Yueh's Place

I am back!

2011-01-02T15:45:00.002+11:00

I think I gave up on running my own website and blog space for the moment, so I am back posting on this blog....

I have a new blog...

2010-09-15T14:51:00.003+10:00

I am moving away from blogger, and host my own Wordpress based blog.

http://steven.yufamily.id.au/

The Gideons International

2010-07-03T22:53:00.002+10:00

Have you heard of the Gideons International? Most of the people will probably say no.

Have seen one of this Bible in the hotel/motel while you travel in Australia or overseas? Most of people will say yes. The Bible was placed by the member of Gideons International.

The Gideons International, founded in 1899, is an interdenominational association of Christian business and professional men who are members of Protestant/evangelical churches. its members are dedicated to saving the lost through personal witnessing and the distribution of God's Word in more than 180 countries around the world.

So how did it all began? In the autumn of the year 1898, John H. Nicholson of Janesville, Wisconsin, came to the Central Hotel at Boscobel, Wisconsin, for the night. The hotel being crowded, it was suggested that he take a bed in a double room with Samuel E. Hill of Beloit, Wisconsin. The two men soon discovered that both were Christians. They had their evening devotions together, and on their knees before God the thoughts were given which later developed into an association.

On May 31, 1899, the two men met again at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where they concluded to band Christian commercial travelers together for mutual recognition, personal evangelism, and united service for the Lord. They decided to call a meeting in Janesville, Wisconsin on July 1, 1899, in the Y.M.C.A.

Only three men were present at that meeting: John H. Nicholson, Samuel E. Hill, and Will J. Knights. They organized with Hill as president, Knights as vice president, and Nicholson as secretary and treasurer. Much thought was given to what the name of the association should be, and after special prayer that God might lead them to select the proper name, Mr. Knights arose from his knees and said, “We shall be called Gideons.” He read the sixth and seventh chapters of Judges and showed the reason for adopting that name.

In view of the fact that almost all of the Gideons in the early years of the association were traveling men, the question quite naturally arose regarding how they might be more effective witnesses in the hotels where they spent so much of their time. One trustee went so far as to suggest that The Gideons furnish a Bible for each bedroom of the hotels in the United States. He commented, “In my opinion, this would not only stimulate the activities of the rank and file of the membership, but would be a gracious act, wholly in keeping with the divine mission of the Gideon Association.” This plan, which they called “The Bible Project” was adopted by the convention at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1908.

Today, the Gideons International have more than 280,000 members - and an untold number of supporter - in more than 185 countries across the globe. The Scripture distribution have also expanded from hotel/motel to high school and tertiary students, hospital and medical staff, military personnel, police and fire department and prison inmates. These dedicated individuals give their time and money to make it possible for others to learn about the love of God by giving them access to His Word.

Day Two on my MacBook Pro

2010-06-18T21:28:00.000+10:00

Start playing more with my MacBook Pro, found this link in regarding to flashing the firmware of the DVD drive to RPC1 (Region Free), now I can watch all the DVD I bought from England and USA without any connecting a external LG drive. :-)

Now I need to download all the Canon Software for my printer and DSLR camera...

Pass the point of no return....

2010-06-17T21:49:00.002+10:00

Since this year have been a year of change for me, I have decided it is time for me to change my computer platform as well.... This is my first post from my new MacBook Pro.

So far I quite like it, although it is really different to both Windows and Linux environment, I am start to picking up some of the shortcuts and configuration tools in the Mac OS X. The battery seems to be draining quite heavy on my, so far my best time for the battery is roughly three and half hours before it reach below 20%, maybe I need to condition the battery a few more time to get a better performance out of it.

Any how time for me to do some work...

Medieval E-Mailing

2010-05-28T10:39:00.001+10:00

From Buttersafe

Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure

2010-05-14T20:29:00.009+10:00

I think Frank Wildhorn is preparing a comeback at Broadway, have been listen to his Rudolf - Affaire Mayerling since February, and now I am hooked on his new musical based on Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure.

Wonderland tells the story of author Alice Cornwinkle (a descendant of Lewis Carroll's muse Alice Lidell) who is struggling with her career and her daughter, Chloe. With a chaotic Wonderland in danger of disappearing into nothingness, only Alice can restore balance and joy. Audiences will journey with her through the Looking-Glass from present-day Manhattan to a strange-yet-familiar place where she must reclaim her daughter, defeat the Queen of Hearts and learn to follow her heart.

The concept album is quite refreshing from the classic works by Frank, less operatic, more towards pop musical like Hairspray and Wicked. Jack Murphy's lyrics have capture all the essence of the main characters in the original fiction, especially the Caterpillar and the Queen of Heart!

"Off with Their Heads" says the Queen!

Here are three of my favorite songs from the concept album:

"One Knight"

"Through the Looking Glass"

"Love Begins"

Unboxing R. L. Allan Reader's Reference Edition ESV

2010-05-07T20:30:00.014+10:00

My latest investment, and my most expensive investment to date. Directly from Glasgow, Scotland. Yup, my first Allan Bible!

Nothing compares to the fresh smell of a leather bonded Bible! Not just any leather, Highland Goatskin. Notes the yapp around the edge, almost covering each edge of the Bible.

The copyright page, notes it is a Anglicized edition, which means British English. Strangely it didn't state where the text are been printed, in the past most of the Collins text were printed in China then bonded by Allan, not really sure about this one....

Yup, overcasting sewn, which you hardly see any more this day. Usually on vintage books only.

Smyth sewn binding, the best binding method for any book.

Opening at Isaiah 53, too bad it is not in the single column format, otherwise it will be even easier for me to read. However the margin and layout of the text are quite easy to read as it is.

Close up on the text of Psalm 34, slightly ghosting on the paper, but it is much better than my current Crossway ESV Personal Reference Bible, and much bigger font, 10.3 pt.

Oxford University Map

Line paper at the end of the Bible for notes taking. But I don't think I will ever use it.

Overall, I am very happy with this Bible, the only thing I would really like to see is the same quality binding but with ESV text in the single column format, that will be my ideal Bible.

The Blessing - Steven Curtis Chapman / 祝福 - 張學友

2010-04-30T12:30:00.009+10:00

Since February this year, there has been a song that keeps coming up in my mind, and I haven’t sung it since my primary school graduation in 1993 when the song just been released. The song is called “祝福” which means “Blessing” in English, and the lyrics is about friends saying farewell to each other, and wishing the memories between them will stay with their heart where ever they go in the future.

It is a very emotional song. Every time I hear it, I will start thinking about the past, and wondering where my friends are now, and what they are doing…

Steven Curtis Chapman did an English cover version of the song in 2006, and whoever did the translation of the lyrics did an excellent job, captured all the emotional and meaningful words of the original Chinese.

祝福 - 張學友

作曲:郭子
編曲:王豫民

不要問　不要說　一切盡在不言中
這一刻　偎著燭光　讓我們靜靜的渡過
莫揮手　莫回頭　當我唱起這首歌
怕只怕　淚水輕輕的滑落　願心中永遠留著我的笑容
伴你走過每一個春夏秋冬

幾許愁　幾許憂　人生難免苦與痛
失去過　才能真正懂得去珍惜和擁有
情難捨　人難留　今朝一別各西東　冷和熱　點點滴滴在心頭
願心中永遠留著我的笑容　伴你走過每一個春夏秋冬

傷離別　離別雖然在眼前　說再見　再見不會太遙遠
若有緣　有緣就能期待明天　你和我重逢在燦爛的季節

不要問　不要說　一切盡在不言中
這一刻　偎著燭光　讓我們靜靜的渡過
莫揮手　莫回頭　當我唱起這首歌
願心中留著笑容　陪你渡過每個春夏秋冬

The Blessing - Steven Curtis Chapman

Let's not say another word, we don't need to question why.
Let us pass through this moment like a candle in the night.
We don't need to wave it back.
This is not the final song.
Even though in the sadness tears may fall.

