The Royal Path of Reading #LeadersAreReaders March 2022

In the late 1800s, a six hundred pages book entitled, The Royal Path of Life, written by T. L. Haines and L. W. Yaggy, M.S became popular both in the refined East and in the pioneer West (Thank you Pustaka Library for making this book available). It is filled with great maxims, observations, and homespun wisdom. Here are some parts from the chapter entitled Reading:

"There are four classes of readers. The first is like the hourglass; and its reading being on the sand, it runs in and runs out and leaves no vestige behind. A second is like a sponge, which imbibes everything, and returns it in the same state, only a little dirtier. A third is like a jelly bag, allowing all that is pure to pass away, and retaining only the refuse and dregs. The fourth is like the slaves in the diamond mines of Golconda, who, casting aside all that is worthless, obtain only pure gems.

"One's reading is, usually, a fair index of his character... 'A man is known,' it is said, 'by the company he keeps.' It is equally true that a man's character may be, to a great extent, be ascertained by knowing what books he reads.

"Master your reading, and let it never master you. Then it will serve you with ever-increasing fidelity. Only read books aright, and they will charge your mind with the true electric fire. Take them up as among your best friends; and every volume you peruse will join the great company of joyous servitors who will wait around your immortal intellect. Then, too, your daily character will bear the signatures of the great minds you commune with in secret. And, as the years pass on, you will walk in the light of an ever-enlarging multitude of well-chosen, silent, but never-erring guides.

"To read with profit, the books must be of a kind calculated to inform the mind, correct the head, and better the heart. These books should be read with attention, understood, remembered, and their precepts put into practice. It depends less on number than quality. One good book, well understood and remembered, is of more use than to have a superficial knowledge of fifty, equally sound. Books of the right character produce reflection and induce investigation. They are a mirror of the mind, for the mind to look in. Of all the books ever written, no one contains so instructive, so sublime, and so great a variety as the Bible. Resolve to read three chapters each day, for one year, and you will find realities there, more wonderful than any pictures of fiction that have been drawn by the penciling of the most practiced novel writer in the dazzling galaxy of ancient or modern literature."

Here are my sort-of book reviews for this month:

1) The Spirit-Filled Life: Restoring A Biblical Understanding and Experience of the Holy Spirit (1895, 2019) by John MacNeil, CLICK HERE

2) Leadership Language: Using Authentic Communication To Drive Results (2018) by Chris Westfall, CLICK HERE

3) Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ (1996) by Robert H. Stein, CLICK HERE

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheRoyalPathOfLife #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Leadership Language: Using Authentic Communication To Drive Results (2018) by Chris Westfall, Book Review

If I read Mr. Westfall rightly, I think the main thesis of this book can be summed up in this statement: "Leadership is about doing the right things for the clients you serve." By "client" he means more than an external client, namely, someone who buys your products and services but also included internal client, namely, someone on your team, broad of director, vendor, supplier, boss, and even your family and friends. In short, someone whom you serve. "Your client is the source of your success," he wrote, "Your ability to deliver results, your ability to generate revenue, your ability to advance in your career, your ability to grow your business - it all comes from your clients." Then he added, "Your personal success - in all aspects of your life, not just in business - hinges on what you create WITH, THROUGH, and FOR OTHERS."

But then, I asked, what does he mean by Leadership Language? This illustration helped me a lot: Mr. Westfall asked his super-smart Millennial engineer coaching client from Hungary who can speak five languages, "Erik, why are we speaking English today?" His client said, "Because that's the only language you understand." Erik was speaking Mr. Westfall's language. Leadership language speaks your client's language. A language of words demonstrated in actions, and delivering an impact that can't be denied! Let's say one of my leadership strengths is creativity. This is useless on its own unless I use it to serve my clients. So, I need to think about how can I deliver this strength practically and in my actions. Then, I also need to ask myself, "How can my client be better off from my service?" Putting concepts into action for the clients you serve and the ability to see what the clients need and then deliver it is the path to creating real impact and authentic communication. This is the 'language' that those who follow your lead CAN understand.

