"Eh, dear God. Can you tell me this... and this... and this..." (me)
Silence. (God)
Same questions on occasional moments. (me)
Same Silence. (God)
God spoke through Habbakuk. (me)
"Shhhh...come, let us enjoy this moment together" (God)
So we sat at the couch, savouring every moment of precious quality time together. (me and God)
"Ahhh... now I know what you desire Lord" (me)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
My dear friends. God is not hard of hearing nor is He far.
Even in silence, one can communicate a lot - not verbal but relishing the presence of each other. Perhaps God wants to teach you this too.
That many times, God just want you to enjoy His presence; spending that quiet time together. Your answer will come, but for now, savour that wonderful moment together with Him.
"Shhhh...come, let us enjoy this moment together"
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sound Doctrine
Excerpt from "A Revolution of Love" by George Verwer
"There is, I believe, a basic ingredient which is largely lacking in Christianity today, and the lack of it is the source of most of our problems. It is the cancer which is eating away at the church, but it is no secret. In fact, it is so non-secretive that it is written on almost every page of the New Testament. And yet, because the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, and because we are so bent on our own way, we do not see (or seeing we do not believe) that the basic message of the New Testament is LOVE! It is my absolute conviction that most of us miss this most obvious and most repeated message, even while laying great emphasis on "sound doctrine".
Well, I would like to ask you, "What is sound doctrine?" We have long discussions on the Second Coming, on the Atoning Work of Christ, on the Church, the Holy Spirit, etc etc. But what about love and humility and brokenness? These usually go into a separate category, but I want to tell you that if your doctrine does not include love and humility and brokenness, then your doctrine is not sound.
Doctrine cannot be separated from practical living. He is not sound in doctrine if he does not love the brethren. What do we read in 1 John 4:8? "He that loveth not knoweth not God." There is no sounder doctrine than love, and apart from love there is no sound doctrine. This is the basis of all Bible doctrine. You take the base out and everything you build will eventually collapse."
May we love our enemies and love our neighbours as ourselves with the help of Christ. Amen.
"There is, I believe, a basic ingredient which is largely lacking in Christianity today, and the lack of it is the source of most of our problems. It is the cancer which is eating away at the church, but it is no secret. In fact, it is so non-secretive that it is written on almost every page of the New Testament. And yet, because the heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, and because we are so bent on our own way, we do not see (or seeing we do not believe) that the basic message of the New Testament is LOVE! It is my absolute conviction that most of us miss this most obvious and most repeated message, even while laying great emphasis on "sound doctrine".
Well, I would like to ask you, "What is sound doctrine?" We have long discussions on the Second Coming, on the Atoning Work of Christ, on the Church, the Holy Spirit, etc etc. But what about love and humility and brokenness? These usually go into a separate category, but I want to tell you that if your doctrine does not include love and humility and brokenness, then your doctrine is not sound.
Doctrine cannot be separated from practical living. He is not sound in doctrine if he does not love the brethren. What do we read in 1 John 4:8? "He that loveth not knoweth not God." There is no sounder doctrine than love, and apart from love there is no sound doctrine. This is the basis of all Bible doctrine. You take the base out and everything you build will eventually collapse."
May we love our enemies and love our neighbours as ourselves with the help of Christ. Amen.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Football and Spiritual Lessons
We're not into the 2nd half and Arsenal is already 2 goals down. By now, I've stopped watching because 1)I'm very frustrated 2)I don't have the faith to believe they'll equalize, let alone win. I'm very frustrated because they are making the same defensive mistakes. Can you equalize Arsenal? Can you prove me wrong Arsenal? It's too painful to continue watching. I'll know the result tomorrow.
On a sidetrack, there're many spiritual lessons we can learn from football. Examples:
1. I thank God that He is faithful and He will win the day - unlike the uncertainty of Arsenal winning every game. God always win. The result may be 2-0 but He'll win 2-3 or probably more. He'll win - that's for sure - cos He has already won on the cross.
