PeterPunch's Weblog

Alpha Overnight 2007

peterpunch — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:32:24 +0000

May the Spirit mercifully bring conviction of sin, faith, and repentance for His glory.

Fav Quote from T4G2006 and T4G2008

peterpunch — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:38:36 +0000

“God planned for his Son to be crucified (Rev. 13:8; 2 Tim. 1:9) and for hell to be terrible (Matt. 25:41) so that we would have the clearest witnesses possible to what is at stake when we preach. What gives preaching its seriousness is that the mantle of the preacher is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with the fire of hell.” -John Piper

So looking forward to listening to T4G2008 messages!!

Amazing Grace at Work

peterpunch — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:19:36 +0000

Last Wednesday was a huge milestone where I was able to witness God drawing my family to Himself. My father attended ESL and my younger brother attended Alpha. Wow, what an opportunity to see His amazing grace at work and to witness prayers being answered. The week before, my father sent me an email with pictures of mom at her latest Chinese opera gig. The email’s subject line was, “Mom’s beatiful and happiest day.” After viewing the pictures, I broke down. It reminded me of not just how beautiful my mom is, but that her and my family’s eternal trajectory is by definition hell-bound. I cried out to God, expressing my utter dependence on Him and petitioned for their salvation. The following song came to Pepper as I was sharing with him that really expressed what I was feeling.

Here I am once again
I pour out my heart
For I know that You hear
Every cry You are listening
No matter what state my heart is in

You are faithful to answer
With words that are true
And a hope that is real
As I feel Your touch
You bring a freedom to all that’s within
In the safety of this place
I’m longing to . . .

Pour out my heart
To say that I love You
Pour out my heart
To say that I need You
Pour out my heart
To say that I’m thankful
Pour out my heart
To say that You’re Wonderful!

Humble Orthodoxy

peterpunch — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:17:11 +0000

Based on my limited view of the AA window, it appears Keller’s really sparking an interest for the guys in ministry. Here’s a couple of responses:

Orthodox Christianity and biblical preaching, eh? Who woulda’ thought that would work?

-Ed Stetzer

The experiential difference in Redeemer is Tim Keller. If anyone has pulpit credibility he has it in spades. His messages are essentially reformed, intellectually engaging and hold a high regard for Scripture. Redeemer is the place for people who are hungry for answers and knowledge. There’s no filler or fluff. They go to hear Tim Keller speak and they get what they want. Perhaps what they may find more appealing about Keller is a more holistic commitment to the Gospel and a God-sized vision for the city. He is engaging the heart of many of the changing shifts that we need to wake up to in the church, increasing urbanization, glocalization, and social justice. Shalom.

-LT

Emphasis in quotes added.
Being a member at Covenant Life Church, I sit here saying to myself, “Duh!” Then I say, “wow, that was just so proud of me.” I have been so richly blessed by the leadership here and their mission to “to build a community of gospel-centered people,” which is executed by embracing the ideas mentioned in the quotes above: Orthodox Christianity, biblical preaching, essentially reformed, and high regard for Scripture. I am reminded of my senior pastor, Josh Harris, and singles pastor, Eric Simmons, and their Humble Orthodoxy initiative. Eric also spent 4 singles meetings going through the book of Titus on how to build church on the Gospel. It’s incredible to see how at times I can listen to my leaders and just nod and take everything in passively. Members are challenged, when approaching God’s Word, to ask it questions. One of the most important question is “what is the context?” It’s interesting to ask that same question of our leaders, because it reveals the kinds of decisions that are made in light of the current landscape of Christendom.

On Redeemer Presbyterian’s Praise Band

peterpunch — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:56:31 +0000

“…a reminder that contemporary is not always contextual.”

EdStetzer.com

Equipped

peterpunch — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:26:39 +0000

This past Tuesday’s Big Caregroup Meeting was awesome. We went through Luke 15 together. I was struck by the God’s consistency when showing love, grace, and patience to His children as portrayed in the Prodigal Son parable. I also appreciate how Isaac was not quick to be the answer-man. It changes my perspective on leadership a little bit — to be equipping others in their thinking, especially asking the text questions.

Gospel and Culture

peterpunch — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:34:28 +0000

The Gospel transcends culture. However, how does culture transcend culture? Is it supposed to? That’s where my mistake in thinking lies. Expectations of the culture or cultures in themselves to mix or somehow transcend each other. But after an engaging conversation with LT, it is the Gospel that transcends. It is the power of the Gospel that transforms us to lay aside what is familiar, and go beyond what is comfortable.