BookPastor >> "Faith That Does Not Falter" (Elisabeth Elliot)

TITLE: Faith That Does Not Falter
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Elliot (selections)
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishers, 2003, (90 pages).

The late Elisabeth Elliot was a tall figure in the missionary world. She passed away on June 15th, 2015. She maintained her last name of her first marriage to the martyr Jim Elliot, who was speared to death in Ecuador by the very natives he was trying to reach. Upon her return to North America, Elisabeth honed her writing and speaking skills to become one of leading advocates for world missions and renewed faith in God's providence. She showed us what it means to trust God, why we need to grow and how we can make a difference in this world. This gift booklet contains selections of her writings, culled from seven books:

1. All that was ever ours
2. Discipline: The Glad Surrender
3. God's Guidance
4. On Asking God Why
5. Passion and Purity
6. Quest for Love
7. The Mark of a Man

She begins with a passionate plea to believers, especially when terrible things happened. Do we trust God or do we defy Him? There is no middle. Based on this premise, the selections are arranged according to three themes. The first theme is about "Following God." There is no point in saying that we are followers of God when our actions demonstrate otherwise. When we say that God is sovereign, how do our choices reflect that? We are given the promise that we can become the children of God if we obey. She writes:

"The Bible does not explain everything necessary for our intellectual satisfaction, but it explains everything necessary for our obedience and hence for God's satisfaction." (14)

Following God means meeting God face on by reading His Word. Do we read with a desire to obey or are we content with picking and choosing which to obey? For God is looking for worshipers who are willing to trust God instead of thrusting God with our whims, our wishes, and our wants, with no regard for the things that matter to God. It means recognizing who God is through our lifetime, not just a moment in time. God will guide and we must trust God to show up according to His time, not ours. The more consistent we are in walking with God regardless of his speaking or his silence, we can better sense the divine whispers and holy groans the Spirit utters. As we follow God, we become familiar with how God works. We learn that when God calls us, he calls us within the framework of him knowing our exact frame.

"Jesus does not by any means disregard the sort of person we are when He calls us to do His will. He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. He knows the weaknesses and strengths, the tastes and fears and prejudices and ignorance and experience of each of us. What he wants to make of us, if we are willing to be made over, is sure to bear a relationship to what we are when we first come to Him. It is within His power to transform. It is for us to submit to the transformation." (20-21)

About God's calling, instead of asking "How do we know that we are called?" learn to ask: "How do I know I am NOT called?" This paradigm shift is a needed nudge for those of us who prefer to sit on our laurels and wait indefinitely to delay doing the good that we ought to do, when we are fully able to. Taking a risk is essentially a step of faith. As we follow after God, we learn to recognize God's voice, like Mary who responded to the angel's voice. We learn to be responsive and not be too busy with our own things till we forget God's gentle movement in our hearts. God are sensitive to God's timing. Many of us need to remember that God's timing is God's to decide, not ours. Very perceptively, Elliot asserts that "We will know when we need to know, not before." Those of us with difficult struggles will start to question God. There is a proper way to do that. God does not forbid us from asking questions. There is a difference between asking questions of God and questioning God. The former is a desire to know the reasons behind certain circumstances while the latter comes from an accusatory spirit. Beware. The devil has another nickname: Accuser. Even in moments of loneliness, we can still follow after God. We can do the following:

• Remember that God is with us. We are not alone
• Learning to give thanks curb our focus on self
• Refuse to give in to self-pity
• Accept our loneliness at stages of our lives
• Offer our lonely moments to God
• Do something for others

The second theme is on Life's Mysteries. Faith is a mystery. It is a gift. It is less about reasoning but about responding. 

