Charis Reflections

Nothing new under the sun

2010-03-05T10:07:00.002+08:00

One of my favorite books is the book of Ecclesiastes. The writer started the book emphasizing on the word "Vanity". One will not be ready to open up himself to God until he has been gripped, as Solomon has been gripped by the emptiness and pointlessness of life. It is only when we can see clearly that life is not to be found in this world that we will be ready to move toward God.

To some life is like an interminable opera. We try to change and act in our lives to make it a better one. we appear happy and satisfy, we laugh without joy and cry without tears. I think we do not have to adjust life because the fault lies in reality. One of the reasons, I believe, why Solomon uses such vivid illustrations is in order to break through our defensive attempts to avoid reality. The reality is cruelty. It is full of sorrows, pains, hurts and tears.

Life "under the sun," he has told us, can be boring, fleeting, repetitive, and empty. Life will never be meaningful "under the sun" until we make contact with the One who is above the sun. Those who try to find meaning without linking their lives to the Creator inevitably see life as an "interminable soap opera."

My dear friends, pause for a moment and honestly ask ourselves: " Are you tired of your life?" " Is there any emptiness deep down in your heart that you will never be satisfied with all that you can possess in this fleeting world?" I thought the song " In The End" by Linkin Park is relevant to my above thoughts. And the song goes like this:

........ all I know time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down till the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
It's so unreal

When I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end, it doesn't even matter
I had to fall, to lose it all
But in the end, it doesn't even matter

In the end what really matter is that we know and fear our Creator by keeping His commandments because this applies to all man. And that was how Solomon ended the book of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Let's wean ourselves off any ideas that we can have real life 'under the sun.' May it be granted to us that we will gripped the truth, that life, real life, is never found in the creation but rather the Creator.

The Flaws and Value of C.S. Lewis

2010-02-05T01:21:00.004+08:00

I remember reading some Lewis books like Mere Christianity, the Problem of Pain, Screwtape Letters and the Four Loves a few years back and thinking that he is rather unbiblical in certain areas. Yet undoubtedly from him comes a flair and wise eloquence which is at once attractive and illuminating. I also remember thinking of him as a fantastic writer, not so a theologian.

Which is why I think John Piper is spot on in his analysis of Lewis. He tells us what to avoid in Lewis, and what to learn from him:

On his flaws:

"Lewis is not a writer to which we should turn for growth in a careful biblical understanding of Christian doctrine. If we follow him in the kinds of mistakes that he made, it will hurt the church and dishonor Christ. His value is not in his biblical exegesis."

On his value:

"What was it about the work of C. S. Lewis that has helped me so much? The answer lies in the way that the experience of Joy and the defense of Truth come together in Lewis’s life and writings."

Read the whole thing here:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/46/4503_Lessons_from_an_Inconsolable_Soul/

Are we really listening?

2010-02-04T08:54:00.002+08:00

Humility and listening are closely linked together. A primary way to express humility is to listen intensely to the one who speaks. Perhaps we all think that we listen much better than others do. Perhaps we often equate listening simply with not talking. But the fact is if most of our listening is spent formulating our next opinion or running through tomorrows' to-do list, we aren't listening at all. Well, we would like to think of this as efficient multi-tasking. Selfish, disrespect and pride would be a more accurate assessment.

By contrast, true listening is an active, attentive commitment to understand another person and to discern relevant truth from what the person is saying. In Matt 11:15, Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear". There was a clear implication that not everyone within the sound of His voice was truly listening or hearing.

The way we listen to someone else profoundly does affects our communication. How to be a good listener? It simply means to have undivided attention to the one who speaks. In fact, active listening and intentional responsiveness are expressions of humility and respect. Learn to ask questions humbly and gently to the one who speaks. Asking good questions with gentleness is an essential part of listning that is humble, actively involved and with an intent to get closer with the one who speaks. As Paul Tripp has written, "Gentle talk comes from the person who is speaking not because of what he wants from you but what he wants for you."

In conclusion, James 1:19.... But everyone must be quick to hear slow to speak......

Accountability - Answering to members of the Body

2010-01-19T10:23:00.014+08:00

Last night at VCF we had some clarification (debate sounds too academic) on what Christian accountability means. One of the members insisted that Christians should be open and willing to share everything about himself or herself to everyone in the body of Christ, on the basis that we are all saved and are brothers and sisters in Christ, thus there should be absolutely no secrets, no fear, and no pride, no witholding in approaching and confiding in each other.

After all, James said "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other" (James 5:16) There are numerous texts in the bible that speaks of accountability i.e. answering to others, whether in terms of confessing sins, encouragement, spurring on to good deeds, rebuking, interdependency within the church etc, whether the word "account" is being used explicitly or not.

The absolute terms he used immediately raised my eyebrow (not that I hate absolutes, but because this is a complex issue requiring wisdom in applying its truth rather than one absolute statement). Let me say the good point first: I fully and wholeheartedly understood why he made such a claim that Christians must share everything to everyone. I do not disagree with the theology behind his claim. After all, Jesus did pray for us to be one. It is true that often times Christians do hold back from sharing and from doing so, miss out on the blessing of advice and wisdom one could possibly gain from each other. So I perfectly understood his concern, and to this point I think we could all encourage each other to share. Also, the young today has little grasp of the concept of accountability as submission to leaders, and accountability is necessary.

The difficulty is with the narrowness of his application of truth. Everyone must share everything to everyone. I immediately thought of scenarios as well as real life experiences that suggested that this cannot be true. Scenario: Say for example, a man has just committed adultery, and wishes to repent sincerely. He cannot be looking for a 13-year old youth group member who has recently joined the church and confess to him! He should seek the Pastor or church leaders for help.

This of course means that as much as we should strive to share as many things as we can to people, we do not only need to reckon with truth #1: we are one body of Christ. That is too narrow. We must also reckon with other truths: the ravages of sin in the church of God, that there are judgmental people or gossipers in church that you do not wish to share to, that there are varying degrees of spiritual maturities in a church that make accountability a tricky business. Which is why I told him that there should be different levels of accountability within the church, not one and the same. With love as an analogy, we ought to love everyone as commanded, but we cannot love our wives with the love of God - that's idolatry. Neither can we love our female friends with the love of our wives - that's adultery. There are different types of it.

So I think it is legitimate to say that sometimes fear, lack of trust, immaturity, sin and pride do prevent us from sharing our deepest thought to one another, and we should graciously allow for that.

He disagreed. "But a church should be like this...." I think we ought to realize that total accountability is impossible. The only person we can confess every single thought, deed, and action to is God, the one we finally must account everything to, the only one who is perfectly righteous, perfectly trustworthy, perfectly gracious, perfectly gentle, perfectly holy. We need to recognize that the bible's command for the body of Christ to be united and accountable to each other is a standard to strive to, not a standard already achieved. D.A. Carson would call this "overrealized eschatology". We think we are beyond the end times, perfect and sinless, when we are not! We think we are in the "already now", when in fact we are in the "not yet". Therefore a narrow application of truth can be avoided with the reckoning of our sins, together with God's high calling.

There is still a lot of striving to do to reach God's standard. Until then, saints on earth will share and account to each other imperfectly, but we look to the Day when we all have perfect communion in heaven, with God and with the redeemed people of God.

Scripture-Quoting, Kingdom-Manipulating Unbelief (2 Sam 3:6-11)

2010-01-18T00:21:00.016+08:00

Haha, that's a mouthful ya? But at least that's what I get from this passage. The story thus far in 2 Samuel 3: Saul has just died, and there were two vying kingdoms, the one set up by David (whom God promised would be king), and another kingdom by Saul's son, supported by this guy Abner, in direct opposition to David's kingship over Israel. The passage is all about Abner and his unbelief.

