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Seeing is Believing

“What is it this time?” asked Abba Ah Beng as senior disciple Ah Kow dragged junior disciple Ah Lek into his meditation cell. “Why are you interrupting my meditation on the gospel of John?”

“I caught this thief stealing food from the kitchen,” shouted Ah Kow, “he must be punished. Greedy pig!”

“Ah Lek, what have you to say for yourself?” asked Abba Ah Beng, his serenity of biblical meditation shattered.

Silence. Ah Lek just looked at the ground.

“Young man, tell me the truth. Are you stealing food from the kitchen?”

Again silence.

“Go to your cell and stay there for three days! You will only have water but no food. You will confess and fast and pray for forgiveness” Abba Ah Beng ordered.

One week later, Ah Kow spotted Ah Lek sneaking out of the kitchen window with a bag of roast beef. “Gotcha,” Ah Kow thought to himself as he followed Ah Lek at a distance. “Where are you going? I’m gonna catch you with food in your mouth”

Ah Lek walked briskly to the village. It was a cold winter evening. Reaching the edge of the village, he looked fugitively around before ducking into a small hut. He was there for an hour before he came out. A pretty young girl came to the door and waved goodbye to him. Watching from behind a bush, Ah Kow’s jaw dropped to the ground.

“Is this true? Senior disciple said you are keeping a mistress in the village. Tell me the truth or I will expel you.” Abba Ah Beng’s face was turning a crimson red as he struggled to keep his temper. The other disciples cowered in the background.

Silence. Ah Lek continued to look at the ground.

“Go to your cell until I decide what to do with you! You are a disgrace to our community”

That night, Abba Ah Beng cannot find peace as he tried to meditate. His soul was in turmoil. He dressed and went to the house by the village. He knocked on the door. A pretty young girl opened the door. “Abba sir. I had wanted to come to see you but my father is very sick and I cannot leave his side. He is a strong man but he fell down last month . Now he cannot move his arms and legs. Your disciple is very kind to bring food for us. I have planned to come to thank you personally when my father is better.”

Abba Ah Beng looked into the shack through the door and saw a shrunken paralysed man lying on the bed. Compassion filled his heart and he felt a strong stirring of the Holy Spirit. Abba Ah Beng strode to the bed and commanded, “In the Name of Jesus be well!” The man sunken on the bed blinked as he felt strength returning to his limbs.

“Ah Lek, why didn’t you tell us you are helping this sick man and his daughter?” Abba Ah Beng said, facing all his disciples in the chapel the next morning.

“I..I didn’t think I should. Didn’t Jesus teach that in works of charity, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing?” stammered Ah Lek.

“I do not think Jesus meant it so literally. It will be confusing if your right and left hand do not know what each is doing. He means we must not boast about our good deeds. At times you have to let others know or it may be misinterpreted. You could have been expelled.”

Turning to Ah Kow, Abba Ah Beng said, “And why are you so quick to judge your brother disciple? You see him stealing food and think he is a greedy pig. You see a girl and think he is having a mistress. In your mind, you have already judged him guilty before you give him a chance to prove his innocence. I wish you will have the love to judge your brother innocent unless proven otherwise.”

“Or better still don’t judge at all,” Abba Ah Beng turning to the rest of the disciples, “ Jesus said ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?’ Next time, think carefully before you cast the first stone.”.

more Abba Ah Beng stories

A Study of Islam for Christians in Malaysia

I always have the conviction that Christians should know more about Islam, the religion of the majority of their neighbours in Malaysia.

Anglican Rev. Albert Sundararaj Walters, Vicar of the Parish of St. Peter, Kuala Lumpur has just written such a book. He starts with a general survey of Islam in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Then he narrows his focus to issues between Christians and Muslims in Malaysia and concludes with some bridge building strategies.

you can order his books by writing to him at albertwalters@gmail.com




ISBN 978-983-43378-1-0 No. of pages: 428
Publisher: Council of Churches of Malaysia Year: 2007
Price: RM35.00 US$15 GBP£12 (postage & packaging extra)

KNOWING OUR NEIGHBOUR:
A STUDY OF ISLAM FOR CHRISTIANS IN MALAYSIA


CONTENTS

PART ONE
THE ISLAMIC FAITH: A SHORT INTRODUCTION
1 Arabia before Islam: Geographical and Human Setting
2 Prophet Muhammad and the Early Muslim Community
3 The Expansion of Islam
4 Christians under Islamic Rule
5 The Quran and the Hadith
6 Doctrines of the Islamic Faith
7 The Five Pillars of Islam
8 Islamic Law and Sunni Schools of Fiqh
9 The Emergence of Sunni Theology
10 Sufism: Development, Thought and Practice
11 Islamic Personal and Communal Life
12 Status of Woman in Islam
13 Modern Islamic Movements


