What about Grace?: December 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

GGATHND: Part V - Me and my judgmental tongue.

one who notices everything and judges it accordingly. God help those of us with this trait. Some call us prophets, others call us plain old mean.

(I definitely recognise myself in those words.)

But he comes up with a (for me) novel suggestion:

The truth is, that those who often judge others harshly are actually using the gift of encouragement, discernment, and/or prophecy negatively. I know that when the Lord is in the center of my life and I'm seeking to serve others as Christ did, I have incredible discernment and use that to find people to encourage and pray for (p.91).

So let's go use our judgmental hearts and tongues to judge positively :) Cool!

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

GGATHND: Part IV - Letting go and letting God

I must rest in the fact that my Lord is bigger than I, and He will watch over and guide her in His timing to His truth. I know the Holy Spirit… and His name is not Randy (p.127).

I just love the way his story reminds me not to get frustrated when I think things aren't going the way I want them to, but to rather rest in God's good timing and planning :) I know the Holy Spirit too! And His name is definitely not Grace!!

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

GGATHND: Part III - False Identities

I just read this most amazing book called "God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door" by Alan Chambers and the Leadership Team at Exodus International. It's so wonderful I just have to share bits and pieces from it! It's written so graciously and humbly, yet uncompromising on the truth that ALL have sinned and that Jesus has died for ALL :).

On the one hand it recognises that there are practical tips and guidelines to follow when dealing with homosexuality, as it is a unique sin in some regards. On the other hand, it's written realizing on that homosexuality is like all other sin in God's eyes and therefore deserves no 'higher abomination' status than other sins. In that regard, it's been a really helpful reminder of who we are as Christians, how sin affects us, and how to minister to others.

The third post is on false identities:

Interestingly, just as the term 'gay' or 'homosexual' indicates a false identity, actually so does the term ex-gay. The desired change in identity should pull the focus from the sin or struggle with sin and onto the true, fully righteous, fully holy identity bestowed on them via the Cross of Jesus Christ. This concept is key for the people leaving homosexuality because it forces them to accept that who they are is not changed or altered by feelings or even actions. They begin to find freedom from untrue definitions of who they are and to accept who God says they are. They discover who they really are in Christ, and they experience true freedom (p.73).

By the way, this search for identity in Christ alone isn't unique to people leaving homosexuality. All people, at some level, are on a quest for true identity. People search for identity in heterosexual promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, work, money, and relationships. Coming to grips with our legitimate identities as men and women in Christ is essentially the same process for all Christians (p.71).

Healing comes when we adopt Christ's heart and attitude and learn to apply that to how we feel about ourselves (29).

[If every time you read the word 'homosexual' and don't feel that that sentence applies to you, just insert one of the many sins you struggle with].

*All extracts from Chambers, Alan. God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door. USA: Harvest House Publishers, 2006.

GGATHND: Part II - Ministry

As we consider ministering to those whose lifestyle we don't understand, we must always remember to offer them the same grace, understanding, and love that Christ offered us! (p.17)

There isn't a special antidote for ministering to those with same-sex attractions any more than there is one for ministering to those with an unhealthy love for money, food, heterosexual sin.. Or whatever. The same God who sent His son for you, sent His Son for the homosexual.
[...]
After all, God wasn't after my homosexuality; He was after my heart. (p.17-18)

God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Part I - Transformation

Transformation is a process. Many Christians struggle in their forward movement to maturing. God is gracious and more than able to love us in spite of our fallibility. And that's our task: to effectively communicate God's grace and power to change to a world that thinks to be a Christian one must either be perfect or a hypocrite (p.17).

The gospel isn't just about the hope of eternal bliss: it's about living a transformed life as a citizen of God's kingdom! The Scriptures demand and promise the same of homosexuals as of every man, woman and child: transformation (p.53).

The Holy Spirit works change in the homosexual in the same way He works change in each of us. We begin to seek Him and align our hearts with His heart. We desire more and more to live life in accordance with His Word. As our hearts become aligned with His heart, we begin to desire what He desires. He changes us, and we are no longer what we were. We grow in the knowledge and satisfaction or who we now are, and no longer desire to live in the pit of a false identity. We become God-focussed, rather than self-focussed. We wait on the Lord, and He fulfils us (p. 75-76).

Glasses and the church

I'm the laziest owner of glasses you'll ever meet.

For example: the top of my one glasspiece currently has multiple chips along the edge because I'm too lazy to take off my glasses before I yank my jersey or my T-shirt off, sending it flying through the air while hitting a dozen hard objects along the way.

