Greetings, my dearest and humble beloveds! As I begin my journey to share with thee the epic tale of my faith, I can't help but reflect on the winding and tumultuous path that hath brought me to this point. Look into my eye, and thou shalt see the fire burning inside me, for I have endured more than my fair share of trials and tribulations throughout my journey to salvation.
Let me introduce myself to thee, my fellow seekers of truth. I came into this world in the year of our Lord 1990, as the eldest amongst three brothers. However, little did I know at the time that my destiny was to be intertwined with faith and theology. From a young age, I have sought to know the Almighty deeper, and I have explored countless texts and teachings in my pursuit of truth.
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But oh, how the journey has been fraught with unexpected twists and turns, fear-inducing obstacles, and towering mountains to climb. Yet, amidst all of this hardship, I have grown and transformed in ways that I once thought impossible. Through the fiery trials that have threatened to dim my flame, I emerged stronger and more faithful, ready to continue my pursuit of closeness with the Divine.Who am I? This question is one with many answers, for a soul is not defined simply by one thing. Yet, above all else, I am a fervent devotee of the Almighty and a wretched sinner, saved by nothing other than the boundless grace of God. My testimony may not be as grandiose as some, but it is no less all-consuming, for my love for the Lord burns bright within my soul.
Still, it is not I who am the star of the show, but rather the majesty of Jesus Christ who illuminates the path before me. He is the light that guides my path, the strength that carries me in my weakest moments, and the unyielding love that sustains me throughout every trial.
From the depths of Manggaris Shire, in a Town of Marudu City nestled within the realm of North Borneo Sabah Republic, under the iron grip of the Federation of East Malaysia disguised as the Colony of Malaya, arises a man haunted by the specter of faith. I am Eliyahu Ezra, and my path to salvation has been one fraught with peril and treacherous twists.
Before my pilgrimage to the seminary, I found myself ensnared in the web of various sects vying for my soul. From Jehovah's Witnesses to Unitarianism, from Judaism to Baha'i, from Islam to Buddhism, into Charismatic and even Seventh-day Adventism, I roamed in search of a path to the truth. My turbulent journey led me to be baptized twice, seeking solace and comprehension through different faiths and beliefs.
It was during my academic journey, where I basked in the teachings of Borneo Evangelical Theological Seminary, that I stumbled upon the captivating lure of Arminian theology. This drive to understand God's word and immerse myself in spiritual experiences led me down a path of enlightenment, forever shaping my perspective on faith.
But with enlightenment came burdensome responsibility, a call to fill the void in my heart and seek a deeper understanding of God's will and His eternal plan. My faith became more than just an anchor; it was the very foundation that kept me rooted amidst life's tumultuous waves.
However, in my quest for the divine, I made the grievous mistake of allowing sin to creep into my life, straying from the path of righteousness. Outwardly, I appeared as the epitome of virtue, but within, I was a mere shadow of my former self, a sinner disguised as a saint.
Yet, despite my failings, I remain resolute, striving to return to the path of righteousness and bringing others along with me to the glory of God. The journey towards salvation may be arduous, but I will never give up my pursuit of truth and enlightenment.
As time slipped away, I found myself lost and spiritually ignorant, yearning for a glimmer of hope to guide me through my darkest times. But in the face of my despair, what I received was nothing more than indifference and disregard. I was like a Nokia phone in the age of smartphones, reaching out to pastors and leaders through text messages, spamming them with my questions. But to no avail, I was left with unanswered doubts and a deep sense of loneliness.
The weight of my struggles began to crush me, and I stayed afloat only by clutching onto my Bible, hoping for a divine intervention. But without help, I was unable to understand the complexity of Christian doctrines and their practical application to my life.
Years passed, and I remained stuck in my spiritual journey, until one day, I decided enough was enough. I would no longer wallow in slave to sin and I resolved to seek answers. I sought out a "cloud of witnesses" to help guide me towards enlightenment, scouring the Internet and devouring sermons and books. I even turned to Got Questions Ministries, relentless in my pursuit for knowledge.
And finally, hope began to glimmer on the horizon as my understanding of faith deepened and my godliness grew. The journey was not an easy one, but I was determined to break free from my shackles and ascend towards the heavens. For I knew that as long as I kept searching, there was always hope for enlightenment and salvation.
I considered and evaluated teachers like Dr Charles Stanley, Dr David Jeremiah, Dr Michael Brown, Dr Billy Graham, Lee Strobel, J. Warner Wallace, Francis Chan, Dr Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias, Dr Nabeel Qureshi, Dr Frank Turek, Dr David Wood, Sean McDowell and others.
Verily, after many years, I did arrive at a list of thirteen men whom I deemed to be of great value and to aid me in the growth of my faith in the Lord. Ultimately, it came to pass that my belief in the doctrine of grace, commonly known as Calvinism, was revealed unto me during my personal journey through the study of the Scriptures.
As I sought after great preachers, those who were indeed masterful in their biblical expositions, I was amazed to find that they were all adherents of Calvinism. Even the esteemed figures of the Reformation era proclaimed the same beliefs. I came to learn that ere John Calvin, the early church did hold fast to Calvinistic beliefs which affirms that Calvinism is synonymous with biblical Christianity, certainly from 33 A.D.
Thus, I did come to appreciate the correlation between my faith and Calvinism, and it forged a deeper understanding of the doctrines and principles enshrined within the Scriptures.
