Reading In The Digital Era Still Matters #LeadersAreReaders June 2024

In the digital era, it might seem like YouTube is the best place to get information (at least for me). However, as writer and illustrator Tomie dePaola said, "Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything." While videos can help you grasp a topic quickly, they don't offer the deep understanding that reading does. One of the best examples I can think of is the wonderful overview videos of each book of the Bible by The Bible Project YouTube channel. These videos are great resources, but they can never replace the value of reading the Bible for ourselves.

Jim Kwik, a Brain Coach, said that multimedia's impact on learning is limited without reading as the foundation. Books, especially good ones that distill decades of experience, provide a depth that short videos can't match. Digital sources (with the exception of longer and in depth videos) are useful for starting your research and sparking your interest, but for true understanding, reading is essential. Maybe I'm in the minority... but I'm right, right? 

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Read and Found the Joy of Knowing Christ #LeadersAreReaders April 2024

I was reading one of powerful stories from Richard Wurmbrand's Tortured for Christ (1969) about how he witnessed to a Russian lady officer on the street during the communist period in Romania. "I know that it is impolite to accost an unknown lady on the street, but I am a pastor and my intentions are earnest. I wish to speak to you about Christ," Wurmbrand said as he approached her. She asked, "Do you love Christ?" "Yes!" he replied passionately, "From all my heart." She fell into his arms and kissed him again and again. It was an embarrassing situation to do this in public, so he kissed her back, hoping people would think they were relatives. She exclaimed joyfully, "I love Christ too!"

He then took her home to meet his wife and talked to her where it was safer. He read to her selected Scripture passages. Along the way, he discovered that she knew nothing (Biblical facts, Gospel stories, what the Saviour and salvation mean) about Christ - absolutely nothing - except the Name. And yet she loved Him. He wondered, "How can you love somebody if you know only his name?" When he inquired, she explained, "As a child, I was taught to read by pictures. For an 'a' there was an apple, for a 'b' there was a bell, for a 'c' a cat, and so on. When I went to high school, I was taught my holy duty to defend the communist fatherland. I was taught about communist morals. But I did not know what a 'holy duty' or 'moral' looked like. I needed a picture for these."

"Now I knew that our forefathers had a picture for everything beautiful, praiseworthy, and truthful in life," she continued. "My grandmother always bowed down before this picture, saying it was the picture of one called 'Cristos' (Christ). And I loved this name by itself. This name became so real to me! Just to say this name gave one such joy!" Wurmbrand commented in the book: "Listening to her, I remembered what is written in Philippians that at His Name every knee should bow. Perhaps, the anti-Christ will be able for a time to erase from the world the knowledge of God. But there is power in the simple Name of Christ (Jesus) and this will lead to the light."

That day, the lady officer found (and was found by) Christ in the pastor's home and since then, the One whose name she loved lived in her heart in person. So, what does this story have to do with reading books, especially the Scripture? The goal is to know the personhood of God, and the primary means, special revelation, is through the Book. Secondly, through books about the God of the Book. Read and be led to the light! May you find the joy of knowing Christ. From pictures to words to Person.

 #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #LeadersAreReaders #1Book1Week

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You TAKE Time, You MAKE Time, You HAVE Time to Read Books #1Book1Week December 2021

According to the Statista website,* the average time spent using the internet in Malaysia in the second and third quarters of 2017 was around 8.45 hours. That’s 35.2% of our existence! No doubt, most of the time spent is for doing works such as research, communications, and promotions (especially when you’re in the social media or IT-related business and marketing). How about time spent on social media? Approximately, the respondents in this survey stated that they used social networking (such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.) sites between 1 to 4 hours per day.

Let’s take the least time, say 1 hour per day of mindless scrolling, and match that with one of the most popular excuses of not reading books “I don’t have enough time!” (90%) and the answer is: YOU’RE LYING! (I hope that will not turn you off, but instead, it brings positive awareness to your conscious and subconscious mind. But then, who likes to be called a liar???). Ray Bradbury says, “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” Everyone knows reading is a good and crucial habit in personal development, so either you TAKE time to read or you MAKE time to read. The truth is you HAVE the time. Face the book more often than Facebook and you’ll be happier and smarter; The clock is ticking, so cut the TikTok; fight instant gratification and quit Instagram if you must (or if you're not that famous).