Firstly, Abner's Scripture-quoting unbelief. The main irony of this passage comes from the fact that Abner is actively opposing David's rule by supporting Saul's son and not David, despite knowing the fact that the Lord has promised David to be the king (2:8)! So then Saul's son came and pointed out that Abner is commiting some wrong by sleeping with his father's concubine (3:7) and Abner decides that it is time to change allegiance. It is time to swear allegiance to David. And he does it in the most "Christian" of manners - by quoting truth. "May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the Lord promised on oath and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and eastablish David's throne over Israel..." (3:9-10) He repeats the promise of God. Sounds noble and holy and right, isn't it?

Yet it is not hard to see that Abner never truly believed in God's promise by his initial blatant resistance to David's kingship. Nor was there any sign of true repentance, given the fact that he had decided to switch allegiance only because he was afraid his sin would be exposed. He had more fear of men than the fear of God.

Abner then represents the one who knows the truth, but does not embrace it. He is the one who quotes the truth, but does not submit to it, who learns the truth but does not obey it, or as Paul says "always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth" (2 Tim 3:7). Let us not fall into this type of Scripture-quoting unbelief!

Secondly, his kingdom-manipulating unbelief. Abner did not seek God's kingdom because he felt the authority of God's promise. He sought it because it is to his advantage. His seeking of God's kingdom did not come with a love for God's rule, but a love for self-rule. The seeking of God's kingdom was only the means to seek his own kingdom. It is the only way for him, who has fallen out of favour with Saul's son, to regain his powerful position in David's kingdom.

Abner then, represents the self-serving folks who would use the Kingdom of God as a means to glorify himself. Dale Ralph Davis writes, "They seem more concerned with whether God's people will be impressed with them, like them, congratulate and dote over them. Abner is not far away from any of us." Let us not fall into this type of kingdom-manipulating unbelief!

Thoughts

As I read through this, it warns me of my motivations for doing things. Do I quote the truth in order to serve myself? Do I seek the kingdom in order to glorify myself? Neither the quotation of truth nor the seeking of kingdom is validity of itself. It could stem from godlessness, pride and unbelief. There is simply nothing that man cannot make perverse - even truth and kingdom. In our lives and Christian service, we might be thinking these self-centered things (as I do):

Do they like my teaching? Am I interesting enough for them? Will they be impressed with the lesson that I have prepared, which I have poured many hours into ?

Are people taking notice that I am serving now? Does my service make people think slightly better of me?

Does my prayers sound long enough, zealous enough, and spiritual enough, with the impressive words that people will take special notice of me?

Do the advice I give, the words I speak or even this blog post draw attention to my spiritual life that I will be esteemed and praised?

Let's realize that Abner is really not far from each of us, and the faster we rid of him, the better.

Holding Fast to the Word of Life in 2010!

2010-01-16T14:39:00.003+08:00

This shall be my first post at this blog. It's been a long long time since I last blogged. And must be something edifying, interesting, related to faith right. So I assume this blog has no attacks. (unlike fb)

Allow me to share what I have learnt through a sermon that I have watched online. The title was "Holding fast to the word of life in2010" by John Piper. Apart from the fact that the preacher can be quite loud at times (ear-blowing!!), he is a passionate speaker who combines mind and heart together. What do I mean by this? Watch ityourself lah... (sounds jokingly but I am serious)

John Piper ended by asking the audience to have 6 ways to make sure we hold fast to the word. The following is my 6s:
1) Think of at least one implication from every QT
2) Read one chapter of good literature christian book every week
3) Make good use of my train time by reading something from bible or good books
4) Ploughing WOG every week
5) Listen to sermon carefully every week (Jesus says in Luke 8:18 to consider carefully how you listen)
6) Memorise a verse every week

The verse he took from is Phil 2: 14-16.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights inthe world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

He first explained there is a spiritual diet without which no Christian can be strong and healthy and fruitful. And that is a diet of the word of God. Which is certain that no Christian can deny. However, I thought it interesting when he also said that reading or memorising the scripture can no automatically make any believer strong and grow. Because any Pharisee can do much more than these and yet Jesus said nothing good about them. Thus, he used Eph 1:18 "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints," to stress that praying for eyes to see the WOG is crucial. If the God of the Bible does not open our eyes to His Word, no matter how many hundred hours we spend in reading, studying, ploughing whatever, we will never see its glory and of course God himself. Hearing this breaks my confidence in whatever amount of time I put in, whatever work I have done (which should be no confidence at all). And it does make me think how many times do we really seek God's illumination when we study His Scriptures...

And if we don't hold fast to the Word, how do we shine as lights in the world, according to Phil 2 verses? In this society where post-modernism rules, where existentialism rules, where tolerance of religion is low, Christians ought to be distinctive in our character and stand. In my workplace, such ideology is true. I have colleagues (also my friends) who think nothing about pornography (ladies leh, not guys), jokes about lust and promotes homosexuality. I have to say it is difficult to stand distinctive as a Christian. Many a times I failed to do so. I can only explain that all these are serious and ain't funny. I also explained to them the consequences of all these wrong thinkings (which have already happening) and it is no funny matter. We, as Christians, ought to weep for our society too, besides explaining our stand. Weep for our sins, not only when we failed to get what we want, not only when our friends don't understand us, but when our society sins against God of truth, God of morality, God of holiness.

Alright, I am done. And the above looks wordy.

The indestructible joy

2010-01-16T10:33:00.003+08:00

"God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions." Heb 1:9
How often Christians instead of being joyful, we are gloomy. Day in day out be it going to school or work, we are often seem to be gloomy. How then can we have true joy? A joy that is indestructible.

Christian Salvation is not mainly the forgiveness of sins, but the fellowship of Jesus. Forgiveness gets everything out of the way so that fellowship with Christ can happen. Let's ask ourselves: " Is this fellowship all-satisfying to us?" If not, then there is really no great salvation. If Christ is gloomy or even calmly stoical, then eternity will be a long long sigh for us. Do we want this kind of eternity? A sighing place where we will spend our eternity? Definitely not.

But rather the glory and grace of Christ is that he is and always will be indestructibly happy. It is glory because gloom is not glory. It is gracious because the best thing He has to give us is his joy. John 15:11, 17:13- " These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full" Our capacities for joy are very confined. But Christ not only offers Himself as the divine object of my joy, but even pours His capacity for joy into us, so that we can enjoy Him with the very joy of God. This then is glory and grace.

But come again, we need to know that Christ the indestructible man was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" In Matt 26:38 it says "My soul is very sorrowful even to death; remain here and watch with me" Christ is also our "great high priest" who is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, because He was tested in every way as a man like us.

This indomitable joy does not mean that there is only joy. He was divided, torn between joy and sorrow. Can an infinitely glorious soul be troubled? Yes, troubled but not torn and disunited.

Through the agonies of Gethsemane, Jesus was sustained by indetructible joy. "For the joy that was set before Him, he endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" -Heb 12:2. The good shepherd rejoices over one lost sheep. How much more over countless armies of the ransomed!

Some questions to ponder upon:
1. Will we embrace suffering for the cause of Christ?
2. Will we heed the call in Heb 13:13 "let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured?
3. Is the city of God more desirable for us than the city of man? (Heb 11:25-26, 13:14)

For those who have tasted the joy of Jesus, don't forget to share it with those who have not.
Finally all Christ's servant aren't we waiting for one day when our Lord and Savior will say this to us " Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Master-Matt 25:21. The city of God is a city of joy. And that joy is the indestructible joy of Christ!

