I find it very interesting that Judaism believes in reincarnation, just like other eastern religions. When I read the Bible, there were some references where the Jewish people asked whether Elijah had come again, or whether Moses had come again.
Monday, 22 October 2018
Judaism and Reincarnation
The attached article is from THE CATHOLIC NEWS dated 28 October 2018, Singapore.
I find it very interesting that Judaism believes in reincarnation, just like other eastern religions. When I read the Bible, there were some references where the Jewish people asked whether Elijah had come again, or whether Moses had come again.
However, eastern religions go one step further and included the principle of Karma. And base on the combined concepts of reincarnation and karma, the eastern religions could answer any question relating to death, life and suffering.
I find it very interesting that Judaism believes in reincarnation, just like other eastern religions. When I read the Bible, there were some references where the Jewish people asked whether Elijah had come again, or whether Moses had come again.
Sunday, 12 August 2018
The power of self-suggestion
Let's say you dislike eating papaya. Then try this: Repeat "I like eating papaya" 30 times a day. Do that for 5 years. Would you manage to convince yourself to like eating papaya? Most likely you can, less likely you can't.
Some people call this psycho-yourself, or auto-suggestion, or simply manipulating the mind. It is powerful. WhatsApp viral messages can use this technique to change the way a person thinks. Advertisers use this technique to sell their products.
Awareness is our best defence.
Some people call this psycho-yourself, or auto-suggestion, or simply manipulating the mind. It is powerful. WhatsApp viral messages can use this technique to change the way a person thinks. Advertisers use this technique to sell their products.
Awareness is our best defence.
Sunday, 24 June 2018
Why did God want to kill Moses ?
I have been puzzled by this for a long time:
Exodus 4:21-26 reads (NIV version):
In Exodus 3, God asked Moses to take on the task of confronting Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses retorted that he was neither suitable and nor up to the task. God provided Moses with power, and the assurance that Moses could accomplish this. And so finally, Moses packed his bags and brought his family to travel to Egypt to carry out his assignment.
Then out of nowhere, Exodus 4:24 says God met Moses along the way and was about to kill him. I was puzzled why God suddenly wanted Moses dead.
I searched the internet and read a few commentaries. Experts tried to speculate that Moses had sinned and now God had to remove him. But it doesn't make sense because God had just patiently convinced him to take on the most mammoth job.
I find the following explanation logical: The verses in the NIV, NASB, TEV bibles have been inaccurately translated. God did not meet Moses and 'was about to kill him'. The King James Bible was easier to understand. Please click on the link
http://www.kjvtoday.com/home/is-the-kjv-confusing-in-exodus-424-26
and find out for yourself.
Sometimes words and translations cannot convey the truth accurately.
Happy searching to know God better.
Exodus 4:21-26 reads (NIV version):
21 The LORD said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.'"
24 At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son's foreskin and touched Moses' feet with it. "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me," she said. 26 So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said "bridegroom of blood," referring to circumcision.) (Exodus 4:21-26)
In Exodus 3, God asked Moses to take on the task of confronting Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses retorted that he was neither suitable and nor up to the task. God provided Moses with power, and the assurance that Moses could accomplish this. And so finally, Moses packed his bags and brought his family to travel to Egypt to carry out his assignment.
Then out of nowhere, Exodus 4:24 says God met Moses along the way and was about to kill him. I was puzzled why God suddenly wanted Moses dead.
I searched the internet and read a few commentaries. Experts tried to speculate that Moses had sinned and now God had to remove him. But it doesn't make sense because God had just patiently convinced him to take on the most mammoth job.
I find the following explanation logical: The verses in the NIV, NASB, TEV bibles have been inaccurately translated. God did not meet Moses and 'was about to kill him'. The King James Bible was easier to understand. Please click on the link
http://www.kjvtoday.com/home/is-the-kjv-confusing-in-exodus-424-26
and find out for yourself.
Sometimes words and translations cannot convey the truth accurately.
Happy searching to know God better.
Sunday, 15 April 2018
They didn't recognise Jesus
John the Baptist asked Jesus why He came to him to be baptized. Jesus answered him "Permit it at this time, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" John the Baptist recognized Jesus. Matt 3:14-15.
But when John the Baptist was in prison, he entertained some doubts. So he sent someone to ask Jesus "Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for someone else?" He doubted. Matt 11:2-3.
The apostles (excluding Thomas) gathered in the Upper Room. Jesus appeared but they did not recognize Him. Jesus had to deliberately show them His hands and His sides. John 20:19.
After 8 days, the apostles (including Thomas) were in the Upper Room again. Jesus showed Himself to all and to Thomas in particular. "...See My hands...My side, and be NOT unbelieving, but believe." John 20:26.
Christ's disciples did not recognize Him after He was raised from the dead. The reason is due to 'unbelieve'. A Rev Dr Hand also suggested that it was not because the resurrected Jesus did something to veil their eyes from recognizing Him. Instead it was the rational minds of the disciples that kept them from believing what their own eyes beheld.
Is your rational mind also hindering you from believing in the resurrection, and from recognizing Jesus?
But when John the Baptist was in prison, he entertained some doubts. So he sent someone to ask Jesus "Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for someone else?" He doubted. Matt 11:2-3.
The apostles (excluding Thomas) gathered in the Upper Room. Jesus appeared but they did not recognize Him. Jesus had to deliberately show them His hands and His sides. John 20:19.
After 8 days, the apostles (including Thomas) were in the Upper Room again. Jesus showed Himself to all and to Thomas in particular. "...See My hands...My side, and be NOT unbelieving, but believe." John 20:26.
Christ's disciples did not recognize Him after He was raised from the dead. The reason is due to 'unbelieve'. A Rev Dr Hand also suggested that it was not because the resurrected Jesus did something to veil their eyes from recognizing Him. Instead it was the rational minds of the disciples that kept them from believing what their own eyes beheld.
Is your rational mind also hindering you from believing in the resurrection, and from recognizing Jesus?
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Sinners and Habitual Sinners
We all know the story of David and Bathsheba. David sinned. In fact he committed the vilest sin.
But read more about David. He was not a regular sinner. He was not a habitual sinner. He did many things right with God, and did not fail God on many occasions.
Life is like that. At times, we all fail to be good. We have good husbands who went astray and attempted to be unfaithful. We have good teachers who, in moments of weakness, committed sin on their students. We have godly priests who sinned against God. We have honorable leaders and politicians who failed to uphold our trust.
The story of David is the reality of life. We all fall short, and succumb to temptations sometimes. But we must bounce back. We must not be habitual in our failures and sins.
And for those of us who have been hurt and let down by our loved ones, we must also forgive their wrongdoings no matter how hurting. Are they habitual sinners or are they like King David?
Soon it will be Easter. Lets remember God more this Holy Week.
Wish you peace.
But read more about David. He was not a regular sinner. He was not a habitual sinner. He did many things right with God, and did not fail God on many occasions.
Life is like that. At times, we all fail to be good. We have good husbands who went astray and attempted to be unfaithful. We have good teachers who, in moments of weakness, committed sin on their students. We have godly priests who sinned against God. We have honorable leaders and politicians who failed to uphold our trust.
The story of David is the reality of life. We all fall short, and succumb to temptations sometimes. But we must bounce back. We must not be habitual in our failures and sins.
And for those of us who have been hurt and let down by our loved ones, we must also forgive their wrongdoings no matter how hurting. Are they habitual sinners or are they like King David?
Soon it will be Easter. Lets remember God more this Holy Week.
Wish you peace.
Saturday, 6 January 2018
The heart must be right
How did the 3 wise men from the East follow the stars to reach Infant Jesus ??
When I was a young Platoon Commander in the military school, I would choose a starry night to teach new recruits how to 'see stars'. So on a hilltop, I would point out to them the Big Dipper and North Star, and the Southern Cross. (On most night, could only see 1 out of 2.) The North Star shows the direction of the North, and the Southern Cross, the South.
The stars can show the general direction only. Stars do not pin-point a location. On a starry night, while standing at Toa Payoh, a star could be directly over my head. If I move 10 kilometres away and stand at Yishun, that same star is still directly over my head.
And so, the 'star' could only guide the 3 wise men to the broad vicinity where Infant Jesus was. How did the wise men pin-point that particular stable where the Jesus lied in the manger.
