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 😉✌💡

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A Word to Fellow Pastors and Other Christian Leaders (1875) by Horatius Bonar, Book Review

 

A Word to Fellow Pastors and Other Christian Leaders:

Things Every Minister of the Gospel Must Consider (1875, 2019)

by Horatius Bonar

Every Sunday I will have my Social Media Sabbath and one of the things I love to do is house cleaning. As Jordan Peterson said forcefully, “If you can't even clean up your own room, who the hell are you to advise the world?” As I’m battling with dirt and spider webs, I listened to this audiobook. I’ve read this book many years ago and I’m glad to discover it again in audio format. Horatius Bonar (1808-1889) is a missionary, a preacher, and best-known as a hymn writer. He wrote this book out of his concern for the Christian leaders to be faithful to the gospel of Christ, to win souls for Christ, and to edify the body of Christ. “This is a book for winners of souls, not for loiterers on the highway or for slothful servants of our Master,” reminds Samuel M. Zwemer on the preface, “It is a heart-searching book but also one that gives new courage to continue the daily task.”

I love to learn, read, and listen to Christian classic books. They are so much depth, devotion, and meatiness. Mr. Bonar’s book is included. It is very convincing and challenging. For my 21st century ears, the standard for a leader or minister of the gospel as outline here is very high (if I pause every time a sentence hit me, I would never finish this book. Repentance, in the end, is necessary!) and it should be so. As of this writing, the Hillsong Church is in turmoil due to many controversies, scandals, and misconducts among the leaders. I’m glad that the truth is exposed and yet, I’m sad that it brings shame to the church. I’m guilty of my own shortcoming but the Scripture is clear that we have to hold ourselves to a higher Biblical standard. Paul advises Timothy and every Christian leader: “Keep a close watch on yourself and the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). James gave this solemn warning, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). The high standard is uncomfortable nowadays, but in the digital era, it is urgent and all-time Biblical.

’Tis not for us to trifle! Life is brief,
And sin is here.
Our age is but the falling of a leaf,
A dropping tear.
We have no time to sport away the hours,
All must be earnest in a world like ours.
Not many lives, but only one have we —
One; only one; —
How sacred should that one life ever be —
That narrow span!
Day after day, filled up with blessed toil;
Hour after hour, still bringing in the new spoil.
(Poet by Horatius Bonar)

This book contains five (5) powerful chapters: Ch. 1: The Importance of Being Hot for Christ; Ch. 2: The Importance of Being Right with God Ourselves; Ch. 3: The Danger of Unfruitful Ministry; Ch. 4: The Importance of Eliminating Our Faults; and Ch. 5: The Need of Revival in Ministry. If I were a senior pastor in the local church or team leader in a Christian organization, I would make this book required reading for every minister before entering the high standard calling of ministry! (Be glad, I’m not )

#ServeToLead #GrowingLeaders #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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The Word of God Will Stand Forever

"Read the Bible not as a newspaper but as a letter from home," reminds F. B. Meyer, pastor, evangelist, and Bible commentary writer. "If a promise lies on the page as a blank check, cash it. If prayer is recorded, appropriate it and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you" ��������� #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #ReadTheWord #LiveTheWord

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We Must Obey God Rather Than Men

 

Peter (and the other apostles) was not being disrespectful to the religious leaders when he said this 👇 In fact, in 1 Peter 2:13-17, he encourages us to submit to authority and human government "for the Lord's sake." But when their rules go against the faith, it is undoubtful that we should obey God first and foremost rather than fear and bow to men. Be a good citizen, even more, be a better Christian. Where are men with godly conviction nowadays?