Take my smile, hold it in your heart forever.
And I will be with you wherever you may go.

How much pain must we taste.
How much sorrow must we know.
Will be only nothing losing.
How to cherish when we go.
How agony is like the wind we can hold it in our hands.
In the light of a new day we will understand.

Take my smile, hold it in your heart forever.
And I will be with you wherever you may go.

May the love rise to meet you on your way.
May the sun always shines upon your face.
And until the journey brings us back together.
May God holds you in the center of His hands.

May the love rise to lead you on your way.
May the sun always shines upon your face.
And until the journey brings us back together.
May God holds you in His hands.

May the love rise to lead you on your way.
May the sun always shines upon you face.
And until the journey brings us back together.
May God holds you in the center of His hands.
May God holds you in the center of His hands.

Forget him who never forgot us!

2010-04-26T09:53:00.002+10:00

“This do in remembrance of me.” - 1 Cor 11:24

It seems then, that Christians may forget Christ! There could be no need for this loving exhortation, if there were not a fearful supposition that our memories might prove treacherous. Nor is this a bare supposition: it is, alas! too well confirmed in our experience, not as a possibility, but as a lamentable fact. It appears almost impossible that those who have been redeemed by the blood of the dying Lamb, and loved with an everlasting love by the eternal Son of God, should forget that gracious Saviour; but, if startling to the ear, it is, alas! too apparent to the eye to allow us to deny the crime. Forget him who never forgot us! Forget him who poured his blood forth for our sins! Forget him who loved us even to the death! Can it be possible? Yes, it is not only possible, but conscience confesses that it is too sadly a fault with all of us, that we suffer him to be as a wayfaring man tarrying but for a night. He whom we should make the abiding tenant of our memories is but a visitor therein. The cross where one would think that memory would linger, and unmindfulness would be an unknown intruder, is desecrated by the feet of forgetfulness. Does not your conscience say that this is true? Do you not find yourselves forgetful of Jesus? Some creature steals away your heart, and you are unmindful of him upon whom your affection ought to be set. Some earthly business engrosses your attention when you should fix your eye steadily upon the cross. It is the incessant turmoil of the world, the constant attraction of earthly things which takes away the soul from Christ. While memory too well preserves a poisonous weed, it suffereth the rose of Sharon to wither. Let us charge ourselves to bind a heavenly forget-me-not about our hearts for Jesus our Beloved, and, whatever else we let slip, let us hold fast to him.

From C.H. Spurgeon - "Morning and evening : Daily readings", 26 April.

Spiritual Depression - What is it?

2010-04-24T22:06:00.005+10:00

Here is a brief summary on the book by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones called "Spiritual Depression", which was recommend by my pastor as I have been struggling with my hand injury as well as other personal issues for the last two months.

We human being suffer depression from time to time, and most of the time we will get over it as time goes by. However depression caused by a sudden illness, death, or relationship breakdown can scars us for a long period, sometimes for the rest of our life.

But how can us Christian suffer from this kind of deep depression, why are we unhappy when we holds our future salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, the cause of all this is our unbelief, and lack of faith.

Dr Lloyd-Jones (a trained medical physician himself) provided a quite detail analysis of the difference between the view on our inner self from the secular world and through the biblical view, in which he divided in to sins, regrets, fear of future, feeling, work, disciple, trials....

He point out most of the spiritual depression are cause by not having a good grounding on scripture, and lacking a Christ centred mind when comes to term with crisis.

The best cure is to learn how to walk with God, and live as a Christian wholeheartedly, with conviction and confidence in order to receive the joy from peace with God.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

Time for me to sit down and really do some serious posting on my blog....

2010-04-20T18:14:00.004+10:00

For the last two month, my life was up and down like a roller coaster, mainly caused by my hand injury received since Dec. last year, and some other personal issues....

During the 2 month period, managed to finished reading "Spiritual Depression" by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, an excellent book when a Christian felt deeply in to both spiritual/physical sickness and depression, and how urgently for us to refocus to the Lord in order to go through our life. I will post a brief summary of the teaching of the book in the next post.

Time for me to cook the dinner, and read/revisit some of my old book on renewing our mind in order to think and act biblically in the mindless world we are living in..... which is the topic I will be leading this Sunday!

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon And Garfunkel

2010-04-08T22:47:00.000+10:00

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

PSALMUS 6

2010-04-04T13:29:00.003+10:00

1 Magistro chori. Fidibus. Super octavam. PSALMUS. David.

2 Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me
neque in ira tua corripias me.

3 Miserere mei, Domine, quoniam infirmus sum;
sana me, Domine, quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea.

4 Et anima mea turbata est valde,
sed tu, Domine, usquequo?

5 Convertere, Domine, eripe animam meam;
salvum me fac propter misericordiam tuam.

6 Quoniam non est in morte, qui memor sit tui;
in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi?

7 Laboravi in gemitu meo,
lavabam per singulas noctes lectum meum;
lacrimis meis stratum meum rigabam.

8 Turbatus est a maerore oculus meus,
inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meos.

9 Discedite a me, omnes, qui operamini iniquitatem,
quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus mei.

10 Exaudivit Dominus deprecationem meam,
Dominus orationem meam suscepit.

11 Erubescant et conturbentur vehementer omnes inimici mei;
convertantur et erubescant valde velociter.

"Till I Hear You Sing Once More" from Love Never Dies

2010-04-01T13:02:00.002+11:00

The day starts, the day ends
Time crawls by
Night steals in, pacing the floor
The moments creep,
Yet I can’t bear to sleep
Till I hear you sing

And weeks pass, and months pass
Seasons fly
Still you don’t walk through the door
And in a haze
I count the silent days
Till I hear you sing once more.

And sometimes at night time
I dream that you are there
But wake holding nothing but the empty air

And years come, and years go
Time runs dry
Still I ache down to the core
My broken soul
Can’t be alive and whole
Till I hear you sing once more

And music, your music
It teases at my ear
I turn and it fades away and you’re not here

Let hopes pass, let dreams pass
Let them die
Without you, what are they for?
I’ll always feel
No more than halfway real
Till I hear you sing once more

"I Was Born To Love You" - English Version of "Du bist meine Welt" from Rudolf

2010-03-16T15:44:00.002+11:00

I don’t know how
I don’t know where or when
Something long ago and far away
Let me to the place I am today
The hours move
The seasons turns and then
You uncover secrets in my heart
That had always been there from the start

I was born to love you till I die
Till I bid the world goodbye
You are the only home my restless heart will ever know
Even when the stars all burns away
I will love you come what may
You will born as if somehow you knew
That I was born for you

I wouldn’t change a single thing I done
Even waste moment I retrace
Knowing it will lead to your embrace
Beginning never end once they begun
Ours began a thousand years ago
Moving toward the only thing I know

[That here and now I am in your arms
And that’s enough for me
Let here and now be our eternity] – Demo Version Only

I was born to love you till I die
Till I bid the world goodbye
You are the only home my restless heart will ever know
Even when the stars all burns away
I will love you come what may
You will born as if somehow you knew
That I was born for you

Just Have To Wait - Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-03-10T09:04:00.000+11:00

Well, I can't wait to see your smile again,
The one when your eyes disappear along with all my troubles
And I can't wait to hear you sing a song
Maybe Jesus Loves Me or a song you learned up there

But I, oh I'll just have to wait
'Cause I know that day is coming
So I, oh I'll just have to wait

I can't wait to hear your mama laugh
The way that only you can make her laugh when you get silly
And I can't wait to see you in her arms
I know the wound so deep inside her heart is healed for good

But I, oh I'll just have to wait
'Cause I know that day is coming
So I, oh I'll just have to wait

And I can't wait to dance with you again
Knowing that this time we dance, we'll never have to end

