Every Moment Matters

‘Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.’ Eph 4:15-17 

One of my most satisfying duties as the chairman of the Dover Park Hospice was to commission a new logo for the hospice. Designed by DP Architects’ creative unit, the logo features two forms, the Circle of Life and the Dove. The Circle represents the passage of life, the trials and experiences of life well-lived. Significantly, the Circle is not enclosed, allowing the Dove to soar free and take flight, full of hope and dignity. The tagline “Every Moment Matters” is inspired by the words of Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement.

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life.” - Dame Cicely Saunders. 

Every moment matters is a philosophy for living. We should live as if we savour every moment, every minute and every day. With every passing moment we should live well, not only for ourselves, but also for others and God. A certain smile, a kind word or a brilliant thought can have an everlasting impact. Conversely, a momentary inattention, a missed opportunity can exact dire consequences. (See Panasonic Commercial below for a dramatic illustration).

We are familiar with the phrase ‘In God we live and move and have our being.’ In theology, this refers to ‘Coram Deo’, which is Latin for ‘before the face of God.’ Coram Deo, conveys the idea of living one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God. 

Benjamin Franklin understood this when he said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." 

When we visited the Amish county at Lancashire, Pennsylvania in 1992, I bought a wooden plaque engraved with an Amish proverb, ‘Ve get too soon oldt and too late schmardt.’

Consider the life of Charles Thomas Studd. He established an enduring Christian missionary society, the World Evangelisation Crusade. Studd was the son of a wealthy indigo planter and a leading cricketer. He played for England in the 1882 cricket match between England and Australia which was the origin of the famous Ashes cricket tournament. Despite the chance to be a famous international sportsman, in February 1885, C.T along with a group of young men, called the ‘Cambridge Seven’ set sail from England to become missionaries. They volunteered to serve in China after attending meetings at Cambridge University, following Hudson Taylor in the newly established, China Inland Missions.

After more than 10 years service in China C.T. Studd left the country to pastor a church in South India from 1900 to 1906. In 1910 he went to the Sudan and Belgian Congo. In 1913, he started four mission stations and went on to  establish the World Evangelism Crusade which today continues to send missionaries to South America, Central Asia and the Middle East as well as Africa.

C.T. gave away a sizeable portion of his family inheritance to help the work of George Muller, D. L. Moody and others on the mission field. At the age of seventy, C.T. Studd died, but his vision for China, India and Africa had expanded to reach the whole world.

He wrote this poem, One Life. 

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, 

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, 

And stand before His Judgment seat;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, 

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, 

And to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, 

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its days I must fulfill, 

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, 

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way, 

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, 

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife, 

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, 

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, 

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, 

Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;

And when at last I'll hear the call, 

I know I'll say "'twas worth it all";

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last

Make the best use of the time we have. There is much good to do with our lives. May the Lord show us the way. Every moment matters.

In His time, in His time

He makes all things beautiful

In his time

Lord please show me everyday

As you're teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

In your time, in your time

You make all things beautiful

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lord please show me everyday

As you teaching me your way

That you do just what you say

In your time

Lord my life to you I bring

May each song I have to sing

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Be to you a lovely thing

In your time

Lionel

Updated 1st Published Jul 2012

Time's Running Out! Find Purpose

Bright candle in the darkness
Photo by Markus Merz

Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." John 12:35-36

Time flies. Even though Christians are assured of everlasting life and spending eternity with Jesus, we know that life on earth is finite. Hence there is a certain urgency, with the passing of time to seize the day to live in such a manner as to  please God. Jesus told us to make use of the opportunity before our time on this earth run out.

What is your view of time? The Ancient Greeks have two words for time

• Chronos (χρόνος) or Every Moment Counts that is the measure of time
• Kairos (καιρός) or Every Moment Matters that is the meaning of time

Chronos refers to chronological or sequential time, it is quantitative. Kairos signifies the proper or opportune time, the defining moment. Kairos suggests that time has value and is not just a quantity. In the New Testament, Kairos is used to describe the appointed time or the God-ordained time.

We should use the Kairos time wisely. Jesus Christ exhorts us to, 

“Walk while you are in the light before darkness overtakes you.” 

There are defining moments that we should seize to influence others for good. We should walk in the light so that the wisdom, the guidance, the influence that will shape and mold us are not lost as the time passes; that light around and within us can also shape and influence friends and family. There is a purpose to life. 