From Seeing and Savoring Jesus by John Piper

Five Reasons Why You Should Blog Here

2010-01-15T23:48:00.004+08:00

1. It is a good way for us to be good stewards of time.

If you have time to leave 100+ comments on Facebook or play a few games of DOTA, you have time to blog about your faith!

2. It prevents us from being "Sunday Christians".

It helps you to think about God and issues throughout the week, as one should.

3. It helps us remember the things we learnt.

Before our Quiet Time thoughts or thoughts during our daily experiences vanish into thin air.

4. It is a platform to share the gospel.

Let anyone stumble unto here by God's will - and be saved! Or more likely, tell your friends about it.

5. It is a tool to edify believers.

Encourage, exhort, rebuke, teach, correct, clarify, warn, assure - all with the aid of God-given technology.

2010 resolutions

2010-01-06T08:43:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year to all (though it's admittedly abit too late ah). As the title suggests, I'm going to put some of my numerous resolutions for 2010 here. Not sure if you guys actually make resolutions, or find them pointless (!) ... I normally start off vigorous and enthusiastic, but as the year progresses, my resolve wanes too ... lol.

Still, I believe there's value in making resolutions, as it is also a reflection on how you spent your previous year and how you want to make it better in the coming year. According to a survey done, most people make resolutions to start a new habit rather than to break one. Interesting, isn't it? - what do you think is the motivation behind this? Anyway, I'm starting to ramble. Let's bring on the resolutions!

1. Exercise more - I repeat this resolution every year! D:
2. Don't waste time and make the time I have count for eternity.
3. Study harder - the Word of God, and Burmese language D:
4. Read more.
5. Get to know the youths in TFC on a deeper and more personal level.

That's it! Now, what's yours? :D

***

2010-01-05T12:00:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year 2010 everyone! I watched fireworks being set off from all around Bandung city in Indonesia from the rooftop of a 16 storey building this year and it was spectacular (but noisy). 2009 was a year full of His grace and blessings. I'm sure 2010 will be just the same. Happy new Year!

:D

National Student Leaders Conference

2009-10-19T22:15:00.005+08:00

Was asked to write an article for this event about evangelism that I attended so would like to share with you all too and also so that all of you will have an idea of what's going on with the Christians students in University:) which i thank God that I can be a part of in the front line and so here it is, I hope you all are still reading this blog and keeping it alive ^^:

On the 26th September 2009 this year, FES held the annual national student leaders conference themed Students Reaching Students: Quo Vadis?. It was held in Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) Headquarter. About 90 student leaders from Singapore tertiary institutions, Polytechnics and Universities, gathered together in the morning at the Clementi campus. The event started after an opening prayer. It began with a worship of songs led by President of SIM ISCF in 3 languages, English, Mandarin and Bahasa Indonesia. It was a meaningful start to the event indeed.

Then the event proceeded with a speech given by Dr Dave Geisler, President of Meekness & Truth™ Ministries who educated the crowd about the challenges faced by a Christian in evangelism over history, from the past until the present. Dr Geisler also analysed the challenges faced by the generation in this era to share the Truth and introduced two main strategies in evangelism relevant to the present situation: to ask questions that probe people to rethink their beliefs and to tell stories about how Christ has changed our life.

Mr Simon Seow, Director of Creative Communication, Campus Crusade for Christ Singapore, during his sharing, shared a video with the crowd and elaborated on the creative communications in campus among the youths of today. And the last speaker,
Dr Stephen Lim, Mission Committee Chairman, FES Singapore gave a personal recount of his experience of a colleague that demonstrated another challenge in evangelism, tightly bounded to the unwillingness of losing one’s culture, family bonds and values and encouraged leaders to delve upon these issues.

Following the lunch after the speeches, student leaders were divided into 6 groups within their respective university to discuss and evaluate the current position of their school in terms of strategies and actions taken in evangelism within the campus. Each school then presented to the floor their strategies and a further discussion was carried out with the rest of the student leaders. Student leaders were challenged to evaluate and improve their strategies. Different approaches to evangelism, from SIM’s lifestyle evangelism through fun filled events that impact the school to NUS’ seminars to change the mindset of Christians and prepare undergraduates for the future challenges in the working, were discussed. Issues and ideas were brought up in the interaction that evaluated the effectiveness of each approach.

Two main case studies were presented during the conference. The first one was on EBS as done in FES Chinese Work and the second, the Friendship Evangelism Programme in the FES Indonesian Ministry which left us with an idea on the programs’ implementation and methods and also, something to carry to God in our prayers.

The conference was a great success. I'm thankful to God for the opportunity to be a part of the event. It was an eye opener. I learnt more about evangelism, about postmodernism thoughts and beliefs that makes evangelism so much more of a challenge in today's world. But God is sovereign and gracious because he brings us brothers and sister closer together and strong as a body of Christ even in evangelism during this time. It is in our hands to make “students reaching students” more than just a feel-good slogan but a reality.

Through this conference, I am also aware of the conviction of other student leaders in their campus and it encourages and heartens me to do more for God. Through the discussions, I have also learnt that there are many ways to spread the gospel, lifestyle evangelism, events and through our talents and capabilities (like teaching soccer). It shows me that God is working in all ways, in many creative ways to spread a common good news, the Gospel. I would love to attend more of these conferences. It was spectacular and it felt like I've grown more as a young Christian. Again, I thank God for this opportunity.

Discrimination

2009-08-06T15:33:00.003+08:00

Discrimination have always been existent in the world we live in. In our country, our homes, our schools, even in our very own churches.

Since the sermon(what's your race)(racism issue) that was spoken recently in our church by the speaker, I like to raise up the issue of discrimination and share my thoughts on discrimination and using the biblical perspective to look at this issue.

There are many types of discrimination involve, the more prominent ones are racism, sexism, discriminating of people who are different from us(discriminating the disabled). Along the way, i would just list down examples of our everyday life that could be seen in our society.

For example, racial discrimination is where people of a particular race would start to ostracize the other one. Such discrimination could be seen in America, Australia and even in Singapore. Reason might be just physical. Like black skin and stuff. It might also be religion reason.

Although i think agree that only christianity is the true religion and the truth faith of all faiths, but God created man in his own image. Hate the religion but not the man. Hate the sin but not the created.

God created everyone each in his own image. Each different to what God has intended. If we were to dicriminate people different froom us, what makes us different that we are actually discriminating God?

Likewise, discrimination doesn't only occur in the issue of race, it also occurs in terms of gender discrimination and even people who are of different social status.

Even in churches, we could see that if someone elses is poorer than us, we don't talk to the person, if the person is dirty(i mean physically dirty) we don't get near the person, and even if the person speaks of lousy english, we discriminate him! This is where love comes in. We do not judge a person based on his physical outlook, rather we judge him based on his character. However we do not condemn him, rather we love him and condemn the sin he does.

These are my thoughts for today. Correct me if i am wrong :)

How George Whitefield Studies the Bible

2009-08-04T09:24:00.002+08:00

"There he is at five in the morning . . . . on his knees with his English Bible, his Greek New Testament and Henry's Commentary spread out before him. He reads a portion in the English, gains a fuller insight into it as he studies words and tenses in the Greek and then considers Matthew Henry's explanation of it all. Finally, there comes the unique practice that he has developed: that of 'praying over every line and word' of both the English and the Greek till the passage, in its essential message, has veritably become part of his own soul."

Arnold Dallimore, George Whitefield, I:82-83.

I realised that in some ways I actually studied in about the same manner as him:
1. first reading with my English NIV bible
2. checking key words in Greek on www.blueletterbible.org
3. picking a good commentary, or sometimes just the notes of a study bible.

