When Stars Testify

TITLE: WHEN STARS TESTIFY
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 1:15-18
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: December 27th, 2013

"15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18)

(Photo Credit: gospelherald.com)

One of the most popular evangelistic tools is to have movie stars, pop singers, or famous personalities to share their story of how they have become a follower of Jesus. The latest is that of Hong Kong sweetheart, Vivian Chow. In a moving testimony, Chow shares with listeners how she had moved her focus of self-development in her life pursuits and became more gospel-centric and more God focused. She shared her testimony boldly and the report has been widely publicized among many of my friends in social media circles.

I remember in my varsity years how Vivian was the pin-up girl in many of the guys' dormitory walls. A versatile singer and a photogenic actress, Vivian has been around in the Hong Kong entertainment circles for almost 25 years. She has a faithful following. Vivian was not the only HK star to publicly testify of her faith. There are others like Jacqueline Law who died last year in Singapore. Her very touching video was about how her faith enabled her to brave the cancer and approach death without fear. Other stars include Ada Choi, Gigi Lai, Kwong Wa, Edison Chen, Maggie Cheung, Tracy Ip, and Sammy Cheng. For fans of these stars, it is understandable that many of them do come to Christ because their favourite stars are Christian. A whole list of testimonies by various stars have been compiled here.

As one who is cautious about letting the influence of fame and fortune influence faith, I ask: Why are testimonies of stars so powerful?

That Age-Old Christmas Debate Again

TITLE: THAT AGE-OLD CHRISTMAS DEBATE AGAIN
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:18
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: December 20th, 2013

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

SYNOPSIS: "Happy Holidays" is not as inclusive as many thought it to be. "Merry Christmas" is not as critical as some may think.

The Age-Old Christmas Greetings Battle

Living in the West, one of the peculiar happenings during Christmas is the ongoing debate whether to use "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas." In secularized North America, many are afraid, even outraged over allowing the use of the word "Christmas" in the office, at government buildings, outside shopping centers, various community centers, public gathering places, and various workplaces. They say that we live in a secular city, so all references to anything religions must be done away. They are angry whenever corporations or government offices use the word "Christmas" on their properties. In order to appease the atheists, the secularists, the non-religious, in a largely secular society, public organizations and schools ink the words "Happy Holidays" across all their year end celebrations. Of course, some churches accepted that as a reality of living in a secular culture. Others are up in arms against the way materialism, humanism, and secularism, are steamrolling their atheistic agenda on all things Christianity.

Four years ago, I wrote on this same issue, and argued two main points. The first is that the use of Christmas is important from a historical and traditional standpoint. The second is that those who dogmatically insist on "Happy Holidays" as a preferred substitute for Christmas are becoming the very people they themselves are trying to avoid: Being religious about it.

Of course, we are not talking about religions per se. Christians can sometimes label secularism as a religion in itself. Of course, the secularists will deny it, saying they have no god, or they do not believe in any god, as the reason why they are not a religion. That is not the point. The point is religiosity. It is religiosity that has often put off many people. Whether it is the "hypocrisy" or the "bigot" label, as long as one is human, one can practice anything religiously. Let me make two additional points.

Troubles

TITLE: TROUBLES?
SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-3
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: December 13th, 2013

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

It was December 14th, 2012. After killing his own mother, Adam Lanza drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut. Removing his semi-automatic weapons, he emptied rounds of ammunition in a horrendous few minutes of terror and tragedy before turning the weapon on himself. That day, twenty school kids died, together with six other adult staff members at that school. Questions remained on why Lanza did what he did; why the gunman had to choose that particular school; why the little children had to die; and why God had allowed such evil to exist and takes its toll. Did evil win on that fateful December 14th, 2012? Tomorrow will be the first Anniversary of that terrible day that shocked the entire nation. My hearts go out to the families affected and who will be reminded again of that unforgettable day. Did evil win that day?

Today's news only made the reminder worse. In a Colorado High School this morning, two persons were shot dead, and that included the lone shooter. When will these all end? What is happening to the world that we once longed for? Is it not true that Christmas is about peace on earth and goodwill to all?

The Peace of Christmas

TITLE: THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6 / John 14:27
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: December 6th, 2013

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa 9:6)

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Yesterday, one of the greatest symbols of peace died. The world mourns as the Nobel Peace Prize winner (1993) passed away at the age of 95. Films have been made about his life. News and new media lead the way in giving tributes to Mandela as the man who helped unite his country, and has became the defacto symbol of ending apartheid in South Africa. Jailed for 27 years because of charges against him for inciting worker strikes and various offenses, he understood what it meant to be persecuted and bullied. He knew the painful truth of what evils one human being can do to another. Arrested and then jailed in 1962, he was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment and released only on February 11th, 1990.

