10 Ways to Cultivate a Reading Culture (by ChatGPT) #LeadersAreReaders October 2023

When I was in Taiwan for IFES staff training, I observed two (2) interesting things. First, the local staff have lots of books on their office shelves; and secondly, there are about three to four bookstores around my staying area. In East Asia, Taiwan has a strong reading culture, with a high literacy rate. Reading is valued in both educational and leisure contexts. So I asked ChatGPT about how to cultivate a reading culture. It replies: "To cultivate a reading culture, consider these steps:

1. Lead by Example: Demonstrate your love for reading. When others see you enjoying books, it can inspire them to do the same.

2. Create Reading Spaces: Designate comfortable spaces for reading at home or in communal areas. A cozy reading nook or a well-lit corner can make a difference.

3. Book Clubs: Join or start a book club. Discussing books with others fosters a sense of community and can make reading a shared experience.

4. Book Recommendations: Share your favorite books and ask for recommendations. Word of mouth is a powerful way to discover new and interesting reads.

5. Set Reading Goals: Encourage setting realistic reading goals. Whether it's a certain number of books per month or exploring different genres, goals add a sense of achievement.

6. Library Access: Make sure there's easy access to a variety of books. Local libraries or book swaps within the community can enhance the availability of reading material.

7. Reading Challenges: Participate in reading challenges. Many online platforms offer challenges that can motivate individuals to diversify their reading habits.

8. Family Reading Time: Establish a routine for family reading time. This can create a positive association with reading from a young age.

9. Celebrate Reading Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate reading achievements. This could be finishing a challenging book or reaching a personal reading milestone.

10. Incorporate Reading into Daily Life: Integrate reading into daily activities. Whether it's reading newspapers, magazines, or even e-books, make it a part of your routine."

I hope by doing no.1 "Lead by Example," through this channel, I can help to spark your passion to read books more frequently - or to start all over again the habit that once was yours. Remember, the key is to make reading enjoyable and accessible, fostering a positive environment that encourages a love for books.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ReadingCulture #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Membaca Buku Ialah seperti Gim untuk Akal #LeadersAreReaders September 2023

Salah seorang ahli pemikir di Malaysia yang saya kagum ialah tuan Haji Zainal Rashid bin Ahmad atau lebih dikenali lagi sebagai ZRA. Dia merupakan bekas wartawan TV yang terkenal suatu masa dahulu, masih lagi menulis buku-buku sastera Melayu tetapi sekarang lebih aktif di media sosial mengupas isu-isu semasa dengan kaedah 'penceritaan maklumat' yang menarik dan mudah difahami. Bagi saya, ZRA ialah seorang intelektual yang rendah hati walaupun dia kadang-kadang dilihat sebagai seorang yang konfrontatif kerana dia lantang menyuarakan pendapat dan pandangan yang lebih holistik berdasarkan fakta. ZRA memang kaya dengan ilmu dan pengetahuan. ML Studios menggelar dia sebagai "ensiklopedia bergerak." Saya setuju!

Satu lagi hal yang menarik minat saya dengan ZRA ialah kemahiran dia berkomunikasi. Ini penting kerana memiliki ilmu sahaja tidak cukup. Ilmu jika tidak pandai untuk menyampaikannya adalah sia-sia. Menjadi seorang intelektual yang bosan tidak berfaedah untuk masyarakat. Memang tidak boleh dinafikan, selain daripada memiliki banyak pengalaman, ZRA juga banyak membaca buku. Dia pernah berkata, "Membaca buku ialah seperti gim untuk akal." Oleh kerana dia seorang pembaca buku yang efektif (malah turut menjual buku), dia memiliki cara pemikiran yang segar, mempunyai perbendaharaan kata yang luas, gaya bahasa yang menarik, boleh berdiskusi dalam pelbagai topik, dan pandai mengolah maklumat yang rumit menjadi mudah supaya sampai kepada para pendengar. Cuba dengar tuan Haji ZRA bercakap. Kamu akan menyedari bahawa ini ialah kata-kata daripada seorang yang beradab, berilmu dan berakal. Contohi orang sepert ini - dan baca buku!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ZRA #MembacaBuku #Berkomunikasi #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Roaring Lion: Spiritism In Borneo Challenged by the Power of Christ (1968) by Robert Peterson, Book Review

Roaring Lion: Spiritism In Borneo Challenged by the Power of Christ (1968) by Robert Peterson

 
This is an exciting book by Robert Peterson, a missionary in Borneo (particularly in Kalimantan) who has seen the Lord at work in the lives of many Chinese and some Malays who settle there. During this time (and still is), there were many customs and practices common to the animistic tribes of the islands. Spiritism and demon worship occupied a major place in their daily lives. All this while, Satan, that adversary who prowled around like a “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), boldly manifested his unchallenged dominion over them. But that won’t be long, because when Christ’s faithful servants like Robert Peterson went there and preached the gospel of peace, darkness became light and our true King, “the Lion of Judah” (Revelations 5:5), reigned mightily. George M. Steed writes, “We believe it is not just coincidental that when the Lord’s servants commenced openly to challenge the power of darkness and, in the name of our victorious Lord, command the demons to come out of the possessed ones, the gates of hell began to yield and captives were set free.”

