My Thoughts, My World-View

    Category: Reflection

    • “Reflecting on the Past” in 40 minutes

      I think the usual practice for most people is to reflect on the whole year and then put some kind of highlights for close friends and those who would read their thoughts. I was thinking of that too, but unfortunately, some of the things will be taken wrongly by those who are currently around me or those who have known me these past few years. I think it is more prudent and more appropriate to reflect on the past – past is a long period if you do not put any limit. I think this is the interesting challenge for me. For those who know me well enough, I have a very good long-term memory but am very horrible with things that are present or recent. This is a family gene thing – at least I would like you to think that is the case. It is a helpful excuse that I often fall back on when my family members question my memory. But… anyway, I digress.

      Thirty minutes. I set the time for that amount so that it aims at only the most ‘powerful’ or ‘vivid’ lessons that I have in my frontal cortex. Okay, I may not fully know that part of the brain, but if memory serves (hah), it has something to do with the ability for humans to think and remember. If I’m wrong… forgive me. Anyway, 30 minutes has already started with the introduction. I will be writing in my own style, and since it is within a set time, it will definitely retain my style (no AI usage here).

      My first vivid lesson comes from not too long ago – and it relates to spiritual matters. We are spirit – strip away the matter, the body, and what we have in this material world, and you come face to face with the unknown and the personality of the individual. It is something that is starting to gain traction in this 9 billion-populated world – probably as we start to see some unprecedented acts from humanity – and we question ourselves – are we truly just made up of the grey matter that resides in our head? No, we have spirit – and it is this component or element that we must come face to face with. The lesson that comes to mind relates to the whole passage of time and how that actually affects the spiritual development of a person. I can still remember in the teenage years – the sense of ignorance and of ‘invincibility’ – that we have time to do all there is to be done in this world. That there is time to consider our soul/spirit – but at the moment, the things that are important are our immediate future – studies, family, and career (potential). Friends became something important, but for me, it was just a group of people that I was stuck with when I went to school. Spiritual things seemed so ridiculous – let that be for those who do not have hope, do not have a future, for those who really are ‘sick’. But then when one matures in college and university, there is a profound change from within. This often comes about by the confrontation with life – the difficulty of life. The things that we try to avoid, we have to confront – because we just have no choice. We could not avoid it. For me, it was dealing with independence and loneliness. The spiritual habit and routine that I grew up with was challenged by freedom. Freedom to choose – and this is just so important to me, because it allowed me to consider other things – other friends, other religions, other beliefs, other personalities… I could just change “clothes” if I found myself stuck or in a situation that was uncomfortable. One such occasion was when I was thrown into a fellowship where there was really no one that I knew – I was the stranger – a situation that I have always detested. This feeling was something that I could tolerate when I was younger since I was way younger and did not know much about ‘face’ or ‘shame’. I was just a kid that people could conveniently just throw into uncomfortable situations. But now I was a late teen – and being stuck in a place where I am the youngest, and the others in the group are working adults – forced me to do something that I had not done before – I actually talked to others, using the substance of my reading (a pastime for the bored). And it worked – it helped me survive, but more importantly, it made me question more: why do I even want to be in this setting? I would prefer spending time with my own classmates and college mates rather than with a group of people who supposedly share religious/mindset affiliation with me. But I survived – and that skill gave me a lifelong skill that I still use today.

      The sense of the spiritual became very important when I went to university, because there, I was stripped of my comfort – I was not even in Malaysia. That forced me to really think long and hard – who am I? And it is at that point that the natural questions of human beings arise – where are we from? Who made us? What is our purpose? What should we do with our lives? These questions were slowly asked and answered from my learning from the Bible. The words and the answers were always presented to me throughout my childhood – but at that moment, I was made ready to hear and to understand. The other “answers” given just did not satisfy me – and yet whenever I had a question, I could find that God answers. Many times, not according to my own wants – but in a way that proves to me that I am but a small creature in a large world. In time, we grow passionate about this newfound purpose, answer, direction – and I ran with it. It was liberating to have ‘answers’ behind my mind – and to know the ‘big picture’ of how the world is, and where I am in the midst of the vastness and also what I am doing and will be doing. But then, whenever we seem to be comfortable with all that, life throws a curveball – marriage and children. This really tested all the answers – against “reality” and I have to say – it revealed more about myself which I thought was already known. No, we keep growing, and we do keep changing. It is the only expected thing in life – change, growth. The reason is simple – the imperfect will need change – is not perfection incremental improvements over time? But of course, with human beings, the external cannot hope to incrementally get better over time. This is something that is really hard for us to grasp, but the world is changing; imperfection afflicts the world. And even when we are stable, the instability of the world will confront and smash our ‘stability’ and throw us into havoc once again. This is exactly what happened growing up in the twenties and thirties. All manner of distractions, temptations, tasks, treasures, and burdens will be thrown — and you are expected to keep afloat; if not, you drown – metaphorically, but an apt description methinks.