Many years back, our church the Charis Methodist Church launched the '40 Days of Purpose' Campaign. It was centred on the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Then our Pastor, the Rev Yeo Lay Suan introduced the campaign asking the question “What on earth are we here for?” 

Pastor Yeo told an anecdote of an eaglet which fell into a farmer’s coop and was raised amongst the chickens. All its life, the eagle thought that it was a chicken and never knew the truth of what it is like to fly and to feel the wind beneath its wings. How tragic?

It would also be tragic for us to live life if near the end we assess it to be futile. That was the lament of the preacher in the Bible book Ecclesiastes, 

 'Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!

But life matters! Jesus tells us to stay in the light; the man who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. Be in the Light of Jesus so that we can see that we are no chickens but eagles and fulfil our purposes in life. 

In the search for meaning in life during the 'hippie days' of the 1960s, the song 'Turn Turn Turn' written by Peter Seeger became very popular. 

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

Using the theme from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, this song tells us that there is a purpose to life. Time does not just flit away, Kairos not Chronos. Find Purpose, Find Meaning, Find God.

“For I know, the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Lionel

Updated 1st published 15 Aug 2007

God Of The Second Chances

 

Starry Starry Night - Australian Academy of Science

'When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is mankind the you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?' Psalm 8:3-4

The Book of Jonah depicted a merciful God and told the story of a God of the Second Chances. 

God sent Jonah to Nineveh to warn the city of the impending doom if they did not turn from their wickedness. The Assyrian empire were extremely cruel. Their victories were followed by violent slaughter, enslavement and barbaric torture. The reluctant prophet Jonah, did not expect that the people would heed the warnings and repent of their evil deeds. Even so, Jonah did not expect God to be so merciful. Yet, dramatically and unexpectedly the Ninevites repented.

'And the people of Nineveh believed God's message, and from the greatest to the least they declared a fast and put on burlap (sackcloth) to show their sorrow.' Jonah 3:5 (NLT)

Nineveh

The king of Nineveh declared

"People and animals alike must wear garments of mourning, and everyone must pray earnestly to God. They must turn from their evil ways and stop all their violence. Who can tell? Perhaps even yet God will change His mind and hold back His fierce anger from destroying us." Jonah 3:8,9 (NLT)

God gave them a reprieve, a second chance

'When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, He changed His mind and did not carry out the destruction He had threatened.' Jonah 3:10

The Bible is replete with accounts of the many times the people of God rebelled, worshipped false gods and created idols for themselves. Time and time again God relented, gave them many chances when they humbled themselves and turned to him.

Exodus 32 recorded the great sin of the Golden Calf at the time when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Israelites turned against God and to idolatry. God had said that His anger will burn against them and that He may destroy them. But Moses sought favour with God and in the end it was recorded in Exodus 32:14, almost to the letter, as in Jonah 3:10,

'Then God changed His mind and did not bring to His people  the disaster He had threatened.' 

God relented.

Repentance and revival occur with communities and churches; it also can occur for us in personal encounters. This was Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish. Jonah had refused to obey God's call, ran away from Him only to be brought to the depths of despair. In that desperation Jonah came to his senses, 

'Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, "I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to You from the land of the dead, and Lord, You heard me....But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord." Jonah 2:1 and 6b, 7a (NLT)

Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, speaking at the Charis Methodist Church on the 26 June 2022, described this second chance as being rescued from the ultimate low, plucked out of the watery grave. Guan said, when we repent we will

• Remember God
• Receive God's Grace
• Rediscover God's Intimacy

This was King David's experience too and he eloquently described this in Psalm 51.

'Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stains of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognise my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don't take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.'

Amazing Grace! Timothy Keller dedicated his book on Jonah (Ref 1), The Prodigal Prophet to John Newton. Keller wrote

'In gratitude to God for the life and ministry of John Newton (1725-1807) who also turned back to God during a storm, and became a pastor who has taught us, and untold number of others, the beauty of amazing grace'

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

and grace my fears relieved;

how precious did that grace appear

the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

his word my hope secures;

he will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

and mortal life shall cease:

I shall possess, within the veil,

a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

the sun forbear to shine;

but God, who called me here below,

will be forever mine

We should gaze at the night sky, consider the stars and the heavens; then realise how fortunate and privilege we are, recipients of God's mercy and grace.

