Rev Dr Phil Pringle, of Christian City Church, an Australia-based church network, was in Singapore for the conference of a mega-church in Singapore. The Christian Post reported that when asked "how the Asian Church can transit from a traditional church to a contemporary one" Rev Dr Pringle replied, 'Two words..' " and proceeded to give the two word/two syllable name of a prominent mega-church pastor in Singapore.
Some snippets from the article:
"The success of the church can be seen in it being the numerically largest congregation in the nation and with more than 70 percent of its membership comprising first-time converts. Moreover, the church has attracted some high-profile figures including acclaimed local film-maker and actor...."
"The pastor, who leads his church with his personality and gift of preaching, believes that the key to church growth lies in the importance of the leadership of the pastor. A pastor, according to him, needs to be effective in communicating the vision of the church to its members, and in motivating members through his or her messages."
Arguments aside about whether we should even think about such a "transit" from "traditional to contemporary", let's ask what it takes to make church relevant to the next generation in Singapore (in Asia, wherever..).
More fundamental than the Rev Dr Pringle's "Two words" and all that it represents is a "Two syllable" word in the Bible called Gos-pel - "good news". Contrary to popular opinion this isn't the "ask Jesus into your heart", "follow this outline and say this prayer", or even "give your heart to Jesus" type sentimental message that we often hear about, that is supposed to 'tip' people into a Heaven of abundant blessings and bliss.
Rather, it is the very "power of God for salvation" (Romans 1:16), the matter of "first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:3), the message by which we are "being (note present continuous tense) saved" (1 Corinthians 15:1).
While it is not easy to define Gospel simply, a definition which is quite comprehensive, summarising the Biblical data, and seeking "to capture its substance" is given by Jeff Purswell , the Dean of Sovereign Grace Ministry's Pastors College. He says,
“The gospel is the good news of God’s saving activity in the person and work of Christ. This includes his incarnation in which he took to himself full (yet sinless) human nature; his sinless life which fulfilled the perfect law of God; his substitutionary death which paid the penalty for man’s sin and satisfied the righteous wrath of God; his resurrection demonstrating God’s satisfaction with his sacrifice; and his glorification and ascension to the right hand of the Father where he now reigns and intercedes for the church.
Such news is specific: there is a defined ‘thatness’ to the gospel which sets forth the content of both our saving faith and our proclamation. It is objective, and not to be confused with our response. It is sufficient: we can add nothing to what Christ has accomplished for us--it falls to us simply to believe this news, turning from our sins and receiving by faith all that God has done for us in Christ.”
[Shared by C J Mahaney at the T4G blog]
Believing should then lead us to live rightly, and to do good works, "in step with the truth of the Gospel" (Galatians 2:14, James 2:18).
Rather than jazzin', hippin' and rockin' it up, perhaps a more pertinent task is to make the Gospel CLEAR to the next generation.. and indeed, this will take much of our creative energies. But, it will also take much of our resilience and tenacity and conviction, as we stand and not waver, when the waves of temptation come to bid us to give less or more than what the Biblical record (and hence God Himself) has given.. "It is finished!" The livin' word ain't ever out of fashion..
[I have much repenting to do. In my years of youth leadership - I had given the youth much fun and laugher. Much passionate preaching, even exposition, in the form of "dos and don'ts" that I said came from the Bible. Much exhortation to "give your all for God's cause". Much passionate and lively dancing and singing in "worship". Much prayer for the "supernatural work of the Holy Spirit". But also, much of my own insecurities. In all this, I did not feed them well, I did not tend to them as God's sheep, for I gave them little Gospel in what I taught, in how I lived, and in what I was most passionate about.
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner... May the light of your Gospel shine first into our hearts, and then through us to the next generation. You have given all we need for life and godliness! Amen.]
Friday, November 28, 2008
Gospel-light from the Singapore Anglicans ?
