My Thoughts, My World-View

    Author: Author

    • Silence is Golden

      There are times when silence is golden, and the past few years have been something like that. Were there significant insights gained during these past few years? Absolutely. But the busyness of work and family life has taken away the joy of putting those thoughts into written text. Hence the online silence of this blog.

      Spiritually, there has been a lot of insight gleaned personally and corporately, as a family. The chief of which is that God is gracious to His children and allows them to go through life on earth as a type of trial that all true believers must go through. The “wilderness” living is real – one that most entrenched in a particular religious system tend to miss out. It is very dangerous to be perpetually living in an echo chamber with those who espouse the same religious belief system – why? It puts you into a comfort zone of your own making, and fixes your system (interpretation, convictions) as absolute. Thus, one can live within their own bubble, unaware of how to interact with others. The end result is always dominion of man-made rules and laws that chains one to intolerance, pride and selfishness; using God’s Word as a cudgel and a control mechanism to flex a person’s own views. Certainly there is a difference between core fundamental values that cannot be compromised – but these are not about the core belief system – but an overarching system that brings one into a system no different than the Pharisees of the Lord Jesus’ time.

      On the subject of the “world” and “work” – the pandemic and the post-pandemic landscape has challenged the rules and regulations of many man-made belief systems. We see it with the whole Work From Home movement, there was an unconditional acceptance of the ability for most office-work to be done from home, some with even greater productivity. But with it also came the inevitable backlash of it when the world is forced to go back to what it was, pre-pandemic. The biggest perceived challenge as the world is waking up from the crushing pandemic blow: economic recession and downturn globally. Retrenchment is not uncommon at the moment – it is affecting nearly all industry; very few are resilient against this. Coupled with a worldwide inflation, we have a recipe of uneasiness that is affecting the bottom and middle class around the world.

      Something I have observed recently is the ever increasing “harshness” and “emotive” responses in people. This is likely due to the restraint that had to be shown during a prolonged period of isolation, but it is disturbing – particularly on the road – people seem to be rushing and not caring about people around them. Thus, in the virtual world this observation holds. Social media and the World Wide Web is a huge pot of negativity – people are constantly portraying two extremes – “fake goodness” or “unrestrained anger”. Logic does not matter – diplomacy is no longer valued – rationale is seen as irrational: the key thing is – do you join them in what they are espousing. This is disturbing because in the span of a few years – we WILL see a real clash of worldviews, whether it is political, religious, environmental, cultural, etc. With the way things are going – it will most certainly end in violence – physical violence.

      In the midst of all these things – it is so easy to give in to dissent, and join the mass of voices “fighting” for their own beliefs. Which is why it is better to just be silent. Noise will always be there, but it is our own decision whether to add to the noise, or to just move away from it. This blog has always been focused on dispensing thoughts that would help my own two sons, when they come of age, and value the ramblings of their “old man” – to have something to think about (not necessarily agree on).

      Am I back at blogging? Perhaps.

    • 2021 Came and…

      It came like a hurricane and it swept us all in the pandemic blitz leaving many of us with cabin-fever and isolated in our houses. Fortunately for me and the family, we are born introverts who are more than contented with the country-wide isolation.

      In terms of blame and future prospects, I am glad that God is still sovereign and is in control over the lives of His people. We are blessed. But 2021 has not ended. The full implications of the lockdown is going to hit the country’s economy very hard soon… although it is ALREADY bleak, we have not seen the full repercussions of a prolonged restricted movement.

      So many issues to deal with this year: the pandemic, the virus, the various factions in responding to it, the uncertainties, the irrationalities, the selfishness, the rise of worldliness and the destruction of self-righteous religious zealots. On the Christian-front, this has been MOST disappointing; many are either focusing on the minor things, or ignoring the basics of what the Gospel is – all for the sake of human selfishness. Aim should be pointed especially to the evangelical, reformed circles – their responses has been very discouraging and disappointing. Instead of applying the Gospel to the practical and necessities of the flock, many of their leaders are too inward focused (on their dwindling circles) or laying the blame game on nonsensical cabals and imaginary authoritarian forces – the boogey-man to avert the attention to their own weak responses.