That was where the heart took over. When their hearts were right, when they seek God sincerely and truthfully, God would lead them to the exact place.
When the heart is right, seek and you will find.
When I was a young Platoon Commander in the military school, I would choose a starry night to teach new recruits how to 'see stars'. So on a hilltop, I would point out to them the Big Dipper and North Star, and the Southern Cross. (On most night, could only see 1 out of 2.) The North Star shows the direction of the North, and the Southern Cross, the South.
The stars can show the general direction only. Stars do not pin-point a location. On a starry night, while standing at Toa Payoh, a star could be directly over my head. If I move 10 kilometres away and stand at Yishun, that same star is still directly over my head.
And so, the 'star' could only guide the 3 wise men to the broad vicinity where Infant Jesus was. How did the wise men pin-point that particular stable where the Jesus lied in the manger.
That was where the heart took over. When their hearts were right, when they seek God sincerely and truthfully, God would lead them to the exact place.
When the heart is right, seek and you will find.
Saturday, 23 December 2017
Japanese Shrines and Shinto
I took a holiday in Japan. Tourists in Japan will surely visit some of their Shrines and Temples.
I was confused. Fortunately I met a lady who spoke to me in English, and I took the opportunity to ask her what is the difference between a Shrine and a Temple. She told me that Shrines are Shinto, Temples are Buddhist. Ohhh!
While visiting the Shrine of Emperor Meiji, I picked up a pamphlet and learnt a lot from it. The pamphlet says:
Meiji Jingu is a Shinto Shrine. Shinto is called Japan's ancient religion, and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life. Shinto has NO FOUNDER, NO HOLY BOOK, AND NOT EVEN THE CONCEPT OF RELIGIOUS CONVERSION, but Shinto values for example harmony with nature and virtues such as "Magokoro (sincere heart)" In Shinto, some divinity is found as Kami (divine spirit), or it may be said that there is an unlimited number of Kami, You can see Kami in mythology, in nature, and in human beings. From ancient times, Japanese people have felt awe and gratitude towards such Kami and dedicated shrines to many of them.
Now I understand Japanese culture a little bit more. No wonder they built a Shrine of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), the great grandfather of the current Emperor.
Really, there are a lot of Shrines in Japan. When you see a Torii Gate, there is a Shrine. What religious people !!
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
The virgin birth, The resurrection, The future coming.
Week after week, we recite the 'Mystery of Faith' during church mass: Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again.
The introduction to the Book of Romans was exceptionally well written. In Chapter 1:4, Apostle Paul did not dwell on the virgin birth of Christ (which is impossible to prove and has to be accepted by faith). He did not dwell on the future coming of Christ (which has yet to happen and we do not know when). He simple grabbed the irrefutable miracle, the Resurrection of Christ, as the key proof that Jesus is the Son of God.
Try to proof that Christ did NOT rise from the dead, and He did not appear to his disciples and hundreds of people after His resurrection? You just can't.
No doubt. He is the Son of God.
Romans 1:4 "...was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord."
The introduction to the Book of Romans was exceptionally well written. In Chapter 1:4, Apostle Paul did not dwell on the virgin birth of Christ (which is impossible to prove and has to be accepted by faith). He did not dwell on the future coming of Christ (which has yet to happen and we do not know when). He simple grabbed the irrefutable miracle, the Resurrection of Christ, as the key proof that Jesus is the Son of God.
Try to proof that Christ did NOT rise from the dead, and He did not appear to his disciples and hundreds of people after His resurrection? You just can't.
No doubt. He is the Son of God.
Romans 1:4 "...was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord."
Monday, 18 September 2017
Jeremiah's Curse
The extreme expression of sadness and hopelessness is suicide. And just before reaching this extreme, the expression of deep anguish and sorrow is by cursing the day when one is born. Jeremiah the prophet was so hurt that he did this.
Jeremiah 20:14 onwards: Cursed be the day when I was born...Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, saying 'A baby boy has been born to you!'...Because he did not kill me before birth, so that my mother would have been my grave, and her womb ever pregnant. Why did I ever come forth from the womb to look on trouble and sorrow, so that my days have been spent in shame?'
The language used by Jeremiah is extreme. I could feel his pain, his sorrow, his bitterness, his despondency. By cursing his own birth, he cursed himself.
Fortunately Jeremiah did not go on to commit suicide. God had asked Jeremiah to be His prophet and assured him. "But I will deliver you on the day," declares the Lord, "and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread. For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me." declared the LORD. Jer 39:17,18.
When God calls us, life could be painful some times, or even most of the time. But God has promised that we will not be tested beyond what we could bear. In Jeremiah's case, he was indeed tested to the very limit he could bear.
God will always provide for us, so that we will not be stretched beyond the point we can endure. 1 Cor 10:13.
Blessed Assurance.
Jeremiah 20:14 onwards: Cursed be the day when I was born...Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, saying 'A baby boy has been born to you!'...Because he did not kill me before birth, so that my mother would have been my grave, and her womb ever pregnant. Why did I ever come forth from the womb to look on trouble and sorrow, so that my days have been spent in shame?'
The language used by Jeremiah is extreme. I could feel his pain, his sorrow, his bitterness, his despondency. By cursing his own birth, he cursed himself.
Fortunately Jeremiah did not go on to commit suicide. God had asked Jeremiah to be His prophet and assured him. "But I will deliver you on the day," declares the Lord, "and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread. For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me." declared the LORD. Jer 39:17,18.
When God calls us, life could be painful some times, or even most of the time. But God has promised that we will not be tested beyond what we could bear. In Jeremiah's case, he was indeed tested to the very limit he could bear.
God will always provide for us, so that we will not be stretched beyond the point we can endure. 1 Cor 10:13.
Blessed Assurance.
Sunday, 27 August 2017
Hell, not at all.
Deep in our hearts, many of us Christians do not believe the damnation of Hell.
I remember watching a film on the holocaust of the Second World War. To exterminate the Jews quickly, they were herd into the gas chamber a few hundred at a time. The door was closed, and the Jews died inside. Death was relatively quick, perhaps in minutes or hours. Their cries of pain and anguish could not even be heard, because all the German guards left the place after the gas was turned on.
That scene could not be erased from my mind.
Jesus Christ is not like that. On the Judgement Day, He will not condemn millions and billions of people to the eternal fire of Hell. He will not close the door of Hell and let anyone suffer eternally inside. Our God is a God of Love, Lovingkindness and Mercy. He may chastise and punish us for our sins, but the punishment will not be eternal Hell.
So if you were told Christians go to Heaven, and non-Christians go to Hell, think again. It is impossible for God to use Hell to inflict eternal punishment on any of His own creation. Jesus will forgive 70 x 7 times, or even 700 x 7 times.
That is the confidence of knowing the character of God. The wonderous love of Jesus Christ.
I remember watching a film on the holocaust of the Second World War. To exterminate the Jews quickly, they were herd into the gas chamber a few hundred at a time. The door was closed, and the Jews died inside. Death was relatively quick, perhaps in minutes or hours. Their cries of pain and anguish could not even be heard, because all the German guards left the place after the gas was turned on.
That scene could not be erased from my mind.
Jesus Christ is not like that. On the Judgement Day, He will not condemn millions and billions of people to the eternal fire of Hell. He will not close the door of Hell and let anyone suffer eternally inside. Our God is a God of Love, Lovingkindness and Mercy. He may chastise and punish us for our sins, but the punishment will not be eternal Hell.
So if you were told Christians go to Heaven, and non-Christians go to Hell, think again. It is impossible for God to use Hell to inflict eternal punishment on any of His own creation. Jesus will forgive 70 x 7 times, or even 700 x 7 times.
That is the confidence of knowing the character of God. The wonderous love of Jesus Christ.
Thursday, 10 August 2017
Idols and Mammon
"Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the Lord your God." Lev 19:4.
"...Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matt 6:24.
In their preaching, many pastors asked their congregations to examine themselves. "You may not be worshipping idols, but is mammon your idol? Are you worshipping wealth and materials? Do you care more about pursuing money, fame and power?"
"Idols" are spiritual in nature. Most idols are benevolent and generous, otherwise few would be interested in them. People worship idols for health and wealth, for power, for good luck, for all kinds of blessings. Often, these idols would oblige them generously in return for their worship.
