Ananias and Sapphira - Died, so that their souls might be saved

When I was a young Christian convert, the story of Ananias and Sapphira frightened me. Please read Acts 5: 1-13. Briefly, the new Christians in Acts 5 sold their belongings and shared what they had with others.  Ananias and Sapphira sold theirs, but kept some money for themselves.  The apostles confronted them and both they dropped dead for what they did.  (But this does not happen anymore.  Nowadays, when Christians sin, they don't have to drop dead.)

When I read the Gospels, I had the impression that Jesus was kind and forgiving.  I understand that all men sin, even Godly men.  For example, King David of the Old Testament loved God, but he was also a murderer more than once.  What's so serious about telling a lie or not sharing some personal wealth??

I searched the internet and found that many other people were perplexed over this story in the Book of Acts too. Many were asking: why Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead, and would they go to heaven after that? (See http://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/5122/what-happened-to-ananias-and-sapphira-after-death/24198#24198)

There are only 2 possible answers to this question.  If  A and S were believers, then they went to heaven.  If A and S were non-believers in the first place, then they probably did not go to heaven.

From my personal experience, I know many Christians who sincerely believe in Christ were also great sinners.  They were sincere believers, but not faithful believers.  Many were liars, did harm to others, gave in to all kinds of temptations, and brought disrepute to the church.

So am I - a sinner.  God has forgiven me.  I  thank Jesus for dying on the cross as a propitiation for my sins.

Hence I think A and S went to heaven even though they sin against God.  "They were dead and their flesh might be destroyed, but their spirits might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (See 1 Cor 5:1-5).

Thank you Jesus for saving me, a sinner.  I believe A and S were saved too.

Story of a Human becoming a Deity

I am very impressed by this video on how a human, an exceptionally virtuous and kind human, became a deity and is now worshiped by 200 million followers.

Just like to share with you.

Christmas Day Disasters

Today is Christmas day.  Merry Christmas.

I remember the Tsunami disaster on the day after Christmas in 2004.  Over 300,000 people perished when Tsunami, emanating from an earthquake, swept across the Indian Ocean that day.

Today, I read in the news that ice storms knocked out electric power to 370,000 homes in USA, and  also to few hundred homes in Canada.  For those of us not affected by such natural disasters, we could continue our celebration of Christmas.  But for those affected and sustained loss or injuries, what was there to celebrate??

But wait !!  Isn't it Christmas?  Isn't it a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the Love of God?  Why did God not hold back all these so that His people can celebrate His presence joyously?

But now, look at the facts again: 
1) When Christ was asked, "Are You the Son of  God?"  Jesus answered, "Yes I am." (Luk 22:70)
2) When Pilate asked Jesus, "Are You the King of the Jews?"  Jesus answered, "It is as you say." (Luk 23:3)
3) Pilate asked Jesus, "...It was your own people and the chief priests who handed you over to me.  What have You done?" Jesus explained, "My kingdom does not belong to this world;  if My kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities.  No, My kingdom does not belong here!" (John 18:36)

So Christ had explained why bad things happened to Him and to us, even on Christmas day and Christmas season.  -- He is the Son of God, the King, not of this earthly world but of another world we are to go to.

Without doubt, disasters will occur in this world - even on Christmas day.

Still I wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS.

God's Promise to Abraham - The Abrahamic Promise is done !

And God took Abraham outside and said "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him "So shall your descendants be." Then he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:5.

You see, when you believe in God's promises, you are reckoned as righteous !!!

Now, how many stars were there when Abraham looked up the night sky?  There must be billions of stars in the Universe !

But in 2012, there were about 14 million Jews (or descendants of Abraham) in the world.  The world population of Jews peaked at 16.7 million just before World War II.  Surely this is far below the number of stars that Abraham saw in the night sky!

But its not just 14 million Jews.  I estimated that in the past 6,000 years, about 1200 million Jews had walked on Earth, although only 14 million are alive at this moment.  (The rest of the 1200 million were dead.)

When God said "count the number of stars", God simply mean figuratively "a very very large number".  Now, would you consider 1200 million as a very very large number?   I believe so.   God's promise to Abraham is fulfilled. (And we have not even included Abraham's descendants from his other wife, Hagar, yet.)

In conclusion - trust God and His promises.  If you do, you will be reckoned as righteous in His sight!  Merry Christmas.

 

God stopped the river-flow, again and again, for His people.

How many times did God parted the waters for His people?  You would remember the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14.  But there were 3 other occasions.

The second time was when God parted the Jordan River for Joshua's people to enter the Promised Land some 40 years after the parting of the Red Sea.  This time, the people remembered what happened 40 years before.  They knew God would do it.  They were not surprised. (Joshua Chapter 3 and 4)

God parted the waters the third time for Elijah to cross Jordan River, and did it again the fourth time for Elisha to do the same (2 Kings 2).

So, do not be surprised that God will do it again in future for you and I.  In times of pain, when we beseech God to help us to cross our own 'rivers', we can be certain that God could do it.  After all He did it four times in the Bible alone.

In life, there will always be rivers to cross and mountains to conquer.  Have faith.  God is the same today and four thousand years ago.  He will still be there for us.  Merry Christmas.

...And the Word became flesh (What Happened?)

When the Son of God was incarnated and born of Virgin Mary, He took on a physical dimension.  He was flesh and blood.  He was finite in time and space like all human beings.  In the physical dimension, He was no longer all-knowing.  Many things he needed to ask in order to know.  He asked "How many loaves do you have?" Matt 15:34 "Who touched my garments?" Mark 5:30. "...of that day...no one knows...but the Father alone."  Matt 24:36.

But while in the physical dimension, Jesus Christ was still able to exercise his divinity and knew things that humans did not. He knew of Judas' betrayal before hand.  He knew Peter would deny him 3 times before the cock crowed.

God sent His Son to take on the lowly human form to die for our sins.  The wages of sin is death  - and Jesus Christ died for us.   Thanks be to Jesus Christ.

Worship in Quietness

We are now in the second week of Advent.  Soon, it will be Christmas 2013.

Yesterday I attended a wedding at The Bible Church Singapore (TBC).

I had not heard or visited this church before.  I was a bit puzzled why the church is located at a building called the Clementi Bible Centre (CBC).  So upon arrival, I walked around the building to see for myself.

Apparently, within the CBC, there are 2 churches - The Bible Church and Mt Carmel Bible Presbyterian Church.  That was interesting ! There were a few sanctuaries in CBC, some used by TBC and some by MCBPC

I sat down in the sanctuary used by The Bible Church.  The sitting capacity was around 500.  It was a cosy santuary - high roof, no pillars, air-conditioned, simple.  I was very happy with this place of worship.