2. Sometimes I wonder if God is feeling as frustrated as me when he watched our lives being played out on earth like a football match. Like Arsenal, we may be smart & having great potential but prone to repeating our mistakes and slow in changing our ways. Don't you think God gets frustrated? My pledge to Arsenal is that I'll remain its supporter no matter what - but I don't have full faith in believing they can win the title or beat Chelsea tonight. God is somewhat similar but very different. His pledge is that He'll remain our God no matter what - and unlike me - He is faithful even when we are faithless(2 Tim 2:13) And as much as He is frustrated and as much as it pains Him to see us fumble like Arsenal, He'll not let go and will cheer us on all the way. What a great God we serve.
Back to the topic, R.I.P Arsenal or prove me wrong.
On a sidetrack, there're many spiritual lessons we can learn from football. Examples:
1. I thank God that He is faithful and He will win the day - unlike the uncertainty of Arsenal winning every game. God always win. The result may be 2-0 but He'll win 2-3 or probably more. He'll win - that's for sure - cos He has already won on the cross.
2. Sometimes I wonder if God is feeling as frustrated as me when he watched our lives being played out on earth like a football match. Like Arsenal, we may be smart & having great potential but prone to repeating our mistakes and slow in changing our ways. Don't you think God gets frustrated? My pledge to Arsenal is that I'll remain its supporter no matter what - but I don't have full faith in believing they can win the title or beat Chelsea tonight. God is somewhat similar but very different. His pledge is that He'll remain our God no matter what - and unlike me - He is faithful even when we are faithless(2 Tim 2:13) And as much as He is frustrated and as much as it pains Him to see us fumble like Arsenal, He'll not let go and will cheer us on all the way. What a great God we serve.
Back to the topic, R.I.P Arsenal or prove me wrong.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Tactics & Players Mattered
I'm looking at Arsenal's loss against Man U. Fergie got his tactics spot on and crushed Arsenal. If you haven't notice, Arsenal's tactics are as predictable as a sunrise. The chief reason is the lack of players for them to change tactically, and secondly, they always play the same way!
1. Fergie changed his normal 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1(4-3-2-1) in order to cramp the midfield because that was Arsenal's main attack supply. Without a smooth midfield, Arsenal can't do anything. They suck at long balls, they're not direct enough and they don't depend on wingplay and crosses. So if their passing game is disrupted, Arsenal can hardly attack well.
2. Wenger had little options in attack. I'm sure he's still cursing the Dutch FA. Van Persie was such an integral part of the firing gunners early in the season. Arshavin was isolated up front and he's hardly an out-and-out striker. Notice what happened when Walcott burst down the right wing and whip in a cross? NO GUNNERS were near the box - I only saw 4 Man U defenders in a straight line. Sums up Arsenal's attack yesterday.
3. Fergie got Fletcher or Carrick to snap at Fabregas everytime he got the ball. Fab didn't have much manoeuvre space in the whole game. The man-to-man marking and pressing pushed him off his game and he wasn't really able to push up to attack.
4. Wenger likes denilson a lot. I don't know why. With Song(as acting DM) and Fab playmaking, there is really no space to put him into an already crammed midfield. While Bendtner is not a prolific striker, he can cause plenty of problems up front with his height and running. I would think putting him in(yes, it's a risk when he has just returned from injury) is a better option than putting in denilson. He seems lost in the whole game.
5. Fergie's use of Park Ji Sung in every Arsenal game whenever he's available. That's because Park can attack and runs back to defend with his unlimited stamina and power workrate. He's quick enough too for Arsenal.
6. We've seen enough how susceptible Arsenal is to counter attacks. Man City and Chelsea have shown that and now Man U too. The reason? Not enough protection for two surging fullbacks(wingbacks) and sometimes even surging centrebacks(Gallas and Vermaelen) who got really frustrated sometimes because the midfielders got stuck in their passing game when opponents mark man them. So time and again, Arsenal is badly exposed and not quick enough to recover. Against top teams(who are fast and make their chances really count), that spells doom.
It's really frustrating watching them repeat the same kind of defeats. I wish....
1. I have Van Der Sar, Cech or Given as goalkeepr. Why Wenger chose to stick with Almunia and not bought Given is a mystery. Our goalkeeper is not even good enough to be in a national team!