"Mammon" is not idol. Mammon are things of the world. They are non spiritual, hence they do not require anyone to worship them. Mammon could be anything of worldly value - such as the pursuit of money, wealth, power, fame, beauty, wisdom, worldly success and longevity. Mammon distract us from God. Mammon are also used by idols to separate us from God.
"...Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matt 6:24.
In their preaching, many pastors asked their congregations to examine themselves. "You may not be worshipping idols, but is mammon your idol? Are you worshipping wealth and materials? Do you care more about pursuing money, fame and power?"
"Idols" are spiritual in nature. Most idols are benevolent and generous, otherwise few would be interested in them. People worship idols for health and wealth, for power, for good luck, for all kinds of blessings. Often, these idols would oblige them generously in return for their worship.
"Mammon" is not idol. Mammon are things of the world. They are non spiritual, hence they do not require anyone to worship them. Mammon could be anything of worldly value - such as the pursuit of money, wealth, power, fame, beauty, wisdom, worldly success and longevity. Mammon distract us from God. Mammon are also used by idols to separate us from God.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind...You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matt 22:37-39.
Avoid both idols and mammon.
Sunday, 30 July 2017
Lord, Have Mercy
This post is the result of personal experience and deep reflection.
When our friends and loved ones are sick, we pray for healing. That is the normal thing to do.
But while praying for healing, the condition got worse, from stage 3 to stage 4 to end stage cancer, from stage 3 to stage 7 to end stage Alzheimer's, from grade 2 pain to grade 10 over 10 on the pain scale, we know the end is near. We became convinced, became 200% sure, that praying for healing is not according to God's will anymore. When a case has deteriorated till the pain is beyond bearable, as advised by a priest, beseech God for His mercy.
The daughter of this internet friend had cancer, and despite everything they do, had reached the stage of grade 10 over 10 on the pain scale. The doctor finally advised her to let go since even experimental drugs had no effect, let alone morphine and other painkillers. Finally after 4 years, she rest in peace.
My own father, also with cancer, left 3 years ago. I asked God for his healing. But it got worse and after 6 months, he told the palliative doctor that it was 9, sometimes 10 over of 10 on the pain scale. On the final days, he sat at the sink and cough out blood every few minutes. We all let go - we do not pray for healing anymore, but for mercy and a peaceful journey.
I have some other personal experiences, but it is unnecessary to cite them.
On the way to the cross, Jesus did not ask God to spare Him. He fully understood His purpose and acted according to God's will.
Yes. We pray for healing when we are sick. But if circumstances relentlessly point in the opposite direction despite fervent prayers for healing, then, "Lord have mercy, Thy will be done".
When our friends and loved ones are sick, we pray for healing. That is the normal thing to do.
But while praying for healing, the condition got worse, from stage 3 to stage 4 to end stage cancer, from stage 3 to stage 7 to end stage Alzheimer's, from grade 2 pain to grade 10 over 10 on the pain scale, we know the end is near. We became convinced, became 200% sure, that praying for healing is not according to God's will anymore. When a case has deteriorated till the pain is beyond bearable, as advised by a priest, beseech God for His mercy.
The daughter of this internet friend had cancer, and despite everything they do, had reached the stage of grade 10 over 10 on the pain scale. The doctor finally advised her to let go since even experimental drugs had no effect, let alone morphine and other painkillers. Finally after 4 years, she rest in peace.
My own father, also with cancer, left 3 years ago. I asked God for his healing. But it got worse and after 6 months, he told the palliative doctor that it was 9, sometimes 10 over of 10 on the pain scale. On the final days, he sat at the sink and cough out blood every few minutes. We all let go - we do not pray for healing anymore, but for mercy and a peaceful journey.
I have some other personal experiences, but it is unnecessary to cite them.
On the way to the cross, Jesus did not ask God to spare Him. He fully understood His purpose and acted according to God's will.
Yes. We pray for healing when we are sick. But if circumstances relentlessly point in the opposite direction despite fervent prayers for healing, then, "Lord have mercy, Thy will be done".
Tuesday, 11 July 2017
Nothing is yours...
And so he asked:
-- "Surely the house and the car that I bought are mine?" No. They are not yours. When you leave, they are someone else's.
-- "Surely my children are mine?" No. They own their own lives.
-- "Hah, the savings I deposited in the bank, for my own use, they are mine!" No. They are yours only if you use them.
-- "How about all my achievements, my professional degrees, the energy and money I spent in feeding the poor?" No. When you pass on, you could not bring those along.
-- "Now, surely my time is mine. Yesterday I had 24 hours. Today I have another 24 hours!" No. Time is not yours. Time simply pass us by.
-- "Then what is mine???"
The moments are yours. Only the moments, no the time. Those intangible feelings of joy, peace, love, gratitude, dignity, are yours to enjoy and treasure. Those negative feelings of disappointment, regrets, guilt, anguish are your too. Only you can overcome them and discard them; or continue to keep them in your memory to torment yourself.
Live and enjoy each precious moment of your life. Store up the positive moments and keep them in this life and beyond. Discard the negative ones, do not dwell on them.
Thank God for every moment. That is the only thing that you own and could bring beyond the grave, besides your personal relationship with the Divine.
-- "Surely the house and the car that I bought are mine?" No. They are not yours. When you leave, they are someone else's.
-- "Surely my children are mine?" No. They own their own lives.
-- "Hah, the savings I deposited in the bank, for my own use, they are mine!" No. They are yours only if you use them.
-- "How about all my achievements, my professional degrees, the energy and money I spent in feeding the poor?" No. When you pass on, you could not bring those along.
-- "Now, surely my time is mine. Yesterday I had 24 hours. Today I have another 24 hours!" No. Time is not yours. Time simply pass us by.
-- "Then what is mine???"
The moments are yours. Only the moments, no the time. Those intangible feelings of joy, peace, love, gratitude, dignity, are yours to enjoy and treasure. Those negative feelings of disappointment, regrets, guilt, anguish are your too. Only you can overcome them and discard them; or continue to keep them in your memory to torment yourself.
Live and enjoy each precious moment of your life. Store up the positive moments and keep them in this life and beyond. Discard the negative ones, do not dwell on them.
Thank God for every moment. That is the only thing that you own and could bring beyond the grave, besides your personal relationship with the Divine.
Friday, 14 April 2017
What is Ninth Hour?
Today is Good Friday. Every year during Good Friday, we read and re-read the account of Christ's passion, trials and crucifixion.
The pendulum clock was only invented 1656. During Christ's time, a 'day' began from sundown and end on the next sundown. A 'day' was divided into 4 watches and 12 hours.
First watch -- Sundown to 9 pm
Second watch -- 9 pm to midnight
Third watch -- midnight to 3 am
Fourth watch -- 3 am to sunrise
1st hour -- sunrise to 8 am
2nd hour -- 8 am to 9 am
3rd hour -- 9 am to 10 am
4th hour -- 10 am to 11 am
5th hour -- 11 am to 12 noon
6th hour -- 12 noon to 1 pm
7th hour -- 1 pm to 2 pm
8th hour -- 2 pm to 3 pm
9th hour -- 3 pm to 4 pm
10th hour -- 4 pm to 5 pm
11th hour -- 5 pm to 6 pm
12th hour -- 6 pm to Sundown
According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified and finally died at the 9th hour, which is between 3 to 4 pm, present clocktime.
But then, He rose again on the third day, and never die again.
Alleluia. Let us welcome Easter joyously.
The pendulum clock was only invented 1656. During Christ's time, a 'day' began from sundown and end on the next sundown. A 'day' was divided into 4 watches and 12 hours.
First watch -- Sundown to 9 pm
Second watch -- 9 pm to midnight
Third watch -- midnight to 3 am
Fourth watch -- 3 am to sunrise
1st hour -- sunrise to 8 am
2nd hour -- 8 am to 9 am
3rd hour -- 9 am to 10 am
4th hour -- 10 am to 11 am
5th hour -- 11 am to 12 noon
6th hour -- 12 noon to 1 pm
7th hour -- 1 pm to 2 pm
8th hour -- 2 pm to 3 pm
9th hour -- 3 pm to 4 pm
10th hour -- 4 pm to 5 pm
11th hour -- 5 pm to 6 pm
12th hour -- 6 pm to Sundown
According to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified and finally died at the 9th hour, which is between 3 to 4 pm, present clocktime.
