Living with Religious Harmony

I was sadden by a case where a Christian pastor was called up by local authority after receiving complaints about online video clips claiming insensitive comments made by him about a certain major religion; a front page news no less. The videos were recorded during services in his church, interviewing present Christians who were ex-followers of that religion on its doctrines and practises; interjecting comments, teachings and viewpoints from that pastor. It was, in my humble opinion - extremely unwise, to broadcast the videos online on their church website. Consequently, followers of that religion were ignited in anger, and a tsunami both online and offline soon followed. Complaints were lodged, and last night, the said pastor posted an apology on the church’s website, promising to respect other faiths and ‘not ridicule them in any way, shape or fashion’.

I have watched the videos before the backlash had happened, and although I understood where the pastor was coming from, I recoiled at the potential aftermath which eventually birthed. While I will not link the videos as not to further propagate the commotion but I want to explore where the Christians’ stand should be; between the truth and religious harmony, sensitivity or even tolerance.

My believe is that unless it is a mandate impressed by the Lord or the Holy Spirit, nothing very much will stand against the opposing tide.     Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. Psalms 127:1     In this unfortunate incident, instead of people being saved or believers being empowered, the opposite happened; people got grossly repelled and believers have to fire fight negative sentiments that are demolishing relationships and trust within the community.

The truth is our Christian faith is not all inclusive, that is, eternal life only by knowing the Father through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, nothing more-nothing less and unapologetically so.     And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.   John 17:3     While we must not be muted of this exclusiveness of our faith in the name of religious harmony, on the other hand, we need to address the nature of the exclusiveness of the Christian faith that may lead to a lack of tolerance and respect towards those of other faiths.

Trying to make sense of all these, God showed me something in His Word. In Luke 10, Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples for the harvest; obviously to the people of different beliefs and practises. Jesus told them to proclaim peace to them (v5-6). To heal, stay and eat with them, and to proclaiming the gospel to them. If the disciples are unwelcomed, leave graceful with the proclamation that the Kingdom of God is near; “wipe the dust off your feet” and not inciting anything else (v10-12), leaving the judgement to God.

Further down the same passage, we see Jesus speaking on the the Parable of the Good Samaritian to a Jewish audience, in response to “And who is my neighbour?”. To quickly understand, a Jew was robbed and was laid there to die. Fellow Jews, a priest and a Temple Levite, both highly regarded, came and walked pass without helping. Then a despised Samaritan came along, felt compassion for the Jew and acted. Worth noting that Samaritans were despised tremendously by Jews because of their difference in race, in religious worship and beliefs; but mostly because of  long-standing bigotry, prejudices and intolerance between the two. Nevertheless, the good Samaritian was the one who was able to rise above the bigotry and prejudices of centuries and showed mercy and compassion for the injured Jew after the Jew’s own countrymen pass him by. It was with those centuries of opposition and hostility between the two groups as the backdrop that make this parable divine. And to answer the first question of who is the neighbour, the obvious answser would be the good Samaritian who showed mercy. In closing, Jesus gave instruction to go and do the same, refering to the good Samaritian even if the ones helping maybe of different race, belief  or opinion. 

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.   Romans 12:14-19

I guess that is a big framework for us to live and conduct ourselves.   We are living in a small world and modern technology made it even smaller, more than ever we need greater discernment and wisdom to live among us.

What the Hell!

I have been finished reading this book called HELL by Bill Wiese. It gives a biblical aspect on the subject or rather the literal place obviously called Hell; that seems to be conveniently and socially forgotten. Initially, I wasn’t too keen to buy the book, partly because I am certain that I’m not going to be there and so Hell has nothing to do with me. Frankly, I rather read up on Heaven where Jesus Christ will be and that is where I will be. It’s more fun and interesting  to learn about what a grand and beautiful place that we will be staying for all eternity. Like the introduction from the book, we will tend to read up and learn about the place of interest when we plan on a 2 weeks holiday somewhere, so wouldn’t it be necessary to invest some of our time to know about the place where we will spend eternity?  It’s common sense, right?

