PS BIBLE MINISTRY

NIBBLE NIBBLE CHRISTIANS NO MORE!

2012-01-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

An older preacher told the story of a young minister interviewing for his first pastorate. The Pulpit Committee had invited him to come over to their church for the interview. The committee chairman asked, "Son, do you know the Bible pretty good?"

The young minister said, "Yes, pretty good." The chairman asked, "Which part do you know best?" He responded saying, "I know the New Testament best." "Which part of the New Testament do you know best," asked the chairman. The young minister said, "Several parts." The chairman said, "Well, why don't you tell us the story of the Prodigal Son." The young man said, "Fine."

"There was a man of the Pharisees name Nicodemus, who went down to Jericho by night and he fell upon stony ground and the thorns choked him half to death.

The next morning Solomon and his wife, Gomorrah, came by, and carried him down to the ark for Moses to take care of. But, as he was going through the Eastern Gate into the Ark, he caught his hair in a limb and he hung there forty days and forty nights and he afterwards did hunger. And, the ravens came and fed him.

The next day, the three wise men came and carried him down to the boat dock and he caught a ship to Nineveh. And when he got there he found Delilah sitting on the wall. He said, "Throw her down, boys, throw her down." And, they said, "How many times shall we throw her down, till seven time seven?" And he said, "No, but seventy times seven." And they chucked her down four hundred and ninety times.

And, she burst asunder in their midst. And they picked up twelve baskets of the leftovers. And, in the resurrection whose wife shall she be?"

The above incident may not be true but the confusion of the Word of God is often true in Christians today. Believers everywhere today are ‘nibble nibble’ Christians rather than wholesome ones. Their Bible reading or hearing, most of the time on Sundays only, is like fine dining instead of continuous nutritious chewing and digesting. One well-known preacher in the United States went so far to say that the Americans have become illiterate in Bible knowledge.

The term ‘Crayon Christianity’ is aptly applied to this generation of believers. The maturity level in the Word stopped when they left Sunday School. The rest is just nibbling from every nook and corner, hardly able to distinguish right from wrong.

Today’s Christianity has been challenged with greater intensity. Atheists are slowly gaining mass appeal. The famous atheists used to be some nerdy, thick-spectacled professors having debates with high and mighty theologians concerning high and mighty issues of faith. This scenario has begun to change; young and old are now starting to be interested in hearing famous atheists challenging the Bible and its doctrines. Richard Dawkins wrote “God-Delusion” and sold about 2 million copies. Christopher Hitchens who wrote “God is not great” had a great following, young and old alike. People like television host, Bill Maher, actor Ricky Gervais and also singer Lady Gaga had mass appeal. These famous people are not only atheists (maybe Lady Gaga has a slight Roman Catholic background), they are incredibly intelligent and well-versed with today’s world.

There are hosts of others who are coming up to challenge the way Christians live for Christ and the biblical standard and if we are ill-equipped, then we may waver in our living for Christ. It is not enough to just nibble God’s Word on Sundays. We must chomp and gulp His precious Word every day, taking self initiative, self feeding your way to maturity.

God is preparing and equipping His army of believers who are able to stand firm on His Word and withstand every challenge against it. There is no excuse whatsoever for Christians today not to be equipped in God’s Word as God has provided more than enough resources for us.

Let us consider few things we need to do in order to be well-equipped…

1. We have to seriously think of learning apologetics (how to defend our faith).

Read books like “More than a Carpenter” and “Evidences that demand a verdict” by Josh Mc Dowell and “Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. (These three books are quite sufficient, not only to defend our faith, it will also strengthen our faith)

Below are a few quotes from two famous atheists challenging what the Word of God is saying,

Christopher Hitchens,

“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”

“Exceptional claims demand exceptional evidence.”

The Bible may, indeed does, contain a warrant for trafficking in humans, for ethnic cleansing, for slavery, for bride-price, and for indiscriminate massacre, but we are not bound by any of it because it was put together by crude, uncultured human mammals.”

Richard Dawkins,

Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence. Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence.

I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.

Religion is about turning untested belief into unshakable truth through the power of institutions and the passage of time.

Believers in the Lord must progress by the day, both in the Word and in spirituality. When we first became Christians, we were like babies naturally craving for milk. Often it is provided by mature believers in the church. After a certain time in the Lord, we will have to find truths for our own life, to satisfy a greater thirst for God. Although we still need teachers and professors to deliver deeper truths to us, all of us can connect to the Holy Spirit and learn from the Master Teacher. It is more about the attitude of learning rather than a matter of intelligence. Do you want to learn? Or do you still want to depend on the ‘bottle’ or ‘handouts’?

2. Read daily the Word of God, book by book.

While it is not wrong to nibble the Bible here and there every day, but to get a good wholesome picture of the text, we need to read it systematically. Many Christians today may not know the many connections between the Old Testament and the New. We must understand both Testaments in order to get a complete picture of what God is doing. Although the Bible is a library of sixty six books, they all present a same theme, “the world is fallen and God is a Saviour”. Since history began, there are no other writings or literatures which were compiled by more than forty writers who didn’t know each other, spanning more than three thousand years and yet could arrive at the same theme. It is indeed a mind-blowing miracle.

When we read a novel, it is often completed within a day or two. Remembering the plots and subplots is not difficult too. When it comes to the Bible, we jump from Exodus to Nehemiah, from Ephesians to Jeremiah. Worse, we flip randomly and viola! God has spoken!

3. Read to understand and not read to complete a Christian duty.

Jesus’ chief idea of telling parables is that the people understand the message of the kingdom, especially the parable of the soils. He wants to turn the religious mindset of the people upside down. The main point of God giving us the Bible is that we can understand a little about God yet enough to live an abundant, fulfilled life. Due to the frantic pace of life today, we rush through a passage of Scriptures or two, happy that we have done our duty. This fallen world will never satisfy us. Only God’s Word is able to penetrate deep into the desires of our souls. We worry because we do not read His Word. We do not trust what God said because we read out of duty. Let us read to hear God’s voice. Only when we are absolutely clear, then we can able to move forward.

4. Apply what you read – Allign your heart and actions with the Word of God.

The more you do God’s Word, the greater you learn. Often times, Christians are ‘holy’ on Sunday but worldly on the other days. They wasted their God-given talents living carelessly. Jesus always challenges people to do His Word. The parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates that clearly. The one who builds his house on the rock is the one who hears God’s Word and put it into practice. It will stand firm against the storms of life. Contrast to the one who hears God’s word and does not practice it, he builds his house on sand. The house will certainly collapse when the tide hits (Matthew 7:24-27).

Humans are wired to fulfil God’s purposes. If we don’t hit it, we feel awful. Material things, fame or glory will only satisfy us for a short while. In the end, we will always come back to this question, “What is my ultimate purpose in life?” “Have I done what I was created for?”

Therefore, serve God to the best of your ability, both inside and outside the church. It is more outside than inside where most of the Christians are working or studying. Devote your skills, finance, and intelligence to the purposes of God in your life. Do not be like the Israelites during the Exodus who wandered in the wilderness for forty wasted years! They knew what God had said but did not act on His Word. Every one of them collapsed on the sand in the desert.

Understanding the Bible is not that we can outsmart people who don’t. It is about serving God’s purposes on earth. When we are confident and ready, God will then use us for His kingdom and His glory!

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY WILL INHERIT THE EARTH

2012-01-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Johnson peered through the record books and grinned. Sales had doubled over last year. Nancy tapped him and they hugged. The ‘Boss’ as he was often called and his wife were well-known as the lovebirds of the city. They were married close to thirty years.

As they discussed how to invest the gains, there was a knock on the door. Both of them knew what was coming at this time of the year. Regis and the gang, the tax-collector boys, used their well-connected power to bulldoze and squeeze sizable amounts as their commission.

“Hi Boss! Good to see you,” Regis spoke obnoxiously. “It’s that time of the year again, yah?” he added with some misplaced excitement. Johnson smiled uncomfortably and calmly asked for the sum. “I heard business is booming and as per my calculation, it has to be a booming rate,” the bully said sarcastically.

“Regis, how much is enough for you?” Johnson asked sadly. “And what do you do with all the money you have collected for yourself?” he added.

“That’s none of your business, Boss!” Regis retorted. “I have some stuff to take care of.” Everyone in this suburb knew of his drinking habit. Often on drunken binges, he would involve in fights and skirmishes with other gangs.

“That’s not enough!” Regis angrily pushed away the stacks of notes Johnson had placed on the table. He sat down, looking away, waiting for a respond from the businessman. Nancy signalled to the husband to top it up as they usually would. Just before the cold war about to erupt, a group of men walked in the room where they were standing. “That’s enough!” one man shouted.

The lovebirds had been great philanthropists for a long time. Many men and women were helped and nurtured by the caring couple. The poor and the down-trodden went to them for assistance whenever they suffer lack. The Johnsons never turned away anyone that genuinely needed help. Their employees were the most fortunate workers in the city, everyone from the top down received a fair share of year-end bonuses. The couple would then invest their money in order to help even more people.

“I think you know Johnson well enough that every cent that he gained is being used to give back to society. What about you?” a well-built man spoke. One could easily sense the deep conviction that filled his soul. Johnson’s humility and concern for people had him many close-knitted friends and protectors. They were like a big family to him and his wife.

Regis was taken aback by Johnson’s supporters. More people came pouring into the house, shouting praises to the couple. Surrounded by people power and to save from embarrassment, he just wanted to take the money and leave. But Johnson quickly took the money from the table and topped with some extra cash. He then grabbed Regis’ hand and placed the money on it.

“Everything I have belongs to God. It was God who gave me the ability to make wealth,” Johnson shared. “Wealth can change a person. He can become arrogant and proud, lording over everything and everyone. At the end, this person will not gain an inch of respect from anyone,” he added with a serious tone. At this time, Regis was seen bowing in disgrace.

“Regis, can I take you and your boys to a person whom many people said he is the Messiah who was prophesied to come?” Johnson asked. “That Man from God struck a chord with me when I heard he did many things for the poor, especially the poor,” he added.

“We heard of many miraculous healings taken place,” Nancy chipped in excitedly.

“Do you know why all these people are here? We decided together to hear this person out,” Johnson tried to convince him.

“Ehhh…okay, since I am free today and see what he has to say,” Regis agreed reluctantly.

A large crowd had already gathered when they arrived. Everyone was anticipating what Jesus had to say. Regis and the boys stood near the Johnsons. All eyes were on ‘The Messiah’ who would speak in a short while.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,” Jesus spoke with such poise and clarity.

As Jesus paused, Johnson stood there stunned. “Inherit the earth??” he pondered deeply. He could see those he helped, their teary eyes glancing at him. It was kind of a ‘God-sees-everything-you-did-for-me’ look. The philanthropist businessman could not believe his ears to hear such wonderful words. He did wonder at times was it really worth it to help people. Does God really see? As he stood there lost in his thoughts, Regis tapped on his shoulder and whispered, “Boss, you were right! You deserve all the respect and I…I need to repent.”

The third beatitude speaks of strength under control. Meekness is definitely not weakness. Whenever the old adage “the survival of the fittest” comes into play, it portrays a wrong concept of brute strength, whether one has it or not, in order to win respect. He will bulldoze his way into prosperity, fame and recognition, no matter what, no matter who gets hurt. She will charm her way into promotion, wealth or glory without giving second thought to decency.

Meekness that Jesus speaks about here talks of a willing submission to God and to authority. It describes a person who is yielded to God’s commands. In contrast, a wild-spirited person of the world will not gain respect from anyone and never God’s approval. Humility is often the trademark of a believer of Christ as one knows it is God who saves him or her. It is a mark of strength believing that God has everything under control.

The Greek word, “Praus” in meekness represents an image of a powerful horse under control. Jesus shown us the greatest example of meekness when he was arrested, put on a mock trial, tortured and ultimately dying on the cross. All throughout the ordeal, never a single time that he was helpless! He could just blow up the world into smithereens but he did not. Angels just waiting for a whisper of command to wipe out the entire Roman Empire but the order never came!

(Mat 26:53) Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

(John 10:17-18) The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.

NEXT: Blessed Are Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness, For They Will Be Filled

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED

2011-11-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

“When? When will all this stop?” I moaned. Angry and frustrated, I clenched my teeth in utter despair. Stephanie, my friend was mourning for her husband, killed after some minor skirmishes with the authority. I knew what this pain was all about as my teenage son was taken away from me under similar circumstance not so long ago. Injustices had taken a toll on ordinary folks like us in the village. Most of the villagers had resigned to the fact that fate had brought them this predicament. They were already grateful that there was enough food to survive every day.

I went and hugged Stephanie tightly and let her cry on my shoulders. I was prepared to hug her all day and just be silent. After some time, I tried to squeeze some comforting words to her, “Step, your hubby died a righteous man and God would be please with him.” “Where…where was God when my husband was in trouble?” She retorted. I knew I was caught in this age old question. “I am so sorry for your loss. I don’t understand everything about what God is doing, but I know that no righteous lives would be wasted in His sight,” a sudden burst of wisdom came to my mind. Stephanie was comfortable with me because she knew I was in mourning too. “I’m sorry. I cannot see anything positive at this moment,” she apologised. When she said that, I cried. I thought so. It was a long shot. Yet, deep within me, I still held on to this notion: if there is God, there is hope.

As Stephanie’s head still rested on my shoulders in sorrow, another friend came over and gently nudged me. Erin put her hands around us and said softly, “There’s a man of God who’s going around doing great miraculous works. The whole village is exploding in excitement over this. They said it is like God sending a prophet directly to visit us”. Stephanie raised and tilted her head a little on hearing those words. My heart skipped a beat and I felt a little awkward. Erin’s excitement caught both of us by surprise. It was unlike Erin as she herself was fighting a deadly disease in her body. “Us?” Stephanie asked sarcastically. “Yes. Us,” Erin spoke confidently. “This man of God healed my disease,” she broke the news. I inched closer to Erin to make sure I got her right. “You mean he healed you. You are completely healed. It was a miracle,” I pressed. Stephanie and I watched in amazement as Erin twirled her body in a dance move which was impossible just the day before. Our moment of mourning was slowly melting away. Erin saw into our eyes that we wanted more. “He would be at this place afterwards. He said something about the kingdom of heaven. Some people said he could be…,” she said with tears in her eyes. “Could be what?” we asked simultaneously. “The Messiah!” Erin said with a tinge of awesomeness. I could feel my legs giving way. “Am I hearing correctly? Messiah? If he’s ‘The Messiah’, then change is coming?” I reasoned. That was huge news to Stephanie and me. We were witnessing right before us, a walking living miracle. I want justice for my best friend. With tears dripping down my face, I want justice for my son.

The good news Erin told us provided the extra strength for Stephanie to walk a long distance to where the man of God was. When we arrived, there was already a large crowd, all charged up to hear him. I had never seen such electrifying atmosphere in our village and the surrounding villages for God knew when. “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” they chanted in unison. “Save us, Son of David,” someone from the crowd cried in a loud voice.

Finally, my eyes saw him. This Jesus, Erin’s healer, stood with great confidence, exuded an aura of a powerful authority. He motioned with his hands to silence the crowd. And the words came, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Every word was crisp and clear. He paused and the words hung in the air, as if waiting for them to accomplish a purpose. They shot right into our very soul like flying arrows. I saw Stephanie knelt and then laughed. When she confided with me later, she felt the touch of God in those words. The Messiah’s words were like fresh bread from heaven. It was a comfort for her present mourning as well as a future hope. “We are not just dwelling in an earthly kingdom with earthly things. Now I believe that there is really a kingdom of heaven! Something eternal,” she shared with me. What she said next startled me. “Remember what you said to me, ‘If there is God, there is hope!’ I got it now! Thanks!” Yes, I did say that but I was only hoping then. After meeting with Jesus, I was sure!

I hugged Stephanie again but this time, we were breathing a sigh of relief. Thank you, Jesus!

The second beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount suggests a God-sent comfort in response to a heart of tenderness of a person who is afflicted with grief. Suffering, pain and death are part and parcel of this world infested with sins. No one escapes the trials and tribulations of life. There are two major reactions to suffering. One person falls into depression and hardens up. Another person ponders over everything with God on his mind. The former cries for attention selfishly while the latter reaches out to God. The one who thinks of God does not mean he will not grief and mourn. He will but his process could be easier or perhaps shorter. The Jewish audience that Jesus ministered to and Matthew, the gospel writer, wrote to could have been well-versed with prophet Isaiah’s proclamation of the coming Messiah and that He would comfort all who mourn hundreds of years before (Isaiah 61:1-3). Not long after the prophet Isaiah died, the Babylonians came and destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The Jewish people were taken into exile. The words of the Prophet Isaiah became especially precious after that. Subsequently, many other voices of the prophets came after him. The people of God literally survived holding on to the promise of God! Many who suffered because of sin did not repent. There were those who gave up and assimilated into the culture of the Babylonians. But there were also many who continued to hold on to God and His Word!

God never denounces grief. He knows we need to mourn as humans in the flesh. But in our mourning and grief, we need to continually look to God as our healer and a source of comfort. Jesus Himself wept when Lazarus died. His flesh cried for relief from the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the cross, He cried, “God, God, Why have you forsaken me?” Yet, in every occasion, He trusted God, the Father. He knew God would never abandon Him!

The principles that Jesus preaches in the Sermon are kingdom of heaven’s values. In the world, usually mourners blamed and cursed, exacerbating whatever bad that had occurred. Sometimes it caused untold suffering for many more people when uncontrolled revenge was to be exacted. An injustice would then breed many more injustices. Innocent parties dragged in as collateral damage. The comfort God brings to mourners results in reconciliation and freedom! Lessons, however bitter, if learnt God’s ways, will heal, bringing out only the good, or even the best of people in grief.

Next: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2012/01/blessed-are-meek-for-they-will-inherit.html

SERMON ON THE MOUNT SERIES - BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

2011-11-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

“I am not going!” I protested. Jerry had been convincing me to hear out this great famous healer who happened to be in town. “So what, can he give me some money to ease our burden a little bit?” I was not in mood for anything. Dad told me to gather some woods for him. He wanted me to cook a little broth for him as he was having a bout of stomach cramps. Jerry showed me his usual facial displeasure. My life was all about surviving. Poverty had taken a toll of some of my family members. Dad and mom woke early and for a meagre sum, they toiled from dusk till dawn in a farm. Deep in my heart, I resented the owner for his arrogance and condescending attitude toward all his workers. His motto, “If you don’t work hard, you get out.”

“I heard from a friend that this guy did fantastic miracles! Must be someone blessed by God to do such things. Don't you think so?” Jerry kept hounding me. Maybe it was the word, ‘God’ that caught my attention. “Could be?” I answered calmly. Somehow, there were some mixed emotions within me. On one hand, I wished God would hear my cry for relief but on the other hand, I blamed Him for my predicaments. “But God’s got bigger things to do than noticing us,” I shrugged him off. “Okay, I help you with the woods and you accompany me to the hill on the other side,” Jerry rumbled on. I was taken in by his persistence, as usual. A friend since childhood, Jerry lived in poverty too but he was much more optimistic than me.