My own home church is Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.  Within AMKMC there are a few sanctuaries too.  I only attend the 'traditional' worship services which are less noisy - no noisy musical instruments are used.  I believe the 'contemporary' worship services are somewhat noisy.

So when the wedding service started at TBC, I was really surprised and amused.  The drums were pounding at 150 to 200 decibels and those who sang were shouting.  It really did not matter if you sang off-key.

It was an interesting experience.  But I now confirmed that I prefer worship services that do not use drum instruments that exceed 70 decibels.  The softer the musical instrument, the better - that I could hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit more clearly.    

Right Interpretation or Misinterpretation depends on a comma

In Luke 23:43,  Jesus said to the Second-Thief as they were crucified at the same time:  "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Is the comma at the right place ??  Shouldn't it be "Truly I say to you today, you shall be with Me in Paradise."

So it depends on where the comma is.  Catholics interpret that after death, a person goes to purgatory, not to Paradise yet.   Mormons interpret that after death, you have to wait to be called out of the grave by a new name before reaching Paradise, not reaching Paradise immediately today. 

Others interpret that after death, you have to be go through a period of soul sleep, or some future resurrection, or some other forms of baptism, before reaching Paradise.

So it's up to you to place the comma.  Is it "comma today" or "today comma "

But why confuse yourself?

Whether Paradise or Heaven, It's fine with me.

While being crucified on the cross, Jesus told the Second-Thief that "Truly I say to you today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43.

Now, this is the only time the word  'Paradise' was used in the New Testament. I thought we go to Heaven upon death?  How come Jesus said Paradise instead of Heaven?  What is Paradise?  How is it different from Heaven?

Actually I am relieved that I will be going to Paradise.  And honestly, it doesn't matter whether it is Paradise or Heaven.   Both are OK.

Thanks be to God.  Thank you for Your grace.

Jesus' Last Lesson - And Also The Best

There were 2 thieves crucified next to Jesus.  The crosses they were nailed on must be very close to one another - because they still could hear and talk to each other.

The First-Thief mocked Jesus and said "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" The Second-Thief retorted "Don't you fear God?  You received the same sentence ...We are getting what we deserve for what we did;  but he (Jesus) has done no wrong.  And he said to Jesus, 'Jesus, remember me when you come in Your kingdom!'"

Jesus said to the Second-Thief  "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Now, let us examine this Lesson.  Jesus' closest disciples/apostles fled or stayed away when He was nailed to the cross.  (The disciples became fearless witnesses only after the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them on Pentecost.)  The Second-Thief must had his doubts about Jesus too.  But unlike the First-Thief, he used kind words even though he had his doubts. His kind words came from his sincere heart.

The Second-Thief did not know Jesus as well as the 11 closest disciples/apostles.  Most likely, he did not know the Scriptures. He did not follow Jesus for 3 years and was not baptized.  But he had a sincere heart!

So you see, like the Second-Thief, a non-christian may be saved through Jesus.  In his dying moment, a non-christian may encounter Jesus and recognise Him.  When he ask "Remember me, Jesus, in Your kingdom." Jesus would admit him to Paradise.  OR, after his last breath, a non-christian soul may recognize Jesus. If he says "Remember me, Jesus, in Your kingdom!", Jesus may admit him to Paradise too.

Jesus' Last Lesson while He was on the cross was the best, the most magnanimous, the most comforting.  Who says non-christians cannot go to Heaven? God can admit non-christians, anytime, through Jesus Christ.  My interpretation.

We have Hope. 1 Cor 13:13.    Merry Christmas.

God Shows How To Avoid Natural Disasters (Rare)

The story of Jonah is short, simple and easy to read.  But it has many lessons. This is one...

Nineveh was a city of wicked people, and Jonah disliked the whole city.  God asked Jonah to be His messenger to tell the people of Nineveh to repent, otherwise God will destroy the city as punishment.  Jonah wanted the city to be punished, so he refused to go and to warn the people of Nineveh.

By and by, Jonah had no choice but to bring God's warning to the people of Nineveh.  A surprising thing happened.  It was rare, but it happened...  THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH, THE WHOLE CITY, REPENTED!

The story goes:
"When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat on the ashes.  And he issued a proclamation and it said, In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing.  Do not let them eat or drink water.  But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth;  and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent, and withdraw His burning anger so that we shall not perish?"

When God saw their deeds that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them.  And He did not do it."  Jonah 3: 5-10.

See ! God can turn back natural calamities if the WHOLE CITY heed His warning and repent !

But if only a handful repent, do you think God will stop a deadly Typhoon? (Hint: Read Gen 18 & 19)

God and Typhoon Haiyan - in Nov 2013

Last week Typhoon Haiyan devastated the city of Tacloban and other cities in Philippines.  Probably 4,000 people were dead, 10 million displaced.  Churches were destroyed and the poor, mainly Catholics, local communities suffered untold miseries.

But God is still there.  He just allowed nature to exercise its fury and destruction.  God did not stop His believers from natures harm.

Yes, God ALWAYS allow natural disasters to lash His people nowadays.

But in the past, God did intervene to help His people.  He even split the 'Red Sea' to allow His people to cross when they were pursued by the Egyptians.  Didn't God told Abraham that He would spare the city of Sodom from natural disaster if He could find 10 men who were righteous? Gen 18:16-33.  Could there be less than 10 godly men in the city of Tacloban last week?  And hence God allowed the Typhoon to whip the land?

In reality, in this Dispensation of Grace, Jesus already taught that our "Heavenly Father causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."    Matt 5:45. 

We don't know why.  We don't need to know how  -- how all the pain inflicted, 'work together for good'.  We may ask Apostle Paul, who wrote this in Romans 8:28, when we meet him.  But in the meantime, we simply need faith - that God is God. 

Praise the Lord.

Vanities - When the objective is to satisfy one's own desire...

There are people whose ambitions are to climb the highest mountains, or to walk to the north and south poles, or to swim across the Pacific ocean, or just to run the Marathon.

There are people who want to the wisest human being, or to be a champion philantropist, or to be the best politician, or to be the greatest explorer, or to be god himself.

The Preacher in the Book of Ecclesiastes says "Vanities of vanities!  All is vanity."  What does he mean? Is vanities good or bad, noble or ignoble?

Unless we have a deranged mind, we all have objectives in the things we do.  We want to achieve some meaningful things. We do not just hang around on the beach all day, catch some fish and birds for food and let the days and years go by.

Many of us will want to do something which we believe to be meaningful.  Many of these things are just be fulfill our self-esteem/ego needs, our personal or self-actualization needs, boost our dignity in our own eyes and in the eyes of others.  Like the desire to climb the highest mountain, it may or may not benefit others.

But all is vanity.

My own conclusion is that 'vanities' to satisfy one's own ego or to satisfy one's own purpose, even if a billion people's lives have been improved as a result, is still 'futile'.  Only 'vanities' that are not to fulfill the personal ego needs and self-actualization needs, are noble.

