A Tree and Its Fruit

Matthew 7:
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Lately my heart was kinda troubled because someone from my former church quoted the above verses from verse 21-23. That person always use this verse against another denomination. I was kinda sad to hear this because he seem to take the verses out of context. Whenever this troubles me I always turn to the Lord for answer. And guess what I found:-

Mark 16:
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

My heart found comfort, in a way, in these verses to reassure me that there are still signs that accompany those who believe, new believers that are filled with the power of The Holy Spirit. Then I was led to read the passage the below about a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.

Acts 13
Barnabas and Saul Sent Off
1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
On Cyprus
4The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
6They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.



What I understand from the above passages is this:

When Jesus said:
23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

I think He meant those who use His name for selfish gain, for self glorification(like that Bar-Jesus) instead of having a clear conscience with God and with men.

In 1st Corinthians 12:

7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Glory to Jesus

Last Tuesday I had to work late to hurry a church building expansion project in Setapak and I told 2 brothers that I couldn't make it for cell group that night, so I just text them my prayer item that I'd like to bring my family that had just flown back from Guangzhou for just 10 days.

When I got back I popped the question to my dad, "Dad, wanna visit church on Sunday? He just asked me what time until what time and I said 9 - 11/1130? He was quite reluctant at 1st coz he planned to go to my 4th aunt's place in section 2 of Wangsa Maju. But then my young stepmom said, "Since we are going to church better stay until the last session. I, of course am more than glad that they would but my dad was showing face already. I still give thanks to God for the opened door....

On Thursday bible study and prayer meeting again I present my request and petition to God and my intentions that this opportunity to sow the seed into the hearts of my 'new' family from Guangzhou would not be missed. Coz I remember this verse:-

Ephesians 6:18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

When I got back from work on Friday night, dad just uttered in an authoritative voice saying, " I won't go if there's no transport." lol...At the back of my head, transport has never been a matter at all in my vocabulary. Yet I still didn't wanna take things for granted and kept praying that Jesus would continue to open the way.

After Saturday's excursion to Gua Tempurung, me and a bunch of young working adults went out for steamboat dinner and before leaving I told them that my family would come to church. The idea was to let them know so they can pray with me too. A brother who is also my introduction to Christianity class teacher agreed to fetch me coz the other brother's car was already full with my dad, mom and grandma and little sis.

So finally my family made it on Sunday morning! lol....Satan and 1/3 of the fallen angels defeated again!!! This is another testimony that the most powerful weapon ever made known to mankind particularly Christians is PRAYER!! Nothing by human effort, no need to cheat or scheme or con our friends or relatives to church, but just by praying and all will fall in place.

Of course this is not the end but only the beginning coz the seed is sowed. Hopefully and prayerfully someone else will continue to water the seed in China but ULTIMATELY GOD makes it grow. I've done my part, my brothers and sisters had done their part.

Luke 10
Jesus Sends Out the Seventytwo
1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

Legions of angels encamping around us!

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.

17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.

19 But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!

This is another recent testimony of God's faithfulness. Last Sunday as I was on my way to meet my family for dinner I dropped my wallet in a cab I took from Leisure Mall. I only realised it went missing when I wanted to get myself a top up coupon in a nearby 7 11 at Taman Connaught. It wasn't so much of the cash inside my wallet but my I.D. and License which is very troublesome for me to make a police report, then to the IC office and getting a new license from JPJ...imagine the hassle. Well at 1st I thought God was trying to teach me a lesson or something, but then I just let this burden away from me and cast it to the Lord. I just didn't want this incident to affect my dinner with loved ones. Later that night I called a sister complaining to her of the 'mafan'ness of getting a new IC and I just hoped that the cab driver would call my boss coz I had a few of his name cards in my wallet or if he would really be kind enough to drop my wallet in my mail box.

So the next morning I just carried on with work and as my boss and I arrived at GEPC I went down to the sundry shop to grab a quick breakfast (bread and water). When I got back in the van, he was talking on the phone and I thought he was on the line with the client but it turn out to be the cab driver and he said he will drive over from 9th mile, Cheras. Immediately I lifted up my hands and sung Agnus Dei. LOL...The Psalm above was actually the passage for consideration that morning and the verse that illuminated to me was the last verse;Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!

Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Worth Pondering

taken from a newsletter

WORLDtRANSForMERs
transforming Lives & communities September 2009


After having watched G.I. Joe (a movie where one would assume one can leave their mind at the cinema doors before entering), it does ironically lead us to think (can you believe it, a movie from Hollywood that requires one to think - now that's something) that we could be G.I. Joes for God as well - instead of Government Issued, we are all God Issued Joes (and Janes if you want to be politically correct). To play further along with the movie's tagline, "When all else fails, God doesn't".


