Hm...

I gotta find stuff to revive this blog. It's been so long!

Tune Our Ears to Heaven

I Will Tune My Ear to Heaven

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye shall turn to the right hand, and when ye shall turn to the left. Isa. 30:21

Many narratives of the Inspired Word are given to teach us that the human family is the object of the special care of God and heavenly beings. Man is not left to become the sport of Satan's temptations. All heaven is actively engaged in the work of communicating light to the inhabitants of the world, that they may not be left in the darkness of midnight without spiritual guidance. An Eye that never slumbers or sleeps is guarding the camp of Israel. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels are ministering to the needs of the children of men. Voices inspired by God are crying, This is the way, walk ye in it.
...

Say firmly: ". . . I will close my eyes to frivolous and sinful things. My ears are the Lord's and I will not listen to the subtle reasoning of the enemy. My voice shall not in any way be subject to a will that is not under the influence of the Spirit of God. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and every power of my being shall be consecrated to worthy pursuits."

Physiotherapy witnessing

Haha, this end bit of the day (Monday) felt nice. I went for Physiotherapy and when my turn came, the therapist commented that I looked "fresh". Apparently I looked ready to tackle a day.

But even more pleasantly surprising was that somehow he managed to guess that I'm a Christian. He asked, "Which church do you go to?" I answered, "The Seventh-day Adventist church." And he knew about Adventists.

=D It made me happy.

panic .. and then wisdom

Thank you, Jesus for giving me the wisdom to what to do, and to hold on.

Since Saturday, I've been trying to submit my application form to NUS. But I kept coming up with a Java error message. I decided to just let it rest until Sunday since the closing date is Sunday. But after I restarted my com, I still got the problem. I panicked, and I started pleading with God. "Please, please, please!!! You've got to help! No!!"

But I calmed myself down and went to the Bible for comfort. I didn't know where to turn, I just opened it and I ended up with Isaiah 49:15-16.

"Isa 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. (16) Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

I didn't panic after that and prayed, "Yes, Lord. I know you don't forget me. This is a trial for me. See me through it. You also said that whoever lacked wisdom should ask for it and it will be given. Since I know you don't forget me, I believe that promise of yours. Give me wisdom; I need it. In Jesus' name, Amen."

I tried the e-Form again but it still didn't work. Then I had a thought, that I should check under 'Contact Us'. I called several numbers, but then I realized that they weren't the right numbers. I called the number for IT, and I kept getting told that my call was in queue. I could have left a voice message, but a wise thought popped into my head: "If you hold on and wait, they will know that you're serious about needing to talk to them. Your question will be answered."

So I held on and waited patiently. After about 3 more rings of the message, the voice-machine said, "Your call is being transferred." Praise God! I got to talk to someone. I explained to her my situation and she understood. She said that they already knew of the situation and that they sent a request to Admissions that if they couldn't get the problem fixed in time, whether there could be an extension of the closing date.

That was what I was praying for. Praise God for His wisdom. He will never leave us or forget us. Amen :D

Come Christians, Join and Sing!

This morning I felt refreshed after reading Patriarchs and Prophets, the end of the chapter on Cain and Abel. After that I felt impressed to read Amos 5. I scrolled down and my eyes fell on this verse: "Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph."(ESV)

Following that I had a recollection of one episode of Pathways of Our Pioneers. "Those of you who have clean hands and a pure heart shall be able to stand."

I looked up James 4 and searched Psalm 24. A good reminder of what we need to remember. I read the remaining part of Amos 5 and it's a woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord because it's dark. But getting the feel of that chapter, and what I've read in James and Psalm 24, it is only those with clean hands and a pure heart who can withstand the Day of the Lord.

Blessing

Hey guys,

A large number of us didn't go to the Bible training. I want to share one great highlight. For the first time ever, we did something Mrs Finley called conversational prayer. One person in the whole group starts praying (each person just a few sentences), and when another person feels impressed to pray just go for it and every now and then someone starts singing a hymn and everyone follows. Tonight it lasted about 15 minutes. Tonight for the first time I nearly burst out wanting to say a prayer but unfortunately my introvert side won out.

When Mrs Finley talked about the coversational prayer, the feeling everyone gave off was "what??" That was a rather powerful closing to a night's meeting in my opinion. The Holy Spirit felt very near and quite honestly on the mrt I also started to continue praying. It was quite contagious. The spirit of prayer was the thickest I've ever sensed in my life and honestly it did not feel like 15 minutes. It was quite wonderful.

Reporting out,
Matthew

surprise evaluation

I took an online quiz to determine what time I am. Interesting I'm compared to a cat, I love cats.

You're 6:49 a.m.

You're the time of day right around sunrise, when the sky is still a pale bluish gray. The streets are empty, and the grass and leaves are a little bit sparkly with dew. You are the sound of a few chirpy birds outside the window. You are quiet, peaceful, and contemplative. If you move slowly, it's not because you're lazy ? it's because you know there's no reason to rush. You move like a relaxed cat, pausing for deep stretches that make your muscles feel alive. You are long sips of tea or coffee (out of a mug that's held with both hands) that slowly warm your insides just as the sun is brightening the sky.

Share Him

Yesterday, I prayed at bedtime for instruction on my tithe, about what I should do. Only this morning, I realised that the instruction had been given already.

Last night I watched 3ABN and news from ShareHim.org touched my heart. The music drove it home. This morning I remembered the warning dream from 4hispeople.com to be aware of how my tithe is being used. I am convinced that directing my tithes to ShareHim is the way He wants me to help the labourers spread the Good News.

EDS?

No, not the erectile dysfunction, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (hypersomnia). For some reason, even now, I feel so sleepy. I usually have 6-8 hours sleep, but I've not had this kind of sleepiness during the day.

Originally I thought it was a lack of sleep, but this even persisted with 9 hours sleep, and not even the Doctor Who soundtrack can kick off this stupor.

Then I thought it was circadian rhythm problems, but it doesn't make sense. Why now?

Either way, it's lowering production at work (not really for pay; I'm helping my mum with file sorting and quality checking and all sorts of stuff).

For some reason today I just thought of my granduncle. So out of the blue, caught me off guard. I don't remember that man's face, only his wife, who is my grandmum's sister. I don't know much about him, other than what's already in wikipedia.

Lord Michael Chan. Hmm...this is a rather depressing thought isn't it? That the only amount of info I know comes out of wikipedia :-(

"Michael Chew Koon Chan, Baron Chan, MBE (6 March 1940 – 21 January 2006) was a Singaporean-British physician and politician, of Chinese descent..."

How'd he get so high up in the first place?? I didn't even know why he left Singapore.

Kind of sad, that the only time I saw his face was at his son's wedding (last year) but I've already forgotten. *sigh* Maybe when that contract is given, I might for once pay a visit to my relatives in the UK.

Went to London once, but all I remember of it was the amount of trouble my family had while trying to cross the road. Maybe if my family is able to go on vacation again, we could go visit Cardiff, where Torchwood is set. Rather hard to pronounce it without laughing :-) It's so tempting for me to slur the 'r'.

I was pleasantly surprised that there's even a road in Singapore called Cardiff Grove and a Cardiff Court. I really wonder how we get all these street names. Potong Pasir, Simei, Sembawang, etc. Never quite figured that out.

Signing out,
Matt C

Higher Ground

In this post, I want to tread carefully, because I fear the possible repercussions that might happen should I become complacent as a result of the meaning of this dream.

It was March 25, Tuesday, while sleeping (ie. 1-6 AM) that I had these two dreams.

