Going On Retreat (2014) by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Audiobook

For the past two months, I've been Catholicised (I made up that word) myself with a few good Catholic books and podcasts especially by Brant J. Pitre. Along the way, I stumbled upon recorded sermons and talks by the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (recommended by Bishop Robert E. Barron). I'm immediately hooked by this man. He was known for his TV and radio broadcasts. Bishop Sheen was someone who was not only rock-solid theologically (obviously, I still have beef with some of the Roman Catholic major doctrines) but also a master communicator and could relate concepts with great insight, wisdom, humor, and seriousness that appealed even to the non-Catholics like me. When I hear the man, I hear a deep spiritual giant.

So, I searched for his other recorded materials and found Going On Retreat a live sermon series in the form of an audiobook (6 hours+). Here Bishop Sheen teaches the priests and seminarians during a retreat (1973?) on such topics as the Nature of Christ, The Holy Spirit, Sin and Guilt, The Blessed Mother, the Apostle Peter, etc. Two concepts that stuck with me are: 1) 'Priest-Victim' - where he discusses the nature of sacrifice, the difference between priesthood and victimhood, and the need for priests to be both; and 2) 'The Daily Hour' - the need for priests to pray and fast as spiritual habits that nurture the soul and those who they serve. He once said, "Prayer begins by talking to God, but it ends by listening to Him. In the face of Absolute Truth, silence is the soul's language. Fasting detaches you from this world. Prayer re-attaches you to the next world." His Bible expositions - style and substance - on the Cross of Christ and the lives of the apostles Peter and Judas are superb! Go listen!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ArchbishopFultonSheen #Retreat #Priesthood #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

The Life and Ministry of John Sung (2012) by Lim Ka-Tong, Book Review

 The Life and Ministry of John Sung (2012) by Lim Ka-Tong

When I read Roland H. Bainton's Here I Stand on the Life of Martin Luther the Reformer, I was amazed. Luther had done many great things for God, His Word, and His people. I admired him, and he is one of my heroes of faith. But Luther was far from being a saint on earth. I learned about the German Peasant's War, the hatred of the Jews (anti-Semitism), and other dark sides contributed by Luther and his writings. Of course, Sung Shangjie (nicknamed Tian-En) or John Sung does not have the same level of dark sides as Luther, but he does have lots of weaknesses, especially in his younger years. He was hot-tempered, headstrong, impatient, and hard to be with. He was very critical of Western and even local missionaries. Because he traveled long, far, and frequently, he missed all of his children's births. Although his family never complained (he was a good son, husband, and father), early in his ministry his absence contradicted his sermon on the importance of family worship. But due to God's immeasurable grace, He used John Sung - and Martin Luther - greatly. This reminds me of Samson in Judges 13–16, a problematic and flawed character, yet his name is listed in Hebrews 11's The Hall of Faith. John Sung was indeed among "a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith" (Hebrews 12:1), encouraging and cheering us through his life and dedication to run the race God has set before us. Let us imitate John Sung just as he imitated Christ!

I've read John Sung's biographies by Leslie T. Lyall, Timothy Tow, and William E. Schubert. They are amazing! But this one by Lim Ka-Tong is a very comprehensive, well-researched, and fair account of a very important (but sadly, less known) figure of Chinese Christianity not only in China but also in Southeast Asia. Sung is variously remembered as the "Wesley of China", the "Billy Sunday of China", the "Billy Graham of China", "the Apostle of China", "the greatest evangelist China has ever known", and the "bright star in the crown of Hinghwa." A man such as John Sung, powerfully used by God, is worthy of being remembered by Christians around the world, and this book gives him such honor. I was very fascinated by the interesting details and facts that Ka-Tong found about John Sung that I had never heard of before from other authors. The first chapter on sociopolitical and theological background in early twentieth-century China helped me to understand what shaped John Sung's mind, and chapter two on his formative years helped me to see why John Sung's faith was genuine, contagious, and bold. In summary, Ka-Tong wrote: "John Sung's ministry was based on his intensive reading of the Bible and his reliance on the Holy Spirit. His conservative evangelical faith exerted great influence on the Chinese church, even to this day. This is remarkable because John Sung was not a trained theologian, his life was so brief, and he never founded any organization to carry on his ministry."

