It's been a long time....

But I just had to write this down.

[begin rant] When I hear people complaining about how restrictive being a Christian is, I have to resist the temptation to tell them, "if you wanna sin, then go out there and sin with all your might and stop playing church."

[end rant]

How I Feel Right Now

About CG.

"The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" And I answered, "O Lord GOD, you know.""

- Ezekiel 37: 1-3

Lord I do not know what the future holds; and I know that if You do not do the work, all the labour will be for naught. I believe; help me overcome my unbelief...

B2S1

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

- 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I thank my God for all of you and all that He has blessed me through every single one of you. Really wished I could have continued on with you all through O levels, JC and even Uni.

But make my joy complete by holding on to Christ and His Gospel. And He will indeed carry you through to glory.

The One Steadying Constant

Amongst the rapidly changing fads and fashions of a church chasing after that magical "silver bullet" to all their problems.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

- Hebrews 13:8

1 Cor. 15:58

Saw this verse reference at the end of a HeartCry missionary report and it is just so beautiful.

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Youth Camp '10

Just have too many thoughts about so many things that I fear I may lose some of them due to my increasingly failing memory.

1) This is one camp where I felt such a lack of grace to minister to others. Whether it be out of fear or weakness, I simply felt without strength when asked to pray for others. However, a couple of dear brothers did pray for me which was refreshing. A sister sort of "confirmed" it today when she mentioned how she often the leaders are called to pray for others, but who then prays for the leaders? Are we not men (and women) of like passions and of the same weak flesh?

2) This was a camp that defied my expectations and chastened me for my cynicism. While there are areas which are "questionable", God truly works in ways we do not see nor understand at times. Who would have thought that children of 14, 15 years could stand up and testify that God does not show Himself or work merely through "tears" and overt displays of emotions, but His Spirit works in a way that leaves a heart in no doubt of His Presence. While much work remains to be done, and the fruits of this camp still awaiting to be brought forth, one is left with much more optimism than before.

3) I had my doubts over what direction the camp would take after hearing about some stuff that happened prior to the camp, perhaps due to some "bad" experiences from before. However, this was a camp where much was made of Christ and His Cross. The exhortations and messages were simple, clear and direct (something that I truly hope to be able to do).

4) However, there was some disappointing behaviour that I observed in the service right after breaking camp. It left my heart somewhat grieved that people would still show such partiality even when they have just received grace from the One who judges all impartially. May the Lord forgive them in their immaturity.

5) There is gonna be some change in my ministry in church that has left me truly in a very emotionally hard position. While the arguments on paper might seem sound and good, one finds it incredibly harder in reality. But the Lord will take care of them, for no man is indispensable. The sermon today really spoke a lot about the situation, but Lord, it is not easy to just let go for they have become very dear to me. But because You say so, I will go wherever you have ordained for me. Let me not be found complaining, but always in everything trusting in Your Plan and the grace that You provide without measure.

To You alone belongs the glory, honour and power. Forever and ever.

It's not that I am cynical

But it is just that I've seen so many emotional outbursts and experiences over the years with no permanent fruit to show for it.

On a much better note, a worthwhile download from the Gospel Coalition here.

Something Must Be Wrong

When you hear and see people having much more passionate discussions and conversations on football and fashion instead of on Christ and His Kingdom....

Form Without Power

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

- 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

Who can deny the inspiration of the Apostle Paul as he wrote these words as he was moved by the Holy Spirit so many years ago. Paul's words above are an ever increasing indictment against much of what passes for religion today. In order to assuage his conscience, Man is willing to take up all the trappings of religion especially in its display. Pageantry and aesthetics appeal to his senses and gives him much supposed assurance of his spiritual state. Oh but how much he despises the secret and hard things of Christianity.

