Why did Jesus come?

“The very existence of the Bible is incontrovertible evidence of the God who refused to forsake his rebellious creation, who refused to give up, who was and is determined to redeem and restore fallen creation to his original design for it. . . . The very existence of such a collection of writings testifies to a God who breaks through to human beings, who disclosed himself to them, who will not leave them unilluminated in their darkness, . . . who takes the initiative in re-establishing broken relationships with us.” Charles R.Taber, “Missiology and the Bible, “ Missiology 11 (1983): 232

That is why Jesus came.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

And that is why there is Christmas. And celebrations because Jesus has come to give us life, and life everlasting.

Merry, blessed Christ-mas!

See you next year Arsenal

It's the same story again. Plenty of possessions, good link play, unable to score and giving away silly goals. By now, Chelsea is 2-0 up at the Emirates and up until that point, Arsenal has dominated.

The first goal is due to poor defending and the second goal's the same. Sounds familiar? Yes. This was the case against Manchester City, Manchester United and now Chelsea. In each game, Arsenal started well, dominated but the game ends in their opponents' favour.

They have yet to win against the big teams and this sums up their entire make up in this season again - Outside title contenders. I'm sorry Arsenal. As much as you miss clichy, gibbs and especially Van Persie in this game, you do not have enough to win the league this season(again).

How much patience do an Arsenal fan has? Not much. 4 years and counting. Au Revoir.

A Time of Rejoicing - Luke 15:7

We were having a meal and sharing life with each other when he said things like, "Just have to pray to God and see how He leads"(paraphrase). I paused. Something was different, so I felt prompted to ask, "Have you accepted Jesus into your life?" and he said, "Yes."

I tried my very best to contain my exuberance. But I was happy, very happy. This is a dear friend of mine and I recalled the days when I first invited him to a church service about 8 years ago. We shared a lot about life together and as usual, I shared my bible-based principles and views and God's word always have this 'special effect' of making the most sense in this crazy world we're living in.

Like most people, he believed he can achieve anything by believing in himself and he saw no need for a God, even if this God does exist. But life is a mystery sometimes. Through events and situations, he became more open to God and one day, he looked back and ask for forgiveness of his sins. He said God touched him, he felt as if his heart was melting, and there was a sense of joy and peace and having the assurance that his sins had indeed been forgiven. He said it was different, very different - as he recalled those days when I shared with him. On those occasions, the words were only head knowledge and meant nothing to him. But when God touched his heart, he knew something was different. God is real.

I'm so glad that he came to know the Lord. If you think those 'occasional' prayers for your unsaved friends are unimportant, think again. Every one of them counts. And God will indeed make all things beautiful in His time. What a joy!

Jesus said,"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." - Luke 15:7

Terrible Violence: Question and Answer

Extracted from BBC News: Thailand's shadowy southern insurgency

Someone is killed on average every day in the provinces on the Thailand's southern border with Malaysia, where a shadowy group of Islamist extremists are stirring up a deepening sectarian divide.

"So many of my relatives have been shot and killed I feel bitter inside. I want to know how to shoot, so I can help people in the village."said Monthira Peng-Iad, a 40-year-old farmer.

In a community in which Muslims and Buddhists used to live side-by-side in peace, her rhetoric shows how divisive the insurgency has been. In just five years 3,800 people have been killed and more than 6,000 injured. But what they want is not totally clear and no group has ever publically admitted they carried out an attack.

"My house was burned down, my husband was shot dead, my daughter was shot and my son disappeared," said Kuang Narumon, a 52-year-old Buddhist.

I do not have time to talk about the atrocities and violent deaths in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

What could possibly drove a man to carry out acts of senseless violence? How can cruel violent acts such as the Holocaust, Khmer Rouge massacre and Rwanda genocide be possible?

Remember the days of old? "Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways" - Genesis 6:11-12

Ever since the fall of Mankind, sin has spread, deepened and got worse.(Gen 3-6) The only possible answer to horrendous acts like the bombings and killings is sin. There is no satisfactory explanation to why a thinking person would kill himself so that he could kill others - whether those killed are babies, innocent children or bystanders. There is no satisfactory explanation to why a thinking person would smash dead a baby, chop up a child with a machete or shoot an innocent man at pointblank range; except for the fact that it is the wickedness of sin at work.

I know of no other way to deal with this problem the world is facing than to point to that one way. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," Acts 3:19-20, and to "love one another as I have love you," John 15:12.

But who will go?

Who Calls the Shots?

Human Rights & Religious Rights - Who calls the shots really? Is there really such a thing as human rights or religious rights? In today's postmodern world, such rights are relative; the governing bodies call the shots. You can end up with rights that have become useless; just a front to show that you deserve some form of (controlled) recognition.

Take for example, the recent case of Malaysian authorities confiscating 15000 Bibles because those Bibles use the word "Allah" to describe God.

The government, which is dominated by Muslim Malays, claims that the word Allah is Islamic and that its use in Bibles could upset Muslims. So are the authorities saying Muslims have been happy with the usage of "Allah" in the Bible for decades but now they have the potential to get upset? Or is it because the authorities are really the ones upset? (or is it more likely a case of "showing of care & concern" to garner some brownie points and the favour of the Muslim community?)

Anyway, the word "Allah" is the Arabic word for God and Arab Christians have been using it for centuries even before Islam was founded. Just do a wiki search or a read up of History books for it.

Coming back to these Rights issues with a religious tinge to it, Switzerland and Italy had some recent issues regarding Islamic minarets and Crucifixes too. Read the full story of this issue at BBC UK News - Faith Diary: Whose God is Allah?

Who is the Real Cause of the Problem?

Senator J William Fulbright in "The Price of Empire", page 172:
"It is understandably difficult... to get off to a good start with a new revolutionary regime when you plot to kill its leaders. If we plan to assassinate leaders we don't like, as the CIA is believed to have done with Castro, you are only asking for trouble. It's self-defeating. It is against our interests. I don't think it ever succeeds. It gives others an excuse to engage in terrorism, to kill our ambassadors or citizens travelling abroad[or at home]. You start a process of terrorism that has far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. There is a good case to be be made that we initiated it. We and some of our friends have initiated some of the worst aspects of modern terrorism."

Sometimes, we thought the problem is out there. But often, upon reflection, the problem begins in-house; in the heart, in the mind and in the supposedly benevolent action. Can we blame terrorism totally on one party? Who actually 'created' them? It's really no use pointing the finger now. I read with much sadness news about lives that are innocently lost in senseless bombings. A week ago it was Pakistan, today it was 90 lives and more in Baghdad. We have not heed the full extent of the phrase "You reap what you sow", especially when it comes to using force and violence as a problem solver - it never truly solves any problem.

Not too long ago, a man stood on stage and in a reflective tone spoke about the problem of 'rice christians' and 'christian workers with shallow roots' in an asean nation. Were the local people the problem? Who 'created' these different 'types' of christians? He concluded by saying, "We(the foreign force) are the cause of it". Let us not repeat the mistakes we have learned the hard way.