Indeed, his brief 12 years of public ministry, were divided into 5 periods - The Water Period: Re-Immersion (1927-1930), The Door Period: Openings (1931-1933), The Dove Period: Time to Soar (1934-1936), The Blood Period: War-Time Spiritual Warrior (1937-1939), and The Tomb Period: Pastoral Years (1940-1944) - have had a great impact that has endured through the years until today. For example, during the Dove Period around 1936, John Sung went to Borneo: "Sung's only visit to Sarawak brought great awakening to the cities of Sibu and Sarikei. He held 10-day meetings in each city. In Sibu alone, 1,583 confession letters were received, and 464 committed themselves to sharing the Good News weekly. He likewise saw a wonderful response in Sarikei, although he had to compete against a circus that was in town. According to a researcher who studied the church and mission in Sarawak, Sung's ministry brought on 'a time for renewal' which provided 'fresh impetus for witness and church planting.'" In this book, John Sung's life is portrayed in very colorful and realistic ways. Here we can see his humanness, his struggles with spiritual warfare (the world, the flesh, and the Devil), and his reliance on God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Here also, we can learn about the power of fellowship, friendship, partnership (Sung tends to be a soloist, but don't forget about the contribution of the Bethel Evangelistic Band to his ministry!), forgiveness, discipleship, prayer, revivals, and the blood of Jesus to change lives!

I fully recommend this book, especially for full-time workers, pastors, teachers, and evangelists in Malaysia. It's time for us to NOT ONLY look at famous Western Christian leaders like Martin Luther or John Calvin but also at Asian Christian leaders like John Sung, Andrew Gih, Watchman Nee, Wang Mingdao, Leland Wang, Chu Ki-chol, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Petrus Octavianus, Thomas Chung, etc. They are what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: "Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you" (1 Corinthians 1:26). What makes them great is not their wisdom, power, or wealth, but because God is great. Perhaps they would echo the Scripture, "If I want to boast, I will only boast about the LORD!" I think that is a fitting summary of John Sung's life. Amen.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #JohnSung #Biography #HeroesOfFaith #AsianChristianLeaders #ChinaRevivals #GodOfTheBible #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

To read my other book reviews on/about John Sung, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Simplicity In Preaching: A Few Hints on a Great Subject (1882, 2022) by John C. Ryle, Summary-Review

Simplicity In Preaching: A Few Hints on a Great Subject (1882, 2022) by John C. Ryle

 

For the past two years, I've been listening to and reading lots of material from John Charles Ryle (1816 to 1900). Currently, I'm reading his well-known volume Expository Thoughts on the Gospels on Luke part one. His books are very easy to digest and understand just like what this title hinted at. But it's not just simple, it's also profound and Biblical. There is no use in being simple if the essence is shallow and worldly. TikTok's 'Christian' video is simple but almost always has no depth. The aim, in the case of this subject, is simplicity in preaching Jesus Christ. So, it's true that the statement "Change your mind, change your life" is simple but there are no Biblical truths in that like the statement, "Having Christ in your life will change how you live." This is what I get from J.C. Ryle's book.

If you're thinking of reading this short book, the four (4) introductory remarks are good reminders of what he meant and don't about the subject. Read it! And here are five (5) brief hints as to what seems to be the best method of attaining simplicity in preaching according to J.C. Ryle:

1. Understand your subject.
2. Use simple words.
3. Aim for a simple style of composition.
4. Use a direct voice.
5. Use anecdotes and illustrations.

