My Thoughts, My World-View

    Author: Author

    • The Great Sin

      Did Adam and Eve really hide behind a bush, or a shrub or foliage?

      Genesis 3:7-8 – “Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.“

      Many preachers would find unity in declaring the greatness of the Great Commission because it was the final command given before His ascension back to the heavenly realms in glory. Again, this logic and application are seen in the final words of the last book, Revelation, where the apostle John declares with much passion “Come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Preachers rightly call upon the hearer to echo these words as we look forward to His Second Coming.

      However, when we come to the whole issue of “sin” (disobedience to God), the general Christendom seem to be taken in by human logic and traditional bias. Listen carefully enough and you will often hear that the “worse sins” that demands greater hellish flames are related to murder and homosexuality. Even those who are more evangelical would point their finger to ‘worldliness’ (from the evils of fictional books, to rock music, to dungeons and dragons and to Harry Potters…) decrying these as the sins that will destroy the local church.

      But what does Scripture actually say? Not the exceptional portions that are heavy on circumstances – which such “holier-than-thou” people would readily point out. At the very start of the Bible (Genesis), we have this introduced to us the moment the first man and woman sinned – they hid themselves from God, and covered themselves with their own paltry attempts at clothing. Rightly the preachers and teachers of old point to their attempt at self-righteousness – Adam and Eve were trying to justify themselves before God by the works of their hands. They sought not God but hid from Him, knowing that God would be rightly angry. That is the first exposure of the sinful heart in our First Parents.

      No wonder the Lord Jesus made these statements – the first in Matthew 10:15 – “Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town” (here in regards to the instructions given to the disciples to herald the coming of the Lord Jesus to a town) and again in Matthew 11:23-24 – “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you”” (here when the privileged Jews in Capernaum rejected the presence and words of Christ). And to top it all off, the Lord Jesus scolds and declares woes upon the religious leaders in Matthew 23. This chapter is not short, but a long declaration of what offends Him – their hypocrisy. No wonder the Lord Jesus warns His disciples to be aware of the hypocrisy of the religious people. What is their hypocrisy? Basically, the religious leaders were touting their obedience to God when in reality they were obedient to their own self-made rules and regulations.

      This great denouncement can truly be traced back to what happened at the Fall in Eden! If only this was the focus of the Jewish leaders, things would have changed – but the sinful heart is deceptive above all things. But to only claim that this sin was present two thousand years ago is an ignorant claim: it exists today. Sadly, the brokenhearted and needy find no wounds bound because they are merely lightly bound by man’s own “religion”. We need Christ or we have nothing at all.

      This is the beauty and magnificence of Christ coming into the world – the authentication, seal and fulfilment of what God has promised to His redeemed from the beginning (Genesis 3:15). May we truly see the Great Sin in us, that we may turn to the Great Seed that came in the first and only Christmas two thousand years ago. Amen.

    • Listening to God

      In a world that lacks empathy and sympathy, we find the widening gap between two groups of people – those who believes in God (a higher being – to make it as ‘general’ as possible) and those who disbelieves in the existence of God. Within the growing group of the former, we have a plethora of sub-groups – from those who believe in a single God-Creator, to those who believe in multiple gods/deities, to those who believe in a hybrid-god that is redefined and re-introduced with new terminologies. The terrifying truth is that there is no end to the gaps and conflicts that exist when we drill down the groups to their sub-groups. Especially in Christendom (I use the term very loosely), there are those who strongly believe in the sole and absolute authority of the Scriptures, and those who strongly believe that there is still a continuing ‘revelation’ from the Divine God that is not authoritative, is fallible and is inconsistent. On the conservative side, there is a strict adherence to “no compromise” in their position – no new revelation, thus no use of ‘confusing’ language like “God spoke to me”, “God told me”, etc. The other side argues the opposite and not only allows, but encourages the liberal sharing of such “divine experiences”. When we push both sides – two questions come up to the fore: 1) Does God communicate with us? 2) Is His communication relevant to us (presently and for the future)?