We kept the woods near my house and sauntered off to the hills. Laughing and joking along the way, we met many people, mostly poor peasants trudging in the same direction. Most of them kept conversing about that man from God. Few ladies rushed in front of us, almost knocking Jerry down. “Hey, look where you are going,” I shouted. “Sorry, I want to get a better glimpse of my healer afterwards,” one lady said excitedly with a wide grin. Did she say, “my healer”? Jerry and I ran along to catch up. “Hi, why are you girls so excited about that man?” I asked as I ran, panting for breath. “Oh, didn’t you know that Jane was healed of a skin disease by this man of God?” one of the ladies chipped. Evidently, Jane had brought friends to hear her healer out.

I stopped to take some deep breaths. “So the stories were true,” Jerry said in amazement as he leaned against a tree. Still unconvinced that God would do anything for me, I pushed on. When we arrived, a big crowd had already occupied almost the entire place below the hill. It was difficult even to go near where the famous person stood. All we saw was some of his disciples getting the people in order. It was very noisy but the excitement was electrifying. His presence exuded an aura of a King from God which our people had not experienced for a long time. Then I heard his name for the first time as the people cried for him.

My heart mellowed as I waited with bated breath for him to speak. I wondered seriously whether this so called man of God was able to change the down-trodden poor out of their severe poverty. And then he spoke, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” His words were penetrating and my soul reverberated with a sense of awe. That one sentence was filled with such power. “Was he talking about me?” I reasoned. “You mean I can be blessed and happy when I possess nothing more than simply surviving,” I talked loudly to myself. Jerry’s eyes locked mine and I saw tears. Nudging him, I asked why? “I heard stories of foreign domination of this land and atrocious things being done here. And today, for the first time, I heard that I could belong to the Kingdom of heaven,” Jerry spoke and wiped his eyes. Both of us saw hope and future with this man. Perhaps he was a prophet who healed like Elisha. Maybe even the Messiah we heard so much about. Jesus paused and I cried. God created the whole world and He 'came' to this remote place. I got a feeling that Jesus was directing his words to people like me. As we walked home that day, things would not be the same anymore. Our eyes began to look up. Our lives started to feel hope. “Thanks Jerry!” I whispered. And he turned around and said, “Thank God!”

The Sermon on the Mount is a series of preaching or teaching by Jesus during his earthly ministry. He proclaims to them the Kingdom of heaven* and all the values associated with it. This Kingdom is both now (as God gathers the believers) and future (when Jesus comes again to reign as King of kings on earth literally). It is filled with God-given principles or laws that anyone who follows them would be blessed. The Latin word for blessed is beatus, from which we get the word beatitude. ‘Blessed’ in Greek language here denotes a happy state of a person, an innate experience regardless of outward circumstances.

Jesus’ preaching opens with the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” His audience is mostly poor peasants in the Roman world, the rich are very rich while the poor suffer greatly. When God includes them into His kingdom regardless of their status, they are overjoyed. Many sick people are ‘untouchables’ (unclean according to Jewish laws) and all of them feel a sense of hopelessness. When healings take place, imagine the joy of being accepted back into society and family. The only requirement for ‘membership’ into God’s kingdom is a heart of humility. Obviously, the poor are much more receptive to Jesus than the rich. With that opening beatitude, Jesus opens up a world of hope and future for people who think that God has abandoned them. Thus, Jesus begins the restoration of the world he loves and he comes to die for.

*The gospels of Mark, Luke and John referred mostly to the Kingdom of God which is equivalent to Kingdom of heaven because Matthew's gospel was directed to the Jewish audience where God's name was still too sacred to utter from the lips of man. Perhaps Matthew tried to evade controversy at this point of time.

Next: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/11/blessed-are-those-who-mourn-for-they.html

MAX ON LIFE. ANSWERS AND INSPIRATION FOR TODAY'S QUESTIONS.

2011-10-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

This is a very different Max Lucado’s book that I have read. Indeed, it is a much needed book in a society which is getting more complex and difficult. The author did the right thing (and a right time too) to come out with a reference sort of a book like this as ‘real’ people are asking real questions more and more today. He did cover wide range of issues that anyone of us are bound to ask from time to time if we are still breathing in this world. So, this book is not primarily for others only or only for those who think that they are the “answerman” or “answerwoman” but for all of us.

I like especially the author’s terse answers for difficult questions on every issue. People who are suffering need precise and pertinent answers from God’s Word. No beating around the bushes. While the questions are often hard and challenging, the answers are comforting, frank and honest.

I believe it has been quite a while for me to have read a questions and answers book and truth be told, it was both enriching and refreshing. And the answers are not only doable but quotable too. Well, I enjoyed it and highly recommend to all who are still breathing now.

I wish to thank BookSneeze program under Thomas Nelson publishers for giving me this free e-book for the purpose of this review. I give this book 5 stars!

THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA: THE DECAYING CHURCH

2011-08-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Reverend Alvin pushed himself to wake up almost every morning. It was Saturday and having a late night Friday’s celebration in a five-star hotel for a member’s new business didn’t help. He had enjoyed all kinds of celebrations over the years as a pastor in this classy church located in a famous boulevard. His favourite theme of all his preaching series was “God is Rich and Able” and he presented them ever so convincingly. It was not a warm church as it used to be when it was first started. As church goers began to prosper and their lifestyle changed, the members began to disassociate themselves with the poorer section of the community. They came only for the positive messages that Alvin expounded with the help of some selected Bible verses to suit their rich and exquisite taste. Reverend Alvin even declared in the pulpit one time that the poor people really had missed God, just a little short in saying that God had judged them for their lack of faith. Some pastors around the vicinity had spoken and advised him but all to no avail. Alvin had a group of powerful rich deacons with him who gave him advice even on what to share on Sundays.

As he was about to freshen up in the bathroom, a bright light shone on him. He quickly covered up his nakedness and knelt down shivering.

A strong voice spoke…

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."*

Alvin clasped his hands to his face in shame. He felt so awful that he cried in repentance. It was more of tears of relieve that God showed him his disastrous faults. He began to confess his sins before God and promised to make it right. That day, he read the Bible to purely build relationship with God again rather than dissecting them for his preaching. And his eyes fell upon Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

*The verses above are taken from Revelation 3:14-22.

This ends the series, The Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Please feel free to check out the previous stories of the six other churches in this series.

THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA: THE PERSEVERING CHURCH

2011-08-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Reverend Kenny came back from a meeting exhausted. He had been the director for “Pastors Fellowship” for many years, planning and coordinating spiritual direction for hundreds of members all across the province. Hailed as the “leader of leaders”, yet he often humbled himself and carefully gave all glory to God. Never once did he boast about his own ability as he knew that everything was from God’s grace!

Lately, there were squabbles in the Fellowship in regards to moral issues. Some leaders had argued away some major principles of the Bible and became bitter towards him. They claimed to stand together with him and his biblical principles but acted very differently outside. He stood firm and endured bitter attacks both from within and without.

Famous for his no nonsense preaching, he implored all his members to suffer like Jesus if need be. His church grew in greater numbers as people saw the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry. Many doors were open for him and his church to influence VIPs in government circle, even foreign ones. Due to envy from leaders of other faiths and also opposition groups, the pressure to bring him and the church down was immense. Many times Kenny wondered how he could survive such an onslaught if it wasn’t for God!

Kenny bowed before God knowing that whatever he did didn’t belong to him in the first place. It was all about his ultimate BOSS, God Himself! As tiredness began to bear a heavy burden upon him, he saw a bright light shining into his room.

A strong voice spoke….

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.*

He felt like his body being ‘electrocuted’ with strength from on high! Crying unashamedly, he sang softly and slowly, “I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.”

*These verses are taken from Revelation 3:7-13.

Next: THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA: THE DECAYING CHURCH
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/08/church-at-laodicea-decaying-church.html

THE PRINCIPLE OF THE PATH – ANDY STANLEY

2011-07-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

The principle of the path is a simple concept yet so powerful. I believe many readers initially would say, ‘Andy, can you write something new?’ but as they read on, they change to ‘Andy, can I have more?’ Andy Stanley, like any great writer would, presented to us concise unambiguous principle of life. This is a complicated world and people make difficult choices and this book if carefully adhered to would be life and destiny changing! In fact, not only Christians can benefit from this principle but everyone should get a hold on it. This book has disturbed me in a good way as I now have to think through every path I take. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is serious about life and destiny. I give this book a five-star!

I wish to appreciate Thomas Nelson’s publishers for their program Book Sneeze for providing this book free for the purpose of this review.

THE CHURCH AT SARDIS: THE DYING CHURCH

2011-07-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

Reverend Douglas just came back from a retreat with a bunch of leaders in a famous hill resort. His church was growing leaps and bound, many of them were mainly Christians from other denominations. He reckoned that believers were free to change churches as they like to get the most of what they felt was best. Introducing the latest technique in media ministry and state of the art sound system, services were jam packed with people. Douglas and the board had started two services on Sunday and thinking of a third. Turnover of staff was great as pressure to be successful went up several notches. Preaching must centred on prosperity as Douglas believed in financial health to influence people of his generation. That was also the in message of the masses!

As he sat down, after his wife and three children had gone to sleep, Douglas was excited having a sermon propped up on his mind. “More is good as God is more than enough!” screamed his head. Grinning, he felt this title should excite the church even more. Although he had ‘success’ as far as he was concern, there were some people who felt he had gone far off from the original vision of the church. They had forgotten when was the last time he spoke of the danger of sin and the wrath of God. He paid no attention to them as he felt these days were different from years ago. As he shrugged off the thought of those ‘old-fashioned’ ones, a bright light shone on his face. He quickly knelt down and shivered in the presence of God.

A strong voice spoke…

“These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”*

Douglas felt a chill up his spine as those words were spoken. He was stunned. Embarrassed, he lifted up his hands to ask for forgiveness. Deep in his heart, he knew pride and success had gone into his head. God reminded him of the simple vision given to him years ago of doing the Great Commission.

That Sunday, he changed his title of his sermon to, “More or Less, give All Glory to God!”

*The verses above are taken from Revelation 3:1-6

NEXT: THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA: THE PERSERVERING CHURCH
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/08/church-at-philadelphia-persevering.html

THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA: THE COMPROMISING CHURCH II

2011-07-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Reverend Steve had just finished counselling with a member of his flourishing church. The person’s relationship with his wife had been estranged and on the verge of divorce. His children had begun to deviate from godly living to immorality. Deep down in his heart, Steve knew this would happen eventually as that counselee had been visiting prostitutes and living in sexual immorality. Lately, this man had contacted sexually transmitted disease which doctors said was very serious. All Steve could do was to pray for God’s mercy upon this broken family.

The church that Reverend Steve led was a hive of activities. As far as the community was concerned, the Christians in the church were greatly admired and enamoured for being genuinely caring like Christ did. The people felt safe with the church as the pastor would not even speak on sin at all. Many members felt ultimately people were responsible for their own actions. Everyone was welcomed with open arms. Steve would call members to serve God to the best of their abilities regardless of any background they might come from.

As it was late in the evening, Steve sat down to evaluate his day as he normally would. But his mind couldn’t shake off the meeting just now with that member. He knew that some cell supervisors especially a woman nicknamed, Jezebel, in the church had influenced greatly that broken man and also many others like him. Have I overlooked some sins and wrong teachings? He reasoned within himself. Due to great success in the church, he had concentrated too much on programs that he neglected to address sins and strange doctrines being perpetuated by some cell leaders. Already many sicknesses had been reported and also an increased of divorces and separations.

As Steve bowed his head to pray, he felt a warm sensation. He opened his eyes and a light shone on him. He knelt down and attuned his ears to hear.

A strong voice spoke….

"These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery' -- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.*

Reverend Steve cried in hearing those words. Jesus did not forget all the works the church had put in to serve Him although as a pastor, he had tolerated some people’s sins. He vowed to make it right. From then on, Steve addressed sin in its rightful place as he kept on serving God with love and perseverance!

*The above verses are taken from Revelation 2:18-29.

Next: THE CHURCH AT SARDIS: THE DYING CHURCH
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/07/church-at-sardis-dying-church.html

IN CONSTANT PRAYER – ROBERT BENSON

2011-07-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

As a Pentecostal, I have learned spontaneity in all my praying life. This book has opened a new dimension to my praying world in the ‘daily office’ prayer. After finishing the book, I must confess that I know little of praying the ancient prayer and the power contains therein. Therefore, it has been a difficult read but nonetheless, enriching. I admire Robert Benson in writing this book that he never did criticise any other forms of prayer but only to present his best know how of prayer to the world. He was transparent throughout his book and with this; he has already won and warmed my heart. This book is for everyone who has lost the burden of daily prayer life and desires to come back to a fixed time of communion with God. I give this book a three-star.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson publishers for giving me this free book for the purpose of this review. I really appreciate it.

THE CHURCH AT PERGAMUM: THE COMPROMISING CHURCH

2011-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Reverend Eddy was disturbed after receiving a call from a frustrated member of his church. She complained that the spirit of wickedness had wormed its way into the church. A prayer group she set up had begun to intercede for God’s intervention. Eddy was exceedingly grateful to them for being faithful members. Even though much persecution had come upon them, they boldly soldiered on for God! He remembered how Antipas, a previous great leader of the church was martyred for Christ, they stood alongside him and were willing to die even for their faith.

As Eddy pondered over what had been said through the conversation on the mobile, he was unsure how to deal with few leaders of the church who had different viewpoint regarding certain theology. He felt so helpless. They were quite convincing with their words as most of them were highly educated in many areas. Teaching the members that only their spirits were saved and in Christ, the body was therefore immaterial. Many church goers who went along with their doctrine had committed adultery and some even went to prostitutes. They just ate anything that was placed before them; even foods they knew were offered to idols. Arguments between members had caused dissension and disunity, bringing shame to the name of Jesus.

He knelt down and prayed, asking God to give him the right theology and the boldness to do the right thing. Deep down he knew that God was displeased at how he handled His church. And even before he finished praying, a bright light shone in front of him. He prostrated in deep reverence to God, waiting for the instructions from Him.

A strong voice spoke…

"These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”*

Eddy got up and lifted up his hands in surrendering to God. Tears of repentance flowed freely. He vowed not to be cowed with the crowd who was against the teachings of God. No ungodly doctrines would be able to stand with the raised S(Word) of God, he reasoned! He asked God to give him wisdom and strength to make things right! No matter what!

*The above verses are taken from Revelation 2:12-17

Next: THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA: THE COMPROMISING CHURCH II
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/07/church-at-thyatira-compromising-church.html

THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA: THE SUFFERING CHURCH

2011-07-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Reverend Albert went to the little man-made basement to have his usual study of the Bible. This was kind of a hideout in his friend’s single story house, far away from town. His underground house churches, which were growing like tentacles all over the province, had authorities wanting his head. It was not that bad that he lost his house confiscated by the government but the grief was about his two boys languishing in jail for preaching Christ. He hoped God would see all these and respond appropriately. He always knew his turn will come. It was not a matter of if but when.

What saddened him a lot these days was the members of his house churches, who had lived not only in abject poverty but also in danger everyday from being captured. If imprisoned, they would most probably be tortured for their faith. Some were reportedly executed without proper trial. He prayed everyday for them as he preached and taught in secret meetings all over the place. To evade detection, Albert would shift from house to house to stay. Once, he was almost captured by the secret police when a family from the neighbourhood betrayed him. They purportedly wanted to hear the gospel but reported him to the authorities instead. God planned the escape when Albert’s friend came back in the nick of time and swiftly ferried him elsewhere. The friend lost his property as he couldn’t go home either.

In the stillness of that humid basement, he knelt down and cried. He told God to help him not to entertain the temptation to give up. He needed divine strength. Then he saw a bright light shone towards his face. Although he shielded himself with his hands, he could see it was an angel.

A strong voice spoke…

“These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”*

Albert’s fear turned to faith in God. He cried with tears of joy, not because God took away the problems of persecution but that he was in the centre of His will. That day, he rejoiced that God saw the works all His suffering children did. Deeply encouraged, he told God that he was ready for anything. Then he heard a commotion outside the house followed by loud knocks on the door. Reverend Albert got up and said, “Lord, I am ready, even to die!”

*The above verses are taken from Revelation 2:8-11

Next: The CHURCH AT PERGAMUM: THE COMPROMISING CHURCH http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/07/church-at-pergamum-compromising-church.html

THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS: THE 'SUCCESSFUL' CHURCH

2011-07-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Reverend Johnny leaned back on the revolving chair in his church office and grinned. Delighted to have finished the latest one year plan for next year although it was only July, he whispered a soft, “Thank you, Lord.” He felt a vibration from his side pocket that held his one of the two hand phones. He glanced and saw several missed calls from home. Delighted that he had a fantastic meeting with a large committee for a big conference coming up entitled “Either you build or you will be torn!” he called home reluctantly, slightly agitated by the disruption of his time spent in the glow of success.

“Hi Honey! Still haven’t slept yet?” Johnny said softly. “I have been calling you. Our son is not feeling well and I need you back. Anyway it is okay as I had taken him to clinic already. I am tired. I need to go,” Irene, his wife, answered. He could hear the frustration in her voice. “Okay. Should be back real soon,” he chipped. Johnny felt that a little sacrifice from the family should be alright for the work of the ministry. “God would bless my family as I serve Him,” he would often think.

He closed his eyes and began to journey back his many years of serving God. In the stillness of his office, he reminisced how he had success after success in handling the work for the Almighty. He often preached about the fear of God in not serving Him. Out of the many subjects he preached, his favourite theme was, “Either shape up or ship out!” For Reverend Johnny, there were no two ways about it. Always the either or! Through the years, the church had been filled with activities of either or!

He too had many share of oppositions and difficulties in the church as a pastor. He remembered how he had to excommunicate some false apostles who were out to cause dissension. Those were friends and it was a hard decision. He reasoned that the church belonged to God and every life must not be wasted with infighting! Every church member must be seriously living for God!

Then he thought about a group that called itself, the Nicolaitans. They did not believe in living for Jesus. Having the spirit believed would be enough to attain salvation. Johnny hated their idea of “You can then sin up a storm!” He had to dissolve two house groups and kicked out few leaders from the church. He gave them the ultimatum, “Either you change or you leave!” All those incidences had toughened him quite a bit.

Over the years, due to busyness of the ministry and the increase of activities in the church, he became disinterested in counselling problems with either leaders or members. “I think everyone should know how to live for Jesus and serving God by themselves,” he often thought to himself.

As he began to lift himself up from the ‘success’ chair, he saw a white bright light shone directly at him. A figure looked like an angel stood beside him and he quickly knelt down, waiting to receive a message from the throne room of God.

A strong voice spoke,

“These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”*

Reverend Johnny almost could hear Jesus said, “Either you shine with love or you shine not at all”

Fear of God rushed into his every vein. Tears began to flow like something in him had turned the tap on. He couldn’t remember when the last time he cried like this. The message directly from heaven had softened his insensitive heart towards intimacy with God and His love. When he was able to calm himself down, his next thoughts were his wife and his children. He rushed home, driving and saying “God, I am sorry” incessantly. For the last couple of years, he had often come home finding his family asleep. He intended to make it right this time. He got home and found a note on the dining table. When he read it, he slumped onto the sofa, covering his face with his palms. The wife and children had left him. That night was the last straw for Irene.