There are lots of juicy quotes that are worth remembering. Here are some as closing for this summary review: "Take care that you have a comprehensive knowledge of the subject upon which you are going to preach"; "It is appropriate to use fine words... before classical groups and in preaching before educated audiences. But you may be sure that when you preach to ordinary congregations, the sooner you... use plain, common words, the better"; "All the simplicity in the world can do no good unless you preach the simple gospel of Jesus Christ so fully and clearly that everybody can understand it. If Christ crucified does not have His rightful place in your sermons, and sin is not exposed as it should be, and your people are not plainly told what they need to believe and be and do, your preaching is of no use!" ⚡

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #SimplicityInPreaching #PreachTheWord #PreachChrist #JCRyle #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read other articles on reading and book reviews, CLICK HERE
All things media: https://linktr.ee/LEGASI.tv    

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Lead Like Christ: Reflecting the Qualities and Character of Christ In Your Ministry (Audiobook, 2021) by A.W. Tozer, Book Review

I like to think of A.W. Tozer (many have called him a modern-day prophet) as a very bold and manly writer. We need more men of God like him. I'm not comfortable calling a living person a "man of God" anymore because the last time I said that to the late Ravi Zacharias, I was frustrated and ashamed of myself after the exposè. Of course, it's not wrong (if due respect) to call someone a man or woman of God, it is safer for the soul and faith, in my opinion, to reserve that title or honor to the long-gone, time-proven, faithful Christ followers such as A.W. Tozer. Although he passed away in 1963, his influence - writings and Christian living - is critical today. My first encounter with Tozer was through his classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy and also a biography by James L. Snyder entitled A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God. I have some issues with Tozer's mysticism but his love for God and His Word surpassed my judgment and is remained central in his life and writings.

Lead Like Christ edited by James Synder for modern readers is a compilation of Tozer's sermons on the Epistle of Paul to Titus which particularly focus on spiritual leadership. If you're looking for a management-side or practical method of leadership, this book is not for you. For that, as I see the importance of knowing how to lead, I would recommend other books. But if you, as Tozer puts it, have "an incurable hunger and thirst for the deep things of God" you will be blessed by this book. His insights on the Scripture, particularly the Letter to Titus, are admirable. His thoughts on the impact of spiritual warfare, the urgent need for sound doctrine, the call of servanthood, the three words he uses to describe Titus (integrity, discretion, and enthusiasm), and more are skillfully articulate to connect to the topic of spiritual leadership. He gives examples of Paul, other apostles and prophets, his contemporaries, and chiefly the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.

There were times when I have to pause and reflect on what he said and consider my own walk with God and the people I try to lead. As Paul said to another of his mentee, Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching" (1 Timothy 4:16), that is, teach "accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). We need more leaders today. But not the worldly kind of leaders. We need Christ-centered leaders that can turn the world upside down with silent obedience and loud character that bring glory to "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). This is a high calling, Holy Spirit, help us! Amen.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LeadLikeChrist #AWTozer #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read other articles on reading and book reviews, CLICK HERE
All things media: https://linktr.ee/LEGASI.tv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (2009) by Ken Robinson, Ph.D, Book Review

The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (2009)

by Ken Robinson, Ph.D. (with Lou Aronica)

"My aim in writing [this book]," writes the late Sir Robinson (1950 - 2020) in the introduction, "is to offer a richer vision of human ability and creativity and of the benefits to us all of connecting properly with our individual talents and passions." This aim resonates with my own belief and probably that was why I bought the book when I first saw it (or subconsciously I was influenced by his most popular TED talk of all time, Do Schools Kill Creativity? Check out his other TED talks too). As a student of the Word of God and a temporary citizen of the world, I firmly believe in the depths of human depravity and at the same time, I have a high view of human ability and potential. The lens of which I read this book is from the Biblical worldview but let me write this review from the humanistic worldview as it is written.

What is the Element? Sir Robinson defines it as "the place where the things we love to do and the things we are good at come together." I find that this concept is not unique. For example, Jim Collins' The Hedgehog Concept consists of these two factors and another one, namely, what drives your economic engine. And the Japanese Ikigai is more detailed which consists of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. But what makes Ken's Element interesting is that - besides its simplicity - it takes a holistic approach not just from an individual perspective (like Ikigai) or from the business standpoint (like Jim Collin's Good To Great) but the discovery of the Element will not only makes us more fulfilled "but because, as the world evolves, the very future of our communities and institutions will depend on it." In The Afterword, he is making a good case about this. Of all the inspiring stories told in the book about how people like Richard Branson, Paul McCartney, Arianna Huffington, Paulo Coelho, etc. from very different backgrounds and circumstances found their Elements and self-help antidotes permeate throughout the pages (I love the chapters on Think Differently, Beyond Imagining, Finding Your Tribe & What Will They Think?), one subject that sparks my most interest is on EDUCATION (the last chapter Making the Grade focus on this).