2. Van Persie is not injured. He would have balanced out Arsenal's lack of strikers.
3. We have more players like Arshavin. Experienced, skillful and top quality. A top class goalkeeper and winger/s would be very much appreciated. (I just don't see Rosicky and Nasri being able to fit into Arsenal. They're too similar to Fab's preference of a centre attacking role. Putting them on the left and right are not working out well)
I hope the next 2 big games would not be a repeat. Else, it's goodbye Arsenal again.
1. Fergie changed his normal 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1(4-3-2-1) in order to cramp the midfield because that was Arsenal's main attack supply. Without a smooth midfield, Arsenal can't do anything. They suck at long balls, they're not direct enough and they don't depend on wingplay and crosses. So if their passing game is disrupted, Arsenal can hardly attack well.
2. Wenger had little options in attack. I'm sure he's still cursing the Dutch FA. Van Persie was such an integral part of the firing gunners early in the season. Arshavin was isolated up front and he's hardly an out-and-out striker. Notice what happened when Walcott burst down the right wing and whip in a cross? NO GUNNERS were near the box - I only saw 4 Man U defenders in a straight line. Sums up Arsenal's attack yesterday.
3. Fergie got Fletcher or Carrick to snap at Fabregas everytime he got the ball. Fab didn't have much manoeuvre space in the whole game. The man-to-man marking and pressing pushed him off his game and he wasn't really able to push up to attack.
4. Wenger likes denilson a lot. I don't know why. With Song(as acting DM) and Fab playmaking, there is really no space to put him into an already crammed midfield. While Bendtner is not a prolific striker, he can cause plenty of problems up front with his height and running. I would think putting him in(yes, it's a risk when he has just returned from injury) is a better option than putting in denilson. He seems lost in the whole game.
5. Fergie's use of Park Ji Sung in every Arsenal game whenever he's available. That's because Park can attack and runs back to defend with his unlimited stamina and power workrate. He's quick enough too for Arsenal.
6. We've seen enough how susceptible Arsenal is to counter attacks. Man City and Chelsea have shown that and now Man U too. The reason? Not enough protection for two surging fullbacks(wingbacks) and sometimes even surging centrebacks(Gallas and Vermaelen) who got really frustrated sometimes because the midfielders got stuck in their passing game when opponents mark man them. So time and again, Arsenal is badly exposed and not quick enough to recover. Against top teams(who are fast and make their chances really count), that spells doom.
It's really frustrating watching them repeat the same kind of defeats. I wish....
1. I have Van Der Sar, Cech or Given as goalkeepr. Why Wenger chose to stick with Almunia and not bought Given is a mystery. Our goalkeeper is not even good enough to be in a national team!
2. Van Persie is not injured. He would have balanced out Arsenal's lack of strikers.
3. We have more players like Arshavin. Experienced, skillful and top quality. A top class goalkeeper and winger/s would be very much appreciated. (I just don't see Rosicky and Nasri being able to fit into Arsenal. They're too similar to Fab's preference of a centre attacking role. Putting them on the left and right are not working out well)
I hope the next 2 big games would not be a repeat. Else, it's goodbye Arsenal again.
Arsene's Fantasy
I like Arsenal's football but the dream(of winning with a weak defence) is way too flawed.
If you have noticed, Arsenal's defence is weak because:
1. They seldom press for the ball. They tend to have 2-3 players standing around an opponent while giving the opponent enough space to manoeuvre. If you've seen enough Arsenal's matches, many teams have bypassed 2-3 of their players at one go with good, direct passes.
2. They have no strong ball winners in the centre of the park. While I must say Song is getting better, he's hardly in the mould of Patrick Vieira or Flamini - players who not only deliver solid tackles, but wins the ball back with their energy, initiative and determination.
So now we're down 3-0 to Man U and the reasons?
1. Nani skipped past some static standing Arsenal players. The unfortunate Almunia scored an own goal. A repeated pattern of static standing Arsenal players letting opponents through way too easily.
2. Were Arsenal outnumbered at the back when Man U counter attack? NO. The reason was Denilson failed to follow through with Rooney. He ran back but slowed down towards the penalty area for no good reason. By the time Rooney got the ball, none of the Arsenal players was nowhere NEAR him!!! Utterly atrocious!
