The value of the myth is that it takes all the things we know and restores to them the rich significance which has been hidden by 'the veil of familiarity'. The child enjoys his cold meat (otherwise dull to him) by pretending it is buffalo, just killed with his own bow and arrow. And the child is wise. The real meat comes back to him more savoury for having been dipped in a story; you might say that only then is it the real meat. If you are tired of the real landscape, look at it in a mirror. By putting bread, gold, horse, apple, or the very roads into a myth, we do not retreat from reality: we rediscover it. As long as the story lingers in our mind, the real things are more themselves. This book applies the treatment not only to bread or apple but to good and evil, to our endless perils, our anguish, and our joy. By dipping them in myth we see them more clearly. I do not think he [Prof. Tolkien] could have done it in any other way.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Lord Of The Rings
Topic of the Month:
Lord of The Rings (Through Christian Eyes)
Description: An informal chat/conversation about the Lord of the Rings trilogy (book and movie). What does JRR Tolkien's MiddleEarth tell us about
- Where are we from?
- Why are we here?
- What is the problem?
- What is the solution?
- Where are we going?
Venue: City Discipleship Presbyterian Church (www.cdpc.org.my)
Time: 2 pm
Date: 27 Feb 2005 (Sunday)
For more details, contact Dave at hedonese@yahoo.com
Thursday, February 17, 2005
A Surprise Endorsement for Doctrine by John Piper
A Surprise Endorsement for Doctrine
Many are trying to unsderstand the reasons for the fall of American evangelicalism. McLaren has his theories, and so does Campolo - but I think the real answer has been so well presented here in this short letter from John Piper.
Many are trying to unsderstand the reasons for the fall of American evangelicalism. McLaren has his theories, and so does Campolo - but I think the real answer has been so well presented here in this short letter from John Piper.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Survey Shows How Christians Share Their Faith
Survey Shows How Christians Share Their Faith
Since next up on the agora is evangelism and methods, here is some interesting data.
Since next up on the agora is evangelism and methods, here is some interesting data.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Ambassadors For Christ Workshop
We're exploring the possiblity of starting a 2-day workshop in Melaka. If we can round up 4 or 5 people over a weekend, we'd just do it! Or else, we experiment with day trip first.
“Ambassadors for Christ” workshop
Venue: Dunno Yet
Time: 21 - 22 May (weekend)
Fees: RM10?
Heheh… actually I dun mind FOC but maybe if it costs something, people are not so keen to ‘fong fei kei’?
Suggested Topics:
Essential Skills of an ambassador **
“Is Truth Ice-cream? Is Faith Wishing?” **
What about other religions? **
Tactics to Defending the Faith
The Bible: has God spoken?
Why I’m not an Evolutionist?
** highly recommended topics
It’s probably 40 minutes of listening to an audio presentation by Greg Koukl… followed by interaction, hopefully lots of laughter, questions and discussions…
“Ambassadors for Christ” workshop
Venue: Dunno Yet
Time: 21 - 22 May (weekend)
Fees: RM10?
Heheh… actually I dun mind FOC but maybe if it costs something, people are not so keen to ‘fong fei kei’?
Suggested Topics:
Essential Skills of an ambassador **
“Is Truth Ice-cream? Is Faith Wishing?” **
What about other religions? **
Tactics to Defending the Faith
The Bible: has God spoken?
Why I’m not an Evolutionist?
** highly recommended topics
It’s probably 40 minutes of listening to an audio presentation by Greg Koukl… followed by interaction, hopefully lots of laughter, questions and discussions…
IS TRUTH INSULIN OR ICE-CREAM? (Outline)
Moral Relativism-“Every man did what was right in his own eyes”
(A) Why we need to know about relativism?
1. To equip us to be an ambassador for Christ.
a) Christianity rests upon moral ideas:-
- Sin : we need forgiveness for our moral wrongs
- Righteousness: Christianity teaches we ought to live in a morally upright way.
2. Relativism is almost completely unexamined, even by Christians.
3. Intertwined with issues such as religious pluralism, tolerance and interfaith dialogues.
(B) Is Truth Insulin or Ice-cream?
1. Ice-cream (flavours) – you choose what you like-what’s true for you.
2. Insulin (medicine) – you choose not what you like, but what heals-what’s true.
3. Moral relativism is the view that morality is like ice-cream, not insulin.
4. There are no true, objective, universal, ethical obligations or moral principles.
(C) Relativism’s Fatal Flaws
1. Relativists can’t accuse others of wrong-doing.
2. Relativists can’t complain about the problem of evil.
3. Relativists can’t demand justice and fairness.
4. Relativists can’t promote the obligation of tolerance.
(D) Tactics in Refuting Relativism
1. “Who could live this way? How could anyone believe this?”
You’ll find out what a person believes about morality more by his reactions than by his actions
2. Show how relativism commits suicide.
“You shouldn’t force your morality on me.”
-always ask, “Why not?”
-usually the response is going to be an example of his/her forcing his/her morality on you.
(E) Morality, Guilt and Forgiveness
1. There are objective moral rules
2. Each of us is privately aware there is something wrong with us.
3. Maybe we feel guilty because we are guilty.
4. What Christianity teaches resonates with our deepest intuitions about the world.
a) the universe is a moral universe with moral laws that apply to human beings.
b) Each of us has violated those laws many times and is guilty of moral crimes against our sovereign, the moral law giver, the Judge.
