When I heard it, I cringed. "No! Not again! Please... Why?"
It was a nostalgic cry... I had a similar cry when word about Todd Bentley's case reached me.
Embarrassment. Foolishness. Disgust. Shame. The list goes on.
Why in the world would such a shame occur in the presence of God and his people, and among the top leadership at that? How can we thereafter have any credibility? How can His holy presence tolerate deception? Is His presence even with us?
But wait. There must be more to this. Before I let the emotions in, I've got to see what my Father is doing. That's right, He's doing something. He isn't surprised, and those to whom His heart is revealed don't have to be either.
Yes, the disappointment, anger, sadness, and all the other Godly responses to such a shame have their place, and rightly so. Still, we ought to turn to our Father and observe His works before cynicism catches up with us.
Here's what I've learnt about Todd's and Mike's incidents:
It's not about rallying. The number of lives you manage to impact is not a measure of your faithfulness, and neither is the number of followers you win a measure of spiritual success. Only 11 men carried the legacy of Jesus himself. John 6 couldn't be clearer. Jesus detested fans. He knew the crowd couldn't take the truth, and He gave it to them anyway, knowing that they'll leave. And we're called to follow Him.
That perhaps reminds us of the condition of the Church today.We're more focused on winning converts than making disciples. We're more concerned about whether our cell members turn up for cell than whether the same old beggar who lives down the street has had her dinner. We spend thousands of dollars on concerts, conferences and tours, and our poor neighbours remain poor.
And now, this.
I'm disappointed that it had to happen. It just shows the severity of the lack of the fear of the Lord in the Church. Had we revered God as the first Christians did, Mike and Todd would either have fallen dead right away like Ananias and Sapphira, or they wouldn't have been tempted astray if they themselves carried such godly fear in their hearts. Reverence for God - that is a true measure of one's spiritual understanding. God cannot be mocked. He will only come in His glory if His people are ready to submit to His kingship. Obviously, we still have a problem there.
However, I'm thankful that the deception finally came to light. Darkness is exposed, and justice is served. That's another glimpse of His Kingdom. Thank God He didn't allow Mike to lead us on. Alas! A God who says "Enough!"
While some mock us, and others cast doubt; while the faithful cry out, and those who are in it for selfish reasons dessert us; when the world accuses us and we can't help but agree - God is doing something. Let the world say what it wants to say, let the fans of Church leaders leave, let the media slice it's share of the pie... And let the children of God turn to their Father and see only what He is doing - that the Church be purged of it's iniquities and be refined by fire, and move one step closer to perfection.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My answer to a non-believer's question about marriage
okay. I'll attempt this, but it's only my opinion.
As a Christian, I believe marriage is a representative of a higher union - that between God and the Church.
Sex is an expression of love between a couple, and the setting that the Bible proposes within which the highest pleasure can be achieved is a Covenant.
A covenant is a promise, or a contract. And that is what marriage is. I do not know why this is so, but I trust this prescription, because that's what faith is about anyway - trust.
I trust that it is in God's character to give us the best, and not prevent us from having fun. Perhaps one reason he hates sex outside a marriage covenant is because it distorts the picture He wants us to see - the picture of One God and One Church, reflected in the union between one man and one woman.
And just as he would never leave us (the Church) or forsake us, so would a married couple never leave or forsake each other.
Just as he was committed to this love unto death (in the person of Jesus), so do couples vow "till death do us part".
Just as the union between God and man springs forth pleasure, so also the union of a couple (in sex).
Now, it is in this pleasure which flows out of the union between God and the Church that we doubt (myself included). The reason why people desire sex so much is because that is the highest pleasure available to man, so, the more the better! Yet, the Bible says that there is a higher pleasure, and that's in exploring God's character out of the obedience to his prescriptions.