Martin Luther, defending himself against German princes and Roman Catholic priests, said, "My cause shall be commended to the Lord for He lives and reigns who preserved the three children* in the furnace of the Babylonian king. If He is unwilling to preserve me, my life is a small thing compared with Christ. Expect anything of me except flight or recantation. I will not flee, much less recant. So may the Lord Jesus strengthen me." He did not say "deliver me" ❌ or "make it easy for me" ❌ He said "strengthen me" ✅ And he concluded his response with the words, "Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God" ➕ #ServeToLead #FearGodNotMen

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Angelus' Quote: Real Success Is Doing the Will of God Regardless of the Consequences

 

Currently, I'm rereading John MacArthur's Ashamed of the Gospel (together with R.C. Sproul's The Holiness of God). In this meaty book, MacArthur is dealing with the modern-day Down-Grade Controversy. As he compares the Biblical Church to the User-Friendly Church nowadays, he touches on the topic of success: "Size [of the church] does not signify blessing. And popularity is no barometer for success... In Scripture, big budgets, affluent members, and large membership rolls are NEVER portrayed as valid goals.

"Paul was not telling Timothy how to be 'successful'; he was not instructing him on techniques for increasing attendance figures; he was encouraging him to pursue the DIVINE STANDARD... It is not prosperity, power, prominence, popularity, or any of the other worldly notions of success. Real success is doing the will of God regardless of the consequences" (page 42) 💪⚡📖 #ServeToLead #ObedienceOverSuccess #SpiritualLeader

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Angelus' Quote: Leader Is Willing to Stand Alone

Many charismatic and popular leaders get into trouble when they cease doing the difficult things in order to win approval or be liked. Politicians who depend on opinion polls to determine their actions do not last very long as leaders. Unfortunately, if you run your management program based on opinion polls or popularity contests, you will not last long as a leader.

“The tendency of the masses is toward mediocrity,” said Aldous Huxley, and opinion polls are very poor sources of vision. Failing to do the difficult thing eventually will get you in trouble… Doing the difficult things means not letting public opinion sway you from what your heart, gut, instinct or the Spirit is telling you. Perhaps the true mark of a leader is that she or he is willing to stand alone #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader

______________

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4 Basic Biblical Responses: Thinking About Homosexuality

Yesterday I had a Bible Study with UCSI Sarawak Christian Fellowship (CF). This week we continue to the second part of the unChristian series on Thinking about Homosexuality. The purpose of this series is to challenge youths to think about real hard issues around us. Today was good and lively. I shared my stories encountered with this issue, they asked questions, we respond to one another and agree on the Scriptures. Here are Four (4) Basic Biblical Responses based on Mark 2:13-17 that I shared with them:

#1 With the Exception of Jesus, We Are All Sinners (Romans 3:23). One struggle with homosexuality, one with pornography. One with gossips, one with murderous-hatred. One with hypocrisy, one with doubt. Levi, the tax collector, money swindler; the Pharisees, prideful religious. Don't judge (with self-righteous attitude) someone just because they sin differently than you do. Knowing that we - Christ followers - are redeemed sinners, humble us.

#2 We Must Treat One Another with Compassion and Love. Every human being has dignity and made in the image of God. Jesus, in the Bible, has compassion for the people because they are like sheep without a shepherd. And what He did? He reached down to them, be with the people and love them unconditionally. Remember, Jesus eats with the sinners. If you cast away, avoid or reject those who are 'different' in sexuality from you, then how they can experience the love of Christ? Who will witness Christ's love to them? There is no discrimination in friendship. No boundaries, no walls. Talk and listen, really listen to understand. Be a friend and be a real friend.

#3 Stand Firm in the Faith: Accept Homosexuals Doesn't Mean We Approve Their Lifestyles. The Bible is clear on homosexual, and it is clear also that we don't have to be a jerk! Draw the line, you don't have to be confused or denying the truth. Hold on to the biblical standard. Be a principle Christian. I said this to my homosexual friend, "I'm straight and I deny homosexual lifestyles, but I'm still your friend. I want to be your friend." Jesus eats with the sinners. He was with sinners the most part of His earthly life. He was called “friend of sinners.” But do you think Jesus approved of their lifestyle? No! Jesus was able to stand firm in His Word and at the same time draw sinners to Himself. He remained holy, set apart. We MUST, and we CAN do the same. Only let the Holy Spirit lead you. Be firm and be kind are not opposed to one another.