A bright gospel-light seems to be shining forth from the Singapore Anglicans.. Assistant Bishop of the Diocese Rennis Ponniah, in an interview on the preparations for the Anglican Centenary Celebrations had this to say:
"It’s very clear to our Bishop, John Chew, that it should be a celebration that is centered on God; that it’s not just us sort of patting each other on the back and saying, “Wah, not bad, you have done all this”, but really to see God’s hand through the years and to keep God in the centre – hence His Glory, His Name, His Honour. "
Emphasis on evangelism:
"We didn’t want the Centenary to be just a series of public events where we are just recounting events that happened in the past; we wanted to engage the central, God-given task. So there will be evangelistic rallies, and these rallies will be in separate language streams."
On the challenge of post-modernity:
"If people say there can be no claim to absolute truth then that’s going to undermine evangelistic efforts. But we stand on God’s Word. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; it is the saving power of God to everyone who believes, to the Jew and the Gentile”, and that propels us forward. Because no matter how people change their concepts, God reveals Himself and there is a ring of truth.
The challenge is to be clear about the Gospel. Perhaps now we are seeing that everywhere even the Bible is not clearly taught; people don’t know what the Bible is actually teaching. I think that’s where the battle is: to preach the truth that God has revealed that is true for all ages and truth that makes its appeal to the human mind provided the human mind is open to receive God’s enlightenment.
I think the challenge is there but I am not daunted by it. I think God will help the Church firstly to communicate the Gospel in clear, propositional terms. It’s a life-changing Gospel, therefore the challenge is also to live it out, because you can’t just say, “I’ve got a message to proclaim and as long as you change your presuppositions you can accept this message”. "
On Christians working together:
"So in offices then, Christians from different churches can form fellowships standing on the same centre. I’m not just thinking of everybody coming out together just like that, but if you stand on the same centre, the same fundamentals of our faith, then you can come together and host something even in the offices, recreation clubs and so on. It’s something that would be quite wonderful."
Read it in full here.
Indeed an encouraging example from our Anglican brethren. If I had the privilege of asking the dear Bishop a question though, it would be,
With the various "interpretations" and "understandings" of what it means to be Christian in Singapore, what then is the 'centre' i.e. the 'fundamentals of our faith' that we should all cling to ?
"It’s very clear to our Bishop, John Chew, that it should be a celebration that is centered on God; that it’s not just us sort of patting each other on the back and saying, “Wah, not bad, you have done all this”, but really to see God’s hand through the years and to keep God in the centre – hence His Glory, His Name, His Honour. "
Emphasis on evangelism:
"We didn’t want the Centenary to be just a series of public events where we are just recounting events that happened in the past; we wanted to engage the central, God-given task. So there will be evangelistic rallies, and these rallies will be in separate language streams."
On the challenge of post-modernity:
"If people say there can be no claim to absolute truth then that’s going to undermine evangelistic efforts. But we stand on God’s Word. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; it is the saving power of God to everyone who believes, to the Jew and the Gentile”, and that propels us forward. Because no matter how people change their concepts, God reveals Himself and there is a ring of truth.
The challenge is to be clear about the Gospel. Perhaps now we are seeing that everywhere even the Bible is not clearly taught; people don’t know what the Bible is actually teaching. I think that’s where the battle is: to preach the truth that God has revealed that is true for all ages and truth that makes its appeal to the human mind provided the human mind is open to receive God’s enlightenment.
I think the challenge is there but I am not daunted by it. I think God will help the Church firstly to communicate the Gospel in clear, propositional terms. It’s a life-changing Gospel, therefore the challenge is also to live it out, because you can’t just say, “I’ve got a message to proclaim and as long as you change your presuppositions you can accept this message”. "
On Christians working together:
"So in offices then, Christians from different churches can form fellowships standing on the same centre. I’m not just thinking of everybody coming out together just like that, but if you stand on the same centre, the same fundamentals of our faith, then you can come together and host something even in the offices, recreation clubs and so on. It’s something that would be quite wonderful."
Read it in full here.
Indeed an encouraging example from our Anglican brethren. If I had the privilege of asking the dear Bishop a question though, it would be,
With the various "interpretations" and "understandings" of what it means to be Christian in Singapore, what then is the 'centre' i.e. the 'fundamentals of our faith' that we should all cling to ?