*The verses above are taken from Revelation 2:1-7.

As we inch closer to the coming of the Lord Jesus to take control of this broken world, we must be prepared to live righteously before Him so that when He does appear, we will not be ashamed. PS Bible Ministry takes a fresh look at the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. They reveal to us many aspects of today's churches. Here, the Jesus we are so accustomed to as the loving Saviour now speaks as Christ the Judge. He speaks not only to the churches as a whole but also to everyone of us in every generation, how we ought to be watchful so that we will not turn away from God, thus escaping the wrath of Him that will come upon the sons of disobedience.

In the time of the apostle John, whom the visions and words of the book of Revelation were revealed, the churches mentioned were real, functioning churches in Asia Minor, under the Roman Empire. Although all we see are ruins of these churches in modern day Turkey, churches obviously as a whole have not been obliterated, only changing and evolving with environments and times.

(Rev 1:20) The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

This verse reveals how close churches are to the heart of Jesus! A lamp does not have light in itself, it is only the instrument of giving out light, and it must receive both oil and fire before it can shine; so no Church shines on its own. It must receive all from Christ as head, or else there will be neither light nor life.

In other words, churches need to stay close to Him. In Rev. 1:13; 2:1, Jesus walks among the lampstands where He takes care of and provides for the churches! Every church and every member of its family are His heartbeat and He loves them fervently!! Not only that, Jesus wants the lampstands (churches) to shine brightly!! All Christians to be witnesses for their Saviour! And Jesus gives us power so that the churches (hence every individual) are influential in whatever they say and do, wherever they may be.

Next: CHURCH AT SMYRNA: THE SUFFERING CHURCH
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/07/church-at-smyrna-suffering-church.html

THE RAISING OF LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD

2011-07-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

“Lord, the one you love is sick,” the messenger says in an urgent tone. Lazarus, the handsome and the likeable brother of Mary and Martha, must be very sick to press Jesus to go over. The sisters are almost like personal friends of Jesus, having had close contact with him several times. Expecting their Master to quickly move on, the disciples are surprised when he says, “We shall stay put for two more days.” “Huh? Master, Lazarus is very sick,” Matthew protests. He knows that His Lord’s relationship with the boy is close.

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it,” Jesus speaks confidently. The disciples are encouraged by the first sentence and cannot figure out the second. But no death is good enough for them.

Two days later…

“Let us go back to Judea,” Jesus tells his followers. “But Rabbi, a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?” John says, reminding his Master of the danger. Why the hurry? Anyway, he reasons that Lazarus is going to be alright.

“Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light,” Jesus responds, slightly agitated. Obviously, whenever one does what’s right in the eyes of God, wouldn’t there be simple protection from Him up above? Remember how I walked on the treacherous water just the other day? Jesus prays that they would trust God for simple matters like that.

“Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up,” the Son of God adds. “Er…Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better,” James utters. “Lazarus is dead!” Jesus clarifies. The eyes of the disciples widened. “And for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him,” Jesus explains further. The “dead” word hits them like a sudden twister. And the “wake” word sounds too far fetch for a dead person.

“Let us also go, that we may die with him,” Thomas says sadly to the rest of the disciples. Jesus shakes his head and waves them on.

A little later…

“What a shame to die so young!” Jesus and his disciples have overheard the commotion about Lazarus being buried in the tomb four days ago.

“Lord!” Martha cries and runs toward Jesus. “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask,” she says in between sobs. “Perhaps, two days ago, there may still be hope as the body has not decomposed yet but now, I really don’t know,” Martha thinks to herself. She struggles between belief and unbelief.

“Your brother will rise again,” Jesus says authoritatively. “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day,” Martha says, showing sign of resignation. But deep in her heart, how she wants to hold her cheerful brother in her arms again right now.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus says gently to her. With the Son of God, there will always be life!

“Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” Martha answers. She is theologically right but practical wise, as every human is, she struggles to the fact of actually believing in an extraordinary miracle like this.

Martha is greatly consoled at the words of Jesus. Seeing Jesus turns his head around, her mind suddenly thinks of Mary, her sister who needs the touch of grace from the Master too. She runs to get Mary.

“The Teacher is here. He is asking for you,” Martha tells Mary. The name of Jesus is like a healing balm to her dejected body. She feels enlightened already at his call for her. The Messiah is all she wants to talk to at this moment. She has been hearing cries of disappointment and despair and now, all she needs is a word of God! Mary dashes out of the house like a desperate woman. The mourners in her house follow suit trying to help her cope with death. But their words are not enough to console her.

When Mary sees Jesus, she falls down at his feet. She says the same thing to the Messiah as her sister, Martha, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” But Jesus senses a deeper hurt in Mary than in Martha. Jesus thinks about his own violent death not many days from now and that another Mary, his own mother, will have a deep cut in her heart too.

“Where have you laid him?” Jesus asks. One of the mourners answers “Come and see, Lord.” The Son of God looks at the tombs all over the place and begins to weep. He knows everyone who buried in these tombs by name and how some who had rebelled against God and rejected His love. How he wished he can just call everyone to come out of the tombs, giving some an eternal second chance.

“See, how he loved him!” they exclaim. They see Jesus crying for the first time. And they say dejectedly, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” They look at Jesus with eyes of you-could-have-healed-Lazarus-and-not-hurt-the-sisters look.

With tears still streaming down his face, Jesus says, “Take away the stone.” Martha protests gently, saying, “But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Jesus knows Martha has accepted the fate that death is part of life and she will see her brother again when the time comes. Who wouldn't, as Lazarus' case is like beyond the grave! “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” the Son of God says. Words of life always proceed from the mouth of the Saviour of the world. Jesus waves to the caretakers to roll away the stone. He looks up and prays in a loud voice, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” The people turn to look at each other. They are surprised that no bad odor seems to emanate from inside the tomb.

“Lazarus, come out!” Jesus shouts. The crowd is hushed and a sense of fear hovers all around. A sound of breathing can be heard from the inside the tomb. Everyone tries to hide behind Jesus. Then the figure covered with white linen from head to toe starts to hop out, like "it" is asking the people to unbind him. Shrieks of fear and anticipation from the crowd inch up few decibels. Mary and Martha are now on their knees praying that the walking, breathing white ‘figure’ is their brother.

Then, the air of confusion is torn away by the words of Jesus, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Many people in the crowd are stunned and astounded follow with tears of joy. Before the caretakers can release the resurrected Lazarus completely from the wrapped linen, Mary and Martha already hanging on to him tightly.

“Hey, sisters, let me breath or else…” Lazarus says in between wonders. His eyes lock on Jesus’ and Lazarus gives the miracle worker the widest grin of his life. It's like Lazarus is saying, I-knew-you-can-do-it. The three in the family quickly kneel before Jesus and worship him. The crowd follow suit. The disciples, seeing all that is happening, kneel before their Master, believing that indeed, Jesus is truly God!

The story above is taken from John 11:1-44. This is the last story of Jesus’ seven miracles in the Gospel according to John. Although I added some words into the stories, it is in no way deviated from what God wants to teach us. What I do with PS Bible Ministry is turn readers back to the Word of God, the Holy Bible and find for themselves what God is saying there. And I believe that God’s Word is always fresh for all generations!

HEALING OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

2011-06-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

His ears listen intently at the commotion. Some big-shot must have arrived to the street of beggars. He can hear of much excitement of a man named Jesus. Some are arguing among themselves too. “Anyway, who will even think of this dirt-filled blind man?” he utters to himself frustratingly. Before he can call for alms, he senses a gentle pat on his shoulder. For a long time, he has been untouched in this sort of a way. He can feel love flowing from whoever this person may be.

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind,” Peter asks quietly.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life,” Jesus answers him.

“Huh?” The blind man scratches his head. “Oh..” Peter nods, trying to readjust his theology.

“As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world,” the Messiah adds.

Before the disciples can respond, Jesus bends down and scoops some hard soil onto his hands. He wets it with his saliva and manages to make some mud. He proceeds to break them into half and applies them to the eyes of the blind beggar. The urgency of Jesus has taught the disciples another dimension in serving the plan of God. That ‘night’ for Jesus is indeed coming. In fact, all the disciples will have their ‘night’ coming, soon. Therefore, the light of the world must shine, now!

“Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam,” Jesus orders the blind man.

“Unlike other men who are often harsh and confusing, the voice of Jesus is so soothing yet authoritative. Of course, the rest see my condition as a curse,” the beggar speaks to himself as he gropes along those familiar steps leading to the pool.

The Son of God smiles as he sees this man’s faith and obedience. The blind man steps into the cold water, squats and washes his eyes. He senses ‘something’ being added inside his eyes as if somehow the mud has gone into them. It has been impossible to open those eyelids that were shut since he was born but he feels it is possible now. His head throbs painfully as the sunlight penetrates his eyes. He squints and sees light for the first time. Then he opens them wider and witnesses the colours of the world. Although everything seems so confusing around his new found sight, he still kind of remembers his way home as he has done that every day.

The family shouts in jubilation to the extraordinary miracle on one of its sons. Tears flow freely. They think they will lose him to beg but God begs to differ. He was blind but now he sees! The same day, they offer a toast to his bright future.

“Jesus! It was Jesus! He healed me!” the once-blind man shouts those words everywhere he turns.

The disciples of Jesus marvel at the awesome miracle. In fact, some of them are discussing about the creation of the eyes of this blind man with mud. “Remember, God created Adam from mud,” James adds to the excitement. “And our Master made mud to……”

The man who now can see is determined and desperate to find Jesus. He prays that he can bump into Jesus again and asks this ‘man of God’ about the Messiah that was promised to Israel. "Maybe Jesus is the One," he thinks loudly to himself.

Meanwhile, Jesus thanks the Father for the gift of sight to the blind man, who was extremely happy to receive it. He rejoices that he comes to this world so that the blind can see. Ironically, the Son of God also knows there will be judgment for some who can see, that their eyes would be blinded to the truths of God.

This story is taken from John 9:1-41

Next: The Raising of Lazarus from the dead
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/07/raising-of-lazarus-from-dead.html

WALKING ON WATER

2011-06-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

“Wow! What a miracle!” Andrew still whispers to himself about the miracle Jesus did as he rows the boat. The disciples couldn’t shake off that afternoon’s astounding multiplication of bread and fishes. “Amen to that. It reminds me of manna from heaven, simply from nowhere,” John speaks excitedly as he overhears the soft utterances of Andrew. “Come on guys, let us go faster a little. I can smell rain already,” Peter warns. Just as he finishes saying that, they hear thunder cracking up above. The wind grows stronger by the minute. Their boat is already swaying left to right as they muster their strength to keep the boat going. To the horror of all the disciples. the waves now have begun to rock the boat in a dangerous way. “I think we are going to sink!” Phillip holds on to the sides. “Don’t tell me we are going to die like this. O..Let's pray!” Peter shouts desperately to everyone onboard.

“Hey, I saw something moving above the water! We are in deep trouble,” John cries out. “Ohhh! It’s a ghost!” Matthew shrieks. “We are doomed! JESUS….!” Andrew yells for the his Master to help.

“It is I; don’t be afraid,” the figure walking on the water calls out in a loud voice. Peter falls down on his knees and blurts, “It’s Jesus! It's Jesus! Thank God!” Phillip chips in, “Hey, yes, it is Master! It is Master! And he is walking…”

The voice and the words of Jesus calm everyone down. “It is I,” Jesus walks nearer to the boat. Smiles appear on the disciples’ faces again.* They are actually more relieved in seeing their lives saved than being astonished in seeing a man walking on water. “If Jesus the Son of God can create bread and fish from nowhere, defying gravity should be by no means difficult. But how come we were so afraid just now?” John talks to himself, ashamed.

All Jesus wants is to get on to the other side to serve his Father by all means and that includes walking on water. As he walks on the treacherous water, he knows this miracle itself will teach the disciples to trust God in whatever circumstances they may face. More so, he would leave them one day for heaven, more storms will come into their paths. All followers of Jesus then would have to “walk on water” amidst "storms" to the other side to serve the will of God! But then, another like "Jesus", the Holy Spirit, will walk with them!

This story is taken from John 6:16-21.

*(In Matthew’s version of the story, Peter steps out of the boat and walks a few steps with Jesus before he sinks – Matthew 14:22-33; see also Mark 6:45-52 for another version of the same story).

Next: Healing of the man born blind.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/06/healing-of-man-born-blind.html

THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND

2011-05-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Jesus looks up and takes a deep breath. He particularly enjoys a breezy day sitting on the mountainside, fresh air fills his soul. Overlooking the vast lake from his view, he orders his disciples to sit down and rest a while. “Look, Master!” Peter points to some distance away. Jesus turns around and sees a crowd heading towards them. The disciples groan at the lack of privacy, especially when they want the Messiah to themselves. As their Master’s fame being reported far and wide, to every nook and corner, they know this will be inevitable. How they wished that today they would just rest and reflect of all that have happened. It has indeed been fast and furious. The disciples have seen how Jesus never shows signs of fatigue or apathy, like this is his cup of tea. Like he is born to serve, heal and deliver.

Looking at the people’s faces, Jesus senses physical exhaustion but definitely not the enthusiasm. They may have walked few hours to reach where he is and way past lunch time. “Teacher, perhaps, we should send them away to get food,” Peter suggests. The rest of the disciples nod in agreement. It is perhaps a good excuse to dismiss the crowd on a tired day.

“Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus turns to Philip. Philip looks at his Master stunned, as if he did not hear that. The control in Jesus’ tone of voice makes it even scarier. “He doesn’t seem like joking. Or maybe he doesn’t know that we are not that rich,” Philip thinks to himself.

“Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Philip reminds his Teacher of the herculean task ahead. Even if they had enough money, the logistic would be incredibly hard.

“You have to give them something to eat,” Jesus speaks compassionately to his disciples. He knows that sending them away at this hour would be disastrous in this remote region. Furthermore, with such a huge crowd, about 5,000 men alone, it can even cause a riot.

All of a sudden, Andrew jumps up, “I have an idea. Let us ask some people to share their food that they brought for the trip.” He gathers the rest to look for willing donors. Hungry people can become selfish people they soon found out. Only Andrew’s enthusiasm got him a small lunch pack. And that is from a young boy whose heart of sacrifice is larger than so many grown men and women. “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” he turns to Jesus dejectedly, his plan failed miserably. Jesus pats him on the back for trying.

Finally Jesus stands up and tells his disciples to arrange people to sit on the grass in orderly fashion. He takes the loaves from the small boy, looks up to the clouds and prays “Father, thank you for your provision.” Right in front of thousands of prying eyes, the loaves which he breaks miraculously whip back to their original shape. Then he proceeds to break the fishes and they appear again whole. The crowd roars in rapturous awe. Their hunger temporarily forgotten!

Jesus signals to his disciples to feed the crowd and let them eat as much as they want. With awe and disbelief, the disciples quickly dispense all the foods to the people. They cannot imagine that they can ever witness such 'hand of God' at work. Everyone, from young to old, eats to their hearts’ content. The boy who gave the initial lunch is surrounded by people thanking him for his generosity. When the disciples collect the leftovers, it fills twelve baskets full. God always leaves no one unsatisfied when He blesses.

One man from within the crowd shouts, “Jesus, you are the Prophet who is to come into the world.” He whips up a commotion, people shouting on top of their lungs for the Miracle Worker to be their King. When they start to stand up, Jesus quickly withdraws into the other side of the mountain. He has a plan far greater than what men conceive in their mind.

The disciples crave for the day that Israel will become a proud nation again. Their Master must be the One to lead them after what he has done today. Nothing is impossible for him. The well-fed crowd want not only food today, but someone from God to help them all the time. Jesus must be the One, compassionate yet invincible. The young boy walks home with a great story to tell. Suddenly he is reminded of the story of King David. “With a small stone and a sling, he killed Goliath. I gave away a small pack of lunch and it fed thousands. It must be God! And…..Jesus is …..”

The above story is taken from John 6:1-15. (See also Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44 and Luke 9:10-17)

Next: Walking on Water
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/06/jesus-walking-on-water.html

HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA

2011-05-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

Jesus shakes his head with deep compassion. “What a broken world!” he laments. The disciples veer through hordes of disabled souls, the blind, the lame and the paralysed. “Sorry, I got no money,” Peter shakes off the wrinkled hands of a blind man that hold on to his foot. “No, no, keep watch on the water for me, please!” the old man, with white spots in the pupil of his eyes, pleads. Peter has heard of the purported healings of lame people in the pools near these covered colonnades.

Occasionally, when the water ripples, it would create a commotion of a rushing throng into the pool. The belief is that whoever gets into the water first will get healed. Invariably, most if not all will climb out of the pool disappointed. Perhaps, once in a while, there would be a shout of joy of one lucky soul at the feeling of getting better. The pain relieved and a seeming pride of being the first to get into the water.

Jesus stops for one guy whose eyes are fixed on the water in great expectation. He has that, ‘the-next-time-the-water-is-stirred, I-will-be-the-first-one-to-go-in’ attitude. Eagerness is one thing but being able to do so is completely another. Paralysed from his waist down, he has been in that condition for the past thirty-eight years. He prays that the next time when the angel comes to stir the water, it will also help him to be the first among the rest to taste the water. That is his only hope and prayer. But waiting for so long has sapped his confidence and now he finds excuse for his predicament. He even blames his sins for this hopeless situation.

Jesus bends down and taps his shoulder. “Do you want to get well?” he asks gently. Sensing hope at someone who is willing to help him into the water, he pleads that Jesus will watch the pool for him. “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me,” he shrugs. “Can you help me, sir?”

“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk,” Jesus commands. Instead of seeing a stirring of the pool’s water, he feels the stirring of the inside of his body. He hasn’t felt this kind of sensation for God knows when. Both of his feet grow strong at an instant, those bones and muscles making a strange sound from within his body. At first, he kneels with his new found strength, and then rises to a brand new world.

Mat in hand, his only possession, he dances like a madman. “Hey, I am healed!” he shouts incessantly. Before he can leap on to proceed to the temple further south, the place he has always wanted to go, a man violently takes his mat and slams it to the ground. “It is Sabbath: the law forbids you to carry your mat,” he lashes out. Taken by surprise, the healed-man utters, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” He is shocked that there are people who are not shocked over such marvellous wonder of healing. And moreover, that healing is wrought just by some spoken words!

“Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” another man angrily asks. “Oh! It was so exhilarating that I have forgotten to even thank him,” the once paralysed-man suddenly realises. He tries to look for this ‘Healer-Man’ but the crowd is just too big. “Excuse me!” he quickly dashes out of the compound to proceed to the temple to praise and worship God!

At the temple ground, he quickly kneels down and utters a thanksgiving prayer. “God, thank you. I know I do not have the offering right now but I will do that as soon as I have it!” When he finishes praying, he looks up and sees Jesus staring at him. “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you,” the Son of God speaks authoritatively, words that are as effective as the healing earlier. “Yes, Sir! Thank you! Thank you! Jesus, you must be the Messiah we are all waiting for. I will shout of your Name from now on!” the scrawny man replies with tears in his eyes.