However, in the bookstore, I was fighting a dilemma. On hindsight, its probably a fight of the flesh and the spirit within me. Comically, as you can imagine it manifested outwardly too; I picked up the book-dropped it off-walking another round the store-picked the book up again-fidgeted and dropped the book again. A few round of this peculiar dance ensured; luckily as it is quite a large store and no one seems to notice “the quest for the knowledge of Heaven verses Hell”.

And finally, Hell won; Oh, I meant I bought the hell book.

But reading the book has been mentally sobering. The word Hell maybe very commonly used nowadays; tragically - in form of an causal exclaimation or swearings. The thought of what it exactly mean is lost. The word is so “commonised” that it does not really bring out the terror and the fact that it really refers to a literal place, a dark fiery location that the Bible has more of it written than Heaven itself, surprising isn’t it? In my previous What the Hell? -Poll, almost all believed in the literal place of Hell, but how many people and Christians like myself have seriously thought in depth about what Hell is like as descripted in the Bible?

You see, this knowledge of Hell is not only to warn but more importantly it gives us a greater appreciation of our own salvation and how much we have been saved and spared through our Lord Jesus Christ. This realisation helps us love God more with a new motivation to walk more closely with the Lord not out of fear but in love because of His great sacrifice. And finally we have a greater source of compassion for the lost and strength to witness to them the Lord’s love. To direct open discussions about the afterlife.

We must also note to guard ourselves not to fall into the temptation of the simplistic way of fiery preaching of hell and brimstone to the people, or worse, with intimidation, fear and terror. This certainty does not work. With great knowledge, comes great responsiblity.

So now, ready to plunge into learn what Hell is really like?

- Hell is an actual literal location:
Ezekiel 26:19-20, Numbers 16:32-33, Ephesian 4:9, Matthew 12:40, 1 Samuel 28:13-15; Psalms 63:9, Isaiah 26:19, Ezekiel 26:19, Psalms 139:15, Proverbs 9:18, Psalms 55:15, Isaiah 57:9, Ezekiel 31:16-18, Ezekiel 32:20-30, Matthew 11:23, Proverbs 7:27, Psalms 55:23, Psalms 40:2, Psalms 30:3, Job 11:8, Job 33:24-28, Psalms 9:15, Psalms 28:1, Psalms 30:9, Proverbs 1:12, 2 Peter 2:4, amos 9:2, Lamentations 3:55, Luke 10:15, Revelations 9:1-2; 17:8; 20:1-3

- Hell is a place of burning fire:
Psalms 140:10, Job 18:15, Psalms 11:6, Luke 3:9, Detuteronomy 32:22, Jude 7, James 3:6, Matthew 13:30, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 18:9, Mark 9:43-48, Matthew 5:22, Luke 3:17, Psalms 37:20, Isaiah 66:24, John 15:6, Matthew 3:12, Revlations 14:10, Revelations 20:10, Revelations 21:8, Matthew 13:50, Matthew 25:41, Zechariah 3:2, Amos 4:11, Jude 23, Matthew 7: 19

- Hell is a place of destruction: 
Isaiah 1:28, 2 Peter 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Romans 3:16, Matthew 7:13, Matthew 23:33, Matthew 25:30, Like 13:3, Luke 16: 23, Psalms 9:17, Psalms 16:10, Proverbs 11:21, Proverbbs 11:15, Proverbs 21: 15, Job 31:3, Psalms 88:11, John 5:29, Mark 12:40, Matthew 13:50, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 24:51, Psalms 103:4

- Hell is a place of torment:    
Matthew 18:34, Luke 12:46-48, Psalms 50:22, Matthew 24:51, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Job 33:22, 1 Samuel 2:10, 2 Samuel 22:6, Psalms 116:3, Psalms 76:20, Song of Solomon 8:6, Job 24:19, Revelations 9:2-11

- Hell is a place of darkness:    
Job 18:18, Proverbs 20:20, Psalms 88:6, Job 10:21-22, Job 33:28, 1 Samuel 2:9, Nahum 1:8, Revelations 16:10, Jude 13, Psalms 49:19, Job 33:30, Matthew 25:30, Lamentations 3:6, 2 Peter 2:4, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 22:13,