"Conflict" from Valley of Vision
My QT time has been revived and enriched recently.. three things,
Firstly, tried doing QT late at night, rather than early in the morning (i'm totally useless in the mornings, and am most alert at night.. ironically, Cindy is completely opposite!)..
Secondly, I've started using my yellowing copy of "Search the Scriptures" bought during my Uni days, and
Thirdly, have been using a borrowed copy of "Valley of Vision", a collection of puritan prayers, for my devotional prayer.. i'm struck by the comprehensiveness, depth, gospel content, and raw honesty of these prayers of old.. here's one of them:
Firstly, tried doing QT late at night, rather than early in the morning (i'm totally useless in the mornings, and am most alert at night.. ironically, Cindy is completely opposite!)..
Secondly, I've started using my yellowing copy of "Search the Scriptures" bought during my Uni days, and
Thirdly, have been using a borrowed copy of "Valley of Vision", a collection of puritan prayers, for my devotional prayer.. i'm struck by the comprehensiveness, depth, gospel content, and raw honesty of these prayers of old.. here's one of them:
CONFLICT (page 100)
O LORD GOD
Thou art my protecting arm,
fortress, refuge, shield, buckler.
Fight for me and my foes must flee;
Uphold me and I cannot fall;
Strengthen me and I stand unmoved, unmoveable;
Equip me and I shall receive no wound;
Stand by me and Satan will depart;
Anoint my lips with a song of salvation
and I shall shout thy victory;
Give me abhorence of all evil,
as a vile monster that
defies thy law, casts off thy yoke,
defiles my nature, spreads misery.
Teach me to look to Jesus on His cross
and so to know sin's loathsomeness in thy sight.
There is no pardon but through they Son's death,
no cleansing but in His precious blood,
no atonement but his to expiate evil.
Show me the shame, the agony, the bruises of incarnate god,
that I may read boundless guilt in the boundless price;
May I discern the deadly viper in its real malignity,
tear it with holy indignation from my breast,
resolutely turn from its every snare,
refuse to hold polluting dalliance with it.
Blessed Lord Jesus, at thy cross
may I be taught the awful miseries from which I am saved,
ponder what the word 'lost' implies,
see the fires of eternal destruction;
Then may I cling more closely to thy broken self,
adhere to thee with firmer faith,
be devoted to thee with total being,
detest sin as strongly as thy love to me is strong,
And may holiness be the atmosphere in which I live.
Indeed, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" - 2 Corinthians 5:11
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
To Be or Not To Be - The Uneasy Relationship between Reformed Christianity and American Evangelicalism by Michael S Horton
Quite a solid article.. excerpts
"It was not a coincidence that the most vigorously evangelical in doctrine were the most vigorously evangelistic in practice. Find the most missions-minded members in these denominations and you would find those most committed to the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace alone in Christ alone, the deity and humanity of Christ in one person, his substitutionary death for sinners, justification, the new birth, and Christ's second coming. "
"Today, it is taken for granted by many that those most concerned about doctrine are least interested in reaching the lost (or, as they are now called, the "unchurched"). We are frequently challenged to choose between being traditional or missional, usually with little definition offered for either. Where the earlier evangelical consensus coalesced simultaneously around getting the gospel right and getting it out, increasingly today the coalition is defined by its style ("contemporary" versus "traditional"), its politics ("compassionate conservatism" or the more recent rediscovery of revivalism's progressivist roots), and its "rock-star" leaders, than for its convictions about God, humanity, sin, salvation, the purpose of history, and the last judgment. "
"Much of contemporary evangelicalism has its roots in Finney's legacy and behind it, pietism, which for all of its benefits nevertheless already began to shift the weight of Christian witness from the triune God and his saving work in Christ to the self and its inner experience."
