Just chance upon this and register with them for a unlimited account.
Looks good, not only is it unlimited, it is truly cloud based, however, i wonder how the sync-ing will be like?
Anyway, it's unlimited for now, with 20Gb free after the beta period, looks like a great deal! You can sign up through here.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Review of 1984 and Animal Farm (24/4)
Read these 2 books few weeks back, 1984 and Animal Farm, both by Orwell and here's my review and comments on them.
1984 is very well written, the first few chapters reads very much like a modern-day North Korea account. It's hard to believe that this was actually written more than 60 years ago! I wonder how Orwell himself would have been astonished at how accurate a picture he is able to paint about the communist regime.
There is very good flow in the text, the book gives a very good feel as you read it, it is not too fast-paced for you to want to take a break while reading, neither is it too slow-paced that makes you want to give up reading the book. The book is split into 3 big blocks, each taking almost equal portion of the book, which is a good accomplishment, Orwell does not, like many contemporary authors rush through the ending giving a huge sense of dissatisfaction as you draw to a close.
The first part deals with the relative joy and dissatisfaction of Winston, the main character of the story, and his romance with Julia.
The second part mainly deals with his imprisonment and betrayal. (Sorry this is really a short statement on a big block, but to go anymore will spoil the whole story. Read it yourself!)
The third part deals with his re-education and re-assimilation back into his society.
Highly recommended for those who are interested in North Korean or communist life, or any history major who just wants to have a vivd picture of life under the communist regime.
Ratings: 5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here, and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Animal Farm is a somewhat related to 1984, but a lot shorter and maybe a more macro view of things as compared to 1984. This is a big compliments to 1984 and in my opinion, should be read first, and then follow by 1984.
Animal Farm really is the story of how communist overthrown the existing government and is finally ruled by the animals. Not long after, the animals began to see that this rule is not as fair as what they once thought were or what they had envisioned, would it be better to be ruled by humans? Or by the animals?
Orwell, does in my opinion, gives an inaccurate picture of the communist regime in the sense that the animals had a lack of technology while building their windmill, however, as Orwell has to write it in a convincing manner from the animal's perspective, I think this lack is not a huge drawback.
This book is one that you can finish within 2 hours and would definitely give you a joy as you finished it, well written and crafted. Excellent piece of literary.
Ratings: 4.5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here, and here (free international shipping), Kindle
You can get both copies in one book too, here and here (free international shipping), Kindle
1984 is very well written, the first few chapters reads very much like a modern-day North Korea account. It's hard to believe that this was actually written more than 60 years ago! I wonder how Orwell himself would have been astonished at how accurate a picture he is able to paint about the communist regime.There is very good flow in the text, the book gives a very good feel as you read it, it is not too fast-paced for you to want to take a break while reading, neither is it too slow-paced that makes you want to give up reading the book. The book is split into 3 big blocks, each taking almost equal portion of the book, which is a good accomplishment, Orwell does not, like many contemporary authors rush through the ending giving a huge sense of dissatisfaction as you draw to a close.
The first part deals with the relative joy and dissatisfaction of Winston, the main character of the story, and his romance with Julia.
The second part mainly deals with his imprisonment and betrayal. (Sorry this is really a short statement on a big block, but to go anymore will spoil the whole story. Read it yourself!)
The third part deals with his re-education and re-assimilation back into his society.
Highly recommended for those who are interested in North Korean or communist life, or any history major who just wants to have a vivd picture of life under the communist regime.
Ratings: 5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here, and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Animal Farm is a somewhat related to 1984, but a lot shorter and maybe a more macro view of things as compared to 1984. This is a big compliments to 1984 and in my opinion, should be read first, and then follow by 1984.Animal Farm really is the story of how communist overthrown the existing government and is finally ruled by the animals. Not long after, the animals began to see that this rule is not as fair as what they once thought were or what they had envisioned, would it be better to be ruled by humans? Or by the animals?
Orwell, does in my opinion, gives an inaccurate picture of the communist regime in the sense that the animals had a lack of technology while building their windmill, however, as Orwell has to write it in a convincing manner from the animal's perspective, I think this lack is not a huge drawback.
This book is one that you can finish within 2 hours and would definitely give you a joy as you finished it, well written and crafted. Excellent piece of literary.
Ratings: 4.5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here, and here (free international shipping), Kindle
You can get both copies in one book too, here and here (free international shipping), Kindle
Monday, 10 March 2014
MH370 Missing: My thoughts so far
This is a sobering news and I've been shaken since this is something that happened close to home. I do remember when I heard this news on Sat morning and i remembered that one of my colleagues flew overseas the night before. I imagined with if my colleague was one of them who were lost, or what if I was one of the persons on the place, what would be like? And how would I response?