The Evangelistic and Societal Dimensions of Christian Mission

Paragraph 5 of the Lausanne Covenant

"We affirm that God is both Creator and Judge of all men. We therefore should share His concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men from every kind of oppression. Because mankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, colour, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. Although reconciliation with man is not reconciliation with God, nor is social action evangelism, nor is political liberation salvation, nevertheless we affirm that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty. For both are expressions of our doctrines of God and man, our love for neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ. The message of salvation implies also a message of judgement upon every form of alienation, oppression and discrimination, and we should not be afraid to denounce evil and injustice wherever they exist. When people receive Christ they are born again into His kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead."

Get it?

Who is Richer?

There are things in life which money cannot buy. We will do well to learn today. Enjoy the video.

Take this Risk

The onlookers say, "Why build this? Why do that? It's too expensive. It will fail. It's not possible. Are you sure? Is it worth the risk?"

Dr.Ralph D.Winter has the perfect reply for this:
"Risk are not to be evaluated in terms of the probability of success but in terms of the value of the goal"

What is the value of the goal of reaching the nations and seeing every tongue, tribe and people worshipping the Lord?

Priceless.

So I say - Take the risk. Take the plunge. Go for it.

One Child at a Time

Sometimes, we need a reminder.

No Reserve, No Retreat, No Regrets

Excerpt from "Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" by Billy Graham, Urbana 87

http://www.urbana.org/articles/are-you-a-follower-of-jesus-christ

"Just before World War I a young man arrived in Cairo, Egypt. He was 25 years old, a graduate of Yale University and Princeton Seminary. He was tall, handsome, athletic, intelligent, single and very rich. His name was William Borden, and he was the heir to one of America's great fortunes. But he had tamed his back on all the privilege and all the luxury and all the money that could have been his and was on his way to China as a missionary.

But shortly after arriving in Cairo he became critically ill with cerebral meningitis, and in a matter of days he was dead. Many students back in America asked, "Was it worth it?" Later his biographer wrote that Borden had said, "No reserve, no retreat, no regrets." There was no hesitation in his dedication to the Lord What about you? No reserve, no holding anything back. No regrets - never taming back from the path God has set before you. No regrets - joyously knowing that God's way is always best.

There are a thousand things you can do with your life; a thousand ways you can spend it. But how many of them will enable you to say at the end of your life "no reserve, no retreat, no regrets"? There is only one way you can truly say that, and that is to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Should I Go?

I have been quite busy this month with preparations for the trip to East Timor so July's pretty quiet.

Here's a short extracted write-up from a NTM missionary couple in Cambodia on why they went in the first place.

"The world had not been reached and we realized we had been commanded to go. There was a choice that had to be made. Did we want to serve as senders in this Great Commisson or did we want to go ourselves?"

So they made up their mind to go.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

3 more "go" commands found in the gospels - Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-48 & John 20:21.

Still thinking if you should go?

Guaranteed Answer to this Prayer

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives..." Matthew 7:7-8.

"Hmmm, for everyone who asks receives... ask and it will be given to you. What a great promise", I thought to myself. We know God is good and He gives good things to us. But sometimes we wonder if we will receive what we ask, don't we? Then a verse comes to my mind and I noticed something.

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" Matt 9:37-38.

Did you notice something? It says, "ASK the LORD of the harvest to SEND out workers in his harvest field". Ask. The verse tells us to ASK him. Did you know this is a prayer that will be answered for sure? It's guaranteed! It explictly tells us to ask God to send out workers! Ask him and he will do so. Ask and you will receive! If you're burdened by the lack of workers in the harvest field and in your church, then ask and you will receive. No missions programs or conferences can guarantee any workers. Only bended knees can.

Wisdom on What you hear, What you believe, What you say

Encountering again what possible damages a rumour, a hearsay or an unclarified source of information may caused, I felt prompted to post this again. Please be wise and beware of the enemy's snare.

Excerpt from "The Imitation of Christ", Book 1 Chapter 4, by Thomas à Kempis

"We ought not to believe every saying or suggestion but ought to warily and patiently to ponder the matter with reference to God. But alas, such is our weakness, that we often believe and speak evil of others rather than good! Good men do not easily give credit to every tale; for they know that human infirmity is prone to evil (Gen 8:21), and very subject to offend in word (James 3:2)

It is great wisdom not to be rash in actions (prov. 19:2), nor to stand obstinately in your own conceits. It belongs also to this same wisdom not to believe everything you hear, or to pour into the ears of others (Prov 17:9) what you have heard or believed.

A good life makes a man wise according to God (prov 15:33), and gives him experience in many things (Eccles 1:16). The humbler a man is in himself, and the more resigned to God, the more prudent will he be in all things, and the more at peace."

Reflection: Going Through the Same Thing

Have you experience God bringing you through different stages over the same issue so that you learn and get better after each one? My lessons on Surrendering is already strike 3. The lesson this time? Compromise. It is already strike 2. I hope I've learned and not repeat it. (very often, it is only after the air is clear, and when reflected upon, that the lesson became as clear as a crystal)

Lesson no.1 - Don't compromise. (The issue's very obvious)
Lesson no.2 - Again, don't compromise. (The issue's less obvious)
Lesson no.3 - I hope I've learned! Hold out and don't compromise!

"Campus evangelism irks students" - Be Wise

"Campus evangelism irks students" - the second page of My Paper on June 8 2008 reads. It said that "Some students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic are seeing red over how a number of their schoolmates are trying to evangelise by approaching them in pairs on their campus in Clementi Road."

Why are they seeing red? It went on to say this - "Not only did they feel it was "invasive", but some also felt it bordered on harassment."

Personally, I feel there is nothing wrong if one wants to tell me more about his or her faith. I won't think that is "invasive". But to have someone who kept telling me despite my explicit expression of disinterest can be quite a different matter.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions does not mean one can say anything and do anything. Romans 13:1-7 tells us plainly how we ought to live our lives under the rule of governing authorities. So the question beckons, "Can one evangelise in campus?"

In matters and words not well defined(or almost impossible to define), it is hard to answer such a question. The paper said that "Three other polytechnics here - Republic, Singapore and Temasek- said they do not condone evangelism on their campuses." What they meant by "evangelism" is anyone's guess. Is it someone "preaching" on a open platform(that is unapproved)? Is it whipping out a religious tract and telling others what the tract is saying? Is it actively "promoting" a particular religion by approaching someone in a on-the-street-insurance-agent sales manner? Or does it include even a conversation where a person is telling another friend how good his God is because of something good that had happened?

I suspect they meant the first 3 I've mentioned. While I don't see any problem with giving tracts or approaching people to talk about one's faith(it's similar to someone giving you a flyer or an insurance agent approaching you on the street. You can always say no or walk away), the manner in which such activities are carried out are important.