1) This one was rather short. It kept switching from 1st person to 3rd person. I stood in a building I didn't recognize, when suddenly a tornado engulfed the building. The odd thing about it was that it just "formed" around the building. It didn't start with a funnel in the sky; it just showed up. Everything around me broke and got sucked into the tornado, but I just stood calm in the middle. That's when it got creepy. With the wind roaring, I heard a distinct laughter that wasn't one of happiness, but sounded more like a sadistic laugh. It sounded like a mix of a man and woman's voice. That's when I woke up from bed while still night. I felt tired still and slept again.

2) I walked out of a small cubicle's door, just after my mom told me to tell Dr. Loo (from another SDA church who's also my family's GP) about my worries. I walked a short ways when I looked to my left and saw a member of my church in Singapore (also named Matthew) teaching kids in Sabbath School. What surprised me was that the children weren't noisy. They talked in soft voices, paying attention to Matt. I realized that the whole small office space was crammed with Singapore SDA church members (and there weren't a lot, but still crammed). Then I walked into the main office space and saw a table in the center.
Dr. Loo carried a number of files in his arms and laid them on the table. What was strange was that I he looked taller and more distinguished-looking even though he wore simple clothes. Then I noticed I felt warm and itchy and noticed that there was just one air-conditioning unit. Dr. Loo walked around and I told him I needed to talk with him. Several others (I saw my dad) I hadn't met gathered to listen. I asked, "It's been bugging me for some time now. I just have to ask this question. What would it have been like if they hadn't died in the explosion (no mention of bombs)?" Then the guy to my left said, "That's a rather moot point isn't it? ...(It carried on for a short bit, but I don't remember that little bit)"
Then I turned around and saw a woman I didn't recognize, and we talked a little over a small detail over the definition of the dead. She was talking about that they aren't really "dead" since in God's eyes they're sleeping (like Jesus said about Lazarus and the little girl). I said that I believe that they actually are dead from human perspective. While I talked, for some reason her blue eyes stood out like my eyes zoomed in on them (I found this weird because there's only one caucasian lady I know in Singapore that has blue eyes, but this woman didn't look like her). Then I dismissed the argument we had, saying that it doesn't really matter that much because what really matters is that those who died will be resurrected. Both of us smiled and then I woke up.

If these two dreams really were from God (and so far the evidence says yes), then it would mean that I would get to live to see the Lord's Return without seeing death.

But what I fear about this is that I may get complacent and not seek the Higher Ground day by day and with each passing moment. I wish to push onward to His throne.

It's been so long a journey since that day my life changed to start on that narrow path.

Looking back, I realise the strangeness of my life. Unlike my peers, I started actually pursuing Christ's Higher Ground while still 15, and now I'm 18 going 19. All the usual allurements for teens didn't hold, they slipped off me. The idea of doing what God wants me to do started seeping into everday life. I even gave up reading fiction, started giving up games, movies, TV, that weren't healthy influences to my spiritual life.

Come to think of it, I really can't get disappointed my friends think I'm an oddball. Being with God really gives a whole different spice to life. :-) After all, not many kids my age can say God has given them multiple dreams and reproved my sins and explicitly shown the remedy to overcome the temptation. The downside of it all? I just can't put it in words easily related to everday ordinary folk. It's as strange and different as the lives of the Draculas and Brannaghs in 'Young Dracula' (just to illustrate the vast difference) or The Doctor and humans.

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Watch Closing hymn in Music  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Tough

I'm having a tough time concentrating. I keep thinking of updates in all my favourite shows. In the past two months, I've discovered The Dead Zone and Young Dracula, TV shows. Those have been so interesting and captivating. With The Dead Zone, it's the fast-paced puzzles. With Young Dracula, it's the depth in which emotions and thoughts are portrayed, occassionally exaggerrated to emphasize.

It's strange that neither of these two wonderfully scripted shows are making it to Singapore tv.

Revive, oh slow blogger!

Oh boy, I've really not been blogging regularly.

So many thoughts of mine have been rather random. Some pertain to my current situation of masochism to my mind. I've known the dangers of wandering near fiction, yet I keep going back. Gets frustrating after all this time.

But after a while, I think I'm starting to organise the thoughts and streamline them to my desired stream of thought. Thinking about Jesus.

I've been doing it wrong all the while, and it finally started sinking in. I've shared what I found with my friends for the sake of my sanity clashing with fiction. But that's not how it should be done. The dream I had about the revitalised bread had been pointing the right way all this time. It's all about the bread. About the bread of life, the word of God.

Saturating myself at every opportunity with the word of God would direct my mind to the only One who can pick me away from fiction.

For now, back to work!

"the problem of evil"

I've thought about this recently. It's a really old question posed by philosophers to Christians about the nature of God. "If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, then why does He let evil continue in the world?"

I don't profess to know the only answer, but I believe that the reason evil continues is because it is us that the whole Great Controversy between Christ and Satan is centered on. That's right, us as in humans. Because free choice is given to us, we cannot help but be afflicted by our indwelling sin (also known as the law of sin). Human nature is desperately wicked. That is something we cannot argue with. There is not one day that goes by for a person not walking in the Spirit whereby sin is committed in some form. This also means Christians in general. Christians don't automatically walk in the Spirit upon conversion. The conversion experience isn't what empowers us to forsake every sin permanently. Conversion is just when we make a decision for which path we want to follow in.

It is because of the wicked nature of humans that evil abounds. We're self-destructive. God cannot impinge upon our free choice because it would mean that He is being an unjust God. If you read the beginning of Job in the Bible, the accusation Satan has against God is that it's because His protection is there that Job does not rebel against Him. With our case in general, it's the same thing. Satan's accusations are that we're faithful to God only because He blesses us and protects us constantly from each other. God is actually fighting for our case. Because if He is deemed an unjust God, He no longer has a right to bring us to Heaven to live with Him.

That's my current take on this, and it's not my final stance. As I learn more, this will change.

Too God-oriented?

I have my two good friends Angeline and Michel about my attitude of late. They both agree that I've been so God-oriented on my blog and on MSN Messenger, that it's starting to freak them out. I look back and I agree with them that it's been so God-oriented. But I shall reveal why it's been hard for me to give up talking about God so frequently.

1) There have been an uncountable number of times I have seen God at work, especially with school and nature, I just can't help it! I haven't posted on my blog, or talked about, anywhere near the number of miracles that have happened to me even in one week. That's partly because a lot of things happen during the day and I forget because I don't tell anyone (if I did, I would freak others out. So Angeline and Michel, I actually am already restraining. It's been a struggle not to pour out everything to you guys.).

Just yesterday, Friday, I woke up late for my chemistry lab (starts 7:30 AM) and if I'm later than 10 minutes, I am not allowed to take the lab, and get a 0 for it. I had already missed 2 labs because I forgot my goggles. If I missed another, I would get an automatic 0 for the whole course for the semester. My dad rushed me to the lab in the car, and I was freaking out and prayed to God anxiously in my mind. When I dashed into the lab, I asked my TA if I was too late for the lab. He said, "Matt, you're a lucky guy. You just barely made it." I asked my TA later how barely I made it. He said I made it by about 15 seconds.

2) Talking about God is my greatest hold on reality. Michel might remember my hammering talk about getting rid of fiction reading. Here's the dark side of me you never knew, Michel:
It's because I was losing my mind. The years I spent reading, watching and playing fiction are getting to me. I'm unraveling. Talking about God's miracles has been the only remedy that's worked with keeping me in touch with reality. Even the tremendous heartache MATLAB has been causing me hasn't kept me attached to reality. It still seems dreamy.
Michel, I spoke to you about the dangers of fiction because I am really decaying from it. God has been the only reason I'm not caving in to the allurements fiction has in store. Because I've been pleading with Him to help me with this stubborn condition.