      What is this first lesson? The spiritual life of a person is a journey, and like any journey, the path is almost always never straight and easy. It is just full of unpredictability and throughout the journey, a person may not be aware of the spiritual dimension – at times it is just so vivid, at other times it ‘feels like it is not there’. But it is there. We are spirit – and this part of us will need growth – through the pain, tears, sweat, blood… joy and sadness. Until that journey ends. So be mindful of the spirit – do not be taken in by too many things that are tangible and seem materially significant. We cannot bring these things with us. But the memories, the lessons, the encouragements, the warnings – these we can pass on to others who will hear or see us.

      Another thing that is clear in my mind is the need to be wary of our affiliations. Although we may not become those whom we mix with or interact with – we cannot go unscathed when we remain with them for long periods of time. This is totally personal – but I think we need to be very careful with the people we commit ourselves to. It is never good to be too long with a group of people who hold a particular affiliation or ‘branding’ or ‘method’ or ‘system’. This is truly devastating – why? Let me take church affiliations. Every affiliation or denomination or grouping serves its purpose at the point where they were founded or formed. A wise man taught and warned that a movement easily starts with the initial founders – but quickly loses conviction after the first two generations and relies on systems left by the initial group. This is totally true. Rejoice that God has seen fit to raise up so many powerful and necessary churches and denominations throughout the history of the church; from the time of the Early Church, to the Anglican church, to the Presbyterians, the Baptists, Methodists, etc. all these came about in response to a particular need in that place (geographically) and time. However, to be faithful to just one church affiliation insists on holding on to a system that may not be appropriate for all ages. It is very arrogant to claim that a church group will remain relevant for all ages – because that insists that the world will not change – and that the challenges will always be the same. This is just not true – and this can be clearly evidenced from the word of God. The differences that churches have among themselves often stem from obscure passages, verses, or the scant verses that do not put a perpetual command. Most Christians would never argue that the often repeated command by God is to ‘love’ – as God is love. This is a non-negotiable truth since there are so many references to the command to love, whether it is in the Old Testament or the New Testament. But when it comes to other things – like baptism, service for the Lord, worship services, things that God does not explicitly state – there are many who will break fellowship and go up in arms over them. The point is that God does not repeat many things – and that should humble us to understand that God wants the church to emphasize different things as the age demands and the challenges change. The church cannot be static – except in the non-negotiables of the Gospel. The church really needs to ‘move with the times’ as long as it allows us to do the essentials of the Word. A good example of this is the printing press and the introduction of the Bible. Do you know that for many centuries, Christian believers did not have the privilege of having their own Bibles? They had to listen to the learned person who can read the Bible and then memorize these words. They had to share a scripture that was written or copied onto a scroll – and they had to retain it in their hearts – as they could not conveniently find a ‘church’ to attend, especially if they were in certain important professions. It is so condescending that Churches insist that every believer needs to have their own Bibles – and read it every single day – and meditate on it every single moment. Certainly, if you are able to do these things – GOOD FOR YOU! There is benefit for those who have the privilege to read and devour the Word of God daily. But what about those who have no such privilege? Be very careful if you were to judge these to be ‘second class’ or ‘deficient’ – because this is a system of thought that has been indoctrinated by modern churchgoers. You will not find the apostle Paul in the New Testament scolding or warning against those who do not read God’s Word daily and make it a habit! And the reason is because – it is just what should be insisted. The main thing is still – remembering the Word of God, listening, learning, and putting the Word into our hearts. This is the non-negotiable practice that is consistent throughout the years from the Lord’s glorification till now in the 21st century.

      Be careful that you do not get stuck in the system of thinking and practice – and insist that this system be in all Christian believers – and those who differ are deficient. Life has a way of making this lesson known and clear to those who fall prey to ‘church affiliations’. Instead, what is important is to find a group who honors God properly by honoring His Word and who practices the essentials that God commands, and knows when to apply the Word to the changing environment.