The disciples now know that Jesus deliberately stopped by the pool for this man, hopeless if not for a divine intervention. Sometimes they wonder why Jesus chose this particular invalid for healing to be performed. Perhaps the man wanted the healing more than the rest! Or maybe he is ready to follow Jesus all the way after the healing. That’s why they reason that their Master searched him out in the temple ground in the midst of a huge crowd. They put their faith in him even more, not only as the Son of God who heals but also One who knows everything!

The story above is taken from John 5:1-15

Next: The Feeding of the Five Thousand
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/05/feeding-of-five-thousand.html

HEALING OF THE ROYAL OFFICIAL'S SON

2011-04-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Jesus smiles as he sees a friendlier crowd greeting him. He is glad of some breakthroughs he experienced a few days ago. Yes, he has performed some miracles but what makes him happier is when people believe who he is just by what he says. Like the Samaritans the other day or the famous lawyer, Nicodemus, a step closer in believing him. But when people ask him for signs to prove himself as the Son of God, he will be agitated. Worse still, some just want to watch and wonder and that’s about all. The Messiah is cautious about the hearts of men even though their faces speak of warm welcome.

“Remember, John, about the wine, whew! Excellent wine,” Peter nudges his friend. How could Canans forget that incident, the water changed into wine. Ever since that first miracle, Cana has become a tourist spot for weddings and wine. “Hey, can you not think of wine in noontime?” John elbows his side. “I was thinking about our Master, the miracle working Messiah,” Peter quickly chips in. “I wonder what will be the second miracle he would do here in Cana," he adds.

“Jesus, please heal my little boy, please, please,” the well-dressed man kneels beside the Son of God and holds on to his cloak. The disciples afraid to get near him, knowing that this man is a royal official. The Messiah helps him up and turns towards the crowd, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe.” The people’s heads bow in silent embarrassment. They have heard and some had seen of what Jesus did in the temple at Jerusalem. He would not mince his words. Then the cries of desperation punch a hole in the air of silence. “Sir, come down to Capernaum before my child dies,” the highly-positioned man cries unashamedly. His young son is much too precious in comparison to his dignity. The man knows that time is not on his side as travelling to his hometown takes one full day.

“You may go. Your son will live,” Jesus answers his request. Those words resonate deeply in the soul of the desperate man. Jesus is his only hope! “Eh…Master, you mean you don’t need to..,” Peter gestures with his hands, trying to get Jesus’ attention. The question of ‘seeing first then believe’ or vice versa not only needs to be addressed by the masses but also by the disciples of Jesus. The Messiah grins in satisfaction when the man hurries off believing his son will indeed live. “At least one man believed my words without seeing a miracle first,” Jesus thinks to himself.

The man's heart thumps like mad when he takes the ride home in his donkey. The encounter with Jesus has built in him a bed rock of faith. There are some things he sees in the eyes of Jesus, the compassion and the authority. He looks to the heavens and utters a praise, “Thank you God, for sending Jesus to my path.” As he travels a considerable distance, he sees a servant of his on the opposite direction

“My lord, I am so glad I got you!” the servant speaks excitedly, gasping for breath. He explains to his master how his bed-ridden son just got up and asking the mother’s permission to go outside and play. Everyone in the house broke down and cried except the kid. The royal official hugs the servant, both of them in tears. “What time did the boy get up?” he asks. “About one in the afternoon,” the servant remembers vividly. It dawns on him that it was the exact time Jesus spoke those miraculous words. “Let’s go home and I will tell everyone in the house the whole story,” the man speaks enthusiastically.

When Jesus and his disciples finally arrive at Capernaum, news of the healing has been reported far and wide. The man who works in the palace has become the spokesman for the Messiah that one can trust Jesus without seeing a miracle first. That day, the second miraculous sign in Cana leads the man and his household to the Saviour. The wonder of that miracle leads them to worship the true and living God. He would not have imagined how a sickness could lead to salvation for the whole family! Indeed, Jesus deserves all the glory and honour!

(The story above is taken from John 4:43-54).

Next: Healing at the pool of Bethesda.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/05/healing-at-pool-of-bethesda.html

THE CHANGING OF WATER INTO WINE

2011-04-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

“I love weddings!” shouts Peter. “I love joyous celebrations!” he continues while the rest of the disciples gobble down some traditional wedding food. “Here, have some wine,” Andrew tries to calm him down. Mary smiles at their playful attitude. “Hey guys, don’t drink too much, it's dangerous!” Jesus raises his hand in a relaxed mood.

An attendant rushes to Mary and abruptly takes her to one side. John tries to listen to what he is whispering about but he cannot make up the words. Jesus turns his face towards his mother. He sees Mary looking at him while the attendant keeps on mumbling.

“What?” Peter blurts, like someone steals that moment of joy from him. Mary goes closer to her son and says, “They have no more wine.” Moans can be heard from some followers of Jesus. She has always believed in Jesus as the Christ. Yes, miracles have not been performed yet by her Messiah son but how she prays that he can just start it off right here. “I know, son, this is just a wedding, nothing spectacularly spiritual,” Mary thinks to herself. Women always have that gentle nature of not wanting to spoil a happy occasion. On this day, to avoid a great embarrassment for the host too! That look of genuine concern of Mary can melt any heart.

“Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come,” Jesus protests gently. But Jesus’ eyes give him away and she knows that he will do it anyway. The disciples may not understand the communication style in this intimate relationship between the mother and the son. “Okay, do whatever he tells you,” Mary speaks boldly to the servants. Do what? Peter and Matthew shake their heads while the rest of them look confused.

Jesus takes charge and the disciples look on curiously. “Fill those jars with water,” he orders the servants. “Master, those were for washing…” Peter gestures to get his attention. The attendants fill each of the six jars with water in obedience, not knowing what they are for. Jesus loves to see servants doing their work in such an obedient manner. I know what I am doing, Peter. This is better than outward wash. This is going to be inward joy! One day, you will understand.

“Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet,” Jesus gives further instructions. While they pour out some water, something has changed. The colour and the smell are surprisingly different. It just doesn’t look like plain water anymore. Their faces tell of awe at what has taken place but Jesus just waves them on. “What?” Peter blurts again, uncomfortable at not knowing what’s happening.

The ceremony head is seen pacing up and down looking for the servants. “Hey, there you are! The guests need more wine.” One servant passes that ‘Jesus water’ to the banquet master and he tastes it. He has drunk all kinds of wine before and when this wine touches his lips, he cannot even believe how exquisite it is. Where does it come from? He reasons in his mind. This is incredible!

He quickly takes the host aside, “My man, the bridegroom, king for the day, everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” The bridegroom looks puzzled. He takes one sip and he let it slip down his throat slow and steady. “I can rest assure that every guest tonight is so privileged to be invited. Tell me, man! Where did you get that wine from?” the astonished master of the banquet asks. “Honestly I didn’t know anything about it. I leave everything to my relatives and friends to handle my wedding. Ask this woman named Mary,” the bridegroom replies promptly, he himself wants to know.

The lowly servants get the privilege to work for Jesus, the miracle performer! The disciples get the glimpse of what is to come in following the Son of God! The bridegroom gets the honour of providing the best wine ever in a wedding, a talk of the town of Cana for some time to come. The guests get to taste a miracle. Mary gets the satisfaction of her Messiah son doing the first miracle at her bidding. And Jesus Christ gets all the glory!

The above story is taken from John 2:1-11

Next: The Healing of the Royal Official’s Son
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/04/healing-of-royal-officials-son.html

THE PARABLE OF A SHREWD MANAGER

2011-03-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Inside me, I was mixed. On one hand, I was happy at my grand birthday party thrown in for me by my colleagues but on the other hand, I was sad at the thought of leaving them soon. I helped them all get hefty bonuses and none of them knew how it came about. Apparently, they were stunned by my gesture more than the fat cheque they received and some almost worshipped me for that. I was hoping they would do something more for me than just organising a birthday party.

All the marketing staff knew all about my relationship with the Boss and how I used to boast of having large amount of bonuses from him. Envious of my success, they often showed their displeasure with me. That was egoism at the heights for me. Better than the rest was my motto. When they found out I used unscrupulous means to fish for business and bonus, they hated me even more. Everyone knew what I did but I didn’t care a bit! I was taught to soar no matter what. I figured that a football squad must score to win even if they had to play rough.

Then the crushing blow came! My Boss told me to say my last wish in the company. All along he knew I was playing tricks in doing business and he kept his eyes closed. This was because I brought in loads of money to the company. “I cannot cover for you anymore as too many people knew of your dealings here,” he said softly to me. It was not my style to beg but that day I was desperate for the job back. Yes, I did earn loads of money but much of it went out to girls, wine and travel. In fact, I had yet to settle the loans for my house and cars.

He stood adamant however much I pleaded and reasoned. He kept on saying, “Say your last wish as your parting gift.” I had to be quick because he gave me two minutes to say my last piece or forever hold my peace. The first thing that came to mind or rather, the only thing that came to mind was the money. Perhaps one last big fat bonus! That’s when the Boss came in and gave me a shock of my life. “Oh, I forgot to tell you that your wish must not be for your own. You have been selfish enough. Two more minutes,” he uttered and left without mincing his words. I protested loudly and then went blank.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager is only found in Luke 16:1-9. Jesus tells this parable to the disciples whom he knows one day will assume leadership in the Church and they need prudence in dealing with money.

First of all, this manager in the story is both greedy and selfish. His master finds out and subsequently fires him, asking him to give his last account. In the last day of his work, he goes around changing some amounts of the debtors since whatever he does is still legally binding. Perhaps there is a plot between the debtors and him, agreements that will help the dishonest manager gain friends. That is exactly what he has in mind, to at least get help from new happy debtor friends (these debtors are rich business people considering large amounts of commodities they needed – vv 6-7) when he leaves his job tomorrow.

The master commends this shrewd fellow as he could also be a shrewd fellow himself, albeit, a bigger one. As far as Jesus is concerned, he will never condone dishonesty. But the key principle he wants to share with his disciples is using the power in hand for a purpose. Shrewd here in the ancient Greek literally means prudence. Therefore they need to use discretion when comes to having position of influence or usage of material wealth. The shrewd manager uses his position for his own selfish gain when he is at his job and when he is about to be fired. Remember, Jesus shares to them that the manager is fired for his greed (v1). He has squandered the master’s wealth. He strongly implies to his disciples to be ‘shrewd’ for God’s purposes or to put on their thinking cap when they have the influence (v8b). The key idea here is prudence when dealing with worldly wealth – do you use it to gain eternal friends (evangelism) or do you use it for own pleasure?

There are two main questions concerning money in a Christian’s hand..1. Where did you get your money?; 2. How did you use your money?

The disciples in the early church did practice the teaching in this parable where many followers of Jesus gave what they possessed for the poor!

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need (Acts 2:45).

Christians sometimes are not too keen in talking about rewards in heaven. That is why many righteous people of God will be surprised when Jesus sees them and rewards them for doing things to him. Yes, to him and not only for him (Matthew 25:34-40)!

Money is a test of faith and faithfulness of a believer in Christ! Yes, there are rewards in heaven await those who work for His kingdom! God is no debtor to anyone!

NOTE: The above parable ends the series - The Parables of the Radical Gospels. There are some parables I did not put into this blog because of their self-explanatory messages.

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON

2011-02-09T00:17:00.000-08:00

“You should go back to where you belong!” Joe kicked me softly as he uttered those words. I hated it whenever he pushed me. Our crammed dirty one-room apartment was all we could afford at that moment. My male ego would never ever allow me to even think of going back after the failures to get the contract. Nevertheless, the last time our demo disk got thrown out, I did remember the words of my dad, “Hip Hop doesn’t suit you. I heard about the gangs, drugs and all.” But I was more determined, not because of him but another brother of mine. He rolled his eyes at me that day and seemed to say, “You won’t amount to much. Just go.”

We lost count how many rejections of our demo song with the record labels, even those non-reputable ones. And band leader, Joe, was getting frustrated over the group. My dough was almost spent, mainly on getting connected with insiders and on drugs. Desperation led to mistrust between us. Petty issues would grow into huge arguments. At the later stage, I felt they had used me to achieve their own ambitions. Carl and George left to form their own partnership. The last I heard of them was they got a contract with a record label I paid so much money to connect.

The one thing Joe still hung on to me was drugs. He promised me dreams I couldn’t resist, about becoming popular and so on and so forth. That was until he had seen my last account in the bank. No money even for food, let alone drugs. We fought real hard that day after he spoke those words and then he too left. I had to find a way to survive. The urge for drugs was intense. It was all doom and gloom.

The drug pusher told me to get dough from my dad, so that I could go on pursuing my dreams. I bluffed them that I would and they had to trust me by giving me some stuffs first. When they left, I could not help myself but sobbed. The first thing that came to my mind after sobering up was resisting on going back to my father’s house. I had broken the old man’s heart. I didn’t want to shame him in front of his many associates, spoiling his reputation. Perhaps I could ask him to send me to Siberia to work, as far as possible from him. And as far away from that brother of mine as possible!

My former band members didn’t even pick up my frantic calls for help. That night I feared the drug gang would come knocking on my door. They might even kill me for cheating on them. I quickly packed and left in the middle of the night. Every little sound sent shivers up my spine. Just having enough money for the bus back to my hometown, I sat there dejected and completely worn out. Thoughts of playing with my loving dad when I was young came flashing back. Tears flowed freely. Bad son! Bad son! I was in torment.

And then I heard something extraordinary. It was almost unbelievable. The TV on the bus was displaying a photograph of a handsome young man. And then an old man appeared on screen, pleading with such pitiful voice urging the young man to return. With hands over my face, I sobbed. What kind of a man is he? Then I heard my dad cried on TV and said, “I have been waiting for you every day since the day you left.”

The parable of The Lost Son is only found in Luke 15:11-32. It was the longest parable in the Bible and the last of the three ‘Lost’ parables.

This story arouses many hearers to anger as asking inheritance from a father who is still alive is considered a deep disrespect. And then the anger may turn towards the father as he is willing to give it to the younger son instead of reprimanding him. The religious Pharisees of the day will certainly disapprove of such grace given. But the father knows that inheritance is meant to pass on, sooner or later, unless he wants control like the religious leaders of the day.

Young and immature, he squanders his wealth in wild living (15:13). Only in complete desperation, he thinks of coming back. Not as a son but as an ordinary servant. He gives up hope for restoration into the family because of his great sin. He reasons he could at least get back some dignity of a normal human life. To his surprise, he sees his father running towards him in a far distance.

At this time, the hearers of this parable are in a state of shock. How could Jesus tell such a story? How can a father run in such an uncivilised way towards a way ward son? The Pharisees could have lost their heads here when the father reconciles and restores the younger son to the family. He deserves to be ostracised or even beaten for bringing this shame to the village.

The strong emotions that emanate from this story are exactly what Jesus intends for his hearers. The party to celebrate the long lost son may be the last straw for the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. And then Jesus brings out the older brother in the story. He is angry with the father just like those religious Jews. How could you, dad? This is super not right! Did you ever hold a party for me for what I had worked for you all these years?

The father treats his sons as sons and never ever as slaves. They are forever his flesh and blood, no matter what. When the older son was with him, everyday was a party for the dad! But whenever he thought of the lost younger son, he longed for him to come back. He could not celebrate yet with him because he was lost.

At the end, Jesus in essence asked these Pharisees and religious teachers, are you slaves or sons? Is God your Father or you are just His hired servants?

Obviously, there are two responses from the hearers. First response, the poor and the marginalised sinners rejoice at the grace of their heavenly Father. The religious Jews on the other hand, are angered by grace shown to these messed-up people. They may think that they should receive more than all these dirty people.

Today, God’s grace and compassion still usher in souls into His kingdom. Some of these people are murderers, cheaters, prostitutes and gangsters! And heaven celebrates when they repent and accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour!

Do you have problems with this?

Next: Parable of the Shrewd Manager
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/03/parable-of-shrewd-manager.html

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SILVER COIN

2011-01-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

I jumped like crazy after I got the call. My close buddies jumped too, not as high but I believe it was contagious. The laughter on my face gave them relief after they had seen how desperate I was before. The stale drab college dorm room where we stayed turned into cheers of victory. I could also hear applause outside for us even though they knew not what we were doing. Some even knocked on our door as they went pass to see what had happened. Bet they wanted to share in our celebration. Or I guessed just to quiet us down.

Before that awesome call, I was looking dejected and empty. I almost lost it if not for Becky who lent her broad shoulders for my head and her Tee for my tears. She did not shun me like the rest. Becky even influenced some friends to console me. “Why? I cried without shame. “Why am I so careless?” That day, news spread about my case at the college and how people changed their perception of me. Everywhere I turned, I saw cheeky smiles and shaking of heads at me. How terrible? I already knew they could not understand how I felt. Except Becky, thank God.

Both Becky and I came from broken families. My parents’ divorce had taken its toll of me. Like most children of divorced family, I put the blame of their breakup on my attitude. I tried hard but still they gave up. My single mom gave me everything she could but most of all, she gave me assurance that I was not to blame for her predicament. That was a great relief for me. I felt lighter after that and made up my mind to take care of my mom someday. Perhaps someday take care of my dad too, if I could see him again.

Life was difficult for us as my mom had to sustain us with two jobs. At one point, I was contemplating coming out to work myself. My mom detested that idea and assured me of her support all the way to college. Everything turned up as planned until that awful day I lost a hundred-dollar note meant for part of my fees. Some friends were like, “Come on, grow up! It’s just 100 dollars!” But Becky knew what hard-earned money meant. Her mom worked as a nanny and she grew up staying in someone’s house all her life. Although the owners did not treat them bad, money was hard to come by. Thank God that her mom was able to save for Becky’s education in college.

With the help of Becky and my roommates, we searched frantically all over the college. When you lost something valuable, sometimes there would be hundred of places that popped up in your mind. After a long time and some weary faces of my friends, I called off the search party. As my friends went back to rest, I continued the search. “What would my mom think of me now? Oh mom, I let you down again?” Sweat and tears streamed down my tired face. It was a terrible feeling.

Head hanging low, I walked back to the dorm slowly. I whispered a faithless prayer, begging God to send his angels to find it for me. My three friends were in the room to console me when I opened the door. It was a well-rehearsed choice of words but it was better than nothing.

My world seemed to crumble apart until that phone rang. “Joanne, I picked up a 100-dollar note on my way to class and I thought it must be yours. I saw you and your friends searching everywhere for something. And…” Before this guy could finish, I trumpeted a high-pitched shout to my roommates. “Where did I lose that and thank you, thank you,” I blurted excitedly. “I would bring it over afterwards. I found it outside the lecturers’ office. Oh well, I thought I was lucky but anyway, it’s yours!”

Wild celebration erupted right after that. I could hear someone commented loudly, “Come on! Grow up! It’s just 100 dollars.”

The parable of the lost silver coin is only found in Luke 15:8-10. This parable Jesus adds on to the first one (the lost sheep) to get emphasis in regards to the mercy of God culminating in the parable of the Lost Son. The three parables back to back make reaching out to the poor and marginalised sinners, a major focus in the heart of Jesus!