I didn't want you to start suffering like I am at some point in your life. My mind just abruptly switches to fantasy mode without my being aware of it. It just happens. It's like I black out while still remaining awake. Compelling images of fantasy sweep across my mind and I forget them immediately upon snapping back to attention to the lecture.

3) Nothing makes me happier. Seriously. Talking about God grants me a peace of mind I can't feel with other things. It's interlinked with (2).

Mormon encounter (The Holy Spirit was there)

Ok, lame title. But on Wednesday, I saw the two Mormon guys on campus again, answering questions about Mormons, and I wondered if God meant for me to talk to them. I was hesitant because I didn't know what to say. Their poster read: "Question of the Day .... Is there life after death?" I was tired, so I went into the lecture building and lay down to sleep. I prayed, "My Father, if you want me to talk to them, I really need to have your Spirit with me, because I have the tendency to forget what to say. I'm bad at humbling my heart to let your Spirit work through me, so please humble me instead. I also need this rest if I'm going to be alert enough for the talking. In Jesus' name, Amen."

The last bit was a bit strange, I know. Here it seems God wants me to talk with them, and I'm more concerned about my rest. My nap ended up being useless because I kept being restless. I couldn't get beyond ten minutes of resting. So I got up, went outside, and sat on one of the stone benches near where those guys were. And strangely enough, at the same time I went outside, a guy (Dave? I can't remember his name, but it started with a 'D' I'll just call him Dave.) started talking with the Mormon pair. I didn't pay attention to what they were saying, but after they talked for 15 minutes, I started picking up shaky arguments both sides were using for evidence. I got up and walked right next to them, and heard better what they were saying.

Dave had said that he had trouble getting the idea that the man Moroni died, got resurrected as an angel and appeared to Joseph Smith. Apparently the Mormon pair used Revelation 14:6 as evidence that it was Moroni as an angel. I asked, "But doesn't the book of Revelation distinguish between the angels, the 144000 and the Great Multitude?" They said, "Oh, you're talking about a different chapter from what we're discussing." In my mind, I really wanted to point out that Revelation was never written with chapters. But they went on with the conversation, so I kept quiet. Finally, it started going in circles, and the Mormon pair and Dave were not getting anywhere.

Dave's friend came on a bicycle and stopped by to listen. At that point, I prayed, "Father, grant me your Spirit. Give me a humble heart and mind and not ruin this opportunity you have put in front of me. Amen." Their conversation went on while I prayed, and somehow the debate about Moroni got to the point where they mentioned Dispensationalism. Dave got confused and I said, "I think what they're trying to say is something similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 24 about the signs of the end times, etc. And Jesus had said, 'Surely this generation will not die off until all these things come to pass' in response to His disciples question." Dave asked, "I'm sorry, what chapter are you talking about?" I said, "Matthew 24." "Which one?" "Matthew 24, about Jesus telling the signs of the end."

To end the round-about Dave took with the Mormon guys, I said, "Basically all this boils down to is if you believe in the immortal soul." Which it did, because if you believe in the immediate life after death, you can't really completely refute the possibility of Moroni. In the end, the Mormon guys had to leave, and I carried on the discussion with Dave. Now what was strange is that my mind didn't have some kind of determination to get a point across, which is usually the case when I want to tell someone what I know (Michel might remember this). I think that's where the Holy Spirit humbled my mind and heart (unrestrained zealousness can isolate those around you, I learned that the hard way).

We talked more about the immortality of the soul. I raised up some points like Malachi 4 and John 3:16. We ended up talking about hell a bit, and sin, etc. I went on like a motor, and I didn't retain what I said. It was as if my mind was on automatic pilot. I started shivering a little (like I always do when talking about lecture-worthy stuff to people I don't know). The next thing I knew, I last talked about Daniel 11 and how some scholars interpret it to be a strictly linear chronological one, and the problems they come across with Daniel 12. I don't remember how it got to that point. But I had to go for class and we said our quick goodbyes. Dave's friend asked if I thought the Bible was untrustworthy. I said I believe Man's interpretations to be capable of being faulty, but not the Word of God. He asked me if I'm a Christian. I said yes. He said some of what I said differed from.... I finished the sentence for him and said "unorthodox". I said something like, "Yeah, I know some of it is. But just because something's been told for so long, doesn't mean it's right." Dave's friend said, "I can't really fully understand what you're saying, but you seem to know the Bible better than I do, or at least remember it more than I do. It's been great talking to you."

So after that, we really finally said goodbye and I jogged off to the ME building for my lecture. In the lecture (Introduction to Materials Science Engineering), the guest lecturer talked about piezoelectric materials. I sat there, feeling slightly elated at the encounter, but I didn't feel happy for myself; I just thought "Thank you Father, for Your Spirit being there. So that's how it really feels like to have your Spirit doing the talking through me."

This encounter made the rest of my week really alien to me. A comforting presence in my mind kept being there. I felt this different presence urging me to curb my temper. I acknowledged it and mentally sank into it and my usual irritation and anger when I'm late did not rise up. I also felt compelled to help my father with washing the dishes and throwing the trash bags outside for pickup. Something is different. It isn't like mental numbness I sometimes get. It seems more of a "peaceful settling in to the presence". Even this Sabbath morning I didn't get all anxious and irritated at my brother for getting up late which causes us to be late for church. And as a result, we got to church only 30 minutes late; 45 minutes earlier than usual.

So what is it like being filled with the Holy Spirit? I don't think it involves being zealous or excited emotionally over a spiritual truth or in praising. But rather, it is an urge for righteousness and an urge to speak the things of God. It is a "settling" that stands firm on its own. A "settling" such that the things of earth that trouble you no longer appears too terrible to bear. None of it being something stirred up by ourselves, but rather, it is like letting the Shepherd carry you. And He does carry you once you let Him. Unfortunately, however, I think what this Age in Christianity needs to know is how to let Him carry us. It seems different from what we usually hear. It isn't just praying for Him to come in. It isn't about mental assent. I tried that before, and it isn't really a surrender to Him. Unfortunately, this isn't something that can be taught. It isn't something we can try to stir up ourselves. All I can say, is that from this experience of mine, the only way to describe being in harmony with the Spirit of God is "The Settling of Truth Into His Open Arms".

Another strange dream

In the dream, I am watching a TV commentary of some kind, about the situation in the Middle-East. Then the scene changes, and the voice of the commentator comes on. The dream had changed in which I am now in a conference room of some kind. I see the one whose voice had done the commentating. A woman next to him asks, "Are you sure about this ____?" (I don't remember the commentator's name. He replies, "Yes, so many have already died!" The scene then shows a zoom-in of some kind of planning board that looks 3D, and I see destruction of buildings, and fires everywhere. The dream then ended. When I woke up, I was not terrified, but the dream left me stunned. It felt poignant and somehow important. It has been a really long time since I last had a dream that memorable.

Peace with God

On Sabbath morning, I arrived late to church because I had trouble getting my father and brother out of bed (both slept very late).

Let me back up to Friday night. Right before I slept, I prayed to God about communication with His people. I said something along the lines of, "Our Father in heaven, please speak to men like in the days of old since Jesus is coming. Prepare a people for Your work. Please reveal all things to Your people since Jesus is coming."

On Sabbath morning, I arrived late to church. I sat down, and right at that moment, the pastor talked about having Christ as Lord of our lives. I had heard it before, but for some reason this time it rang through my being with the power that only accompanies truth from God. I came to a spiritual realization of what it meant to have Christ as Lord of our lives.

A turning point to my experience! Now I feel blessed that I have let Him be LORD of my life.