1 Peter 3:15-16 tells us this - "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

Got it? We can be zealous. But don't be foolish. Always be prepared to tell people the good news, but with gentleness, respect and with good behaviour. Make significant conversations, listen more than you speak, be genuine in your concern. Let Love be the main motivation for your sharing. Otherwise, it will be ironic to preach the gospel of love without showing any love.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religious expressions are both 'gifts' and blessings. Use it wisely for the glory of God. And if you're still reading this, can I suggest you build wonderful relationships with those you're already in touch with? I'm sure they won't feel "invasive" or "harassed". God bless.

John Piper’s Personal Tribute to the Late Ralph Winter

I've just read that veteran missiologist Ralph D. Winter passed away on May 20 at the age of 84.

According to the US Center for World Mission website, Winter died peacefully at home in Pasadena, California, "surrounded by three of his four daughters, his wife Barb, and a few friends."

I think it's amazing how and to what extent he has influenced many people about modern missions and missiology. He has indeed leave behind a legacy, and a vision.

Read:Pastor John Piper's personal tribute to Winter. "His vision of the advance of the gospel was breathtaking," writes Piper, calling Winter's emphasis on unreached peoples "globally seismic in the transformation of missions."

What is Tithing all about?

Tithing or giving tithe is to give a tenth of one's income as an offering to God. A very helpful article that explains Tithing is found at: Should a Christian pay tithes? The article explained from the Word that offering up to God part of what He has blessed us with is how we demonstrate and acknowledge His Lordship over us. And that tithing fulfills three needs in the Kingdom of God.

1. Supporting the work of God - Acts 4:32 - 35
2. Providing for the laborers and the work of the kingdom - 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6
3. To support the disadvantaged (strangers, homeless, fatherless e.t.c) - Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, Acts 11: 27 - 30

Why the sudden topic of tithing? Well, you see, it is interesting how MANY of us Christians do not understand what tithing is all about. We may only know that we are supposed to do it but never really understood why we do it. My friends, it is a good time to understand what the Word of God said about tithing. Read the article I've linked above.

If you think tithing is a kind of membership fee similar to those that you pay in a country club, you are badly mistaken. In fact, that's quite an insult to the God who created and owns everything. And if you think tithing(the 10%) is only applicable to those under the Law(i.e. the Old Testament), you are also badly mistaken. When Jesus came, He told the crowds that He came to fulfill the law. In fact, when you read His sermon from Matthew chapter 5-7, Jesus gave a HIGHER standard requirement than the Law. If under the old covenant, it is a 10% offering unto the Lord, then what more when you are under the new covenant? Don't you feel that you ought to give even more than the required 10%(under the Law) since the Son of God has paid the greatest price to purchase you? Remember, you are not your own. You were bought at a price. And everything you possess belongs to Him.

"A man came to me and said, "I'm so glad the New Testament doesn't teach tithing. I think I'll prefer the Old Testament." I said, "That's interesting. My friend, in the Old Testament you give 10%. In the New Testament, you give everything." He wasn't very excited about that. :)" - in a sermon by Pastor Michael Ross Watson.

Forget about the various methods and styles of giving!!! Some people put their tithes into an envelope & write their names, some people used GIRO, some people give a tenth of their produce(Yes, in poorer farmlands, tithes are in the form of farm produce like chickens and eggs), some wants to give anonymously - whatever it is, it won't kill me to change a method. If I have to change the method, I adapt. What is most important is that I am doing right in the eyes of God by giving what is due Him as an act of worship, and for the extension of His Kingdom(the 3 reasons listed).

Do the right thing today.

Don't Forget How to Drive!

What happens when you have not driven for almost 10 years? I realized I can't even park a car properly!

Okay, to begin with, I had little driving experience after I passed my driving test but I was still shocked that I can't park a car(head in) in one simple move.

Moral of the story: If you've learned something and not practice it, you'll lose it sooner or later.

God has given you gifts and everything you need for life and godliness(1 Peter 4:10, 2 Peter 1:3) He has saved you and gave you new life and purpose. Use your gifts to honour Him and practice what He says. Otherwise, you might end up losing your gifts.(Matt 25:14-30)

Therefore, let us "continue to to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose"(Phil 2:12-13). Let's continue to walk the talk. :)

Be a Stranger for a Change

Taiwanese singer, A-Mei (Zhang Hui Mei), a World Vision ambassador had this to say after visiting 6 different groups of people helped by World Vision in New Delhi, India.

"We need people to stop talking, and to start doing. It's actually not hard at all. You just need to give that little extra you have.

A lot of us like to worry about our own problems first. But we have to remember, when we're having trouble, we'd be receiving help from others, even strangers sometimes. Maybe you could be that stranger for somebody else for a change?"

Source: The Star Newspaper, on page T3 of StarTwo section, 20 May 2009

Read Matthew 25:35-40 again.

I'll Gladly Carry Yours

"God tests your strength by having you lift burdens from another's shoulder."

Are you flexing your muscle? Or are you still asking, "Who is my neighbour?"

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" - Gal 6:2

By His Grace

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" - Eph 2:8

I wonder what the phrase "For it is by grace that you have been saved" meant to us. Was it just a nice memory verse? Or a reference for commonly defining grace as "unmerited favour"?

It makes me think again - Why am I doing the things I am doing?(Or wanted to do?) Is it because of a man's soul? Is it because it looked good on me? Is it because I am supposed to obey a commandment?

I realized what must truly inspire, propel and compel me to love is His grace that is embodied in His love. It was by grace we have been saved - we don't deserve it. What is more shocking is that Jesus, being God Himself, chose to reduce Himself to becoming a human being and endured injustice, humiliation and pain for our sake. So that our sins can be wiped away and our death sentence pardoned. We have all received His gracious gift of eternal life when we turned away from a self-ruled life to follow Him. And by His grace, He has given us abundant life on earth too.

When I think about His grace, how He gave Himself so willingly for me on the cross, I realized that His grace is the power and motivation for any loving action. It is because I have seen and understood His love for me, as demonstrated on the cross, that a desire to love flows out within me. It is because of His grace that I must love. For it is impossible not to love when I realized how undeservingly I have been saved because of Jesus' love.

Supposed a killer is about to kill you & your family and a stranger appeared from nowhere to rescue you(losing his arms and legs in the process), will you not swear to take care of him forever? Or even to lay down your life for him? How much more then should you feel within your soul what Jesus had done for you? Will you not climb the highest mountain and cross the deepest ocean for Him? Or even to lay down your life?

For it is by grace I have been saved. I have nothing at first. But by His grace, I have everything now. His overwhelming grace given in His immense love for me had warmed my heart again. I rejoice that He cared enough, that He would give up all things for me. I understood once again my basis for love, the power to love and the restfulness of love. It is by His grace.