      I am oversimplifying the complexities of these two questions, of course. To understand and find our own conviction on these matters, one needs to be firmly grounded on the work of the Trinity, in revelation, in communication, in conviction and in action. From the little that I can discern, this is still sorely lacking from the pulpits of the common church, unless one goes to seminary and have a good time bouncing questions and discussing on it. But it is necessary. Times of crisis demands the believers convictions on this to be tested. Does one just simply live a “happy-go-lucky, come-as-they-may” life, or to adopt a more careful, cautious approach that is prone to doubts (if they are truthful and honest), and anxiety?

      Logically (and this is important as a God of order and logic has put in His creatures the ability to think logically and rationally) God reveals His Will through His own appointed means: His Word. How it is received is irrelevant – i.e. whether a person hears it, reads it, sees it (communicated graphically or visually), or some way that we have not fully understood. The important point is that this Word is “codified” – using a medium understandable to human beings. Thus, we see that Christianity encourages the translation of this “codified” Word – the Bible – into all and any language. Accuracy of translation certainly cannot be “guaranteed” as fallible creatures are at work here – but the accuracy of the main teachings and themes can be guaranteed since it is guarded by the length of the Bible. A short document with a few scribal or translation errors can cause a lot of misunderstandings. But when the document expands to a few hundred pages, we see that this problem becomes negligible.

      Based on my personal observation and experience, most problems that comes out of doctrinal disagreements or practical disagreements, stem from the over-emphasis of minor, obscure verses that are stretched beyond their original intent. Where churches focus on the clear teachings and words of God, they listen to wisdom immeasurable. This DOES NOT mean that the single proverb verse has no relevance to the individual’s living – God still uses His word (every verse) to sustain His people in accordance to His timing and circumstances. But when we come to the church as a body of Christ (local and universal), the former point stands.

      When one accepts the need to major (focus) on the clear parts of Scripture, they will grow well in the Lord – as the writer to the Hebrews state – growing from a baby to a child. Practically, all these are mere intellectual head knowledge that is useless. What about our “communion” with God? Do we listen to God? This is the very thing that we find the early church address in Acts 2. The newly converted immediately saw the necessity of hearing God’s Will and thus they gathered regularly to listen to the apostles’ teaching.

      Do you read, listen or feed yourselves with God’s Word? A child’s first entry into this world finds intense comfort in the touch, words, presence of the parents – can we expect any different with the spiritual child born? I believe there are many who does wrong when they EXPECT new converts to immediately be given in to the READING of the Bible and to cast doubts on their conversion when “reading” seems to be lacking in the person. There are many ways to examine whether the ‘newborn’ Christian is truly enraptured by their Heavenly Father’s presence and Word – is the person “listening” to God’s Word in one form or another? Whether it is through “conversations” with fellow Christians, or listening to a Bible audio book, or through consistent attendance to teaching, or the reading of sermons, the Bible, or any means that God has given in this vast world. Some would be very indignant and dismissive when the activities are broadened from “mere reading of the Bible” – but have you considered the elderly and the young who can barely read well?

      Practically, I find that most books in the Bible can be a good introduction for a new Christian convert. But every person have their “system” to start. My recommendation would be to begin with Genesis – nothing like starting from the beginning, and then with the Gospel of Mark or Matthew, and proceeding with Exodus and with another New Testament Gospel – Luke or John. Again, this is not a rule, just a guide or help.

      God speaks today through His revealed Word. He still is relevant as His Holy Spirit works to give us understanding and obedience in the regenerated heart (new nature in Christ). We can fool others with a long list of knowledge, but ultimately, our communion with God is perceived clearly through our actions and responses. The Pagan and Pharisaical will always confuse people, but the Holy Spirit never confuses the witness borne by His redemptive work.

    • Paranoia, Schism & Scepticism

      Kanye West’s latest news (as of the end of October 2019) seems divisive, especially within Christendom (a very broad scope). There are many who have expressed extreme happiness, genuine surprise, joy and on the side, scepticism, scrutiny, condemnation and nit-picking. This is exactly the problem that outlines the great division that exists in Christendom, particular in the Evangelical circles.

      Over in the Reformed camp, especially in the more “fundamental” sector, many have expressed their scepticism and have decried this as a publicity stunt of sorts. Some would back up their harsh judgments by using examples of West’s behaviour, words, or family life examples. Not content with this, they would attach verses and passages from Scripture to justify their “views” and “righteous judgments”. In their own minds, they are the sentinels of the Modern Reformation, unwittingly oblivious to their own popish behaviour that marks what is wrong with the modern wave of “Reformed” adherents.