- Hell has different levels:    
Matthew 23:14, Matthew 10:15, Luke 12:42-28, Hebrew 10:28, Lamentations 2:35, Romans 2:5-6, Zechariah 1:6, Revelations 20:13, Revelations 21:8

- Hell is a place with prison cells:    
Proverbs 7:27, Isaish 24:22, Lamentations 3:55, Isaiah 14:17

- Hell has bars and gates:    
Job 17:16, Jonahs 2:6, Psalms 9:13, Psalms 107:18, Job 38:17, Isaiah 38:10, Revelations 1:18, Revelations 20:1

- Hell is a place of stones:    
Lamentations 3:6-9

- Hell is a place that kept literal bodies:    
Matthew 10:28, Proverb 1:12, Matthew 5:29, Ezekiel 32:27 

- Hell is a place of fear:    
Proverbs 10:24, Hebews 10:31, Psalms 73:18-19, Pslams 55:4, Job 18:14, Job 31:23

- Hell is a place without hope:    
Isaiah 38:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Proverbs 11:7, Ecclesiastes 9:4, Ephesians 2:12, Lamentations 3:18

- Hell is a place of desolate and lifelessness:    
Ezekiel 26:20, Isaiah 59:10,

- Hell is a place without any purpose:    
Ecclesiastes 9:10, Psalms 31:17, Proverbs 10:28, Job 10:22, Ecclesiastes 6:4, Pslams 88:5, Psalms 6:5

- Hell is a place with no peace:    
Isaiah 57:21, Ezekiel 7:25

- Hell is a place with no rest or sleep:    
Revelation 14:11, Isaiah 57:20

- Hell is a place of constant thirst:    
Zechariah 9:11, Luke 16:24

- Hell is a place of foul odours/stench:    
Mark 9:25, Revelations 18:2

- Hell is a place of profanity:    
Ezekiel 22:26, Ezekiel 28:14-16, James 2:7

- Hell is a place with no mercy:    
Psalms 36:5, Psalms 103:17, Psalms 103:4, Psalms 62:12

- Hell is a place of humuliation and shame:    
Isaiah 5:14, Ezekiel 32:24, Isaiah 5:15, Isaish 57:9

- Hell is a place covered with worms:    
Isaiah 14:11, Isaiah 66:24, Mark 9:44-48, Job 21:26, Job 24:20

- Hell is a place of eternal separation (from God):    
2 Thessalonians 1:9, Proverbs 15:29

- Hell is a place where everyone has no strength:    
Isaiah 14:9-10, Psalms 88:4, Proverbs 10:29

- Hell is a place of great anger/wrath from God:    
John 3:36, Psalms 90:7-11, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, Romans 1:18, Jeremiah 25:37, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Romans 5:9, Isaiah 66:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Psalms 73:27, Hebrews 10:31, Exodus 15:7, Lamentations 4:11, Job 31:23, Preverbs 11:23, Job 21:30, 2 Peter 2:9, Jeremiah 4:4, Hebrews 10:27,

Without saying Hell is a terrifying place. We must know it is not meant for us, it is for the devil and its demons; an eternal righteous judgment from God for the chaos and revolt they have created. A place that is condemned by the total separation from God, and with that all things good are withheld. Simple, good lovely things like a breath of fresh air, a cool drink of water and even the sight of blades of green grass on the hill will be gone. In the searing flames and darkness, filled with foul rotting stench, deafening screams of agony and pain, the disgusting odor of sulfur and brimstone, and the anguish and torment of being kept with demons for all eternity, it’s a sad place.

As I have mentioned, the intimate knowledge of Hell is not to bring a form of intimidation or disgust. But rather it gives us a greater and keener gratitude of what our Lord has suffered in place of us and we in turn, gained the joy of inheriting the relationship  to the Father and our place in heaven. The rags to riches, adoption and inheritance to sonship is not a kiddy fairy tale but bringing the happily ever, ever-after to the true fullest sense.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”    John 14:1-4

While many religions out there offer heaven as a “maybe”,  Jesus offers Heaven as a certainty.