But then, He rose again on the third day, and never die again.
Alleluia. Let us welcome Easter joyously.
Sunday, 19 February 2017
Those very enigmatic bible verses...
"DO NOT RESIST HIM WHO IS EVIL; BUT WHOEVER SLAPS YOU ON THE RIGHT CHEEK, TURN TO HIM THE OTHER ALSO. AND IF ANY ONE WANTS TO SUE YOU, AND TAKE YOUR SHIRT, LET HIM HAVE YOUR COAT ALSO..." MATT 5:38 to 44
This is an example of Bible verses that is hard to understand and practice. We don't do this when someone does bad to us. When a robber robs you of your wallet, you don't voluntarily ask him to take your watches as well. When a bully punches you on the left side, you don't volunteer the right side to be punched too. When Israel lost a city to an invading enemy, Israel did not say "Take my other cities as well." When Jesus was slapped by the soldiers who came to detain Him, the Bible did not mention that He turned the other cheek too.
Sometimes the Bible verses surprise us, some go against common sense and are unnatural for us to follow.
In such incidences, we should not follow the Bible verses literary. We should mull over the exhortations and the intentions behind those words, and apply those underlying lessons which are consistent with other verses in other parts of the Bible.
So now, if a Christian accidentally took some poison, please seek medical assistance. Do not just pray and do nothing. Mark 16:18 does not apply.
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Holofernes versus Judith (History continues)
See my last blog entry for the background. Holofernes had conquered all the other nations and now tightening his grip on Judah. Judah had only 5 days of water supply left.
Judith was a widow in Judah, albeit, a rich one. When the leaders of Judah did not know how to deal with Holofernes, Judith volunteered to save the Jews with her own plan.
When Judith had finished her prayer to the God of Israel... she took off the sackcloth and her widow's clothes, took a bath, and put on rich perfumes. She brushed her hair, tied a ribbon around it, and dressed herself in the fine clothes she used to wear on joyful occasions when her husband Manasseh was still alive... Judith gave her slave woman a leather bag of wine and a jar of oil to carry. She filled a bag with roasted barley cakes of dried figs, and several loaves of bread baked according to Jewish food laws...
Judith was a widow in Judah, albeit, a rich one. When the leaders of Judah did not know how to deal with Holofernes, Judith volunteered to save the Jews with her own plan.
When Judith had finished her prayer to the God of Israel... she took off the sackcloth and her widow's clothes, took a bath, and put on rich perfumes. She brushed her hair, tied a ribbon around it, and dressed herself in the fine clothes she used to wear on joyful occasions when her husband Manasseh was still alive... Judith gave her slave woman a leather bag of wine and a jar of oil to carry. She filled a bag with roasted barley cakes of dried figs, and several loaves of bread baked according to Jewish food laws...
As the two women walked through the valley, an Assyrian patrol met them. They arrested Judith and questioned her, "What is your nationality? Where did you come from and where are you going?"
"I am a Hebrew." she answered, "but I am running away from the Israelites because God is going to let you destroy them. I am on my way to see Holofernes, the general of your army, to give him some reliable information..."
By and by, Holofernes' bodyguard and his personal servants came out and led Judith into the tent.
By and by, Judith remained with Holofernes for 3 days. On the fourth day of Judith's stay in the camp, Holofernes gave a banquet for his highest ranking officers... Holofernes was so charmed by Judith that he drank more wine than he had ever drunk at one time in his whole life...Judith was left alone in the tent with Holofernes who was lying drunk on his bed...All the guests and servants were now gone, and Judith and Holofernes were alone in the tent.
Judith stood by Holofernes's bed and prayed silently, "O Lord, God Almighty, help me with what I am about to do for the glory of Jerusalem. Now is the time to rescue your chosen people and to help me carry out my plan to destroy the enemies who are threatening us." Judith went to the bedpost by Holofernes' head and took down his sword. She came closer, seized Holofernes by the hair of his head, and said, O Lord, God of Israel, give me strength now." Then Judith raised the sword and struck him twice in the neck as hard as she could, chopping off his head. (Apocrypha Book of Judith chapter 11 to 13).
If you like to know the happy ending, please read the Book of Judith.
God Bless You. And Happy Chinese New Year of the Rooster. 28 Jan 2017
Friday, 27 January 2017
Before Alexander The Great there was Holofernes The Feared
Holofernes was the commander of King Nebuchadnezzar's army. This story happened around 200 years before Alexander The Great.
Just as the king had ordered, Holofernes chose 120,000 of the best infantrymen and 12,000 of the best mounted archers and arranged them in battle formation. He also took along a very large number of camels, donkeys, and mules to carry the equipment, as well as many sheep, cattle, and goats for food, Every soldier received plenty of rations and a large payment of gold and silver from the royal treasury. Then Holofernes and his entire army set out, advancing ahead of King Nebuchadnezzar...
Three days after they had left the city of Nineveh, they reached the plains around Bectileth near the mountains north of Cilicia, where they set up camp. From there Holofernes advanced into the hill country with his entire army, his infantry, cavalry, and chariots. He totally destroyed the countries of Libya and Lydia, then plundered all the people of Rassis and the Ishmaelites who lived on the edge of the desert, south of the land of the Chelleans.
Then Holofernes crossed the Euphrates River and marched through the land of Mesopotamia, completely destroying all the walled towns along the Abron River as far as the sea. He seized the territory of Cilicia, killing everyone who resisted him, and went as far as the southern borders of the land of Japheth, near Arabia. He surrounded the Midianites, burned down their tents, and slaughtered their sheep.
Holofernes went down into the plains around Damascus during the wheat harvest, burned all the fields, slaughtered the flocks and herds, looted the towns, devastated the entire countryside, and killed all the young men. Panic seized all the people who lived along the Mediterranean Sea, and they shook with fear. Everyone in the towns of Tyre, Sidon, Sur, Ocina, Jamnia, Ashdod, and Ashkelon was terrified. (Apocrypha Book of Judith chapter 2)
Just as the king had ordered, Holofernes chose 120,000 of the best infantrymen and 12,000 of the best mounted archers and arranged them in battle formation. He also took along a very large number of camels, donkeys, and mules to carry the equipment, as well as many sheep, cattle, and goats for food, Every soldier received plenty of rations and a large payment of gold and silver from the royal treasury. Then Holofernes and his entire army set out, advancing ahead of King Nebuchadnezzar...
Three days after they had left the city of Nineveh, they reached the plains around Bectileth near the mountains north of Cilicia, where they set up camp. From there Holofernes advanced into the hill country with his entire army, his infantry, cavalry, and chariots. He totally destroyed the countries of Libya and Lydia, then plundered all the people of Rassis and the Ishmaelites who lived on the edge of the desert, south of the land of the Chelleans.
Then Holofernes crossed the Euphrates River and marched through the land of Mesopotamia, completely destroying all the walled towns along the Abron River as far as the sea. He seized the territory of Cilicia, killing everyone who resisted him, and went as far as the southern borders of the land of Japheth, near Arabia. He surrounded the Midianites, burned down their tents, and slaughtered their sheep.
Holofernes went down into the plains around Damascus during the wheat harvest, burned all the fields, slaughtered the flocks and herds, looted the towns, devastated the entire countryside, and killed all the young men. Panic seized all the people who lived along the Mediterranean Sea, and they shook with fear. Everyone in the towns of Tyre, Sidon, Sur, Ocina, Jamnia, Ashdod, and Ashkelon was terrified. (Apocrypha Book of Judith chapter 2)
All other nations sent peace delegations to King Nebuchadnezzar and offered to surrender to be the King's slaves.
By and by, Holofernes arrived at the doorsteps of Judah.
If you like to know how the people of Judah defended themselves from Holofernes, see the next blog entry...
Thursday, 26 January 2017
How They Desecrated The Temple of God
The Apocrypha is a set of 12 books found in the Jewish 'old testament', but not the Christian Old Testament. I enjoy reading them very much. In 2 Maccabees 5,6, we can learn how much the Jewish people suffered.
Antiochus took 135,000 pounds of silver from the Temple and hurried off to Antioch...Antiochus hated the Jews so much that he sent an army of 22,000 mercenary troops from Mysia to Jerusalem under the command of a man named Apollonius, with orders to kill every man in the city and to sell the women and boys as slaves... 2 Mac 5: 21-24.