      2021 is going down as the most depressing year for most people around the world. And the calamities has not even started to subside… yet. God’s blessings on you.

    • The Chief Parable of Christ – A Parable of Reality and Hope

      The parable of the sower or soils is the first parable that is recorded for us in the Gospels – this is consistently recorded for us in Matthew, Mark and Luke’s gospel. What makes it the “chief” or most important of them all is not just the chronological introduction of it but the fact that it is the first parable to be interpreted by the Lord Himself to the listeners. This parable is also important because of the context of its introduction – it is in the midst of Jesus’ ministry that seems to be at the apex (in terms of the crowd that followed Him). We see this in the following passages:

      That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.
      (Matthew 13:1-2)

      Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
      (Mark 4:1)

      And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable,
      (Luke 8:4)

      From Matthew, Mark and Luke’s Gospel Account

      One inference we can make based on this observation of the crowd and the parable’s prominence in the three gospels is this: the lesson(s) of this parable is absolutely important for the general populace – not just the close disciples of Christ (commonly known as the Twelve). This is one passage that can be used for both believers and non-believers alike. However, we must balance our application by paying attention to the fact that the interpretation of this parable was mainly given only to the close disciples of Christ in a private setting – not a public setting. Why the seeming discrepancy? Why is the parable preached publicly but the interpretation privately given?

      The Lord explicitly refers to Isaiah 6:9 in Matthew 13:13-15, Mark 4:11-12 and Luke 8:9-10 – this is not coincidence nor is this merely about the “purpose of all parables” as many bible translators and commentators would put forth. The Holy Spirit inspired this explanation to precede the interpretation of “this” parable – thus, the explanation tells us that believers would gain more, spiritually speaking, from the lessons given in this parable.

      We are not going to give a lengthy exposition of this parable – this is not the purpose of this post. There are many good sermons and commentaries that give detailed explanations along with applications on the parable. Rather, I would like to focus on an application that is not commonly drawn from this parable – for believers.

      The three soils, hard, stony and weedy are realities the type of hearts found among sinful men in this world – in all generations. There is no time where we find the world filled with soft, good soil that is brimming with spiritual fruitfulness. For the believer, this is a caution – that we who believe in Christ (the Gospel symbolised as seed sown on the ground) are in the minority. The caution is for us not to take this truth for granted – many are called, but few are chosen. God’s gracious dealings with believers is not a small thing – in the Grand Scheme of things, we are truly blessed – infinitely blessed compared to many who either are hard-hearted, half-hearted (stony ground) and worldly-hearted (corrupted by the worldly influences and circumstances). A first-time planter would be extremely happy that a quarter of his efforts actually bear fruit and did not perish! This should be our outlook – what wonder and joy in God saving a quarter out of eternal damnation, when the whole lot deserves to die and remain fruitless. God is able to save all – but there is the reality of sin and the needful condemnation and damnation of sinners. For God to just wipe off the effects of sins in one brief moment at the start of Man’s Fall in Adam is to ‘cheapen’ God’s justice. A king who forgives the wrongs of his own son who does vile things will be looked down – here is a king who knows no justice, trivialising wrongs. God is under NO obligation to us to clear any of our sins – the fact that He does forgive the few (in every generation) is already a great condescension and a show of His remarkable mercy on an undeserving people. To save for eternity, not just temporary, is a grace that has no words that can ever be described by our frail and finite minds.

