Aaron & Becky's story here.
I wasn't able to attend one of my ex-housemates' wedding earlier this year because I was in training, but if all goes well I should be able to attend another's in Zurich at the start of next year!
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Monday, 3 October 2011
God is sovereign and good and just
"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done." - Psalm 62:11-12 (NIV)
Who God Listens To
"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will." - John 9:31 (NIV)
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Pastoral Prayer
Father, we come this morning as one people with one voice declaring our praises to You. We want to acknowledge that Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty. All that we are and all that we have comes from You and we want to thank You and we want to praise You.
May Your Spirit lead our minds away from the many things that bog us down in our lives and lead us to an inner renewal of our soul.
Take our hearts and our minds away from the many things that are occupying our lives, the things that we need to do, the problems we need to resolve, the demands we have both at work and at home.
We seek not to run away from these responsibilities but we seek to not let these things distract us from giving our hearts and minds and our whole beings in worshipping You this morning and to trust that You, O Lord, are in control of every situation in our lives. Help us to cast all our anxieties unto You and lead us in accordance with Your ways.
May our souls be enabled to learn to rest and wait upon You, may our minds be focused on You and our hearts be surrendered to You.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
- Pastor Andrew Goh, KPRBC (2 Oct 11)
May Your Spirit lead our minds away from the many things that bog us down in our lives and lead us to an inner renewal of our soul.
Take our hearts and our minds away from the many things that are occupying our lives, the things that we need to do, the problems we need to resolve, the demands we have both at work and at home.
We seek not to run away from these responsibilities but we seek to not let these things distract us from giving our hearts and minds and our whole beings in worshipping You this morning and to trust that You, O Lord, are in control of every situation in our lives. Help us to cast all our anxieties unto You and lead us in accordance with Your ways.
May our souls be enabled to learn to rest and wait upon You, may our minds be focused on You and our hearts be surrendered to You.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
- Pastor Andrew Goh, KPRBC (2 Oct 11)
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Unlocking the Second Third Prison
Launched in 2004 by the President of the Republic of Singapore Mr S R Nathan, the Yellow Ribbon Project seeks to engage the community in accepting ex-offenders and their families, giving them a second chance at life and to inspire a ripple effect of concerted community action to support ex-offenders and their families.
The Yellow Ribbon Project seeks to unlock the second prison, the prison of social stigma towards ex-offenders upon their release from the first prison. In fact, the theme of this year's ICPA (International Corrections and Prisons Association) 13th Annual Conference - which Singapore was hosting for the first time and which I had the privilege to attend from 11 to 16 Sep - was Unlocking the Second Prison.
One idea which struck me - and stuck with me - throughout the conference was that rehabilitation should take place before - and in preparation for - future release, not upon release. This got me thinking about a third prison which we all live in, the prison of sin. We may not be prisoners of the law of Singapore, but we are all prisoners of the law of sin, 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23, NIV).
"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." - Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
As prisoners of the law of sin, we have lost the freedom which was given to the first Adam. However, by God's grace we have freedom in Christ, the second Adam.
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith... It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 3:22-24, 5:1 (NIV)
We unlock the third prison - the prison of sin - by faith.
Rehab, Renew, Restart: An Offender's Journey Through Three Prisons
First Prison - Sentence
1. Remand
2. Conviction
3. Rehabilitation
4. Release
Rehabilitation should take place before - and in preparation for - future release, not upon release.
Second Prison - Society
1. Separation
2. Forgiveness
3. Resocialisation
4. Reintegration
Resocialisation should take place before - and in preparation for - future reintegration, not upon reintegration.
Third Prison - Sin
1. Law (Old Covenant)
2. Cross
3. Resurrection/Justification of Christ (New Covenant)
4. Resurrection/Justification of Christians, Renewal of Creation
New creation has already begun with the resurrection/justification of Christ! We should continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling before - and in preparation for - our future resurrection/justification (ie. in our lifetime), not upon our future resurrection/justification.
"You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." - James 2:20-24 (NIV)
The Yellow Ribbon Project seeks to unlock the second prison, the prison of social stigma towards ex-offenders upon their release from the first prison. In fact, the theme of this year's ICPA (International Corrections and Prisons Association) 13th Annual Conference - which Singapore was hosting for the first time and which I had the privilege to attend from 11 to 16 Sep - was Unlocking the Second Prison.