We who are Christ's disciples are all called to be witnesses for Him, bringing God's light to wherever there is darkness. Let us therefore continue to live a stedfast life that makes us attractive to others around as they wonder what is the spark within that actually moves our hearts to reach out to those around?


Armed with God's Word and walking closely with Him always in His will, you can be sure that God will always be there to see you through all circumstances, no matter how impossible they seem to be. Well soldier, what are you waiting for? It is time to strap up with God's armor and head out to the battlefield. Go Joe!

230909

Seek 1st the Kingdom of God (Worship, Fellowship (study of the Word & sharing life), Evangelism, Service) and all these things (wear, eat, material blessings) shall be added unto you as well.

Mrs. Phua my neighbour blessed me again with some food from her Cell Group. I returned her the plate and the Nescafe glass. Again,this testifies of His mercies and grace and providence. What a faithful Heavenly Father we have.

Somehow I sense something going on here. She's a widow and her son is currently studying Aeronautical Engineering in Vancouver, Canada. It just came to my mind The Widow at Zarephath in 1 Kings 17.

So what is the Lord trying to say to me here?

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Faithful and True

A few years back as we (Jason, Ernest, Dillon and I) were busy serving the Lord, we didn't have time to stop for dinner. So when we stopped by at my place, my neighbour Mrs. Phua gave us nasi kunyit and some curry chicken. Though it seems little to us, we ate and had our fill and ready again to serve again. This reminds me of Elijah:

The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

When I got back from hanging out with Weng Cheong, Jen Ruw and Loong and as I got down from the car I can smell an aroma like that of a fried chicken. My stomach made some noise but I just took a sigh. As I was browsing my phone on the called number list, I heard my neighbour calling for me. This time Mrs. Phua gave me a plate of 'tong yuen' and a cup of pure orange juice.

Jesus proved himself faithful again when He told me through Matthew 6:33.

Last night when I got back from cell group, I played Chris Tomlin's album on the Philip mini compo. After a while of adoration I moved to the dining table to conclude the day's journal.

Struggled on the bed trying to get some sleep, I reached for the Journal's of Jim Elliot and read some of the things he penned down. He mentioned that it is enough for men to have shelter, clothes, food and a bed while serving the Lord. Other than that if man would to desire a wife, the needs would be more than just a house. Since Jim is American, a washing machine, curtains for the windows, rugs, and a kitchen with all necessary cooking utensils are the requirements. Those were sort of the things that men can think of during his generation.

Today, I think men are more capable of just getting the 'hardwares'. Men can cook, men can do laundry, men can do housekeeping, besides the chores that are norm to men like gardening, carpentry, changing a faulty light bulb, fix the water closet etc and on top of that having a decent job and still serve in church. God has given intellectual to men and women alike that so much can be done to compliment each other inspite of differences.

As I read Mary's(the mother of Jesus) profile this morning, I discovered the availability of Mary's heart instead of how Zechariah responded:

18Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

Zechariah asked as if something like this: 'Betul ke ni? Saya dah tua, tambahan pula isteri ku pun lebih kurang sama je'

Mary answered:

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The way Mary was asking as if something like this: 'OK, macam mana ni? Saya tak faham, sebab saya kan dara?' (with curiosity)


38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Another lesson of availability to be used by God. If the heart is curios for the good reason and teachable, the person can really go far for the Kingdom. A heart as teachable as a child and a childlike faith is a great combo.

I had wanted to delete some of these posts because I fear that some of the views I'd shared might stumble some young ones in the faith. I even wanted to shut this blog down, but if I do I will loose the comment from the person who preached the good news to me and that is a strong testimony and witnessing. So I chose not to edit anything because I prefer to practice transparency. Well the bible recorded for us a lot of mistakes that had been committed by a lot of people including one of the apostle of Christ. In the book of Matthews chapter 26 verse 50 it says:

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

But that's not all. It is also recorded for us in Acts chapter 2 how he gave a sermon and so many came to know the saving grace of Christ.

As the Bible is transparent of everything, I suppose there's nothing wrong with living a life of transparency. In fact if everyone would to practice transparency and acceptance, surely the Gospel can be preached and many saved.

Besides the above I had a thought that came to me after I had a chat with a brother who is frustrated over a lady who can't seem to control her flirtatious behaviour. It reminded me of the adulterous women in

John 8
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

I also know this lady myself and had encountered quite a seductive enticement. There was 1 night when I went over to her place to pass her some stuffs and she answered the door with just a thin white t shirt and I'm not sure whether she was wearing any pants or not because the t shirt was longer. She mentioned to me that she have not taken her bath and I was confused why in the world would she tell me that. So after passing the stuffs to her I left because it was getting late that night. Later when I got into car I realised it was an invitation to be naked with her. Let me ask you a few question. What would you do when you want to bath? Strip off your clothes right? And if you want to bath, you wouldn't tell anyone right? Even Bathsheba didn't tell anyone that she's gonna take a bath. If you're married, I can understand when you tell your spouse that you wanna take a bath or soak in the bath tub. Come on, don't try to rationalise with me that she's innocent. A decent lady would just answer the door with her decent clothes right? Some more it was getting late. sigh

So when I read these verses in Hebrews 4:-

15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

I finally understand why.