Sobering, because man is put at his rightful place where he belongs, a minute creature who is not in control of many things (though he may wish and try with all his might). God is still seated enthroned on his throne
"God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." Psalm 47:8
A good reminder for me to ask myself, where have I placed my trust? In Man or in God?
Praying that they will find the plane soon and find out the truth of what has happened.
Sobering, because man is put at his rightful place where he belongs, a minute creature who is not in control of many things (though he may wish and try with all his might). God is still seated enthroned on his throne
"God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." Psalm 47:8
A good reminder for me to ask myself, where have I placed my trust? In Man or in God?
Praying that they will find the plane soon and find out the truth of what has happened.
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Book Review - The Most Encouraging Book on Hell Ever (11/2)
I guess it’s fine to do without Hell right? No. That’s the main thesis of this book. How important is the doctrine of hell for a christian? Quite important it seems. Ramsey has great a done job defending for the biblical teaching of hell.So why can't we do away with this seemingly bad ‘PR’ topic? Lots it seems. 4 main things are lost to christians (and even to non-christians) who do not believe in the reality of hell. I will do a short summary of each of the chapters in the book.
We lose the fear of God. If hell isn't real, then God doesn't really hate sin. And if He doesn’t, then why should I be saved from sin?
We lose the holiness of God. Who have sinned truly offended? A truly infinitely holy God, take out hell and you lose this important character of God. Ramsey also helpful shows by as christians why we don’t just ‘hate the sin and love the sinner’ (you have to read the book for it!).
We lose the gospel of God. Is being a christian only about escaping hell? No! It’s much more than that. It shows how much God loved me despite of my sins and willingly sent his Son to die and resurrect for me. Take away hell, and there is no necessity of having Christ alone as our Saviour.
We lose the love of God.This part deals with the more modern ideas of why christians have to reject hell (e.g. Rob Bell’s book on hell). What they argue for is that the God who sends people to hell isn't convincing enough, they need a God of love, that will convince them. What they have forgotten is how thoroughly sinful we really are. If God had waited for us to response then save us, He is really that loving. But if God choses to saves us from sure destruction and while we will never turn to Him, that’s a truly loving God.
Lastly, an appendix to deal with annihilationism. Which is a short, good defence on why as Christians we should not believe in it. And a note to Pastors on how to preach hell to your congregation.
What I found was good about this book was how the argument clearly showed the foolishness and danger in believing that Christians can actually remove hell and still have the essentials of the Gospel intact. Ramsey shows that is impossible. It was akin to how Machen showed that Liberalism was not even remotely close to Christianity, and what they doctrines really meant.
One criticism about of the book was how Ramsey started the first one of two chapters rather causally, too causal I would suppose. I remember thinking that I would have changed some of them in a manner that would have brought out the seriousness of why Christian must believe in the doctrine of hell. Thankfully, that was the only time I had that thought, the rest of the book was great to read, engaging and maintain a seriousness to it’s tone without sound like a boring lecture.
This is a great book for all christians to read, I doubt many would have thought about how important hell is to the christian faith. After reading this, I doubt you would ever think in that same way ever.
Rating: 4.75/5
If you're interested you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Book Review - The Gospel at Work (2/1)
How does the gospel affect my daily life, especially in my work? How should a christian view his/her work or choose what work to do? This is what this book offers to all Christians, for those who have worked for quite some time or those who would start work soon.
The book first tackles 2 issues that are related to our work, idolatry and idleness, this chapter would be most apt for those who are already working, but this 2 chapters also serves as a great warning for those who will work in the future, neither idolise your work nor idle at your work. Different examples of idolatry and idleness was given in their respective chapters and I felt that it was comprehensive enough to cover almost all aspects a christian would face in a workplace. Most likely, anyone of us would likely identify with one or a few of the examples raised.
The authors then teaches how we should view and serve at our workplace, using many biblical principles the authors seeks to present especially Colossians 3:22-24 and what it means daily for us in our workplace.
For those who are looking for a job, or for those who are thinking of changing your job, the next section would be especially helpful. The authors show several principles on how to know what work to choose. The chapter explains what the three ‘must-haves’ in the job are, and what the 3 ‘good-to-haves’ are in the job. This chapter goes across the grain of our social where what I like to do is under the ‘good-to-have’, instead of the ‘must-haves’.
The next section then deals with an important aspect of how we can balance our life, work and service? The authors used a simple yet helpful principle to balance all these, “pursue faithfulness, then fruitfulness, but not idolatry”.