PART TWO
MALAYSIA: THE MELTING POT
14 Islam in Southeast Asia
15 The Introduction and Spread of Islam in Malaysia
16 Malaysia: The Context
17 Islamic Resurgence and Islamisation in Malaysia
18 Christians Respond to Islamisation


PART THREE
CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS
19 Christian Attitudes to Islam
20 Muslim Perceptions of Christianity
21 Christians and Muslims in Malaysia
22 The Church in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges
23 Building Bridges: Celebrating Diversity

Debut Sermon On Pentecost Sunday

Thank God for bringing me through a hectic weekend. Because Rev Wong was ministering in Mongolia and Peter Rowan unavailable, I was given the opportunity to give an exposition of James 5:13-20 on Pentecost Sunday/Global Day of Prayer. You may check it out at the CDPC website

Amazing Grace: Reflections On The Life Of Wilberforce

I've watched the movie twice already, but still find it inspiring especially when watching together with about 80+ friends, brothers and sisters at Community Baptist Church. It was also the final wrap-up discussion of the Total Truth group. Look forward to the day a Malaysian movie maker do a commentary or movie on Tan Sri Tan Chee Koon :D

Some brief comments from my post-movie sharing. Social justice is a marathon, not a 10 second sprint or 100 metre dash. Wilberforce suffered 20 years of defeat, discouragement and even death threat for his struggle before slavery was finally abolished 3 days before his death. Winning an election in 2 weeks is just the beginning...

The life of Wilberforce reminds us the need for more full time Christians in the world (and more fulltime workers in the church) to make a difference where they are. When Wilberforce was 25 years old, he has a spiritual transformation so dramatic that he considered quitting politics to be a priest. As depicted in the movie, a wise mentor in the form of John Newton (ex slave trader and famous hymn writer of "Amazing Grace") counselled against a career change.

Thirdly social justice is a community project, not a solo effort. Burnout is a constant danger. The scene of Hannah, Clarkson, Equiano etc sharing a meal together ("We humbly suggest that you can do both (serving God and being a political activist)") shows how different people bring their unique skills, contributions (look for evidence, write books, look for loopholes in the legislation etc)

Although not a part of the movie, Wilberforce has a group of friends who meet up regularly for prayer and worship called the Clapham Sect. They share evangelical Christian faith, long term commitment to social cause and lifelong friendship. Together they worked hard for missions, translating the bible, improve working conditions for the poor in manufacturing industry, agricultural reform to supply affordable food, prevent animal cruelty (RSCPA), prison reform, improve child labor conditions, freedom of religion, education and oppose blood sport/duels etc.

You can't do all of that on your own, we need the power of community. Imagine if every cell group in our churches just choose ONE cause of mercy or justice and commit long term to it!

Finally, there's a scene in the movie where Wilberforce asked his affluent MP friends to "remember the Madagascar (a slave ship that reeks of the stench of death). Remember that God created man equal". The theological conviction behind his activism is that every human being regardless of race is created in God's image and therefore has inherent dignity and worth. Especially relevant in Msia where race relations have been so politicised, and the church needs to work for racial reconciliation.

Liberty Sentinel

Objectives of Religious Liberty Watch

• Assess prospects for religious liberty and explore new social/legal initiatives to strengthen religious liberty in Malaysia

• Inform the public on trends and current controversies of religious rights and multicultural politics

• Explore Christian public theology for social engagement and develop resources that help in strengthening Religious Liberty and Pluralistic Democracy

• Facilitate networking among lawyers and Christian leaders who are addressing current issues and development pertaining to religious liberty and Islamization and dhimminization of non-Muslims.

No prizes for guessing who Liberty Sentinel is... hehehe...

Apa itu Injil (Berita Baik)?

Terjemahan oleh HuaiTze dari "The Gospel In 6 Minutes"
Karya John Piper

Apakah itu injil? Biar saya simpulkan dalam satu ayat.Injil adalah berita bahawa Yesus Kristus, Yang Maha Muhsin, telah mengorbankan Diri demi dosa kami dan bangkit semula, menewaskan segala musuhnya supaya sekarang tiada lagi hukuman terhadap mereka yang percaya, tetapi hanya kegembiraan yang abadi. Itulah Injil.

Anda Sentiasa Perlukan Injil

Anda tidak mungkin sampai suatu tahap dimana kamu tidak lagi memerlukan Injil. Jangan sesekali menyangka bahawa Injil itu hanya cara kamu diselamatkan, dan selepas itu, kamu menjadi gagah lalu meninggalkan injil untuk membuat perkara lain.