The Preacher of the Book of Ecclesiastes has this conclusion: "The conclusion when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  Because God will bring every act to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."  Eccl 12:14.

We better be close to God, then.   

 

Why the prophesies of prophets were mostly ignored.

These few weeks I have been reading the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel again. These prophets were all commissioned by God to warn the Israelites to turn away from their sinful ways.

At that time, around 700 BC to 500 BC, Israel was split into 2.  The northern state was called Israel, and the southern state called Judah.  Some prophets were working in the northern and some in the southern state.

As I look back, I understand why the Israelites did not listen to the prophets.  A lot is due to timing issue.  Let's say, someone comes and warns us "Patchoe, the sea level will rise due to global warming and melting ice.  Your country will be submerged in 10 feet of water in 1000 years time.

Now, will I bother with this bad news. No! Who cares what happens in 1000 years' time?  Most of us care about what happen in our generation, or the next 2 generations only !!!  Who cares what would happen to our nation 50 generations down the road??

Now, the prophets, like Isaiah, generally could not provide specific timing on when their prophesies would take place.  Like people of today, their Israelite audiences were optimistic people (today, we call optimism "positive thinking" or "avoid negative thoughts"). 

Today, when we read about the prophesies of the major prophets, we know that they had mostly been fulfilled.  Christ had come, born of a virgin birth, died and was buried, rose again and left earth to be seated at the right hand of God the Father.

But one prophesy had not been fulfilled - Christ will come again to bring His believers to dwell with Him.  But when?  We are not bothered - because it did not happen in the last 2000 years will not happen tomorrow or during our lifetime.  Or would it??

Isaiah's Vision - Is 6:1-13

I love to read the book of Isaiah.  His vision was so dramatic, his commissioning to be a prophet so direct, and his prophecy on the virgin birth of Immanuel was so specific and real.

To understand Isaiah's vision, I googled "Isaiah Vision" and read a few bible study notes on-line.  Now I understand the difference between seraphim and cherubim.  Why the seraphim have 3 pairs of wings when they only need 1 pair to fly.

Why I praise God, I normally do it in a whisper which only I can hear.  But not the seraphim. When they praised God "Holy, Holy, Holy... the whole earth is full of His glory.", it was so loud that the foundations of the temple trembled and shook. The loudness signifies their conviction.

When Isaiah was cleansed, he understood God's intent and without hesitation volunteered "Here I am send me!"  Isaiah had accepted a futile job because God already told him that He was sending him to speak to people whose "ears dull, eyes dim, listening but do not perceive, looking but do not understand..."

Isaiah prophesied that "a virgin will ...bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." But this prophesy did not take place during his generation.  It happened 700 years after that.  No wonder the people of Isaiah's generation did not bother listening to him.

But Christ had come.  The prophesy was fulfilled.  We know better than the people of Isaiah's time.  So why do some of us still hardened our hearts and ignored the work of God?

Please read the Book of Isaiah chapter 6 again.

Apostle Paul - The Great Letter Writer

We can tell that Apostle Paul was a prolific writer.  All his letters included in the New Testament are very readable, ranging for the Book of Romans to the Book of 2Timothy.  His style of writing and the choice of words were polished and precise.  Paul's epistles never failed to impress me.

2Timothy is a very personal letter to his disciple Timothy.  The tone is that of someone who was going to die, and trying to pass on his final words.  It strikes me that he had persevered and suffered for a long time, and was looking forward to meet Jesus.

2Timothy is a short letter.  It is so meaning and nice to read.  Read it.  You can feel Paul speaking to you.

Ask God boldly, persistently. He will answer!

Many Bible teachers argue that God does not change His mind. Just search the internet and there are many articles on this topic.

 I read Luke 11:5-13 and interprets it as a layman, not a bible scholar. This parable convinces me that I can ask for the impossible. If I ask persistently, God will "open the door and answer my prayer".

In this parable, a neighbour came in the middle of the night to ask for some loaves of bread. He persisted boldly, shamelessly. How could anyone deny the request?

 I have always prayed for the salvation of my family members. But 2 of them had already passed away without accepting the saving grace of Jesus Christ while they were alive. I will continue to ask God for the salvation of their souls in their afterlife. You may think praying for the salvation of someone who had already died is not biblical. But think about it, why can't the salvation of God be extended beyond the tenure of life on earth?

Anyway, I have no choice but to ask and pray. "Ask and it shall be given to you." Luke 11:9. Amen.

In the end, 3 things remain -- Faith, Hope, Love

Today I went to the columbarium to pay my respect to my mum who passed away in June 2013. I did it the traditional Chinese way. I brought some food, some drink and laid them on the table and invited her soul to appreciate.

In the same columbarium were the memorial tablets of my ancestors,and my eldest sister who had passed away. There were rows and rows of other memorial tablets too. The thought of all these souls who had left the physical world recently or long time ago, but now separated from God really made me very sad. I prayed for them - that they would all be in Heaven, in the presence of God the loving Father. I prayed that they were not languishing or suffering in Hell, or wandering in fear in the ethereal dimensions.

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, the Bible say: But now abide Faith Hope Love... I had always been puzzled why when I am with God, I still need Hope. I now understand why: Let say I am dead and am now in Heaven. And I look around and find some of my relatives not there. I will always Hope, even in Heaven, that God will change His mind and admit these other relatives/souls into Heaven. I will forever Hope that God will allow all souls to be saved. Even if every soul, except one, was admitted into Heaven, I will still continue to Hope for that single soul to be admitted.

In that sense, till eternity, I will always have something to Hope for. Pray for God's benevolence and mercy.

The Anguish, A Martyr ?

For those who are not familiar with KH's trial, this is a short summary:  KH was the founder of a megachurch named CHC.  CHC has over 30,000 members. KH is now investigated by the authority for using church fund, to the tune of tens of million dollars for unintended purposes.  The verdict is not out yet.  He could be innocent, he could be guilty.

 

This is an excerpt of what he preached last Sunday.

 

 

 

Yes, KH was a distraught man.  The pressure of being investigated as a criminal must had been anguishing.  Perhaps he drew a comparison with the suffering of Job and the prophets in the old Testament, or comparing his suffering to that of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

 

This snippet of his full sermon was interesting.   OH ! What emotion !

Our Relentless Pursuit of Security and Comfort

This writer wrote what we are all guilty of.  If you have time, read this... http://www.irishcatholic.ie/20130711/news/an-addiction-to-comfort-S35181.html

We live in affluent Singapore.  We understand Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  We ensure that we must fulfill the lower needs such as safety, food and physical comfort.  We work hard to fulfill the higher ego and self actualisation needs.