3. Another counter attack and this time, the defence gone missing. Arsenal is painfully slow in running back(did you notice Song slowing down his run??).
So again, Arsenal have summed up much of its season so far. Good potential, but not good enough. I don't believe a team with a weak defence can win titles. They can leak in goals, but they must be able to defend well. The reason for Arsenal's invincible win in 2003-2004? A solid attack and solid defence.
So Chelsea thrash them 3-0 at the Emirates and now Man U. Highbury used to be a fortress and the Emirates isn't really in the same class. The difference is not so much the place than the players(especially the defence). And Arsenal need a solid leader who can bark at his defence. I rest my case Wenger. You can continue your fantasy but I'm getting tired. So are Arsenal fans. Come on.
If you have noticed, Arsenal's defence is weak because:
1. They seldom press for the ball. They tend to have 2-3 players standing around an opponent while giving the opponent enough space to manoeuvre. If you've seen enough Arsenal's matches, many teams have bypassed 2-3 of their players at one go with good, direct passes.
2. They have no strong ball winners in the centre of the park. While I must say Song is getting better, he's hardly in the mould of Patrick Vieira or Flamini - players who not only deliver solid tackles, but wins the ball back with their energy, initiative and determination.
So now we're down 3-0 to Man U and the reasons?
1. Nani skipped past some static standing Arsenal players. The unfortunate Almunia scored an own goal. A repeated pattern of static standing Arsenal players letting opponents through way too easily.
2. Were Arsenal outnumbered at the back when Man U counter attack? NO. The reason was Denilson failed to follow through with Rooney. He ran back but slowed down towards the penalty area for no good reason. By the time Rooney got the ball, none of the Arsenal players was nowhere NEAR him!!! Utterly atrocious!
3. Another counter attack and this time, the defence gone missing. Arsenal is painfully slow in running back(did you notice Song slowing down his run??).
So again, Arsenal have summed up much of its season so far. Good potential, but not good enough. I don't believe a team with a weak defence can win titles. They can leak in goals, but they must be able to defend well. The reason for Arsenal's invincible win in 2003-2004? A solid attack and solid defence.
So Chelsea thrash them 3-0 at the Emirates and now Man U. Highbury used to be a fortress and the Emirates isn't really in the same class. The difference is not so much the place than the players(especially the defence). And Arsenal need a solid leader who can bark at his defence. I rest my case Wenger. You can continue your fantasy but I'm getting tired. So are Arsenal fans. Come on.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Kindred Spirit
Kindred Spirit - "A person whose interests are similar to one's own"
I've found more and more kindred spirits in school and I'm really blessed to learn from them and had the opportunity to share my life's experiences too. Some of them are waiting for God's direction in cross cultural work, some are struggling with institutional policies & structures that baffle, and some had the same passion in a certain area of ministry.
It's been a blessing to have kindred spirits. They encourage one to carry on walking with God in his journey because they understand, they affirm and they make one realised he's not alone.
Thank God for kindred spirits. It's wonderful.
I've found more and more kindred spirits in school and I'm really blessed to learn from them and had the opportunity to share my life's experiences too. Some of them are waiting for God's direction in cross cultural work, some are struggling with institutional policies & structures that baffle, and some had the same passion in a certain area of ministry.
It's been a blessing to have kindred spirits. They encourage one to carry on walking with God in his journey because they understand, they affirm and they make one realised he's not alone.
Thank God for kindred spirits. It's wonderful.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Movie: Legion - The Humanistic Message Behind It
Humanism: "An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters."