The Hope of the Resurrection

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

For You Alone (Deserve All Glory)

Sang this praise and worship song in church last Sunday and we fell in love all over again in worship. Been trying to reminisce the song and music since then but was a little disappointed not to find anything online to help.

Today, to my very pleasant surprise, I found it! And of all places, in Youtube. It is the remix of the song, or sorta; it was a rearrangment of the piece with a very fresh modern musical feel (read: electric guitar). Very well done actually (great job: Kenny).  And the best part, it doesn’t come with vocal, just the music arrangment.

So now, dear ladies and gentlemen, and my dearly wifey, let me present to you, For You Alone (Deserve All Glory), Karaoke Remix!

Go ahead, sing and praise your hearts out!

You are the peace that guards my heart
My help in time of need
You are the hope that leads me on
And brings me to my knees

For there I find You waiting
And there I find release
So with all my heart I worship
And unto You I sing

For You alone deserve all glory
For You alone deserve all praise
Father, I worship and adore You
Father, I long to see Your face

For You alone deserve all glory
For You alone deserve all praise
Father, I love You
And I worship You this day

What the Hell? (Poll)

Do you believe there is a literal place call Hell? Have you ever thought of what Hell maybe like? Who is there? Is there really fire and brimestone? Torment, suffering and horror?

I know it maybe a taboo subject. But before I write on this topic, let’s have a poll. It would be great to hear your views too.

Life to Your Bodies

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.   Romans 8:11

Speak Life

 

Lord, I pray You would give me the perfect words to say every time I am called upon to speak; in casual conversation, one-on-one, or in front of a group of people. Let me not worry about what to say or feel concerned because I know you are my mouth-piece. Let me not be afraid of what I may say or didn’t say or how it may come out. Lord, I know from Your Word that You can give me words to say and the perfect timing as to when to say them. I pray You would give me that ability always. Let me be like You to speak life into anyone and any situation.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  Matthew 10:19-20

The Son, Jesus Christ

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.     Hebrews 1:1-4

 

Unreached People

What happens to people who never had a chance to hear the Good News and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? How does God judge or knows if their salvation is assured?

Well, He knows… and its no hocos-pocus… it is clearly explained in His Word.

- Creation

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.   Romans 1:20

Creation is God’s witness. In the absence of witnesses for the Gospel, nature demostrates God’s greatness and majesty. Nothing works in the world without God. The next time you see a beautiful sunset, know that God is showing His hand.

- Human Conscience

Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.   Romans 2:14-15

The difference between humans and animals is the presence of conscience in humans. The divine instinctive knowledge of right and wrong. Untainted, human conscience is a God given law written down with the heart. The very fingerprint of God.

- Dreams and Visions

For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds. He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings. He makes them turn from doing wrong; he keeps them from pride. He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.   Job 33:14-18

Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself or His plans in dreams and visions. So it is not strange that God can reach out to people to His message through dreams and visions. Konown phenomenons has been recurring in the world where men and women – without any knowledge of the Gospel and without any contact with Christians – have been forever transformed after experiencing dreams and visions of Jesus Christ. Reports of these supernatural occurrences often come from “closed countries” where preaching the Gospel is forbidden and where converting to Christianity can invoke the death sentence. A common denominator appears to be that the dreams come to those who really want to seek and know the real God.

Its wonderful to know how merciful and meticulous our God is. He just had everything thoughtful planned out. In this age of internet and aviation, the Gospel has gone to places never thought it could go. It wouldn’t be long that the Good News will travel to every corner of the world as prophesied in the Bible. And then, our Lord Jesus will come!

It took an eternal God to save us from eternal condemnation into an eternal life…

Every Nation and Tribe and People and Language

   Others

I am so glad Google has expanded its translation languages so widely! I am so happy that I am enable to translate this site into languages I felt for but were otherwise helpless to do anything about.

Although I am rather busy to write much nowadays, I do hope the Good News can go a little further with this humble site. The glorious future will be prophesied as in Revelations.

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a mighty shout,

   “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
      and from the Lamb!”

Revelation 7:9-10

And I cant wait!