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

I'm not sure if she had tried to seduce Jesus because the bible did not record for us on this account. But from Hebrews what we do know is that Jesus himself was tempted in everyway, yet was without sin.

Anyway in Matthew 26, Jesus said:

6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

What I have learned from Jesus is this: that none of us should at the slightest manner have the tendency to condemn anyone, even someone adulterous, even someone as notorious as Barabbas because Jesus even died for him.

I was mad at her for so long until I finally realised this truth. Now I can understand a glimpse of what it is for God to love the whole world and give His one and only Son.

The Forty Days and Forty Nights

Old Testament
1 Kings 19:
Elijah Flees to Horeb
7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

Genesis 7:4
Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made."
Genesis 7:3-5 (in Context)

Genesis 7:12
And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.
Genesis 7:11-13 (in Context)

Exodus 24:18
Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 24:17-18 (in Context)

Exodus 34:28
Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 34:27-29 (in Context)

Deuteronomy 9:9
When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.
Deuteronomy 9:8-10 (in Context)

Deuteronomy 9:11
At the end of the forty days and forty nights, the LORD gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant.
Deuteronomy 9:10-12 (in Context)

Deuteronomy 9:18
Then once again I fell prostrate before the LORD for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the LORD's sight and so provoking him to anger.
Deuteronomy 9:17-19 (in Context)

Deuteronomy 9:25
I lay prostrate before the LORD those forty days and forty nights because the LORD had said he would destroy you.
Deuteronomy 9:24-26 (in Context)

Deuteronomy 10:10
Now I had stayed on the mountain forty days and nights, as I did the first time, and the LORD listened to me at this time also. It was not his will to destroy you.


New Testament
Matthew 4:
The Temptation of Jesus
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'[b]"

7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'[c]"

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'[d]"

11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Viewpoints on "Tongues"

Taken from the book Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Nature of Tongues
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Traditional
Tongues in Acts are human languages whereas tongues in 1 Corinthians are either human languages, heavenly or angelic languages, or ecstatic utterances.

Pentecostal
Tongues in Acts are human languages whereas tongues in 1 Corinthians are heavenly or angelic languages.

Charismatic
Tongues may be prayer to God or they may be God's means of speaking to the people of God, equivalent to prophecy, if interpreted.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Content of Tongues
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Traditional
Glossolalia is praying to God in a language that one has not studied.
Some believe that New Testament accounts of "tongues" ties it in with a knowable or known language which is addressed to God in thanksgiving and praise. Never is it intended that tongues be equivalent to prophecy in being addressed to people

Pentecostal
Tongues may be prayer to God or they may be God's means of speaking to the people of God, equivalent to prophecy, if interpreted.

Charismatic
Tongues may be prayer to God or they may be God's means of speaking to the people of God, equivalent to prophecy, if interpreted.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Need of Tongues
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Traditional
Dispensationalists believe that tongues had a limited value in the early church to demonstrate God's change from Israel to the church. Most are in agreement that they were also used to build up the church when accompanied by the gift of interpretation of tongues. They are not needed today

Pentecostal
Tongues not only to signify the Spirit's presence and power but also to provide the ability to speak to God through the Spirit about concerns that the mind is not able to express. The gift of tongues is also given to some Christians to give the will of God.

Charismatic
Not all Christians will speak in tongues, and the Spirit is present in every Christian, but special power comes to the Christian by means of releasing the Spirit's power by tongues, given to some Christians to give the will of God to the church for its edification.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Purpose of Tongues
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Traditional
The primary purpose of tongues was to demonstrate the change from the nation Israel to the nations of the world. They are not normative indication that someone has received the Spirit of God or a second baptism of (or in )the Spirit.

Pentecostal
Tongues are the initial, necessary evidence that one has received the Spirit or the empowering from the Spirit by means of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Further, they are used by the Spirit-filled believer in praying more effectively. Pentecostals differ as to whether one receives the Spirit of God at the moment of conversion or only at the baptism of the Spirit.

Charismatic
Tongues are indicator (but not the only one) that one has the fullness of the Spirit of God. All Christians have the Spirit from conversion, but the fullness comes through one's letting God take control of one's life. This is not a second blessing but a recognition of God's power. Tongues help one to pray in the Spirit.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Duration of Tongues
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Traditional
Tongues ceased after the completion of the New Testament. There is no reliable evidence today of the miraculous gift of speaking foreign languages.

