Another Day

It is a privilege for me to share birth dates with George Whitefield. He was a wonderful preacher that many would like to aspire to become (myself included). However, the significant difference for this year is the mark of a new decade (or the end of the 2nd). How time flies.

After a full 2 decades of life on earth, I can safely put down in writing that:

1. Life is precious and short
2. Life is meaningless without Christ
3. The heart is utterly deceitful
4. Sin kills both physically and spiritually
5. Satan still continues to deceive Christians
6. Worldliness confuses the spiritual and makes him/her lost
7. Immaturity is not bound by age
8. Maturity is lacking in many
9. Ignorance is the easiest alternative to peace
10. Compromise is poison, slow in the effect, but certain in its destination
11. Family cuts both ways
12. Peace is elusive on earth, unless it is embedded within
13. Sorrows are multiplied when God is not found
14. Marriage is the precursor of the heavenly one
15. Death is but the start of something beautiful for the Christian
16. A glimpse of heaven will endure the heart to deny self

By God’s grace, only by His grace, can one ever hope to sustain for another decade in this fallen world.

The book of proverbs is truly a treasure trove for Christian believers who really desire to mature up in their spiritual development. Personally, I would encourage all believers everywhere (including those who think themselves mature and old in the faith) to read and re-read this book.

This book does not only outline what Godly wisdom is, but sets it apart from the worldly convention of wisdom. Reading the book, the reader will be able to distinguish the difference and to even cultivate positive steps of acquiring and growing godly wisdom that accords to His Will.

Personally, I am much edified by the promises that are scattered throughout the book. For example; Proverbs 1:4-5 speaks of the work of this book to give prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young man. In our age where the simple minded are looked down upon, this surely is a head turner, as it promises that the ways of the simple will be tempered with caution (something that the world thinks the simple are incapable of). This is more useful for the young man who struggles with his emotions and feelings and new found responsibility that they have to shoulder; God’s Word gives him understanding of even the horrible, painful issues of life and more importantly, give him a sound decision making faculty that is corrupted in the world. Look at the young man of today and you will see that he is stricken with relativism, uncertainty and inconsistency. All these manifest themselves in this period of ‘rebelliousness’ that people (the general people) believe is merely a phase of life.

The book gives practical advices also that helps steer the believer into right pastures; Proverbs 4:14-15 – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and pass on.” I can say that this is absolutely sound advice and caution for those who are tempted to walk down the path of unwholesomeness, and think that the experience that comes from it will somehow help the believer in the future. That is definitely untrue for all experiences leave a residue on our soul, mind and heart which will affect our decision making in the future. What ought we to do then? “Just turn away and pass on”. Ignore it by turning away and passing it on (do not look at it). In a world where everyone wants to taste every wine there is to be tasted… this is a radical call.

God’s Word will always be radical for it challenges our very nature and heart fabric. It is useless to shout that Christians are radical but there is no true radicalness to be seen. There is nothing radical by jumping up and down in a worship, doing many things like preaching to hundreds of people and bringing people in the busloads to church. It is nothing different than the many other organisations in this world. But where is the radical lifestyle that shocks families for their integrity, truth and commitment to a Holy & Merciful God? Are we more than these?

Let us be radical, but only in the Wisdom and truth of God’s Word.

More about John Calvin at Calvin 500

There were only 10 questions, and I got 9/10 right. I think I messed up for the question concerning the contents for the revision of church worship done by Calvin. Anyway… test your knowledge of Calvin from the link above

There are many things that the world offers to its inhabitants, none more powerful than distractions for the things eternal. It is sad that we are so easily taken up by what this world offers without even blinking or hesitating. The world is temporary, although it will last a few more generations (perhaps?), it cannot be compared with the eternity that the soul faces upon release from this physical body that we are wearing.

Distractions are everywhere; it has been the basis for the development of sales & marketing within the business industry. Capturing and holding a person’s attention is worth very, very much in our increasingly aggressive economy. It is also worth very much to the evil one who seeks to drag people down with him to the destiny that awaits him.

Studying God’s Word in 1st Peter chapter 1 has opened up my eyes on the consistent need to avoid distractions of this world, and to concentrate on the kingdom to come. It is humbling to do so, for it forces believers to put aside the things that we ‘feel’ are more important (the things of this world). It strips us from our comfort and security and instead casts us into the arms of our eternal Father who alone, rules all things and calls all to account in that last Day of Judgment. That is a reality that is to come, and if we begin to doubt the gravity of God’s concern on us, we will be walking down the wrong pathway and will be unprepared when eternal issues crop up.

This is not an article written to teach, but a reminder for myself to be ‘ready’. Always be vigilant. Be sober. For truly, the enemy is roaring like a lion ready to pounce on its prey when they least expect it. The end result is to be devoured by that lion. What must we do them? Not only to get rid of distractions (for ultimately, that is an impossibility in this fallen world) but to fix our eyes on our Redeemer, who is Christ. To fill our minds with things above, so that the things of this world will be put into its proper context (of God’s universe). Does not negate our worldly responsibilities? Of course not, it is never a basis for us to ignore our responsibilities, but to ensure that all things are done unto and for God’s glory.

