MORIBUND DECAY

'MEGACHURCH"

2012-01-23T19:03:00.001-08:00

"megachurch" -- defined as a church with weekly worship attendance of 2,000 or more, a charismatic founder and leader, a top down authority structure, a tendency to draw members away from other churches, and sustained power and influence in a community.

Jon M Sweeney

I HATE RELIGION, I LOVE JESUS

2012-01-11T04:26:00.001-08:00

EX-MAYOR OPPOSES MEGACHURCH MOVING TO MALL

2012-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

"As soon as I heard of this, I thought of the Bible story where our Lord drove the money-changers out of the temple," ex-Boynton Beach mayor Jerry Taylor told Tuesday's city commission meeting. "In this case, you're being asked to allow a whole house of worship in the moneymakers' compound."

Read the report here.

Of course, in Singapore, this has never been an issue. What's more Singaporean than money-making and religion?

PUB: UPDATE ON FLASH FLOODS 23 DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

PUB has issued a press release regarding the flash flooding on 23 December 2011. Read it here.

"The sustained heavy downpour resulted in the flooding of several roads including the Thomson/Cambridge areas as well as the basements of Liat Towers and Lucky Plaza" goes the last line of the introductory paragraph.

I thought it was 'ponding' rather than a 'flood'. What changed? Alright, I'm being facetious.

Basically, PUB's stated reason for the floods was that "a total of 152.8mm of rain fell from 2.20pm to 5.20pm at the Orchard Road area. This is equivalent to about half the average monthly total (287.4mm) of rain recorded for the entire month of December over the last 142 years (1869 to 2010)."

Meaning - it's a one-off and unlikely to happen again? Almost like saying 'once in 50 years' maybe? Now why does that sound familiar? Again, being facetious.

And to be totally facetious about this issue (why stop now eh?), PUB's tagline goes - "Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy" Unfortunately, on that day in question there was just too much water....

Haha

MBS SUES FIVE HIGH ROLLERS FOR $7.5M

2011-12-29T01:17:00.000-08:00

Now this is all getting surreal. Read the report.

MBS grants credit to these 'high rollers' to gamble with and now the gamblers are saying that by doing so, MBS breached the Moneylenders Act by acting as a licensed moneylender and therefore, any transactions conducted are illegal and cannot be enforced.

But did MBS truly lend the gamblers any money? The credit could only be used for one purpose - gambling at MBS. The 'high rollers' could not use that credit to say, buy a car, could they? So how did MBS act as a unlicensed moneylender?

Or am I missing something?

NZ MAN JUMPS BAIL, WARRANT OF ARREST ISSUED

2011-12-29T00:52:00.000-08:00

Here's another 'honest mistake' to add to your collection. According to the AsiaOne report, New Zealander Robert Stephen Dahlberg was charged with committing a rash act and causing hurt, granted bail of $25,000 and then given permission to leave Singapore for London and Hong Kong.

Sorry, say again? "then given permission to leave Singapore"? Naturally, Dahlberg has NOT returned to Singapore to stand trial - what a surprise! Subsequently, a warrant of arrest has been issued against Dahlberg - the proverbial closing of the barn doors after the horses have LONG bolted.

Good to know that a foreigner can break our laws, cause hurt to our citizens and then be allowed to leave the country and completely escape answering for his offenses.

Where is the justice?

SG DEVELOPERS WARN OF RECESSION AFTER COOLING MEASURES

2011-12-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

In a recent Reuters report, REDAS President Wong Heang Fine is quoted as saying "Industry players are of the consensus view that the measures will, at least in the short term, negatively impact property sales volume and price," in a message to REDAS members. The report also states, "Quoting an unnamed analyst, Wong said the measures could tip the economy, already on the edge, into a recession."

Seriously? An 'unnamed analyst'? That's a really credible source! Now, we all know that whenever there is a property boom, developers of every ilk will flood the market with more properties than the market can handle in order to maximize profits. Do you think they are ever concerned by the impact on the economy as long as they making short term profits? Of course not!

So it is hilarious that this story should come out now - pure scaremongering, in my book - when the Government is trying to rein in the escalating property prices post-GE. Naturally, REDAS would love the prices to keep going as high as possible. So would the banks. The only people who would suffer greatly from the bubble bursting would be the home owners - you and I.

If there is a downturn, the developers simply go into hibernation mode and live off the massive reserves they've built up over the boom years. Whilst home owners will be left with devalued property and the banks can then demand cash to cover the shortfall in property value. A royal scam!

Remember, boys and girls, look at the source before believing everything you read. Hurm.

SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD

2011-12-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

We live in a physical, material world. That is fact. We are flesh and blood. Human. But that part of us is temporal. Our bodies will decay and ultimately we die. I believe in my eternal soul and spirit and it is that spirit that connects with GOD.

Which means to say that everything in the physical, material world is meaningless. Everything will go. I was born naked and alone and I will die naked and alone. I brought nothing into this world and I can take nothing out of this world. Irrefutable.

In the Gospels, Jesus consistently extols the poor and condemns the rich.

Luke 6 is quite emphatic -

Blessed (happy--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, apart from your outward condition--and to be envied) are you poor and lowly and afflicted (destitute of wealth, influence, position, and honor), for the kingdom of God is yours! (v. 20)

But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) and have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded you]. (v. 24)

Matthew 6 reinforces this principle -

Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.

But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal;

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(v. 19 - 21)

Is Jesus teaching that material wealth is not beneficial in the scheme of things? Seems clear to me. So why do many churches (especially those espousing the 'prosperity gospel') teach instead that one is only blessed by GOD if one is wealthy?

Well, to be blunt, this kind of teaching provides the best business plan on the planet, and if the swanky lifestyles of senior pastors worldwide are any indication, it seems to be working! But is this what GOD wants? Not according to Jesus...

So is Jesus saying that we should live in abject poverty and not have enough to provide the necessities for ourselves and our families. On the contrary, again Matthew 6 is very succinct.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

(v. 31 - 33)

Thus, we will have what we need for daily living as long as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and leave the fulfillment of our needs to GOD! It may not be a luxurious existence but our reward is not merely physical and material but spiritual...and that is more than enough for me...

MARK 7: 1 - 8

2011-12-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

NOW THERE gathered together to [Jesus] the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, for they had seen that some of His disciples ate with common hands, that is, unwashed [with hands defiled and unhallowed, because they had not given them a ceremonial washing]

For the Pharisees and all of the Jews do not eat unless [merely for ceremonial reasons] they wash their hands [diligently up to the elbow] with clenched fist, adhering [carefully and faithfully] to the tradition of [practices and customs handed down to them by] their forefathers [to be observed].

And [when they come] from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions [oral, man-made laws handed down to them, which they observe faithfully and diligently, such as], the washing of cups and wooden pitchers and widemouthed jugs and utensils of copper and beds

And the Pharisees and scribes kept asking [Jesus], Why do Your disciples not order their way of living according to the tradition handed down by the forefathers [to be observed], but eat with hands unwashed and ceremonially not purified?

But He said to them, excellently and truly [so that there will be no room for blame] did Isaiah prophesy of you, the pretenders and hypocrites, as it stands written: These people [constantly] honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far distant from Me.

In vain (fruitlessly and without profit) do they worship Me, ordering and teaching [to be obeyed] as doctrines the commandments and precepts of men.

You disregard and give up and ask to depart from you the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men [keeping it carefully and faithfully].

(Amplified Bible)

NOT ONE OF US

2011-12-24T02:14:00.000-08:00

I am of mixed parentage. My father was three-quarters English and one quarter Portuguese whilst my mother is Chinese. When I was growing up, I was quite confused by what I was supposed to be. In primary school, the other kids were either Chinese, Malay or Indian. Even though my IC told me I was 'Eurasian', I failed to identify with that tag.

Racism is a human ill that still plagues mankind. In English football, a storm of controversy is raging over racist slurs allegedly spoken by 'white' footballers against 'black' footballers and the debate rages. In Singapore, ill-considered words used by a PAP MP has brought ire from the online community and once again, a debate rages.

Despite our pledge which declares equality for all races, the differences are often highlighted, as in our ICs and in official forms. I have always wondered why racial designation is still required if we are all equal. What is the purpose of identifying myself as an 'Eurasian' unless it is to be used against me? Is this a form of 'divide and conquer' so effectively practised by our former colonial masters that has now been adopted by the Powers-That-Be?

Perhaps then it is ironic that this whole recent Seng Han Thong episode has blown up in the face of PAP when, to be begin with, the PAP has consistently highlighted racial differences in its policies. Certainly, you reap what you sow.

2011: GOING GOING GONE

2011-12-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

What kept me going in 2011 despite my many gripes, complaints and rants? Well, music and art have been gifts from GOD that kept me looking past the darkness of the world around.

GOD is the ultimate strength within. Only GOD understands what's going on in my head. Well, HE made me and loves me unconditionally cos HE knows me like nobody else can.

I have made new relationships but have also lost many in 2011. This is always a constant 'thorn in my side' as I almost never initiate a 'break-up' - it's usually done to me. So either I'm fucked up or they are. Heh.

The last few weeks have been promising ones on the relationship front. This is in contrast to the rest of the year where I've lost a MAJOR relationship, maybe forever?

But I am constantly in doubt as to whether these relationships will last beyond the first quarter 2012. Who knows? The best thing to do is to simply enjoy time spent with new friends while I still can before the inevitable snub happens. And believe me it WILL happen...

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy my time with GOD, who has and never will let me down... AMEN!

A PONDING WE WILL GO...

2011-12-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Regarding yesterday's stormy weather and obvious flash flooding (see above), the Public Utilities Board (PUB) has claimed that "there was no flooding at Orchard Road". (Emphasis added) "However, water ponded at the open area of Liat Towers, the underpass between Lucky Plaza and Ngee Ann City, and the basement of Lucky Plaza due to the sustained heavy downpour," PUB added. Read TODAY's report here.

