Angels: God's Secret Agents (1975) by Billy Graham, Book Review

Angels: God's Secret Agents (1975) by Billy Graham

I read this book for the first time during our campus Christian Fellowship (CF) mission trip to Betong many years ago. When we encountered spiritual warfares, I was curious about what the Bible really said about angels - good and evil - Who are they? What is their purpose or mission? And why are they always appear in the Word and frequently in the world today? Late Billy Graham wrote a book on this topic when the people of his generations were getting more interested in the supernatural such as UFO, ESP, and demonic cults. With all the confusion, he wants to direct his readers to biblical truths about angels. He is faithful to the Scripture, very clear, non-speculative and his writing is easy to read.

Billy's wife, Ruth, who was born and raised in China, recalls that in her childhood days tigers lived in the mountains. One day a poor woman went up to the foothills to cut grass. To her back was tied a baby and a little child walked beside her. As she reached the top of a hill she heard a roar and then saw a mother tigress (hey, a female tiger is more frightful than a male tiger) springing at her. "This illiterate Chinese mother had never attended school or entered a church. She had never seen a Bible," writes Mr. Graham, "But a year or two earlier a missionary had told her about Jesus, 'who is able to help you when you are in trouble.' As the claws of the tigress tore her arm and shoulder, the woman cried out in frenzy, 'Oh Jesus, help me!' This ferocious beast, instead of attacking again to get an easy meal, suddenly turned and ran away." Had God sent an angel to help this poor woman?

I remember a few incidents in my life where I suspect God sent an angel(s) to protect me. A man who appeared out of nowhere helped me pulled my car out from the drain and then gone. I was so sure that a wild dog trying to bite and run very fast toward me (I mumbled some prayer, I think) but about 1 meter away, the dog suddenly stopped for no reason. During one of the mission trips, a witch doctor came to us and asked us who 'protecting' us from her spells.

I believe God when He promises us in Psalms 91:11, "He will give angels charge of you, to guard you in all your ways." Especially, when we do the works of ministry. [Good] angels are our allies. Do not worship them, but know that they - and us, in some parts - are servants of God. As Mr. Graham puts it: "While we do not place our faith directly in angels, we should place it in the God who rules the angels; then we can have peace" 😊🙏⚡ #1Book1Week #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #Angels #BillyGraham

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One of the Best-Selling Books of All-Time, Pray Faith Love (Colossians 1:3-4)

“We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people…”
(Colossians 1:3-4, NLT)

PRAY. So many of our prayers are just “Give me, help me, bless me.” Here Paul and his protegee, Timothy, write to the Colossian Christians, “We always pray for you...” And what was the essence of their prayer? Thanksgiving, praising God. Other-centeredness. The focus of their prayer is to God and for “God’s people.” Notice this one word: “always.” Someone said to me, “Honestly, I don’t have any joy in reading the Bible and praying.” Well, we don’t quit taking shower just because we don’t feel joy in doing it. We need it just the same. This is my advice, “When you don’t feel like reading or praying, that’s the time to read and pray!” We need it just the same. Always. “We always pray for you.”

FAITH. “For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” Wonderful! This is what I always said to my students: the difference between Christian faith and other religion is that our faith is “in” Lord Jesus, the God-Man. I believe having faith in yourself in a healthy dose is good. But in terms of salvation, faith in Jesus is the ONLY way. It’s not faith in ourselves or in some religious deeds or ‘just’ faith that saved us but in the One who “purchased our freedom [with his blood] and forgave our sins” (1:14). Believe very hard and be very sincere also won’t do. We can be sincerely wrong. Once I argued with my friend that he doesn’t come for our appointment. I was about to prove him wrong but when I checked my calendar, I was one day early! I was sincere… but sincerely wrong… So, it’s not about mere faith in a higher power but in The Living One, Jesus Christ.

LOVE. “…and your love for all of God’s people…” or saints. Earlier, Paul writes, “May God our Father give you grace and peace” (1:2) and even there is no mention of God’s love for us in this verse, obviously, He does! If the Father loves us, so does the Son, Jesus Christ (inseparable, see 1:3). And the highest expression, example, and display of God’s love is “the cross” (1:20). Loving God is, therefore, the only reasonable response that we should have. So, what’s the connection? “Now I am giving you a new commandment,” said Jesus, “love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34). There is a connection here: If someone lacks fellowship with God, he or she will find it difficult to really love God’s people; and if someone does not love God’s people, he or she could not love God very much either.