5. The Christian message makes sense in this world.
a) Justice: Those who commit moral crimes ought to be punished.
b) Love: Amnesty and mercy are offered to anyone who abandons the rebellion and seeks forgiveness on God’s term.
On Christ the solid rock we stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
(A) Why we need to know about relativism?
1. To equip us to be an ambassador for Christ.
a) Christianity rests upon moral ideas:-
- Sin : we need forgiveness for our moral wrongs
- Righteousness: Christianity teaches we ought to live in a morally upright way.
2. Relativism is almost completely unexamined, even by Christians.
3. Intertwined with issues such as religious pluralism, tolerance and interfaith dialogues.
(B) Is Truth Insulin or Ice-cream?
1. Ice-cream (flavours) – you choose what you like-what’s true for you.
2. Insulin (medicine) – you choose not what you like, but what heals-what’s true.
3. Moral relativism is the view that morality is like ice-cream, not insulin.
4. There are no true, objective, universal, ethical obligations or moral principles.
(C) Relativism’s Fatal Flaws
1. Relativists can’t accuse others of wrong-doing.
2. Relativists can’t complain about the problem of evil.
3. Relativists can’t demand justice and fairness.
4. Relativists can’t promote the obligation of tolerance.
(D) Tactics in Refuting Relativism
1. “Who could live this way? How could anyone believe this?”
You’ll find out what a person believes about morality more by his reactions than by his actions
2. Show how relativism commits suicide.
“You shouldn’t force your morality on me.”
-always ask, “Why not?”
-usually the response is going to be an example of his/her forcing his/her morality on you.
(E) Morality, Guilt and Forgiveness
1. There are objective moral rules
2. Each of us is privately aware there is something wrong with us.
3. Maybe we feel guilty because we are guilty.
4. What Christianity teaches resonates with our deepest intuitions about the world.
a) the universe is a moral universe with moral laws that apply to human beings.
b) Each of us has violated those laws many times and is guilty of moral crimes against our sovereign, the moral law giver, the Judge.
5. The Christian message makes sense in this world.
a) Justice: Those who commit moral crimes ought to be punished.
b) Love: Amnesty and mercy are offered to anyone who abandons the rebellion and seeks forgiveness on God’s term.
On Christ the solid rock we stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Carol's Poem
KEEP GOING
Is the goal distant, and troubled the road,
And the way long?
And heavy your load?
Then gird up your courage, and say 'I am strong,'
And keep going.
Is the work weary, and endless the grind
And petty the pay?
Then brace up your mind
And say 'Something better is coming my way,'
And keep doing.
Is the drink bitter life pours in your cup -
Is the taste gall?
Then smile and look up
And say 'God is with me whatever befall,'
And keep trusting.
Is the heart heavy with hope long deferred,
And with prayers that seem vain?
Keep saying the word -
And that which you strive for you yet shall attain.
Keep praying.
Is the goal distant, and troubled the road,
And the way long?
And heavy your load?
Then gird up your courage, and say 'I am strong,'
And keep going.
Is the work weary, and endless the grind
And petty the pay?
Then brace up your mind
And say 'Something better is coming my way,'
And keep doing.
Is the drink bitter life pours in your cup -
Is the taste gall?
Then smile and look up
And say 'God is with me whatever befall,'
And keep trusting.
Is the heart heavy with hope long deferred,
And with prayers that seem vain?
Keep saying the word -
And that which you strive for you yet shall attain.
Keep praying.
Agora Vision Statement Draft
Who are we?
"The Agora Movement seeks to inspire & train laypeople in the marketplace to live out and proclaim the lordship of Christ over every domain of their life."
Mission
As a grassroots movement, the Agora seeks to encourage Christians in Malaysia to develop a robust and biblical worldview in which we fulfill our different vocations in the public square.
The church in Malaysia faces contemporary challenges to her life and mission in areas such as ethics, modern science, religious pluralism, church-state relations, culture, relativism, economics etc.
It's our conviction that the great challenges for the Church today are widespread biblical illiteracy and inability to engage the culture constructively and critically. As a result, our witness for Christ suffers.
Vision
We seek to establish these values into the sphere of our influence
1. The Contemplative Christianity – to think through the issues of life, faith and culture with a mind submitted to the Word of God. To spend our energy and intellects on knowing God and discerning His will and purpose for our times. To marry thinking to emotive worship, to thus become the wholesome couple God designed them to be. To inform our emotions with our doctrines, and to feed our spirituality with high quality input that will bring about a high quality spirituality and maturity.
2. The Hermeneutic Community – the contemplative Christian is then committed in fellowship with like minded believers to benefit from each other in teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, 17 that he/she may be competent, equipped for every good work.
3. The Mission Dispersion – The community then parts to their various callings and places in the marketplace with a mission focus to bring Christ light into the darkness and to reconcile man to Him. This maybe done indirectly or directly. Pre evangelism is as important as evangelism.
Doctrinal Statement
We are evangelical in that we believe the Bible is trustworthy and reliable, and Jesus is the only way for sinners to be reconciled with God.
We welcome discerning laypeople to work together in a multidisciplinary sharing to cross-pollinate ideas and contribute towards loving the Lord with all our minds.