"Increasingly, I believe that the real vitality-the long-term progress-of the gospel in our time will not come from broad movements, including an evangelicalism defined more by the hegemony of its politics and sociology than by the unity of its faith and practice. Rather, I expect it to come from many churches, most of them relatively small and unheralded, which consistently confess-in preaching and sacrament, in catechesis and fellowship, in singing and liturgy, in outreach and diaconal care-that gospel that alone remains "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). After all, it was not to movements, parachurch agencies, and coalitions that Jesus pledged his support. Rather, he promised, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will never prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18)."
Read it all here
"It was not a coincidence that the most vigorously evangelical in doctrine were the most vigorously evangelistic in practice. Find the most missions-minded members in these denominations and you would find those most committed to the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace alone in Christ alone, the deity and humanity of Christ in one person, his substitutionary death for sinners, justification, the new birth, and Christ's second coming. "
"Today, it is taken for granted by many that those most concerned about doctrine are least interested in reaching the lost (or, as they are now called, the "unchurched"). We are frequently challenged to choose between being traditional or missional, usually with little definition offered for either. Where the earlier evangelical consensus coalesced simultaneously around getting the gospel right and getting it out, increasingly today the coalition is defined by its style ("contemporary" versus "traditional"), its politics ("compassionate conservatism" or the more recent rediscovery of revivalism's progressivist roots), and its "rock-star" leaders, than for its convictions about God, humanity, sin, salvation, the purpose of history, and the last judgment. "
"Much of contemporary evangelicalism has its roots in Finney's legacy and behind it, pietism, which for all of its benefits nevertheless already began to shift the weight of Christian witness from the triune God and his saving work in Christ to the self and its inner experience."
"Increasingly, I believe that the real vitality-the long-term progress-of the gospel in our time will not come from broad movements, including an evangelicalism defined more by the hegemony of its politics and sociology than by the unity of its faith and practice. Rather, I expect it to come from many churches, most of them relatively small and unheralded, which consistently confess-in preaching and sacrament, in catechesis and fellowship, in singing and liturgy, in outreach and diaconal care-that gospel that alone remains "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). After all, it was not to movements, parachurch agencies, and coalitions that Jesus pledged his support. Rather, he promised, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will never prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18)."
Read it all here
Lessons at BGST
When I turned 30, I figured it was time to get off my behind and get some theological education under my belt.. And, although my physical girth was growing (and stretching my belt), I felt starved for the Word of God.. So, I applied, and got accepted (by God's grace) for a part-time Dip in Christian Studies with the Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST) .. praying that the Lord would provide the emotional, intellectual and physical resources.. and that I would grow in Gospel-centredness and Christ-likeness.. and that I would be more disciplined (pray with me when you read this yar..)
I started evening lessons last week on the Book of Ezekiel, by Dr Daniel I Block.. It has been an enriching time learning from this OT scholar, and (humble) man of God.. what struck me was that he didn't just seem to teach, he preached (and with an 'unction', a 'heaviness' as the old puritans would say).. and he was most excited when getting into the meat of the text, nor merely the background material..
I started evening lessons last week on the Book of Ezekiel, by Dr Daniel I Block.. It has been an enriching time learning from this OT scholar, and (humble) man of God.. what struck me was that he didn't just seem to teach, he preached (and with an 'unction', a 'heaviness' as the old puritans would say).. and he was most excited when getting into the meat of the text, nor merely the background material..
Ollie @ Radical Grace
In my quest for fellow travellers in Singapore along the road of Gospel-centredness, I came across a blog of someone who had just visited Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and Southern Seminary (read Al Mohler..), and who will be starting classes there in January 2009.. It was a joy to speak to Ollie at Grace Baptist Church last Sunday.. He blogs at Radical Grace.. Really excited to hear of another Singaporean excited about Gospel-centredness, and heading to Southern!
It was also a joy to speak to Elder Dr Tony Chan of Grace Baptist.. a man steeped in the Word of God, and engaged in the work of God.. He shared the church's journey, such as how it installed Elders (the only Singapore Baptist Convention church to do so) with a desire to more closely follow the Biblical pattern for polity.. I also understand from him that Grace Baptist desires to use Capitol Hill Baptist and 9Marks as a model..