Of course, we must not believe there are demons under every bush, but we must not deny the existence and influence of demons in our world today either. The supernatural is natural in the spiritual realm. If you believe in God, then recognizing the reality of Satan and demons shouldn’t be a problem. But the sad fact is that so many Christians have little knowledge of spiritual warfare, or even if they do, they tend to ignore it. Based on my experiences and, more importantly, from the Scripture, we must remember that: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). As the author puts it, we must know a little better the ‘depths of Satan', and by knowing, we are able to ‘fight the good fight of faith.’

What I like about this book is that Peterson began the story by describing his failures in dealing with demon activities. After many encounters, risks, and mistakes, he started to examine the Scripture about the issue and progressively learned how to deal with it effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit and the living Word of God. The stories he told were very interesting because they reminded me of my own experiences during church mission trips to the interior parts of Sarawak many years ago. Read this book and know that God already gives us the weapons (for example, read Ephesians 6:13–20). The chief among them is that Christ is with and in us. “Many truths in the Word of God are a source of strength in our warfare against Satan, but the realization of the indwelling Christ and a day-by-day acknowledgement, acceptance, and utilization of this truth will set us on the victory road and keep us there,” writes Peterson. “Christ has never been and can never be defeated by Satan.” Amen.

#LeadersAreReaders #RoaringLion #TheLionOfJudah #Satan #JesusChrist #IndwellingChrist #RobertPeterson #BorneoForChrist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Pursuing Humility? Meditations of a Proud Heart (2021) by Joel Cornuz, Book Review

 Pursuing Humility? Meditations of a Proud Heart (2021) by Joel Cornuz

I read this book on a flight from Taiwan to Kuala Lumpur. As soon as I and my colleague landed home, I told them very proudly, “Yes, I’ve finished reading a book on humility!” What an irony! Letting people know that I’ve read books on humility (such as this one and Andrew Murray’s) is probably a sign of my pride. Maybe yes, maybe not. But it is more challenging if I write a book on humility. Joel Cornuz thought so in his introduction: “If you pretend to teach about humility, you already demonstrate pride. Go and present yourself as an expert on the subject, and you disqualify yourself from talking about it. ‘I am the best, especially at humility.' The statement may be funny, but it reflects the reality of the problem.” As the author revealed in the book about his own pride, I saw mine all too obvious too.

Thus, I find this book—a series of the author’s meditations on humility from the Scripture—very helpful in pointing out my personal sin of pride and being independent from God, either intentionally or unintentionally. It was scary, but I needed the realizations that I gained from this book. The Holy Spirit speaks through the meditations of His Word. I need humility, or more accurately, I need God for humility, or, essentially, I need God. Joel concludes, “Humility is first recognizing the reality of who I am (a proud person in need of forgiveness) and who God is (the one who offers me the forgiveness I so desperately need); humility is then accepting my dependence on that God (without Him, I can do nothing); and finally, it is placing my life at his disposal for the service of those around me (and for His glory).”

It is the humble recognition that God (YHWH) is God and placing our dependence on Him that freed us from the weight of pride so that we could be more like Christ, the ultimate embodiment and example of humility. Remember the word that says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34) #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Humility #Pride #LikeChrist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

*Thanks to FES Singapore for the gift!

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One In the Spirit (1973) by David C.K. Watson, Book Review

 One In the Spirit (1973) by David C.K. Watson

Before, I had two favorite Anglicans of the past: John C. Ryle (1816-1900) and James I. Packer (1926-2020). But now I want to add another person: David C. Watson (1933-1984). While Ryle and Packer are beloved friends of the Reformation and the Puritans, Watson however was known as a champion of charismatic evangelicalism. In this book, Watson addresses the need to be united in love - "one in the Spirit, one in the Lord." It is sad to see Christians in the past and present divided over the work of the Holy Spirit when undoubtedly He intends to make us united. We need to take heed of the urgent call to unite in Spirit and truth, but not take it to the extreme of syncretism. As the Scripture says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).

The first step, as the author begins the book, is to know the person and the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. He is the key to everything in the New Testament Church. "The fifth book of the New Testament should really be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit," writes Watson. "If God had taken the Holy Spirit out of their midst in those days, about 95% of what they doing in their churches would ceased immediately. Everyone would know the difference." But today, sadly, if God would take the Spirit out of our midst, maybe we would not know the difference. Business as usual. And that's the danger! I recalled my observations when I read this book of how we have treated the Holy Spirit unintentionally - in our theology and conduct - as subordinated either to the Bible (by most Protestants) or the Church (by most Roman Catholics). Thus, Watson urges us to have "a fresh recognition of the Third Person of the Trinity, and deep longing for the same wind of the Spirit that energized believers both in the first century and in the revivals of the Church down the years." Amen.