Tidak! Tuhan menguatkan kita melalui Injilnya, setiap hari, sahingga hari kita meninggal dunia. Pertumbuhan rohani anda tidak mungkin menjangkau keperluan anda untuk mengkhutbahkan Injil kepada dirimu sendiri.

Cara Injil Meneguhkan Anda

Biar saya berikan contoh dari hidupku sendiri. Saya menggunakan contoh ini bukan kerana terasanya hebat untuk bercakap tentang hidup saya, tetapi hanya kerana ia merupakan suatu perjalanan yang telah saya rentasi. Di situ, saya telah mengalami kuasa Injil untuk memperkasakan jati diriku dengan jelas sekali pada tahun lalu. (Ramai diantara kamu sedang merentasi hal-hal yang berkali ganda lebih membebankan daripada barah prostat.)

Kamu masih ingatkah ayat-ayat yang telah saya kongsi denganmu bulan Febuari lalu? Ayat-ayat yang telah menguatkan diri saya? Apabila doktor berkata, ”Saya rasa kita harus buat biopsi,” itulah waktunya rasa gentar dan khuatir muncul. Tetapi, kerana belas kasihanNya, ia tidak tahan lama.

Apa yang terjadi ? 1 Tesalonika 5:9-10. Di sinilah Injil yang tulen.

Kerana Allah tidak menetapkan kita untuk ditimpa murka, tetapi untuk beroleh keselamatan oleh Yesus Kristus, Tuhan kita, yang sudah mati untuk kita, supaya entah kita berjaga-jaga, entah kita tidur, kita hidup bersama-sama dengan Dia.

Beres. Saya mengalami kedamaian bagaikan sungai.

Injil Itu Sempurna Untuk Keperluan Kamu

Itulah Injil – tepat masanya, sesuai aplikasinya, sempurna memenuhi keperluan saya. Itulah sebabnya Al-Kitab begitu tebal – kerana terdapat pelbagai keperluan yang kita ada. Dan terdapat pelbagai tempat yang sesuai di dalam Al-Kitab dimana makna Injil itu didedahkan. Jadi, jika kamu membenamkan diri di dalam Al-Kitab, selalunya dengan mata untuk memerhati segala yang Kristus telah lakukan bagi kamu, dan bagaimana Dia menebus kamu di dalam sejarah menyeluruh dan gemilang interaksi Allah dengan umatNya, Dia akan membekalkan apa sahaja yang kamu perlukan.

Oleh kerana itu, seluruh diri saya berkata, dan harapan saya adalah untuk berkata sebegini sampai ke hari saya meninggal, ”Sekarang, kepada Dia yang boleh menggagahkan saya, melalui Injil Paulus, kepada Dia – Kepada Allah itu – Kemuliaan untuk selama-lamanya.”

Tuhan telah menembusi sejarah manusia sebagai Yesus Kristus; Dia telah mati disalib untuk memusnahkan kuasa neraka dan kematian dan Syaitan dan dosa; dan Dia melakukannya melalui Injil Yesus Kristus.

Rayuan Untuk Beriman

Saya tahu bahawa ada orang yang membaca ayat-ayat ini yang tidak menaruh kepercayaan kepada Yesus Kristus, dan kerana itu, hanya mampu menantikan penghukuman. Saya hendak merayu kepada kamu, hentikanlah pemberontakan kamu. Serahlah dirimu. Hanya perlu anda memeluk Injil berkenaan Yesus Kristus, Anak Allah, Yang Maha Benar yang telah mati demi dosa kamu. Dia telah bangkit pada hari ketiga, dan telah menewaskan kesemua musuh-musuhNya. Dia akan memerintah sehingga semua musuhNya tumpas di bawah kakiNya. Pengampunan dosa dan perhubungan yang betul dengan Allah hanya datang secara percuma melalui kepercayaan atas Yesus sahaja.

Saya merayu kepadamu: Jangan cuba perkasakan diri kamu dengan kekuatan sendiri; ia akan hilang apabila benar-benar diperlukan. Hanya satu kegagahan yang akan sentiasa hadir – kekuatan yang diberikan Allah melalui Injil.

Jangan berlengah-lengah lagi.

ACTS International: Equpping Church Planters

Talking with Christian educators, I found out that some of the challenges of equipping and training leaders for the ministry in Asia today are "high cost of sending them overseas, the problem of training them in a culture different from their homeland, and the likelihood of them staying in the US/UK after their training." There is a gap in learniing ministry with and for their own people.

That's why I'm very keen to learn about different models of Christian training and educations like what's happening at Miami International Seminary and ACTS International.