Way before Elizabeth Gilbert wrote her bestseller book, Eat Pray Love (2006), the Apostle Paul already wrote, Pray Faith Love (around AD 60-61). Pray always, have faith in Jesus, and love God’s people. Amen!

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Two Wonderful Words In One Sentence! (Colossians 1:2)

“May God our Father give you grace and peace” (Colossians 1:2b, NLT)

God’s grace and God’s peace. Two wonderful words in one sentence! What is God’s grace? It is God’s love for the undeserving. By grace, He has called guilty sinners and made them into saints (see Colossians 1:2a). Such grace as this can only be appreciated when we take a good look into the mirror of God’s holiness and realize how absolutely undeserving any human being - you and I, especially - is to be chosen of God. Also, God’s grace is free. But it is free only because our Lord Jesus Christ has borne the cost of our sins and guilt on the cross.

Last year, I read a wonderful book by Philip Yancey entitled What’s So Amazing About Grace? I underlined a few sentences on page 70. This is what Yancey wrote, “Grace makes its appearance in so many forms that I have trouble defining it. I am ready, though, to attempt something like a definition of grace in relation to God. Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God loves us more - no amount of spiritual calisthenics and renunciations, no amount of knowledge gained from seminaries and divinity schools, no amount of crusading on behalf of righteous causes. And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less - no amount of racism or pride or pornography or adultery or even murder. Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love.” Now, let me warn us: don’t misuse God’s grace. Only after you look into the mirror of God’s holiness and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, then, you can fully appreciate what Yancey is describing here.

With grace comes God’s peace. Peace with God is salvation but the peace of God is experienced. Both are the result of God’s grace. Paul writes in Romans 5:1-2, “[Therefore] since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into the place of undeserved privilege where we are now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Once we have peace with God, then we experience the peace of God. That means we can rest and trust in Him in and with all things. I said to my friend one morning, “I don’t want to die early. I’m curious how I will die, Lord, have mercy! But I’m not afraid to die.” Call it supernatural faith… call it the peace of God!

Thank you Father for Your grace and peace that you gave to the saints “in Christ” (Colossians 1:2a). Amen.

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Angelus' Quote: Cancer Cannot Kill Friendship!

An enthusiastic believer in Christ, Dan Richardson, lost his battle with cancer. But his life demonstrated that even though the physical body may be destroyed by disease, the spirit can remain triumphant. This poem was distributed at his memorial service:

< Cancer Is So Limited >

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot eat away peace,

It cannot destroy confidence,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot shut out memories,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot reduce eternal life,

It cannot quench the Spirit,

It cannot lessen the power of the Resurrection.

[P.s: I dedicate this post to my late friend, man in red t-shirt, Aderus Helena Ngata. No, cancer cannot kill friendship. The power of Christ's resurrection reign! ⚡⚡⚡]

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Angelus' Quote: Four (4) Keys to Avoid and Escape Over-Commitment

I believe that over commitment is one of the main reasons why leaders burn out 😥 In James Altucher's book Power of No, he writes, “When you say yes to something you don’t want to do, here is the result: you hate what you are doing, you resent the person who asked you, and you hurt yourself.” If leaders do these, there are no fun!

To help you to avoid and escape over commitment trap I have four (4) keys idea for you to implement in your leadership and life:

1) KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES ☺ Constantly remind yourself what your personal and professional priorities are. Make a list of what is really important to you in the long run

2) TAKE THINGS AS THEY COME 😉 Life is filled with moments that give rise to tension. Retrain your brain not to worry about the unknown. React to things as they come and you will be able to solve problems that arise

3) MAKE TIME FOR SOLITUDE ⚡ Loneliness comes from emptiness, but solitude comes from wholeness. Take time each day to spent time with yourself. For me, I go for a walk, run, weight lifting, reading or just enjoy watching the trees. These self-time activities will reduce the pressure, clear your mind and become refreshed

4) BRING GOD INTO YOUR SITUATION 🙏 If you seek His guidance and receive His blessing of peace (shalom), you will be better able to handle any situation. Take time to meditate His Word and for prayer

Don't let the extra weights of tension, over commitment, and misplaced priorities cause you to lose your grip on what is really important in your life. In trying to hold onto and/or do too much, you could risk it all. Not worth it 👎 #ServeToLead

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R.I.P. Tracy... And F**k You Death!

"Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?"

(1 Corinthians 15:55, NIV)

"Do not be afraid. I [Jesus Christ] am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

(Revelation 1:17-18, NIV)

We are not a close friend, Tracy and I (I need to put it up front in all honesty and integrity. I don't want to have that appearance of BFF with the deceased when in fact, I'm not). A bit higher than an acquaintance but slightly lower than a best friend. Although we were a good friend during secondary school, like most school friendship, after SPM everyone was doing their own things – continue form 6 or further studies to college or university (in her case, matriculation) or went straight to workplace. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get to be with some of your old friends. Sometimes you just get updates from one another once in a while (this was before the social media boom). And sometimes you just follow the flow – let it be – leaving the friendship under the hands of time and event. Either way, we all need to move on with our lives, right?

Occasionally, I met her at coffee shops and malls. Twice at the food fair. Since she used to work with my cousin, I get to hear some news about her. And because I met our mutual friend, John (who truly her best friend), more often than her, he will fill in the blank of what news that I might be left out. To cut the story short, we get to talk during John's wedding because we were on the same table and then to add to the festive mood, she gave me her coming-soon-wedding invitation card. I was surprised! Not just because she invited me [As I said, we were a good friend but over time, we are not a close friend] but primary because she was getting married! Do you know how HUGE is that? TRACY GETTING MARRIAGE, that's HUGE! Souness Peter, brother, if you read this, let me explain why you're VERY special to her:

Tracy was a lovely girl who became a beautiful woman. Back in secondary school, many boys like to flirt with her – you can't ignore a girl like her – but Tracy won't bother with most of them (There are some hilarious and memorable stories related to this which I won't mention here, only those who were close to us know about it). Besides all of her admirable qualities, gracious attitude and not-so-perfect characters, one exception which stands out for me is this: She often chooses the wrong guys (a**holes) as boyfriends. I told her so, she admitted it, and yet, she did it again (I know because it takes one to know one). So, you see, TRACY GETTING MARRIAGE is a HUGE thing. Was it possible for her to make a wrong decision again? Heartbroken, weaken trust, bad memories, try again? Most people won't be that quick to start all over again. Healing requires time, trust needs to be built, memories over layer the old ones. To open up again, he got to be bigger than all of this mess. "Beautiful Mess," as Jason Mraz puts it. And then you come into her life, Souness. I don't know much about you but I know this much about both of you: you and Tracy are meant to be with each other. As an outsider, I only can observe behaviors and find clues. She loves to travel, her family and cousins can witness this, but not as much as she explores places with you. You can imagine her sense of accomplishment when she conquered mountains and hills, but hiking is not as special as walking with you. Everybody say her smile is beautiful – it is – but not as bright as the day she married to you. That's when I (we, friends) knew that she was not making a mistake this time. She made the right decision, a decision that she should be proud of, a decision that she can say her own. That's HUGE. You are VERY special to her. You're the man!

And now, Death… let me ask you, how are you able to deal with the pain you cause so many of us? Days full of tears and an unbearable void that makes it hard to focus on our daily tasks. Days where the thoughts of our loved ones bring back the hurt and pain. Death, do you get tired of hearing the cries and shouts directed towards you? These few days we mourn for our beloved friend Tracy [most probably due to QT Syndrome. Google check it]. You take away her life at its prime. I can compromise when you take life when it's due or something caused by our own stupid mistakes and when you gave mercy to the suffering when they needed it the most. But why take it all of sudden? We are in shock! F**k you! She couldn't say proper goodbye or last eye contact. Empty words, just the sound of the cardiac monitor. F**k you Death! I don't hate you per se, I just don't like the way you work. You are created with a purpose, I respect that, but l can't stand "the mysterious way." Maybe we all should realize that you can come anytime – unexpected, unanticipated, and unwelcome. Maybe we all should take heed of the late Steve Jobs words, "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life." Or Avenged Sevenfold lyrics, "Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost." Or as the Bible says, "Making the most of every opportunity…"; "Making the most of your time…"; "Redeeming the time…" (Ephesians 5:16). We all must realize that life is short. I get it. But it is appropriate to say for now – as we grief and bereave, in pain and sorrow – F**k you, Death! (I've cursed you all the way from my place to Pusat Jantung Sarawak the early morning when I heard about the news about her). 

