Kingdom Come, Kingdom Go: Luke-Acts (2007) by the International Bible Society, Book Review (2nd Reading)

The Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is a two-volume work by the same author, Luke, and the same recipient, Theophilus. It is meant to be read together and continuously. And what makes this book Luke-Acts special is that it comes without those annoying chapter and verse divisions that disrupt the context, logic, and flow of the grand narrative (I used to have a whole Bible like this, but I lost it in the train station). Reading the Scripture in this format is like reading an action-packed novel, except that it is about historical events, non-fictional people, and an actual person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

While the divisions are, in my opinion, good for reference and quotation, they can cause some serious problems. There are instances where chapters are wrongly divided and verses are taken out of context. Men such as Zakir Naik looked like a genius to the Bible illiterates when he quoted Bible verses out of memory, but if you check them in their original text, you will find that they are always out of context. Another problem is that the divisions encourage people (even sincere Christians) to read only small parts at a time. How many of you can quote John 3:16? Well, how about John 3:15 and John 3:17? Exactly!

The Bible and each book of the Bible is meant to be read as a whole and straight through from the beginning. Try reading the Gospel of Luke (or the Gospel of Mark, the shorter one) in one sitting. Set aside 2 to 3 hours this week to go to a quiet place, bring a physical Bible with you, turn off your smartphone, and read through it. I bet you will discover many truths for yourself, and the words of the Psalmer will echo in your soul: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheGospelOfLuke #TheActsofTheApostles #TheScripture #ReadTheBible #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

I read this book two years ago and wrote something (sort of) about this issue too, READ HERE

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Holiness Provokes Hatred

"Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’" (John 15:23-25, NIV) #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #JesusHolinessProvokesHatred

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The Preacher's Portrait: Some New Testament Word Studies (1961) by John Stott, Book Review

 

The Preacher's Portrait: Some New Testament Word Studies (1961) by John Stott

A book like this must be read with a pen and paper at hand. When Stott writes, I better listen. His writings, especially a superb commentary on 2 Timothy, have been parts of God's instruments that changed my life and draw me closer to the God of the Bible and quench my thirst for His Word. Stott writes clearly (not as an academic scholar but as a loving "Uncle John"), biblically (or should I say, exegetically), and humbly (in the preface he reminds his readers, "I do not pose as an expert, I am far from it"). Yes, I realize some controversies surrounding Stott during his lifetime and even after he died in 2011. Most are false, some are questionable, one or two are plausible. I admire Stott but never in my right mind believe what he wrote is infallible. I echo what Peter said to the Lord Jesus Christ, "You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Only Jesus and His words are infallible - and inerrant.

When Stott was asked during an interview, "What do you believe about the state of preaching today?" Without a pause, he said, "Miserable!" (watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/eXpY0IPYxcE). I miserably agree. Preachers today become celebrities; preaching becomes entertainment, and motivational speaking and marketing strategy filled the pulpits. Or look at our social media ministries. The message of Memikul Salib Kristus have become self-help advice Menjadi Orang Berjaya dan Sukses and minimize into trivial "Bolehkah Orang Kristian Bertatu?" 😒 What a downgrade! What have we become? Since 1961 through this book (then later in 1982, when he also wrote I Believe In Preaching), John Stott keeps urging us to return to Biblical preaching.

"We need," states Stott, "to gain in the Church today a clearer view of God's revealed ideal for the preacher, what he is, and how he is to do his work. So I shall be considering his message and his authority, the character of the proclamation he is called to make, the vital necessity of his own experience of the Gospel, the nature of his motive, the source of his power, and the moral qualities which should characterize him, notably humility, gentleness, and love. This, I suggest, is the preacher's portrait, a portrait painted by the hand of God Himself on the broad canvas of the New Testament." In short, the preacher is 1) A Steward, 2) A Herald, 3) A Witness, 4) A Father, and 5) A Servant. At first, I wanted to just share summary outlines of what Stott writes about each word. But then again, maybe I'll pass. If this review sparks your interest, you'll find ways to search for it online or better - buy the book! 😉