It was also a joy to speak to Elder Dr Tony Chan of Grace Baptist.. a man steeped in the Word of God, and engaged in the work of God.. He shared the church's journey, such as how it installed Elders (the only Singapore Baptist Convention church to do so) with a desire to more closely follow the Biblical pattern for polity.. I also understand from him that Grace Baptist desires to use Capitol Hill Baptist and 9Marks as a model..
ESV Study Bible - Fresh off the boat
It was a good Saturday. After listening to Dr. Daniel I. Block's lecture on Acceptable Worship (expounding Genesis 4:1-8), my good friend Edward brought Cindy (aka wife) and I to Bethesda Book Centre, Toa Payoh.. and, Cindy (aka wife) decided that she would get me a pre-Christmas present in the form of the new drool-worthy ESV Study Bible in tru-tone.. it really helped that Bethesday is giving a 30% discount [got it for S$86.75 (US$ 57.40 )], and that the ESV Study Bibles arrived fresh from the US just hours before we got there!
And I must do a bit of advertising for Bethesda Book Centre. These guys are amazing, Stanley (ex-Manager) and Pauline (Manager) know the books very well.. Although the Centre is a ministry of a Brethren church, they carry a selection of broadly Reformed books.. Banner of Truth, IVP, Matthias Media, Crossway.. etc... and they didn't just know the books they had, they knew what these books were about! Try engaging Uncle Stanley in a good discourse on the Millenium ;-)
And they take pains to ensure that the books they had were good books.. Was told that even if it was a best-seller, if the content wasn't good (to put it mildly) they would not carry it.. so no Joel Osteen and Joseph Prince taking up valuable space.. just Owen, Spurgeon, Piper, MLJ, Sproul etc. And, simple comparison, their books are cheaper than elsewhere.. so.. if you're looking for some weighty books in Singapore, check them out.. they are the real deal..
Monday, November 10, 2008
In God We Do Not Trust by Mark Driscoll
In my years of pastoral ministry I have worked very hard to not be political. I believe that my job as a pastor is to preach and teach the Bible well so that my people make their decisions, including their voting decisions, out of their faith convictions.
This election season which has dominated the cultural conversation for many months has been particularly insightful regarding the incessant gospel thirst that abides deep in the heart of the men and women who bear God’s image. Without endorsing or maligning either political party or their respective presidential candidates, I am hopeful that a few insights from the recent election season are of help, particularly to younger evangelicals.
First, people are longing for a savior who will atone for their sins. In this election, people thirst for a savior who will atone for their economic sins of buying things they did not need with money they did not have. The result is a mountain of credit debt they cannot pay and a desperate yearning that somehow a new president will save them from economic hell.
Second, people are longing for a king who will keep them safe from terror in his kingdom. In the Old Testament the concept of a peaceable kingdom is marked by the word shalom. In shalom there is not only the absence of sin, war, strife, and suffering but also the presence of love, peace, harmony, and health. And, this thirst for shalom is so parched that every election people cannot help but naively believe that if their candidate simply wins shalom is sure to come despite sin and the curse.
The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. To help extend naïve false hope as long as possible, a great enemy will be named and demonized as the one who is hindering all of the progress to atone for our sins and usher in our kingdom. If the Democrats win it will be the rich, and if the Republicans win it will be the terrorists. This diversionary trick is as old as Eve who blamed her sin on Satan rather than repenting. The lie is that it’s always someone else’s fault and we’re always the victim of sinners and never the sinner.
Speaking of repentance, sadly, no matter who wins there will be no call to personal repentance of our own personal sins which contributes to cultural suffering and decline such as our pride, gluttony, covetousness, greed, indebtedness, self-righteousness, perversion, and laziness. And, in four years we’ll do it all again and pretend that this time things will be different. Four years after that, we’ll do it yet again. And, we’ll continue driving around this cul de sac until Jesus returns, sets up his throne, and puts an end to folly once and for all.
In the meantime, I would encourage all preachers to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance of personal sin. He alone can truly atone for our sins. He alone can deliver us from a real hell. He alone is our sinless and great King. And, he alone has a Shalom kingdom to offer.