This book is divided into five chapters that mostly derive from 1 Corinthians 12-14 and other passages: 1) The Person of the Holy Spirit; 2) The Holy Spirit in the Individual; 3) The Holy Spirit in the Church; 4) Walking by the Spirit; and 5) The Greatest Is Love. Obviously, David Watson was generally positive about the explosion of the charismatic movement during his time. He was aware of the danger of counterfeits and always pointed out to "not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1). In the same way, when I read this book, I tested his ideas and interpretations whether they were based on the Scripture or not. And asking, "What is God saying by His Spirit?" This is a good question - and prayer! - to ask when we read other books too, especially the one that He inspired or God-breathed Book (see 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21).

#ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #TheHolySpirit #DavidWatson #Unity #TheChurch #TheScripture #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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The True Jesus: Uncovering the Divinity of Christ in the Gospels (2017) by David Limbaugh, Book Review

 The True Jesus: Uncovering the Divinity of Christ in the Gospels (2017) by David Limbaugh

This is a sequel to Limbaugh's previous book, Finding Jesus In the Old Testament (I've read it but I didn't write a review. Sad). I bought both books from the BookXcess bookstore.* As of writing, our Bible study group is studying the Gospel of Luke, and this week we are going to look at Luke 9:18-20 when Jesus asked His disciples two questions, "Who do the crowds say I am?" (v.18) and most importantly, "Who do you say I am?" (v.20). The first question is an opinion, a survey, or a general inquiry. But the last question is more personal, direct, and life-changing because the answer to the question is not neutral. Everyone must go through C.S. Lewis's famous trilemma: either Jesus is a 'lunatic, liar or Lord' or a 'mad, bad or God' man. No in-between.

Lewis wrote in his classic book Mere Christianity: "You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to... I have to accept the view that He was and is God." Lewis, the most reluctant convert (but intellectually honest), had made the verdict: Jesus is the Son of God. But, for you (yes, you!), who do you say Jesus is? This book can help you on your faith journey to answer this question for yourself. Here Limbaugh combines the four Gospel records (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) into a chronological account of the deeds, words, and life of Jesus Christ. You'll see His humanity and divinity perfectly blended in One Person jump off every page into our hearts.

This book is good for skeptics who want to know the big picture of the Gospel accounts in one volume (although, impatient skeptics might not like it because it's a long book, 353 pages in total). It is also helpful for students of the Word like me to recall and be reminded again about how cool, awesome, and epic our Lord Jesus is (although, this book or any book is pale in comparison to the Gospel accounts themselves). Limbaugh's comments, sound exegesis, and references to other respectable Bible scholars and authors are the best features of this book. "The ultimate goal is not to perfectly reconcile the four accounts," said Limbaugh in his interview with Sean McDowell, "but to inspire people to read the Gospels for themselves, where they will encounter for themselves the living Son of God." Amen.

 *currently out of stock
**btw, there is only one Gospel (not "Gospels") but four accounts

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheTrueJesus #DavidLimbaugh #OneGospelFourAccounts #JesusChrist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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How To Become A People Magnet: 62 Life-Changing Tips To Attract Everyone You Meet (2019) by Marc Reklau, Book Review

 How To Become A People Magnet: 62 Life-Changing Tips To Attract Everyone You Meet (2019) by Marc Reklau

Bad news: I've not become a people magnet after I finished reading it. Good news: This book reminds me to at least try to increase my magnet-ism or be a less annoying person (or don't make it worse! It is hard to be one if one of my heroes of faith is John the Baptist). Hey, these are "tips" not a book of spells, and reading alone will not make any difference in anyone's social lives if not practiced. It is application, not knowledge, that transforms people. For sure, salespeople need to read this book! But it is also good for anyone who wants to improve their social skills and relationships. The author writes, "The most successful people are usually the ones who best get along with people. (Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule). Science tells us that the number one predictor of success and lasting happiness is our social relationships. People with a strong social network even live longer!"

I've observed how tactless young people are today when they try to communicate with others. I've seen how insensitive people are when interacting with those who are younger than them. I've witnessed many awkward communications between students and coworkers. Some people say technologies and gadgets are the enemy, but it's not entirely true. I think it's our personal belief that says (at its core), "People are not important; I am!" Ryan Holiday's book title summed it up well: "Ego is the enemy.” Even if egoistic people seem interested in building relationships, their main goal is not to serve but to use others, not to build but to manipulate others. Thus, these tips can be used for both good and evil, but as the Scripture says, "There is nothing concealed that it will not be revealed, nor so hidden that it will not be made known."