Pentecostal
Tongues have continued throughout the ages, arising again in various periods of the church's history when greater desire for spirituality has occurred.

Charismatic
Tongues have continued throughout the ages, arising again in various periods of the church's history when greater desire for spirituality occurred.

It can still happen today, as it happened during the 1st generation Christians

A Vital Church Grows

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly[g] received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church[h] daily those who were being saved.

(Taken from biblegateway, NKJV)

There were 12 disciples then including Peter, so each disciples would take 250 of them and lets say it takes 1 minute for each person, the whole baptismal service would last for 4 hours or more. Just imagine if the whole baptismal service is only done by Peter alone....LOL...24 hours, with an average of 2 person per minute. And look at verse 47, the worship meeting must be like Hillsong Conference. When others see them so filled with the Holy Spirit, surely it'll be contagious!!

Comfort and Assurance

This morning as I awoke from my slumber, and as I look out of my window I saw a dove, cuckoo to be exact, pecking on the cement porch of my house. I remembered seeing something similar when I was in a bus about 3 months ago while travelling to BKK from Hat Yai.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

When I was growing up in my grandma's house I never heard of her telling us that she was a nurse during world war 2 until like last 3 years. She was also a government servant in the income tax department in Wisma Lim Foo Yong opposite of Boustead Building, same road where Hotel Istana is situated.

As for my mom she was a member of the red crescent and girls brigade when she was in her school days. She also taught soft toy making in Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), the one next to MBS in KL. I remember she told me that she was a fan of Mother Teresa and Princess Diana. She collected some magazines about Princess D and I think because they share the same name. lol.

I guess as children we kinda inherit these things from our parents, grandparents and even ancestors. Like my mom, i'm a fan of missionaries like Jim Elliot, and some others like Donnita(Memphis) that I met in facebook, PJ Marais(South Afrika) that I met after work during taking bus near Grand Millenium Hotel, Makoto Kawaguchi(Doulos), The Scotts in Thailand, and the Beckmans in Thailand.

This afternoon I just bought a small book called Instant Thai. At the top of the cover writes: Your Instant Passport To Communication! Well I guess this will prepare me a bit for a start. Growing up in a buddhist family, I suppose I can identify with most of the Thai people and their lifestyle. Lets see where God brings me next. 'Yeshua, tolong buka jalan.'

The Call of Elisha

19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.

The Rich Young Man
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'[d]"

20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is[e] to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"

27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"

29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

See how Elisha responded? Elisha went back from him. Then he took a yoke of oxen, slew them, boiled their flesh with the oxen's yoke [as fuel], and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, followed Elijah, and served him. I don't know whether it is 12 pairs or just 12 coz in verse 19 he he was driving the 12th pair but i think in those days so many oxen can really earn Elisha a big sum of money and is sure a growing business. The scenario was almost identical to what Jesus said to the rich young man, sell everything and give to the poor. Seems like it is easier for the poor to follow Jesus like Peter himself, so eager to walk on water. And Elisha didn't say "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." but "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."

3 years ago when my mom was really sick and dying, I had the same calling to go on board with Doulos but I was like the rich man walking away sadly because I still couldn't give up the dreams that I want to achieve for myself, big cars and big houses and a beautiful wife. I was sad and I thought that back then that was the only once in a life time opportunity. Many think that I was crazy and trying to escape from responsibility but God's Word kept on confirming me not to conform to the pattern of the world, the system and how the world operates. It was like "Do you really want to walk on water? Then trust me, not my miracles and wonders but because you have eaten the loaf and had your fill, do you still doubt I can't take care of the rest and bless those who have bless you?"

Now that I have asked the right questions, seeked God with all my heart, there is just 1 more door to knock on. I really hope and pray that this door will be the right door which leads me to the narrowest path that leads to eternal life. Come Lord Jesus.

Confirmation from the Word of God

26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

I don't have much cash.
I don't own a house.
I don't have a car.
I don't have a laptop anymore.
I don't have fat and big bank accounts.
I don't have bonds.
I don't have investments.
I don't have luxury and riches.

But I have a RICH God of unlimited resources. He owns this constellation. He owns a few constellation. In fact all the constellations. He owns the whole universe and beyond what astronomy can discover.

I've seen a new light in this verse and revelation and wisdom imparted to me. If you want to know how, just be conscience of Jesus' righteousness imparted in you and adam's curse is gone. No longer the curse to toil for food, no longer sweat on your brow but everything fall in place just as God wills it and no more worries.

20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. 21 The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though [a] every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

22 "As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease."