But I, oh I'll just have to wait
'Cause I know that day is coming
So I, oh I'll just have to wait

And I can't wait to see your sisters play
The way they do when all of you are playing all together
I can't wait to watch your brother's face
When he can finally see with his own eyes
Everything's okay

And I just have to wait
'Cause I know that day is coming
And I just have to wait

Our God Is In Control - Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-03-09T21:56:00.000+11:00

This is not how it should be
This is not how it could be
This is how it is
And our God is in control

This is not how it will be
When we finally will see
We'll see with our own eyes
He was always in control

And we'll sing holy, holy, holy is our God
And we will finally really understand what it means
So we'll sing holy, holy, holy is our God
While we're waiting for that day

This is not where we planned to be
When we started this journey
But this is where we are
And our God is in control

Though this first taste is bitter
There will be sweetness forever
When we finally taste and see
That our God is in control

And we'll sing holy, holy, holy is our God
And we will finally really understand what it means
So we'll sing holy, holy, holy is our God
While we're waiting for that day

We're waiting for that day
We'll keep on waiting for that day
And we will rise
Our God is in control

(Holy, holy, holy) x2

Our God is in control

(Holy, holy, holy)

Our God is in control

(Holy, holy, holy)

I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-03-09T21:46:00.002+11:00

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here

I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.

"In Palästen geboren" from Ludwig²

2010-03-02T16:57:00.002+11:00

(Elisabeth): In Palästen geboren...
(Ludwig II): ...Paläste mit Ohren..
(Elisabeth): Mit Marionetten...
(Ludwig): ...An goldenen Ketten.

(Beide): In Palästen geboren.
(Beide): Den Kopf voller Träume.
(Ludwig II): In den Wolken daheim!
(Elisabeth): Die Paläste so klein!

(Ludwig II):
Freiheit ist ein Drachenkind!
Steige, mein Drache, steig geschwind,
Zu den Sternen durch die Zeit!
Flieg’ uns voran! Flieg’ nicht zu weit!

(Beide):
Ein Drache, den man fliegen lässt,
Sucht in den Wolken sein Liebesnest.
Und schenkt der Himmel ihm die Zeit,
Sucht er den Himmel sich zu zweit...
http://www.free-lyrics.org

(Ludwig II): Meine Hoheit aus Wien!
(Elisabeth): Mein Lohengrin!

(Beide):
Durchs Leben zu geh’n,
Mit Ihnen wär schön,
Wär wunderschön!

In Palästen geboren...
...Voll Neid und voll Gier...
Ach, ich wünsche mich fort.
Wünscht mich weit fort mit dir!

Freiheit ist ein Drachenkind!
Steige, mein Drache, steig geschwind,
Zu den Sternen durch die Zeit!
Flieg’ uns voran! Flieg’ nicht zu weit!

Ein Drache, den man fliegen lässt,
Sucht in den Wolken sein Liebesnest!
Und schenkt der Himmel ihm die Zeit,
Sucht er den Himmel sich zu zweit!

Freiheit ist ein Drachenkind!
Steige, mein Drache, steig geschwind,
Zu den Sternen durch die Zeit!
Flieg’ uns voran! Flieg’ nicht zu weit!

Ein Drache, den man fliegen lässt,
Sucht in den Wolken sein Liebesnest!
Und schenkt der Himmel ihm die Zeit,
Sucht er den Himmel sich zu zweit!

Did Not See This Coming At All, Richard Dawkins Reading from KJV? :-)

2010-02-27T09:15:00.004+11:00

Richard Dawkins lends his support to 2011 Trust

Oxford scholar and author Richard Dawkins has contributed a reading of a chapter from the Song of Solomon to the 2011 Trust's YouTube Bible project.

Professor Dawkins was asked why he wanted to participate in the initiative. "You can't appreciate English literature unless you are steeped to some extent in the King James Bible", he replied, "people don't know that proverbial phrases which make echoes in their minds come from this Bible. We are a Christian culture, we come from a Christian culture and not to know the King James Bible, is to be in some small way, barbarian".

Richard was supportive in the Trust's objective to ensure the 2011 is a year for everyone to celebrate the vital role the King James Version has played on the development of the history, language and literature of the English-speaking world saying, "it is important that religion should not be allowed to hijack this cultural resource".

Wenn Ich Tanzen Will - Elisabeth By Sylvester Levay

2010-02-26T22:36:00.002+11:00

SISI: Was fr ein triumph!

DEATH: Mein triumph!

SISI: Welch ein fest!

DEATH: Mein fest!

SISI: Ich hab die feinde berwunden

DEATH: So nderst du den lauf der welt
In meinem sinn so eng sind wir verbunden

SISI: Ich tu's nicht fr die welt

DEATH: Nicht fr die welt

SISI: Nur fr mich

DEATH: Fr mich!

SISI: Jetzt hab ich meinen weg gefunden

DEATH: Sie haben ber dich gelacht,
Doch jetzt hast du dich durchgesetzt une sie besiegt

SISI: Sie hielten mich an drhten fest
Als puppe, die man tanzen lsst
Doch ich werd' keine marionette sein!

Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich so wie's mir gefllt,
Ich allein bestimm' die stunde
Ich allein whl die musik!
Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich,
Auf meine ganz besond're art.
Am rand des abgrunds,
Oder nur in deinem blick!

DEATH: Schwarze mwe, flieg!

SISI: Ich flieg...

DEATH: Ich allein...

SISI: ...allein!

DEATH: ...will dich durch nacht und sturm begeiten

SISI: Ich will nicht meht begleitet sein,
Auch nicht von dir,
Ich lass mich nicht leiten

DEATH: Frei bist du nur durch mich

SISI: Nur durch mich

DEATH: Nur fr mich.

SISI: Fr mich.

DEATH: Denn du sollst mir den weg bereiten

SISI: Ich geh jetzt meinen eig'nen weg.
Ich habe mich getrennt von dir.
Lass mich in ruh!

DEATH: Du hast dich in mich verliebt,
Weil's freiheit ohne mich nicht gibt
Und keiner dich verstehn kann auser mir,

BOTH: Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich so wie's mir gefllt,
Ich allein bestimm' die stunde
Ich allein whl die musik!
Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich,
Auf meine ganz besond're art.
Am rand des abgrunds,
Oder nur in deinem blick!

SISI: Ich ben stark genug allein

DEATH: Stark warst du nir,
Solang du noch geglaubt hast.
Schwach zu sein.

SISI: Ich ruf dich nicht.

DEATH: Du wirst much rufen

SISI: Ich such dich nicht

DEATH: Du wirst mich suchen

SISI: Ich fang an das leben zu lieben!

DEATH: Bald wird es dir verhasst sein.

BOTH:Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich so wie's mir gefllt,
Ich allein bestimm' die stunde
Ich allein whl die musik!
Wenn ich tanzen will,
Dan tanz ich,
Auf meine ganz besond're art.
Am rand des abgrunds,
Oder nur in deinem blick...
Wenn ich tanzen will,
Und mit wem ich tanzen will,
Bestimm nur ich allein!

We Are All Sinners At The End

2010-02-23T13:28:00.003+11:00

When Emperor Franz-Josef I of Austria died in 1916, his was the last of the extravagant imperial funerals. A great procession of dignitaries decked out in their imperial regalia followed the coffin, draped in black and bearing the gold imperial colours. The funeral cortege descended the stairs of the Capuchin Monastery in Vienna and at the bottom of the stairs was a great iron door leading to the Hapsburg family crypt. Behind the door was the Cardinal-Archbishop of Vienna.

The officer in charge of the funeral cortege began the ancient, established burial ritual by crying out: "Open!" From behind the door, the Cardinal responded:"Who goes there?" The officer responded: "We bear the remains of his Imperial and Apostolic Majesty, Franz-Josef I, by the grace of God Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary,Defender of the Faith, Prince of Bohemia-Moravia, Grand Duke of Lombardy..." The officer continued on with the Emperor’s thirty-seven titles to which the Cardinal from behind the door responded: "We know him not. Who goes there?"

