Thanks everyone for praying for my church and family. A final decision has been made, and I believe everything went according to God's great plan.
Last week Thursday, two pastors and two elders from our denomination came to our church to act as mediators. God had given my parents peace in their hearts, and they told the mediators that they would accept whatever demands the other leaders of our church make. So the mediators talked to the church leaders, and they decided that my father will leave the church as of last Sunday, just as they demanded. My dad was assigned to start a new church in Hacienda Heights. Praise God for delivering my family! Please continue to pray for my family and the church.
When I heard the decision, at first I felt like my dad should have called the mediators from the beginning, and then the matter could have been settled earlier. But now I believe it was God's plan for things to get a bit ugly in the church. The issue that my dad had to face didn't just come up couple months ago. It was there for several years already, and it had to climax to this, so that people could see what's really wrong in the church. Perhaps that is why God called my dad to stand firm until God opened another door. It seems that God revealed the need for a new ministry in Hacienda Heights at just the right time.
There's no arguing that what the elders and other pastors did to my dad was morally wrong as well as illegal. But there's no need for me to describe what they've done, because what's important is that they know what they've done, and that they repent.
I'll tell you one thing that you should be aware. Just don't believe what people say against someone unless they can prove it. And even if they can prove it, don't listen to them if the information does not concern you. Telling gossip is sin, so don't let your brothers and sisters sin by telling you gossips. Besides, if they talk crap about someone to you, they probably talk crap about you to others. Gossip is quite prevalent at the church, so no wonder problems like this came up.
Anyhow, I believe that God will correct His beloved. He will not forsake them. I pray that the people in my church will be convicted of their wrongdoings, and that they would repent. I hope that they would not just forget what happened, but will learn from their mistakes. Please pray for those who are still in the church, that they would be protected from lies and gossips.
As for myself, I'll focus more on the ministry at my other church (one that sent me to Kenya). And when my dad sets up a new church, I'll probably be helping there as well.
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Urgent Prayer Request: May the Truth Set Us Free
Thank you all for praying for my family and my church. The situation is still very stressful and sad, but I am beginning to see God working amongst us.
One specific prayer request is for the church members who have been told lies and rumors for so long that they are blinded from the truth. No matter how much you tell them the truth, they would not accept it. Please pray that their eyes and ears will be opened, so that they may know the truth about the situation and repent.
It seriously hurts so much to see the leaders of the church being blinded with lies that they are acting irrationally and with anger. Pray that God will not forsake them, and that He will deliver them from the hands of evil.
Pray for my family. We are hurting because of all the lies told against my father, and because our friends are being deceived. It hurts me to see my family being hurt. Please pray that we could be more patient. Pray that we would wait upon God and not act on our own thoughts.
In all of this, I know that God is working. I know He hears our prayers. I will trust Him and not lean on my own understanding, so that He may make my paths straight. May God help me to depend on Him alone.
KEEP PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE. PLEASE.
One specific prayer request is for the church members who have been told lies and rumors for so long that they are blinded from the truth. No matter how much you tell them the truth, they would not accept it. Please pray that their eyes and ears will be opened, so that they may know the truth about the situation and repent.
It seriously hurts so much to see the leaders of the church being blinded with lies that they are acting irrationally and with anger. Pray that God will not forsake them, and that He will deliver them from the hands of evil.
Pray for my family. We are hurting because of all the lies told against my father, and because our friends are being deceived. It hurts me to see my family being hurt. Please pray that we could be more patient. Pray that we would wait upon God and not act on our own thoughts.
In all of this, I know that God is working. I know He hears our prayers. I will trust Him and not lean on my own understanding, so that He may make my paths straight. May God help me to depend on Him alone.
KEEP PRAYING FOR A MIRACLE. PLEASE.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Urgent Prayer Request: Pray For a Miracle
Please keep praying for my church.
I won't go into any details of what happened today, but at this point, only a miracle can mend the situation we have at my church. This isn't just about my dad being kicked out of the church. It's about the church being used as satan's tool.
Perhaps it'll be easier for both my dad and the elders if my dad left the church, but in that case, no body wins but satan. The elders and other pastors are not the enemies. They are just blinded by the real enemy, which is satan, and they don't realize that what they're doing is wrong.
But our church is already too deeply in the hand of satan, and there's nothing we can do to change it. Nothing but a miracle. I believe that everything is possible by God. And by God my church can change. By God it can be restored. Only by God and God alone.
I love my church, despite what they have done to my family. So it hurts so much to see it go down like this. It hurts so much to see them running towards destruction.
So please pray that God will work in our church. Pray that He will be glorified. Seriously, pray for a miracle because that's the only way the church will survive and be blessed.
PRAY. PRAY FOR A MIRACLE. PLEASE.
I won't go into any details of what happened today, but at this point, only a miracle can mend the situation we have at my church. This isn't just about my dad being kicked out of the church. It's about the church being used as satan's tool.
Perhaps it'll be easier for both my dad and the elders if my dad left the church, but in that case, no body wins but satan. The elders and other pastors are not the enemies. They are just blinded by the real enemy, which is satan, and they don't realize that what they're doing is wrong.
But our church is already too deeply in the hand of satan, and there's nothing we can do to change it. Nothing but a miracle. I believe that everything is possible by God. And by God my church can change. By God it can be restored. Only by God and God alone.
I love my church, despite what they have done to my family. So it hurts so much to see it go down like this. It hurts so much to see them running towards destruction.
So please pray that God will work in our church. Pray that He will be glorified. Seriously, pray for a miracle because that's the only way the church will survive and be blessed.
PRAY. PRAY FOR A MIRACLE. PLEASE.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Urgent Prayer Request: the Church Situation
My church and my family need a LOT of prayer as the year is coming to an end.
Long story short, the church (elders and other pastors) wants my dad (the senior pastor) to leave the church after this month (December) for no legitimate reason. It's not like my dad had an affair, stole stuff from the church, or anything like that. Basically the elders and my dad don't get along great, and the elders seemingly refuse to get along. My dad may not be the most social or people person in the world, but it's clear that he hasn't done anything to get kicked out of the church. Dad agreed that he would leave if and only if God leads him to another ministry, but the elders just don't want him. Dad told them he would serve the church even if he doesn't get paid because he believes that God has called him to ministry there, but they don't think he's "good enough."
I won't go into all the details, but situation seems to get uglier by day. Apparently some elders/pastors are spreading false rumors about my parents and are conspiring to get people to not attend the new years eve service at church but to meet on their own without dad. They even told dad that if he holds a new years day service at church, they would have a separate service in the next room.
Personally, I'm ok either way: if we left or if we stayed. But as a son of my father, and as God commanded, I'll honor my dad by supporting him on his calling. I also believe it's a sin for a church to separate as divorce is a sin (Malachi 2:16). But if the hearts of the elders/pastors are hardened, so be it (Matthew 19:8).
Please pray for the church because things could get really messy in the next few days. Pray for my dad because he's going through a lot, and it could get worse. And above all, pray that God will be glorified in all this.
I'm sorry to show you the ugly side of my church, especially if you're not Christian and don't know much about Christ. But please remember that people who call themselves Christians are also human, and not everything they do/say are representative of the teachings of the Bible. That applies to me as well. If everyone in the church were following what God says, things like this shouldn't be happening. It really sucks that we're going through this. But of course, there's no such thing as a perfect church. (If you find one, don't join it because you'll ruin it!)