1 Tim 1:14 -"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Amen.

Rethinking Church Part 4 - The Community of Love

How about evangelism you ask? Well, if we are faithful in meeting up and engaging in our purpose for meeting up, evangelism comes naturally. We become what the church truly is - witnesses of Jesus Christ to the entire world. It becomes a community of love.

When the church becomes a community of love with loving actions, the gospel becomes very attractive. Paul tells Titus how he is to teach slaves to live 'so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive' (Titus 2:10) Make no mistake. Godly lives commend the gospel. So are good works of social action (1 Pet 2:12). The church is a living community with loving actions, and not a group of people who only talk but would not act.

Jesus said it very plainly in John 13:34-35 that all men will know we are His disciples if we love one another. Therefore, it cannot be helped that unbelievers refuse to believe the gospel and call Christians hypocrites when the community of God is not loving one another. They have every reason to say that, and rightly so. If we want the people of this world to see the good news at work, and to know that Jesus is from God, then the community of God - the Church - must live the way it is supposed to live.

This means we must ensure unbelievers experience the church as a caring and inclusive community. And that does not mean a warm handshake on the door - it means drawing people into the network of relationships that make up the church. It means ensuring that our unbelieving friends meet our Christian friends so they can observe how we relate to one another. Then the church becomes the church - a community of gospel people, not something you attend on Sunday.

No one sits around any longer and wait for someone to show any concern. They move about showing concern to each other, loving each other and so as they give, they also receive. Thus, the church becomes alive. It becomes a living organism as each member does his part in loving and caring. Things are no longer organized, ordered or forced; it now wells up from the innermost being of one where Christ dwells in. If you had met Christ, you will be such a person. Perhaps you have forgotten but you are one - and God's community, and the world is still waiting for you to love them. Start loving. And as each part does its work, the community grows and builds itself up in love which is in Christ. (Eph 4:16)

The church. The community of God. The community of love.

"In my experience, people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message" - Tim Chester

Rethinking Church Part 3 - The Purpose of Meeting Together

To continue the question from the previous post, "So why do we meet up? What is the purpose of going to 'church'? Why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together?"

Acts 2:42-47 tells us quite clearly the primary reason for meeting up.

1. It is to learn about the Word of God(v42) which in our modern context seems to be listening to sermons and having bible study.

2. It is for fellowship(v42) - that means getting to really know each other, encourage each other, spur each other toward love and good deeds(Heb 10:24-25) and to carry each other's burden (Gal 6:2)

3. It is to break bread together(v42,46-47) - praising God together(our modern day praise & worship time), remembering Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26 - partake in Holy Communion), and giving thanks together for His goodness & provision(v46. We do this in giving our public testimony, having a meal together)

4. It is to pray together(v42) - Praying together(Matt 18:19-20), and also for each other(James 5:16)

5. It is to share, give and bless each other(v44-45) - giving to those who are in need, sharing things together for the benefit of everyone, blessing one another (2 Cor 9:6-13)

So there you have it. Are you in some ways involved in all of the 5 points mentioned? Remember, you form the church. You are a part of it. The church is therefore you, and the rest of the people who meet together. The church cease to exist if all the parts of the body cease to engage in her purpose. It will then become just a hollow gathering of people who profess to follow Christ but are not doing anything that would demonstrate their following of Christ.

Rethinking Church Part 2 - Why Meet Together?

If you've read the story in my previous post below, you would realized that going to 'church' could mean something more than just singing a few songs, listening to a sermon and then going for lunch together.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying going for church service is wrong or unnecessary. However, have you really thought about why you faithfully go to 'church' every Sat/Sunday? I put church in quotation because church in essence is a community of people belonging to Christ, not a building. So why do we meet up? What is the purpose? Are you fulfilling that purpose?

The previous story mentioned that the young believer(after having read the book of John), "mistakenly" thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things Jesus did. Was he mistaken? I didn't think so.

So am I saying that from now on, all Christians should go pray for the sick, share his faith, and go wherever there is a need on every Sunday? We will find that out from Acts 2:42-47. But to be sure, even if the answer is a yes, any change will take time and it starts from the heart of one person. No one should expect the church(the whole congregation that is) to change overnight or to change their mindsets together. Granted this is possible in view of God's power, most often than not, God works on the heart of each individual and causes their hearts to respond to Him, and to be used by Him to influence others for His cause.

So why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together? Have you thought about that?

Rethinking Church Part 1

What does going to 'church' mean to you? Is it like going to some social club, function or a building? Or is there a wonderful purpose for Christians to meet together? I want to share with you through a series of my thoughts on how Jesus would want his church to look like, and how it should really be. This is the "Rethinking Church" series - a get real in our walk 'provocation'.

Excerpt from "Goodbye Generation" by David Sawler (*emphasis mine)

"A young man listened intently to what was being said. He has been invited to a Christian outreach event by his good friend and it was more than he expected. Something was happening and God began to work on his heart. At the end of the night, people were invited to come forward to pray and accept Christ, which he did. During a follow up time, someone gave him a small 'Book of John' so he could learn more about Jesus. His friend that brought him was ecstatic that he had made a decision to follow Christ. He told him to make sure he read the book of John and that he would pick hi up for church the next day.

That night he did just that. he was hungry to find out more about what this decision he just made meant. He read the whole book and couldn't wait to go to church for the first time in his life.

His friend came to get him and they went to the morning service. They were welcomed and quickly grabbed a seat before the service began. They sang a few songs that he didn't know but he tried his best to be a part. When they sat down, he turned and asked, 'Is it time?' The friend said, 'No, the service isn't done yet.', not quite understanding.

Then came the announcements, a special song, and then the preaching. He thought all were quite good but kept asking, 'Is it time?' The friend who brought him was getting a bit annoyed and kept reassuring him, 'soon it will be time'.

The pastor asked everyone to stand, said a prayer and dismissed everyone. 'Finally, he thought, 'it is time.' He turned to his friend and said, 'let's go.' His friend, not realizing what he meant, thought that he was hungry and wanted to go out for lunch, a common ritual for many Christians after a morning Sunday service. He too was getting hungry and couldn't wait for the Swiss Chalet dinner that had awaited him. The friend however soon realized that they each had something different in mind.

All this young believer knew about Christianity was what he read the night before about he life of Jesus and his disciples. He had mistakenly thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things that Jesus did. That morning, he had come fully prepared to go pray for the sick, to share his faith, and to go wherever there was a need.

What are you fighting for?

For anyone who is fighting in any way in a church, a cell group or a parachurch organization, may I you ask the following questions:
"What are you fighting for? Is it really worth the fight?"
"For whom are you fighting for? For God's name or for man's pride?"
"What are your actions? Silent Bitterness or Prudent Communication?"
"What do you wish to achieve? Angry dejection or hopeful reconciliation?"

You will know if you are fighting right once you honestly answer the questions above.