"Many of the people we've met in this book didn't do well at school, or at least didn't enjoy being there," emphasized Sir Robinson. "Of course, many people do well in their schools and love what they have to offer. But too many graduate or leave early, unsure of their real talents and not knowing what direction to take next. Too many think they're not good at anything." This is exactly the problem that I see in most of the education systems in the world today especially in Malaysia. In school and university, I was an average student based on the system standards. My teachers think I'm smart at mathematics because I get an A and dumb in English because I get a D but in my job now it doesn't require my math skill to succeed but my ability to communicate well that is more important. My parents gave me approval when I get a B+ for history and disappointed when I get a C for science but as it turns out I'm more interested in the wonder of science now than the history lessons of Kesultanan Melayu Melaka. I studied civil engineering in the university to secure a good future vocation but God ends up calling me to be in the full-time Christian ministry. I appreciate every experience and education that I've learned when I was in school and university but truth be told I only discover my Element - what I love to do and the things that I'm good at - years after I left that 'cage' and enter the real world.

I'm not anti-education (as you can see from the volume and variety of interests that I have and the books that I read) but I'm against standardizing education. "One size does not fit all," said the author. For example, in school, the measure of our smartness or intelligence is based on our test or exam results. If you have a good memory, are very intellectual, and know the 'right' answers, you will definitely get good grades. But human intelligence is not limited to knowledge-based or one-right-answer for everything. Our human intelligence, explains Sir Robinson, is extraordinarily diverse, tremendously dynamic, and entirely distinctive (or unique). The question we should ask is not "How intelligent are you?" which suggest limitation but "How are you intelligent?" which suggest many possibilities. By schooling standard, culinary arts is probably the secondary subject (if any) but look at what Datuk Chef Wan has accomplished and sports or PJK may be seen as a recreational subject but see what Pandelela Rinong has become. Both of them have discovered their Elements in the less known (or order of importance) subjects in school. How about others who have these talents too but are unable to express them because they are stuck in a mathematics group study, language class, and science tuition to get good grades at school which may or may not be relevant to them in the ever-changing future?

"The fact is that given the challenges we face, education doesn't need to be reformed - it needs to be transformed." Sir Robinson continues: "The key to this transformation is not to standardize education but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions. The key is to embrace the core principles of the Element. Some of the most invigorating and successful innovations in education around the world illustrate the real power of this approach." Yes, I agree wholeheartedly! There are other gems and aha moments that I get from this book. I haven't mentioned another subject that I'm very interested in, namely, CREATIVITY. But enough for me to say: if you're still in search of your Element and you want to be inspired and if you are in the business of helping others to discover their Elements, read this book!

[Note: There is a follow-up book after this one, Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life (2014). I suggest, if you already read The Element, you don't need to read this one because the contents are apparently not that good. Average. Just find his keynotes and talks on this subject online. Try YouTube videos.]

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GrowingLeaders #KenRobinson #TheElement #EducationSystem #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other reviews of #1Book1Week CLICK HERE

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                           
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify            
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/        

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Feeding the Sheep or Entertaining the Goats?