Presumably by describing the incidences of flooding as 'ponding', PUB is hoping to make the situation seem less serious than it actually was. Perhaps, if you did not have access to any images of what actually happened at Orchard Road yesterday, maybe you thought that this is what happened instead (see below).

Ah... nothing to be concerned about. Maybe PUB suddenly thought that this was 2001 and not 2011 and nobody had access to actual photos of the FLOODING! Who knows? Instead of acknowledging the gravity of the situation we get the usual spin-doctoring denial of hard facts that government organizations seem to thrive on. Take some bloody responsibility, for heaven's sake!

And in case you're wondering...

'Flood' - 'a rising and overflowing of body of water especially onto normally dry land.' 'Ponding' - 'unwanted pooling of water, typically on a flat roof.'

Clearer?

NO CHURCH SERVICE ON XMAS

2011-12-23T02:27:00.000-08:00

Xmas falling on a Sunday presents its own unique problems. Link

CHRISTMAS? NO THANK YOU

2011-12-23T00:38:00.000-08:00

What is Christmas?

Is it the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ? Or simply a pagan winter solstice festival re-invented by the Roman Empire when it converted to Christianity.

Well, for all intents and purposes in the modern era, Christmas is just another festive period where people are obliged to spend money either on meaningless gifts or exorbitant meals. The only real winners during Christmas are shopping malls!

Personally, Christmas has absolutely nothing to do with my faith in Jesus or my personal Christianity. To me, it's just another date on the calendar. Sure, to be polite I exchange Christmas greetings with friends but really what does it mean? Nothing.

Man-made and utterly earth-bound, there is nothing spiritual about Christmas at all. Hence, the rather irreverent image of the Christmas devil above makes perfect sense. Well, in any case, it makes as much sense as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Turkey, Egg Nog and all the traditional trappings of Christmas.

Just call me Scrooge...

Australian Idolatry: Evangelical Christians Resurrecting the Music Industry

2011-12-18T01:54:00.000-08:00

Prosperity gospel, the Hillsong way. A model certainly for megachurches in Singapore. Read the full article here.

An interesting snippert - "But it does raise the question of why Hillsong music is routing the secular competition so convincingly. Possibly these conference sales are more 'got the t-shirt' souvenir purchases than high-rotation repeat-players. Or perhaps it's just that piracy is less rampant in Christian circles than in the wider market. Downloading music illegally isn't proscribed by any specific commandment as far as I'm aware, but it does seem a very un-Christian thing to do. In 2007 Hillsong hit the headlines again, amid accusations of 'vote stacking' in the Australian Idol talent quest. Idol issued a formal, on-air statement refuting the allegations, although four of the eight finalists did in fact turn out to be from the Assemblies of God Pentecostal church, of which Hillsong is an affiliate. Idolatry - 1, Idol - nil."

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

2011-12-07T07:25:00.001-08:00

Here it comes - the big rant. If you offend easily, I would advise that find some internet location to spend your precious time. Sad fact of my life is that I have mistreated the most by people who call themselves 'Christians'.

Take my ex-boss, for example, who insisted that I participated in the office prayer meetings - praising God with the same mouth that would verbally abuse me with consummate ease.

What about my former church? Leaders who would tell blatant lies to cover up the misdeeds of other leaders. One leader - when I told him that I could not attend meetings dues to work commitments - said that there was 'something wrong' with me. The pastor-in-charge simply dismissed this by saying 'I'm sure he didn't say that' - lying to cover the inappropriate behavior of his leader.

Not to mention the many 'Christian' artists who have abused my trust and friendship for their own agendas. Seems like they only pretended that they considered me a friend when it was beneficial to them but the moment they felt that this was not the case, you would be unceremoniously dropped like the proverbial hot potato.

These religious types are the 'brood of vipers' John Baptist chastised in the Gospels - the same religious leaders to whom Jesus would speak in harsh tones. Somehow these 'Christians' believe that their 'salvation' is an excuse for lack of accountability and irresponsibility. This is totally unacceptable.

It is so bad that I literally cringe and feel a pang of suspicion when I find out that someone is a 'Christian' - afraid of the person's hidden agenda. Well, I told you this rant would be pretty nasty and I am not pulling my punches here. Bottom line - I don't give a fuck whether you're a 'Christian' or not - treat me with respect and I will treat you with respect.

If not, FUCK OFF!

VISIT OUR MEGACHURCH - FREE COFFEE, BIG SCREENS AND A ROCK BAND!

2011-12-01T18:38:00.001-08:00

Calgary's First Alliance Church packs them in, the rock music way... Newslink. Most significant tidbit - "It’s also the wealthiest Alliance church in Canada, drawing $4.7-million from its members in the last fiscal year." Funny but I never thought the amassing of wealth was high on the LORD's agenda but there you go...

"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." (Matthew 6: 19-21, The Message)

REALITY SHOW ON MISSION TRIPS

2011-12-01T07:45:00.001-08:00

The Rev. Joel Osteen announced he's signed an agreement to work with producer Mark Burnett to develop a reality show about his mission trips with members of his Lakewood Church. The program would also feature Osteen's wife, Victoria. Newslink.

Osteen is a Houston megachurch minister whose services are broadcast to audiences around the world. Lakewood Church's website says its broadcasts reach more than 200 million households.

No surprise here. More members equals more tithes.

SOME FEAR MEGACHURCH BUBBLE MAY SOON BURST

2011-11-26T17:49:00.001-08:00

This article focuses more on organizational issues (leadership succession changes) than spiritual ones. Typical, as the 'megachurch' is more a corporate entity than a spiritual one. Focus is often more on branding, funding (new buildings mainly) and membership drives than spiritual ones. Very worldly concerns, it must be said. You can argue that this is inevitable when dealing with human groupings of a large size (2,000 and above) or you can take the view (as I do) that churches were never intended to be 'mega', if taking the example of the early church as an indicator. The sheer amount of abuse that goes on in 'megachurches' is reason enough to suggest that perhaps this path may not be the steep and narrow one that the LORD spoke about but the wide open road that leads to destruction. Maybe.

HUMAN UNDERSTANDING

2011-11-26T03:48:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I think I want to either burst into tears or scream in anger!

Since I resigned from that hellhole some people call legal practice, it has been difficult - nay, impossible - to secure a place back in the chain gang, the proverbial rat race. So, countless job applications were ignored and even when I went to interviews for prospective legal counsel posts, I would never hear from those companies again. This went on for at least ten months until the part-time teaching job at Republic Polytechnic 'fell into my lap'. In similar circumstances, I was able to get a part-time teaching post at Play By Ear School as well.

Of course, the income is nowhere near the five figures I was earning in legal practice but whilst it has been a struggle, GOD has been providing enough to keep head above water, even if barely. I have given up on pursuing a corporate job cos I really think my age is against me and surely after almost two years out of the legal game (and enjoying every second), I really do not have the stomach to return.

However, it is disappointing that the most important person in my life does not see things in the same way. In her eyes, I have failed to provide and thus am now treated with disdain. Funny that but I thought the vow went something like 'for better or for worse'? To her, I am slumming it and doing the bare minimum but it has never occurred to her that this is all GOD's will and that for the time being, this is what our life is.

I mean, is money more important than our relationship? Apparently so. In the final analysis, if I am not able to earn an income to her satisfaction I am persona non grata. That very thought hurts like hell but I hold on to the promises of GOD more than ever. This life is not an end in itself but merely a means to an end. The end being heaven and eternal life. Every trial and tribulation (including the current experience) exists to shape me into a better soul for the after-life.

And thus, I face it with the confidence that even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for GOD is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me. So if it is GOD's will that I must live without her. SO BE IT. AMEN.

NEW BOOK TACKLES SHORTCOMINGS OF MODERN CHURCH

2011-11-10T16:49:00.001-08:00

What would the early church think of the modern church? Article link

HDB CEO: SMALLER FLATS HAVE NOT LOWERED QUALITY OF LIFE

2011-11-10T16:40:00.001-08:00

The super-rich elite have spoken and it must be so... Article link. As always those in authority are completely out of touch with the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. Disgraceful.

POWER STRUGGLE AT MEGACHURCH

2011-11-10T07:13:00.001-08:00

Pastor sues church board over control. Article link.

What is there to say except to quote 1 Cor 6: 1-6

1 If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? 2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!

HURM!

MEGACHURCH PASTORS BEGIN IDEOLOGICAL ATTACKS AS MAYORAL ELECTIONS NEAR

2011-11-10T07:04:00.001-08:00

Clear abuse of undue influence, as megachurch pastors in South Korea smear opposition candidate as 'satanic'. Disgusting. Article link.

BANKRUPT MEGACHURCH REQUESTS FOR FOOD DONATIONS - TO BE PICKED UP BY FOUNDERS' LIMO

2011-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

You reap what you sow...

ANTI-GAY PASTOR ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC MASTURBATION

2011-11-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

Here we go again...

PIGS ON A WING

2011-10-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's funny how sometimes your memory plays tricks. I seem to recall that I was not much of a fan of Pink Floyd's Animals LP. Y'know the one sandwiched between Wish You Were Here and The Wall (both I love).

Well, thanks to the latest remastered re-issues, I have been revisiting Animals and found it to be an excellent prog-rock exercise. In fact, it's probably one of the more conventional prog-rock pieces in the Floyd's discography.

Listening to songs like "Dogs", "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" and "Sheep" really brings home how awesome a band Pink Floyd was. Even though as a band at the time, they were going through a host of problems - financial, interpersonal etc - they still delivered where it mattered - the music.

In addition, I have once again arrived at the place where I am able to identify wholly with Roger Waters' bleak world-view. He basically lambasts the oppressor and the oppressed with equal vigour. This perspective has never been more relevant than in 2011 as a simple reading of today's headlines will attest.

Simply put, one gets sick to the stomach at the amount of repression being carried out in the world today in the name of money and wealth. Even churches buy into this belief system and foist these beliefs onto congregations who like sheep are more than willing to be led by the nose.