Many a times, fights are unnecessary because the issues are not worth fighting for. Prudent communication with a spirit of humility is most effective, even if at times the devil has got the better of the other person such that peaceful communication becomes almost impossible.

Therefore, let us not be ignorant of the devil's schemes (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:11) and allow him to divide the house. For a house that is divided will not stand at all (Mt 12:25).

"So what are you really fighting for? In the light of eternity, is it really that important?" Time to think again my friend. Time to bring your fight and issue to the Lord again. "Is it really that important to the Lord that you think He would have you fight it out?" You will have your answer by now. Shalom.

Get Real & Follow

Excerpt from "Men Who Met God" by A.W.Tozer (emphasis mine)

"A great number of believers have set a limitation on what they are willing to do for the Lord, for His Church and for His people. Such an attitude only underscores the contemporary unwillingness of professing Christians to take the Word of God seriously. Their difficulty is NOT in understanding the Bible but in persuading their untamed hearts to accept its plain instructions.

The question we face, therefore, is NOT theological. We know what the Scriptures teach. Rather, our problem is moral: Have we the courage to stand up for what we know to be true and right? Can we bring ourselves to take up the cross with its blood and death and reproach?"

This is just so familiar isn't it? We all know. I mean, come on. Singapore have all the Christian resources you ever need - CDs, DVDs, Books, Seminars, Conferences, Bible Study Classes, Courses, Bible colleges, Libraries, Churches - everything! But how is it that what Tozer(1897-1963) said so many years ago still sound so true today? May our untamed hearts accept the Word's plain instruction. Amen.

We know, but we refuse to accept.
We understood, but we refuse to follow.
We hear, but we never see.
We saw, but we never do.
O! That God may forgive us!

We want to feel good, but we forgot there is a cross.
We want to look good, but we forgot there is a death.
we want to do good, but we forgot there is a sacrifice.
We want to be good, but we forgot there is a price.
O! That God may forgive us!

Who is your God?

Whatever your heart clings to and confides in,
that is really your God.

—Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Strong Faith and Great Trials

"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials.
I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." ~George Mueller

Does this ring a bell to you my friend? Perhaps you might have an idea now as to why you're going through such an 'unpleasant' season. But don't worry. Say this loudly every morning - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Phil 4:13
Believe it. It works. 加油！

Speaking for Who?

"He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him" ~ John 7:18

How do we know if a man speaks on his own or that his message comes from God? The verse above will be a good check. Is the person gaining honor for himself? Or is he zealous for the honor of God? Think about it.

Rejoice in the Lord always!!!

I remembered clearly what I told my friends in September 2006 when we were onboard the Doulos.

"My favourite verse? Hmmm. I don't have any. But I would say that the verse which I will use to describe my situation now is Philippians 4:4" What is Phil 4:4? It says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

There was such a freedom even in those times of uncertainty. There was joy. Joy from the Lord and of the Lord residing in my heart. As I look back, I realised that freedom came about because of His given joy. That joy diminished all uncertainties. His joy was so much greater than all my worries and trouble. It did wonders to my soul. I was happy - even when I had "nothing". No career-path written out, no big sums of money, no next-step to take, no one to guide me in my particular work, no place to truly call my home. But I was happy. I was full of His joy. I exhort my friends - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Oh, but how I sank into my lows some time later in the years ahead. But thanks be to God who have never left me nor forsaken me. His joy is but a breath away. If we would go near to Him, He will come near to us; for He has always been beside us. Everything we ever need has been promised and guaranteed in His Word - and joy is one of them. You can have it!

Oh Lord! Let me bask in your presence and be filled with your joy always. Then everything else will surely fade into the background and your joy will surely cure every disease, heal every hurt, restore every brokenness, strengthen every weakness, refresh every tiredness and lift every gloom. May the joy of the Lord be with you!

George Mueller: "It has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the benefit of which I have not lost, for more than fourteen years. The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.

For though I might seek to witness to the lost, or to benefit other believers, or to relieve the distressed, or in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; nevertheless, if I myself am not happy in the Lord, and have not been nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all of these other things might not be done in the right spirit."

To Live is Christ

To Live is Christ. Lord we repent. Your church is so far off. Help us this day to follow you. A world is dying yet we are barely doing anything to help. Consume us with your passion this day.

The Reality of the Human Condition and the Church

If you a Christian and you think church is without problems, you are badly mistaken. It's like telling someone, "Believe in Jesus and life will be a bed of roses". It will not be. Life will still have its ups and downs, but Jesus will carry you safely through it all.

It is the same for the body of believers - the church. It will have its ups and downs. Why? Because ever since the fall of man, man has become the source of their own problems. Pride, anger, jealousy and everything wicked under the sun has blazed its way across the face of the earth; even the church. The devil has not stop prowling for victims to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and many have been eaten up. A church that is unable to recognize the devil's stroke behind every fights, quarrels and splits will stay that way forever - a defeated church. One that fights the flesh only and see not the wicked powers behind it (Eph 6:12)

My friends, factions are not something new in the 21st century. There was much division in the Corinthian church as described by Paul in his letter to them. It has happened then, and has been happening ever since. Have you not heard of factions and church splits? Humans are the cause of the problem. Or should I more accurately say, "UNGUARDED Christians" and "IMMATURE Christians" are the cause of such problems. We will be wise to first acknowledge the problem of fights and quarrels as a reality in a community of human beings - believers or not. And any Christian, whether mature or not, can fall victim into the ploy of the devil if he is unguarded. That is to say, he did not go before God with regards to what he is feeling, hearing, thinking and deciding when a matter gets really fiery. It is dangerous. An immature Christian can be worse off - he is easy meat for the devil's scheme because he is unable to distinguish the good from evil. (Heb 5:12-14)

Do not be mistaken. I am not saying those who are involved in a fight or quarrel are always doing wrong. There may be valid "fights", "quarrels" or "contention" (Gal 2:11, Acts 15) But many a times, church fights are unnecessary. What is worse, and the thing that saddens me most, are those who dragged themselves into the fray. By their own choice, they enter into the fight not knowing every detail, yet getting upset, angry and building hatred over a matter 'out-of-their-own-reach'. If hatred, bitterness and mistrust are the fruit you get in your involvement in a church fight, it is time to get out of it before you destroy yourself. You can be sure you have been sucked into it by your own self-righteousness and the devil. Do not give the devil a foothold(Eph 4:26-27)

Always guard your heart(Prov 4:23) and make every effort to live in peace with everyone (Rom 12:17-18, Heb 12:14). During a fight, show proper support to a brother by encouraging and spurring him to love and to do good works(Heb 10:24-25), and NOT "encourage" him by putting down other people and getting angry together with him - that doesn't help.

So then, let us not be foolish or ignorant of the devil's schemes(2 Cor 2:10-11). And do right in whatever situation, whether it be a church fight or a family quarrel(Phil 1:27). The Lord bless you.