We are not scholars, though we diligently draw upon scholarly resources. We may not have all the answers, but we shall strive to direct those who ask to those who can answer to the best of our abilities.
We have a bias towards using simple, understandable language in our conversations. But we also seek to elevate people in their understanding to progress and move on to the more complex.
We do not issue theological 'fatwas', but we do hope to bring out issues into open dialogue, even debate, in a spirit of love and respect.
We have a bias towards evangelism and translating theology into practice (praxis).
"The Agora Movement seeks to inspire & train laypeople in the marketplace to live out and proclaim the lordship of Christ over every domain of their life."
Mission
As a grassroots movement, the Agora seeks to encourage Christians in Malaysia to develop a robust and biblical worldview in which we fulfill our different vocations in the public square.
The church in Malaysia faces contemporary challenges to her life and mission in areas such as ethics, modern science, religious pluralism, church-state relations, culture, relativism, economics etc.
It's our conviction that the great challenges for the Church today are widespread biblical illiteracy and inability to engage the culture constructively and critically. As a result, our witness for Christ suffers.
Vision
We seek to establish these values into the sphere of our influence
1. The Contemplative Christianity – to think through the issues of life, faith and culture with a mind submitted to the Word of God. To spend our energy and intellects on knowing God and discerning His will and purpose for our times. To marry thinking to emotive worship, to thus become the wholesome couple God designed them to be. To inform our emotions with our doctrines, and to feed our spirituality with high quality input that will bring about a high quality spirituality and maturity.
2. The Hermeneutic Community – the contemplative Christian is then committed in fellowship with like minded believers to benefit from each other in teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, 17 that he/she may be competent, equipped for every good work.
3. The Mission Dispersion – The community then parts to their various callings and places in the marketplace with a mission focus to bring Christ light into the darkness and to reconcile man to Him. This maybe done indirectly or directly. Pre evangelism is as important as evangelism.
Doctrinal Statement
We are evangelical in that we believe the Bible is trustworthy and reliable, and Jesus is the only way for sinners to be reconciled with God.
We welcome discerning laypeople to work together in a multidisciplinary sharing to cross-pollinate ideas and contribute towards loving the Lord with all our minds.
We are not scholars, though we diligently draw upon scholarly resources. We may not have all the answers, but we shall strive to direct those who ask to those who can answer to the best of our abilities.
We have a bias towards using simple, understandable language in our conversations. But we also seek to elevate people in their understanding to progress and move on to the more complex.
We do not issue theological 'fatwas', but we do hope to bring out issues into open dialogue, even debate, in a spirit of love and respect.
We have a bias towards evangelism and translating theology into practice (praxis).
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
IT'S A BOY
The Jackson's are going to have a boy
Well at least that's what our doctor who harrased the little guy with an ultrasound says. And we have decided to call him "Christian" for that name for us captures all that we wish and hope and dream him to be. He may end up a grabage man or a politician, that matters little, what matters most is that he be a follower of Christ, and a testimony to His name.
Also Steven pointed out that this name will mean that he gets to read the Pilgrim's Progress in wonder that the lead characther has his name.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
What are some books that DG recommends?
What are some books that DG recommends?
A great recommendation of books you need to read in your lifetime.
A great recommendation of books you need to read in your lifetime.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
What Awesome Mercy, What Amazing Grace!
Thy mercy I asked as I thought of Thee,
A Holy and Righteous God art Thou;
Worthless, there nothing art good in me,
The vilest of men; lowest, filthy and foul.
Thy grace not me that worketh here,
To bring me home to Thee at last;
Thy son my Lord, heaven’s Dear,
Upon His Cross to Thee I must.
May Thee keepest Thy fire at bound,
Lest it consume my sinful soul;
God, my Lord, my sin do not count,
May Thee Thy wrath on me withhold.
Let that grace that worketh in me,
Worketh in me reverence and fear;
As my gaze I set on Thee,
May Thee draweth me near.
A Holy and Righteous God art Thou;
Worthless, there nothing art good in me,
The vilest of men; lowest, filthy and foul.
Thy grace not me that worketh here,
To bring me home to Thee at last;
Thy son my Lord, heaven’s Dear,
Upon His Cross to Thee I must.
May Thee keepest Thy fire at bound,
Lest it consume my sinful soul;
God, my Lord, my sin do not count,
May Thee Thy wrath on me withhold.
Let that grace that worketh in me,
Worketh in me reverence and fear;
As my gaze I set on Thee,
May Thee draweth me near.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Is Truth Insulin or Ice-cream?
Have you heard someone say, "There is no absolutes. It's wrong for you, but it's right for me"?
Or perhaps, you've wondered if all of us are like blind men groping different parts of the elephant when it comes to issues like God, faith and truth.
What about "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere?"
Different cultures have their own moral standards and faiths so we should not claim to 'monopolise' the truth, right?
What does the Bible say about all this?
If these questions sound interesting to you, let us invite you to the next Agora meeting...
Time: 2 pm
Date: 30 Jan 2005 (Sunday)
Venue: City Discipleship Presbyterian Church (Map: www.cdpc.org.my)
The next topic, "Is Truth Insulin or Ice-cream?" deals with some of these issues and welcomes interaction and dialogue from participants.
Look forward to see you for a time of coffee and chat!