Tracy, do you remember when you asked me for book recommendations and I point to you John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life? Do you remember when you enquired me about why there are so many Christian denominations and I said it doesn't matter as long as you believe and have faith in Christ of the Scripture? Do you remember at the coffee shop during our ‘accidentally' lunch together you probed me to revealed the motive of I'm doing student's ministry and I answered you in the form of a quote, "Only one life 'twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last"? I believe you're with our Lord Jesus Christ right now. You have passed from death to life. In Christ, we ask sarcastic questions to the death-face, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Paul responded: "Death has been swallowed up in victory… [So] thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). I'm sad. The family, friends, and colleagues are also sad right now, but let me end this rumbling article with a hopeful note, a declaration from the One who "hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18), an eternal promise from the Son of God, Jesus Christ: "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life!" (John 5:24). Tracy, yes, you have passed from death to life, so Rest In Peace!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Deliverance from Evil Spirits (2009) by Francis MacNutt

Deliverance from Evil Spirits: A Practical Manual (1995, 2009)
by Francis MacNutt

This is not my favorite genres. Angelology, Demonology and Spiritual Warfare topics seem too much for me to bear and digest. In the past, I read few of Mary K. Baxter's books, one Choo Thomas' Heaven is So Real!, one during my campus mission trip by Billy Graham entitled Angels, and recently Visions of Heaven by H. A. Baker. I'm curious and also skeptical. Come to think about it, I highly doubt Mary Baxter's and Choo Thomas's personal revelations. Billy Graham's is more believable because he supported his stories with the Scripture.

About this book. I read it because I'm going to attend a seminar based on this topic next week. At first, I read it out of obligation (to quickly finished my assignment), but after few chapters, I'm hooked. Of course, I read it with an open mind, critical thinking and prayed for a teachable spirit. I have to admit that this is one of the more balanced books on the topic of deliverance. The author points out the importance of discerning when the problem or a display of behavior is simply an expression of human emotions and the person may be purging his thoughts and feelings and when it may be influenced by evil spirits.

Francis mentions how many people (especially ministers) have caused damage to people who were already suffering by trying to exorcise demons from them when people were just experiencing pain and grief and needed tender loving care and comforting. He also mentions cases where people have developed multiple personality disorder from abuse and again how they are in need of healing and therapy, and not of exorcising demons. He advises ministers to be especially careful to not treat mental/physical/emotional wounds as demonic oppression. He repeatedly emphasizes the need for discernment and humility in this work. Be careful.

I like how MacNutt emphasizes the reality of what we see in the Scripture, especially in the Gospels and in Jesus' own ministry, in relation to the deliverance of demons/evil spirits. He shows how the deliverance ministry is as essential today as it was then and the church needs to be the experts in it. There is plenty of evidence in this book that demonic oppression is active in our cultures and the world today (but I might not agree with all the things that he said in this book. In fact, I have more questions than answers). MacNutt also gives good advice and warnings for Christian ministers. I personally think that he could emphasize more than he does how important a person's own devotional life is when involving in deliverance ministry, and this includes the necessity of having people to pray for and over his or her ministry and family members.

Overall, MacNutt is thoroughly Scriptural and Christ-centred in his approach to deliverance. He does not present himself as a super-minister who stands above others in ministry, but he sees himself as part of the larger body of Christians and as one who needs others. I respect that. Francis and his wife, Judith, founded Christian Healing Ministry to expand the often-forgotten, often-avoided ministry of deliverance. He writes, "Only when we are able to free the oppressed and heal those suffering from the curse of sickness can we really preach Christ's basic message: The Kingdom of God is at hand and the kingdom of Satan is being destroyed."