When You Do Not Know

Have you ever felt helpless and frustrated at things that you cannot understand? Seasons of uncertainty is always annoying (It is really an understatement to use the word "annoying") The futility of our thoughts are beyond comprehension. Who is so clever and wise that he knows all things? No one. And therefore, when one gets stuck in a matter, the inability to decipher and understand it sets our emotions on a roller coaster. Frustration, confusion, self-doubts, distractions and what-have-you all pile in.

Therefore, it is expedient that one chuck the thought of having (an immediate) answer to his question aside. For what benefit will it reap if the time is not right for him to have the answer? Will he not be chasing after the wind? And will he not bring frustration upon himself over 'nothing'? Alas, not many are able to exercise great patience in such matters. We want an answer, and we want it now but we don't get it. How foolish it is to dig for one when the answer is in the air.

So it is easy to understand and it is easy for one to agree with the truth. But it is very difficult to be patient and live day by day without knowing. Accept your present circumstances and commit the matter to the Lord. He will know when to tell you the answer. Get your focus right.

Develop Fruity Thinking

In his book, "S.U.M.O (Shut Up, Move On)", Paul McGee talks about the need to develop fruity thinking (*Phil 4:8) and went on to explain 4 types of faulty thinking. Top of the list is The Inner Critic

Excerpt from the book
"This is the voice inside your head that highlights your weaknesses and undermines your confidence. It is not the voice of encouragement to do better, it is the voice of condemnation. You make a mistake on Tuesday and ten days(or ten years)later you are still beating yourself up about it."

"The language of the Inner Critic includes... "I'm always getting it wrong.", "How could I have been so stupid?", "Why didn't you...", "That's typical of you.", "You always get that wrong"."

"The emotional intensity behind what you say to yourself determines whether the impact of the Inner Critic is that of the common cold (annoying but not life-threatening) or pneumonia (much more serious with potentially damaging consequences)"

"It's not simply what you say to yourself that matters. It's how you say it and how much you believe it that counts"

"We still need to have conversations with ourselves, but the voice we need to listen to is that of the Inner Coach (*the Holy Spirit). THis voice has your best interest at heart. It is for you. The Inner Critic (*Satan the accuser) condemns you. The Inner Coach encourages you and inspires you to improve, and in a few pages' time you will learn how to tune in to this voice. (*read His word, pray and listen to Him - in other words, have a Quiet Time)

"Points to Ponder:
Do you suffer from the Inner Critic? What phrases do you find your Inner Critic saying to you? In what situations do you find the Inner Critic speaks loudest? Does it happen more at work or at home?"
[End of Excerpt]

To Do: Reflect on the Points to Ponder. Answer yourself honestly. What are the triggers/patterns you recognize as the strongest 'entry' point for the Inner Critic to have a go at you and blast you to smithereens? Read Phil 4:8. What should you be thinking of and dwelling on? List them down, pray, and dwell on them.

Note: Asterisks are words added by me to Paul McGee's explanations.

Gastric or Stomach Flu? Part 2

So what about Stomach Flu? Is it the same as gastritis(gastric pain)?

Stomach Flu
Stomach Flu is also known as Gastroenteritis. It is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine and resulting in acute diarrhea.

Causes: The inflammation is caused most often by infection with certain viruses, less often by bacteria or their toxins, parasites, or adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication. Non-infectious causes can include seafood(shellfish) poisoning or heavy metals poisoning. Infectious causes include bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli. It can also be cause by viruses.

Symptoms: Diarrhoea is very common and frequent. Sometimes there may be vomitting. There's also abdominal pain or cramps, and sometimes fever too.

Treatment: See a doctor immediately. Stomach Flu can be anything from common food poisoning to serious life-threatening infections such as E.Coli. Antibiotic will not work in cases of viral infection. Oral rehydration is very important, so make sure you sip water (use oral salts whenever available) frequently. Get plenty of rest and wait it out. Doctors may normally prescribe medication to curd the symptoms than to cure the problem itself. eg: anti-spasmotics for cramps, antinauseants for vomiting etc. A blood or stool test may be also taken to see if it's a serious infection (eg: parasitic).

Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis

CONCLUSION
If you're feeling an acute pain in the upper abdomen, and slightly to the left, most of the time it is gastritis. Vomitting is more common in gastritis than stomach flu. It can happen when we eat infrequent or unbalance meals.(eg: fasting in the morning and noon, and over-eating at night). It is a nagging pain. For stomach flu, diarrheoea is most common. Symptoms are akin to food poisoning. Lots of water loss, stomach cramps, possible fever, feeling really weak, and possible vomitting.

Gastric or Stomach Flu? Part 1

Recently I decided to do some research into gastritis and stomach flu again. Having been a victim of a few bouts of gastritis myself, and hearing different people saying different things about it, I thought it'll help if I present a little explanation about gastritis(commonly called gastric(in Singapore)) and stomach flu(which some people say it's the same as gastritis)

Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. In chinese, we commonly call it 胃痛.

Causes: It can be caused by many things(refer to web links below) but infrequent meals or skipping meals is never mentioned as one of the causes. However, many people think infrequent meals is the main cause of gastritis. What is possible(in my own understanding/theory) is that infrequent meals may cause confusion in the secretion of acid and hence, the stomach may overproduce acid at different times, causing gastritis. Some people say stress is one of the causes but that is still not 100% proven medically. But I certainly think it is one of the possible causes.

Symptoms: A pain in the upper abdomen, slightly to the left. Sometimes there might be diarrhoea, and vomitting. (note: while there is an overproduction of acid, it is also strange that there is indigestion at the same time) So one can also feel bloated, and nauseous.

Treatment: Usually with antacid(eg: actal). Other stronger medicine may not be readily available at a pharmacy unless you have a prescription. Antacid is not really effective for me for quick relief. I've tried stronger medicine like ranitidine and it works really quick.

Home remedy: I haven't tried any of these so try it at your own risk. This( website ) claims that taking ginger, coconut water, potato juice etc helps.

The MILK myth: Ok. This is one thing I've heard over and over again. Many people say taking milk helps because it is alkaline. I myself heard it doesn't help because although it is alkaline, it eventually forms lactic acid. My research showed I was wrong too. So does MILK really helps? Apparently it doesn't. Why? Because first of all, MILK is slightly ACIDIC. It has a PH of 6.4 to 6.8. Secondly, it contains protein and calcium, and each are stimulants of gastric-acid secretion.

So what can one do when he has a gastric attack? Take antacid and hope it relieves/cure the ailment. If it doesn't, see a doctor. If a doc is not available, your best bet is to sip water(take oral salts if you're having diarrhoea so that you do not get dehydrated), take some stuff that aid in indigestion(eg: ENO), get ready to vomit, and wait it out. It does disappear over time(especially when most people encounter non-serious cases of gastritis most of the time. Serious cases will include blood in stools or vomit).