      Finally, always remember that knowledge (small and big) can help us – it is never for nothing. Reading, consuming information is an important skill that will serve us well when it needs to. I cannot emphasize this more. I grew up in a time where the Internet was in its infancy and there were a lot of things that I had to consume by listening to the radio, watching the news on TV, and by reading the newspaper and consuming books (even encyclopedias)! I have to say that though I have forgotten a lot of things – I have never regretted reading or listening or watching informative programs in all its forms. You really never know when it suddenly clicks. For me, creativity is an important element that makes wonderful things – whether it is an idea or a thesis – creativity is crucial and is always needed even in serious matters (work-wise and family-wise). Creativity needs information to jolt up – for me, it is the accumulated knowledge and information that is floating in our subconscious mind – that contains vast, vast amounts of information! The larger the sea of information in our subconscious mind – the greater the potential for ingenuity and creativity. So, do not ever feel like you have wasted your time on something trivial – it is transferred and it floats as part of our subconscious mind, ready to pop up at the right time. This is something I learned and something I truly treasure.

    • From Prophetic Thunder to Therapeutic Whispers: The Tragic Decline of Biblical Preaching

      The stark contrast between 19th-century preaching and contemporary pulpit ministry reveals a troubling trajectory in modern Christianity. Where once the Word of God was proclaimed with uncompromising clarity and theological precision, today’s sermons often reflect a diluted gospel that accommodates cultural sensibilities rather than confronting them.

      The Uncompromising Nature of Historical Preaching

      Nineteenth-century preachers possessed an unwavering commitment to biblical exposition that modern congregations would find shocking. They did not hesitate to use stark language when addressing spiritual realities – terms like “utterly miserable,” “despicable sinners,” and “wickedly evil before God’s sight” were commonplace. These men understood that sin is sin, regardless of cultural context or personal feelings.

      The preaching of that era followed systematic, verse-by-verse exposition with clear three-point structures that mirrored biblical narratives. Each sermon concluded with practical application sections that fearlessly addressed contemporary issues – whether Western individualism, religious formalism, or cultural accommodation within the church. The theological foundation was unshakeable: God’s absolute sovereignty, human inability to save themselves, and Christ as the only mediator.

      Consider how Charles Spurgeon would declare: “You are condemned sinners deserving of hell,” while today’s preachers speak of people being merely “broken” and needing “healing.” The difference is not merely stylistic – it reflects a fundamental shift in understanding human nature and God’s holiness.

      The Educational Revolution and Its Consequences

      Modern education has produced a generation that questions absolute truth and embraces relativistic thinking. Where 19th-century congregations accepted the authority of Scripture without hesitation, today’s audiences demand explanations that satisfy their intellectual pride. This shift has forced many preachers to adopt a more “scholarly” approach that often obscures rather than illuminates biblical truth.

      The explosion of information through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has created congregations that are simultaneously more informed yet less discerning. People know more about psychology, sociology, and cultural trends than previous generations, but they lack the spiritual wisdom to distinguish between human wisdom and divine revelation. This has led to sermons that sound more like TED talks than prophetic proclamations.

      Contemporary examples abound: Joel Osteen’s “Your Best Life Now” philosophy transforms the gospel into self-help therapy, while prosperity preachers on television promise health and wealth rather than holiness and heaven. The uncomfortable truths about God’s wrath have been replaced with messages about “living your purpose” and “finding your destiny.”

      The Dilution of Gospel Truth

      Perhaps most devastating is the systematic dilution of the gospel itself. Where 19th-century preachers proclaimed man’s total depravity and desperate need for salvation, modern sermons often focus on self-improvement and personal fulfillment. Scripture declares that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), yet contemporary preaching frequently suggests that people are merely victims of circumstances rather than rebels against their Creator.

      The therapeutic language of modern psychology has infiltrated the pulpit. Terms like “dysfunction,” “codependency,” and “emotional healing” have replaced biblical categories of sin, repentance, and regeneration. Marriage conferences focus on “communication skills” and “love languages” rather than the biblical roles outlined in Ephesians 5:22-33. Parenting seminars emphasize building children’s “self-esteem” rather than training them “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

      Consider how Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” approach, while containing some truth, fundamentally shifts the focus from God’s glory to human fulfillment. The question is no longer “How can I glorify God?” but “How can I find my purpose?” This subtle but significant shift reflects the broader cultural accommodation that has infected modern Christianity.