#4 Finally, Change Is Possible! Homosexuality is not a simple issue - it is complex. We must know and acknowledge that. It's hard and very challenging for them. But again, nothing is impossible for God. I was blind, now I see. I was lame, now I walk. I was dumb, now I can talk. Change can be slow, gradual and hard. But it is possible. When Levi first met Jesus, he was a tax collector (leader of the sinners); then he follows Jesus, he became a disciple, then his life changed, and we called him now as Matthew, the gospel writer.

So, humble yourself, #1 Know that we are all sinners (or redeemed sinners); #2 Treat one another, regardless of their sexuality or lifestyle, with compassion and love; #3 Stand firm in your faith, don't deny the truth; and #4 Pray and trust that change is possible! God can do it.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Sit, Walk, Stand (1957) by Watchman Nee

Sit, Walk, Stand (1957) by Watchman Nee
 Compiled and Edited by Angus I. Kinnear

Nee To-sheng or Watchman Nee (1903-1972) is remembered for his leadership of an indigenous church movement in China, as well as for his books especially The Normal Christian Life, which continue to enrich Christians throughout the world. Beginning in the 1930s, Nee helped establish local churches in China that were independent of foreign missionary organizations and were used to bring many into the Kingdom of God. From these roots sprang many of the house churches that continued to meet after Western missionaries were forced to leave the country during the Cultural Revolution. Arrested in 1952 and found guilty of a large number of false charges, Watchman Nee was imprisoned until his death in 1972. Sit, Walk, Stand was compiled from the spoken ministry of Nee at Foochow during "the spacious days of the evangelistic witness in China just prior to the Japanese war, when the author and his fellow Christians enjoyed a liberty in the service of God that is rare today,” writes Kinnear.

In this small book or rather, in his sermon talks, Nee "expresses [the believers'] triumphant assurance in the finished work of Christ." To show this, Nee summed up the epistle of Ephesians ("the highest spiritual truths concerning the Christian life") into two parts, and three sections as follow:

A) Doctrinal (Chapter 1 to 3)

1. SIT: Our Position in Christ (1:1-3:21)

B) Practical (Chapter 4 to 6)

2. WALK: Our Life in the World (4:1-6:9)

3. STAND: Our Attitude to the Enemy (6:10-24)

In the first section of the letter to the Ephesians, Nee notes the word "sit" (2:6), which is the secret of a true Christian experience. God has made us sit with Christ in the heavenly places and every Christian must begin his or her spiritual life from that place of rest. "Christianity does not begin with walking," writes Nee, "it begins with sitting." He continues, "Most Christians make the mistake of trying to walk in order to be able to sit, but that is a reversal of the true order… Christianity is a queer business! If at the outset we try to do anything, we miss everything. For Christianity begins not with a big DO, but with a big DONE." We are invited at the very outset to sit down and enjoy what God had done for us; not to set out to try and attain it for ourselves. We must start with "sit" and not "walk" or "stand." Walking implies effort, whereas God says that we are saved, not by works, but "by grace… through faith" (Ephesians 2:8).

In the second section, Nee select the word "walk" (4:1) as expressive of our life in the world, which is its subject. We are challenged to display in our Christian walk conduct that is in keeping with our high calling. Nee rightly observes that "too many of us are caught acting as Christians. The life of many Christians today is largely a pretense." So what we should do? He says, "Our life is the life of Christ, mediated in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit himself, and the law of that life is spontaneous. The moment we see that fact we shall end our struggling and cast away our pretense. Nothing is as hurtful to the life of a Christian as acting; nothing so blessed as when our outward efforts cease and our attitudes become natural – when our words, our prayers, our very life, all become a spontaneous and unforced expression of the life within." Though Christian life begins with sitting, sitting is always followed by walking. We found our strength in sitting down, then we must begin to walk. Sitting is our position, while walking is our practice.

And finally in the third section, Nee emphasizes the key to our attitude towards the enemy contained in the one word "stand" (6:11), expressive of our place of triumph at the end. Yes, Christian experience begins with sitting and leads to walking, but it does not end there. Every Christian must also learn to stand. "Each one of us must be prepared for the conflict," encouraged Nee. "We must know how to sit with Christ in heavenly places and we must know how to walk worthy of him down here, but we must also know how to stand before the foe." Who is our archenemy? It is Satan and his fallen angels! Ephesians 6 is Paul's plea for us to stand against them. But we stand not by our own might and determination, we stand "merely on the ground which the Lord Jesus has gained for us." Nee confidence that when our eyes are really opened to see Christ as our victorious Lord, we can stand firm. No doubt!