It is as usual, sinners who have been marginalised and condemned by others will always have the soft spot in the heart of Jesus. Those lost souls wandering aimlessly, looking for God to just look at them with mercy. They know they will never get help from the religious elites. But Jesus stops for them. He has dinner in their houses and embraces them as friends.

One silver coin may not mean much for rich people but this poor woman saves up for her future. This silver coin may mean food or hunger. This silver coin may deliver medication for a sick member of the family. Or even part of the dowry for her future husband. She looks frantically everywhere, forgetting all the dust on the floor which sends flying all over the place as she sweeps and swipes.

Yes, a small silver coin is just a day’s wages during that time and when Jesus talks about it, many poor people know its value and importance. The rich will ignore and could not be bothered about the lost coin. That woman represents a God who knows the value of a soul, no matter how rotten or how nutty they may be. God looks into the heart and knows that all these people just need a loving acceptance touch of a Saviour. Just a genuine care by someone like Jesus, will impact them for eternity!

The greatest lesson from this parable is how God will stupendously search for the lost until He finds them! One soul is such significant to God and how heaven even rejoices for even one of these who comes and embraces the Creator!

Do we search out the lost or do we just shrug them off?

Next: The Parable of the Lost Son
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/01/parable-of-lost-silver-coin.html

ON THIS DAY IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY - ROBERT J. MORGAN

2010-12-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

I am a history lover and this book comes in handy for me. The author has done a great job, writing devotional with a twist, making it into a historical journey that is. Some stories made me mad, some made me cry. Most of all, the reading inspired me very much. I must salute Robert J. Morgan for being able to speak so much with just a few short paragraphs of each personality.

This book has indeed increased my appetite to know more about those saints of old. Someone said, “Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it” but I would say of this book, “Those who learn history from this book will be excited about the future with God.”

If you are looking for systematic history in this book, you will be disappointed. I believe the author just wants the readers to grasp a sense of God’s working in history everyday. He ends every story with a relevant verse or verses to tell the world that God’s Word still works today!

I give four stars to this book.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers for giving me this book free for the purpose of this review.

THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE

2010-11-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

My darkest fear had finally become a reality! And the lightning and thunderstorm outside made it worse. My mom warned me beforehand that I would live to regret it. That day, regret was more than an understatement. I had ruined my life.

When my dad was very ill, he began to manoeuvre the directors to have me helm his company. Suspecting my constant indifference towards business, they fought against the idea. Finally they gave up and in I went. As a loving traditional father, he hoped what he had strived for would be carried on by his son. But it was not to be. Instead, it was a disaster just waiting to happen.

I remembered how I sat at his desk just a week after his funeral. It was an indescribable feeling. The aspiration to take over finally came. But I had an agenda. A wicked agenda that was. Every one that stood in my way was either fired or transferred out! Many advices were torn asunder and thrown aside! Including my mom’s!

I started to bully smaller companies and forced them to close down. They cursed me to bits but I cared not a bit! In my mind I thought those were worthless companies! Many people suffered under my destructive ideas! Although I felt like a champion but deep inside there would always be a tinge of fear for consequences. Months passed and those fears intensified. The board of directors dropped hints whenever we met. The loudest was my mom who outright warned me that my sins would catch up with me, just a matter of time.

Just a year only I took over the company, the profit plunged and overheads increased tremendously. I knew somehow something was not right but I was too lazy to do anything about it. I trusted “my” people to monitor everything for me while I went about living out my promiscuous life.

That night changed everything. Few men accosted me outside the bar and hit me real bad. Stabbed and battered, I lied unconscious on the dirt road next to the rubbish dump. Before I collapsed, I still remembered that in my mind, I told myself, ‘This is it! This is it!’

Lying in the hospital bed at this moment, tubes everywhere in me, I remembered my mom’s warning, “Just a matter of time!”

The parable of the barren fig tree is only found in Luke 13:6-9.

When Jesus tells this parable, He is responding to some self-righteous people who think that those who had suffered and died violently deserve it (v1). They reason that God has judged them is because they had sinned greatly. Or simply they are Gentiles and are not chosen people of God. Remember, Luke writes to everyone regardless of status and creed, souls as loved by Jesus, the Saviour of the world. That “holier than thou” mindset is prevalent in Jewish culture. It is dangerous and must be seriously addressed. And Jesus knows that. This kind of thinking will prevent them from accepting God’s grace that He comes to offer the world.

Jesus being radical with His teaching on parables, does not mince His Word. He warns them about the impending wrath. Jesus assumes the role of the prophet of old. Repent or else! And He utters it twice (vv3, 5). Those who think they can escape the wrath of God with their sins must think twice. It is just a matter of time.

No one will escape the judgement of God unless he humbles himself and acknowledges his sins before a righteous God. God does not want anyone to perish! He waits patiently! Jesus tells of giving the fig tree another year after a long wait for the fruit.

On another look at the parable, the owner seems to give enough time for the tree to grow fruit. It is the servant who asks for another year extension. God listens to the prayers of His saints. If not for the prayers of the saints, many people would have perished.

Let us all take this parable as a warning that self-righteous attitude will lead us nowhere but downhill. How many Christians who went through troubles and sickness had received a double whammy when “Holier-than-thou” people whacked them of having been judged by God.

Let us all remain humble at all times and also pray for God to wait longer so that precious souls can repent and be reconciled to God.

Next: Parable of The Lost Piece of Silver Coin
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2011/01/parable-of-lost-silver-coin.html

THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

2010-11-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

I came back to my room, confused and frightened. Staring at the still photo of my best friend near my bed brought chills down my spine. How could such a successful man die so suddenly? When he had everything going his way? My mind that day wouldn’t let me doze off as quickly as I usually could.

Memories after memories of Peter came rushing back like an overflowing river about to burst its bank. Peter had flooded me with so many nuggets of wisdom about being rich and successful yet one statement always hollered louder than the rest. “Grab everything NOW while opportunities are in front of you!” Even at the funeral that evening, scores of friends and colleagues spoke of him as a self-made man. One even said jokingly of Peter as “The Grabber".

But no one knew that he spoke to me privately about how he wanted to settle down and enjoy his spoils. He told me how he wanted to live like the conqueror, like the king who had just won a battle, savouring victory. All his life, Peter worked tirelessly to get hold of everything that life and opportunities granted him. Before he died of sudden heart attack, he already acquired a mansion with 10 rooms, huge swimming pool, few fountains leading to the vast garden, fourteen cars of all kinds, plenty of properties all over the city. Wine and women were his constant companions. He was the envy of the city!

I stared at the clock and it was 3AM. Then something like a feeling of depression wormed its way into me. I am rich but why am I still depressed? Death took everything away from Peter! I didn’t think he anticipated that ‘thing’ to hit like that! Far from sight and far from mind.

On second thought, I felt death could be knocking on my own door soon. I began to wander about the rightful place of money and material things I acquired. Never one time had I heard my late best friend said, “Let’s use this money for charity!” or “Let’s give some money away to the underprivileged people!” In fact, we had these people all around us. We didn’t even stop for them, let alone give.

Peter’s sudden death changed my life forever. In the wee hour of that morning, I knelt at my bedside and prayed a tear-filled heavenward-goal prayer. “Lord, all my money comes from YOU and I do not deserve a single cent. Please forgive my sin of greed and indifference. Lord, from now on, let YOUR will be done!”

Strangely, when I finished this prayer, my eyes felt heavier. When I woke up the next day, I felt so fresh as though I got a shower from heaven. Immediately, my mind whipped up an idea, “I will shower my world with all the blessings from heaven!”

The parable of the Rich Fool is only found in the Gospel of Luke 12:16-20.

In Luke’s world, the rich are the elite Romans who lust after all kinds of material gains. God is of course concerned about the Jewish populace and later churches being influenced by them. Already, they are some Jews colluding with the greedy Romans just to enrich themselves.

Jesus tells the hearers to watch out for all kinds of greed (v 15). It is not only the greed for money that concerned the Son of God but also lust for fame, sex, power. But to love money is the root of all evil. Greed of money will eventually lead a person to lust for all other worldly pleasures that go against the will of God.

It is therefore both appropriate and timely that Jesus shares the death of the rich man who thinks he has it all. The man calls himself a success but God calls him a fool! Death is not the opposite of life but a part of life. No one escapes death even when one chooses not to talk or think about it.

At the end, Jesus wants His hearers to see the temporal state of life on earth. It is not that God wants everyone to refrain from enjoying life or trudging through life like a pauper, rather, He wants them to focus on heavenly riches.

In God’s spiritual law, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Greed does the opposite. Greed always says what’s in it for me. It doesn’t care who is hurt as long as I get it. God and greed don’t mix. You will love one and despise the other. The man in the parable chose the latter and lost everything when death knocked on his door. He not only lost what he hoarded but also opportunities to use what he had to serve God.

What about you? What will you choose?

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:20-21)

Next Parable - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/11/parable-of-barren-fig-tree.html

OUTLIVE YOUR LIFE - MAX LUCADO

2010-10-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado has outshone every other book of his that I had read. This is a compelling book that every serious follower of Christ must get a hold of. The more I turned the pages, the more it stabbed deep into my heart. I have to humbly take off my lenses of self-centredness and “thought-I-have-it-under-my-wings” when I finished the book. Truly it is an amazing book that depicts the very heart of God. If only believers of the LORD Jesus Christ, who gave His all for us, will give our best to impact our world. If only we Christians chucked aside “what’s-in-it-for-me?” attitude to “how-should-I-help?” mentality, then healing and hope would have saturated this broken world. Thank you, Max, for your heart of gold fashioned by the heart of God.

I give this book a five-star!

I want to thank Thomas Nelson publishers for their generosity in providing me the freebook for the purpose of this review.

PARABLES OF A PERSISTENT FRIEND AND WIDOW

2010-10-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

My little Tommy fell asleep in my arms as we watched his favourite cartoon movie together. Twelve this year, he was talkative and playful. As I carried him into his room, I was crying. Those were tears of relief and joy rather than anything. I knelt down by my sleeping boy and thanked God profusely. Carla, my lovely wife, stood by me, as always, cried along.

“Can we take away your baby for some kind of a palliative care?” Those words still rang vividly in my ears when Tommy was born. The cold doctor delivered the bad news to us. We knew our baby had some kind of deformity but shocked at the doctor’s suggestion. Confusion and anguish jammed my mind. Both of us gave him an emphatic no! I still remembered telling God not to treat me like Job. “Please don’t give and then take away,” I prayed with extraordinary fervency.

“Is there anything else we can do about the baby?” Carla implored the doctor and nurses in between sobs. “Yes. Let go,” the doctor said in a tone as if he had seen it all. My wife hollered uncontrollably in my arms as we pondered the next best thing. I finally made up my mind to hang on until God told us to let go. “It’s going to be very difficult for both of you,” one nurse chipped in. Fears gripped us at those words as we were also struggling to make ends meet.

We took the baby home and trusted God. The severe Down-Syndrome child that befell us took a toll on us. But determination and love for our own flesh and blood overcame all adversities. The negative voices were not over yet as murmurings could be heard from our neighbourhoods. Some even called to offer solutions other than the ones we had decided. Carla and I have never been so close to the LORD before as this ‘project Tommy’ (as we used to call it) had brought us. Day and night we prayed for strength and wisdom. At times, when Tommy’s condition didn’t improve, I argued with Carla that we should listen to the doctor’s advice. Other times, especially when Tommy could utter some sounds, they were such sweet music to our ears.

Pastor and members of the church became our greatest cheerleaders. They helped so much that sometimes I felt we have taken advantage of them. Anyway, that was my prayer to God when I complained to Him about my tiredness. “Can you send me some angelic help, God?” Sometimes I did feel angelic presence especially the day we saw Tommy’s first full smile. Both of us cried unashamedly. It was an extraordinary and a victorious day!

Tommy grew up so well it astounded all doctors when we went for his usual check up. They credited the success to the love and patient of Tommy’s parents but we gave all glory to God. By ten, Tommy had become a memory genius. He could remember most of the names of the 300 odd church members. It was amusing to see how he could know all the names of the members who sat at the first few rows without them being present. He was such a joy to the church.

The most incredible moment came when he went up the platform in the church to share his testimony. I promised to buy him his favourite cartoon movie and watch it with him if he shared in the service that morning. There were hardly any dry eyes in the church that morning when he stood to share.

“When I was born, doctors gave up hope on me. They said I would die. Thanks to God and to my dad and mom who loved me so much, they never gave up on me. I know God loves me and He also has a plan for my life. Thank you, pastor and all of you for helping my mom and dad. Thank you. God bless you all.”

The parables of a persistent friend (Luke 11:5-13) and a widow (Luke 18:1-8) are only found in the gospel of Luke.

As usual, Luke writes the gospel concerning Jesus to a wider audience as he is a Gentile. With many Jewish friends, he is considered to have best of both worlds. The poor and the under privileged are common sight to him in the land of the Romans. The Roman citizens enjoy vast support from the governing bodies of the day while other second class people of the land left to fend for themselves. The words of the risen Saviour therefore are vital to these hard-pressed ordinary folks.

Both of these parables tell about persistency in asking for help. One parable speaks of a man who knocks loudly and shouts at his friend’s door at midnight to save another friend. He is not bothered of the commotion he caused to his friends’ family members and the neighbours. His ultimate goal – to save a friend. The other parable tells of a widow whose persistence in disturbing the judge makes her wish to have her case heard comes to reality. These parables tell us about the unwavering urgency in pursuing righteousness and justice!

In both parables, Jesus teaches on prayer. Prayer is God’s method of answering His people. Persistent prayer melts God’s heart. Never give up attitude talks about faith in action and someone who is serious about doing what's right. God stops for all these people! Remember how blind Bartimaeus defies all negative voices, shouts for Jesus! And it makes all the difference. Jesus stops for him. No longer sits in the dirt road begging, he now skips joyfully along with Jesus (Mark 10:46-52)

Children of God, let us never give up asking God to fulfil His will on earth. Not to satisfy our own lustful pleasures but that the whole world may know Jesus! Let us fight for justice! Let us run with righteousness! Let us persevere to hold on to what God has for us!

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it (Matthew 11:12).

Next: Parable of the Rich Fool
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/11/parable-of-rich-fool.html

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

2010-10-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

I had never understood pain this great before as when my husband left me for another woman. The arguments and silent treatments I endured could not compare to the day when I signed on the dotted line of the divorced papers. How could he? He promised love forever when we dated and later married. I felt violated and betrayed. I had lost my joy and the sense of security for the future. I wanted out fast of this misery. I looked for quickest and easiest way to end my life.

Whenever I wanted to do something terribly drastic, a name kept popping up my fragmented mind. It was Cindy, my best friend. Surely she could at least listen to my desperate cries. I waited for her. I wanted some release. Finally, she bumped into me on the way to work. To my surprise, she asked me casually about how I was coping since the divorce. Why? At least she could do was hug me and perhaps cry with me. I wondered what had happened. You know, I was by her side when she went through a rough time with the back operation. Some said that I did much better in helping her cope than her own husband. I was devastated again. The pain actually intensified.

I asked heaven what was there left to live. Was there hope for people like me?

By this time as I was contemplating another round of putting myself to “sleep”, another name cropped up. It was Chad, my boss. He had been quite an understanding person to me. When I was having marital hiccups, he became concerned. He offered me a good holiday break and lessened my burdens in the company for a time. It was quite refreshing for me just to think of such a person at this hour of agony. But he too didn’t call to offer a sympathetic ear. I understand his predicament because it was dangerous for a married man to console a lady in distress. He took the cautious road. But at least a call of concern, that’s all.

I waited as I sat at my cubicle at work. After some time, his secretary came over with some documents from him for me to peruse. Apparently, she brought along a message from Chad to offer his sympathy for me. Through her, he also reminded me not to put the company at risk with her personal issues. It was beyond sickening. He would usually chat freely with me and bring those documents himself.

I could literally feel the ache and numbness in the heart as extreme frustrations took over. It was unbelievable for those whom I gave everything for to shun me at such a time like this.

Why? I cried so much on that day, my swollen eyes could barely manage tears by then. I felt like a bird with broken wings trapped in a tiny cage.

That’s it, I thought. I felt I didn’t belong in this world at all. This was all too alien for my mind, my dreams and expectations. It’s time to go and bid farewell. What was the best way to leave this earth painlessly?

Just when I was about to spiral deeper into the cycle of depression, I heard few faint knocks on the door. Who could that be? Who cares anyway?

I didn’t even want to open the door. I hoped whoever at the door would slowly slip away as everyone had done on me. But the knocks not only persisted but became louder. Finally, I asked for identity. To my surprise, it was a voice which I was totally unprepared for.

Devi lived next door to me. I shunned her appearance as she would always look like your girl next door. Plain Jane so to speak. One time, I even sneered at her for being alone and I was thinking maybe she was not attractive enough for any man. I looked back now with deep remorse. She would always smile at me and my hubby but we seldom reciprocated.

We disliked spicy food and sometimes we told her not to cook her stuffs so much as the smell was pungent to us. Strangely, since my husband left, I did not smell those cooking at all. Perhaps she knew I was suffering that she did not want to add to my distaste.

The girl next door clasped both hands together to greet me as I opened the door. I could see her eyes widened when she saw my blood shot eyes, swollen almost shut. To my astonishment, she was weeping as she stood there.

Hey, remember me? Hello! I was the one who treated you badly?

Perhaps it was a natural reflex action, I hugged her tightly. At last, I felt warmth in this cold universe. She was apologetic to me for crying but later told me about how she wanted to help but couldn’t find the courage. We chatted and cried. It was a long evening for Devi who was all ears at my long-winded session of blowing hot and cold. I had never found someone as patient as her. She would not speak a word for hours but her silence spoke volumes to me.

Later I found out Devi even took few days off just to help me. For few days we went out strolling along parks, stopped to look at flowers and people walking pass. We went for movies, eating ice cream at the road side stalls. We also went to a hill resort suggested by her just for me to recuperate.

I felt like Devi opened my cage and pulled me out. Although my wings were still broken, I surely sensed healing coming. Whenever I felt the pain again, she would hug me without words! We became best friends forever.

The lesson I learnt from my ordeal was not my brokenness but Devi’s willingness to offer me help even though I treated her harshly.

I found out later that my best friend, Cindy and my boss, Chad avoided me, afraid that I might destroy their marriages since I was still attractive and would be single again.

The parable of The Good Samaritan is only found in Luke 10:30-35.

This parable was told by Jesus in response to a law (Moses laws) expert’s question about who should be the neighbour found in the two Greatest Commandments (vv 25-29; ref. Lev. 19:18).

When Jesus tells a story to illustrate a point, he will often go for the jugular. He is that radical! It is also interesting for Luke to write this as he is a Greek. Perhaps, Luke too has been discriminated against by Christian Jews.

Samaritans are considered impure Jews or even discarded as Gentiles. The religious elites teach people to shun the Samaritans and never to associate with them. The disciples are also taken aback when their Master Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman at the well.