"If we believe that God is God, our faith is not a deduction from the facts around us. It is not an instinct. It is not inferred from the happy way things work. Faith is a gift from God, and we must respond to Him with a decision: The God of the universe has spoken, we believe what He says, and we will obey. We must make a decision that we will hold in the face of all opposition and apparent contradiction." (38)

Change is also a mystery. Many people are creatures of habit but screamers against change. We like monotony and routine even when it is boring. We life to do the same things over again because it is safe and comfortable. The fact is, change is something that can refresh and rejuvenate us. With change, we are offered a chance to dig deep into our inner beings to depart from the familiar ways of the world and to arrive at the unfamiliar workings of the Spirit. Evil is also a mystery. Why must there be darkness? Why didn't God make everything sinless and perfect? In fact, God is showing us something greater. When one chooses goodness and holiness in spite of sin and darkness, one would have become totally free indeed. The Incarnation is a mystery. Why would God come down from heaven and to suffer with us? The truth is, He invites us to share in the fellowship of His suffering, that we may testify that God is with us in both good times and bad times.

"We cannot know Christ and the power of His Resurrection without the fellowship of His suffering." (47)

When we take up our cross, we begin to appreciate what Christ Himself had personally experienced. No longer will we be content to say to God, "Do you understand me?" but to confess before God, "Lord, you have already understood. It's I who still do not even understand myself!" Elliot equates discipline with obedience. She writes that "Discipline is the wholehearted yes to the Call of God."

When our hearts are broken, we can be shaped into the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:29); learn to trust Christ (2 Cor 1:8-9); learn to obey Christ (Ps 119:67,71); bear fruit for Christ (John 15:2); be mature in Christ (James 1:4). As we wait upon the LORD, we realize that God is there in the waiting.

"Waiting is a form of suffering - the difficulty of self-restraint, the anguish of unfulfilled longing, the bewilderment of unanswered prayer, flesh and heart failing, soul breaking. These are indeed tribulations, and tribulation is the curriculum if we are to learn patience. We want answers now, right now, but we are required at times to walk in darkness. Nevertheless, God is in the darkness." (59)

The third theme is "Making Right Choices." It requires us to overcome our deepest fears. The paths of dark valleys and dangerous places must be seen in context of the journey toward the kingdom. Our final destination is the House of the Lord. Elliot writes:

"Never for a second does God lose sight of his objective. It is we who forget what it is. We are distracted by immediate circumstances, and it is no wonder we want to give up the whole thing. It was the 'joy that was set before Him' that enabled Jesus to endure the cross. Without a clear understanding of the ultimate objective, the intermediate objectives make no sense to us. 'Why this, Lord?' we keep asking. But if we bear in mind that we shall, beyond any doubt whatsoever, finally dwell in the house of the Lord, settle down to stay in His presence, then the intermediate pastures and waters, even the valley of the shadow or the place of dragons, are understood. They are stations and landings along the journey, and they will not last long." (65)

Overcoming worry helps us make right choices. In fact, the opposite of trust is worry. She gives us six reasons why we should not worry:

1. Worry is completely useless.
2. Worry is disobedience
3. Worry is trapping ourselves in tomorrow's affairs
4. Worry refuses the gift of today
5. Worry is the antithesis of trust
6. Worry wastes time and energy

Then there is doubt which can be debilitating to faith matters. Learn to concentrate on God. Reflect on Isaiah 43. When we are in doubt, open up the Word of God and meditate. "The best kind of beginning, when we are wanting to know the will of God, is to concentrate first on God himself." (69)

Risk taking is a step toward making right choices. There is no such thing as a guaranteed result especially in spiritual matters. When we deny ourselves, we are essentially denying ourselves from grasping at the straws of man's strengths and human confidence. If Christ is the Truth, grab hold of Him. Witnessing is a risk. Can we witness in spite of troubles? Yes. For witnessing is obedience in action. Making right choices sometimes mean we take the road less traveled, the harder path. The only comfort in such choices is this: God will be with us. Perhaps, in the making of the hard choices f life, we learn to depend only on God. Nothing else.