Of course, there's also the inescapable irony that in fact Pink Floyd with their own wealth are pretty much part of the system anyways, which only spices up the tale in the telling. By the mid-80s, Pink Floyd had become a brand name and even sans creative leader Waters, was able to sell millions of copies of the vastly inferior Momentary Lapse of Reason and Division Bell.

Hahaha

UNSATISFIED

2011-09-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Look me in the eye

Then, tell me that I'm satisfied

Were you satisfied?

Look me in the eye

Then, tell me that I'm satisfied

Hey, are you satisfied?

And it goes so slowly on

Everything I've ever wanted

Tell me what's wrong

Look me in the eye

And tell me that I'm satisfied

Were you satisfied?

Look me in the eye

Then, tell me that I'm satisfied

And now are you satisfied?

Everything goes

Well, anything goes all of the time

Everything you dream of

Is right in front of you

And everything is a lie

Look me in the eye

And tell me that I'm satisfed

Look me in the eye

Unsatisfied

I'm so, I'm so unsatisfied

I'm so dissatisfied

I'm so, I'm so unsatisfied

I'm so unsatisfied

Well, I'm-a

I'm so, I'm so unsatisfied

I'm so dissatis,dissatis...

I'm so

(Words by Paul Westerberg)

IT'S MY PARTY & I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO

2011-09-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

It's funny how life can change so suddenly and so definitively in a matter of mere months. The many issues that make up my sometimes fraught life can take many twists and turns that often it's impossible to know if I'm coming or going.

The deep buried thoughts that I have tried to keep under wraps (and ignore) has jumped right up and hit me between the eyes through absolutely no fault or intention on my part.

Is it possible that the sub-conscious yearnings and desires can have an impact on the 'real' life where plans actually take shape when once there were none? Sorry if this is all cryptic but these are thoughts I can barely form words to express. Where this is all going... God only knows...

BALLAD OF A THIN MAN

2011-09-08T01:53:00.000-07:00

Of late, I have received many comments that I've lost a lot of weight. I suppose it's either factual or flattering, depending on your point of view. Well, I guess that it's true although I have not verified this by weighing machine but definitely I can fit into jeans I previously could not! No coincidence that this weight loss parallels my leaving the rat race. You know, less money = less weight! When there is a lack of money, your attention is focused on how much everything costs and a concentration on spending less is a natural consequence. Don't get me wrong I do eat normally, more or less. I usually have at least two square meals a day. Cheap and good where possible. But I believe the key lies in two sources. One, I only take public transportation - i.e. bus or MRT. And this means I do a whole lotta walking. Working at RP also means that I walk at least an hour a day, lugging a heavy laptop around, sometimes in the hot afternoon heat. Two, I hardly ever snack nowadays. Yes apart from two square meals I do not eat anything else. No chips, no nuts, no ice cream, no cakes - nothing! Also I don't drink soft drinks - only drink water. The only 'sinful' pleasure in this respect is coffee. Cheap coffee mind you.

And there you have it. It's a poor man's diet. No exercise. No health food. Just eat less and walk around more. Simple...

TWO IS ENOUGH

2011-09-05T23:54:00.001-07:00

I am always amused whenever our ever declining birth rate is brought up in order to clobber our young people (especially women) for not fulfilling their procreation responsibilities.

I am old enough to remember a time when the Government was concerned about over-population and thus actively discouraged Singaporeans from having more than two children. In fact, the Government went as far as discouraging marriage and that first child even. Be careful what you wish for!

I got the following image from http://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/tag/stop-at-two/.

So who's fault is it, in the final analysis? With messages like Take Your Time To Say Yes and The Second Can Wait, is it any wonder that the fertility rate is as low as it is? The ZPG (Zero Population Growth) campaign worked but not in the way the Government planned! Of course, the Government will say that this consequence was unintended and beyond its control. Yet it readily takes credit (and reward) for the positive results of its policies, so why not take the blame for negative results, eh? This is called 'having your cake and eating it' - easy enough when there is nobody to take you to account in Parliament.

So now in 2011, the Government's solution to under-population is a liberal immigration policy which will no doubt also have unintended ill consequences like before. Will arrogance, complacency and lack of accountability once again be brought to bear at the expense of Singaporeans?

SAME AULD LANG SYNE

2011-09-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

I hate reunions. And when you're 50, these reunions become insanely popular. You know, people who went to the same school or university as you did suddenly think it would be a good idea to get together for old times' sake. Not if your alma mater is either ACS or NUS Law School and you are working part-time only and have not achieved a fraction of what these former schoolmates have achieved commercially. I mean, there are ministers in there somewhere even. So, what's the point? Don't need the aggravation of explaining why I quit being a lawyer to become a part-time facilitator. Or worse still, try explaining why I am managing a rock band or chew the fat about the pop culture blog I've been running for more than a decade. Nothing better to do. One of my law school classmates was actually responsible for retrenching me before. So yeah, that sounds like fun.

BOOBY TRAPS

2011-09-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

LA Times - Woman's breast implant explodes during paintball: New high-impact sports risk?

A rather serious-funny article about the unexpected implications of breast augmentation. The horror stories are well balanced against tales of how implants actually saved the lives of certain women in life-threthening scenarios. Much more than meets the eye, I guess...

DON'T LOOK BACK IN ANGER

2011-09-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I turned 50 in February and 51 is already around the corner. As one gets older, it seems time passes much faster. Looking back at five decades of existence, I try not to hold on to any regrets - the 'what might have been if only...' - it's a waste of time.

It's easy to get caught up with the past or to just worry about the future and forget that I'm living in the PRESENT. That has always been the message that Jesus was trying to put across in the latter half of Matthew 6. I probably would have never imagined that I would be in my current situation five years ago. But that's life for you. People talk about plans - as if we can control the circumstances around us - all I can do is trust GOD and hold on tight for dear life. In the final analysis, everything we own will turn to dust so the only thing that matters in this life is the people around you. Again, there's no way to control the way people think or respond, all I can do is respond in the way I believe GOD would want me to. So, I try not to sweat the 'little' things and I leave the 'big' things to GOD and hope I am ready to move when it's time to move. Apologies if this is a bit of a ramble but that's the way life is sometimes. Make the best of what is in front of you. Right now, it's all about the music and music people and working with people who want to work with me. The rest is irrelevant noise.

2 MUCH 2 TAKE

2011-09-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Scaremongers surround me, tell me I’m lost and lonely
But I don’t need no hero, to save me from zero
Can you show me heaven before I count to seven
There’s no sense in knowing that my future isn’t glowing

DON’T WANT FOREVER ONLY NEED TODAY
WHAT’S THE POINT? WHEN THERE’S JUST 2 MUCH 2 TAKE

If God is on your side, why do you try to hide
All the goodness in your heart, never seems to play a part
Who made you judge and jury to declare divine wrath and fury
I never had a chance to see your spiritual superiority

Am I slipping and sliding, back into my original sin
Is my faith enough to pull me through despite the things that I do
Why should I believe you, that what you say is true
Your life is not that much better than the sinners you merrily batter

WHY SO SERIOUS?

2011-09-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

Let's face it - decay is inevitable. Couple of weeks ago I broke yet another tooth due to neglect and bloody-mindedness. Sure, I got it fixed and thank GOD, it's still holding up but there's no stopping time is there?

It's been awhile since I last posted here - before the GE in fact - and so I've decided to change the name of the blog (as you can see) and also change the focus as well. I mean, I don't really want to bore you with the gory details - basically I am through preaching digitally - so now this blog will hold full on rants on the ills of this world and of society at large.

All this with a pinch of humor thrown in. After all, nothing is gonna last forever so let's have a bit of fun while we can eh? That's the whole problem with the opposite poles of the Protestant church - either no fun or too much - heh! So let's strike a balance and marvel at the absurdity of modern living. Stick around if you wish or not as the case may be. It's gonna be a bumpy ride.

VOTE WISELY

2011-05-06T03:58:00.000-07:00

I have not voted since the 90s. The last two elections (2001 & 2006) had been walkovers in my previous ward, Tanjong Pagar GRC. In fact, had my new ward (i.e. Moulmein-Kallang GRC) not been carved out I would have suffered another election without the right to exercise my voting right.

Much has been said & written about the watershed election that is the 2011 edition. Certainly, social media has allowed Singaporeans to speak their minds freely in a manner unprecedented since independence! Opposition rallies have been well attended and support for the alternative view seems to be gaining momentum with each passing day.

Despite the ruling party's promise to go on the offensive in the latter days of the campaign, instead we had the unusual sight of the PM apologizing to citizens for the mistakes of the ruling party. Suddenly, there is talk of transforming the ruling party and of a greater need for the ruling party to connect and engage the people. So... is there a sea change coming in the political landscape of Singapore?

I am not entirely convinced. I believe that most Singaporeans will not want to venture out of the comfort zone and vote opposition and thus I do not expect that much more opposition gains. But then again, I am a cynic and a pessimist. There has been much 'wayang' online and at opposition rallies but the crux of the matter is - will these same people cast their vote for the opposition? I am not so sure...

In the final analysis, for me the election is about fighting for the principle that absolute power corrupts absolutely. No one party should have absolute control over parliament - nothing good comes out of this scenario as we have seen in Singapore: there is no accountability where there are no checks and balances.

Singapore has a competition law that seeks to ensure fairness and competition for goods and services - why is the political arena exempt from this? What is more important than the governance of our country? Surely in this area of life, we need competition, we need alternative views and we need a strong opposition. This has nothing to do with individual candidates or even parties, this is about a key principle that can only be upheld by us, the people of Singapore. Do not expect political parties - who are only interested in survival - to protect this principle.

Lawyers have a saying - "principles are expensive". Yes indeed. What are you prepared to do to preserve this key principle? What risks are you willing to take for yourself and your children? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when you are alone with your thoughts in the polling booth, tomorrow.

So, vote wisely, and I will see you on the other side... come what may.

