Pondering 2

Reality cannot disprove theology. Reality did not reflect theology because reality did not live according to theology. Therefore reality cannot disprove theology. So do not be stuck in reality. Think and reflect on theology. Think and reflect more on theology… and live according to theology to bring about theology into reality… God bless you.

Pondering 1

The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes – a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power. The greatest danger to the Christian church today is that pitching its message too low. (Dallas Willard – The Spirit of the Disciplines)

Japan Christians

http://dl2.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/mp4/BGI01_WS

And the tears rolled down…

It is slightly over a week since the mega quake of 9.0 magnitude rocked north eastern Japan with crushing tsunamis that swept everything in its path. In a blink of the eye, the entire costal region of north eastern Japan was levelled. Years and years of hard work that went into developing the region were erased in a matter of seconds. Thinking the worst was over and then came the news of possible nuclear reactors’ meltdown in the Fukushima plant. This is overwhelming even for a nation like Japan which is known to be highly prepared and disciplined when face with natural calamities.

Bobby was shocked by the news and was more shocked when the footages of the disasters were telecast on television. One could see how some were caught off guarded by the rushing tsunami, how others were running to high grounds to avoid the tsunami and testified the destructive power of those tsunami first hand. March 11 was when Bobby witnessed the terrifying news on television. Though shocked and dumb-folded by the videos of destruction on television, Bobby was still able to hold back any emotional breakdown.

The next morning on March 12, almost every channel that Bobby tuned into was reporting on the aftermath of the disaster. Then Bobby noticed tears started forming in the eyes and before anything could be done, the tears rolled down. Few moments later, tears streamed down! It wasn’t sadness and Bobby wasn’t known to be sentimental. In fact, Bobby had watched many news coverage on television reporting on major disasters all over the world and not once had Bobby experienced anything close to shedding tears.

After the emotional experience, Bobby became quiet, reflecting on this unusual occurrence and waited upon the Lord for revelations and understandings. Then in the early afternoon on that fateful day, a question suddenly struck Bobby’s mind. How many of those deceased in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan were Christians? Then the word, evangelism clouded Bobby’s thoughts.

How true it is that up to this day, many churches are still meddling in petite affairs and issues and somehow overlook the great commission. ‘Go then to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples‘ (Matthew 28:19). Indeed ‘the harvest is large but there are few workers to gather it in‘ (Matthew 9:37). Let us ‘pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest‘ (Matthew 9:38) and when the ‘owner of the harvest‘ asks ‘Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?‘ (Isaiah 6:8a) we ought to respond like Isaiah, ‘I will go! Send me!‘ (Isaiah 6:8b).

Let us then response to the call to share the gospel wherever and whenever opportunities present itself. Let us put behind all our differences and spur ahead to reach all that we can with the gospel, in our workplace, in our schools, within our circle of friends, relatives and even to complete strangers. A couple of weeks ago, a dear brother of Bobby recommended a book that touches on the livelihood of Christians in the secular world. Bobby was and still is greatly encouraged by the book. Bobby takes this opportunity to recommend this book to all. The title is Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Ajith Fernando, a timely book. God bless you.

Being grateful…

Today was the first Sunday celebration service in this new lunar year. Bobby would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very blessed year ahead. The scripture quoted this morning in church was from Luke 17: 11 – 19. It was about the healings of ten men suffered from leprosy with only one men came back to thank Jesus, the healer. Most church goers were no strangers to this scripture and needless to say, it was about being grateful or thankful.

While Bobby was going through the verses, Bobby noticed two very distinct recordings that had direct implications to believers like you and me on this subject of being grateful. When these suffering men called out, “Jesus! Master! Take pity on us!”, Jesus simply said, “Go and let the priests examine you.” (verse 14). These men with leprosy indeed were men of great faith. Jesus did not physically acted out any healings. Jesus simply instructed them to be examined by the priests.

Back in those days, only a priest could determine whether a leprosy sufferer was fully healed and to conduct a ritual of purification so as to enable the sufferer to be accepted back into the community and could go back to their family. The ten men were not healed when they were told to go and let the priests examined them. They could have doubted Jesus or at least could have asked Jesus to heal them first before they went to the priests to be examined. How could they let the priests examined them when they were still suffering from leprosy?

These ten men, whom were full of faith, got up and went. The second part of verse 14 stated that, “On the way they were made clean”. Wow, wasn’t this exceptional? Their obedience in acting out their faith by believing in Jesus brought forth healings to all of them. This was the first recording that had captured Bobby’s attention. All these ten leprosy suffering men had faith.