This one little book is full of precious thoughts. It makes a gift that can usher in many more gifts.

conrade

Midweek Meditation: "Alzheimer's Communication"

This is from an experienced nurse.

In Remembrance of Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015)

With gratitude for what you had done for Singapore.

In remembrance of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who passed away Monday, March 23rd, 2015, 3.18am Singapore time, there will be a seven day mourning period for the nation. The picture above showed a flag at half-mast which I feel is a fitting tribute to Mr Lee's passion for the country. After all, he lived, breathed, fought for, and eventually died for the only country he ever loved: Singapore.

Contrary to what many sites I have seen that had shaded their sites in shades of black and white, I prefer to remember Mr Lee with the full bright colours of the Singapore flag and his own photo. This is because his very name is "light and bright" and I feel that a fitting tribute ought to let this light shine on his passion for the country.

As a mark of respect, this week's BookPastor Recommendation and Midweek Meditation will be held over. I wish his family my deepest condolences during this time. Together with my family and many Singaporeans all over the world, I want to say: "Thank you."

conrade

Lest We Forget - Nov 11th, 2014

Lest We Forget.

Wherever you are, on November 11th, at 11am, please take a moment to observe a minute's silence. Pray that the horrors and evils of war will never be repeated again, and that we and our descendants will do everything we can to promote goodness, peace, and well-being for all.

Remembrance Day around the world (link).

c

Midweek Meditation: "Ash Wednesday 2014"

Today marks the beginning of Ash Wednesday which is the traditional start of the Season of Lent, which is the traditional 40-days of reflecting on Christ's journey to the Cross. The end of the 40 days begins Holy Week, as Christians remember Jesus entering Jerusalem that fateful week.

I can point you to a free resource by Faithgateway.com here. It is a colourful 48-page daily reflection by some popular figures in the Christian world.

Note the Season of Lent as follows:

• Ash Wednesday - March 5th, 2014
• Maundy Thursday - April 17th, 2014
• Good Friday - April 18th, 2014
• Easter Sunday - April 20th, 2014

conrade

Moving Tribute: "Give Me Jesus"

Ruth Bell Graham passed away on June 14th, 2007 leaving behind her husband, the famous evangelist, Billy Graham. This couple has lived out an exemplary Christlike lives. They remain a rare model for marriage, for faith, for spiritual fervour, for all things life, and above all, for Christ. This moving video is a reminder of such a great woman who had been called back to the Lord. I remember my time at Gordon-Conwell, my professors were saying about Ruth's special sense of humour that was so down to earth, and yet very profound. One day, as the car she was in crawled to a slow speed due to construction works, she saw the final road sign that says: "End of Construction - Thank You for your patience," she said to her husband that those were the words she wanted on her tombstone. As I reflect on her life and her husband, I am encouraged. I am inspired, that for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Give me Jesus.

Here is the song by Fernando Ortega, called "Give Me Jesus." You can also check out a beautiful writeup of famous quotes from Ruth and her husband here.





LYRICS: GIVE ME JESUS

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone, 
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world, 
You can have all this world, 
Just give me Jesus.

conrade

Remembrance Day 2012

We remember.

Nov 11th, 2012
(Credit: www.geekshut.com)

conrade

Billy Graham's Conversion (Nov 1st, 1934)

Billy Graham's Decision Card at 16 years old.
(Photo Credit: lettersfromthelibrary.com)

Many of us have heard of this great name, Billy Graham. He is one of the world's most well-known evangelists, and influential person of this century. Exactly 78 years ago, this day, the young Billy Graham, then 16 years of age, heard the powerful sermon of one Mordecai Ham. Billy made a decision for Christ. In those days, people still write decision cards in detail, unlike our modern days of electronic communications and digital trail that can be easily deleted at the touch of a button.

Not only is there his own contact information, there is also an emergency contact, a place for one to put a signature, and "important verses for memorizing." We do not do these anymore. Instead, we simply abbreviate any references to a website, or a Facebook page.