Firstly, this movie is so boring I nearly fell asleep. Secondly, it conveys the message that God is not an immutable* being and is not all powerful. The movie tells the story of Michael, the Archangel, coming down to earth to save a baby who is supposed to save humanity. God had ordered the baby be killed because he has lost faith in human beings(as told by Michael). But Micheal disobeyed God because he said he believes there is still hope in human beings. So Michael fought against humans that have been possessed by 'angels' to save the baby.(the possessed humans looked like zombies and kill anyone indiscriminately - looked more like satan's work than God's)
It conveys the message that God is a being who can get depressed, and so affected by this condition that he changed his mind about redeeming people, and instead bend on destroying them. [This is not true because God has been working to redeem his creation from the beginning. God even send His son, Jesus, to die for our sake in order to redeem us. God is unchanging, he is not fickle like man.(Numbers 23:19, 1 Sam 15:29, Heb 13:8, James 1:17)]
When asked for the reason why Micheal decides to disobey and come, he said it was because he saw the resoluteness of human beings - that despite destroying themselves in wickedness, some never give up in living. He said he has not lost faith in humans, but God has. And he believes humans can be saved - by their own actions, by themselves, by giving birth this baby saviour of the human race. And the show attempts to prove this by showing how Michael and the protagonists won the day by winning against God supposedly. It tells us that God is not all powerful - humans can win God by their determined fight.[The bible will tell us this is not the case. God the creator is all powerful and He has power & authority over all things - because He created them. There are tons of stories in the bible to show us this. Even nature has shown us how frail human beings are. We are helpless against earthquakes, diseases and other disasters.]
The show end by showing a resurrected Michael rescuing the baby from Gabriel (Gabriel had supposedly killed him in an earlier fight). Gabriel asked him how is it possible for him to be resurrected. To which Michael replied, "You gave him(God) what he wants. But I gave him what he needs". As if to say - "I've proven to God that human beings can still be saved. I've restored God's faith. Therefore now he changes his mind(again) and have me protect the child."
God having an unstable mind, powerless and given up on the human race? That is NOT the God that I worship. The God I worship is full of grace and love; unchanging and all powerful, merciful and compassionate. So much so that He gave His only son, Jesus for our redemption; knowing that human hearts are deceitful and incapable of saving themselves. If we(human beings) could do it, there would be world peace by now. We couldn't because our hearts are sinful - we reject God, we have a marred self identity, we have broken relationships with others and we are even destroying nature(which is part of God's creation) - we have caused sufferings for ourselves and others one way or another. God has been working to redeem us since the Fall; and one day, it'll be all over. There'll be a new heaven and a new earth - where there will be no more suffering, no more tears, no more struggles and no more sins. There will be joy and peace and life everlasting.
So beware my friends. Do not be deceived into thinking that we can save ourselves. We know how frail we are, don't we? Let us admit that, and turn to God.
"I have love you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" - Jeremiah 31:3
*immutable = unchanging over time
Firstly, this movie is so boring I nearly fell asleep. Secondly, it conveys the message that God is not an immutable* being and is not all powerful. The movie tells the story of Michael, the Archangel, coming down to earth to save a baby who is supposed to save humanity. God had ordered the baby be killed because he has lost faith in human beings(as told by Michael). But Micheal disobeyed God because he said he believes there is still hope in human beings. So Michael fought against humans that have been possessed by 'angels' to save the baby.(the possessed humans looked like zombies and kill anyone indiscriminately - looked more like satan's work than God's)
It conveys the message that God is a being who can get depressed, and so affected by this condition that he changed his mind about redeeming people, and instead bend on destroying them. [This is not true because God has been working to redeem his creation from the beginning. God even send His son, Jesus, to die for our sake in order to redeem us. God is unchanging, he is not fickle like man.(Numbers 23:19, 1 Sam 15:29, Heb 13:8, James 1:17)]
When asked for the reason why Micheal decides to disobey and come, he said it was because he saw the resoluteness of human beings - that despite destroying themselves in wickedness, some never give up in living. He said he has not lost faith in humans, but God has. And he believes humans can be saved - by their own actions, by themselves, by giving birth this baby saviour of the human race. And the show attempts to prove this by showing how Michael and the protagonists won the day by winning against God supposedly. It tells us that God is not all powerful - humans can win God by their determined fight.[The bible will tell us this is not the case. God the creator is all powerful and He has power & authority over all things - because He created them. There are tons of stories in the bible to show us this. Even nature has shown us how frail human beings are. We are helpless against earthquakes, diseases and other disasters.]
The show end by showing a resurrected Michael rescuing the baby from Gabriel (Gabriel had supposedly killed him in an earlier fight). Gabriel asked him how is it possible for him to be resurrected. To which Michael replied, "You gave him(God) what he wants. But I gave him what he needs". As if to say - "I've proven to God that human beings can still be saved. I've restored God's faith. Therefore now he changes his mind(again) and have me protect the child."