      These are quick to pick up the pitchforks and rally the cry of “Reformation” when challenged. Gone are the introspection of humble Christians who would search out their own hearts and contextualise everything in the scope of God’s Plan and Purpose in the New Testament. No, they rest on their association with “the best church system”. There lies the problem. They look at the “body” of Christ from their own vantage point and fail to see the “Head”, which is Jesus Christ.

      The Lord Jesus was clear on His attitude to the Zacchaeus and Nicodemuses of our generation – there is the joy of receiving sinners into His Fold, knowing that only by His Grace, His Work and Sacrifice can such be saved. Sure there were warnings and strictness on some, but notice that these were to those who were “grounded” in their own religious self-righteousness rather than those who were steeped in the shackles of sin. When the true Church, made up of genuine blood-bought sinners, see and hear the conversion of one like Kanye West, they would understand and discern the difference. Here is one who openly was trapped and exposed to a fallen world in all its depravity since young, and has reached the highest peak of what that world could offer, and for such to turn around – all praise to God.

      It is sad that these “fundamentalist”, “Reformed”, “Christians” are quick to judge and to disclaim. They do not realise that their church attendees are surrounded by fakery brought about by such comments, judgments, criticism, hypocrisy – and thus they “act” in a certain way, not because they want to, but because they are “forced to” – thinking that if they would lapse in one of the “rules” they will be shun, “counselled” and continually “judged” for what they are not. The Church becomes corporate, Romish, fake… without them even acknowledging it.

      The point is this: if you are continually thinking first of “doubting” a person’s salvation, finding what is “wrong” with the person in order to “separate” from them and always thinking that others are out to “corrupt” you… you are not in the Church you should be in. This is not the environment that the Lord suffered, died and resurrected for. He came to cleanse, protect and provide for His own whom He loves and continues to love. They are to emulate Him as He lives in them. They are to love, think and act as He sustains and improves them little by little.

    • Marlon Brando on “Acting & Theatre”

      The first time I had ever heard of his name was from my dear mum. She would say “Marlon Brando” with a slight emphasis on the last “o”. There was a sense of girly delight in her voice every time his name was mentioned. I could not understand it, but Marlon Brando was THE actor of her time. This was a giant in the American movie-making industry, and even today, many are in awe of his acting skills and for others, his far-sighted views on social issues that were mostly ignored by the predominantly white-dominated industry.

      After so many years of hearing about him, from articles and books that seem to have so many things to say about him, I finally took the plunge and watched interviews (rare, apparently he does not like to make them) and I watched the entire 3 hours of the much-acclaimed “Godfather”! He is a most unusual man if you take the era which he lived in: he was articulate and has strong opinions on matters. Ironically, he seems to make a clear distinction about life as a human being and life on the silver screen. He never seemed to lose sight of that distinction.

      Marlon Brando Interview with Connie Chung, in the year 1989

      He chides the interviewer (in the embedded video clip above) for not realising that mankind slips into a “projected image” of their own creation (or one that suits the person’s audience) – it is natural for mankind to be “actors” or using the Greek equivalent: to be hypocrites. Unknown to the man, who was already in his mid-60s at the time of the interview, the later generation of a mere 50 years, would truly embody the fulness of his statement. Look around us and you will see a “filtered” society that only shows what they “want” to be shown. Relationships become “controlled” by “political correctness” that is a real filter determined by “the majority”. Woe on anyone who dares come out of this “filtered life” and tell it as it is – to say and do what they truly believe in. “Truth” has been traded for “movements” and “emotions” – not the reasonable, calculated, exercise of reason – no, that is too “fake” for this new generation. Actors rule the world now, and we would not have it any other way!