      The Accommodation to Cultural Pressures

      Modern Christianity has fallen prey to the spirit of the age in ways that would have horrified previous generations of believers. The pressure to be “relevant” has led to compromises that fundamentally alter the gospel message. Seeker-sensitive churches design their services around the comfort of unbelievers rather than the worship of God, forgetting that “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

      The influence of secular psychology has replaced biblical anthropology. Where Scripture teaches that the heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9), modern preaching suggests that people are fundamentally good but damaged by external circumstances. Christian counseling often mirrors secular therapy more than biblical discipleship.

      LGBTQ+ affirmation in many denominations represents perhaps the clearest example of cultural accommodation trumping biblical authority. Despite clear biblical teaching on sexuality and marriage (Genesis 2:24, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), many churches have redefined sin as “alternative lifestyle” to avoid cultural offense.

      The social justice movement within evangelicalism has similarly shifted focus from individual sin and salvation to systemic oppression and social transformation. While Christians should certainly care about justice (Micah 6:8), the gospel’s primary concern is not reforming society but regenerating sinners.

      Images representing the contrast between historical church discipline and modern seeker-sensitive approaches Visual representations of social media influence on modern Christianity versus the solitary study of historical preachers

      The Loss of Prophetic Authority

      Nineteenth-century preachers spoke with the authority of prophets – men who had encountered the living God and were compelled to declare His Word regardless of consequences. They understood their role as watchmen on the walls, warning of coming judgment and pointing sinners to the only refuge in Christ.

      Modern preachers, by contrast, often function more as motivational speakers or life coaches than prophetic voices. Mega-church pastors like Andy Stanley have publicly questioned the reliability of Scripture, while others focus on practical life advice rather than eternal truths. The fear of man has replaced the fear of God, leading to messages that tickle ears rather than pierce hearts.

      Church growth strategies have replaced Spirit-led ministry. Pastors study demographics and market research rather than spending hours in prayer and biblical study. The result is preaching designed to attract crowds rather than convert souls, forgetting that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

      Contemporary Examples of Diluted Preaching

      Hillsong’s emphasis on emotional experience over doctrinal truth exemplifies modern Christianity’s shift toward feelings-based faith. Their songs, while musically appealing, often lack theological depth and biblical precision.

      The Emergent Church Movement has questioned fundamental doctrines like penal substitutionary atonement, hell, and biblical inerrancy in the name of “postmodern authenticity.” Leaders like Brian McLaren have suggested that traditional evangelical theology is outdated and culturally insensitive.

      Word of Faith preachers like Kenneth Copeland and Joyce Meyer have transformed the gospel into a formula for material prosperity, directly contradicting Jesus’ warning that “a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

      Even within Reformed circles, there has been accommodation. Some have softened the doctrine of hell, questioned the exclusivity of Christ, or emphasized social action over evangelism, forgetting that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

      The Remedy: A Return to Biblical Preaching

      The solution is not to romanticize the past but to recover biblical principles that transcend cultural boundaries. True preaching must be:

      Expository – Working systematically through Scripture rather than cherry-picking verses to support predetermined themes or systematically going through a passage to bring out all spiritual truths and applications as Paul commanded Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). Ultimately the text must determine the message, not contemporary relevance.

      Confrontational – Willing to address sin directly and call for genuine repentance. The gospel is inherently offensive to the natural man and cannot be made palatable without destroying its power. Jesus Himself said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

      Christ-centered – Every sermon must point to Jesus Christ as the only hope for sinners. Moralistic preaching that focuses on human effort rather than divine grace is not gospel preaching at all. As Paul declared, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). To the oft given complaint that such focus would bore a congregation – the carefully study and bringing out of the Word of God ensures that this is ever ‘new’ and ‘fresh’. Have we gone through the entirety of the Bible, and savouring Christ as He is presented in all of Scriptures.

      Doctrinally sound – Grounded in the great truths of Reformed theology: the sovereignty of God, the depravity of man, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Paul warned Timothy that “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).

      Biblical Examples of Uncompromising Preaching

      John the Baptist exemplified prophetic preaching when he called the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers” and warned them to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:7-8). He did not soften his message to avoid offense.

      Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 culminated in calling his hearers “stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears” who “always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). His uncompromising proclamation cost him his life but advanced the gospel.

      Paul’s preaching in Athens (Acts 17:22-31) demonstrates how to engage culture without compromising truth. He used their own poets and philosophers as entry points but concluded with the non-negotiable demand for repentance in light of coming judgment.