I have seen a much greater emphasis on prayer, bible reading and daily communion with God in recent months and while it is good, I fear lest we fall into formalism and doing things "just because we have to". Every man born again of the Holy Spirit is a new creature, with a new heart of flesh that is sensitive and desirous of the things of God. One does not need to force a sheep to act like a sheep because it does so naturally. But the carnal and unsaved man does not truly desire the things from above. He may agree begrudgingly to do them, and indeed persist for a time, but he will soon find no appetite for them. For it is not in his nature to desire these things.

Oh how we need all the more urgently today to ensure those around us, who profess faith in Christ, are well and truly born again. How much more do we need to examine our own hearts to see if we are merely dabbling in the formalities of religion without knowing any of its true power to save, especially in these times of increasing religious fervour. We can try to dress up a goat as a sheep with all the duties of a Christian, but at the Judgement Seat all appearances will be removed and how great will be the anguish and regret on that Day.

Oh Lord let it not be so with me.

Moratorium

Definitely feel like declaring a self-moratorium on giving BS.

The mind just keeps going blank too many times....

The Casualness of Relationships

There is something that is increasingly disturbing to me even as I go through this current phase in life. You look at the culture of a place and sometimes you wonder, 'Can it be changed? Why do we put up with it in resignation and acceptance despite knowing that it is so deplorable and saddening? Have we been so influenced by the godless culture of this society that we simply lose the will to resist and accept it as an "unavoidable fact of life"?'

It was a most uncomfortable conversation in my spirit as we sat there talking. How can it be that such an important matter could be discussed so nonchalantly? Do we not consider it a serious thing? Should not our spirit recoil at the thought of it?

"They will have to go through it and experience it for themselves; you can't control a person's biology; They have the right to choose for themselves." Such are the commonest responses when one dares to broach the topic of Boy-Girl relationships (BGR) today, and more specifically, the educating, warning and restraining of such relationships among young people today."Live and learn" is the mantra for this issue of immense importance. But I remember Paul Washer roughly saying this once, "The Devil tells you to live and learn, the Bible tells you to learn and live." Is there not warrant and place for our young people to be warned and prepared for such an important issue?

It is really saddening to hear the number of "partners" people have gone through in their lives (and this even before the age of 30!). People hop from one partner to another with seemingly little regard for the damage it does to themselves and to others. Relationships exist for the "here-and-now" and little or no thought is given to oneself or the other's preparedness and maturity for such a relationship. Is it no wonder then that we see such BGRs breaking and forming at such an incredible rate? (And this even in church!)

Perhaps this is one of the reason that the Lord took me out for those ten to eleven years, lest in my weakness I should face such temptation and heart-break. Even today I can feel how prone I am in my flesh to fall into such temptations.

Some might say to me, "But you have never ever gotten into a BGR. You do not know what it is like and hence, are not qualified to talk and advise on such matters." That may be true, but I have never taken drugs before as well. Does that then disqualify me from warning people about it? (This is not to say that BGRs are in essence bad, but rather the casual approach to it.)

Have I been in such error? As I look back over this one year plus, I realize how often in my desperation and unbelief I myself have been committing the very same errors. How little thought have I given to God and His promptings. How little I have trusted in His faithfulness and providence (all the more unforgivable considering all the things He has brought me through in life). How seldom have I considered my own lack of maturity and preparedness to take up such a heavy responsibility. How rarely have I been found on my knees in prayer and supplication for a prudent wife, that the Lord alone provides? (cf. Prov 19:14)

Oh Learn and Live!

My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.

- Proverbs 2: 1-8

On Self-Esteem

Much has been made about inculcating a sense of self-esteem or self-confidence in modern society that it is no surprise that such thinking has infiltrated into much of the church today. " We mustn't hurt their self-esteem" and " We must help them gain confidence in themselves" are common refrains in many churches and one wonders how biblical that truly is.

I am increasingly convinced such thinking only serves to do incredible damage to the spiritual walks of many believers, for it is only the man who has lost all confidence in himself who is able to come humbly before the Throne of Mercy to beg for grace. It is only when a man can say with all conviction that "I know that in my flesh no good thing dwells" (cf. Rom. 7:18) is he then able to say "salvation belongs to the Lord" (Jonah 2:9).