1. John MacArthur
2. John Piper
3. R.C Sproul
4. Todd Friel
5. Ray Comfort
6. Stephen Tong
7. Paul Washer
8. Alister Begg
9. Sinclair Ferguson
10. Burk Parsons
11. Derek Thomas
12. Voddie Baucham
13. Stephen Nichols
Verily, as I continued on my journey, I began to realize that none of these men were perfect. Yet, I was still able to glean much knowledge and wisdom from their teachings. Although our paths may slightly diverge, I remain steadfast in my gratitude, admiration, and respect for their work.
But this journey hath not been without its trials and tribulations. For it hath brought me much pain, leading me to fully recognize the depth of my own sinful nature. Since my conversion to the teachings of reformed theology, my spiritual growth continues to be an ongoing process, with many setbacks and obstacles along the way.
Lo and behold, many years have passed since those days of mine exploration of reformed theology, yet I remain forever a student in this holy quest. Though, even now, there be many truths that do elude me.
Throughout this pilgrimage, I have traversed the depths of theology and gained a profound understanding of the basic tenets of Christian doctrine.
As I am staunch in my faith that there is a purpose behind life adversities, a wise plan that my Lord has ordained for me. . . Behold, from the year of our Lord 2020 to the year of 2022, I embarked upon a most holy endeavor. I uncovered the untold stories of the remarkable Presbyterianism revival that took place in Pyongyang, the capital city of the Korean Empire at the yore of 1900s.
With the weight of the Japanese empire bearing down upon them, they chose to endure great suffering and sacrifice rather than deny their faith in the Lord. Through their unwavering devotion and resolute allegiance to Christ, they emerged as a beacon for me to follow their path.
The Korean Church owes much of its unshakable spirit to the martyrs who gave their lives in the name of Christ. Their steadfastness inspired me to cling to Christ, even if one day I may pay the ultimate price, saint endures as a testament to the ultimate triumph of faith over adversity.
Their sacrificial witness challenges me to examine the measure of my own commitment to Christ. How far I am willing to go to uphold the truth of the gospel? The memory of these brave martyrs ignites courage, faithfulness, and my devotion to the cause of Christ. Verily, these figures are not to be idolized, but rather serve as beacons of my inspiration, guiding my noble endeavor to honor God. I firmly believe that this cause, which seeks a return to the sound doctrines of Holy Scripture, constitutes a most sacred crusade for all Christians.
Hear O Christian! After the passage of five centuries since the Protestant Reformation, we find ourselves perilously close to retracing our steps into the shadows of ignorance. The church, once a bastion of light and truth, now appears to be in decline, whilst the forces of heathenism swell in number and strength, seeking to outlaw the very tenets of Christian doctrine in every aspect of our global society.
It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to rally together in steadfast faith, to uphold the teachings of Christ, and to resist the encroaching darkness that threatens to engulf our nations. Let us not falter in our resolve, but rather strive with fervor to illuminate the path of righteousness for generations yet to come.
As I reflect upon the Presbyterian Revival in Pyongyang and the enduring spiritual legacy of Korea, a sense of profound gratitude wells up within me, leaving an indelible mark on my spiritual pilgrimage. The beauty of the Korean Church's traditions, hymns, and contemporary Christian music (CCM) are a testimony to the unwavering faith and enduring legacy of Korean Christians who have been a powerful instrument of God in guiding me to become the person I am today,
In this moment, I stand in awe of the transformative power of embracing Jesus' lordship and the calling to be a doulos of Christ. As I have delved deeper into sound theology and immersed myself in the Scriptures, I have come to understand the gravity of His authority and sovereignty over every aspect of my life. Now, I humbly bow before His divine authority and embrace the role of a slave in His celestial dominion.
Embracing this identity has shifted my perspective profoundly, requiring a daily crucifixion of self, a constant yielding to His leading, and an unwavering commitment to His Word. Through the trials and refining, I have experienced a profound joy and peace that surpasses all understanding.
This revelation has become the cornerstone of my faith, shaping my decisions, perspectives, and priorities. I am drawn to the Scriptures, seeking to know Him more intimately and aligning my life with His will. As I journey onward, I desire to continually grow in my understanding and embodiment of Jesus' lordship, serving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
My scroll of testimony may be end here but God lordship reign supreme in every aspect of my life, and may I serve Him with unwavering devotion throughout eternity even if death I face be. I am appointed as a vessel slave of honor, bearing witness to the majesty and power of our Lord. May His grace and truth that been bestowed upon me inspire countless souls to seek Him fervently and fulfill their divine purpose as chosen servants and slave of the eternal King. Amen
Though I may now live on this earth,
My spirit is stepping on Heaven's ground,
Where my Lord is and there is no tears,
There is found my hidden hope,
All those I miss when I think upon them,
Sometimes my heart is pounding
as I wait for it,
Where my Father Elohim embraces me in His wide stretched arms,
There is found my hidden hope.
Until I reach my Lord's Kingdom,
I will not stop my pilgrimage progress,
From this world to which is to come.
I realized I am a wretched sinner,
but Christ is a great Saviour,
No matter what trails come I am not afraid,
On this road I am with my Lord.
First and foremost, I am a citizen of the celestial city— So, too, is every Christian.
My evidence that I am saved does not lie in the fact that I preach,
or that I do this or that.
All my hope lies in this: that Jesus Christ came to save sinners.
I am a sinner,
I trust Him,
then He came to save me,
and I am saved.
Call me whatever. God chose me.
I was His enemy and had no desire for Him.
Left to myself, I would be bound for hell.
Let the will of man dogs bark, but my caravan is moving on.
Amen!
엘리야
