WYD (5) : Stations of the Cross and Jesus' Death and... Resurrection?

(image by Tracey Nearmy AAP)

It was a serious, intense and dramatic "reenactment" of the Passion - the last few moments of Jesus' life before the Crucifixion. According to ABC News Online, this was a common ritual practised in Jerusalem by Christians. It is certainly common now across the globe by many Catholics. What is the effect of this re-enactment? What is the crucial message? Is it helping spectators understand the Crucifixion?

It was very effective in drawing crowds in Sydney today. I'm sure in Jesus' time His real death did the same. That was because He was well known for His miracles, teachings and personality. (If anyone did catch a glimpse of the "stations", drop me a comment or email on what you learned about Jesus from it, I'd love to hear.) There was a certain Roman Centurion, who witnessed Jesus' death and he proclaimed something extraordinary: "surely this man was the Son of God." This came from a Roman Centurion as recorded in Mark 15:29. What made him say that?

I am sure not many would have said that just watching the drama today. May be they didn't hear the narration properly. The ABC's report was certainly neutral at best, and lacking in insight at worst. That's why we need the Bible to explain what exactly does His death mean.

If we want to make the Crucifixion worth our time, we would best do what the Centurion of the narrative did: look at why and how Jesus died. Apart from explaining His death ahead of time to the disciples (see Mark 10:32-46, 9:30-35, 8:27-38), Jesus also uttered some amazing scriptural phrases at the Cross to help us spectators to really see. One of them goes like this:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34, also a reference to Psalm 22)

Another is this:

"Jesus said, 'It is finished.' with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." (John 19:30)

These phrases remind us that Jesus' death is at the hand of God, whom you can't see physically and that His death satisfies God's judgement. What a spectator needs to see is themself in the place where Jesus died. It is hard to do so, but we must. For Jesus died for us. It is us who are meant to be dead in our rebellion against God, it is us who are meant to be forsaken or separated from God. Human lives by default reject God and, in effect, His goodness and relationship: to be forsaken is exactly what we ask from God in how we live. But the beauty, yes beauty - and not gory, sadness or pathos - the beauty of the Cross is that the death of Jesus deals with our forsakenness completely. "It is finished," means that our sin and death are finished with on the Cross. It took the Son of God, God's anointed and appointed Ruler aka "Christ", to die in our place to deal with all our sins, for all of us. All us guilty spectators. We are guilty not because Jesus was weak and defenseless, but because of where we stand by default with God, our Judge and Maker. Jesus' death finishes this deal and we are guilt free, and free from judgement.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It certainly is the case in how you look at the Cross. Look properly, look through God's narrative in the Scripture, to find beauty of Jesus' death on the Cross. Here is the Son of God, powerful, glorious and perfect, humbling Himself to death for sordid, common, human rebels, so that we could be forgiven and reconciled with a Holy God. It is God's own love for us in sacrificial service. The Gospel writer Mark saw this beauty. So did the Roman Centurion. See if you agree with them. See through their eyes as you read God's word. You'll do better than the above ABC reporter.

p.s. Why does the Passion or Station of the Cross end with Jesus' death? From what I know, Jesus is no longer dead on the Cross. He is a risen Lord seated in the highest throne of power and glory. That's why Christians call Jesus the "Lord", not the victim or loser. Perhaps it is hard to re-enact something so supernatural and not of this world. Then again, the Catholic Church has many such worldly vestiges, which leads to the next post-script...

p.p.s. Remember Jesus' words: His kingdom is not of this world. It is hard to illustrate Jesus' power at human hands or dramatists. But His power can indeed be seen at work by His Holy Spirit. You can refer to part of the Spirit's work in my talk from earlier this year, and also how the Spirit leads people to follow Jesus as Lord in WYD (2). Otherwise, have a good look at the major prophets and the New Testament to know how Jesus' power is seen today. And it certainly is not through earthly power structures, "churches", human cleverness, humanity or polity. May the Catholic Church and other earthly authorities take heed.

WYD (4) : Beauty of the Earth, Ugliness of Man

Pope Benedict had touched on many social, philosophical and environmental woes facing Australians and the world in his Barangaroo address on Thursday. They include:

1. Reconciliation with mistreated Aborigines

2. World Consumption (Greed) and effects on God's Earth

3. Promotion of violence and pornography on the Internet and other Media

4. Relativism and abandonment of (Absolute) Truths

The Pope is confident in the Youth present. And I think it is in this address, not the opening one I blogged on in WYD (2), that we find the heart of the "solution" that Benedict hinted at, quoting from the Herald:

'The Pope said that since it began in 1986, world Youth Day had given young pilgrims the chance to come together to "deepen their faith in Christ" and return home filled with hope [my italics] of building a "better world". "World Youth Day fills me with confidence for the future of the church and the future of the world," he said.'

Where is the solution? Is it in the Youth? Is it in Jesus? Or a combination: in the Youth who follow Jesus as the Christ (meaning as God-appointed Ruler)? I don't have much faith in most Youth, even if their behaviours exhibited so far are nicer than English Football Fans. There are exceptions, and thank God for them. I do agree that it is basically our selfishness/self-centredness, or sinfulness in rejection of God's rule, that is at the heart of all those issues. Everyone has this problem, and to begin addressing the effects of our sin, we need to deal with sin.

Hopefully, from the previous posting you have an idea on how God deals with sinful human beings through Jesus' death and resurrection. If there is a query please email me. I just hope that the Pope would get a chance to flesh out how Jesus fits in with our central problem. Yes, the centrality of Jesus is always lacking in people's worldview.

But that still leaves the "scars... on the surface of our earth". What do we do and how do we do it? Do we leave it because we believe that this world will pass and give way to a new heaven and new earth, which is promised in the Bible? Obviously not. I won't go into a detailed essay with goals and strategies. But I do wish to offer a general attitude to social and environmental injustices and abuses.

Firstly, Jesus' priority is still His kingdom. And His kingdom is not of this world, though it has effect on this world. His rulership (instead of using kingdom) is over a group of people whose hearts and minds are renewed and transformed by His Spirit. Their lives are progressively, not absolutely, victorious over self-centredness and selfishness.

Secondly, the priorities of Christians is still Jesus' kingdom, mentioned above. Ultimately this world, as beautiful as God has made it, will pass away. The preaching of the Good News concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus, leads all our actions, drives our programs or better, is the goal of our fights against injustices and abuses. God wants, therefore we want, to bring people's hearts, minds and souls back to Himself through the Gospel, or for them to be brought into His kingdom, under Jesus as Ruler or Christ.

Thirdly, the Gospel so transforms our lives as Christians, that there are good effects to be felt and experienced now, that our actions actually promote the real justice, love, beauty, provision - the glory of God's character - physically, socially, relationally, environmentally, etc in our earth. It is a shame that often we are not as "good", "conscious/aware", "active" as non-Christians who do not follow Jesus as Lord, or worse, we are greedier, more selfish and materialistic, wasteful, careless than them. May God forgive us, and warn us about whether we are really being transformed by His Spirit.