This situation reminds me of Isaac and his wells (Genesis 26), and I wonder if we should just leave the church and move on. But I think for my siblings, mom, and me, the situation is like that of Noah's children (Genesis 6), which my sister brought up the other day. I know that dad firmly believes that God has a purpose for him at the church. Likewise, Noah was called by God to build a huge ark in a mountain. As expected people ridiculed Noah, and I bet his children were mocked as well. But the children had to support their father and help him build the ark. I don't know if you understand how much it sucks to have my dad be opposed by his own church on his calling to serve the church, and how much it would suck to have him kicked out for no good reason. You probably don't know how disappointed I am with the elders and some pastors at my church for how they are behaving, but I think Noah's kids could probably relate. Maybe you remember the time I yelled at a pastor a while back. Well, that's not going to happen again, but I am probably as upset as I was then, if not more. This time I'm more sad than I am angry. Anyhow, I must support my dad and pray for him.
I pray that the hearts of these elders and pastors will be softened. But if God has allowed their hearts to harden, so be it. May God be glorified in everything that He does and everything that happens.
Long story short, the church (elders and other pastors) wants my dad (the senior pastor) to leave the church after this month (December) for no legitimate reason. It's not like my dad had an affair, stole stuff from the church, or anything like that. Basically the elders and my dad don't get along great, and the elders seemingly refuse to get along. My dad may not be the most social or people person in the world, but it's clear that he hasn't done anything to get kicked out of the church. Dad agreed that he would leave if and only if God leads him to another ministry, but the elders just don't want him. Dad told them he would serve the church even if he doesn't get paid because he believes that God has called him to ministry there, but they don't think he's "good enough."
I won't go into all the details, but situation seems to get uglier by day. Apparently some elders/pastors are spreading false rumors about my parents and are conspiring to get people to not attend the new years eve service at church but to meet on their own without dad. They even told dad that if he holds a new years day service at church, they would have a separate service in the next room.
Personally, I'm ok either way: if we left or if we stayed. But as a son of my father, and as God commanded, I'll honor my dad by supporting him on his calling. I also believe it's a sin for a church to separate as divorce is a sin (Malachi 2:16). But if the hearts of the elders/pastors are hardened, so be it (Matthew 19:8).
Please pray for the church because things could get really messy in the next few days. Pray for my dad because he's going through a lot, and it could get worse. And above all, pray that God will be glorified in all this.
I'm sorry to show you the ugly side of my church, especially if you're not Christian and don't know much about Christ. But please remember that people who call themselves Christians are also human, and not everything they do/say are representative of the teachings of the Bible. That applies to me as well. If everyone in the church were following what God says, things like this shouldn't be happening. It really sucks that we're going through this. But of course, there's no such thing as a perfect church. (If you find one, don't join it because you'll ruin it!)
This situation reminds me of Isaac and his wells (Genesis 26), and I wonder if we should just leave the church and move on. But I think for my siblings, mom, and me, the situation is like that of Noah's children (Genesis 6), which my sister brought up the other day. I know that dad firmly believes that God has a purpose for him at the church. Likewise, Noah was called by God to build a huge ark in a mountain. As expected people ridiculed Noah, and I bet his children were mocked as well. But the children had to support their father and help him build the ark. I don't know if you understand how much it sucks to have my dad be opposed by his own church on his calling to serve the church, and how much it would suck to have him kicked out for no good reason. You probably don't know how disappointed I am with the elders and some pastors at my church for how they are behaving, but I think Noah's kids could probably relate. Maybe you remember the time I yelled at a pastor a while back. Well, that's not going to happen again, but I am probably as upset as I was then, if not more. This time I'm more sad than I am angry. Anyhow, I must support my dad and pray for him.
I pray that the hearts of these elders and pastors will be softened. But if God has allowed their hearts to harden, so be it. May God be glorified in everything that He does and everything that happens.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
What Is This Thing Called Christmas Love?
[This is an entry based on the sermon I gave to the youth group at OkHab Church this past Sunday. Please comment if I said something biblically incorrect. I don't want to misrepresent the Word of God.]
In my last entry, I was talking about how I missed hanging out with friends recently. Then I realized it's Christmas season, and I thought I had a good reason for wanting to be with friends more than ever. After all, most people living in modern societies believe that Christmas is a time for family, friends, significant other, and loved ones. It's time for gift-exchange, tree decoration, and carols. Most, if not all, Christmas-themed movies and music is about some form of love. Basically, people think that Christmas is a season of love. Well, indeed it is a season for love, but the real meaning of Christmas Love is quite different from the common perception.
Some children, even sunday school kids, might tell you that Christmas is a time to get presents, and still others may say it's Santa Clause's birthday. Most church-going Christians should at least be able to tell you what Christmas is really about: the birth of Jesus Christ. Well then, "How is a day celebrating the birth of a baby be about love?" you might ask. It's not an ordinary love that you would think of. This "love" I'm talking about is not the fuzzy feeling you get in your stomach when you see a new born baby or when you are with your special someone. John 3:16 links the birth to this "love":
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (KJV)
So apparently this baby Jesus was born because God loved the world. But what does it mean for God to love the world, that he would give his Son? I mean, who gives a baby to someone just because of love? And what are you supposed to do if you're given someone else's son? That doesn't sound like the "love" that we typically think of when it comes to Christmas, does it? But the Bible clearly explains how this is indeed love, God's love:
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 John 3:16, NIV)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NIV)
So what God says about love is that it's about laying down one's own life for another. Perhaps that makes some sense to some parents, if they would actually put themselves in danger to save their children and family (e.g. James Kim). Maybe some children would die for their parents, too. I think we all have an idea of what real love is when it comes to family, but I don't think most of us really understand it or actually practice it.
Ask yourself, would you ever give up your life for someone else? For whom?
Your children? ... Of course.
Your parents? ... Probably.
Your friends? ... Maybe, depending on how close they are.
A total stranger? ... Uhh... what?
"I don't even know who they are!" That's what one of the kids at the church said when I asked that question. Exactly. Why would you die for someone you know nothing about? But then, is the reason you wouldn't die for someone really the lack of knowledge about the person? Do you think you would die for someone depending on how well you know the person? Then what if you knew everything about someone, and that person didn't know you, would you still die for that person? Take Saddam Hussein for example. You know what he has done (or you can find out), and he's sentenced to death. Would you die instead of him? Yeah, right! That's just ridiculous, isn't it? Well, then think of your best friends, those that are so close to you that you might even die for them if you had to. What if you knew that those friends had secretly mistreated and cheated on you in the past. Would you still die for them? And what if you found out that they were planning to betray you and to put you to shame the next day. Would you still lay down your life for them? Can you still love them?
You see, knowing more about someone doesn't always make it easier to love that person. Rather, it usually makes it harder. We all have crap that we want to hide from others, things that would make us less "lovable" by others. You may think dying for someone like Hussein is ridiculous. But dying for someone whom you know everything about is crazier. It's incomprehensible.
That's the kind of love that God demonstrated when he sent his Son Jesus Christ to earth, and God's love goes beyond that. Jesus Christ died for us when we were sinners. That means when we were his enemies, he died for us. When he knew that we were going to betray him, he died for us. Even though he knows that you are going to sin again, he died for you. He knows everything that you did against him, but he still loves you. Isn't that crazy or what? Can you really love someone like the way God loves you?
As if dying wasn't enough, God the Father gave his own Son to die! Can you imagine seeing your own child stripped, beaten, and nailed to the cross? Can you imagine your own son or daughter on that cross shouting, "Daddy! Daddy!"? Is that easier than dying yourself? You see, God's love is beyond that. God loves us so much that he would give his Son to the world, see him suffer and die! That's what it means when it says "For God so loved the world"! Can you wrap your head around that? Can you love another person like God loved the world?
Now, ask yourself: If you believe what the Bible says about God's love, how does it affect you? Why does it matter that God loves us? that Jesus was born? that Christ died for us? that he rose from the dead? How is your life different because of that?
Let me rephrase these questions. If God didn't send his Son to Earth, if Jesus was never born, and if Christ never died for your sins, how would you live differently from the way it is right now? Would it be any different? If not, why not?