      Jesus Himself spoke more about hell than heaven, warned that “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:14), and declared that “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

      The Eternal Stakes

      The disparity between 19th-century and 21st-century preaching is not merely a matter of stylistic preference – eternal souls hang in the balance. When the gospel is diluted, people are deceived into thinking they are saved when they remain in their sins. When sin is minimized, there is no urgency for repentance. When God’s wrath is ignored, there is no appreciation for His mercy.

      Scripture warns that “many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:22-23). How many sitting in churches today have been given false assurance through diluted preaching?

      The church desperately needs preachers who will stand in the gap like the prophets of old – men who fear God more than man, who love souls more than popularity, and who would rather preach to empty pews than fill them with false converts. Only such preaching can cut through the fog of contemporary confusion and point sinners to the narrow way that leads to life.

      The question facing every preacher today is simple: Will you accommodate the spirit of the age, or will you proclaim the eternal Word of God with the same uncompromising faithfulness that characterized your predecessors? The souls of your hearers depend on your answer, for “how then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).

      The remedy is clear: return to the old paths where the good way is (Jeremiah 6:16), preach the Word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2), and remember that God’s Word will not return empty but will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:11). Only then can the church recover its prophetic voice and fulfill its calling to be salt and light in a decaying and darkened world.

    • Re-aligning the Mind and Heart

      We live in a world that has a “broken” default state. This is the Christian point of view, if one were to align our view with the Bible. There are (of course) many Christian believers who may not believe in this – but if one is to source their belief from the authority of Scriptures, this is a conclusion that cannot be denied. The practical evidence of “broken” world is the inability to achieve bliss, peace and happiness that is continuous. Even the most ignorant (positive-compelling, negative-denying) person would admit that it is impossible to remain in a happy state or to expect things to go our way for periods of time; we certainly can have snippets of happiness and enjoyment, but these cannot last for long because the world is in a state where the little good that exist will quickly be overwhelmed by uncertainties, human sin, selfishness and calamities that often are beyond our control. If one would hedge on something certain for their business, it would be a safe bet on human suffering, a good example of such would be the news media business – can you imagine if everything was peaceful and going perfectly without any problems? There would be nothing to publish.

      “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

      This verse provides a timely reminder (to me) that it is always a necessity to re-align both our mind and heart to God’s vision. Man-made visions will always be plagued with the simple problem being narrow-minded and short-sighted. It is boastful to think that we have the capacity to see beyond our given limits (we have limits). Thus, it makes sense to subscribe to God’s view and vision – because His thoughts are not ours, His views expand vastly to the infinite canvas that we cannot hope to even comprehend. And it is true, our thoughts fold within us when we see things from our own human logic, and data that is confined to our senses and experience! How pitiful that we allow ourselves to be dictated by the ‘flesh’ in that manner. We end up majoring on the minors and minoring on the majors. The opposite can be true as well – our thoughts inflate our feelings to assume that things will be great… only to be confronted with the unknowns of time.

      Paul, the writer of the verse, was not delusional: he knew that God will not explain or detail out the future for him. He is not told the manner of his death. He was not told the path that will end his ministry and his life. And yet, he is assured that to set the mind on the flesh is death – not physical death, but spiritual death! The death of a thousand death – for we cannot allow ourselves to be united with the world/flesh – to do so is to disown the “spiritual adoption” that belongs to Christian believers. The life of the Christian is not liberty for sinful, selfish decisions and living, but liberty to submit to the Greater King who loves and saves. There is just no “grey” area in this. The Roman soldiers who have cast their lot with Christ, remain soldiers who are faithful to Rome, but ultimately greater obedience rendered to the Invisible, Omnipotent Ruler who dwells in the heavenly places. These soldiers are dutiful to their earthly king, but more so to their eternal King above – they gladly defy the evil commands of their earthly masters and suffer under the lashes meted against them. They are ostracized but not alone in the universal family of adopted sons and daughters of God.

      When man (flesh) has nothing to threaten, the Christian is invincible. The picture that often comes to mind is the scene from the famous Christopher Nolan film “The Dark Knight” when Batman brutally beats up the Joker in order to get information of the whereabouts of his childhood friend: the Joker rightly laughs/cries out to Batman – “you have no power, nothing to threaten me!” What can the flesh, the world, threaten the Christian believer? With our families? With our jobs? With our health? Nothing actually lasts. Nothing can last.