I was listening to an interview in Open Book Podcast when Stephen Nichols asked John MacArthur about one of the books that influence him the most in his early years as pastor. Yes, one of them is The Preacher's Portrait. He said, "By the time I was through that book, I knew I could never do anything in a pulpit - in my life - except explain the Scripture." The impact of this book is evident 💪 ✍📖 #1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #JohnStott #BiblicalPreaching #PreacherAndPreaching #GodsWordAutority

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Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know (2005) by Wayne Grudem, Book Review

 

Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know (2005) by Wayne Grudem

When I first saw Grudem's classic Systematic Theology (1,290 pages) in our central office library, I said to myself someday I will read it. But that day was delayed and the book is already gone. Then, I came across a condensed version of that book entitled Bible Doctrine (528 pages) in a bookstore. "When I received my salary," I promised, "I will buy it." But by the end of the month, that too has gone with the wind. Only during second-hand bookfair in Kuching that I get to get this book, Christian Beliefs (157 pages), a condensed version of the condensed version of Systematic Theology. This experience makes me believe in the doctrine of election 🤣

When I read this book, I felt like I want to skip some of the chapters because I thought I already knew much about the subjects and wanted to just focus on the unfamiliar and controversial doctrines. Thank God, He makes me realized my pride. So I determined to read the entire book anyway. I've learned and relearned so much. Do not let the brevity of each chapter fool you. The two intentional qualities that Dr. Grudem wanted to keep in this book, namely, "clarity and application to life", really what makes this book valuable. To me, he already achieves these qualities (like 90%). And although I wish he can expand more on certain subjects such as atonement, adoption, predestination, and eschatology, I understand that he can't do it all in detail in this short book (that's why I need to get Systematic Theology!). What I'm grateful for, however, are the main Bible references that I can check for myself and three application questions at the end of each chapter. Very helpful 😊👍

By the way, do not let the words like 'Biblical’, theology' and 'doctrine' intimidate you. The knowledge of God is not reserved for theologians or scholars or pastors only. Regardless of your profession or vocation, as long as you're a believer a.k.a. Christ-follower, try your best to learn at least the basics. "Knowing and understanding basic Christian beliefs is important for every Christian," assured Dr. Grudem. "People who don't know what the Bible teaches will have no ability to distinguish truth from error, and they will be like 'children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine' (Ephesians 4:14). But Christians who have a solid foundation will be more mature, will not easily be led astray, will have better judgment, and will 'have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil' (Hebrews 5:14)."

We are living in the last days. False prophets, false teachers, and antichrists are everywhere. With the help of the Holy Spirit, equip yourself. Read your Bible and learn solid Biblical teachings... Winter is coming... Be prepared... 🙏⚡📢 #ServeToLead #1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #WayneGrudem #ChristianBeliefs #EveryoneAreTheologians

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Angelus' Quote: Pray! Pray! Pray!

 

It is natural to pray for healing for loved ones. It is Biblically sound to do so. And most of the time our first reaction to sickness is to pray for healing and miracle. I did the same too and I can understand that. But I was thinking, is healing the best solution for every sickness? I don't think so. The best solution is the prayer of submission like our Lord Jesus Christ, "Not my will but Yours [Father's will] be done."

It doesn't mean you shouldn't be praying for healing or asking the Father to do a miracle (before that Jesus prayed, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me...") but after you pour out your heart, at the end of the day you must submit to His will. Sometimes dying is better than healing. I was thinking too why don't we also pray for the salvation of the ones we loved and witness to them about the Gospel. We almost have no time praying for the sinners who, when they die without Christ, will go to Christ-less eternity 🙏⚡📖 #ServeToLead #GodsWill #HealingOrDying

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God Is My Father Series: The Names of God (Part 1)

We all need to see God as majestic, powerful, and awesome. We need to know more and more about who God is in all of His various aspects and attributes. In this series, however, I would like to focus on one of the names of God, namely, the Father, in which He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Once you know and believe that God is your Father, your life will never be the same! ⚡ #ServeToLead #GodIsMyFather #TheNamesOfGod #YouCanKnowHim #SpiritualLeader

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Personal Retreat: Father, Do You Love Me?