This short book is divided into seven (7) parts. Some tips are very common sense ("Be friendly"), too positive ("Don't criticize"), and probably not suitable for certain types of people ("Praise and praise a lot!"). Most tips are good reminders ("Listen to people actively"), practical ("How to make a good impression"), and humbling ("Talk about your own mistakes first"). There are a few tips that I know I need to practice, but I just can't imagine myself doing them. My excuse is my personality, but in high probability, it's my ego. Lord, help me, a sinner. By the way, on a related topic, I want to recommend these books:

• Winning With People and 25 Ways to Win With People by John C. Maxwell

• How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

• The Rules of People by Richard Templar

• The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #HowToBecomeAPeopleMagnet #MarcReklau #PeopleSkills #Relationships #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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You Are Not Alone: Teens Talk about Life After the Loss of a Parent (2005) by Lynne B. Hughes, Book Review

 You Are Not Alone: Teens Talk about Life After the Loss of a Parent (2005) by Lynne B. Hughes

This book is raw. At an early age, Lynne lost both of her parents. In 1998, she established Comfort Zone Camp to provide a pleasant and safe environment for grieving teens. She and her campers extend empathy and practical help to teenagers and those who look after them with understanding and compassion. So this book is based on real stories, real people, and real experiences. Parental loss is sometimes referred to as "the loss that is forever," and young people who have experienced it often feel very different from others around them. I'm in the student ministry, so I meet lots of students who lost their parent(s) early in their childhood. When I read this book, I was very moved by their testimonies and also encouraged to know that they are not alone. You are not alone (This is not a Christian book. As a Christ-follower, I can say with confidence that you, by faith, are not alone because Christ is your friend, God is your Father, and the Holy Spirit is within you. Theologically and in reality, you are not alone).

The hardest thing about losing someone you love is that it will never go away. It's hard but you're not alone. "Some of the most reassuring words of all are from other kids like you who are LIVING with the loss of a parent," writes Lynne to one of the teens. Then, she shows some examples. This is a cliche but true: Life goes on, and you need to move on. 'Moving on' means traveling away from the loss, which also means traveling farther away from the experiences with your loved one and filling the space with new experiences and new people. It's not a betrayal or disloyalty. It's you choosing to be a SURVIVOR, not a victim. Like one of the teens, Melissa wrote: "At one point I wanted to give up too. I wanted to leave this world. Then I realized that I couldn't do that because then I would turn out to be just like my mom. You need to know you can get through it. Although it will be hard, you will have your entire life to live." And Abbey also wrote: "Initially it stinks, but you will be able to pick yourself back up and start living again. It is really hard at first, but eventually (at least in my case), you realize they would want you to have a happy life." Wow! Choose to survive!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #YouAreNotAlone #TheLossOfAParent #Survivor #Hope #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

 To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Going On Retreat (2014) by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Audiobook

For the past two months, I've been Catholicised (I made up that word) myself with a few good Catholic books and podcasts especially by Brant J. Pitre. Along the way, I stumbled upon recorded sermons and talks by the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (recommended by Bishop Robert E. Barron). I'm immediately hooked by this man. He was known for his TV and radio broadcasts. Bishop Sheen was someone who was not only rock-solid theologically (obviously, I still have beef with some of the Roman Catholic major doctrines) but also a master communicator and could relate concepts with great insight, wisdom, humor, and seriousness that appealed even to the non-Catholics like me. When I hear the man, I hear a deep spiritual giant.

So, I searched for his other recorded materials and found Going On Retreat a live sermon series in the form of an audiobook (6 hours+). Here Bishop Sheen teaches the priests and seminarians during a retreat (1973?) on such topics as the Nature of Christ, The Holy Spirit, Sin and Guilt, The Blessed Mother, the Apostle Peter, etc. Two concepts that stuck with me are: 1) 'Priest-Victim' - where he discusses the nature of sacrifice, the difference between priesthood and victimhood, and the need for priests to be both; and 2) 'The Daily Hour' - the need for priests to pray and fast as spiritual habits that nurture the soul and those who they serve. He once said, "Prayer begins by talking to God, but it ends by listening to Him. In the face of Absolute Truth, silence is the soul's language. Fasting detaches you from this world. Prayer re-attaches you to the next world." His Bible expositions - style and substance - on the Cross of Christ and the lives of the apostles Peter and Judas are superb! Go listen!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ArchbishopFultonSheen #Retreat #Priesthood #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah (2018) by Brant Pitre, Audiobook

Photo taken from the internet

When I was considering Roman Catholicism many years ago, I had a few essential obstacles that hindered me from being one. But after I read books, listen to podcasts, examine the Scripture and Church history, and watch videos about Catholicism from both Catholics and Protestants (I don't take from atheists or agnostics for this important subject), I understand more and more of what I still disagree with, realizing the misunderstandings that I once believed, and observing straight-out anti-Catholic lies that people spread about the church.