This concept of leadership is interesting and essential. Although there are things that I might disagree with and couldn't relate to what Mr. Westfall was communicating (two of them are his simplistic view of human nature and overuse of high-level business examples that I can't relate to), I think overall this is a good book on everyday leadership not just in business. It's an easy read, with very engaging stories and dozens of valuable insights such as The Ten (10) Leadership Factors that he explains throughout the entire pages of the book. To know more, read this book... Or, like me, borrow it from the library! :)

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LeadershipLanguage #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Derailed: Five Lessons Learned from Catastrophic Failures of Leadership (2009) by Timothy Irwin, Book Review

Derailed: Five Lessons Learned from Catastrophic Failures of Leadership (2009)

by Timothy Irwin, PhD

Derailment means "off the rails." To be a derailed leader means to fall short of inner character that result in outer disaster. Maybe it's better to say that a derailed leader is not a ‘leader' after all. In the second section of this book, Irwin, a consultant on leadership development, shares about six famous leaders who greatly derailed, namely: Robert Nardelli, Carly Fiorina, Durk Jager, Steven Heyer, Frank Raines & Dick Fuld. Irwin doesn't shame these six high profile leaders because their derailments are known to the public and were reported from respected media. In their cases, fraud was not the reason. "What ultimately caused the derailment of the individuals profiled in upcoming chapters was a failure of character!" write the author. "The big lesson is that no matter how brilliant, charming, strategic or commanding in the presence a leader is, the consequences of a failed character are extraordinary disabling and will bring down even the strongest among us."

But ultimately, this book is not about them… it's about us – you and me, especially we who are in a leadership position and/or authority. It's about how we can avoid derailment and recognize the early warnings of it. As Patrick Lencioni, the author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, warned, "No one is immune from the derailment." I take the message of this book seriously and I thank Irwin for making it clear, urgent and essential for aspiring leaders like me. I've been to the dark valley of my character flaw. I went to prison because of it. A minor crime, I assure you, but a serious lack of character issue. If Irwin knew me (and if I'm famous), I can have a long profile chapter in this book! How did derailment happen? First, we must understand that it's a process. A slow but sure progression. Stage 1: A Failure of Self/Other-Awareness > Stage 2: Hubris, Pride Before the Fall > Stage 3: Missed Early Warning Signals > Stage 4: Rationalizing > and then, of course, Stage 5: Derailment.

Why did derailment happen? As Tim Irwin already says: a failure of character. Most good leaders have high IQ but most fallen leaders have low CQ (Character Quotient). "Character is the foundation of great leadership. We have to get this right to stay on track." There are three (3) tests of character: 1) Does the leader have a strong moral/ethical guidance system that functions well in ambiguous situations? 2) Does the leader make decisions just for expediency? And 3) Does the leader handle adversity with grace? To "stay on track" is an exercise of character. Tim Irwin outlines four character-based qualities that can help leaders to do just that:

#1 Authenticity (My strength that can be my weakness too)

#2 Self-Management (Very essential. Leader leads him/herself first)

#3 Humility (remind me of Lencioni's values: Smart, Hungry and Humble)

#4 Courage (I love the story of his father, Jim Irwin)

In the last section of this book, Irwin shares some practical suggestions, tips and axioms. He lists Five Critical Lessons In Leadership and Five Critical Habits of the Heart. To know about it, you have to read this book. It's worth the price and your time (by the way, I bought it during the sale for only RM10!). I fully recommend it. Although for me it comes in a bit late – remember I shared with you about my derailment incident – I'm glad that I learned from it quickly. I resolve by God's grace and guidance that I want to improve my character personally and as a leader. As Tim Irwin closes this book: "We must keep intense light on our character as well as continue to become more and more competent at what we do."

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

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3 Questions to Know If the Man You're With (or Will Be With) Is Bullshit or Authentic

I can't create three questions to know if the woman you're with is authentic or not, but I can - based on experience, observation and as a man myself - tells you how to know if the man you're with is BS or not. Ask these questions:

#1 What makes him angry? Not if he angry or not. If he never gets angry, he's one short of a warrior. Anger shows where his heart is. Anger reveals his innermost desires and attention. When he's angry, does his anger due to what people do to him or to others? Anger at unrighteousness, injustice, and bullies is righteous anger. If his anger is selfish and self-centered, leave him!

#2 What are his 'secret' disciplines? To know this, you need to get into deep with him. Observes how he spend his time, energy and dealing with people. It's not what he said to you, it's what he didn't say to you but leave clues when you observe it intensely. Is he wiser than yesterday, is he more empathetic, is he confess his shortcomings as fast as showing you his strengths? All of these are the product of 'secret' disciplines. If you're a Christian, it means his prayer life, meditating the Word of God and attitude of generosity.

#3 How he uses his money? It's not about how much he earns or paycheck. The most visible way to know what's in a man's (and your) heart is to know where his money goes.