The next section brings out some important points, there has been many books on how to be a good employee, but how many books have you seen on what it means to be a good employer? This section covers an area that deserves to be better served, bringing out many principles we can have that allows us to be faithful and showing Christlikeness as employees or as employers.
The last section explores the value of full-time ministry and a full-time job, the authors decides to tackle the question in terms of ‘value’, and how we ought to re-think about the meaning of value. Lastly there is an appendix for those who are working to help us grow whilst serving in our workplace.
This book is not heavy, yet filled with biblical principles and good examples, and is definitely to be helpful for almost every christian and well worth the price. Definitely a book I would recommend to any christian who wants to understand how they can glorify God in their work.
Rating: 4.5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
The book first tackles 2 issues that are related to our work, idolatry and idleness, this chapter would be most apt for those who are already working, but this 2 chapters also serves as a great warning for those who will work in the future, neither idolise your work nor idle at your work. Different examples of idolatry and idleness was given in their respective chapters and I felt that it was comprehensive enough to cover almost all aspects a christian would face in a workplace. Most likely, anyone of us would likely identify with one or a few of the examples raised.
The authors then teaches how we should view and serve at our workplace, using many biblical principles the authors seeks to present especially Colossians 3:22-24 and what it means daily for us in our workplace.
For those who are looking for a job, or for those who are thinking of changing your job, the next section would be especially helpful. The authors show several principles on how to know what work to choose. The chapter explains what the three ‘must-haves’ in the job are, and what the 3 ‘good-to-haves’ are in the job. This chapter goes across the grain of our social where what I like to do is under the ‘good-to-have’, instead of the ‘must-haves’.
The next section then deals with an important aspect of how we can balance our life, work and service? The authors used a simple yet helpful principle to balance all these, “pursue faithfulness, then fruitfulness, but not idolatry”.
The next section brings out some important points, there has been many books on how to be a good employee, but how many books have you seen on what it means to be a good employer? This section covers an area that deserves to be better served, bringing out many principles we can have that allows us to be faithful and showing Christlikeness as employees or as employers.
The last section explores the value of full-time ministry and a full-time job, the authors decides to tackle the question in terms of ‘value’, and how we ought to re-think about the meaning of value. Lastly there is an appendix for those who are working to help us grow whilst serving in our workplace.
This book is not heavy, yet filled with biblical principles and good examples, and is definitely to be helpful for almost every christian and well worth the price. Definitely a book I would recommend to any christian who wants to understand how they can glorify God in their work.
Rating: 4.5/5
If you're interested, you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Book Review - The Two Fears: Tremble Before God Alone (30/1)
Everyone fears, the question is who or what do we fear? Jesus puts it as explicitly as he can when he says ‘And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matthew 10:28) And this is what The Two Fears seeks to do.
First, it explains what fear is, ‘To fear something is to give credence to its power over you’. Which is i think a better explanation of fear as compared to how Christian normally explains that fear of God is not like your fear of spider. This definition works well in both kind of fears.
After defining it, it then moves to explain why we must fear God. Mainly explaining about the characteristics of God, most importantly, His Otherness (set apart-ness), i.e. His Holiness. After explain who God is, Poblete then explains what God does (or will do), namely judge all sinners.
Which then moves to the next motivation of our fear as Christians, we fear God not because of punishment, but because we are saved by the Son, we fear out of a grateful heart, this is what Poblete calls Holy Fear. Which he then moves on to explain what benefits we as Christians can have as we cultivate such holy fear.
Next, he explains the unholy fear, which is directly opposite of holy fear. The consequences of unholy fear are then examined. Personally I thought that this chapter was the most well written since it really can show the heart of a person who shows unholy fear in his life.
Two more examples of unholy fear is then expounded, first the fear of man, and then the fear of situation. The fear of situation and the following chapter after that was also well written and shows close connection between the unholy fear, and the God whom we should have holy fear for. Poblete correctly points out that both christians and non-christians will face situations that may have cause for fear, the only difference is that as christians our focus is not on the situation, our focus is on the God who brings us in, and through the situation, all the way.
The last chapter is a heralding call to the church, to fear God together as a congregation.
This is a good book with points adeptly explained and well illustrated, very good for those who need an introduction to this topic and even for those who already have some knowledge about the topic. This is not a dry-as-bone book, but enriching and practical.
Ratings: 3.75/5
If you're interested you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
First, it explains what fear is, ‘To fear something is to give credence to its power over you’. Which is i think a better explanation of fear as compared to how Christian normally explains that fear of God is not like your fear of spider. This definition works well in both kind of fears.