The Ark, the picture of Jesus has delivered mankind from the curse. Why is mankind still striving to earn a living? Because not conscious of righteousness imparted in us after we welcome the Lord in our lives? Because we partook the emblem unworthyly and not having that conscienceness that Jesus' body was broken and we are healed from every curse and sickness including sickness in the mind saying we should follow the pattern of the world and earn money the hard way, and his blood has cleanse our sins once and for all? If you know the book of Hebrew well you know where I'm coming from. So no need to feel so down and out because you sinned, because once a Christian, God is only taking note of the good works, not our mistakes and sin. As long as we really surrender to his Lordship and acknowledge His Messiahship, then you will really experience the liberation that the Holy Spirit gives.

I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits.
Remember me with favor, O my God.

Remember me with favor, O my God.

You are the Champion, Jesus

If you're a fan of Queen, you should now how the rhythm goes. But anyway if you don't you can hear it from:-
Queen - We are the champions

You paid my dues
Time after time
You've paid my sentence
For all of my crimes
And bad mistakes
I've made a lot
You took my shame
I've kept my faith
And I've come through

You are the Champion, my Lord
And I'll keep on loving to the end
You are the Champion
You are the Champion
All hail King Jesus
Coz You are the Champion of my soul

I've taken my bows
And my altar call
You deserve praise and honour and everything that's gold
I give you all
But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a joy to face the trials
And nothing to loose

You are the Champion, my Lord
And I'll keep on loving to the end
You are the Champion
You are the Champion
All hail King Jesus
Coz You are the Champion of my soul

You are the Champion, my Lord
And I'll keep on loving to the end
You are the Champion
You are the Champion
All hail King Jesus
Coz You are the Champion of my soul

I was once a rascal

I was a wrotten egg in highschool, played truant and smoked like nobodies business. I started smoking when I was 15, then stopped a while, then resume at 16 and upgraded to full time smoker.

I started dating seriously while I was 16. It ended in my 1st year college while I was 20. Lost my virginity, lost my interest in studies, lost my sense of direction, lost 3 of my bestest friends in a freaking car accident executed by 2 devils according to the driver who saw with his own eyes. Came out in papers that it was the worst accident ever happened in Cheras. All is but lost.

I was LOST. Big time loosing. Big time.

Started working then. Didn't work out. Back to studies again. Didn't work out as well. Work in a chinese restaurant grilling 'Char Siew'. I acquired the skill. Then selling Yee Sang and serving food on a part time basis.
Lost interest again.

Finally promotion came. 1 of the company among the Triad Big Boys' sales manager hired me. He was a close friend which I went fishing with him most times. We went Tasik Kenyir together and were so close that we were like real brothers. I started smoking 2 packs of red Dunhill perday just to relief from stress of taking care the entire chain store of slot machines in Sg. Wang 2nd floor. 1 of it was the well known Airport which I also frequent during weekends in my early teen days.
I left the syndicate after 4 months because conscience keep telling me that this is not taking me anywhere.

I left my bunch of friends and my 'hing tais'.

I isolated myself and groaned for help each night with cigarettes and spirits in bottles. But at least I have the consolation of best racing driver in PS' Grand Tourismo 1 & 2.

Since I grew up in a buddhist family, my mom brought me to the temple in Pudu to pray to that goddess Kuan Yin. She didn't answer my prayer.

Went to the temple in briekfields, the statue just slept there doing nothing.

Went to Gasing Heights and being sprinkled with 'holy' water also never answer.

sigh.....all but disappointments.

Lastly, remembered a friend in early highschool called Ernest. Knew him quite close. Went and visit him with Kai Mui Carolyn and bid him farewell with the words: I'm gonna be a monk.

Started hanging out with him and his bunch of friends.

Do things crazy youths would do and finally got disturbed by demons.

Group started to grow apart.

Shaun left for UK.

And the rest to their own respective pursues........only left

Ernest, Kwang, Jason and myself.

4 fellas yam char and hang out most nights.

Mamak, C.C., Leisure Mall, cinema, pasar malam, etc.

1 day, Murphy came along the way. Invited us to Song Fest. Singing Festival konon coz we went Jazz Fest and stuffs. I was known as botak and the bunch of gangsters coz we really look like hooligans at that time. Kena con. Left with 4 frowns.

Complains of disgusts and unsatisfactory.

But after awhile they went for futsal while I left for outstation business. A bunch of ex-schoolmates tried to be young entreprenuers and failed in the middle of Malaysia. Came back to KL.

Start joining a neighbourhood church on weekends for their Saturday activities.

and 1 day was invited to First Baptist Church, PJ. Next to it was the temple I used to go while I was a child in PJ. From birth until 12 I've been visiting that temple. Never notice there was a church just next door.

For the rest of the story, click here.


FYI Ernest, Jason, and Dillon(Kwang) are now partners in the gospel.

