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

To listen to the audiobook of this book, go to Aneko Press YouTube Channel

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

If I want to listen to or read Bible-saturated Christian classics, the first place I go is the Aneko Press website and YouTube. So many good titles, sound authors, and the best is - it’s free! Although it's an old book, the heart of MacNeil’s message is timeless. Aneko Press has done a good job of updating and revising it. This book can be scary to read because it sometimes emphasized heavily the teaching of ‘inner life’ like that of Andrew Murray’s books. In fact, he, Murray, and others were parts of the controversial Higher Life Movement. If not careful, it will make you feel spiritually inferior. But with prayerful reading and Scripture meditating, your eyes will be open to how much God desire for His children to be filled with the Holy Spirit - and to know Him. “The fullness of the Holy Spirit,” writes MacNeil, “is the birthright of every believer.”

The author begins this book by quoting Acts 19:1-2, “Now it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘On the contrary, we have not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit.’” MacNeil comments on this situation, “Many - oh, so many - of God’s dear children are living on the wrong side of Pentecost, living on the same plane as that on which the disciples were living before they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and thus by their lives they practically make the sad confession, ‘We did not so much as hear whether the Holy Spirit was given or whether there is any Holy Spirit.’” Indeed, this is a sad confession. I have said it before too. Chapter 3: A Command to Be Obeyed; Chapter 4: Something Different from the New Birth; Chapter 7: The Time Between Regenerating and Filling; and Chapter 8: Other Words for Being Filled With the Spirit; are very helpful chapters to understand the distinction between being filled with the Spirit from being born (again) of the Spirit. The Scripture examples and passages that MacNeil used to support his writings are very persuasive. Don’t take it all at face value, of course, but do consider it seriously.

We need to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). I find that if I don’t, my spiritual life will be dry. There were times when I preached the Word of God, it was all rhetoric but no power. Bones with no skins. iPhone 13 software with short battery life. At one-third of the book, MacNeil gave a very valuable reminder: “[Be] on guard against desiring such an important blessing from wrong motives. We must seek it for the one supreme reason - the glory of God. If self is at the root of our motives at all, God will most surely block our way to fullness of blessing... there is a need for the refining fire to go through our hearts. God must be Alpha and Omega in the matter. ‘For God’s glory, and for God’s glory alone’ must be our motto as we proceed with our search for the fullness of the Spirit.” Amen. Read it!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheSpiritFilledLife #TheHolySpirit #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Seven (7) MORE Ways to Read the Entire Bible in One (1) Year

I hope you already read my previous article entitled Seven (7) Ways to Read the Entire Bible in One (1) Year. If not yet, CLICK HERE to read. God through many of His faithful scholars and servants, has produced hundreds of Bible translations. In this way, God doesn't limit His Written Word with only the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic languages. You and I in Malaysia (and all over the world) can read the Bible in our mother tongue or native language. God is also the God of Iban, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Dusun - all languages. With this awesome privilege to know God and His Mind, why wouldn't Christians don't want to read the Bible for his or herself?

Deep inside we know that as Jesus' followers we need to read the Bible consistently. But you and I know that most Christians have never even finished reading the New Testament, let alone the entire Bible (Matthew 26:41 says, "For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"). As you know too, the Bible is a BIG volume book. But do not be discouraged! By dividing the Bible into 366* daily readings, your goal of reading the Bible in a year can easily be accomplished. Get a Bible reading plan today and start where you are. It's not too late (yet). In addition to the 7 ways to read the entire Bible in 1 year that I already suggested in the previous article (again, please check it out), here I would like to add another 7 ways or tips to encourage you in this noble and profitable holy-curious-reading to know the living God through His written Word:

*year 2020 have 366 days

#8 LISTEN TO (DRAMATIZED) AUDIO BIBLE

In my opinion, reading is better than listening to the Bible in terms of memorizing, familiarizing and imagining the Scripture. But listening is as Biblical as reading the Scripture. Romans 10:17 puts it this way: "[Faith] comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." I love to listen to podcasts, audiobooks and dramatized audio Bible. In my office, we have a set of The Bible Experience (TNIV) audio Mp3 and I love it very much. If Mp3 is too old school for you, you can download or listen to audio Bible online such as through http://www.bible.is/ website or App (untuk Bahasa Indonesia, saya cadangkan kamu mendengar https://www.alkitabsuara.com/). By all mean, try to READ the actual, physical Bible. Use the audio Bible if you need to catch up with some of your readings or to listen to the overall ideas or themes of the book that you are read now.

#9 WRITE YOUR THOUGHTS, REFLECTIONS & QUESTIONS ON YOUR NOTEBOOK OR JOURNAL

When the apostle John was in exile in the Patmos island, he was given a vision of heaven. The Lord appeared to him and said, "Write on a scroll what you see... Write, therefore, what you have seen" (Rev. 1:11,19). Likewise, you can write what you have read and 'seen' in Scripture. If your Bible has big margins, write your responses there. If you think your Bible is too 'sacred' to write something on, then use a notebook or post-it-notes. Some people use a journal, you can, but I'm not that disciplined. As you read and meditate on the Word, some insights and observations may come to mind, so you should write it down while it is still fresh.

Most of the time, when I read the Bible, I have more questions than insights. Question is good and very important provided that you have the initiative to ask God to reveal it to you in prayer and to search for the answer(s) later. Even if God doesn't give you the answer to your question immediately, just write it down. Who knows, maybe a few years later the answer may come to you unexpectedly but divinely orchestrate. Sometimes there is no answer... and it's okay too.