      There is much to be said about Marlon’s work in The Godfather, but I just want to put down my brief thoughts on his views, particularly, on the distinction he makes between acting in theatre and in movies. He passionately explains his hatred of theatre – not because of the medium itself – but what it entails when one is contracted to do it night after night, after night; the former requires utter discipline to tamper with the actor/actress’ emotions and psyche before each and every performance – it is difficult and exacting to make that change, a few hours before the performance, regardless of what circumstances the person has been in. Has the person been grieving or happy before the performance? He has to put aside those feelings, calm the emotions and condition the mind, before stepping to the limelight of real-time performance; that is theatre. The movie actor/actress does not require such discipline – theirs is confined to the production of the movie, perhaps for the length of the movie shootings. Even method actors who maintain their characters’ moods and personality will find the relief of ending production and putting away the “role” from “reality”. At times, there is that transitioning period – which differs according to individuals.

      In some sense, this is something that is equivalent to the demands of the Christian preacher at the pulpit. The preacher (the good one who takes the calling seriously) needs to put aside all distraction and focus on the Word of God – seeking to “speak” objectively and passionately within the confines and direction of the Scriptures. When the preacher fails to rein in emotions, the message (sermon) is peppered with personal opinions and feelings that jars the listener who is seeking divine guidance. Worst, the listener is swayed by the mortal and fallen counsel of the speaker rather than divine guidance that is from above.

      Though Marlon is obviously a person whose views lean heavily to the left (politically speaking), yet here is one who can teach our generation a thing or two. It seems that such is sorely lacking in an industry that has grown by leaps and bounds, year after year.

    • The Key: Coding

      It is easy to dream and have vague ideas of “the next big thing”. But to turn these to reality, it requires more than pontification from the “dreamer”; you need a person who can build the idea up. In this modern age, coders or programmers are essential.

      The story of successful programs is not about the speculation of “what ifs” but actually getting them out – an actual usable program that is polished over time. This is the aspect of coding that kills 90% of programmers, relegating the majority to “drones” who search for written codes, or those who can make light modifications. But the 10% who persist – these are the ones who push technology further than ever.

      Learning to code is hard. Getting a team of dedicated programmers who have this “secret sauce” is even harder. In Malaysia, where young, upcoming coders are always thinking about money and financial independence, it is a rare experience to maintain a team for more than a year. This makes the experience of passionate coders of the 90’s wishful thinking.

    • The Weight of Christianity

      The Lord Jesus warned and rebuked the self-righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees in His day. Many in modern-day pulpits are contented to think that this warning and declaration of woes are merely applicable to the past (particularly Matthew 23); perhaps to the Romish religion in the time of the Reformation. But that assumes that God’s Word has no eternal weight that is relevant and applicable throughout the ages.

      If we objectively look at the formation and development of this elite religious leaders, we will find many such traits in the modern-day setting. The chief characteristic seems to stem from the worship of human tradition, or if we were to paraphrase, the reliance upon human wisdom, numbers and dependence. A modern writer warned that these Pharisees were quick to “gang-up” with one another against a weaker “foe” – especially in cornering and badgering the poor victim with threats, insinuations and force of numbers (refer to the dealings they had with the healed blind man in John’s Gospel). Instead of allowing God’s Word to rule over them, we have human structures that centres on a man or a group of men – who gets to determine (authoritatively) the principles and applications of God’s Word. Although this may sound exactly as what the typical Evangelical church (bible-believing) touts, the problem is that there is no check and balances: there is essentially a pope or a few high-level individuals determining the Word of God.

      This is not to say that God’s Word is open to ANY and EVERY interpretation. To swing to the other extreme is the natural bane of our fallen human nature. However, there ought to be the openness and humility to counter personal opinions and inclinations rather than a finality set by a human figure(s). It is this very structure and reliance that dominated the Jewish society that was surrounded by a pluralistic society. Sadly, the same occurrence happens very often in the modern-day world – among the unsuspecting churchgoers.

      What then is the measure of a church that pleases the Lord and which edifies the soul? Is it in their bold claim of biblical faithfulness, accuracy or in the multiplication of activities and numbers? The apostle Paul sheds light on this through the inspired Word of Scriptures in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3  “Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him“. In dealing with the matter on eating food offered to idols, there were many arguments for and against. There were certainly those who were very argumentative and strongly opinionated – who could obviously give long answers to why a Christian can or cannot eat this or that. But is that the answer? Is that what Christianity hinges on… the ability and eloquence of an argument? No. It is not about “knowledge” or a “clever, thought-out argument”. It is about “love”. Not mere actions, but a heart that is warmed by the love, concern, grace that first comes from above. It is this type of heart that is able to discern what to do – by counting others better than themselves, that overlooks petty wrongs done to them and more.

