SLR: What is Going on in Our World Today?

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Introduction

The acronym “SLR” stands for Service Learning Requirement, which is a part of a course I am taking right now. This article aims to utilize some of the course material and present an evangelistic message to you, my readers. However, this is not meant to become a single-sided sermon on the evil of the world. Instead, I hope to pen down some of the phenomenon during the past years in various parts of the world, and provide some insights for your consideration.

Our World Today

As of September 2016, there has been major terrorism attacks in Europe, which have changed the way people feel about security. The economic down turn in Europe has also been evident for some years, causing increased financial insecurity. Environmental issues have occupied headlines more frequently, little by little erasing the hope for a better future. Technology has brought a lot of new gadgets and entertainment, which are becoming more mundane than ever.

The world is being united: English language removes obstacles in communication; airlines remove obstacles in geography; TV and internet remove obstacles in culture. People are becoming international, or actually more global than ever. What has this development brought to you? Perhaps more job opportunities outside of your native country? Perhaps more travel opportunities to see wonders of the world? Perhaps finding the one you love from other side of the globe? Perhaps all of these, or perhaps none.

What are also real in the world today: wars, famine, abundance, migration, comfort, natural disasters, high tech, tolerance, racism, communalism, individualism, pride, suffering, some love, and a lot of hate. Vengeance. Lies. Soap operas and X-factors, movies, stars, conspiracy theories, self-enlightenment, self-indulgences. Science is not the power driving society anymore; individual aspirations and ideologies have ascended the throne.

There are still some beautiful things in nature, people, life. But these are becoming rare. Or perhaps it is the observant who has learned to neglect better. How is our world today? What do you think?

Why Our World is as It Is Today?

Now, skipping the answer to “how is our world today”, I come to the question: why our world is as it is today? Below are few aspects, and I hope to hear your comments/feedback if any.

• The reasons of the unrest of world: There is no single reason that answers this question. Some say religion is the reason for wars, some say greed is the reason for totalitarianism, some say lack of love is why people hate each other, some say poverty is the reason for unrests. Actually, the condition of our world is nothing new, there has always been wars, murders, uprisings, and violent encounters. The difference is that we are now more aware of these due to advancement in broadcasting and technology. More NEWS has brought more information which has brought sympathy and eventually apathy.
• The reasons for unhappy people in the Western world: The postmodern ideology of the relativity of truth and reality has taken away any firm foundation on which an individual can build his/her life upon. Within the ideology, tradition is a constructed evil meant to control people; society is a necessary evil meant to keep order; and religion is a myth meant to comfort people. What postmodern people do not see is the setting of individual (subjective ideas) to become truth itself, which in turn leads to self-centricity = pride. In this condition, one accepts only values/ideas suitable for oneself, and rejects any “authorities” that do not agree. When one has thus isolated him/herself, one has also isolated oneself from happiness

• The reasons for unhappy people in the Eastern world: The glamorous and enjoyable material abundance occupying Western countries have become the single goal for Eastern countries. Without the Christian worldview, Eastern people tend to give no value to oneself, but rather sees community/family as a priority. Coupled with materialistic outlook developed in recent decades, people in the Easter world compare his/her success to others. They also compare rank, power, beauty, wisdom, wealth, and health, just to name a few. In this endless loop of comparison, people living in Eastern world do not become satisfied, and happiness eludes from them.
• The reasons for unhappy people in poverty: The answer seems obvious: they are poor! But, if we look deeper, it is not poverty itself that takes away happiness. Children are happy if they have family and friends, of course if they get their daily portion of food. If there is no daily portion of food, can the love and care of close people still bring happiness? To certain extend, yes. My view on this topic is, the world is biased in its treatment of people: rich becomes richer, poor becomes poorer. Greed and hording of wealth are fundamental reasons to poverty, and bribery system in most of poor countries only makes it more obvious. People in poverty could be happy if they are cared for, treated as human beings, and given the opportunity to change their lives. Holistic intervention helps.

• What is happiness? Postmodern mind will bring up this question, and it is a fair question to ask. Bible has a saying: “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:6-7, ESV). The core here are godliness and contentment. I would agree. Godliness offers a set of values that are defined by God (assuming that the Christian God is real), which transcend time, space, culture, society, and which are claimed to bring happiness to every individual. Contentment is a choice of mind, an attitude of living, which helps people to accept happiness produced by godliness. Contentment doesn’t mean lack of ambition; it rather keeps ambitions honorable and worthy.
  One of the problems in the world today is that people are too busy to think, or too lazy to think deeply. Often we do not want to take the pain of delving deeper into our motives, values, thoughts, or emotions. In the text above, I have listed few observations, and below I will list few conclusions. Would you agree with them?