Or perhaps, you've wondered if all of us are like blind men groping different parts of the elephant when it comes to issues like God, faith and truth.
What about "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere?"
Different cultures have their own moral standards and faiths so we should not claim to 'monopolise' the truth, right?
What does the Bible say about all this?
If these questions sound interesting to you, let us invite you to the next Agora meeting...
Time: 2 pm
Date: 30 Jan 2005 (Sunday)
Venue: City Discipleship Presbyterian Church (Map: www.cdpc.org.my)
The next topic, "Is Truth Insulin or Ice-cream?" deals with some of these issues and welcomes interaction and dialogue from participants.
Look forward to see you for a time of coffee and chat!
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Who Are We?
Who are we?
"The Agora Movement seeks to train laypeople in the marketplace to live out and proclaim the lordship of Christ over the whole of life."
Vision/Mission:
As a grassroot movement, the Agora seeks to encourage Christians in Malaysia to develop a robust and biblical worldview in which we fulfill our different vocations in the public square.
The church in Malaysia faces contemporary challenges to her life and mission in areas such as ethics, modern science, religious pluralism, church-state relations, culture, relativism, economics etc.
Like the Greek market place where citizens could meet to discuss important topics, the Agora was set up in 2004 by a motley crew of evangelicals to facilitate open dialogue and reflection as a learning community.
Our Ethos And Values
We are evangelical in that we believe the Bible is trustworthy and reliable, and Jesus is the only way for sinners to be reconciled with God.
We welcome discerning laypeople to work together in a multidisciplinary sharing to cross-pollinate ideas and contribute towards loving the Lord with all our minds.
We are not scholars, though we diligently draw upon scholarly resources.
We have a bias towards using simple, understandable language in our conversations.
We do not issue theological 'fatwas', but we do hope to bring out issues into open dialogue, even debate, in a spirit of love and respect.
We have a bias towards evangelism and translating theology into practice (praxis).
If you feel a kindred spirit, please feel free to drop a comment or contact us at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: I penned these random thots after feeling the need to be able to tell others what Agora is all about in less than 2 minutes. Please feedback and critique using the comments below and I'd make the amendments later.
How about 30 Jan (after church) for the next Agora? Han Meng will present stg on relativism...
"The Agora Movement seeks to train laypeople in the marketplace to live out and proclaim the lordship of Christ over the whole of life."
Vision/Mission:
As a grassroot movement, the Agora seeks to encourage Christians in Malaysia to develop a robust and biblical worldview in which we fulfill our different vocations in the public square.
The church in Malaysia faces contemporary challenges to her life and mission in areas such as ethics, modern science, religious pluralism, church-state relations, culture, relativism, economics etc.
Like the Greek market place where citizens could meet to discuss important topics, the Agora was set up in 2004 by a motley crew of evangelicals to facilitate open dialogue and reflection as a learning community.
Our Ethos And Values
We are evangelical in that we believe the Bible is trustworthy and reliable, and Jesus is the only way for sinners to be reconciled with God.
We welcome discerning laypeople to work together in a multidisciplinary sharing to cross-pollinate ideas and contribute towards loving the Lord with all our minds.
We are not scholars, though we diligently draw upon scholarly resources.
We have a bias towards using simple, understandable language in our conversations.
We do not issue theological 'fatwas', but we do hope to bring out issues into open dialogue, even debate, in a spirit of love and respect.
We have a bias towards evangelism and translating theology into practice (praxis).
If you feel a kindred spirit, please feel free to drop a comment or contact us at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: I penned these random thots after feeling the need to be able to tell others what Agora is all about in less than 2 minutes. Please feedback and critique using the comments below and I'd make the amendments later.
How about 30 Jan (after church) for the next Agora? Han Meng will present stg on relativism...
Saturday, December 18, 2004
A little History on The Agora
The Agora of Socrates
Agora originally meant "gathering place" but came to mean the market place and public square in an ancient Greek city. It was the political, civic, and commercial center of the city. Socrates spent most of his time at the agora in Athens discussing the serious issues of the day with anyone who was willing.
Agora originally meant "gathering place" but came to mean the market place and public square in an ancient Greek city. It was the political, civic, and commercial center of the city. Socrates spent most of his time at the agora in Athens discussing the serious issues of the day with anyone who was willing.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Why Blog?
Blog – an online diary of your thoughts on whatever crosses your mind…
You can use cutting humor and the other weapons of argument, but be slow to do so because these are not easily mastered and can go very wrong… The advantage of blogging is that it will oblige you to live in the world of ideas and debates, and to do so at the modern pace.
At present no great blogger has emerged with a distinctly evangelical worldview. When one does, with humor and insight attached as well, that person(s) will have an enormous impact on the world.
Begin by studying the key blogs that are currently available, such as Instapundit.com, Kausfiles.com, vpostrel.com, volokh.blogspot.com and powerline.blogspot.com
Hugh Hewitt, "In But Not Of - A Guide to Christian Ambition and the desire to influence the world"
You can use cutting humor and the other weapons of argument, but be slow to do so because these are not easily mastered and can go very wrong… The advantage of blogging is that it will oblige you to live in the world of ideas and debates, and to do so at the modern pace.
At present no great blogger has emerged with a distinctly evangelical worldview. When one does, with humor and insight attached as well, that person(s) will have an enormous impact on the world.