You might be able to guess then that cleaning my glasses isn't a top priority on my list of Things To Do. Sometimes I don't even notice how dirty my glasses have gotten until I realize that there isn't really fog in my room - I just can't see through the oils and dirt on my glasses! (Eew, I sound really dirty, but I'm really not this bad! I'm just exaggerating a little now for dramatic effect)(And speak to anyone who wears glasses: it's really easy getting your glasses dirty, especially if you're into hugging people)(heehee, I'll stop defending myself now!).

However, whenever I bump into one specific friend and my glasses aren't squeaky clean, but haven't become dirty enough for me to actually notice, our interaction generally goes something like this: after chatting to me for a while, he'll sigh, take my glasses off, and while we finish off our conversation, will wipe my glasses clean on his shirt. (Cute friend, hey? :) )

And I just realized now what an apt illustration it is of why we need fellowship with each other. We're living in a world which is constantly smudging our view of and focus on Jesus, sometimes so insidiously that we don't realize it before it's too late. Sometimes all we need is a brother or a sister to come along and help us regain our focus with clarity.

So moral of the story: don't hug Grace.
Just Joking :)

Real moral of the story: Help a partially-sighted Christian today and clean their glasses!!!

Fulfillment in Christ?

This is an extract from a letter I just finished writing to a friend who's currently investigating the Christian faith:

Dearest [Name]

A few days ago you asked me if I found ultimate fulfillment in Christ. But I had spent so much time and energy worrying and focussing on myself and my issues on and off throughout the past few days/weeks/months, that this question sounded completely foreign to me: Fulfillment in Christ? Joy, happiness, peace in Jesus?

But as my mouth opened to say an automatic yes, I found that in saying yes, it was a TRUE yes. Your question cut through the mess in my head clearly, showing me and reminding me that yes, underneath all that was going on, I did find true fulfillment in Christ.

It's not easy, like I mentioned. There are many things to distract you along the way and to rob you of the peace and joy found in loving Jesus. Quite often my focus slips off Him, and I try seek fulfillment in other things: friends, being popular, love, looking pretty and dressing nicely, even my academics(yeah, yeah, I'm a geek). But these are all false identities that temporarily veil my true identity - as Christ's child and much-beloved daughter. And I must tell you, when I realize again (I say again, 'cause I'm a slow learner so this happens quite often) that I have been drinking in and eating of the junk food lies that the world offers as happiness and fulfillment, and when I turn to God again and regain perspective that He is the only true Living Bread and Water, then, and only then, do I find true satiation, true fulfillment, true joy and peace.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

And no matter how paradoxical that sounds, it's true. :)

Happy belated Bloggiversary to me!

Yes, why yes, can you believe it?!?!?! It's already been a year, lalalalalala..

And I have decided that even though my blogging is completely erratic, I quite enjoy the discipline of having to think about my thoughts and having the opportunity to read about the later, so let the blogging continue :)

PS to those of you who have me on their blogreader.. I have now realized why multiple copies of the same blog might appear in your reader, so I humbly apologize and will 'STOPPIT!'!

PPS And Merry belated Christmas! But yay, every day is like Christmas when you only live because of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection!

"I am strong...

because the Lord Almighty is my God" :)

That's a really cool verse I read somewhere but I can't find again :( Maybe because I'm remembering incorrectly? But if you find it, please reference! I think it was a prophet somewhere in the O. T.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Faith is..

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is, in the end, a kind of homesickness - for a home we have never visited but have never once stopped longing for. (Philip Yancey, Disappointment with God, 1988:276)

Interesting.

Friday, December 19, 2008

God converts, [Part II]

and heck, don't we know it!

I was reading Matthews chptrs 1-3 today and I was laughing at how ridiculous it all seemed. Rationally it doesn't make sense at all: whoever heard of prophetic dreams, talking angels, virgin births, flying donkeys... ?!?! But if we were able to figure it all out rationally, us realizing that Jesus IS God wouldn't be grace.. It'd be work.

It brings this passage to mind:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)

So if you're talking to friends and family about Jesus, keep on keeping on and don't get frustrated that your words aren't convincing them. It is our job merely to present the truth, and then God will do the real work in His own good time.

PS There aren't really any flying donkeys in Matthew... Maybe in Shrek. No, you're right: Shrek ISN'T in the Bible. I kinda just thought it'd be funny. It isn't? You should go look for your sense of humour then!

God converts,

not me.

But this is something I had been forgetting in many of my chats with my non-Christian friends. There are two people in particular that I often walk away frustrated from because sometimes I can't answer their arguments, and at other times when I do, they just seem to refuse to accept it.

