PLT Retreat

Just returned from the PLT* retreat held at NACLI. And I have to say that it was a very fruitful and edifying 2 days or so spent there. And it was a wonderful 2 to 3 months learning how to understand God's word, how to package it into a study and how to convey the message to group members.. As I mentioned earlier, only God knows how He wants to use me to serve the church and really, whether as a leader or not in future, the lessons learnt from PLT will never be forgotten.

We covered the book of Exodus at the retreat. I have never really liked reading the old testament.. always found it long and laborious.. sleep-inducing.. and I always have difficulties relating the events that occurred during the Israelites' time to my own life or even to the present world.. But perhaps because of the depth in which we covered Exodus and due to the efforts spent preparing for the studies, it suddenly daunted on me how amazing God's word is, even in the old testament.. It is amazing and comforting at the same time, to know that this is the same God that brought the Israelites out of Egypt that has given us the hope of salvation today. And that God has always been faithful to His promises, down to the smallest details.. And it is wonderful to know that all His promises have been fulfilled in the work and person of Jesus Christ.

Anyway for those less acquainted with the bible, Exodus is a book from the bible. Perhaps you can better strike a chord with the cartoon Prince of Egypt, where Moses was chosen as the leader to bring God's people out of slavery in the land of Egypt.

I had a good time interacting with the people at PLT.. Despite being the youngest person there, both physically and spiritually, I had no problems communicating with the people there.. and like last year's church camp, I find that such camps really allow people to get to know one another better.. And really, I can see how the gospel unites people from different backgrounds, ages, occupations and stages in life.. This truly is the fellowship or partnership in the gospel that the book of Philippians is talking about. You can really see the enthusiasm in how they want to know God and serve Him.. Their humility in wanting to learn from God's word and from one another.. Their love in encouraging one another even when the bible studies might not be particularly well-led, and in taking the effort to know one another better..

In fact, in our 2 days there, we didn't even have a television.. and I thought I wouldn't survive a day without the world cup haha.. and the food wasn't fantastic either.. there was nothing much to do there.. no outdoor activities either.. But with our bibles, with our spirits of wanting to learn from God's word and some games like Rummy and Taboo, we more than made up for what we lacked.. and I might even go further to say that perhaps, this gives us an inkling of what heaven is like.. that God's people are under God's rule, being spiritually satiated by His word and thriving on His word, and having perfect fellowship with one another..

Wee Seng summed up the retreat with a study of the book of Titus in the new testament. There is really no other way in which the gospel can be passed down. And there is no other way people can be spared from God's wrath. Through Jesus, the gospel came to the 12 apostles, through the apostles, anointed leaders, and through generations of leaders, us today.. And how can the gospel and the good news of salvation be passed to other people and future generations? through the leaders today.. And the baton we are passing on is not a leadership post or position, but it is the gospel, no more and no less.. that the gospel must be passed on in truth and sound doctrine, so that people might live godly lives as we wait for the blessed hope!


*Potential Leaders' Training

Religion

I know some of you have been checking my blog regularly.. just couldn't find time to sit down and type a post properly.. blame the world cup haha..

Thought I should talk a bit about this concept of religion. If u go to dictionary.com, it will give you a few definitions, of which I find these three more understandable and more commonly perceived.
1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
3. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

You know, before I came to accept christianity, I have always held on to the second definition, that religions, including christianity, are nothing but sets of beliefs and values based on teachings of a spiritual leader. So Islam is based on teachings of Prophet Mohamed, Christianity Jesus, Buddhism Buddha... To me, these were just teachings from man.. Sets of beliefs and values that would make your life complete, more meaningful and make you a better person.. And to me, if these were created by man, like you and me, I find religion futile and unnecessary. After all, who do I need to teach me how to live my life? Really, even without religion, there are people who are honest, kind, gentle, humble, generous and amicable..

In that aspect, Christianity was never meant to be a religion. It was never meant to be a set of beliefs or a way of life.. It was never meant to teach you how to live a better life or how to be nice to everyone.. so that puts to nought any talk that "Christianity is not a religion for me", "I have no need for religion at this point in my life" and "I will think about religion next time, right now I will concentrate on my career and finding a partner".. because all the above statements assume that Christianity is merely a set of beliefs created by a man. If it is just a set of man-made ideas, I fully agree with you that you can put them aside and get on with the more important areas of life..