"Good leaders," says John C. Maxwell, "ask great questions." I went up NOT to ask for a petition or request or intercession prayer. I don't come with needs or wants or pleas. These are important, but not as important as what I came for. I came to ask God one question: "Father, do you love me?"

Often in ministry and personal life, we try to both 'proof' and 'prove' that we love Him. Really, in actions, we actually ask for approval from others, 'What will people think about me? My ministry?' Thus we serve from the point of insecurity and people-pleasing attitude. We need to ask this question: "Father, do you love me?" The Father said to the Son before He did any public ministry: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life" (Mark 1:11). Jesus doesn't need to 'proof' or 'prove' that He is worthy - He is. So, when people criticized or accused falsely against Him, He was secure. So ask, "Father, do you love me?" At the end of the day, it's not those who say "I love God" will go to heaven, it’s those whom God says, "I know you... Come" (read Matthew 7:21-23).

The Catholic Memorial & Pilgrimage Centre Mount Singai, Bau, Sarawak is not the only place to ask this question, it can be anywhere. I choose it because it is quiet and peaceful :)

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From Ruth to Rich: There Is One Thing that Is Stronger Than Sin

As I read late Billy Graham’s Just As I Am (1997) autobiography, I’m encouraged by his wife, Ruth Bell, for her life, support, and works in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ministry. About Ruth, Billy writes, “God gave Ruth many, many gifts, one of which was writing.” I agree. In this series, I try to imagine (one of God’s greatest gifts to humankind) what would Ruth Bell says to encourage young man like me – and perhaps, you. I hope you enjoy it!

Dear son, Rich,

I feel the urge to write to you about the love of God, the strongest love there is. You see, to save us from eternal death, God had to give the very life of His Son, Jesus Christ. God would send His Son to earth as a human baby too weak to lift up His own head. He would learn how to crawl, how to stand, how to run.

When He had grown to manhood, He would bring men back to the God whom they had forgotten. He would tell them: “The Lord our God loves you” (see John 3:16), “You must love Him with all your heart and soul and mind and strength” (see Matthew 22:37), and “You must love others as much as you love yourself” (see Matthew 22:39). Then He would show them, as well as tell them, what God meant by “love” when He fed the hungry, healed the sick and made the blind see.

Finally, He would show them the greatest love of all: He would die for them so that the way to God would be opened. After that, no matter how far a person wandered, no matter how big the sin, there would still be this way back to God. For love like this would be stronger than sin – stronger than death itself.pray

Remember the Bible that I and your dad bought for you? Look for Romans 5:6-8 that we underline for you: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Pray, my son, pray: Thank you Father, for sending Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I will tell others of His great sacrifice so that they may find new life through Him. Amen.

Your dad and I miss you,

Ruth

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Knowing God as My Father Series: From Slave to Child, from Child to Heir (Part 4)

We called God, our Father – Abba Father (the same way children called their father dad or daddy but more). It conveyed the idea of a sense of closeness, affection, and confidence which had not been present before we know God of the Scriptures. Now, to continue the previous article [to read CLICK HERE], the second time the name Abba appears in the Scripture is in Galatians 4:6. To set the context, I quote Galatians 4:4-7: "[But] when the right time came, God sent his Son, born a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.' Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir."

This passage declares that God sent the Son’s Spirit to us to make us want to relate to God as our Abba. Is it remarkable that we believers have been so slow to respond to this, so slow to call God Abba. Note the progression mentioned in this passage. God, through the Son, bought us out of slavery. But He didn't keep us as slaves or possessions (even though He "buy freedom for us"). God adopted us into the family and called us His "very own children." This is Good News! At least, it is good news for me. My father has left my family when I'm still studying at university. It is painful every year during Father's Day because I don't really have a biological father to celebrate with. As for me, God knows that need very well. When God adopted me, He did not keep me – and you – emotionally isolated from Himself. He offered and still offers His love. God desires a close relationship with us, so He draws near and nearer to us and allows us to call Him Abba.