But that was really not what Christ's apostles seek.  Nor was this what our forefather missionaries seek.  Modern day missionaries too have no qualms over foresaking safety, food and security, just to spread the love of God in dangerous places.

Though most of us who are NOT Christ's missionaries working in some faraway land, we must be mindful NOT to make Security and Comfort our gods.  We should not be too materialistic or too self-centred in our lives.  Be holy, share God's love, be happy to having less.

This is just my reflection.  

Dancing with Thanks

Dancing with Thanks.  Touching !!

The Difficult Golden Years

Article from the Sunday Times, July 14, 2013.
There were 467 suicides in Singapore in 2012.  Not a small number.  Out of these, the elderly above 60 years old accounted for 122 cases.  The 50 to 59 years old accounted for 95 cases.

The older the wiser.  Seems that the wisest group in our population also has the highest propensity to suicide.  For the elderly, there could only be 2 painful reasons - firstly the lack of money, and secondly, poor health.

This elderly group probably had lived through the second world war.  They were hardy people.  Yet, they were driven to give up their life in dispair!

As a society, those who can should lend a helping hand to this vulnerable people.  Do something within our means.

The Book of Daniel

The story of Daniel was amazing.  This is a very special book.  The book acknowledges that there were magicians and conjurers and Chaldeans that claimed to be able to interpret dreams.

When King Nebu(chadnezzar) had his dream, the chaldeans thought "No problem, we can interpret his dream."

BUT THERE IS A TRICKY CATCH. King Nebu was not going to tell them what he dreamt.  His instruction was "Tell me what I dreamt, and then interpret the dream!"

Oh Boy!  Without true divine assistance, there is no way to tell someone what he had dreamt !!

Daniel did  it.  Daniel Chapter 1 and 2 - what an amazing story !! 

 

Dream Dream Dream

The Bible recognises that God do communicate in dreams.

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream when Joseph was considering what to do with Mary.  It seems the angel appeared to Joseph again and again. (Matt 1: 20, Matt 2:12-13).

In the Book of Daniel,  dreams and interpretation of dreams were mentioned.

I read that in islamic nations, where the spreading of gospel is not allowed, God could speak to certain people in their dreams.  

I hope God will communicate with me in my dreams too.  But, no, He has not yet communicated to me with such clarity. 

Most of the time, I still have to use my own common sense, and an interpretation of His teachings in the Bible, to decide His answers to my prayers.

The 15 books we called "Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha"

Some of my Christian friends do not know these books exist.  I now give you an introduction.

Some Bibles include these other 15 books, besides the 39 old testament books and 27 new testament books. They are:
Tobit, Judith, Esther Greek Text,
Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch,
Letter of Jerermiah, Song of the Three Young Men, Susanna,
Bel and the Dragon, 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees,
1 Esdras, 2 Esdras and Prayer of Manasseh.

These books are called "deuterocanonicals" by catholics to indicate that their canonical status as Scripture was settled later than that of the proto-canonical books.  Protestants usually refer these books as Apocrypha.

These books formed part of the Septuagint Text (in Greek) and were interspersed among the other books of the old Testament.

Apparently it was only in the 4th century that the canonicity of Bible (books) arose, a situation which is reflected in Jerome's placing these books in a separated section in his Vulgate translation of the Old Testament.

In 1546 at the Council of Trent, the Roman Catholic Church officially declared these books to be sacred and canonical, and to be accepted "with equal devotion and reverence."

At the time of Reformation Martin Luther did not regard these books as Scripture, but as "useful and good for reading." In his German translation of the Bible, Martin Luther followed the practice of Jerome in placing these books at the end of the Old Testament.

Among Christians who do not accept these books as Scripture, there is however widespread agreement as to their importance in providing much valuable information on Jewish history, life, thought, worship and religious practice during the centuries immediately prior to the time of Christ.

(extracted from the GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS/APOCRYPHA)

The terrible experience of Taoist Funeral Rituals

I am a Christian.

When my mother passed away, my father indicated his wish to adopt Taoist funeral rites.  As a son, it is my filial response not to oppose the wishes of my parents.

And hence I went through 5 days of Taoist rituals.  It was truly a journey fraud with convoluted logic, unbelievable imagination, and extreme superstition about the unseen world.

Firstly it appears that Taoist belief assumes all deceased go to Hell.  There were chantings and symbolic gestures to "open the path of passage", invitation of ancestral spirits to welcome a new in-coming soul entering their nether world, appeasing vagrant spirits who would otherwise disturb and bully the in-coming soul, and various offerings to reduce the degree of punishments for wrongdoings committed during the earthly life.

On the night before the cremation, Taoist priests were engaged to "Da Chai".  It was 4 hours of activities to breach through the gates of Hell, to invite the ancestral spirits to return to receive the gifts of  (burnt) incense and burnt paper house, car, treasure troves, etc.  The burning itself caused a huge bonfire on an empty field nearby.

As a Christian, my response was to pray that God Jehovah, the God who opened the Red Sea, who appeared to Abraham and Moses, and who had spoken to His prophets, would take care of mother's soul.  And that His mercy and lovingkindness will see her to Heaven to enjoy His presence forever.  Amen

Below is a picture of some paper items burnt for the departed:

The danger of Virus

Please note that old folks must avoid the flu virus at all cost.  They must not be infected by the flu virus. Hence they should avoid anyone with sore throat, cough and fever.

Medication and antibiotics are ineffective against flu virus. The patient must fight off the virus on his own.


My mother passed away because she could not overcome the flu virus. Tests showed that her other organs were in good condition at the time of demise.

Hope this little information is useful.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

I sent my mother to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on Tuesday 18 June, morning.  She passed away on Wednesday 19 June, night.

She was cremated on Sunday 23 July morning.  The urn with her remains was placed in a niche at PST columbarium in the afternoon on the same day.

She had Alzheimer's Disease for the past 10 years.  The last 3 years was end-stage of the disease, meaning, she could not talk, could not recognise her own children, could not swallow normally and could not control her bowels.  She was "mentally dead".

That's life on earth.  It's a journey with an end.  Finally, finally, it's ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Or, is it ???  What is beyond ?

Pity, Pity! All along, you believed in a lie !

Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead ?

But if there is no resurrection f the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we witnessed against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless;  you are still in your sins.

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, WE ARE, of all men, MOST TO BE PITIED.

Are You Greek or Jew??

When I have a problem, I ask God for wisdom to resolve it the best possible way.  Like King Solomon, I ask for wisdom, not wealth.

1 Cor 1:22 says Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom.

St Paul went on to say (with their wisdom) the Greek will find the idea of Jesus Christ's claim as the Son of God, foolishness. 1 Cor 1:23.

Since I ask God for wisdom, so am I like the Greek ??