      Secondly, the description of the fruit that is borne by the seed that fell on good soil is usually downplayed by preachers. I have been guilty of doing so many times before. But let us give it the right place in the hearts and minds of believers. The passage describes it this way:

      But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

      Mark 4:20 (ESV)

      The hope for believers is that their lives will see a supernatural increase in spiritual fruitfulness. The most “unbelievable” part of this parable would probably lie here. Many cannot believe that this can ever be true – their lives may have changed, but in accordance to this measure? Two fold increase is already a very unbelievable increase in agricultural terms. Two fold is equal to 200%. For it to be thirtyfold – we are looking at 3000% at a very minimum! Impossible is the word that keeps popping in my mind. For believers who have lived longer in this world – there are deeper challenges and troughs in their journey to the Celestial City. Sometimes, we are tempted to look at the promised increase and become depressed – because the reality is far from the expectation given. Is the Lord exaggerating? No. He is challenging us to see things in accordance to His eyes – to perceive and understand things through His mind, not ours. Thus, the disciples found themselves echoing our sentiments in other times as well – one such instance was in Matthew 19:25-26 – “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” This is faith. Believing that God is the God of impossibilities. That the very thing that we constantly despair about – our lack of humility, our secret sins, our constant weaknesses, our “life long behaviours” – can be changed. The change is not superficial or cosmetic – but lifelong – eternal! When we measure it in accordance to the effect and lasting impact it has on our soul – we can see that it far exceeds 200% or 3000%… this is an infinite percentile that does not lessen. This is a dimension that we need to refocus our spiritual, inner eyes on.

      Can the Lord change our sinful nature – sanctify us in a real way – for eternity? Yes. Will the scope of the change be for every part of our lives on earth? No. For we still live in this fallen world. But the longer we live in this world, the more the Holy Spirit regenerates our being – preparing us for eternal glory at His coming or at our entering into that glory of His. This is the hope that the parable of the sower gives to us – especially those who are honest, real and seeking Jesus with all of our beings – weak, frail that may be. Amen.

    • Re-watching the Much-Maligned Joss Whedon’s Justice League (2017) – Part 1: An Introduction Before Honest Dissection of the Film

      An introduction to my post is needed to avoid any unnecessary “fire” that may come out of perceived bias against Snyder or Whedon. Sorry for the long, Puritanish-title (in other words, lengthy-worded title). The actual review is in the next article.

      Let me begin by stating that I am a firm supporter of Zack Snyder’s vision for the DCEU (DC Comics Expanded Universe) and his work (especially on Watchmen which I thought was a very good adaptation of the comic book). I totally supported the call for the Snyder Cut version of “Justice League” as I was initially quite disappointed with the theatrical release back in 2017. The hype and momentum built before its release threw fans off upon release. I knew after watching that version that “the dream” of an epic comic-book-like-experience was gone. Even without the voluminous articles written about the original plot that Snyder had (written from hardcore Snyder-Cut advocates), I knew that the darker plotline and vision served a good business decision – it provided good contrast and position away from Marvel’s “goofy” superhero cinema brand. Here is what old comic book fanboys who were now in their 20’s and above wanted – a reflection (somewhat) of the dark, gloom and doom reality of our real-world situation. Don’t get me wrong, I do like MCU as they have certain things done well – like the aesthetics and the ‘fun’ that they bring – see Iron Man, Captain America: Winter Soldier and Thor: Ragnarok are some of my favourites from the MCU.

      However, personally speaking, grim-gritty stories suit me better because they depict the dystopian future that seems to be creeping into our world day-by-day, not just in the West but throughout the world – as an aside, this common dystopian vision is captured very well and may have been inspired by Orwell’s 1984 (at least in spirit). Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy proved this point by positing the message that superheroes serve a purpose in shaping society – it is not merely with fist and brawn, the fight against the “forces of evil” continues with idealogy and sacrifices made by the masked heroes. Even the Superman movies, featuring the late great Christopher Reeves, and my favourite dark knight duology starring Michael Keaton had strong messages for darkening times. These are powerful stuff that the MCU does not seem to layer clearly into their movies. (Edit: Having said that, the MCU has something that the DCEU certainly lacks – besides the profits – serious attention to details; maintaining the small narratives and branches, even comedic plots. You can watch this for evidence of the mind-boggling, record-making ability in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb4eYDJpuao by “Heavy Spoilers”).