Why the arrests? That is simply because Mandela was seen as a threat to the status quo: of separation of privileges between whites and the blacks in South Africa. With his conviction to free South Africa from apartheid, he commits to winning over both the blacks as well as the whites for a new cause, a new country, and a brand new united African community.

I find Mandela's life inspiring. If Martin Luther King Jr was a hero to the American black community in fighting for equality for the blacks; Mahatma Gandhi as a hero to the country of India in the fight for India's independent status; Nelson Mandela is the undisputed hero of South Africa, if not, all Africa. All three men had one thing in common: Peace.

Peace did not come easy for the black people in the sixties. Gripped by rising tensions and fueled by hatred from the white extremists, Dr Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in cold blood. The same thing happened to Mahatma Gandhi, who was murdered in broad daylight. Against all odds, amid acts of terrorism by opponents, Nelson Mandela, upon his release in 1990, worked hard to bring freedom for all, and eventually became the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994. According to John Carlin, Nelson brilliantly used the game of rugby to unite the whole nation, setting the stage for eventual stability, freedom, and unity of South Africa. That occurred in 1995 when South Africa hosted Rugby's World Cup in 1995. With the New Zealand All-Blacks as the overwhelming favourite to lift the coveted trophy, many did not expect the South African national team (called the Springboks) to go far in the tournament. They were wrong. Not only did the Springboks go all the way to the finals, they beat the heavily favoured New Zealand team! In Carlin's words, it was that game, that match that "made a nation."

In some ways, Mandela's life reminds us of what the Son of God had to go through. Both were unjustly accused and arrested. Both were charged. Both men were committed to do what is right. Mandela was committed to the cause of anti-apartheid. Jesus was committed to the obedience of God's will.

If there is one thing that is common in the lives of Luther, Gandhi, Mandela, and Jesus, it is this: Peace is not cheap. It comes with a heavy price. Is it any wonder why St Augustine said: "The purpose of all wars is peace?"

Even Jesus himself has said that he has not come to bring peace, but through him, there will be much war and opposition.

34“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ (Matthew 10:34-35)

Is there a contradiction between Isaiah 9:6 and Matthew 10:34-35 here? Not really. Jesus is indeed the Prince of Peace, and he will bring peace. What is happening in Matthew 10:34-35 is that the peace that Jesus brings is not going to be palatable to the world and the worldly. In Christ, the enemies are stirred. The Anti-Christ is spurred into action to wreak havoc and destruction. The currency of this world is sin, and anything that can increase sinfulness. The currency of the Kingdom of God is God's will and the fulfillment of it. What is peace to God is war for the world. That is why Jesus said:

"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)

The peace of God is to be understood in God's perspective. This is what the Christmas peace is about. The white opponents to Martin Luther King Jr's version of peace is more violence to anything the black people stands for. White supremacy groups are bent on exterminating the black people. Muslim and Hindu radicals are threatened by Gandhi's peace strategy, that the only way out for them is to kill Gandhi. For Mandela, he had lived to enjoy the fruits of his peace efforts, but only after much persecution and torture.

This Christmas, say a prayer of peace. Live a life of peace. Share a word of peace. How can we do that and be a part of the peace movement? The secret lies in the most important first step. There must be peace in your hearts. Thomas a Kempis writes with wisdom: "First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others."

Shalom.

sabbathwalk

THOUGHT: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”(Nelson Mandela)

sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.

The Christmas Hope

TITLE: THE CHRISTMAS HOPE 
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 63:15
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 29th, 2013

"Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation; Where are Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me." (Isa 63:15)

I watched a weepie last night. It was a film made in 2009 called "The Christmas Hope" that tells three stories of how individual persons having lost something, gained something else back as Christmas Day approaches. It is a feel-good movie that begins with tragedy and closes with a teary end. The first scene is about a single mother and daughter (Emily) hugging and enjoying each other's company. Emily's mum works as a waitress and tries to make ends meet. Emily is an adorable 9-year-old who loves everything Christmas, and especially remembers her mum as one who always keeps her promises. Then tragedy strikes with the mother was fatally hit by a car. The second scene is about a couple , an airline pilot Mark, and his wife Patty, still grieving after the loss of their teenage son, Sean, also to a road accident. Two deaths, two remaining families, all longing to cling to some hope, any kind of hope.

Three Fears

TITLE: THREE FEARS
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:1
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 21st, 2013

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)

I use GMail a lot. Not only is it increasingly popular among many users, it is eloquently speedy and is widely compatible with a host of browsers. One of the best features by this Google product is the spam filter. There was a time in which mails selling all sorts of products, propagating all kinds of messages, and spewing out all kinds of garbage which made reading emails a chore. In came GMail and the rest is history. Occasionally, a few legitimate mails get caught in the spam folder, but that is a small price to pay in order to get a cleaner InBox.