The officer spoke again, this time using a more abbreviated series of titles reserved for times of emergency."We know him not," the Cardinal responded again. "Who goes there?"

The third time, the officer responded, stripping the Emperor of all his grand titles:"We bear the body of Franz-Josef, our brother, a sinner like us all!"

At that, the doors swung open, and Franz-Josef’s body was admitted.

Du bist meine Welt - Rudolf by Frank Wildhorn

2010-02-22T13:00:00.004+11:00

Rudolf
Ich weiß nicht wie’s begann
Und wann’s geschah
Meine Träume führten mich wohl hin
Gaben jeder Handlung einen Sinn
Ganz unverhofft und plötzlich standst du da
Du warst wie ein Lebenselixier
Alles, was ich bin, verdank ich dir

Du bist meine Welt bis in den Tod
Wenn mein Stern zu sinken droht
Nur in deinem Arm möcht ich allein
Mein Herz bewahrn
Auch wenn ich mich selbst darin verlier
Ich gehör für ewig dir
Du bist, was mein Leben hier noch hält
Denn du bist meine Welt

Mary
Wir haben’s wohl von Anfang an gespürt
Was geschah war unser größtes Glück
Keiner von uns konnte mehr zurück
Ganz gleich wohin uns jeder Schritt nun führt
Was auch kommen mag, es soll geschehn
Wenn wir nur ab jetzt gemeinsam gehn
Vielleicht hat längst das Schicksal
Unsre Richtung ausgewählt

Rudolf
Denn du bist alles, was für mich noch zählt

Rudolf / Mary
Denn du bist meine Welt bis in den Tod
Wenn mein Stern zu sinken droht
Nur in deinem Arm möcht ich allein
Mein Herz bewahrn
Auch wenn ich mich selbst darin verlier
Ich gehör für ewig dir
Du bist, was mein Leben hier noch hält
Denn du bist meine Welt

(Rudolf
Warum bist du geblieben?
Ich bin ein toter Mann.
Mary
Weil ich ohne dich tot bin.
Rudolf
Besser sofort sterbe, als jeden Tag ein bisschen.
Mary
Bring mich nach Mayerling.)

Rudolf / Mary
Denn du bist meine Welt bis in den Tod
Wenn mein Stern zu sinken droht
Nur in deinem Arm möcht ich allein
Mein Herz bewahrn
Auch wenn ich mich selbst darin verlier
Ich gehör für ewig dir
Du bist, was mein Leben hier noch hält
Denn du bist meine Welt

Rudolf / Mary
Vertrau dir selbst, du fühlst es längst.
Lass doch dein Herz entscheiden,
Lass dich nur treiben.
Trau dir selbst, du spürst es längst.
Öffne dein Herz und glaub ihm,
Gib dich mit mir dem Traum hin.
Hab keine Angst, vertrau in uns.

"So viel mehr" from Rudolf by Frank Wildhorn

2010-02-17T17:54:00.004+11:00

Mary
Er ist der Kronprinz jener Welt

Rudolf
Sie schien so frei und unverstellt…

Mary
… in der die kalte Macht bloß zählt

Rudolf
Und sprach doch geistreich und gewählt…

Mary
Er ist all das, was ich nie aussteh’n konnt’

Rudolf
Trotz ihrer noch so jungen Jahrn
Wirkt sie so reif und welterfahrn…

Mary
Und doch er schien nicht kalt zu sein
Er lenkte ganz empfindsam ein…

Rudolf
Sie gab sich kühl und distanziert,
und dennoch schien sie irritiert…
Noch nie berührte mich ein Blick so sehr…

Mary
Selbst wenn ich mich noch so wehr’

Mary / Rudolf
Weshalb fühl’ ich so viel mehr…?
Viel mehr…
Als jemals noch zuvor…
Als je ich selbst mir schwor,
Es dürfe sein…
Und doch ist’s mehr als Schein…!
Mehr…
Viel mehr als Phantasie…
So nah und so real wie nie zuvor…
Ist es denn vorstellbar…?
Ist’s wirklich wahr…?
Ich fühl’ und begehr’
So viel mehr…!

Rudolf
Was ist’s das mich so tief bewegt…?
… So um sich greift…
Und meinen müden Geist fast wie neu belebt?

Mary
Ich kann dem Sehnen nicht entfliehn…
Mich nicht entziehn…
Sträub’ ich mich noch so sehr…

Rudolf / Mary
Bleibt es doch so viel mehr…
Viel mehr…
So fassbar wie noch nie…
Weit mehr als nur Magie, die uns vereint,
Viel mehr als möglich scheint…!
Mehr…
Viel mehr als bloß ein Wunsch…
Als wär’s vom Himmel uns vorherbestimmt…
Mehr als der stärkste Wind,
Der stürmt und braust und um sich greift…
Er trägt von weit her so viel mehr…

Mary
Wenn es bloß Täuschung wär…

Mary / Rudolf
Und doch ist’s scheinbar so viel mehr…!

The Initiative Againt Depression

2010-02-16T21:28:00.002+11:00

"Arise and eat." 1 Kings 19:5

The angel did not give Elijah a vision, or explain the Scriptures to him, or do anything remarkable; he told Elijah to do the most ordinary thing, viz., to get up and eat. If we were never depressed we should not be alive; it is the nature of a crystal never to be depressed. A human being is capable of depression, otherwise there would be no capacity for exaltation. There are things that are calculated to depress, things that are of the nature of death; and in taking an estimate of yourself, always take into account the capacity for depression.

When the Spirit of God comes He does not give us visions, He tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. Depression is apt to turn us away from the ordinary commonplace things of God's creation, but whenever God comes, the inspiration is to do the most natural simple thing - the things we would never have imagined God was in, and as we do them we find He is there. The inspiration which comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression; we have to do the next thing and do it in the inspiration of God. If we do a thing in order to overcome depression, we deepen the depression; but if the Spirit of God makes us feel intuitively that we must do the thing, and we do it, the depression is gone. Immediately we arise and obey, we enter on a higher plane of life.

From Oswald Chambers - "My Utmost for His Highest", Feb 17.

The Virgin Politician - Tony Abbott

2010-01-27T14:01:00.003+11:00

News Article

I applause for Tony Abbott to stand up as a father and as an Christian in raising the important issue of abstinence, however he is also been a hypocrite, as he did not observe himself during his teenage years. (News Article)

Why Does Evil Dominate the World?

2010-01-16T21:53:00.004+11:00

The recent earthquake in Haiti have trigger another wave of questions from the atheist community in regards to why God would cause all those innocent people to suffer and some to their death? Here is a great sermon from John MacArthur in regards to sin and its effect on our earthly life.

Why Does Evil Dominate the World?

黑道牧師 - 呂代豪牧師 Interview

2009-10-29T22:41:00.003+11:00

Part 1

Part 2

From New Eyes TV, Taiwan Presbyterian Church. (新眼光電視台, 台灣長老教會電視台)

The Reformation Study Bible iPhone App Now Available

2009-08-20T09:12:00.010+10:00

From Ligonier Ministries:

Now you can carry The Reformation Study Bible with you wherever you go. Released this week, the application provides easy access to:

More than 20,000 study notes on Bible verses and terms
Introductions to the seven groups of biblical books
Book introductions with outlines
96 theological essays on central doctrines of Scripture
Entire text of the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible

The Reformation Study Bible (ESV) is built on the advanced AcroBible software for iPhone and iPod touch and includes features such as:

Fast keyword, phrase, and wildcard search
Highlight verses in multiple colors
Personalize verses with your own notes
Web backup of notes and highlighting
Direct, two-way Web synchronization
Verse tagging

Buy it now from iTunes for $17.99

*****

The Reformation Study Bible is the first Bible since the 1560 Geneva Bible to contain study tools rooted in the biblical doctrines recovered during the Protestant Reformation. Under the direction of Dr. R.C. Sproul, this foundational resource was created by more than fifty scholars and features thousands of in-depth study notes, 96 theological articles, 19 in-text maps, colored maps, and 12 charts to help you understand the Bible better.