#10 FIND A QUITE, COMFORTABLE & LESS DISTRACTION PLACE TO READ

I would love to say that I get up early morning every single day, pour a cup of coffee and spend two hours reading my Bible and praying on my knee. Sorry, I don't. I'm not that spiritual. I do, however, when I wake up (probably around 7-9.00am, even 11.00am, depending on what time I sleep), tidy up my bed, drink water, take a shower and then I read my Bible as I boil the water to make myself a cup of coffee. After I post a daily reminder of Bible reading for that day (if you want to receive a daily reminder of 1 Year of Chronological Bible Reading Plan, follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/), I put my phone on airplane mode to avoid digital distraction while I’m reading. 

Since I stay alone, so, it's easy for me to find a quiet and comfortable place to read. In the past, I used to read the Bible in the toilet. For some people, this can be disguised, but for me, this was the only option I have to read peacefully and away from distractions. I also used to find that the quietest place in the morning is in my car on the way to the office. Be creative and adjust your priorities. Some people love to read the Bible at night. I don't recommend it. Reading novels or other books are okay. The psalmist says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As you begin to step into the day, let God's Word be the lamp and the light to your feet.

#11 ITS OKAY TO SKIP 'HARD CHAPTER', COME BACK TO IT AGAIN LATER

The Bible can be a difficult book to read when you begin, but the more you read it, the more you'll get to grips with it. If you keep going you'll learn to love it and understand it better, and soon you won't be able to remember how you get by without it. Most people I interviewed said they stop reading regularly after they get into the Book of Leviticus. Some are more endurance; they give up after the Book of Deuteronomy. No doubt, there are some difficult, hard and torturing chapter(s) to read, but don't give up yet. Keep the good fight!

If it's such a pain for you, skipped it for a while and come back later, until the end of that particular book (by God's grace, we have studied the Bible from Genesis chapter-by-chapter for 3 years now. When we get to the Book of Leviticus, I thought that we were going to end there, but amazingly, I learned such great lessons from that book!). Camden McAfee, a blogger, says it well: "We need Scripture we enjoy and Scripture we don't in order to have a healthy spiritual diet. Sometimes the passages hardest to digest are the passages we need most. By approaching with humility to listen, faithfulness to examine ourselves, and courage to speak, we can turn the hard parts of the Bible into essential nutrients for our souls."

#12 SHARE SOME OF YOUR FINDING(S) AND/OR VERSE OF THE DAY FOR YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I don't particularly do this, but I find this is a great idea to encourage you to read the Bible and at the same time may encourage others as well. I don't like to read just Bible-verse posts. I like to read Bible-verse posts with thoughtful captions. I love to read someone's honest reflection of a particular passage or verse online provided that they don't simply cut and paste but seriously thought about it. It's not how many words you share but the substance that's matters. What you put in words is what you really thoughts through. Save some very personal stories, but don't let your life experiences and the Word's reflections deprived others of these wonderful blessings. Share it!

#13 READ TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS OR ROOMMATES

If you can read the Bible by yourself, great! But if you can't or lack of discipline in this area, then read the Bible with other people. I have found that when we read the Bible together (especially during Bible Study) we all bring our own experiences to the Bible so it's really helpful to read the Bible with other people. This is of course provided that we know essential doctrines of the Bible and have an accountable partner(s) that can keep on encouraging one another. You'll gain other people's perspectives on what they think the Bible says. To get some different ideas, read it with someone from a different culture or ethnic, age, working experience, etc. Read a chapter or two together and then after a time of reflection (say 10-15 minutes), share what God has spoken to you through His Word [P.s: the smaller group, the better]

#14 KNOW THE BIG PICTURE OF THE BIBLE

One of the most helpful things you can do to understand the Bible better is to gain a clear comprehension of the whole sweep of the biblical story. To see and know "the big picture." Early in my journey as a Bible-reading Christian, I was (and is) greatly helped by the ministries of Charles W. Missler a.k.a. Chuck Missler and John David Pawson. These two Bible teachers are God's faithful servants who expand my knowledge of the Scripture and spark my passion for the truth. I used to play and devoured 24-hours teaching DVD of Missler's Learn the Bible in 24 Hours in my bedroom. Two times! And then, as I first enter the full-time ministry, I consumed the whole DVD series of Pawson's Unlocking the Bible. Whenever I want to be reminded of the big picture of a particular book that I read, I come to David Pawson. He provided an excellent and easy-to-understand overview of the Bible. Once you grasp the big picture - that includes the contexts and backgrounds - your view of the Bible will never be the same again! If you want to apply only one of these suggestions, take #14 with you. Nowadays you don't need to slot DVD into the player to watch these videos, all you have to do is log on to YouTube and watch online.

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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Be Still and Wait for God's Voice (Sometime I Reflect on Us)

Dear Annie,

            I miss you so much. When I first looked at you few years ago, I barely know you. You looked so innocent and I’m, well, so casual. There was no serious conversations, no proper ‘hi,’ always in the distance. What weird is that I can’t barely looked you in the eyes. By all mean, we tried to avoid eye-contact. But then, everything was just normal. Never crossed my mind that we will be together like this. Funny, now I can’t even remember any time when I didn’t even think of you. When I be still, reflecting… I thanks God for every moments I have with you. Why I didn’t get to know you early in my life? Thankfully, God’s plan is good.