Reality (This truly comes from my heart; a burden for my peers)

Reality. What does it mean to me? For as long as I can remember, I have always wished for something beyond the ordinary to happen to me, just like the characters in fantasy books. Coming into a power greater than any mortal can comprehend. It was this wish of something more that I continued down that treacherous path of being absorbed in fiction. A longing for something more; something monumental; something that could shake the world.

But now that I've come into a realization of this reality; the imminence of Christ's return. Now, oh now do I realize the damage caused by indulging freely in fiction. When the actual window of opportunity to grasp something more, something that transcends the bounds of anything the human mind can comprehend, my mind is brought back to the decadence of fiction. It keeps me losing sight of the reality! Oh God, hear my cry! Free me from these chains of death that encompass me; these things of immorality that I let myself indulge with. If only I had people to surround me and support me in this realization! But none of my peers show any inclination to wish to come out of this great delusion. They don't realize the importance of being clean vessels for Christ! I have been told that I should live out my teen life. But there's no understanding there!

Oh Lord, help me!
Where shall I stand?
How can I stand?
What power is to be afforded,
that I may carve these things out of my being?
These instruments of sin,
the power of Satan, the Accuser!
Prepare the way for the Lord,
cleanse your hands and purify your hearts!

Why am I the only one who sees these things? Is all interest in the things of God gone from my friends? God is now being viewed by them as their Friend and Saviour. But this bleeding wound in my heart.....why don't they see Him as Lord? Why don't they see Him as King? All glory should be given to Him. All He has done for them, why can't they see? These things have been done by the Creator! No king, queen, emperor or president should be given more attention than this Searcher of Hearts. Why this apathy? They don't comprehend His majesty, but I am afraid to tell them; afraid that they will look at me with disdain; afraid that our friendship will break. So what am I to do? Not even my family understands the fear of the Lord. I feel isolated..... None of my peers seem to understand God wants them to do something. They give Him praise, yet they praise Him not in the sight of the heavenly agencies. They say that He is their Saviour, but they have not experienced true redemption.

To any of my friends reading this, I know this will sound terribly insulting. But if they only knew the pain in my heart! They refuse to try, to clothe themselves with Christ, the true Witness, whose Righteousness is the only acceptable righteousness. So far, the only one of my peers I see having anything remotely close to the faith of Jesus is Angeline. This warrior of God; her prayers a sweet incense that ascends to the Almighty! But all the others .... what can I say? I know those insulted will say, "Who are you to judge?! Do you profess to be more righteous than us?! Do you profess to know more about God than us?!" YES, I DO! But not because I myself am righteous, and not because I did anything more than God expects of those who claim to follow Him. In fact, it breaks my heart that I have done less than what He expects of me. But thank God, through Christ I can claim victory! Through Christ, and through Christ only am I righteous. Only because I have no faith in my capability of being righteous; but by having faith that Christ's Righteousness is mine to assimilate in my life, I can declare that I am righteous. My knowledge and understanding of God is not a result of scholarly study. Rather, it is through having an open mind and open heart to His guidance and admonishments, that I came to a better understanding by His Word.

For this is a prevailing deception. That God never puts us down. That is a lie, a doctrine of devils! Why? Because it speaks only half of the truth, mixed with error. It is true, God never demoralizes. But he always admonishes those that choose to reciprocate the Love that "I AM" (Jesus) is. To those that choose the Righteousness of Christ, God will admonish them when they stray from the path of righteousness. He admonished David for committing adultery. He admonished Moses for his impatience and temper. He admonished the Twelve Apostles for their lack of faith in the midst of the storm. He admonished Peter for his confidence in his loyalty to Him.

Oh, if only I could give voice to the things God has revealed to me. But every time I try, my mind fails me. I can't explain it other than this: STOP THIS SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS! Nothing I do will ever satisfy the Almighty's requirements that fits true righteousness. My righteousness is worse than filthy rags in God's sight; it is a putrid stench that cannot be tolerated. Only Christ, my Righteousness can qualify as true righteousness. To abide in Him, and Him in me..... then, and only then can true righteousness be revealed.

another weird dream

I can't remember all the details, but this one was about NTUC University.

I was dreaming that my parents and I were discussing about what requirements were needed to get into this university. We were discussing a newpaper article about a kid who got into it, who got perfect scores on O' levels.

Weird, huh?

Yet another two

These two happened when I took a nap.

(1) I am see a man demon-possessed and people try to stop him. I don't remember anything else about this.

(2) I am at what looks like my university's Chemistry Building. I had conversed with two people, a guy and a girl. Then, as we turn to walk away, I hear a voice that resounds so mightily that my vision shakes and blurs.

"DO NOT LET THEM GO. TURN AROUND AND TALK TO THEM."


I turn around and start talking, preventing them from going down the stairs, when a motor vehicle slams into the lobby with a mighty crash. The girl looks at the damage and says, "If we were there only a moment earlier...."

three more dreams

About 2 or 3 days ago, I had more strange dreams that were more memorable.

(1) I am in a VCR shop-warehouse. I am looking for a specific player that can playback one of those 80s or early 90s video recorders. Then I find one. I go up to the desk of the manager and hug him. I remember a warm, fuzzy, happy feeling.

(2) I look through several old movie tracks in a shop. I see one, but I don't know what it's about. I keep looking at the disc cover and I am now in the cartoon-animated movie. I see a family fighting with several characters. I don't know if they're fighting each other. Strange thing is that the family is fighting hand-in-hand with their past and future selves. Then, for some reason, the past and future selves have to depart. A strange whirlwind comes. The grandfather shouts "Remember, when you go back to your own time, you must not tell anyone about your past and future selves!"

(3) I am talking with two Chinese boys from England about how to get spare change since they don't have any. They only have one dollar notes. I tell them to put a dollar note into a vending machine and press the "return money button" to get coins in return. They look at me, not understanding what I meant. Then I say, "Don't you know what a one dollar bill is?" They say "Ohh..." I ask, "Do you use 'bill' instead of 'note' from where you're from?" They reply, "Yes."

strange dreams

I am looking through VHS tapes for some more NEST Family Bible videos. One title catches my eye "Esau". When I wake up, I start sneezing as though I had breathed in dust.

Any questions so far? (Part 2)

Part 2 of our email.
---------------------
I'm not sure you read what I said, but that's fine.

The NT is quite clear that Christ's death for all does not save all. In
fact, the cross is judgment as much as it is salvation. The fact that Jesus
died for every human being does not (automatically) save every human being,
it only makes salvation a possibility for them. Why try and convince anyone
if it is automatic anyway? To reject it is therefore all the more grave,
hence the words in Hebrew, "How can we escape if we reject so great a
salvation?"

Blessings, David


Wow, that was a fast response! I don't know how you do it.

I did read what you said, but from the slow study I took, I became convinced of that what I have just said is true. I will explain my reasons why in the next few points.

1) "The fact that Jesus died for every human being" There are two possible meanings to the word "for". The first is that Jesus died instead of us, so that we would not have to die for our sins. The second is that Jesus died for us, in that He took our corporate humanity into Him so that we, through faith in that promise, can legally say that we have already died according to the demands of the Law. In this way, it applies to all humanity. And it came clear to me after reading over and over that Paul meant the second definition.
Because Paul said, "Even as sin (singular) entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death passed to all men, inasmuch as all sinned [Rom 5:12]."
He then said, using this explanation on how sin (singular) entered the world, that "As through one deviation (referring back to v. 12) it was toward all men to condemnation, so also through one righteous act toward all men to justification of life. [Rom 5:18]"
I originally believed what you believe until I read this. Historically, Seventh-day Adventists have been predominantly Arminian in view of the plan of salvation, which is what you believe.
It is this view of all humanity being taken into Christ that I say that Christ actually saved (past tense) all of humanity at the cross, when I take into careful account the flow of Paul's systematic thinking.