Personally, I wouldn't say that I'm already there, but I've had a taste of it, and it's the thing that keeps me out of sexual sin! Say, when I'm tempted somewhere in the internet, there is a greater surge of desire that causes me not to go there, and that's when I think of my Christian brothers and sisters - times when I could be among them and enjoy the purest, most innocent, and most honest fellowship I've ever had. I know full well that when I engage in this sin, I would compromise on my purity, innocence and honesty, and thereby losing that spiritual bond the next time I'm among them. It will take me a while to recover.
Having these 2 desires to choose from, the immediate pleasure pales utterly in the light of the relational/spiritual one.
So, it's a higher pleasure vs lower pleasure thing, rather than pleasure vs religious rules, which many non believers, and even some believers, tend to believe.
So, if marriage then becomes a parameter rather than a desire, then my answer is - you're missing the point. I might even encourage you to go have all the sex you want, if you really believe that's what brings you the most pleasure and gives meaning to life. But I'll still offer an alternative - Jesus Christ. Wierd? Stupid? Irrelevant? Millions testify otherwise, if not by words then by actions, or even in death.
Peace.
As a Christian, I believe marriage is a representative of a higher union - that between God and the Church.
Sex is an expression of love between a couple, and the setting that the Bible proposes within which the highest pleasure can be achieved is a Covenant.
A covenant is a promise, or a contract. And that is what marriage is. I do not know why this is so, but I trust this prescription, because that's what faith is about anyway - trust.
I trust that it is in God's character to give us the best, and not prevent us from having fun. Perhaps one reason he hates sex outside a marriage covenant is because it distorts the picture He wants us to see - the picture of One God and One Church, reflected in the union between one man and one woman.
And just as he would never leave us (the Church) or forsake us, so would a married couple never leave or forsake each other.
Just as he was committed to this love unto death (in the person of Jesus), so do couples vow "till death do us part".
Just as the union between God and man springs forth pleasure, so also the union of a couple (in sex).
Now, it is in this pleasure which flows out of the union between God and the Church that we doubt (myself included). The reason why people desire sex so much is because that is the highest pleasure available to man, so, the more the better! Yet, the Bible says that there is a higher pleasure, and that's in exploring God's character out of the obedience to his prescriptions.
Personally, I wouldn't say that I'm already there, but I've had a taste of it, and it's the thing that keeps me out of sexual sin! Say, when I'm tempted somewhere in the internet, there is a greater surge of desire that causes me not to go there, and that's when I think of my Christian brothers and sisters - times when I could be among them and enjoy the purest, most innocent, and most honest fellowship I've ever had. I know full well that when I engage in this sin, I would compromise on my purity, innocence and honesty, and thereby losing that spiritual bond the next time I'm among them. It will take me a while to recover.
Having these 2 desires to choose from, the immediate pleasure pales utterly in the light of the relational/spiritual one.
So, it's a higher pleasure vs lower pleasure thing, rather than pleasure vs religious rules, which many non believers, and even some believers, tend to believe.
So, if marriage then becomes a parameter rather than a desire, then my answer is - you're missing the point. I might even encourage you to go have all the sex you want, if you really believe that's what brings you the most pleasure and gives meaning to life. But I'll still offer an alternative - Jesus Christ. Wierd? Stupid? Irrelevant? Millions testify otherwise, if not by words then by actions, or even in death.
Peace.
Monday, May 05, 2008
I am not ashamed
Looks like I'm going to be rejected again. People are getting their University letters. I've only gotten letters of rejection in past years. It'll probably come again in a week or two. The life that I dreamed of, the education I wanted, all my hopes and enthusiasm...
Dashed. I don't know if I should cry.
However, I am reminded of a declaration I once heard, so I looked it up again. I've found it to be a really great encouragement. It's titled "Fellowship Of The Unashamed".
Fellowship of the Unashamed
(The last words of an African martyr)
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The descision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear. "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
--Extreme Devotion, Voice of the Martyrs, page 150
Yes.
I don't need good education, good job, or a good pay....
