeong. His reading plan consists of reading the Old testament once and the New testament twice a year. May God grant us delight when we meditate on the word of God and grow like a tree planted by streams of water. We are living in Bible illiterate society. So we are doing counter cultural movement. (click the image to make it large. This is John's Oct reading plan.) I like our name. The Bible is at the center in between mission and fellowship. If you want to join the club, please contact John Jeong.
Fellowship -Christ centered fellowship
This semester we are learning what it means to have fellowship in God via 1 John study.In addition Mike Rora is forming a Christian Book reading club. His hope that through this reading fellowship, he can bring his friends to Jesus. We have many small fellowships such as brother's living together, sisters' living together, Friday student meeting, Friday house church meeting, Sat missionary meeting etc. Through our fellowship we can reflect the love of our LORD Jesus.
Calvin on the Holy Spirit
Nehemiah Kim of Kwanju UBF sent this article.
This article deals with the subject of the Holy Spirit.
When I visit Kwanju in Oct, we will have more discussion. I am looking forward to meeting him and discussing further on this subject.
This article deals with the subject of the Holy Spirit.
When I visit Kwanju in Oct, we will have more discussion. I am looking forward to meeting him and discussing further on this subject.
Calvin -Desiring God conference
This year DG's main topic was Calvin.
Here is a link to their site.
Calvin is a come back kid according to the Christianity Today magazine.
Happy 500th celebration, John Calivn. Happy birth day, James Calvin Toh.
I recommend to read Augustine and compare with Calvin. Calvin discovered Augustine. As Solomon said there is nothing new under the heaven.
Paul discovered Jesus or Jesus discovered Paul.
Augustine discovered Paul.
Calvin later discovered Augustine. We owe our understanding to our ancient fathers of faith in Jesus.
Here is a link to their site.
Calvin is a come back kid according to the Christianity Today magazine.
Happy 500th celebration, John Calivn. Happy birth day, James Calvin Toh.
I recommend to read Augustine and compare with Calvin. Calvin discovered Augustine. As Solomon said there is nothing new under the heaven.
Paul discovered Jesus or Jesus discovered Paul.
Augustine discovered Paul.
Calvin later discovered Augustine. We owe our understanding to our ancient fathers of faith in Jesus.
My Dear Children
We will continue to study 1 John.
Our text is based on 1 John 1 to 2:2. The title is "My dear children (Querridos hijos mios).
Here is the message.
Our text is based on 1 John 1 to 2:2. The title is "My dear children (Querridos hijos mios).
Here is the message.
Jerry Park's new pad
This morning we met at Jerry Park's new apt. He spent at least 10 hours to make his place ready for us to meditate 1 John 2:1-2.He is a changed man. He also decorated his home.
Thanks Jerry. Please pray him to meditate the word of God each day and for his research. We pray so that we can learn to articulate the gospel all aspect of his life.
Augustine for 21st Century
Bruce Ashford, dean of the Southeastern wrote a series on Augustine to encourage us to read some solid books.
- Why Should We Read Old Books?
- What is Augustine’s Argument in The City of God?
- What Can We Learn from Augustine’s Apologetic Strategy?
- What Were Augustine’s Starting Points and How Are They Relevant for Today?
- What Can We Learn from Augustine as a Pastor-Theologian?
- Selected Passages by Augustine, Reading Recommendations, and Concluding Thoughts
Evangelism network
Tim Keller sys that there are four basic evangelism networks:
(1) familial,
(2) geographical (neighborhoods),
(3) vocational (career/school associates),
and (4) relational (friends not necessarily in the other networks).
In a network-focused church, Keller says that “you will either be a seeker, a bringer, or a cell leader (follow-up) . . . or you are dead weight!”
Ed Stetzer comments on the evangelism network in his own context.
I am working to show the love of Christ, replace my agenda with seeking first the kingdom of God, and open my far-too-silent mouth to tell of the infinite value of knowing Jesus. Life is too short and Jesus is too glorious to leverage each moment with each person I meet for the advancement of the gospel in their heart and mine. God knows we need it. I just hope I show it.
(1) familial,
(2) geographical (neighborhoods),
(3) vocational (career/school associates),
and (4) relational (friends not necessarily in the other networks).
In a network-focused church, Keller says that “you will either be a seeker, a bringer, or a cell leader (follow-up) . . . or you are dead weight!”
Ed Stetzer comments on the evangelism network in his own context.
I am working to show the love of Christ, replace my agenda with seeking first the kingdom of God, and open my far-too-silent mouth to tell of the infinite value of knowing Jesus. Life is too short and Jesus is too glorious to leverage each moment with each person I meet for the advancement of the gospel in their heart and mine. God knows we need it. I just hope I show it.