One idea which struck me - and stuck with me - throughout the conference was that rehabilitation should take place before - and in preparation for - future release, not upon release. This got me thinking about a third prison which we all live in, the prison of sin. We may not be prisoners of the law of Singapore, but we are all prisoners of the law of sin, 'for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23, NIV).
"So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." - Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)
As prisoners of the law of sin, we have lost the freedom which was given to the first Adam. However, by God's grace we have freedom in Christ, the second Adam.
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith... It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 3:22-24, 5:1 (NIV)
We unlock the third prison - the prison of sin - by faith.
Rehab, Renew, Restart: An Offender's Journey Through Three Prisons
First Prison - Sentence
1. Remand
2. Conviction
3. Rehabilitation
4. Release
Rehabilitation should take place before - and in preparation for - future release, not upon release.
Second Prison - Society
1. Separation
2. Forgiveness
3. Resocialisation
4. Reintegration
Resocialisation should take place before - and in preparation for - future reintegration, not upon reintegration.
Third Prison - Sin
1. Law (Old Covenant)
2. Cross
3. Resurrection/Justification of Christ (New Covenant)
4. Resurrection/Justification of Christians, Renewal of Creation
New creation has already begun with the resurrection/justification of Christ! We should continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling before - and in preparation for - our future resurrection/justification (ie. in our lifetime), not upon our future resurrection/justification.
"You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." - James 2:20-24 (NIV)
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Let Your Kingdom Come
"Hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Let not your prayers be all concerning your own sins, your own wants, your own imperfections, your own trials, but let them climb the starry ladder, and get up to Christ Himself, and then, as you draw nigh to the blood-besprinkled mercy-seat, offer this prayer continually, "Lord, extend the kingdom of Thy dear Son."
Such a petition, fervently presented, will elevate the spirit of all your devotions. Mind that you prove the sincerity of your prayer by labouring to promote the Lord's glory.
- Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
Such a petition, fervently presented, will elevate the spirit of all your devotions. Mind that you prove the sincerity of your prayer by labouring to promote the Lord's glory.
- Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening
Sunday, 4 September 2011
For God Knows Best
There is a time for every season
For nothing will happen without reason
So trust His plan
To guide you to the end
One day you'll understand
That God knows best
A time to harvest, a time to nurse
A time to be first, a time for patience
There's a perfect song
For every season
So trust His heart and trust His plan
For God knows best
Because He knows best
My heart can be at rest
Though it hurts when my faith is put to a test
I will follow God to the end
For to love and obey
Is my life's greatest quest
- Koh Li Ting, 22 Feb 10
For nothing will happen without reason
So trust His plan
To guide you to the end
One day you'll understand
That God knows best
A time to harvest, a time to nurse
A time to be first, a time for patience
There's a perfect song
For every season
So trust His heart and trust His plan
For God knows best
Because He knows best
My heart can be at rest
Though it hurts when my faith is put to a test
I will follow God to the end
For to love and obey
Is my life's greatest quest
- Koh Li Ting, 22 Feb 10
Saturday, 3 September 2011
The Righteousness of God
*This post was born out of a cell group discussion on one of the names of God, 'The LORD Our Righteousness'.*
"In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." - Jeremiah 23:6 (NIV)
As the song Knowing You goes, Jesus is our all, our best, our joy and our righteousness. 'It is because of [God] that [we] are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption' (1 Corinthians 1:30, NIV). But what does this mean? How is Jesus our righteousness? In particular, was Jesus righteous because He fulfilled the law - or did Jesus fulfill the law because He was righteous?
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." - Romans 3:20-22 (NIV)
v20: To put it carefully, Jesus did not become righteous through fulfilling the law (and neither can we). Rather, Jesus fulfilled the law because He was righteous from all eternity, being one with the Father (who gave the law). It was impossible for Jesus not to fulfill the law, but this does not mean that Jesus became righteous through fulfilling the law.
v21: If Jesus did not become righteous through fulfilling the law, then what did His fulfilling the law accomplish? Jesus was declared righteous through fulfilling the law. Jesus could only be declared righteous (in the act of God raising Him from the dead) because He did fulfill the law. He could not be held liable for the wages of sin (ie. death) because He did not commit any sin.
"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:24 (NIV)
v22: What is the source of our righteousness? It is our union with Christ, with His eternal nature. What is the source of Christ's righteousness (in human terms)? It is not His fulfilling the law, but His dying to the law and being declared righteous in His resurrection from the dead. In other words, it is His justification - and we partake of this in our union with Him.