I still remember the influence of Billy Graham during his earlier years touring the world to do evangelistic rallies. Many people made decisions for Christ, just like how Graham has done. Not many of us knows Mordecai Ham, the one that God has used to touch the life of the young Billy Graham. I think Ham does not mind. He will be most happy to see that someone else has far exceeded what his little effort has done.

Lesson for me. Even when I feel my role is puny or my influence small, all it takes is for the Holy Spirit to touch one life, and who knows, that person may touch even more lives. When the Holy Spirit works, He works mighty wonders even with just one person.

For more information, go here.

In Remembrance of my Dad (1941-2010)

Today is a solemn day. It's my dad's second death Anniversary. Time flies. Memory floods eyes. Mood swings. Remembrance brings back many years. My dad loves his garden. He populates it often with new pot s of plants and exquisite flowers.  I love my garden. I populate them with memories of nature, of God, and of my dad's love for nature.

Today, I remember my dad. I remember how he cares for my mum, albeit quietly. He has a quiet disposition, but when he speaks, his words are weighty. He has a good heart, willing to help wherever possible, and ready to give, especially to all things family.

I remember his passion for sports. Each Olympics, the TV will be on many hours. He never grows tired of watching top quality sports, even the uncommon ones. Soccer is one of his favourites. I remember him paying top dollar back in 1974 for a colour TV, so that he can catch the World Cup Soccer tournament. I remember how he will buy tickets to the National Stadium to catch the Malaysia Cup games.

I remember his care for my brothers and I. Regardless of the financial ups and downs, we always have food on the table. His favourite is eating out. From the hawker centers at the Orchard Road Car Park, to Newton Circus, from eating durians at the open market, to eating satay back home, his love for food is contagious. We too love to eat durians, cockles, and all kinds of cooked food. Eating out is his delight.

I remember his deteriorating physical state toward his last years. The first stroke left him half able to move. The second stroke rendered him 90% dependent on external help. My mum took the brunt of the caring. In the later years, a good domestic helper provided needed relief.

Dad, you are loved. Your grandchildren remember you. Your sons remember you. We miss you. Rest in peace in Jesus.

conrade

"How Now Shall We Live?" (Charles Colson)

TITLE: How Now Shall We Live?
AUTHOR: Charles Colson (with Nancy Pearcey)
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1999, (580 pages).

In remembrance of Charles Colson (1931-2012), who died yesterday, I will reflect on one of Colson's bestselling book.

Based on his central conviction that Christianity must go beyond being simply a private and personal religion, Colson argues powerfully that Christians ought to contend for the faith in every walk of life. They are called to expose false worldviews for its errors, enable one another to live enriched lives for God, share Christ through understanding how non-believers think, and to learn to build society based on biblical principles. Colson is quite hard on the Church at large.

"The church's singular failure in recent decades haw been the failure to see Christianity as a life system, or worldview, that governs every area of existence. This failure has been crippling in many ways. For one thing, we cannot answer the questions our children bring home from school, so we are incapable of preparing them to answer the challenges they face. For ourselves, we cannot explain to our friends and neighbors why we believe, and we often cannot defend our faith. And we do not know how to organize our lives correctly, allowing our choices to be shaped by the world around us. What's more, by failing to see Christian truth in every aspect of life, we miss great depths of beauty and meaning: the thrill of seeing God's splendor in the intricacies of nature or hearing his voice in the performance of a great symphony or detecting his character in the harmony of a well-ordered community." (xii)

He then proposes the following central questions for any worldview to answer.

1. Creation - Where did we come from, and who are we?
2. Fall - What has gone wrong with the world?
3. Redemption - What can we do to fix it?

The large 580-pages volume comprises of 5 parts that attempt to make sense of this central questions from a Christian point of view. 