____________

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Likeable Business (2013) by Dave Kerpen, Book Review

Likeable Business: Why Today’s Consumers Demand More and How Leaders Can Deliver (2013)
by Dave Kerpen with Theresa Baun and Valerie Pritchard

Dave Kerpen ends this book with Seth Godin’s quote but I’ll put it at the beginning: “How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?” All individual is inherently likeable said Dave. With all the advancements and accomplishments in the world today especially in technology and social media, it is easier (high probability, great potential) for us “to be remarkable” – and at the same time, unlikeable, too. Before I read this book, I asked myself, why likeable is important? Can’t business just be… business? Who cares about some complaining customers? After I read the introduction of this book, I changed my mind. “In hyper-connected, social media-driven society,” explain Dave, “businesses can no longer afford to be mediocre. Businesses large or small must be obsessed with their customers, making and keeping them happy.” When I read about how one angry customer, Dave Carroll, damaging United Airlines’ reputation and stock price by uploaded a video onto YouTube (over 12 million views) because United breaks his guitar and treated him rudely, I’m ready to learn to be likeable.

It seems scary that one disgruntled customer could negatively impact a business. Scary yes, but this is also good news. If one person can damage a reputation and stock price with just one negative feedback on social media, imagine what one or more customers share positive recommendations. “Stories of customer service failures can spread quickly,” writes Dave, “so can stories of going above and beyond to delight your customers.” Agree! There are three (3) reasons why I LIKE this book: 1) Although Dave admits that the 11 principles that he outlines in this book are not new, he makes it interesting by sharing stories, personal examples and straight to the point anecdotes that even a non-marketing background person like me can understand; 2) Each chapter and subchapter is broken up into bite-sized chunk for easy reading and to come back to if you’re a busy person, and 3) Action items at the end of every chapter are very helpful to apply the principle. Here are the 11 Principles of Likeable Business that together make for more likeable leaders and better, more customer-centric organizations:

#1 Listening: One Mouth, Two Ears, Many Opportunities. “Listening is the foundation of any good business.”

#2 Storytelling: Tell, Don’t Sell. “A likeable leader has a strong vision and purpose and always has stories to see that vision.”

#3 Authenticity: Just Be Yourself. “Likeable leaders are transparent about who they are online, merging their personal and professional life together.”

#4 Transparency: The Truth Shall Set You Free. “Openness and honesty lead to happier staff and customers – and a happier you.”

#5 Team Playing: There’s No ‘I’ in Team (or Culture). “Letting others shine, encouraging innovative ideas, and following other rules for working in teams will help you become a more likeable leader.”

#6 Responsiveness: Taking Listening One Step Further. “Responding shows you care and gives your customers and employees a say, allowing them to make a positive impact on your company.”

#7 Adaptability: Change or Perish. “Stubbornness is no longer desirable. Instead, humility and the willingness to adapt mark a great leader.”

#8 Passion: Love the Work You’re With. “People who are able to bring passion to their business have a remarkable advantage, as that passion is contagious to customers and colleagues alike.”

#9 Surprise and Delight: Every Mistake Is an Opportunity. “Likeable leaders underpromise and overdeliver, assuring that customers and staff are surprised in a positive way.”

#10 Simplicity: Be Simply Human. “The world is more complex than ever before, and yet what customers often respond to best is simplicity – in design, form, and function.”

#11 Gratefulness: The ROI (Return on Investment) of ‘Thank You.’ “Likeable leaders are ever grateful for the people who contribute to their opportunities and successes.”

Meg Cadoux Hirshber, author and entrepreneur, writes this praise for Likeable Business: “This important, persuasive book will change the way you think about and operate your business. Anyone who hopes to lead successfully in the twenty-first century needs to read this book.” Amen. With that, I must return back this book to the state library, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, hoping that another reader will be blessed like I do. Can’t wait to incorporate these principles into my new small (perhaps smaller) business – online bookstore. By the way, do you want to buy great and valuable books? CLICK HERE.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Billy Graham's Crisis of Faith: Could the Bible be Trusted Completely?