I breathe "amen" as I finished reading this book; I gave praises to God for these refreshing words; I repositioned myself to sit near to Him. I'm reading Ephesians again in the new light! Dear friends, the Christian life really consists of sitting with Christ, walking by Christ, and standing in Christ. Watchman Nee concludes this precious book this way: "We begin our spiritual life by resting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. That rest is the source of our strength for a consistent and unfaltering walk in the world. And at the end of a grueling warfare with the hosts of darkness, we are found standing with Him at last in triumphant possession of the field." Unto Him… be the glory… forever. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

More on Watchman Nee:

1) Secrets of Watchman Nee: His Life, His Teachings, His Influence (2005) by Dana Roberts (click HERE: http://richardangelus.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-secrets-of-watchman-nee-his.html)

2) Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering (1998) by Bob Laurent (click HERE: http://richardangelus.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-watchman-nee-man-of.html)

Pray for Eritrea: "The Closure of Churches... A Time of Intense Purification of Believers"

“As Christians we are required to love our enemies even though it is very difficult to do that when they make you suffer, or when they harm or kill your loved ones!”
(Esther, Eritrean believer)

Eritrea is one of the worst places in the world to be a Christian, acts of violence and oppression happen daily. When Esther from Eritrea came to Christ, persecution began immediately. Her parents refused to accept her new faith in Jesus. She couldn’t attend church or Bible study.

When local churches began to close, many Christians like Esther were forced to live as secret believers. It taught them that Church was not a building, but God’s people.

“The closure of churches may not make sense to us humans, but it has become a blessing as it has been a time of intense purification of believers… Forgiveness is vital. If we do not forgive, our relationship with God is hindered… Please pray that the churches in my country come to understand this forgiveness, reconcile and work with one another.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP. 

Letters to Annabel: Treat Addictive Substances Like Poison

My daughter Annabel,

            A total of 131,841 drug addicts have been registered in Malaysia between January 2010 and February 2016. Papa is burdened for young people nowadays. Among them are youth aged 19 and below amounted to 8,732 people, that’s the ones that we know of, reported cases. But how about those youth in rural areas? Papa read news last year that one in four students in Sarawak's most northern district of Lawas have been found to be taking drugs. It seems that drug dealers are now targeting youths and students. Oh Anna, nothing can break papa’s heart when I think about this… God saves Malaysia!

            Last month papa did a motivational talk at boy’s home, I chatted with them after that. Most of them said they taking drugs due to peer influence and out of curiosity. Dr. Tam Cai Lian, lecturer from Monash University said it well: “Research shows that the social pressure to belong, to be accepted, and to be part of a social group, especially in teenagers, prompts them to conform to their peer group, and start trying out drugs. That’s how it usually begins.” Be careful to avoid the people and the places that can entrap your spirit and destroy your life.

The dictionary defines addiction as “the compulsive need for a habit-forming substance; the condition of being habitually and compulsively occupied with something.”  Well, that definition is accurate, but incomplete. For us, Christ followers, addiction has an additional meaning: it means compulsively worshipping something other than God.

            Anna, papa know that you’re a very responsible woman. But as your father, I need you to know this: don’t get addicted to something that destroys your health or your sanity. Ours is a society that glamourizes the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other addicted substances. Movies and social media are indirectly promoting it, but never fall into temptations. “Since you are tempted without ceasing,” writes Charles H. Spurgeon, “pray without ceasing.” When it comes to the trap of addiction, my daughter, it is easier to stay out than it is to get out. Yes, help is available. Plenty of people have experienced addiction and lived to tell about it… but you don’t have to experience it, in order to learn from it. Take heed now, learn from people’s examples, hold on to God’s Word, care for your body and mind, and be mindful of the destructive power of addiction.