Get a Free Copy of Calvin’s Institutes!

2009-07-11T09:01:00.002+10:00

Logos are giving away the Beveridge translation of Calvin’s Institutes through the end of the month. To get your free book, you’ll need three things:

a copy of the Libronix Digital Library System installed on your PC or Mac
a Logos.com account with a credit card on file
a Libronix Customer ID that is connected to your Logos.com account

Here are the steps to follow to get all set up:

Step 1: Download and install Libronix for Windows. (Mac users can purchase the Mac version of the engine, or buy a Mac base package.) If you already have Libronix up and running on your computer, jump to the third step.

Step 2: Activate Libronix. When you do, you’ll create a Libronix Customer ID (usually your email address, if you enter it). You can find your Libronix Customer ID by going to Help > About Libronix DLS.

Step 3: Create a Logos.com account. If you already have one, just log in.

Step 4: Make sure that your Libronix Customer ID is associated with your Logos.com account. Go to My Account, enter your Libronix Customer ID from Step 2, and click “Confirm.” If it’s already there, no need to do anything.

Step 5: “Buy” the Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. Go to the page and click “Add to Cart,” or just add it straight to your cart from here, and then make sure to add the CALVIN-500 coupon code to your cart and click “Update Cart.” Proceed through the checkout process and then click “Submit Order.” If you don’t have a credit card on file, you’ll need to enter your credit card information. Don’t worry. You won't be charged. It’s an unfortunate inconvenience in our current checkout system, and we hope to change it at some point.

Step 6: Unlock and download your new book. If you’re on a Windows machine, just click the orange “Unlock & Download” button. If you’re on a Mac, just synchronize your licenses (Tools > Library Management > Synchronize Licenses) and manually put the book file in your resources folder (Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Libronix DLS/Resources on the startup volume).

Step 7: Start using your new book! Open Libronix, open My Library, then type Institutes to find it. Double-click it to open it.

Online Bible at Logos

2009-07-03T09:06:00.001+10:00

Logos Bible Software is celebrating the launch of their new online Bible by giving away 72 ultra-premium print Bibles at a rate of 12 per month for six months. The Bible giveaway is being held at Bible.Logos.com and you can get up to five different entries each month! After you enter, be sure to check out Logos and see how it can revolutionize your Bible study.

Tabletalk Magazine, July 2009

2009-07-02T09:50:00.002+10:00

The July special edition of Tabletalk from Ligonier Ministries is out. This month's theme is "John Calvin" and, on the five hundredth anniversary of his birth, it focuses on the ministry and the legacy of the great reformer. Contributors include R.C. Sproul, Thabiti Anyabwile, Rick Gamble, David Hall, Keith Mathison, Iain Murray, David Powlison, Gordon Reed, Philip Ryken and Derek Thomas.

Tabletalk Magazine, July 2009

Shared via AddThis

ESV Study Bible - Coming to Logos!!!

2009-06-04T09:35:00.005+10:00

Finally the wait is almost over, the excellent ESV Study Bible is coming to my fav Bible study software, the Logos Bible Study Software!!!

For those people who already have the ESV Bible in your Logos, you can purchase just the study notes! For those who need the full ESV Bible text, the complete package will be the one for you.

ESV Study Bible is also the winner of this year's Christian Book of the Year in the Bible Category! Here is a short video introducing the ESV Study Bible.

Chess in Concert Limited Edition Available Now

2009-06-02T09:18:00.001+10:00

From Josh Gorban's official website:

In May 2008, an all-star cast gathered to perform Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus' "Chess." The star-studded cast, featuring Josh Groban, Adam Pascal, Idina Menzel, and Marti Pellow, brought this classic musical to life at the legendary Royal Albert Hall along with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the West End Chorus.

An exclusive limited edition version of Chess is now available for pre-order. This limited edition package includes:

- Exclusive 3 disc set (2CD/1DVD) featuring music and video from the stunning performances of the concert version of Chess from Royal Albert Hall in May 2008
- Full color booklet with cast photos & a synopsis written by Tim Rice
- Sheet music for "Anthem" and "I Know Him So Well
- MP3 download of the 2CD audio content delivered to you on June 16th

For more details or to pre-order your copy click here:

http://store.joshgroban.com/chess-concert-limited-edition-2cddvd-package/?cmpid=0509/JG/ChessDTC/mainsite

Cast your cares on the LORD - Psalm 55:22

2009-05-13T08:48:00.001+10:00

From Reformation Theology Blog:

A Kinetic Typography video by Seeds Family Worship Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." ~ NIV

Internet Star @ Least 473 Years Old

2009-05-06T08:51:00.003+10:00

Wow, didn't know the @ (AT) symbol we use everyday is already 473 years old!!! Very interesting read from New Yorks Times.

Click here for the article!

Swine Flu

2009-05-05T15:46:00.003+10:00

No Animal Were Harmed In The Making Of This Post

Koorong 20% off 1 Week Sale

2009-04-29T10:55:00.000+10:00

Once again, Koorong is having another 20% off everything in-store and online.

From 29/02/2009 ~ 05/05/2009.

For sale terms and conditions, click here.

Calvin 500th Anniversary

2009-04-18T09:10:00.005+10:00

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of the great Protestant Reformer John Calvin. Logos Bible Software have launched a new website Calvin 500 about Calvin's life and work.

There is also a special commemoration in Geneva this year. The Calvin Quincentenary is an international, interdenominational, and interdisciplinary commemoration of the life and work of John Calvin. Climaxing with conferences in multiple locations in 2009, this celebration combines history, spirituality, and culture to recall appropriately the life and work of the Genevan Reformer.

Free John Piper eBook

2009-03-20T21:05:00.003+11:00

Great resource for self-study, Pastor John Piper have released several of his best selling book as eBook (PDF) on Desiring God, here are some of the titles:

For the complete listing, please visit Online Books at Desiring God

The Destruction of Herold's Temple

2009-03-17T22:22:00.007+11:00

I have recently bought the "Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire" series by BBC on DVD, and I have just finished watching the third episode, "The Jewish Revolt", from the account of Flavius Josephus, or in his original Jewish name, Yosef Ben Matityahu.

The night before the final assault on the Herold's Temple, Titus asked his advisor (in the video show Josephus and another Roman officer debating) what's their opinion on what to do with the Temple, should they burn it to the ground, or preserve it? In the end, Titus decide to preserver the temple as a it world be a ornament to their government. And gave his order to his solider not to destroy or burn it. When the fire breakout in the Temple, the video is even showing Titus and Josephus trying to stop the fire.

Wait I never heard about Titus wanting to preserve the Temple? In most of the textbooks or history book I read, Herold's Temple was sacked and burn by the Roman legion as shown on the Arch of Titus in Rome. They burn it to the ground to demonstrate what will be the consequence if you rebel again Rome.

Detail from the Arch of Titus showing spoils from the Sack of Jerusalem
Source: Wikipedia

So I start up my Logos Bible Study Software, and open "The Works of Josephus" (Hendrickson, 1999), did a quick search on Titus and Temple, and here it is in Chapter Six of the Jewish War:

"(237) Of those there were assembled the six principal persons: Tiberius Alexander, the commander [under the general] of the whole army; with Sextus Cerealis the commander of the fifth legion; and Larcius Lepidus, the commander of the tenth legion; and Titus Frigius the commander of the fifteenth legion;

(238) there was also with them Eternius, the leader of the two legions that came from Alexandria; and Marcus Antonius Julianus, procurator of Judea; after these came together all the rest of the procurators and tribunes. Titus proposed to these that they should give him their advice what should be done about the holy house.