Currently, I'm reading Billy Graham autobiography's Just As I Am (1997). It is a thick book and I feel like an awesome-nerd when I read it in public. I was taken aback when I read about Graham's crisis of faith. Just like what I went through early in this year. So inspiring and good to know that giant of faith like Billy Graham have had that moment too. It starts when Charles Templeton, a fellow evangelist, and friend, became skeptical about the authority of the Bible and less than a year later Charles (or Chuck) declared publicly that he had become an agnostic. What it does to Graham is contagious. Here is his personal account of that issue:

"My very faith was under siege. For one thing, my friend and partner… Chuck Templeton… and [I] discovered that he was undergoing serious theological difficulties, particularly concerning the authority of the Scriptures. My respect and affection for Chuck were so great that whatever troubled him troubled me also… The particular intellectual problem I was wrestling with… was the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. Seeming contradictions and problems with interpretation defied intellectual solutions, or so I thought. Could the Bible be trusted completely?"

"Feeling a little hypocritical, I began an intensive study of this question. I read theologians and scholars on all sides of the issue. I also turned to the Bible itself. Paul had written to Timothy, ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). (I knew that the New Testament Greek term that translates as ‘inspiration' literally meant ‘God-breathed writings.') There was an impenetrable mystery to that concept, as with all things pertaining to God. Yet the basic meaning was clear: the Bible was more than just another human book…

"The Apostle Peter said, ‘For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost' (2 Peter 1:21, KJV). Jesus Himself said: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away' (Matthew 24:35, KJV). The internal testimony of the Scriptures to their own inspiration and authority was unequivocal. So was Jesus' own view of the Scriptures…

"I ached as if I were on the rack, with Miss Henrietta Mears stretching me one way and Chuck Templeton stretching me the other. Alone in my room one evening, I read every verse of Scripture I could think of that had to do with ‘thus saith the Lord.' I recalled hearing someone say that the prophets had used the phrase ‘the Word of the Lord said' (or similar wording) more than two thousand times. I had no doubts concerning the deity of Jesus Christ or the validity of the Gospel, but was the Bible completely true? If I was no exactly doubtful, I was certainly disturbed…

"I pondered the attitude of Christ toward the Scriptures. He loved those sacred writings and quoted from them constantly. Never once did He intimate that they could be wrong. In fact, He verified some of the stories in the Old Testament that we the hardest to believe, such as those concerning Noah and Jonah. With the Psalmist, He delighted in the law of the Lord, the Scriptures…

"As that night wore on, my heart became heavily burdened. Could I trust the Bible? With the Los Angeles Campaign galloping toward me, I had to have an answer. If I could not trust the Bible, I could not go on. I would have to quit the school presidency. I would have to leave pulpit evangelism. I was only thirty years of age. It was not too late to become a dairy farmer. But that night I believed with all my heart that the God who had saved my soul would never let go of me…

"I got up and took a walk. The moon was out… Dropping to my knees there in the woods, I opened the Bible at random on a tree trump in front of me. I could not read it in the shadowy moonlight, so I had no idea what text lay before me… The exact wording of my prayer is beyond recall, but it must have echoed my thoughts: ‘O God! There are many problems with it for which I have no solution. There are many seeming contradictions. There are some areas in it that do not seem to correlate with modern science. I can't answer some of the philosophical and psychological questions Chuck and others are raising…"

"I was trying to be on the level with God, but something remained unspoken. At last, the Holy Spirit freed me to say it. ‘Father, I am going to accept this as Thy Word – by faith! I'm going to allow faith to go beyond my intellectual questions and doubts, and I will believe this to be Your inspired Word'… When I got up from my knees at Forest Home that August night, my eyes stung with tears. I sensed it in months. My all my questions were answered, but major bridge had been crossed. In my heart and mind, I knew a spiritual battle in my soul had been fought and won."

[Quote above is taken from Just As I Am (1997) by Billy Graham published by HarperCollins Worldwide from page 159-160, 162-164. Edited without permission.]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Leaders Set the Example: Be Vulnerable, Don't Be Super-Christians and Builld Trust

You can set the example by sharing your own personal needs and problems with those in your group. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that we should boast in our weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon us (not the negative or fake humility kind). When we are open about areas of struggle we have had and share how the Lord has given us grace and strength to conquer by His Word, it causes us to be transparent. By making ourselves ‘perfect’ Christian, we open ourselves to the enemy in the area of pride. People we are serving feel as though they are with super-Christian and they will be close.

I asked the small group Bible Study members one day if anyone had any difficulties they were facing that the group could pray with them about. Everyone said they were fine. Then I took a few minutes and shared some difficulties in my own lives and asked for prayer. Amazingly, everyone in the group had a personal prayer requests! By being vulnerable, the others in the group then felt free to be open with their lives.