I reread my own posts many times.. and I think I do sound arrogant and overly defensive at times. but I need to put some ideas across strongly to make my point.. and really, what do I have to boast about? that I became a Christian? that was entirely by God. that I am morally superior to you? never.. cos I am as sinful as each and everyone of you reading this post. So I hope you wont be put off by my "arrogance" here..

Ok what about the third definition? I think unknowingly, all of us hold on to our own gods and religions.. right now, many of us are worshipping the gods who earn more in a week than what I will earn in a year just by kicking a ball around.. you get the idea. there are so many other religions we subscribe to. studies, work, career, girlfriend, boyfriend, finding a girlfriend/boyfriend, health, fitness, food.. but actually all the above can be summed up in the worship of one thing - self. If you think carefully about it, all of those things are just self-worship. living for oneself, and pursuing things and relationships to satisfy yourself.. After all "It's my life!" isn't it? I live it the way I want it to be.. as long as I am happy..

Just before I became Christian (how many "before I became Christian"s do I exactly have? a lot haha..), I thought I found the perfect religion I wanted, a relationship. As much as I thought I was doing things to make her happy and stuff, at the heart of everything I did, it was really just a worship of myself, to make myself feel happy.. and there were indeed a lot of "emotional highs" during those few months of courtship/worship.. so much so that when it all ended, I was left with a void in my life.. I read my private blog post I posted during the "aftermath", and it read something like moving on in my life, concentrating on my studies and my career.. and isn't it something we all do in our lives? moving on from one aim to another aim in life.. from worshipping one god to another god.. fortunately, I came to believe in one true god..

To us Christians, Christianity is a religion only based on the first definition. The belief, worship and reverence of one true God, the creator of the universe.

And it is for this reason that I am so zealous in talking about religion on my blog.. And Paul puts it best:
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. ... They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped created things rather than the Creator.."

Indeed, I am not saying things like career, cars, family, money and relationships are bad things.. Neither did God say that these things are bad because they are created by Him. But really, how long do these things last? Are we deceived by this world to put all our lives and energies in these things that are transient and temporary? In that sense, are we exchanging and giving up the truth of God for a lie?

Family Photos at Malacca

Not Bad Wat..

"Not bad wat.." "Not bad mah.." "Not bad leh.."
I realise many of us like to use the phrase "not bad". I guess it shows some kind of humility. At least it is slightly better than saying, "Lousy la.. I only got 80." So in actual fact, when one says something is not bad, he is saying it is good. But being humble people, we would rather tell others we are not bad and let others tell us that we are good.

Anyway that was a little out of point.. From a normal human point of view, I think a lot of things can be not bad. In fact, a lot of things can be good. And there are lots of good people around too. People who donate generously to charities. People who are truly humble, down-to-earth. People who have no hatred, no malice, no ill-intent. People who do not gossip and spread rumours. People who help others altruistically. But people who satisfy all of these are few and rare. For the mortals like you and me, we would just like to think of ourselves as " well, not too bad la.."

Sometimes, it does make me ponder.. As I look at the people around me, Christians and non-Christians alike, I think these people are not too bad. After all, they are not going around killing people or stealing or cheating. They are sincere people. They love their families and friends. They study and work hard. They are filial. Granted the few vulgarities and the few gossips and rumours and the occasional stare or comment at the babe that walked by, I don't think these were done with much malice or ill-intent..

And then there are the true angels out there. People who really have a kind heart. People who are selfless and self-sacrificial.

So how can such people be punished if God is really a fair God? I don't really know the answer.. Sometimes it bothers me that I am saved but the, in my opinion, nicer and better people around me aren't.. I guess it gives me more reason and encouragement to live a life that is worthy of being saved.

But really, is what we humans define as good really good? What is the cut-off point for gaining entry into heaven? We have this tendency to set our own standards and rules. Perhaps it comforts us to think that we are not too bad people. Perhaps it comforts us to think that what we do is enough and satisfactory. So long as we do not harm other people. So long as we do not break the law.