Jim Rohn, one of my favorite speakers in the past, said this: “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” It’s not about the number of books you read, it’s about ‘Are you hungry for knowledge?’ I like how Bertolt Brecht puts it: “Hungry man, reach for the book: it is a weapon.” Knowledge is not power. Knowledge is potential power. Knowledge plus action(s) is power. But how to take the right action if you don’t have the right knowledge? Read books. Redeem that precious 1 to 4 hours! #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

Here are my #1Book1Week for December 2021 CLICK THE TITLES to read my short comments and/or reviews:

1. The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus: Guard the Truth (1996) by John R. W. Stott
2. The Message of 2 Timothy: Guard the Gospel (1973, 1984) by John R. W. Stott
3. The Man They Crucified: A Portrait of Jesus (1975) by R. T. France
4. The Wisdom of Psychopaths (2012) by Kevin Dutton

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The Message of 2 Timothy: Guard the Gospel (1973, 1984) by John R. W. Stott, Book Review

The Message of 2 Timothy: Guard the Gospel (1973, 1984) by John R. W. Stott

 

“During the gestation of this book, I seem to have lived inside this second letter of Paul to Timothy. In imagination I have sat down beside Timothy and have tried myself to hear and heed this final charge from the aging apostle,” writes John Stott in the introduction. As for me, I imagine myself sitting down under the teachings of ‘Uncle’ Stott (1921-2011) as I read this commentary and take notes of his excellent exposition of the words of God in 2 Timothy. He also writes, “I have been impressed afresh by the timeliness for today what the apostle writes, especially for young Christian leaders. For our era too is one of theological and moral confusion, even of apostasy. And the apostle summons us, as he summoned Timothy, to be strong, brave, and steadfast.” Stott was 51 years old when he writes this and surely he had witnessed many ups and downs of Christianity in Europe particularly and the world generally during the five decades of his life. If it was true about 49 years ago when this commentary was originally published, how truer it is today!

He continues, “The words which crystallize the letter for me are the two little monosyllables su de (‘but as for you’), which occur four times. Timothy is called to be different. He is not to yield to the pressures of public opinion or conform to the spirit of his age, but rather to stand firm in the truth and the righteousness of God. In my judgment, nothing is more needed by Christians in today’s world and church than this same courage.” I couldn’t agree more. A call to be different is not a call to be a weirdo or taking it as merely a motivational talk. It’s about to be different from the world who don’t know the truth, the false teachers who distort the truth, and the unfaithful who neglect the truth. It’s about guarding and standing firm in the truth of the gospel. “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus,” remind the apostle Paul to Timothy when he was in prison in Rome waiting for his death sentence (see 4:6), “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). When I decided to accept God’s calling for me to enter the full-time student ministry about a decade ago, 2 Timothy is where I always go to draw encouragement from, to remind me of the mission, and to be a solid foundation for me to stand firm in the truth. My life verse - and not surprisingly, the purpose for LEGASI.tv ministry - to “Preach the Word” is taken from 2 Timothy 4:2.

In the previous article, I already shared why The Bible Speaks Today is one of the best expository ‘commentaries’ series out there and how to use it [CLICK HERE to read]. But here I would like to zero in and declare with no apology that John Stott’s The Message of 2 Timothy is one of the best and important books in this series. I highly recommend this book to every Christian minister, especially the young leaders, who aspire to serve God in this high risk but also high reward calling in their lives. Stories of fallen ‘celebrity’ preachers nowadays shouldn’t be a surprise for us. In fact, Paul has warned us about this and more in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 4:3-4. Thus, we all have the potential to be in the statistic. We must with all our might and rely on God’s grace to “fully carry out the ministry God has given [us]” (2 Timothy 4:5, bracket mine) faithfully till the end. I think (although I cannot confirm with surety) the late Dr. John Stott end his ministry well. Paul’s statement can be his’ and ours’ in the near future: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). Amen 😉✌💡

#ServeToLead #GrowingLeaders #LeadersAreReaders #JohnStott
#BibleCommentary #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus: Guard the Truth (1996) by John R. W. Stott, Not A Review

The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus: Guard the Truth (1996) by John R. W. Stott

 
At first, I wanted to reread John Stott's excellent commentary on 2 Timothy because I thought it is a fitting book for me to end the year well. But when I realized that I haven't read commentary on 1 Timothy & Titus entirely, I should go for this one instead. This decision proved to be profitable and timely! Praise God. Why do I think reading good Bible commentaries is important? On the back cover of every J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the gospels says this gem of wisdom: "If the best way to understand the Christian Faith is to read the Gospels, then the next books in order of importance have to be those which aid in the understanding of those Gospels." I find that this is also true for the pastoral letters or epistles such as 1, 2 Timothy & Titus. The best way to know the truth is to read these sacred letters firsthand. The next best is to read good commentaries about them.