There are seven (7) parts in this book:

Part 1: Necessary Background: Clearing Away Misconceptions [How I Got Involved in Casting Out Demons: A Parable for the Church]

Part 2: The Existence and Kinds of Evil Spirits [Do Demons Really Exist? The Scriptural Evidence / What Is the Evidence of Human Experience? / Should We Call It Possession? / How Do We Know If an Evil Spirit Is Really Present? / The Different Kinds of Evil Spirits]

Part 3: Curses and the Power of False Judgement [Falling Under a Curse / Curse-like Judgement and Ties That Bind / Who Can Pray for Deliverance?]

Part 4: Getting Ready [How to Prepare / Selecting a Team / How the Demonized Person Prepares for Deliverance]

Part 5: How to Pray for Deliverance [The Basic Form / Freeing a Person from Spirits of Trauma / Spirit of Sin / Spirit of the Occult / Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) / Other Kinds of Spirits / Deliverance through ‘Blessed Objects' / Follow-Up]

Part 6: Setting Places Free [Larger Dimensions of Deliverance / Deliverance of Places]

Part 7: Final Words [Baptism of the Holy Spirit]

Since Francis MacNutt often quotes Derek Prince, I now listened to Prince's sermons – YouTube and audio Mp3s.

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Timothy, Tell the Men to Lead in Worship and Prayer (1 Timothy 2:8, Men Only)

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer,
without anger or disputing”

(1 Timothy 2:8, NIV)

Keep in mind that the apostle Paul here is continuing his instructions concerning prayer which were begun in verse 1. Here, in this verse, Paul instructed who is to do the praying and how they are to pray. He wrote, “I want…” Previously, he said that God “wants all men to be saved” (v.4), but now Paul “wants men” to pray. He is expressing what he would like to see take place in the church.

And this is interesting, “men” here is not referred to as mankind in general, but men in specific contrast to women. Paul, based on my reading of his epistles, is pointing out that the leadership and responsibility for prayer in the public worship service are upon the men, not women. This doesn’t mean that a woman cannot pray in public worship service, far from it (read 1 Corinthians 11 where Paul gives instructions for women to do so), but the headship and leadership of men are to be recognized. Again, keep in mind that Paul is giving instructions for the public worship service (church service, if you would like to call it), not a service specifically called for prayer. Women should not hesitate to participate freely in such a service as long as the headship of men is recognized. This is God’s will.

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer…” Although lifting or raising hands while worship is harmless even good, I don’t think Paul is talking about bodily posture here. Our heart posture in which we offer prayers matters more than our body posture: “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened” (Psalms 66:19, NLT). “Holy” refers to a quality of life, not a part of the body. The heart must be clean and the life holy if prayer is to be heard. Sins have cut us off from God (refer to Isaiah 59:1-2), therefore, holiness is necessary for effectual prayer. Remember, we can be holy because through and in Christ we have been made holy (read Hebrews 10:10). We are and we can be. There also must not be “anger or disputing” or as Eugene Peterson paraphrased, “not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God.” Anger against one another and/or resentment against God also can cut us off from Him and makes prayer unacceptable.

So, when we pray to God – when men pray – men should take the headship, leadership and godly examples in the public worship service. We must examine our hearts daily and confess our sins so that it will not cut off our relationship with God. And ask the Lord to fill us with His holiness, peace and mercy as we lead others in prayer. Where are men of God today? Be one.

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Timothy, Pray Especially for Governmental Authority that Persecuted You (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”

(1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV).

The apostle Paul first urged Timothy and the church to pray “for everyone.” This, I think, doesn’t mean that everyone on earth is to be mentioned individually name-by-name, nor it mean a general, all-inclusive kind of prayer. Not too details I guest and not too general but be specific in prayer. This also mean that all of us –believers and not-yet-believers – come under the umbrella of intercessory prayer. As I write this, someone(s) is praying for me! Thank you.