Links:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/gastritis/article_em.htm
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gastritis-000067.htm

A Chasing After the Wind

"I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." ~ Ecclesiastes 1:14

What wind have you been chasing? Are you running after things that are finally meaningless at the end of the day? Do you work yourself out to run after it only to find out that you have been foolish to do so?

Stop chasing wind. It is meaningless. You will pierce yourself with great pain in this chasing. Your emotions will run high and dry, a great unnecessary burden to bear. Let it go and let the wind blow past you. It is only right to do so. Let it go.

Got Money and No Money -> So What?

There are many paradoxes in life. Reading the current headlines of East Timor got me thinking again - at the same issue.

1 in 55 children die before the age of 5, and 1 in 35 mothers die during childbirth. If you think East Timor is poor, you will only need to enquire about their petroleum fund and Timor doesn't look that poor anymore. There is currently X billion dollars in East Timor's petroleum fund.

So the dire straits of the common folks is not because the country does not have any money, but it is what, how and where does the money go to. While it is true that East Timor is still comparatively poor when a country's wealth is gauged by her GDP(it's not 100% accurate anyway), in terms of funds, East Timor is not short of it. Millions of dollars are poured into the country by other countries and aid organizations.

So why is the common folk still suffering from the same trivial problems such as:
1. Death because of common(in East Timor), curable illnesses such as diarrhaoue, fever, malaria, typhoid, wound infections
2. Lack of education opportunities; especially in the rural and mountainous regions
3. Lack of proper water sanitation and access
4. Lack of medical facilities
and the list goes on.

Can't money solve all these problems? Can't we build schools, build medical facilities, build a world class sewage system, hire experts and doctors? But the reality is that money can't solve all these problems because solving these problems are just not as straightforward as I wished it to be; even if it does looked straightforward. There are so many underlying nitty gritties such as the person driving the project to the approval by government agencies that a discussion on why money alone cannot solve these problems is just beyond the scope of this article.

Yet at the same time, without money, nothing much can be done. To quote a chinese phrase, "You qian ye shi zi yang, mei qian ye shi zi yang". It almost make things sound so hopeless; a kind of resigning-to-my-fate sentiment. What does it take to ensure that less children die before the age of 5? And what does it take to ensure that less mothers die during childbirth? Could the answer be you and me? Perhaps the no.1 reason why many Timorese are still suffering is because you and I are not bringing to them the knowledge and love they need to get themselves out of their malady.

It's time to think again. Where do we go from here?

Random CNY musing

(Wrote this during CNY but without net access, here's the post now)

Spending time in Malaysia should not be too different from Singapore, or so I thought. Not having the internet, no friends to call on, and a virtually non-existent public transport have certainly made me a different creature. Not to mention I do not have the luxury of browsing through my collection of books(many of which I have not completed reading). So how do I make the long hours shorter?

As usual, I enjoy very much looking at some old photographs, and laughing at some of them - those geeky looks of the younger days, those who were once skinny, funny faces and enjoyable events. Then I got a little bit more creative and got my parents to dance and learned some steps from them. And if that is not enough, I even made some crafts. Yes, yours truly doing craft. I figure craft is quite fun - only my hands didn't think so. So when I chanced upon a DIY kit for making a pom pom pet(whatever that is), I thought I have found the perfect solution to burn my time away. Unfortunately, the manufacturers forgot to put in - "Only for Dummies". So yeap, even for someone like me with a craft skill of 4, my alien pet was completed within 5 minutes. Not too bad.


(Then I discovered a new game on my old PC. Well, I burned more than I should. Zzzzz.....)

What kind of church? - Food For Thought

The following short extracts are from an excellent website, Cross-Cultural Impact In the 21st Century. I've penned down some of my thoughts of it. Care to share yours?

Thought No.1 - Which one?
"The communal oriented church can be compared to a theater. The goal is to encourage people to come in and be a part of what is happening within the program of the organization. To facilitate this the atmosphere is comfortable and appealing, the programs presented are satisfying, and the hope is that people will want to come back and support the agenda. For a theater the agenda is that people enjoy the movie, for the church the agenda is that people should become committed participants.

The missional church is more like a computer company whose goal is to bring the product into the homes where people live. Their efforts are focused on making the product relevant and appealing to the needs of the person within their context. The aim of the missional church is to make the gospel relevant to people where they live, rather than seeking to create appealing programs that will draw people in."

This is not to say that the communal oriented church is bad and the missional church is good. (read the full article) However, it does matter what a church's primary orientation is because it'll likely produce disciples with similar worldviews and mindsets that the church propagates. "What you win them with is what you will win them to",my friend once quipped. Was it because of Christ or was it a good show? Is the person living a life that testifies God's love, and touching the lives of his friends and family? Or is he a person who has only friends in church, thus having little impact in society?

Thought No.2 - Maintenance or Transformation?
"In general, there is a tendency to plant churches that are safe backwaters; controlled environments that are easily measurable.

As a result people are taught to be content to scoop out fish rather than swimming in the rapids. When this happens, the maintenance of the community of believers becomes the aim of the church rather than the transformation of society."

Have Christians lost their mind? That is, have Christians lost their ability to think and make wise decisions for themselves? There is always the danger of "not thinking" and do whatever is the status quo. Sometimes, this actually make us weaker because we can get so used to scooping fishes that when an unexpected rapid comes our way, we crumple with a mighty thud. Churches that try to make their environment as safe and as controlled as possible (with an 'unconscious' fear that the outside world will eat their members up) will get a rude shock when the rapids come. The result can be very devastating because most have not learned to swim in the rapids. Some survived, some rescued, and many a times, many drown.

An engagement with the society with the aim of transforming it with good deeds, godly character, and the proclamation of the gospel will strengthen the church and the individual. And it does not stopped there. Lives are transformed, hope is found, grace abounds, healing flows and God becomes real in all facets of life.

Thought No.3 - Waiting for them or Going to them?
"We are good at sending missionaries, we are good at bringing people into our meetings, but there is often a lack of conviction that we are a people who have "been sent" by Jesus to make the gospel relevant to others where they live. When churches talk of “outreach” a primary goal is usually to bring them in and assimilate them into church life."

This has always been on my mind. While I think that it is good(and still relevant) to invite people to church, I feel many have missed the point. And what is the point? The point is We are a people called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in our Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

i.e. Living out our faith demonstrated in love in our one-to-one conversation with friends, family dinner time, gatherings & reunions, schools, workplaces, neighbourhood and contacts with different people groups. Inviting people to church is just one means of outreach. The greater need is for us to live out our faith in wherever God has placed us. That is really OUTreach.

Participating in God's Global Mission - Yes, YOU!

Traditionally, Christians think that the only way to get involved in missions is to be a full-fledged missionary and travel to some dangerous cannibalistic tribe infested jungle. (Okay, I am over-stereotyping) But I have found many Christians not participating in God's mission work because they do not know how to besides becoming a missionary, or they are simply apathetic. Another reason could be the lack of knowledge - who to pray for? who to give to? where to go and support? what can I help if I can't travel?