Neither a girl whom I can marry, a family, a house, or a car...
I don't need intelligence, looks, good speech or any other talents, and I don't have to be recognised for them.
I once said all I needed was Jesus. I shall now mean it.
I shall boast nothing of myself - no gifts, no power, no wisdom. In Christ alone will I place my pride.
For "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
Dashed. I don't know if I should cry.
However, I am reminded of a declaration I once heard, so I looked it up again. I've found it to be a really great encouragement. It's titled "Fellowship Of The Unashamed".
Fellowship of the Unashamed
(The last words of an African martyr)
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The descision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I'm finished and done with low living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear. "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."
--Extreme Devotion, Voice of the Martyrs, page 150
Yes.
I don't need good education, good job, or a good pay....
Neither a girl whom I can marry, a family, a house, or a car...
I don't need intelligence, looks, good speech or any other talents, and I don't have to be recognised for them.
I once said all I needed was Jesus. I shall now mean it.
I shall boast nothing of myself - no gifts, no power, no wisdom. In Christ alone will I place my pride.
For "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Being a Spiritual Leader
I have been a JYC (Church Youth) leader since 18.
"Leader" was a word I tried to avoid using upon myself, in the name of "humility". I used to think calling myself a leader was a form of lifting myself higher than others. Hence, in the past, I'd describe myself as a "big brother" to some younger teens. Little did I realise that leadership had a totally different meaning than what I thought it had.
As I went through NS, I understood a little more about leadership - a leader was someone who had the ability to lead, and the character to gain his/her followers' trust. However, the best picture of a leader, I have come to realise, lies none other than in the person of Jesus Christ.
The attributes of His leadership have little for what any secular-minded person can boast about - humility, long-suffering, servanthood, loving one's enemies, compassion, forgiveness, turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, faithfulness, self-control... the list could go on. Nothing about power or abilities. Just plain attitudes. What's more, a mind-blowing 1/3 of today's world claim to follow him.
Not that everyone of them follows him totally. In fact I think many are just Christians in name only. My point is that these qualities (of Christ) are the ones that are worthy of leadership, as can be seen by the number of his followers (which is still quite considerable even after you cut off the not-so-faithful believers). These traits are not of loft or might, but of weakness. It's no wonder Paul said, "I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses." (2 Cor 12:5) Real leadership, I learnt, isn't about showing others how much I can, but how much I can't. (Not that Jesus couldn't, He could, but He chose to give that up and came down to our level.)
Today, I'm not hesitant to say that I'm a leader. I acknowledge the authority I carry, and by that authority I lead in my weakness. In that, I have come to realise that I need grace all the way. So since grace is found in every area of my life, it accomplishes God-sized things through me. No, I'm not perfect. In fact I'm a far cry from perfection. I am unworthy and undeserving. But that's the beauty of it - that God would use the lowly things to do marvelous things.
"He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
- 1 Cor 1:28-29
In the end, leadership is all about humility.
"Leader" was a word I tried to avoid using upon myself, in the name of "humility". I used to think calling myself a leader was a form of lifting myself higher than others. Hence, in the past, I'd describe myself as a "big brother" to some younger teens. Little did I realise that leadership had a totally different meaning than what I thought it had.
As I went through NS, I understood a little more about leadership - a leader was someone who had the ability to lead, and the character to gain his/her followers' trust. However, the best picture of a leader, I have come to realise, lies none other than in the person of Jesus Christ.
The attributes of His leadership have little for what any secular-minded person can boast about - humility, long-suffering, servanthood, loving one's enemies, compassion, forgiveness, turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, faithfulness, self-control... the list could go on. Nothing about power or abilities. Just plain attitudes. What's more, a mind-blowing 1/3 of today's world claim to follow him.
