“A Look at Slavery and the Bible” (video) with Allison & Harmony

“A Look at Slavery and the Bible” – Allison & Harmony (video)

Hey TD!

It was a treat to have TD alums, Allison and Harmony, come and share at TD recently on the topic of slavery and the Bible. They explored and discussed important issues, like how slavery was viewed in the Bible times, whether the Bible condones slavery, and why the New Testament doesn’t command Christians to fight for justice. It was an enlightening and edifying time.

Now in college, this presentation was adapted from the girls’ 12th grade Sunday School Senior Thesis, given last June.

Enjoy this thoughtful treatment on a tricky subject.

TD Fri. – “A Look at Slavery and the Bible” w/Allison & Harmony (Zoom)

Hey TD!

This month, as we begin to explore the world of modern slavery (human trafficking) and what we can do about it, we want to first explore some of its roots, starting with slavery in ancient history and how God addressed it then.

Some biblical passages seem to not only be indifferent to slavery, but to actually endorse it. How do we come to grips with disturbing biblical passages on slavery when we know slavery to be wrong?

This is what recent TD alums (and current USC Trojans), Allison and Harmony, will address in their thesis, “A Look at Slavery and the Bible,” which was their senior thesis project, originally presented in 12th grade Sunday School. We are excited to have them back to help lead us in this important exploration.

We will once again be on Zoom from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Get the link from your small group leader. See you at TD!

TD’s 20/20 (Pt.2) – TD’s Top 20 Blog Posts & Top 20 Videos in 2020!

Hey TD!

To help us look back at 2020 and see how God worked, we’re sharing TD’s 20/20 – the 20 most viewed videos on the TD channel and the 20 most viewed TD Blog posts in 2020! Yesterday, we shared the videos. Today, we’re sharing the top 20 blog posts. They are great to review. Not eligible for inclusion are update or announcement posts. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

20. The Pernicious Lie: Self Esteem

An insightful essay, written by former TD counselor, Jenny, on the seductive traits of self-esteem.

19. “True Love in a Time of Crisis” – An Important Sabbath Checkup From Ravi

A spliced 15-minute message that gives solid checkpoints to bring before God, and to pray for His adjustment and realignment, so we can be who He desires and made us to be.

18. Ravi Zacharias (1946 – 2020) – A Singular Life

Ravi was a giant and hero to so many across the globe; his reach and effectiveness for Christ to both the world’s highest leaders as well as the world’s most destitute had few parallels.

(Ravi has posthumously been under investigation for sexual misconduct. The interim reports confirm that misconduct seems to have taken place)

17. Remembering RC Sproul (MUST reading)

This post is indeed must reading. By reading MUST READ tributes, you will gain gumption, courage, and vision for your life. Contributors include Joni Eareckson Tada, John Piper, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Steven Lawson, and Sinclair Ferguson.

16. TD Vlog – “How the Arts Can Deepen Your Faith” w/Jill Carattini

Also a Top 20 finisher in TD videos, I had a chance to spend some time with dear friend, Jill Carattini, writer extraordinaire on the deeper spiritual life, former managing editor of Ravi Zacharias Int’l Ministries’ (RZIM) Slice of Infinity, and former curator of RZIM’s formal art gallery, Stillpoint, in Atlanta, where this interview was filmed.

15. Wanna Memorize Psalm 34 With Us?

An invitation to memorize Psalm 34. Full chapter included.

14. The Beauty of the Dandelion

A powerful piece by Vaneetha Rendall Risner (shared to the TD leaders by Kathy). Vaneetha was 3 months old when she contracted Polio.  Within 24 hours she was paralyzed due to a doctor’s mistake.  She has had a lifetime of immense suffering … and ensuing God-given joy.  Her blog Dance in the Rain is a powerful source of truth, sharing, honesty, vulnerability, and hope, as is her book, The Scars That Have Shaped Me

13. The Importance of Friendship

True lasting godly friendships are few and far between, not easy to develop or maintain, but are worth the effort to forge and protect! Proverbs 18:24 shares, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Here’s a good article for us on the importance of friendship by Michael Haykin, a friend of Ligonier Ministries.

12. Ravi Zacharias: A Personal Conversation

Here’s Part 2 of the Interview: Ravi Zacharias: A Personal Conversation, Pt. 2

A personal interview Arthur had with Ravi years ago. Powerful content that can make a difference in your walk with God.