The second recording that caught Bobby’s attention was in verse 17 and 18. Jesus said, “There were ten men who were healed; where are the other nine? Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God?” These verses showed us that out of ten faithful men, only one was grateful and the grateful one was a foreigner, a Samaritan to be precise.

We all could be any one of the ten men, full of faith, called out to Jesus in our moment of distress and then experienced God’s deliverance. We were healed, we were blessed, we were delivered and we all enjoyed God’s faithfulness. We knew that with faith, when we called out to our Saviour, he will always be there. He promised us that he will not leave us nor forsake us and he will be back to take us to our heavenly home one day. We knew we could count on Jesus for anything and everything, every time!

Yet how grateful were we to our Lord and Saviour? How often did we thank Him for all the goodness we have had from Him? And how often have we noticed a foreigner being more thankful and grateful than us, the believers? Having faith and being faithful is one thing but as a believer, being redeemed by the blood of Christ, shouldn’t we be ever more thankful and grateful to our Lord and Saviour, not only for the salvation but also for the endless grace and goodness we continued to receive every single day of our life?

Indeed being grateful is one of the often forgotten virtue among believers. Let us then, together as a family of believers, exhibit gratefulness to our Lord and Saviour ever more and therefore may this new lunar year brings more joy and gratefulness to all believers as well as to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. God bless you.

Greed, Greedier, Greediest

Our bible is full of wisdom on how Christians should avoid greediness. Yet greed has been around and consistently creates havoc within Christian families. Churches sometimes also fail to live up to biblical expectation on monetary issues. There are churches who display the tithing amount of each of her members on their notice board and there are also churches who give different receptions based on the financial wealth of her members.

Naturally there will always be wolves in sheep’s skin roaming around trying to capitalise on this soft spot of greed among Christians. Christians are normally taught to be gentle as doves but seldom to be as cautious as snake. Therefore at times, when Christians are caught in doubtful circumstances, they might not be firm enough to run away like what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife was trying to seduce him as recorded in Genesis 39:12. When Jesus sent out the twelve newly appointed apostles, He told them this: “Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snake and as gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16)”.

Some weeks ago, Bobby witnessed first hand on how the scheme of a would-be con man works. Followings were summaries of the encounter.

• The only thing this person said about himself was that he is called Mr Lee, only surname, holding a UK citizenship and currently residing in US. He resisted giving out any contacts including his phone number or his address in KK.
• He consistently said he is representing an organisation in US where this organisation has tons of money to help the poor. However he seemed lost when asked in what ways or form will this organisation help the poor. However he repeatedly said that he can tithe the church with money from this organisation.
• Prior to this money thing, he introduced himself as a student coming to Sabah to research on his thesis for his master degree in US. However, he refused to say which university, what course, what thesis title, what area of his research or what is the name of his Professor. He requested us to help him get contacts for his thesis research but he was unable to let us know what he need, when he needs it. The conversation quickly turned to the US organisation with tons of money to give away through him.
• Suddenly out of nowhere, he disclosed that he had a company in Orchard Road, Singapore. We can check this company if we want to know more. He also said that the US Embassy (did not say which country) also has his details. We can refer to US Embassy if we want to know more about him.
• Suddenly from his bag, he took out an old cheap recipe book saying he was also researching on food and his family was in the restaurant business in US. When asked where this restaurant is, his refused to say.
• Out of the blue he said he wanted to open a restaurant in KK and asked if I am interested or if I can introduce anyone who might be interested. To have a bit more idea of his restaurant, he was asked again on what type of restaurant his family is running in US. He then said he has yet to start any restaurant in US but he has RM2 million in hands to start a half shop lot restaurant in KK. Is there anyone interested to invest with him, he repeatedly asked.
• When asked more about his concept of his intended restaurant (especially with RM2 million for half shop lot), he suggested we go to a nearby cyber cafe to browse some online recipe!
• After seeing this conversation going nowhere, we decided to end it. When we depart, he refused to shake hand. 

Personally Bobby does not know this person. He looks like a well dressed, average size Pilipino, wears spectacles and is about 5 feet 10 inches. He speaks good English but have a light slang when speaking Malay.He claimed that someone introduce Bobby to him and said that Bobby can be of help to assist him in his thesis. Yet for the entire conversation, the thesis discussion was less that 10% of the time spent. He said he was wondering among churches in KK to seek help. After Bobby’s encounter, the following day Bobby was told that this Mr Lee came to the church office again to talk to the pastoral staff and some well off church members. This time he said he has contacts in China and is interested in bringing in Chinese tealeaves and asked if anybody is willing to invest with him. He did not say anything about him being in Sabah to research on his thesis. Anyone interested to invest with this Mr Lee?