(239) Now, some of these thought it would be the best way to act according to the rules of war [and demolish it]; because the Jews would never leave off rebelling while that house was standing; at which house it was that they used to get all together.

(240) Others of them were of opinion, that in case the Jews would leave it, and none of them would lay their arms up in it, he might save it; but that in case they got upon it, and fought any more, he might burn it; because it must then be looked upon not as a holy house, but as a citadel; and that the impiety of burning it would then belong to those that forced this to be done, and not to them.

(241) But Titus said, that “although the Jews should get upon that holy house, and fight us thence, yet ought we not to revenge ourselves on things that are inanimate, instead of the men themselves;” and that he was not in any case for burning down so vast a work as that was, because this would be a mischief to the Romans themselves, as it would be an ornament to their government while it continued.

(242) So Fronto, and Alexander, and Cerealis, grew bold upon that declaration, and agreed to the opinion of Titus."

Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1996, c1987). The works of Josephus : Complete and unabridged. Includes index. (Wars 6.236-242). Peabody: Hendrickson.

So who started the fire? According to Josephus, during the chaos of attack, the Roman solider disobey Titus' order and set fire to the Temple. When Titus heard of the fire, he ran from his camp to the Temple and tried to order his man to stop the fire. But it was too late, as the solider already started ransacking the treasure of the Temple.

Free Guide for Ubuntu Linux

2009-03-04T21:36:00.002+11:00

Free ebooks for people who are consider switching from Windows to Linux!

Enjoy!!!

The Wrath of God

2009-03-03T20:45:00.011+11:00

We have been study the book of Romans in our church's ACE program (Adult Christian Education). Last Sunday we were focusing on Romans 1:18-23, "God's Wrath on Unrighteousness", a very important theology topic for every Christian who want to know God deeper.

Although this have been a very popular sermon topic during the Great Awakening in the 19th Century, most of the church this day no longer teach the anger of God anymore, instead they focus on God's love and grace. So what is the Wrath of God, and why it is important?

Why is God angry? Romans 1:18 says "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." (ESV)

God is angry with people who suppress the truth, what truth? Romans 1:19-20 says "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (ESV)

Further more, Romans 1:21-23 says "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things."(ESV)

Instead of glorifying God, they turn to idol and pagan worship.

The worst sin for man is the refusal of the his/her maker, through the revelation of natural, and the internal concessions, all man knows there is a God. And what is the penalty of the denial? Eternal Death.

So how do one justified his/her sin, through the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 1:17 says "The righteous shall live by faith". Christ, the son of God become man, and stood in man's place to bear the wrath of God, he was punished in the place of sinners, thus satisfying the divine justice of God.

One Month Free Online Access to ESV Study Bible

2009-03-03T08:35:00.002+11:00

Crossway is making the ESV Online Study Bible available free--for anyone and everyone. For a limited time beginning today, March 2 through March 31, 2009.

The ESV Online Study Bible provides numerous interactive features in addition to those found in the print edition, enabling readers to:

Record personal notes, reflections, and links
Click hyperlinked cross references
Search by verse, topic, or keyword
Digitally highlight Bible passages or key words with various colors
Listen to audio of passages

For full access and free trial use of these features for one month, users can create a login and password at www.esvstudybible.org/onlin e. Email information will not be shared, nor will there be any obligation to purchase.

Koorong 20% off 5-Day Sale

2009-02-24T18:35:00.004+11:00

Once again, Koorong is matching what WORD is doing

Another 20% off everything in-store and online.

From 26/02/2009 ~ 03/03/2009.

For sale terms and conditions, click here.

WORD 20% Off In-store and Online

2009-02-23T11:03:00.004+11:00

WORD is having another 20% off everything in-store and online, 25% off when spend over $150.

From 26/02/2009 ~ 02/03/2009.

For sale terms and conditions, click here.

A Special Moment in the VIC Bushfire

2009-02-10T12:22:00.007+11:00

HELPING hand ... a koala receives assistance from a
Country Fire Authority officer.
Pic: Russell Vickery/CFA
[Source]

Click here for the video of "Sam" the koala.

The Worst Bushfire in Australian History

2009-02-09T17:12:00.006+11:00

The death toll from the bushfire in southern Australia (State of Victoria) has now reached at least 126, this is the worst bushfire in our country's history.

ABC Special Coverage of the Disaster

Please pray for all the victims and the fire fighters involved in such a sad time.

Anyone who would like to make a donation for the bushfire relief program, please visit The Salvation Army or Australian Red Cross.

Creation Magazine LIVE!

2009-02-02T22:13:00.003+11:00

From CMI (Creation Ministries International):

Bringing Christians faith-building information from Creation magazine!

Through 24 one hour episodes, hosts Richard Fangrad and Calvin Smith of CMI–Canada discuss and summarize the faith-building information found in Creation magazine. Creation magazine has been changing lives and building the faith of Christians in more than 140 countries for more than 30 years. Each issue contains dozens of articles (many by scientists) that refute evolution and support the Bible’s account of creation.

FREE to Watch and Copy!

All 24 episodes of Creation magazine LIVE! are free to watch, download to your computer and copy. Each episode will be listed here as it becomes available.

The 3D Bible Project

2009-01-31T09:13:00.004+11:00

Came across this "3D Bible Project" site few days ago, it offer 3D model of the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and Noah's Ark. Very good site for kids and adults to get a understanding of the temple structure and the relevance scripture in the Old Testament.

I hope the author will add the Herod's Temple, or Jerusalem in the future! Well done!

*P.S. Currently the VRLM seems to work fully in Internet Explorer only!

WORD 20% off In-store and Online

2009-01-30T22:36:00.004+11:00

WORD is having a 20% off everything in-store and online, from 29/01/2009 ~ 01/02/2009.

For sale terms and conditions, click here.

Pastor Warren's Inaugural Prayer

2009-01-27T14:35:00.025+11:00

Here are the full text of Pastor Rick Warren's prayer for U.S. President Barack Obama's inauguration. What a wonderful prayer! And despair all the controversial about whether the name of Jesus should be included in the prayer, Pastor Warren delivered the prayer in the Lord's name, not just once, but four times.

"Almighty God, our father, everything we see and everything we can't see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you, it all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory. History is your story.

The Scripture tells us Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is our God; the Lord is one. And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now today we rejoice not only in America's peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hinge-point of history with the inauguration of our first African-American president of the United States.

We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership.

And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in Heaven.
Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the Cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.

When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the Earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.

And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all.

May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you.

We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus (Spansih), Jesus (English), who taught us to pray, Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen."

I still don't understand why some people (e.g. Dan Gigoff) says the prayer included allusions to Judaism and Islam? To me it is all about Christ.

Yes, the Shema (Deut 6:4) is heard on every Friday Sabbath service, but remember what Christ said in John 8:58, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.".

Yes, you can find "you are the compassionate and merciful one" at the beginning of every sura (chapter of Qur'an) in the Qur'an, but isn't your Lord compassion and merciful one?

And finally, what is wrong with proclaim the name of the Lord in different language? Christ command us in The Great Commission to spread the Gospel to all nations, why shouldn't we proclaim the name of the Lord in different languages?

Libronix 3.0e Works in Windows 7

2009-01-23T10:50:00.003+11:00

Finally after fiddling around with Windows 7 setting, I finally found out the problem with getting Logos Bible Software to work under Windows 7. Its the user permission, apparently one of the component required during the installation require more than administrator rights? Even if I choice to run the installation file as administrator, it doesn't allow me to install. So the only way of getting it to work is by turning off the UAC (User Account Control).

To install Libronix 3.0e correctly, the UAC need to be turn off completely. To do this, open Action Center, and click the down tab on Security, and find the UAC setting. Drag the setting to Never Notify.

Finally I can resume my Bible Study with the help of Logos!!!