"So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." - Romans 7:4-6 (NIV)
How This Shapes Our Understanding of the Gospel
The gospel is not about us doing good works and trying to fulfill the law. Of course, understanding the gospel leads us 'to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law' (Romans 13:8, NIV).
It is not even about trusting in the fact that Jesus has fulfilled the law (which He has). Rather, it is confessing with our mouths, "Jesus is Lord," and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9, NIV).
"The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." - Romans 4:23-25 (NIV)
In conclusion, the righteousness of God is:
1. in His very nature, in the Father, Son and Spirit from all eternity
2. revealed/declared in the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."" - Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
"In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness." - Jeremiah 23:6 (NIV)
As the song Knowing You goes, Jesus is our all, our best, our joy and our righteousness. 'It is because of [God] that [we] are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption' (1 Corinthians 1:30, NIV). But what does this mean? How is Jesus our righteousness? In particular, was Jesus righteous because He fulfilled the law - or did Jesus fulfill the law because He was righteous?
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." - Romans 3:20-22 (NIV)
v20: To put it carefully, Jesus did not become righteous through fulfilling the law (and neither can we). Rather, Jesus fulfilled the law because He was righteous from all eternity, being one with the Father (who gave the law). It was impossible for Jesus not to fulfill the law, but this does not mean that Jesus became righteous through fulfilling the law.
v21: If Jesus did not become righteous through fulfilling the law, then what did His fulfilling the law accomplish? Jesus was declared righteous through fulfilling the law. Jesus could only be declared righteous (in the act of God raising Him from the dead) because He did fulfill the law. He could not be held liable for the wages of sin (ie. death) because He did not commit any sin.
"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." - Acts 2:24 (NIV)
v22: What is the source of our righteousness? It is our union with Christ, with His eternal nature. What is the source of Christ's righteousness (in human terms)? It is not His fulfilling the law, but His dying to the law and being declared righteous in His resurrection from the dead. In other words, it is His justification - and we partake of this in our union with Him.
"So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." - Romans 7:4-6 (NIV)
How This Shapes Our Understanding of the Gospel
The gospel is not about us doing good works and trying to fulfill the law. Of course, understanding the gospel leads us 'to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law' (Romans 13:8, NIV).
It is not even about trusting in the fact that Jesus has fulfilled the law (which He has). Rather, it is confessing with our mouths, "Jesus is Lord," and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9, NIV).
"The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." - Romans 4:23-25 (NIV)
In conclusion, the righteousness of God is:
1. in His very nature, in the Father, Son and Spirit from all eternity
2. revealed/declared in the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."" - Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
The Problem of Evil and Why it is Sensible to Trust in God
The problem of evil goes something like this:
(1) Evil exists.
(2) God - if He exists - is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is unable to eliminate evil, He is not sovereign.
(4) If God is unwilling to eliminate evil, He is not good.
(5) Therefore, God - if He exists - is either not sovereign or not good (or both).
However, (1) need not necessarily lead to (2). Alternatively,
(1) Evil exists.
(2) Either God does or does not exist.
(3) If God does not exist, He is not responsible for evil (if there is such a thing as evil in the first place if God does not exist).
(4) If God exists, He is sovereign and good.
(5) If God exists, He is both able and willing to eliminate evil.
(6) If God exists and evil exists, He has good reason(s) for not eliminating evil yet.
(7) Therefore, the existence of evil does not disprove the existence of a sovereign and good God. In fact, the existence of evil proves the existence of a sovereign and good God.
In particular,
(1) Evil exists.
(2) The opposite of evil exists.
(3) Good exists.
(4) The supreme good exists.
(5) Therefore, a sovereign and good God exists.
Why it is Sensible to Trust in God
(1) God is sovereign and good.
(2) If God is sovereign, He is able to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is good, He is willing to eliminate evil.
(4) Therefore, God is both able and willing to eliminate evil - even though He has not eliminated evil yet.
(5) Therefore, God will eliminate evil one day.
[This is the exact reverse of the problem of evil.
(5) Evil exists.
(4) God - if He exists - is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is unable to eliminate evil, He is not sovereign.
(2) If God is unwilling to eliminate evil, He is not good.
(1) Therefore, God - if He exists - is either not sovereign or not good (or both).]
Of course, the question is why God does not eliminate evil yet. But that's another story.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
(1) Evil exists.
(2) God - if He exists - is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is unable to eliminate evil, He is not sovereign.
(4) If God is unwilling to eliminate evil, He is not good.