Fourthly, our efforts at best, will be temporary, piecemeal, and frustrated by our own sin and that of others. This present world still groans under the weight of sin and its destructive effects. But this does not take away our desire to promote the gospel and adorn it with our good behaviour and provision and care of the the world and its inhabitants. We work all the more harder and show more diligence so that we act as godly caretakers of the world, peacemakers and responsible citizens. This way, the world can testify to our spiritual difference and give GOd praise and perhaps, be moved to want to know the same Lord and Saviour Jesus, whom we profess.

Lastly then, the goal of all our efforts is still the same as God's own: the kingdom of the Lord Jesus. we want people everywhere to be brought under His rulership and 

provision, so that forever they will enjoy His goodness and glory. God's answer to our world's

problems and woes is spelt out: passing of this one and recreation of a new, perfect world without injustice. It will come. We need to wait patiently and work diligently, so that in the mean time, we may bring others in relationship with God through the Gospel, so that they will taste and enjoy the fulfillment of God's promises. In the end, these woes and problems will be satisfactorily and eternally overcome. For now and in the future ever more, we trust in God and His provision through the Lord Jesus.

WYD (3) : The Opening Mass, why didn't I go?

The opening Mass at WYD drew more than 140,000, more than any concert I can remember held in Sydney. What makes this party different to other parties? That it was free-admission, had 4,000 "priests", had as many nationalities as an Olympic event or had an array of popular musicians singing semi-religious sounding songs, or that there was an address by a Cardinal to exhort pilgrims to deny the "flesh"? But like other parties it had the usual elements of numbers, youth, enthusiasm, loud music, minus the usual "vices". Those who usually crave for euphoria and rave probably missed out on the biggest party ever held in Sydney. Undoubtedly, this gathering was a party and it was huge.

The point is that whatever way you dress it up, a Mass is a Mass. This makes it more than just a feel-good, energising and popular event. There is an unchanging element in Masses held by Catholics throughout centuries. The essential and unmissable moment - the climax - of any Mass is the taking of the bread and the cup, which Catholics believe to be Jesus' body and blood. People may have different understandings of and purposes in going to Mass, but essentially, there is an alleged supernatural [comm]union with the Lord Jesus Himself through Mass.

I love parties, but I don't participate in Masses. No matter how energising, uplifting, musical, popular, warming the atmosphere is, the achievement of Mass falls far short from the spiritual experience of [comm]union with the Lord Jesus, which is the alleged purpose of Mass. I could attend, sit in, stand to, listen in, eat, drink and digest all the parts of the Mass, but it won't bring me any closer to God. Because the surest way to have access to God, is by trusting in the finished work of Jesus by His death on the cross and His Resurrection from death, and after that, by following Jesus:

"Christ died for sins, once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1Peter 3:18) 

This verse is probably one of the best verses that encapsulates the fact that Jesus' death for pilgrims and non-pilgrims is effective to bring all to God. Understanding and participating in this sort of [comm]union with God, creates the euphoria, more than that, the joy that people grope, experiment and die to find. It is sublime to be able to know for sure that God forgives and loves us and that we will attend the ultimate reunion party held by the Creator, Ruler, Lord of all beauties, joys and good gifts. Jesus' Resurrection guarantees the same resurrected body and power for those in [comm]union with Him. The energy, creativity, passion and pure joy, that is afforded to those who will resurrect as Christ did, will be beyond any current experience that tries to imitate heaven.

Pilgrims, party goers, Jesus-trusting Christians all seek the same thing: participation and communion (I hope I can drop the brackets now) with the divine. I guarantee you, by the word of God, that the surest way to this experience, conviction and knowledge is found by admiring at Jesus' death on the Cross and His Resurrection for us. These two finished works of Christ, brings you forever in the company with the original and one and only awesome God. 

Skip the Mass, save your dollars, but grab your free-pass to a glorious party hosted by God, just mention the code word: "Jesus".

p.s. There are actually more to the Mass which slight the finished works of Christ. I hope to write on that a bit later. For now, I will only say that trusting in Jesus gets you closer to God than attending Mass.

WYD (2) : Pope's address and the Holy Spirit

The opening mass is impressive. So is the theme for WYD: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses" as Acts 1:8 records the words of the resurrected Jesus. This gathering is certainly a show of mass and so popular power. Is this then the sign of the power of the Holy Spirit? We'll come back to that, but first let's read what Benedict actually says in his opening address.

There are actually clear statements from the Pope himself on what he hopes the WYD event will do. Take for example:

"There are still many who have not heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, while many others, for whatever reason, have not recognised in this Good News the saving truth that alone can satisfy the deepest longings of their hearts."

Benedict is concerned with the yearning within many hearts of young and old and declares that the "Good News", or simply the Gospel, of Jesus is the answer to these longings. Indeed he goes on to express his desired outcome from WYD:

"It is my firm belief that young people are called to be instruments of that renewal, communicating to their peers the joy they have experienced through knowing and following Christ, and sharing with others the love that the Spirit pours into their hearts, so that they, too, will be filled with hope and with thanksgiving for all the good things they have received from our heavenly Father."

He longs for Catholics (obviously these are the addressees) to share the joy of knowing Jesus and the love given as a result of the Spirit in their hearts, so that others can have the same hope.

Benedict includes other global concerns such as the environment, poverty, justice and human conflict in his stack of problems and suggest this answer:

"Where can we look for answers?

The Spirit points us towards the way that leads to life, to love and to truth. The Spirit points us towards Jesus Christ. "

On these superficial snippets alone, I am in total agreement with the Pope. I can honestly say that the ultimate work of God's Spirit, is to point people toward Jesus, to submit to this resurrected Lord and trust in this perfect Saviour. If that is the Pope's prayer and understanding of the Spirit, my prayers will echo that.

Many things will come out of this WYD week. Sydney-siders face traffic, they will meet complete strangers and foreigners, they will smell incense if they are close enough, they will form relationships and friendships, and perhaps, some Sydney-siders will begin to ask questions about their own beliefs. We are a post-God, post-Christian city. Most of us acknowledge the big questions and problems in life, but our main answer and purpose is escape through wealth, fine-dine, fun, achievement and even meaningful relationships and friendships. In the end, people are still left to face the same big questions that have been temporarily hidden.

When 150,000 or more strangers, who profess at the least a belief in God, come into our midst, we should not just laugh it off. Most of the world, if they knew about our rejection of God, would probably laugh back at us. From my seat, I do not laugh about our rejection of God. I eagerly pray, that at least this WYD week will jolt slumbering Sydney-siders to think and ponder again at what life is like with God? More than that, is there a truth about Jesus that really satisifes? I think there is, and so does, it appears, Benedict. Look through the masses, the Mass, the bells and smells, as they are irrelevant at best or wrong at worst, and look at the historic biblical Jesus. His life, death and resurrection offers this:

"I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

And when you find truth in this statement, you will have truly experienced the power of the Spirit. Then WYD would have been worth the while.

WYD (1) : World Youth Day begins. What begins?

Finally, it's here. World Youth Day begins in Sydney. But exactly what? From reading any odd newspaper article, such as the website front page this am on SMH, you cannot tell. There are a lot of Catholic pilgrims, some young, some not so young gathered around Sydney. Some of them are obviously passionate about the Pope. Some of them are proud of their nationality, such as the Chileans cited in the article. Some of them are passionate about a whole host of things: "faith in action", "displaying the Holy Spirit", "celebration" as I heard some interviewees say on the Sunrise show. But WHAT remains my question for WYD week.