As for me, the answer is definitely a yes. God's love affects most, if not all, decisions that I make in my life. If the aforementioned events did not happen, how would I know what real love is? More importantly, how would I know that God loves me? Why would I risk my life and career to go to Africa? Why would I want to become a doctor to help the poor in the developing world, rather than be rich, secure, and comfortable in the US? You see, God's love determines the way I "love" others because the Bible says, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19, NIV). Indeed, "we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" because God did that for us, and he told us to.
Because God loves me, I'm willing to spend my entire life serving him wherever he leads me. I may never be able to love others like God loves us, but I'm willing to give my best effort. If loving others means going to the most impoverished parts of the world and putting my life on the line to help those in need, I will do it. I will do it because God loves me.
What would you do, knowing that God loves you? If you believe it, live it. Live like you're loved, and live to love. Live to lay down your life for others.
Remember that Christmas is a season of love, and remember what that Christmas Love really is. Now, spread it.
In my last entry, I was talking about how I missed hanging out with friends recently. Then I realized it's Christmas season, and I thought I had a good reason for wanting to be with friends more than ever. After all, most people living in modern societies believe that Christmas is a time for family, friends, significant other, and loved ones. It's time for gift-exchange, tree decoration, and carols. Most, if not all, Christmas-themed movies and music is about some form of love. Basically, people think that Christmas is a season of love. Well, indeed it is a season for love, but the real meaning of Christmas Love is quite different from the common perception.
Some children, even sunday school kids, might tell you that Christmas is a time to get presents, and still others may say it's Santa Clause's birthday. Most church-going Christians should at least be able to tell you what Christmas is really about: the birth of Jesus Christ. Well then, "How is a day celebrating the birth of a baby be about love?" you might ask. It's not an ordinary love that you would think of. This "love" I'm talking about is not the fuzzy feeling you get in your stomach when you see a new born baby or when you are with your special someone. John 3:16 links the birth to this "love":
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (KJV)
So apparently this baby Jesus was born because God loved the world. But what does it mean for God to love the world, that he would give his Son? I mean, who gives a baby to someone just because of love? And what are you supposed to do if you're given someone else's son? That doesn't sound like the "love" that we typically think of when it comes to Christmas, does it? But the Bible clearly explains how this is indeed love, God's love:
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." (1 John 3:16, NIV)
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NIV)
So what God says about love is that it's about laying down one's own life for another. Perhaps that makes some sense to some parents, if they would actually put themselves in danger to save their children and family (e.g. James Kim). Maybe some children would die for their parents, too. I think we all have an idea of what real love is when it comes to family, but I don't think most of us really understand it or actually practice it.
Ask yourself, would you ever give up your life for someone else? For whom?
Your children? ... Of course.
Your parents? ... Probably.
Your friends? ... Maybe, depending on how close they are.
A total stranger? ... Uhh... what?
"I don't even know who they are!" That's what one of the kids at the church said when I asked that question. Exactly. Why would you die for someone you know nothing about? But then, is the reason you wouldn't die for someone really the lack of knowledge about the person? Do you think you would die for someone depending on how well you know the person? Then what if you knew everything about someone, and that person didn't know you, would you still die for that person? Take Saddam Hussein for example. You know what he has done (or you can find out), and he's sentenced to death. Would you die instead of him? Yeah, right! That's just ridiculous, isn't it? Well, then think of your best friends, those that are so close to you that you might even die for them if you had to. What if you knew that those friends had secretly mistreated and cheated on you in the past. Would you still die for them? And what if you found out that they were planning to betray you and to put you to shame the next day. Would you still lay down your life for them? Can you still love them?
You see, knowing more about someone doesn't always make it easier to love that person. Rather, it usually makes it harder. We all have crap that we want to hide from others, things that would make us less "lovable" by others. You may think dying for someone like Hussein is ridiculous. But dying for someone whom you know everything about is crazier. It's incomprehensible.
That's the kind of love that God demonstrated when he sent his Son Jesus Christ to earth, and God's love goes beyond that. Jesus Christ died for us when we were sinners. That means when we were his enemies, he died for us. When he knew that we were going to betray him, he died for us. Even though he knows that you are going to sin again, he died for you. He knows everything that you did against him, but he still loves you. Isn't that crazy or what? Can you really love someone like the way God loves you?
As if dying wasn't enough, God the Father gave his own Son to die! Can you imagine seeing your own child stripped, beaten, and nailed to the cross? Can you imagine your own son or daughter on that cross shouting, "Daddy! Daddy!"? Is that easier than dying yourself? You see, God's love is beyond that. God loves us so much that he would give his Son to the world, see him suffer and die! That's what it means when it says "For God so loved the world"! Can you wrap your head around that? Can you love another person like God loved the world?
Now, ask yourself: If you believe what the Bible says about God's love, how does it affect you? Why does it matter that God loves us? that Jesus was born? that Christ died for us? that he rose from the dead? How is your life different because of that?
Let me rephrase these questions. If God didn't send his Son to Earth, if Jesus was never born, and if Christ never died for your sins, how would you live differently from the way it is right now? Would it be any different? If not, why not?
As for me, the answer is definitely a yes. God's love affects most, if not all, decisions that I make in my life. If the aforementioned events did not happen, how would I know what real love is? More importantly, how would I know that God loves me? Why would I risk my life and career to go to Africa? Why would I want to become a doctor to help the poor in the developing world, rather than be rich, secure, and comfortable in the US? You see, God's love determines the way I "love" others because the Bible says, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19, NIV). Indeed, "we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" because God did that for us, and he told us to.
Because God loves me, I'm willing to spend my entire life serving him wherever he leads me. I may never be able to love others like God loves us, but I'm willing to give my best effort. If loving others means going to the most impoverished parts of the world and putting my life on the line to help those in need, I will do it. I will do it because God loves me.
What would you do, knowing that God loves you? If you believe it, live it. Live like you're loved, and live to love. Live to lay down your life for others.
Remember that Christmas is a season of love, and remember what that Christmas Love really is. Now, spread it.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Happy Reformation Day!
While October 31st is known by most people as Halloween, it is actually a very important day for Christians (no, not because it's Halloween). As I found out recently, it is the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses at the castle door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany, marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
To celebrate the 489th anniversary, I'm posting a sermon (about Reformation) that was preached here at Bible College of East Africa yesterday by Richard Tiu, a missionary from the Philippines.
DISCLAIMER: Let me first warn you that you may be offended, especially if you are a Catholic. In fact this sermon has a lot of attacks against the Roman Catholic Church. But if you are offended by reading this, remember that it is not an attack against you (unless you're the Pope), but it is against the religion. Of course, it is natural for any religion to say that other religions are false (unless you're postmodern). If you think any of the statement made in the sermon is false, feel free to comment. But I suggest you make constructive criticisms, and not attack me or Pastor Richard. If you think Pastor Richard doesn't really know about Catholic Church because he's a Protestant, remember he's from the Philippines and he used to be a Catholic. And yes, he is a legit pastor.
As for me, I used to think there isn't any significant difference between Catholicism and Protestantism, because I all I knew about Catholicism came from interacting with Catholics, who outwardly didn't show any difference from the Protestants. But as I learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church, I realize they're not different like Baptists are different from Methodists or Fundamentalists. It's not a mere difference in the interpretation of the Bible. It is clear that the Roman Catholic Church have perverted the teachings of the Bible by adding so much junk to it (read on if you want know what I'm talking about). I'm beginning to think that Catholicism is almost as bad as the Jehovah's Witness and the Mormon churches. Yes, I said that. Sorry to all my friends who are JWs or LDSs, but you knew I'm Christian, right? And if you know my belief, you know that I think your belief is completely bogus. I know I'm not "politically correct" by saying all this, but standing up for Jesus is so much more important than that.