      It is with that backdrop that I assume that Zack is attempting, although at a larger scale. If there is something that I may challenge, it is that Zack started his vision a bit too slowly and carefully beginning with the “Man of Steel”. If you take the movie as a standalone, it earns its “mixed review” response! It is not hard to understand why many despised his interpretation of Jonathan Kent (Clark Kent’s adopted father played by Kevin Costner) – who insisted that Clark hide his superhuman ability and identity away from the public for safety reasons even in the face of Jonathan’s certain death. It just does not make sense when the very fabric of the Superman identity that we have come to know is that: he will save the day and do what is RIGHT!

      But step back and consider the overall canvas that Zack was trying to paint on… and then you will see that this “quirk” was a carefully planted stroke to set the backdrop and context of this new DCEU for the audiences. In my opinion, Zack was attempting to show how fearful, sceptical and hope-less the people in that universe was, especially in dealing with things that are strange and alien – not unlike our present condition. This was a universe where people were likened to mindless sheep that were easily swayed by their prejudices and fears – at one time supporting, and at another time cursing the very person who had God-like ability. When the bomb was set off at the Congressional hearing (“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), we are left with a despondent Superman, “Man of Steel” surviving the horrific scene and leaving without any words. Later, he tells Lois that he could not see the bomb – indirectly giving us (the audience) a glimpse of the pressure, the emotional turmoil that he was under, under the gaze and judgment of the people. Again, this was “world-building” on the part of Zack – but only if the audience was aware that pieces were being set up to complete a long and wide puzzle piece.

      Again, the director made it clear that in this universe, violence was the ‘common and quickest’ solution to conflicts – reflected in Superman’s agonising decision at the end of the “Man of Steel” and the long-drawn-out confrontation between Supes and Batman in the follow-up film. Many have argued that the “darkness” was a bit too drawn out. But consider this: light can truly shine in absolute darkness. I truly believe that the Justice League film was meant to be building up to a climax, just before the tide turns. Many things were going against Zack’s vision – chiefly, the audience: we are in a generation where the general populace is largely made up of consumers with micro-attention span. Consumers want to “feel” something immediately, minimal exposition and all this within a short/brief time frame. In some sense, this is correct – a bad film is not that bad if it was not 3 hours long. An average film becomes better with better editing and does not strain viewers’ patience. Remember, “The Phantom Menace” anyone? We are no longer in the days of “Avatar”, “Titanic” and the “Lord of the Rings” series.

      Secondly, such perception easily snakes itself into the upper echelon of movie corporations, and it is not far fetched to believe that upper-level business management personnel were not happy with the general reactions they were seeing from the critics and the general audiences. Audiences were more familiar with the tried-and-tested formula of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and were not as accepting of this ‘convoluted’ and ‘slow’ story-telling style. This led to studio-intervention – the higher-ups believed that action and pacing trumps story and drama. When I first re-watched Batman v Superman, I chose to watch the “extended version” also known as the “ultimate version” – and it made more sense than the shorter initial version. Time was given to flesh out the characters and the motivations. Although this was far from the pinnacle of modern movies, the story seemed stronger and viewers were left with the question: how much darker will it get when the bastion of hope, Superman, is literally 6 feet under? At this point, the first phase of Zack’s world-building was coming to an end – hints of the real enemy – of demons and mythical creatures are peppered throughout Batman v Superman – Lex Luthor was obviously on the side of this shadowy power. We have not yet glimpsed at the true enemy – only a willing servant who is bent on removing the world’s strongest defender. Sadly, the management at Warner Bros have also glimpsed a possible outcome if this course was not changed: in their minds – utter financial failure.

      Thirdly, Marvel Cinematic Universe was having a streak of successes – with the successful roll-out of Phase Two movies and the start of Phase Three movies – e.g. Captain America: Civil War was the great payoff for Phase One and Two’s string of carefully crafted movies. The pressure was on DCEU to respond in kind, and this “forced” the management to make a firm business decision which called for a strong course-correction/intervention. Sadly, it is this competition that drove them away from Zack’s vision which were actually financially sound (there were no real flops – even Suicide Squad was a financial success, although not doing well with critics). This is the point where Joss Whedon came into the project. The rumours of his involvement preceeded the tragedy that came into the Zack’s family later on – and there is really no need to rehash the story and timeline of it all. Other writers have done this and you can just do a quick search for them.