From gleaning the photos, the interviews and the program, I think the highlight is obviously the Pope's arrival and for people to be able to meet him, or be physically within hundreds of feet of him. Pope Benedict XVI is a learned man, knowledgeable and has his opinion on celibacy, ordination and so on. We can find these from papal releases. So far, the press have actually got through to me that the Pope will specifically apologise for sexual abuse within the Catholic church. A very good thing. Still the question remains: is WYD week just about the coming of the Pope?

In contrast, the Gospel is good news about the coming, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. I say in contrast because the Gospel is clear, one can read it from the Bible and hear it from Bible-believing Christians and see it in action in their lives. I find any single message hard to glean from WYD or the Pope so far. In response to WYD week, I would sum up the person of Jesus from 1Timothy 2:5

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

So there is only one person, who can bring any pilgrim close to God: the man Jesus, who is God Himself. It is the crux of the Gospel. Yet, it makes no clear appearance in any WYD public announcement, pilgrim response or event. What could this mean? I leave that to you guys.

Related to message confusion is the general veneration of a very good, knowledgeable person. The photo insert shows an image of the Pope on the Harbour Bridge. And I'm sure pilgrims are ecstatic about his coming. I feel strangely uncomfortable to see a man, who is not a mediator between men and God, elevated to such superhero status. But more on this in the next post.

the essence of family: book

I don't think we need to convince people that "family" is worth reading and thinking about. Or that in our world many families are broken, torn and unstable. Kirsten Birkett places the family under a biblical worldview, in the flavour of the "essence" series. The concept of family needs particular defence in a place such as Australia. Our government in the past 10 years or so have seen the need to study, review and recommend policies on families, see for example the AIFS website. The Australian family or family groups are under strain, despite wealth and post-Christian "freedoms".

Just why does the world and history at large have used the traditional family as a structure for social organisation? Is it mere coincidence? Is it an evolutionary advantage? Is it mere social construction from an aeon of male-sexist domination? Does the idea of family exist or is it undefinable? These are seemingly fair questions. But, as Birkett argues, the big problem has been the refusal to use the historic, cross-cultural pattern of families (father, mother, children) as the model of comparison in our post-Christian age. As Christians, we know that this pattern is a God-given: it has existed from the act of Creation in Genesis. Yes, Judeo-Christian families have often strayed away from the monogamous type of family, but these were not ideal, or of God's preference. The New Testament pattern of family has a monogamous Husband-Wife structure, and some of us know the significance of this relationship in reflecting the faithful relationship between Christ and the Church. 

Birkett surveys how the refusal to accept a definition of family not only results in policy-making problems (how to support, fund, recognise families) but also in real, physico-social consequences (the effect on children, the hardship of broken or single-parent families). There are some historical myths, or plain lies, on perceptions of the pre- & post-industrial family life. Some of these fall in the realm of Feminist protestations against the role of women as wives, or as a non-wage-earning parent, and what women actually achieved in these families. There is also an interesting section on the homosexual lobby, who despite being a minority even in Asutralia, have been able to sway the debate of family definitions and parenting rights toward an acceptance or championing of same-sex parenting. Some reasonable doubts against the benefit of this type of "family" are the statistics on instability of same-sex relationships (especially male), its impact on children and also the developmental advantage children have from having male and female parents in a stable relationship. Other important discussions include the chapter on IVF and the legal and social complications it has created and the importance of biology in forming relationship, and which is being dismissed too easily today.

Just why has the world throughout its history formed such similar social structures as the family and why has it worked for so long? Could it be that the biblical pattern of monogamous parents leading the household of dependent biological or adopted children be actually a built-in norm? Can our current society reject this by simply labelling this family as "old", "outdated", "bigotted" or "socially constructed"? What are the effects of refusing to see this as a norm? In particular, how are children doing in our society as a result of the loss of this once-recognised social pattern? What are the reciprocal effects of IVF on children and the biological parents? Are women happier and better off as single parents, or full-time careerist parents? Is same-sex parenting a beneficial thing for children?

It might just be that our continual rejection of a God-giving pattern is just that: a rejection of a good pattern. Our social projects, experiments and (re)definitions have not provided us with a safer, happier and more stable society. Is it the pattern at fault? Or is it a hardness to face facts? Our future will be telling. I sincerely recommend the perusal of the first chapter of this book, which describes a workable picture of family. Ultimately, family reflects the personality of a relational God: God the Father and God the Son. The Father loves the Son and the Son His Father. The Father cares for the Son and the Son obeys and honours the Father. And God brings man into His family: the Church is the Bride that the Husband (Christ) cares for and nurtures. Our worldly pattern of families are helpful guides letting us see an eternal pattern, of God the Trinity and mankind, whom He rescues and adopts as His own children. This heavenly Family, owes its being to the Family within God Himself.

But for now, stick with Dad & Mum and the kids in a home where they can turn to and depend on.

Sending One of Us

It's not as sad as sending soldiers off to war, but there is something similar. On Sunday, our church NDCCCS sent our brother Jon Cheung off to South Africa to work with Working Hands, a Christian organisation that offers a wide range of community projects to meet the needs there. Something that Danny said made me think. He mentioned that it was because Jon had been with us so long that he was part of us, and when he goes, all of us are kind of going with him. Jon is leaving for 6months, may God be with him.

But I wondered what we would say if we sent someone who hadn't been with our church for long? Or if we had sent someone who is not from our church originally but have been offered assistance from our church, for example, one of the missionaries our church supports along with other churches in Sydney. What are our emotions, hopes and attitudes in that sort of sending?

I'd hope that our sending of any brother or sister, regardless of our personal friendship or relationship with them, would be filled with generosity, care, concern, prayerfulness and giving. For the gospel called all of us into one big mission: to promote the good news in whatever shape or form. And the gospel has brought about gospel communities (local churches), which are the bodies that send members out to do what these bodies desire. The member and body, ideally, have the one Spirit, compassion, mission and goal (c.c. Philippians 2:1). I haven't known Jon for long, but his being part of my local church, means that my prayers go with him, and so on. What primarily motivates us is the good news: it brings the unity that we feel, it encourages the diversity of ways in which we promote it, here and overseas. This surpasses even long friendships and comraderie from being in the same association, school or [local] "church". The good news thus creates the most sincere and warmest affections in other members of the body who do the sending.

I certainly felt this when attending the commissioning service of Charissa Mak (another friend from another church), who had left for Taiwan recently. There were not only church members present, but also members from her previous churches (including myself), college partners, mission society workers, other missionaries, etc. The common goal was the bringing of good news to the working people of Taiwan. Charissa was one of us and we were sending her. I haven't seen her for a while, let alone attended the same church, but the goal was mine. She is doing in Taiwan, what we here at home wish to do. Though we are not there physically, we are there in Spirit. I do not doubt that Paul had this in mind in Philippians 2:1.

This is how I understand and practise sending. I hope that you would join me in this.