We can minister much effectively by showing the people in our group what the Word of God says rather than by giving then our own opinions. If you don’t have the answer, don’t fake it. Tell them honestly that you don’t know but that you will help them find the answer. Leaders should not give strong advice or correction to a person they do not know very well (unless they are clearly led by the Holy Spirit). Much patience is needed before attempting to correct someone’s faults. Simply continue to love and care from them, and many times they will come to you for advice and help. They will see in you an example of how they themselves want to be.

True leaders will take time – all the time that is necessary – to build good, trusting relationships with people. We must build relationships not only within the setting of the group meeting, but also outside the meeting as well. Through informal time spent in social interaction outside of the meeting context, the time will eventually come when you will feel free to speak into the lives of the people in your group because of the trust that has been established. If you don’t have a relationship with the people in your group, it will be very difficult for them to receive advice or correction or teaching from you. Think about it.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus is Not Against Denominations But For Oneness in Him (Mark 9:38-42)

“’Teacher,’ said John, ‘we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.’ ‘Do not stop him,’ Jesus said. ‘For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:38-42, NIV).

I’m not sure which ‘John’ was talking to our Lord Jesus here. I assumed the young apostle John. I think John was really shook up. He saw someone else minister to people in Jesus’ name then he tried to shut him down because “he was not one of us” or “he wasn’t in our group” (The Message). ‘Hey, you can’t do that,’ I imagine John might have said today. ‘You’re not an ordained minister. Besides, you didn’t exorcise the demon our way; you don’t dress like we do and you didn’t sing gospel songs like we do.’ What I hear Jesus might saying in His reply is: ‘It’s okay John. Just because he’s not in your denomination doesn’t mean he isn’t one of My disciples. The important thing isn’t that he be in our group but that he minister in My name.’ Really, Jesus said: “Do not stop him.”

There are a lot of people around today who think as John thought. We know the Bible says that all believers are one in Christ, but we are pretty suspicious of anybody who doesn’t believe in Jesus exactly the way we were taught (Just like a young Richard). Here, Jesus pointed out two reasons why John and other disciples should not stop anyone to use His name: 1) No one doing miracles in His name will turn against Him (v.39); and 2) Anyone who isn’t against Him and His disciples are supporters not saboteurs (v.40).

Steven, Gibreson and Oliver are all Christians. Each confess Jesus to be the Lord and Saviour of his life and all three are filled with the Holy Spirit. Steven’s church (Catholic) has an altar and crucifix; the congregation sings anthems for worship; the bishops serve wine for communion and baptize by sprinkling. Gibreson’s church (Anglican) has a foyer and choir loft; the congregation sings hymns in worship; the ministers serve grape juice for communion and baptize by having water pour on head or fully immersed in water. Oliver’s church (BEM/SIB) meets in a simple-decorated room, the believers sing contemporary songs, and the elders serve apple cider for communion and baptise in a river by immersion. When these three guys attended Christian Fellowship as students, they could do one of two things: 1) Avoid each other suspiciously and seek fellowship with their own ‘kind’ only or; 2) Set their denominational distinctive aside and focus on their oneness in Christ. Jesus’ Word in Mark 9:38-42 leads me to believe that He preferred the latter.

It’s important for Jesus’ followers around the world to appreciate one another differences - their church traditions and methods – to link hands and hearts as one in Christ. As long as someone claims a relationship with the Father through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and committed to the truth of God’s Word, there are common ground upon which to build a relationship. We must not boast to have exclusive right to certain teaching and ministry methods. We are not to let modes of worship or denominational distinctive separate us as family in Christ. Let us enjoy and appreciate the variety of people who follow Jesus – our brothers and sisters in faith. Let us not cause anyone “to stumble” but together we must encourage one another. Amen.

*Of course, Jesus doesn't encourage denomination either.
For denominational is human invention. 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Is Concerns about What You Believe: Be Open and Closed (1 John 4:4-6)

The false prophet said that the people were being "slain in the spirit." But there is no such term as "slain in the spirit" in the Bible. Anyone who had really been 'slain' by the Spirit was Ananias and his wife (Acts 5:1-11)... but they died.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people [false prophets], because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception”

(1 John 4:4-6, NLT, bracket mine).