But I don't wake up at 5am or pray through every single word :)

Tim Keller on Outward Looking Christians

2009-08-03T23:56:00.003+08:00

"Christians should be a community radically committed to the good of the city as a whole. We must move out to sacrificially serve the good of the whole human community, especially the poor… the ultimate purpose of redemption is not to escape the material world, but to renew it. God's purpose is not only saving individuals, but also inaugurating a new world based on justice, peace, and love, not power, strife, and selfishness."

Agape: God's love

2009-07-26T15:02:00.004+08:00

I used to think that I had the know-all when it comes to love - I even proudly parroted the famous definition, "Love is an intelligent willingness to do what is best for the other person" - until I had to face up to someone whom I find so difficult, even impossible at times to love.

I mean, how do you love someone who takes your kindness for granted? How do you stay patient at someone who shouts at your parents one day and asks for money the next day? How do you bear with someone who lies to you repeatedly, is unrepentant and malicious in words and action? How does anyone find in themselves the capability to love someone like that?

I thought it impossible and beyond me to do such a thing. Until I witnessed my own longsuffering parents continually opening their arms to embrace a unpenitent child. Time and time again, they did so in spite of their own misgivings and heartaches - knowing full well that by doing so, they are exposing themselves to more pain. I couldn't understand why. One night, in exasperation and anger, I retorted to my father, "Do you know how hurt I am [because of her actions]?"

My father answered, "She hurt me more. I am the one who gave her life and brought her up."

And I kept quiet because it was true. The pain I feel now is nothing in comparison to my father's. At that moment, I asked God, how is it even possible to love an unlovable person like her? Why is my father so silly?

Then I thought of myself. How filthy, how sinful and how depraved I am to demand for answers when I myself am not any better. Each time I sin, I turn away from His loving gaze to hanker after the fickle, temporal pleasures of the flesh. Each time I sin, I spit in contempt at His Son's work on the cross. Each time I sin, many times consciously, many times deliberately, I grieve God more than I'll ever know. And yet He never lets up. He even sent His beloved Son to die for the sins of such as me, someone so unworthy, so filthy, so repulsive.

My earthly father's love, however impossible a standard I think it is, is ultimately imperfect and impermanent. My heavenly Father's love in comparison is perfect, and eternal. Today, I get a glimpse and a better appreciation of His love for me. Maybe He has put me through this difficult trial in order to transform my theoretical understanding of His love into one that I am truly convicted about. I'm just getting started; I'll take eternity to learn and cherish His love for me.

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom

Ruth: Providence

2009-07-17T00:42:00.005+08:00

One major theme of the book of Ruth, which SG Charis is learning now, is about God's Providence, His wonderful blessings (culminating in King David and Davidic King) for a seemingly hopeless Naomi and Ruth (and for the rest of OT and NT believers including us!) This is William Cowper's hymn, sung in contemporary fashion. Beautiful song: Enjoy! :)

William Cowper - God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His works in vain
God is His own interpreter
and He will make it plain.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning Providence
He hides a smiling face.

Computers and Transcendence

2009-07-17T00:13:00.007+08:00

Throughout my work in Acer, I have been wondering about computer systems. Well, not exactly the kind of questions that one normally asks. It's not about how certain software or hardware works, but rather the most basic idea:

What exactly happens at the most basic level? How do tangible things, metal parts, wires all work together to produce something complicated and intangible like what appears on the screen?

Of course, we take everything we see on the monitor screen for granted. I scrutinize the internal system, and all I see are simple computer parts. Physical parts that can be easily manufactured. But somehow there is some sort of transcendence there. From simple metal parts to... images, videos, movement of the mouse, typing of the alphabets etc.. How does that happen!?!

We all know it has to do with binary, the "1"s and "0"s, but aren't you amazed at how it works? I'm amazed at how people first thought of the computer idea.

Then I liken the computer system to our own body system. Like the computer, we are all made of simpler physical things called cells, which are made of molecules. Somehow these molecules and cells all add up together to form one big part that's me... Isn't that amazing by itself? And to add to all these, I am also a thinking and spiritual person. I have intangible thoughts, motives, emotions, affections, desires that have transcended from mere physical things.

If the human mind that makes, explains, constructs and troubleshoots the computer system is so much greater that the computer system, I shudder at how much greater the Divine Mind is that created the human mind!

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
- Isaiah 55:9

"Obama The Anti-Christ"

2009-07-08T20:45:00.002+08:00

Hi All,

My friend just showed me this link, and honestly believes it to be true.
I'm skeptical, but also can't pick out what exactly is wrong. It does have some portions that are convincing.

The link => http://o.bamapost.com/

Let me know what you guys think of this.

Marianne.

Trusting God

2009-07-03T02:13:00.004+08:00

Trusting God in times of distress or fear or maybe in good times or just simply the bad times. This is something hard for “modern Christian” (I confess that sometimes I do not trust in Him that’s why I’m writing this to whoever that might need this article including myself to remind that we need to trust in God) especially in such modern society when everything move so fast , you can get a meal in 3 mins or travel from one side of singapore to another in less than an hour.

It’s been so too common that we lean on our own then to trust God in things that we think we can control like whether to serve in a ministry or to change a job or to maybe simple things like pursuing personal intrest /hobbies.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us that

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

The scripture told us that in this walk on earth our job as Christian would be difficult-

Matthew 7:13-14(¹³"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.)

Matthew 8:18-20(¹⁸When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. ^{¹⁹Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."²⁰Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.")}

This verses tell us that as Christian our life will not be smooth sailing but assured that God did promise to be with us in Isaiah 43:2(When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.)

God knows our weakness and He knows our limits (Matthew 11:28-30). He does promise that He will never give us more burdens than we can carry with Him. Without God, any burden may be unbearable. We need His strength to endure it all.

Luke 8:22-25 ( One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.)

Jesus say’s to his disciples that to cross over the lake but he did not say that the journey will be smooth sailing , there was a storm and the boat got rocky and the disciples was scared and woke Jesus up and Jesus calmed the storm . Yes Jesus did not say in the beginning that the journey will be smooth but he says that they will get to the other side of the lake safely. Jesus said : “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

The cross is heavy and is not easy to carry it’s the same analogy of not having a smooth sailing life anyone who follows Jesus would surely face prosecution , sadness , times of fear , times of distress but remember God know each and everyone of us He will gives us temptations or test us so as to prune us more into image of Christ 1 Peter 1:6:8(In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy)

Silver and gold need to be refined before they reveal their beauty. So do we! The process of refining includes the melting down of the metal by fires designed not to destroy the metal, but bring forth it's beauty.

Let's look at how silver is purified, then you'll see the analogy. The silver is crushed into small pieces and placed into a crucible. The silversmith places the crucible over the fire, and then watches carefully as the silver melts. Eventually impurities will rise to the top of the crucible. These are scraped off carefully by the silversmith. Then an even hotter fire is built. Once again the silver is subjected to the heat. Now, under this new intensity of fire, more and different impurities are released.

The silversmith never leaves the silver unattended in the fire, lest the silver damaged by too much heat. Each time the fire is increased and the impurities are removed, the silversmith bends over the crucible to look at himself in the melted silver. At first his image is dim ... his face barely discernible. However, with each new fire his image becomes more distinct. When he finally sees himself clearly, he knows all the impurities are gone. The refining is complete!

So it is with you. God breaks you and puts you into the crucible of suffering for one purpose and one purpose alone -- to make you into His image. He is preparing you for glory. Whether you have known it or not, God has been there through every trial, pain and hurt. He has carefully watched so that it would not destroy you, all the while knowing that eventually it would work together for your good. Pretty powerful stuff!