Philippians 2:1-2

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

1Corinthians 13 - A Praise of Love [snippets of talk]

"The 1Corinthians 13 passage is the nice passage we hear in weddings, funerals and poetry recitals. But it has been butchered and torn to bits because we often don't look at the context of Paul's words on love. We must ask: Why does Paul tell the Corinthians about love? Why does he do it here? What has been said before and after? The reason why Paul tells the Corinthians about love here is that Paul wants them to be serving each other at church in love. Yes, the reason of love is serving and the target of love is other brothers and sisters at church..."

"So we have to ask what does love look like? If we are to pursue life in the most excellent way we must know what love is and what it looks like. I would suggest that from the profile of love in verses 4-7, love is essentially other-person-seeking. Verse 5 gives me a summary: love is not self-seeking. The object of love is the good of others. If we start from that we can work out a beautiful portrait of love as all other features of love fit under this..."

"But we must not idolise love at this point and turn love into an idea we worship. Neither should we look inwardly at our hearts or around us to our loved ones to find what true love is. Paul and many other Apostles, such as John and Peter, have already given a definition of love. Love is what God has shown us in Jesus. We often call this story of love the gospel. If anyone asks me what is the greatest act of love I have experienced or known of, I would say what John said, that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Or something like... Love is when our creator God pursues us like a Father who's lost His precious Son. Love is when God comes to be with us in our dirt, shame, sin, bondage, disease, sickness, suffering and death in the person of Jesus. Love is when God gave us all of Himself in Jesus in sacrifice, to people who have rejected Him and spat on Him and swore at Him. Love is when Jesus willingly laid down His life for you and me so that we could be free from the guilt and punishment of our rebellious lives. Love is when God paid freely and completely for our debt in sin. Love is when God reconciles the whole world to Himself through Jesus even when we weren't willing to lift a finger to say sorry. Love is when God promises us the hope of new life from this crass and fallen world through Jesus' Resurrection. Love is when God by his Spirit grants us all that we need for living now under His rule as we wait for His return. Love will be when we children of God get to meet Him, the Creator, Judge, Saviour, Friend and Father, face to face forever in His glorious light. Do you wonder why John calls God love and that love and mercy is the character of God to Moses? Brothers and sisters, if you still are not moved by this love, pray that you do, or else you cannot taste the sweetness of Paul's words on living life in love. Our love depends on God's love for us, it starts and ends with Him. And His love seeks our good at His cost..."

"The greatest thing that separates love from other spiritual gifts and characteristics is that love never 'fails' according verse 8, or love never ends. Paul is speaking of the end times here. Love exists love as God has shown us, and the way of love will continue to exist when He returns, and when we live in eternity with Him. The excellent of way does not disappear but reappears and lasts for ever, even beyond this lifetime. Nothing else does, not any of our spiritual gifts. Love, however, does not end. God does not cease to be loving in Heaven, He displays greater and even more love in other ways, just you wait. We've tasted His love on the Cross, we'll feast on His love at the Resurrection, and in eternity we continue to celebrate and experience His love when we see him face to face. This is how we understand 'love never fails' in verse 8..."

"But love never fails, love never ends. It is the only thing that does not cease. Bible studies cease, tongues cease, teaching ceases, talks cease. But God's love and His way of other-person-seeking love, does not end. What we participate now is a part of God's eternal nature. As we seek the good of others now, we experience what God will eternally grant to us in heaven. You want a taste of heaven, love your brother or sister now. This experience I guarantee you from God's word, is a taste of eternity and all its joys. That is why even faith and hope give way to love as spiritual characteristics. As Christians we hope for the coming of perfection, but when perfection comes, we no longer need to hope but we celebrate the consummation of all our hopes. As Christians, we trust and depend on God's promises through faith. But when God's promises are fulfilled, our trust is made complete and we celebrate God's gift of trust to us. But as we love one another because we have tasted God's love, we begin an eternal work, experience and enterprise that never ends. Will God stop showing us His love in heaven, certainly not! Will we stop delighting in the loves shown to us by other children of God, never! You cannot get enough of this love. Will there be less opportunities to seek the good of others in the future, never. You will have all the time, energy, creativity to pour out your love for others and for God. We will find it easier to love, boast in each other, give thanks for each other, serve one another, even as God has served us. Love does not end but continues in eternity as the most excellent way to live with each other to praise of God."

These are some snippets of the talk, click the opening sentence for the link to a google doc. There were quite a few youth at Clay.NSCCCS today. I was again impressed by the presentation of the songs: there were background pictures to every song, not just a coloured page. Roberta even wrote one herself.

BTW I think we are in dire need of confessional songs or songs about repentance and turning back. Anyone interested in writing one with me?

Newsletters for non-full-time ministers or missionaries?

I love reading news and newsletters, especially from friends and family. They make perfect materials for prayer, and are means by which we can care for brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues.

Many of my christian friends move onto full-time ministry, training and missionary work in different countries. And all of them write and report back how they have been, what they have been doing and how we can support them. They often share personal reflections and needs, to a close group of praying friends as they march on in their work. This made me think, why don't lay (full-time secular workers and students) christians publish newsletters or prayer requests as frequently and personally as such friends?

I don't see a good reason. Every christian has been called to be an active servant, through the saving work of Jesus, the Servant King, who by His sacrificial service made us all fit for serving God and His people. And every christian needs the prayers of their close ones. Although I don't want us to spend less time praying for people on the "frontline" of churches, mission fields, bible colleges, training and christian enterprises, I do wish that we could pray with equal fervour for fellow lay christians in ministries and struggles on the "backbench" of homes, offices, hobby groups, departments and so on.

Perhaps I will add a sister blog to bachnwill's randoms: bachnwillndan - serving our home and church in sydney, dedicated to updating our faithful family and friends on how we are, what we are doing and how they can support us. Of course, blogging or writing emails is not required when we just talk and hang out with friends and partners, unlike our christian friends overseas; blogging is just another way of talking.

Comments appreciated : )

p.s. a definite expansion of this blog is promised, titled bachnwillnmedia, where I'll put down my responses to books, movies, websites and other media.

Don't waste your life

It's not very often that I have the moment to reflect, and even change. It's probably the same for most of us. We've got entertainment, work, travels, gatherings and washings; only in between the flickering snapshots are moments for reflection.

I think I got one whilst flicking through John Piper's book, in between a virus, essays, night shifts, antenatal classes, I was flabbergasted once again, by God' glory, our purpose, our lives and His mission.

Piper re-emphasises the point of knowing God's goodness in Jesus and desire for His greatness, name and character are to be magnified by His own will and our lives, as we taste and see that goodness in Christ. But he asks again and again, what kind of life magnifies the goodness of God? The point is the beginning of someone turning toward God and true relationship with Him, but it is also the perennial point of return for the veteran christian. How can I not waste my life by living it for the joy in and magnification of God's kindness and love to us in Jesus?

The faces of wasted lives are easy to recognise: the picking of seashells, collection of motor yachts, the letters suffixed on a business card, the returns from board memberships: all for me, ourselves, all for this life, for a short time. There is nothing that lasts, beyond our temporary moments on this earth, even if exhilarating in its brief allure. I still hear the voice of the man: "I've wasted it, I've wasted it," loudly and clearly from chapter one. So what type of attitude flows from the life that conforms to God's own cause and plans and for our joy and treasure from this life, through much suffering, into the next?