Begin by studying the key blogs that are currently available, such as Instapundit.com, Kausfiles.com, vpostrel.com, volokh.blogspot.com and powerline.blogspot.com
Hugh Hewitt, "In But Not Of - A Guide to Christian Ambition and the desire to influence the world"
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Leon: Looks like everything is not so peachy in China huh?
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Brought to you by The Voice of the Martyrs
When 34-year old Jiang Zongxiu went to her neighboring market last June in Guizhou Province, China. Along with her mother-in-law, Jiang went through the marketplace, taking opportunities to hand out Bibles and Christian literature and telling people about Jesus. Only this day they had an encounter with the Chinese police.
The two Christian women were handcuffed together and brought to the police station. They were interrogated throughout the evening of the 17th. The next morning they were sentenced by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) to 15 days incarceration for “suspected spreading of rumor and disturbing the social order.”
Jiang and her mother-in-law knew the risk of spreading Christian literature in communist China. Both had been active in their church for more than 10 years and dared to go forth. Even when they were arrested, interrogated and sentenced to serve 15 days, they were willing to accept the consequences of their actions—all from a government that claims to have “freedom of religion.”
But it was not enough for the PSB to arrest and beat these two Christian women for the crime of passing our Christian literature. In the afternoon of June 18th, Mrs. Jiang Zongziu was pronounced dead by the PSB office of Tongzi County. They claimed she died of “natural causes.” The fact is she was beaten to death.
The Voice of the Martyrs has received video testimony from the surviving family, photos of Jiang body showing her bruised body, and a copy of the actual arrest document. All of this had to be smuggled out of China as the authorities continue to attempt to hide their systematic persecution of Christians. An international campaign is now under way on behalf of the surviving family.
Much of the world would like you to believe Christians are no longer persecuted. Sister Jiang’s family would disagree. Now you can stay informed of what is really happening to your Christian brothers and sisters in countries like China and even discover practical ways to help, with a FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. Don’t turn your back on today’s persecuted church. Subscribe today.
Click here to receive your FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award-winning newsletter.
China: Executed for Distributing Bibles
Brought to you by The Voice of the Martyrs
When 34-year old Jiang Zongxiu went to her neighboring market last June in Guizhou Province, China. Along with her mother-in-law, Jiang went through the marketplace, taking opportunities to hand out Bibles and Christian literature and telling people about Jesus. Only this day they had an encounter with the Chinese police.
The two Christian women were handcuffed together and brought to the police station. They were interrogated throughout the evening of the 17th. The next morning they were sentenced by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) to 15 days incarceration for “suspected spreading of rumor and disturbing the social order.”
Jiang and her mother-in-law knew the risk of spreading Christian literature in communist China. Both had been active in their church for more than 10 years and dared to go forth. Even when they were arrested, interrogated and sentenced to serve 15 days, they were willing to accept the consequences of their actions—all from a government that claims to have “freedom of religion.”
But it was not enough for the PSB to arrest and beat these two Christian women for the crime of passing our Christian literature. In the afternoon of June 18th, Mrs. Jiang Zongziu was pronounced dead by the PSB office of Tongzi County. They claimed she died of “natural causes.” The fact is she was beaten to death.
The Voice of the Martyrs has received video testimony from the surviving family, photos of Jiang body showing her bruised body, and a copy of the actual arrest document. All of this had to be smuggled out of China as the authorities continue to attempt to hide their systematic persecution of Christians. An international campaign is now under way on behalf of the surviving family.
Much of the world would like you to believe Christians are no longer persecuted. Sister Jiang’s family would disagree. Now you can stay informed of what is really happening to your Christian brothers and sisters in countries like China and even discover practical ways to help, with a FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. Don’t turn your back on today’s persecuted church. Subscribe today.
Click here to receive your FREE subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs award-winning newsletter.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Dave's original introduction to The Agora
Note: this is a classic intoroduction that Dave wrote that I (Leon) just felt should be published here.
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Agora
What is your 'hot button'?
What 'disses u off'' and keeps you up at night?
IF you can change one thing in the world, what would it be?
(Questions that Ps Soo Inn asked at an Ibridge camp last year, though not in those exact terms)
Sometimes, I get 'sleepless in Puchong' and bang my head against the wall when I think of the questions culture is asking about "What is truth? What is the good life? etc." because it appears that the Bible has some pretty good answers.
But somehow, we're not thinking after God's thoughts or loving Him with our minds as well as our hearts.
Like me, most Christian kids me go through education without sufficiently equipped to handle the -isms they learn in class. So we either swallow them whole or ignore them or retreat into a ghetto-like piety.
Everyday we are shaped by the spirit of the age without being aware of it. And I don't mean the 'territorial demons' hovering above KL, ok?
Naturalism in the papers - "Scientists found genes that cause infidelity".
Islamic polemics over radio - "How can God be one and three?"
Relativism in the movies - "There is no spoon"
Secular hedonism in the popular songs - "It can't be wrong if it feels so right".
On one hand we got fantastic scholars in Kairos writing fascinating stuffs. But most of the grassroots seem to be 'asleep in the light'.
Can't we bridge the gap and 'put these cookies on a lower shelf'? (To borrow Greg Koukl's phrase)
Recently some friends and I got together to start something. We have no name for it yet. "Submergent" sounds too much like an undercover-underground cell - haha!