After defining it, it then moves to explain why we must fear God. Mainly explaining about the characteristics of God, most importantly, His Otherness (set apart-ness), i.e. His Holiness. After explain who God is, Poblete then explains what God does (or will do), namely judge all sinners.
Which then moves to the next motivation of our fear as Christians, we fear God not because of punishment, but because we are saved by the Son, we fear out of a grateful heart, this is what Poblete calls Holy Fear. Which he then moves on to explain what benefits we as Christians can have as we cultivate such holy fear.
Next, he explains the unholy fear, which is directly opposite of holy fear. The consequences of unholy fear are then examined. Personally I thought that this chapter was the most well written since it really can show the heart of a person who shows unholy fear in his life.
Two more examples of unholy fear is then expounded, first the fear of man, and then the fear of situation. The fear of situation and the following chapter after that was also well written and shows close connection between the unholy fear, and the God whom we should have holy fear for. Poblete correctly points out that both christians and non-christians will face situations that may have cause for fear, the only difference is that as christians our focus is not on the situation, our focus is on the God who brings us in, and through the situation, all the way.
The last chapter is a heralding call to the church, to fear God together as a congregation.
This is a good book with points adeptly explained and well illustrated, very good for those who need an introduction to this topic and even for those who already have some knowledge about the topic. This is not a dry-as-bone book, but enriching and practical.
Ratings: 3.75/5
If you're interested you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Monday, 20 January 2014
Book Review - Doing Doing Archaeology in the Land of the Bible (20/1)
Sorry, I know I've been absent for quite some time, but more reviews will appear soon! So do continue follow with this blog.
John Currid has done a valuable work in his book “Doing
Archaeology in the Land of the Bible.
I’m sure as Christian you’ve probably heard many times about how certain
sites were dug up and shows how accurate the bible is, that is of course a
heart warming discovery, but how does one actually to know where to dig, and
how to dig? Why aren’t there much more startlingly archaeological finds?
John Currid has done a valuable work in his book “Doing
Archaeology in the Land of the Bible.
I’m sure as Christian you’ve probably heard many times about how certain
sites were dug up and shows how accurate the bible is, that is of course a
heart warming discovery, but how does one actually to know where to dig, and
how to dig? Why aren’t there much more startlingly archaeological finds?
This is the first of such book that I’ve read and found that
it was especially helpful for this book to be written in such a non-technical
laymen way. In this thin book (approx.
120 pg), Currid does a great job giving a brief overview of the subject, along
with a brief history of the growth and improvement in archaeology.
Thereafter, he has specific chapters to explain technical
terms that are used in archaeology and highlights the many problems an
archaeologist faces in the field, such as decided/knowing where to start
digging, how do you date the items you have found, what can you tell from the
soil patterns you see while digging. It does bring with it many interesting
facts and finding that you might not expect from such a dry looking topic.
Pictures and diagrams are also located within the book to
help the reader visualise what the author is describing, and these pictures are
certainly helpful when you are lost at what the author is trying to describe. However
if this book goes for a second printing or revision, some of these pictures
could be a little more recent (however, I do understand that even to include
pictures in the book already adds to their costs considerable, so thanks for
the publisher for making these pictures available, without them this book wouldn’t
have been as useful as it was)
Thursday, 14 November 2013
News from Around the World (14/11)
What That Empty Seat Says - We’ve all done it. We shuffle down a row of chairs and, just before we arrive at a person, we stop one chair short. We leave an empty seat between us and the other person, secretly hoping an usher won’t ask us to “scoot in.” What does that empty seat say? Why are we compelled to leave that “safe seat” between us and others?
Free to Say We'veSinned - When you hide your sin, pretending to be a perfect Christian, you’re actually telling the world that God is a liar. Did Jesus, or did Jesus not, need to suffer and die for your present sins? When you feign perfection, you’re saying you didn’t need Him to do this for you.
A Few Practical Lessons from the Puritans - Some practical helps from the puritans on preaching, catechizing, preserving and pride.
Defining the “Gospel” in a Gospel-Centered Theology - Here are the six key things that Bird thinks are essential for understanding the gospel (pp. 47-52). And it’s in sections like this that Bird’s strengths as a biblical theologian really come to the forefront.
Dangerous ideas - If Christ Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again, everything changes. It is the most dangerous idea. The people who ought to be most clear about this, by what we say and how we live, are true believers.
Free to Say We'veSinned - When you hide your sin, pretending to be a perfect Christian, you’re actually telling the world that God is a liar. Did Jesus, or did Jesus not, need to suffer and die for your present sins? When you feign perfection, you’re saying you didn’t need Him to do this for you.
A Few Practical Lessons from the Puritans - Some practical helps from the puritans on preaching, catechizing, preserving and pride.