Official Reply from Logos Regarding Compatibility of Windows 7 and Libronix 3.0e

2009-01-20T15:29:00.007+11:00

Kathy from Logos have reply my email in regards to running Libronix 3.0e under Windows 7,

"Thank you for your e-mail. Since Windows 7 is still a Beta, it is not compatible with Libronix because windows beta 7 has not yet been released. If our Libronix version if 4.0 is not ready when Windows 7 is released, we will update 3.0e to work on it."

From Phil Gon's (one of the editor on the Logos Blog) website, he have successfully install Logos on Windows 7 (x64), I will try to contact him and see if he can share some light on how to get the installer working.

Beta Testing Windows 7

2009-01-18T09:20:00.004+11:00

I am currently running the latest release of Windows 7 Beta on my laptop, so far so good. Already have 5 BSOD cause by my security software Kaspersky, but everything else works great, only need to install extra driver like my tv tuner and fingerprint scanner. I have to say this is the best Windows OS Microsfot have released so far, everything just work, much better performance compare to Vista.

Finally I can now have subtitle in my live TV!!!! and FM Radio via TV tuner!!!

The only thing that really annoys me is my Logos Bible Study Software won't install at all, hopefully this will be all solved by the time the final version comes out.

ESV Study Bible - Daily Bible Reading Plan

2009-01-12T17:00:00.003+11:00

ESV Bible have just released the Daily Bible Reading Plan for the ESV Study Bible, you can download the printable version here (PDF).

Beside the printed version, the reading plan can also be access by the following method:

web (a new reading each day appears online at the same link)
RSS (subscribe to receive by RSS)
email (subscribe to receive by email)
iCal (download an iCalendar file)
mobile (view a new reading each day on your mobile device.

For more information on the ESV Study Bible reading plan or reading plan for other edition of the ESV Bible (e.g. the Outreach Edition), please visit the ESV Bible Reading Plan page on the website.

Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible, Now In Chinese (CNV)

2009-01-12T16:46:00.005+11:00

From the Worldwide Bible Society (US):

我們選擇出版改革宗神學背景的研讀版聖經，作為環球聖經公會的第一本研讀版聖經，是一項重要的決定。

英文研讀版 (NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible) 編撰者陣容鼎盛，超過五十位著名學者合力編撰而成:

神學編輯：J. I. Packer, John M. Frame
舊約編輯：Bruce Waltke
新約編輯：Gregory K. Beale, Vern S. Poythress
舊約註釋作者：Raymond B. Dillard, William J. Dumbrell, R. Laird Harris, V. Phillips Long, Tremper Longman, William A. VanGemeren, Gordon J. Wenham等
新約註釋作者：Sinclair B. Ferguson, Wayne A. Grudem, Leon Morris, Moises Silva等

中文版《研讀版聖經──新譯本》
特邀各地華人學者撰文，為讀者分析宗教改革對今天華人教會的影響，並宗教改革後華人教會的神學發展和實踐。

顧問及參與撰文的華人學者：（按姓氏筆畫排序）
方鎮明博士、吳國傑博士、吳榮滁博士、李少秋博士、李日堂博士、李振群博士、李望遠博士、李耀全博士、周功和博士、林日峰博士、林慈信牧師、邵晨光博士、高明發牧師、張玉文博士、張達民博士、張麟至博士、陳佐人博士、陳若愚院長、陳貽強博士、陳業玉牧師、黃朱倫博士、溫偉耀博士、雷競業博士、趙崇明博士、劉少平博士、謝木水傳道、蘇遠泰博士等。

Kutless MP3 Giveaway - Bible Study Magazine!

2009-01-06T06:33:00.000+11:00

A free Kutless MP3 is being given away at Bible Study Magazine. They are also having a contest to win cool Kutless gear and Logos Bible Software. Go check it out!

The Meaning of Baptism!

2008-12-22T21:57:00.006+11:00

Last Sunday, I took the Profession of Faith in front of the whole congregation of my local Presbyterian Church, to accept Lord Jesus Christ in to my life, and baptised by my minister in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as a born-again Christian.

So what does Baptism signify? The sacrament of Baptism signifies several major things for Christians, it is a sign of cleansing and remission of our sins (Acts 22:16), being regenerated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8), and being buried and raised together with Christ (Romans 6:3-7, Col. 2:11-12)...etc.

To my amazement, the daily Bible verse for that morning from C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" provide the most wonderful summary of the of baptism service, to accecpt the covenant established between the Lord with us.

“Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” - 2 Samuel 23:5

Koorong End of Year Sale for 2008!

2008-12-22T11:11:00.008+11:00

Koorong end of year sale, with 20% off everything in stock! or 25% off for all purchases over $150 (AUD). From the 26th of Dec, 2008 till the 5th of Jan, 2009.

Jonathan Edwards Works Online

2008-11-25T09:38:00.011+11:00

Jonathan Edwards (1703 - 1758)

While doing some research on Jonathan Edwards's work, I came across The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University. Apparently Yale started publishing Jonathan Edwards' works since 1957, the final volume of the complete work (26 volumes in all) were published in August, 2008.

According to the the centre statement, they are planning to publish a fully-searchable, critical, annotated online edition of the complete works of Jonathan Edwards, more than 100,000 pages of sermons, letters...

For those who use Logos Bible Software, the two volumes edition of The Works of Jonathan Edwards are currently under development, and available as pre order.

NOVA - The Bible's Buried Secrets

2008-11-19T09:41:00.001+11:00

Another excellent program from PBS/NOVA network in the States. "The Bible's Buried Secrets", a two hours special, presents the latest archaeological scholarship from the Holy Land to explore the beginnings of modern religion and the origins of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament.

The full program will be online from the 19/11/2008, But you can watch a preview of the program here.

Biblical Archeology Review have published a excellent overview of the program, you can also read it here.

CHESS in Royal Albert Hall

2008-11-18T21:15:00.007+11:00

Finally the news I have been waiting for, the latest performance of Sir Tim Rice, Benny Anderson, and Björn Ulvaeus's CHESS features Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal... will be release on DVD and CD by Time Warner at the end of this year or early 2009. (http://www.timrice.co.uk/chess.html)

For those die hard fan like me, you can have a sneak preview from Josh Groban's latest release "A Collection"

ZoneAlarm 2009 Pro Free - Tomorrow Only

2008-11-18T09:04:00.003+11:00

ZoneAlarm Pro will be available tomorrow (November 19 Australian) for free, Windows Only.

ZoneAlarm Pro adds anti-spyware protection to ZoneAlarm's firewall product. Pair that with your favorite antivirus program (AVG), and you have a full internet security suite!

"Wild Strawberry Movement" in Taiwan, We Shall Overcome!!!

2008-11-12T09:32:00.005+11:00

Protest statement from the official student movement blog - http://action1106.blogspot.com/ (Chinese), http://taiwanstudentmovement2008.blogspot.com/(English)

從11月3日開始，中國海協會代表團來臺與政府簽署各項協定，同時在臺北各處，就陸續出現警方藉「維安」之名，對各類以和平方式表達不同意見者，進行粗暴的盤查、損毀、沒收、禁制、拉扯、驅離甚至拘捕。絕大多數遭致警察暴力相向的民眾，根本不曾靠近陳雲林人身，有的市民甚至只是路過、停留或單純拍攝記錄，即遭受上述對待。

Starting on November 3, with the visit of representatives from China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) to sign various agreements with our government , police officers have engaged in numerous abusive acts against peaceful protesters from various dissenting groups, under the guise of "keeping the peace". These acts have included arbitrary searches and prohibitions, seizure and destruction of property, physical assault, dispersion, and even arrest and detention. The vast majority of the victims of this police brutality were nowhere near ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin, and were simply passing, standing, or photographing various areas when they were victimized.