One suggestion was: Project Lord of the Rings. Because it seems that people of diverse backgrounds and gifts are coming together to contribute their bit. We need a healthy mix of hobbits, elves and wizards... also, some human students, intelligent and inquiring adults, lawyer, philosopher, politician, Christian hedonist - strange and potent blend, indeed.
Time: 6.00 pmVenue: CDPC (map in www.cdpc.org)Date: 16 October 2004 (Saturday)Topic: "Do All Roads Lead to Rome?"
Interested folks can contact me at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: Leon suggested a hermeneutical community... maybe, a 'fellowship of the King' sounds less intimidating?
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Agora
What is your 'hot button'?
What 'disses u off'' and keeps you up at night?
IF you can change one thing in the world, what would it be?
(Questions that Ps Soo Inn asked at an Ibridge camp last year, though not in those exact terms)
Sometimes, I get 'sleepless in Puchong' and bang my head against the wall when I think of the questions culture is asking about "What is truth? What is the good life? etc." because it appears that the Bible has some pretty good answers.
But somehow, we're not thinking after God's thoughts or loving Him with our minds as well as our hearts.
Like me, most Christian kids me go through education without sufficiently equipped to handle the -isms they learn in class. So we either swallow them whole or ignore them or retreat into a ghetto-like piety.
Everyday we are shaped by the spirit of the age without being aware of it. And I don't mean the 'territorial demons' hovering above KL, ok?
Naturalism in the papers - "Scientists found genes that cause infidelity".
Islamic polemics over radio - "How can God be one and three?"
Relativism in the movies - "There is no spoon"
Secular hedonism in the popular songs - "It can't be wrong if it feels so right".
On one hand we got fantastic scholars in Kairos writing fascinating stuffs. But most of the grassroots seem to be 'asleep in the light'.
Can't we bridge the gap and 'put these cookies on a lower shelf'? (To borrow Greg Koukl's phrase)
Recently some friends and I got together to start something. We have no name for it yet. "Submergent" sounds too much like an undercover-underground cell - haha!
One suggestion was: Project Lord of the Rings. Because it seems that people of diverse backgrounds and gifts are coming together to contribute their bit. We need a healthy mix of hobbits, elves and wizards... also, some human students, intelligent and inquiring adults, lawyer, philosopher, politician, Christian hedonist - strange and potent blend, indeed.
Time: 6.00 pmVenue: CDPC (map in www.cdpc.org)Date: 16 October 2004 (Saturday)Topic: "Do All Roads Lead to Rome?"
Interested folks can contact me at hedonese@yahoo.com
PS: Leon suggested a hermeneutical community... maybe, a 'fellowship of the King' sounds less intimidating?
Blogs
Other blogs "ditaja oleh Agora":
http://toucheart.blogspot.com/
http://ale-web.tripod.com/main.htm
http://www.gaweb.biz/jacksons.htm
http://leon-alicia.blogspot.com/
http://www.johnsee.net/journal/
http://toucheart.blogspot.com/
http://ale-web.tripod.com/main.htm
http://www.gaweb.biz/jacksons.htm
http://leon-alicia.blogspot.com/
http://www.johnsee.net/journal/
Trust and Obey
By David Ting
Yesterday, I was attending the seminar by Rev Stephen Thong. In one of his Q&A session when he response to a question is to obey God in order to grow spirituality. He further added that it is not how much we know about God, not how much we read the Bible, how much we sing, how many times we ask the Holy Spirit fo fill in us nor how much we serve. We must obey the written word of God. This is to pursue holiness. Like
what Billy Bright said, "Holiness is not an option for Christian lives".
Following is the hymn which is well know to all... TRUST & OBEY
The music for this hymn was composed by D. B. Towner, the first director of music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This hymn was written in 1886 during and occasion when Towner was leading singing for D. L. Moody in Brockton, Massachusetts. In a testimony service, he heard a young man say, "I am not quite sure – but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the words and sent them to his friend J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister, who
developed the idea into a full hymn.
The refrain came first “it is a capsule version of the entire song“ and the verse later.
D. L. Moody said in one occasion: "The blood (of Christ) alone makes us safe. The Word (of God) alone makes us sure. Obedience (to God) makes us happy."
Trust & Obey
=========
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Yesterday, I was attending the seminar by Rev Stephen Thong. In one of his Q&A session when he response to a question is to obey God in order to grow spirituality. He further added that it is not how much we know about God, not how much we read the Bible, how much we sing, how many times we ask the Holy Spirit fo fill in us nor how much we serve. We must obey the written word of God. This is to pursue holiness. Like
what Billy Bright said, "Holiness is not an option for Christian lives".
Following is the hymn which is well know to all... TRUST & OBEY
The music for this hymn was composed by D. B. Towner, the first director of music at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. This hymn was written in 1886 during and occasion when Towner was leading singing for D. L. Moody in Brockton, Massachusetts. In a testimony service, he heard a young man say, "I am not quite sure – but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the words and sent them to his friend J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister, who
developed the idea into a full hymn.
The refrain came first “it is a capsule version of the entire song“ and the verse later.
D. L. Moody said in one occasion: "The blood (of Christ) alone makes us safe. The Word (of God) alone makes us sure. Obedience (to God) makes us happy."