I hope you'll find (at least some) truth by reading this. Like Jesus said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (or in this case, if you have eyes to read, let him read). Basically, it means there's no point in arguing. If something is presented to you as truth, it's up to you and you alone to accepted it or not.
P.S. Did you know that the Roman Catholic Church teaches immaculate conception of Mary (like Jesus was immaculately conceived), so she was sinless, and that that she never died but was taken up to heaven like Jesus was. Maybe it's not a big deal (let people believe whatever they want to believe, whether it's true or not). But what's interesting is that such teaching is not found in the Bible OR the Apocrypha! Then where did they get such an idea? I think it was because some pope said it (I haven't confirmed this). But this teaching was added even after the Protestant Reformation. Now that makes me think... why wasn't Mary crucified instead? If she was sinless, couldn't she take away our sin as well? Another interesting thing is that the Catholic doctrine teaches the infallibility of the Pope, which was also added relatively recently. Of course, that must be true, right? Just look at the current Pope! I'm sure it wasn't a mistake that he was "misunderstood" on his speech about Muslims. Alright, alright. No more making fun of other people's beliefs. I'm not here to offend people. Everyone's got to rant a little sometimes. But I doubt most Catholics who aren't so devout really know what they believe, though I may be wrong.
To celebrate the 489th anniversary, I'm posting a sermon (about Reformation) that was preached here at Bible College of East Africa yesterday by Richard Tiu, a missionary from the Philippines.
DISCLAIMER: Let me first warn you that you may be offended, especially if you are a Catholic. In fact this sermon has a lot of attacks against the Roman Catholic Church. But if you are offended by reading this, remember that it is not an attack against you (unless you're the Pope), but it is against the religion. Of course, it is natural for any religion to say that other religions are false (unless you're postmodern). If you think any of the statement made in the sermon is false, feel free to comment. But I suggest you make constructive criticisms, and not attack me or Pastor Richard. If you think Pastor Richard doesn't really know about Catholic Church because he's a Protestant, remember he's from the Philippines and he used to be a Catholic. And yes, he is a legit pastor.
As for me, I used to think there isn't any significant difference between Catholicism and Protestantism, because I all I knew about Catholicism came from interacting with Catholics, who outwardly didn't show any difference from the Protestants. But as I learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church, I realize they're not different like Baptists are different from Methodists or Fundamentalists. It's not a mere difference in the interpretation of the Bible. It is clear that the Roman Catholic Church have perverted the teachings of the Bible by adding so much junk to it (read on if you want know what I'm talking about). I'm beginning to think that Catholicism is almost as bad as the Jehovah's Witness and the Mormon churches. Yes, I said that. Sorry to all my friends who are JWs or LDSs, but you knew I'm Christian, right? And if you know my belief, you know that I think your belief is completely bogus. I know I'm not "politically correct" by saying all this, but standing up for Jesus is so much more important than that.
I hope you'll find (at least some) truth by reading this. Like Jesus said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (or in this case, if you have eyes to read, let him read). Basically, it means there's no point in arguing. If something is presented to you as truth, it's up to you and you alone to accepted it or not.
P.S. Did you know that the Roman Catholic Church teaches immaculate conception of Mary (like Jesus was immaculately conceived), so she was sinless, and that that she never died but was taken up to heaven like Jesus was. Maybe it's not a big deal (let people believe whatever they want to believe, whether it's true or not). But what's interesting is that such teaching is not found in the Bible OR the Apocrypha! Then where did they get such an idea? I think it was because some pope said it (I haven't confirmed this). But this teaching was added even after the Protestant Reformation. Now that makes me think... why wasn't Mary crucified instead? If she was sinless, couldn't she take away our sin as well? Another interesting thing is that the Catholic doctrine teaches the infallibility of the Pope, which was also added relatively recently. Of course, that must be true, right? Just look at the current Pope! I'm sure it wasn't a mistake that he was "misunderstood" on his speech about Muslims. Alright, alright. No more making fun of other people's beliefs. I'm not here to offend people. Everyone's got to rant a little sometimes. But I doubt most Catholics who aren't so devout really know what they believe, though I may be wrong.
Title: Why am I a Protestant?
By: Pastor Richard Tiu
Passage: Isaiah 59:1-21
BCEA Sunday evening service – 29th October 2006
Once again we shall take a break from our series on the 12 Apostles as we take time this day to remember an important event in the history of Christianity. If we may recall, the period from AD500 to AD1500 is what is known in church history as the “Dark Ages of the Church.” This was the period when the power of the papacy in the Roman Catholic Church was at its zenith; a period when the gospel of salvation was hidden under a maze of deception. It was a period when God needed to raise up a standard.
The passage we have read characterizes the religious cycle of the nation of Israel. Israel sins > God sends judgment > Standard is lifted > Truth prevails > Church is revived. The standard raised is the Word of God and its truth can only prevail when God raises faithful men to stand for it.
The same situation described from verse 1 to 11 existed in the dark ages of religion. When the Roman Catholic Church was at its mightiest, the true gospel of salvation was replaced by a gospel of deception. For one to be saved, faith in Christ is no longer enough. The RC says you must also do good works; you must observe their seven sacraments, and offer prayers to Mary and the so-called “canonized saints” of their church. In other words, one must need to work his way to heaven if he is to be saved – a teaching which is clearly condemned all throughout the Bible.
The Catholic Church cleverly tried to cover their errors by a web of deception. But our text in verse 6 says, “Their webs shall not become garments.” This refers to the garment of salvation offered in Christ alone. And the verse continues “neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.”
Verse 7 continues, “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood…” At that time when the reformers were trying to return to the teachings of the Bible, they were killed and burned at the stake. One such martyr of the Reformation was a man named William Tyndale who was strangled to death and his body burned. The reason was simply because he translated the Catholic Latin Bible into English which has become the common language of the people by that time.
Another reformer John Wycliffe started this translation before he died. After his death his corpse was exhumed in order to be burned. It was for the same reason that he defied the pope’s order not to translate the Latin Bible into English. Wycliffe also vehemently opposed the false teachings of the church and was branded a heretic. That was how the Roman Church hated to see the Bible being read and understood by the common people; because the Bible will reveal all their erroneous doctrines and thus expose them as a false church.
Then in verse 8 it says, “The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths; whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” Romans 5:1 tells us that the way of peace with God is “being justified by faith…through our Lord Jesus Christ.” But the Catholic Church directs its members to a crooked path leading to a place called purgatory; a crooked path leading to the way of Mary worship instead of Jesus who is the only way, the truth, and the life.
Those who follow the crooked way is being described from verses 9 to 11, “Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.” This was exactly the situation during the dark ages of church history. Salvation was very far off because the truth was hidden. Verse 15 sums up that period, “Yea, truth faileth.”
Throughout the history of Christianity, Satan has always been trying to undermine the Word of God and subvert biblical doctrines of the faith; but each time God has always raised up His standard. So we are told in verse 19, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”
The Protestant Reformation was a rediscovery and return to biblical Christianity which began in Europe and America and later on spread to the whole world. We owe it to the 16th century Protestant Reformation not only the reformation of the church but more importantly the restoration of genuine biblical Christianity.
In two days time, we mark that very special day in history, October 31. It is the day we remember (not Halloween) the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. And this afternoon we will travel back in time to that day, October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses at the castle door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany challenging the heretical doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. It was the day that the Lord lifted up a standard against the enemies of His word. It was the day when the 16th Century Protestant Reformation officially started. And this coming Tuesday marks the 489th year anniversary of that event. It is important for us to remember this event because it will answer the question: Why am I a Protestant? I have five reasons in answer to this question.