How Our World Should Be?

• Will our world be able to sustain itself? Recently there are more and more news regarding possibilities to migrate to Mars. Also, famous Stephen Hawking has deemed the earth to be inhabitable in less than 1000 years, likely under 200 years. Though I do not agree with Stephen about the way earth will diminish, I concur that current way humanity operates is not sustainable. Our selfish living and tremendous consumption of resources, in addition to pollutions produced, are toxicating the earth without any hope of recovery. Our so called “advancements in civilization” are only nice looking outward improvements without true internal change. People are as evil as ever, and more technology only offers more power to practice evil deeds.

• What then? The Bible tells us that before long, there will be major catastrophes on earth (Rev. 6:8; 8:7; 9:3-6; 11:6, 13, 19), and at the end God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). Though the “short-term” outlook of our world is not very bright, biblical faith offers comfort and hope, for “God himself will be with them and be their God”, and “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:3-4). What is heaven? The essence of it is to be with the loving and righteous God, in full contentment, happy, and forever thankful for what He has done. There will be no hunger, no thirst, no longlines, no pain, no death, no sorrow; because God himself will rule and care. That is how our world should be.

• You might sigh at my quotations from the Bible, thinking it to be outdated or simply superstitious. Then again, have you really sought to disapprove what Bible says? Have you considered the consequences of God being real, and the Bible being really a revelation from Him? You can check some internet resources for deeper study, e.g. C.S. Lewis Apologetics, or Christian Apologetics Research Ministry. In the meanwhile, let me provide an presentation of Christian message for the world today.

• The Christian message for the world today: The Christian message for you today is actually nothing different from what was proclaimed in the first century AD by the disciples of Jesus Christ: “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:42-43). Another quote: “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39).

• How it works? Let me break it down for you.
  • We people are sinners in the eyes of God: we are not perfect as He is, we are selfish, proud, self-centered. We compare ourselves with others, which produce either pride or jealousy. We lack compassion, empathy, love. We lack the ability to not sin. (see Psalm 53:3, Romans 3:23, James 2:8-11)
  • We are not able to help ourselves: we cannot remit our sins, cannot remove the guilt, cannot redo what has been done, cannot help ourselves. Acknowledging this, we cannot help other people to remit their sins, as we cannot even help ourselves. (see Hebrews 9:22)
  • God has provided a way: Because God loves us and does not want us to suffer the consequences of sin, He chooses to forgive our sins. However, God is also just, so His nature requires a punishment for our sins. Jesus came to solve this problem: He led a perfect life in humility and power, then surrendered Himself to humiliation and torture, to shameful death on the cross. Jesus took the punishment of our sins, and was able to do so because He is the Son of God, and He did not sin. Jesus also rose from the dead, because death had no reason to keep Him. (see John 3:16-17, 1 John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Luke 23:47; Romans 5:6, Matthew 26:26-28, Colossians 2:13-15, Galatians 1:4, 1 Peter 3:18; Acts 2:24, 2:32, 3:15, 4:33)
  • Do we choose the way God has provided? God has provided the way of redemption for our sins, salvation for our souls, and true peace and happiness in life. The choice is yours, whether to accept His gift, or to ignore it? To accept it, simply calm down and tell Him, tell Him about your weaknesses, imperfections, and that you cannot help yourself. Tell Him that you want to receive His gift for you: salvation, remittance of sins, the new life promised. Then thank Him for this gift. That’s it. (See John 1:12, Romans 10:9-13)
  

  • How to continue? Life continues, usually, also after your decision to accept salvation by Jesus. What I can recommend is that you would contact someone who is a Jesus -follower, and share with him/her what you have just done. It would also be good to get a Bible and starting to read, e.g. starting with Gospel of Mark, then the letter to Galatians, letter to Colossians, etc. You can also pray to God in the name of Jesus, whenever and wherever you are, regarding whatever issues, aloud or in your mind. Finally, it is important to find a healthy church where you can ask questions, experience love of the Christian family, and find your spot. Do not just keep this to yourself, our world needs more people like you. (see Matthew 5:13-16, Romans 8:14-16, Romans 8:26, Luke 11:1-13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Hebrews 10:24-25)

Final Remarks

The “How it Works” -section above might be lengthy, but I pray it is right for you, who are looking for answers and seeking for help. Your life does matter, and you have unique value in the eyes of God. He loves you!