No.  I am not.  Paul went on to explain another kind of wisdom in 1 Cor 1:30:  Because I believe Jesus, He has became to me wisdom from God, and God's righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

The wisdom that I asked for is not the kind Greeks and non Christians asked for.  It is the kind that comes from God.

(Note:  This is a print from my T-shirt Printing Class.)

How God Communicates With Us

God communicates with us in many ways:

1)  In His Words - Read the Bible and God will speak to us.  We just have to receive what He says.
2) In a still small voice -  God literally speaks to us in a voice, a still small voice.  We can listen.
3) In a dream - ...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream..." (Matt 1: 19).  Yes, sometimes God speaks to us in our dreams.
4) In our conscience - The Spirit of God reveals and teaches us in our conscience.
5) In nature - When we look at nature, the stars above and the earth below, sometimes we see God in His handiworks.

Amazing !  So many ways ! Yet sometimes we choose to ignore !!

The many realms of existence

Okay, I just like to share what I learnt about Buddhism recently.

1) There are different realms of existence.  The 6 main realms are:  Hell, Animal, Hungry Ghost, Demon, Human and Heaven, (Page 43: Just be Good).  Each main realm may be sub-divided into a few more realms.  Some realms were 'overlapping', e.g. Animal, Hungry Ghost, Human.

2) The highest realm is Heaven.  But the goal is not just to reach the realm of Heaven.  It is to reach beyond Heaven, called Nirvana (in Sanskrit) and Nibbana in Pali language.  Once you reach Nirvana, you are out of the endless cycle of birth and re-birth within the various realms.

3) Those who reached Nirvana is called Arhat (check Dictionary.com). 

4) Those who reached Nirvana, but voluntarily chose to remain outside (to help others) is called Bodhissattva.  They are often represented by paintings and sculptures.

5) I understand that Buddha is a Bodhisattva.

Well I am intrigued by this Buddhist teachings !!!!!! Buddhism is a non-thestic religion.  They don't believe in a personal God.

But I believe in a personal God. !!!

Buddhism: Kindness and Compassion

I am always intrigued by Buddhism. To me, it is more difficult to understand than Christianity which can be summarised by the Niceed Creed. Below is a very good articles. I capture it in this blog so that I can read it again and again. 

( from The Catholic News June 2007)

Compassion a Way of Life

BUDDHISM is the largest religion in Singapore with 1.1 million followers (representing 42.5 percent of the adult population). There are an estimated 400 million Buddhists worldwide. The word Buddhism means "the teaching of the awakened one". It is a dharmic, non-theistic religion, often described as a way of like or a practical philosophy. Dharmic religions are a family of religions (with origins in the Indian subcontinent) based on the concept of dharma, a Sanskrit term for "fixed decree, law, or duty". Buddhism focuses on the dharma or teachings of Siddhartha Gautama - "the Buddha"- who was born in Lumbini (today's Nepal) around 580 years before Christ. The Buddha's quest for Enlightenment attracted followers, and Buddhism spread throughout the Indian subcontinent in the five centuries after his death, then to the rest of Asia. It has attracted some following in the West in recent years too.

Essential Beliefs

Buddhists do not belief in a personal god. They believe that all life is interconnected and that compassion is a way of life. Buddhists believe in karma (the concept that one's life is conditioned by one's past actions)
Buddhists do not believe in a personal god. They believe that all life is interconnected and that compassion is a way of life. Buddhists believe in karma (the concept that one's life is conditioned by one's past actions) and in rebirth/reincarnation (the concept that consciousness continues after death and finds expression in a future life).


The highest goal for a Buddhist is to reach Enlightenment, a state of being which is beyond suffering and whence a deep insight into the true nature of life has been attained. The path to Enlightenment is advanced through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom.

The core of the Buddha's teaching is found in the Four Noble Truths (below) which, according to tradition, he gained insight into while seated beneath a Bodhi tree (a sacred fig or banyan fig tree).

Dukkha: All existence is unsatisfactory and filled with suffering.

Trsna: The root of suffering can be defined as a craving or clinging to the wrong things; searching to find stability in a shifting world is the wrong way.

Nirvana: It is possible to find an end to suffering through enlightenment.

The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to finding the solution to suffering and bringing it to an end.

The Noble Eightfold Path, in turn, is divided into three sections: Sila (wholesome physical actions), Samadhi (the meditative concentration of the mind) and Prajñâ (spiritual insight into the true nature of all things).

Sila is morality - abstaining from unwholesome deeds. It includes right speech (speaking in a non hurtful, not exaggerated, truthful way); right actions (avoiding action that would do harm); right livelihood (a livelihood that does not harm oneself or others, directly or indirectly).

Samadhi is developing mastery over one's own mind. It includes: right effort/exercise (making an effort to improve); right mindfulness/awareness (mental ability to see things for what they are); right concentration (being aware of the present reality within oneself, without any craving or aversion).

Prajñâ is the wisdom which purifies the mind. It includes: right thoughts (change in the pattern of thinking); and right understanding (understanding reality as it is, not just as it appears to be).

Today, Buddhism is divided primarily into three traditions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While all three traditions share essential core beliefs, there are variations in sacred texts, doctrines, and practice.

Theravada (Southern Buddhism) or Pali Buddhism - is practised mainly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and parts of Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Bangladesh.

Mahayana (Eastern Buddhism), also known as Chinese Buddhism, is practised predominantly in China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore and parts of Russia. A branch of Mahayana Buddhism is Zen Buddhism - a mixture of Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism which spread from China to Korea and Japan.

Vajrayana (Northern Buddhism), or Tibetan Buddhism, is practiced largely in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan and parts of Nepal, India, China and Russia.

Buddhism in Singapore

Left, the largest Buddhist temple in Singapore is the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (1920) located in Bishan which can hold thousands of devotees for its wide range of spiritual activities. (For information on the monastery and the Vesak celebrations visit http://www.kmspks.org/)

Most Buddhists in Singapore belong to the Mahayana tradition. However there are also Theravada and Vajrayana communities present here. It is important to note that Buddhist traditions are not exclusive and a Buddhist can be both Theravada and Mahayana at the same time, or non-denominational.

Buddhism came to Singapore primarily through the Chinese migrants who settled on the island in the early 19th century. However these migrants brought with them Chinese syncretistic religions which combined Buddhism with Confucianism and Taoism. The first Buddhist temple was built as early as 1828 but activities there were limited to chanting and rituals. It was only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Chinese Buddhist monks were invited to cater to the spiritual needs of the migrants and to conduct dharma talks.

While older generation Buddhists in Singapore still practise their religion with a mixture of Chinese folk traditions, there has been a reformist movement since the 1980s, sometimes called Protestant Buddhism, which seeks to purify Buddhism from a diluted belief to one that is focused on canonical and orthodox teachings.