Many of these spam mails hardly deserve any reading or action. Sometimes, the quickest fix is to simply hit the DELETE button and voila! There goes the thorn that threatens to irritate and frustrate. Sometimes, people do send out other kinds of mail that border upon hate mail. Whatever the message within that spam, there is a general pattern. First, there is a title that grabs attention. It can be based on a famous personality that screams out: "Obama lies!" and so on. Like tabloids that sells based on sensational headlines, spam mails market themselves in order to win clicks to their products and services, the more sensational the title is, the more likely it is going to get people to click on it. Second, it is usually based on a famous name, company, or a nearly legitimate name. After all, putting "Miley Cyrus" or "Tom Cruise" in the headlines will grab attention. Third, it masquerades itself as the real deal. It pretends to be written by some famous or highly qualified individual to authenticate the email. That way, it hopes to have a label of authenticity so that readers will read them with more attentiveness. Fourth, there is usually a product, a service, or a message to spread. The goal is to spread it far, spread it wide, and to spread it fast.

This week, I want to reflect on the three modern fears strangling society today, and to argue that we cannot live on the basis of fear. We need to live on the basis of faith. Fear pushes people down for the sake of self. Faith lifts people up for the sake of Christ.

It Doesn't Matter

TITLE: IT DOESN'T MATTER
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 14th, 2013

From time to time, I will ponder about life and the various ways we can get stuck in discouragement or despair. That is not necessary. All it takes is a change in perspective. In God's time and wisdom, we all can learn to re-direct our energies toward constructive thinking and helpful living. This week's Sabbath Walk is about learning to change our perspectives. Below are 21 thoughts.

*********

1) It doesn't matter if the world forgets about you;
     It matters more that God and your loved ones remember you.

2) It doesn't matter if the plans you have made have failed miserably;
     It matters more that you have given your best and have succeeded in trying.

3) It doesn't matter if not many on social media bother to interact with you;
     It matters more that the few who do have interacted with you meaningfully.

4) It doesn't matter if you have given terrible sermons, speeches, or sharing in the past;
     It matters more that each time you give a "terrible" one, you improve on the next.

5) It doesn't matter if you feel helpless about how to assist in the disasters you hear about;
     It matters more if you care to give, and are ready to help at the short moment's notice.

6) It doesn't matter if your superiors constantly complain or criticize your work;
     It matters more if you can distinguish the constructive from the destructive, and respond humbly.

7) It doesn't matter if you have not read all the books you wanted to read;
     It matters more if the ones you have read had already brought benefits to you or to people you care.

8) It doesn't matter if you've only got a C in your mid-terms;
     It matters more if you become more resilient to try again, and aim for an A in life.

9) It doesn't matter if the ham in the oven had become burnt beyond recognition;
     It matters more that you have not wasted the education the burnt ham had taught you.

10) It doesn't matter if the vacation you have been waiting for had been postponed;
     It matters more if postponing it is the right thing to do, and a better time and date is available;

11) It doesn't matter if all the world's a stage and everyone seems to be mere players;
     It matters more if the world stage is your chance to be the best player you can be.

12) It doesn't matter if you do not know what to do with your life;
    It matters more if you do not stop seeking and keep searching for your calling.

13) It doesn't matter if people brand you a failure in things you do;
    It matters more if you see each failure as a step toward success waiting to happen.

14) It doesn't matter if you feel inadequate every time you go to Bible studies;
    It matters more if each time you go, you learn that only in God, one is adequate.

15) It doesn't matter if you feel your life in the past had been wasted;
    It matters more if you recognize that there are still many years left to try living well again.

16) It doesn't matter if you cannot remember all the Ten Commandments;
    It matters more if you put into practice what you CAN remember.

17) It doesn't matter if you feel your spiritual life is stagnant;
    It matters more if you not only recognize it, but is prepared to do something about it. You can start with praying first?

18) It doesn't matter if you feel lonely, or think no one seems to be listening to you;
    It matters more if you know that God listens even when the world turns away. Jesus knows what loneliness is all about.

19) It doesn't matter if you have not brought anyone to Christ in the past;
    It matters more if you learn to shine wherever you are, that you are part of the sowing, watering, or cultivating. Let someone else do the harvesting while you do the planting.

20) It doesn't matter if you feel no one appreciates you, or thank you enough;
    It matters more if you appreciate others and thank God more.

21) It doesn't matter if you doubt what you think about yourself;
    It matters more what God thinks about you.

If you do use any of them, I will appreciate if you can either link back to this article, or simply credit the author above.


sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.

Why Pastors Pray a Lot

TITLE: WHY PASTORS PRAY A LOT
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 6:18-19
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 8th, 2013

18“But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 19Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence." (2 Chronicles 6:18-19)

Key to the spiritual health of any minister or ministry worker is prayer. How prayerful are they? How much time do they spend in prayer? How often do they pray? Leonard Ravenhill gives a powerful indictment on people, especially ministers, who do not pray.