It's probably best for you to read the book. But the chapters on money (how we spend it), on risks that are worth taking, and on missions (mercy to our world in our work, sharing Jesus with the unreached, using our lives as adornment to the good news of Jesus), are all straight forward reads and are the essential application chapters in the book of "Don't waste your life". Click the title for a link to his online version. I definitely think the ideas are worth reflecting about, even for a brief moment.

Without going through the personal events related to the reading of this book, some of my personal reflections on money and missions include:

Why not take risks in giving? God provides, He does not promise that the sparrows will grow fat (Matt 6:26), but He promises enough. And even if not enough, we know Him who gave up His riches and even His life to die for our sins, so that we may become rich through HIs poverty. This knowledge frees us to give what we have, so that others can share in the riches that we have in Jesus. Jesus spent a lot of his conversations on topics related to money, and our spending shows where our heart is. How is my church, my family, my friends or my country going in christian giving? There is much to be learned from the greats, like C.S. Lewis, even Warren Buffet, who both live(d) frugally, because they were satisfied. Lewis was satisfied in God, so can we who have hope.

What conflict is there between working in secular field and on the mission field? Nothing. No significant difference at all. God's purpose for whomever in Him in whatever vocation are one and the same: to promote the grandeur of Him in the good news of His Son Jesus, who has come to be the Saviour of the world. So those working within unreached people groups are doing our work and we are their senders. The unreached are ours, they are our concern. Who are our concern at work or at uni? Our friends, most of whom are not in relationship with God. Our work speaks of our relationship with God, and our lives speak twice as loudly. My diligence, honesty, humility, care (and doctors often don't), obedience, these can all speak well of the good news and adorn the belief we have. The goal is one and the same: magnifying the gospel's beauty. So our secular work is equally important, when we have this attitude, as non-secular work. Which is harder, neither of course. Which is more worthy, both are, if our purpose is for the one and the same gospel.

What conflict is there between spiritual needs and physical needs of the needy? Nothing of significance again. All their needs are our concern, we care for friends not only for their physical, emotional and personal needs, we also meet their need to have a satisfying and lasting relationship with God the Father, through His Son Jesus. There is no difference overseas either. Medical missions, aid, political structures, economic provisions must come alongside biblical teaching, godly living, family lifestyles under God, evangelism of the needy and rebellious. It is simple to pitch one against the other, whilst losing the purpose and blurring their complement natures. Perhaps, we do so for our wicked self-justification. Only God knows.

There were many more uplifting portions, others will gain more than I did. But I hope, that these moments of reflection take root, firstly in my, and also in all of your, lives. We have but one, let's not waste our gift and our opportunity.

p.s. Many other take issue to John Piper's arguments. So do go back to the Bible and flesh out the resounding ideas there.

Talk on John 14: The Holy Spirit

Just a link to a talk at NSCCCS (an australian-asian church in gordon) on the Holy Spirit.

http://docs.google.com/doc?id=df75wq87_25g6d958fk

I was most encouraged to see an old acquaintance who is now doing part time GP work and youth pastoring at this Church. Hopefully this is something I can do in the future. Life's getting on and the Bible keeps telling me that time is short, so I need  to make every opportunity to make Him known in every way.

Also, a promise to bring more photo images and interesting links to this blog.

My Favourite Treasurer

This is a typical non-reply from Wayne Swan during parliamentary sitting today. Seriously, he doesn't answer the questions, he can only get personal, and much of what he says makes no sense. May God help us, and help me to keep praying for such incompetent leaders, who can't admit their short-falls. Not everyone can understand economics, but when you don't, then you should not try to be a Treasurer, there are many other good ministries, such as Forestry, Health, Ageing, Sport, or if you like, even join a Union. Good leadership is service, knowing your strengths, and your weaknesses. It is also a generosity of heart to admit your limitation and let someone else do the job. I hope Mr Swan turns for the better, and not just become more embittered. But in the following speech, we can see that:

1) He does not understand that inflationary expectations and strong economy can cause inflation.

2) He keeps blaming INFLATION on the previous Liberal government, but claims Job Growth figures for Labour (how can a government of 2months cause that much job growth)

3) Does he think of international pressures on our economy?

4) When he has nothing to say, he gets personal. (Well I feel better for calling him names [deleted in hindsight]... How weird and wonderful our world is that select such leaders?)

5) Could we stop blaming the Liberals (check his webpage: http://www.swanmp.org/) and just get on with it?

This is part of the transcript from HANSARD, www.aph.gov.au:
NB Member for Wentworth=Mr Turnbull; Lilley=Mr Swan.

"Mr TURNBULL (2.19 pm)—My question is addressed
to the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to the
statement of the Reserve Bank Governor, Glenn Stevens,
on 11 December last year when he said:
When people expect prices to rise rapidly, they bring forward
purchases, put up their own prices, demand higher wages and
so on. That helps to create the very inflation they expect.
Does the Treasurer accept that his statement the day
before the Reserve Bank met in February that ‘the inflation
genie is out of the bottle’ served to fuel inflationary
expectations? Does the Treasurer really understand
what he is doing to the Australian economy?
Mr SWAN—I thank the member for his question.
No, I do not accept that at all. I absolutely do not ac-
cept that. We have a plan to modernise this economy.
We have a plan to deal with the legacy that was left to
this government by the previous government—the
highest inflation in 16 years. Inflation just did not suddenly
commence at 9 am on 26 November, as the
member opposite would pretend. There is an inflationary
problem in this country and, when we see a problem,
we have to correctly identify that problem and we
have to deal with it, and that is what this government
has been doing. We have been dealing with the inflationary
problem left to us by those opposite by putting
in place our five-point plan, by reining in reckless expenditure.
We had the report from the Treasury the
other day which identified the fastest increase in
spending in any four years in the past 16 years. Of
course, the member for Wentworth, as usual, went into
denial. The member for Wentworth is in denial about
the inflation rate. He cannot agree with the ABS. He
cannot agree with the RBA.
...
Mr SWAN—The figures are good news, particularly
for those Australians who have good jobs. We all
celebrate that. We are the party of jobs. It goes to the
very core of our existence. We would never do what
those opposite do, which is put in place legislation like
Work Choices, which ripped away wages and working
conditions. We on this side of the House have some
core beliefs—unlike those on that side of the House,
who have no core beliefs anymore. So we celebrate.
We celebrate the jobs figures today. An extra 36,700
jobs were created in February—a very solid increase in
full-time employment and very good as well in the
states of New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
We celebrate those outcomes.
...
Only yesterday we had the member for Wentworth
give a speech—a spectacular speech. There were 4,000
words in that speech but not one positive alternative
policy or solution—not one. There were 4,000 words in
that speech, but he could not come up with one positive
policy alternative—and we know why: he does not
have a plan to control inflation. He has not got his eye
on what is going on with inflation. He has not got his
eye on what is going on with productivity. He has not
got his eye on anything. He has one plan. It is a plan
for the Leader of the Opposition—a question of when.
Put him out of his misery and take him out."