My Escape to the Cave of Adullam

1 David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.
3 Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.” 4 So he brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.
5 Now the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go to the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.

My 'cave of Adullam' was in Pinklao, Thailand where a missionary family brought me into their home to stay for a night. They were very hospitable, and I can confidently say that they were good samaritans.

If I'm not mistaken the date was 31st June when I got to the border of Thailand and I met them the next day when I was looking for a money changer. As I was walking by the roadside I saw a cross and I knew it must be a church. After a while waiting in front of the building a pick up truck parked in front of me and at that instance I knew it was someone from the church because he was not local. I introduced myself and he welcomed me, like he would welcome an angel as if he was being tested. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn - Galatians 4:14. He introduced himself as Duane and his son David. They are the Scotts in Thailand from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He invited me to his place for lunch after I came out from the showers. I agreed with much delight as he phoned his wife to inform of my 'surprise visit'. Afterward he brought me to a nearby mall where there's a Bangkok Bank so I can have my money changed. It was the same Bangkok Bank back in Malaysia near the Central Market.

Their residence wasn't that far from where the church was and it looked cozy and as if I was in the states. The house welcomed me with a nice garden and some water features. As I approach the entrance, Hannah was busy preparing lunch for us. She cooked rice and gave me a glass of coke. I had a nice meal with them and after that I headed for a nap because I was way too exhausted. I told Duane that I couldn't join him to visit the village and he excused me but I told him that I'd join him for the english classes later in church.

As I awoke from my short slumber, I read a book which Duane said it was a good book. I had my nap in the study/guest room where there's a wall of books just on the right where the mattress was. Then David came in and played fetch ball with me and in between came Elaine, the eldest sibling of David. She was like a little angel who wouldn't stop telling me of what a day she had at school. Duane then came in to print some materials for the class and I headed to the shower to get ready.

That night after the english class, was my first time experience in a thailand church. We had a simple praise and worship session to expose the english students which were not Christians, to some bible study and songs. The session ended with some light refreshments. I had some talk with Duane and Nate, who is Duane's partner in the gospel and we discussed what is the next thing that I should be doing. Nate shared some experiences before he was led out to be a full time missionary there in Thailand. Nate was already 5 years there and Duane his 3rd year.


The next morning I was awaken by the aroma of coffea. Breakfast was served and I had some really nice scones which I think Hannah made them the night before. They were softer than what I had in the smoke house in Cameron Highlands. I had some coffea, black as I liked them to be so I can really taste the pure aroma of the coffea beans. "So when are you leaving for China? asked Gloria," Hannah's sis. "Erm, I think I should be going back to Malaysia 1st.. and we were interrupted by Elaine's inquisitive little voice asking whether I'm gonna be an english teacher in her school. When I told her that I was leaving today, her smile went away and I felt bad for breaking the sad news. I wish I had given her a hug.

Departure was quite in a hurry as Duane and Nate have some prison ministry that day. As I said earlier that the Scotts were really good samaritans, Duane blessed me with some money and a ticket down to Hatyai for my transit back to KL. I can never forget this episode of my life and these 'angels' that God had placed in the journey. I look forward for the day to meet them again before we 'really' meet again in eternity.

Honestly, after watching this sermon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEgNqDcMXYE I give thanks to God through faith in Christ for taking my mind to another perspective of my faith. It's indeed really heart kindling when Joseph Prince said that I'd better have faith on the good things rather than bad.

After this morning of futile arguments during class I've learned that men who relies on flesh will track back to 1 thing. Sin, for sin = fleshly nature. Instead of debating on whether the morning sermon was from God or not, (which the Holy Spirit will convict those who are guilty of wrong doing and not men's job) I suppose there are lot more encouraging topics we can discuss daily to edify and build one another. And it is utterly pitiful for a Christian to cricize on another group of Christian for their use of tongue, I feel sad for the limitations he had in his mind in the power of the Holy Spirit. 'Seperti katak di bawah tempurung'

I also realise if a teacher goes back to the same old topic again and again and again every week, you can surely estimate how much they have been preparing for the class and it really disturbs me when they take authority in saying 'studying God's Word'. sigh

I always believe that there's a quiet understanding whenever the Spirit speaks to us personally. Sometimes I've learned not to 'draw the entire picture' in order to understand what is being said on the pulpit. I despise those who focus too much on practicality and achieving for God through men's strength 'padahal' we are suppose to be moving in the Spirit. I don't know where they get the idea from but all I remember is that Gideon was not a warrior before God called him:-

11 The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."

Another classic example was David....truly classical:-

45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

So from the above, I've learned that we do not prepare ourselves for God but rather God prepares us for Him to use. It is foolish to try to attain God's favor by doing the 'Martha'. Being so caught up with busyness, Martha just couldn't understand the heart of her sister Mary. But it was recorded for us that Mary made the wisest decision to seat at the feet of Jesus.