Those who fix their eyes to heaven will ensure that their dealings on earth will firmly reflect the image of God, whom they owe everything to.

(Disclaimer: This is not an article written for the public, but is my notes used for preaching. It has been posted here for a particular personal reason. Thank you)

Mark 7:24-30

Purpose in Dealing with the Human Heart

Previously, we have considered the principle lesson on defilement and impurity of the heart because of sin. In the midst of all the healings and all the glamour which people were heaping upon Jesus Christ, this was the main interlude which the gospel writer wants us to take note of; Jesus Christ came to deal with the sinful heart of man (v.1-23). It is for that reason that He went to the region of Tyre and Sidon (these are Gentile cities – most likely He went to one of the cities at the border of the region) and wanted no one to know of it. Too many people are looking for the salvation of their own physical desires and pleasures rather than the spiritual condition that they are locked in (chained to). The Jewish people would not have looked for Him in the Gentile regions as to be in the cities were to be ‘defiled’ by them (according to their own thinking). This would be sufficient of a respite for Jesus and His disciples to be away from the accusative eyes of the Pharisees and Scribes.

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It is painful at times, but sometimes we find ourselves uttering the words of the Psalmist:

Psalms 77:7-9  ”Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?  (8)  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?  (9)  Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

Living in our sin-corrupted flesh is spiritual agony when we are brought to remember the holiness of God’s being and standards. The weight of guilt and the crushing blows of sin assailing our conscience can be so powerful that we cry out like the psalmist and query God: will it be forever? Will there never be restoration from God? Has everything promised to His people failed on account of our imperfection and worthlessness? Is there no grace left for me?

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Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been extremely busy with work and study.

Calvin has been on my mind for the past few weeks, but more so for this week; I will be giving a paper on Calvin’s ministry and lessons we can learn from him next week (on Tuesday in fact).

I have to admit that Jean Cauvin’s (John Calvin) life is truly a challenging one to ministers of the Word. It is interesting to note that he had no formal theological education. He was educated in the arts (pre-requisite for theological studies) but later on finished with a law degree (change due to family problems).

I will put some other interesting tidbits about him when I have the time

Behind the Scenes: Sometimes a particular verse may give me problems (the fault lies in my limited skills and poor English, I’m sure), like this weeks’ 1 Peter 1:7, focusing on “may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” based on the NKJV. My problem is in the reading and meaning of “may be found to praise”, with the emphasis being on the word “to”. A cursory read would seem that the matter (genuineness of faith) may be found in the condition of praise, honour and glory (as in praising, honouring and glorifying) God at the revelation of Jesus Christ. However, this is based on my understanding of the word “to”, which is a ‘changer’, as in ‘to make into’. Anyway, the KJV and older versions use the word “unto”, which means the same in modern English (at least it is to me).

ML concurred with me on this; the faith of the person may be found to be praising, honouring and glorifying God at the Last Day – Christians ought to persevere to the end. Except that the old commentators were giving other interpretations. Here is where I would have to break down the sentence into the Greek and find the proper structure of the sentence and how the words relate to each one. A useful program I have does this for me:

δὲ (conjunction, logical, contrastive)
but, and, now, (a connective or adversative particle)
Contained in: Relative Clause
Syntactic Force: Adversative conjunction
Words Modified by δὲ
• conjunctive relation: The word δὲ modifies ἀπολλυμένου (verb) in 1Pe 1:7, word 10 (ἀπολλυμένου is outside of the current clausal unit).
• conjunctive relation: The word δὲ modifies δοκιμαζομένου (verb) in 1Pe 1:7, word 14 (δοκιμαζομένου is outside of the current clausal unit).

δοκιμαζομένου (verb, present, passive, participle, singular, genitive, neuter)
to test, by impl. to approve
Contained in: Segment Clause
Syntactic Force: This attributive participle functions as the verb of its clause.
Words That Modify δοκιμαζομένου
• conjunctive relation: The word δοκιμαζομένου is modified by δὲ (conjunction) in 1Pe 1:7, word 13 (δὲ is outside of the current clausal unit).

εὑρεθῇ (verb, aorist, passive, subjunctive, third person, singular)
to find
Contained in: Subordinate Clause
Syntactic Force: Finite verb
Words That Modify εὑρεθῇ
• prepositional relation: The word εὑρεθῇ is modified by εἰς (preposition) in 1Pe 1:7, word 16 (εἰς is outside of the current clausal unit).
• prepositional relation: The word εὑρεθῇ is modified by ἐν (preposition) in 1Pe 1:7, word 22 (ἐν is outside of the current clausal unit).

εἰς (preposition)
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered, of place, time, fig. purpose, result)
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Preposition of direction
Words Modified by εἰς
• prepositional relation: The word εἰς modifies εὑρεθῇ (verb) in 1Pe 1:7, word 15 (εὑρεθῇ is outside of the current clausal unit).