1) I am a Protestant because I stand for the Word of God – Nowadays, to protest is somewhat viewed as a negative action. People seem to protest at just about anything and everything. Just recently, university professors in Kenya were protesting that they receive lesser salaries than the MPs – a protest motivated by greed. And as a result, some of the protesters were eventually terminated. Protesters are often labeled as radicals or troublemakers and because of this the word “protest” or “protestant” seem to carry a negative connotation.
But in the original sense, to pro-test has a good meaning. The word “protest” is actually the Latin pro-testari. It is a compound of two words, pro which means “for” or “in favor of” and testari meaning “testament.” So to be protestari simply means to stand for or in favor of the testament. In the context of the Reformation, to be “protestant” simply means to be standing for the Testaments, both the Old and New. Hence, to be a Pro-testant is a biblical term, because to be a Pro-testant is to stand for the Word of God.
So if to be Protestant is to stand for the Word of God, how do you call those who con-tradict the Word of God? Con-testants? I’ve always believed there are only two religions in the world. Either you are a pro-testant – standing for the Word of God, believing, teaching, and defending it; or, you are a con-testant – contradicting, denying, adding, and or subtracting what God says through His word. So, which one are you? Are you Pro-testant or con-testant? Are you defending or denying the Bible?
We are Protestants because the Word of God alone is our basis for the rule of life and faith. This is the doctrine of sola Scriptura and we owe it to the Reformation for rediscovering this doctrine. Before the Reformation, it was kept hidden underneath the pile of Roman traditions and superstitions for more than a thousand years. Sola Scriptura is rooted in the principle that “when God says it; that settles it. I believe and obey it.” Departing from this biblical principle is always a step towards heresy. This was what happened to the Roman Catholic Church as well as to all the cults and heretical churches around us today.
2) I am a Protestant because I believe in the cardinal doctrines of salvation – The cardinal doctrines of salvation can be summed up by the other 4 Solas – sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, soli Deo Gloria. It stands for salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.
a. Sola Gratia – Salvation is by grace alone totally apart from works. This truth is repeated so many times in the Bible. (Eph 2:8-10; Tit 3:5). This doctrine becomes very clear in Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Salvation is a free gift. If we have to work for it, then that would no longer be free, isn’t it? And besides, the Bible also says in Isaiah 64:6 that “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Man’s works of righteousness can never bring him to heaven nor can it justify him because we are told that even these are tainted by sin.
b. Sola Fide – Justification is by faith and again the key word is “alone.” Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; Habakkuk 2:4 all say the same thing. “The just shall live by faith.” This is the heart of the gospel of Christ. The gospel is summed up by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” All who believe in this truth shall be justified unto salvation.
c. Solus Christus – Almost all religions in the world says DO. But true Christianity says DONE. Christ says in John 19:30, “It is finished” to tell us that the work of redemption has been completed by His death on the cross. Nothing more has to be done except to believe in Him. Christ was the one crucified – not Mary or any of the so-called “saints.” That is why our faith must rest in Him and Him alone.
d. Soli Deo Gloria – For the glory of God alone is the natural result of the first 3 solas. This will set the proper perspective of where we stand before God. It will put sinners in their rightful place – down in the dust – and exalt God on high. Because it is sola gratia, sola fide, and solus Christus then it should be to the glory of God alone and not of men. Thus the tendency to glorify other gods or savior, or even our own works will be removed. God’s says in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
3) I am a Protestant because I believe in the perspicuity of the Scriptures – Perspicuity of Scriptures means that the word of God is clearly expressed and therefore can be easily understood. The Reformers argued that the Scriptures is plain enough for the ordinary Christian to read and understand. But the RC Church teaches otherwise and they strongly forbid their followers to read the Bible on their own. They say that because it is difficult to understand it must be read only according to the interpretation of the church. Only RC priests were authorized to interpret the Bible at that time. But the question is: How could the early Christians have known and understood God’s Word when the RC was not yet in existence? We must take note that the epistles were written to ordinary Christians and not to priests & popes.
What actually made the Scriptures difficult to read at that time was because it was available only in the Latin Vulgate. The Catholic Church has forbidden the translation of the Bible into the common language of the people. So when the Bible was translated into English and put in the hands of the lay people, the Protestant Reformation soon broke out. When the people started reading a Bible that they could understand, they soon discovered how RC has diverted and departed from the Word of God. That was not the case before the Reformation. Today we have in our hands a Bible that we can read and understand because the reformers fought for that right.
4) I am a Protestant because I believe in the universal priesthood of believers – Before the reformation the believers cannot come directly to God the Father for the confession and forgiveness of sins. They were taught to come first under the intercession of dead saints, to confess to the priests, or even the Pope.
But the Bible says in 1Pe 2:9 that we who believe in Jesus are a royal priesthood because Christ as our great high Priest has opened the way for us to commune directly to the Father in heaven. Thus we do not need any intercession of dead saints nor de we need another mediator or mediatrix because Christ is the only mediator between God and man as 1Timothy 2:5 clearly tells us. That is why we don’t need to confess to a priest either. 1John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
That every believer is a priest also refutes wrong notion that only celibate priests can represent us before God. That is why we have married pastors in Protestant churches instead of celibate priests. The Bible clearly supports the practice of having married ministers. 1Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 all say that, “A bishop [or elder] must be husband of one wife.” On the other hand, the Bible says that celibacy or forbidding of marriage is a doctrine of devils. 1 Timonthy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry…”
What is ironic is that if these RC priests are supposed to be unmarried, why are they given the title “fathers?” A father without having children? Ironic isn’t it? Well, they may say they are spiritual fathers. Still, this is unbiblical. In Matthew 23:9 Jesus says, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Spiritually we are born of God not of men. That’s why in our church we have Pastor Lazarus, Pastor Kiarie, Pastor Bernard, and Pastor Eben. We don’t call them Father Lazarus, Father Kiarie, or Father Bernard, or Father Eben.
Another irony is that while they call themselves as “fathers” but in reality some of them really wanted to be mothers. You know what I mean? Many members of the Catholic clergy are gay! And we often read them in the news sexually molesting young boys, causing great scandals in the church and in effect bringing shame to the name of Christ. We certainly don’t need immoral priests or any RC priest for that matter. As Protestants, we are a universal priesthood of believers. The Bible says so.
5) I am a Protestant because I worship God in spirit and truth – The Protestant Reformation also brought back the true worship of the living and true God. When Jesus was talking with the Samaritan woman by the well of Jacob in John 4, He gave her the description of who are the true worshippers of God. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).
Before the Reformation, people were worshipping God in RC rituals and images. If you have ever attended a Roman Catholic worship you can see that the main attraction would be this ritual called the Eucharist or the Mass. The Word of God is still read but it is consigned only to the sidelines. The centerpiece of the altar will be an array of idols and images of wood and stone – a clear defiance of the 1st and 2nd commandment of God.
Today, we can practice the true worship of God in spirit and truth because someone protested against the rituals and idolatry of the RC Church. Though we don’t see Him, we worship God and sing hymns of praises unto Him because by faith we are assured that His Spirit is in our midst. We worship Him in sincerity of the spirit and not in formality of rituals. We worship Him in truth because we follow what His word tells us how He should be worshipped. We worship Him in truth by listening to His word being preached and applying them to our lives. God is not an image but a Spirit; He is not a ritual but the truth. As such, true worshippers ought to worship Him in spirit and in truth. We also owe this proper understanding of biblical worship to the Protestant Reformation.
So there we have it. The five answers to the question: Why I am a Protestant? Firstly, it is because I stand for the word of God. Then I believe in the cardinal doctrines of salvation (4 Solas). Thirdly, I believe in the perspicuity or clarity of Scriptures. Fourthly, I believe in the universal priesthood of believers. And lastly, I worship God in spirit and in truth. All five beliefs based solely from the Bible.