I love to read commentaries written by the late Dr. John R. W. Stott (1921-2011) especially on The Sermon on the Mount, Romans, and 2 Timothy. His books such as Basic Christianity, Your Mind Matters, and The Preacher's Portrait also plays a significant role in shaping my Christian faith, mind, and calling. I'm forever grateful for Uncle John's ministry! To come back to his commentaries, I find that Dr. Stott is clear in his expositions, balanced in his teachings, and faithful to the evangelical beliefs. They are both scholarly and yet readable. One very helpful feature that I like the most is that, when Dr. Stott comes to difficult or controversial passages of the pastoral letters (such as on slavery, sexual roles in the church, government, etc.), he will take extra care to outline and explain other major different interpretations before he proceeds to the most probable one with sound Biblical arguments* and applications. If you want to read Bible commentaries or looking for references to prepare for your sermon and Bible study, I fully recommend The Bible Speaks Today Series published by Inter-Varsity Press (IVP). Simply one of the best!

Before I end (sorry, this is NOT a book review after all), let me share how I use a Bible commentary like this one for all its worth. First, I will try to read 1 Timothy & Titus from at least 2 to 3 Bible translations. I read from the New Living Translation (NLT), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the JB Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS is actually a paraphrase). This first step is important because you need to be familiarized with the Scriptures before you study the Scriptures. By the way, keep in mind that the new edition of The Bible Speaks Today Series is using the New International Version (NIV) as the main translation. Secondly, always bring the Bible with you as you read through the commentary. The reason being is that when you read something that sparks your interest or speaks to you, you need to 'see' it in the pages of the Bible for yourself. This is not just good for memorization but also good for your faith and trust in the written Word of God. Finally, share what you have learned with as many people as possible through your social media, during Bible studies, when you give counsel to others, etc. If you read, you learn once. If you read and teach, you will learn twice. If you read, teach and live it, it will be part of your life 😉✌💡

#ServeToLead #GrowingLeaders #LeadersAreReaders #JohnStott #BibleCommentary #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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There Are Worse Crime than Burning Books... (#1Book1Week February 2021)

Currently, I read 4 to 5 theological books as references to prepare for my Teologi Kristian 101 (BM) Series and so I managed to finish only 2 books and listened to 1 audiobook last month By the way, let me talk about book burning... If you read history, there are dozens of well-known events of such evil. For example, when Mao Zedong took power in China and implemented the Cultural Revolution, any book that didn’t conform to party propaganda, like those promoting capitalism or other dangerous ideas like The Bible was destroyed. During Adolf Hitler's time, the Nazis also set books by Jewish, liberal, and leftist writers on fire that doesn't gel with the Nazi ideology. When al-Qaida Islamists invaded Mali and Timbuktu, among their targets were priceless books and manuscripts. And don't forget about the ancient Roman Catholic church during the Dark Ages. They don't just burn books but humans too!

Why? To put it negatively, books are dangerous; to put it positively, books change lives. And in my view, good* books are dangerously good because they will positively change your life. Have you read the novel The Book Thief (2005) by Markus Zusak? If you have, you'll know what I mean. If you haven't, I fully recommend you to read it. You will see how Liesel Meminger discovers the power of reading and writing in times of difficulties (ah yes, she steals books from the Nazi). Of course, the story is fiction and not just about books However, the key that I want to say is that Liesel is so desperate to read that she has to steal it! Nowadays, although new books are not that cheap, we don't have to steal books. We can borrow books from friends or go to the library. Joseph Brodsky, a poet, rightly says: "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." I say, read books for your good and if the books are right, they will change your life

Here are my #1Book1Week for February 2021 CLICK LINKS to read my reviews:

1) Words of Counsel: For All Leaders, Teachers, and Evangelists (Updated 2018) by Charles H. Spurgeon [https://www.facebook.com/968130456714198/posts/1556217501238821/]

2) Kingdom Come, Kingdom Go: Luke & Acts (2007) by International Bible Society [https://legasitv.blogspot.com/.../kingdom-come-kingdom-go...]