“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. The pulpit can be a shop window to display one's talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off. Poverty- stricken as the church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here we fail everywhere.” (Leonard Ravenhill, Why Revival Tarries, Bloomingdale, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1987, p25)

Sometimes, I get asked: "What do pastors normally do over the week?"

It is a fair question. I rattle off the list of things I do. It ranges from teaching to preaching; from studying to ministering; from visiting to emailing; from administrative work to ministry practices; from meetings to caring; and so on. As far as ministry work is concerned, there is no particular 9-to-5 time frame. Even on Sundays, I find myself at work. Sabbath keeping is particularly hard in ministry work. For example, if someone in Church has a need that happens to coincide with the pastor's rest day, what gives? It requires a judgment call. I know it is a cliche, but I will still say it: There are no easy answers when it comes to ministerial duties and allocated time for work.

Underlying all of these ministry activities, programs and preaching, there is something not many people appreciate: Prayer. Of all of the ministry activities that I feel is most significant, I will put prayer without hesitation. Why? Let me share three reasons.

Halfway Prayers

TITLE: HALFWAY PRAYERS
SCRIPTURE: John 17:20-23
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: October 2nd, 2013

“20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23)

Everything goes back to God.

Looking at the prayer of Jesus for all believers, I notice that Jesus prays what I call complete prayers. Right from verse 20, Jesus does not simply pray for his own disciples, he prays for all believers. He does not just pray for them individually, he prays for them that they may be one, united, and together. He does not just pray for the disciples to be in him, but in “us” directing focus back to God the Father. From God, he prays again with a link back to the themes of unity in Christ, reconciliation with God, and the spread of the gospel to all the world, demonstrating that God’s love had come to the world.

Such prayers remind me of Acts 1:8, that when the Holy Spirit comes, the disciples were called to witness the gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the far ends of the earth.

A) Halfway Prayers (College Years)

What are halfway prayers? Since my University years, I cannot help but notice the sharp rise in attendance at prayer meetings when students are too stressed up about their exams. Those who rarely go to fellowship meetings suddenly turned up. People who were not Christians at all, decided to get some divine “power” in order to do well in their studies. Such need-dependent motives are very common. A typical prayer goes like this:

“God, help me with my exam paper tomorrow. I am panicking and you know how I feel right? So help me God. Amen.”
 Another popular student's prayer comes in the following manner. There is a humour in it, but shows forth how incomplete it seems.

“Now I lay me down to study,
I pray the Lord I won't go nutty.
And if I fail to learn this junk
I pray the Lord that I won't flunk.
But if I do, don't pity me at all,
Just lay my bones in the study hall,
Tell my teacher I've done my best,
And pile my books upon my chest.

Now I lay me down to rest,
To pray I'll pass tomorrow's test;
But if I die before I wake,
That's one less test I'll have to take.

Even panicking parents often ask for prayers on behalf of their children. Why do I call this halfway prayers? When I look at how such prayers are understood in the light of John 17, I feel like I have not prayed in the manner Jesus had prayed.

Jesus prayed: “My prayer is not for them alone.” How many of our prayers are “for us” or for certain people “alone?” Jesus stretched his prayers from disciples to all believers; from all believers to all non-believers.

Jesus prayed for unity “that all of them may be one.” We pray for good exam results. We pray for calm hearts. We even pray for cool heads and comfort. What about our prayers bringing glory to God? How are our prayers patterned after Christ in his love and concern beyond our small world into the larger world? Jesus prayed for the spread of the message of love. How are our prayers moving that forward? 


POINT: Halfway prayers are basically prayers of a person who desperately needs to grow beyond self-concerns.

Ministry in a Needs-Based Culture

TITLE: MINISTRY IN A NEEDS-BASED CULTURE
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:28-30
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: October 26th, 2013

28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

SYNOPSIS: This week, I write about the ministry of meeting needs. In fact, there are organizations that have built themselves on the premise of meeting needs, so much so that they have forgotten that it is only in Christ, needs can be truly met.

"There are so many needs around!"

Those who know what to do will offer generously: "How can we help?" Those who do not know what to do will be quick to refer them to someone more knowledgeable, more resourceful, and maybe more pastoral. Those who absolutely do not know what to do, but just want to be nice will say things like: "Don't worry. Things will be all right."

Comforting? I am not sure about that. Somehow, such words sound good to the aching ears but feel empty to the perceptive heart. Come to think of it, everyone has needs. Babies have need of milk. Adolescents have needs for attention. Youths need pocket money.  Singles need a companion. Marrieds need a regular renewal of their vows. Churches need revival. The sick needs prayers and healing. The discouraged needs hope. The panicking student needs calm nerves before exams. The grieving needs comfort. The Sunday School needs teachers. The gospel needs workers. Hey, I need a new cell phone!