But the sad reality is that many who call themselves Protestants are no longer pro-testing in the true sense of the word. Some of them are no longer pro-Scriptures. They are no longer pro-Bible. No more pro-God. The word and the will of God is no longer the rule of their life and faith. Churches have gone back to the pomp and pageantry of entertainment worship with rock music and dancing. The word of God is no longer preached faithfully in many Protestant churches. Sin is no longer an issue. Health and wealth is more important. Evangelism takes a back seat for miracles and signs and wonders.
What is even sadder is the fact that Protestant churches are now taking efforts to unite back with Rome through the ecumenical movement. In so doing, it is as if to say that the Protestant Reformation is, after all, a big mistake. And so we need to go back to the Roman Catholic Church and say, “I’m sorry.” Is being protestari a mistake? Is being pro Word of God an error?
Thus we really need to ask this question over and over again that we may not lose the focus of our Christian faith. Why am I a Protestant? If you know the answers then ask yourself: Am I still pro-testing?
May the rich heritage of the 16th century Protestant Reformation be always remembered and preached in this pulpit.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Doxa in Kenya: Should Christians Preach Against Evolution?
Thursday, August 31.
I attended some more of the "Discerning the Spirit" sessions today. I learned about Modernism, Neo-Evangelicalism, and Neo-Fundamentalism. I was already familiar with Modernism, so I didn't learn anything new about that. I had never heard of Neo-Evangelicalism or Neo-Fundamentalism, but from how Dr. Khoo described, they sounded pretty familiar. Basically, Neo-Evangelicals are people who say Bible is inspired by God, but it can have some errors. Dr. Khoo gave an example with the 6-day creation story in Genesis. Since evolution says it took many years for all the different species to form, Neo-Evangelicals would say that Bible might have some mistake. Fundamentalists believe in the strict and literal interpretation of the Bible, so Dr. Khoo said that if science doesn't seem to agree with the Bible, the Science must be wrong. Well, I'm definitely not a Neo-Evangelical (I believe that the Bible in its original languages is inerrant), but I’m not fundamentalist either. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and all of it is God-Breathed (or inspired by God, 2 Tim. 3:16) so the Bible is always true. But if science doesn't seem to agree with the Bible, it's not just "science must be wrong." It's either science is wrong or our interpretation of the Bible is wrong.
However, whether they were literal 6 days or whether the entire Bible should be interpreted literally should not be the issue. We should think about what’s really important. I mean, is every word of the Bible have the same weight and importance? Can we say that all the little details of the law in Deuteronomy, every psalm, the four Gospels, and the epistles are all equally important? I believe they all have a purpose of being in the Bible, but I think some of the words are more important than others. I’m talking about the Gospel, which you need to know and believe in order to have salvation. The saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most important message in the Bible, isn’t it? Tell me if you think I’m wrong.
So why am I saying we should focus on what’s the most important thing in the Bible? I’m trying to say that when it comes to someone’s salvation, whether the person thinks the earth was made in 6 days or thousands of years is not important at all! Let’s say that some one was at his death bed. He was a terrible criminal, and did many evil. But just before he died, he heard the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he sincerely repented and believed. Would he not enter that Kingdom of God? It doesn’t matter how bad or evil your life was before. When you repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved, no matter who you are. Then let’s say that the man in his death bed was a hardcore modernist/atheist. He believed in the theory of evolution and all the other scientific theories that might seem to contradict the Bible. Then he heard the Gospel, repented, and believed. Soon after that he died. Before he died, he didn’t hear about Genesis 1. Not only did he not know that Bible says God made the earth in 6 days, he didn’t get a chance to hear that God made human in His own image. Then would he not go to heaven? Would he go to hell because he believed in the theory of evolution, even though he repented and believed in Jesus Christ? I believe even fundamentalists would say no to that. Well, perhaps they would say no because they are fundamentalists. The Bible literally says if you confess and believe these things about Jesus Christ, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Of course I’m not saying that people should believe whatever they want as long as they believe in Jesus. If someone is still alive and has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, then s/he should live like Jesus is the Lord over his/her life. Then he would study the Word of God and make effort to find the truth. More importantly he would obey the commands and also share the Gospel with others. Take note that I’m talking in the context of someone’s salvation. At the point of one’s salvation, the person doesn’t need to know everything in the Bible. But once he is saved, he should make the effort to know other important teachings in the Bible.
Now then, why is it important to talk in the context of salvation? Well, granted it’s important for someone to get saved, it’s very important that someone does not reject the Gospel because of our interpretation of some other parts of the Bible. Let’s say that you meet someone who is agnostic, but he is a scientist and has extensively studied biology as well the theory of evolution. Upon finding out that he believes in the theory of evolution, you tell him that he is wrong and that the Bible says the earth was made in 6 days. Some people may think of it as an interesting idea, but most probably would be offended. Then you try to share with him the Gospel, just after telling him that all that he had been studying for the past 10 years were simply wrong information. Would he even want to listen to the Gospel? Think about it. Most likely he wouldn’t. Even if he did, he would just flat out reject it because it’s from the same book that says he is wrong without any apparent proof or support. To us, the Bible is the Word of God, so we might feel strongly convicted about Genesis 1 one way or another. But to someone who’s never read the Bible, it’s just literature. So basically what you did was hardened someone’s heart to hear the Gospel. I’m not talking about the correct approach to presenting the Gospel. God can work in all sorts of ways, and even a simple, straight forward presentation of the Gospel can change someone’s heart. It’s up to the Holy Spirit, not you, to convict one’s heart and reveal the truth.
Then what should you say about science and the Bible? Which is correct? Well, if you believe that the Bible is God’s Word, then Bible is of course true. Sure, science can be inaccurate sometimes, and no theory is ever accurate. Theories are theories. They are always being revised to fit new information. But remember we or what we think are not always correct either. More importantly, it’s dangerous to say, “science is wrong,” because we’re not just saying that the theories are wrong. There are people behind every scientific theory. Real people study and come up with ideas that become theories, and real people rely on these theory for their research and even career. To say, “science is wrong” to someone, especially scientists, who has much more knowledge about science than you might, is basically saying “you’re wrong” in their face. How loving is that? And if that causes people to shut their ears to the Gospel for the rest of their lives, how terrible is that? In fact, isn’t that what’s happening in the world today? Isn’t it because all these “Christians” are saying evolution is flat out wrong, that many scientists are also atheists? Perhaps it’s not the only reason, but I imagine it is one of the major reasons. You see, I’m a scientist, but I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. If someone really knows science, they would know that it’s not scientific to conclude that God does not exist just because His existence cannot be proven scientifically. It’s a Modernist idea that all things can be explained scientifically. Obviously not all scientists are Modernists, but may of them become one.
Let’s say that you are a scientist, and you have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But you know that these people called Christians believe in God. One day you find out that these Christians are strongly against the theory of evolution, which you think is a fairly well studied theory. You also find out that the basis of their claim is just some book written long time ago, and that Christians say theory of evolution is wrong because God said so. You don’t know much about the Bible or what the Christians believe, but since Christians strongly believe that you’re wrong, your natural response is to think that Christians are wrong. Since the basis of their claim is this thing called “God,” and you think they are wrong, you may conclude that this idea of “God” must also be wrong. Although it’s not scientific, through reasoning you decide that God doesn’t exist. The main reason for this conclusion was some group of people called Christians that said you are wrong. Now you are an atheist, and you don’t even want to hear about what Christians believe. Is this scenario too farfetched?