"Preach the word... For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:2-5, ESV) #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #EntertainmentORWorship

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/            

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/            

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Timothy, Keep A Close Watch on Yourself and on the Doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16)

 

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV)

This last verse of chapter 4 is a very powerful reminder for us today – preachers and teachers, especially and all Christians, generally. Previously, the apostle Paul tells Timothy to “devote [himself] to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v.13, bracket mine) and do “not neglect the gift” (v.14) that God has given to him. And now, Paul wants him to “keep a close watch” or “take heed” (NKJV) these two things:

1) His Life, and
2) His Teaching or Doctrine

Nowadays, people are so fearful of the word ‘doctrine.’ Currently, I’m reading Charles C. Ryrie’s A Survey of Bible Doctrine, and one of my friends who saw the book asked me during our coffee hang out if I’m thinking of applying for a pastoral position. I said no and he replied, “Then why are you reading on Bible doctrine?” Once I heard a preacher said to the congregations that he just wants to share ‘practical’ lessons from the Bible and not about ‘theology’ or ‘doctrine.’ Again, during Bible Study, a student shared in the big group that she doesn’t like to study Bible doctrine because “I’m just a regular Christian, not a preacher.” You can find these examples everywhere in Christendom. To most people, the word ‘doctrine’ conjures up visions of technicality, difficulty, and dogmatism. Maybe it’s our fault – preachers and teachers – that give people bad or negative impressions about the word in the pulpit, writings, or social media.

“Far from being dry and abstract,” explains Millard J. Erickson in his well-known book Introduction to Christian Doctrine, “Christian doctrine deals with the most fundamental issues of life: who am I, what is the ultimate meaning of the universe, where am I going?” As such, good doctrine is very essential, critical, and important because it will influence how we answer these fundamental questions. Christian doctrine “deals with general or timeless truths about God and the rest of reality” added Millard. Where to get a sound, healthy and life-giving doctrine? Only in one chief place: The Holy Scripture, the perfect written Word of God. It is God’s special revelation of Himself and the reality of everything in life. Elsewhere Paul wrote: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16). What happened if we don’t “keep a close watch” on the doctrine? It may cause us and our hearers to “depart from the faith” (4:1a). Instead of devoting ourselves to reading and teaching the Scripture (4:13), we may unintentionally devote ourselves to “deceitful spirits and teachings (or doctrines) of demons” (4:1b).

But don’t forget this: “Keep a close watch on yourself” too. If Timothy only keeps a close watch on the doctrine and not himself, he is a hypocrite. And there were a lot of religious hypocrites during Paul’s time… not to mention ours’ too. Our doctrine can be God-centred, Christ-exalted, and Spirit-filled but if it doesn’t match with our actions, we are deceiving ourselves, being deceived and a stumbling block to others. Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary puts it this way: “1. Actions are more intelligible than words; 2. The language of life is more convincing than the language of the lip; 3. The teaching of the life is available in many cases in which the teaching of the lip cannot or ought not to be attempted.” So, take heed of these two things, don’t separate the two, “persist” or “continue in them” (KJV), for “by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” It’s not just about you.

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                   
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/            
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Timothy, First, Read the Word; Then, Expound the Word (1 Timothy 4:13-15)

 

“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress”
(1 Timothy 4:13-15, NLT)

My last article on 1 Timothy was written on 9^th September 2018 (CLICK HERE)… let me continue where I left off. The apostle Paul was still in prison when he wrote this letter and with pastoral heart, he reminds Timothy to give attention or devote himself to reading, encouraging, and teaching (v.13). The context is undoubtedly referred to the public worship service. Mind you, Paul doesn’t say worship as in singing first but worship as in “public reading of Scripture” (ESV) first. Scripture – most probably the Old Testament – was read aloud in such services and should have its proper place in our services today. The written Word of God must have its central place in the church. I always grief whenever I hear preachers read a few verses here and there and using them as preconceived doctrinal supports or to launch themselves into storytelling. First, read the Word. Then, expound the Word. Don’t you know that on its own “the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12)?

And then, Timothy ought to encourage the believers. The word “encouraging” here can also mean exhorting or comforting. How he ought to do that? Well, again, through the Scripture. I used to be obsessed with positive thinking stuff and giving motivational speeches. Now I realize that although I can help people to be (presumably) more positive, I cannot change them to be godly. But God through His words can! All encouragement must be based on Scripture. This, however, requires someone to teach it. Maybe that’s the main reason why Paul also told Timothy to teach the Scripture or “give attendance to… doctrine” (KJV). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers puts it like this: “The word ‘doctrine’ suggests public teaching directed rather to the understanding of the hearers. The idea of exposition, or even of dogmatic teaching, seems here included.” Like I said, first, read the Word. Then, expound (teach) the Word.