I am open to hear from you and learn your story. I might also be able to answer some of your questions, if any. The goal of believing in Jesus and living as a Christian is not simply to receive salvation, or become a better person, or get ideas how to make this world a better place. The goal of believing in Jesus is simply that it is the best thing that can happen to us, and through us, it is the best thing that can happen to people around us and for this world. Believe in Him, follow His guidance in your life, build up a relationship with Him, and you will not be bored.

If you are already a Christian and have been following Jesus in your life, great! I want to bless you and pray that you continue to receive gifts from God, with which you can serve the people around you and build up your church. The gifts from God might be health, or an ability to care for people, or a skill to do something, or finances, or a power to pray, or humility. Do not despise what He gives to you, but use it to your full potential. I am sure you will find Him smiling at you when you do.

Have faith, have hope, enjoy Love, be blessed!

In a Time When Nobody Cares

It certainly has been a while since the last article here. Frankly, I do not feel sorry about it. Or perhaps a little.

Writing is a very therapeutic art, cleansing the inner self by organizing thoughts and emotions into sequels of words. Writing during the deep night is even more therapeutic: one sees oneself reflected in writing, quietly, silently, humming away the words which are never heard during the busy moments of daytime.

Nobody cares. This can be a subtle statement about current society. This can also be the tune played in the deep night of the soul. This might simply express the cynical view about life. This might be a weighty accusation towards everyone around. This is me.

Realizing how I change, it is both bewildering and commonplace. People tend to change, it's just that nobody cares. Usually people notice the change in themselves only when major incidents happen, and they react to them in a way that totally surprises themselves. And it is usually not in the manner one would like it to be. well, nobody cares.

Not being cynical or sarcastic, I have simply come to realize: nobody cares. This mantra so well suits the society I current dwell in, possibly addressing its biggest wound at the same time as pointing to the unfortunate indulgence of human nature. People, we, have been marred by sin, which causes us to be self-centered and twisting the truth, deceiving ourselves into ignorance. No wonder "ignorance is a bliss", it truly is.

On a bit more positive note: in a time when nobody cares, the cold cold society creates an immense desire in people to find warmth, feel cared for, and share the coldness of Winter of their souls. Sharing creates warmth, caring creates hope, courage creates faith. Failures create pain, and failures cause cynicism. What a sad sad time.

Holding on to the most precious source of life, love, joy, happiness, hope, faith, courage, and power, I feel obliged to care. Despite the lack of responses, despite my own ups and downs, the road I know to be worthy, I must continue to travel. Let there be more and more joining me on this road, more hearts touched by this life, more justice done in this place, more hope spread in this time. I believe, and I live. Soli Deo Gloria!

Book of Revelation, Chapter 2, verses 1-7:
 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
  These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
  Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

The New International Version. (2011). (Re 2:1–7). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Satisfaction and happiness

Recently China Central TV made a street survey to "regular people" with a question: Are you happy? The answers were extraordinary. Actually, I have not seen this program and have not heard the answers, except those answers which happened to be extraordinary.

For example, one 20ish student (male), who was queuing to buy a train ticket, was asked by the reporter: What do you want the most? He answered: a girl friend. Reporter: what is the worst thing you have faced so far? Answer: while talking to you, so many people have bypassed me in the queue.

If you didn't get the fun of above reply, don't worry. It's much more fun in Chinese language, haha.

Anyhow, all those extraordinary answers, but the question is actually really simple and valid. Are you happy?

In China, people have a difficulty to define happiness! Perhaps it is same in many other parts of the world. What does it mean to be happy?

Reflecting on our recent life here, contentment and satisfaction come to my mind. Reflecting on the past many years of life, continuous contentment and satisfaction have been a significant "trademark". I could define my happiness in this way: being content and satisfied. This definition rises above the changes in life situations, working environments, living locations, or any other life situations. Proudly, I think this is in line with the Biblical definition of happiness: Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth (Paul's 1st Letter to Timothy, Chapter 6, verse 6. New Living Translation).