Our blessed NSW government

I know that God tells us clearly from the new testament that Christians should obey our government. More than that, we are to serve them well, pray for their governance, administration of justice and regulation of society as they are representatives of God's government of our world.

When I travel on Epping Rd everyday, I find it really hard to give much thanks for our NSW government. Yes, the likes of Sartor, Iemma, previous transport ministers, previous Premiers, the whole Labour contingent. I have no problems obeying, of course I pray for them, that they would come clean, stop graft, do some frigging honest planning without rubbing each others' backs or filling in each others' pockets. I honestly hope they fear God, because every check they sign, every meal they have, every conversation within their party or privately with constructers, building companies, water desalination planters, every single corporate rep... every single thing they do will be brought to light on Judgment Day and they will have to give an account.

Why are our earthly masters often such smooth talkers, slick promoters and often greedy pretenders? Jesus and Paul warned us of these sorts, within the church, in our world and of course in our governments. I'm so thankful for any decent leader out there, because they make our jobs as godly conscientious citizens a joy.

Just to finish off on the injustice of Epping Rd. Our government is so dumb as to reduce 3 functional lanes to 1 in order to divert us into tolled-tunnels. We have a widened foot path on either side, on which not even bikes can go on (someone correct me on this)? What a crock.

I'll write something on the Royal North Shore Hospital head-rolling farce another night.

Christians and the Burmese Crackdown

Just an interesting link to an article on the state of Christians in Burma.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/140-52.0.html

Something I wish for this Christmas, is the granting of good leaders for that country, just think of the potential for the needs - gospel, physical and social - that could mean generations of benefit in the future!

Interestingly, there are so many Christians in this persecuted country. The figures of 8% (some Roman Catholics and ecumenicals) is impressive, and is probably as high as Australia's church going community.

In God I hope this Chrismas and the seasons beyond, W.

Thank God for Parking Ticket Officers

Who said that they are always out there to get you?

I had sleepily missed the 2P sign of a prime parking spot at Crows Nest tonight. Sleepy is what working nights do to people. Lo and behold, after our quick dine at Thai Tucker Box and browse at the bookstore, a parking ticket officer working OT was taking down my little, innocent Echo's number plate!

I sheepily said, "Oh, we're leaving now... and I didn't realise we had to pay after 6pm..."

A pause.

He nicely smiles back and said, "OK, this is a warning. See that ticket machine over there, you must pay if you park here." And he walks away. If we had stayed in that bookstore one minute longer, $79 would have been blown, and all because I didn't 3rd of 4 signs on the pole, that read,

"2P 6-10pm Mon-Sun".

I am reminded that our brains choose to see what we want to see, often times. I only saw the sign that read "1P 6am-6pm Mon-Sun". In hind-sight I did see the second sign when I parked the car, but I could not register it. In so many circumstances, in experience, and in reading people's writings, I observe that often we only see what we set out to see, what we want to hear.

Not always do our "ears itch to hear what our hearts desire", even in so called scientific observations, in application of world-views on other cultures, we only see what we set out to see. We simply love our types and stereotypes.

But I heed the warnings. Both from my friendly parking ticket officer from the Pacific Islands, and from our God, in the coming of His Son and of course, in His Word today: to know that the heart of man deceives even himself, and we need an External Guide to point out our obvious blunders.

I'm just thrilled that I wasn't fined! So is me missus : )

Crusaders Business Breakfast at the QVB Tearooms

I've never been to a Business Meeting, let alone a Christian Business meeting.

This one was held by The Crusader Union of Australia, or simply known as "Crusaders". I knew of their youth outreach at schools, school camps and holiday camps; but I only saw their vision and the fruits of their work at this Crusaders Business Breakfast.

Roger Corbett (AM), the recently retired CEO of Woolworths Ltd, Australia, spoke. He's a Christian too, and has personally benefited from the work of the Crusaders from his youth. He challenged us, a group of professional and business Christians this morning to know the need for God in our work, and see the need for God in our world. He saw that a living God in the lives of business men was the key to their personal integrity in the workplace. By leaving God out of the picture or thinking that "God is dead", we have left the Australian business world with weak, self-gratifying leaders, and a pervasive cynicism in the Australian public towards many businesses. Sadly, many of those leading the business world, have also become cynics.

But there is a different type of business in our world. The vision of this business is a world with changed lives. Crusaders aims to bring the living God through living relationships to youth whilest at schools today. The organisation and team are Bible based, meaning, they believe that God's living word changes lives, especially because it is a word speaking of His assuring, unceasing, amazing love for us. Many lives are changed, mostly in their youth, by the Christian message.

The short interviews with the youth from non-Christian backgrounds who have attended Crusader camps are inspiring. Individual lives, through Christian leadership coming from Christian youths, have been changed. Many trust in this living God and have found His love real, stabilising and motivating, such that these individuals have grown, impacted their school friends, and even moved onto Christian youth work themselves. At the very least, many youth have heard the gospel message, and many of them decisively commit their lives to God in their formative years.

I work with sick people, out in Western Sydney. I see many youths and families presenting with their physical needs. I can only begin to imagine the spiritual need of these families for this message, that changes their youths' lives. They will form future families, they will do business, they will shape our future Sydney. I can see how such a message to our youth will not only bring social productivity, an unmeasurable statistic in our societies, but also spiritual hope to families, who have suffered for years in broken relationships, not because of poverty, but because of their rejection of God.

Have a look at the Crusaders' website http://www.crusaders.edu.au/, or click the Title, and pray for our youths at school, that through these types of outreach ministries, they will hear the life changing Christian message.

An Age Old Excuse Revisited: Generosity

"I'm going to earn lots of money, so I can be generous with it." I've said it, I've heard it, but I can't agree with it as a Christian.

The formula of the argument is:
1) If I have a lot of [X], then I will use [X] for good.
2) I don't have [X].
3) Therefore I should have [X].

But of course, it's not just related to having money: we can replace X with power, time, blessing/gifts, opportunity, beauty, etc. So we keep telling ourselves,
"if only I was given this position of leadership, then I can make a big difference," or
"if only I could go to that place, then I could serve properly," or
"if only I was good at public speaking, then I would be able to persuade people."

I think God has warned us not to have evil or selfish desires to spend on our own pleasures from the letter by James.

A few good questions to ask in order to test ourselves would be:
"Am I generous with what I have now?"
"Am I using what I have now for serving and helping others?"
"How has my pattern of life been like? Generous, thoughtful and considerate?"

If we lack what is good, then God will provide. I am sure He is more than happy, if James was right in his letter, to grant me a generous heart. I'm going to ask for that right now, and I'm going to ask for that gift for anyone reading this blog at all. It'll make me feel better.

Back at blogging, for the common good?

Starting a new habit?

Nowadays, I'm always hesitant to start a habit or custom, which I'll have to continue. Should I waste precious time on trying to do hip-hop, keep up the guitar skills, run again? Things like spending more time with Danielle on short trips is never a doubt; but time again lets me down, or more correctly, I haven't made the time.

Still, I thought I'll start publishing things written, said or done that might have a use for anyone out there.