To do these things – reading the Scripture, encouraging the believers, and teaching the church – were a great responsibility for the young man Timothy. However, he was not asked to do these tasks in his strength. God has given him the necessary “spiritual gift” (v.14) for his calling. It is so with every child of God called to do His work. My testimony in the ministry is this: if God calls me, then He will also enable and equip me. For Timothy, Paul reminds him to “not neglect the spiritual gift”, “give your complete attention” and “throw yourself into the task so that everyone will see your progress” (v.15). At the end of the day, our talk and walk as Christ-followers – especially as ministers of God – must consistently grow in knowledge, wisdom, and usefulness. “If a man really makes progress,” writes Albert Barnes, in his Notes on the Bible, “it will be seen and appreciated by others; if he does not, that will be as well understood by his hearers.” 

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                 
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/            
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Originally published in 1947) by H.A. Ironside, BOOK REVIEW

 

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon (Originally published in 1947)
by H.A. Ironside

I love reading good Bible commentaries. I believe that the best way (the only way) to understand the Christian faith is to read and study the Bible, then the next best books in order of importance have to be those which help in the understanding of the written Word of God, namely, Bible commentaries. Although there is a place for technical and scholarly commentaries, especially when you want to use it for Bible Study or sermon preparations; for leisure reading and reflections, I suggest reading expository commentary (like this one) and devotional commentary (like those by J.C. Ryle's). Reading Ironside's expository commentary is like reading his sermons - plain and pointed, simple and systematic, challenging, and life-changing. On the back cover: "[This commentary series] offers concise outlines of the biblical text along with insightful and practical comments that bring out the essential truths of God's Word." Ah, this is not a mere marketing wordings but an accurate statement.

Like me but way better than me, Henry Allan Ironside never formally ordained (C.H. Spurgeon said, "God ordained me, not men." Amen!). Nevertheless, he is considered one of the leading biblical scholars of his generation. Ironside’s teaching left a long-lasting mark on evangelicalism. Along with others such as Cyrus Scofield, he was influential in popularizing dispensationalism and fundamentalism among Protestants. With that understanding, if you don't agree with these sub theologies, read this commentary anyway - or any of his books and commentaries - with discernment but also with the assurance of knowing that this man is biblically sound (have errors but not heresy) and godly (but not perfect). He convinces that teaching the Bible and living the Bible are interconnected. "If lips and life do not agree, the testimony will not amount to much," he writes to himself and us. All credit to his God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ 😊⚡📖

#1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #ExpositoryCommentary #HAIronside

Ps: One of my favorite books in the Bible is 2 Timothy. I'm inspired by chapters on Not Ashamed, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, and The Authority of the Holy Scriptures. Very timely and timeless reminders ⚡

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/              
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/           
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Angelus' Quote: A Teacher Affects Eternity

 

2 Bible studies and 4 challenging talks this week. I'm always careful when using the word "busy" (busyness is an overrated word nowadays), but this week - it's true 😊. I'm not complaining, I love what I do. The hard work now will be paid someday. Have a long-term perspective. "A teacher affects eternity," said Henry Brooks Adams, "he can never tell where his influence ends."

Dear teachers, if you do what you do with integrity and passion, and this is your calling, don't give up and be encouraged! Continue to invest in people's lives 😉🔥🙏 #ServeToLead #Influence

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/             
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/          
YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

 

Biblical Manhood #8 Be Able To Teach

It is not surprising for a man to be "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2). As a teacher, he needs to teach the students. As a father, teach the children. As a pastor, teach the people. But it is more than just talking or lecturing or communicating. At least there are three (3) points to explain what does it mean to be able to teach 😉⚡📖 #ServeToLead

To watch other videos in this series, CLICK THIS HASHTAG > #LEGASIManhood 😉⚡📖 #ServeToLead #BiblicalManhood #AManMustBeAbleToTeach

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/    

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/   

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/   

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv   

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.