2) "Why try and convince anyone if it is automatic anyway?" Because it is the Good News the people need to hear in order for them to experience the power of it. Because, as Paul calls it, the Good News is "the power of God to salvation to everyone believing" and "in it the righteousness of God is revealed". Because it has a conversion power, and at the same time, vindicates our character when we accept, because now Christ's righteousness becomes ours to testify against the Accuser, Satan. It becomes tremendously much easier to accept the salvation once it is known what had happened." Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." There is a reason Jesus said this. Because it is a power that defies human logic that accompanies the full Gospel.

In addition to that, hearing the full Gospel makes it inexcusable to be lost, which is why God wants us to tell it to the whole world. The Gospel is incredibly wonderful news, and it will be what brings about the final decision in everyone's minds. Jesus said that, "This is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil." That is the only condemnation; rejecting the Light and loving darkness instead. But in order to convince all over the world of the Light, it has to be told. Because the Helper accompanies the Gospel, which makes it tremendously easier to follow a life of righteousness, which is what God wants. The Gospel transforms the character and the way of thinking in people.

In this world of increasing evil, the Gospel is the solution. Good news is not for the holy and pure; it is for those writhing in sin and wanting to escape that law of sin in their members. It is the answer to the question "How can this degeneration be stopped?"

This is why the Gospel is to be sent to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. "And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people [Revelation 14:6]" It is not for God's benefit that He wants it preached to the whole world. Satan, the Accuser, will do his best to point out any flaws in everyone at the end. Only by accepting and experiencing the power of the Gospel can the people stand and reply to Satan's accusing finger, "Yes, we are not righteous. Only God is. But by His power and mercy we no longer stand condemned because Christ's righteousness is ours." God, through His infinite mercy, stands vindicated as well; all Satan's accusations upon the character of God will be in vain.

God wants the Gospel preached into all the world because through the power accompanying it, the people will be able to make a final decision by the time Tribulation comes. When you think about it that way, God is actually being far more merciful by doing it this way. Because He wants as many people to be saved as possible; to make sure that they know the Light in its fullness so that they will not reject it based on only a fraction of knowledge of it. So that they will be able to properly evaluate the evidence of God's Love and give their response.

And you summed it up nicely, Brother David. "To reject it is therefore all the more grave,
hence the words in Hebrew, "How can we escape if we reject so great a salvation?"" God in His mercy shows all of His goodness through the Gospel, so that a tremendous blessing and release from the prison of sin is imparted. Because as it is right now, a lot of people are blind, not knowing that Jesus had already removed their chains. All they have to do is listen to the Good News and believe it to be true. When that happens, they can legally step out of the prison cell. Otherwise, they remain unconscious of what a great event happened 2000 years ago.

Your Brother-in-Christ,
Matthew

Any questions so far? (Part 1)

This first part is an email to the guy I emailed with my lengthy talk, as well as his response, and my response to his response. After that, he asked me some questions with regards to my position on the matter. But since it's so much longer, I'll post that as part 2. What I say is in blue, what he says is in green.
--------------------
Hi David, I was wondering if you have any questions about my convictions so far? Just wanted to know before continuing on, because I am wondering if you might have the same questions I did when I first heard that outline. The next one is about the wrath of God.

Your Brother-in-Christ,
Matthew


Matthew--Young brother, you sent me a tome! I am simply too buried with
other things to go through all that line for line. I am not going to pretend
I have and respond to you either positively or negatively.

I will say this, though: If this kind of detailed unpacking of the text (I
am quite familiar with it--my Ph.D. supervisor has written one of the best
expositions of Rom 1-3 that I have ever read) is what wakes a passion in you
for the gospel, more power to you. For years I prayed, "Lord, show me the
cross, help me understand it." He answered that prayer, and the simplicity
and wonder of it has changed my life (so on this point I take issue with
your portrayal of "Christ crucified" as burned over, tired religion, though
I understand how God must use other things vis-a-vis your personality to
awake you).

I wish you the very best,
For the Cross.
David


Ah, that's nice brother David! However, the reason I feel so empowered by it though, is not its simplicity, but its implications. Taken as it is, it means that people who haven't heard the name of Jesus will be in heaven, because the instant Christ died, He took corporate humanity with him so that everyone is considered dead according to transgressing the Law's unsympathetic demands of complete obedience in body and thought, as well as the law of sin in our body. It's just overwhelming with other implications, that the holy sanctuary has taken a whole different meaning to me, as well as the Levitical laws. That is why I wish to share it with you. What Christ did saved all humanity, whether they know of it or not. But that's only the objective facts; the subjective part is that to experience the power coming through the Gospel, they have to hear and believe the promise of the adoption, when corruption will put on incorruption.

Your Brother-in-Christ,
Matthew

Romans 1:1-17

To help my friends realize why I'm suddenly so particular about everything revolving around the Gospel, I'm going to paste a copy of an email I sent to someone I know from a forum. Hopefully, this will give you insight as to why I've been acting the way I've been of late. I'm sending the guy a series of study on Romans, which I heard at the seminar, one email at a time. In the meantime, thanks for being tolerant of my recent bursts of energy.
My own text is in blue, and my thoughts were in blue, and the one from the speaker is in dark green.

Hi David!

I finally come to tell you what changed my whole perspective on interpretation. It is from Romans, which explains the Gospel in the clearest sense. But since I don't want to risk missing out everything, and end up messing up the flow of thinking Paul describes in Romans, I'll go bit by bit.

For a very long time, I have heard preachers in my church, as well as a few others from other denominations, on the radio, I got frustrated at them constantly saying: "Preach the Gospel" etc. I kept thinking, "That's all good, and I completely agree. But what is the Gospel?!! All I have heard is that the Gospel is Jesus the Son of God came as our Substitute and died in place for us at the cross, so that we would not have to face death because He loved us. That sounds like a washed-out piece of theology! It sounds discarded, like not many want to hear it and so just say it so blandly. How can I pick up the courage to tell the Gospel to others if that's all there is to it? What if they ask for details? I haven't heard any details."
I got frustrated because I refused to believe that the Gospel could be fully explained, with details, in five breaths. I ended up thinking that I wasn't going to get the whole story by listening to preachers. So I prayed for some time, on and off, to God for an opportunity to understand His Good News to sinners better. Then one day I attended a seminar talking about only the Gospel, and it was an eye-opener.

The speaker backed his case so systematically, and it made so much more sense than what I had heard before, that I ended up getting my father (who is the one with cash, I'm not working yet), who also wanted some of his books, to buy his books on Romans, Galatians, and the Heavenly Sanctuary. Up till now, I haven't finished reading the one on Romans. Also, whenever the speaker talked about the Gospel, I kept getting a feeling of peace that I have finally come across the true Gospel.

The speaker began with Paul's introduction at Romans 1:1-17. He first gave eight definitions of sin before going to Paul's writings.
1) A deliberate act against the law of God. See 1 John 3:4 .
2) A mental consent to a temptation or a sinful desire, the sin of coveting. See Rom. 7:7,8. (See also Matt. 5:27,28; James 1:14; Prov. 24:9.)
3) Neglect of known duties or opportunity. See James 4:17. (See also James 2:14; Matt. 23:23; Matt. 25:43-46.)
4) Doing the wrong thing out of ignorance. See Lev. 5:17-19. (See also Luke 12:48; 1 Tim. 1:13.)
5) Doing the right thing, like good works or law keeping, for the wrong reason or motive---Matthew 7:22,23 (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 9:30-32; Philippians 3:3-9 )
6) Our sinful natures, which we inherited from Adam. See Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3. (See also Rom. 5:19,20; Eph. 2:3b; Phil. 3:20,21.)
7) A law, principle, or constant force, dwelling in our sinful natures (indwelling sin in the flesh). This makes us slaves to sin. Therefore, holy living, in and of ourselves, is impossible. See Rom. 7:14, 20-23. (See also Luke 11:39; John 8:31-34.)