So as Christians, should we strongly advocate Creationism and young-earth theory? Are they worth jeopardizing the opportunities for some people to hear the Gospel? Definitely not! If you advocate these ideas, do so within the church. Encourage other believers to investigate the truth of God’s Word. Warn each other about dangers of misusing the theory of evolution. It is our responsibility to study the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). As Christians, that’s definitely something we should do. But as for the unbelievers, it is not their responsibility to know what the Bible says about Creation. It’s the same with sin. We as believers have the responsibility to keep each other accountable so as not to sin. But we do not just go around telling unbelievers that they should not do this and that. How can they stop sinning when they don’t have Christ!? We need to first show them the love of Christ and share with them the Gospel. Once they become a believer, you have the responsibility to keep them accountable. Once they become a believer, you should teach them what the Bible says about other things in the world, such as Creation.
So there’s really no problem for Dr. Khoo to talk about science and how he thinks it’s wrong in front of a group of pastors. In fact, it was good that he clarified a lot of things about the Bible. Dr. Khoo’s lectures were really good. They were strongly based on the scripture, and makes a lot of sense if you believe that the entire Bible should be interpreted strictly literally. So he was very consistent. This isn’t about Dr. Khoo at all, and I already said that fact that I disagree with his fundamentalist view is not important. I think problems arise when these pastors start preaching that science is wrong when they are trying to evangelize. The creation story is not the Gospel. The Bible doesn’t say “believe that God created earth in 6 days and you’ll be saved”! Dr. Khoo’s lecture just reminded me of some people in the past that strongly advocated creationism and young-earth theory. These people I met in the past would mock scientists and their professors because they think their science teachers are idiots for believing in evolution. This is not the type of attitude Christians should have towards unbelievers. That’s why I’m talking about all this.
People are saved regardless of whether they are Fundamentalist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Evangelical, or whatever denomination. Conversely, people can sill have the wrong Gospel and not be saved even when they associate themselves with Fundamentalist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Evangelical, or whatever denomination. There is no such thing as a perfect denomination. Denominations are works of people. Difference in denominations exist because people are different. Once again, the most important thing is salvation through the Gospel. So if your church gives the true Gospel, not the health-and-wealth gospel nor the 6-day-creation gospel, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and your church is working to spread it, then give all glory to God.
So should we as Christians preach against the theory of evolution? My answer is no. I would definitely support studying about evolution from Biblical perspective. I suppose we could “preach” against evolution within Bible studies and small groups for believers. But I don’t think it should be preached in churches were unbelievers can come to find out what Christianity is all about. Of course, I’m not saying we should hide from unbelievers what we think about science and what not. As Christians, we are not called to push any one denomination’s doctrine to unbelievers. We are called to spread the Gospel. Preaching Creationism to a group of unbeliever can be very counterproductive. Understanding science is not a sin, but being ignorant of the Gospel is deadly. Do first things first. Spread the Gospel.
I haven’t even talked about Neo-Fundamentalism, but it’s getting really late. I must sleep. We’re going to Tanzania tomorrow, and we’re opening to new Bible college there on Saturday.
I attended some more of the "Discerning the Spirit" sessions today. I learned about Modernism, Neo-Evangelicalism, and Neo-Fundamentalism. I was already familiar with Modernism, so I didn't learn anything new about that. I had never heard of Neo-Evangelicalism or Neo-Fundamentalism, but from how Dr. Khoo described, they sounded pretty familiar. Basically, Neo-Evangelicals are people who say Bible is inspired by God, but it can have some errors. Dr. Khoo gave an example with the 6-day creation story in Genesis. Since evolution says it took many years for all the different species to form, Neo-Evangelicals would say that Bible might have some mistake. Fundamentalists believe in the strict and literal interpretation of the Bible, so Dr. Khoo said that if science doesn't seem to agree with the Bible, the Science must be wrong. Well, I'm definitely not a Neo-Evangelical (I believe that the Bible in its original languages is inerrant), but I’m not fundamentalist either. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and all of it is God-Breathed (or inspired by God, 2 Tim. 3:16) so the Bible is always true. But if science doesn't seem to agree with the Bible, it's not just "science must be wrong." It's either science is wrong or our interpretation of the Bible is wrong.
However, whether they were literal 6 days or whether the entire Bible should be interpreted literally should not be the issue. We should think about what’s really important. I mean, is every word of the Bible have the same weight and importance? Can we say that all the little details of the law in Deuteronomy, every psalm, the four Gospels, and the epistles are all equally important? I believe they all have a purpose of being in the Bible, but I think some of the words are more important than others. I’m talking about the Gospel, which you need to know and believe in order to have salvation. The saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is the most important message in the Bible, isn’t it? Tell me if you think I’m wrong.
So why am I saying we should focus on what’s the most important thing in the Bible? I’m trying to say that when it comes to someone’s salvation, whether the person thinks the earth was made in 6 days or thousands of years is not important at all! Let’s say that some one was at his death bed. He was a terrible criminal, and did many evil. But just before he died, he heard the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he sincerely repented and believed. Would he not enter that Kingdom of God? It doesn’t matter how bad or evil your life was before. When you repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved, no matter who you are. Then let’s say that the man in his death bed was a hardcore modernist/atheist. He believed in the theory of evolution and all the other scientific theories that might seem to contradict the Bible. Then he heard the Gospel, repented, and believed. Soon after that he died. Before he died, he didn’t hear about Genesis 1. Not only did he not know that Bible says God made the earth in 6 days, he didn’t get a chance to hear that God made human in His own image. Then would he not go to heaven? Would he go to hell because he believed in the theory of evolution, even though he repented and believed in Jesus Christ? I believe even fundamentalists would say no to that. Well, perhaps they would say no because they are fundamentalists. The Bible literally says if you confess and believe these things about Jesus Christ, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Of course I’m not saying that people should believe whatever they want as long as they believe in Jesus. If someone is still alive and has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, then s/he should live like Jesus is the Lord over his/her life. Then he would study the Word of God and make effort to find the truth. More importantly he would obey the commands and also share the Gospel with others. Take note that I’m talking in the context of someone’s salvation. At the point of one’s salvation, the person doesn’t need to know everything in the Bible. But once he is saved, he should make the effort to know other important teachings in the Bible.
Now then, why is it important to talk in the context of salvation? Well, granted it’s important for someone to get saved, it’s very important that someone does not reject the Gospel because of our interpretation of some other parts of the Bible. Let’s say that you meet someone who is agnostic, but he is a scientist and has extensively studied biology as well the theory of evolution. Upon finding out that he believes in the theory of evolution, you tell him that he is wrong and that the Bible says the earth was made in 6 days. Some people may think of it as an interesting idea, but most probably would be offended. Then you try to share with him the Gospel, just after telling him that all that he had been studying for the past 10 years were simply wrong information. Would he even want to listen to the Gospel? Think about it. Most likely he wouldn’t. Even if he did, he would just flat out reject it because it’s from the same book that says he is wrong without any apparent proof or support. To us, the Bible is the Word of God, so we might feel strongly convicted about Genesis 1 one way or another. But to someone who’s never read the Bible, it’s just literature. So basically what you did was hardened someone’s heart to hear the Gospel. I’m not talking about the correct approach to presenting the Gospel. God can work in all sorts of ways, and even a simple, straight forward presentation of the Gospel can change someone’s heart. It’s up to the Holy Spirit, not you, to convict one’s heart and reveal the truth.
Then what should you say about science and the Bible? Which is correct? Well, if you believe that the Bible is God’s Word, then Bible is of course true. Sure, science can be inaccurate sometimes, and no theory is ever accurate. Theories are theories. They are always being revised to fit new information. But remember we or what we think are not always correct either. More importantly, it’s dangerous to say, “science is wrong,” because we’re not just saying that the theories are wrong. There are people behind every scientific theory. Real people study and come up with ideas that become theories, and real people rely on these theory for their research and even career. To say, “science is wrong” to someone, especially scientists, who has much more knowledge about science than you might, is basically saying “you’re wrong” in their face. How loving is that? And if that causes people to shut their ears to the Gospel for the rest of their lives, how terrible is that? In fact, isn’t that what’s happening in the world today? Isn’t it because all these “Christians” are saying evolution is flat out wrong, that many scientists are also atheists? Perhaps it’s not the only reason, but I imagine it is one of the major reasons. You see, I’m a scientist, but I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. If someone really knows science, they would know that it’s not scientific to conclude that God does not exist just because His existence cannot be proven scientifically. It’s a Modernist idea that all things can be explained scientifically. Obviously not all scientists are Modernists, but may of them become one.