1 Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Hebrews 13:5 says that, ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”‘. These scriptures do not suggest that we stop working to improve ourselves financially. However if our love of money or greediness becomes the priority in our lives, we will definitely fall into countless temptations that will bring adverse effects on our wellbeing as well as the ones we love. ‘Well, religion (Christianity) does make a person very rich, if he is satisfied with what he has. (1 Timothy 6:6)’. This Mr Lee is still around and is actively speaking to numerous people. Beware and be warned. God bless you.

I Want My…

Bobby was at Toyota showroom this morning to service the car. While waiting for the car to be serviced, Bobby took a casual round around the showroom floor and noticed that a brand new model was on displayed. It was the Prius, a hybrid car and was also a car that Bobby fancied some years back. Immediately a thought raced through Bobby’s head suggesting that it might be time to get a new car and Prius obviously, was the prime choice.

Then a verse cropped up within Bobby. ‘For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil (1Timothy 6:10a)’. Thereafter, an intense justification began to surface within Bobby. It went like this. “Hey, the love of money is greed-lah. I am not greedy. I am okay with money. I pay my income tax on time and tithes monthly. I only want to have the Prius,…er… no… no… I am thinking of having the Prius only. You know, the Prius is a hybrid. It is technologically advance and it saves on fuel. It is economical to use.
And environmentally friendly…
And the look is cool…
And it is quite luxurious…
And I think it is within my financial means to own it…
And I think I need a new car…
And I think I should buy it…
And I think I must buy it…
And yes, I WANT my Prius!”

While thinking it was justified to buy the Prius, a second verse cropped up. It was Philippians 4:12. ‘I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I AM CONTENT, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little‘. This verse indeed was the wake-up call. The car that Bobby sent for service was an above average 4WD. It was what Bobby needed for all a car should be but because of the Prius, Bobby got carried away.

It was indeed a timely awakening. Our Father in Heaven will always look after all our needs as stated in Matthew 6: 24-34. However Christians need to be careful with their wants. Wants are actually greed in disguise. Christians ought to be tactful so as not to fall into the trap of self-justification on one’s want. To satisfy our wants, we will need to justify our greed. When we start justifying our greed, we will need loads of money to satisfy our wants. It is an unending cycle. It will come a time when greed will overwhelm us that we will start to compromise in our effort to make more money. Evil thoughts and actions will follow. It is not sinful to be wealthy but if one compromises on righteousness to gain monetary returns, then it is evil.

As for the Prius, Bobby gave it a few more glances, appreciating its design and marvels at the sophistication of its technology. Then with a smile Bobby turned around and walked back to the waiting lounge. Oh that Prius – a good car but not now. God bless you.

No Right or Wrong?

Some weeks ago, the church that Bobby attended celebrated their Youth Sunday. During the course of celebration, a youth leader went on stage and showed three short videos. The first was on whether a devoted sister should marry a non-believer. The second was whether an aging and constantly nagging mother should be sent to the old folks’ home. The third and last video was on whether a recently graduated and devoted sister should opt to work in a night club as compared to the clerical post as her family was in a tight spot financially. To Bobby’s amazement, the youth leader repeatedly stressed that any decision was okay as there wasn’t any right or wrong answers to any of the three scenarios as shown through the video.

To be frank, Bobby was very disappointed and highly frustrated. In fact there was even anger bubbling within that Bobby needed time to cool off before putting up this thought for sharing. There was a sense of great urgency within the church when thirty odd youth agreeing that the devoted sister in the first video should opt to marry a non-believer as husband. To top it off, the youth leader on stage repeatedly stressed that there was no right or wrong answers or decisions! Even if the choice taken that obviously went against the scriptures, there still wasn’t any right or wrong answers!!!

What has happen to our churches? What made our church leaders compromise? What and where is wrong with our religious establishments? What are the roles of our churches today? The simple fact is that though it is politically correct to say that church should not force its wills on its congregations but nevertheless, shouldn’t churches teach the correct and complete truth to their congregations? As leaders of the church, shouldn’t they live a rightful life as testimony to the God that they proclaim?

Looking back to this, Bobby felt heavy that Christians, including Bobby, should live a life worthy of the Call of God. We should be tactful in our way of life, in speech and in action, that we do not cause any of our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those would-be believers to fall and miss the Gospel. As for the thirty odd youth that do not take matrimony issues seriously or truthfully, the Youth Ministry should repent and start teaching the correct and complete truth to the flock entrusted to them. The grace of God is not about right or wrong but before any of the believer can made any informed decisions, one has to be taught on what is right and what is wrong least no blinds lead blinds and all fall into the pit. God bless you.