'But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.' John 1:12

Lionel

Ref 1: Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet, Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy. Hodder and Stoughton, 2018

Floundering Christians

'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' Revelation 3:15-16

Some say that the Lord Jesus Christ reserved His harshest criticism in the letters to the seven churches for the church of Laodicea. Lukewarm describes nominal Christians. They are neither here nor there, not committing themselves, afraid to give their full love, perhaps stingy with any form of service.

Another way to describe such Christians is 'floundering' which was how the Rev Wilfred Leow described the dangers in some churches in a sermon preached some years back at Charis Methodist Church. Floundering means being neither here or there, neither hot nor cold; left stranded in the doldrums of the vast ocean.

Pastor Wilfred Leow, said that Christian service or church life is like being in a boat. To move in a clear direction Wilfred suggested that this boat need three requirements

• A light behind which he said could be the solid foundation of our faith in Christ. 
• A light in front which is having a clear focus on Jesus Christ.
• An engine in the boat to cut through the water, which is like being found in the continuing favour of Christ. 

Instead many church goers are just going nowhere. Why lukewarm? Why floundering? I can think of 3 reasons: 

• A Me-centred Christianity. Such a Christianity is concerned with what we can get from God or how we can get Him to do what we want.

• A listless Christianity. We lose passion. We may not deny our faith but we just become indifferent.

• A 'dry bible' Christianity. We switched off when listening to sermons because we think we have heard it all before. We have been there, heard all and there is nothing more to learn.

Yet, God's words tell us to be found busy in doing God's work, always being found in His service, always serving community and church. Christian service out of Christian love will reap much satisfaction. 

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.' 1 Cor 15:58 (ESV)

To be steadfast and immovable is to be spiritually grounded. St Paul in the Epistle to the Ephesians hoped that

'We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here are there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their dreadful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is Christ.' Ephesians 4:14-15  

Being steadfast and immovable is gently but resolutely put in this song 'I have decided to follow Jesus.' The story behind behind this song is that of a Indian convert named Nokseng who became an evangelist to the tribes in North-Eastern India. The family was severely persecuted and eventually martyred by an Assam tribe. These were Nokseng's last words which the famous Indian missionary, Sadhu Sundar Singh put to a simple Indian melody.

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;No turning back, no turning back.

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me I still will follow,

Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I'll carry, till I see Jesus;

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus,

My cross I'll carry till I see Jesus;No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,

The world behind me, the cross before me;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

No turning back, no turning back.

'Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; for where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.' John 12:25-26 

There is no floundering in Nokseng the martyr, no turning back.

Lionel

Updated 1st published 1 April 2007

Nurturing The Next

Children at Malbork Castle Poland

'What we have heard and known, 

what our fathers have told us,

we will not hide from our children; 

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, 

his power and the wonders he has done.' Psalms 78:3-4

Who will tell the next generation? This was the theme of the sermon preached by Mrs Percy Loh on the 12 Sep 2010 (Ref 1). She reminded our congregation of parental and community duty that the children receive Christian values through our examples, testimonies and teachings.

Every community feels a responsibility to impart the legacy, stories and teachings to its younger generation. I saw a group of Polish children visiting the Malbork Castle in Poland led by teachers and parents. During the excursion, these children hear the stories of medieval Polish knights; their deeds of chivalry and honour. These are the treasured lessons of past generations; the inheritance of these young children.

Despite our short history, Singapore is no exception. When Singapore staged the very first Youth Olympics. Our Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Teo Chee Hean said, “Through YOG, we hope to change the way in which we engage and view the youths. Instead of telling young people what they can or cannot do, we hope to create an environment where they receive support and are nurtured to realize their potential.”

What about the small Christian community at Charis Methodist Church? Percy reminded the church of our responsibility. She shared a video entitled “You are losing us…” 

At the National Day Thanksgiving Service, Bishop Dr Robert Solomon said, “There is a fear that we are losing our young – to values and lifestyles foreign to us. They live in a new world, both exciting and dangerous. Our young Singaporeans need guidance and we must pass on our faith to the next generation.”

It is a sobering reminder of our responsibilities as adult members of the church community to win the hearts of our children and youths. Percy shared from Psalm 78, that God had commanded us to teach the next generation,

'He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children who are yet unborn - and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.' Psalm 78:5-7

Can we make a difference? The Methodist Church in Singapore believes we can. To date the MCS has 11 Methodist Schools in Singapore with over 21,000 pupils enrolled in our schools. The mission statement of the Educational Council of the Singapore Methodist Church reads:

We are called to nurture each generation of students, raising them to be men and women of godly character and integrity, equipped to make a responsible contribution to society

And the Methodist Missions Society is hoping to duplicate the education mission to young children in all our mission fields. This week, I chaired the Board Of Management of the Vineyard Methodist School in Chiangmai and the Little Candles Methodist School in Phrau in Northern Thailand. We are also building a primary school in Phrau. It is a privilege to be involved in children education and to watch the little children grow to take their places in society, some becoming Christians. 