But God doesn't stop there! God has not just adopted us. Through His limitless grace, He has done a much more amazing work. We have been transformed from slaves to children, and from children to heirs (the literal meaning of heir is "someone who has been appointed to receive an inheritance." Taken from www.gotquestion.com). God has made us more than stepchildren, He has actually shared the inheritance of the Son with us, the former slaves. In short, that inheritance consists of the fullness and completeness in God – unimaginable, yes – that's the whole point!

I remember a life story that my student told me. His dad had died very suddenly when he was about 7 years old and so he lived with his mother. He had been a very sensitive and somewhat clingy child. But the loss of his dad, the financial burden and the fact that his mother having to work, leave him to spent most of the day with his grandmother. This made him extremely dependent and timid, mama's boy. Sometime later, his mother married a godly man (that was the exact description he used for his step-father). He remembered one day when he was playing with his new father, he said, "Catch me, daddy!" as he jumped out of a tree into his arms. His eyes teared down, "Brother Richard, my dad has made a big difference in my life, my personality and in my manhood."

Wow! If Jesus Christ, the Son, is your Lord and Saviour, then God is your Father. This is not just a spiritual fact, consciously you must realize that intellectually and emotionally that God is your heavenly Father – Abba Father. No matter how old or either you have a biological father or not, good or bad, we all need a spiritual and emotional relationship with God our Father. Surely, it will make a huge difference in your life.

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Knowing God as My Father Series: Where Did Jesus Go When He Was Distressed, Troubled and Depressed? (Part 3)

We called God, our Father – Abba Father (the same way children called their father dad or daddy). It conveyed the idea of a sense of closeness, affection, and confidence which had not been present before we know God through Jesus Christ, the Son. In my observation, the name Abba represents an aspect of our relationship with God that has been overlooked in much of the teaching we have heard about God today. The word ab (Hebrew) is used in the Old Testament for father and the word paterno (Greek) is used in the New Testament for father-parent with only three exceptions. Those exceptions are the three times when God the Father is called Abba (Aramaic). This is the name that Jesus used when he called out to God.

The first time [the other two I will share in the next blog posts] we find Abba used is in Mark 14:36. Let's look at the surrounding verses to understand the context and background involved in this use of the word: "They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, ‘Sit here while I go and pray.' He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. ‘Abba Father,' he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.' Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?" (Mark 14:32-37a, NLT).

Jesus described himself to his best friends as "deeply troubled and distressed" and "grief to the point of death." Depression? These were his closest friends – his inner circles – the ones with whom he shared his deepest, most private hurts and fears. But at the time when Jesus was greatly depressed, they fell asleep. Like many people, I've experienced times in my life when I too was very distressed and deeply grieved ("Killed me, Lord!" I once said, like Prophet Elijah). But Jesus' pain was worse than yours and mine and – to add to the pain – his friends failed to act like real friends! They had always been ready when Jesus wanted to give and bless them. But when he needed them, they were emotionally absent.

This left Jesus the Man emotionally needy and alone, facing future physical torture, accusations, betrayal, and mockery. He was being rejected by his own followers and by the religious leaders, his own people. He will be facing certain, slow and painful death. Yet worst of all, he knew he would be separated from God. He will bear the sins of the world! Jesus knew (we also knew as we read the Scripture) that even God would turn away from him at that time. Where did Jesus go under anguish and pressure like that? To whom he turned to? Jesus fell down to the ground and cried out, "Abba Father." What intimacy, what affection, what closeness this was! It is emotionally moving to imagine how real was Jesus' pain and need… but at the same time, it is magnificently blessed to know (too) how real God's Fatherhood is! This is beyond awesome, this is a joy!

Pray to your Abba Father.

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