Whatever the challenge or loss you face today, God knows about it and cares. Trust and obey Him through Christ, and the eventual victory — the eternal Home — is sure!

P.S --I’m going through somethings NOW as of *03july2009 0204AM* I’m worried about lots of things frm friends to studies to relationships issues I’m learning to trust in God through prayer so I’m appealing to those that read this if you find that this is helpful start to trust in His wisdom for He moves in a mysterious way and believes that for behind frowning providence He hides a smiling face (: )

*** i edited because there are a few white spaces between the highlighted part i did not edit any word in this post it's all original***

cheers (:

Magnificent Verses from Ephesians

2009-06-18T16:18:00.003+08:00

One cannot read Ephesians and not be awed at the way Paul writes. To me the first chapter of Ephesians stands as one of the most brilliant passages I have read :)

"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory." - Eph 1:13-14.

Our salvation was planned from eternity from the God who loves us by His grace, such that no one can boast of his works, all according to His sovereign and kind intention! He also gave us all spiritual blessings, perhaps the greatest being the Holy Spirit, a "seal", a mark of ownership, knowing we are true children of God, and a mark of security in our salvation. Though assualted in the present by sin, flesh and the devil, the church of God will be brought to her glorious end. In there any wonder that we can respond in no other way than in the "praise of his glory"?

What's your favourite verses?

Back to basics --- Justification, Santification, Glorification

2009-06-13T01:36:00.005+08:00

Hello (:

weisen here(:

haha i'm posting some intresting articles and sometimes the post/articles are very simple things like you know but if you really pause and think for awhile do you really know or are you working out those things in your life? If you are doing it than that's great but if you are not maybe it's time to go back to the basics and align your heart with God(:

The word of God speaks of "salvation" in three tenses - past (Ephesians 2:8), present (Philippians 2:12) and future (Romans 13:11) - or in other words, of justification, sanctification and glorification.

Justification

Salvation has a foundation and a superstructure. The foundation is forgiveness of sins and justification. Justification is more than the forgiveness of our sins. It also means that we have been declared righteous in God's eyes, on the basis of Christ's death, resurrection and ascension. This is not on the basis of our works (Ephesians 2:8,9), for even our righteous deeds are like filthy rags in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6). We are clothed with the righteousness of Christ (Galatians 3:27). Repentance and faith are the conditions for being forgiven and justified (Acts 20:21).True repentance must produce in us the fruit of restitution - returning money and things and taxes due, that are wrongfully in our possession (that belong to others), and apologising to those we have wronged, as far as possible (Luke 19:8,9). When God forgives us, He also requires that we forgive others in the same way. If we fail to do this, God withdraws His forgiveness (Matthew 18:23-35). Repentance and faith must be followed by baptism by immersion in water, whereby we publicly testify to God, to men and to demons that our old man is indeed buried (Romans 6:4,6).We can then receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, whereby we are endued with power to be witnesses for Christ by our life and our lips (Acts 1:8). The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a promise to be received by faith, by all of God's children (Matthew 3:11; Luke 11:13).It is the privilege of every disciple to have the witness of the Spirit that he is indeed a child of God (Romans 8:16) and also to know for certain that he has indeed received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).

Santification

Sanctification is the superstructure of the building. Sanctification (meaning `being set apart' from sin and the world) is a process that begins with the new birth (1 Corinthians 1:2) and that should continue throughout our earthly life (1 Thessalonians 5:23,24). This is a work that God initiates in us through the Holy Spirit, writing His laws upon our hearts and minds; but we have to do our part, working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12,13). It is we who are to put to death the deeds of the body through the power that the Spirit offers us (Romans 8:13). It is we who have to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

It is in times of temptation that our wholeheartedness in desiring sanctification is truly tested. To be sanctified is to have the righteousness of the law fulfilled inside our hearts - and not just externally as under the old covenant (Romans 8:4). This was what Jesus emphasised in Matthew 5:17-48. The law's requirements were summed up by Jesus as loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

It is this law of love that God now seeks to write in our hearts, for that is His own nature (Hebrews 8:10; 2 Peter 1:4). The outward manifestation of this will be a life of victory over all conscious sin and of obedience to all of Jesus' commandments (John 14:15).

It is impossible to enter into this life without first fulfilling the conditions of discipleship that Jesus laid down (Luke 14:26-33). These are basically to give the Lord the first place above all our relatives and our Self-life and to be detached from all of one's material wealth and possessions.

This is the narrow gate that we have to go through first. Then comes the narrow way of sanctification. Those who do not pursue after sanctification will never see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Glorification

While it is possible to be perfect in our conscience here and now (Hebrews 7:19; 9:9,14), it is not possible to be sinlessly perfect until we have a glorified body at Jesus' return (1 John 3:2). We can be LIKE Him only then. But we must seek to WALK as He walked even now (1 John 2:6).As long as we have this corruptible body, unconscious sin will be found in it, however much we may be sanctified (1 John 1:8). But we can be perfect in our conscience (Acts 24:16) and be free from conscious sin (1 John 2:1a), even now, if we are wholehearted (1 Corinthians 4:4).Thus we wait for the second coming of Christ and for our glorification - the final part of our salvation, when we will become sinlessly perfect (Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:21).

---P.S—It’s true that we are forgiven by grace. I believe that only by grace than I can have this relationship with Him BUT when you only believe that you only need the grace, you are wrong. In James 2:14-17 (What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.)

Faith without deed is dead , so without working out your salvation you are as good as not being save for you have done no deed.

A Final Response: The Spirit's Sanctification Causes Continual Repentance

2009-06-11T11:46:00.026+08:00

Disclaimer: Personally I believe neither sides are going to change their minds. There are many before me who have tried to present the truth to the extreme or free grace camp but have failed. Therefore, I think an extended debate is unnecessary; they have been addressed before but rejected and it always leads to the same result. Nevertheless, I shall as a final response lay down what historical, biblical Christianity teaches.

1. The paradoxical truth about our salvation.

One would by now observe that the majority of arguments from the extreme grace camp are centred upon justification (bible verses quoted are often about justification even when it is clear that the issue is about our sanctification, the issue at stake). However, the Bible's description of salvation is not so narrow; it speaks of the salvation past (justification), salvation present (sanctification) and the future salvation (glorification).

In simpler words, there is a sense that we are already saved, there is a sense that we are continually being saved, and there is a sense that we are going to be saved; and there is no contradiction among these three, all are equally true. I have no time to explain all this in a small blog, but any respectable systematic theology book will explain these.

Therefore, teaching justification as the whole truth of salvation and leading Christians to believe only in the "salvation past" - i.e. my sins are forgiven and there is no need for repentance, is an error that denies our sinful present life, hinders our responsibility to grow toward holiness and even denying the work of the Holy Spirit. It is that dangerous.

The paradoxical truth of salvation is that we are both justified and sinners simultaneously. We, by Christ's work on the cross is instantly and eternally justified and made righteous at the moment of our faith; but with respect to our sanctification, at the moment of faith, we are mere babes in Christ, fleshly, unwise, unpurified, unchanged, unrenewed. What is required now is the continual work of the Spirit in our life; this is sanctification. We have perfect imputed righteousness, but we do not have perfect practical, actual righteousness, and that is why we struggle in our sins and need the Spirit's work in us. Can you differentiate between the two?

2. Sanctification is not merely about knowing we are righteous.

Bro Stanley has explained sanctification as

"the sanctifying work of the Spirit is to continue to convict believers of righteousness; the Holy Spirit reassures the believer that, despite failing now and then by committing sins, he is declared righteous because all his sins, past, present and future are forgiven, once and for all."