But I do encourage you to be addicted to these things: praying and helping others, fellowship with the Believers and make friends in school, reading the Bible and mediate on it day and night, go for physical exercise and learn to have fun :)

P.s: Papa will be home this Sunday. We’ll go to Kuching Food Fest ya  

Love you baby,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

           

Letters to Annabel: Stand Up for Your Beliefs

When I return home, Anna, we watch 'Wonder Woman' together again ya. 

My daughter Annabel,

            Papa have to go back to the longhouses at Sibu for a mission trip. I hope your aunty take good care of you and when I return, I’ll tell you the story of how Christ works among the Iban people, our people. It is so exciting! But one news that have been troubled daddy since last week is that many of our young people, when they study or work at the city, they losing their faith. Those who grow or kept their faith and beliefs are those who attend church or/and Christian fellowship weekly. Daddy will share God’s Word to the young people tomorrow night, would you pray for daddy?

            Anna, they remind me of you my child. One word that came to my mind this morning as I prayed for you is this: Stand up for your beliefs. Be secure with who you are and where you stand in Christ. When you become more God-confident, then you become willing to stand up for your beliefs and your God the Father. And that’s good because if you’re willing to stand up for the things you believe in, especially in your relationship with Christ, you faith will be strengthen. And not only that, you’ll feel better about yourself and you’ll make better choices.

            “Let’s take Jesus at this word,” Max Lucado writes, “When He says we’re forgiven, let’s unload the guilt. When He says we’re valuable, let’s believe Him. When He says we’re eternal, let’s bury our fear. When He says we’re provided for, let’s stop worrying.” Franklin Graham also said, “The value and purpose of following God’s ways are not in seeing, but in believing, what God wants to say to us.” Part of why daddy wants you to read the Bible every day and meditate on it is because I desires for you be rooted in Christ and His Word. Stand firm, okay?

Daddy love you,

Rich

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Make the Decision to Abstain from Sex Before Married

Young girls, wait; Young boys, self-control.

Dear Annie,

            I miss you. And I love you even more today. It’s funny how I end up loving you with all my heart now. In my past relationships, I’ve been a jerk and made lots of mistakes that I will never ever repeat it again in the future. To tell you the truth, if the Holy Spirit doesn’t touched my heart and if my God-given conscience about sex outside marriage doesn’t stopped my youthful passion when I was young boy many years ago, I might cause a girl pregnant. Or two. I was that bad. Only God can save someone like me. God’s grace alone. I hope you still love me…

            The decision to have sex before I get married – or the decision to abstain from it – is a choice that will most certainly impact the rest of my life. To do or not to do. I know you knew about this too. That decision, Annie, will play an important role in the way we see ourselves, and the way we view relationships with each other. And if we not reminding ourselves and stand firm in God’s Word, our decision to have sex before married might result in an unexpected “surprise” pregnancy. Let’s not contribute to the statistics.

            Annie, as for me personally, I’ve face many temptations. The decision to consciously abstain from sex before married was a very important and hard decision for me. It was a great struggle for me as I’m not always ‘godly’ all the time. Even if I’m good with conducts, my thoughts were sinful. So I looked to God for help. Only He can gives me wisdom to make a decision that might just change the direction of my life. “Happy is the person who finds wisdom,” proclaimed the wise man, “the one who gets understanding” (Proverbs 3:13). As J.I. Packer writes, “The fruit of wisdom is Christlikeness, peace, humility, and love. And, the root of it is faith in Christ as the manifested wisdom of God.”

So I say, I will not have sex until I’m married! I must trust the inner voice of my conscience. I should be obedient to the teaching of God’s Word. I respect God, myself and you. You’re precious to me Annie. You’re my love one as much as you’re God’s special daughter. I write this to you because I want you to know my stand (and I trust we have the same conviction about no sex outside marriage) and because, if in the future I behave improper in regard to sexual boundaries, you may remind me of my commitment. And if necessary, slap my face hard, very hard so that I can be reminded of God’s wrath against those who disobey Him.

I love you…

I love you…

I love you…

I can wait…

                                                            May God’s strength empowered us,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus defeated the Enemy

Temptation picture illustration only.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. (Matthew 4:10-11, NLT)

“When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came”

(Luke 4:13, NLT).

