Thursday, May 29, 2008

Koinonia, how I love thee!

For those who don't know, I'm a youth leader of a small youth group named Koinonia. I say this with a grin on my face because I'm so thankful for the privilege of serving God's teens and young adults (not that I'm not a young adult myself :P). An opportunity to invest your life into the growth of God's youths, what a worthwhile call! However, like any ministry, it comes complete with struggles and troubles. Last night in our youth leader's meeting, one of my fellow leaders brought up one such struggle.

She said that she's frustrated that no real change has happened in our youth, even after our years of laboring. There seemed to be a stagnancy in our Youth for quite awhile. I must admit that at some point, I agree. Being a youth leader is tiring. We meet weekly to plan, prepare, fast and pray for our youths. But we rarely see the fruits of our labour. Lessons seem to fall on deaf ears and revival seems so far away. But then it dawned on me, a revelation (some what) of what it truly means to serve in a small group. Maybe our perception of "success" was wrong. We were all hoping that one day we'll see this youth group grow to about 50 strong members or even hundreds.

I believe that every ministry has a different but indispensable role in the body of God. Small ministries like Koinonia included. God willing, Koinonia will become like one of those "super" ministries some day. You know, the kind with an attendance of thousands and visible passion for God. But until then, I believe that our job is to be faithful with the little that God has given us. Our ministry may not transform thousands, but we have the duty of molding the 20 we're given. And even if only 2 out of the 20 truly give their lives to God, I feel we've done something to be proud of. We'll just move on from that two, and little by little we'll touch the other 18. We shouldn't be discouraged when we see that only a few youths change. Change is a matter of the heart. And the heart is often cold and doesn't sway easily. I'm happy taking one heart at the time.

We may never become like a factory, producing tens of thousands of youth on fire for God. But as for now, I'm content with being an artist. Pouring my life in each careful stroke of the brush until after years, one masterpiece is complete. And perhaps one day, that youth which I invested so much into will move on to produce the tens of thousands of youth on fire that I dreamed of.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

About lawyers and homosexuality

I love the law series, Boston Legal. It's funny, clever, informative and oh so entertaining. Watching the series often has two effects on me. The first of which is short term namely, the effect of speaking quickly, briefly, loquacity and periphrasis. The second of which has a longer effect, namely the arousal of convictions. The episode I saw last night was a case about the "don't ask, don't tell" policy the US army employs. It's basically a policy which states that those who join the army will not be asked about their sexual orientation but if they happen to be homosexual they are expected to hide it. This case got me thinking about a rather taboo topic in Christianity: homosexuality. This topic has often been dismissed without much thought in many churches here in Malaysia. Perhaps it leaves too much of an icky feeling in most people. But one must wonder, how many homosexuals have turned from the Faith because of this matter. So here's MY THOUGHTS on this topic, I know some of you may think differently but hear me out.

Firstly, my stand on the topic is, homosexuality is a sin. Why do I say so? Because the word of God says so. Yes I know, many theologians have argued that many verses that speak about homosexuality are misinterpreted. I too agree that many verses quoted about homosexuality is wrongly used but many verses still stand. An interesting example which brought a revelation to me is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra as an example of God's wrath against homosexuals. Ezekial 16:49 - 50 says this about Sodom and Gomorra " 'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen." It didn't say anything about homosexuality. Some even argue that sodomizing foreigners was a way of insulting foreigners (I can't remember which verse I saw this in but if I do I'll post it here). So they were possibly heterosexual men who wanted to insult the angelic visitors.

This brings me an important point. I believe there are no homosexuals, just people who have the temptation to commit acts of homosexuality. Homosexuality like any other sin is an action. The tags that go along with these actions causes people to identify with those acts making them believe that that is who they are. For example, a person who lies is called a liar and if a person identifies with the title they believe it is who they are. The Bible says the power of life and death lies in tongues. What we confess will come to pass if we believe it. So if a homosexual confesses he or she is, he or she will become just that. The reason why I bring this point up is because many homosexuals may think that God hates who they are. But the truth is God doesn't hate anyone, he just cannot stand sinful actions. But even with this being the case, our sins are removed by the sacrifice of Jesus.

So my message to all Churches, stop exiling homosexuals and making them feel like scum. They are ordinary people who commit acts of sin just like everyone else. Remember the challenge of casting the first stone. It's easy to condemn something when we cannot relate to it. We don't take lying, speeding, gossiping and the likes very seriously because we are often caught doing the same. But when faced with something which we have never done before, we are often too quick to condemn the person caught. However, Jesus showed us the way. Look at ourselves and see that as humans "All have sinned fallen short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And in the words of Paul "if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently" (Galations 6:1a). Jesus died to save all, homosexuals as well. If homosexuals can't find love in the church who's very foundation is grace and love, where can they find it? You don't need to agree with their actions, just love the person and let God do the work in their lives.

As for my message to homosexuals, remember that "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ" (Romans 8:1). Jesus loved you and died for you just like he did for everyone else. No sin can ever separate us from the love of God, homosexuality included. But at some point, He will ask you to change. During those times, don't turn away from Him. He's saying this out of love. Instead, ask him for strength. Remember, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God bless :)

Here in My Home

For those that don't already know, Here in My Home is the brainchild of the Malaysia Artistes for Unity project. It's a beautiful song with an even more beautiful message. Take a listen, share it and sing it in public to spread the love :)

Monday, May 26, 2008

Prayer for tomorrows

Feeling a little lost today, so I'm posting this prayer. It's good to know our future is in God's hand.
Father I pray, help me to hear Your voice. I want to know Your will for me. May I fulfill my purpose through the good works You have prepared for me. Give me the boldness to do what what You want me to do, to go where You want me to go. Thank You Lord for I know my future is Your hands. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

I can't believe I'm blogging

The title said it. I can't believe I'm actually blogging. I've been discriminating bloggers ever since blogging started becoming popular. I not really sure why though. I've always felt like it was kind of dumb to keep an open diary for the masses of the internet to read... I think. Or perhaps i was afraid of becoming an emo blogger. Or maybe I just didn't want to ride in the bandwagon much like how I never had a Friendster (not one which I created anyway). Whatever the reason I guess it doesn't apply anymore cause here I am... blogging (yes it bears repeating). I've always been an opinionated person and I have to admit blogging is a good outlet of expressing opinions. So i guess we'll be seeing a lot of that. Yes, a good intelligent, opinion filled blog sounds good. Or then again I could just express my emotions about daily events. I have no idea how this blog is going to turn out. For all you know this may the one and only post :D. We'll just see in days to come.