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

Hard Times but Life Is Beautiful

The Murray in Drought

'Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to the world.'  1 Peter 4:12-13

The Murray Valley is one of Australia's bread baskets. Fed by waters from the Murray river, this basin is lush with vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards. From 10-16 Oct 2008, all 6 of us, Pat, Becky and I, John, Debbie and James, shared the rural pastoral experience of a town named Yarrawonga. It is located at the dam across the Murray River and Lake Mulwara. We swam, kayaked down the river, golfed, visited farms and wineries. The perceptive visitor will sense that there is a certain dryness, a land hardened by drought in this particular part of Australia. 

The shop-owner who rented to us two kayaks informed that the drought had so far lasted 10+ years. He had stopped taking tourist for kayaking tours because the interesting creeks along the river had all dried up. A farmer's wife at the Uniting Church where we worshipped, that Sunday informed Pat that the smaller farms had to burn their crops if there was insufficient rain. The church members are all senior citizens. They were so pleased to see us and to hear baby James cry in church. The younger people had long left the area to seek their fortunes in Melbourne or Sydney.

 

Droughts are hard times especially for a farming community but the week we were at Yarrawonga, coincided with the global financial crisis making it worse. Banks failed, the stock markets crashed and a global recession loomed. Many governments had to step in and underwrite their national banks. Australia was no exception. We can expect many people to suffer huge financial losses.

 

Kevin Rudd, then Prime Minister of Australia, rallied the Australians to tide over the global financial crisis with these words. "Anyone who grew up on the land knows that you can't control the weather," he declared. "Sunshine every day and rainy nights. That's what you dream of. But life's not like that. There are good years and there are hard years. And you don't choose the order in which they come. But the hard years teach you never to give up." Kevin Rudd was not just politicising but referring to character building; hard times whether in farms or in corporate rooms can bring out the best in character provided one learns life's lessons humbly.

Through these times, we learnt the bitter lesson that life wasn't meant to be easy. Christians despite our special relationships with God can fall on hard times too. Our faithfulness and the promised blessings do not shelter us from the hard knocks of life. Chapter 12 of the Book of Hebrews writes of discipline imposed on God's children and encourages us to withstand and overcome it,

'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been through it.' Hebrews 12:11

We admire people who can go through very trying periods and still retain their sense of humour and sanity. The character, Guido in the film 'Life Is Beautiful' is a case study. Guido, goes to extraordinary lengths to convince his son that navigating life under the Nazis in the concentration camp is actually all an elaborate game. His behaviour in times of great suffering is comical and amuses his son, the narrator in the film who described his Dad's ruse as 'his gift to me.'   

Roger Ebert the film critic noted that in the real death camps there would be no role for, the comic, Guido. Ebert wrote, "But Life Is Beautiful is not about Nazis and Fascists, but about the human spirit. It is about rescuing whatever is good and hopeful from the wreckage of dreams. About hope for the future." The critic Tom Dawson wrote "the film is presumably intended as a tribute to the powers of imagination, innocence, and love in the most harrowing of circumstances," 

St Augustine, in his book the 'City of God' spoke of suffering and opined that what matters is not the nature of the suffering, what matters is the nature of the sufferer. Bishop (Dr) Robert Solomon wrote in his book, The Race(Ref 1), “In suffering, we need to find meaning. We need to also find love. It is difficult to suffer alone and many people feel they do. But we are not really alone when we suffer. God offers us His loving presence.” Bishop wrote on, “And when we allow Him to walk with us, we will find that suffering is redemptive. It changes us and makes us like Him. It gives depth and brings new life.”

St Paul wrote in Romans Chapter 8,

'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the the glory that will be revealed in us...For we all know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  Romans 8:18,28,35 and 37

Matt Redman wrote a song, 'It is Well with My Soul' which is describes the relationship of Christians with suffering and the grace and blessing it can bring.

Our scars are a sign

Of grace in our lives

Oh Father, how you brought us through

 

When deep were the wounds

And dark was the night

The promise of your love you proved

 

Now every battle still to come

Let this be our song

 

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

 

Weeping may come

Remain for a night

But joy will paint the morning sky

 

You're there in the fast

You're there in the feast

Your faithfulness will always shine

 

Now every blessing still to come

Let this be our song

 

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

I trust your ways (trust your ways)

I trust your name (trust your name)

It is well, it is well with my soul

 

You lead us through battles

(You lead us through battles)

You lead us to blessing

(you lead us to blessing)

And you make us fruitful

(and you make us fruitful)

In the land of our suffering, God

 

Lionel

Ref 1. Robert M Solomon, The Race – Finding the Real Journey in Life. Genesis Books 2008

Updated 1st Published Nov 2008

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