During the entire wilderness episode, Jesus endured Satan’ unrelenting temptation. He held strong, defeating Satan at every point. But when Jesus told the devil to leave, Satan “went away.” Because Jesus became human, he can be tempted. Because Jesus is God’s Son, he is greater, much greater than Satan. Jesus is Satan’s superior. Satan must do as Jesus commands.

But then the Gospel of Luke adds this ominous phrase, “[Satan] left him until the next opportunity came.” This wilderness experience was just the first of many encounters Jesus would have with Satan and his power. Jesus’ personal victory over the devil at the very beginning of his public ministry set the stage for his command over demons throughout his life on earth, but it did not keep Satan from continuing to try to sabotage Jesus’ mission. In other words, Jesus’ defeat of the devil at this time was decisive but not final. Throughout the next three years, Jesus would confront Satan in many other ways and circumstances. Satan is relentless and always looks for opportunities to exploit.

Without question, Satan is also powerful. Jesus called him “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31). So we should take Satan seriously and never fool around with occult practises and spiritual practises of false religions. And we should make no mistake about his intentions, namely – Satan is at war with God and his people and will do everything in his power to thwart God’s purposes on earth (Of course, in the end (and is) God rule the universe. Jesus win!).

Think about this: Just because we win a victory doesn’t mean the battle is over. Far from true. Satan is relentless. He always does whatever he can to mess with God’s people. Jesus has given us armour and weapons to use in this spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-20), but they won’t do us any good if we don’t use them. Peter the apostle reminds us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Jesus win, remember? We, in Jesus, the Victorious Saviour and Lord, also can win over the devil and his evil schemes.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Do Not Soften God's Word to Please Anybody

Jesus can bring you out of darkness to the Light

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household” (Acts 16:31)

Whenever I’m losing my focus, I’ll come back to my old friend. A good friend that was very faithful to his Lord. A friend that I cherish because he loves Jesus more than his life. A teacher, mentor and brother. My dead old friend that always remind me of what’s matter most in my life – Jesus. His name is Charles H. Spurgeon (1834 – 1892). These words of wisdom speaking to me about the urgency of Christ’s message to all people, why sometime we have to say what we need to say even if people may not like it. Truth is like that…

“Everybody says, ‘Be quiet about the wrath to come, or you will have everybody down upon you.’ Be down upon me, then! I will not soften God’s word to please anybody; and the Word of the Lord is very clear on this matter. If you receive not the Lord Jesus Christ, you will die in your sins. If you believe not in Him, you must perish from His presence. There is a day coming when you will die. After this, comes another day when you must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and all your actions shall be published, and you shall be judged for the things done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be evil. And then you shall receive the sentence of, ‘Come, you blessed,’ or ‘Depart, you cursed.’

Do you think we like to preach this? Do you think that it is any pleasure to the servant of God to deliver these heavy things? Oh, no! We speak in the bitterness of our spirit every often, but we speak because we dare not refrain. It is infinitely better that men should be told the truth than that they should be flattered by a lie into eternal ruin. He ought to have the commendation of all men, not who makes things pleasant, but who speaks things truly. Somebody is preaching of how to get people out of Hell. I preach about how to keep them out of Hell. Do not go there. Keep you clear of the fire, which never can be quenched. Escape for your lives; look not behind you; stay not in all the plain, but haste to Christ, the mountain of salvation, and put your trust in Him.”

[Taken from Spurgeon Gold by Ray Comfort (Bridge-Logos, 2005)]

Powerful. Very powerful message.

Loving. Bold. Truth.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

What to Say When You Stand Up for What is Right?

Christians must stand firm in their faith and stand up for what is right according to the Word of God and by their conscious. Most of us failed to stand up when face with temptation because we are afraid to say – No! Here I want to teach you how to say “No” more frequently for the glory of God. Questions that I want to deal here are two folds: How do you refuse to take part in an activity without putting down the person who asks you? How to be in the world and not of the world? There are a few things you should remember:

Most times, you can simply smile and refuse without going any deeper into it. If you are offered a smoke, drugs, or drink, simply say, “No thanks” – either “No, thanks. I don’t drink” or “No, thanks, I don’t use drugs.” Say it simply, sweetly, with a smile. Don’t put them down by some kind of looks or words in any way.