Not long after that, the king sent an elderly Athenian to force the Jews to abandon their religion and the customs of their ancestors. He was also to defile their Temple by dedicating it to the Olympian god Zeus. The temple on Mount Gerizim was to be officially named "Temple of Zeus the God of Hospitality," as the people who lived there had requested.
The oppression was harsh and almost intolerable. Gentiles filled the Temple with drinking parties and all sorts of immorality. They even had intercourse with prostitutes there. Forbidden objects were brought into the Temple, and the altar was covered with detestable sacrifices prohibited by our law. It was impossible to observe the Sabbath, to celebrate any of the traditional festivals, or even so much as to admit to being a Jew. Each month when the king's birthday was celebrated, the Jews were compelled by brute force to eat the intestines of sacrificial animals. Then, during the festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus, they were required to wear ivy wreaths on their heads and march in procession...It was easy to see that hard times were ahead. For example, two women were arrested for having their babies circumcised. They were paraded around the city with their babies hung from their breasts, then they were thrown down from the city wall. On another occasion, Philip was told that some Jews had gathered in a nearby cave to observe the Sabbath in secret. Philip attacked and burned them all alive... 2 Mac 6:1-11
So all through history, it was never easy to be God's people. Thank God we are not persecuted as Christians in Singapore.
Antiochus took 135,000 pounds of silver from the Temple and hurried off to Antioch...Antiochus hated the Jews so much that he sent an army of 22,000 mercenary troops from Mysia to Jerusalem under the command of a man named Apollonius, with orders to kill every man in the city and to sell the women and boys as slaves... 2 Mac 5: 21-24.
Not long after that, the king sent an elderly Athenian to force the Jews to abandon their religion and the customs of their ancestors. He was also to defile their Temple by dedicating it to the Olympian god Zeus. The temple on Mount Gerizim was to be officially named "Temple of Zeus the God of Hospitality," as the people who lived there had requested.
The oppression was harsh and almost intolerable. Gentiles filled the Temple with drinking parties and all sorts of immorality. They even had intercourse with prostitutes there. Forbidden objects were brought into the Temple, and the altar was covered with detestable sacrifices prohibited by our law. It was impossible to observe the Sabbath, to celebrate any of the traditional festivals, or even so much as to admit to being a Jew. Each month when the king's birthday was celebrated, the Jews were compelled by brute force to eat the intestines of sacrificial animals. Then, during the festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus, they were required to wear ivy wreaths on their heads and march in procession...It was easy to see that hard times were ahead. For example, two women were arrested for having their babies circumcised. They were paraded around the city with their babies hung from their breasts, then they were thrown down from the city wall. On another occasion, Philip was told that some Jews had gathered in a nearby cave to observe the Sabbath in secret. Philip attacked and burned them all alive... 2 Mac 6:1-11
So all through history, it was never easy to be God's people. Thank God we are not persecuted as Christians in Singapore.
Sunday, 4 December 2016
Birth and Death at Christmas
We remember the Birth of Christ at Christmas. And with Christ, the salvation of sinful man, is now possible.
But the birth of Christ was achieved with many death. As a direct result of Christ's birth at Christmas, Herod the king ordered the massacre of all male below the age of 2 during that time. Hence many thousands must had died innocently when God implemented His redemption plan.
Therefore, knowing that so many had died in order for us to enjoy salvation through Christ, we too must embrace death to our former self.
As Paul taught, "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things had passed away, behold, new things have come." (2 Cor 5:12, also Gal 2:20)
Let our old sinful self be dead too.
Merry Christmas.
Saturday, 19 November 2016
The anguish of first generation Christians
I accepted Christ over 40 years ago and am a first generation Christian. None of my previous generations were Christians.
My sister died 4 years ago, my mum 3 years ago, and my father 2 years ago. They were all wonderful people and very close to me. None of them accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ prior to their demise.
As a Christian, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and no one could be saved without Him.
Therein lies the anguish of first generation Christians. The thought of being saved in Heaven, and yet looking down from Heaven and seeing your closest family members, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc, suffering in Hell for eternity, is the most anguishing thought.
Christ had taught us to forgive others 70 times 7 times. Would God forgive his creation 70 times 7 times too? Why would non-Christians be condemned to Hell's eternal fire for not knowing Christ in just ONE lifetime. Or even 70 times 7 lifetimes. Eternal punishment is unthinkable.
There will be no joy in Heaven, as long as Heaven's inhabitants know of their loved ones suffering in eternal Hell. That is simple common sense.
Faced with such prospect, first generation Christians have developed a coping mechanism - the possibility of accepting Christ's salvation even beyond the grave. The soul of a person lives on after the physical death. There is still hope for the soul to acknowledge Christ's salvation even after the physical death, because Love and Faith and Hope endure forever. (1 Cor 13.) Even after one is physically dead, salvation through Christ is still possible - because there is Hope.
I will continue to pray for the salvation of my departed relatives till the day I die. God would not punish any of His creation permanently forever, at most only temporarily - because God is Love.
In some sense, I have rejected the doctrine of eternal punishment. This reasoning may not be biblical. But all humans are God's creation and should not be condemned to eternal punishment - because God is Merciful.
My sister died 4 years ago, my mum 3 years ago, and my father 2 years ago. They were all wonderful people and very close to me. None of them accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ prior to their demise.
As a Christian, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and no one could be saved without Him.
Therein lies the anguish of first generation Christians. The thought of being saved in Heaven, and yet looking down from Heaven and seeing your closest family members, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc, suffering in Hell for eternity, is the most anguishing thought.
Christ had taught us to forgive others 70 times 7 times. Would God forgive his creation 70 times 7 times too? Why would non-Christians be condemned to Hell's eternal fire for not knowing Christ in just ONE lifetime. Or even 70 times 7 lifetimes. Eternal punishment is unthinkable.
There will be no joy in Heaven, as long as Heaven's inhabitants know of their loved ones suffering in eternal Hell. That is simple common sense.
Faced with such prospect, first generation Christians have developed a coping mechanism - the possibility of accepting Christ's salvation even beyond the grave. The soul of a person lives on after the physical death. There is still hope for the soul to acknowledge Christ's salvation even after the physical death, because Love and Faith and Hope endure forever. (1 Cor 13.) Even after one is physically dead, salvation through Christ is still possible - because there is Hope.
I will continue to pray for the salvation of my departed relatives till the day I die. God would not punish any of His creation permanently forever, at most only temporarily - because God is Love.
In some sense, I have rejected the doctrine of eternal punishment. This reasoning may not be biblical. But all humans are God's creation and should not be condemned to eternal punishment - because God is Merciful.
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Stop nagging at humans. Nag at God.
Nobody likes to be nagged at, especially children. "Don't keep telling me all the time to pack my bed or tidy the room."
God is majestic. He is King of the world. So I don't bother God with small insignificant things. I don't pray to God and ask him what time I should leave the house, what bus to take, or what brand of toothpaste to buy.
But, funny. The Bible seems to advise us to do the opposite. "Pray without ceasing... (1 Thess 5:17), it says. Pray without ceasing about what?? It must include praying for insignificant things as well.
The parable of the naggy woman (Luk 18:1-5) suggests that when God does not answer, nag Him. The judge gave in to the naggy woman because he reasoned that her nagging would wear him down.
And in Luk 11:5-8, Jesus taught another parable. Through persistency (repeat, insist, nag, nag, nag) a man was rewarded with the loaves of bread he wanted from his friend.
In both these parables, the trick was to continue to nag and irritate the other party until he gave in to the request. This applies to praying to God.
I find this prayer strategy, of nagging our Heavenly Father, disconcerting. But then, it is recommended in the Bible.
Alleluia!
God is majestic. He is King of the world. So I don't bother God with small insignificant things. I don't pray to God and ask him what time I should leave the house, what bus to take, or what brand of toothpaste to buy.
But, funny. The Bible seems to advise us to do the opposite. "Pray without ceasing... (1 Thess 5:17), it says. Pray without ceasing about what?? It must include praying for insignificant things as well.
The parable of the naggy woman (Luk 18:1-5) suggests that when God does not answer, nag Him. The judge gave in to the naggy woman because he reasoned that her nagging would wear him down.