There is a great variety of Buddhist scriptures and other texts, and different traditions place varying levels of reverence and value on them. Some view the texts as religious objects in themselves, others take a more scholarly approach. Unlike many religions, Buddhism has no single central text that is universally referred to by all traditions. This complexity of the Buddhist canons present a barrier to a wider understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

There are currently between 300-400 Buddhist temples (or centres) in Singapore, some with links to Thailand, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and even the U.K. and the U.S.A. Buddhist temples are funded mainly by donations from their devotees. There are also some which raise funds by selling religious items (e.g. statues, rosary) and books. While not all temples have monks or nuns in residence, all would have one or more of the following: preaching, chanting, dharma talks or classes, and meditation. Some centres also offer religious counselling and praise and worship services.

Unlike Christians who worship on Sundays and Muslims who worship on Fridays, Buddhists do not have a set day in the week to worship as a community. The Buddhist calendar is based on the lunar calendar and the monthly full-moon days are usually days of worship. Most temples observe activities for the whole day during a full moon. Some temples also run "Sunday Schools", where children from as young as three years are taught religious and human values.

Although there is no central authority or governing body for Buddhists in Singapore, they have an umbrella organization, Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF), that represents the various Buddhist organizations. The SBF established the Buddhist College of Singapore which opened last September. The college is administered by the Kong Meng San Phor Khar See Monastery. The college specializes in Mahayana Buddhism but welcomes staff and students of other traditions. It offers a bilingual programme that leads to a BA degree in Buddhist Studies. The SBF has also set up and funded many charity organizations such as free clinics and homes, and other institutions.

Besides the SBF, there is also the Buddhist Fellowship, a non-sectarian lay Buddhist organization founded to propagate the dharma in new and creative ways whilst promoting fellowship amongst Buddhists. More English-speaking Chinese, especially the younger Singaporeans, have been embracing Buddhism in recent years because of the availability of modern Buddhist music, Buddhist books, websites and courses conducted in English.

A person who wants to officially be a Buddhist would normally undergo a religious ceremony in the temple known as "taking refuge in the Triple Gem" - the Buddha, dharma and Sangha (community of ordained monks and nuns). It is called the Triple Gem because it represents three qualities regarded as excellent and precious, like a gem. As they pay respect to the Buddha, learn the dharma, and follow the advice of the Sangha, Buddhists believe they are able to attain wisdom and happiness.

As Buddhists, they also willingly follow the Five Precepts, which are the avoidance of killing, of stealing, of misusing sex, of lying and of using intoxicants.

Popular Buddhism

Owing to the syncretism of Chinese religions and the influence of folk traditions on Buddhism, there is sometimes confusion, even among those who call themselves Buddhists, on the topic of deities and prayer. Because of their non-belief in the existence of a God or a supreme being, adherents of Buddhism in its original form take Buddhism to be more a philosophy than a religion; for some others, Buddhism is not even a philosophy but an education with the Buddha as the great teacher.

The goal of the Buddha's teachings is to break through delusion and achieve enlightenment which is obtained at three levels: Arhat (Proper Enlightenment), Bodhisattva (Equal and Proper Enlightenment) and Buddha (Perfect, Complete Enlightenment). Buddha, Bodhisattva and Arhat are common titles, not names for specifi c persons. Analogously, they are comparable to titles like Doctor, Master or Graduate for those who have earned educational degrees.

Contrary to what some people think, the many variety of Buddha and Bodhisattva statues do not represent polytheism, the worship of more than one god. Rather, each statue serves to inspire wisdom and awakening. They represent certain aspects of Buddhism and remind followers of a particular virtue. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in the lap and a compassionate smile serves as a reminder to strive to develop peace and love within oneself. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.

Guan Yin Bodhisattva, the most popular Bodhisattva in Singapore, represents great compassion and kindness. Her statue would serve as a reminder to apply compassion when dealing with the world, both with persons and the environment.

Above, a statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in the lap and a compassionate smile serves as a reminder to develop peace and love within oneself. Buddhist monk Venerable K. Gunaratana expresses his gratitude for this teaching at the Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple, Singapore.

However, there are "Buddhists" who worship images of the Buddha and Guan Yin Bodhisattva as deities and pray for the relief of suffering, to eliminate obstacles and even to ask for special favours. This is regarded by Buddhist purists as a misconception and even superstition because the statues are merely expressions of concepts in Buddhism.

Joss sticks or incense, an influence from Chinese folk traditions, have merely a symbolic function in Buddhism. The fragrance from the joss sticks symbolizes the fragrance of pure moral conduct. This reminds Buddhists to cultivate good conduct.

Orthodox Buddhists say that they do not pray. When they chant, they chant the Buddha's sacred words of love, wisdom and compassion from scriptures which help them to meditate.

There are many forms of meditation in Buddhism. Yoga, in the form of mental exercise, is just one form and is distinct from the popular Yoga practised widely today as a physical exercise.

Buddhism and Christianity

Buddhism shares some features with Christianity in areas of morality, justice and peace. Two Buddhist texts parallel Christ's golden rule in Mt 7:12: "In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.":
- "... a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another?" Samyutta NIkaya v. 353.
- "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." Udana-Varga 5:18.

A famous Buddhist

TENZIN GYATSO, 72, is the 14th and current Dalai Lama, the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism. (In Mongolian Dalai means ocean and Lama means teacher, signifying the depth of his wisdom).

After the collapse of the Tibetan resistance movement in 1959, Tenzin Gyatso fled to India, where he established the Tibetan government-in-exile) and sought to preserve Tibetan culture and education among the thousands of refugees who accompanied him.

A charismatic figure and noted public speaker, Tenzin Gyatso is the first Dalai Lama to travel to the West, where he has helped to spread Buddhism and to publicise the ideal of Free Tibet. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Right, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama prays at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal in November 2001 during a visit to Portugal. CNS photo

Here are some of his quotable quotes:

- If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion.
- My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
- Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.-
- Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.

The Beauty Of Fantasies

Sight and sound can induce fantasies.  I like fantasies.  They are beautiful.  But they are just ... fantasies.

First hear the fantasy in sound:


Then view the fantasy by sight:

There will be Afflictions

"For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ... 2 Cor 1:5.

Ha Ha!  Those of us who think being christians will solve all our problems and sufferings, you have mistaken.  In all Paul's epistles in the New Testament, he always talked about being badly treated and having lots of difficulties.  "Afflictions" was the word he used.

But he was always joyful.  He said "Blessed be the God ... the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." 2 Cor 1:3.

So being a christian, we continue to have lots of afflictions, but we also have lots of joy and comfort.

How can afflictions and joy happen at the same time ??!??  Walk with the Lord, and you would experience both, yourself. 