(5) Therefore, God - if He exists - is either not sovereign or not good (or both).
However, (1) need not necessarily lead to (2). Alternatively,
(1) Evil exists.
(2) Either God does or does not exist.
(3) If God does not exist, He is not responsible for evil (if there is such a thing as evil in the first place if God does not exist).
(4) If God exists, He is sovereign and good.
(5) If God exists, He is both able and willing to eliminate evil.
(6) If God exists and evil exists, He has good reason(s) for not eliminating evil yet.
(7) Therefore, the existence of evil does not disprove the existence of a sovereign and good God. In fact, the existence of evil proves the existence of a sovereign and good God.
In particular,
(1) Evil exists.
(2) The opposite of evil exists.
(3) Good exists.
(4) The supreme good exists.
(5) Therefore, a sovereign and good God exists.
Why it is Sensible to Trust in God
(1) God is sovereign and good.
(2) If God is sovereign, He is able to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is good, He is willing to eliminate evil.
(4) Therefore, God is both able and willing to eliminate evil - even though He has not eliminated evil yet.
(5) Therefore, God will eliminate evil one day.
[This is the exact reverse of the problem of evil.
(5) Evil exists.
(4) God - if He exists - is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil.
(3) If God is unable to eliminate evil, He is not sovereign.
(2) If God is unwilling to eliminate evil, He is not good.
(1) Therefore, God - if He exists - is either not sovereign or not good (or both).]
Of course, the question is why God does not eliminate evil yet. But that's another story.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Accepting Our Calling
"He chose our inheritance for us," said the psalmist (Psalm 47:4). This means He decided in advance where He wanted us to be in a given time. First of all, He chose the time and place of our birth - the place, parents, and circumstances (Acts 17:26). We had no control over our birth. We did not choose our parents; God did. We did not choose the time and place of our birth; God did.
Secondly, He gave us our bodies - even while we were in our mother's womb. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body" (Psalm 139:14-16). This means our brains were formed by Him. Our intelligence was determined by Him. We no doubt can improve on how well and clearly we think, but our basic ability is already set - like it or not. Wow. I love this. It takes the pressure off to perform! Why be jealous of the person who is cleverer than I when it is God who gave them their superior brain?
Third, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven" (John 3:27). Those were John the Baptist's words. It was his reply to the observation that Jesus was gaining more disciples, getting bigger crowds, and upstaging John's popularity. How did John cope? His answer was that God in heaven is the one who bestows success, blessing, favour, and grace. It was easy, therefore, for John to say, "He must become greater; I must become less" (v30). Was John tempted to jealousy? Almost certainly. And this is how he coped.
So with our calling. The same God who gives and withholds mercy is the one who determines our calling. And talent. And promotion. He opens and closes doors. Either way it is in our interest. Be thankful for the closed door as much as you rejoice in the open door. He calls some to be doctors, some to be nurses, some to be preachers, some to be computer experts, some to be astronauts, some to be secretaries, some to be scientists, some to be lawyers, some to be firemen, some to be policemen, some to be politicians, some to be executives, and some to have little or no profile whatsoever.
- R. T. Kendall, Jealousy - The Sin No One Talks About
Secondly, He gave us our bodies - even while we were in our mother's womb. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body" (Psalm 139:14-16). This means our brains were formed by Him. Our intelligence was determined by Him. We no doubt can improve on how well and clearly we think, but our basic ability is already set - like it or not. Wow. I love this. It takes the pressure off to perform! Why be jealous of the person who is cleverer than I when it is God who gave them their superior brain?
Third, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven" (John 3:27). Those were John the Baptist's words. It was his reply to the observation that Jesus was gaining more disciples, getting bigger crowds, and upstaging John's popularity. How did John cope? His answer was that God in heaven is the one who bestows success, blessing, favour, and grace. It was easy, therefore, for John to say, "He must become greater; I must become less" (v30). Was John tempted to jealousy? Almost certainly. And this is how he coped.
So with our calling. The same God who gives and withholds mercy is the one who determines our calling. And talent. And promotion. He opens and closes doors. Either way it is in our interest. Be thankful for the closed door as much as you rejoice in the open door. He calls some to be doctors, some to be nurses, some to be preachers, some to be computer experts, some to be astronauts, some to be secretaries, some to be scientists, some to be lawyers, some to be firemen, some to be policemen, some to be politicians, some to be executives, and some to have little or no profile whatsoever.
- R. T. Kendall, Jealousy - The Sin No One Talks About
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