ἔπαινον (noun, accusative, singular, masculine)
praise
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Prepositional object
Words That Modify ἔπαινον
• conjunctive relation: The word ἔπαινον is modified by καὶ (conjunction) in 1Pe 1:7, word 18 (καὶ is within the current clausal unit, after ἔπαινον).

καὶ (conjunction, logical, connective)
and, even, also
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Copulative conjunction
Words Modified by καὶ
• conjunctive relation: The word καὶ modifies ἔπαινον (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 17 (ἔπαινον is within the current clausal unit, before καὶ).
• conjunctive relation: The word καὶ modifies δόχαν (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 19 (δόχαν is within the current clausal unit, after καὶ).

δόξαν (noun, accusative, singular, feminine)
opinion (always good in N.T.), hence praise, honor, glory
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Prepositional object
Words That Modify δόξαν
• conjunctive relation: The word δόξαν is modified by καὶ (conjunction) in 1Pe 1:7, word 18 (καὶ is within the current clausal unit, before δόξαν).
• conjunctive relation: The word δόξαν is modified by καὶ (conjunction) in 1Pe 1:7, word 20 (καὶ is within the current clausal unit, after δόξαν).

καὶ (conjunction, logical, connective)
and, even, also
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Copulative conjunction
Words Modified by καὶ
• conjunctive relation: The word καὶ modifies δόχαν (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 19 (δόχαν is within the current clausal unit, before καὶ).
• conjunctive relation: The word καὶ modifies τιμὴν (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 21 (τιμὴν is within the current clausal unit, after καὶ).

τιμὴν (noun, accusative, singular, feminine)
a valuing, a price
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Prepositional object
Words That Modify τιμὴν
• conjunctive relation: The word τιμὴν is modified by καὶ (conjunction) in 1Pe 1:7, word 20 (καὶ is within the current clausal unit, before τιμὴν).

ἐν (preposition)
in, on, at, by, with
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Preposition of manner
Words Modified by ἐν
• prepositional relation: The word ἐν modifies εὑρεθῇ (verb) in 1Pe 1:7, word 15 (εὑρεθῇ is outside of the current clausal unit).

ἀποκαλύψει (noun, dative, singular, feminine)
an uncovering
Contained in: Prepositional Phrase
Syntactic Force: Prepositional object
Words That Modify ἀποκαλύψει
• adjective-like relation: The word ἀποκαλύψει is modified by Ἰησοῦ (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 24 (Ἰησοῦ is within the current clausal unit, after ἀποκαλύψει).
• adjective-like relation: The word ἀποκαλύψει is modified by Χριστοῦ (noun) in 1Pe 1:7, word 25 (Χριστοῦ is within the current clausal unit, after ἀποκαλύψει).

The main thing this information tells me is that the sentence (phrase actually) is in the passive sense. It is not in its active voice. It is actually an action done by a 3rd person (in the context, God). This agrees to the real usage of the word “unto” or “to” used in the KJV & NKJV: used to show that you are starting to talk about a different subject http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=55520&dict=CALD

Phew… that changes quite a bit of my previous understanding of the phrase. The approval of the Christian’s faith will be found (brought to light) by God, and be rewarded with praise, honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, in His Second Coming. The implications are definitely different from the former understanding.

Very satisfying for me

I keep finding this account from some websites. It is a good one used mainly to counter Evolutionists. I believe the application could be broaden up considerably. Here goes:

An experiment was conducted in which six bees and six flies were placed inside a bottle. The bottle was turned on its side with its base facing the light coming through the window. At the other end, the mouth of the bottle was open. In that situation it was discovered that bees will persist in trying to find their way to freedom through the base-until they die of hunger or exhaustion. It seems that the bees’ attraction to light is their undoing in this experiment. The light shining through the base seems to convince them that there is no other way out. And so they press up against the bottom of the bottle closing themselves off from all other possibilities. Consequently, they cannot discover the opening at the other end of the bottle. The feather brained flies, on the other hand, all get out of the bottle within two minutes. Seemingly unconcerned, they just keep buzzing all around inside until they venture out to freedom through the neck and out the opening. Thus, the bees remain prisoners of their own logic while the flies meet the good fortune that often awaits the simple.

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As I reflect on this generation and the coming ones, it is obvious that decisions and perceptions are patterned after the modernised culture of instant gratification. It is the wanting of satisfaction to be immediate (e.g. fast food, fast transactions, fast communications). There seems to be a mentality that satisfaction that is delayed is not worth pursuing for it is not guaranteable. One would rather be risk-adversed in personal satisfaction, and this can be seen partially in the blooming world of credit card usage. Why is there a readily acceptance of credit card financing in our world today? It is because satisfaction must be fulfilled first. Thus, the notion of working first for a long term benefit (deferred gratification), where the payoff is much later, seems foreign.

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