THE GREAT DIVIDE

2011-04-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

It's funny how Christians think that they have a license to judge other Christians who do not measure up to their own standards of what it means to be a Christian. This despite the LORD's warning - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

I remember a pastor in one of the churches I previously attended, qualifying the express words of the LORD by stating that of course, this did not prevent pastors like him from rebuking sinful people! Yes, the Word of GOD did not apply to him... according to him, that is.

Frankly, I get rather tired at all the bickering - one Christian church judging another Christian church - Protestants attacking Roman Catholics, Fundamentalists attacking Charismatics and of course Charismatics attacking everybody else!

I just read a friend's tweet about how she was 'ashamed' of the traditional church and I remember one Baptist friend decrying the mysticism of the Pentecostals. Then there was the Methodist friend who refused to trust in prophecy and what about the Anglican colleague who condemn Catholics for the crucifix and so on into infinity.

Study the life of JESUS - did HE ever judge and openly condemn anyone? Yes HE did but not the people you'd expect. HE enjoyed the company of the people the religious community judged but reserved some of HIS most pointed rebukes for the pious.

Remember HIS own words in John 3:17 - "For GOD did not send his SON into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through HIM."

I constantly remind myself of this - I have been called out of the world to serve HIM and others - judging and condemning people do not come into the equation...

IS GOD EVIL?

2011-03-12T03:59:00.000-08:00

How does a follower of Jesus make sense of the death and devastation that is so commonplace in the world? Already this year we have seen natural disasters in NZ and now, Japan. Why would a loving God allow such tragedy and pain?

Well, as a believer, I understand that this is a fallen world - a world that is also suffering under the weight of mankind's sin and rejection of GOD. Not to trivialize the plight of the Japanese, but death is one constant that we have in this life. In whatever form it may take, we will one day leave this mortal coil.

In Genesis, the fall of man (into rebellion) caused both physical and spiritual death resulting in separation from GOD. GOD's plan for the the redemption of man and the world is through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

It's easy to be angry and to rail against GOD for these 'evil' acts or even to deny GOD's existence in a vain attempt at understanding. However, in the same way we are able to accept 'good things', we must also be able to accept 'evil'.

I trust that GOD is in control especially when we fail to understand His rationale - His ways are higher than our ways, as the prophet Isaiah so delicately put it. That is why sometimes the only thing I can do is to pray for GOD's mercy upon the victims of these natural disasters.

May GOD strengthen and bless the people of Japan during this most difficult of times. Let's be thankful and count the blessings that GOD has already put into our lives....

FUCK YOU! I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!

2011-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

It's a strange old couple of days. Decided to take a 24-hour self-enforced silence on Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes one gets sick of all the inane, dumb comments that pass for 'opinions' on social media (present company included) so let's take a break...

Once in a while you get a comment that just gets under your skin - an anti-S-ROCK attitude that pisses me off no end. Singaporeans by and large have this notion that S-ROCK is not important and S-ROCK musicians have no intrinsic value. I can accept that people hold such views but why should they be allowed to comment on issues related to S-ROCK and S-ROCK musicians then?

If you hold such contempt for S-ROCK and S-ROCK musicians, then fuck off! Stay away from discussions concerning S-ROCK and S-ROCK musicians! Why stick your nose in where it don't belong? And then complain when people take you to task for your stance? If you can't take the heat, stay out of the fucking kitchen. Pardon my French but it's all necessary to make my point.

Thank goodness that in my labors in writing about music, I've come across Red Wanting Blue and Sanny Veloo, both inspirations to the adage of never giving up on your dream, pursuing your passion and damn the naysayers.

Or as the great Rage Against The Machine so eloquently put it - "FUCK YOU! I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME!" Words to live by...

Rant over - normal service to be resumed.

THE MONEY CHURCH

2011-03-06T23:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I blogged here. Rather busy with my music making and writing endeavours but it doesn't mean I haven't been meditating on the Word. One thing that has been on my mind of late is the so-called 'prosperity gospel'. Y'know, God wants Christians to be wealthy and materialistic as it is a sign of blessedness - wealth being the ultimate proof of God's power to a Godless world. Hurm.

Well, there is enough 'evidence' in the Word that our LORD Jesus and the Apostles never taught any such 'prosperity gospel'.

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20)

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6: 19)

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6: 6-10)

"Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
(Matthew 19: 16 - 24)

"Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." (Acts 2: 44 - 45)

And that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg about what the Word has to say about the Christian attitude towards money. Yet many pastors teach this gospel of wealth, often in order to justify their own opulent wealth e.g. million dollar annual salaries, private jets, expensive clothes, luxury cars and so on. They will point to the examples of Abraham, David, Solomon, Job and Joseph as Godly men to emulate. But as far as I can remember, the Word talks about following Jesus, NOT Abraham, David, Solomon, Job or Joseph. In any case, it was not their wealth that distinguished these men of GOD but their FAITH!

Was Jesus a wealthy man? Didn't He say, "foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head"? If Jesus was wealthy, why did He need miracles to feed the five thousand? Why didn't He just buy the food? Also, if Jesus was wealthy, why didn't He just pay the temple tax instead of asking Peter to get it out of a fish's mouth? No, Jesus did not have any material wealth but of course, GOD provided everything Jesus needed and He thus lacked nothing.

For me, the message of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 becomes more and more crystal clear. I need to seek first GOD's kingdom and GOD's righteousness and GOD will provide for my needs. It is easy to be caught up in worldly pursuits of wealth and material possessions, especially when greedy pastors fuel such belief systems in order to fatten their own bank accounts. The unscriptural teaching of tithing perpetrated by many churches serves worldly empire building rather than the purposes of GOD.

As always, I look to Jesus - the author and perfecter of my faith as my sole example. And I praise GOD for His provision always...

SIGN OF JONAH

2011-02-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah"

(Matthew 16: 4)

Crystal clear indication what Jesus thought about signs and wonders. Yes, He had no hesitation in performing miracles to help people in need (healing, deliverances and so on) but He was no mere sideshow magician. He is the Saviour of the world and it is only "the sign of Jonah" that proves this.

Simply put, His death and resurrection. Jonah had to be swallowed whole by a big fish, survive in its belly for three days and be spat out alive in order for him to preach the message of repentance to Nineveh, which resulted in the city's salvation.

That "sign" can only be accepted by faith not by sight as no one living witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. However, we do have the Spirit who gives us the conviction that the resurrection did indeed happen and that Jesus is the Messiah.

As a follower of Jesus, that is what I put my faith in - not signs and wonders or miracles...

REMEMBERING DAD

2011-02-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

My father, Mervyn Joseph Mathews, would have been 85 today. It's his first birthday since his death on 15th March last year and I must confess that the thought made me sad. But thanks to Willy Tan (the brains behind Aging Youth/Lard Brothers) who tweeted me to "celebrate his life, don't mourn the passing", I gained a fresh perspective.

And Willy is absolutely right - time for mourning ended when we cremated his body and scattered his ashes into the sea. So here goes....

When remembering Dad, two things stick out in the memory.

First, when I was growing up, he exposed me to pop culture - films, music and comic books - an experience that obviously has shaped who I am - a pop culture geek! I particularly recalled the 8-track tapes he'd play in the car - Bread, Bee Gees, Bowie, Santana, ABBA and so on... yes, pop music was important to Dad.

Secondly, Dad was a wonderful cook and I can still hear him whistling in the kitchen cooking up his delicious meals - pork chops, potato cutlets, babi asam, ayam soto etc. What struck me most was how much he seemed to enjoy it, even though I'm certain it was hard work. He never grumbled or complained about it, he just did it! Although, I never inherited the cooking gift, I take on his attitude of service towards others - considering it a joy and not expecting anything in return. A precious lesson.

So, happy 85th birthday, Dad - till we meet again...

BLASPHEMY!

2011-02-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

^22-23Next a poor demon-afflicted wretch, both blind and deaf, was set down before him. Jesus healed him, gave him his sight and hearing. The people who saw it were impressed—"This has to be the Son of David!"
²⁴But the Pharisees, when they heard the report, were cynical. "Black magic," they said. "Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve."
^25-27Jesus confronted their slander. "A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that's in a constant squabble disintegrates; if Satan banishes Satan, is there any Satan left? If you're slinging devil mud at me, calling me a devil kicking out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?
^28-29"But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure. How in the world do you think it's possible in broad daylight to enter the house of an awake, able-bodied man and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first? Tie him up, though, and you can clean him out.
³⁰"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.
^31-32"There's nothing done or said that can't be forgiven. But if you deliberately persist in your slanders against God's Spirit, you are repudiating the very One who forgives. If you reject the Son of Man out of some misunderstanding, the Holy Spirit can forgive you, but when you reject the Holy Spirit, you're sawing off the branch on which you're sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives.
³³"If you grow a healthy tree, you'll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you'll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.
^34-37"You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation." (Matthew 12:22-37, The Message)

Like much of the gospels, this account of Jesus confronting the Pharisees regarding the so-called blasphemy against the Holy Spirit raises many questions and causes much confusion amongst believers. In its context, Jesus addressed the Pharisees' response to His driving out of demons as power derived from Satan. The Pharisees had absolutely no proof of this allegation, it was simply a knee-jerk reaction to the people hailing Jesus as the Son of David i.e. the Messiah. Not knowing how else to counter these claims, they shot out that heinous accusation against Jesus.

Jesus' considered response to the Pharisees' slander is interesting.

First, He uses logic - why would Satan drive out His own demons? That makes no sense. Also, the Pharisees had carried out exorcisms as well - did they do so by the power of Satan? By condemning Jesus, they were condemning themselves!

Secondly, He gives insight into the person of the Holy Spirit and into why rejecting the Spirit in this way would be unforgivable. The Holy Spirit is the one who forgives us our sins! The Holy Spirit is the very basis of our salvation. Think about that carefully. Yes, Jesus is the one who sacrifices Himself on the cross to save mankind but ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who brings conviction and faith in Jesus, which saves a person. Thus, the role of the Holy Spirit is paramount and cannot be lightly disregarded. And for the Pharisees to say that the Holy Spirit comes from Satan is a sin against oneself, denying oneself the salvation that Jesus died to grant us.