Is it not little wonder then that "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise [and] what is weak in the world to shame the strong" (1 Cor. 1:27) so that the one who boasts, boast[s] in the Lord." (1 Cor. 1:31 )He who has had all his self-confidence and esteem crushed is far more ably suited for use in the Lord's hands rather than the one who remains reliant on his own strength because he realizes all the more his utter weakness apart from God.

Oh let us not seek to raise the self-esteem and confidence of those under our charge, but rather to utterly obliterate it so that they may turn to Christ with all their hearts and cling desperately unto Him who is our Source and Life.

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)

Quick Thought on Youth Min

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish."

- Psalms 146: 3-4

As I was meditating in the office today (sort of), I thought back to this Psalm which I read today. How much of what we do in Youth Ministry, or any ministry for that matter, is all about looking for the latest fad or "messianic" youth leader to come and raise us up from our doldrums. Where or whom do we ultimately place our trust in with regards to the salvation of the souls of the youths in our youth mins.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever

- Psalms 146: 5-6

While we come up with activities and programmes to attract and engage youths, let us beware of putting our faith in fads and trends that come today and are gone tomorrow. And while we thank God for leaders who have been blessed with charisma, let us be watchful lest they draw youths unto themselves rather than point them towards Christ.

The Lord is faithful and He has promised to build His Church. "Remember Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:8)

An Encouragement

Saw something in church on Sunday that was so encouraging. Nothing really fancy, but it is amazing how God plants so many little blessings in life.

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." - Psalm 94:19

Post-Cambodia

It's been a couple of days since I've returned from Cambodia and have finally found some time to write some thoughts down.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,"therefore I will hope in him."

- Lamentations 3: 22-23

It was in many ways better than expected. There were no real big disruptions or problems there and the Lord blessed us mightily with really excellent weather. How often do we despise such little mercies instead of praising God for them. While there may be some issues with the church, it is incredibly encouraging to see the progress of some of the leaders and villagers since I was last there.

Will our efforts have any eternal significance? Whatever is to come, one can be sure that Christ will build His Church.

Pre-Cambodia

Feeling really unprepared and adequate.

Really my own fault for getting so distracted.

May the Lord be gracious.

Quotes

It is now common practice in most evangelical churches to offer the people, especially the young people, a maximum of entertainment and a minimum of serious instruction. It is scarely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God’s professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of striped candy in the form of religious movies, games and refreshments.

So we have the strange anomaly of orthodoxy in creed and heterodoxy in practice. The striped-candy technique has been so fully integrated into our present religious thinking that it is simply taken for granted. Its victims never dream that it is not a part of the teachings of Christ and His apostles.

Any objection to the carryings on of our present gold-calf Christianity is met with the triumphant reply, “But we are winning them!” And winning them to what? To true discipleship? To cross-carrying? To self-denial? To separation from the world? To crucifixion of the flesh? To holy living? To nobility of character? To a despising of the world’s treasures? To hard self-discipline? To love for God? To total committal to Christ? Of course the answer to all these questions is no. (Man: The Dwelling Place of God, p. 136)

- A. W. Tozer

HT: CAMPONTHIS

As a Reminder

From the Gospel Coalition Blog

By Iain Murray

In a number of circles today 'expository preaching' is in vogue, and it is being urged on preachers as the way to preach. If this means that the preacher's one business is to confine himself to the text of Scripture, and to make the sense plain to others, there is nothing more to discuss; who can disagree save those who do not know that the Bible is the word of God. But 'expository preaching' has often come to mean something more. The phrase is popularly used to describe preaching which consecutively takes a congregation through a passage, or book of Scripture, week by week. This procedure is compared with the method of preaching on individual texts that may have no direct connection with each other from one Sunday to the next. The latter is discouraged in favour of the 'expository' method.