Repenting the Good That You Have Done…

Bobby is utterly concern with a recent teaching in the church involving young adults. The teaching stresses that Christians not only should repent on the bad, immoral, sinful behaviours but should also repent on the good that they have done. It is now evidently clear that this teaching is slowly taking roots in the church especially among young adults. This group of church goers started repenting publicly on the bad and good things that they had done. This misconception seriously brings forth scriptural inconsistency.

This misguided teaching is somewhat similar to some of the previous misconceptions. There are three of these that Bobby would like to share here. First is about the rich. As stated in Luke 18:24, 25, Jesus said that it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. In other words, it is virtually impossible for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. So naturally, the misconception here stresses that being poor is next to holiness. The second misconception is about tithing. The often quoted scripture for teaching of tithes is taken from Malachi 3:10. Bring the full amount of your tithes to the temple, … I (God) will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things. Needless to say, some churches capitalise on this scripture and treat it like a ‘sure strike’ lottery ticket confusing church goers.

The third misconception is quoted from a scripture in John 5:39, 40. You study the scriptures because you think that in them you will find eternal life. And these very scriptures speak about Me! Yet you are not willing to come to me in order to have life. Another scripture that bears some similarity on this is from Ecclesiastes 12:12. My son, … watch out. There is no end to the writing of books and too much study will wear you out. The teaching that base on these scriptures often teaches the church goers to act, to serve, to be in action and avoid idling by reading scriptures.

All these misguided teachings as stated above only touches on the superficial part of the scriptures, often taken out of context. In actual sense of the words, these scriptures touch on one universal truth and that is the heart, the motive behind. As the psalmist reminded us, guard our heart. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He often rebuked Pharisees because of their motives. Their heart is not right. The Pharisees often acted superficially like praying long prayers in public as a show of holiness, taking the reserved seats in synagogue to feel important, wearing long robes just to be greeted respectfully in the marketplace, observing all religious rules to make one look righteous in the eyes of God and many others.

So what should be the teaching on repentance? It is not repenting about doing the good deeds. It is about the motives behind doing these good deeds. If the motive is not right, one should repent. My brothers, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others (James 3:1). Should one inspire to teach, one must equip oneself seriously and correctly. With this age of advance technology and easily obtainable reading materials, one can be easily fooled into feeling adequate and knowledgeable to teach. Beware and be warned. God bless you.

Whoever is NOT Against Us is FOR Us

Unity is the true essence of Christianity. When Jesus died on the cross at Calvary some two thousand years ago, he died for humanity. When Jesus rose three days later, He completes the redemption of humankind. All are saved and that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life (John 3:16). If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from death, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

When that redemption was completed and the way to receiving it was made known, the disciples started witnessing in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) with the help and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The era of evangelism and missionary started.

Up to this day, there are still countless missionaries witnessing for Christ by making known the redemption through sharing the Gospel at all corners of the earth. Churches were planted. People of all races, cultures and social standings congregate together to proclaim the salvation and to celebrate the Saviour.

As people from all walks of life congregate, denominations were established to uphold unique identity of deferring groups but all are witnessing the same God in unity. Different cultural background, social norms, traditions and academic achievements somehow created different ways and methods of proclaiming the salvation and celebrating the Saviour.

Unity is then set in motion. With all the deferring denominations and churches proclaiming the same Gospel, it is a testimony that Christianity is indeed universal and that salvation is for all. Though the approach and application defer, all are worshipping the same God, exist to witness the same universal theme as stated in John 3:16.

In Mark 10:38-40, Jesus taught us to appreciate unity. True enough, the Pentecostal worshipping sessions sometimes feel more like a rock concert, the evangelicals worship in such lifeless way, the Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) insist that Sabbath must be on Saturday, the Baptists’ only acceptable method of baptism is through immersion, etc…, all are essentially worshipping the same God, proclaiming the same message and celebrating the same Saviour.

Indeed whoever is not against us is for us (Mark 10:40). Unity therefore is a rich heritage of Christianity. No Christian should despise another Christian because he or she worships differently or is from different denomination.

Let Christians the world over uphold unity and reject uniformity. As long as the truth within the scripture is uphold in its entirety, we are all Christians, proclaiming the same Gospel, worshipping the same God and celebrating the same Saviour. Hallelujah. God bless you.