Part One talks about why worldviews matter. Colson begins with a leader of the Prison Fellowship in Ecuador called Dr Jorges Crespo de Toral, who like him had left a career in politics to serve God in the prison ministry. Being a new creation of Christ means one needs to help live out this reality by helping to create a whole new world for others. Christianity as a worldview, by default, is in conflict with every other worldviews. Rather than believing Samuel Huntington's tri-cultural clash (Islamic, Western, Eastern), Colson insists that it is only 2: Christianity and every other system. Using the oyster analogy, Colson says that it is the spiritual order (the oyster) that forms the material order (the shell).

Part Two tries to tackle the question of Creation. He takes aim at Darwin, whose evolution theory presumes that God is not necessary. He makes a strong case that only Christianity is able to justify the basis of human dignity, and adequately explain the world as it is.

Part Three explains the human dilemma, of pain and suffering, of disease and death, and how to explain the meaning of evil. He raises the many aspects of evil happening in the world, and how inadequate other views are. Finally, he zooms in to the love of God, in which while people are still sinning and failing away, God comes in love to redeem the world.

Part Four talks about redemption. Like a mini-modern version of Ecclesiastes, Colson goes through the various ways the world tries to bring about meaning, through scientific advancement, through searching for meaning, through good intentions and good works, sexual liberation, pleasure, and the futility of it all. He then tells us what true redemption is:

1. Christianity accurately DIAGNOSES the human condition.
2. Christianity provides the best ANSWER to the problem of in.
3. Christianity's offer of SALVATION is based on historical truth.

Part Five is the application of the whole framework. If the first four parts are the theories, this part is the practical. In it are the answers to the question posed by the title of the book. Christians are called to be transformed people who transform culture. Transformed people are called to:

• Go beyond religious duties and to engage culture at large
• Engage by applying truth for one's own family first
• Engage through ethical standards and moral assertions
• Engage the neighbourhood
• Help create a good society
• Learn to proclaim God's truth everywhere God shows us.

Colson's conviction electrifies the entire book.  The tone of his conviction will certainly ruffle many feathers, even Christians. In a world in which many cities elevate pluralism above any one ism, equal rights above any one truth, and ensuring that Christians stay within the four walls of their own church buildings, it is easy to take potshots at Colson by asking him to mind his own business.

Colson is not easily dissuaded. He knows in his heart what God stands for. He wants to be a part of the redemption party of doing everything he can, not the relaxation party of doing nothing. He wants to share the good news in every area of life, instead of being hemmed into one area only called religion. He wants to give leadership and guidance, because he is deeply concerned that doing nothing is one of the worst positions any Christian can take.

The Christian world has lost a great voice. We do not have many people of such convictions nowadays. While Christians are largely divided over his tough views about being involved in every part of society, most of them acknowledge one thing: Colson is a leader with a powerful voice.

If only there are more people like him, people who argue with passion, love with compassion, and live with conviction. We will miss Colson. Thankfully, he has given all of us a gift through his writings and speaking ministry, Breakpoint.org. This book is one of them.

conrade

Were You There.... (Good Friday 2012)

Let me be brief today, that we may reflect on Christ's betrayal, arrest, humiliation, and crucifixion. The words of the hymn say it all. Listen to the words. Watch the video here.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

conrade

Teresa Hsu

India has Mother Teresa. Singapore has Teresa Hsu. Both are Roman Catholics. They have contributed so much and given the world lots of wisdom. Teresa Hsu died last week as the oldest woman in Singapore then. She was 113 years old. This video (5 & a half minutes) gives us a glimpse of her generosity to give, her willingness to help, and the constant lookout for people less fortunate than herself. She is a model, an example for the rest of us. As you watch the video, look out for the words of wisdom coming from Teresa Hsu. She may be old, but you can see how strong she is inside.

"More than 100 years old, Teresa still spends the time reading, learning, meeting people, gathering, and distributing food and money to help the needy." 

Amazing! Also very humbling.