3) The Preacher's Portrait: Some New Testament Word Studies (1961) by John Stott [https://legasitv.blogspot.com/.../the-preachers-portrait...]

#LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #BookBurning #TheBookThief #ChangeYourLife 

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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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#1Book1Week April 2020

For the past 2 years (?), my goal is to read #1Book1Week At first, it was the goal that I 'need' to do for personal achievement. But after a few months, I care less about achieving the goal, I just focus on the values, lessons, and pleasure that I get from reading. In short, it becomes my habit. I no longer 'need' but 'want' - even looking forward - to read books. Since April was the MCO month, I read more:

1) The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth (2012) by John C. Maxwell. I reread this book twice because I'm so impacted by it and I've made a YouTube series based on the book. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/The15Laws

2) Lead the Field (2018) by Earl Nightingale. He is a legend, classic self-development speaker. I love his definition of success, namely, it is "the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal" and his teaching on attitude "it is the refection of the person inside."

3) Get Smart! (2016) by Brian Tracy. The actual price is RM79.95 but Popular Bookstore sold it only for RM19.90! I get smart, so I bought it. The actual worth is way more than that! I've read 2-3 books by Brian, and expect that this book is a recycling lesson, but no! The 10 thinking tools outlined in this book is gold.

4) The Storyteller's Secret (2016) by Carmine Gallo. I've read Gallo's other book 'The Apple Experience' and know what to expect - "Wow!" I read this book with the belief that every one of us has great stories and ideas inside us, but it's all useless unless you know how to communicate them. This book will help you with that.

5) The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (1985) by John R.W. Stott. I take heed of J. C. Ryle's advice: next to the Bible, Bible commentaries are important. The Bible Speaks Today (BST) Series is my favorite and go-to commentary. I finished reading this one in 2 months because I use it as my reference book for my #InjilMatius Podcast Series. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify

6) The Compound Effect (2010) by Darren Hardy. All the things that I do good (and bad) are the result of the compound effect. Small Choices + Consistency + Time = Significant Results. When I first started a YouTube channel, for months, nobody subscribes and only a few views. But daily I improve my skills and people started to take notice. Darren equips, "The secret of your success is found in your daily routine."

#LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeader #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #1Book1Week

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John R. W. Stott on Jesus as Teacher and Lord

Looking ‘round at his disciples, Jesus said,

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right:

That is what I am” (John 13:13)

The Christian is under both instruction and authority.

He looks to Jesus as his Teacher to instruct him,

And as his Lord to command him.

He believes what he believes

Because Jesus taught it;

And he does what he does

Because Jesus said to do it.

He is our Teacher to instruct us,

And we learn to submit

And to subordinate

Our minds to his mind.

We do not presume to have views or ideas or opinions

which contradiction to the views and ideas of Jesus Christ.

Our view of Scripture

Is derived from Christ’s view of Scripture,

Just as our view of discipleship,

Of heaven and hell,

Of the Christian life,

And of everything else,

Is derived from Jesus Christ.

Any question about the inspiration of Scripture

And its authority

Therefore resolves itself to:

What did Jesus Christ teach about these points?

We would say,

Without any doubt,

That he gave reverent assent to the authority

And inspiration of the Old Testament.

There is no indication anywhere in his teachings

That he disagreed with the Old Testament writers.

He regarded the words of the Old Testament writings

As being the words of God.

He submitted to them in his own life,

He believed them,

He accepted their statements,

And sought to apply their principles.

He regarded Scripture as the great arbiter in dispute.

He said to his contemporaries,

“You make many mistakes,

Because you don’t know the Scriptures.”

We find in the New Testament

That he invested the apostles with authority

To teach in his name.

He said that the Holy Spirit

Would lead them into all truth,

Would bring to their remembrance

What he had spoken to them,

And would show them things to come.

He evidently expected

That in the providence of God

There would be others to interpret,

Expound,

And bear witness

To the revelation given in himself,

Just as there were prophets raised up by God

And inspired to bear witness

To what he did in Old Testament days.

To sum it up,

The authority of Scripture

Is due to the inspiration of Scripture.

The Old and New Testaments

Are authoritative in our lives,

Because they are in fact inspired.

And therefore,

Since Jesus Christ is our Teacher

As well as our Lord,

The authority of Christ and the authority of Scripture

Stand or fall together.

(by John R. W. Stott, from Decision magazine @ 1965)

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John Stott on Social Responsibility