Lastly, for those preachers who have gotten sidetracked for the cause of a false king and a false kingdom by making too much of the election and too little of Jesus, today is a good day to practice repentance in preparation to preach it on Sunday. Just give it some time. The thirst will remain that only Jesus can quench. So, we’ve still got work to do….until we see King Jesus and voting is done once and for all.
This election season which has dominated the cultural conversation for many months has been particularly insightful regarding the incessant gospel thirst that abides deep in the heart of the men and women who bear God’s image. Without endorsing or maligning either political party or their respective presidential candidates, I am hopeful that a few insights from the recent election season are of help, particularly to younger evangelicals.
First, people are longing for a savior who will atone for their sins. In this election, people thirst for a savior who will atone for their economic sins of buying things they did not need with money they did not have. The result is a mountain of credit debt they cannot pay and a desperate yearning that somehow a new president will save them from economic hell.
Second, people are longing for a king who will keep them safe from terror in his kingdom. In the Old Testament the concept of a peaceable kingdom is marked by the word shalom. In shalom there is not only the absence of sin, war, strife, and suffering but also the presence of love, peace, harmony, and health. And, this thirst for shalom is so parched that every election people cannot help but naively believe that if their candidate simply wins shalom is sure to come despite sin and the curse.
The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. To help extend naïve false hope as long as possible, a great enemy will be named and demonized as the one who is hindering all of the progress to atone for our sins and usher in our kingdom. If the Democrats win it will be the rich, and if the Republicans win it will be the terrorists. This diversionary trick is as old as Eve who blamed her sin on Satan rather than repenting. The lie is that it’s always someone else’s fault and we’re always the victim of sinners and never the sinner.
Speaking of repentance, sadly, no matter who wins there will be no call to personal repentance of our own personal sins which contributes to cultural suffering and decline such as our pride, gluttony, covetousness, greed, indebtedness, self-righteousness, perversion, and laziness. And, in four years we’ll do it all again and pretend that this time things will be different. Four years after that, we’ll do it yet again. And, we’ll continue driving around this cul de sac until Jesus returns, sets up his throne, and puts an end to folly once and for all.
In the meantime, I would encourage all preachers to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance of personal sin. He alone can truly atone for our sins. He alone can deliver us from a real hell. He alone is our sinless and great King. And, he alone has a Shalom kingdom to offer.
Lastly, for those preachers who have gotten sidetracked for the cause of a false king and a false kingdom by making too much of the election and too little of Jesus, today is a good day to practice repentance in preparation to preach it on Sunday. Just give it some time. The thirst will remain that only Jesus can quench. So, we’ve still got work to do….until we see King Jesus and voting is done once and for all.
Commentary: Neither Christ Nor Antichrist by Tan Soo-Inn
Scully (to Skinner): "With all due respect, sir, I think you overestimate your position in the chain of command." ("The Blessing Way", X-Files Season 3)
I have friends who think that the Democratic Party is a tool of the devil. They are terribly disturbed that Barrack Obama has been elected and see him as a strong candidate for the Antichrist. Many others see him in Messianic terms.They are overjoyed that he has prevailed and see him as ushering in a bright new era for the United States. My word to both groups --- get real. Obama is neither Christ nor Antichrist.
This is a historic moment in American politics and because in so many ways what happens in America affects the rest of us, it is also a historic moment for the world. The hunger for change was so overwhelming that it carried a black first term senator with a name like Barrack Hussein Obama into the White House. Not quite walking on water but close. With minimal hyperbole, Thomas Friedman calls the election of Barrack Obama as the moment the American Civil war finally concluded. Those of us in Malaysia can only look on with envy and wonder when we will ever move beyond the politics of race.
And Obama has made all the right promises. His rhetoric of hope has galvanised a nation. If he can deliver on only a fraction of the things he promised, America and the world will be a better place. I am hopeful but notholding my breath. I have learned long ago, from life, and from the Scriptures, that all human leaders have clay feet and are destined to disappoint us.