Not that everyone of them follows him totally. In fact I think many are just Christians in name only. My point is that these qualities (of Christ) are the ones that are worthy of leadership, as can be seen by the number of his followers (which is still quite considerable even after you cut off the not-so-faithful believers). These traits are not of loft or might, but of weakness. It's no wonder Paul said, "I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses." (2 Cor 12:5) Real leadership, I learnt, isn't about showing others how much I can, but how much I can't. (Not that Jesus couldn't, He could, but He chose to give that up and came down to our level.)
Today, I'm not hesitant to say that I'm a leader. I acknowledge the authority I carry, and by that authority I lead in my weakness. In that, I have come to realise that I need grace all the way. So since grace is found in every area of my life, it accomplishes God-sized things through me. No, I'm not perfect. In fact I'm a far cry from perfection. I am unworthy and undeserving. But that's the beauty of it - that God would use the lowly things to do marvelous things.
"He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
- 1 Cor 1:28-29
In the end, leadership is all about humility.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Art Of Courtship
It is kinda sad that Christians today play the dating game (i.e. short-term feeling-based relationship). In the name of experience, "love", and other reasons, people who claim to love God have become lovers of man. What many fail to realise is that God has meant Himself to be the centre of every relationship (romance, friendship etc). Every relationship is an opportunity for the Christian to display God's love.
A typical couple would naturally base their relationship on their fondness of each other. The substance of the bond is the feelings. These feelings are expressed through candle-lit dinners, enchanting star-gazings, sentimental strolls and other romantic things couples do. These backdrops are wonderful. Indeed, they're so wonderful beyond reality. And when reality finally hits, it seems that this typical couple are complete at a loss. They've been doing all the romantic things as if they are the only things couples do. Thing is, candle-lit dinners don't prepare one for quarrels, and star gazing doesn't help one respond to financial difficulties. Romantic experiences are not bad in themselves, but they are a recipe for disaster if relationships revolve around them.
I am in total disagreement of the dating game for Christians. Firstly, God ordained marriage, not dating. Dating isn't supposed to be an end in itself. Rather, it is supposed to facilitate a wholesome marriage. The dating game abuses this sacred purpose. Secondly, in summary of my previous paragraph, the dating game does not benefit anyone in terms of preparing for a future life partner. Thirdly, the dating game is selfish. To gain experience, to feel good, to learn more - these are but persuits for the self. It has no consideration for the other party. Fourthly, it does not honour one's future life partner. Though one may remain a virgin even after all these relationships, emotional exchanges have been made. A part of one's heart and history has been offered to another person who didn't end up to be the one. (There are many more that I can think of, but I'll leave it for now.)
Alternatively, the Bible paints a radically different definition of love, and love cannot be better expressed than in the person of Jesus Christ himself. The Christian must believe this. He's got his own flesh and blood as food in place of a candle-lit dinner; a road to suffering instead of a romantic stroll; a stunning and seemingly offensive message to preach rather than sweet lovey-dovey words to whisper. In the same way, Christians ought to practice love in the form of the example set by Christ. I am totally convinced that we all need to realise this.
I believe that in this day and age, Christians have to be more vigilant and radical than before, for these are evil times. It is not enough to simply save sex for marriage and be equally yoked. We have to be radically committed to being pure not just physically, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This world desperately needs some demonstration of real love, because salvation is at hand. We might still make it to heaven while we continue in our mediocre ways, but the salvation of others is at stake. Bible says that it is by our love that others will see that we are truely Christ's diciples. Through loving one another, others will be able to have a glimpse of God, and hopefully they will turn and believe.
While pain and suffering seem to be the last thing to be associated with the world's definition of love, they are the essence of God's kind of love. God's love begets sacrifice - there is a price to pay in order to express such love. In the context of a romantic relationship, truely loving someone means being responsible for one's part of the relationship; honouring one's partner; being committed emotionally, financially, and in all other practical ways; being ready to give up one's own way of life for the betterment of the relationship etc. At the very core, God's love is about being selfless. It is about desiring the highest good of the other party, and then being willing to pay the price for that good to happen.