      This is something that hits me harder as each year pass by and time flies. Be prepared for things to pass. It will happen. But look for the eternal things instead. It is like the childhood that we will never get back – it is gone. We have the memories and the lessons and that’s it. We cannot wish for it (it does not change anything). Instead, enjoy the present, and the future before those begin to pass as well. Prepare for what the Spirit has in store for Christian believers – these will guard both our heart and mind. This is eternal hope that cannot be destroyed. I needed this re-alignment. It is just so easy to be caught up by the emotions, the events, the incidences, the troubles, the problems, the pain, the uncertainty – but fix our mind (notice, it is with our thoughts FIRST), and then the “life” and “peace” will be in us.

    • A Teenager and A Pre-teen

      Teenagers and pre-teens of the 21st Century are a different breed.

      Twenty years have passed when I returned from overseas. Looking back, I was an idealistic young man who was ready for work life and for family life. I had experienced a tremendous conversion and spiritual awakening in me – ready to show the world this new-found spirituality that was absent for most of my life then. If you had interviewed me at that time, the young man would have smiled while giving assurance of the eagerness to raise a family that would be God-glorifying. There was fire in the eyes, passion to tackle the big, bad horrible world, and not compromise in an often preached world full of compromising believers and worldly unregenerated men and women.

      Fast forward to twenty years, to now… (my, how time has flown in an instant). The young man has now visibly aged. Though he may not look it outwardly, but the weariness is apparent in the lines on the forehead, in the downward smile that finds it difficult to lift the often disappointed cheek muscles. In a blink of the eye, I have a teenager and a pre-teen with me. The sudden realisation often causes a slight panic – have I spent sufficient time to prepare them for this world? Have I shielded them like a helicopter hovering over them at every turn? Are they ready to face up to an unrelenting world that is full of noise and “glamour” – promising excitement (always), but never delivering anything that is lasting? Am I ready to have them fall down, make mistakes, err in their judgment or (gasp!) fail in the things of life? These are the things that keep me worried, and the lines on the forehead are getting deeper as a result.

      Life as a teenager and a pre-teen in the 21st century is certainly a different landscape than it was for the late 20th century Gen-Xers and Millennials. At the heart of it – the challenges ARE the same: fitting in the society, the culture – discovering your own identity. But the trappings of the external has made it so alien: TikTok videos, Instagram photos, long-repetitive and often nonsensical chat on Discords… and this is just the surface. “Ideas”, “visions”, “membership”, “success”, “friendship”, “love”… all constantly bombarding the young person’s mind – forcing them to pledge allegiance to this side or that. Pity the one who is not seen among the noisy “digital marketplace” of the “present” and “now” – these are the pariah, outcast… unreasonably brought up by conservative and outdated parents who are living in-denial (they claim).

      This is where I am, at the moment. At the crossroads of major clashes in ideology, culture and belief. We want the best for our children – but the world wants something different, and often times (from my observation), the monster wins – like the Pied Piper who leads unassuming children away from their parents – the feeling is the same. I do not see a decisive victory. Not yet. The battle seems to prolong. We are left with prayer and hope.

    • 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.

    • A Perspective of Cultish Upbringing (Christian Cult)

      An IT (Computer) Youtuber Gets Real Over His Upbringing

      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

      Have You Been in a Similar Scene?

      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 picture below is a better description of what ‘peace’ is:

      Peace while having to fend off both an imaginary Godzilla and Fireballs (very telling of my age and generation… I know).

      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.

    • Movies Worth Re-watching (My Pick) – Gladiator (2000)

      Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott were at their peak on this one.

      One of the great changes in academia at the time this film was released was the re-ignited interest in the Roman Empire of old. I remembered that many journals and magazines were peppered with articles and facts about the victories, drama, politics and ultimate downfall of the greatest empire in human history. Rare feat for a film in my own opinion.

      There were a lot gore in the show – no sexual graphics – and a lot of story. It was the time tested story of a man who gained the world and lost it all in a moment. Against the rule and wrath of a mad emperor, this broken man begins to claw his way out of the pit of despair, long enough to fulfill his promise and… depart. The grandeur of the movie hinges not on the scenes, filmography and breathtaking landscapes – but in the superb acting of the cast. Russell Crowe’s expressions of hopelessness, doubt and determination were more than believable – the audience could feel it, from moment to moment, scene to scene; no wonder it swept most of the awards of that time!

      “Win the crowd, and you will win your freedom.”

      If not for the irony of the statement and the context of it, the quotes in the film would be called prophetic (for our time)! Did I forget to mention that the villain (emperor) was brilliantly acted by Joaquin Phoenix, way before his acting chops were acknowledged in the disturbing anti-hero film “Joker”? Without the stellar cast, nothing would have worked.