1 and 2 Kings contain a record of the various kings that ruled Judah and Israel. Some were better than others. None of them could come close to the reign of King David. He was the benchmark of human leadership and he was marked by spectacular failures. God can use human leaders to bring about substantial change for good. I think of the Lincolns and the Churchills and the Sun Yat-Suns and the enormous good they did in their life times. It is very possible that Obama will be used by God to bring his nation to another level in her development. But I will not be dismayed if he doesn't. I am not cynical, just realistic. All human leaders are flawed.
Malaysians will remember the hopes that came with the election results ofMarch 8th 2008. There was so much hope that Anwar would quickly usher in a new era in Malaysian politics. But he has not delivered on a number of key promises. And there are signs that some components of the opposition coalition are reverting to old ways of thinking. We need to be realistic as to what we can expect from human leaders.
I am glad March 8th happened. In many ways Malaysia has changed for the better. March 8 slowed down the march of racism and corruption that had crippled the nation for so long. But I am not surprised that Anwar and the coalition he leads could not deliver on all they had promised. Sooner or later we all learn that we must not overestimate our capacity to influence history. (Remember the promises that Abdullah Badawi made when he was running for election?)
So those who think that Barrack Obama is the Antichrist shouldn't be too worried. There is just so much he can do. And those who think that Obama is the Messiah should lower their expectations a notch or two or ten. He wasnot born in a manger. (And neither was he born on Krypton and sent to save planet earth.)
All leaders running for public office must give some indication to how they can deliver. Obama has come across as honest and realistic while giving his vision of change. The level of euphoria greeting his election however, tells me that deep in the human heart, there is hunger for a Messiah. In ourdarkest moments we know we cannot save ourselves. But Christians should never forget that our ultimate salvation will not come form politics.
That doesn't mean that Christians should withdraw from the political process. As Jordan Hylden reminds us in a recent article:
[... Christians are called to act like Christians in the many places in the world that are not the church --- in our jobs, schools, communities, and governments. Involvement in secular institutions is no substitute for thegospel, of course. But it would be a small gospel indeed that could have no effect on the way they are run. As William Wilberforce showed, such involvement can make a real difference in the word and can itself be a witness to the gospel. ( "Aliens and Citizens," Christianity Today, November,2008, 37).
I am delighted that many of my friends are actively involved in the political process and see their involvement as an expression of their discipleship. I am just concerned that we do not get so carried away with the euphoria of the hour that we begin to equate our battles in the political sphere as the only or the main way to bring about permanent change in society --- and getunduly elated or unduly worried by the political fortunes of our chosen candidates/parties.
Our ultimate hope is still in a God who is on His throne, a God who decides which ruler rises and which ruler falls. While we work for kingdom values in all spheres of life our ultimate hope is in the King Himself, a Messiah who came and is coming again.
[For the Mighty One is holy,and he has done great things for me.He shows mercy from generation to generationto all who fear him.His mighty arm has done tremendous things!He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.He has brought down princes from their thronesand exalted the humble.He has filled the hungry with good thingsand sent the rich away with empty hands(Luke 1:49-53 NLT)]
I have friends who think that the Democratic Party is a tool of the devil. They are terribly disturbed that Barrack Obama has been elected and see him as a strong candidate for the Antichrist. Many others see him in Messianic terms.They are overjoyed that he has prevailed and see him as ushering in a bright new era for the United States. My word to both groups --- get real. Obama is neither Christ nor Antichrist.
This is a historic moment in American politics and because in so many ways what happens in America affects the rest of us, it is also a historic moment for the world. The hunger for change was so overwhelming that it carried a black first term senator with a name like Barrack Hussein Obama into the White House. Not quite walking on water but close. With minimal hyperbole, Thomas Friedman calls the election of Barrack Obama as the moment the American Civil war finally concluded. Those of us in Malaysia can only look on with envy and wonder when we will ever move beyond the politics of race.
And Obama has made all the right promises. His rhetoric of hope has galvanised a nation. If he can deliver on only a fraction of the things he promised, America and the world will be a better place. I am hopeful but notholding my breath. I have learned long ago, from life, and from the Scriptures, that all human leaders have clay feet and are destined to disappoint us.