      In an age where churches are becoming mega-organisations, it is not surprising that the Christian believer finds their comfort and identity in the local church identity that is carved by human traditions and human activities and human history, rather than the biblical church that is created and built up by the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the task of the Christian believer to advance through dangerous terrain and look out for “Christianity” that is truly and fully scented with Christ – that love that better explains the Word of God than the thousands of creeds and books ever would! Let us lift that type of Christianity up; one that is unleavened and yet one that is growing into the tree that it is purposed for. Amen.

    • A Challenging Theology

      The Book of Job presents a challenging theology which is often controversial if investigated and yet one that is often overlooked; be careful how one interprets circumstances that happen to a person. The “friends” of Job were clearly “wise” among their peers but blindsided by their own experiences. They often chided Job for rejecting their worldview and interpretation of his circumstances; Job suffered because of his sin. Even though Job insists that he did not wrong, his friends were not able to accept this – for in their minds, “bad things” arise out as a consequence of personal sins.

      Certainly, there is some truth in their view – the Bible is clear that sin begets suffering. The actions of our forefathers Adam and Eve are evidence of this. Yet it is presumptuous to immediately insist that all bad circumstances are completely sourced from unconfessed sin or hidden sin. Likewise, the opposite view is equally dangerous: “good things” that come upon my life must arise out of something “good” that I have done. Those who have lived longer and with a more honest heart would immediately see how wrong this view is. The fact is that “evil” do prosper in their own way – in accordance with the standards and measurements of this fleeting world. Will the unrighteous go unpunished in this world? The psalmist receives revelation from God, now an open revelation to those who read the Psalms; God will at any time allow them to slip and fall to their eternal punishment!

      The type of theological system we allow ourselves to build in our mind will determine the type of life we live: a helpful, encouraging one, or one that is fraught with self-righteousness, always condemning and un-Christ-like. We can only hope that we meet with those with a mature theological system that is biblically grounded – those who exemplify Christ, sharing the balm that they have likewise been touched by. It is a great pity if those who claim to have Christ love is often found constricted, monitored, judged and the need to ensure that their “liberal” lives are separate from their religious one; the hypocrisy and power of the Pharisees (the leaven spoken of) is alive in all generations!

      Job had no one to comfort him, even in his “mysterious” malady, he had only more burdens poured upon him; none lifting their hands to unburden them. Yet to those who have trained eyes, we see the One that Job prefigures, One whose rejection by the people, betrayal, suffering were utterly unjust. Job in his utter grief cried out and cursed his existence! But the One that Job was foreshadowing opened not His mouth. Job cried out knowing his own innocence. Jesus Christ bore all the pain and suffering within His frail, bloodied body, as though He was truly acknowledging His “sins” (though He had none). Here is the comfort that Job did not know then, but perfectly upon his glorification when he breathed his last in this fallen world; Christ bore all the injustice he experience, once for all – vicariously. It is on the Cross that the sufferings of Job make sense. The end of the book tells us the same – Job was blessed with more than he had before, a symbol of God pleasure upon him. But wait… what did Job actually do to deserve all that? Nothing. Job still does not know of the heavenly, spiritual dealings that happened between God and the devil. And here is where we see the rights corrected – in God’s time and at the Cross.

      When the believer undergoes suffering, whether from personal sin or as a test, the whole experience makes sense and finds its closure when the believer turns to the Cross and when God reveals all in His time. It is wasted when the believer walks away from the Cross and when temporal comforts sought to “remedy” the circumstances.

      Challenging theology indeed. But one that is necessary.

    • Welcome World! #helloworld

      In the midst of busyness… there is always time for reflection and contemplation.

      Welcome to my digital abode away from the clutter of everyday life. This is a place for reflection and contemplation of things around us – not confined to any one genre. It is a place to express, share and discuss matters that may not necessarily have any immediate pertinence to personal matters. At times, it just might.

      Feel free to browse through the many subjects that interest me, and my friends. From technology to business, to politics, to design, to art and even to the spiritual, there are many things that I hope will interest and encourage you. Contributors are most welcomed. This is not solely about me.

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