For example, Mary of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph, and the mother of Jesus Messiah, My Lord and Savior. I still disagree with the claim of the prominence of Mary in the Scripture. It is definitely hinted at (as the author shows in this book) but it is not obvious (like the divinity of Jesus or the apostleship of Peter). I do, however, agree based on Scripture, traditions, and logic that Mary is the "Mother of God" (theotokos). It's NOT that she is the originator of the being of God (creator) or part of the Godhead (trinity) BUT because she gave birth to the eternal Son of God who became human (incarnation). If Jesus is God (He was/is), then, Mary is the mother or bearer of Jesus, who is God. I have no issue if Mary's perpetual virginity is true, I understand why there is a need to believe in the immaculate conception of Mary even though I think it is more philosophical concept rather than theology, and I'm still skeptical about the assumption of Mary to heaven (there is no internal evidence nor external refutation). But let's be objective: no true Bible-believing Catholics and the Church's Catechism teach people to worship Mary as/like/equal to God or goddess. Ignorance of this fact is a sign of gullibility. Veneration is not adoration (but of course, individuals' beliefs and practices might differ or even error and idolatry).

I thought about all of these - and more - when I listened to Dr. Pitre's book. Here he shows readers how deeply rooted Catholic views about Mary are in the Scripture by taking them step-by-step from Genesis to Revelation. He decodes how the Scripture itself, especially the Old Testament and ancient Judaism, claimed to teach that Mary is indeed the new Eve, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, and the new Ark of the Covenant (the last part about she is also the last Rachel is very interesting). After I finished with this book and listened to his interviews, I'm still not a Catholic but I've become more appreciative and admire the blessed Mary as the servant of God and the mother of God. Because of His immeasurable grace: "Blessed are you [Mary] among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ...the mother of my Lord... blessed is [Mary] who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord... For behold, henceforth all generations will call [Mary] blessed" (Luke 1:42-42, 45, 48).

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Catholicism #MaryOfNazareth #JewishRoots #JesustheMessiah #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Read To Understand Other People's Beliefs #LeadersAreReaders August 2023

When I was talking to an Anglican church lay leader about the Roman Catholic understanding of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, he thought I was a Catholic. When I said no, he was surprised because it seemed to him that I was defending the Catholics' position, but in actuality, I was just explaining to him what they believe and how they interpret the Scripture and traditions on this matter.

Another time, I was having a casual-turned-serious conversation with a colleague about Calvinism and the five solas. He sounded very convicted, so I challenged him with some questions, thoughts, and Bible quotes. A few months after that, I heard him say to another colleague of mine that I was a Calvinist. I'm not. Perhaps he heard me say, "If I agree with this and that point, does it mean that I'm a (number) point Calvinist?" To the non-Calvinist, I talk like a Calvinist. To the Calvinists, I defended the Arminian. I'm neither (who says there are only two choices? Who says I have to choose?). Likewise, I argue like an atheist when I talk to a Jehovah's Witness and other cults, for example, when they approach me or my students.

Why do I do this? I do this to those who are confident with their positions (friends) and to those who think they have figured it all out (acquaintances and strangers), not to the weak believers in faith. First, for fun and intellectual joy (some may find it intimidating. Well, I'm sort of). Secondly, to challenge other people's assumptions. Thirdly, examine mine. Fourthly, to apply what I've read. And finally, with the previous one, to understand why they believe what they believe. Sometimes you're wrong or in error, and sometimes you make enemies and/or make them think, but you will always learn new things. One of the ways to equip yourself for this kind of conversation is to read widely in the narrow areas of your interests. Read books that you're curious about, books that you don't agree with, and books that enrich your mind and foster empathy.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ReadWidely #NarrowInterests #NonConformist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth (3rd Edition, 2003) by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

I read this book last month (August) when I was getting ready for a camp. I had already read it in previous years, but after reading the chapter on the Gospel for references, I became completely engaged. I therefore began at the beginning and completed it on the flights, off days, and days in between during the camp. One of the passages that speaks to me is this: "Whether one likes it or not, every reader is at the same time an interpreter. That is, most of us assume as we read that we also understand what we read. We also tend to think that our understanding is the same thing as the Holy Spirit’s or human author’s intent. However, we invariably bring to the text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. Sometimes what we bring to the text, unintentionally to be sure, leads us astray, or else causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the text."

