God’s Commandments – Necessary and Good

by | Sep 18, 2024 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

God’s Commandments

– Necessary and Good

“I am the Lord your God… you shall have no other gods before me” Exodus 20:2-3 ESV. This was the first of the ten commandments. This seemed like a very restrictive law given to the Hebrews for absolute monotheistic compliance. Even before this written law, the Hebrews were accustomed with the oral laws of God – there were the Adamic, Noahic and Abrahamic covenants. But they were surrounded by nations practising polytheism. The Hebrews themselves practiced polytheism while in Egypt. So in the midst of the then social norms, values and cultures, this commandment was unusual and exceptional. God’s demand for monotheistic compliance was given for man’s own good.

 

Let me share 3 thoughts:

  1. We have a rebellious spirit. Whenever we are told to strictly obey or refrain from something, we would be itching to try it or push the limit. Rules, processes and procedures are often bypassed. Why? Because “I know a better way”, “I am in control of the situation,” “This is so outdated, so cumbersome”, “I am an exception to the rule”, etc. Many get away with it. Some get into trouble. We see this trait in young children. It does not disappear with adulthood. It will tempt us, particularly when we feel our freedom is encroached upon or that we are being unfairly deprived.
  2. We want to be independent. It is our innate nature to want to be in control of our life. In the creation story, God gave the first couple one restriction while they were living in a perfect environment. And God regularly visited them to commune with them.  But they did not zealously guard it with contentment and obedience. It did not take much persuasion from Satan to reveal their rebellious nature. They lacked nothing, but perceived that they did. Eve was tempted; Adam nonchalantly participated. Both probably thought it must be beneficial. Otherwise, why the constraint? To be like God sounds good. So, they decided and chose independently of God. They were scammed big time! Instead of gaining a benefit, they lost everything – kicked out of paradise; turned to hard labour for survival; and most critically, separated from God.
  3. We have a wandering heart. The Hebrews knew the story of creation, the great flood and the life of Abraham. They saw how God brought down the mighty Pharaoh; they saw the shekinah glory of God, the parting of the Red Sea and much more. Who else could or would do such awesome and wondrous deeds for them? But their awe and amazement were short-lived. They grumbled, complained, and became disgruntled. They even had the audacity to craft the golden calf for worship amid God’s thundering presence at Mount Sinai.

 

For as long as the church has existed, the thinking and behaviour of God’s people have been at risk of being influenced by the world’s system. The gods of this world have expanded from golden calves to infiltrate ideology, philosophy, arts, behavioural sciences, etc. New liberal concepts are introduced and pushed aggressively by ‘experts’. Social media markets them readily. The insidious push is for ‘co-acceptance.’ Those embracing it are tagged as being ‘progressive’.  By our very nature, it is easy for us to be preoccupied and obsessed with   many things. This strict command is good and necessary to prevent the fragmentation of our whole-hearted devotion to God.

Jesus distilled the Ten Commandments into two commandments. The first and greatest   commandment is “Love the Lord your God with All your heart and with All your soul and with All your mind.” Matt 22:37 (emphasis mine). Keep your heart wholly for the Lord. You cannot go wrong.

By brother Shi Pau Soon

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Be Blessed by Ordinariness

by | Sep 2, 2022 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

Do you read this weekly pastoral article in the bulletin?

It crossed my mind that perhaps not many read and therefore, it is not worth the effort contributing. Maybe it is the ordinariness of the content that doesn’t excite you, and you prefer a professionally written piece.

I think it is much easier for the church to print excerpt from works of great Christian writers than to arrange for members to take turns to write. While there is value in professional articles, I feel they lack relatability to problems of everyday living in our local context. To me, it is the ordinariness that makes the article a gem and our church bulletins unique.

I am glad that articles are contributed by ordinary church members and Council members. Writing an article takes much time, effort, and courage to share real life issues relating to current affairs that affect us, or personal insight of struggles that all of us have faced or may face one way or another. Each writer has to consider how the content can uplift and encourage the readers. And if the content is based on a particular biblical passage, he or she takes time to reflect upon it.

Often, the writer will share his/her struggle even if  just so subtly, and how grace has visited him and strengthened/comforted him. It takes courage to share one’s vulnerability.