Encouragement
Relationships -a mess worth making, Tim Lane and Paul Tripp comments on the importance of seeing Jesus:In our own strength, we see the husband who barely communicates. We see the friends who have been consistently disloyal. We see the child who rebels against every command. We see the boss who is unrelentingly critical.
...
Our relationship problems can loom so large that they obstruct our view of the one thing that can give us the hope and courage to go on. That one thing is Christ. Encouragement gives struggling people the eyes to see an unseen Christ. He is the only reliable hope when the call of relationship has taken me way beyond my own wisdom, strength, and character.
Christ give me reason to continue in something that would have long since defeated me. We need:
Christ presence
Christ's promises
and we can see our potential in Christ.
Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian
How shall we live?
Can we make difference in the world?
How can I live my life to the fullest and make the biggest difference?
Can we make difference in the world?
How can I live my life to the fullest and make the biggest difference?
Esther and Stephen Seo at UNC
Continue to pray for Stephen Seo and Esther Seo at UNC, NC. We love Tar Hills. Stephen's Report is at the UBF site.
Tim Keller Resources
Steve McCoy is putting all Tim Keller resources he can find on the net. Thanks Steve.Here is the link.
Family based Youth ministry
Colin Spragg write on the youth ministry
He reviewed a book called "Family based youth ministry" by Mark DeVries.
There are two key priorities.
1. Empower parents to nurture their children's faith
2. Equip the extended family of the church to be a 'family for our tennagers.'
The latter is particularly important for un churched youth, including those from non-traditional families. They need a circle of Christian adults to model the Christian life for them.
We cannot ignore the special needs of youth. make the changes necessary to minister effectively to young people and their families?
We need to see ministry to youth as a family affair, not merely a baby sitting unit.
He reviewed a book called "Family based youth ministry" by Mark DeVries.
There are two key priorities.
1. Empower parents to nurture their children's faith
2. Equip the extended family of the church to be a 'family for our tennagers.'
The latter is particularly important for un churched youth, including those from non-traditional families. They need a circle of Christian adults to model the Christian life for them.
We cannot ignore the special needs of youth. make the changes necessary to minister effectively to young people and their families?
We need to see ministry to youth as a family affair, not merely a baby sitting unit.
John Stott's daily Bible reading and prayer
John Stott shared his persoanl daily Bible reading and prayer (Your humble servant, Australian Presbyterian, Sept 2002, pp 4-7)Bible Reading Stott used the Bible reading calendar produced in 1842 in Dundee, Scotland, by Robert Murray McCheyne. It takes us through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice every year. It is quite exciting because it requires reading four chapters a day, but on New Year Day we do not begin with Genesis 1-4, but with the our great beginnings of Scriptures, namely Genesis 1 (the birth of the universe), Ezra 1 (the rebirth of Israel after Babylonian exile), Matthew 1 (the birth of Chirst) and Acts 1-2 (the birth of the body of Christ).
Stott says, "Nothing has helped me more than this to gain an overview of Scriptures, as biblical theme appear, disappear and re-appear."
Here is the link to the calendar.
Prayer He found to turn his Bible meditations into appropriate prayer, responding to God's word.
In this way, his reading and prayer go together.
Happy meditation and prayer based on the word of God.
Stuff Christians like
Here is a blog that copied the concept from a book called "Stuff White people life".
It is called "Stuff Christians Like."
It is good to take a look at ourselves and learn to laugh.
It is called "Stuff Christians Like."
It is good to take a look at ourselves and learn to laugh.
James Calvin Toh
Uncle Paul Toh sent us a quick note:just wanted to share my joy
here is a picture of my new nephew, James Calvin Toh:
James Calvin Toh, born to Sam and Anna Toh, Tuesday, September 15, at 11:45am.
Gospel-Centered Discipleship
Jonathan Dodson's new e-Book, Fight Clubs: Gospel-Centered Discipleship, is now available for free at The Resurgence.
Fellowship 101 -Boundaries and Direction
We are working on 1 John.We will look at 1 John 1 and 1 John 5:21 and look at Jeremiah. Specifically we will look at John's warning on idols.
Here is the message entitled Boundaries and Direction.
Ed Stetzer on mission
Mission, Self, and God's Mission
Mission is the opposite of self. We have to remember to make it about God and not about us.
Even pastors struggle with the reality that the heart is an idol factory. Your heart is an "Idol Factory" constantly creating things other than God to worship.
We must resist the pull of idols and live the mission-- to make it about God's Glory and His agenda.