The first five definitions of sin (1-5) involve responsibility (volition) and therefore bring guilt. But the last two sins (6 & 7), which we all inherited at birth because of the Fall, does not involve guilt (responsibility) but only condemnation. These two are what makes us sinners by nature. There is one sin, however, the eighth, that Christ did not die for. This is the unpardonable sin or the sin against grace. It is the deliberate, persistent and ultimate rejection of Christ, the sin of unbelief --- John 3:16-18,36; Mark 16:15,16. Christ referred to this sin as the sin against the Holy Spirit --- Matthew 12:30-32. This is the only sin why anyone will be lost and be kept out of heaven --- Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:26-29, 35-38.

This was already very good for me to hear, because for once, I actually have a list of what definitions there are of sin. After that, the speaker went to Paul's Introduction. But since I don't remember everything he said verbatim, I'll refer to what is written in his book. It will be highlighted in dark green.

Unlike any of Paul's epistles, whether it be to the church or to individuals, this is the only letter he wrote to a church, to a body of Christians, whom he had not established or to whom he had not been. In other words, Paul, when he wrote Corinthians and Ephesians, and individual letters, was writing to people to whom he had already expounded the gospel verbally. But in Romans, he was writing to a people whom he had never met before. And, because of this, he is expounding to them all the wonderful truths of the Gospel.

For example, look at verse 11 of chapter 1. There he tells us that the purpose of writing this letter, the purpose of his coming to Rome:

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.

And then in verse 13 he says:

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

In chapter 15, verse 22 and 23, he tells us why he was hindered:

This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you....

God said to him, "No, you cannot go to Rome until you finish the work in the Middle East. You have to enter every unentered area."

The great theme of this book is expressed in chapter 1, verses 15, 16, and 17. And then he makes this statement in verse 16:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

It was quite customary in Paul's day, when they wanted to make an emphasis, to put things in the negative. So he puts it in the negative to emphasize the positive. Now I think that if Paul was living today, he would have put it in the positive because that's how it is in the western world. He would have said, "I am absolutely, completely surrounded, and I am completely excited, about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have nothing else to do but to preach it."

Paul is saying that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, because the Romans looked at the Christians as third-class citizens. The Romans had class distinctions. The Romans themselves were first-class citizens. In fact, because they were first-class citizens, it was generally understood that Romans were never crucified, because crucifixion always brought shame to your country and to your nation. So Romans, as a general rule, were never crucified; they were first-class citizens. And then the Romans looked at the Jews as second-class citizens. But the Christians, who worshipped a crucified Saviour, were looked at as third-class citizens. But Paul is saying, "Ashamed? Not at all! Why? Because I have come to you with not another philosophy."

Rome, with all her pride and all her success, had failed to do one thing. It had failed to conquer sin. And Paul was saying, "There is only one Power that can conquer sin: the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ashamed of it? Why should I be? It's the only power that can save man. As long as he accepts that salvation, as long as he believes, whether he be Jew or Greek, it doesn't matter. Whether he be wise or educated or uneducated; whether he be rich or poor, there is only one solution for man's sinful problem, and that is Jesus Christ." And then in verse 17, he defines this gospel in one phrase:

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

"It is the righteousness of God." What does he mean by that?

1. It is a righteousness planned by God.
2. It is a righteousness prepared by God without any human contribution. (We will see this in more detail as we come to chapter three, verse 21 onwards.)
3. It is a righteousness that is made available by God Himself. I want this to be clear. In the New Testament, we read that it is God Who takes the initiative for our salvation. The Gospel is not conditional Good News. God doesn't say to the world, and to you and me, "You first have to be good," or "First you must make yourself disposable to me, then I will save you." When we come to chapter 5, we will discover that, while we were helpless, incapable of saving ourselves, while we were ungodly, while we were enemies, and while we were sinners, God reconciled us to Himself by the death of His Son. God takes the initiative.

The western world, and in our church as a whole, we have twisted the thing around. We hold efforts and we tell people, "Come to our halls, and listen to the Gospel." That's not the New Testament. The New Testament, and the commission that Christ gave is: "Go into all the world" and do what? Just like God takes the initiative we must take the initiative. The world is desperately waiting for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was planned by Him, it was prepared by Him in His Son Jesus Christ, and it was made available by Him. He takes the initiative, He gets all the credit and all the glory. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In other words, what Paul is trying to present in this book is the unconditional good news of salvation, which He prepared for us in His Son Jesus Christ. That, of course, is the grand theme of all of the Bible, Old and New Testament. But, nowhere is it set forth so clearly, and argued so masterfully, as in the Epistle to the Romans.

In this book, the Apostle Paul unfolds to us the whole counsel of God:

1. He presents to us our sin problem: man's sinful condition.
2. He gives us the truth about Christ, His life and His death as our Substitute and our Surety.
3. He describes faith in Christ as the basis of making that salvation effective, or the solution to our sin problem.
4. Then he goes on to the work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification.
5. He also describes the place of God's people in this world. We have a work to do in this world! He describes that.
6. Lastly, he gives practical applications of the Gospel in daily Christian living.

So everything that we need in the plan of salvation is found in this book. It is a difficult book, because he's writing not to scholars; he's writing to people who thought so differently than our people today in the 20th century.

In closing, I would like to give a brief résumé of what this doctrine of righteousness by faith, expounded in Romans, is all about. There are four major areas that Paul covers in this book:

1. This doctrine of Righteousness by faith is a truth that tells us that God has already — I want to remind you: it is a past tense — He has already redeemed not the elect, like the Calvinists teach, but all mankind, in the holy history of His Son Jesus Christ. So that legally, all humanity — and that's the unconditional Good News of the Gospel — legally, all humanity stands justified in Christ. For example, in Ephesians 1:3 Paul tells us that:

   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed usin the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [past tense, "aorist" in the original; something that has already happened: we have already been blessed]

   And this is what Paul will expound in Romans.

2. He goes on to tell us that this legal justification, while it may apply to all mankind, has to be made effective. All mankind will not go to heaven, not because God hasn't redeemed them, but because they have rejected this salvation. This legal justification is made effective by faith alone and nothing else. It isn't by faith plus going to the Holy Land, or paying tithe, or keeping the Sabbath. Those are fruits of justification.
3. Justification by faith does not stop there. It goes beyond that. It further teaches that because you have become a child of God, God sends His Holy Spirit to indwell the believer, so that you and I become partakers of the Divine Nature. Why? That we may escape the corruption that is in the world. And by the corruption that is in the world I don't mean just the cinemas and all the other things. The corruption of the world is in us because our nature is corrupt, and will remain corrupt until the second coming of Christ, when this corruption puts on incorruption. God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. As Paul will explain in Romans 5, because of this, we are standing under the umbrella of grace. We are standing in grace. Not only do we have peace with God, we have been reconciled to Him, but we have available the power of God through the indwelling Spirit. Which means that now we can live lives that are well pleasing to God. That is the power of justification by faith or the fruits of justification by faith. In other words as Jesus said in John 15:4-5, 7-8:

   Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ...If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

   So please remember that there is a very important part of justification by faith that we need to realize. And I'll tell you why, but before I do that, let me just give you one more text: Matthew 5:14. Jesus is talking to the Christian believers, the disciples, and He's making a statement. He says:

   You [you disciples] are the light of the world....