Vineyard Methodist School, Chiangmai, Graduation

Little Candle School, Phrau - Children welcome visitors

So many children pass through our hands in Sunday Schools and in our mission schools. Sad to say, not many receive the salvation although they probably have heard the Gospel countless times. The lure of a hedonistic and materialistic society beckons. Nevertheless this will be our continuing mission, to reach out to the children, give them a good education, put in them social responsibility and pray that they will find the love for God. I got the Joy down in my Heart! Sing it along with the children!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart to stay

Lionel

Updated article, 1st published 12 Sep 2010

Acknowledgement to Mrs Percy Loh for use her sermon “Who will tell the next generation?”

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Bluebells@Westwoods near Marlborough, UK

'Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more.' Micah 4:3b

The Westwoods Forest near Marlborough, UK is verdant with bluebells in the Spring from mid-May onwards. But these fields of bluebells are short-lived and the flowers dropped off in a fortnight. By June if one returns to the Westwoods one will wonder 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone?'

The sad song with the same question  was written by Pete Seeger in 1955 using an old Irish melody. In May 1960, Joe Hickerson added two additional verses and made it into its familiar circular song. 

The evolution of the song from 1955 to becoming popular in 1963 patterned the development of the Vietnam War as well as the Hippie movement of the 1960s. With the ever-growing unpopularity of the Vietnam War in the US in the 1960s, this song became an anti-war song used in many a anti-war protests throughout the USA.

There is a melancholy tone to it. The music and lyrics circular style with the repetitious 'When will they ever learn?' gives it a kind of forlorn feeling of hopelessness. 

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the flowers gone?

Long time ago

Where have all the flowers gone?

Girls have picked them every one

When will they ever learn?

When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young girls gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the young girls gone?

Long time ago

Where have all the young girls gone?

Taken husbands every one

When will they ever learn?

When will they ever learn?

Where have all the young men gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the young men gone?

Long time ago

Where have all the young men gone?

Gone for soldiers every one

When will they ever learn?

When will they ever learn?

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Long time ago

Where have all the soldiers gone?

Gone to graveyards every one

When will they ever learn?

When will they ever learn?

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Long time passing

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Long time ago

Where have all the graveyards gone?

Covered with flowers every one

When will we ever learn?

When will we ever learn?

It has been 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and 70 years since Seeger wrote this song. Yet, the world has still not learned from the devastations and untold sufferings wars wrought. The aspiration expressed by the Prophet Micah continues to remain just that, a hope that has not seen reality.

'He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more.' Micah 4:3

The sadness of wars is not so much the destruction of property but the loss of lives. Visit any military cemetery, scan the white headstones and marble crosses, lament at the young ages attached to countless names and grief for the lost opportunities, hopes and dreams.

Kranji War Memorial, Singapore

Recently I read in an obituary to a young soldier, these poignant words,

 

'There is a sacredness in tears. 

They are not a mark of weakness but of power. 

They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. 

They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and unspeakable love.' 

Who will weep for the Ukrainian and Russian soldiers who died in the current Ukraine war? If only we obey the words of Jesus Christ,

'But love your enemies, do good to them' Luke 6:35

 

'You have heard the law that says, "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. If you love those who love you, what reward is there for that? If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?' Matthew 5:43,44 and 46,47 (NLT)

Lionel

Christian Missions - Christian Witness or Culture Subjugation?

'Then you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.' John 8:32

Kent Nerburn's book “Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce” is a story of a band of Red Indians, 800 men, women and children, who were relentlessly pursued by the US Army. In 1877, they were illegally forced from their homeland in Oregon. In an attempt to break free from the reservation where they were quartered, this band led by a series of chiefs conducted a 1,500 miles retreat to try and reach sanctuary in British Canada. They outmaneuvered five US armies but finally about 40 miles from the Canadian border and freedom, the tired Nez Perce, surrounded by US forces and laden with wounded and sick, surrendered. They could have escaped if they left their wounded, their sick, their women and children behind. 