And in Luk 11:5-8, Jesus taught another parable. Through persistency (repeat, insist, nag, nag, nag) a man was rewarded with the loaves of bread he wanted from his friend.
In both these parables, the trick was to continue to nag and irritate the other party until he gave in to the request. This applies to praying to God.
I find this prayer strategy, of nagging our Heavenly Father, disconcerting. But then, it is recommended in the Bible.
Alleluia!
Saturday, 8 October 2016
Habakkuk's world and Our world
Read the first few verses of Habakkuk in the Old Testament, and you may find the world in similar situation.
Habakkuk asked (Hab 1):
How long O Lord, will I call for help and Thou wilt not hear?
I cry out to Thee "Violence!", yet Thou dost not save.
Why dost Thou make me see iniquity and cause me to look on wickedness?
Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and contention arises.
Therefore, the law is ignored and justice is never upheld.
For the wicked surround the righteous, therefore justice is perverted.
The Lord Replied:
Look among the nations, Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days--you would not believe if you were told.
For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,
That fierce and impetuous people who march throughout the earth
To seize dwelling places which are not theirs.
They are dreaded and feared.
Their justice and authority originate with themselves.
Their horses are swifter than leopards and keener than wolves...
They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour.
All of them come for violence, ...they collect captives like sand...
Well, if you replace the word CHALDEANS with ISIS TERRORISTS, you may find that what is happening in the world today is same as what was happening in Habakkuk's time.
But the Chaldeans were raised by God to punish the sinful people during that time.
The ISIS Terrorists are not 'raised by God' to punish the sinful people during our time. God has already sent His only Son to die on the cross for all our sins.
ISIS is not sent by God. It is the result of the sins of humankind.
Habakkuk asked (Hab 1):
How long O Lord, will I call for help and Thou wilt not hear?
I cry out to Thee "Violence!", yet Thou dost not save.
Why dost Thou make me see iniquity and cause me to look on wickedness?
Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and contention arises.
Therefore, the law is ignored and justice is never upheld.
For the wicked surround the righteous, therefore justice is perverted.
The Lord Replied:
Look among the nations, Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days--you would not believe if you were told.
For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans,
That fierce and impetuous people who march throughout the earth
To seize dwelling places which are not theirs.
They are dreaded and feared.
Their justice and authority originate with themselves.
Their horses are swifter than leopards and keener than wolves...
They fly like an eagle swooping down to devour.
All of them come for violence, ...they collect captives like sand...
Well, if you replace the word CHALDEANS with ISIS TERRORISTS, you may find that what is happening in the world today is same as what was happening in Habakkuk's time.
But the Chaldeans were raised by God to punish the sinful people during that time.
The ISIS Terrorists are not 'raised by God' to punish the sinful people during our time. God has already sent His only Son to die on the cross for all our sins.
ISIS is not sent by God. It is the result of the sins of humankind.
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Both God and Us are Changing
C S Lewis is a renowned author if Christian books.
In the movie SHAWDOWHANDS, he was depicted reflecting on the nature of prayer. Asked why he prayed, he responded, "I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God; it changes me."
This is an unfair depiction in the movie. Most likely, C S Lewis did not say that.
When we pray, God listens and changes. He may change a lot, or change very little, but he changes. See the lesson in Luke 11:5-9, about the sleeping man who was moved to get up by persistent requests for bread.
When we pray, we also change ourselves. "It changes me". The airplane passengers prayed for safe journey, but the flight turned out to be disastrous. What happened would surely change how the passengers think.
Don't say "It doesn't change God". God the Father does consider our prayers - maybe not giving in to what was prayed for, but changes the outcome in other ways. God is good, always.
In the movie SHAWDOWHANDS, he was depicted reflecting on the nature of prayer. Asked why he prayed, he responded, "I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God; it changes me."
This is an unfair depiction in the movie. Most likely, C S Lewis did not say that.
When we pray, God listens and changes. He may change a lot, or change very little, but he changes. See the lesson in Luke 11:5-9, about the sleeping man who was moved to get up by persistent requests for bread.
When we pray, we also change ourselves. "It changes me". The airplane passengers prayed for safe journey, but the flight turned out to be disastrous. What happened would surely change how the passengers think.
Don't say "It doesn't change God". God the Father does consider our prayers - maybe not giving in to what was prayed for, but changes the outcome in other ways. God is good, always.
Friday, 27 May 2016
10 Commandments: Images and Idolatory
The first church I attended was Anglican. It was a 'bare' church. The altar was just an empty table with a 10-inch cross on it. I loved the simplicity, and the idea that God is so awesome, that no physical image is fitting enough to depict or represent Him.
Hence when I learnt that in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the second specifically mentioned that "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness...not worship them..." I accepted this commandment completely.
But then, as I read the Bible, in Exodus 25, not many pages after Exodus 20, I was confused why God asked his people to make 2 golden cherubim and placed them inside the Ark. Now this is obvious against the 10 Commandments. (How do cherubim look like anyway?)
And in Numbers 21:8, God ordered Moses to make a bronze serpent, so that those who had been bitten by snakes could 'looked to the bronze serpent, and lived'.
But never mind the confusion. The Ten Commandants are very clear. There are always. things in the Bible that I do not understand. Let the inconsistencies be. After all, I am a Christian because of Jesus Christ, not because of the interpretations or some inconsistencies in the Bible.
Then I came across this explanation in http://www.catholic.com/blog/tim-staples/did-the-catholic-church-change-the-ten-commandments. I think it makes sense. I am no longer confused.
Apparently, someone sub-divided one commandment into two. Someone mistakenly used too many fullstops instead of commas. Read carefully now --- Exodus 20:3-6 is just 1 commandment - worship God, no others, no idolatry. Because you shall have no other gods before Me, hence you shall not make for yourself an idol of any likeness...
Hence we Christians do not have to worry too much about having physical images, as long as they do not become 'idols'.
Yet it is still good practice not to place 'any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth' in churches and other places of worship. They could be a source of distraction for some of us.
Hence when I learnt that in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the second specifically mentioned that "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness...not worship them..." I accepted this commandment completely.
But then, as I read the Bible, in Exodus 25, not many pages after Exodus 20, I was confused why God asked his people to make 2 golden cherubim and placed them inside the Ark. Now this is obvious against the 10 Commandments. (How do cherubim look like anyway?)
And in Numbers 21:8, God ordered Moses to make a bronze serpent, so that those who had been bitten by snakes could 'looked to the bronze serpent, and lived'.
But never mind the confusion. The Ten Commandants are very clear. There are always. things in the Bible that I do not understand. Let the inconsistencies be. After all, I am a Christian because of Jesus Christ, not because of the interpretations or some inconsistencies in the Bible.
Then I came across this explanation in http://www.catholic.com/blog/tim-staples/did-the-catholic-church-change-the-ten-commandments. I think it makes sense. I am no longer confused.
Apparently, someone sub-divided one commandment into two. Someone mistakenly used too many fullstops instead of commas. Read carefully now --- Exodus 20:3-6 is just 1 commandment - worship God, no others, no idolatry. Because you shall have no other gods before Me, hence you shall not make for yourself an idol of any likeness...
Hence we Christians do not have to worry too much about having physical images, as long as they do not become 'idols'.
Yet it is still good practice not to place 'any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth' in churches and other places of worship. They could be a source of distraction for some of us.
Sunday, 15 May 2016
Christianity and Reincarnation
For a long time, the many anecdotal stories of reincarnation aroused my interest.
Separately, as I read the Bible, the occasional passages suggesting cases of past lives aroused my interest even more.
For example, the words of Matt 17:10-13 explicitly stated that John the Baptist was Elijah. The disciples interpreted it this way, and I interpreted the verses this way too.
Furthermore, the Bible did not explicitly state that there is no such thing as reincarnation.
Please refer to the article "Reincarnation in the Bible" in http://reluctant-messenger.com/reincarnation-bible-verses.htm
This article appeals to me because it gives samples of many parts of the Bible that suggest the phenomenon of reincarnation. It's explanation tallies with my own logical conclusion relating to Matt 17: 10-12, Matt 24:34, Job 1:20-21, and other verses. Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:13)
Why the Catholic church threw out the doctrine of reincarnation in the earlier years (AD 553, The Second Council of Constantinople?), and why most other churches subsequently adopted the same idea, I don't know.