   The word "light" in the original is in the singular; the "you" is in the plural. We are many, but we are one light, because that one light is Jesus Christ. And when Jesus came to this world, He came as a light in darkness. Now Jesus is no longer here; He's back in heaven. But His body, the church, the ecclessia, the called people are here. And Jesus said to us, "You are the light of the world." And then in Matthew 5, verse 16:

   In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

4. Finally, and this is in connection with number three, justification by faith is able to produce a community of believers, a called people. It doesn't matter what their numbers are, but it is able to produce a community of people who are so knit together in love that they behave as if they were one person. Now that is a miracle, in a sinful world. Can God produce a people who are so closely knit together that there is no jealousy, there is no bickering, but we are one heart and one mind? The Gospel of Christ can do that. And when that happens, this earth will be lightened with His glory.

   I want to close with an example because this is my concern for the Adventist church. As long as we are fighting like cats and dogs, we can never witness the power of the Gospel. So I want to give you, in closing, a text which proves that this did happen once. It was short lived, because of the perversion of the Gospel. It will happen again, and I want us to be part of it. And my closing text is Acts 4:33-35. Let's start with verse 32 because that's a key statement that's the goal of the gospel and the life of the church. Acts 4:32, listen to this:

   All the believers were one in heart and mind. [Have you got it? One heart and one soul.] No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

5. Verse 33:

   With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace [the same power now was manifested] was upon them all.

   Do you know what that means? The resurrection of Christ is the greatest evidence that God has conquered sin. Because, you see, sin takes us to the grave. If you can conquer the grave, you can conquer sin. If you can't conquer the grave, you can't conquer sin, because the ultimate power of sin is the grave. Jesus conquered the grave as the greatest evidence that He conquered sin. And the disciples with great power gave witness to this truth. Acts 4:34-35:

   There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

   Folks, that is the power of the gospel. Can it happen here, in 20th century North America, with all its materialism? The answer is yes! Because Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And He said this [John 8:32]:

   Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

This was so great when I read it. Of course, the speaker only gave an outline of what will be covered. If you disagree with what he says in the outline, just hold on till I get to the part where he explains it. Because, if there's one thing I learned at TDL, is that jumping from one point to the other without a systematic approach confuses everyone. But, so far so good.

Till next time,
Your Brother-in-Christ,
Matthew

Gave counseling

I gave counseling to my father. He felt hurt at the attitude of two church members towards his suggestion. He felt conflicted. Don't know if I helped much. But I felt God was there when I spoke to him.

Driving license acquired!

Hey ... Matt here... I get to drive with a license now! Yippee! Next step is to change it to Singaporean license when I'm 18. Isn't it great?! But this was not achieved by my work. Through the grace of God I was able to do it.

The test was on Tuesday and at 4pm, very soon after school. I prayed to God, that the roads would not be so wet, which would make driving harder. I also prayed that the sun would shine brightly to quicken the evaporation process. I also prayed that His hands would guide mine, and that He would move my body in careful movements to get everything right.

When we got to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, my dad parked his car and I looked up at the sky. Right at that moment, I saw the clouds blocking out the sun, move away from it in a circular expansion form. It was as if Clark Kent blew directly towards the sun and the clouds depart in a widening circle form. That was so cool to see! The wind (a storm) was actually blowing in one direction, and I saw this phenomenon happen. It was as if Jesus was saying to me personally, "You want to know if I heard your prayers. This is my answer. Have faith."

The instructor said I passed after a 20 min drive. She said I passed, but I drove slow, and that I needed to work on being more aware of my surroundings (I nearly hit a mailbox while doing parallel parking). PRAISE GOD! I was very nervous about being able to pass, and now I have a probationary license (it becomes an actual license when I'm 18)!

I have heard the Gospel

I now have confidence that I can say that I have heard the Gospel. I have been wondering for a long time what it really is. But now I believe I have heard it. More on this while I learn more and ruminate over what I have heard.

Galations 3 as explained to me

God has been gracious to me to show me the meaning of Galations 3. It does not condemn the adherence to the Law as many attribute it to be. In it, Paul is addressing the issue of achieving justification through works of the Law. But he never criticizes the Law.

[Galatians 3:13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us; for it has been written, "Cursed is everyone having been hung on a tree;"

However, this doesn't criticize the Law; that the Law is a curse. Jesus came to redeem us from the curse of the Law. What is the curse of the Law?

[Galatians 3:10] For as many as are out of works of Law, these are under a curse. For it has been written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all the things having been written in the book of the Law, to do them."

In other the curse is pronounced on those who do not continue in all things in the Law. This is also known as death caused by sin.

[Romans 6:23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[1 John 3:4] Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

In other words, Paul is saying that Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law, which is death. Paul isn't saying the Law is bad.

[Galatians 3:23] But before the coming of faith, we were guarded under Law, having been locked up to the faith being about to be revealed.
[Galatians 3:24] So that the Law has become a trainer of us until Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

The Law was given, not for justification, but for training in preparation until we are ready to be justified by faith in Christ. Once justification by faith comes, the Law is not discarded, but it no longer can function as a trainer. Once we get into Secondary school, the lessons of our primary school teacher does not die, but new things are added on to the still-present teachings from primary school. However, the teachings of our primary school teacher cannot teach us more about the world around us. That is how it was explained to me.

Almost all prayers answered; Hurrah!!!!

Our God is an awesome God.
The miracles He does for those who want to know Him are wonderful. This week has been empowered tremendously by the power of God. Almost all of my prayers were answered with a "YES".

On Sunday at 3pm, I went on a school field trip to Shipshewana, Indiana. The sky was overcast and the gusts of wind were very strong. On the bus and at the hotel, I prayed fervently to the God of creation that He would keep the rain away at night and on Monday morning, so that our trip would be much better. I was getting nervous that my prayer was not going to be answered with a "YES" because it started drizzling while on the minibus. However, Monday morning was spectacular to my eyes when I went down to the hotel lobby to eat the continental breakfast. I stepped outside to breathe in the fresh air and was surprised and excited that the sky was cloudless, the air was cool, and the ground was dry. HALLELUJAH!

On Wednesday, I had to prepare for my chinese oral exam (which, for my Singaporean friends, is different from the ones we got in secondary school; we get to write our own dialogue) and I was so ill-prepared. I prayed to God that He would postpone my presentation to Friday so that I could have more preparation time. When class started, the teacher scheduled my presentation to be on Friday. HALLELUJAH!

At some point in the week (I don't remember the day), I felt terrible. I had told a lie to a forum moderator. You probably won't understand the struggle I had; the situation I was in was very oppressive. I prayed with a broken heart and conscience that God would forgive me of that horrible transgression and set me free of my sins. I prayed that He would purify me and sanctify me by His Truth (I had never prayed this prayer before with real conviction). A sense of assurance came over me and I prayed, "LORD, I am now going to open your Word, fill me now with your Spirit, so that I will hear in the words what you want me to hear." I randomly opened my Bible and I opened it to Isaiah 51. It assured me of God's grace and His desire to forgive me. Praise the LORD! HALLELUJAH!

On Friday, the chinese oral exam wasn't too bad. I managed to remember almost all my lines
(my teacher narrated for me the other person; there were 2 people in my written dialogue). HALLELUJAH! Late at night, I woke up and saw my bro still at the computer and he said he couldn't find his speedo shorts. So I decided to pray to the King of the Lost and Found Agency (no disrespect here; it is a fact that He is the best one) to help me find it. About a minute later, I found it. HALLELUJAH!