If they ask you why not, or press you, just give a straight short testimony for the Lord. That will almost always finish off all offers; and secretly, they may admire you for your stand. Just say, “Well, to tell you the truth, I’ve given my life to Jesus, and He owns my body. I don’t need… (drugs, cigarettes, drink, etc.)”. Or try to use my favourite reply, something like this, “I know you may think this is strange or over religious, but I’ve given my life to the Lord Jesus and things like that don’t matter to me anymore. To do this would violate my covenant with Him. I hope you will understand.”

If you are brave enough and want to go into witness mode, then use some of these replies: If they offer you to drink says, “No thanks. I have come across the most wonderful drink in the universe call ‘Living Water.’ Since I tasted it, all drink are tasteless to me.” If they offer you drugs says, “No thanks. I found something that is greater than the temporary trip and it never wears off. Once you start on it, you never want to use anything else.” If they offer you whatever that are harmful to you says, “No thanks! I can’t do it [fill in the blank], I’m dead!” (Read Romans 6:2, 3, 6, 8, 11).

If the not-yet-Christian guys want to take you girls out on a date says, “I’m honoured by your invitation, but I’m afraid I can’t accept it.” If he ask you, “Why not?” Then kindly say, “I’ve given my life to Jesus and have decided that the guys I date must love Him more, if not the same as I do.” If he want to persuade you and say, “How will you know that’s true if you don’t go out with me?” Say, “I’d be happy to have you come and meet some of my friends so that we could talk about it.” Then bring him to a meeting and meet your pastor and Christian friends.

One more thing, if you girls have been going with a guy (may it be someone who claim to be Christian for the matter of fact) who is bad for you, and you want to break up with him, use “I’m sorry I won’t be able to go out with you anymore. I’m married.” Now, is that telling lie? No! If you have just became a Christian, Jesus is your spiritual Husband (see Isaiah 54:5 and Ephesians 5:23).

Remember, the secret of standing up for what is right is to be God-ward positive in your personal testimony. Suggest alternatives if you are invited to go to some place that will compromise your faith in Jesus. For example, “I wouldn’t like to go there, but how about us going ………. Instead?” If you still get pressed, even after you have refused once and given your testimony, then have one further step. Tell them, “You don’t understand. I can’t do this because I would hurt God’s heart if I did. Jesus means more to me than anyone else in the world. It would be wrong and selfish for me to do this. I just can’t do it.” Turn and walk away. So long and good bye!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Athanasius Against All the World: Interest or Commitment?

Athanasius, early bishop of Alexandria, opposed the teaching of Arius who declared that Christ was not the eternal Son of God but a subordinate being. Hounded through five exiles for his faith in the full deity of Jesus Christ, Athanasius was finally summoned before Emperor Theodosius, who demanded he stop opposing the teaching of Arius.

Athanasius firmly refused, so the emperor bitterly reproved him and sternly asked, “Do you not realize that all the world is against you?” Athanasius quickly answered, “Then I am against all the world!”

What a commitment to the Lord Jesus! Anthansius was not afraid of telling and defending the truth even the whole world (as if) was against him. You see, there are lots of difference between those who just interested of being Christians and those who really committed Christians. For example, when you’re just interested, you profess to be Christian only when circumstances are right and good. But when you’re truly committed to the faith, you will stand firm, defending the truth as you see clearly in the Scripture, your passion for God’s honor and glory consume you and even when people around you may backsliding and you’re left alone, those who are committed will say, “I will not move. I’m committed to the Lord even the world is against me!”

Are you just interest to be a Christian

Or are you truly committed Christian?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

I against Cheap Grace Teaching: Whatever Happen to the Law of God and Repentance?

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT)

First, what is grace? It’s not that simple to explain but not complex either. Let me try. Grace is like the gift of life. We cannot take credit for it any more than my cousin’s baby can brag about being born! Grace is getting something from God that doesn’t belong to us. Grace is God’s special favor freely given to undeserving people. “Grace,” A.W. Tozer writes, “is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to bestow benefits on the undeserving.” I don’t expect you to understand what grace is – no one does – grace is not meant to be understood intellectually (alone) but (also) to be understood experientially thru believing-faith in Christ.