Trust & Obey
=========
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Elder Philip Cheng : Dalam Kenangan
Pada hari Ahad, pada lewat petang Tuhan Yesus telah memanggilnya pulang untuk bersamaNya selama-lamanya. Elder Philip memasuki ke dalam hadirat Raja kemuliaan yang mendiang telah melayaniNya serta mengasihiNya sewaktu mendiang masih hidup. Walaupun dalam saat-saat yang tidak diduganya yang mendiang dipanggil oleh Tuhan, mendiang masih melayani Tuhan dengan bersungguh-sungguh. Kini mendiang berada di kota Tuhan yang indah.
Sewaktu dalam upacara peringatan yang dilangsungkan selama dua hari, banyak kesaksian telah disampaikan. Kesaksian ini mengingatkan kembali memori di mana mendiang telah membantu ramai orang. Mendiang serta ahli-ahli dalam kumpulan sel (cell group) memenangi jiwa-jiwa untuk Yesus. Mendiang banyak menasihati baik ahli-ahlinya serta anak-anaknya agar mereka memfokuskan diri pada Tuhan. Selain itu, mendiang juga menjaga mereka seperti seorang ayah yang menyayangi anaknya sendiri. Mendiang berusaha dengan sungguh-sungguh untuk melayani Tuhan. Kita dapat melihat banyak kehidupan telah berubah pada kebaikkan. Mendiang memuliakan Tuhan dengan melayani ahli-ahli dalam apa jua cara yang terbaik. Selain itu, mendiang memastikan yang alat penghawa dingin dalam gereja kita itu berfungsi dengan baik agar jemaat-jemaat CDPC dapat menyembah Tuhan dengan selesa. Rasa rendah dirinya serta kasih sayang pada Tuhan Yesus dan orang lain mencerminkan imannya dalam Yesus Kristus yang mengasihinya. Mendiang mengenal Tuhan serta kasihNya. Mendiang berusaha dengan bersungguh-sungguh menggunakan bakatnya serta kerjasama dari ahli-ahli kumpulan selnya untuk memberitakan Injil kepada kawan-kawan mereka yang masih belum kenal atau menerima Yesus sebagai Juruselamat.
Dalam upacara peringatan, ahli-ahli kumpulan selnya menyanyikan lagu dalam Bahasa Inggeris "What A friend we have in Jesus" atau dalam bahasa Melayu, Yesus ada sahabat kita. Lagu ini mengingatkan kita semua bahawa kawan setia kita ialah Yesus. Yesuslah yang mengasihi kita serta berdoa untuk kebaikkan kita. Yesuslah yang menjadi kawan dalam masa kita bergembira dan juga dalam kesusahan. Yesus pun berdoa untuk kita sebagai perantara dengan manusia dengan Tuhan. Ciri-ciri Yesus ini diterap dalam personaliti mendiang. Mendiang mencerminkan sifat-sifat Yesus itu dengan menjadi sahabat yang baik kepada ahl-ahli dalam selnya.
Banyak teladan yang boleh kita mencontohi. Seperti yang dalam Alkitab Roma 12:1 yang berbunyi, "Saudara-saudaraku! Kerana Allah sangat baik kepada kita, aku mengesa kamu supaya mempersembahkan diri sebagai suatu korban yang hidup yang khas untuk Allah dan yang menyenangkan hatiNya. Demikianlah seharusnya kamu beribadat kepada Allah". Jelas ayat ini menyeru agar unat Kristian untuk mepersembah diri kita sebagai korban hidup dengan melayani Tuhan. Nyawa Kritus yang diberikan kepada kita itu, kita berhutang kepadaNya. Oleh itu haruslah kita kerana nyawaNya yang diberikan kepada kita itu dimanfaatkan dengan kerja-kerja yang menyenangkan Tuhan. Kerja-kerja ini untuk Tuhan dan juga untuk jiran-jiran kita. Kita diberi amanat untuk membantu dan mengasihi kawan kita. Itulah ibadat kita. Saya percaya kehidupan mendiang Elder Philip merupakan korban yang hidup yang akan terus bersaksi dalam keluarganya, isterinya, anak-anakya, cucu cicitnya serta jemaat CDPC. Mendiang telah merima pujian dari Tuhannya yang berkata, "Syabas! Kaulah hambaKu yang baik dan setia. Masuklah (ke dalam syurga) dan bersukacitalah bersama-samaKu"
Semoga contoh serta teladan yang ditinggalkan oleh mendiang menjadi dorongan kepada yang masih hidup untuk melayani Tuhan dengan bersungguh. Hanya Tuhan yang tahu tempoh tinggal kita di bumi. Marilah kita berusaha dengan bersungguh untuk kemuliaan Tuhan kerana kasih Tuhan kepada kita itu amatlah besar.
Saya mengakhiri artikel pendek ini dengan sebuah lagu yang digubal oleh Fanny Crosby yang berjudul "To the work". Hayatilah lagu ini dan bacalah isi kandungan ini. Jika anda mengenali Fanny Crosby, anda sudah tentu berasa kagum dengannya. Semoga anda diberkati selalu
To The Work
To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.
Refrain
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on,
Let us hope and trust,
Let us watch and pray,
And labor till the Master comes.