Just last Sunday, I was at NSCCCS (http://www.answers.com/topic/nscccs) talking on Proverbs 8-9. The youth are always a joy to meet. They have a great bunch of leaders as well. I felt like the father in the proverbs, who'd luckily found an attentive, wise, young man to bore.

Here's the Link: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df75wq87_9hgnm69

I loved preparing for this, God's wisdom is made for us living in this world. Not only is it relevant, His wisdom goes beyond just getting by in this world: it, through Jesus, sets me up for eternity. But most of all, His Wisdom is best shown in the whole life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and it is astounding. I didn't make much of this in the talk though, there wasn't enough time.

BTW, David Atkinson's commentary from the BST series is very nice.

God's Wisdom: a Talk

Proverbs 8-9 NSCCCS Talk 2007-10-21

William Ng

"The Blue Pill or Red Pill? AKA: Wisdom or Folly?"

Outline:
1) Wisdom's Beginnings (Proverbs 8)

2) Wisdom versus Folly (Proverbs 9)

3) Wisdom in Practice (Proverbs 6; Choice Words 10:20; Beauty 11:22; Sober Minded 12:9; Taking Criticism 13:18; Real Labour 14:23; Worldly Pleasure 15:17; Planning 16:9; Home 17:1; Loose Speech 18:19; Fair Trade 20:17; Wife 21:9; Children 22:6)

4) Wisdom in Eternity of Ecclesiastes

Wisdom: Knowing and fearing God by living with spiritual and practical intelligence. Its characteristics are seen in 1:1-7

Main Point: Live in Wisdom because God’s world is made by God’s Wisdom and Wisdom is practical, useful and joyful.

Sub-Points: Wisdom leads to a full life and favour with God.

Folly leads to ruin and death.

Jesus is God’s Wisdom and His Life & Work shows God’s Wisdom best.

Wisdom is in Fearing and Obeying God.

Ecclesiastes: World cannot be completely understood by wisdom for this life.

This world – Death, brevity of Life and cyclical Time – seem to contradict living wisely, but the eternal God’s Judgement makes wise living meaningful.

1. Wisdom's Beginnings

8:22-31 Creator, Eternity, Joy of God.

Jesus is God’s Wisdom .1Cor. 1:30-31 and Col 1:15-17.

2. Wisdom versus Folly

9:1-6 Attractive Opportunity

(Also 8:1-21 Invitation to Wisdom and Treasures in Wisdom; 3:1-12 Fear of the Lord)

9:13-18 Attractive Lies

(Also 8:32-36 Death for the Foolish)

3. Wisdom in Practice

Adultery 6:20-35

Repaying Debts 6:1-5

Miscellaneous Wisdom

Choice Words 10:20; Beauty 11:22; Sober Minded 12:9; Taking Criticism 13:18; Real Labour 14:23; Worldly Pleasure 15:17; Planning 16:9; Home 17:1; Loose Speech 18:19; Status 19:10; Fair Trade 20:17; Wife 21:9; Children 22:6

4. Wisdom in Eternity of Ecclesiastes

1:1-2 Meaningless

1:16-18 Wisdom brings Frustration

3:9-22 Time for death for all, so enjoy the present. NB Eternity in Man’s heart 3:11.

4-10 Meaninglessness of Wisdom: injustice, fools in world, frustrations of the wise)

11-12:8 Rejoice in One’s Years before Death

12:9-14 Fear of the Lord and His Judgement gives Meaning.

1) Wisdom’s Beginnings

Have you been really attracted to a person who excites you? Or mesmerized by a scene in a movie? Or fascinated by a new idea? Or have you been to a place that frees your mind and gives you a buzz whenever you walk into it? Well, Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs is that person, place, time and event that is trying to attract you and me, Wisdom is parading her best and finest wares in front of our eyes, Wisdom is singing a lovely tune that is teasing our ears in Proverbs 8.

Wisdom first blows us away by telling us when she began. Wisdom was with God before the Creation. Have a look at 8:22-23. Verse 23 says Wisdom was there from Eternity and given a special position in God’s grand plan, that’s what appointed means. Verse 22 may seem to say that Wisdom was the first of God’s work, but the verse is better understood as saying Wisdom was brought forward before the first of God’s work. Certainly this emphasis on Wisdom at God’s side before He made the world reads well with the other verses.

Wisdom was with God during His powerful production of the waters, springs and oceans, the mountains and the hills, the Earth and the fields. Wisdom witnessed the incredible separation of vast spaces in verses 27-29, the heavens above from the waters below, the clouds from the oceans and the continents and the seas. Isn’t this saying that Wisdom was there in the days of Genesis, the beginning of the universe?

But Wisdom was also in the creation process with God, she was not standing back. By Wisdom God did every one of His incredible feats, by Wisdom God made the world¹; Wisdom was “the craftsman” getting His hands dirty besides God. That’s why God had a great time with Wisdom as they shared the work and took pride in the work they’d done together, Wisdom in return gave God much pride and joy.

So we know that Wisdom has a big CV. Wisdom was there before the creation, during the creative process of Genesis and was the means by which God made the World: so great is God’s Wisdom we are taught to think of Wisdom as a co-creator along side God.

[Aside on Jesus as God’s Wisdom: Colossians 1:15-17; 1Corinthians 1:30-31; Romans 16:5-27]

2) Wisdom versus Folly

Wisdom is not the only one calling or attracting us. There is an equally attractive and alluring person called Folly. Wisdom and Folly are both calling for our attention, our vote and our personal choice. Just like an election, we are asked to make a definite choice between two parties, we have to choose John or Kevin, we can take the blue pill or the red pill, and we either choose Wisdom or follow Folly. Each party has their attraction, but each choice is followed by a set of consequences and fruits.

Wisdom continues to blow us away by giving us understanding and life. Look at the way she calls. She spares no expense at inviting any passers by, and willing travellers. You cannot miss Wisdom’s calls because she is shouting at the top of the mountain and you cannot miss her because there are a host of other maidens at the hilltop. Wisdom has a great feast prepared for those who are willing to come in to dine with her. Actually she has been planning for this feast with such enthusiasm she has built a whole new diner to seat her guests. What she offers is prime. The food is fine, and the wine supreme. Wisdom offers a full and fruitful, blessed life to her followers. Her ways educate, prepare and discipline the simple and naïve, so they are experienced and prepared for the living in this world. She is like a TAFE course geared to preparing people for trade and a “hands on” training degree that actually prepares someone for work after they graduate. She educates people on how to live and live life to the full. [Invitation and Rewards 8:1-21]

Folly on the other hand puts up an equally good show to get our vote. She is loud and speaks with a megaphone on the top of the mountain. She too is desperate to get people to come into her home. But Her way is distinctively different to Wisdom’s. She loves deceit, things done in secret, as if hiding the truth from God’s sight. She likes to tempt the simple and the naïve into the easy way, the morally dubious way, by enjoying stolen wine and shameful deeds done in the dark. She is a dodge. But the trick is that she seems to offer the same outcomes and fruits that lure people to Wisdom. So she is a dodge and an imitation of Wisdom and it’s easy to choose her because her offer seems equally attractive. But what’s inside the house of Folly? Like a dodgey Chinese Ferrari that you wish you’d never bought, Folly’s house is full of rotten corpses, blazing hellfire in 9:18. Those who dine with Folly, eat to their own death.