From Dr Alvin Low:
More than 65% of the world’s population lives in Asia. The most urgent need is to equip national pastoral leaders in Asia for effective ministry and church planting. The pastoral leaders are crying for biblical training and resources which they can use under the unction of the Spirit to produce a lasting impact and an enduring spiritual legacy in their nations.

ACTS International Ministries is committed to fulfilling this critical need in Asia. ACTS exists to equip national pastoral leaders in Asia for effective ministry and to assist the national churches in church planting. In short, ACTS seeks to “prepare leaders,” and to “plant churches.” Our mission is based on Jesus' mandate of Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" and Apostle Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

ACTS is a charitable non-profit (501c.3) organization. It is evangelical in stance, interdenominational in scope, and accountable in support. We are governed by an executive board and counseled by an outstanding advisory board. For income we follow the policy of "trusting God and informing His people". We are not privately endowed, but are dependent on the regular and sacrificial giving of God's people. Your prayers and financial support will help us make greater advances in equipping pastoral leaders for effective ministry and church planting in Asia and beyond.

Amazing Grace: The Movie

Last year, the Agora has worked with OHMSI.net to do a book study on "Total Truth" by Nancy Pearcey and we'd be wrapping it up with the last chapter on May 10th 2008 (Saturday) at 10 am. Venue: Community Baptist Church in SS2/4 (near Chow Yang)

After that, there will be lunch at 12 pm (This is open to all. Pls invite friends to come at this time, RM5 per person) and we'd be showing the movie Amazing Grace (on the life of british abolitionist William Wilberforce) at abt 1.00pm.

We will be trying to invite people like Bishop Hwa Yung, Dr David G, YB Hannah Yeo (Subang ADUN) and others to be panelists and moderators for the post-movie sharing.

We're especially doing this for Malaysian youths - christian or nonchristian so please feel free to invite your friends for the lunch/movie/sharing. Book your date with us.

For more details or to register, contact me at hedonese at gmail dot com
Panel discussion to end by 5.00pm

Stewardship: Time Management

Spiritual Formation Institute Seminar 2008/1

Life Stewardship – A Biblical and Practical Approach to Time Management

Speaker: Rev Dr Tan Soo Inn

Date: 2.00pm- 9.30pm, Saturday 3 May 2008

Place: Berea, Holy Light Church, Johor Bahru

Synopsis:

One of the most prevalent realities of modern life is the time crunch --- most of us are overwhelmed by the fact that we have so much to do and not enough time to do it all.

But God calls us to be good stewards of our time; He calls us to manage our time well and direct our energy into right priorities. God also calls us to be faithful in all the key roles He has placed in our lives, and to remember to take time to rest. Achieving all these things is not possible if we forget that God is our Father, and that nurturing a deep and intimate relationship with Him is the bedrock on which all other priorities should be built upon, no matter how pressing the expectations of the world might be.

This seminar will explain how we can manage our time responsibly by emphasising the need for us to balance the various roles in our lives, and will highlight the importance of learning to make resting a priority in our lives.

Instead of focusing on "what am I supposed to do" the seminar asks the more fundamental question of "who am I" and suggests that it is in returning to our primary identity as "child of God" that we find a way to live a life that is full but fulfilled.

Topics to be covered:

1. The time crunch as a spiritual problem

2. Step one – Returning to the Fatherhood of God

3. Step two – Recognizing and Embracing your Key Roles

4. Step three – Respecting the Place of Rest

5. An Approach in Practice


About the Speaker:

Soo Inn is a director of Graceworks, a ministry committed to promoting spiritual friendship in church and society. He runs this ministry in partnership with his wife, Bernice. He also serves as honourary associate pastor of Evangel Christian Church, Singapore.

Bernice and Soo Inn have four sons. Soo Inn has a BDS from the University of Singapore, a ThM from Regent College and a DMin from Fuller.

His primary passions include connecting the Word of God to the struggles of daily life, and the promotion of the discipline of spiritual friendship.

He has been a supporter of Arsenal Foot Ball Club since 1971 and his favourite movie is Star wars 4.

Register

Coming Spiritual Formation Institute Seminar/Conference/Retreat 2008

Bible Conference (together with rbc ministries) SFI 2008/2 Saturday 12 July 2008
The Salvation of God (speaker: Rev. Paul Baxendale)

SFI 2008/3 Christian Spirituality Saturday 27 Sept 2008
Hearing the Voice of God (speaker: Dr Voon Choon Khing)

SFI Retreat (limited to 10 persons) 25-27 October 2008
Be Still and Know (spiritual director: Dr Alex Tang)
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