            I think that is how God want us to think and know Him also. Psalms 46:10 instructs, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still. Funny how the Bible teaches that a wonderful way to get to know God is simply to be still and listen to Him not in rush and noisy ways. “Deepest communion with God is beyond words,” writes Madeleine L’Engle, “on the other side of silence.” You know, when I’m in silence and solitude I can reflect many blessings that God had given me (that include you, my dear). I also can hear His deep small voice for guidance and instruction. Isn’t this is what you want from God?

            As you know, the demands of everyday life weigh down upon us. Because of our working loads and everyday responsibilities, we can easily be tempted to ignore God’s presence or – worse yet – to rebel against His commandments. But, when we quiet ourselves and acknowledge His presence, God touches our hearts, restores our spirits, and help us to think and see things in God’s perspective. If we want to get to know our Heavenly Father more, silence is a wonderful place to start.

            It’s not about where we are physically but it’s about the position of our hearts. As illustration, I can think of you even in the midst of busy traffic or in the noise of conversations.  My heart belongs to you. In the same way – even more – we can hear God speaks to us anytime if our hearts focusing on Him. Let’s be in silence and solitude with God more often. Let’s go to a quiet place and listen (You may want to find a place for you to have a quiet time). It’s good for our souls and relationship with God and one another. If we keep listening long enough and carefully enough, He’ll start talking.

Annie, I write this letter not as much as I want to teach you,

But it was you who reminds me about silence and solitude.

To be patient and wait upon the Lord.

You wrote to me, “I will wait for God’s voice…

…so I will follow His voice.”

Yes darling, let us be still, and know that God is God.

I want to marry you,

Richard

P.s.: I love you!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus, Repentance, the Holy Spirit and a Changed Life

This is awesome! Jesus’ last words to His disciples are a command to wait in Jerusalem until they are “equipped with power from on high” (Luke 24:49, the Message). The Book of Acts then begins with the gift of that power at Pentecost. “When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force – no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them” (Acts 2:1-4, Msg).

The disciples were filled with God’s Holy Spirit and then Peter, the forgiven betrayer, stood up to speak. Peter showed that what was happening had been promised by God’s prophets in the Scriptures long time ago. Peter stressed that only those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved at the time of future Judgement. Peter also emphasised that Jesus is God, the Lord, the Christ, the Messiah – and that he had suffered, died and been raised to life. This Message is awesome!

The people were deeply affected when they heard Peter’s words. “So now what do we do?” they asked. Peter replied. Mind you, this famous reply must be the basis for everyone’s response to the Good News: “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, Msg). In other words Peter was challenging them – us – to repent or change our mind and believe, to be baptized to show that we’ve changed our mind, to do it in Jesus’ name (that is, to call on his name and show that we’re depending on Jesus alone), receive the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Awesome!

Once I get the Message, I realised that God’s forgiveness is linked with these essential things: repentance, baptism, calling on Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. And as I read the life and teaching of Jesus in the Gospel stories, forgiveness in the early church as in the Book of Acts is evidenced by a changed life, by a different way of living and thinking, and by a more forgiving heart. This is how the new lives of those who responded to the Good News that Peter proclaiming: “All the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was meet” (Acts 2:44-45, Msg). This is awesome!

Repentance and baptism

Calling on Jesus’ name and the gift of the Holy Spirit

Result: The forgiveness of sins

Evident: A changed life.

This is the Good News

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Will Jesus Throw a Stone at the Adulterous Woman? (Maybe. Maybe Not. Only If You Know)

Jesus was in the Temple. “The religious scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?’ They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him” (John 8:3-6, The Message).

They want to trap Jesus. They had caught a woman committing adultery and they wanted to know what Jesus would do. By the way, where was the man who committed adultery with the woman? Get away freely? Controversy. Just like today’s controversy. Another story. But now, how would Jesus treat such a foul sinner? What would Jesus do?

The Scripture says, “Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him” (John 8:6-7, Msg). I suspect, there was a long silence while Jesus looked at the ground and doodled his finger in the dust. They repeated their question (so annoying!) and eventually Jesus “straightened up and said, ‘The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.’ Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt” (John 8:7-8, Msg). Or if you like ESV translation, Jesus simply said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Very clear and direct. What was their response to Jesus’ challenge? Well, “hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone” (8:9, Msg). Now, since Jesus is the most qualified Man on earth to throw a stone at her, what would Jesus do next? Do you think Jesus would do it? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe if you know Jesus, you already know the answer…

Jesus stood up and spoke to her, “’Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?’

‘No one, Master.’ ‘Neither do I,’ said Jesus” (John 8:10-11, Msg). What is happening here? This is how I see the situation, that: judgment and punishment belong to God – and before Him all men and women are equally guilty. That was why everyone starting with the oldest ones walked away. The accusers were accused! They understood it! Do we? Understand this, in the light of God’s holiness nobody can classified one person as good and another as bad, because all people are equally sinful in the face of God’s absolute perfection, and all are in equal need of His forgiveness. Everyone need God’s forgiveness through faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. ALL.

This woman, though she had committed a terrible sin, was no worse in God’s eyes than any of the religious leaders who were condemning her. In God’s eyes, sin is sin. There is no small or big sin – just sin. That mean, she was also no more sinner than anyone of us since everyone sin against God (no need Bible verses here. We know it alright). But in God’s grace and mercy, Jesus didn’t pick up a stone. Jesus didn’t asked her if she was sorry. Jesus didn’t say that his love is conditional. Jesus told her that he didn’t condemn her. Jesus only told her, “Go on your way.” Jesus, after his words of forgiveness, he told her, “From now on, don’t sin” (John 8:11, Msg). Jesus as Son of God, with authority, forgive her.