In the Gospel according to John the disciple in chapter 6,:-

26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."

28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"


Ever asked this question yourself? to be honest I ask God all the time


29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."



The verse which is overused most of the time to site the service of a Christian should be doing:-

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

But we were suppose to be reading in context including the following verse:-

13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.



So here's another meal of wholesome bread for your soul:-

Jonathan's Faith

Many of us knows about David as in King David's story. What about Jonathan? Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. That's what the Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 18 verse 1.

Something we can draw from Jonathan's faith, perhaps? Watch this clip:


Take note of what is being said between the timeline 3:18 until 3:52

More

More. That was the 1st and only word that was jotted on the draft of a new post for the blog. I wasn’t sure how to start, but the word just came. I guess it’s ‘more than anything else that matters to me at that moment’ coz I felt that I have to pen down a few words. To my surprise I didn’t know what those words (Joshua 3:5) meant until I overheard the two of them talking and what caught my attention was ‘Mission’, ‘Jesus’ and ‘Purpose’. So I went to RBC’s website and started searching for some articles till I found the discovery series which entitled ‘Daniel – Spiritual Living in a Secular Culture’

I then asked Stephen whether that booklet was helpful for Wendy. He told me that the matter has been resolved. That was how our conversation got initiated and how we started knowing each other. I told him that I’ve always wanted to go on missions but the timing wasn’t right and there are a lot of preparations that needs to be done and the right calling. He told me this, “You know Barry, God don’t need us to prepare ourselves. He prepares us. God don’t work the way we work. We are just empty vessels and instruments. He uses clay like you and I, so go for it. Do these words encourage you?”

So I shared to him my past experience of loosing an opportunity about going on board on Doulos and the other stories about my mom and cancer and how the rest think that it was really not logical for me to move away from my dying mom. It was literally ‘let the dead bury their own dead’ if I would to go just like that and people would start to question what kinda Christian I am to do such a cruel thing and more so stumble other believers.

But I remember clearly when 1 of my church elder asked me to read from Psalm 107 and the verse that pop out to me like neon lights were these:-

Others went out on the sea in ships;
They were merchants on the mighty waters.
They saw the works of the Lord,
His wonderful deeds in the deep.

So Stephen comforted me with something like these words:-

“Forgetting what lies behind and striving forward towards the goal. What has happened in the past, let it be.”

We didn’t have the whole afternoon to talk on this and it wasn’t fair for him to just attend to me, someone part of the organizer and not the delegates of the conference I was in so I added him in my facebook and he urged me to stay in touch with him. Originated from Chicago and now in Bangkok for 3 years, I suppose he has a mission there too. That kept me questioning all the time that if Hudson Taylor can minister to the Chinese in China, why not a Chinese in the States right?

I can begin to understand now what those words meant last night when I was so desperately seeking for the Lord’s will in the book of Joshua:

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”

It is the beginning of another chapter of miracles in my life, since the opening of Red Sea of how God lead me out of slavery from my ‘Egypt’.

Thirst for Revival & Revelation

I was so glad to see RBC Ministries as the 1st result of my search this morning, using Google as the engine. Usually when I clicked on the 'Google Search' button the 1st result appears to be an investment site with the same initials; RBC and a line graph chart that looks like an index chart. It shows how the world is so uncertain, though it may gain it's status as 1st place for a period of time but still at the end of the road God is the victor that triumphant it all. It also shows in difficult times like this God is above all, and men will hold Him as the highest regard when in actual fact men ought to be in awe of Him all the time.... in good and in bad times.

As I was reading the passage for consideration and meditation this morning, I can't help but to pay my attention to this part of the Scripture:-

15 Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. [c] So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

16 "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself [d] with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty.
So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

I remembered my vow to God that I would settle for celibacy should I not be married by 40. I know for sure that God is not pleased with those who took vows but never fulfill them, because God keeps His promises and as children of God we should imitate the same. 'Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect'.

After last week's Valentine Celebration I really question God with this curiosity: Is there really a soul mate? Because of the current world population that favors women more than men, is there enough single men to fit all the missing ribs a.k.a. eve's ?

Once again, I leave it up to Him. After taking a test in facebook last night I pretty much agree with what it said about my hastiness in selecting a partner. To me, career is so important for a guy as the original bread winner of the family. So before 1 should go into a serious relationship I suppose the 1st aspect that an eve would look for is spiritual assurance, back up by emotional security whereby men should always be the 'hero' both physical and soul ....and lastly, this so called sense of security ($$$).

So,

Where is the Spirit's prompting?

China? then Kazakhstan?

K.L., OA?

or move to P.J., Full time worker?

Oh troubled soul this is......grant me peace, Lord Jesus..