Little did I know some other writers also observed this anomaly too; and in their studies, concluded that reincarnation may be is a 'lost doctrine' in most Christian churches.
I finally reasoned out why the prophets in the old testament talked to the people about prophecies that would be fulfilled in hundreds and thousands of years down the road. (I mean, why would my generation bother if someone predicts the world would split into 2 halves in 20,000 years time? Long long time after my generation is gone.) Such prophecies are meaningless unless this same generation would be there, in another incarnation, at the time the prophecies are fulfilled.
It appears possible that souls could be reincarnated until such time when they accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer. And upon that acceptance, they no longer need to be reincarnated again. Perhaps you have other conclusions, but do read the article quoted above.
"...For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Tim 1:12
Separately, as I read the Bible, the occasional passages suggesting cases of past lives aroused my interest even more.
For example, the words of Matt 17:10-13 explicitly stated that John the Baptist was Elijah. The disciples interpreted it this way, and I interpreted the verses this way too.
Furthermore, the Bible did not explicitly state that there is no such thing as reincarnation.
Please refer to the article "Reincarnation in the Bible" in http://reluctant-messenger.com/reincarnation-bible-verses.htm
This article appeals to me because it gives samples of many parts of the Bible that suggest the phenomenon of reincarnation. It's explanation tallies with my own logical conclusion relating to Matt 17: 10-12, Matt 24:34, Job 1:20-21, and other verses. Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist." (Matthew 17:13)
Why the Catholic church threw out the doctrine of reincarnation in the earlier years (AD 553, The Second Council of Constantinople?), and why most other churches subsequently adopted the same idea, I don't know.
Little did I know some other writers also observed this anomaly too; and in their studies, concluded that reincarnation may be is a 'lost doctrine' in most Christian churches.
I finally reasoned out why the prophets in the old testament talked to the people about prophecies that would be fulfilled in hundreds and thousands of years down the road. (I mean, why would my generation bother if someone predicts the world would split into 2 halves in 20,000 years time? Long long time after my generation is gone.) Such prophecies are meaningless unless this same generation would be there, in another incarnation, at the time the prophecies are fulfilled.
It appears possible that souls could be reincarnated until such time when they accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Redeemer. And upon that acceptance, they no longer need to be reincarnated again. Perhaps you have other conclusions, but do read the article quoted above.
"...For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Tim 1:12
Thursday, 12 May 2016
Judaism and Reincarnation
The subject of re-incarnation has always intrigued me. I have written about this topic in my earlier blog postings.
To me, this is an important topic. Reincarnation is a prevalent belief in Chinese, Indian, and other religions. So far, the Bible seems to indicate, and has hinted, that the belief of reincarnation is prevalent in the old and new testament too. (I will explain this in other blog postings.)
I researched on whether Judaism is supportive of the idea of reincarnation.
I read several articles on the internet relating to Judaism and Reincarnation. Most articles agree that Judaism is supportive of the idea of reincarnation.
Following is a good article. http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380599/jewish/Judaism-and-Reincarnation.htm (There is another scholarly article on Wikipedia which is more difficult to read.)
The root of the word "Torah" is the verb "to instruct". Torah's primary function is to teach us how to live Jewishly, in harmony with G‑d's will. As such, the basic levels of scriptural interpretation lead to a practical understanding of mitzvot and related Jewish values.
Many Jews are surprised to learn, or may even wish to deny, that reincarnation…is an integral part of Jewish belief…
The Torah, however, is a multi-layered document. Many of its deeper levels of interpretation are not readily accessible; and they may not lend themselves to obvious, practical application in daily life. As such, these more esoteric aspects of Torah are not of interest to significant segments of the Jewish population, including some rabbis and scholars.
Consequently, many Jews are surprised to learn, or may even wish to deny, that reincarnation - the "revolving" of souls through a succession of lives, or "gilgulim" - is an integral part of Jewish belief. But this teaching has always been around. And it is firmly rooted in source-verses.
Examples abound. Ramban, one of the greatest commentators on the Torah (and on the Talmud), and a seminal figure in Jewish history, hints several times that reincarnation is the key to penetrating the deep mysteries involved in the mitzvah of yibum (the obligation of the brother of a childless, deceased man to marry the widow). In his explanation of Gen 38:8, he insists that Yehudah and his sons were aware of the secret of reincarnation, and that this was a major factor in their respective attitudes towards Tamar.
The responsibility lies with us…
The Jewish understanding of reincarnation is different from Buddhist doctrines. It in no way leads to fatalism. At every point of moral decision in his life, a Jew has complete free choice. If not for freedom of choice, how unfair it would be of G‑d to make demands of us - especially when reward and punishment is involved! Reincarnation does not imply pre-determination. It is, rather, an opportunity for rectification and soul-perfection.
The holy Ari explained it most simply: every Jew must fulfill all 613 mitzvot, and if he doesn't succeed in one lifetime, he comes back again and again until he finishes. For this reason, events in a person's life may lead him towards certain places, encounters, etc., in ways that may or may not make sense. Divine providence provides each person with the opportunities he needs to fulfill those particular mitzvot necessary for the perfection of his soul. But the responsibility lies with us. At the actual moment of decision in any given situation, the choice is ours.
One of the ways in which heaven maintains our ability to exercise complete freedom of choice is by not allowing us conscious knowledge of previous incarnations. Consequently, it might seem to some people that there is little practical benefit in being aware of this doctrine. Furthermore, many scholars contend that these mystical concepts can easily be misunderstood, or carried to erroneous and misleading conclusions. We can therefore understand why this and similar subjects are only hinted at in scripture, and why some knowledge and a great deal of determination are often required in order to gain access to this information.
For an in-depth English treatment of the Jewish doctrine of reincarnation, see the running translation and commentary of Shaar Gilgulim on KabbalaOnline.org. (For the first article in the series, "Gate of Reincarnations", click here).
To me, this is an important topic. Reincarnation is a prevalent belief in Chinese, Indian, and other religions. So far, the Bible seems to indicate, and has hinted, that the belief of reincarnation is prevalent in the old and new testament too. (I will explain this in other blog postings.)
I researched on whether Judaism is supportive of the idea of reincarnation.
I read several articles on the internet relating to Judaism and Reincarnation. Most articles agree that Judaism is supportive of the idea of reincarnation.
Following is a good article. http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380599/jewish/Judaism-and-Reincarnation.htm (There is another scholarly article on Wikipedia which is more difficult to read.)
How prevalent is the Jewish belief in reincarnation today? How does it differ from the Asian belief? What do the Rabbis think of it?
The root of the word "Torah" is the verb "to instruct". Torah's primary function is to teach us how to live Jewishly, in harmony with G‑d's will. As such, the basic levels of scriptural interpretation lead to a practical understanding of mitzvot and related Jewish values.
Many Jews are surprised to learn, or may even wish to deny, that reincarnation…is an integral part of Jewish belief…
The Torah, however, is a multi-layered document. Many of its deeper levels of interpretation are not readily accessible; and they may not lend themselves to obvious, practical application in daily life. As such, these more esoteric aspects of Torah are not of interest to significant segments of the Jewish population, including some rabbis and scholars.
Consequently, many Jews are surprised to learn, or may even wish to deny, that reincarnation - the "revolving" of souls through a succession of lives, or "gilgulim" - is an integral part of Jewish belief. But this teaching has always been around. And it is firmly rooted in source-verses.
Examples abound. Ramban, one of the greatest commentators on the Torah (and on the Talmud), and a seminal figure in Jewish history, hints several times that reincarnation is the key to penetrating the deep mysteries involved in the mitzvah of yibum (the obligation of the brother of a childless, deceased man to marry the widow). In his explanation of Gen 38:8, he insists that Yehudah and his sons were aware of the secret of reincarnation, and that this was a major factor in their respective attitudes towards Tamar.
The responsibility lies with us…
The Jewish understanding of reincarnation is different from Buddhist doctrines. It in no way leads to fatalism. At every point of moral decision in his life, a Jew has complete free choice. If not for freedom of choice, how unfair it would be of G‑d to make demands of us - especially when reward and punishment is involved! Reincarnation does not imply pre-determination. It is, rather, an opportunity for rectification and soul-perfection.