      “My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

      The film came out at a time when civil disobedience and the rise of social justice issues were starting to gain traction in the West. I could remember watching this movie twice during OCF (Overseas Christian Fellowship) in 2000. I did some research as I wrote the newsletter of our newly formed bible study group – there was an unwritten tradition that the gladiators that were to fight, were to face the Emperor and utter a vow of the dead men. They knew they were at the foremost – entertainers. And with that, their lives were not their own, but held by the audience and the emperor.

      This was one of the first movies I watched where the hero died fulfilling his mission – and died with dignity. There was no moving on – but in single-minded fulfillment of his heart’s mission – to see his family in the afterlife.

      In some sense, this is the great intention of the Christian believer. It is not about platitudes or encouragement, for the struggle will always be personal and always while we are disadvantaged by our weak flesh. Nevertheless, the hope of the eternal propels us forward, to finish the race.

      That lesson, I kept in my mind – and I choose to revisit it every now and then through this epic film.

    • Traumatic Listening Experience

      Traumatic Preaching is Often Fiery in the Wrong Sense

      It is often something that is not talked about publicly, but something that is frequently talked, whispered in private – that there is something disturbing in certain types of preaching. Coming from a conservative, evangelical, Reformed Christian persuasion there are things that are plainly obvious but are considered taboo to be talked about (at least openly). Simply: some preachings are dangerous to the listeners. Having time to step back from the activity of preaching, it is more plain to me now that certain types of preaching should be avoided at all cost and not indulged in – particularly if it is a weekly dose of.

      In my previous posts, I have touched on the content of preaching – how poor content can truly spiritually weaken a believer and listener by allowing the person to stagnate and worse, to be worldly. The preoccupation of worldliness is but an inward reflection of the heart’s spiritual condition. This is discernible only by the Spirit using the instrumentality of the Word (which the Spirit inspired). Sadly, in conservative circles – particularly in Asian churches that are more strict in ‘conformity’ and ‘authority’ – this sort of action is performed quite often by the preacher.

      Thus, you do get (I kid you not) preachers who would dare to point the finger to the sin of someone in the congregation without actually pointing them out! Of course, this is partly a type of ‘defense’ that the preacher can disclaim if they are called out on abusing the pulpit – but the actual effect of being under such ‘thundering’ preaching is traumatic for the listener especially when it is done weekly. Warnings are often given in the Scriptures, especially in the Old Testament, but such pointing of finger to a particular group of people who does this and that is just a tactic to ‘speak out’ against a person(s) without having to take the person aside to explain and rebuke the person(s)’s alleged wrong doing. Doubly sad is the prevalent notion that such preachers are likened to the Old Testament “man of God” – thus giving them the ‘unbiblical’ warrant of doing what no New Testament preacher ever did in Scriptures. This sort of preaching matches the attitude of the Pharisees, who were very quick to accuse and question the actions and motives of the Lord Jesus (as reflected in the Gospels). As a slight digression – the term “man of God” is often abused and misused in conservative circles, but it is made plain in Scriptures – see 2 Timothy 3:17, where the man of God obviously refers to the Christian believer (in the context of the chapter) and not to Timothy the preacher.

      The second type of preaching is those that maintain an aggressive style. Not only in raising the voice, but in actually shouting at the audience. I get that many would call this “passionate” preaching, but this is an emotive style – often to provoke the listeners to “dare” challenge what they are saying! Why? Because they believe that they have taken on themselves the “righteous anger of God”. That is what the audience believe – those who can tolerate such aggressive style week by week. In order to not be affected, the listeners must be part of the preacher’s gang – so that their conscience are not affected. “This is not about me – it is about that person or this person”. This is exactly how cultish behaviours are grown. In some of the famous preachers who employ such styles, you can almost always here some in the congregation giving their affirmations “yes, sir”, “amen” – because they see themselves as part of the support group for such preachers. Let the preacher “get ‘im” – he is “our” preacher. Notice that the Lord Jesus did not preach that way. The apostle Paul was ridiculed for his simple, quiet mannerism – in contrast to the more eloquent and if you want to speculate, flamboyant, preaching style of the other ‘super preachers’.

