Another Day

It is quite flattering to see that RBCM’s MP3 Archive is being mirrored (captured) at Monergism.com. You can find the links here: http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/MP3-Audio–Multimedia/All-Asian–Oceania-Speakers-Messages/Reformed-Baptist-Churches-Malaysia/

We are listed under “Asian and Oceania Speakers Messages”.

It has always been the hope that the MP3 messages will minister to a wider circle of listeners. Thank God for the opportunities

(1 Peter 2:12-17) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (13) Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, (14) or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (15) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (16) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (17) Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Lest we forget the context of Peter’s writing, the government of the day was the Roman Empire. Though strong and having a long history of victories, it was also peppered with much corruption and nepotism.

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This evening would be the start of a new series entitled “On Evangelism” for the church weekday bible study. Evangelism is a challenge for the Christian believer who tries his or her best to fulfill the command of our Lord. It is important to take note that the best evangelist that we should pattern ourselves after is Christ Himself (not Paul as many would put it, though Paul was mightily used in the proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles) as given to us from the Gospel account. Christ came into this sinful world not only to preach the message of the Kingdom of God but to be the message of salvation.

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An edifying read from Philip Ryken on John Calvin’s life as a pastor-scholar. The full article can be read from: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/2009/07/the-pastor-scholar.html

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The right to freedom of speech is a fundamental right that is given to mankind. That does not mean that a person is free from any repercussions or consequences that ensues the articulation of speech. You can say anything you want. But that also means that, you should receive anything that comes out of it. If what you say offends, be prepared to be offended. This freedom of speech cannot supercede the freedom to live, of course. There must be a balanced battlefield for those who are at war.

Why am I bringing this up? Because I find that Christians ought to understand the point of view of the other person in our reasoning and persuading of the Gospel. The Reformed, Evangelical, Protestant, Christian faith is not one that seeks blind belief. No, we are to be most pitied if such is the case. Paul makes that clear concerning the Resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). I cannot agree nor do I advocate a belief that does not have a real basis for conviction. That basis has to be tested and experienced. It cannot be merely intellectual (without implications) and cannot be merely experiential (without logic). What a Christian ought to do when he or she understands where the other person is (in all aspects or most – spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual, etc.) is to bring him or her to our position. That means there are many hurdles that you need to overcome.

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(Luk 23:39-43)  One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (40) But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (42) And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (43) And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

I used to be confused on the subject matter of conversion when I was younger (right up till my late teens). It is the way many potray the Gospel as an easy-to-do thing; pray the “sinner’s prayer” and be baptised. Those were the sure two ways of making sure that you have the right to call yourself a Christian. I know many people who are convinced that they were saved because of a prayer they uttered a few years back in an obscure time (in their own minds). Some have ‘accepted Christ’ because of the way the ‘Gospel’ has been presented to them; Jesus Christ is better than Santa Claus and Aladdin’s genie. Few have marketed that Jesus Christ will do wonders for your marriage life, and for your work life too.

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Chapter 14 – 17 of John is a long passage that deserves the Christian’s undivided attention in meditation. It is just so rich with theology and sweet doctrine concerning Christ’ purpose on earth, what He achieved on the cross at Calvary and more importantly, His relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit (identified as the ‘Helper’ in this passage). One thing that stands out very clearly is Christ’ proclaimation that His obedience to the Father’s commandment is evidence of His love to the Father (John 14:31). This is repeated again in John 15:10.

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I recently completed a short 3 part study on the passage above in this order: 1-20, 21-25, 21-34. The last study had a repetition of verses 21-25; this was on purpose as not all that I wanted to draw out of the study was caught in the 2nd study. This shows just how rich God’s Word is. The main theme of the Parables as I reflect upon it is a decidedly dangerous one; heart exposure.

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The first of July 2009 marks a new chapter in my life. This blog (website) serves as a vehicle to articulate my thoughts and studies, not to ‘teach’ others concerning God’s Word (for there are many more abler teachers out there), but for my own reflection in the years to come. Growth can only be known if it is measured against a benchmark. Spiritual growth is no different. I hope this blog will be an instrument that I can use to gauge my own growth for the years to come.

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