(Ravi has posthumously been under investigation for sexual misconduct. The interim reports confirm that misconduct seems to have taken place)

11. The Bible: Don’t Neglect It!

Convicting letter written by prolific preacher, Alistair Begg, to friends of his ministry. It is worthy of your time.

10. What Being Alive Looks Like! Watch Joni and Nick!

Here’s what Sandra had to say after I asked her to watch this video:

“I loved, loved, loved the video with Joni and Nick.  They are so incredible and ALIVE!!!! They are hilarious as well, and to think we personally know them :).  They aren’t the ones with disabilities, we are!  They make us look like zombies and burdened by all the unnecessary distractions of life … YOU MUST TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS!!!”

9. Must See: A Calming Word from Joni During Coronavirus … and more!

An encouraging video from the one and only, Joni Eareckson Tada, at the beginning of the pandemic.

8. Touching God’s Heart This Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving devotion showing the value and importance of actually giving thanks.

7. “God, Racism, and Us: A Look Inside”

Posted amidst all the protests after the George Floyd incident. Includes links to valuable resources.

6. “A Christmas Meditation” by Ravi

It’s exactly what it says it is.

5. A Way in a Manger

Another insightful article by Vaneetha Rendall Risner, who is well acquainted with suffering, having experienced 21 surgeries by age 13, multiple miscarriages, the death of a child, unwanted divorce, just to name a few. The pain and disappointment she writes about in this particular post is about her diagnosis with post-polio syndrome, which involves increasing pain, weakness, and limitations in her body.

4. “Ravi: A Poetical Sketch” – A Tribute to Ravi Zacharias (mp3)

An amazing, heartfelt, and spot-on poem by Daniel for Ravi when he was dying of cancer. In writing to Ravi before sharing his poem, Daniel wrote:

” … I have never known a day in my life without your influence in it–from the time I was conceived until now. To me, you are not just someone IN this world; you are part of what I understand “world” to mean. You and your ministry are constitutive of my perception of life on this planet and the hope of the Gospel that you’ve shared on this planet.”

3. “The Real Meaning of Thank You”

A valuable devotion by Sandra, adapted from her talk at the SP Care Center.

2. What Did Jesus Do On Saturday?

We know Jesus was crucified on Friday and that He rose again on Sunday, but what did He do on Saturday? Artist Ron Dicianni discusses this in this post.

1. A Personal Conversation With RC Sproul

Here are parts 2 and 3: A Personal Conversation With RC Sproul, Pt. 2 of 3; A Personal Conversation with RC Sproul, Pt. 3 of 3

This incredible personal interview that Arthur did with RC years ago is viewed literally every single day, multiple times a day. It is far and away the most viewed post in the TD Blog’s history. It is accessed from all over the world and laps the field many times over. More importantly, it’s food for the soul and worth reading!

Col. 3 Memorization Check-up

Hey TD!

We are aiming to have each member of TD memorize the entire chapter of Colossians 3 by the end of the school year. Our schedule is to have memorized vv. 1-6 by the end of November and vv. 1-10 by the end of December. How are you doing?

If you’re behind schedule, no worries, you can catch up. The beginning of this Advent season would be a great time to start!

Colossians 3 (NASB)

1Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

      5Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

      12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

      18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

      22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

[REFRESH] Ready for College? Day 1 (Video)

Video of [REFRESH] Ready for College? Day 1

Hey TD!

It was an awesome first day at the [REFRESH] Ready for College? conference! It was well worth the time invested!

Topics include: Is the Bible Reliable?, Evangelism Tips, Why is the Bible Sexist?, and interview with Sam Allberry, Is God Anti-Science?, Vitale Dating Tips, Shawn Hart’s Testimony, and extended Q and A!

Take the Boba Challenge!

The Challenge:

Watch each full daily session of [REFRESH] Ready for College? and I PROMISE that your faith will be built up, your heart encouraged, and your joy and confidence in Christ expanded! I PROMISE!

If it isn’t, I’ll buy you the best, freshest, most expensive boba drink (or similar) in the SGV (large, of course)!

In fact, you know what? I’ll do it even if it is, which is my promise anyway! Just let me know you watched each day.

Sound like a deal? You get your faith, life, and soul refreshed, as well as your thirst! 🙂

– Arthur

 

Congrats Youth Speakers!