[Thanks to Net T. for sharing this.]

conrade

Remembrance Day 2011

Today is 11 Nov 2011. At around 11.11am, countries observing remembrance day will be observing a minute's silence to remember the veterans of wars in the past as well as the present. I wrote on Facebook today:

It's Remembrance Day.
- Remembering the horrors and sorrows of war;
- Remembering the sacrifices of ordinary men and women
- Remembering that the peace we have is paid by the sacrifices of many
- Remembering we cannot take our world for granted;
- Remembering that peace is not gained by doing nothing. Peace is gained through regular dialogue (not monologues); being grateful for what we have (not bitter for what we don't have); and remembering the past meaningfully.

There is also no better way than to simply be quiet. Pray. Resolve within ourselves to be an agent of peace. Like a salmon swimming upstream, peacemaking is essential for peace. By not doing anything, we let the waters of nonchalance wash us downstream. We all can play our part. We can all make the future a more peaceful one for our children, our children's children, generations after generations. Remembrance is a first step.

Yapdates honour the Veterans of war, not just any one country, but all countries. After all, Christ died for all. Remember.

conrade

What's Life After Jobs?

(Credit: Jonathan Mak from Hong Kong)

The talk of the town since yesterday has been the death of Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple Computer. He was 56. Almost immediately, the names of Jobs and Apple easily top the list of searches, twitter, news media reports, and conversations worldwide. Such is the impact of Steve Jobs. Such is the influence of what he has done through Apple Computer. The symbols of his influence are everywhere. Apple products are seen at coffee shops where people are kept busy on their Macbook laptops. At the bus-stops, people listen to their iPods or iPhones. At airports and public squares, one can see people swiping their glass screens on their iPads. On the Internet, people change their profile pictures on their Facebook to reflect anything Apple. Websites like Google honour Jobs with a link to the Apple site. Of course, the company Jobs founded turn their home page into an official obituary.

For many Apple enthusiasts, they will feel like they have lost a lot more than simply a technological genius. They have lost a leader, a visionary, and a hero. Someone who enables one to 'think different.'

Personally, I am fascinated with the wide outpouring of emotions all over the world. Why is the world so captivated by one man? Even after Jobs retire a few months ago, the Internet was buzzing with commentaries and conversations about what life will be like without Steve Jobs. That day has come. Yesterday. Today marks a new day of a post-Steve Jobs era.

Andy Crouch's reflections on culture and how Jobs has influenced the world bring home some poignant points to ponder. Crouch cautions the public about the 'health of the culture.' He reminds us that technology is not the domain of any one person, but a community. He reminds us that Apple succeeds within a backdrop of multiple failures in the engines of the world.

Personally, I believe Apple the company, and Steve Jobs the person, and all those great inventions form a kind of escapism for many people. With all respect to Jobs and what he has done, the fault is not Jobs, but the nature of the world. I sense three fundamental needs in people. People need hope. People need fun. People need a sense of purpose. People cry, talk about, and are shocked simply because they seem to have lost a sense of all three. Instantly.

A) End of Three Hopes

Firstly, in Apple/Steven Jobs, people get a sense of hope when things coming out from the Cupertino outfit seems to do something better and better each time. It seems to be able to predict and meet the rising demands and expectations of people. Not only that, it often exceeds even the wildest expectations. Just think of the iPod and the iPad. They become bestsellers in their own categories dominating the market for portable MP3s, the Walkmans and many entry level laptops. People look to Apple/Jobs to give them a better hope with each product announcement. This is why the latest iPhone 4S launch (without Jobs) becomes a whimper due to the hyped up expectations of Apple offerings.

Secondly, people need fun. At the heart of every person, people are fun-loving. Even the most stoic facade do not replace the desire in people to be a child again. With great creativity, attractive designs, and ease of use that any child can operate, Apple products are insanely delightful to use, or to play with. If boring and laborious work can be injected with play and fun, it makes going through the work week a much better process. This is especially when the world is increasingly becoming paranoid over security matters, terrorism, and financial trouble. Apple/Jobs makes play relatively fun and safe.