The writer must also take care not to bring attention to oneself but point others to God. These are genuine “stories” – truth written most of the time with a feeling of inadequacy and weakness. Writers often turn to the Lord for wisdom and guidance for their contribution. These down-to-earth sharing of personal struggles/reflections written by people whom we know make our pastoral articles real and relatable. The Bible is replete with stories of how our Lord uses ordinary people for His extraordinary works. Likewise, I believe our Lord is doing the same with our pastoral articles.

In the paper-era, I rarely missed reading an article. Some were excellent – truly inspired by the Spirit. Many were heart-warming. But a gem exists in every contribution. This gem will be found, if diligently searched for. I therefore urge contributors invited to write, to boldly have a go at it. You will be blessed. I also urge all in the church not to give the weekly bulletin article a miss. Read and be blessed. That has always been the intent of pastoral articles for both readers and writers.

By brother Shi Pau Soon

Forgery and copying

by | Oct 16, 2021 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

Many art pieces have been sold as authentic masterpieces only to be discovered as forgeries decades later by experts with the help of technology – Microscopy; Mass-spectrometry; X-ray; Infrared reflectography, etc. Without technology, detecting forgery is a very arduous task.​

Human deceit is also very difficult to detect. Often, when exposed it shocks many, and the discovery may take place only after many decades of deception.​

One kind of deceit is something which we may find acceptable or even have practised at times. It is subtle, and we may say it does not hurt others. I am referring to how we deceive ourselves into doing a variety of things that we wouldn’t approve of others doing. Layering our actions with excuses and creating reasons/logic to fit and empathise with our specific situation, we deceive ourselves that we are ok. ​

In the Church, there are many who are deceived by the thinking that since they attend church, tithe, join a small group, attend talks, etc., they are doing okay as Christians. They may think God only needs to do a cosmetic touch-up of their life here and there. And so, they settle happily into being “Mere-Christians”. ​

I hope they will be shocked by the words of Pastor Edmund Chan, “God is not interested in renovating us but in transforming us.” He is not interested in remodelling us but in doing an extensive transformation inside out to make us new. 

It is cheaper and less of a hassle to renovate or do cosmetic remodelling then total transformation. And so is being a Mere-Christian easier than being a disciple of Christ. ​

But the easier route is not meant for us. Jesus said:  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”  (John 14:15), meaning that obedience to Christ’s commandments is both a sign and a test of our love for Him. This is a recurring theme in the apostle John’s writings. These “commands” encompass all of Jesus’ words and teachings. Jesus said “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…”   (John 8:31-32)​

Obeying Christ’s commands means copying the examples of Jesus, i.e. to be Christ-like (John 13:15-17). This is authentic Christianity in the simplest and purest form. Obeying Christ’s commands is not merely a feeling, it is an active, abiding, ongoing relationship of following and obeying our loving Master. “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands.” (1 John 2:3)​

Copying the example of Jesus is the highest accolade that we can return to the Master. As we commit ourselves to doing it, asking for His empowerment to do so more and more, the more pleased He will be.​

By brother Shi Pau Soon​

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An Invitation to Mentoring​

by | Jan 26, 2021 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

The lion cubs watch intently how the lionesses stalk a prey; positioning themselves away from the wind that will carry their scents to alert the prey; moving stealthily to close the distance; waiting patiently; freezing their movement before an explosive sprint to mercilessly pound on the prey with the shortest chase. These skills and others are learnt over a passage of time. They will help the lions survive in the wild.​

The word of God is the staple food for Christians, and “young” Christians will do well to learn how to “catch” the meaning and the application of the word by learning from mature Christians. ​

The application of the word is part and parcel of the transformational power of scripture. For the evidence of a transformed life is seen in scripture being lived out. We live in community; we interact with people. People are drawn to us, ambivalent towards us or are repulsed by us. The exercise of our Christian graces – social skills of meekness and boldness; the grace of giving and receiving; contentment in plenty and in need; loving encouragement and correction; sharing of joy and grief; applying the beatitudes; humility in considering others better and yet not debasing ourselves; joy even in the midst of pain; persevering in suffering, etc., will, with the help of God draw people toward us so that we can point them to Jesus in good time.​