2019 Youth Speakers Team

(Standing) Daniel, Benson, Calvin, Anabell, Megan, Arthur

(Kneeling) Sandra, Jason, Stefan, Angela, Stella

Hey TD!

Let’s give a shout out to  our 2019 Youth Speakers Tournament team: Anabell Xu, Benson Yu, Jason Ke, and Stefan Chu.  It was a very special year, as the team and coaches really experienced intimacy and bonding with Christ as the center of it all.  There was lots of vulnerability, openness, tears, and laughter, as the team learned to trust and share their lives with one another, warts and all.  In doing so, they learned how to keep one another accountable, while still accepting one another and all the quirks we all possess.

God grew each speaker deep down where it counts and helped them develop and deliver some excellent diverse powerful speeches on Sex & Television, Jesus is Greater Than Religion, 5 Things Every High School Graduate Should Know About the Bible, and Dear Younger Me.  Each speaker was able to reach their potential and most importtantly, meet God.

As far as the actual  CA State Youth Speakers Tournament results, we’d like to say a special congratulations to Anabell Xu for winning the tournament! Anabell is the latest in  MBCLA Youth Speakers Tournament winners that will be charged to steward her victory and entrustment well:

One track only:

2006: Kathy Hung (12th)
2007: Christine Winarko (12th)
______  Runner-up: Eunice Im (12th)
2009: Nathaniel Hsieh (10th)
______  Runner-up: Vincent Puu (10th)
2010: Clara Wong (12th)
______  Runner-up: Randall Hsieh (10th)

Two tracks:

2011: Isabel Shen (12th)
2013:     Runner-up: Daniel Hsieh (10th)
_______  Runner-up: Harvey Gan (12th)
2014: Daniel Hsieh (11th)
____  Joseph Chang (12th)
____  Alexandra Tagami (11th)
2015: Megan Lee (12th)
______   Runner-up: Aileen Wei (12th)
______   Runner-up: Judy Wu (12th)
____  Andrew Shi (12th)
______  Runner-up: Joshua Chang (10th)
2016: Angela Hsieh (10th)
2017: Joshua Chang (12th)
____  Michelle Chen (11th)

One track only:

2019: Anabell Xu (11th)

Why I Read Proverbs Everyday

Hey TD!

I read this article last month and started implementing this practice in my own life (though I have missed some days along the way 😦 ). It’s been a good, practical input in my day that has helped sharpen the everyday-street-level outlook to my day.

I encourage you to consider this practice for yourself. It will help you hear from God, not just on the theological level, but on the day-to-day level of living. – Arthur

I PLAN TO CONTINUE THIS PRACTICE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, FOR I NEVER OUTGROW THE NEED FOR THE PRACTICAL WISDOM OF THIS DIVINELY-INSPIRED BOOK.

By Don Whitney

Proverbs has always been one of my favorite books. When as a young man it was called to my attention that there’s a chapter for each of the thirty-one days in a month, I began the habit of daily reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. After doing so now for over forty years, I was astonished to realize that means I’ve read through the book of Proverbs more than five hundred times. And I plan to continue the practice for the rest of my life, for I never outgrow the need for the practical wisdom of this divinely-inspired book.

But I must admit there are places in the Proverbs where I’m sometimes tempted to think, “Why do I need to read this again?” When I come to chapter seven, for example, I’m so familiar with the story that I know exactly what’s going to happen when the foolish young man decides to walk down the street where the adulteress lurks. I want to say to the guy, “Don’t go down there this month! You’ve gone down there every month for forty years and it always ends badly. For once could you take a different route?” But every month he heads down there, and he always ends up “going down to the chambers of death” (7:27).

WHY READ IT AGAIN AND AGAIN?

Since I know the passage by heart, why read it again? Then a few years ago I awakened to the reality that when the beginnings of such temptations inevitably come my way, I’m never more than thirty days away from a fresh warning of the ruin that comes from yielding to seduction. I don’t think I’ll ever reach the point where I don’t need that warning—frequently.

“Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall,” (1 Cor. 10:12).

Because of my love for the Proverbs and the perpetual value the wisdom of the book has been for my life, I wanted to instill its counsel early in the life of my daughter. So from the time she was very young, I began incorporating the book of Proverbs into our family worship routine.

A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE EXERCISE

Here’s how I did it. In the beginning I would read a third of a chapter to her every night. During the first month of every quarter (that is, January, April, July, and October) I would read the first third of the chapter that corresponds with the day of the month. 