      Okay, after a lengthy introduction, why in the world am I writing a detailed dissection of Joss Whedon’s version of Justice League released in 2017? Mainly because we need to view the film with the right measurements. Just as the management misunderstood Zack’s movie by comparing it to MCU’s formula and style, we must be careful not to dismiss Joss’ version by comparing it with Zack’s vision. If we use proper measurements, which I will posit to you in the next article, I believe we can actually review “Justice League” in a balanced, objective manner – and can allow this movie to safely co-exist with the other movies in the current DCEU’s lineup. Anyway, I like analysing stuff… and found that it will be a challenge (a real challenge) to try to give an objective rating to this movie, even though I believe in Zack’s vision and am looking forward to the 2021 version! Perhaps others would also join me in giving Joss Whedon’s version another try. Perhaps 😛

    • The Sin of Indifference

      “Not listening – no, not listening” (Should have put a picture of Smeagol from Lord of the Rings)

      ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
      (Revelation 3:15-18)

      There are some Bible texts that are commonly abused by bible teachers, Christians, preachers and parents in general… and it is done to bring their intended point across – forcefully. One such is this text from the apostle John’s last written revelation committed to the church at his exile on Patmos.

      Context: There are much in the letter that is stirring – but notice that it begins with God’s assessment on the churches that existed in those days. It would not be difficult to see that this is not merely intended for the 7 churches named in the second and third chapter of the letter – for numbers in the bible do convey meaning and is commonly symbolic. Rather, the 7 churches gave a good snapshot of what was happening in the churches throughout the known land (predominantly in Asia Minor, although many churches have been planted far off, in Europe and also in the South Asia). The assessment is not positive, as many were compromising with the truth or buckling from the insidious agents of the evil one. Few, like Philadelphia and Smyrna, were able to maintain purity of the Gospel, although they were suffering intensely under persecution. I believe in all generations, this snapshot given in the time of the apostle is true; the churches that maintain a vibrant, pure (undefiled) Gospel are usually located in obscure, dangerous territory, while churches that are outwardly prospering in a peaceful, economically thriving environment are usually compromising either in the doctrines, practices or spirit of the Gospel truth.

      It is within this context that the rebuke given by the Lord to the church of Laodicea needs to be properly considered. Before jumping into what does “hot, cold and lukewarm” means, we need to address the works that is attached to them (v.15a). Verse 17 gives us a good hint – if we were to paraphrase this verse, we may render it as “For you, who are lukewarm in your works, say “I am rich, I have prospered…” not realising that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.” (My addition in italics, and using the ESV translation). Thus, the works that displeases the Lord is hypocrisy that brings out a false view of them selves – they thought they were strong in material and spiritual things but were spiritually destitute in reality. The Lord’s counsel to them in v.18 is to adorn the spiritual benefits given graciously in the Gospel – if they would repent and believe (see also the much misquoted verse Revelation 3:20 – but I’ll save that for another day). The Lord hates hypocrisy – marked by self-righteousness that denies reality but adorns duplicity. We should equally hate it because at the root of it is the continual disbelief that there is anything wrong with us because we have ‘dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s’ of our man-made and man-enforced spiritual checklist. This is blindness that is harder than the crying sinner who is stuck in their predicament, never knowing true freedom. This is blindness that is deeper than the rejected man who lost everything and is now an outcast of society. This is blindness that is so deep that C. S. Lewis wrote in “The Last Battle” – “You see,” said Aslan, “they will not let us help them. They have chosen cunning instead of belief. Their prison is only in their minds, yet they are in that prison; and so afraid of being taken in that they cannot be taken out. .“

      Lukewarm Works: Coming back to the temperature adjectives used – “hot and cold” are extreme states. You get to “feel” them – it is clear. Other preachers and bible teachers who are more experienced would add the historical context of the city’s usage of hot water and cold water. According to them, lukewarm water was tepid and not used for anything – unlike in our days. There is much truth – but remember, the works of Christian believers ought to be with “spirit” and “passion” – done out of a true, sincere conviction in mind and heart that there is real purpose in our actions, behaviour, decisions – the apostle Paul puts it as our “whole being/body” in Romans 12:1. Thus, the worse thing that a Christian believer can do is to offer “routine” – mindless sacrifice that is out of convenience, minimal, man-centred and ultimately, indifferent of the true purpose and Person behind it.