God having an unstable mind, powerless and given up on the human race? That is NOT the God that I worship. The God I worship is full of grace and love; unchanging and all powerful, merciful and compassionate. So much so that He gave His only son, Jesus for our redemption; knowing that human hearts are deceitful and incapable of saving themselves. If we(human beings) could do it, there would be world peace by now. We couldn't because our hearts are sinful - we reject God, we have a marred self identity, we have broken relationships with others and we are even destroying nature(which is part of God's creation) - we have caused sufferings for ourselves and others one way or another. God has been working to redeem us since the Fall; and one day, it'll be all over. There'll be a new heaven and a new earth - where there will be no more suffering, no more tears, no more struggles and no more sins. There will be joy and peace and life everlasting.
So beware my friends. Do not be deceived into thinking that we can save ourselves. We know how frail we are, don't we? Let us admit that, and turn to God.
"I have love you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" - Jeremiah 31:3
*immutable = unchanging over time
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Set your sight on God, not man.
Excerpt from "Of The Imitation of Christ - Book 2, Admonitions Pertaining to Inward Things - Chapter 2: Humble Submission" by Thomas à Kempis.
"Count not of great importance who is for you or against you (Rom 8:31; 1 Cor 4:3), but let this be your aim and care, that God be with you in every thing you do. Have a good conscience and God will defend you (Ps 28:7).
For whom God wills to help, no man's perverseness shall be able to hurt. If you know how to be silent and suffer, without doubt you shall see the help of the Lord. He Himself knows the time and manner of delivering you, and therefore you ought to resign yourself unto Him. It belongs to God to help, and to deliver from confusion."
"Count not of great importance who is for you or against you (Rom 8:31; 1 Cor 4:3), but let this be your aim and care, that God be with you in every thing you do. Have a good conscience and God will defend you (Ps 28:7).
For whom God wills to help, no man's perverseness shall be able to hurt. If you know how to be silent and suffer, without doubt you shall see the help of the Lord. He Himself knows the time and manner of delivering you, and therefore you ought to resign yourself unto Him. It belongs to God to help, and to deliver from confusion."
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Attending Funerals
"To understand and appreciate more of life, attend more funerals" - Jason Lee
If you've never been to a wake or funeral before, you'll missing out something(plus you probably do not care much about comforting someone going through grief). Go and listen to the message, sermon and testimonies in a wake and you'll find yourself understanding and appreciating more of life.
If you've never been to a wake or funeral before, you'll missing out something(plus you probably do not care much about comforting someone going through grief). Go and listen to the message, sermon and testimonies in a wake and you'll find yourself understanding and appreciating more of life.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Overlooking Obvious Needs in Our Shallow "Christian" Worldview
Imagine this. You know of a poor family that lives down the road and they are hungry. The father of this family lost his job recently and has no more money to buy food. You know they need food and you have the capacity to meet this need. But you thought that as a ‘good Christian’, you ought to pray first and ‘confirm’ God’s call for you to provide for them. So you went down on your knees and pray this prayer, “Dear Lord, do you want me to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken for them or will fried rice do? I will wait and not buy anything for them until you showed me which to buy. Please confirm it. Amen”
Does this sound ridiculous to you? But it is exactly what many churches(and christians) are facing today! They do not seem to WANT to look at the real situation and real needs and asked themselves HARD questions like, “Okay. The need is obvious. So what should we do about it as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ?”
Do you need a calling to buy food for the hungry? Or a so-called confirmation to give them food? Or even to look spiritual by praying what to buy? No, you don’t. You just need to meet their needs like how the Lord met the needs of His days some two thousand years ago by healing the sick, touching the lepers and walking with the misfits and outcasts of society.
One of the most obvious needs that most churches in Singapore overlooked is the fact that there are about 15% M brothers & sisters waiting for us to tell them the good news. This amounts to about 750,000 based on 2009’s population estimate. I would say that mission work among them is negligible or perhaps even non-existent.