But if indeed there is a God, then who are we to set the rules? or question the rules set by Him? Maybe by our human reasoning, it seems unfair that everyone is under His judgment.. But He sets the rules and He sets the standards for us.. And the standards are the same for each and everyone of us. In contrast our standards are arbitrary and vary among individuals. To be made right before Him, we must be perfect and spotlessly clean. And the only way to do that, and I know I am sounding like a broken record now, is through faith in Jesus Christ.

It might be comforting to us now that we are treating people sincerely and not doing things that are harming others (though sometimes we harm others unknowingly). But what good is there if this is a just a false sense of comfort and security? What if what we define as good is not good enough in God's eyes?

"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. ... This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." -- Romans

Absolut Joy

Recently, I have had plenty to be joyful about.. henceforth the change in the blog title.
Indeed sometimes I lament so much about my struggles and shortcomings when in fact there is so much to be thankful about. Thank God for the timely reminder in the sermon 2 weeks ago which reminds me to be thankful regardless of the circumstances and to continue to put my trust in him..

I think as Christians, there are always times when we are doubtful.. doubtful of His existence.. doubtful of His will.. I often question whether He is around.. whether He is real.. Sometimes I cannot understand why certain things happen that way.. And from time to time, these doubts will come back and new doubts will develop. And these doubts don't make anyone any less a Christian. In fact, it is during these times of doubts that you begin to dig deep and learn to draw on God's strength and learn to depend on Him.

And it was also in those times of immense stress and hopelessness and doubts that I found God.. During those few months, I was at times helpless, at times disappointed, at times bitter about how things had turned out.. But it was only during those times that I started to ponder over spiritual issues and the meaning of life. It seems that it takes some form of failure and disappointment to make a proud person turn to God for help. And indeed I see that happening around me.

I am really thankful for the two friends that have recently started going to church and beginning to know Christ.. Regardless of the circumstances in which they came to believe, I do hope they continue to put their trust in God and continue to mature in their faith.. Really, it is very encouraging to hear from them how they are beginning to turn to Christ.. it just shows the greatness of God's love, His generosity and His sovereign will.. and really, to anyone willing to receive this gift, He freely pours out His love and mercy.. He will never shut the door on anyone.. not even the most hardened criminal or stubborn soul.

I am glad I took up the opportunity to go for the leaders' course.. Although I can't say for sure that I will be able to lead a bible study in the near future, I think the course has greatly benefitted me in terms of understanding God's word and applying it in my life. Preparing for a bible study requires a lot of time and energy and it really forces you to read God's word properly and thoroughly cos how the bible study is led does not solely impact on the leader alone but also affects the group members' understanding of the bible. And yup, the bible is meant to be taught and learnt.. when I tried to read the bible on my own last time, I could barely understand what it is trying to say, let alone reading it in context or applying it correctly in my life. However, like what my course leader said, the leader of the bible discussion normally benefits the most and understands it fully.. I can't agree more cos leading the bible study has allowed me to understand God's word better.. At the same time, I can better appreciate the pains and efforts put in by my leaders in preparing for the bible studies.. Christian ministry is really hard work, hard work which is often unappreciated and unrewarding.. I can only ask God to guide me as I ponder over in what capacity I can serve the Church in future, in firm assurance that my reward is in heaven..

I rejoice for the relationships I have had with people these past few months.. relationships maintained, forged, and rekindled.. especially the ones that were renewed, I am really thankful to God. Sometimes, I thought as a result of my selfishness, some relationships were on the verge of breaking down.. but thankfully, in Christ, there is no record of wrongs, no conceit, no pride; only forgiveness, magnanimity and humility! also thankful for some new friendships forged or deepened.. these have been a great source of strength and encouragement for me.. especially my new one-to-one bible study leader-cum-buddy-cum-confidante Keeevin, he has been thoroughly encouraging and supportive.. I always go away from my one-to-ones feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. A big thank you to you if you are reading this! =)

To all who have received God's grace, rejoice!

Psalms 150

Praise the LORD.

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;

praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,

praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.