Ah, Jesus = Forgiveness. Mind you, forgiveness is not a reward offered to those who promise not to sin anymore or who have stopped sinning. Forgiveness is not given to those who feel sorry and hope to be good. Forgiveness is God’s unconditional grace to sinners. Forgiveness is through repentance and faith in Christ’s work on the cross for us. So, it is natural and expected – out of gratitude – that we should show our love in our actions, with new behaviour and lifestyle. Jesus says to us, “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” Don’t go back sinning the way you were before. Move on with Christ in you. You’re forgiven sinners.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Both Jesus and Criss Angel walks on the Water, but the One is the Lord of Miracle and the Other is only a Magician (Reflection on Mark 6:45-52)

After the miraculous feeding of the multitude, Jesus “made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to Bethsaida, on the other side of the lake, while he sent the crowd away” (Mark 6:45, GNB). I wonder, what was the reason behind this sudden decision? Apostle John gives the answer: Jesus wants to avoid the people who intended to take him by force and make him a king (John 6:15). Jesus is not like any other religious leaders. We cannot “make” him a King, he “is” the King. The people’s idea of Jesus is totally wrong because they were desperate and need king to overthrown the Roman government, a political and military leader king. But that is not what Jesus came to do. So Jesus hurried his disciples away to prevent them from being influenced by this mistaken enthusiasm. I think if Jesus “went away to a hill to pray” (6:46), withdrew himself for an extended time of solitary prayer was an indication of how seriously he viewed the situation.

“When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, while Jesus was alone on land. He saw that his disciples were straining at the oars, because they were rowing against the wind; so sometime between three and six o'clock in the morning he came to them, walking on the water. He was going to pass them by, but they saw him walking on the water. “It's a ghost!” they thought, and screamed. They were all terrified when they saw him” (Mark 6:47-50, GNB)

When you read Mark chapter 1 to 6, just six chapters, you’ll noticed that Jesus is showing his power and authority over the evil spirits and demons, over sicknesses and diseases, over the Sabbath and religious rules, over life and death, and over the nature – waves and storms – and particularly here, over the sea. All of these supernatural power reveals Jesus’ divine identity, his Lordship. I read, for the Jews (as most ancient peoples), the sea was considered to be the dwelling place of demons. Plus, some of the commentators writes that there was a local rumour that the last thing a boatman saw before drowning in the lake Galilee was a ghost on the water. Now I know that when the disciples ran into a storm and saw something or rather someone walking on the water, they screamed, “It’s a ghost!”

I once watched a video on how Criss Angel, the Mindfreak magician, demonstrates his ability to walk on water. It was amazing. But magic is magic, no matter how amazing it is, it can be explain. Of course he didn't literally walk on water. I then watched another video of Val Valentino, the Masked Magician, performing his own version of walk-on-water illusion and explaining it at the end. He used plexiglass. Jesus walks on the water. How to explain this away? That Jesus also used plexiglass? Funny. Ha ha. That Jesus actually walked on ice? Nonsense. That Jesus was simply walking by the seashore, it was dark and the disciples mistook him to be actually walk on water? Now, the disciples are slow in learning but they are not stupid. They were terrified, remember? (If Jesus walks by the seashore, why would they be terrified?). Thus, Jesus is walking on water.

“Jesus spoke to them at once, ‘Courage!’ he said. ‘It is I. Don't be afraid!’ Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind died down” (Mark 6:50-51). The lesson in Mark 4:35-41 relearned again here. The disciples’ terror here shows their lack of faith. Once more Jesus had to rescue them when their faith failed. They have seen Jesus commanded the wind and the storm, now they saw Jesus trampled the sea underfoot. They have heard Jesus’ questions “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (4:40), now they listened to Jesus’ assurance statement, “Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid!” They were “completely amazed, because they had not understood the real meaning of the feeding of the 5,000; their minds could not grasp it” (Mark 6:50-51), now If they do, they wouldn’t have been so amazed at Jesus walking on the water and calming the wind.

Here are some questions for us today:

Jesus is King, but is he the King and Lord of your life?

Jesus have power and authority over everything, have you entrusted your life to him?

Jesus is the Lord of Miracle not a magician,

are there any ‘storms’ in your life that you want Jesus to calm down?

Jesus is God, do you need more courage and faith to face trials and temptations in your life?

Jesus feed the five thousand, walk on water and calming the wind,

do you still don’t understand His divinity as the Son of God?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Refleksi tentang Pengganas ISIS: Pergi, Menukar Agama atau Mati?

Pengganas-pengganas ISIS di Iraq, sedang mereka menakluki banyak lagi kawasan, telah membuat ramai orang Kristian dan orang bukan Islam (malah orang Islam sendiri yang tidak bersependapat dengan mereka) terpaksa membuat keputusan samada untuk meninggalkan kawasan mereka atau memasuki Islam secara paksa atau mati dibunuh dengan kejam. Pada hari ini ramai orang di dunia terkejut dan takut kerana mereka menyangka bahawa tindakkan untuk menukar agama melalui pedang adalah sesuatu perkara yang lepas. Mereka sudah silap. Bagi kita yang tahu perkembangan isu semasa tentang pemahaman radikal Islam (merujuk kepada istilah ‘radikal’ yang negatif) dan tentang tindakkan pengganas yang kejam, ini sudah menjadi perkara biasa – tidak mengejutkan kita.  Dan bagi orang Kristian yang mengkaji Alkitab, kita seharusnya sudah tahu bahawa ini akan terjadi.