To summarize, to him, sanctification is the reassurance of our justified state. Here I will argue that it is not so simplistic. The work of the Holy Spirit is immensely more than that. The Holy Spirit does not simply stand aside and convince you that you are now safe; He is also coming in to do a total reconstruction, a complete transformation inside you, purifying you from your sins from now to the day you die, or when Christ come again. In justification we rest from all our works; in sanctification we strive by the power of God. There are many who worked when they should have rested in Christ; now, there are many who rested and slumbered when they should have worked by the power of God.

Have you perfect love for God? No. He will change you.
Have you perfect fear for Him? No. He will change you.
Have you perfect love for your brothers? No. He will change you.
Have you perfect control over your temptations? No. He will change you.
Have you total mastery over sin? No. He will change you.

In all these changes the believer does not stand idle. What is required of him is the devoted study of God's Word, prayers, confession of your sins and repentance, a geunine turning towards God again and again, each time you fall. Romans 7 describe this Paul, already a believer, already justified, already safe, already under no condemnation, already standing righteous before God but nonetheless struggling with his sins like the rest of us do (except the extreme grace camp!). I have yet to see a reasonable response to Romans 7 - it is the perfect case of the paradoxical truth that we are both justified and sinners simultaneously.

3. The Spirit's sanctification causes continual repentance.

It has been said by a wise man that the only time we do not need to repent, is when we have already arrived in heaven, totally perfect in our own righteousness. Are you at this state? Definitely not! Therefore, the Spirit must continue to cleanse us of our sins in His work of sanctifying us to be more holy and conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. One who has believed does not immediately attain this state, nor will he in this life!

Repentance is commanded by the whole counsel of the bible. The extreme grace camp's distinction of repentance only by the unbeliever is totally unfounded. Christians are still sinful creatures, justified but nonetheless still sinners. Again this is no place for extended
discussion; I will simply lay down these principles of repentance.

“Repentance is a grace of God's Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed” - Thomas Watson.

i. Repentance is for everyone.

From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised. Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. Acts 13:23-24.

ii. Repentance cannot be separated from geunine faith.

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." Acts 19:4.

iii. God's hatred of evil and our current sinful self demands repentance.

There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Prov 6:16-19.

iv. Sanctification demands repentance

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Rom 6:11-13.

v. Repentance is the evidence of God's sanctifying work in us.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your 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.

vi. Repentance is the evidence of our genuine faith.

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 1 Jn 3:6.

4. Final Clarifications

Firstly, I anticipate that some will have the knee-jerk reaction of accusing me of using repentance as "works to gain acceptance from God", which is something I never claim. Repentance if understood clearly, is not a dreadful thing to perform, but rather a joyous returning to God by His power, a powerful evidence that I am a genuine son of God! Sanctification is not a mere matter of acknowledgement or assurance; it produces visible evidences of a holy life.

Secondly, I already know how the extreme grace camp navigate around these verses to prove repentance is unnecessary. I disagree with their foundational interpretation which go against centuries of biblical wisdom but lament that without any common interpretation there is no way to agree, so all dialogue must stop.

Thirdly, I am no pluralist, so by logic and absolute truth one of us must be wrong and one of us must be living a life that is absolutely wrong to God. A wrong understanding of sanctification leads to a wrong life before God. May we repent.

Lastly, we can win arguments but lose our souls. So I pray for the Spirit's conviction of the truth to us, where at last men's words must fail.

Thoughts About the "Extreme Grace" Camp

2009-06-09T10:25:00.017+08:00

Everyone knows I am not a big fan of Rev Kong Hee (from City Harvest Church). Personally I am against some of his teachings, particularly the health and wealth gospel. However, in his article below I find that he has good grasp of the fundamental and historical gospel and has accurately identified the errors of the 'extreme grace' camp.

Questionable Teachings from the 'extreme grace' camp

I have a loved one from this extreme grace camp and it is often frustrating to talk to her. Here I shall describe my frustrations talking to her as well as others.

These are my own thoughts. They are based on my interaction with the camp especially lately Bro Stanley, a blogger (I have also read some books by Joseph Prince) and may not perfectly represent their beliefs.

1. The extreme grace camp teaches things that are unhistorical

The 'extreme grace' camp teaches that because of Christ's perfect redemption on the cross and sinners being completely justified by God (both true), there is now no need to continually repent or confess our sins (false). Repentance is a thing of the past; it is the duty of the unjustified sinner. Christians do not need to repent since we are already forgiven of all our sins. Once justified, we are perfect and no sin shall be accounted to us, therefore no need for repentance.

What is frustrating is this: Any accounts of people confessing their sins in the OT (eg. David's "Against you, you only have I sinned") is simplistically explained away as "they are not justified in the NT sense/ they belong to the old covenant, therefore they need to repent." Furthermore, any appearance of repentance of sins in the NT are simplistically reduced to "it happened before Christ actually died (eg. the Lord's prayer's "Forgive us our sins..."), or justifications that the text does not actually speak to believers (eg. 1 Jn 1:9 "If you confess your sins...")

Attempts are made to justify why being unhistorical is not such a bad thing. The frequent attempt is to simply talk about the Church's error in believing the earth is flat and that the earth is at the centre of the universe (geocentric model), only to be corrected by Copernicus' heliocentric model. See, they say, the Church in history has made these errors and thus cannot be counted upon. There is some truth in this statement, of course. Ultimately we believe Scripture to the the authority of our faith, yet at the same time anyone who chooses to undermine history is a fool. Because it is precisely from history that many false doctrines are rejected and the truth upheld from 2000 years of fierce debates and reformation. Is not much of your current belief thanks to the Council of Nicaea, Chalcedon, thanks to Athanasius, Luther, Calvin? Therefore though history is not authoritative, it is still useful nonetheless and one should not brush it aside. Treating history as useless and always using the cliched example of the Church's geocentrism error often open new ways of interpretations that are counter to what the bible teaches. Being historical may not always be right; but being unhistorical stands a higher chance of being wrong (read: Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Health and Wealth Gospel).

It is extremely frustrating that the 'extreme grace' camp finds absolutely no problem with interpreting texts on their own and not agreeing with most commentators/teachers.

2. The extreme grace camp incorrectly divides the Word of God

I have mentioned issues that I found to be terribly unhistorical and wrong (eg. no need to continually repent), yet face much trouble persuading people from that camp. Why? The fundamental problem, I believe, is that the 'extreme grace' camp has a poor grasp of what the Old Testament and OT laws function. They tend to focus much on grace so much so that the law of God become secondary.

For example, it is frustrating to hear Christians saying that the Holy Spirit does not convict believers of sin, since God is gracious and convicting us of sins make us fearful and not have a good relationship with him. What God wants is consciousness of himself and grace, not obeying the laws. I have replied the person that obedience is a fruit of our faith, and discipline and conviction from God should not produce dreaded fear in us, but rather thanksgiving, since the Father is disciplining his sons. Someone who finds God's kind awakening and the Spirit's conviction an obstacle to his faith should re-examine himself. Avoiding the Spirit's conviction, the Father's chastening and continual repentance are false and sinful forms of freedom.

But what, to me, is the greatest difficulty in dialoguing with them is their resolute but utterly simplistic division of the bible into "the old and new covenants". Sure there is such a division in the Book of Hebrews (but not so simplistic), but to them, it is as if the old covenant has almost zero relevance for us anymore.

David confessed his sins, but that's his job, he's in the old covenant, we are in the new. Jospeh suffered trials and God produced good out of evil, but he's in the old covenant, we in the new should expect blessings. The list goes on. It seems that many things that happened in the OT (or even slightly before Christ's atonement on the cross!) have no applications for Christians today.