Why has this view of 'expository preaching' become comparatively popular? There are several reasons. First, it is believed that the practice will raise the standard of preaching. By a consecutive treatment of a book of Scripture, it is said, the preacher is taken away from any hobby-horses, and congregations are more likely to be given a broader, more intelligent, grasp of all Scripture. The preacher is also delivered from a constant search for texts - he and the people know what is before them. These reasons are perhaps confirmed for younger preachers by the fact that at our main conventions and conferences the well-known speakers commonly deal with one passage in a few addresses, and when these find their way into print they are taken as models of the best way of preaching. Published sermons of any other kind are few and far between for publishers definitely favour the 'expository' on the grounds of their popularity.

In our view, however, it is time that the disadvantages of this view of preaching are at least considered:

- continue reading here

Thinking of Church

And I had thought that serving in church would have been a lot easier compared to BB.....

Brothers, pray for us.

- 1 Thess 5:25

It is just so hard at times. The pitfalls in Christian ministry seem so numerous and in every avenue the evil one prowls, seeking whom he may devour. (cf. 1 Pet 5:8)

Was reading a very convicting blog post (found in five parts here) Who then is sufficient for ministry? (cf. 2 Cor. 2:16) Out of own strength we can do nothing. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)

It is hard, so so hard. Eyes that see without comprehending. Ears that hear without understanding. What hope is there for this generation? Is it in stories and songs and entertainment? Is it in drama and plays and general merriment? Where is the sober reality of God and His Judgement? Where is the realization that all that we can now see will one day be pushed out and burned in the fire?

To look at their faces every Sunday and know that there will be some who will spend an eternity in a Christ-less Hell just as surely as there will be some who will be with You in a Christ-filled paradise. Who then is sufficient for these things? The heart and the flesh fails before such realities. Lord, is my heart so hardened that it cannot feel? Has it been so deadened by my lusts that it cannot weep anymore?

Where is my anguish over sin O Lord. The despising of my iniquities and lusts. Are they not dishonouring to You? Was it not because of them that Your Son went to that wretched tree? Surely Man is like a brute beast, unable to comprehend even the slightest glory in You apart from the Holy Spirit's power.

Lord will you not come by and into us once again? Save us from our frivolities. Save us from our dead traditions. Do not take your candlestick away from us. Grant us repentance that we may turn back to You and pour scorn upon our earthly ambitions. Lord, keep us faithful to your Gospel always.

Let us not despise the disciplining of the Lord, for He disciplines those whom He loves. Let us cast aside all earthly philosophies and methods and cling to the Rock of the Word of God. For you O Lord are mighty to save, and by Your Hand you will redeem for Yourself a people for Your Holy Name's sake.

Lord have mercy on my weakness. In all the problems and trials, show Yourself strong and able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)

For Your Glory alone. May the Lamb receive the the reward of His suffering.

What is the mind set on

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

- Colossians 3:1-3

It has often been said to Christians not to be "too heavenly minded such that they are of no earthly good". But how true is that statement? Can a man who is truely heavenly minded ever be of no good in this world? Is this statement true of our own Lord and Saviour, the Perfect Man?

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven: "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."

- John 12: 27-28

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

- John 4:34

And this was the same heavenly minded Saviour who "[w]hen he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

Too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good? Surely there was no man more heavenly minded than Christ and yet He brought the greatest earthly good to Man, peace with God. Looking around today, surely the converse is more true. Many are too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good.

It is extremely discouraging that many in churches today, and many of the leadership in such churches, should look upon heavenly-mindedness as a trait to be restrained rather than as an attribute that should be inculcated and grown in all her members to the largest possible degree. To have high and beautiful thoughts of the God who ransomed them and who demands/deserves the highest praises of His Creation.

Now of course there is a need to communicate truth in a way that is understandable to each and every generation, but the mind is always "set on things above and not on things below." For what else could satisfy, motivate and sustain a man for the calling he has received?