Tuhan Yesus Kristus sendiri sudah memberi amaran: “Kemudian kamu akan ditangkap dan diserahkan untuk diseksa and dibunuh. Semua orang akan membenci kamu kerana kamu pengikut-Ku” (Matius 24:9, BM); “Berbahagialah kamu apabila orang membenci, menolak, dan menghina kamu, serta memburukkan kamu kerana Aku” (Lukas 6:22); “Jika dunia membenci kamu, ingatlah bahawa dunia sudah membenci Aku lebih dahulu” (Yohanes 15:18).

Rasul-rasul Yesus juga menulis: “Semua orang yang mahu hidup beribadat dan bersatu dengan Kristus akan dianiaya” (2 Timotius 3:12); “Sahabat-sahabat yang aku kasihi! Kamu sekarang menanggung penderitaan yang berat kerana kamu sedang diuji. Janganlah hairan dan janganlah anggap perkara itu luar biasa” (1 Petrus 4:12); “Oleh itu, saudara-saudaraku, janganlah hairan jika orang di dunia ini membenci kamu” (1 Yohanes 3:13).

Akan ada masanya nanti bila dunia akan membenci dan menganiaya semua pengikut Kristus yang benar. Ianya tidak akan terhad kepada mereka yang tinggal di tempat negara-negara pengganas, malahan juga kota-kota kecil yang namanya tidak pernah kita peduli selama ini. Keganasan dan penganiayaan lambat-laun akan berlaku – mahu ataupun tidak – di tempat kita sendiri. Saya tidak pasti samada orang Kristian sudah bersedia untuk perkara seperti ini. Saya berharap ramai diantara kita sudah bersedia. Masanya akan tiba. Adakah kita akan lari meninggalkan tempat ini atau menjual iman kita atau terus mempertahankan iman kita walaupun ianya akan membawa kepada kematian. Ini persoalan saya.

Orang Kristian di negara barat sudah semakin lemah. Kebanyakkan mereka sekarang mendefinasikan dan memperkecilkan maksud “kasih” sebagai “toleransi” terhadap apa saja termasuk ajaran sesat, palsu dan menyeleweng. Orang Kristian di Asia terutamanya dan di dunia khususnya harus bersatu dan bersedia untuk mempertahankan iman kita dengan kasih Kristus. Kasih yang benar harus diberitakan dan dipertahankan pada masa yang sama. Tragedi yang terjadi kepada saudara-saudari Kristus kita yang mengalami penderitaan di tangan kumpulan pengganas ISIS harus menjadi siren untuk kita bangkit semula dan bangun daripada tidur rohani kita! Kita harus berdoa untuk mereka dan bersedia jika ada apa-apa yang kita boleh lakukan untuk membantu mereka. Tetapi, kita juga harus sedar bahawa apa yang terjadi kepada mereka akan terjadi kepada kita suatu hari nanti.

Saya tidak bertanya adakah kamu bersedia dengan senjata dan alat perang kamu; saya bertanya, “Adakah kita sedia untuk meninggalkan tempat asal kita atau sedia untuk menukar agama dengan menjual iman yang hidup kepada yang lain atau sedia untuk dianiaya yang mungkin membawa kepada kematian kerana Yesus?” Apakah keputusan yang kita akan buat? Meninggalkan tempat asal kita mungkin satu keputusan yang harus dibuat. Berdiri teguh dan sanggup mati demi iman kepada Yesus juga satu keputusan yang mungkin kita harus ambil (Begitu sukar… saya tidak dapat bayangkan). Bertukar agama juga satu keputusan yang mungkin akan dibuat, tetapi ini menunjukkan bahawa orang itu tidak pernah menjadi pengikut Kristus yang sebenar. Ada satu lagi pilihan yang boleh dibuat, iaitu, melawan balik. Tetapi di dalam Alkitab Yesus secara peribadi dan dalam ajaran-Nya tidak pernah melawan balik musuh. (Dia akan menghakimi pada Akhir Zaman setiap tindakkan orang yang melakukan kesalahan setimpal dengan perbuatan mereka) Secara manusiawi saya ingin melawan balik, tetapi Yesus tidak mengajar begitu. Oleh itu, Tuhan Yesus, Engkau kuatkanlah kami yang lemah ini!

Namun begitu, saya optimis bahawa penganiayaan yang berlaku di Iraq pasti telah membawa ramai lagi orang untuk mencari kebenaran dan menerima Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat mereka. Memang tidak mudah untuk saya berkata begini kerana ramai penduduk Iraq dan orang-orang disekeliling mereka bukan hanya dianiaya dan dibunuh, malah, ada diantara mereka disembelih, dipenggal dan digantung seperti daging yang dijual di pasar. Semuanya dilakukan atas nama “TUHAN.” Apa yang berlaku sekarang tidak ada bezanya dengan sejarah dahulu. Oleh itu, ini juga yang berlaku sekarang: Sejarah membuktikan bahawa apabila orang Kristian dianiaya, Berita Baik akan cepat lagi tersebar dan ramai lagi orang akan menerima kebenaran tentang Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat mereka. Kenapa ini berlaku? Saya berkata demikian kerana penganiayaan “memaksa” kita untuk mencari kebenaran dan memberi fokus kepada kita tentang apa yang terutama di dalam hidup ini. Membayangkan pisau atau senapang diacukan di atas kepala kita akan menyebabkan kita fokus kepada apa yang penting sekali. Yesus. Yesus. Yesus.