      Application: This is the great sin of our time – indifference. I do not care. It is not I do not care about this person or that: it is “I do not care what God thinks”. This indifference is hard to detect because it misdirects itself by our hawkish “differentiation” of the specks of other people’s wrongs; ignoring our own. No wonder the Lord uses a very ‘strong’ language in responding to such indifference from those who claim His name as their identity – “I will spit you out of my mouth“. God rejects them. More correctly, God ejects them from the comforts of His being and protection to the chaos of the world and the instability of Satan’s manipulation to bring about discipline and repentance in the lives of His beloved. This… this is something I have not heard enough from preachers who would really dissect the verse for all its worth. Why? I suspect, because we do not like discipline. We live in a world that is all about removing obstacles and not in going through discipline/correction.

      God knows how often our hearts may wander from Him and rest in the comforts of our disobedience – but that is why the words, strong words to the church in Laodicea is needful to us.

    • The Right to Question Christian Teachings and Practices

      One of the joys of having regular bible studies as a family is the non-stop questions from my children. One topic or issue can easily bring up loads of questions that are sometimes relevant to the passage we were reading, or spin off into deep theological territory. This is pure joy – a wealth of opportunities for Christians to sharpen their own understanding of God and also to help articulate things that may have been taken for granted all this time.

      We (the Christian community) are sorely lacking the skills and the mindset to engage the world around us. Instead, many are taking the approach that so outlines the whole political interaction in America at the moment: it is them or us. It is all aggression and claiming “fake news” when the other side purports information or statements that do conform to our views. It is pathetic on both sides; more on the side of professing believers because we claim to have received Grace from God.

      At this point, there will always be the militant-minded Christians who questions the need to be all things to all men for the sake of the Gospel – Moses and the prophets were fiery and brought “hell” to the hearers! That is their claim. But that conveniently ignores the radical circumstance found in most of Old Testament history – God was working through a theocracy (God-leading and ruling a physical nation). The apostles would plead and instruct Christians to be gentle in our Christian engagements with the world. The Lord Himself told the parable of the cunning manager and wished that believers would learn to make use of our resources (all of them) to turn sinners into the kingdom of God.

      It begins with this main point: do we allow the listener, the believer, the unbeliever, the pagan to question our beliefs? Put another way, is any question so great and powerful that it can destroy your faith? If there is – throw away your faith – for it is a WEAK and obviously, MAN-MADE faith that cannot stand the mildest push! What a relief it was to read in Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s doubt over Jesus’ identity and purpose and how the Lord responded to his question. There was no scolding or personal attack – just an assurance through explanation, followed by the commendation of John who was languishing in prison under wicked Herod.

      Are you open to being questioned over a practice that you hold to? Over why the Bible is accepted “blindly” by Christians? Over why the God of the Bible IS the true and only God? If you cannot even explain why your church insists on people wearing “their best” on Sundays, or why the sermon was so confusing and boring – you really need to re-think what type of religion you have? Maybe religion in general has reached a saturation point and is now manifesting the only response it can to a time of over-population and over-connectivity: a Trumpian-religion that is full of hypocrisy, aggression and divisiveness.

      Let us welcome and invite those who are curious, weak, doubting, new and opposing to ask away – as the apostle puts it at the end of his letter: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

    • The Worst of Times…

      This is the worst time to write or say anything against Netizens. Stay in line!