The holy Ari explained it most simply: every Jew must fulfill all 613 mitzvot, and if he doesn't succeed in one lifetime, he comes back again and again until he finishes. For this reason, events in a person's life may lead him towards certain places, encounters, etc., in ways that may or may not make sense. Divine providence provides each person with the opportunities he needs to fulfill those particular mitzvot necessary for the perfection of his soul. But the responsibility lies with us. At the actual moment of decision in any given situation, the choice is ours.
One of the ways in which heaven maintains our ability to exercise complete freedom of choice is by not allowing us conscious knowledge of previous incarnations. Consequently, it might seem to some people that there is little practical benefit in being aware of this doctrine. Furthermore, many scholars contend that these mystical concepts can easily be misunderstood, or carried to erroneous and misleading conclusions. We can therefore understand why this and similar subjects are only hinted at in scripture, and why some knowledge and a great deal of determination are often required in order to gain access to this information.
For an in-depth English treatment of the Jewish doctrine of reincarnation, see the running translation and commentary of Shaar Gilgulim on KabbalaOnline.org. (For the first article in the series, "Gate of Reincarnations", click here).
"Whimsical Midnight Silhouette" Painted by me.
Friday, 15 April 2016
What are Archangels ?
The ancient Babylonians believed God has attendants who are spiritual beings. Judaism maintained this belief, and thus the Catholic religion teaches that "purely spiritual creatures" called angels exist (Catechism of the Catholic Church 330).
The word angel comes from the Hebrew word malakh, which means "to send". The Bible has many references to different kinds of angels. Some angers are messengers. The prefix arch- means "important". Thus, archangels are entrusted with very important messages from God. For example, the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of God (Luke 1:26).
Three archangels are mentioned in the Bible. Biblical writers named them in reference to the messages they delivered: Michael ("who is the God"), Gabriel ("power of God"), and Raphael ("God has healed"). Their feast day is September 29.
Archangels are not human, but they fit the definition of a saint. Therefore, the Roman Catholic Church added the archangels to the canon (list) of saints, because a saint is anyone who is holy, he or she lives in the presence of God and exists to serve God.
(Text taken from Fr. Don Kirchner, CSsR)
The word angel comes from the Hebrew word malakh, which means "to send". The Bible has many references to different kinds of angels. Some angers are messengers. The prefix arch- means "important". Thus, archangels are entrusted with very important messages from God. For example, the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of God (Luke 1:26).
Three archangels are mentioned in the Bible. Biblical writers named them in reference to the messages they delivered: Michael ("who is the God"), Gabriel ("power of God"), and Raphael ("God has healed"). Their feast day is September 29.
Archangels are not human, but they fit the definition of a saint. Therefore, the Roman Catholic Church added the archangels to the canon (list) of saints, because a saint is anyone who is holy, he or she lives in the presence of God and exists to serve God.
(Text taken from Fr. Don Kirchner, CSsR)
Saturday, 5 March 2016
True and Fake Miracles
These are petty magicians who cheat for some gains.
There are also super magicians who can walk through the great wall of China, or make a building disappear before your eyes.
But there is no magician who can feed 5 thousand humans with 5 loaves and 2 fishes (John Chapter 6).
Jesus Christ is no magician.
That was a true miracle. When they took 5 loaves from the table to distribute, another 5 loaves appeared on the table, and this happened repeatedly before thousands of eyes. The loaves were not hidden behind some tablecloths or inside someone's sleeves or loose clothing.
If anyone can do this again today, and can walk around after being dead for three full days, today I will fall down and worship him as God.
Jesus Christ was the only one who can perform this miracle.
Of course, to justify that there was no such miracle, you can choose not to believe in the bible. But then, where is faith in those many witnesses who carefully and conscientiously recorded what they saw for you and me? (Luke 1:1-3)
Monday, 29 February 2016
Prosperity Gospel: After 10%, what is mine is mine.
Why is it that, if all the world's wealth is put together and equally divided and given to each person, in 20 year's time, 90% will again be in the hands of 5% of the people?
Obviously, some people are better in accumulating wealth, by good luck, by in-born talent, by hook, or by crook.
Apart from the few who become rich through winning lottery and super talent, wealthy people generally work hard to become wealthy. So it's fair and square. It's okay. "I work hard for my money. I slog day and night for my salary. I sacrifice my family time, my fun time, my personal time, just to accumulate more wealth. I also budget 10%, 20% of my wealth for God and for charity. I deserve to spend the remaining 90% and splurge on myself.
Pope St Gregory the Great gave another view, “The rich man is only an administrator of what he possesses; giving what is required to the needy is a task that is to be performed with humility because the goods do not belong to the one who distributes them. He who retains riches only for himself is not innocent; giving to those in need means paying a debt.”
Dear Gregory, how can you be right? I slog painstakingly, and I sacrifice much comfort, on my way to become rich. So the riches belongs to me! I deserve the best rich food, the best cars and the best villas. My neighbors laze around the whole day, their whole lifetime. They have much less. They have less expensive food, no car, no villas. But they enjoy themselves throughout their lives, and all the same, they are happy too.
So Dear Gregory, what is mine is mine. I readily do my duty of give some back to the world. Don't begrudge me. When I die, I will give all away, but while I am alive, what is mine is mine. I am the owner, not just the administrator.
God help those who help themselves, to be wealthy.
This is another logical perspective.
Sunday, 21 February 2016
King Solomon and his Thousand Wives and Concubines
Those who read 1 Kings 11:3 must be amused by King Solomon. Haha! One wife plus one career is enough to stress a man out. How did King Solomon manage with 1000 wives?
In olden days Jewish culture, just like olden day Chinese culture, having many descendants was the foremost objective in life. God bestowed the ultimate blessing on Abraham Gen 32:12 "I will...make your descendants as the sands of the sea which cannot be numbered for multitude." Wow, imagine how happy Abraham was !!
(By the way, Chinese culture under communist rule no longer cares about the number of descendants. Husband and wife have to 'stop at one child'. And recently 'stop at two'.)
There are many instances in the Bible where blessings were promised to the descendants when someone had achieved good deeds. And conversely, punishments for one's wicked deeds were meted out to one's descendants. (Ps 37:28, 1 Kings 11:12, etc)
Hence in the Jewish culture and customs, one's descendants were an extension of oneself. Blessings bestowed to one's descendants were considered as blessings for oneself. And a curse on one's descendants was a curse on oneself.
And so King Solomon wanted a thousand wives and concubines. He must be hoping to bring forth as many descendants as the number of stars on a starry night (Gen 15:5).
Today, even if the Jewish custom still advocates having large number of descendants, much of the world has changed. Does it matter someone who is dead, if his/her descendants achieve great number, great honour, wealth and fame? It does not matter, some would say.
Well, this change in custom has a profound effect. It has resulted in a change in attitude. Many couples have refused to marry and to have children; and many married couples voluntarily choose not to have children.
Perhaps descendants should be part of oneself, after all.
In olden days Jewish culture, just like olden day Chinese culture, having many descendants was the foremost objective in life. God bestowed the ultimate blessing on Abraham Gen 32:12 "I will...make your descendants as the sands of the sea which cannot be numbered for multitude." Wow, imagine how happy Abraham was !!
(By the way, Chinese culture under communist rule no longer cares about the number of descendants. Husband and wife have to 'stop at one child'. And recently 'stop at two'.)
There are many instances in the Bible where blessings were promised to the descendants when someone had achieved good deeds. And conversely, punishments for one's wicked deeds were meted out to one's descendants. (Ps 37:28, 1 Kings 11:12, etc)
Hence in the Jewish culture and customs, one's descendants were an extension of oneself. Blessings bestowed to one's descendants were considered as blessings for oneself. And a curse on one's descendants was a curse on oneself.
And so King Solomon wanted a thousand wives and concubines. He must be hoping to bring forth as many descendants as the number of stars on a starry night (Gen 15:5).
Today, even if the Jewish custom still advocates having large number of descendants, much of the world has changed. Does it matter someone who is dead, if his/her descendants achieve great number, great honour, wealth and fame? It does not matter, some would say.
Well, this change in custom has a profound effect. It has resulted in a change in attitude. Many couples have refused to marry and to have children; and many married couples voluntarily choose not to have children.
Perhaps descendants should be part of oneself, after all.
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