Wahai saudara-saudari Kristus yang saya kasihi sekalian, jika menjadi seorang Kristian, iaitu, pengikut Kristus yang benar akan mengakibatkan nyawa kita terancam, jadi, adalah lebih baik (malah tindakkan yang bijak) sekiranya kita hidup untuk Tuhan Yesus Kristus. “Sesiapa yang mempertahankan hidupnya akan kehilangan hidup sejati, tetapi sesiapa kehilangan hidupnya kerana dia pengikut-Ku, akan memperoleh hidup sejati” (Matius 10:39). Jika mengikut Yesus bermaksud kita harus pergi ke kayu salib, maka kita harus memberitakan Berita Baik tentang kematian dan kebangkitan-Nya dengan seluruh kehidupan kita. Jika ada orang yang ingin membunuh kita kerana kita seorang Kristian, maka mereka tidak perlu bertanya atau ragu-ragu samada kita adalah benar-benar Kristian atau tidak. Roh Kudus menyertai kamu. Amen.

Senang untuk saya menulis, tetapi sama-samalah kita merenungkannya.

[Jika saya ditahan oleh polis kerana menulis artikel ini, tolong ikat jamin saya okay?]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus Called You to be a Missionary (A Reflection on Mark 6:6-13)

“[Then] Jesus went to the villages around there, teaching the people. He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits and ordered them, ‘Don’t take anything with you on the trip except a walking stick – no bread, no beggar’s bag, no money in your pockets. Wear sandals, but don’t carry extra shirt’” (Mark 6:6-9, GNB).

Previously Jesus was rejected in his hometown Nazareth. Hurt, but not giving up. So, he and the disciples went to the villages nearby to tell people who want to receive the good news about the Kingdom of God and to “turn away from their sins” (Mark 6:12). What Jesus is doing here was exactly what he challenged them to be and to do “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). When he chooses the twelve he said, “I have chosen you to be with me. I will also send you out to preach, and you will have authority to drive out demons” (3:14-15).

Do you remember Jesus’ first invitation to you to be his disciple? Just like yesterday, today we are called to him, to equip by him, and then sent out as his representatives. Mission, mind you, is the calling of all God’s people, not just for the selected few. Wherever you are – at the church, workplace, shopping mall, up in the jungle, hospital, campus or home – you’re God’s representatives. To be a Christian is to be a missionary. I always tell my students that God is calling them to be missionaries at home and in their own campuses. One Christian teacher told me, “God sent me to be a missionary at school [he chuckled] and thanks to the government, they paid me to be here.”

Jesus, in his humanity, can’t do it alone. There are about half a dozen of villages around Nazareth, so he “sent them two by two.” Why? Because “two is better than one”? Yes, and more. Send out in pairs is important for mutual support and encouragement. Two also good for decision-making and reliable witnesses (as Deuteronomy 17:6). Sometime I feel sad when some of the churches send preachers or missionaries off their own. Many evangelists are solo operators too. Friend, don’t do it all alone. Christians must not be a one-man show. Soloist is not the pattern of discipleship. Collaborate with others, working together, partnership in the service of him. We have Jesus’ authority over the evil spirits – he is with us.  

Are you ready for mission? Let me helps you to understand how to apply Jesus’ instructions – today. Mark 6:8-9 simply means: We are to travel light, bring minimum provisions as we go, don’t over-do on preparations and don’t be fussy about where to stay or wear. Eugene Peterson paraphrase these verses this way, “Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple. And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave” (The Message). Preparation is important, but not as important as the preparation of your heart and mind. “You are the equipment.” Remember, even if you’re seem to be alone, Jesus is with you. He is your eternal partner. So don’t be afraid.

Then Jesus said, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. If you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them!” (Mark 6:10-11). This is a heavy stuff. Basically, Jesus is saying that if there are people who will welcome you, stay there. If not, go away. Don’t make a scene. In doing mission and evangelism, we need to have the urgency. Urgency means we have to go (that is, we go not wait). Urgency also means “that there is no time to waste on those who are plainly not interested… who are totally unreceptive.” (quote from Crossway Bible Guides: Mark by David Hewitt). Unless God is specifically calling you to reach out to a certain area and people, you must stay. But generally for the unresponsive, please move on to other places and disassociate with them. “Shake the dust off your feet.” We have more places to go, we have to move on. This is a command, this is urgent!

Are you ready for mission?

There will be conflicts, rejections and persecution.

But don’t lose heart – Jesus be with you. Share the joy of Christ.

Go on, you have Jesus’ authority to teach, preach and heal. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

I Saw Jesus Healed a Woman and Witnessed Jairus' Daughter Come Back to Life (Mark 5:21-43)

“One encounter with Jesus Christ is enough to change you, instantly, forever”

(Luis Palau)

I was there on the side of Lake Galilee when I read Mark 5:21-42. I saw Jesus, his disciples, Jairus and the old woman that I read in this story. I was among the crowd. I wear my faded jean, blue cap, orange t-shirt and my Flipper slipper. Strangely, the crowd doesn’t noticed me, perhaps I was invincible to them. But I think Jesus knew.

When I was there, I saw crowd of people surged around Jesus. Then I saw a man whom people called Jairus, one of the leaders of the synagogue fought his way through, fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him for help. The crowd silenced. I can hear him say, “Come to my house, please. My little girl, my precious only daughter, is dying.” Jesus nod and his band of followers set off, but the crowd is so large that it became almost impossible to make headway. I, on the other hand, can easily walk through the crowd. Am I also in the form of spirit? I don’t know. But I think Jesus knew.