So, how in our modern everyday context is this so-called blasphemy of the Holy Spirit committed? Well, how about when Christians judge and label every activity that they do not understand as Satanic for starters? You know what I mean, search the internet and and you will find some Christian condemning another Christian as evil and Satanic... but what if that accused person is working by the power of the Holy Spirit? Then... isn't that blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Food for thought for all of us to check ourselves before we jump into judging other people - believers or otherwise.

Finally, Jesus expands the scope of His riposte to the use of words. "Words are powerful, take them seriously" so goes the paraphrasing of the Message version. This has to be read in the context of the Pharisees' accusation - they were careless words which the Pharisees had no ground to speak and with evil intention. Quite often, many Christians use the admonition of Jesus against 'idle' words as a hammer to condemn people who use vulgar language and gossip. My humble view is that as always Jesus is looking at the heart and less at the words themselves - what is the intention behind the words used? Is there honesty (and integrity) in what has been said? Are the words meant to heal or destroy?

In this internet age, where it is even easier to get words out into the public space (whether by Facebook, IM or Twitter), words have become meaningless to such a greater extent from the time of Jesus and the Pharisees. However, there is also greater potential is using words to enlighten, encourage, heal and even save. So, it's about responsibility. Not slavish mindless compliance to scriptural doctrine (or fear of damnation) but an understanding of what impact my words might have on another person that guides me in everyday living.

NOT OF THIS WORLD

2011-02-06T21:31:00.000-08:00

"But being aware of this, Jesus went away from there. And many people joined and accompanied Him, and He cured all of them, and strictly charged them and sharply warned them not to make Him publicly known. This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah,
'Behold, My Servant Whom I have chosen, My Beloved in and with Whom My soul is well pleased and has found its delight. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall proclaim and show forth justice to the nations. He will not strive or wrangle or cry out loudly; nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets; a
bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering (dimly burning) wick He will not quench, till He brings justice and a just cause to victory. And in and on His name will the Gentiles (the peoples outside of Israel) set their hopes.' "

(Matthew 12: 15-21 Amplified Bible)

I've always wondered about this and other passages in the New Testament where Jesus charged and warned people not to make Him known. I mean, why not? Surely, if more people knew about Jesus and what He was doing then, that would be a good thing, right? Wrong!

Basically, at this point in time, Jesus' mission was to be sacrificed on the cross for the sins of the world. As He said plainly to Pilate - "My Kingdom is not of this world" - and therefore Jesus was not interested in the fame, fortune and power of this world. So why would He want more people to follow Him through the signs and wonders He could easily conjure? Those people would be following Him for all the wrong reasons, thinking that He would overthrow the Romans and establish a physical kingdom on earth. That would only get into the way of Jesus' mission - think back to Satan's temptations in the wilderness as a good example of an attempt to distract Jesus from His mission. But Jesus held firm. Thank GOD!

So my human understanding was flawed (as usual) and the truth is brought home to me again but how the way of Jesus has nothing to do with the way of the world. In fact, both ways conflict and are polar opposites. Too many times, I use my human understanding and the reasoning of the world to compromise or dilute the hard truth of the Word. Jesus NEVER thought in those terms and I must do likewise...

LORD OF THE SABBATH

2011-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

(Matt 12: 1-8 NIV)

I work on Sundays now, teaching pop piano at Play By Ear Music School. Isn't that against God's law? Aren't we suppose to rest and keep the Sabbath holy? That's what the religious leaders also said, when they caught Jesus' disciples "working" on a Sabbath. But Jesus pointed out to them how ridiculous their attitude towards the Sabbath was. The leaders were being overtly legalistic and ignored the spirit of the Law. As usual, Jesus was able to cite precedent with David and the practice of the priests (figures whom the leaders would respect) but Jesus did not leave it at that. He quoted Hosea 6:6 where GOD speaks about required obedience NOT sacrifice and then declared Himself, the LORD of the Sabbath. At the end of the day, this applies to every aspect of the Old Testament law, which legalistic Christians love to trot out to "condemn the innocent" as Jesus puts it. In the final analysis, GOD wants a life that is aligned to HIS Kingdom and HIS righteousness (Matt 6:33) and not the mere lip service of sacrifice. So whether you're in or out of church, GOD looks at your heart first and foremost...

TWEETING YOUR LIFE AWAY

2011-01-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have been reflecting on my activity on social media. Yes, I probably tweet and use Facebook a bit too much, bordering on addiction. Why did I think so? A couple of reasons.

First, a online rumour that Facebook was going to shut down in March. That got me thinking about what I would do without Facebook. Well, continue living of course. After all, what is so important about Facebook.

Secondly, I came across a status update from Rach that she was going on a Facebook "fast". At first I thought it was a little ridiculous but then I realized that she could be onto something and that it made perfect sense.

Thirdly, and finally, was a tweet from Ben about the flood of tweets being produced during sporting events, blow-by-blow. That got me thinking. Why should my tweets be annoying and disturbing to another human being? That seems contrary to the very notion of social media to begin with!

And so... taking the above into account, I actually took my own Facebook/Twitter "fast" a couple of days ago. Now, I refrain from putting personal thoughts on either. I mean, surely those thoughts should be reserved for real friends or family and not "friends" or "followers" I barely knew. You could say then that I am being very official about social media and only share about musical matters relating to my various musical projects or tastes. Nothing more, nothing less.

WORKIN' (FOR A LIVIN')

2011-01-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

I met up with Renyi, Cheez and Don (from the Cheating Sons) on Saturday to interview them for an article in TODAY. Now, Don and Renyi are practicing lawyers, as I once was and inevitably the conversation would morph into a discussion on lawyering work. Long hours and great stress were the basic themes. Lack of work-life balance and me reminiscing on the years of torture at the hands of my ex-boss.

Although, not exactly the most uplifting of discussions, at least, it reminded me once again, that despite my current financial struggles, I would not trade my life now for a return to either the legal or corporate life. I supposed you could say that that last year of intense suffering has totally broken my dependance on the standard work life I'd known for two decades.

I remember in my darkest hours at that law firm, I swore that I would rather be poor than work again in that office or in legal practice. Nothing in my recent experience can compare to that lowest of lows, and I intend never to repeat that mistake ever again. So, definitely a prayer or two for Renyi and Don is in order - for them to be able to work shorter hours so that they can dedicate time to their immense talents.

Yes!

TRUE WEALTH

2011-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

"But woe to you who are rich,

for you have already received your comfort.

Woe to you who are well fed now,

for you will go hungry."

Jesus' words as recorded in Luke 6: 24-25 are emphatic about what He thought about true wealth. Jesus also identified with the poor and the hungry. Earlier in the same passage, Jesus declared, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied."

In Philip Yancey's brilliant book - The Jesus I Never Knew - he cites Christian historians who are of the view that, "this good work (i.e. receive strangers, clothe the naked, feed the hungry and visit those in prison) continued until the triumph of Constantine... From that point on the church tended to spiritualize poverty and leave 'welfare' to the emperor. Over time the church itself became part of the wealthy establishment". (Emphasis mine)

This is now especially true in the age of the megachurch, where the emphasis is on worldly riches despite our LORD's warning not to store treasures on earth. Now, the yardstick of blessing is the amount of money in bank accounts and not the good work the LORD set out in Matthew 25 i.e. the parable of the sheep and goats.

How easy it is to forget that the LORD said to Pontius Pilate that His kingdom is NOT of this earth. Instead, the numerous churches riding on the so-called gospel of prosperity have, in my opinion, nothing to do with the 'church' as described in the New Testament. This goes against our human understanding of what wealth is and should be, we would do well to follow the example of our LORD as always and not the ways of the world...

HEAVY

2011-01-18T21:53:00.000-08:00

My mother suffered from clinical depression a few years back where she would be so anxious that she would pace endlessly from one end of the living room to the other. Which explains my own chronic deposition towards melancholia. Suffice to say, that the last couple of years have seen me going through the highs and lows of life in more and more extreme swings.

When I was working in the law firm, it was less financial issues then stressful work issues and the latter would literally keep me awake at nights. Now, I am really happy with teaching at RP and at PBE but 'money no enough' as they say. That is now the subject matter that weighs heavily on my mind.

So no win either way, eh? It can get rather frustrating to think that this is your lot in life. Until one remembers the LORD's admonition in Matthew 6 about not worrying and not getting anxious about the daily needs of life - food, drink and clothing - seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and all the things that God knows I need will be provided for.

Well, in this dark time, there is precious little else to hold on to in terms of security and with bank and financial institution now beginning to get on my back for non-payments, it's a challenge not to despair and to trust GOD to take care of these issues instead. Yes, there's no other way....

DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL

2010-12-27T01:44:00.000-08:00

No, this has nothing to do with gays and the US Army but rather the sheer lack of knowledge Christians have about the early church history. I mean, how did we get from the resurrection of the Lord Jesus to the church? Worse yet, most Christians are not really bothered to find out. I must confess that my knowledge in this area is at its barest minimum but... I intend to remedy that and will chronicle my progress (best I can) over here.

...still there's more...

BRICK BY BRICK

2010-12-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

If something is of any value, it takes time to build up, believe me. I should know. It took me almost ten years from the day I wrote My One & Only to ultimately bask in the thrill of hearing it on radio. I would love to say that I had a grand plan to make it all work but of course, it had nothing to do with me, rather it was the blessed design of the Almighty.

So…. this weekend, I was fortunate to meet up with Kelvin from Play-by-Ear, a piano school (referred to by my son, Wes, of all people!) about teaching part-time. We got along well from the start and I am thankful that I have found something to dedicate my time to, involving both music and teaching. God is good indeed. And so, I get myself trained next week (really looking forward to improving my piano skills) and soon will be on the job, with my new students!

You can find more about Play-by-Ear at www.play-by-ear.net.

GOD IS GOOD

2010-09-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Just a simple blog post to acknowledge GOD's goodness towards me in my life. HE has never ever let me down. Never. Even in the darkest moments of my life, HE has been there to hold my hand and guide me through. HE was never forgotten or forsaken me and I know HE never will.