      Finally, you have the repetitive preacher who uses their aggressive preaching style to hide behind poor sermon preparation. I admit, there are many preachers who are not gifted in oration. Some who are not, try to compensate by picking up a technique or a trade trick. This may come to the dressing or the equipment that they use on stage. But these problems pale in comparison to the ‘lazy’ preacher who leans on their experience to preach. They serve up spiritual food that is lacking in balance, substance and “freshness”. The latter word is the relevance or application of God’s Word to the listener. If we believe that God is real and His Spirit indwells believers, His Word when properly explained is clear in how it is to be practised and used in daily living. Unfortunately, the lazy preacher begins to use the messages as a sounding board for his opinions or his ‘mission’ or ‘vision’ – not God, but his own. Carefully meditation and understanding of God’s Word will help one discern between a preacher’s words and God’s Word. God’s Word is full of diversity and unity – united in the common theme, but diverse in all aspects of life – because life IS complicated. The preacher that rehashes the same things over and over again apart from the emphasis of Scriptures is self-serving. Plainly, this is brainwashing. And it happens a lot because many like to put themselves into a man-made system, because they stand to ‘circumvent’ this system to make it their own, and they like the affirmation given by others.

      I am so soothed by the plain preaching of Scriptures nowadays. Those who prioritise God’s Word first over man’s. God’s Spirit does wonders when His Word is made plain. Preaching that is true comforts believers, affirms their position in Christ while challenging them to be set apart for Christ. Such preaching is foolish in the eyes of the unbelieving but precious and useful in God’s Almighty hand. Trauma-inducing preaching may cause momentary fear and action, but that momentum can never be sustained – because it is only sustained by fear. And to a conscience-battered, brainwashed person – everything is fearful! No more of these traumatic preaching experiences – go get some eternally memorable experiences that bring the heart to glorify God because of His great love!

    • Psalm 1:1-3

      Tree planted by the rivers of water – an apt Spiritual picture of true human need

      The psalmist proclaims the blessedness of walking upright before the LORD in the opening verses of the poetic magnum opus of the Bible. If we were to read it with a liberal mindset that is saturated with modern inclinations and belief, we would find the first verse offensive: how can the psalmist have an elevated view on such a “holy person”? There is great offence to claim that a spiritually sensitive, godward looking person is more “blessed” than a pagan person. The world we live in has unfortunately become a morally selfish and dark world – one that elevates self to godhood (even though the words may not explicitly state that). The modern man finds it dumb to acknowledge that order in this universe points to a singular Higher Being, also known as, the Creator of all things. Instead, they insist that the modern man is self-made out of randomness – they violently wipe away any possibility that randomness is merely a cope out excuse to allow for anarchy and a covering of all things under moral ambiguity.

      If we, the reader, can accept the premise that there is a God, and that God is the source of all things whether material or immaterial – then the only conclusion is “happy” or “blessed” is the person who is on the side of that Creator! To acknowledge our Creator is like a child who acknowledges his or her parent as a parent: it is just natural and right. The child who refuses to acknowledge the presence, part and position of the parent is universally identified as an errant child. How is it that anyone would fault the same logic between the creature and his or her Creator?

      The second verse posits the source for “knowing” this God or Creator. The creature is woefully unequipped to know the Maker, for it is like the finite trying to experience the infinite. In this universe, God condescends Himself – put Himself down – to our level in order to communicate His thoughts to us. Without this condescension on His part, no creature can ever know his or her Creator. Thus, the blessed man who acknowledges God finds true delight in knowing His will and thoughts. This is unlike the many who claims belief in God but finds no delight in knowing God; hypocrites who desire mere identification with the Creator, but with no real love or desire for more. This is not a harsh pronouncement, the logic is sound. Does not one rightly worries for the child that refuses any communication with the parents upon birth! What is the natural reaction for one, is also the basis for the other.

      For the sinner who confesses his or her inadequacies and looks heavenward for answers, it is normal to find rapturous delight in understanding the mind of the Creator. Not only delight but purpose, strength, conviction and direction – all important components that grow the person in his or her journey in life. The psalmist provides the most apt picture that transcends all generation – the natural picture of a tree’s dependency to its water source. A tree needs water and finds permanent sustenance from the river. The roots gravitate naturally towards the direction of the river and in time shows the proof of dependence by the bearing of fruit. Despite harsh circumstances that are unpredictable, the tree survives; whether it is famine, drought or the wars of men – the tree can survive when its root and place is by the rivers of water. Similarly, the person that abides by the purpose, direction, conviction and truths of the Creator of all, will bear the fruit of his or her existence – despite whatever opposition or unfavourable circumstances. This is what the psalmist is inspired to proclaim. Ironically, this is what the modern person needs, in a world full of noise and confusion – we need to come back to the reason for our being and to find delight in “getting it”.

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