As Jesus and his followers are pushing their way through, I saw a woman struggling toward them. I read Mark 5:25-25 that I was holding and realised that she is suffering from continual bleeding for twelve long years, despite going to doctor after doctor. Their ineffective treatment had cost her every money she have and she is desperate! She wants Jesus. “This is my chance,” I can hear her thought (I think Jesus allowed me to hear this). “If I can only touch Jesus, I’ll be healed.”

Approaching Jesus from behind so as not to be seen, she push her hand through a dozen of bodies pressing around Jesus and grabbed his cloak. To our surprise – me and the woman – her body mend as she stood there and I think she know that her years of suffering are over. The bleeding have stopped! She is now healed and religiously clean!

I then looked at Jesus. He seems like noticing that a surge of power leave him – and he allow me to felt (a glimpse of) it too. Stop in his tracks he scan the faces in the crowd, pause for two seconds as he look at me, then proceed his scanning and call out, “Who touched my cloak?” Everyone, especially his disciples are staggered and say, “The crowd’s wild. Can’t you see them pressing around you? It would be easier to ask who didn’t touch you.”

            But Jesus keep looking from face to face, until the woman, realising she is found out, come forward, fearing that Jesus would be angry with her. Falling to her knees before him, she pour out the whole story. “My dear child,” Jesus’ tender voice say, “God has responded to your faith. You are well: no more suffering for you. Go in peace.” I’m touched by Jesus’ response. I know that Jesus’ insistence to find out who had touched him was because he wanted the woman to know that it was her faith that had made her well and not some ‘magic’ resulting from her touch or Jesus’ cloak.

While all this is happen, I saw some friends of Jairus arrive and tell the news that his daughter is dead. “There’s no point Jesus coming now,” they say. Ignoring them, Jesus look Jairus straight in the eye, “Don’t abandon hope. Trust me, and all will be well.” I follow Jesus and his followers to Jairus’ house. There are uproar, full of mourners weeping and wailing. Jesus command them all, “Out, all of you! The girl is not dead, just sleeping.” I looked around to see the reactions of the people. They laugh at Jesus. He turn them out, leaving only the girl’s parents to stay in the room, along with his closest friends: Peter, James and John. Oh ya, I was there too.

            “Get up, little one,” Jesus says, taking the girl by the hand. She sit up and get out of bed and walk around the room. I was shocked! Jesus raise the dead to life! Her parents and Jesus’ friends are overcome with joy. Jesus tell both of them to give the girl something to eat and urge them not to tell anyone what have happened. But news spread quickly. Jesus then looked at me (though nobody knew that I was there) and said, “Write this down!”

Was it my imaginations or truly his gentle voice that whisper for me to write this down? I’m not sure. The safest and biblical thing to say is that you should read Mark 5:21-43 in the Bible for yourself. Experience Jesus. Witness his miracles. See his awesome power. How long since you encounters Jesus first hand? Read the Word. Who know, you might need a little touch from Jesus or probably a raise from the ‘dead’ from him. Either, you can never be the same!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

TUHAN Menggerakkan Hati Umat-Nya: Perubahan Rohani vs. Tindakkan Praktikal (Refleksi tentang Kitab Ezra 1:5-11)

“[Tiap-tiap] orang yang telah digerakkan hatinya oleh Allah, bersiap-siap untuk pulang ke Yerusalem dan membina semula Rumah TUHAN. Semua jiran mereka turut membantu dengan memberikan barangan yang diperlukan: perkakas perak, emas, bekalan untuk perjalanan, binatang untuk mengangkut barangan, harta benda yang lain, serta persembahan untuk Rumah TUHAN. Raja Kores mengembalikan semua mangkuk dan cawan yang dahulunya dipakai di Rumah TUHAN di Yerusalem… Kemudian Mitredat, ketua perbendaharaan kerajaan membuat senarai perkakas itu bagi Sesbazar, gabenor negeri Yehuda… Kesemua barang itu ini dibawa oleh Sesbazar dari Babilonia ke Yerusalem, bersama dengan orang buangan yang lain” (Ezra 1:5-11, BM).

Untuk memahami latar belakang Firman ini, baca Ezra 1:1-5 (atau KLIK DI SINI). Sesbazar telah dilantik sebagai gabenor pertama negeri Yehuda oleh Raja Kores untuk memimpin orang bangsa Yehuda kembali ke Yerusalem. Sesbazar ialah orang yang bertanggungjawab untuk membawa perkakas-perkakas milik Rumah TUHAN ke tempat asalnya dan dia “meletakkan asas Rumah TUHAN” (Ezra 5:16) di Yerusalem. Hanya kemudian barulah Ezra (penulis kitab ini) dan orang Yehuda yang lain datang untuk menyambung kerja, membaik pulih dan membina semula Rumah TUHAN.

Bayangkan bagaimana mereka bersiap untuk pergi. “Tiap-tiap orang yang telah digerakkan hatinya oleh Allah” bersiap untuk melakukan tugasan yang diberi, mengalami pengalaman atau situasi yang baru dan bersedia untuk kembali ke Yerusalem. Wang, harta benda yang berharga dan binatang-binatang periharaan adalah sama pentingnya dengan persiapan hati untuk mentaati panggilan dan Firman TUHAN. Dia telah “menggerakkan hati raja” (Ezra 1:1), dan tidak mustahil Dia juga akan menggerakkan hati umat-Nya. Dia melakukan inisiatif. Tetapi harus diketahui juga bahawa setiap umat-Nya mempunyai tanggungjawab dan memainkan peranan tertentu dalam membina semula Rumah TUHAN di Yerusalem. Ada diantara mereka memberi bantuan bagi tujuan pembinaan dan ada juga yang membantu sanak saudara dan jiran-jiran yang ingin kembali semula.