Let’s say that you are a scientist, and you have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But you know that these people called Christians believe in God. One day you find out that these Christians are strongly against the theory of evolution, which you think is a fairly well studied theory. You also find out that the basis of their claim is just some book written long time ago, and that Christians say theory of evolution is wrong because God said so. You don’t know much about the Bible or what the Christians believe, but since Christians strongly believe that you’re wrong, your natural response is to think that Christians are wrong. Since the basis of their claim is this thing called “God,” and you think they are wrong, you may conclude that this idea of “God” must also be wrong. Although it’s not scientific, through reasoning you decide that God doesn’t exist. The main reason for this conclusion was some group of people called Christians that said you are wrong. Now you are an atheist, and you don’t even want to hear about what Christians believe. Is this scenario too farfetched?
So as Christians, should we strongly advocate Creationism and young-earth theory? Are they worth jeopardizing the opportunities for some people to hear the Gospel? Definitely not! If you advocate these ideas, do so within the church. Encourage other believers to investigate the truth of God’s Word. Warn each other about dangers of misusing the theory of evolution. It is our responsibility to study the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). As Christians, that’s definitely something we should do. But as for the unbelievers, it is not their responsibility to know what the Bible says about Creation. It’s the same with sin. We as believers have the responsibility to keep each other accountable so as not to sin. But we do not just go around telling unbelievers that they should not do this and that. How can they stop sinning when they don’t have Christ!? We need to first show them the love of Christ and share with them the Gospel. Once they become a believer, you have the responsibility to keep them accountable. Once they become a believer, you should teach them what the Bible says about other things in the world, such as Creation.
So there’s really no problem for Dr. Khoo to talk about science and how he thinks it’s wrong in front of a group of pastors. In fact, it was good that he clarified a lot of things about the Bible. Dr. Khoo’s lectures were really good. They were strongly based on the scripture, and makes a lot of sense if you believe that the entire Bible should be interpreted strictly literally. So he was very consistent. This isn’t about Dr. Khoo at all, and I already said that fact that I disagree with his fundamentalist view is not important. I think problems arise when these pastors start preaching that science is wrong when they are trying to evangelize. The creation story is not the Gospel. The Bible doesn’t say “believe that God created earth in 6 days and you’ll be saved”! Dr. Khoo’s lecture just reminded me of some people in the past that strongly advocated creationism and young-earth theory. These people I met in the past would mock scientists and their professors because they think their science teachers are idiots for believing in evolution. This is not the type of attitude Christians should have towards unbelievers. That’s why I’m talking about all this.
People are saved regardless of whether they are Fundamentalist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Evangelical, or whatever denomination. Conversely, people can sill have the wrong Gospel and not be saved even when they associate themselves with Fundamentalist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Evangelical, or whatever denomination. There is no such thing as a perfect denomination. Denominations are works of people. Difference in denominations exist because people are different. Once again, the most important thing is salvation through the Gospel. So if your church gives the true Gospel, not the health-and-wealth gospel nor the 6-day-creation gospel, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and your church is working to spread it, then give all glory to God.
So should we as Christians preach against the theory of evolution? My answer is no. I would definitely support studying about evolution from Biblical perspective. I suppose we could “preach” against evolution within Bible studies and small groups for believers. But I don’t think it should be preached in churches were unbelievers can come to find out what Christianity is all about. Of course, I’m not saying we should hide from unbelievers what we think about science and what not. As Christians, we are not called to push any one denomination’s doctrine to unbelievers. We are called to spread the Gospel. Preaching Creationism to a group of unbeliever can be very counterproductive. Understanding science is not a sin, but being ignorant of the Gospel is deadly. Do first things first. Spread the Gospel.
I haven’t even talked about Neo-Fundamentalism, but it’s getting really late. I must sleep. We’re going to Tanzania tomorrow, and we’re opening to new Bible college there on Saturday.
Doxa in Kenya: On Charismatism and Friendship
Wednesday, August 30.
Today, I attended one of the sessions at the pastor's conference here at
BCEA. The main speaker is Dr. Jeffery Khoo, Academic Dean of Far Eastern
Bible College (FEBC) in Singapore. His topic for the sessions was
"Discerning the Spirit of Charismatism." I actually learned some things
about the Bible that I never knew before. Usually, when I hear a
sermon/lecture at church service, fellowship, or a conference, I don't get
to learn things that are entirely new to me, although they are often good
reminders of things I learned in the past. This time it was different. For
the first time, I learned that Fundamentalists believe that prophesies,
speaking of tongues, and such should stop when the Bible is completed (1
Cor. 13:10). Basically, there should not be any more revelations/prophecies
to be added after the Bible was completed. That makes sense.
Dr. Khoo also taught that divine powers such as healing were only given to
the Apostles. This doesn't mean that people don't get miraculously healed
nowadays (since all the Apostles are dead now). Obviously, there are people
who are healed miraculously through prayer, and that happens when the Holy
Spirit acts on them. It means that people today don't have the gift of
healing like the Apostles did. In other words, if someone tells you s/he is
a healer, run away from him/her. People don't do miracles. God does. So
nobody today can say they have the power to heal. I'm not all that familiar
with Fundamentalist doctrine, but this makes sense to me.
Eben came back from Tanzania today. He was working on the construction of
the new Bible College in Tanzania. (By the way, hello to Eben's friends back
in the US. Eben told me that one of his friends found my blog by googling
his name.) Mrs. Kim prepared some boiled kalbi (beef ribs) and rice for Eben
and I tonight, like she did when I came back. Eben and I brought the food to
Eben's apartment and ate together. We got to talk about many things
including life of a missionary, marrying a Korean girl, writing inspiring
blog entries, etc. It was really nice talking with him because I got to
laugh a lot. (I'm not just saying nice things about him because his friends
might be reading this.) Although he's a bit older, we could still connect on
various levels.
While I was in Masai Land, I could only connect with a few people, and when
I did it was only a short period. At Kiluani, Nyingei, Lemomo, and Leshushu
were the only ones close to my age, but I had a lot of fun talking with
them. When I visited Kiluani for the seminar (I bicycled from Lenkijape), I
was really glad to spend some time with them. At Lenkijape, I got to connect
the most with Keton, one of the teachers at the primary school. He's only a
year older than me. Even with the cultural differences, when the age is
close, it seems like I could connect with people here really well. Also,
people in Masai Land tend to associate more with their age-mates. So perhaps
that is why it's easier to become friends with those that are similar in
age. Anyhow, I'm beginning to really appreciate having friends that I could
connect with. Back in college, I had many friends close by, but I think I
took most of them for granted. So maybe I missed my chance of connecting
with them at deeper levels. I suppose I'm learning to value friendship more.
I found out today that I'll be teaching two English classes this term: one
advanced, and one not-so-advanced. They're two hours each every week for 12
weeks. The work seems a bit overwhelming at the moment, but I think it will
be a really good experience. I suppose teaching, especially teaching
English, would be a good skill to have if I'm going to be a long-term
missionary someday.
I got the manual for the software I'm using to build the library catalogue.
It's called ResourceMate 2.0. Does anyone know how to use it? I have to
catalogue +5000 books... I have no idea how long it would take, but I guess
this will be my main contribution to the college.
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