On Sabbath, I had difficulty waking up my brother. He had slept after 2am. My dad had a splitting headache, so I had to iron my own clothes to go to church. It took me 30 mins to iron my shirt, and it didn't look too creased, but thank God that He helped me with ironing my shirt (I had extra pants). I normally take an hour to iron my shirt (hence, I leave it to my dad to iron). But then I had another problem. I can't drive. I prayed to the LORD to help me out. My dad self-sacrificed and drove me to church despite his headache. Before leaving, I prayed to God to keep my bro awake and not let him sleep so that he could go to church. Apparently, it was answered because he just couldn't get to sleep. But he was angry at me for disturbing his sleep so he didn't want to go to church. So I felt sympathetic and prayed on the way to church that He would help my bro to sleep and get his proper rest. From what my bro said, it was also answered "YES". And although it was answered with a "YES" right at this moment, my prayer that God would heal my father of his splitting headache as a reward for his self-sacrificial act was answered. For 5 answered prayers IN ONE DAY... HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

The Necessity of Prayer in the Last Days

Here's a Bible study I recently took part in. It is something every Christian needs in these times. Whoever reads this, please post a comment and let me know what you think of it.

1. Read Genesis 32:22-32

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
(Genesis 32:22-32)

2. The setting:

a. Jacob returning from exile (20 years)
b. Esau coming with army of 400 men
c. This situation is his fault
d. Divides his company in two
e. Makes every effort to conciliate
f. Spends

3. Hebrew names are very important!

a. Meaning of the name

i. Jabbok emptying/pouring out

ii. Jacob deceiver

iii. Israel struggling, wrestling with God and implies prevailing in Hebrew

iv. Peniel face of God

4. Summary

Those who pour out their hearts to God have their character changed from defeat to victory, and will see God face to face.

5. Additional Scriptures:

a. Isaiah 62:2, 6, 7
b. Revelation 22:4; 14:1; 3:12; 2:17


"Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power." {Patriarchs and Prophets, 203}


"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." {The Great Controversy, 621}

Latter Rain

An amazing and perhaps prophetic movement is under way.

It is called Operation Global Rain. It started when a few churches in Central California decided to hold a 10-day prayer event after the model of the early church found in Acts 2. There were no keynote speakers, but rather a group of disciples pleading for nothing else but the outpouring of the latter rain. Every night from 7 to 8 pm, a theme sheet with Bible verses and S.O.P. quotes was presented. We read these privately and then prayed, sometimes silently, other times in groups of two, and others as a congregation.

Though done at separate times, the churches all experienced revival. Animosity was laid aside and a true spirit of unity, repentance and mission took hold of the members. The idea then came about: What if all the churches in the conference were to petition the throne of God at the same time , for the same thing, the outpouring of the Latter Rain?

The idea was presented to one conference just a week ago (January, 07) and has become a reality. Last year, a great deal was made about the date 6.06.06. A popular movie about the antichrist was released on that date, and underground satanic movements glorified the day. This year is 7.07.07! And it happens to be a Sabbath. The date for Operation Global Rain will be 6.27.07 to 7.07.07!

But the vision of Operation Global Rain is much larger. Imagine all the churches of California petitioning the throne of God, at the same time for the same thing. Then, imagine all the churches in North America petitioning the throne of God at the same time, for the same thing. And then imagine the entire global church praying at the same time for the same thing, the outpouring of the latter rain!! Hence, Operation Global Rain!

This is a grassroots movement that needs your participation. By word of mouth, by email, and any other means, we need your help to spread the word. A website is currently being built for Operation Global Rain, where churches will be able to register, and download each nights theme sheet. IT WILL BE LIKE A NET EVENT without the cost of satellite uplinks or keynote speakers!

We close with this eye opening thought. The early rain was poured out on all that were praying for it. But that was only a total of about 120, who were all in one location, Jerusalem. Now, what if people around the globe were praying for the outpouring of the latter rain? If God were to be so gracious as to answer, where would that rain fall? Where would that Spirit descend? Would it not lighten the entire globe with its glory? Is this not what has been prophesied to happen according to Revelation 18:1-4?

Please prayerfully consider these two quotes from the S.O.P. and the two bible verses below.

An Awakened Church.--When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.--Review and Herald, July 21, 1896.

The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel's message, "another angel" is to "come down from heaven, having great power" and the earth is to be "lightened with His glory." The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously and universally bless consecrated human instrumentalities, that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and testimony, filling the earth with the knowledge of God and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea. {2MR 21.3}

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children…Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people…Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." Joel 2:15,16,18,23.

Nothing like this has happened in Adventist history except the 1840-44 movement. We are told it will happen again.

The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here brought to view. The Advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in this country there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be far exceeded by the mighty movement under the loud cry of the third message. The work will be similar to that of the day of Pentecost. Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, hasten from place to place to proclaim the warning from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the message will be given. Miracles are wrought, the sick are healed, and signs and wonders follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants of the earth are brought to take their stand. {4SP 429.2}

http://www.operationglobalrain.com/

Revelation 5 and 10 explained!

Glory! Glory! Glory! By God's marvelous grace, I have found more keys to unlocking secrets in Revelation 5 and 10!

God the Father, who sits in the throne in heaven, has a form like that of a man!

(Revelation 4:3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

(Ezekiel 1:26) And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
(Ezekiel 1:27) And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
(Ezekiel 1:28) As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.


There's another thing I discovered with Revelation 10. The little scroll John eats.

(Revelation 10:9) And I went away toward the angel, saying to him, Give the little scroll to me. And he said to me, Take and eat it up, and it will make your belly bitter, but it will be sweet as honey in your mouth.

(Ezekiel 2:9) And I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me. And behold, a roll of a book was in it.
(Ezekiel 2:10) And He spread it before me, and it was written on the face and the back. And written on it were weepings, and mourning, and woe.
(Ezekiel 3:3) And He said to me, Son of man, make your belly eat, and fill your bowels with the roll, this that I give to you. And I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey for sweetness.
(Ezekiel 3:14) So the Spirit lifted me up and took me, and I went bitterly in the heat of my spirit, but the hand of Jehovah was strong upon me.

Has it been confirmed?

This evening has been strange. While I'm typing this, it is still Sabbath. I had been taking a nap. Just before I took my nap, I pleaded with God over and over to answer the questions filling in my mind. I prayed that He would fill me with the Holy Spirit in a great measure and answer my questions. I did this until I fell asleep. When I woke up, I felt a bit strange and I continued praying to God to answer my questions, or any one of my questions. I prayed that if it was my fault for not hearing, because of some hidden iniquity, that He would open my ears and let me listen and forgive me, as well as for being presumptuously boldly and repeatedly asking Him to answer my questions. I ended up verbally ( I don't usually pray out loud) praying in Jesus' name and by the Covenant.

I prayed for the strange feeling I had. It was really starting to make me feel uneasy. All of a sudden, my mind was filled with two two-paged stone books opening with violet and green and stars. Suddenly the revelation came to me that the Law had just been written on my heart and in my mind. I felt a sudden reluctance to do wrong. Not that I never had reluctance, but that reluctance had mostly been because I was raised to shun those evils as best I could. Then, A text floated in my consciousness; James 5:1. I looked it up in e-Sword and here's what it said.

(James 5:1 LITV) Come now, rich ones, weep, howling over your hardships coming on.

It suddenly clicked in my mind that this is an answer to one of my questions. I had been asking God if any of my litany of philosophical (at least, in that category) questions before the Time of Trouble. (This was because of not knowing if I would live that long.) This text suddenly clicked to me that I would be around when the Time of Trouble comes. I only pray that I have the faith to actually believe this. The idea currently seems so unlikely. However, if this is true, and I am deciding to take a leap of faith and believe it is true, then what would that mean about the escalation of the severity of world events?