Satu perkara yang saya pelajari melalui Firman ini ialah, untuk melakukan pekerjaan TUHAN, adalah penting bagi kita untuk memastikan bahawa secara rohani kita didorong oleh TUHAN, dan secara praktikal, kita harus dilengkapi untuk melakukannya. Apabila TUHAN telah “menggerakkan hati” umat-Nya untuk melakukan sesuatu, ianya akan bermula dari pemikiran, hati dan roh kita dan ia juga akan melibatkan masa, tenaga, kebolehan dan harta (atau wang). Ianya melibatkan kerohanian diri kita dan juga tindakkan luaran secara praktikal. Iman dan perbuatan. Tidak seperti kita menonton perlawanan bola sepak di stadium dimana hanya 22 pemain akan berusaha keras untuk menjaringkan gol sementara beribu-ribu penonton di stadium hanya duduk dan berdiri memberi nasihat, menjerit dan mengkritik sahaja; kita yang percaya kepada TUHAN Allah harus melibatkan diri secara praktikal dan juga secara rohani untuk membangunkan Kerajaan Allah (“Rumah TUHAN”) di dalam komuniti, masyarakat dan negara kita.

Ingat: Kebangkitan rohani yang benar akan disertakan dengan tindakkan praktikal.

Apabila TUHAN “menggerakkan hati” kita, berdoalah dan lakukan sesuatu.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus, Don't You Care? (A Reflection on Mark 4:35-41)

“On the evening of that same day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they left the crowd; the disciples got into the boat in which Jesus was already sitting, and they took him with them. Other boats were there too” (Mark 4:35-36, GNB).

Tired. Late evening. It had been a busy day of ministry. Jesus, a man as he can be, was exhausted from a strenuous day of teaching, so he suggested to his disciples that they cross over “to the other side of the lake” to a quieter side of Galilea for a rest. When I read these verses again (and again) I rest assure that this man Jesus is the Lord that I can approach, know, love, trust, and adore. He is humanity in the truest form. Therefore, I can approach, know and love him deeply. He is also divinity in the truest form. Therefore, I can trust and adore him forevermore. When I read this story further, I’m amazed by him…

“Suddenly a strong wind blew up, and the waves begin to spill over into the boat, so that it was about to fill with water. Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The disciples woke him up and said, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?’” (Mark 4:37-38).

A carpenter was sleeping, but experienced fishermen was panicking. They were so afraid. Surely Peter and John would know how to troubleshoot during storms… they don’t. But wait, isn’t this storm was difference? Perhaps an earthquake-like storms. Nevertheless, a strong wind blew up, waves spill over into the boat, the boat was about to sink, the disciples panic – and Jesus slept on undisturbed! Why? The simplest answer is that he must be very tired. He was not pretending to sleep or pretentious-intentionally want to test his disciples (as many popular interpretation suggests), he displayed his genuine fatigue and weariness. Jesus is so human. Thus, the disciples have to “woke him up” and asked a very faith-less (but valid) question to Jesus: “Don’t you care?” Ah, this is our favourite question when we are facing the storm of our lives. “Don’t you care, Jesus?”

For you and me who have known Jesus, who worship him consciously almost every Sunday, who read and study His Book, who love to go to concerts, who lavishly displayed our Christianity brands on social medias, who never experience extreme hunger and poverty, ask this question – “Don’t you care, Jesus?” Definitely we have an issue of faith. “Do you still have no faith?” Jesus asked. At some point in our lives (maybe today?), as Christ followers, we all must learn to say honestly and reverently, “Jesus, my life is in your hands.” That is one of the truths Jesus wanted us to learn from the storm incident. Nothing that happens to you and me, including accidents and death, is a surprised to Jesus. He cares. He knows what life holds for all of us, including its length and challenges. We need not fear the storm. Jesus is in the boat with us. “Other boats were there too” but they don’t have Jesus. Look…

“Jesus stood up and commanded the wind, ‘Be quiet!’ and he said to the waves, ‘Be still!’ The wind died down, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?’ But they were terribly afraid and begin to say to one another. ‘Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” (Mark 4:39-41).

We have read Jesus’ humanity in action (his need for rest and sleep) now we sees his divine power in action. Just like talking to pets – dogs and cats – Jesus simply commanded the storm to “Quiet! Be still!” Fascinating, the storm needed to be rebuked. The wind and waves obeyed him immediately. And then Jesus asked one obvious question “Why are you frightened?” (of course they were afraid Lord) and another question in regard to the issue of their life “Do you still have no faith?” Are you afraid to die? I do. Jesus wasn’t angry with the disciples for their panic in the storm, and God’s isn’t angry with us for shrinking back at the thought of our personal storm in life – but Jesus wants us to grow in our measure of trust in Him. As we learn to be fearless and trust His cares for us, our fear becomes less and less. Are you afraid to die? Don’t be. If you really want to be afraid, afraid of this: the person of Jesus. Before, the disciples were “afraid” in fear of the storm but now it doesn’t matter anymore, they were “afraid” in fear-reverence, high-respect of the Jesus in front of them. They were amazed by his power and learning more about Jesus. The Jesus whom they can trust. The no ordinary Jesus. No wonder they asked, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Awesome God!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.