3. The extreme grace camp fails to distinguish between justification and sanctification.

We have been pronounced righteous and not guilty and the perfect righteousness of Christ has been imputed to us, so that the man who has no sin has become sin in our place. Legally we stand before God blameless because of Christ's perfect work of the cross. This is justification; we are declared righteous, once for all, and all our sins, past, present and future are forgiven. Everyone knows this.

However, the extreme grace camp err in that they are confused between justification and the progressive sanctifying work of the Spirit in the believer's life. These are two different things! Read Romans 7 and we find a justified Paul continuing to struggle with sin in his life. Unlike what they claim, Paul has a consciousness of his sinful nature, his flesh and how it operates contrary to his Spirit life. He has subjective guilt of his transgressions. It is this sanctifying work of the Spirit that will continue to convict believers of sin, awaken them to their disobedience towards God, keep on renewing their minds and purifying them more and more from the pollution of sin in their lives. Believers press on defeating sin more and more as they are conformed in degrees in the image of Jesus Christ.

Many times they will answer, "But we are perfect! Our sins are all forgiven!" Yes, of course, no one should deny that, but understand you are speaking in terms of justification. The inability to distinguish between our legal perfection before God, and our continual struggle against sin and the sanctifying work of the Spirit which requires our obedience, repentance and confession of sins is a deadly mistake which might rob us of the desire and zealousness to press on toward holiness.

I wish one day they might awake to the bible's true teaching on continual repentance, God's chastening, suffering, God's sovereignty and goodness.

Wisdom For Our Lives

2009-06-08T18:26:00.002+08:00

I have often been frustrated with people because they lacked wisdom. More often though, I have been frustrated with my own lack of wisdom. I'm sure many of you can understand what I'm saying. Consider the examples below which demonstrate our own foolishness:

1. Our lack of wisdom prevents us from discerning the intentions of men

I meet people who are unwilling to listen to Scripture even though my intentions are for their good. In their narrow-mindedness they may think that in pointing out their mistakes I am trying to be morally superior/pharasaic. Whatever happened to "admonishing and teaching... so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" (Col 1:28)? Whatever happened to submitting under the authority of God's Word(Jas 1:23-24)? I also wonder how many times a person might be sincerely trying to correct me only for myself to think how unworthy for a sinful person like him or her to do so! He/she might just be fulfilling God's command for all my puny and foolish mind can know. I might have avoided the Word of God to my own peril.

2. Our lack of wisdom prevents us from correctly handling the word of truth

Titus 2 teaches to "encourage and rebuke with all authority." However, at times I have rebuked people who needed encouragement more than harsh (but nonetheless true) words. I might have spoken the truth, even in love, but the message received at the other end is totally opposite what I intended. The same truth should have been spoken with the same authority (that is, God's Word) but in the correct manner! Surely in these instances I have lacked the wisdom to properly use or correctly handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).

3. Our lack of wisdom makes us choose the way of the world and not of God

Whether it is trying to look good (physically or spiritually), or giving in to temptations and rejecting God's Word, or succumbing to the materialistic and physical pursuit of this world, or abandoning love for brothers, or being numb to the gracious provision of His Word, we in so many ways have become foolish. To me, the most pitiful thing about our condition is that a foolish person never knows that he is foolish. Otherwise he would have turned from his foolishness. Therefore, I am not surprised that it might take a long time and the Spirit's awakening to really turn a man from his foolish thoughts.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, rescue us from our foolish lives. Forgive our foolishness in the way we approach you and man. May your Spirit living in us give us wisdom and the ability to know and apply your truth. May we learn from Jesus who not only is wise, but is Himself wisdom from God (1 Cor 1:30), in whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge(Col 2:3). This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Some thoughts

2009-06-01T11:37:00.005+08:00

Some thoughts from yesterday (Sunday, 31 May):

1. For those who attended service, you might recall that the speaker in one of his teaching points used Arminianism and Calvinism as an example of doctrines that Christians argue over, which in his opinion may not be a major issue at all when it comes to our salvation in the end. He painted this mental image of an Arminian and a Calvinist who both meet in heaven (because both believe in Christ).

"How did you get here," says an astonished Calvinist.

"By exercising my free will," responds the Arminian. "And you?"

"Because I've been predestined!" declares the Calvinist.

(I have not reproduced the speaker's words verbatim due to my shock and also because I didn't write them down. However, I believe I've captured the essence of his point. Correct me if I am wrong, please)

Let me say that I wholeheartedly disagree. I believe the doctrines of Arminianism (which includes not only free will, but also conditional election, unlimited atonement to name a couple) seriously undermine the gospel of grace. Taking the speaker's point, if man has "free-will" to choose his salvation, what are we to make of God's grace which becomes "resistable" if man so wills it? On the other hand, if man has a part to play in his salvation, namely the "choosing," doesn't this mean that the work of salvation is partially, if not entirely dependent on man too?

You either try and get into heaven by your own means or "choosing," or you can trust solely in the finished work of Christ. It's one or the other. In fact, if you study the first doctrine of "Total Depravity" (or "Radical Depravity"), you'll soon realise that man is so utterly depraved that he can't even make this choice with his fallen will.

And what with phrases such as "partnering God" being used in our circles with very ambiguous meanings, I think it's time we study TULIP again (the last time we did so was about 6 years ago I think).

What do you all think?

2. James, Mia and Melissa had an interesting conversation in the cryroom before the lesson started. Can Christians read books that contain fantasy / supernatural elements such as magic, spells, vampires etc? Take for example the Harry Potter and Twilight series. Incidentally, I haven't read both so I can't comment on the content.

But let's extrapolate this beyond books. What about hack-and-slash films? R21 films? Twilight/Harry Potter films? How about music?

One core argument against the consumption of such media is the apparent "satanic," or "worldly" content they have. Fair enough, but doesn't this mean we all have to live ascetic lives to escape such influences, since they are so prevalent in our society? We probably have to renounce all our friendships with non-Christians and disown our non-believer family members as well, but I'm probably stretching this abit too far.

I don't want to type too much, as I am sometimes given to. Let's hear from you. What do you think?

Bad Name?!

2009-05-29T00:41:00.002+08:00

I noticed that non christians love to point out the fact that the existing churches are the ones that are the richest and stuff like this.

I wonder, why do they point out stuff like this when they just look at it in a superficial way?

I mean yes, thing is these are facts that there are churches like this, in fact a lot. But it is not like looking at the 1 and determine every churches are like this.

However, i think that to reach out to people, churches must be salt and light to these people and to the world, and this could only be done through the grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christians in the news

2009-05-28T15:29:00.003+08:00

I came across this in the online version of ST today:

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_382751.html

Christians and Christianity have been put in a rather negative light lately, what with the AWARE saga, homosexuality and the S377A penal code, and now this. What do you make of all these? How can we Christians engage the public meaningfully and constructively without having either sides taking up arms at the slightest provocation, intended or not? (By this I also include the way we maintain this blog, as it is in the public domain.) Do you think it is ever possible to have peaceful, level-headed discussions about one's religious beliefs in society? If we are to influence our culture positively, how can we go about doing it?

George Carlin Quote

2009-05-25T16:26:00.003+08:00

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't pass this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

~George Carlin

The ironic thing is, George Carlin is a staunch athiest comedian who consistently insisted that "There is no God" and that "Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself".

I was temporarily disoriented after reading this, because whilst the non-christian friend that showed this to me had felt enlightened, empowered and encouraged... my only reaction was "so what?".

Although inspiring, his words can at the most only evoke/arouse feelings (and i may stress that these are temporary) of happiness. It doesn't quite answer the questions that really matter (why do we exist so? and for what purpose? where is the meaning in everything we do, when it will all pass away?).