Remain useful and productive

I have friends who are retired.  They spend all their time exercising and maintain healthy.  Wake up in the morning - exercise, eat, rest, and buy food, wash up and personal chores.  Afternoon - eat, sleep, rest and exercise.  Evening - some light entertaining, sleep.  And the daily routine repeats the next day.

To me, retirement must not be 'total retirement' (defined as doing nothing productive).  As we grow old, we need to ease down our workload, but still need to do some productive work.

Exercising and keeping fit is not an end in itself.  It is a means for us to remain productive as we grow old gracefully.

Physically, we are weaker, and mentally we are slower as we age.

Between 50 to 60 years, our work capacity should be reduced gradually to 80% to 60%.
Between 60 to 70 years, our work capacity should be reduced further to 60% to 30%
Between 70 to 80 years, our work capacity should be reduced further to 30% to 10%.
After 80 years old, we should be working at 10% capacity or less.   Well after 85 years, it time to rest our hearts that have been working non-stop since we were born.

So, yes, keep fit.  But do it for a purpose.

Agnus Dei

Let me share with you another Easter Song.  Agnus Dei or Lamb of God.

It is a worshipful song.  Powerful. Repetitive. Emo.  Speaks right to the heart.  Praise the Lamb of God - The most holy.

Today is Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday.  Today I renewed my baptismal vow. 

This holy week I was reminded what I believe. - Christ had died, Christ had risen, Christ will come again.

Today I was in a reflective mood.  How come I believe in a God whom I have not seen ??

I just realised that the SNGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing I gained from my 12 years in St. Andrew's School was getting to know God and the wonders of His grace.  Sure, I also learnt to play all kinds of games, made life-long friends, and obtained grades good enough to go to Uni.  But all these are no longer important to me as I grow old.

The Love of God, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, is what goes with me to eternity.
(note:  I learnt this hymn in school long time ago.)

Upon this Rock, I will build My Church...but Peter you have much to learn..

Jesus appointed the first Pope many days before His death on the cross.  In Matt 16:18, Jesus said, in front of all His disciples "...You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church...".

By and by, many days passed.  Jesus mounted on a donkey and entered Jerusalem.  Again many days passed. 

It was now the night before Jesus was cruxified.  Jesus and His disciples were in the Upper Room for the Last Supper.  Here Peter pledged his loyalty to Jesus and claimed "Even though all may fall away from You, I will never fall away."  But Jesus said to him, "I say to you that this very night, before the cock crows, you shall deny Me 3 times." Matt 26:33-35.

We all know what happened after that.  Peter denied 3 times that he knew Jesus.

So even though Peter was appointed to be the first Pope, he still had much to learn.  What did Peter learn?  Learn about his tendency to crumple under persecution, his tendency to feel ashamed of  Jesus, avoid trusting himself, acknowledging his human weaknesses?

The first Pope had much to learn after his appointment.  But, in the end, he did not fail Jesus -- he was cruxified too, but upside down.

What an Inauguration !!

I happened to turn on the TV at 4+ pm this afternoon.  The new Pope's Inauguration was being televised.  It was amazing !  A million people was at St. Peter's Square !  Pope Francis is the 266th successor of St Peter the Apostle, whom Jesus Christ said "Peter, you are the Rock, and upon this Rock I will build my Church."

So many priests, cardinals, bishops, nuns, etc, etc, were there.  In my mind, I asked whether all these faces, people who spent their lives believing that Christ is the Son of God  -- "Are you sure or not?  Are you believing the truth or believing a 2000 year old lie??"

As for me, I believe in Christ.  I also believe that the church of Rome, passed down from St Peter, is the mother church.

See His Glory? Then acknowledge Him.

In my previous entry, I mentioned that I was reading this "JUST BE GOOD" Buddhist book.

Page 36. Question: "In Buddhism, why isn't there a belief in a supreme god that created the universe?"

Answer: "Buddhists tend to be fairly realistic in such matters and do not believe in creation myths such as the universe emerging from a cosmic egg, or created by an old man with a long white beard.  If anything we believe that the universe has always existed.  If it is said that an omnipotent being or 'intelligent designer' did create the universe, then it begs the obvious question of who then created or 'designed' that being?  And if that being has always existed, then isn't it more believeable that the universe has always been in existence instead?"

Personally, I am sad that some people could not acknowledge that the creator God exists.  Ever since I was a small child, when I look at the night sky, I would know in my heart that God exists.  Much later, when I was older and know how to read the Bible, Psalm 19:1 expresses what had always been in my heart  --  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Look carefully.  And you can see God in His handiwork.  When you do, acknowledge God and God will lead you to Christ.

He did that to me, for me.

Just be Good...

I saw and picked up this booklet along a walkway.  I read it and learnt a few things.  It is interesting.

Page 9 says..."The Buddha never said anything like 'worship me and you shall be rewarded'. He also never threatened to punish anyone should they not believe in Him or follow His Teachings.

He stressed that everyone should seek, understand and experience the Truth for themselves, and not to have blind faith in anyone or anything.

THUS CHRISTIANS, HINDUS, MUSLIMS, JEWS, BUDDHISTS, TAOISTS, AND EVEN ATHEISTS, ARE ALL ABLE TO ENJOY AFTERLIFE.  BUT OF COURSE PROVIDED, THAT THEY HAVE BEEN 'GOOD' PEOPLE."

Page 36 says...Question: "In Buddhism, why isn't there a belief in a supreme god that created the universe?" Answer: "Buddhists tend to be fairly realistic in such matters and do not believe in creation myths such as the universe emerging from a cosmic egg, or created by an old man with a long white beard.  If anything we believe that the universe has always existing..."

Note: As for me, I believe in the Triune God.  And when I pray or talk with Him, He comforts me and touches my heart.  God is real to me. Alleluia !

Wish you Happiness... CNY...

It's Chinese New Year, 4th day. Xin Nian Kuai Le.

My past year had been both unkind and kind. My sister had died of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, that was unkind. She suffered 5 long months, that was unkind. But she did not suffer 5 long years, that was kind.

Last Friday, 2 days before the New Year, the mother of another friend died suddenly. That was unkind. She died without having to suffer, and she was over 90 years old. I think that was kind.

For years, I prayed that God will grant me 'enough'. Enough, so that I will remember living in God's grace, and not living in abundance through my own effort, forgetting God in the process. God answered that prayer. I had 'enough', just enough and not more. That was kind. (Judges 7:1-4)

So here I am, relentlessly adding new year after new year to my age. I wish all peace and happiness. Amen.

Everyone must go...

My wife has a colleague X. The husband of colleague X had been told by doctors that he has 1 week to 7 weeks more to live. It's due to multiple types of cancer in his body. Well, its sad. There is nothing anyone can do at this final hour. God has mercy. Let the end be sweet and easy. Amen. Status on 5 Mar 2013: On Saturday 2 March 2013, he died. He breathed his last peacefully. Lord have mercy !

