Monday, November 21, 2005
Christian Acrobat
It's rare that I'm still awake at almost 3 in the morning. And blogging. haha..Don't think it's the coffee I took this afternoon, making it a sequel to Sleepless in Serangoon North. ;p Not that I'm overly excited or anxious about the exams. Maybe not stressed up at this moment. heh..Just can't wait for the moment when I place my pen down for the last paper, the final academic paper in life. Woo hoo! Unless I flunk.Hmm..> <
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As the Romans studies come to end, the 'theory' is easier but the applications are many times more difficult. Loving the unlovable, blessing those who persecute us, obeying the authorities instituted by God (which means deleting all the songs and software which I don't rightfully own), standing firm in gospel matters and being conscious of not dwelling on disputable matters, etc. The motivation behind our striving to apply these in our lives is simply Romans 12:1 " I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 13 ends off reminding us " For salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand." In response to the coming Day, we are to put on the Lord Jesus, walking in the light and not darkness.
The act of balancing came into my mind as I pictured a diagram with 'gospel living' at the centre, 'In view of God's mercy' on the left and 'Christ's 2nd coming' on the right. Being skewed on either side causes us to lose our focus on the other. Do I really long for the Day? A question that I have to keep asking myself and other Christians, especially those under my care. The Christian is not just a soldier, farmer, athlete (2 Tim), perhaps an acrobat as well. :)
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As the Romans studies come to end, the 'theory' is easier but the applications are many times more difficult. Loving the unlovable, blessing those who persecute us, obeying the authorities instituted by God (which means deleting all the songs and software which I don't rightfully own), standing firm in gospel matters and being conscious of not dwelling on disputable matters, etc. The motivation behind our striving to apply these in our lives is simply Romans 12:1 " I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 13 ends off reminding us " For salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand." In response to the coming Day, we are to put on the Lord Jesus, walking in the light and not darkness.
The act of balancing came into my mind as I pictured a diagram with 'gospel living' at the centre, 'In view of God's mercy' on the left and 'Christ's 2nd coming' on the right. Being skewed on either side causes us to lose our focus on the other. Do I really long for the Day? A question that I have to keep asking myself and other Christians, especially those under my care. The Christian is not just a soldier, farmer, athlete (2 Tim), perhaps an acrobat as well. :)
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Passing the g-baton
Time to take a break from studying! Here are some thoughts regarding the Youth Retreat. Think I’m getting old, I slept through the whole afternoon on Friday to recuperate. Thanks to late nights of Cranium and entertainment by Wai. Haha..Really give thanks to God for the Youth Retreat. Not only was the study of 2 Timothy very fruitful, the sharing of our lives was evident too. Just very much encouraged by the youths who have a desire to grow in knowledge of the Bible and seeking to live it out. Hard to describe the joy I have. :) Although it was my second time studying 2 Timothy, there are new insights and humbled me that we never study too much of a particular book. It was a very good reminder to guard the gospel and passing it on to the next generation, even in the midst of suffering. The aspect of Paul serving with a clear conscience was a strong reminder to check my motivations in serving God and His people, and seeking not to win the approval of men but God.
The often quoted verse in obituaries – “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) has perhaps been understood as just finishing the race as a Christian. What about it in particular? However, as we understand it in the context of 2 Timothy, it is the race of guarding the gospel from false teaching, preserving its purity, suffering for it, entrusting it to faithful men and women and even making strategic plans for the gospel to go forth. Even as we reflect on whether we have the desire to say the above like Paul, the question I had in mind was “Am I already fighting the fight?”
Some of you may have heard me share about this. Hope I don’t bore you. Haha..Anyway, thought I’ll repeat myself here to encourage others who read my blog. :) In 2 Timothy 4:1, 8, it is mentioned that Christ will return to judge, and also the appearing of his kingdom. This kingdom consists of God’s people, which is also what will last ultimately. Looking at the young people in this ministry, it is my prayer that they may all run the race till the end. Pray that I may indeed treasure these young people and be faithful in my teaching and that my life may be a model for them.
Do join me in prayer for the youths in BTPC too, that they may continue to grow in maturity in Christ, and be willing to suffer for the gospel, so that the next generation may also hear of the gospel in its purest form. Exciting times ahead!
“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” ( 1 Thess 2:19)
The often quoted verse in obituaries – “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) has perhaps been understood as just finishing the race as a Christian. What about it in particular? However, as we understand it in the context of 2 Timothy, it is the race of guarding the gospel from false teaching, preserving its purity, suffering for it, entrusting it to faithful men and women and even making strategic plans for the gospel to go forth. Even as we reflect on whether we have the desire to say the above like Paul, the question I had in mind was “Am I already fighting the fight?”
Some of you may have heard me share about this. Hope I don’t bore you. Haha..Anyway, thought I’ll repeat myself here to encourage others who read my blog. :) In 2 Timothy 4:1, 8, it is mentioned that Christ will return to judge, and also the appearing of his kingdom. This kingdom consists of God’s people, which is also what will last ultimately. Looking at the young people in this ministry, it is my prayer that they may all run the race till the end. Pray that I may indeed treasure these young people and be faithful in my teaching and that my life may be a model for them.
Do join me in prayer for the youths in BTPC too, that they may continue to grow in maturity in Christ, and be willing to suffer for the gospel, so that the next generation may also hear of the gospel in its purest form. Exciting times ahead!
“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” ( 1 Thess 2:19)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Relationships
Thank God for relationships. :) Last Saturday was a day of catching up with a few friends, thanks to Caleb and Angeline’s wedding. It has been a while since I last met up with my MEET Team. Although 2 of them couldn’t make it, it was still a good time catching up with Xingtang and Hanley. The wedding at Nazareth Bible-Pres Church brought back wonderful memories of us preparing for out mission trip to China, which we did not manage to go eventually due to SARS. In the afternoon, I attended the Welcoming Ministry training in church and Pastor Andrew spoke about the functional and relational component of this ministry. It was a good reminder that relating to people and loving them is a Christian response wherever we are. In the evening, I met up with Jean, a very good friend of mine since poly days. Although we only meet up once every few months, there is no awkwardness and we are still able to share very much, even the struggles we face in our lives. Even though I had a very long day, it was a fruitful one and reminds me to treasure the relationships in my life and to learn to love others more.
With this in mind, am looking forward to the Youth Retreat starting today till Thursday afternoon where it will be a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the young people, many whom I do not know very well yet. Please pray for Wai as he teaches us 2 Timothy, and also pray that God’s Word will bear fruit in the lives of these young people, that they may grow in maturity in Christ. ( Will try to study a bit during the retreat? *keeping my fingers crossed*)
With this in mind, am looking forward to the Youth Retreat starting today till Thursday afternoon where it will be a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the young people, many whom I do not know very well yet. Please pray for Wai as he teaches us 2 Timothy, and also pray that God’s Word will bear fruit in the lives of these young people, that they may grow in maturity in Christ. ( Will try to study a bit during the retreat? *keeping my fingers crossed*)