In good or bad circumstances, HE remains the same - HE never changes. People and circumstances may change but GOD never does and never will. HIS word and timing are always perfect. Always. HE knows best because HIS ways are higher than mine.

I pray that GOD will bless you not with riches or possessions but with the knowledge of HIS love. May HE always keep you in perfect love and peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV)

... still there's more ...

TRUE FAITH

2010-09-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed..."

Was just reading a Facebook conversation between an old acquaintance of mine and his friends about the veracity of the bible story of Jonah and the big fish. You might know the story - Jonah is ordered by God to preach to Nineveh so that the city might repent and be spared God's judgement. But Jonah disobeys and runs off (cos he really wants Nineveh to be destroyed by God) and ends up in a fish's belly for three days. Jonah 1:17 states - "Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish's belly three days and nights."

Now this old acquaintance is a church-goer and yet he questions whether this story is true and actually makes fun of Christians who do believe in it! He points out that scientifically it is impossible for a man to be swallowed whole by a fish and survive in its belly for three days. I'm sorry but if God wanted that to happen, wouldn't He be able to?

What about the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Isn't that scientifically impossible as well? Then taking this argument to its logical conclusion, this old acquaintance would not believe that Jesus even rose from the dead.

Why does he even go to church then? Isn't that the most fundamental belief of a Christian? In his letters, Paul states emphatically that all scripture is God-breathed (i.e. written by God through man) which includes also, the story told in Jonah about the big fish and that if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then our faith is in vain, pointless and Christians are basically fools.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that this old acquaintance must believe that Jonah lived in the belly of the big fish and that Jesus rose from the dead - but it's seems to me incredibly pointless for him to go to church and profess to be a Christian if he doesn't believe. No offense meant but that's just me...

And oh, we Christians usually refer to things that happen despite being scientifically impossible as miracles.

HURM.

STEP BY STEP

2010-09-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

(Isa 40: 30-31a)

I received the news yesterday that my application to be an Academic Associate at Republic Polytechnic was successful and that I would begin to facilitate sessions at RP in October. It's now been almost nine months since I left my employment to seek new pastures and whilst it has not always been easy I have to say that the good LORD has been watching over me all this time.

This provision from GOD is merely the first step in fulfilling HIS plan for my life, a plan that HE had revealed in part to me in 2006 through my former church pastor in a prophetic word. What Ps Brian had told me was that I would come to a crossroads in my life and that in order to walk into GOD's plan, I had to trust HIM and not rely on human understanding.

Indeed, this word came to pass when I quit my employment in October last year and was determined to leave legal work behind me and pursue my passion and gifts i.e. music. But there were obstacles of course, I had no proper qualifications or experience teaching or lecturing so who would hire me? My human understanding was shouting loudly in my ear that this was a foolish cause and that at my age (50 next February), it was folly to change career paths.

But I took GOD at HIS word.

So, a couple of months ago, I received a heads-up from Chloe (from Esplanade) that RP was looking for part-time lecturers and suggested that I investigate that possibility. Talk about out of the blue! Well as a result of that tip, I was interviewed at RP and two months later, I'm in! Thanks, Chloe!!!

What is truly amazing is that I will be facilitating in the School of Technology for the Arts and will be teaching MUSIC!!! How cool is that?! Yes, I will also be teaching law at the Centre for Innovation and Enterprise but the very idea of actually being able to talk to young people about music (and being remunerated for it) just blows my mind!

Of course, I realize that there are still challenges ahead but this is an amazing first step in the right direction and I'm excited to see what the LORD has in store for me in the years ahead. A new journey begins and I want to thank all my kind friends who have supported me (and prayed for me) during these lean months and once again, I must emphasize the truth of Todd Rundgren's immortal sentiment -

... STILL THERE'S MORE ...

GROW OLD WITH ME

2010-09-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

The Online Citizen has posted the transcript of the recent interview (1st September 2010) carried out by Seth Mydans with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, for the New York Times and the International Herald Tribune.

To be honest, I was not as moved as many others when I first read the interview piece published in the New York Times BUT after reading the transcript, I certainly appreciated MM's candid answers about the various subjects (many of them religious in nature, surprisingly).

Of course, it is MM's comments about his bedridden wife that probably hits home the most. But as Bob Dylan once sang - "But even the president of the United States/Sometimes must have to stand naked" - so, yes, after all is said and done, MM is only human. Aging is a major issue in the interview and MM has to face this problem like all of us.

The statement I found most interesting?

"No, you can go looser where it’s not race, language and religion because those are deeply gut issues and it will surface the moment you start playing on them. It’s inevitable, but on other areas, policies, right or wrong, disparity of opportunities, rich and poor, well go ahead. But don’t play race, language, religion. We’ve got here, we’ve become cohesive, keep it that way."

I could not agree more... but how does it relate to other issues (non race, language or religion) that are more socio-political in nature? Hurm?

GOD

2010-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

"Does God exist?" is a question man has been asking for as long as man has existed. Can science prove or disprove the existence of God? Stephen Hawking believes so - he doesn't believe that God exists and he even believes that he can prove it!

Well, Jose Rodrigues dos Santos, author of the novel, Einstein Enigma, offers a different perspective at the Huffington Post. Interesting... but also nothing new.

Me? Yes, I believe in God, a personal savior in Jesus Christ and so on. But that's my belief, my faith and my conviction. NOBODY can prove whether God does or does not exist... when we die, we'll find out one way or another.

"GET IT RIGHT"

2010-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Straits Times has reported that the Speak Good English campaign recommends 'guerilla tactic' to clean up language lapses. Basically, what the SGE campaign suggests is that "the next time you see a sign written in poor English, don't just walk by. Instead, paste a sticky note over it, correcting the grammatical error."

Right.

So what if the sticky note is also grammatically wrong? Do I stick another note on top of that as well? And... what if I come across a person speaking poor English, can I paste a sticky note over his or her mouth, correcting the error?

Well? Can I?

Hurm

KORAN BURNING WILL ENDANGER US TROOPS

2010-09-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

According to a report at BBC News, Gen David Petraeus, the top US commander in Afghanistan has warned that troops' lives will be in danger if an American church sticks to its plan to burn copies of the Koran. He also said the action could cause problems "not just in Kabul, but everywhere in the world".

How did we get to this place? Pastor (I hesitate to use that title) Terry Jones of the ironically named Dove World Outreach Centre has announced that he will burn the Koran to commemorate 9/11. This coming on the heels of protests over the setting up of an Islamic social centre in the vicinity of the hallowed "Ground Zero"has indeed heightened tensions between Christians and Muslims within and without the USA.

I don't know about you but in my humble opinion, these US Christians are hate-mongers, pure and simple. This act is not motivated by love but is calculated to provoke a response, which it has already achieved. As a Christian, I am ashamed that men like Terry Jones can claim to represent Christ and spout such hatred in His Name. Shame on you all.

RUSSIAN BABES HIT THE HAMPTONS

2010-09-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like Singaporeans are not the only ones complaining about foreigners invading our shores. According to this report at the Daily Beast, residents at the upper crust suburb of New York City are also wary of the influx of young Russian women, looking for a husband. Sound familiar? Substitute "Chinese" for "Russian" and the picture is complete.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

2010-09-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

It appears that in the last five years when I was busy slaving away in a law office, the entire landscape of Singapore has been changed almost beyond recognition. And I'm not talking about the physical aspects of the city, which has constantly been torn down and built up to destroy our collective memories.

Suddenly, we have more than a million foreigners within our shores, integrated resorts, grand prix, non stop supply of foreign bands performing and online dissent. Like it or not, this is Singapore 2010.

I'm old enough to have experienced wholly different spectrums of this country. As a child of the 60s, I can vaguely remember seeing pictures of The Quests playing to sell out crowds at tea dances, the strip-queen Rose Chan with a python wrapped around her, a multitude of public transport companies, TV variety shows, a voluptuous Malay girl in a see-through blouse and (drug song) Itchykoo Park #1 on the local radio charts!

But I can also recall the pop culture sterile days of the 70s, where long hair was taboo and rock music was undesirable yellow culture. The 80s lightened up a little, we had our first ever rock concert on TV with the telecast of The Who's "last" gig in 1983. When I got out of National Service, I myself kept my hair at shoulder length until I had to work.

But in the political arena, you kept mum about it all. Focus on studies and/or work and ignore politics. That uneasy arrangement was maintained for a long time. But things are so different now. Various blogs and websites have sprung up (you know who they are) challenging the powers-that-be on EVERYTHING.

Which is fine, I guess, but sometimes the views are so extreme (and seem to oppose for the sake of opposition), you really wonder about credibility. So it's really like being between a rock and a hard place. In the white corner, we have the national papers who trumpet the official perspective and in the black corner, we have these extreme dissenters.

In the wake of the PM's National Day Rally and in anticipation of impending General Elections, both sides seem to have upped the ante somewhat. But at the end of the day, I've seen enough GEs to realize that nothing much ever changes on the political front and I doubt it will, in my lifetime.

The powers-that-be are too well entrenched in every significant area of Singapore life that a massive uprooting would be a severe shock to the system. So don't bother yourself with entertaining such mindless fantasies. But I would like to see more transparency and accountability from the people who make decisions that affect Singaporeans.

Is that too much to ask for? Is there any middle ground? Does it matter, in the final analysis? Hurm?

MONEY DOESN'T TALK, IT SWEARS!

2010-08-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

It has been reported in the Straits Times that "MEGACHURCH New Creation has broken its own record by collecting $21 million in donations in just 24 hours, proving again its ability to pull in the big money."

My first comment is who really cares? Unless you're a member of New Creation Church, why would you bother how much money the members donated to their own church? I have not ever given a cent to New Creation Church, so I'm not bothered. Have any laws been broken? If so, let the authorities investigate - if not, mind your own business!