In the end of the story, Jesus forces the law expert Jew to answer Him. And he grits his teeth to acknowledge the Samaritan’s kindness. He says it reluctantly as he omits the word Samaritan with “the one who had mercy on him” (v37). It is exactly this deep seated discrimination that Jesus comes to dismantle. God sees the potential in everyone. Although this story is told to this religious fellow, Jesus nevertheless wants all His disciples to understand His heart. There is no favouritism and discrimination with God. His love reaches everyone regardless. And Jesus wants His disciples to reach out to those who may not be like them. Sharing God’s love to some people that they may find offensive. And to nations that may even persecute them.

Jesus foresees the future of the church with that story.

(Col 3:11-14) Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

In fact, He foresees the ultimate kingdom of God on earth where every tribe and language, every people and nation will fall within His overarching grace. And all will be able to worship God in Spirit and in truth.

Next: The Parables of a Persistent Friend and Widow
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/10/parables-of-persistent-friend-and-widow.html

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON? - DAVID JEREMIAH

2010-09-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Although I have been an avid end-time student and teacher as well, this book builds on my excitement concerning the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! Dr. Jeremiah is an exciting writer and his passion for God is all over the book. This is an amazing and timely book for such a time like this. Many people simply scratch their heads at the unpredictability of events in the world today and this book can offer them the stability that they long for. All in all, it is a book that I believe will win loads of pre-believers to the Lord Jesus Christ! I give this book 4 stars.

I thank Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program for giving me this book for free. I also would like to apologise for reviewing this a tad late.

THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED

2010-09-09T01:29:00.000-07:00

Marion holds the cup with her trembling hand and manages a sip of the hot-brewed coffee. Gazing through a window in her ground floor apartment waiting for the sun-appearing moment is her hobby. “Hey, handsome, isn’t this a beautiful day?” she gently jokes, while holding the photo frame of her late husband. He died early in their marriage and left Marion to take care of four little kids, two twins in a row, one set of gender each. Odd jobs and routine house works took up all the time she had, hardly enjoying a trip outside of town.

While she gets all excited at a tiny light appearing in a small cloud far above her, a knock on the door interrupts her vivid attention. Pastor Jerry has been visiting Marion almost once every week but today he is exceptionally early.

“Hello, Pastor, today’s early?” she opens the door for him, a little disappointed on the inside. “Sweet Marion, I know. Sorry about that. I have some things to do afterwards and thought of coming earlier to see you,” Jerry apologises. He helps old Marion to her favourite chair and pulls a stool beside her. The sunlight through the window has enlivened the golden frame of Marion’s husband’s photo and her eyes catch hold of him. A tear drops suddenly from her cheek.

“What’s wrong, Marion?” the pastor enquires gently. “Oh, nothing. Just a little tired,” she tries to look cheerful. “Okay, good. I have twenty good minutes to spare and I was thinking over some things about you,” the clergy man clears his throat. “Since you came to church some years ago, you have not been involved in the ministries of the church. I was thinking if you would want to serve in any of the various departments of the church,” he proffers.

The church they go situated few blocks away has been the busiest church in town. Rev. Jerry often preached about Christians losing the treasures in heaven and believers must give account to Jesus.

“I am sorry, Pastor. I will if I am not busy,” Marion replies bluntly. She received Christ as her personal Saviour about three years ago and Pastor Jerry feels that she needs to earn some “points” in heaven. “Okay then. Hope to hear from you, Marion,” Jerry speaks quickly and Marion can feel his disappointment. He prays for her and excuses himself, a little earlier than expected, just like he dropped by just now.

Marion cries when she hears Pastor Jerry’s car zooms away. It is not that she doesn’t want to serve but she feels inadequate. Moreover she doesn’t like the limelight. She laments the fact that she is useless before God. Old and useless. She thinks aloud and cries some more.

Saturday is her favourite day when she gets to cook for her sons and daughters and their family. The rest of the week, they take her out. Oh, how she could not wait for them to return. She looks at her watch for the fourth time. Smelling all the favourite foods she cooked for her own flesh and blood, she sits there and grins. Before she can look at her watch again, few tiny knocks sounded at the door. It must be the grandchildren.

When she opens the door, before she can say anything, two girls scramble to hug her. “Grandma! Grandma!” As the hugs are going on, her eyes wink at all the sons and daughters walking in one by one smiling. “Johnson, stop your itchy fingers from the food before prayer,” she warns the youngest twin with a smile, like she have eyes on her back. All of them now have good jobs and earn more than a decent living. Laughter fills the entire apartment as they chat like long lost folks.

David the older twin son gives Marion a long kiss on the forehead. “How are you, lady?” he teases. “Okay, son, okay,” she answers, not as cheerful as before. David senses some discomfort from the old lady, whistles for June, the eldest sibling in the family to come near.

“Mom, you can surely talk to us, can’t you?” June asks with concern.

“I was thinking about my spiritual life. Well, I am going to meet my Maker soon enough. What have I got to offer Him?” Marion opens up.

While the children are playing away, her four kids sits her down calmly.

“Mom, you have more to offer God than all of us put together,” June begins first.

“And how’s that?” Marion answers unconvinced.

“Take a good look at the four of us, Mom. Who brought us up and make us stand on our two feet? Who taught us the values we hold so strongly now?” June continues.

“And who had cooked for us to make us strong physically so that we had enough energy to make a decent living?” Johnson chips in.

“Who brought us to the church so that we found Christ?” Rachel, the other twin daughter adds, wiping her tears away.

“Yeah. And who was there when we needed comfort and guidance?” David speaks gently, holding her mom’s face up.

“Mom, you were serving God when you gave your best to your children and you still are. We all love you!” June speaks firmly with a smile.

"And when you meet God one day, hold your head up high to Him and smile,” David adds on strongly.

Marion lets out a wide grin and tries to hug them all at one time. “I could do that when you guys were little but now, I can’t,” she jokes.

“That’s because God grows the effort you put in for Him,” June responds.

The parable of the Growing Seed is only found in Mark 4:26-29.

This story of the growing seed speaks of a simple trust in God when we serve in His kingdom. A normal farmer’s know how is to scatter seed first and then harvest them when the time comes. He would never bother to learn the dynamics of a growing plant with all its complications. All he knows is that it works and it works well every time provided there are no natural calamities.

But the farmer must be a good farmer to be called a farmer. A good farmer is dedicated to seed planting and harvest gathering. When is more important than why!

Many Christians are concerned about the ‘whys’ so much that they have forgotten about the ‘whens’. They have lost so many opportunities for harvest, lost souls slipped from their ‘net’. They talk and talk about the dynamics of fishing and never really do any fishing. In fact good Christian like good farmer is an oxymoron. Christians are good and farmers are good at what they are doing.

So, let us all know when to scatter seed and when to harvest. When opportunities arise, let us seize them with our very best!

NOTE: I am not saying we should not analyse anything but do not let our analyses paralyse our opportunities to advance the kingdom of God.

Next: Parable of the Good Samaritan
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/10/parable-of-good-samaritan.html

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME – Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent

2010-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

This book has brought out in me so many emotions even with those that have left dormant for some time. It was inspiration, laughter, anger and grief all rolled up into one. All in all, it left me breathless in many parts of the book. The writings of both Denver Moore and Ron Hall are witty and purposeful, not forgetting captivating. I have lost count the things I have learned from this book and as a Christian and pastor, I highly recommend to all genuine believers in Christ!

I am inspired with the honesty, passion, love and godliness by all the characters in this book and what is so awesome about all this is it is a true story! So often we want to do what we want to do but doing what God wants to do will far exceed what we ever desire to do. I sincerely think that this book can be turned into a great movie. I believe the late Deborah Hall, so central to the whole book, the magnificent passionate Christian, may amen to that!

I am so grateful for Thomas Nelson Publishers for giving this free book to me in their Book Sneeze program for the purpose of reviewing the said book.

THE PARABLE OF THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS

2010-07-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tom walks past two old men, both slumping on their wheel chairs, staring into space. The familiarity of the place makes him oblivious of those residents languishing in the old run-down centre. He has seen it all, the filth from the bodies and all. Worst were those who died with sores and liquids running down their faces. Sitting down at his office, he gulps down a hotdog, fresh from the oven. Checking his accounts again, he puts on a wide grin. Not bad for this filth factory! He smiles again.

Many years ago, this Home was the pride of the town. To register in, one has to wait for a long time, until everything is stringently checked and in order. Since Mr. Lansing took his business to another country, things began to deteriorate. His late co-worker’s son, Tom Watson runs like a tyrant businessman, careless and completely detached.

Those who are there now have few distant relatives who seldom drop by anymore. They trust the once-popular centre to handle everything, hence, only send in their money.

At Tom sits there about to doze off, a knock on the door jolts him. “Mr. Watson, there is a young man outside who wants to see you. He said something like wanted to be a volunteer,” an old worker opens the door. Tom waves for the old man to leave and ushers the energetic teenager to have a seat. “A volunteer huh? You mean you don’t want to get paid for helping here?” he quickly enquires.

“Yes, Boss! I am here to help, that’s all!” the young man answers politely.

“How can you help and what are the hours? We don’t want half-hearted religious freaks here,” the fat caretaker grunts.

“I will be here in the afternoons. I don’t mind to do anything."

“Very well, then! Can you help out in the kitchen as one worker is sick today?”

Johnny strolls into the kitchen and his eyes widen. It looks more like a garage than a place where health of the old folks are supposed to be taken care of. Vegetables are strewn everywhere, stale and brownish. He opens the old squeaky fridge only to find more almost rotten meat and vegetables. The floor reeks with combined smells of milk and medicine. No wonder he saw the sign just now from the outside, “Do Not Enter”.

Few small drops of tears fall from his eyes as he helps to clean up. “Hey, who are you?” a rugged man roars from behind him.

“I am a volunteer here,” Johnny quickly wipes his face.

“Oh, just don’t get too neat here. We may not know where to find things,” the cook speaks with a sarcastic tone.

Late afternoon…

Hearing laughter from the corridors which is rare, Tom takes a u turn. He peeks to see the teenager having a lively conversation with Uncle Joe, a long time resident in the Home. Knocking on the wooden frame to get Johnny’s attention, he whistles for him.

“I think you shouldn’t speak to the old people here, especially that old man,” Tom orders.

“Why not?” Johnny protests.

“They are quite sketchy of things here and tend to complain a lot. I don’t want them to discourage you,” the caretaker explains.

“As far as I know, they are fine,” the teenager shoots back. “Uncle Joe did complain a little bit but he has accepted his fate,” he adds with compassion for the tough old man. Resignation is the obvious sign for all these residents, just bidding for their time to go.

“I think I made a mistake to let you help here. Anyway, I still feel drowsy from last night’s football on TV,” Tom clears his throat.

“Please Boss! Let me help,” Johnny pleads.

“No. Please get out of here,” the fat man raises his voice. Few old people stare blankly at him. He lowers his voice but still holds steadfastly his decision.

The teenager cries and marches out of the door. He really desires to change things around here and he feels he can contribute substantially.

Next Morning….

Tom puts both of his feet on top of the table and reads the sports page. A knock interrupts his intent gaze. Two burly men in uniform stand in front of him. “Mr. Tom Watson, you are under arrest for abuse and fraud. We need you to follow us to the station for questioning,” one officer speaks with a stony face.

Trembling with fear, he protests. “You guys are crazy. What abuse?” Tom shouts back.

“There are two witnesses who will testify against you,” another officer puts it calmly.

“Who dares to do that, I’ll sue him!” the fat man yells on top of his voice.

“First, Uncle Joe, who have had enough of your antics at this Centre. And he… is my uncle,” the cop speaks angrily. “I didn’t know until someone reported you. He is the second person, Johnny Lansing, the youngest son of Mr. Lansing, the original owner of the Home.”

“You have no proofs,” Tom Watson grunts.

“These photographs from Johnny’s camera say it all,” the cop retorts, holds some clear shots from the Home. “How could you? You have carried away by your own laziness and greed. The whole reputation of the Home which Mr. Lansing and your dad built has been ruined,” he blurts.

As he is led out, a loud cheer can be heard from the residents. Tom sees his workers all already in the patrol cars. Before he enters into one, his eyes lock on the teenager’s. Johnny stands there, feeling a little uncomfortable. Next to him, his father, Mr. Lansing nods sadly at the handcuffed man. He remembers how he used to love him when he was little.

The parable of the Sheep and the Goats is only found in Matthew 25:31-46 and the last one in this Gospel.

Sheep and goats are quite similar in their looks but characteristically different in their behaviour. Goats are natural browsers and agile, they are actually quite independent. Sheep are more grazers, graze close to the soil surface whereas goats like to eat top of plants. One significant difference is that sheep have a stronger flocking instinct and become very agitated if they are separated from the rest of the flock.

When Jesus presents these domestic animals in the story, everyone knows what he is talking about. The Israelites have been using these animals for sacrifice and food for centuries! The goats are independent lots who browse everywhere for food, “touch and go” animals. These represent a part of humanity who is selfish, restless and thinks he’s okay without God. These groups of people listen to Jesus’ words but those teachings often fall on unfertile hearts. They care more for things than relationships.

Sheep eat tender grasses and they do it slowly, making sure everything is gobbled up before advancing. Sheep fear being lost. They desire a loving shepherd to guide them. These people in Jesus’ days are absorbing the words of God like a sponge. They feel good when they hear of a God who takes care of them and will never leave them. If nurture properly, these followers will never turn away from the Shepherd. As their relationship with the Shepherd strengthens, good works naturally flow out of them. They are warm and gentle people and desires relationships more than anything.

As Jesus ends with this final parable, he speaks about His kingship on earth where the kingdom of God would culminate. There will be a final judgment. They will be a separation of sheep and goats. The sheep invariably did something that they did not even realise (Matthew 25:37-40). That automatic natural flow of good deeds is borne out of a steady and close relationship with the Shepherd Jesus! Social gospel is not Jesus' intention here but He emphasises more of obedient servants whose adaptability and willingness speak volumes of their readiness to follow God.

Goats on the other hand, do not care at all. They live like there is no judgment and no repercussions for deeds left undone, needs left unmet when they were capable to fulfil. Eternal punishment reserve for these people is not because they did not do something, rather they refused to do and obey.

For those warm and gentle sheep who follow the Shepherd, the crowned King of all kings has this to say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

Note: The Scriptures are clear that only those who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God have eternal life (John 3:16, 5:24; Acts 2:21, 4:12)

Next: Parable of the Growing Seed
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/09/parable-of-growing-seed.html

YOU CAN BE EVERYTHING GOD WANTS YOU TO BE - MAX LUCADO

2010-07-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been reading some heavy stuff lately and truly thank God for this book’s timely interruption. This is like God’s gift for me personally for I simply adore simplicity. Max Lucado has a knack for touching hearts especially putting together those that are fragmented. Short passages from every page form one line of thought – God’s loving hand upon our lives. Each one of us is special and called to be who we are. The best role you play in the divine drama directed by our Master from heaven is you. God will use your story to fit into His story. I have been a fan of Max Lucado since God knows when and every book never seems to disappoint me. This one’s included. I give 4 stars to this book.

This book is generously provided free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of this review. Thank you!

THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

2010-07-20T01:29:00.000-07:00

Charles sees another piece of 3M sticker on Frank’s desk, ‘Out for the afternoon’. He looks annoyingly at Francis, his colleague; both troubled over their team member’s attitude. What happened? A quick thought emerges in Francis’ mind. He still believes in Frank’s capability as Dr. Bergman, the CEO, did not leave any negative words for him when he entrusted the multi-million Project to the three of them.

A strange illness has since plagued Dr. Bergman and he has gone to the Far East looking for a cure, leaving the whole company to the trio. BakeHeart recently declared a hefty jump in their dividends pay-out since they were public listed. Dr. Bergman’s dedication and masterly skill with people have made him one of the best CEOs in the city. Always cheerful and generous, he was well-liked both by BakeHeart's workers and his clients.

“Can you talk with Frank? I think he has not been concentrating on this latest Hypermarket Project,” Francis pleads with Charles. “Mr. Bergman had put his entire hope on this and any wrong move will have serious consequences,” he adds with a stony face. “I will try. But if he wants out, there is nothing you and I are going to do about it,” Charles snaps.

The Next Day…

Frank whistles his way into the office. “Good morning! Oh, Charles and Francis want to meet you at the latter’s office now,” the secretary speaks sweetly as she passes by.

Yeah! What else? Is the Hypermarket crap again! Frank smiles and offers her a casual thanks.

“You are late again, Bro,” Charles shoots as Frank saunters in.

“Oh..late for what?” he answers annoyingly, like they break his pleasure momentum. Both Francis and Charles know of his partying spirit.

“Late for reporting to us about your meeting with the GM of FOCUS Hypermarket,” Charles interjects angrily.

“Come on, Frank. We need you to settle down. This is serious,” Francis adds.

“Oh..you mean I am playing a fool, is that right?” Frank snaps. “Okay. I admit I am a little lax these days but hey, relax, it’s not like that old man is going to return anytime soon,” he continues ranting.

“No, Frank. You got it wrong. He gave us his trust and Charles and I are not going to lose that by being irresponsible,” Francis clarifies with his usual down to earth honesty.

“Okay! Okay! I will make the appointment with Clarkson of FOCUS soon,” Frank retorts, seeing the seriousness of his two colleagues.

“What? What have you been doing all these while? You mean you have not even met with Clarkson!” Charles turns his back to face the wall. Francis shakes his head.

"As the acting CEO in this company, I want you to lay your hands off this Project from now on. You will now handle some small retail projects for BakeHeart,” Charles commands. “I don’t know what has distracted you but with smaller projects, I hope you can manage better,” he offers Frank the best available option.

“Okay, if this is what you want me to do,” Frank accepts his lot. He feels a little embarrassed but at the same time, relieved.

“I believe this is what Dr. Bergman would want you to do. He believes in not overburdening his staff,” Francis reminds him.

A Month Later…

Frank scampers into the Boardroom, unkempt both in his attire and hair. He takes a seat and straightens his tie. Feeling a little uneasy at the surprise meeting, he looks around. Strange! Why so quiet this time, unlike the previous meetings? He senses two hands rest upon his shoulders at the back and as he turns around, his jaws drop. It's the CEO! He wasn't aware all along Mr. Bergman standing there at the corner, getting his usual dose of black coffee. The CEO’s hands this time feel like a huge sack that sags right down his spine.

“Oh..Dr. Bergman. Go…od Morning. I didn’t see you just…just..now,” he rises up to greet him. The CEO just takes a seat, leaving Frank’s hand unshaken.

“Well done, Charles and Francis! I just got a call from FOCUS and they have agreed to all our requirements for the contract. BakeHeart has now doubled in its expansion plan. Thank you!” Bergman speaks excitedly to the applause of all in the meeting.

“Charles and Francis, you both are now officially promoted to First and Second Most Senior Manager of the Company,” he rises to clap softly. Everyone rises to clap except Frank, who slumps in his chair.

“I have received reports of some retail outlets being neglected. And that had caused some losses to the company. It is not so much of monetary losses but the image of BakeHeart. Frank, what have you got to say?” the CEO sits down as all eyes turn towards Frank. The lazy and distracted man stares at Charles and Francis.