Christ was sincere...

My friends and I use Facebook.

I appreciate my Facebook friends when they are sincere.  A lot of Facebook users write and comment only on things 'others will agree on'.  So they comment on the weather, post photos of the food they ate, post photos of places they visited.  These users avoid expressing any views that others may disagree.  They say only the nice things, and silent on their deeper thoughts which others may find disagreeable or may have differing views.

Not with Jesus.  He was sincere. He did not hesitate to say things that others did not want to hear him say aloud.  Luke 12: 49 to 59, "I have come to cast fire upon the earth...Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth?  I tell you, no, but rather division....I say to you, you shall not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent."

Jesus told the people the truth, though the truth is not nicey sweety stuff.  He did not sell himself by saying only "nice words".  He was not a hypocrite !!

Personally, I prefer friends who express themselves freely, and not hiding their differing views, not filtering away the disagreeable stuff on Facebook.  That's what friends should be  - , sincerity, honest, and not pretentious.

So what if they think they are always right?  I think I am always right too.  We still can be friends.

Perhaps there are no Atheists..

 

Photo From http://blog.roving-light.com/2013/01/beautiful-light-in-bagan.html

Atheist is someone who thinks there's no God.  Agnostic is someone who is not sure whether God exists.

At certain times of our lives, we may think God does not exist.  But then at other times, we are not so sure, and so we declare being agnostic.  It is common for some people to swing between being an atheist and an agnostic.

However, when one is 50 or 60 years old, one would have gone through much of life's experience - periods of joy, periods of disappointment, periods of trials and tribulations.  Yet, one may not have been touched by God.  One may still waver and swing back and forth between being an atheist and an agnostic.

But in my opinion, I honestly believe a person could not be an atheist beyond middle age.  He is likely to be 'not sure', an agnostic;  rather than 'definitely no God'.

I came to this conclusion because I believe a human would have experienced the wonders of nature by then.  I believe the wonders of nature carries a still small voice which prompts the divine presence.  That voice may be very soft, fade and intermittent.  And a human may be unsure whether he heard it - he is not sure, so he is an agnostic. He cannot say its definitely not there!

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God;  and their expanses is declaring the work of God's hand." Psalms 19:1  

Thanks for the Peace

Jesus came to give us Peace.  He is the Prince of Peace.

By accepting Christ, we enjoy peace with God, and peace within our soul.

But, mind you, NOT ALL KINDS of peace.  In fact, many Christians are continuously troubled by other things!  Believing in Christ does not give us peace in many other instances.

Luke 12:51-52 says "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth?  I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on 5 members in one household will be divided, 3 against 2, and 2 against 3...father against son, and son against father...."

Believing in Christ could divide the family, divide the community and divide the nation.  Christianity, together with other religions, fragmented the world and spark wars.

But, I say again, by accepting Christ, we, the created, finally enjoy peace with God our creator, and hence peace within our soul.

God, thank  you for this peace that surpasses all understanding.  Sincerely.

The Curse of Long Life ...

Today is Saturday 19 Jan 2013.

In the newspaper Today The New York Times International Weekly, page 8,  the headline is "A SHAME IN SOUTH KOREA: SUICIDES OF SENIORS RISE AT AN ALARMING RATE".

I have came across a few deaths in recent years.  I know that the suicide rate of seniors in Singapore is relatively high as well.

Why are older people committing suicide ?  Basically its due to no family support, no money, and the realisation that one is becoming a burden to the family members when one grows old and infirm.

I see a lot of old retirees exercising in the parks in the morning.  If they are trying to keep fit to live long lives, then they need to consider and to prepare for the 'curse of long life'.

Not being able to die once material resources are depleted is the curse of long life.  When one has no children to provide the care require is the 'curse of long life'.

For old folks, there is an average of 5 years of disability before death.  Our aim should be to reduce this period of disability, say from 5 years to 1 year.  Aiming for long life itself is not correct because it carries a curse.

It's OK to live not-too-long.  And drop death without lengthy period of disability. Lets hope for that.

Just my view.

It's a trick question....

Many people like to ask a trick question -- "Where is Jesus Christ now ??"

In Acts 1:9-11, it says "And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight...Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into Heaven."

So the answer to the trick question is  - Jesus is now in Heaven.  He 'flew' there as seen by hundreds of amazed onlookers!

In Acts 9:4-5, it says "he (Saul/Paul) fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' And Saul said "Who art Thou, Lord?'  And He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting."

So the answer to the trick question is - Jesus is here on Earth.  He spoke to Saul!

Combining the 2 answers, Jesus is physically in Heaven;  but spiritually, He is everywhere.  He is God.  He is All-presence.

So God the Father is here and everywhere.  Jesus is here and everywhere.  The Holy Spirit is also here and everywhere.

Spiritually, the Triune God is everywhere and even in our hearts.  But someday, Jesus will come again PHYSICALLY "just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven,"

Interesting!
Alleluia!

Is this correct??

Many people brand Benny Hinn as a false teacher. But in his books, he did explain very profound things which others could not grasp easily.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (KJV)

Holy Ghost first, the comes power.

What is Holy Ghost? It is the Presence, the person, the fruit.

What is Power? Anointing is the Power of God. It is spiritual gifts.

What is fruit? They are qualities or characteristics, attributes of God.

Fruit: When God is with you, His fruit will come with Him. When God's presence leaves you, His fruit will leave too.
Power: Not so with power. The power of God comes upon you as a gift. It stays with you. It's possible that when God's presence leaves, the power will not leave. It's a gift, it stays, at least for a while. ("The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Rom 11:29)

The presence of God, the Holy Spirit, leads to the anointing of the Spirit, which is the power of God. The anointing cannot be seen, but the power (which is the manifestations)can be seen. Benny called it (the power, the manifestation) "tangible anointing".

A bit 'chim' or difficult to understand, right?

Think about these words: Fruit, Power, Presence, Anointing.

I Found An Explanation...

I was puzzled and amazed by Apostle Paul. He was Saul, not a follower of Jesus. Then he was blinded on the road. When he was healed of his blindness, he immediately loved and preached God. He was transformed -- behold, a totally new person.

For years I was wondering where Apostle Paul learned about Christ. He did not follow Christ, nor was taught by Christ, before Christ's death. He did not sit down and be tutored by the other 11 Apostles. He did not attend a crash course for a Degree or a Doctorate in Divinity!

Benny Hinn's, in his book "The Anointing" explained that Paul's knowledge on Jesus Christ was INSTANT or instantaneous. The Holy Spirit came to Paul. He received the ANOINTING, which is the power of God. He was filled with the knowledge to preach and lived as an Apostle INSTANTLY. No need to attend any Theology courses. No need to be taught by humans.

I have to say, Benny Hinn's explanation is possible.