And that line about "proving again its ability to pull in the big money" is loaded with venom, isn't it? Do you think the Straits Times has an agenda? Hurm? Obviously, this kind of reporting is meant to raise criticism against New Creation Church and there will be an online hate frenzy as usual. If the members of New Creation Church choose to use their money in this manner, that is their right and prerogative UNLESS of course there is criminal activity involved. Is there?

If at all, this is purely a religious issue so let the Christians argue with each other about whether raising $21 million in donations is scriptural or not. If I was a member of New Creation Church, I would only be concerned about one thing - how that $21 million is used by the leadership of the church.

No, I am not a member of New Creation Church or any church and in fact, I have grave reservations about megachurches in general but to judge a church purely on the amount of money raised in donations is just... wrong.

LOSING MY RELIGION

2010-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a pastor of the last church I was attending (have not been there in some time) asking me to fill in an online members' census. I told him that I was uncertain whether I wanted to continue being a member of the church and he told me that if I didn't comply, then my membership would be revoked.

With that in mind, I went to the church's website to "comply" but decided not to. So, yes I am no longer a member of any church for the 1st time in my life. I mean, how could I be, in good conscience? After all, I disagreed with the church's teaching regarding tithing and objected to the previous senior pastor's self-elevation to "apostleship". And there's the incident where I was asked by church staff to lie in my testimony to make it sound better to the congregation. In addition, I had become uncomfortable in the church's relentless pursuit of the supremacy of the church's identity over all else.

There you go. Just as going to church does not make you a Christian, neither does NOT going to church! Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating this for anyone else, this is my conviction and mine alone. Please don't let me stop you from going or not going to church. That is entirely your choice. If you wanna discuss this issue with me (in a polite, civilized manner, of course), please leave a comment or send me an email - soulalt@gmail.com. Thanks.

I will endeavor to chronicle my walk with God more on this blog and that's a promise.

FREEDOM 2010

2010-08-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

"Freedom" is a word that is used a lot. It's an ideal, sometimes a dream, even a right. But what exactly is "freedom"? Any rational human being would be aware that there is not such thing as absolute or unlimited freedom. I mean, I don't have the freedom to (for example) slap you across the face, just because I feel like it, right? So there must be limits imposed by law (i.e. governments) that are reflected by social attitudes. Another example, a woman does not have the freedom to walk around topless in public. But you already knew that.

Of course then, there are grey areas where it's debatable whether certain restricted freedoms reflect social concerns or are in place merely to protect governing regimes. The biggest debates usually revolve around the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression.

What are you allowed communicate in words, pictures, songs or films? The touchy subjects are usually race, sex, violence, religion and politics. Especially in Singapore. In the past, these freedoms were heavily curtailed as it was felt that Singaporeans were not so enlightened and could be incited to actual violence by incendiary communication.

However, it's now 2010 and technology has rendered censorship irrelevant as you can see, hear or read anything online and I do mean anything. Of course, policing the internet is almost impossible to implement but the powers that be do what they can. Nowadays, sex and violence rank low on the agenda but race, religion and especially politics are still hot topics.

In the area of political comment, most young Singaporeans seem to have shaken off the paranoia strongly felt by their parents of the authorities and the anti-government sentiment can be rather strong. For a government that does not take criticism (of any kind) lightly, this is a problem obviously. In this context, the recent arrest of a netizen on charges of "incitement to violence" is not surprising although the online community is predictably outraged.

On the surface, this appears to be a miscalculation as the arrest will only serve to fuel the anti-government sentiment (especially where elections are rumored to be around the corner) but perhaps there's more to this incident than meets the eye. I do not believe that it's a desperate measure to silent to outspoken netizens as the powers that be would be aware of how the arrest will be perceived and received.

Is there a clandestine plot designed to destabilize the opposition afoot? And is this arrest the opening chess move? One can only guess but suffice to say that, there is no doubt, that this coming election will be one of the most important in recent memory and how the powers that be deal with it will make for fascinating observation. After all, you do not stay in power for as long as they have, without a trick or two up your sleeve...

... still there's more ...

YOG-MANIA

2010-08-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

I've haven't added much to this blog (I do have many other blogs but y'know) but have decided that besides sharing about my life as a Christian, I will also write about stuff that doesn't quite fit into my pop culture blogs.

Well, arguably, the brouhaha surrounding the 1st Youth Olympics Games being held in Singapore is pop cultured-related but I thought that it would be less of a dissident tone if I blog about it here.

From the excessive cost to the poor planning of events, a lot of bile has been tossed the way of YOG such that we've almost forgotten that there's a sporting event actually going on. A lot has also been discussed about Singaporeans' general apathy towards the YOG events but what did you expect?

After all, artistic and sporting excellence has always been frowned upon and dismissed as frivolous pursuits. Our children have been taught that their academic grades are the be all and end all - so that they too can grow up to contribute to the economic well being of Singapore.

Well, suddenly in 2010, sports and the arts have become important in order to brand Singapore as a vibrant, global city. Therefore, the importance of hosting the Grand Prix, two Casinos and the YOG is now paramount, when previously it was all deemed to be "yellow culture" i.e. undesirable Western influence. I'm sorry but you can't suddenly expect your people to go against decades of your social engineering, just because you've realized that you've made a monumental error in dismissing sports and the arts previously.

Beat part of this is, that the powers-that-be will never ever admit that they are wrong. Anyone out there remember Zero Population Growth? "Stop at two" policy - was that a success or failure? Nobody talks about that anymore...

But I digress... looking around Singapore since the start of the YOG, one would notice the apparent frenzy of events around the island. Especially S-ROCK gigs! Suddenly, there are S-ROCK gigs (more than one) every night but nobody considered the fact that the people who actually support S-ROCK is such a small number that you've going to end up with a 5,000 seater venue having only 10-20 people! Which has been the situation at the Marina Promontory.

This is all an eye-wash to give the world the appearance that Singapore is a happening place where thousands are attending the numerous events in celebration of the YOG. Not that the world is taking any notice, mind you. Again, the fault lies with the people in authority who have constantly undermined the importance and value of pop culture, effectively killing the Singapore music scene in the 70s.

Singapore music scenesters are understandably upset but my advice is to just play your 45 minutes and forget the entire sorry episode. Once again, we are but pawns in the grand scheme of things. There is no greater significance to the local music scene whether these faux-gigs were well-attended or not. The status quo remains and once August is over, the powers-that-be can focus on the next branding exercise.

So amazingly for a politically-repressed country (sorry, city), YOG has became rather politically charged. But I guess that it was NEVER about the sports (or the incident music gigs) to begin with but it was always about putting up a massive $400 million PR stunt.

MONEY MONEY MONEY

2010-08-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (1 Tim 6: 3 - 4)

So why do the folks who push the "prosperity gospel" ignore that last but about godliness not being a means to financial gain. Selective interpretation, as usual. Of course, that does not mean that you sit under a tree and do nothing and expect the money to rain from the sky. Heh!

Therefore, I have monetized this blog somewhat and if you do feel pleased with what you've read and feel moved to support this blog then... you know what to do. :)

THE DEVIL'S MUSIC

2010-07-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today at lunch, an old college mate of mine who is now a mother of teenage daughters (18 and 16 respectively) was going on about how objectionable Lady Gaga was and that she worshipped Satan and all that crap!

Really? In 2010? But isn't Lady Gaga just a Madonna clone? And twenty years of Madonna didn't actually bring hell on earth did it? Why give these singers that much credit, anyway?

All of us were given freewill by God and nobody is responsible for our acts and omissions except ourselves. To blame pop singers for the ills of the world is just insane.

Many evangelical Christians think highly of former US President George W Bush but he was responsible for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which have brought untold pain and suffering (not to mention DEATH) to thousands of people.

Which is worse? And who is actually playing the Devil's tune?

Hurm.

TITHING

2010-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

"The tithe is an OT concept. The NT ethic is that 100% belongs to God, not just 10%, and He can ask/tell you to give it away whenever He so chooses."

This is a quote from the Early Church History 101 site. It makes sense. Read it here.

Wow! Mind blogging, eh? Especially for Christians who have heard their church pastors shove Malachi 3:8-10 down their throats for years, yeah? It makes sense. After all, we do not get circumcised or sacrifice animals at the altar so why tithe? Indeed.

It all makes sense. See the video below.

I'm reading Galatians closely now and will share my insights soon. I now believe that I should give freely as led by the Spirit and not in obedience to an irrelevant legal requirement. I do feel a little pissed off that my previous churches have been LYING to me on this issue all these years just so that they may be enriched. But I thank God that I know better now.

...still there's more...

"ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GOOD"

2010-07-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (Romans 8:26-28)

Wow! These verses jumped up at me this morning, even as I begin the new day in some discouragement. Things have NOT been happening for me. Sometimes it feels like I've been abandoned by everyone, including GOD. I feel so alone. But then comes this word of encouragement.

Yes, the waiting is the hardest part (as Tom Petty used to sing) but the Holy Spirit is right beside me always to help me to pray through these trials and tribulations. I wish I had some blessing to share and to praise GOD about but in the last six months, there has been precious little, living out here in the wilderness.

It's easy to get disillusioned by people who you think of as friends but do not act like friends in a crunch but that just teaches me to rely on GOD and not people.

GOD will work something good from this mess that I find myself in. He has to...

DEN OF THIEVES

2010-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”

(Matthew 21:12-13)

Why was Jesus so angry? And violent? After all, I can almost hear the excuses offered by the merchants in the temple - "we are providing a necessary service to worshippers". Rather like churches selling recordings of sermons on CD, in stores located on church premises, I guess. Think think...

THE BEST BUSINESS PLAN ON THE PLANET

2010-07-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder if I'm in the wrong line of business, when I see the incredible wealth enjoyed by pastors of megachurches. I mean, the financial potential of a congregation greater than 10,000 is staggering. Does it make any sense for churches to become so big and so wealthy? The result is asset enhancement and the lavish lifestyles of pastors when Jesus declared that "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."(Matthew 8:20)

Elsewhere in Matthew, Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." and "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

So why are these megachurch pastors so obsessed with money? Whom do they actually serve?

"DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH"

2010-07-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

This just makes me sick to the stomach. Benny Hinn is asking for donations to buy a private jet so that it may facilitate his preaching of the Gospel in other countries! Amazing!

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/74772

THANK YOU BEING A FRIEND

2010-07-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

"I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside. My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder. To my enemies I'm a monster; I'm ridiculed by the neighbors. My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me. They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave, discard me like a broken dish in the trash. The street-talk gossip has me "criminally insane"! Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good. "
Psalm 31: 6-13 (The Message)

I identify with the Psalmist. He is turned away by everybody - enemies, neighbors and even friends! He is truly alone. "Friends" hurm.

Y'know, in good times, when people need something from you, then they will be the ones contacting you, asking you for favors and assistance, especially when its FREE. But the moment the time comes for these "friends" to reciprocate the goodwill, they are nowhere to be found. Oh they will say that they want to do this and that with you and are interested to work with you but months and months passed and they are suddenly mum. BUT when they needed something urgently from you, oh then you'd hear from them all the time.

*sigh*

I guess I should not be surprised. After all, Psalm 31 states it clearly, even friends will discard you like a broken dish in the trash. Sad but true. Well, I guess only GOD is my true friend and everybody else must be viewed with some scrutiny and mistrust. No choice.

IS THE ONE-PASTOR SYSTEM SCRIPTURAL?

2010-07-02T03:10:00.000-07:00

The New Testament describes all believers as a "royal priesthood" (see 1 Peter 2:9). So where did our ordained clergy come from? Sure, the New Testament does talk about pastors as one of the fivefold gifts (Eph 4:11) but is the system of having one pastor in charge of a church in line with Biblical principles?

Well, searching online, I came across this article written by Mark Frees. You can read it here.

Thought-provoking, eh?

Certainly, if there were groups of elders in charge of churches, we might not have the cult of the senior pastor which is rather prevalent especially in megachurches both in Singapore and abroad. It's something to consider, in any case. But then again, who likes to share power?

Hurm.

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS

2010-07-02T01:44:00.000-07:00

Christian apologetics is a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views. This is an area seriously lacking for many believers. Quite a lot is taken onboard with blind faith. So this is extremely important and should be emphasized more so that faith may be intelligent.

For me personally, I always have certain doubts and questions about many issues with my faith that others may take for granted. In 2006, I was given "Guide To Christian Apologetics" written by Doug Powell, a US singer-songwriter I admired who was now a serious Christian Apologist. Alas, I glanced through the book and placed it on a shelf where it has remained since, collecting dust.

Well, I had recently had occasion to refer to it with regards to my continual questioning of whether the New Testament was the Word of God. I mean, we know that at the time of Jesus and the Apostles, the Word of God was the Old Testament. The Gospels contained the direct teachings of Jesus and seemed unquestionable to me. But after that? Acts and the various Epistles? Hard to say. Well, Doug's excellent book has a few chapters on the New Testament and whilst it does NOT contain all the answers, it at least gives me a basis to carry my investigations further.

Therefore, belatedly, I highly recommend Doug's book which you can purchase from Amazon

(of course!) Check it out.

JESUS CAMP/TRIALS OF TED HAGGARD

2010-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

A 2006 documentary directed by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing about a Pentecostal/charismatic summer camp for children who spend their summers learning and practicing their "prophetic gifts" and being taught that they can "take back America for Christ." Obviously, the film has been controversial since its release and despite the directors' claim that Jesus Camp does not present any point of view and is "objective", it's hard not to see that in fact, the directors' aim is to lambast the Christian Evangelical movement as "right-wing reactionary" and a puppet of the Republican Party.

As a Christian who has worship in an Pentecostal church, most of the activities look pretty much par for the course - praying in tongues, "slayings" in the spirit, tears of repentance (except that this time, it was kids). Although I was taken aback when the life-size cardboard figure of then-President George W Bush was trotted out for the children to lay hands on. Creepy.

What was of concern was the involvement in US politics, notably the opposition to abortion in USA, the self-styled "Pro-Life" movement and how the children were "manipulated" for a political (rather than spiritual) cause.

Which somewhat reminded me of the all too recent AWARE fracas in Singapore, where members of the Church of Our Savior's, concerned about pro-gay leanings of the AWARE leadership contrived to remove said leadership and replace it with their own anti-gay agenda.

In Jesus Camp, there is a segment highlighting the megachurch New Life Church (think: New Creation/City Harvest as local equivalent) and its senior pastor Ted Haggard, where Haggard makes certain statements regarding the gay lifestyle and people living secret double lives. Ironically, not long after that, a male prostitute accused Haggard of having gay sex with him for three years and also of crystal meth abuse!!! Haggard confessed to his sin and was banished from the church he founded.

This HBO documentary follows Haggard in the 12 month period of exile from his Colorado Springs home (under the terms of his settlement with New Life Church). A terrific eye-opener as we see Haggard struggle to put his life together after the bottom had literally fallen off. Sure, you can be unsympathetic and argue that he deserved all that he got but that is cold and isn't being a Christian about forgiveness rather than judgement or have I been reading the wrong Bible?

As an aside, the Pentecostal church of which I was a member once had a similar scandal when one of the pastors (whose wife was also a church pastor) was found to have maintain an adulterous relationship with a church member he had been counseling. The senior pastor of the church basically quoted Paul to "order" the church members to ostracize this ex-pastor as he was not penitent.

"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." 1 Cor 5: 11

My personal feelings at the time, was that the situation was not helped by the fact that the person who had been betrayed by this ex-pastor (his wife) was also a church pastor and there was a fair bit of anger and rage in the church that day directed at the sinful ex-pastor. There were many conflicted church members on that day, I can tell you.

So what about Ted Haggard? By all accounts, he has repented of his sins and is paying for it - exile, disgrace, financial difficulties are some of the "trials" he is facing since his fall from grace. That taught me a lesson about judging Ted Haggard (which is easy to do). After all, we are ALL sinners and need the forgiveness of God, so who are we to pass judgement? Indeed.

You can purchase the Jesus Camp DVD at Amazon. You can also buy The Trials of Ted Haggard.

STAY WITH GOD

2010-06-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Stay with God!

Take heart. Don't quit.

I'll say it again:

Stay with God.

(Psalm 27: 13-14, The Message)

It's a simple enough message - "Stay with GOD." Continue to be faithful, to trust in HIM despite the circumstances. After all, HE has never ever let me down before, why should HE start now? It's easy to doubt, to turn away and wonder if HE really cares but that is just a lie and if I search deep into my heart and soul, I know it is. I need to persevere and believe...

"Trust & obey, for there's no other way."

Edge

2010-06-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

How and why.

LOVE IS THE ANSWER

2010-06-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

We Christians love to quibble (okay, argue vehemently) about what we should do and (especially) what we should not do. From food to sexual preference to movies to music etc etc etc - we love going at it with hammer and tongs and likely to say nasty things about people who don't agree with us.

What did the LORD Jesus say? From Matthew 22 -

When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

So what is love?

Paul answered this in his famous passage from 1 Cor 13 -

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.

Sounds like words I need to live by.

NB. Take what you need & throw away the rest. It's up to you.

EVERYBODY MUST GET STONED

2010-06-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

I was reading Psalm 15 today and came across this tasty morsel -

"has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD"

(NB. The psalmist here is describing the person who is able to dwell in God's sanctuary.)

These words brought my mind back to the current brouhaha over City Harvest Church, especially the bit about "no slander" and "casts no slur". It seems that many of us are too quick to pass judgement on Kong Hee and the CHC staff currently embroiled in the investigations.

Why is that I wonder? Well, its partly misdirected religious zeal, I guess and maybe even a little envy. A part of us feel that God is being misrepresented by CHC and are also jealous of the material success enjoyed by Kong Hee and his followers.

Whatever.

I need to be mindful of the "holier than thou" attitude that Psalm 15 warns against...and resist the urge to cast the first stone.

IF I AM WEAK

2010-06-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

I've been meditating (ok, obsessing, is more like it) about the word "weak". That's a word we often gloss over and certainly try to avoid. I mean, who wants to be weak? You know what I mean.

But what does Paul say in 2 Corinthians 12?

Well, the first half of the chapter has Paul waxing lyrical over all that he has been blessed with, his "achievements" so to speak. The context? The Corinthian church had began to follow "super apostles" that did not preach the same gospel as Paul did, and being led astray and Paul was attempting to highlight to them the error of their ways.

But then Paul describes the thorn in his side that God has given him so that he wouldn't became cocky or arrogant. Despite his prayers, God would not remove this thorn, quite the opposite, God says -

"My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

Paul then goes on -

"Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become."

This is crazy talk! Handicap = gift? Accept limitations? I become stronger the weaker I get? What does this all mean?

It's really about attitude and perspective - not mere positive thinking, mind you but focusing on God instead of my problems. Instead of being depressed about the "abuse, accidents, oppositions, bad breaks" I believe that God's grace is enough and despite all these weaknesses (or because of them) I will become stronger (in the LORD).

Hard lessons, indeed! I'm still learning how it all works...

NB. Scripture quoted is in the Message version.

...still there's more...

THE LOVE YOU TAKE IS EQUAL TO THE LOVE YOU MAKE

2010-06-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

"It only takes a spark to get the fire going" goes the stanza of a popular worship song. Ironic how this verse seems to also describe the current furore over the investigation of the senior pastor (Kong Hee) and certain staff of City Harvest Church (CHC) by the Commissioner of Charities and Commercial Affairs Division.

This issue has seriously polarised Christians in Singapore. On one side we have the members of CHC who are mostly 110% behind Kong Hee (no surprise there) whilst on the other side are what I call the "haters", who are using this opportunity to denigrate CHC.

Blind faith vs mindless prejudice, you might say.

In times like these, Jesus' warning in Matthew has particular significance -

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Let's try not to be too eager to form a premature judgment, either way... when the results of the investigation are released, then we may have a more informed opinion.