It is much more effective to learn the above from walking with a mature Christian. You’ll see Scripture applied and your transformation will be hastened. ​

Do not be shy to ask for someone to walk alongside you. For those who have been approached to be an guide, I hope you will graciously say “come and see”. No pretense, no putting on a show, just you living out the gospel to glorify God. This is discipleship in its most elementary and powerful workout as Jesus has shown us in John 1. ​

By Brother Shi Pau Soon​

Que Sera Sera?

by | Oct 8, 2020 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

In our church’s 66 years of history, we have seen many changes.

What will our church be like post-COVID 19 or in 40 years’ time? Will it still be around for us to celebrate our centenary? Will our church in latter times become “charismatic”? More youth-centric? More community outreaching?

Will our future be que sera sera (whatever will be, will be)?

Let me assure you that our church’s growth and well-being has always weighed heavily on our leaders’ hearts. When we first embarked on our Intentional Disciple-making Church Process some 10 years ago, the vision for our future was bold. Our mission is still the same.

These plans for growth need our active support and participation. Relevant changes will come progressively. And changes are necessary to keep us relevant in the community.

I am convinced that if we set God’s priority over our self-interests and be obedient to His word; then the favour of the Lord will be our portion and our church will be in good hands.

Perhaps we can take a leaf out of the book of Haggai…

Leaving a comfortable and middle-class life in Babylon, the Israelites who returned to Jerusalem set their priorities on rebuilding their comfortable lives and livelihood. There was no urgency to rebuild the temple.

The Lord was not pleased.

Haggai 1:2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little…. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes…..10  the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce.”

Put your priorities right!

7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured, says the Lord.”

Obedience is required!

12 “Then all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him.”

The favour of Lord followed:

1:13 “Then Haggai,… spoke to the people with the Lord’s message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit… of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God… 2:6 For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more,… 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place, I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.’”

A prayer for YCKC

O Lord, I commit the present and future leadership unto you. May you grant them wisdom as they care for the flock and plan for the future of the church, may your favour rest upon YCKC and may we not only be a beacon for your honour and glory but also a fragrance of your grace and love. With your blessings may YCKC be so blessed as to be able to come and celebrate a grand centenary in honour of you. We bless your great name, amen!

By Brother Shi Pau Soon (YCKC Bulletin 11 Oct 2020)

Past, Present and Future

by | Jan 5, 2020 | Shi Pau Soon, • Timely Word •

Recently an old friend of mine was digitising his old photographs and he sent me some photographs dating almost 50 years back! The images brought back sweet memories.

Memories, however, are not all sweet. Some, we like to recall because they evoke a sense of joy. Some, we try to shut out as they bring to mind negative feelings of sadness, pain or hurt. And some are simply lost on us. No matter how we treat the past as water under the bridge; some past experiences can become emotional baggage that weigh us down.

While it is said that our present is shaped by our past and the future is determined by our present; this statement alone is fatalistic. It implies that our future is hopelessly bound by our history. Of course, there are consequences to our past mistakes and bad judgements. These, however, do not have to be millstone around our neck. Notwithstanding our past, by the grace of God, there is hope for our present and future! Take heart with these timeless truths of God’s promises:

Isaiah 43:25  “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

1 John 1:9  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Hebrews 8:12  “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

2 Corinthians 5:17  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Don’t let the past shackle us because God is able to forgive our past/sins. And don’t be anxious about the present with all its difficulties. The Shepherd is with us each day. Notice that in Psalm 23 almost all the verbs are in the present tense. This is a Psalm for Today:  He makes me, He leads me, He restores, He guides, He is with me, He comforts me, He prepares a table for me, He anoints; my cup overflows. If we walk with the Shepherd, then He guarantees our future with Him.

While we can’t change our past/sins; God can. He will forgive and blot out. Our past is what we used to be, our present is how we choose to be and our future can be filled with hope if we make the right choice today. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”  Today is always a good day to choose to walk with God or to return to Him.

By Shi Pau Soon, Elder (YCKC Bulletin 5 January 2020)