Briefly, with more specific roles, men should imitate the boldness and humility of Christ. He was ready to defend his church with his life, and also humble enough to lay it down on his own accord. Similarly, men should be aggressive in defending the women and standing up for them, while also being ready to turn the other cheek when it comes to defending their own rights. Women, on the other hand, should desire to be the sustainer that God created Eve to be - one who encourages, supports, and has the capacity for her man's sorrows.
This should be the type of courtship Christian couples engage in. Imitating God's love in a relationship, making God the centre of it all - such is His art of courtship.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - Jn 15:13
A typical couple would naturally base their relationship on their fondness of each other. The substance of the bond is the feelings. These feelings are expressed through candle-lit dinners, enchanting star-gazings, sentimental strolls and other romantic things couples do. These backdrops are wonderful. Indeed, they're so wonderful beyond reality. And when reality finally hits, it seems that this typical couple are complete at a loss. They've been doing all the romantic things as if they are the only things couples do. Thing is, candle-lit dinners don't prepare one for quarrels, and star gazing doesn't help one respond to financial difficulties. Romantic experiences are not bad in themselves, but they are a recipe for disaster if relationships revolve around them.
I am in total disagreement of the dating game for Christians. Firstly, God ordained marriage, not dating. Dating isn't supposed to be an end in itself. Rather, it is supposed to facilitate a wholesome marriage. The dating game abuses this sacred purpose. Secondly, in summary of my previous paragraph, the dating game does not benefit anyone in terms of preparing for a future life partner. Thirdly, the dating game is selfish. To gain experience, to feel good, to learn more - these are but persuits for the self. It has no consideration for the other party. Fourthly, it does not honour one's future life partner. Though one may remain a virgin even after all these relationships, emotional exchanges have been made. A part of one's heart and history has been offered to another person who didn't end up to be the one. (There are many more that I can think of, but I'll leave it for now.)
Alternatively, the Bible paints a radically different definition of love, and love cannot be better expressed than in the person of Jesus Christ himself. The Christian must believe this. He's got his own flesh and blood as food in place of a candle-lit dinner; a road to suffering instead of a romantic stroll; a stunning and seemingly offensive message to preach rather than sweet lovey-dovey words to whisper. In the same way, Christians ought to practice love in the form of the example set by Christ. I am totally convinced that we all need to realise this.
I believe that in this day and age, Christians have to be more vigilant and radical than before, for these are evil times. It is not enough to simply save sex for marriage and be equally yoked. We have to be radically committed to being pure not just physically, but also emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This world desperately needs some demonstration of real love, because salvation is at hand. We might still make it to heaven while we continue in our mediocre ways, but the salvation of others is at stake. Bible says that it is by our love that others will see that we are truely Christ's diciples. Through loving one another, others will be able to have a glimpse of God, and hopefully they will turn and believe.
While pain and suffering seem to be the last thing to be associated with the world's definition of love, they are the essence of God's kind of love. God's love begets sacrifice - there is a price to pay in order to express such love. In the context of a romantic relationship, truely loving someone means being responsible for one's part of the relationship; honouring one's partner; being committed emotionally, financially, and in all other practical ways; being ready to give up one's own way of life for the betterment of the relationship etc. At the very core, God's love is about being selfless. It is about desiring the highest good of the other party, and then being willing to pay the price for that good to happen.
Briefly, with more specific roles, men should imitate the boldness and humility of Christ. He was ready to defend his church with his life, and also humble enough to lay it down on his own accord. Similarly, men should be aggressive in defending the women and standing up for them, while also being ready to turn the other cheek when it comes to defending their own rights. Women, on the other hand, should desire to be the sustainer that God created Eve to be - one who encourages, supports, and has the capacity for her man's sorrows.
This should be the type of courtship Christian couples engage in. Imitating God's love in a relationship, making God the centre of it all - such is His art of courtship.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - Jn 15:13
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