To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
To the work! To the work! There is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the love of our Father exalted shall be,
In the loud swelling chorus, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
To the work! To the work! In the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward,
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
Sewaktu dalam upacara peringatan yang dilangsungkan selama dua hari, banyak kesaksian telah disampaikan. Kesaksian ini mengingatkan kembali memori di mana mendiang telah membantu ramai orang. Mendiang serta ahli-ahli dalam kumpulan sel (cell group) memenangi jiwa-jiwa untuk Yesus. Mendiang banyak menasihati baik ahli-ahlinya serta anak-anaknya agar mereka memfokuskan diri pada Tuhan. Selain itu, mendiang juga menjaga mereka seperti seorang ayah yang menyayangi anaknya sendiri. Mendiang berusaha dengan sungguh-sungguh untuk melayani Tuhan. Kita dapat melihat banyak kehidupan telah berubah pada kebaikkan. Mendiang memuliakan Tuhan dengan melayani ahli-ahli dalam apa jua cara yang terbaik. Selain itu, mendiang memastikan yang alat penghawa dingin dalam gereja kita itu berfungsi dengan baik agar jemaat-jemaat CDPC dapat menyembah Tuhan dengan selesa. Rasa rendah dirinya serta kasih sayang pada Tuhan Yesus dan orang lain mencerminkan imannya dalam Yesus Kristus yang mengasihinya. Mendiang mengenal Tuhan serta kasihNya. Mendiang berusaha dengan bersungguh-sungguh menggunakan bakatnya serta kerjasama dari ahli-ahli kumpulan selnya untuk memberitakan Injil kepada kawan-kawan mereka yang masih belum kenal atau menerima Yesus sebagai Juruselamat.
Dalam upacara peringatan, ahli-ahli kumpulan selnya menyanyikan lagu dalam Bahasa Inggeris "What A friend we have in Jesus" atau dalam bahasa Melayu, Yesus ada sahabat kita. Lagu ini mengingatkan kita semua bahawa kawan setia kita ialah Yesus. Yesuslah yang mengasihi kita serta berdoa untuk kebaikkan kita. Yesuslah yang menjadi kawan dalam masa kita bergembira dan juga dalam kesusahan. Yesus pun berdoa untuk kita sebagai perantara dengan manusia dengan Tuhan. Ciri-ciri Yesus ini diterap dalam personaliti mendiang. Mendiang mencerminkan sifat-sifat Yesus itu dengan menjadi sahabat yang baik kepada ahl-ahli dalam selnya.
Banyak teladan yang boleh kita mencontohi. Seperti yang dalam Alkitab Roma 12:1 yang berbunyi, "Saudara-saudaraku! Kerana Allah sangat baik kepada kita, aku mengesa kamu supaya mempersembahkan diri sebagai suatu korban yang hidup yang khas untuk Allah dan yang menyenangkan hatiNya. Demikianlah seharusnya kamu beribadat kepada Allah". Jelas ayat ini menyeru agar unat Kristian untuk mepersembah diri kita sebagai korban hidup dengan melayani Tuhan. Nyawa Kritus yang diberikan kepada kita itu, kita berhutang kepadaNya. Oleh itu haruslah kita kerana nyawaNya yang diberikan kepada kita itu dimanfaatkan dengan kerja-kerja yang menyenangkan Tuhan. Kerja-kerja ini untuk Tuhan dan juga untuk jiran-jiran kita. Kita diberi amanat untuk membantu dan mengasihi kawan kita. Itulah ibadat kita. Saya percaya kehidupan mendiang Elder Philip merupakan korban yang hidup yang akan terus bersaksi dalam keluarganya, isterinya, anak-anakya, cucu cicitnya serta jemaat CDPC. Mendiang telah merima pujian dari Tuhannya yang berkata, "Syabas! Kaulah hambaKu yang baik dan setia. Masuklah (ke dalam syurga) dan bersukacitalah bersama-samaKu"
Semoga contoh serta teladan yang ditinggalkan oleh mendiang menjadi dorongan kepada yang masih hidup untuk melayani Tuhan dengan bersungguh. Hanya Tuhan yang tahu tempoh tinggal kita di bumi. Marilah kita berusaha dengan bersungguh untuk kemuliaan Tuhan kerana kasih Tuhan kepada kita itu amatlah besar.
Saya mengakhiri artikel pendek ini dengan sebuah lagu yang digubal oleh Fanny Crosby yang berjudul "To the work". Hayatilah lagu ini dan bacalah isi kandungan ini. Jika anda mengenali Fanny Crosby, anda sudah tentu berasa kagum dengannya. Semoga anda diberkati selalu
To The Work
To the work! To the work! We are servants of God;
Let us follow the path that our Master has trod;
With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,
Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.
Refrain
Toiling on, toiling on,
Toiling on, toiling on,
Let us hope and trust,
Let us watch and pray,
And labor till the Master comes.
To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;
To the fountain of life let the weary be led;
In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,
While we herald the tidings, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
To the work! To the work! There is labor for all;
For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall;
And the love of our Father exalted shall be,
In the loud swelling chorus, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
To the work! To the work! In the strength of the Lord,
And a robe and a crown shall our labor reward,
When the home of the faithful our dwelling shall be,
And we shout with the ransomed, “Salvation is free!”
Refrain
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