Thirdly, people need a sense of purpose. As Apple/Jobs continue to come up with out-of-this-world innovations and creative products, people lap up whatever the computer company comes up with. Isn't it a cultic sense of escaping from the real world with the 'latest-and-greatest' gadgetry from the whiz boys? Apple/Jobs may have been a symbol of hope for many. Unfortunately, as Crouch rightly observes, Jobs's gospel is an empty one. He ends his reflection in a somber mood.

"Steve Jobs’s gospel is, in the end, a set of beautifully polished empty promises. But I look on my secular neighbors, millions of them, like sheep without a shepherd, who no longer believe in anything they cannot see, and I cannot help feeling compassion for them, and something like fear. When, not if, Steve Jobs departs the stage, will there be anyone left who can convince them to hope?" (Andy Crouch, A World Without Jobs)

B) Re-Entering the True Hope

Crouch's article was written a few months ago when Jobs stepped down due to poor health. He talks about his concern with the 'health of a culture.' Now with Jobs's death, does that imply a 'death' of a culture? No. Far from it. So what's life after Jobs?  I believe it is firstly a removal of the false cloak that we have unwittingly put in front of our faces. It is time to remove that cloak. Unveil our true selves. Secondly, admit that we need true hope. We need healthy perspectives. We need purpose. All of these, no human institution, no technological innovations, and no impressive idea can ever fill. For the emptiness of the human heart cannot be filled with things of this world. It can only be filled by someone that is not from this world. Finally, embrace the Hope of the world. Those of you who know Christ understands where I am coming from.

Perhaps, one of the best emotions that we can ever have is not to criticize or to become overly sad. We can give thanks for the many good years Apple/Jobs has given the world. With this, I agree with Andy Crouch's tribute in his latest article that demonstrates lots of grace. Just 2 words suffice: "Thank you." This is not only the most Christian thing to do, it is also most human.

conrade

Remembering 9/11 - 10 Years Later

Today is surreal. I preached today on suffering and pain. Yet, words cannot replace the pictures of courage, of hope, and of unforgettable moments shared together by many. Today, I stand in solidarity with my American friends, and the many nationalities around the world who are also victims, to say that I remember. Here are some very touching videos. Take a moment to watch them, be touched, and be determined to live a life that respects other lives, regardless of race, language, religion, culture,and all manner of differences. These are some of my favourite ones.


1) We Remember (very touching)



2) NFL Remembers (with rendition of the Stars and Stripes)



3) A very well made ABC documentary on the children of 9/11 (link)



To all victims and heroes of 9/11, may God enable all to heal, and to comfort. May we all never forget such horrors, and that they should never be repeated. Ever.


conrade

A Touching Memorial Service - Lokomotiv Yaroslav

On Wednesday, the hockey world was devastated by one of the world's most horrific air crashes which virtually wiped out a top hocky league in Eastern Europe, the KHL. The plane was carrying 45 members of the team, Lokomotiv Yaroslav. Only two survived but are in critical condition. Thursday was supposed to be the opening match against their opponent, Dinamo Minsk. Instead of a hockey game, spectators turned up in droves. The entire team from Minsk turned up in full hockey gear. Every player who perished from their opposing team was represented by a large placade placed on the ice, complete with photo, names, and the colour of the team. As the choir sang, the people stood up in respectful silence and tears. Each Minsk player stood in front of the picture of a player who died, and paid respect. Afterward, each team slowly skated with a puck to put the puck into their own net in honour and remembrance of their dead comrades from the other team. The entire ceremony is touching. Watch it here.