The question is, therefore, not whether we should interpret the Bible or not, but is our interpretation is faithful or not. The goal of the late Gordon D. Fee (1934-2022) and Stuart in this book is to arm us with the awareness, tools, and skills needed to properly interpret the Bible in light of its original intent, audience, and context. The writers urge us to consider the various literary genres (such as poetry, narrative, epistle, etc.) and how those subtle differences influence our understanding. They also teach us to do the works of interpretation based on the conviction that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, while still being honest enough to acknowledge that inspiration may have varied ramifications for the various books of the Bible. Dear students of the Word, buy and read this book!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #HowToReadTheBibleForAllItsWorth #GordonEFee #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (2018) by Brant Pitre, Audiobook

I believe in "the holy catholic Church" as the Apostle's Creed puts it. Thus, I'm part of the catholic, universal Church but not a Roman Catholic. I'm not pro-Catholic but not anti-Catholic either. I believe they are among the most committed and sincere Christians I ever met. There are many strengths and weaknesses in each true Christian denomination but the beauty of Catholicism, to me, is their rich traditions and reverence for the Eucharist or the Holy Communion.

Basically, there are four (4) views about the Eucharist (Greek: eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving): 1) Consubstantiation. According to this view, the bread and wine maintain their physical identities and the real presence of Christ’s body and blood co-exist with these elements during communion; 2) Memorialism. This view suggested that the bread and wine are merely symbols of the body and blood, designed to commemorate His death and resurrection; 3) Reformed. This view - hybrid from the first two - recognized the spiritual presence of Christ in the elements as well as the commemorative purpose of the sacrament.

But the fourth view, offered by the Roman Catholic, is 4) Transubstantiation. It simply means that the bread and wine during communion literally transform into the body and blood of Christ. The appearances of bread and wine remain the same but Christ is present as substance. In this regard, I think the Catholics read the Scripture more literally than many others (not necessarily the correct way, depending on the context). And this is what Dr. Brant Pitre labor to explain in this wonderful book. He examines the Old Testament and ancient Judaism on the words and deeds of Jesus to reveal the amazingly Jewish roots of the Eucharist. He explains skillfully the New Exodus, the Eucharist as the New Passover, the New Manna from Heaven, and the mysterious New ‘Bread of the Presence' in the Tabernacle and Temple of God. To me, this book is the most convicting argument for the transubstantiation view so far. Love it!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #RomanCatholic #TheEucharist #JewishRoot #BrantPitre #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Try Reading Nonfiction Books #LeadersAreReaders June-July 2023

Obviously, based on my monthly reading lists, I love to read nonfiction books. The reasons are many. For one, I always have the urge to learn something new. That urge is definitely sparked by my reading choices. Second, I like to challenge myself. Not all books are well written, and that goes for nonfiction too. However, I believe that a well-written piece of nonfiction can read like a novel (Robert Greene's books are excellent examples of what I'm talking about here). I love learning about human nature, psychology, philosophy, theology, a bit of history, and fascinating ideas — cliche, I know.

Third, it’s a never-ending rabbit hole of topics. For example, I might read a book about miracles, signs, and wonders. Then pick a Bible commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, then a book on Charismatic and Pentecostal movements, then a book on church history and early fathers, then... you see where I’m going with this. Every book provides a gateway into the next. Reading nonfiction has introduced me to all walks of life, great ideas and discoveries in the world’s history, people who make a difference in the world, stories of faith and inspiration, and new perspectives on seeing things around me.

Some people might argue that you can learn all these things from fiction, and you can; I’m not arguing with that. I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t be afraid to try something new. Challenge yourself to read one nonfiction book and go into it with your eyes wide open. You might be surprised at how satisfying it can be.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #NonfictionBooks #TryNewThings #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Why I Am So Wise (1888) by Friedrich Nietzsche, Not-A-Review

Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most misunderstood philosophers. Those who quoted Nietzsche quoted those who quoted him. Thus, they are almost always out of context because they haven't read any of Nietzsche's books. And those who read his books (me!) also misunderstood him because, generally, his language is foreign to modern readers (unless there are paraphrased translations available). Other philosophers may understand him rightly, but then they explain him complexly. So Friedrich Nietzsche remains misunderstood.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Philosophy #FriedrichNietzsche

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Signs of The Apostles: Observations on Pentecostalism Old and New (1973, 1976) by Walter J. Chantry

After I read the first four (of eleven) chapters, I realized that Mr. Chantry is a Reformed cessationist. This explains a lot about how he interprets the Scripture. I first heard about 'cessationism' when I listened to Grace To You's Strange Fire Conference 2013. What is cessationism? It is a view that early on in the history of the Church, the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit - such as healing, prophecy, word of knowledge, and tongues - ceased to be practiced. Cessationists typically hold that the miraculous gifts were only given for the Church's founding, between the arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost in Acts 2 and the accomplishment of God's purposes in history, which is typically referred to as either the conclusion of the final book of the New Testament or the death of the last apostle. I understand the main arguments for cessationism but I just can't see it clearly from the plain reading of the Scripture, records from Church history, stories from missiology, and personal experiences. I believe the Scripture - the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit - is final and sufficient but this doesn't mean that the saints cannot be used by God to be equipped with the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit for His glory. Misuse of these gifts (which are many today!) cannot invalidate them.