1 and 2 Kings contain a record of the various kings that ruled Judah and Israel. Some were better than others. None of them could come close to the reign of King David. He was the benchmark of human leadership and he was marked by spectacular failures. God can use human leaders to bring about substantial change for good. I think of the Lincolns and the Churchills and the Sun Yat-Suns and the enormous good they did in their life times. It is very possible that Obama will be used by God to bring his nation to another level in her development. But I will not be dismayed if he doesn't. I am not cynical, just realistic. All human leaders are flawed.
Malaysians will remember the hopes that came with the election results ofMarch 8th 2008. There was so much hope that Anwar would quickly usher in a new era in Malaysian politics. But he has not delivered on a number of key promises. And there are signs that some components of the opposition coalition are reverting to old ways of thinking. We need to be realistic as to what we can expect from human leaders.
I am glad March 8th happened. In many ways Malaysia has changed for the better. March 8 slowed down the march of racism and corruption that had crippled the nation for so long. But I am not surprised that Anwar and the coalition he leads could not deliver on all they had promised. Sooner or later we all learn that we must not overestimate our capacity to influence history. (Remember the promises that Abdullah Badawi made when he was running for election?)
So those who think that Barrack Obama is the Antichrist shouldn't be too worried. There is just so much he can do. And those who think that Obama is the Messiah should lower their expectations a notch or two or ten. He wasnot born in a manger. (And neither was he born on Krypton and sent to save planet earth.)
All leaders running for public office must give some indication to how they can deliver. Obama has come across as honest and realistic while giving his vision of change. The level of euphoria greeting his election however, tells me that deep in the human heart, there is hunger for a Messiah. In ourdarkest moments we know we cannot save ourselves. But Christians should never forget that our ultimate salvation will not come form politics.
That doesn't mean that Christians should withdraw from the political process. As Jordan Hylden reminds us in a recent article:
[... Christians are called to act like Christians in the many places in the world that are not the church --- in our jobs, schools, communities, and governments. Involvement in secular institutions is no substitute for thegospel, of course. But it would be a small gospel indeed that could have no effect on the way they are run. As William Wilberforce showed, such involvement can make a real difference in the word and can itself be a witness to the gospel. ( "Aliens and Citizens," Christianity Today, November,2008, 37).
I am delighted that many of my friends are actively involved in the political process and see their involvement as an expression of their discipleship. I am just concerned that we do not get so carried away with the euphoria of the hour that we begin to equate our battles in the political sphere as the only or the main way to bring about permanent change in society --- and getunduly elated or unduly worried by the political fortunes of our chosen candidates/parties.
Our ultimate hope is still in a God who is on His throne, a God who decides which ruler rises and which ruler falls. While we work for kingdom values in all spheres of life our ultimate hope is in the King Himself, a Messiah who came and is coming again.
[For the Mighty One is holy,and he has done great things for me.He shows mercy from generation to generationto all who fear him.His mighty arm has done tremendous things!He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.He has brought down princes from their thronesand exalted the humble.He has filled the hungry with good thingsand sent the rich away with empty hands(Luke 1:49-53 NLT)]
President-elect Obama
At the risk of being stoned by some of my evangelical brethren in the US, I'll go out on a limb to say that I'm quite excited that Obama won the US Presidential elections.. and no, that does not mean I condone abortions, nor gay-marriage.. but I do condone the fact that we are all made in the image of God, white, black, brown and yellow.. and what that truth, that doctrine is recognised, it is a very good thing..
Much has been written on Obama's win, but these two commentaries, i think, give a wise perspective on the issue.. one is from a yellow man, I have the priviledge of calling a friend.. the other is a white man that i admire from afar.. will be putting them up in my next two blogs..
Much has been written on Obama's win, but these two commentaries, i think, give a wise perspective on the issue.. one is from a yellow man, I have the priviledge of calling a friend.. the other is a white man that i admire from afar.. will be putting them up in my next two blogs..
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