[Read previous posts to know the context of this text]

The Apostle John now turns to talk about the audiences that listen to true and false teachers. Each verse in this text begins with a strong word: “You” (verse 4), “They” (verse 5), and “We” (verse 6). Here John reminds his readers that they need not fear the heretic or the false prophets with the false spirits, since Jesus Christ has all power over evil. Because of Jesus we “already won a victory” and through Him, the Holy Spirit lives in us. As for now, the false teachers are flourishing. Why? Because they “speak from the world’s viewpoint” mixed with Christianize messages. Because the false prophets speak what people want to hear, “the world listens to them.” But not so with us – we “belong to God.” We only want (and should) listen to “the truth about Jesus” of the Bible (4:3). In the long run, the false teachers cannot win. We have the greater power in us, greater than the one who rules the present world.

False teachers are obviously not of God but are of the world. Such people may act well and look religious. They sometimes act like good people (some even quite sincere), speak nicely, and well behave externally. But on the inside, they don’t know God and are full of lies. It’s all a cover-up, temporary masks designated to fool people. They preach “prosperity”, “hyper-grace,” “health and wealth”, “positive confession” and the opposite of them all – “legalistic Law.” False teachers appear to look like men and women of God, but actually they have “the spirit of deception”! They are only interested in your money, applause from people, fame, and names for themselves. People who are not true believers will flock to listen to these false teachers because they rather “follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). On the other hand, those who believe in God will listen to the sound and wholesome Christian message (as opposed to 2 Timothy 4:3). They are open to the truth because God’s Spirit helps them to listen and understand it.  

So we can test the spirits (1 John 4:1) not only by their message but also by the kind of audience that listens to them. If people who are not interested in God or His Word are following a particular person of belief, the teacher is probably not of God. But if the followers are open to God’s Word and want to learn more about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, it is more likely that God’s Spirit is involved. ”That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.”

To sum up, the Apostle John is telling us how concerned he is – because Lord Jesus is concerned –that we must be very careful about what we believe. There are all kinds of faiths and religions in this world – from those that mostly talk only to those that mostly emphasis on feelings, from the most simpleton to the most complex and bizarre. Thus, if we are open to learning we may find ourselves being led astray from what is true since some false religions try to look and act so much like the true Christian faith. Friends, we must be careful not to be gullible – believing everything we hear and see. “You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God” (1 John 4:1) or not. Just as there are fads in clothing and gadgets, there are fads and cults in religion. They are not all to be accepted or believed. Again, put everything to the test – be careful about what you believe. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Don't Wants Us to Believe Every Spirit but to Test Them all (1 John 4:1-3)

Only iPhone experts and careful users know which one is a real or fake/cloned iPhone.

“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here”

(1 John 4:1-3, NLT).

We know that the Holy Spirit is from God. And, since the times the Bible was written, some people claim that they alone can show God’s Spirit. The Apostle John here was writing to people who were dazzled by the unusual and the spectacular. They were misled by people who promised all kinds of miracles and wonders. Soon the Christians became confused about whether these wonders were from God or not. So we need to apply a test since not every spirit comes from God. Some spirits come from Satan rather than from God. So we must “test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.”

What is the test? John says that we know that the Spirit is from God “If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.” Jesus Christ really became flesh. Such Spirit is from God and will honor Him. Jesus “the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14).

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament comments 1 John 4: 1-3 (page 743):

“Judaism especially associated the Spirit of God with prophecy but acknowledged the existence of false prophets, who John says are moved by other spirits. His readers would understand his point; Jewish people were familiar with the idea of other spirits besides the Spirit of God. There were many pagan ecstatics in Asia Minor, as well as Jewish mystics claiming special revelations; the need for discernment would be acute.

            The issue may be the secessionists’ denial that Jesus has come as the Christ (if the opposition is Jewish); more likely it is a Docetic denial that Jesus was actually human and actually died, a heresy an eyewitness would be well positioned to refute. It may simply be a relativizing of Jesus’ role to the position of a prophet like John the Baptist, which allows enough compromise to avoid persecution. Whatever the error, the secessionists are claiming the authority of inspiration for it, as do some similar cults today. John does not deny the reality of inspiration; he merely denies that the spirit working in them is God’s Spirit.”

So, when we are talking with someone who claims to have “the truth about Jesus” or promises amazing results because of believing in particular teaching, we need to ask: “Where is Jesus in all of this? What do you really believe about Christ?” If a straight answer that shows honor and love for Biblical Christ is what we hear, then there’s a pretty good chance that the other person is a real Christian. But if the person gives indirect answers and avoids dealing with the question, be very careful; for such a person may be trying to lead you into false teachings. Avoid these people! Test the spirit! 

You will know false teachers by their fruit (the patterns of their lives).