To be fair, most cessationists like this author, believe that while God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs. Mr. Chantry writes: "The question of our inquiry is not, 'Should God be working miracles today?' It is rather, 'Should men be doing miracles on behalf of God?'" From here he explores the primary purpose of miraculous gifts in the Scripture, namely, to attest to the commission of the spokesman of God. In the New Testament, they are signs of the apostleship. He also argues that since the canon of Scripture is complete, the pursuit of all the charismatic gifts of the apostolic age can only proceed upon the basis of failure to recognize the sufficiency and finality of the Scripture. "The lack of complete confidence in the Bible on the part of neo-pentecostal is to be greatly deplored," he wrote. He then expands his arguments through biblical exposition such as on 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 10-13, Psalm 85, and selected quotes from preachers and authors that 'prove' his points. I learned so much from this book and I agree with most of what he said about the misuse and abuse of God's words and gifts among the Pentecostals today. His high view of the Scripture is also recommendable. But at the end of my reading, I was not convinced by his exegesis leaning on this subject and of his cessationist case. God will never cease to show signs and wonders, He is the supernatural God!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #SignsOfTheApostles #Pentecostalism #Cessationism #SpiritualGifts #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Enjoy the Simple Things In Life - Read Books #LeadersAreReaders May 2023

I always bring a book or two with me. I might forget to bring my money or office keys, but a book I will never forget. Rarely do I leave the house without a book. If you steal my bag pack or string bag, I can't promise you a fortune, but you'll be educated if you read the book inside it (pray for a wise thief!). I don't mind the extra weight. It's like carrying a friend with me; books offer companionship. I'm okay when I'm with people, and I always enjoy the presence of my loved ones. But most of the time, I like to be alone. Solitude, not loneliness. I've mastered the art of I-don’t-care if I’m surrounded by people who won’t talk to me and/or who I don't find interesting as long as I can read my book. I don't mind flight delays sometimes (AirAsia!) or long queues at the government office (not that I'm always in a queue) as long as I have my book with me. I happily lose myself in pages of words.

If reading is not part of your daily habit yet, I highly recommend slowly incorporating it into your life. There are many articles you can find on the Internet about the value of reading, but let me just highlight one of the main reasons for me: If you can enjoy a simple and inexpensive thing in life, you can enjoy life! New, hardcover, and popular books are expensive, but they are not always good. Buy them only if you think this is a worthwhile investment. But as a starter, buy secondhand books, borrow from friends or church libraries* or go to the local libraries. If you're in Kuching, go to the state library, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, sign up for membership (just RM10), and you can borrow up to ten books! Ask for a suggestion from me or leaders who are readers around you.

If you can find joy, satisfaction, and love in a simple thing such as reading a book, you can almost find them all in other things too. In this age of smartphones and screen time, we tend to think of distraction as a negative word. What if you choose positive distractions, such as reading? What if one book (or more) could change your life? What if you decide to do it today?

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ReadingBooks #LittleThingsInLife #Joy #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists by The Voice of the Martyrs, Audiobook Review

 I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists (2016, audiobook 6 Hours 12 minutes) by The Voice of the Martyrs

Most Christians in Borneo - Sarawak and Sabah - are very comfortable. We are too relaxed and have no sense of urgency. Lukewarm, soft, and dying. We tend to forget that Christian persecution is a very real thing for many people throughout the world, even our brothers and sisters in peninsular Malaysia. It's easy to get comfortable in a place that has fairly freedom of religion and little social stigma for believing in the Lord Jesus. We experience some persecution, yes, but it's nothing compared to others in closed countries. Read books, reports, stories, and videos about Christian martyrs and missions - and God's Word daily - to be awakened from spiritual sleep and ignite the passion to share the Gospel with the lost souls.

"I Am N" by VOM is one of the books that I recommend you to read and reflect on (if you're interested to read an ebook and listen to the audiobook, please let me know). What does "N" stands for? In northern Iraq, radical Muslims (ISIS) spray-painted the Arabic letter ن or “N,” on the homes and businesses of Christians. "N" represents the followers of Jesus of "N"azareth. They were then publicly exposed as Jesus-followers and offered the option to become Muslims a.k.a. convert to Islam, leave their home, or die. Over 100,000 brave believers left with little more than the clothing on their backs because they would not compromise their faith. This book is therefore a compilation of real stories of "N" around the world. You'll read about the stories of sacrifice, courage, joy, perseverance, forgiveness, and faithfulness. You may (as I do) get angry, sad, and mad at first, and then filled with joy, love, gratitude, and compassion, and be moved to pray. It's bitter and sweet.