I thank God for churches and organizations engaging the Chinese, the Indians, other races and the many migrant blue-collar workers in Singapore. But we have neglected the 15% long enough. It is just not acceptable to neglect this work when the need is so obvious. It is inconceivable that no one is courageous enough to engage them; when all the talk about mission and missions conferences are held year after year and tons of resources are at the disposal of mega-churches and others alike.
I used to think I should not start a work among them because I might not be around in Singapore to see it through. I was wrong. God can and I believe, will get His people to carry on and take on His work when I’m gone. It is not me. It is all Him; His heart, His passion and His desire for all to know Him and worship Him. I do not need a calling to befriend them. I do not need to form a ministry for them. I just need to be willing and following my Master.
Are you still praying for this group of people(in other parts of the world) and planning to reach them? They are living right next to you. Time for the church to bring them the full, good news.
Does this sound ridiculous to you? But it is exactly what many churches(and christians) are facing today! They do not seem to WANT to look at the real situation and real needs and asked themselves HARD questions like, “Okay. The need is obvious. So what should we do about it as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ?”
Do you need a calling to buy food for the hungry? Or a so-called confirmation to give them food? Or even to look spiritual by praying what to buy? No, you don’t. You just need to meet their needs like how the Lord met the needs of His days some two thousand years ago by healing the sick, touching the lepers and walking with the misfits and outcasts of society.
One of the most obvious needs that most churches in Singapore overlooked is the fact that there are about 15% M brothers & sisters waiting for us to tell them the good news. This amounts to about 750,000 based on 2009’s population estimate. I would say that mission work among them is negligible or perhaps even non-existent.
I thank God for churches and organizations engaging the Chinese, the Indians, other races and the many migrant blue-collar workers in Singapore. But we have neglected the 15% long enough. It is just not acceptable to neglect this work when the need is so obvious. It is inconceivable that no one is courageous enough to engage them; when all the talk about mission and missions conferences are held year after year and tons of resources are at the disposal of mega-churches and others alike.
I used to think I should not start a work among them because I might not be around in Singapore to see it through. I was wrong. God can and I believe, will get His people to carry on and take on His work when I’m gone. It is not me. It is all Him; His heart, His passion and His desire for all to know Him and worship Him. I do not need a calling to befriend them. I do not need to form a ministry for them. I just need to be willing and following my Master.
Are you still praying for this group of people(in other parts of the world) and planning to reach them? They are living right next to you. Time for the church to bring them the full, good news.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
The Mission of Jesus and the Kingdom of God
Excerpt from "When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself" by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert.
"The mission of Jesus was and is to preach the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43), to say to one and all, "I am the King of kings and Lord of lords, and I am using My power to fix everything that sin had ruined." As pastor and theologian Tim Keller states, "The kingdom is the renewal of the whole world through the entrance of supernatural forces. As things are brought back under Christ's rule and authority, they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom."
Of course there is both a "now" and a "not yet" to the kingdom. The full manifestation of the kingdom will not occur until there is a new heaven and a new earth. Only then will every tear by wiped from our eyes (Rev 21:4). But two thousand years ago, Jesus clearly stated that there is a "now" to the kingdom, saying, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21)"
Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed. His people, His church must do the same. Are you preaching the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed?
Read & Meditate: Luke 4:17-21
"The mission of Jesus was and is to preach the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43), to say to one and all, "I am the King of kings and Lord of lords, and I am using My power to fix everything that sin had ruined." As pastor and theologian Tim Keller states, "The kingdom is the renewal of the whole world through the entrance of supernatural forces. As things are brought back under Christ's rule and authority, they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom."
Of course there is both a "now" and a "not yet" to the kingdom. The full manifestation of the kingdom will not occur until there is a new heaven and a new earth. Only then will every tear by wiped from our eyes (Rev 21:4). But two thousand years ago, Jesus clearly stated that there is a "now" to the kingdom, saying, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21)"
Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed. His people, His church must do the same. Are you preaching the good news of the kingdom in word and in deed?
Read & Meditate: Luke 4:17-21
Thursday, December 24, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 30, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, November 13, 2009
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
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
Friday, November 06, 2009
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?
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?
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?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
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.
"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?
"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?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Who is Richer?
There are things in life which money cannot buy. We will do well to learn today. Enjoy the video.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
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.
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.
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