透過媒體畫面傳送，我們驚覺事態嚴重¬—這已經不是維安有否過當的技術問題、更不只是政黨認同選擇的問題，而是暴力化的國家公權，對市民社會的嚴重挑釁和侵犯。所有彷彿戒嚴、罔顧自由人權與民主價值的管控鎮壓，連執政黨的國會議員都質問行政院長；卻只見身為最高責任主管的劉揆，仍在輕佻地詭辯和推責。實在令人既錯愕憤怒，又深感羞辱和不安。

Through reports in the media, we have come to realize the seriousness of the current situation. It is no longer a technical question of excessive law enforcement tactics, nor is it simply a partisan issue between supporters of various political parties. This is a proliferation of state sponsored violence that is provoking and attacking civil society. All these oppressive acts, which ignore human rights and democratic values are reminiscent of martial law. Even legislators from the ruling party have expressed concern over this issue to the Executive Yuan, only to see the chief authority - Premier Liu, dodge responsibility while providing only the flimsiest of excuses. We are stunned and outraged by this response, as well as ashamed and increasingly uneasy.

我們不禁要問：難道要強化兩岸經貿交流，也必須透過降低臺灣的民主自由程度、以達成與中國同樣極權統治的水準嗎？

We must ask: Does increasing cross-Strait exchange require Taiwan to lower its standards of freedom and democracy, in order to achieve the same level of repressive authoritarian rule that China has?

才不過短短幾天，臺灣人民好不容易匍匐建立的民主自由體制，在滿城的警力、威嚇的氛圍與強勢的防堵中，幾近崩解。我們政府，在如同警察國家的武裝保護裡，自我陶醉於「歷史性儀式」的想像、與酒酣耳熱的輪番大宴中。於此，憲法所保障人民的自由言論與行動權利，完全地被擱置、甚至忘卻。

In only a few short days, the liberal democracy that the people of Taiwan have fought so hard for has nearly collapsed amid massive police presence in the city, and the atmosphere of fear and repression that it brings. Behind its police state-like barricades, our government remains blinded by its delusions of a "meeting of historic proportions", and indulges itself in its receptions and banquets. Through this all, the peoples' constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech and movement have been cast aside, and even forgotten.

因為多數的強勢作為根本違憲違法，無怪乎鏡頭前沒有一個警察能理直氣壯說出，他們根據何種「法律」，執行這般上級交待的勤務。警察原是保護人民的公僕，如今在這政府由上而下的嚴峻要求中，竟競相成了限制與懲罰人民表達意見的打手。我們無意歸咎個別只能服從上命的員警，相對的，我們嚴正要求下達此一惡令的政府高層，必須負起最大的政治責任。

As many of their actions are unconstitutional, it is not surprising that not a single police officer before the cameras has been able to definitively state what law empowers them to carry out the orders issued to them by their superiors. Police officers are supposed to be civil servants charged with protecting the people. Yet under the outrageous requests issued from above, they have become thugs restricting and punishing the people for expressing their opinions. We have no intention of blaming individual police officers who can only obey orders issued by their superiors. Rather, we solemnly demand that the highest authorities in the government bear the largest share of political responsibility for these abuses.

我們只是一群憂心臺灣混亂現況與未來發展的大學教授、學生、文化工作者和市民，在沒有任何政黨與團體動員及奧援的前提下，十一月六日（四）上午十一點，將自發性地集結於行政院大門前，以「著黑衣、戴口罩」作為沈痛抗議的象徵，並牽手靜坐至訴求達成為止。我們的訴求是：

We are simply a group of university professors, students, cultural workers, and citizens who are concerned about Taiwan's current state of disorder and future development. At 11AM on November 6, without any support or mobilization from any political party or civic group, we will assemble at the gate of the Executive Yuan in black clothes and face masks symbolizing our painful protest, and will join hands sitting in civil disobedience until our requests are met. Our requests include:

一、馬英九總統和行政院長劉兆玄必須公開向國人道歉。

President Ma Ying-jeou and Premier Liu Chao-shiuan must publicly apologize to all citizens.

二、警政署長王卓鈞、國安局長蔡朝明，應立刻下臺。

National Police Agency Director-General Wang Cho-chiun and National Security Bureau Director Tsai Chaoming must step down.

三、立法院應儘速修改限縮人民權利的「集會遊行法」。

The Legislative Yuan must revise the Parade and Assembly Law, which currently restricts the rights of the people.

Logos Bible Software, now on Mac! How about Linux?

2008-11-07T11:09:00.004+11:00

Latest news from the Logos Bible Software Blog, Libronix now runs on Mac! How about a Linux Engine Guys???

Anyway, if you already own the Windows version, you can upgrade by purchasing the Macintosh Engine (I have already tried by replacing the URL as http://www.logos.com/linux/engine, but no cigar). Otherwise you can choice one of the following base package for Mac:

For those bargain hunter, they are also running a promotion deal. By spending 250 USD or more, they will send you the Macintosh Engine for free.

Look like Libronix for Linux will still be on my pray list for the moment.

Dr John MacArthur Sermons Now Open for FREE!!!

2008-11-07T10:34:00.005+11:00

This is a great news indeed, Dr John MacArthur's wonderful sermon are now available online at no cost. You can listern to the files online, or download it as text to your computer, for more information, please visit Grace to You.

You can also listern and watch Dr MacArthur's latest sermon or radio program on your iPod and iTune.

Reformation Week - "Get a Reformation Study Bible for a donation of any amount"

2008-10-30T10:18:00.000+11:00

From Ligonier Ministries

Celebrate Reformation Week with a genuine leather Reformation Study Bible (ESV) for a donation of any amount. Click here.

On October 31, 1517, a young monk named Martin Luther nailed ninety-five theses to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany. He addressed the abuses of the sale of indulgences and this event proved to provide the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. In an era when the Gospel had been eclipsed by a system of human merit, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the other magisterial reformers proclaimed to the people of God that we are declared righteous in the sight of the Lord through faith alone in the person and work of Christ Jesus.

At Ligonier Ministries, we are celebrating Reformation Week (Oct. 27-Nov.2) by offering a genuine leather Reformation Study Bible (ESV) for a donation of any amount. Retailing at $69.99, this is the study Bible for the next generation of reformers.

Get your Bible now at rymoffer.com.

*****
(Limit one Bible per household, while supplies last.)

20% off sale at Koorong and WORD

2008-10-29T17:17:00.001+11:00

Both Koorong and WORD are offering 20% off sales in-store purchase and web order, just in time for Christmas gifts!

Koorong (30/10/2008 - 04/11/2008) - http://www.koorong.com/catalogues/conditions.htm

WORD (28/10/2008 - 04/11/2008) - http://www.word.com.au/termsconds.aspx

Free CodeWeaver on Oct. 28, 2008

2008-10-28T05:56:00.001+11:00

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, any one visiting the CodeWeavers' Web site will be given a deal code that will entitle them to one free copy of CodeWeavers' award-winning CrossOver software. Each copy comes complete with support.

For More Information:

http://www.codeweavers.com/about/general/press/20081027/

http://lameduck.codeweavers.com/free/

ESV Study Bible

2008-10-22T22:16:00.000+11:00

My long awaited ESV Study Bible have finally arrived from the States, guess what I will be reading tonight :-)

Libronix in Linux, no cigar!!!

2008-10-22T14:13:00.000+11:00

I have been spending quite sometime trying to get my Logos Bible Software (Libronix) to work in Linux under WINE. I have nominated myself as the maintainer in both WINE and its commercial version called Codeweaver.

As many of you will know, the Libronix were heavy build on top of Microsoft Internet Explorer and dot NET technologies, although the latest Libronix can be install under WINE Internet Explorer pre-installed under WINE, the application itself is useless.

The current working option for Libronix is have it running within a Vitalised Windows environment, however this mean the user will need to have a copy of Windows OS, and mid range PC/notebook as software like Vmware, VirtualBox require fair amount of CPU and physical memory.

More work need to be done....