It's only when we see things from God's perspective that we can truly know peace, this peace that comes from knowing we were created by God to glorify Him. You see, it wouldn't matter if we rectified everything George Carlin pointed out above; if there were no God, if there was no predetermined purpose to all that exists, if everything we have came to be by chance, wouldn't everything be hopelessly meaningless?

So yup. This only reminded me yet again that everything we do, we do for the glory of God. It is something that I easily forget in the relentless bustling of mundane everyday life-- getting caught up in the competitiveness of academics, working hard towards my goal of becoming a doctor, indulging in YouTube and listening to radio in my free time-- so much so that I slip into living for myself instead of using time wisely to carry out God's purposes.

Pretty sure all of us have that terrible tendency. Pray that we'll diligently resist it.

Buddha?!

2009-05-21T00:53:00.002+08:00

Today i stumbled upon a site where buddhism had this retreat too. I think u guys also heard that they too have service and stuff.

They had the idea of what is fellowship and everything And they do talk about the affairs of the world. But one thing that come into my mind, what distinguish Christians and Buddhists since they also do teach about joy, happiness, suicides and greed?

I think the whole idea is, Christ and a no Christ religion that distinguishes us.

Imagine a faith (i would say) without Christ. Then having all these deeds is meaningless. Because we do it for what we want in the future because buddhists do believe in karma.
But a faith with Christ in it, whatever we do, it is for God alone, isn't that more meaningful?

Yeah just a thought in my mind altho this is quite a common topic :)

Angels and Demons

2009-05-20T22:04:00.002+08:00

In the midst of my busy schedule, I caught this movie.

So I would like to share a memorable quote from the movie:

'Religion is flawed only because Man is flawed.'

And that's the conclusive statement of the whole story basically, that we are sinners and we have fallen.

Teaching

2009-05-20T21:14:00.002+08:00

Teaching requires dedication and effort. I have come to learn that through just 3 days into my internship. Every class is showtime. And God's grace and strength sustains me through the day. At the end of the day however, I would have just enough energy to do a my QT and then drag myself to sleep.

My recent QT involved one on gifts and teaching is one of the gifts that I thank God for. Jesus is my teacher, friend and role model who will guide me and understand what I am going through during my teaching internship.

Death

2009-05-20T12:57:00.002+08:00

Death is so unpredictable.

Recently i heard of this guy who studied in RP and is in my school, SIT, he committed suicide due to the stress of FYP.

My heart sank, because it happened in my school and the reason was just FYP couldn't make it.
Who should be responsible for it? I wonder when i heard it from my friend, the advisor,the parents and the guy itself should be responsible for this.

I think when people often under stress, they would just think of the shortest way to solve their problems and that is not the point. It would drag other people down by doing all these things.

Here i pray that the parents would be comforted by God and hope that people around them would be sensitive to their needs.

PinkDot

2009-05-19T00:49:00.016+08:00

Days ago, several artistes and many people gathered for the PinkDot event, calling for freedom of the LGBT (Lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender) to love. Statements such as "love for all" are repeatedly emphasized.

Supernatural?

2009-05-18T16:39:00.003+08:00

Many days ago, i interacted with my friend on the bus.

It goes like this...

I tried to take a picture of her and she told me don't, not because she is shy or what, it is.. it began all in the bus when she told me.

She told me the reason why she doesn't want a picture taken, it is because of a funeral that is just opposite the bus stop. She said it's better be safe not to take. I don't know whether in my stand, i should just follow what she said so as to avoid quarrels or just go ahead since i am not superstitious. But i did what she said and so called respect her.

She later shared with me her experience with an encounter in the HDB flat that this person approached her and cannot see the person face clearly and then the person dissapeared.

At that point of time, i just said that it might be all an illusion, but i cannot deny the fact that it might exist. The only thing was in my mind is that God controls everything and has a reason for it. That is why i shared experiences i heard to her, of course, christian experiences.

However, it is kind of a big question mark for me, why when people do not really want to meet such things in life actually met it. I just hope that it is just an illusion.

The only story i could refer to is 1Samuel 28:14-20. in bible.

This shows that God would allow a spirit in front of us if we want to seek it that much.
And the explanation i gave my friend was, most probably that's a demon or satan's doing.

Please enlighten me, Many a times i am lost for words for this kind of topic and a great opportunity lost to share to my friend

Between Two Worlds

2009-05-18T01:36:00.002+08:00

For those who read blogs, I find Justin Taylor's (American pastor) blog "Between Two Worlds" a good read.

Occasionally cheem, but it gives many resources (sermons, videos etc) and talks about many topics (abortion, torture etc).

Conversation with a non-believer

2009-05-18T00:01:00.001+08:00

I have just met this guy today who made a couple of statements about Christianity, including that Christians should "respect others' faith", moral values are "relative", and that he simply doesn't like "my God".

Instead of jumping straight into a tirade against him and his arguments (as often I'm tempted to do so, but by the grace of God to remind myself that the manner of testimony should be gentle instruction), I think there is much to learn from a non-believer point of view. Often in Christians' zealousness to share the truth, we have forsaken humility and gentleness. One ought to learn from Apostle Paul, who, under the slander of the false teachers, restrained himself with great maturity to appeal with "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor 10:1). The first thing in conversations is to remind ourselves the need for self-examination. One is unlikely to give regard to a heavenly message when the prophet's life is so contradictory to that glorious reality. It helps if one prays for humility, especially one who has great intellect to win arguments.

Yet at the same time, the phrase "respect others' faiths" itself has become a common catchphrase for anyone who wishes to avoid religious or value discussions, or for anyone who rejects the notion of an absolute truth. A lady in VCF (Varsity Christian Fellowship) recently wrote on the challenge of an Arts student with a Christian faith struggling to reconcile the "absoluteness" of her faith with the relativistic way her studies are carried out. Simply put, there is no correct answer, and the "correct answer" is the argument that is most cleverly argued (nevermind that it may be wrong!).

So it is with the way the same guy told me that values are relative. In response to my statement that murder is wrong, he retorted that murder is only wrong sometimes, such as in war, where murder is justified. I don't see how that makes values relative, so my reply to him is that even under special circumstances, there is no way to escape an absolute way of viewing values. "Murder" (which in war shouldn't and isn't called as such) as an act of self-defence is not wrong, while there is still such a thing as war crimes in war! Otherwise the just war theory is simply gibberish, and Hitler can never be labeled "evil" by anyone.

I suspect that many atheists and non-religious people are borrowing from the Judeo-Christian tradition when they judge and make truth claims that there is no such thing as God, or ironically, no such thing as the truth! As a matter of fact they are "absolutists" to some extent, though they deny it. I began to imagine what it feels like to be a complete relativist, which of course I have never seen one, or at least a completely consistent one.

How does one live when there are no fixed values and all things are measured by man? By a sinful creature like me? Like you? I think all hell will break loose. I look at the social institutions in our world and thank God for His common grace in restraining evil. But let's not look at the temporal peace we enjoy and think how great we are.

For the Christian of course, truth is not an argument, nor is it an intellectual exercise. It is not even something to discover by ourselves until we "finally got it". Truth is a person, and that person is Christ, God manifest in flesh. He is the Ruler to measure right and wrong. He is the Ruler that our sinful wills and minds must submit to. To the Pontius Pilates who ask "what is truth?"(John 18:38), He replies, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Let's not pretend that we can live relativistically, without a Ruler to measure things, without any authority to submit to, without any consequences to face, without any purpose to live, without any meaning to believe. Such a life is unviable.