We pastors too often consider ourselves as "religious professionals who can put on a show" rather than people transformed and sent on mission.
1. Those on mission focus on God's glory and His agenda
(Isaiah 6:1-8).
2. Those on mission reflect being with God
(2 Corinthans 3:16-18).
Trying to get people on mission who haven't been transformed by the gospel is a fool's errand.
3. Those on mission no longer live for themselves
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Calvin -The Come back Kid
This year is 500th Birthday of John Calvin.Some of us are reading Calvin's Institute.
Christianity Today featured Calvin as the Come Back Kid. Calvin does not go out of fashion. Here is the link to the article.
See also 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now from Time magazine. In particular, New Calvinism is number 3.
The Dream Team -John Calvin, Jereminah and John Bunyon
Edinburgh Expositors Conference Audio
John Calvin, John Bunyon and Jeremiah. Wow. Good mp3 files. Let's see what our brothers in England are laboring and let's learn from each other.
Steve Lawson
The Expository Ministry of John Calvin (a)
The Expository Ministry of John Calvin (b)
Ian Shaw
The Expository Ministry of John Bunyan (a)
The Expository Ministry of John Bunyan (b)
Peter Grainger
Preaching from the prophet Jeremiah – ‘Living in Exile’ (a)
Preaching from the prophet Jeremiah – ‘Living in Exile’ (b)
Preaching from the prophet Jeremiah – ‘The Man and his Mission’ (a)
Preaching from the prophet Jeremiah – ‘The Man and his Mission’ (b)
Preaching the Gospel from Jeremiah (a)
Preaching the Gospel from Jeremiah (b)
Free Small group resoruces
We are thinking about forming several small groups based on Luke 15 parables and based on Tim Keller's book, The Prodigal God.Those who are interested, please let me know and we can start a series next semester.
I highly recommend it. It's called The Prodigal God: Finding Your Place at the Table.
You can watch a couple of "trailers" here and get free resources by registering your church.
Black Sea conference Report by Point
Front the UBF.org.
Continue to pray for P for T.
http://ubf.org/bbs/worldmission/2575
Continue to pray for P for T.
http://ubf.org/bbs/worldmission/2575
God is light part 2
Dios es Luz (John 1:5-10)God is light. This is the message of our LORD Jesus. God shines his light so that we know who we are before God.
We will continue to study 1 John this week. Here is the message.
Joyful meditation on 1 John and Jeremiah.
A pork, coke and iPhone
As you know Alex traveled extensively this Summer.
Alex writes:
Alex writes:
The first thing I ate when I came home [ from Israel] was a pork (hot dog) and an American Coke.
In addition, Alex has a new iPhone. He is becoming Apple lover. He is a changed man.
Welcome back Alex.
How not to waste your money
The UBF ministry at the University of Illinois is supported by the prayers and financial gifts of interested friends and organizations.
Thanks for partnering with us in our mission to reach disciple, and equip college students in the U.S. to know the grace of our LORD Jesus. (Rom 1:5)
If you would like to partner with us, please contact us via email: uconetoone@gmail.com
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We are the member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFC). We want to manage God's money with excellence and with integrity. Thank you for your prayers and generous gifts.
Thanks for partnering with us in our mission to reach disciple, and equip college students in the U.S. to know the grace of our LORD Jesus. (Rom 1:5)
If you would like to partner with us, please contact us via email: uconetoone@gmail.com
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We are the member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFC). We want to manage God's money with excellence and with integrity. Thank you for your prayers and generous gifts.
Christy Peace sent out to T.
Maria Peace of Kiev sent these pictures.Christy's being sent out to T. Also with her Bible teacher, shepherdess Olena.
Coral and Caleb in China
Caleb sent this picture.Please pray for them to articulate the gospel in C.
Peter Cowen at UIC
Peter Cowen is attending UIC (U of I at C). C stands for Christ.Please pray for him to grow in the grace of Jesus.
C4 (Chirst, Cycling, Camping and Canoe)
Here are some pictures that Jerry Park took for the Kick-A-Poo State Park over the Labor Day holidays.Special thanks to:
Josh -organizing cycling (60 miles round trip)
Paul -organizing camp
Abe -setting up tents
And several grad students stayed to the end and cleaned up the camp site.
Sarah West
Sarah Brook and Kevin West married last Sunday.I like to introduce Mrs. Sarah West.
Sarah's mom commented that her Bible study with Grace Sun really helped her to have faith in Jesus.
We appreciate her partnership and support and prayer for us.
Jeremiah Park passed Qual
Jerrry sent this succinct message:"I passed the test. I thank God and thank you for your prayer and support. See you."
Thank God for his grace on Jerry's life.
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