Defining the “Gospel” in a Gospel-Centered Theology - Here are the six key things that Bird thinks are essential for understanding the gospel (pp. 47-52). And it’s in sections like this that Bird’s strengths as a biblical theologian really come to the forefront.
Dangerous ideas - If Christ Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again, everything changes. It is the most dangerous idea. The people who ought to be most clear about this, by what we say and how we live, are true believers.
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
News from Around the World (13/11)
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - D. J. Moo's review of N. T. Wright's book.
Truth Remains - Check out this post that provides a link to 4 short clips on the history of the 4 great English Bible.
Is John Piper Really Reformed? - Do I think TULIP is the essence of Calvinism? No. Do I wish many who think of themselves as “Reformed” would go a lot farther back and dig a lot deeper down? Yes. But does it bother me that people think of Piper, Mohler, and Dever as Reformed? Not at all.
Buddy, can you spare a dime? - It seems to me that many of us work in churches where we as ministers are among those most protected from the harsh realities and dangers of life in a post-Christian world. So we should not flatter ourselves about how hard and dangerous our calling is.
Walking with God in Everyday Life - The Bible says that “the Lord was with” Abraham, Joseph, David, and
Hezekiah. We’re also told that Enoch and Noah “walked with God.” These
are two sides of the one coin, two perspectives on the same experience
of God’s special presence with His people.
Truth Remains - Check out this post that provides a link to 4 short clips on the history of the 4 great English Bible.
Is John Piper Really Reformed? - Do I think TULIP is the essence of Calvinism? No. Do I wish many who think of themselves as “Reformed” would go a lot farther back and dig a lot deeper down? Yes. But does it bother me that people think of Piper, Mohler, and Dever as Reformed? Not at all.
Buddy, can you spare a dime? - It seems to me that many of us work in churches where we as ministers are among those most protected from the harsh realities and dangers of life in a post-Christian world. So we should not flatter ourselves about how hard and dangerous our calling is.
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
News from Around the World (12/11)
Loving Something Too Much - It is in the context of him writing on the temptation to suicide but it's been very helpful indeed in thinking about what am I loving too much - wife, children, ministry. It's all too easy to idolise them.
Jesus and My Complicated Relationship With the Psalms - If the Psalms begin to feel confusing read them through the lens of Christ. Read them as if Christ himself were speaking them. Jesus is the key to unlocking the Psalms. He shines light upon all the dark and confusing places. He is the reigning king who shares his righteousness with those who don’t deserve it.
Why You Shouldn’t Turn Homework in Late - Grade impact should certainly be part of the equation when you’re faced with this situation. But it’s not the only one. I’d like to suggest a couple of other reasons to think twice before handing that assignment in late, reasons that may not immediately come to mind when you’re trying to decide if seeing Catching Fire on opening night is worth a little academic slippage.
4 Reasons to Teach the Bible’s Storyline - What’s the big deal? Why is it so important for Christians to be able to connect the dots of the Bible’s grand narrative? Here are four reasons.
Why We Still Read C.S. Lewis 50 Years After His Death - Some reason by John Piper.
The 5 D's of a Good Meeting - As many of the people I work with know, I am not a fan of long meetings. Generally, they drain me of my energy as we swirl around and around an issue. So, I’ve started thinking about how I can better hold a good meeting. Here are five ideas.
How Systematic Theology Can Energize and Enrich Your Preaching.
Jesus and My Complicated Relationship With the Psalms - If the Psalms begin to feel confusing read them through the lens of Christ. Read them as if Christ himself were speaking them. Jesus is the key to unlocking the Psalms. He shines light upon all the dark and confusing places. He is the reigning king who shares his righteousness with those who don’t deserve it.
Why You Shouldn’t Turn Homework in Late - Grade impact should certainly be part of the equation when you’re faced with this situation. But it’s not the only one. I’d like to suggest a couple of other reasons to think twice before handing that assignment in late, reasons that may not immediately come to mind when you’re trying to decide if seeing Catching Fire on opening night is worth a little academic slippage.
4 Reasons to Teach the Bible’s Storyline - What’s the big deal? Why is it so important for Christians to be able to connect the dots of the Bible’s grand narrative? Here are four reasons.
Why We Still Read C.S. Lewis 50 Years After His Death - Some reason by John Piper.
The 5 D's of a Good Meeting - As many of the people I work with know, I am not a fan of long meetings. Generally, they drain me of my energy as we swirl around and around an issue. So, I’ve started thinking about how I can better hold a good meeting. Here are five ideas.
How Systematic Theology Can Energize and Enrich Your Preaching.
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