Their remaining Chief, Joseph or Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekht or Thunder Rising in the Mountains negotiated a settlement to repatriate to their homeland in high Willowa Valley in the mountains of eastern Oregon. But the US government recapitulated on its promises and sent them under harsh and privation conditions to the Indian Reservation Territory in Oklahoma. Many members of the tribe died during the repatriation especially the elderly and children (Ref 1).

What is rather concerning for the Christian community is a side and obscure story about the effect early Christian missions had on the Indian tribes. While some missionaries are kind, others are exploitative. Along with the preaching of the good news, came the inevitable subjugation of a proud Indian culture. When Jesus said “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” he was meaning freedom from sin and the bondage attached to the sinful nature. It was not an intention to replace a perceived inferior culture with a superior one. The Gospel message has become adulterated by way of life of the missionary, an unwelcomed superiority complex. When the unconverted Nez Perce rejected this subjugation, they were seen as unrepentant savages.

The US government thinking that the church would probably be benevolent to these communities appointed Indian Reservation Agents from the Christian community, the Quakers and Presbyterians. However, these so called Christian agents were corrupt, withheld and pilfered the already meager privileges and supplies consigned to the Indians.

The betrayal was eloquently uttered in these words of the Chief Joseph, “Good words do not last long unless they amount to something. Words do not pay for my dead people. They do not pay for my country, now overrun by white men. They do not protect my father’s grave. They do not pay for all my horses and cattle. Good words cannot give me back my children. Good words will not give my people good health and stop them from dying. Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises. There has been too much talking by men who had no right to talk.”

The disgraceful behavior of Christians are contrasted with the honourable behaviour of the Indians, the non-Christians. The Book of Jonah also showed this disgraceful contrast. Twice the prophet Jonah encountered people who were racially and religiously different from him, once on board ship in a storm and again in the evangelistic crusade in Nineveh. Jonah's behaviour towards these pagans (an unfortunate derogatory term to describe non-Christians) were dismissive whereas the pagans acted admirably. Timothy Keller (Ref 2) wrote that one of the main messages of the Book of Jonah is that 'God cares how we believers (Christians) relate to and treat people who are deeply different from us. God wants us to treat people of different races and faiths in a way that is respectful, loving, generous and just. 

We continue to face the same error in modern missions, where well intended Christians and churches use their superior spending power in the interest of social concerns to secure conversions of poor and unreached people groups. There was no regard for preserving what is good and acceptable in the indigenous culture and conditions of these people. We cannot replace genuine Christian love by just the showering of gifts. 

The quotation of Chief Joseph is an indictment whenever the Living Word becomes replaced by hollow words. Are we evangelizing with the Living Word or has 'there been too much talking by men who had no right to talk.' 

Timothy Keller pointed out that two lessons from the Book of Jonah can help Christian missions from committing the same pitfalls.

• Seek the Common Good. Like Jonah and the sailors, believers and nonbelievers are in the same boat of this crooked world. God is the God of all people and we need to see ourselves as part of the whole human community and not only as members of the faith community.

• Recognise the Common Grace. God bestows gifts of wisdom, moral insights, goodness and beauty across humanity, regardless of race or religious beliefs. Christians are to respect and learn from the wisdom God gives to others who are non-believers.

This is a perennial challenge for Christian Missions. 'I Love to Tell the Story' but let us to so with grace, mercy and truth.

I love to tell the story

Of unseen things above

Of Jesus and his glory

Of Jesus and his love

I love to tell the story

Because I know 'tis true

It satisfies my longings

As nothing else can do

I love to tell the story

'Twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and his love

I love to tell the story

For those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting

To hear it like the rest

And when, in scenes of glory

I sing the new, new song

'Twill be the old, old story

That I have loved so long

I love to tell the story

'Twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and his love

To tell the old, old story

Of Jesus and his love

Lionel

Ref 1: http://nativeamericanrhymes.com/chiefs/joseph.htm

Ref 2: Timothy Keller, The Prodigal Prophet, Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy. Hodder and Stoughton, 2018

Updated, article first published 13 Apr 2007

A Matter Of Heart

'I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but why have already passed from death into life.' John 5:24 (NLT)

Every year on 24 May, Methodist Churches all over the world commemorate Aldersgate Day. On that day in 1738, John Wesley had a sublime but life-changing spiritual experience in which he described his heart as 'strangely warmed.' At a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street and listening to a reading from Martin Luther about the new birth he described this experience as "I felt I did trust Christ, Christ alone, for salvation and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."