Wisdom is distinguished by her trademark: the Fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands. [Andrew Law has talked about this?

Key of Wisdom in Fear of the Lord:

Acknowledging He is the Creator, Lord and Ruler.

The only way to the Wise Life.]

So both Wisdom and Folly are polling for our vote and we must vote Wisdom, we must choose Wisdom and accept her invitation.

3) Wisdom in Practice

So it’s not surprising that Wisdom is practical. If by God’s Wisdom He made this world, if Wisdom was overseeing the making and running of this world then it’s no wonder that living by Wisdom leads to a full, fruitful² and joyful life. Wisdom is for living because life is designed by Wisdom. Wisdom is practical. So the rest of this talk, just like the rest of Proverbs 10-31, will be a short and sweet guide on how to live in Wisdom from reading Proverbs 10-31 and how to be practically Wise in God’s world.

Now we’ve gone through proverbs 1-9 briefly, I’ll bring in a working definition of Wisdom having explained Wisdom’s awesome credentials and her rewards: Wisdom is “knowing and fearing God by living in His world with spiritual and practical intelligence.” This is a working definition and is not perfect. We know that Wisdom begins with our right relationship with God, in fear and obedience to the Creator who wisely made this world and wisely saves us for eternity. That is knowing and fearing God. Spiritual intelligence is scattered throughout the Proverbs just as practical advice is laid out through the book. Spiritual matters include moral matters, matters of eternal consequences like the Judgement of God, matters of right living by God’s laws. Practical matters touch on all walks of life, from sex, to marriage, to economics, to trade, to ethics, to friendship, even to running a city or country. So when we read through Proverbs, especially 10-31, we see that God’s Wisdom is not only good for spiritual matters but also for practical living. Christianity is not only doctrine and knowledge of historical and eternal truths; it’s also living wisely in God’s world now. Doctrine and Living is a conversation, Theology and Christian Practice go hand in hand. Wisdom is practical.

Let’s take a couple of situations in life on which Wisdom educates us.

Firstly listening, paying attention, accepting Wisdom 9:7-12. The most practical question is do I want to listen to Wisdom. It’s a choice entirely, and God gives us an invitation to choose Wisdom or to reject Her. But Listening to Wisdom takes a bit out of our ego, because we have to admit that God is wiser. It is no easy for a lot of people, in fact for anyone. The difficulty may lie in receiving correction, rebuke, or criticism. Most of the world don’t like to receive rebuke, and certainly never publicly. Who wants others to know that we have made a mistake, we’ve been a fool, we’ve made wrong choices? Even fools have pride, and even the poor have egos. Our world oddly admires people who simply have a passion for things even if that person is passionately and stubbornly wrong. The scoffer is always around. But Wisdom calls us to humble ourselves, accept wise discipline and listen to good advice. Sometimes our parents may just know a little better than our friends, then what the movies tell us³. Our friend who spoils our fun at parties, might just be that person that saves us from committing mistakes of drunkenness. Our God who doesn’t grant us our desires, might be just trying to teach us what’s important. Wisdom calls us to listen, to pay attention and accept good advice.

Secondly Wisdom in saving sex for marriage only 5:1-23. This is honest, Father to Son advice and it’s repeated with different imageries, many times in chapters 1-9. The lure of premarital sex, extramarital sex, sex with a strange but attractive lover is great. Our world cannot resist it: it knows how much we can be attracted by the idea free, non-contractual sexual relations. The ads we see are smooth, sassy and sexy. The scenes from movies are beautifully crafted, washed over with heart-throbbing music. Our own minds create fantasies of relations with others. But the Father’s advice is to stick to love, sex and relations within our marriages. Believe it or not, through the toil, work and commitment of marriage, you may actually find love in your wife or your husband to be. Here in chapter 5 are lovely images of fresh, sweet cool water that satisfies our thirst, and that of a lovely animal, pleasurable to look at and play with: such is the love of our own wife or husband. The pleasure of marriage and physical love in marriage actually outweigh the fun of promiscuity.

We’ll briefly sketch through a few more humorous practical wisdoms throughout 9-22, the Proverbs of Solomon.

[Choice Words 10:20; Beauty 11:22; Sober Minded 12:9; Taking Criticism 13:18; Real Labour 14:23; Worldly Pleasure 15:17; Planning 16:9; Home 17:1; Loose Speech 18:19; Fitting Status 19:10; Fair Trade 20:17; Wife 21:9; Children 22:6. NB 23-24 are longer Father to Son advices.]

Back to our working definition of Wisdom: Wisdom is “knowing and fearing God by living in His world with spiritual and practical intelligence.” God is Wise and through His Wisdom made this world, so we are called to live by this Wisdom in order to live a fulfilling, fruitful and joyful life in His world.

4) Wisdom in Eternity of Ecclesiastes

To Get a balanced view of Wisdom, we are meant to read Proverbs and Ecclesiastes together. We need to know the meaning God gives to living in the world now in light of His eternity, or else things seem meaningless, living wisely is pointless, and we’ll be unprepared for frustrations in this world. Briefly

Meaningless of Life and Wisdom

1:1-2 Meaningless

1:16-18 Wisdom brings Frustration

Frustrations of Life despite Wisdom

3:9-22 Time for death for all, so enjoy the present. NB Eternity in Man’s heart 3:11.

4-10 Meaninglessness of Wisdom and Frustration despite Wisdom: injustice, fools in world, frustrations of the wise)

Living Wisely because of God’s Judgement

11-12:8 Rejoice in One’s Years before Death

12:9-14 Fear of the Lord and His Judgement gives Meaning.

1 Creation by Wisdom, see Proverbs 3:19-20

2 See how Wisdom celebrates life in Proverbs 3:13-18.

3 Note how in Ch 1-9, advice begins with the words “My Son.”

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ANZAC Day 25th April 2007

ANZAC Day 25th April 2007

I never knew the significance of ANZAC until I reached university. Surely we were taught in primary school and at SGS (my high school)? Yes, there were definitive knowledged-based teachings of the ins & outs of Australian Soldiers enlisted in the AIF to defend our then King and Country. But the day only took my attention when I started to realize what 'sacrifice' meant for me as a

1) beneficiary, and
2) imitator of the person of Jesus.

The first part probably had its roots in when I became a Christian in 1994: I could truly understand the amazing sacrifice of God's Son for me personally. Having known God's grace, it is much easier to appreciate and be thankful to those who willingly and generously sacrifice their own time, money, labour and even lives for you. So not only in relation to the ANZAC but to many around me, the significance of their sacrifice just seems to forever float onto my consciousness.

The latter part is very much an ongoing process, and I dare say for any serious disciple of Christ Jesus. Do you know the times when people say to you: "you won't know it unless you try?" Very much so with the meaning of sacrifice. When I try to follow the footsteps of Jesus, I guess in my own relationships with wife, brothers & sisters, patients, colleagues... the failings and short-fall of my own sacrifice are obvious. So it is much easier for me to stay interested and involved in ANZAC Day celebrations, for many of those men willingly put their lives out for others, who either didn't care or could do so, and as well for us today.