Elaborating the thought: why happiness requires both contentment and true godliness? This would come back to the question of the definition of happiness. Relativism argues that everyone can be happy in their own way; truth argues that there is one essential factor to enable happiness, without which there will not be true happiness. Relativism argues further that how can anyone define what is true for another; truth argues that horizontally nobody can define happiness for another, but vertically God has already defined it.

Ah the wonders of our post-modern society and world. Perhaps below picture illustrates the idea of relativism. :)

Another aspect to happiness: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Paul's Letter to Philippians, Chapter 4, Verses 6-7. New Living Translation)

Can it be possible? You bet. Believing is happiness! Think about a child who fully believes in the abilities of her father/mother, what a happy child! I am content, now.

SLR: Christ - the Answer for All Things

The emergence of various new religious movements in Western society during the past decades have produced imminent shadows over the orthodox Christianity and especially the faith of individual Christians. Among the various new movements there are challenges from traditional religions such as Islam and Buddhism, as well as vast amount of "new" movements ranging from New Age to Theosophy, Transcendental Meditation to Unification church. Unfortunately the main stream churches are not responding to these challenges, mainly neglecting their existence or relying on active individuals to produce apologetics for Christianity.

The most challenging new movements that affect Christian individuals seem to be pseudo-Christian beliefs, for example Jehovah's Witnesses, Unity School of Christianity, and a diversity of legalistic Messianic Jewish teachings. Most of the "new" movements are not new in themselves, but reflect the ideologies from Arianism, Gnosticism, Eastern Mystics, and salvation through deeds. The answer to all these ideologies lies in the person of Jesus Christ, and the letter to Colossians is Paul's way of presenting this solution.

Paul attacks the word fullness (pleroma), which was frequently used by false teachers to present their ideologies, by presenting Christ as the fullness of God in creation (1:15-18), fullness of God in redemption (1:19-23), and fullness of God in the church (1:24-2:7). Creation is upheld by Christ and under His authority, redemption is fully accomplished by Christ and only through Him, and the church exists only because Christ is the head of it. No other ideologies or doctrines are needed, Christ is the fullness of these things and His followers should:
2:6-8 ... continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Paul then continues to present Christ as the answer to human philosophy (2:8-10), warning against Jewish legality (2:13-17), cure against oriental mysticism (2:18-19), and rebuke against carnal asceticism (2:21-3:1). It is amazing that despite the clear warnings of the Bible, moderns Christians still fall away into human philosophy, Jewish legality and New Age ideology. It looks like Christians are saying that Christ is not enough, they need something more, something better to make their lives worth living. The saddest situation is when all backsliding is done in the sincere purpose of glorifying God and seeking to find the "lost truth" that would cure all problems of church.

Paul depicts Christ as the Full Knowledge (epignosis), indicating that in His simplicity He is the true knowledge, the glorious mystery of God: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (1:27). If a Christian thinks that this is not enough, he can stray into human wisdom or Jewish legality, which provide seemingly good answers to spiritual growth and maturity, but eventually turns out to be hollow and shallow compared to the firm assurance provided by Christ. Paul exhorts us (3:15-17):

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. 
And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


For the modern people involved in new religious movements, Christ still offers the best solution to your problems of sin, frustration of continuous failures, cynical view on life, and vanity of all affairs. Compared to Hindu/Buddhist world view Christ offers hope of salvation and an active attitude to deal with life. Compared to Chinese wisdom and world view Christ offers not only high ethical standards, but the power and means to achieve and keep them. For the animists living in constant fear and uncertainty, Christ offers joy of life and freedom from all fear and bondage. For the materialistic modern man, Christ offers freedom to choose differently, real value for life, and the love that penetrates thickest doubts and criticism.


My message to you is: Christ is real, not fake. He is the resurrected Lord of all creation, and He wants to be the Lord of your life as well. Will you submit to His superiority and surrender your limited wisdom and knowledge into His use? Will you give Him a chance to manifest His great love and power into your life? Do not be tempted by the wonderful promises of new religious movements or traditional religions, they do not contain the fullness of life. 


Jesus said: Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. (John 7:37, 4:14).

Sources used:
Robertson, Irvine. 1991. What the Cults Believe. Chicago, Illinois: The Moody Bible Institute.
Stewart, James A. 1965. Christ is All - Studies in Colossians. Philadelphia, PA: Revival Literature.
Tenney, Merrill C. 1985. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, Michigan: WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.


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