“You are fired! All the perks you have taken from this company must be paid back by end of this month or else?” Bergman warns.

“Okay. This wraps out today’s meeting. Oh yes, all of you will be given a trip to Europe for a week as we are going to celebrate like crazy for the unbelievable successful year,” he pats Charles’ back and leaves.

Everyone is so taken aback by the generosity of Dr. Bergman. As everyone leaves the room, Frank puts his hands over his face and cries in deep anguish.

The Parable of the Talents is found in Matthew 25:14-30 and a slight difference in Luke 19:12-27.

Before the man begins his journey, he entrusts money to his servants for the sole purpose of investment. In Matthew, the Bible does not specify where he is going but in Luke, we know he is going to be crowned as king. Both these parables are spoken by Jesus almost at the end of His time on earth. This time, Jesus is concerned about His disciples more than those who oppose Him (Luke 19:14-15, 27).

Together with the parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus desires them not only to enter the kingdom of God but to do well! There is no plan B for Jesus when He leaves the earth, the disciples will be passed the baton.

First of all, the lazy wicked servant deserves his rightful place, in darkness.

In Matthew Parable, we read about the owner who is first of all not a taskmaster (Matthew 25:15). He is actually quite generous in entrusting everything to his servants. A Talent is many years’ wages of an ordinary average worker. This means that the third servant gets a good deal too! The master is not only generous in parting with money, he is generous with praises too (Matthew 25:20-23; Luke 19:16-19). In Matthew’s parable, he praises the two servants with same exact words. This tells us that our Master Jesus will judge us by our faithfulness and not success according to numbers and statistics.

By hiding on the ground such huge sum of money, the lazy servant has not only broken trust but lost the value of it due to depreciation caused by inflation. He is so lazy that going to the money-changers (which is not a desired thing to do for fund managers) is a burden. Perhaps he is so distracted that he is not even aware that he has hidden his master's money. He has forgotten that his master is coming back and he is accountable for everything. Worse, he even accuses his master of being a taskmaster which is not true at all. He is not only lazy but wicked as well.

In contrast, the two servants are good and faithful who deserve rewards from their master.

1. They desire to please their master when he returns.
2. They know their given responsibility until the master returns.
3. They seize every opportunity before their master returns.

There is a fundamental difference between the lazy servant and the two trusted ones. The relationship with their Master. The faithful acts of the two faithful servants stem from a sound relationship with their coming Master. The previous parable about the virgins illustrates the same ingredient missing in the five foolish virgins. Therefore, Jesus uses these stories to drive home a point - your relationship with God somehow determines your obedience to Him.

The kingdom of God is soon climaxing and reaching its shore on earth. Will our Master find all His servants doing their very best for Him? Again, Jesus has no Plan B, we are the only lights in the world today. Are you hiding or are you shining?

Next: Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/07/parable-of-sheep-and-goats.html

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

2010-07-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

Ashley feels ecstatic when the results are announced. She has won third place in the essay writing contest in her school thus enabling her to enter the national competition next month. Both of her best friends, Julie and Lisa are first and second respectively.

“Hey! Julie! Congrats for being the champion! You are the best!” Ashley grabs her shoulders. “You did well too, Ash,” Julie grins. Lisa holds her second placed trophy high up as she meets them standing at the foyer and they celebrate noisily.

“You know what, since we are in this together, I suggest we meet to study together. Let’s do this for our school, Ok?” Lisa proffers. Julie agrees wholeheartedly. “If I can find time to study like you girls,” Ashley shrugs. “Yes, you can! All it takes is a little focus,” Lisa retorts.

Ashley has been inconsistent these couple of months in school as she hangs out with some wild school mates. Julie and Lisa have taken time to advice her against spending too much time on outside school activities but to no avail. They know she is a smart girl. And her third prize win proves them right.

Ten days to the Competition…

“I wonder where is Ash?” Julie looks concern. Ashley had joined them for their first meeting and since disappeared from their sight. Maybe she likes doing it alone,” Lisa chips in. She then takes out her phone and calls Ashley. “Yeah,” the faint voice on the other line answers. “Ashley, it’s only ten more days to competition. Will you join us?” Lisa requests. “I am very tired. I’ll call you back,” Ashley replies annoyingly. The line goes dead. “How?” Julie asks. “I think she slept late last night. Anyway, we have to do what is best for us,” Lisa shrugs and takes up a reference book.

Two Days to the Competition…

“Hi! Ashley, you don’t look so good,” Lisa confronts her. “I don’t feel so well. Anyway, do you girls still have those meetings together? I think I need to brush up my skills,” Ashley asks, somewhat desperate. “I don’t think so. We have done everything we need to be prepared for. Moreover, there were so many discussions already covered,” Lisa answers unapologetically. “Oh. Can you and Julie help me? I don’t want to lose this opportunity,” Ashley begs. “I am sorry, Ash. We have some other works we need to finish as well. I want to help but time is not on our side now,” Lisa replies annoyingly. Ashley senses her heart beating a little quicker than usual. She quickly rushes to the library without saying goodbye to her best friend, Lisa.

Competition Day…

Ashley finds that desperation doesn’t help her in this competition. In fact, she knows she does not stand a chance in winning any prize. She has secretly wished she could at least win $2,000 third prize money to help her through college. The three friends decide to meet at the cafeteria for a drink after the submission.

“Wow! I am so excited about the competition! The school has announced a special prize if anyone from here wins the top-three place, apart from the prize money!” Julie exclaims confidently. “What’s that? What’s that?” Lisa yells delightedly. “There is going to be a big party organised for the winners and…and…a full scholarship for any college we choose to go!” Julie jumps up and dances.

As expected, Julie wins the first prize for the National Championship and her friend, Lisa, comes in second. “Let the party begin,” Julie screams. As they celebrate joyously, they see Ashley standing outside the hall. A sad look on her face says it all. She knows that she has missed it, this great opportunity that will not come knocking at her door, again.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is found in Matthew 25:1-13.

After strong verbal rebukes at the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matt. 23), Jesus now turns his attention again to His disciples. He knows his time on earth is nearing the end, begins to tell the disciples the end of the age. The audience must have been enthralled with such details of the future. As with all God's prophets, Jesus will not only deliver information, He offers sound godly advice.

Two words stand out at this hour of His teachings, “Keep Watch!”

Everyone must keep watch during the soon coming of the LORD Jesus Christ again. This time, the LORD is coming with God’s wrath! What troubles the listeners is the uncertainty of the timing of His coming. Therefore, Jesus warns them to take heed of the signs of the times!

In this parable, Jesus adds the phrase, “At that time” (Matt. 25:1). It tells about the soon consummation of the rule of God in His kingdom. There will be two groups of people on the opposite extreme in this story. One group rejoices rapturously, participating in the most marvellous wedding celebration. The other, locked out in darkness, knowing and hearing the celebration but unable to enter. No wonder there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. In fact, Jesus warns of intense suffering for all those who reject the coming of their Master (Matt. 24:51).

The foolish virgins represent one side of humanity who knows the wrath of God is coming but chooses to live carelessly in the world. They know that they haven’t got enough oil for their lamps but still they are asleep like those who have the oil (Matt. 25:3-5).

The virgins are usually friends of the Bride and Groom in wedding ceremonies in ancient Palestine. When the Bridegroom comes to fetch the Bride to go to his parents’ house at night, these chosen girls joyously play the guiding lights for them. And they become participants in the grand wedding. The Bridegroom will be very happy for them, thus inviting them for the grand celebration! Perhaps, rewarding them for their effort, anticipation and passion! The wise virgins create even greater joy in the celebration.

The foolish virgins deserve nothing from him. They were invited to participate but did not keep their part of the bargain. Due to their foolishness, there may not be enough lights for more people to walk to the house of the Groom's parents. Some may even lose their way. When they finally get their oil for their lamps, they are refused into the celebration. Their lack of enthusiasm for the Bridegroom’s coming speaks about their relationship with him. They show disrespect on his big day, a once-in-a-lifetime occasion (Matt. 25:11-12).

The main reason people take for granted the Lord’s Second Coming is not the delay in His coming but their lack of enthusiasm in the Person of Jesus! If the wonderful promises of Jesus and the miraculous signs and wonders He performed still not do the work with these foolish people, nothing will. However, in this parable, Jesus is concerned for all His disciples, in every generation, that they do not fall away.

Whether there is a delay, distraction or deception...

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour (Matt. 24:13).

NOTE: There were debates in regards to the identity of the 10 virgins. Some say they are the tribulations saints at the Second Coming of Christ as the next two parables in Matthew (Rapture would have already taken place by then). My interpretation is that Jesus would want everyone to be prepared, either the rapture of the church or His second Coming. The oil that the foolish virgins should have been carried along can also represent the Holy Spirit (which is quite consistent in the Bible). If that is so, then the five foolish virgins may represent those who have heard about Christ but unregenerated at the heart. Judging at their same appearance as the five wise virgins, they might even call themselves Christians. These are the ones Paul wrote, "..having a form of godliness, but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).

Next: The Parable of the Talents

http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/07/parable-of-talents.html

THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING BANQUET

2010-06-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Aaron hears the sounds of the motorbike approaching. He has been eagerly waiting for a letter about the project he tendered a few weeks ago. Smiling as he reaches out to take the pile of letters from the surprised postman. “Thank you, Mr. Postman!” Aaron utters quickly. Sitting at the steps to his house, he swiftly tears open the letters. “Bills, bills, bills, Ahhh,” he mutters and then springs up. Jumping with delight, Aaron punches his fist in the air. “Finally, I made it!” While he still prances around, his eyes catch hold of a letter on the ground. “How could I miss this beautiful letter?” he whispers. Tearing it, his eyes begin to widen.

Jimmy looks at his new signboard at the flower shop he owns. Just ten minutes ago, the last customer had bought a large amount of flowers for his new company. For the past few weeks since the shop opened for business, every evening, Jimmy would stare at his shop and smile. Success is indeed sweet for him as he has failed many times in business before. His wife pats on his shoulder and whispers, "Darling, today it is another record sales for us.” Jimmy hugs her and both of them grin, looking at the beautiful designed sign on top of his shop. “Before I forget, Darling, there is a letter for you,” Jimmy’s wife tells him. “Here, see what it says”. Jimmy opens the letter and stares at it with a stunned face. “What’s wrong, Darling?”

Christopher gazes at his wife as she lays there sleeping. His mind flashes back at the time when he had to work doubly hard just to get her attention. The pressures he suffered at the hands of so many other admirers, going after her including some of his close friends. The world stood still on that fateful day when she said, “Yes, I will marry you.” He gives his beautiful wife of two days a kiss on the cheek without waking her up. “I will never trade her with anything in the world,” he whispers to himself. Upon waking up en route to the bathroom, he sees a letter on her dressing table. He takes it and slowly opens the beautiful decorated letter. Reading it, he slumps down onto a chair.

Aaron, Jimmy and Christopher are the adopted sons of Mr. Rodney. He had taken them in to his home when they were orphans at a centre. There were many others he generously offerred a chance to lead normal lives. He now wants them to celebrate the handover of his entire business to his own flesh and blood, Rodney Junior. Rodney Senior wants all his adopted sons and daughters to come home and rejoice with him.

Aaron, Jimmy and Christopher at a restaurant nearby.

Christopher: Have you received the second letter from Uncle Rodney?

Aaron: Yes. I am not going. What is there to celebrate? Absolutely nothing for us.

Jimmy: Everything is Rodney Jr. I am fed up. Did he once talk about giving me a slice of his vast estate?

Aaron: That’s right. I have to work like a dog. Anyway I can’t go as I have just won a tender. I don’t even bother to let him know.

Christopher: I rather spent my time looking at my wife than to see Rodney Junior’s face.

Jimmy: By the way, did you see the news yesterday?

Christopher: What happened? I didn’t as I was busy.

Aaron: I know you are busy with your beautiful wife. It is reported widely that some adopted sons of Uncle had beaten up some servants who came to invite them to go. Now the police are investigating.

Christopher: Whew! I won’t go to that extent. I am jealous but not until you beat people up. Just don’t go. That would break his heart and show him how we feel.

Jimmy: Anyway, my business is starting to pick up. It is also none of my business going there. To go there and just clap for his son, eeiew!

They walk out of the restaurant green with envy and decide not to participate.

The news has reached Mr. Rodney that all his adopted sons and daughters had refused to go back home and celebrate with him and his only flesh and blood. The party needs to go on as foods have been catered and canopies are all set up. He recalls with tears how he treated all of them with dignity and respect and brought them up to live normal lives. In his down trodden state, he decides to listen to his heart one more time. This time, he invites the poor again to his home, those who can’t afford to even survive.

At the party...

Mr. Rodney gestures to the crowd to address them. “Thank you for coming to celebrate the handover of my business to my only son, Rodney Junior. I am saddened by the fact that all those I have treated so well have rejected my invitation to celebrate this occasion. They have spurned my generosity. I invite you here not only to feast and celebrate the occasion. I invite you here to tell you that my son, Rodney Junior will inherit what I do. To invest all my money to help people live normal lives. All of you here today will get a slice of my vast estate. But one thing you must do. To help others enjoy what you have."

At the party, Rodney catches hold of one man without a tag. He has gate-crashed in. By the look on his proud face, he is neither poor nor wanting to share Rodney’s dream. He swiftly calls security and warns him not to come near his house anymore. He is not welcomed at all. Mr. Rodney has learnt his lesson well. Not everyone responds to generosity with generosity. These people don’t deserve even a cent from him.

The parable of the Wedding Banquet is found in Matthew 22:1-14 and one with a difference in Luke 14:15-24.

The crucifixion of Jesus draws near and He lays his cards on the table. The parables get clearer, especially to those who oppose Jesus and what He came to do. The story irks the religious leaders and they know that Jesus is rebuking them. They had treated badly all God’s messengers, right from the Old Testament up to the present time. Not only they reject God’s messengers, they reject even His Son.

However, to those poor and common people, they are delighted to know they are also invited for the banquet. God shows no favouritism, whoever willing will get in. All are invited regardless. But only few choose to go. It sometimes defies the mind.

So, some are angry with Jesus for telling this parable. Some are happy that Jesus mentions the poor, delighted that they are loved and called to participate in the Kingdom of God. But there are also people who are upset with those who refuse to go to the banquet in this parable. Wedding banquets are such joyous occasions. Sometimes even the whole town rejoices and it normally takes a week of celebration. How could anyone refuse to go after being so cordially invited over and over again? The person who sent the invitation is not a commoner for crying out loud. He is the KING! Come on! This is exactly what Jesus wants to accomplish with parables. To introduce radical kingdom living involves telling something radical. A parable that creates tension and at the same time, portrays hope!

To put it in the nutshell, God has sent out an invitation to the world. God’s intense love for mankind brings out the best in Him: sending His only Son to suffer punishment on a cross. You can make excuses or you can outright spurn Him, the decision you make is God’s decision to allow you to participate in the greatest Party in history. The Wedding of God's Only Son!

Have you made the choice?

Next Parable: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-wedding-banquet.html

Book Review – JESUS MANIFESTO - Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola

2010-06-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

Have we lost Jesus? What is the consequence of losing Jesus?

The answer to the first question is “almost” and to the second, “everything!”

JESUS MANIFESTO is to me a timely Book, a Now Book in a time where Christians did almost everything, sometimes wonderfully efficient, without clearly giving glory to Jesus who is everything we existed for! This book sets me free from knowing there is much more about Jesus that I don’t even realise. So much I thought I know and then comes this spoiler! Jesus Christ is so simple to understand yet so profound to grasp. It is so easy to learn about Jesus, yet so difficult to study Him.

Throw out WWJD, reject imitating Christ and start to embrace the imparting of an implanted Christ in all of us. Those were revolutionary thoughts to me. Sometimes it is so comfortable to do everything we know and are familiar with. JESUS MANIFESTO invites us to go where most of us would resist, like just doing what the Father asks us to do. Is that difficult? Seems like it. This is because we cinch it. We have everything under control. Take away that control, pry open our grip, we may find ourselves shoving and kicking in disagreement.

One of the most compelling messages for me in this book is that the church is Jesus Christ in corporate expression (Pg. 143). Before I am lost into the mysterious world of the Person of Jesus Christ, I am awakened to that familiar word I grew up in. So much so that the authors want to restore the supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus Christ, they hit the nail in bringing out the community called church which we can express ourselves. They put it succinctly; Jesus Christ cannot be separated from His church (Pg. 141).

Clearly, I am mesmerised quite a lot by this Book as I am seeking Christ more and more in these trying times. But to those who stroll through their Christian walk casually may find this Book a little bit boring.

I give 4 stars to this Book.

Disclaimer: Jesus Manifesto was provided free to me by Thomas Nelson through the BookSneeze program for the purpose of this review.

THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS

2010-06-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Richard high-fives Tony and cheers resound from across the room. Another deal is done, another feather in their caps. Hi-Vision Co’s southern sales division have again achieved another record-breaking year. Popularly called “The Duo”, Richard and Tony, are now known as the company’s highest achievers in its 30-year history.

As Richard sits grinning at his office desk, the phone rings. On the other line, Chris Lang congratulates him for a job well done. As the CEO and the owner of the company, Chris keeps tabs on everything that is going on in all divisions even though he often goes abroad for a long period of time.

“I am in China and I heard of the news. Tomorrow night, bring your whole division to a nice fancy restaurant. My treat,” Chris speaks with a sense of pride.

“Oh.. Okay, Thank you, Mr. Lang!” Richard answers.

“I am coming back to join in the celebration,” the CEO announces.

“Okay. Er..That’s great!” Richard replies with a startled tone. Due to his success, the other three sales divisions hail him as “Our Director”, directing the vision of the company. And it seems Mr. Lang’s coming back may take away some glory from him.

“Mr. Lang, I have little news I need to brief you,” the top sales executive tells the CEO. “Few days ago, Ray and Cindy where you brought in to oversee all the sales divisions have resigned.”

“I know. They called me,” Chris answers quickly.

“Oh…,” Richard clears his throat. His confidence wavers a bit. “I told them to stay but they insisted on going,” he adds.

“Is there anything else going on that I need to know, Richard?” Chris Lang enquires.

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Your son, Jonathan also intended to leave the company and I told him no,” Richard informs his Boss. “I bet he would have called you too,” he continues, rushing to get this off his chest.

“Yes. He did call me. He said he was threatened but I laughed it off,” the Boss speaks calmly. “Anyway, he is so stressed that I asked him to take a long leave,” he adds, sounds a little bit disappointed.

“Is that so? I am sorry for him,” Richard offers his sympathy.

“Okay then. I see you tomorrow night,” the CEO bids goodbye and ends the conversation.

At the restaurant….

Before Chris Lang walks in, he can hear shouts of joy and clinking of glasses in the room. To his surprise he sees groups of people from the other sales divisions joining in the celebration. “To our Director!” they shout in unison, laughing out loud. One man yells, “I propose a toast to ‘The Duo’, not only for their astounding achievements but also someday, they may even take over the whole company.”

As he turns around to address the crowd, he bumps into Mr. Lang. The whole atmosphere changes to an awful silence.

“Oh, Boss! I…I thought you will come in later,” Tony stammers.