If you want to watch the full 30 minutes ceremony, click here. It is never easy to hear about tragic news, especially this year. The hockey world has been rocked with several deaths recently. For all the passion and competitiveness in sports, it is important to remember that we are all humans in the first place. We hurt. We cry. We mourn and we will weep together. May God grant peace and comfort upon the families and loved ones.

conrade

Remembering John Stott (1921-2011)

One of the most prominent leaders in the evangelical world has died. Together with CS Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, JI Packer, and others, I rank John Stott as among the foremost leaders of modern evangelical Christianity. He is 90. Known for his preaching and teaching effectiveness, Stott has been instrumental in the shape of evangelicalism today. Calling evangelicalism as a 'plain, ordinary Christian,' Stott has helped millions of ordinary people to come to a plain faith in Jesus. His books have influenced millions. His speeches have inspired countless number of people. What earth has lost, heaven has gained. CT has published a good obituary here.

I recall how his writings have been so effective in my own Christian life. "Issues Facing Christians Today" has been used not only in seminaries, but also in Bible studies, small groups, and Christian Education classes. Stott is also one who is firmly grounded in all things Bible, he is also sensitive to the culture at large. One of my most memorable quotes from Stott is this from the contemporary Christian. It is about learning to practice 'dual-listening.'

“We stand between the Word and the world with consequent obligation to listen to both. We listen to the Word to discover even more of the riches of Christ. We listen to the world in order to discern which of Christ’s riches are needed most and how to present them in their best light.” (John Stott, The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today's World, IVP, 1992, p110-111)

His teaching ministry has flourished with a global reach toward 'equipping a new generation of Bible teachers.' It will no doubt be spearheaded by people earnest for the gospel. He has contributed loads of material to disciple the young believer. Books like "Basic Christianity," "Understanding the Bible," and "Why I am a Christian" have been used for discipleship classes. One of his classic works remains "The Cross of Christ."

In it, he masterfully deals with the implications of Christ's death for God as well as for the world.

Stott is an immensely quotable person. Some of his best quotes are:

• "Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it." (CT Oct 1975)
• "Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God." (Stott, Your Mind Matters, IVP, 2006, p52)
• "If I come to Scripture with our minds made up, expecting to hear from it only an echo of our own thoughts and never the underclap of God's, then indeed he will not speak to us and we shall only be confirmed in our own prejudices. We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behaviour." (Stott, Culture and the Bible, IVP, 1981, p33)

John Stott's life is demonstrated in how he weaves his life into his books, his teaching and his life. For me, Stott has left a legacy of what it means to be a Bible student, a teacher, as well as a pastor through a threefold lens. 

"In developing my theme, I have had in mind the triangle of Scripture, tradition, and the modern world. My first anxiety has been to be true to the Word of God, allowing it to say what it has to say and not asking it to say what I might want it to say. There is no alternative to careful exegesis of the text. Secondly, I have endeavoured to share some of the fruits of my reading. In seeking to understand the cross, one cannot ignore the great works of the past. To be disrespectful of tradition and of historical theology is to be disrespectful of the Holy Spirit who has been actively enlightening the Church in every century. Then, thirdly, I have tried to understand Scripture, not only in its own light and in the light of tradition, but also in relation to the contemporary world. I have asked what the cross of Christ says to us at the end of the twentieth century." (John Stott, The Cross of Christ, IVP, 1986, p17)

Farewell Dr Stott. Thank you for a life well lived.

conrade

In Remembrance: Paul Yap (1950-2011)

It was at Regent-College that I first got to know Paul.

Paul enjoys not just food, but good company too.

Enjoying a birthday event at our Somerville House. Paul lives above our unit.  (14 Nov 2005)

Gathering with friends from Singapore (20 Nov 2005)

We invited Paul to a Regent College Retreat back in 2005. He accepted and joined us.

This is our last meal as a family with Brother Paul at White Spot Restaurant @ Richmond. We helped him check in at the airport before proceeding to a sumptuous meal. Paul always liked food. (26 Nov 2005).

We'll miss you. Rest in peace. We will see you again when we all meet Jesus one day.

conrade