We need to recognize these persecuted followers of Jesus as our brothers and sisters in the family of God and embrace them in that intimate unity: “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). We will not be silenced. Write up, speak up, and pray up!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #PersecutedChurch #Discipleship #JesusTheLord #FamilyOfGod #TheVoiceOfTheMartyrs #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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The Life and Ministry of John Sung (2012) by Lim Ka-Tong, Book Review

 The Life and Ministry of John Sung (2012) by Lim Ka-Tong

When I read Roland H. Bainton's Here I Stand on the Life of Martin Luther the Reformer, I was amazed. Luther had done many great things for God, His Word, and His people. I admired him, and he is one of my heroes of faith. But Luther was far from being a saint on earth. I learned about the German Peasant's War, the hatred of the Jews (anti-Semitism), and other dark sides contributed by Luther and his writings. Of course, Sung Shangjie (nicknamed Tian-En) or John Sung does not have the same level of dark sides as Luther, but he does have lots of weaknesses, especially in his younger years. He was hot-tempered, headstrong, impatient, and hard to be with. He was very critical of Western and even local missionaries. Because he traveled long, far, and frequently, he missed all of his children's births. Although his family never complained (he was a good son, husband, and father), early in his ministry his absence contradicted his sermon on the importance of family worship. But due to God's immeasurable grace, He used John Sung - and Martin Luther - greatly. This reminds me of Samson in Judges 13–16, a problematic and flawed character, yet his name is listed in Hebrews 11's The Hall of Faith. John Sung was indeed among "a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith" (Hebrews 12:1), encouraging and cheering us through his life and dedication to run the race God has set before us. Let us imitate John Sung just as he imitated Christ!

I've read John Sung's biographies by Leslie T. Lyall, Timothy Tow, and William E. Schubert. They are amazing! But this one by Lim Ka-Tong is a very comprehensive, well-researched, and fair account of a very important (but sadly, less known) figure of Chinese Christianity not only in China but also in Southeast Asia. Sung is variously remembered as the "Wesley of China", the "Billy Sunday of China", the "Billy Graham of China", "the Apostle of China", "the greatest evangelist China has ever known", and the "bright star in the crown of Hinghwa." A man such as John Sung, powerfully used by God, is worthy of being remembered by Christians around the world, and this book gives him such honor. I was very fascinated by the interesting details and facts that Ka-Tong found about John Sung that I had never heard of before from other authors. The first chapter on sociopolitical and theological background in early twentieth-century China helped me to understand what shaped John Sung's mind, and chapter two on his formative years helped me to see why John Sung's faith was genuine, contagious, and bold. In summary, Ka-Tong wrote: "John Sung's ministry was based on his intensive reading of the Bible and his reliance on the Holy Spirit. His conservative evangelical faith exerted great influence on the Chinese church, even to this day. This is remarkable because John Sung was not a trained theologian, his life was so brief, and he never founded any organization to carry on his ministry."

Indeed, his brief 12 years of public ministry, were divided into 5 periods - The Water Period: Re-Immersion (1927-1930), The Door Period: Openings (1931-1933), The Dove Period: Time to Soar (1934-1936), The Blood Period: War-Time Spiritual Warrior (1937-1939), and The Tomb Period: Pastoral Years (1940-1944) - have had a great impact that has endured through the years until today. For example, during the Dove Period around 1936, John Sung went to Borneo: "Sung's only visit to Sarawak brought great awakening to the cities of Sibu and Sarikei. He held 10-day meetings in each city. In Sibu alone, 1,583 confession letters were received, and 464 committed themselves to sharing the Good News weekly. He likewise saw a wonderful response in Sarikei, although he had to compete against a circus that was in town. According to a researcher who studied the church and mission in Sarawak, Sung's ministry brought on 'a time for renewal' which provided 'fresh impetus for witness and church planting.'" In this book, John Sung's life is portrayed in very colorful and realistic ways. Here we can see his humanness, his struggles with spiritual warfare (the world, the flesh, and the Devil), and his reliance on God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Here also, we can learn about the power of fellowship, friendship, partnership (Sung tends to be a soloist, but don't forget about the contribution of the Bethel Evangelistic Band to his ministry!), forgiveness, discipleship, prayer, revivals, and the blood of Jesus to change lives!

I fully recommend this book, especially for full-time workers, pastors, teachers, and evangelists in Malaysia. It's time for us to NOT ONLY look at famous Western Christian leaders like Martin Luther or John Calvin but also at Asian Christian leaders like John Sung, Andrew Gih, Watchman Nee, Wang Mingdao, Leland Wang, Chu Ki-chol, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Petrus Octavianus, Thomas Chung, etc. They are what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: "Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you" (1 Corinthians 1:26). What makes them great is not their wisdom, power, or wealth, but because God is great. Perhaps they would echo the Scripture, "If I want to boast, I will only boast about the LORD!" I think that is a fitting summary of John Sung's life. Amen.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #JohnSung #Biography #HeroesOfFaith #AsianChristianLeaders #ChinaRevivals #GodOfTheBible #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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To read my other book reviews on/about John Sung, CLICK HERE

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