Chris takes a glass of champagne and says with a poker face, “I propose a toast to Richard and Tony and the rest of the Southern Division, a grand farewell from the company.”

“Boss, you are kidding, aren’t you? I present to you, Mr. Chris Lang, the Joker,” Richard quickly chips in. No one laughs. The silence is deafening and embarrassing.

“Boss, I gave my life to this company. Hey guys, you promised me that you back me up in this,” he adds in desperation.

“Your division has been threatening all the employees of this company and you think I don’t know,” Chris thunders. “And success has got into your heads. You have depended on the platform in Hi-Vision Co for all your success. You owe me everything. And I know what you did to my son,” he adds angrily.

Meanwhile two familiar faces stroll into the room, like they are waiting for the right moment.

“Richard and Tony had told us that if we don’t leave the company, we will be in for a hard time. I was threatened many times,” Ray recalls his side of the story.

“They deliberately blocked my car on my way home and some of my files went missing. No one dared to cooperate with us due to ‘The Duo’,” Cindy interjects.

Some police officers rush in when Chris calls for them. “Richard and Tony, you guys have a lot to explain to the officers with your intimidation, fraud and all,” he speaks sternly, shaking his head.

As ‘The Duo’ are hauled away, Chris signals for all Southern Division staff to go too. They gladly leave knowing that they are spared from being arrested as well. As they scramble out, they see a dashing young man wearing a smart tuxedo walks in. Jonathan Lang, the son of the CEO, stands in front of all those remaining in the room.

“I have an announcement,” Chris finally speaks with a smile. “My son, Jonathan will now be the CEO of the company.” The crowd breaks out in thunderous applause, relieves that peace has finally settled in Hi-Vision Co.

The parable of the Tenants is found in Matthew 21:33-41; Mark 12:1-9; Luke 20:9-16.

As the time draws near for Jesus to eventually sacrifice His life on the cross, His teachings and tone of language begin to change. From a lovey-dovey appearance, Jesus now presents provoking messages both to His disciples and the religious authority.

This parable is indeed fiery and sharp. Like the prophets of old proclaiming their prophecies, Jesus pronounces judgment to those who reject Him and what He stands for. Jesus warns them through the parable that their rejection of Him is the rejection of the Cornerstone of God which is the Messiah. In fact, to reject Jesus is to reject God’s Word, thus God Himself.

The Chief Priests and the Pharisees have lost much of their popularity as Jesus takes on more followers. They see their ‘religious kingdom’ being torn apart while Jesus’ Kingdom of God is gathering steam. In their pride to protect their power, no one must stand in their way. Even Jesus who did tremendous miracles, believed to be a prophet by the masses, must be killed off. With their eyes blinded and ears bound with dullness, they will never grasp what God is doing through His Son. All they know is that Jesus spoke the parable against them, protraying them as the ones that persecute the servants of the Land Owner. Jesus warned them against repeating history of God's prophets being persecuted and killed by the religious leaders!

All three gospel writers have captured this all-important parable to warn people of rejecting Jesus. So many people today build their own little kingdoms without the Cornerstone. In the end, there can be nothing but brokenness and destruction.

There are several meanings to the usage of cornerstones…

1. A stone that forms a corner or angle in a structure in making sure that the building is evenly balanced and stable when completed.

2. A stone prominently situated near the base of a corner in a building as a foundation stone. Such a stone, often inscribed, laid at a ceremony marking the origin of a building.

3. A fundamental principle or underlying concept: base, basis, foundation, fundamental.

4. An indispensable and fundamental basis: the cornerstone of an argument.

To make it plain and simple, rejecting Jesus means living a life which is unbalanced and meaningless. There is no foundation whatsoever to stand on, no past nor future to base on. These people just live for the present and the only treasure is the pleasure of this world.

Rest assure that all of us will give our account to God one day. You can be very successful in the world but success without Jesus is no success! In fact, you will be cornered by the Cornerstone when the time finally comes.

Jesus is the centre of earth’s history. History is literally His story.

(Col 1:16-17) For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Therefore, let Christ be the centre of our lives! With Christ as the cornerstone of our lives, we will not only stand firm, we are ready for battles ahead to expand the kingdom of God!

Next: Parable of the Wedding Banquet.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-wedding-banquet.html

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS

2010-05-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

“Yes, Mrs. Skyler,” Alex shouts and does an army salute to her. Everyone’s favourite music teacher asks the class to be cautious of the finals and do more rehearsals. Meanwhile, Stephen, the twin brother of Alex, nervously walks out of the class. He has this unresolved inferiority issue within him, being overshadowed by his older extrovert twin brother.

“You can do it!” a voice comes from behind Stephen. Mrs. Skyler taps on his shoulder and startles him. “Oh. Thank you,” the scrawny boy replies softly, appreciating her teacher’s every word.

“Eh..Hi, Mrs. Skyler, you are such an inspiration to me,” Alex makes a passing statement before escorting his ‘lil’ brother’ away. The teacher shakes her head at Alex’s overbearing attitude. She knows about his truant behaviour in many rehearsals she organises. Deep within her, she adores Stephen for his ‘trying my best’ spirit.

“Alex, how come I didn’t see you in the rehearsals these days? The finals are just around the corner,” Stephen nudges his brother. “Shhh..Don’t you let Dad know, Ok?” Alex quickly chips in. “Well, I am busy. Anyway, I have a couple of tunes embedded in my soul already. It will be enough for me to ‘distinct myself’, if you know what I mean,” he adds with much arrogance. Stephen thinks highly of his brother and secretly wishes he can be confident like him.

“Meanwhile Stephen, I don’t see any chance for you,” Alex quips. He loves to see Stephen’s unworthy facial expression. He does that often to Stephen and others just to keep himself more fire up. Sometimes, Stephen wishes that he had never taken music as his future career.

These finals will determine the students’ final push towards their career. Mrs. Skyler has had sleepless nights thinking about her beloved students, especially Stephen.

“I know you do not look highly of yourself in this Thursday’s finals but somehow I feel you have it in you,” she encourages Stephen in the teachers’ room. “You know what. I am not alone in this. The other teachers see it too,” she continues, speaking a little louder this time. Few teachers stand and agree with Mrs. Skyler. Stephen feels a little embarrassed but deeply encouraged. He still senses the anxiety within him but a tinge of excitement seems to appear from nowhere.

After the finals….

Mrs. Skyler looks satisfied and generally feels the performances went well. She is excited over Stephen’s playing. It was near perfection. She believes that all students must have a certain degree of anxiety in them to do well. Being too confident can be disastrous.

Alex cannot believe his eyes as he sees the red ink on his paper. Mrs. Skyler walks past and gently taps on his shoulder to console him. As his eyes turn as red as his grade, he catches hold of twin brother Stephen, smiling away. Sensing anger and embarrassment at the same time, Alex catches up with his teacher for answers to his predicament.

“Alex, I am sorry that you are being retained for another semester,” she says politely, doesn’t want to aggravate him further. “But I thought I played well,” Alex chips in angrily.

“It was a unanimous decision by all of us,” she responds. “Alex, you were playing but we felt the tunes were not embedded in your soul.”

The Parable of the Two Sons is recorded only in Matthew 21: 28-31.

Many of the parables where Jesus presented are to convey a strong message to those in authorities who think highly of themselves. This parable is spoken in respond to the chief priests and the elders who enquire about the authority of Jesus’ teachings (Matt. 21:23). Jesus chooses not to answer them, instead He puts the ball back to their court by asking them about John’s baptism, whether from heaven or from men. Jesus knows that they don’t believe in John the Baptist’s ministry. In fact they don’t want anything to do with Jesus who comes with the radical gospel. Fearing of losing more people to Jesus, they have to bite their tongues and swallow their pride to say, “We don’t know” (Matt. 21:27).

In other words, Jesus is trying to say to them, “If you guys don’t even believe in John the Baptist, how can you believe in what I am going to teach?”

Many Jewish people in Jesus’ days would say “Yes!” to him with their mouths but “My way or the highway!” in their hearts. They talk the talk but when it comes to walk the walk, they stop. Pride, legalistic mentality, or love for fame and glory may have blocked these from coming into the blessings of God. They are so full of themselves that they lose touch of what’s essential. Like the rich young ruler, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The rich think that they can buy themselves into heaven!

In contrast, many of those who think they are unworthy, “beating their chest and afraid even to look upward”, they are being touched by God. They are entering in busloads to the kingdom of Light, into the blessings of God. They may say, “No!” initially thinking they are not worthy but when they see the signs and wonders and genuine love of Christ, they believe wholeheartedly!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3).

Next: The Parable of the Tenants
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/06/parable-of-tenants.html

THE PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD

2010-05-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

The crowd paves a narrow pathway for Andy, the self-appointed leader to inch through. The sturdy and maverick worker has joined the textile factory for many years. Although he is not so much a people person but he gets the job done. Lately, he has been complaining about being underpaid for all his worth.

Andy then motions for silence. “Mr. Shane, we demand an explanation for increasing the workforce when the company is not even expanding its business,” he clarifies angrily with the owner accompanying with loud yeses from the unruly demonstrators. “Our bonuses are getting lesser as more are called to work here. We have not seen much increase of our salary over the years,” Andy continues with his clear booming voice.

The always well-mannered bespectacled owner pats Andy’s shoulder to calm him down. He steps backward and gestures the crowd to stop hounding him. “Alright now,” Mr. Shane raises his voice. “You all should know the economic condition of our town. Many people need jobs to feed their families and let us be generous to them, shall we?” he adds with deep compassion.

“We can’t please everyone. Those who put in the effort here must be compensated accordingly,” Andy shoots back confidently. Loud cheers can be heard, approving the words of their leader. “You should know by now that your factory is sustained by all these workers who have worked hard for you,” he fires another bullet to his argument, gesturing to the crowd.

Meanwhile, Tommy watches from the other side decides to call the rest of the workers to protest against Andy and the uncompromising group. “I think we should be grateful that we still have jobs,” Tommy shouts across to the crowd. “We should be thankful to Mr. Shane for employing us.”

“Hey, Tommy, shut up!” a man shouts back. The tense atmosphere almost turns chaotic. Mr. Shane waves frantically to calm the situation but to no avail. He decides to throw a small sewing machine onto the floor, tearing it apart, successfully getting everyone’s attention.

“Enough!” the Boss thunders. “All these years, have I ever cheated on you guys? Have I not paid you on time? Did I not encourage you and give you leave when someone from your family needed help or was sick? Tell me, if I ever being tough on you?” he mutters frustratingly. “I treat you like family,” Mr. Shane adds, sensing anger rising from within him.

He goes into the office and takes out a stack of files. “You know what is inside of these files, guys?” he asks them. “It’s all the contracts you signed with me. Many of your contracts with me are almost completed waiting for renewal. Do you want me to be calculative with you?”

“You know what, Andy? Your contract expires tomorrow.”

The parable of the workers in the Vineyard is found only in Matthew 20:1-16.

At first look, the landowner seems to be unfair to some workers who toiled the whole day only to get the same pay as those who worked an hour. What if they have not known what is being given to the workers who only worked one hour? Surely they will be satisfied with their pay and perhaps thank God for the owner for such integrity. When they know about it, they begin to demand for more. They have lost sight of being grateful in getting work and pay to feed their family. Not only they have forgotten to thank the owner for giving them the work, they complain and accuse him of being unfair.

During the Harvest time in Jesus’ days, many day-workers will line themselves up on the streets waiting to be called to work in the Vineyard. Normally the strong ones will be hired while some return with no work, thus having difficulty to feed their families. Many plead for work while others agree to work for a little less. All these workers depend on generous land owners. Many wish they are hired by them for a longer period of time.

Jesus tells this parable in respond to the rich young man who smugly asked Him, “Teacher, what good things must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) This man thinks he has it all! He thinks he can even perform his way to heaven! But when comes to the crunch, he deserts Jesus and walks away disgraced. Jesus must have felt sorry for him. He has so much potential yet his eyes are on material things instead on the grace of God. He fails to realise that all his riches (no one knows how he got the wealth anyway) is given by God Himself!

And the disciples fumble too when they begin to demand what they would receive after giving everything away to be with Jesus! (Matthew 19:27) This prompts Jesus to reveal blessings to those who serve God wholeheartedly but the real issue with Him is not what they get with what they do. The real reason for telling this parable is to understand the grace of God given to them and being grateful to God for His generosity.

The rich young man has a wrong attitude and so do the poor disciples. The rich man thinks he will be the first to enter God's kingdom but turns out the other way round, last, if ever. The poor disciples if not careful may be like those first workers who think they deserve a higher pay. They go away angry with the generous land owners contrary to last workers who are so grateful to being called to work because of the circumstances that they are in. The first will be last and last, first or vice versa. And hence, the parable is spoken about people who have forgotten about being grateful to God. Those first workers whose attitude is unpleasing to the landowner, cut off ties with the one who chose to bless them with work in trying times.

Do the rich people thank God for their riches today? Do the servants of God understand that it is a privilege to be given opportunity to serve the King of all kings? Let the sons and daughters of the gracious King be thankful for their salvation and be appreciative of the call of God to serve. Let us also rejoice when others are blessed by the generous God too.

Next: The parable of the Two Sons
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/05/parable-of-two-sons.html

THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT

2010-04-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Stanley paces around the compound of his house like a man going berserk. He knows this time the noose around his neck is being tightened, a situation so precarious that he is even thinking of committing suicide. The sum he borrowed has compounded and ballooned beyond his capability to settle.

The loan sharks had threatened his family incessantly even though several police reports were made. His younger sister, Wendy had pleaded with him to settle the loans as unending pressure upon them was at the breaking point. Red paints, embarrassing-worded signs and even Stanley's photos were used to intimidate his family.

He climbs the gates and quickly runs toward the back window. He whistles to his sister and slightly knocks on the panes. He sees one of the windows is open and takes a peek. To his utter surprise, he sees his dad chatting with his mom, both laughing. In fact, they are feasting on the table, happily chewing away. “Have they gone crazy or what?” he thinks to himself.

“Stanley!” a voice shouts from inside the house. "Dad, brother is back!" Wendy yells in delight. He climbs through the window and whispering to his sister to stop yelling. “Shhhh! You want your brother to die, do you?” Stanley holds her hands. “It’s okay already,” his dad speaks calmly, grinning from ear to ear. This adds to Stanley’s confusion. “What is happening?” he whispers again, looking outside the window. “Stanley, calm down!” his mom stands up and puts her hands on his face. “Your Uncle John had paid everything for you and settled the loan amount with those gangsters,” she speaks slowly, making sure he understands everything. “No…no way…Oh my God!” Stanley cannot believe his ears. “Ma, no way! Uncle John…Oh my God,” he adds, kneeling down. Uncle John is a distant relative whom Stanley doesn’t even know he has.

Stanley is in tears as each one takes turn to admonish him. “Call Uncle John right now and thank him, in words and deeds,” his dad speaks sternly. “And don’t you ever borrow again?”

Two years later…

“Stanley, now you are a real man,” the burly thug speaks proudly as Stanley returns another interest payment he borrowed from them. “Luckily the last time you have your Uncle to settle for you,” he continues, egging him on to borrow more. These loan sharks know about the golden goose in his Uncle John, as Stanley often boasted. They take advantage of his frequent visits to remisiers and his ambition for riches to press him to take a larger amount from them. “Take it. It’s all yours. Feel free to multiply it! Wish you good luck.”

Investment in stocks has become his priority as he was recently sacked from his job as a salesman. Money borrowed is being sprinkled heavily in various stocks, most of them without any thorough research but through hearsay.

“Hey you!” Stanley meets one of his former colleagues. He pushes Brandon to a corner and demands him to pay back what he has owed him. “Stan, I thought I told you to give me a couple of months more,” Brandon pleads. “No way! I have given you enough time,” Stanley presses him, knocks Brandon on his head. “I need the money, Brandon. I don’t care whether you steal from your dad or rob a bank, I want it tomorrow,” he angrily pressures his frightened debtor. Stanley needs to return some interests on his loan. Meanwhile, an older man rushes toward Brandon as he is being pushed backwards.

“Lay off my son, young man,” the man growls. His deep penetrating eyes lock on Stanley’s and the old man frightens him. “Okay! Good. You come at the right time,” Stanley retorts sheepishly. “Your Brandon owes me a thousand dollars,” he continues, becoming bolder. The angry man takes out his wallet and counts a thousand dollars for Stanley. He then hurriedly walks off with his badly shaken son, Brandon.

Next Day…

“Stanley!” a familiar voice comes a calling again. “Ok, here’s the thousand dollars for my interests for now, more than enough I believe,” Stanley speaks arrogantly. The few burly men accost him and pin him against the wall. “Listen here and listen good! I don’t know what happened but your previous donor for your borrowings has stopped giving us any money,” one gangster who has tattooed all over his shoulders speaks angrily.

“What do you mean?” Stanley shudders. “I thought my Uncle John had paid everything,” he adds confusingly.

“No! Uncle John had an instalment plan and we agreed to it. And now, he refused to pay. You are in great trouble, boy,” the thug speaks loudly.

“Ok. Ok. Let me call him,” Stanley begins to shiver.

“Is that Uncle John? This is Stanley. The loan sharks are with me and threatening me for not paying my previous loan. I thought you have paid for me,” Stanley utters desperately.

The voice on the other side answers, “Remember Brandon? I am his dad!” The line goes dead.

The parable of the Unmerciful Servant is only found in Matthew 18:21-34.

This story is a reaction of Jesus towards Peter asking about the frequency to forgive a person. Jesus does not mince His words when He says, seventy-seven times, a hyperbole to mean every time. The premises of the kingdom of heaven are unconditional love and mercy for everyone! Every single soul is precious in the eyes of God. And forgiveness is a pivotal characteristic in the Kingdom principles, never to be missed by every follower of the King of kings!

Unlike the Pharisees and religious leaders of the day, Jesus never once said something that He did not do. He always demonstrates whatever he says so that no one can point a finger at Him! His integrity is impeccable! When Jesus speaks of forgiveness to His disciples, His mind is invariably turns toward that day where He will be hung on the cross! That day would become a turning point in history for all mankind.

Jesus Christ forgave us unconditionally, without keeping record of past wrongs. So, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). To not forgive is like the parable of the Unmerciful Servant, a story that will make any reasonable person boiling in anger! That's exactly what Jesus wants to achieve when he tells that parable!

“Say sorry first and I will forgive you,” many may say. But Christ did not do that! He died for us while we were yet sinners. While the soldiers and people are crying out for his blood, Jesus proclaims, ‘Father forgive them” It is important for every son and daughter of the Kingdom to understand that unforgiveness in our life can block our spiritual growth like gangrene. More so, it blocks our influence in this world!

Note: I have learned that forgiveness and reconciliation are two separate issues altogether. You can forgive without reconciliation. Reconciliation requires two parties to come together and sort out their differences (if that happened, cool) but forgiveness requires only one. We forgive not to set the other person free, but to set ourselves free! When we forgive, it doesn’t mean that person who hurt you is free! Let God deal with that person, whichever way He likes. We are just ambassadors of the Kingdom! And Jesus is the King!

Next: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2010/05/parable-of-workers-in-vineyard.html