Many had tried to interpret what exactly happened to John Wesley that night. Some say that it was a true conversion experience. Others saw this as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Whatever it was, it was a watershed of his life and ministry.

I believe that Wesley had a deep assurance of his salvation, once and for all, never to look back, a 'Forever Christian' assurance. 

I had a similar experience, when about a year after I became a Christian and after listening to a Overseas Missions Fellowship missionary, Mr. Martin Goldsmith speak at a Youth for Christ camp. Martin Goldsmith was speaking on Christian Discipleship and he urged the campers to go back to our rooms, make a list of our then known sins, confess everyone of them then commit our lives to Jesus Christ. It was an emotional experience for me to confess my sins. However from that time on, I knew I will be a 'Forever Christian.'

Hal Knight (ref 1) concurred and wrote, 'What Wesley experienced there was a new capacity to trust in Christ, forgiveness of sins and assurance that he was a child of God, and a new birth in which he began to grow in the knowledge and love of God and in love of neighbour. This was not simply an external obedience but a matter of the heart.' 

The assurance of being forever a Christian is the anchor of the Methodist Church and by which it withstood the test of time since 1738. Methodist Churches all over the world have gone through periods of troughs and highs, backslidings and revivals. Nevertheless the Aldersgate experience lives and characterises the Methodist Churches today (Ref 2)

• The experience and assurance of Salvation. Methodists believe that everyone needs to be saved, that we have a Saviour in Jesus. From there we will 'grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.' 2 Peter 2:18   

• The rigorous preaching of the Gospel. John Wesley preached tirelessly. He broke out of the religious molds of his day and went straight to the people, not in the churches but at the street corners. He preached any day in the week, not just on a Sunday and often several times a day as opportunity presented. 

• A lifestyle of Witnessing. Communities were formed in which Christian love and sharing were witnessed. Methodists gathered in their homes for prayer and praise, witnessing to their neighbours and sharing of experience. These became the parish meetings of the early Methodist churches.

• The Love for neighbour. The Methodist Church ushered a social consciousness and action that saw many social reforms in post-industrial Britain including the abolition pf slavery. This social consciousness remained to this day where many Methodists became involved in many charitable and humanitarian missions. 

• A chorus of joyous Singing. Together with his brother Charles Wesley's prolific song writing, the Methodist revival was borne on a wave of songs. John and Charles gathered a congregation about them by singing and after prayer began to preach. Hymn singing brought the Methodists together into a powerful emotional unity.

'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.' Proverbs 4:23

In 1961, the Methodist Message lamenting the state of the Methodist churches in Singapore wrote, "What is needed is a new experience, the transforming power of Christ in the heart of the believer." 

Having lived through the 1960s to the present day, we can testify that the Methodist Church in Singapore did revive from the 1970s by God's help. The Holy Spirit poured out into the hearts of Methodists in our churches, the transforming power of Christ in the heart of the believer.

The Aldersgate experience echoes in the words of this song, 'Amazing Love' (And Can It Be) which has become a beloved Methodist Anthem. Written by Charles Wesley, in 1738, when both brothers felt their heart strangely warmed, Charles gave this account of his experience, "At midnight I gave myself up to Christ: assured I was safe, sleeping or waking. I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think."  

And can it be that I should gain

1. An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
   Died He for me, who caused His pain—
   For me, who Him to death pursued?
   Amazing love! How can it be,
   That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
   • Refrain:
     Amazing love! How can it be,
     That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
2. ’Tis myst’ry all: th’ Immortal dies:
   Who can explore His strange design?
   In vain the firstborn seraph tries
   To sound the depths of love divine.
   ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
   Let angel minds inquire no more.
3. He left His Father’s throne above—
   So free, so infinite His grace—
   Emptied Himself of all but love,
   And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
   ’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
   For, O my God, it found out me!
4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
   Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
   Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray—
   I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
   My chains fell off, my heart was free,
   I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
5. No condemnation now I dread;
   Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
   Alive in Him, my living Head,
   And clothed in righteousness divine,
   Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
   And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
6. The Aldersgate accounts of both brothers, now written in the beloved hymn clearly testify to the assurances of their salvation. Forever Jesus!

Lionel

Ref 1: Hal Knight, 'The Meaning of the Aldersgate Experience' The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. 21 May 2015

Ref 2: Reclaiming Aldersgate. The Methodist Message, Singapore, May 1961.