However, I was reminded of God's irreplaceable role in evangelism when a visiting preacher at our church used a Bible verse to show that the Bible is God's Word. "Hold on," I asked him afterwards, "isn't that a bit of a circular argument?!?!?!? If I wanted to start a cult and wrote a book, of course I would say it's the Word of God!"

To my complete surprise, the minister agreed. But then he pointed out that that's why God has to change your heart to see that the Bible is really His word. This is not saying that we need to throw out our brains- even though the argument for the authority of the Bible might be circular ("The Bible is the Word of God because it says it is the Word of God"), there are many intersections it makes with the real world, and it does stand up to rational investigation. However, this doesn't mean that rational arguments will convince anyone - it is the work of God to ultimately convince.

For those who are now getting worried about the authority of the Bible being based on a circular argument, another minister I asked this same question pointed out that there are many other things in life based on circular arguments. (Which didn't really comfort me that much more). But then he added that you can then check out other claims that the Bible makes e.g. internal consistency - the OT prophecies certain claims which the NT records as having been fulfilled etc.

Now I'm tired of typing, so you (i.e. The Sultan of Sound, quite possibly my one and only reader) can come up with some more.

PS I'm trying to think of other circular arguments and thought that love might be a good example? You should believe I love you because I say I love you. But then this is observable in tangible forms e.g. the way I treat you. Make sense? Not so much?

Living

So it's been a crazy few months since I last blogged, and one of these reasons is 'cause a very dear friend of mine went in for a much-needed liver transplant. Now my casual mention of this should not deceive you into thinking that this is an ordinary I'm-just-going-to-pop-into-the-shops-for-milk-quickly kinda event. It is indeed what they call A Big Deal. [Praise God, the operation went smoothly and he is now recovering at home. Albeit with a little bit of cabin fever.] [For those unfamiliar with that term, no need to worry: cabin fever isn't a terminal illness ;)]

Anyway, having someone so close to me come so close to death, has really made me think about the role God plays right now in running this world. As I read various bits and pieces of the Bible, I came to realize that in my head I had this picture that God had created the world, and now it kinda runs with momentum from that one moment.

Wrong!

The Bible makes it very clear that the world can not run at all without God's power!

for example:

[Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)

When I learned that my friend had to go on to a lung machine on and off throughout the day just to be able to breathe, a function we take for granted, I realized that my friend actually had the amazing opportunity to realize how weak and fragile our bodies are. And quite often we are tempted to think that we will be fine with our modern technology and medicines, but that's actually quite arrogant! As the writer of Psalm 3 wrote:

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

I woke up the other morning and really got it for the first time: the only reason I didn't pass away during the night was cause God was sustaining me! And that meant that He had something for me to do that day :) How amazing! So let's not live our lives as if every day is our last (as though that day could be taken away from us) but rather as if every day is our first - as though that day were specially given to us :)

Change, change, change

Sometimes I really get frustrated with people who aren't showing any signs of being convicted by the gospel of Jesus and who aren't changing in ways that my eyes can perceive. Then I was reminded of two awesome ...umm, for lack of a better word... reminders.
[I don't know who to reference for these - I stole them from a friend's Facebook note :)]

1. Give people time to change
I think there are some tensions and questions here, but we need to give people time to change. How long did it take for you to become perfectly like Jesus? Of course, you’re still changing. There are some sins we’re prepared to work on over a lifetime, but there are others where we demand instant change. Why is this? The answer, of course, is that we want them to become respectable. We don’t want a messy community. So we say, ‘You’re saved by faith, but to become part of the church (e.g. to be baptised) you need to change your life.’ So which is it? Are we saved by works or are we saved by works?

2. Focus on the heart
What’s your agenda for change? All too often we focus on behaviour. We can list the behaviours we would like someone to stop or start. But Jesus says our behaviour comes from the heart (Mark 7:20-23). Our focus needs to be on the heart. Our job is to help people love God and treasure Christ. In Philippians 1 Paul says the aim of his ministry among them is their joy (1:25-26). He wants them to find joy in Christ – only then will people turn from the pleasures of sin. I do need to describe a life that pleases God. But my job is not to go round telling people to reform their lives or change their behaviour. My job is help people find joy in Christ.

What about Grace?

Friday, December 26, 2008

GGATHND: Part V - Me and my judgmental tongue.

GGATHND: Part IV - Letting go and letting God

GGATHND: Part III - False Identities

GGATHND: Part II - Ministry

God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Part I - Transformation

Glasses and the church

Fulfillment in Christ?

Happy belated Bloggiversary to me!

"I am strong...

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Faith is..

Friday, December 19, 2008

God converts, [Part II]

God converts,

Living

Change, change, change

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