Who's to blame? Satan or Yourself..You can't blame God yeknow

It’ll be just a nick of time when everyone will be surprised, not so for those who belong to the kingdom. In just a blink of an eye chaos dominates the entire surface of the earth. Men will be so blind they wouldn’t mind being deceived by a counterfeit savior of the world. They might think the new public figure will give them the assurance of longevity because he does miracles like he was heaven sent. Well, personally I think he was the 1st angel in heaven by the position he had held and the authority over the element which was of utmost importance; a relational expression from a creature towards the Creator. But the only thing that caused the curiosity in my mind is ‘why the defiance’? 2nd place in heaven then suddenly no place at all?

No biblical records on what happened before the creation of the earth but men decay from all aspects; spiritually, psychologically, mentally, physically ever since child birth, ever since the fall of men. Men chose to be deceived for the sake of the knowledge of good and evil, just like the deceiver itself which openly refuse to obey. Both wanted to be like their Creator but both took matter into their own hands, making their own decisions and to be their own creator. For just a short period of time of satisfaction, a quench for their desires and feeling good about it, they gave up an eternal status of purity, luxury, and divine privileges.

Let’s try to look from the other side of eternity in an anthropomorphic view. There were 3 Person in perfect agreeable condition willing to clean the mess of Lucifer and the mess of men instigated by Lucifer. Now the 1st Person having the attributes of All Powerful, All Knowing, and All Present knew very well that sin will occur but He was not the one who choreographed it. He can’t be. He made all the righteous laws and He is the definition of holiness. So He can’t be blamed for the one who created sin.

Sin is not a being, but a catastrophe if I may use the word. So Lucifer sinned because he refuse to obey and according to the righteous law it has to be punished and the punishment is death. But why didn’t he die but rather became Satan? His punishment was banishment. Being banished is far worst than dying because banishment from heaven is no life at all. Heaven is a place where everyone gets to live forever in eternity. Banishment from heaven is suffering forever in eternity.

As for men, they sinned by being tricked by the Serpent, an ancient name for Satan, and the punishment is also death. Men did not die immediately, but they died eventually. They began to age and decay and the lifespan gets shorter each and every decade, century and millennium of human history. In the spiritual aspect they are considered as good as dead. Their eyes were opened. They could not comprehend the freedom of the knowledge of good and evil, so they hid and make themselves clothing. They’re considered dead because they disobeyed their Creator by eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, which the Creator commanded them not to eat because there was fruit all over the garden of Eden. Sigh, so much of pleasing to the eye and wanting to gain wisdom, men were banished from the Garden of Eden which has the tree of life because the fruit of the tree of life has access to live forever like the Creator. So how can men be saved from this sad and disastrous movie of all time? Law has it that no amount of works by men can achieve the righteous standards that the law has set. So since it can only be nullified by the lawmaker (which is impossible because laws are set and cannot be amended as desired) or to provide a propitiation for it, The 2nd Person agreed as the price to be paid for death. Lets try to understand the mathematics though to me it is still a mystery. Lets recap: 3 Person. Same but different roles. 1 is the Father. 2 is the Son. 3 is the Spirit. Father sets the Law. Son has the same righteousness. Men was created. Father breathed into men’s nostrils the breath of life. Men sinned. Spirit convicted Men of sin. Son died for men.

Please take note that this process is called redemption, and the redemption plan was not a 1 day event that happened at the Garden of Eden. My theory, according to the book of Hebrews chapter 9 is that this plan was done apart from creation, an eternal redemption. It was already agreed before the creation of the earth that the Son would pay the price of sin. The timeline for the execution of the plan was fixed by the Father, and the Son just came to earth to do what has been agreed. The Son rendered perfect obedience to the Father by dying on the cross for the race of mankind. No wonder in Luke 3:22 The Father said ‘You are My Beloved Son, In You I am well pleased’. And also bear in mind that the Son did not die for Lucifer. Angels were made slightly higher than men, and they have no excuse when anyone of them sin against the Creator. The punishment is still banishment from heaven, a curse for the rest of eternity.

As the counterfeit savior is on his way, the true Savior is also on His way. Jesus, the Son of God will return not to die on the cross again for the sin of men but to bring salvation to those who eagerly expect Him. No one knows the timing, except for the Father, similarly to the 1st coming of Jesus when He was born to us. Since no one knows the time and date of the return of the Savior, what do we Christians ought to do? “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24: 43,44

God the Father gave His authority in Heaven and on earth to Jesus the Son when He triumphantly overcame death when He resurrected on the 3rd day after His death on the cross. He said in the final chapter in the Gospel according to Matthew, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So, do you want to be obedient like Jesus? Or defy like Satan? The choice is yours, and this choice is your freewill that no one can snatch away from you.