But most important of all: Get to know the real Jesus.

Soak your mind and spirit with Jesus and His Word until you're so familiar with it,

that you can instantaneously know if the spirit is from God or not.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Is the Original Message: Remain Faithful to Him (1 John 2:24)

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us”
(1 John 2:24-25, NLT).

The Apostle John was concerned that some people may be led astray by those who do not love God or live as Christians. Same concern as I have for my students and youths today. In the Bible verse above he mentions a safeguard to help us when we’re not sure what to do or where to turn: “Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message” (a paraphrase). In other words, we should remember to “remain faithful” to what we have learned since we first heard about God – the Good News about Jesus Christ, the original Message (see John 1).

If we’re not sure about the truth of a particular religion, we should compare it to the message about Jesus Christ that we read in the New Testament, in the Christian Bible. Not the kind of quoting-verses reading but full-context reading. This is the best and most accurate test to see if it is true or not. The Apostle was seriously concerned about people who were interested only in the ‘latest’ spiritual ideas – the religious fads. I know many such people in person and thru social media. They are excited and very passionate to share these ‘latest’ spiritual ideas but once the ideas are outdated, they find something ‘new.’ They run from church to church or religion to religion to listen to something ‘new’ or to find a new spiritual ‘high’, especially in terms of feelings. They never seem satisfied with what they have or what they believe.

The other Christ’s disciples, such as Dr. Luke, as well as the Apostle Paul, were quite concerned about people who were searching for new ideas all the time. For example, the people in Athens were described by Luke as “seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas” (Acts 17:21). Paul also challenged the early Christians in this way: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you” (2 Timothy 4:3-5).

There are countless cults and other religions around us today, even in Malaysia. You can find articles and books on them, as well as people trying to share these beliefs at shopping center malls, local bookstores, restaurants, and food courts. Many of them even go from table to table, door to door to try to find converts. Stay away! Some of them even use our terms such as “God”, “sin”, “grace”, “Bible”, even “Jesus” etc. but their interpretations and meanings are very different from the true Biblical teachings. Some of their beliefs may be quite spectacular or unusual and arouse some interest in us. It’s one thing to learn about other religions to see how their beliefs are different from our own. But it’s more dangerous to consider making another faith our own.

Gently but firmly God reminds us to stay with what we have learned and heard “from the beginning” of the Christian faith. If we remain true to that message we “will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father”; to wander around in search of something else is to give up our faith in Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ, stay close and remain faithful to Jesus, Your Lord. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Wants Us to Beware of Antichrists and False Teachings (1 John 2:18-21)

Jesus said: “Watch out for false prophets. 

They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). 

“Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this, we know that the last hour has come. These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise, they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies”

(1 John 2:18-21, NLT).

The Apostle John is making a few startling comments here: First, there is “the Antichrist” who is coming; and second, many “antichrists” have already come! Don’t be confused. Let me try my best to clarify what is being written.

We might begin by asking what “the Antichrist” is. The term refers either to a person who opposes Christ (is “anti” Christ) or to a person who tries to take the place of Christ (“anti” also means “instead of”). Thus anyone who is against Jesus Christ, anyone who teaches false doctrine about Christ, and anyone who tries to take Christ’s place by claiming to be a new savior or messiah or redeemer, is an “antichrist.” Earlier, Jesus had warned about the coming of “false Christs and false prophets” who will do everything they can – even performing miracles and temporary healings – to deceive the Christians and lead them away from the true Christian faith (read Matthew 24:24). Some would even claim to be Christ himself (read Mark 13:6). These people can be called antichrists. John also says that some of the false teachers or antichrists had voluntarily “left our churches,” they were defectors. They “proved that they did not belong with us.” Good! They were the counterfeit Christians, those who looked and sounded like Christians but turned out not to be so.

People throughout history tried unsuccessfully to identify who this “the Antichrist” figure is. Some thought it was Nero. Later, some people thought the antichrist was Napoleon, then Adolph Hitler, or more recently, Barack Obama and even the Vatican Pope! But all of these thoughts proved to be wrong. To me, what we can learn from this is not to spend our energies (and Internet data to watch YouTube videos about this issue) to identify one Antichrist who is going to bring about the end of history and the return of authentic Christ. Instead, we should be aware of people and groups who in their own ways – whether quite directly or more subtly – try to convince people that they alone have all of “the truth,” “special knowledge,” and that they have a “special” relationship God which no one else can have. Let me tell you: All of us have access to knowledge of the truth – we can, I’m convinced, understand the essentials of faith.