So if you're stuck in your own country, or you know you're not going to be a missionary(which IS definitely alright), one of the best ways you can help and participate in God's global mission is to give and support a missionary.

Have you heard of people groups called Gond, Halba, Bhatra, Thakur, Raut and Mahara? You haven't? So do I. But a native missionary I am supporting in India is reaching out to them. I don't have to(and probably can't) be there to tell them that Jesus loves them. A number of these groups are unreached people groups who desperately need the gospel (See: The Joshua Project)

So am I telling you that you can pat yourself and feel good about reaching out to people living overseas without having to lift a finger? NO! I am telling you that you have an OBLIGATION to engage yourself in God's global mission in reaching and discipling people of all nations. And one simple way is to help support a missionary who is in the field doing the outreach work while you serve God by your giving. So why spend money on things that will fleet away? Give some of your money to things that are of eternal value. Support a missionary today(Go to: www.gfa.org)

(P.S. It's only USD30 a month! And it'll go a long way for them!)

A little human touch

A granny sat on the floor beside the walkways of Junction 8 and beckoned onlookers to buy the packets of tissue in her hand.

*"Hello Auntie. How are you?" She kept smiling at me. I bought some tissue from her and continued making small talk.
"Are you here everyday?" She chuckle and said, 'No la. I come here once or twice a week."
"Do you live near Bishan?" She shakes her shake and replied, "Marine Parade."
"Oh. Marine Parade ah. Do you live alone?" She replied, "I live with my daughter."
I decided the small talk was enough as I would be disturbing her tissue sales if I carried on. "See you another time Auntie. Jesus loves you. Take care." She nodded her head and gave me a wide smile.

A short chit chat, a dollar and a smile is enough to make my day and her day. Yes, the one dollar you and I gave to buy the packets of tissue could contribute to her finances, but it is the little human touch that makes a whole lot of difference. It made her smile, it made me smile and it gets a lot more meaningful than helping her out with just money.

Singapore is a country where it is thought to have no poor citizens; or rather, citizens without a roof and 3 meals a day. Of course we know that is not exactly true because there are needy people who struggle from time to time for a meal and to pay their utility bills. I've met and befriended one such family and mine you, there are many more. Just ask the various(and numerous) VWO(Voluntary Welfare Organizations) and you'll hear many similar stories from social workers.

However, beneath the dire financial needs of the poor, there is a greater need. The need for a human touch. Singapore has no shortage of VWOs who will help a person in genuine financial need. The government has the Public Assistance Scheme in place to help those who are unable support themselves (http://www.mcys.gov.sg/web/serv_E_PA.html). (Note: the rigid structure and inflexible benchmarking of who qualifies for help and who does not, does make successful application difficult sometimes) But it is true that getting 3 meals a day is not difficult in Singapore. An old man will certainly draw some sympathy from the public with a certain degree of success if he goes about begging for food at a food centre.

The stark reality is that while we have all these VWOs, financial schemes, grants and assistance in place, the quality of life does not get any better for the poor. I must add here that the poor in Singapore is very different from the poor in say, Cambodia. In Cambodia, the poor may live in a house with a broken roof and eat just tapioca daily. In Singapore, the poor may be living in a 3 room flat with 3 children still in school and both or one parent is unable to work due to disability or mental illness. It is a different kind of poor but nonetheless in great need. And especially in Singapore, I feel the quality of life is the main problem. And it's a problem bigger than the finances.

I will not be surprised if a tissue aunty or granny is able to eke out a living by selling tissue packets and feel quite good that they are not living on handouts. But when you talk to them, you will hear their many sad stories and the lonely lives they are living. There are of course exceptions(i've met one in Tampines) but in general, these folks yearn for a little more than that one dollar you gave. They want a human touch, they want love and concern, they want friends, they want to be listened to, they want budding relationships that add colours to their lives.

Your one dollar is helpful, but it stops at just the surface. The next time you get some tissue from these aunties and grannies, say hello to them and find out for yourself how long a human touch can go. That was why Jesus say hello to the uncared for in his days - the tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers and the destitute. Most people maintained the status quo and bypassed them as if they were invisible. But Jesus would not. He knew they needed a human touch that is real. He knew they needed love, friendship and relationships more than anything else.

So how about a "How are you?" the next time you give that one dollar? Smile and watch that smile.

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." ~ Mother Teresa

*Conversation with granny is in mandarin. Translated to English for readability

Children and Joy

"Fruit basket!!!!" -> "Ahhhh....eeeee....ahhhh..... over here, over here", these screams and shouts were followed by much laughter and panting(especially by older folks like us). It was really fun in JSS - not so much of the game itself, but the laughter and expressions of the children.

Children have this uncanny ability to bring about laughter and joy to an adult's world. Their innocence, dramatic expressions and simple joy always bring about a new zest and life to an adult's world where the complex things of life had somehow 'suppressed' the child-likeness in each individual.

So it's JSS games time and praise & worship again. Time to let down your hair, sing, dance and laugh like a child again.

(I've been singing this ever since JSS on sunday!)
"I'm..... inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time.
I'm inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time.
Since Jesus came to me, and wash away my sins.
I'm inward, outward, upward, downward happy all the time!"

Life's a lot more than doom and gloom. There can be joy, and you can be jovial. Sing this song everyday with Jesus! Ready? I'm..... inward outward upward downward happy all the time! I'm inward outward upward downward happy all the time! Since Jesus came to me, la la la la la la... Happy all the time!

A New Year Means...

A New Year means.... there will again be decisions to be made. Come to think of it, a new year isn't very much different from the past year. If we were to look at life as a whole, a new year really means 'nothing' because if the calendar does not exist, there will be no such thing as a new year.

A new year always seem to give new hope and new strength because I think there is certainly something 'new' about a new year. But in actual fact, there is really not much of a difference because your life continues from the past year till now - time doesn't stop for you. Your unresolved problems from the past year creeps into the new and whatever you inherited from the past comes into the new automatically - because there isn't really a 'new' year.

So what am I trying to say? Well, I just want to say that our lives continue to live on and everyday is still a 'brand new' journey with the Lord. The past comes into the present: there are still processes to work through, decisions to be made, joy to savour and pain to endure.

I am just glad that I have made a wise decision - however it might be 'unpleasant'. A wise decision always taste good; if not now, then at least later. So freedom in Christ is not about being free from pain. It is the freedom to choose the most excellent choice, and after the choice, to feel so much free-er and at rest.

So what does the new year holds for you? Another 'routine' year? Or a year of growth in maturity, character and a deeper love for God? Do what you need to do since 'last' year, seek what you need to seek since 'last' year and learn what you need to learn since 'last' year. The year continues on - whether old or new, past or present. Live for Him today. Today IS the New Year.

"This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" ~ Psalm 118:24