Second, what grace is not? This one is quite simple to explain. Grace is not ‘do-whatever-you-want- to-do.’ It is not ‘God-love-everyone-no-matter-what.’ Grace is not against or ignoring the Law of God. But, some of you might ask, “Richard, isn’t Paul taught in Romans 6:14 that we ‘no longer live under the requirements of the Law’ instead ‘under the freedom of God’s grace’?” Yes, you are right. But have you not read chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8 to set the meaning of Romans 6 in context?

In the nutshell: living by the grace of God mean living in the life-giving Spirit. The Law doesn’t save us, God saved us. But the Law is not evil; it is in itself is holy, right and good. Without the Law, grace will not have it full meaning. The Law, even the preaching of the Law of God is not against the gospel of Christ, it is the best compliment for the teaching of the grace of God. Why? Because the more we realize how sinful and undeserving we are by God’s standard, His holy Law, the more we are thankful and forever in debt with God when He shows us His grace to us.

When someone tries to argue with me, ‘Richard, God saved us through faith by grace alone so we don’t need to know about the Law.’ I would ask, ‘True. But tell me, we are saved from what?’ Normally, I will get the standard answer: ‘Our sins.’(The more reformed Christians would add, ‘The wrath of God’) ‘True. But,’ I then respond, ‘how you can know that you’ve sinned or that you’re a sinner?’ ‘Well, because the Spirit convinced me of my sins.’ ‘True. But how the Spirit does that?’ ‘Well, thru His Word of course’ ‘Okay. Particularly, which parts of the Word that are clearly convince us that we’re sinners?’ I would enquire. Normally I get a silent treatment. The answer is: the Law of God.

Regarding this matter, I want to say what St. Anthanasius
said at the Council of Nicea in defense of himself
against false teaching of his day:
“If all the world falls from the truth, I will stand!”

Cheap grace preachers always emphasis on the love of God and neglect or silent about the righteous side of God. These two must be preached together. Preaching about grace alone is not enough. It doesn’t produce the most essential element of being a born again Christian: repentance. How can I repent if I only know the love of God? I repent because I know that I’m a sinner in the presence of the most holy and righteous God. I repent because by God’s standard (God’s Law), I’m the most filthy and undeserving sinner. When I repented of my sins through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, God welcome me into His family. I’m sinless in His eyes because of Jesus’ blood covers over me. I’m God’s delight and His wrath is no more upon me. I’m saved. When I understand all these, I understand what grace really is. “Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to bestow benefits on the undeserving.” Only after (not before) I’m converted and became Christian that I know that God loves me.

In conclusion, I plea with you my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us reject the teaching of cheap grace that tend to neglect the Law of God. They are not faithful to the whole counsel of God’s Word. We ought to teach the Old and the New Testament alike. The Law without Grace is too expensive and impossible; Grace without the Law is too cheap – and the Cross is not cheap at all! The Law proves to us that we’re undeserving sinners; but by His Grace we’re forgiven anyway and have eternal life.

We shouldn’t teach to the unbelievers that God loves us all unconditionally or that because of His grace we’re not to repent of our sins anymore – the Bible doesn’t teach that! The Bible teaches that God loves the righteous ones and those who continue to believe in Him day after day (not once saved always saved). Malaysia – even Sarawak – is full of cheap grace teaching. Let us be aware and watch out for these “wolves in a sheep’s clothing”. Regarding this matter, I want to say what St. Anthanasius said at the Council of Nicea in defense of himself against false teaching of his day: “If all the world falls from the truth, I will stand!” I hope you will join me in this war. Stand for the truth!

We are saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Christ alone
We are not to live under the Law anymore but under His Spirit’s guidance.

And yet we are not to neglect the important of the Law in our teachings.
The Law produces genuine repentance;
repentance opens the door for real forgiveness.

But only God can forgive our sins and saved us from His holy wrath

He is righteous and loving God!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.