God makes it clear in His Word that we can all know enough about our faith to be saved and live as believers. No matter know smart or dumb we may feel we are; no matter how many Bible verses we have memorized or how many details of Bible history we know, we can know enough to be God’s children; and that’s what really counts (but this is not an excuse to not read and study the Bible). The Scriptures remind us that we don’t need any “new truth,” that we have been told and know enough to help us “know the difference between truth and lies”; to know “what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, we have enough light to show us where to walk – if we choose to use it.

Imagine you have a flashlight in your hand as you walk down a dark, spooky street at night. If you don’t turn on the flashlight you won’t get the light you need to walk, but if you take advantage of the flashlight you will have enough light to show you the way and where to go. You have enough light (or knowledge or “the truth”) to tell you what to believe and do. Don’t look for “new” truth as it was being proclaimed by false teachers and prophets [In summary, there are 7 lies in the church today: 1) Overemphasis of prosperity, 2) exaggerated view of grace; 3) antinomianism; 4) deification of man; 5) challenging the authority of the Word; 6) rejecting the existing of actual hell; and 7) universal reconciliation] Stand firm. God “has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus: The Reason for Authentic Fellowship and the Source of Real Joy (1 John 1:3-4)

I am fully convinced that when Jesus eats and drinks, he is happy and joyful to be with.

“We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy” (1 John 1:3-4, NLT).

What Apostle John and his friends “we” saw and experienced was so powerful that they simply could not keep it to themselves. They were bursting to share the Good News about Jesus with other people (Do you have that bursting factor?). Once they had experienced this new life themselves, they wanted to share it with others. Keeping the Good News to ourselves limits the joy we can get compared to the joy we get when we share the News with others! John wants to share his new life in Christ with others. Christian goal is, according to John, “so that you may have fellowship with us.” The word fellowship means “to have in common,” to be close, and to have a group of people who accept and care for us.

Most people, I assume, hate the feeling of being lonely (This is different from being alone or in solitude, which can be a positive thing at times). To be lonely is to feel cut off or rejected or abandoned; it is a sad, depressed feeling. Thus, what is so amazing about this “fellowship” we can have in Christ as believers is that it is not only with each other, which is certainly Good News, but also a fellowship with God and Jesus, His Son – sharing life in common. God promises that we will never be alone in this life or ever. So, even if we feel cut off from other people we know that we are never really lonely. God is with us, no matter what!

Our fellowship, then, has two dimensions – with God (vertical fellowship) and with other believers (horizontal fellowship). As believers, you and I, are united with God forever; and we are also united with each other because of our common faith in Christ. Now let me make it clear that not all of us will have close relationships and fellowship with everyone, but we all have the potential for this fellowship. For some of us, sharing and being open come naturally. For others, being personal (sharing our thoughts and feelings) is kind of scary – so we hide it by being silent or avoiding or keeping others away from us. Don’t be like this.

John writes this matter of fellowship by saying that he is writing this letter to make his joy complete. In other words, he witnessed the Good News: the life, work, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then he responded to what he had seen by devoting his life to fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. And now he was going to have his joy completed by sharing this joyful fellowship with the church of all believers. God wants us to be joy-filled in the deepest sense of the word – a satisfaction that cannot be found anyplace else but in Jesus Christ. Such joy is not based on how many friends we have on Facebook or Twitter, but on the fact that God loves us as we are. God loves us – nothing more, nothing less. He sees through us with x-ray vision; our innermost thoughts and feelings are known to Him. And despite all of this. God really cares for us, just as we are. And on this basis, as we accept God’s love, we can experience the deepest kind of joy. We are loved, no more lonely – we belong!

Friends, all of us will have times when we will feel discouraged or depressed (At this writing I feel sad because some people misunderstood me). That is part of living. But those downtimes don’t need to shatter us; instead, we are equipped with the strength, love, and joy that God gives us. It is a joy that keeps on growing not only in this life but forever – “no one can rob you of that joy” (John 16:22). And this joy is not a phony-selfie-kind of joy that pastes a smile on people’s faces and makes them ignore their true feelings. Christians can be real people whose joyfulness becomes greater and greater. The aim of being Christian is to enjoy, be joyful in, and by enjoying Him forever. Our God, I believe, does not try to make us miserable or odd; instead, God wants us to be the happiest person in the world. And that’s what the rest of this letter is all about. Read it!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.