This is the hard part. A specific order is given here to pray for governmental authority – “for kings and all those in authority.” That covers every government officials from the highest to the lowest. Paul, throughout his epistles, proclaimed that God is absolutely sovereign! This mean that, for reasons I might not necessary like or know, He has placed government leaders in their place, even the ‘bad’ ones (Think Malaysia). Historically, when this letter was written Roman Emperor Nero was on the throne. I assumed if Paul and all the faithful Christians who were persecuted (even martyrs) by the religious authorities and government leaders for preaching the Gospel could pray for them especially the brutal Nero, surely, we should and ought to pray for our government leaders no matter what political party they might be! Because of the persecution they were experiencing, it would have been easy and logical for Christians to allow hate to come into their hearts. But Paul knew – Jesus exemplified and taught him – that the best counterfeit for hate is love in a form of prayer. If you pray for your enemies, you’ll learn to love them.

What are the aims for such prayer? Paul wrote “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This desire was very real to the early Christians because of their suffering at the hands of the government. In Malaysia, we may not suffer physically like those during Timothy’s time but for sure economically we’re suffered (even that is not close to anything the word suffering imply in the Bible). As Malaysian Christians, we face only little persecutions especially Sarawakian Christians. So far we are quiet safe and peaceful. This we shouldn’t take for granted and thank God for it. But on the other hand, we as Malaysians are facing embarrassment and injustice mainly due to our government leaders. Let’s pray especially for our Prime Minister and the government officials. Let’s pray for our spiritual leaders as well.

Pray for our leaders and soon you’ll learn to love them too. I’m trying. This doesn’t mean that we affirmed their bad conducts and never have to voice our concerns and fight for justice, no! Of course not, remember Micah 6:8. It simply mean that when we pray for them, we learn to love them as individuals as how God sees them, us. Remember this: “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 and from verse 13 to 20 are all about prayer). This is a spiritual warfare, pray! 

Lord, may we live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Amen.

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Things I Wish My Father Knew #15 Only the Very Best for His Children

A loving father works hard

to provide for his family.

Providing for the present

with an eye toward the future,

he wants for them

only the best.

God also wants

only the very best

for His children.

With a protective hand

on your present

and an eye toward

your eternal future,

God provided

the very best for you.

Acting according to

His Father’s will,

Jesus the Son took upon Himself

the sins of all

who would trust in Him.

The Son of God died on the cross

and then rose from the grave,

so that all who believe

might be provided

with the best!

Forgiveness!

Peace!

Joy!

Eternal life!

Provisions of a loving Father.

“Praise be to

the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In His great mercy

He has given us

new birth

into a living hope

through the resurrection

of Jesus Christ

from the dead”

(1 Peter 1:3)

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Timothy, Remember These 3 Important Words: Grace, Mercy, Peace (1 Timothy 1:1-2)

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord”
(1 Timothy 1:1-2, ESV)

As was the custom of the day, the writer opened the letter with his signature – Paul. I remember, when I wrote letters to my crush from the secondary school I used to end every letter with a signature. That’s how we do it. That’s what we taught to do. But not during Paul’s time. Anyway, knowing that this letter – 1 Timothy – was to have wide circulation and important, Paul doesn’t introduce to Timothy as his friend or mentor in the faith. But he officially identifies himself as “an apostle of Christ Jesus.” I bet Timothy knew that, but I think this letter is for us too – the Church and we Christians as individuals.

The word “apostle” simply means “one who is sent away” or “sending away” or “messenger.” What’s the different between disciple and apostle, you might ask? Well, we can argue at great length but put it simply: Every apostle was a disciple, but not every disciple was an apostle. The famous Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4; then without Judas Iscariot in Acts 2:14) and Paul, who was later added (Acts 14:14) was personally chosen by the Lord Jesus (but how about “apostles” in 1 Corinthians 12:28? Maybe next time we discuss about it). So, when Paul used an official title “an apostle of Christ Jesus”, he uses it here to establish an official relationship. Like saying to Timothy, “I’m writing this not as mere friend or elder to you, but as an apostle.” And noticed this, Paul wrote “Christ Jesus” and not “Jesus Christ” because – I interprets – Paul first knowing Jesus personally as a divine Risen Christ (Acts 9) not as human Jesus.