On the second month of each quarter I read the middle third of the chapter for the day. And on the last month of the quarter I read the last third of the chapter. So on January 1 I read Proverbs 1:1-11 (or thereabouts). On February I read Proverbs 1:12-22. And on March 1 I read Proverbs 1:23-33.

After a few years, I started reading half a chapter each night, alternating every other month. So on January 1 I read Proverbs 1:1-17 or so, and on February 1 I read Proverbs 1:18-33. Then when she was old enough, I began reading the entire chapter each evening, covering all of chapter one on the first of every month, all of chapter two on the second of each month, and so forth.

After these few minutes in the Proverbs, I would turn to wherever else we were reading in the Bible at that time.

Somewhere along the way I stumbled upon a practice that dramatically increased her listening and understanding. Before I started reading I said, “I want you to pick a verse to explain to me, and one for me to explain to you.” This made a huge difference. Often, of course, her explanation of a verse was off base or unclear. That gave me another occasion to make the Bible clearer to her. I commend this simple, but effective, exercise to you.

This article originally appeared at BiblicalSpirituality.org.

TOPICS

Old Testament Spiritual Disciplines

Don Whitney

Professor of Biblical Spirituality; Associate Dean of the School of Theology

Donald S. Whitney is professor of biblical spirituality and associate dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary. A longtime pastor and author of numerous books on the Christian life, he is also founder of The Center for Biblical Spirituality and is author of numerous books including Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible.

@DONWHITNEY  |  WEBSITE  |  FACULTY BIO  |  OTHER POSTS

TD at Ligonier Conference Friday

Why We Can’t Choose God

Does God Hate the Sin But Love the Sinner?

Hey TD!

We just got back from having dinner with our good friends at Ligonier Ministries, the Teaching Fellowship of RC Sproul, and I’m really excited for our outing on Friday and Saturday!

So, just a reminder that TD will NOT be at church on Friday.  Instead, we will be “Discovering the God of the Bible” with Ligonier Ministries.   If you want to join us, either on Friday or Saturday, let your small group leader know asap.

Otherwise, we’ll see you next Friday for our final TD meeting of the year!

In the meanwhile, enjoy RC’s teaching above on “Why We Can’t Choose God” and “Does God Hate the Sin and Love the Sinner?”  They are short, but very poignant, and more importantly … true. – Arthur

Last Chance: Do Quick Survey, Get In-n-Out!

 

 

 

 

Hey TD!

There are still 2 days for you to do a quick survey for me and get In-n-Out for you and a friend! Don’t like In-n-Out? Ok, how about just doing it from the goodness of your heart in kindness towards me? 🙂

If you’re not ups to speed, here’s what’s going on:

I am taking a course that is exploring the origins, historicity, reliability, impact, etc. of the Bible.  I have an assignment due soon and I need your help. So, I’ve thought of a way that will accomplish a few things at once (what I call cross-pollinating).  Here’s what I am asking of you:

• Please answer the 7 question survey below.
• Please ask a friend outside of church to answer the same survey.
• For those who complete the assignment by 9/24/16, I will give a $15 gift card for you to take that friend out to lunch/dinner at In-n-Out.
• Just invite your friend to TD and let him/her know that I would personally like to thank him/her for helping me out, and I will give you guys the card!
• If you can’t get a friend to answer the survey, I’d still appreciate it if you do.  Thanks!

Here’s the survey: Survey About the Bible

Thanks!

Arthur

 

I Have a Favor to Ask (In-n-Out in Return!)

Hey TD,

I have a favor to ask.  I am taking a course that is exploring the origins, historicity, reliability, impact, etc. of the Bible.  I have an assignment due soon and I need your help. So, I’ve thought of a way that will accomplish a few things at once (what I call cross-pollinating).  Here’s what I am asking of you:

• Please answer the 7 question survey below.
• Please ask a friend outside of church to answer the same survey.
• For those who complete the assignment by 9/24/16, I will give a $15 gift card for you to take that friend out to lunch/dinner at In-n-Out.
• Just invite your friend to TD and let him/her know that I would personally like to thank him/her for helping me out, and I will give you guys the card!
• If you can’t get a friend to answer the survey, I’d still appreciate it if you do.  Thanks!

Here’s the survey: Survey About the Bible

Thanks!

Arthur