      2020 is going to go down as the most divisive and terrifying time in modern history. As high school students 20 plus years ago, we were told that 2020 was going to be filled with economic prosperity, first-world experiences, unity and tremendous leaps and bounds in all sectors. Alas, none of that appears to be the case – and we have only hit the middle of the year.

      With a pandemic that has nearly grind worldwide economy to a halt, we find ourselves with a surge of conflicting political ideologies sweeping through the nations. In the West, liberal ideologies that has gotten close to extreme socialism is winning the “hearts” of many – bringing about the policing of “external virtues”. Such radical ideas that were foreign to the common people a decade or two ago, is now forcing individuals and corporations to bend their knees (no pun intended) to their single view/ideology – humiliation, shame and bullying is meted on the non-conformers! In this nation, things are no different – there has always been sensitive issues that cannot be said openly. Some have the privilege of speaking their minds on all subjects, but these are the privileges of the few. The many have to rein in the tongue and be contented to whisper their opinions to a selected few, hoping against hope that none would betray their trust that could lead to shame, legal action and even imprisonment.

      This is the time we are living in. The world is not fair, quipped my son. Yes it is not. Simple reply that truly captures the year as it has been. Plans changes. Comfort removed. Opportunities lost. Burdens increased. Welcome to 2020, we are only half way through.

    • American Gospel: Christ Alone (?)

      Controversial Movie Released a few years back

      This is an intriguing movie. Message is certainly not something that is foreign to me, but the tone of the movie is worth exploring. Is this something effective to be used in evangelism and in seeking to share the biblical Gospel in a post-modern world of hyper-connectivity? Will consider this at length in a future post. But have a watch. Carefully.

    • A Perspective of Cultish Upbringing (Christian Cult)

      One of the most unpopular topics (taboo) in this part of the world (South East Asia) is talking about the way we were brought up. Very few have a pleasant and good upbringing – it is hard to be honest about something so personal. I had an excellent childhood and upbringing – not perfect, for there is really no perfect family – but there were so many positives compared to the negatives.

      The Youtuber in the video embedded has had a drama filled life – and as he was dealing with his fracturing dysfunctional family, he realised that it had a lot to do with his upbringing – he was brought up in a cult. A Christian cult. One that was apparently many times worse than the “Jesus Camp” that was exposed a couple of years back in a tell-all documentary. His description of the ‘cult’ is frighteningly very accurate of modern-day Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement. Over the years since the “Toronto Blessing” event, many charismatic churches has doubled down on the extremism of that “movement” – however, many of the dangerous and doubtful practices still remain today – along with the psychological purposes of the activities and actions that are non-biblical.

      Incidentally, the recent music remixes of Kenneth Copeland’s failed proclamations against COVID-19 may seem funny at first, until you realise – he was one of the early Toronto Blessing supporter and founder. Yup, all that has come out of that sad event, even in Malaysia, still exists among the Modern Pentecostal churches – even though some churches has recovered some better Biblical ground.

      Do have a listen to the “honest”, “mature” and “uncomfortable” recounting by Joshua. If you have questions about Christianity, the Bible and church practices, you have the right to ask until you are satisfied with the answer given and you have the right to remain unconvinced. No church or Christian believer can hold your conscience ransom. Sadly, few in today’s Christendom allow for such honest questioning – for fear of eroding their own “faith” or “practices” – or as some have rightly put it – eroding their ego.

    • Commentary on Philippians 1:18-20

      It is hard to get people to have a civil, honest conversation that does not raise barriers and irritation. We have lost the ability to agree to disagree. From my personal experiences, some would even argue from out-of-context passages and even from personal opinions that it is more noble or righteous to make a stand for your beliefs (in other words, never agree to disagree). Such one-sided insistence which plays on our natural sinful propensities to self-worship makes a person master in his or her own echo chamber. Perhaps that is the reason why many are ignorant that their practical belief in the word “peace” is actually “being happy when I am in control over things around me”. At best, a person wishes for the tranquility of the above picture – to be in a scenic place where there is just no conflict and where everything just falls in place and you have the privilege to ‘soak up’ the calm breeze and scenery around you. In a world that has been touched by the curse of Adam and Eve, this is just an impossibility. Even the person who is placed in the above scenery would find it ‘boring’ eventually – and this would trigger irrational actions that leads to unpredictable problems and conflicts.