Paul give further authority to his calling by emphasizing that his appointment as an apostle was not of his own doing or self-appointed as many critics claimed. In nearly every letter (epistle) he emphasizes this appointment was “by the will of God.” Here he says it is “by command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope.” This was equal to an official statement of the day, the same as saying “by the order of.” Paul knew he was called to be an apostle by the Almighty God and he did not take the calling lightly. May it be so with every child of God, no matter how high or low your and my calling may be, there are no unimportant children in the family of God.

Then see how Paul greeted Timothy – greets us. “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Have you ever noticed that these three sweet words are always in this order in the greetings of the New Testament? Read your Bible again! Here how I see it: No one can have peace until first of all he or she has experienced the grace and mercy of God. And mercy follow grace because it is based on the grace of God. We deserve no mercy and find no peace apart from God’s grace! Oh yes! Yes, may those who seek and longing for true peace in their lives may know Jesus Christ, the source of God’s grace (1 Timothy 1:14).

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Gift Is A Peace of Mind and Heart

[Jesus said] “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you – I am going away, but I will come back to you again... I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me”
(John 14:27-29, The Living Bible)

Lord Jesus’ gift to the disciples was “peace of mind and heart.” Jesus wasn’t promising the absence of troubles. In fact, in the near future Jesus Himself would personally endure great physical, emotional and spiritual pains and struggles. What Jesus promised was that they would have His peace in the midst of or during those conflicts and problems. So He affirmed His disciples to “don’t be troubled or afraid.” God was in control.

I think the disciples assumed as long as Jesus was present with them physically, they could rely on the peace and security He brought them, but what would they do when they had to face problems without Him? Besides His continued presence through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), Jesus promised His peace (“shalom”) will be with them. In the days and years to come – example, during the Book of Acts – Jesus’ gift of peace would be a vital source for the disciples. Later Jesus told them, “I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Why Jesus continued to speaks about His imminent departure and return to the disciples over and over again? Oh, so that they would not be surprised and fearful when these events occurred! They would recognize that Jesus knew what would happen (as He said it would be), and they would have confidence and faith in Him. Jesus wanted them to have “peace of mind and heart” and not be “troubled or afraid.” In the same way, as Christ believers we all face struggles, conflicts, tragedies, and broken dreams almost every day. Don’t be troubled and afraid! Jesus’ assurance in the past also applicable for us today: “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart.” At every turn, Jesus assures us of His presence and promise. The midst reality of problems and conflicts in life, God is with us.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Triumphant Entry (the Spirit of Palm Sunday): Either You Praises or Curses Him

“Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me’… The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’”
(Matthew 21:1-2, 6-9, NIV)

Jesus knew how to get a party started. On that day there were thousands of Jews journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate their annual Passover festival. Jesus chose that crowded day to enter the city on a donkey. What may seem like an ordinary ride to some people (for an Iban like me, this event is meaningless) was actually a significant fulfilment of a prophecy by the Old Testament prophet, Zechariah, that the Promised One, the Jewish Messiah, would ride into Jerusalem on the back of a young male donkey (read Zechariah 9:9 and Matthew 21:5).

Lining Jesus’ path with clothing and branches was a sign of paying homage to the One they now proclaimed as their God-sent King. Like screaming fans watching a celebrity walk to the red carpet, the Jewish people shouted with joy over Jesus’ arrival. Many considered Him their long-awaited Deliverer who would rebuild Jerusalem and restore the line of King David. They hailed Him as “the Son of David” which He was through the linage of both Joseph and Mary.

But Jesus’ glory ride would soon end (for the people) in tragedy. The crowds would change their praises of him “Hosanna!” to curses “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22-23). Why such dramatic changed from “Hosanna” to “Crucify him”? Because the crowds had the wrong expectations of Him. You see, Jesus on His first coming didn’t come to earth for people’s honour, recognition, privilege or title. He said His mission on the previous chapter: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

This Palm Sunday please be remember that: ‘the triumphant entry’ story is about the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not in royal robes; but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus comes not to conquer by force as earthly kings; but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendour; but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations; but hearts and minds. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As Jesus followers, we must exhibit those same qualities – the spirit of Palm Sunday – love, grace, mercy, servanthood and peace. Let the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us. Amen.

If you display love, grace, mercy, servanthood and peace in your lives, you praises Him;
If you display the otherwise, you curses Him

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.