      The ability to remain calm, composed and inwardly tranquil in the midst of an unfavourable circumstances – that would be the type of “peace” that the apostle Paul seems to be talking about in this passage. The context of this short passage is the self-centered preachers and leaders who were out to “get” Paul. One can imagine how these preachers were using their offices and the pulpit to put forth their own opinions and biases to the listeners – “Paul is a troublemaker who came all the way to cause havoc to the Roman Christians!” But notice Paul’s response – in verse 18, his focus is singular – to the glory of Christ, that Christ’ name is proclaimed and sounded to the creek and nooks of Rome itself. Paul’s heart was centered upon Christ and Christ alone – for he loved Christ. Is this not a practical truth that the Lord taught in the Gospels? For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Luke 12:34). Paul’s treasure that made him glad and happy was Christ because his heart is with Christ. Here is one who did not take the Lord’s words lightly – Paul abided in Christ and Christ in him – thus he loved Christ with his all, and regardless of the ill circumstances and motivations, as long as his “TREASURE” is elevated and magnified – he had no sadness but joy.

      As a parent – one gains a slight advantage in understanding this aspect. It takes an evil parent to be jealous over the achievements and successes of the son or daughter. It matters not the sweat, blood, opposition and disappointments – it is worth it when the loving parent sees the child standing tall, proud and happy. Likewise for the child and the parent: it is the same.

      Thus, we do not doubt Paul’s joy that is anchored upon His Saviour. What can make a bond that is stronger than that of parent-child bond? Answer: an eternally gracious bond that is created, sustained, sealed and guaranteed by the Everlasting One. The practicality of this can only be realised by one who has experienced such a bond. Yes, there are many professing Christian believers who talk but do not walk the talk – why? Because they obviously have not experienced this special, unique bond that Paul has with his Christ! Though this peace may be shaken, it cannot be lost completely because the bond that the Lord has with the one He died for, and saved, cannot be broken. As the apostle writes else where in Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.“

      What is the vehicle for Paul’s assurance of this bond with Christ? In verse 19 he sheds light – it is by the prayers and fellowship of fellow saints and the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit! When a Christian believer walks down the path of depression and the valley of the shadow of death, it is often caused by the neglect and the distance of the ‘community’. Certainly, the individual is responsible for his backsliding, but as Paul notes, a believer is often lifted and encouraged by the prayers of fellow believers in the faith! In a world where churches are run like corporations and man-led movements, it is no wonder Christians are quick to jettison any ‘troublemakers’ – as reflected in the modern-industry when corporate problems arise. The call given by the apostle in Galatians 6:1-3 is ignored: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Paul had the backing and support of the Philippian brethren despite the hostility given by some of the Roman brethren – this helped him, and he acknowledges it.

      The true sense and experience of union with Christ are ultimately Spirit-derived. It helps little to try to further what Paul describes in verse 19, except to confuse a young believer or to provoke differences of opinion. The Holy Spirit works to apply Christ into our heart – so that we truly feel Him in us and working our sanctification in us. If you have not tasted this, it is a good warning to check whether we truly belong to Him or that we merely appropriate an intellectual religion no different than the pagan choices.

      True spiritual encouragement that makes the believer joyous is the certainty of their life being used for God’s glory. What a small thing it is for our temporary life that has been filled with sin and washed by Christ’ blood to be used for our precious Saviour’s Name? Paul is no seer yet he knows this truth: believers glorify God whether in life or death. Our lives are meant to be a living sacrifice on the altar flamed by the passion of Christ! It is our reasonable and singular purpose (Romans 12:1-2). It matters not what manner of the affliction we go through – as long as God is glorified – that is worth it! This frames everything in the proper perspective – in whatever phase of our lives. May Paul’s mind be ours as well.

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