Marked By Faith

Bad Religion by Ross Douthat

2012-07-20T02:46:00.001+08:00

Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics is about how American Christianity came to be what it is. Douthat's argument is that things have been better but have gone bad. And while this isn't new, his synthesis of past events and cultural criticism of current shortcomings make his case fairly compelling; his style like a charismatic young man in ink.

The historical survey is entertaining because Douthat heavily emphasizes characters who, apart from being heroes and villains, are also leaders that shape and reshape the landscape of American Christianity. It begins in the 20th century – far enough to a distant memory, but near enough to have a direct casual relationship in our 21st (More detailed descriptions have been written to death in other reviews). This makes it an excellent place for laymen to explore religious history since its proximity enables the reader to bring a critical mind to the table, and increases the benefits of understanding.

Douthat's opinions are generally reasoned and laid out in most segments but feel forced towards the end. As a non-American, I won't assess further the validity of his cultural criticism. I will say however, that non-American Christians have much to benefit from this book. America is the hotbed of Christendom and its influence of ideas and spirituality is unavoidable. Personally, it made me more adept at categorizing my own religious climate (especially since I recently read Lian Xi's Redeemed by Fire and had a context to contrast America's this world messianism with China's apocalypticism). I also become more aware of what's at stake practically over the liberalization of theological ideas and particularly enjoyed his explanation of the prosperity gospel's appeal.

Although it's mainly a story of the church losing ground, Bad Religionis ultimately undergirded with an actionable hope for a brighter tomorrow here. Douthat doesn't have the solution but by writing this book has become part of it. Hopefully, I'm becoming part of that by reading it – I've grown curious about how I might be contributing to accommodationist causes and I'm asking God 'What really matters?'. So even if history books put you off, there are good reasons to give Ross Douthat's Bad Religion a second chance.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Tourist Guide to Christian Stores in Singapore (with Map)

2011-05-14T01:08:00.028+08:00

This map is my most up-to-date and comprehensive listing of Christian stores in Singapore. Click here to see the map in tabular form instead.

Christian stores in Singapore (Click for full screen)

Tourists from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and even The Philippines enjoy frequenting Christian bookstores in Singapore because we often stock a wide range of books.

Here are some expert tips to maximize your next visit to Singapore:

Book your hotel in the central or east regions of Singapore where Christian bookstores are clustered.
If you are looking for a specific title, email the stores in advance or call them when you arrive in Singapore to confirm their availability. Most stores will be willing to reserve a book for a short time.
If you are a full-time worker, bring a name card with you. Some stores give discounts to full-time workers and will ask to see your name card as proof.
If you are from South East Asia, be prepared to spend or be extra selective about your purchases. Books in Singapore tend to be more pricey than your home country. Visit SKS Bookstore for a wide selection of books.
Few Christian bookstores often on Sunday. A few that do are identified in the Map below. I recommend visiting Trumpet Praise. Great service.

Christian stores open on Sunday (Click for full screen)

Closing remarks: For practical reasons, the data on this list of Christian stores is eternally out-of-date. It depends on you to remain relevant. Drop me an email or comment and I'll be more than happy to update it with your latest bit of info. Cheers!

I Will Glory in My Redeemer

2011-05-10T10:39:00.004+08:00

Rehabilitation

2011-04-13T10:15:00.009+08:00

O WATCHER OF MY SOUL,

Awaken my conscience,
that my thoughts, acts, and habits of sin
will be abhorrent to me as darkness is from light.

Teach me to watch and pray,
less about my victory over sin, and
more about causing my Beloved grievous harm;
Until my love is perfected in Yours.

O KEEPER OF MY SOUL,

Forgive your servant for putting on airs,
Your Heart out of feeling,
Your Word out of mind,
Your Spirit out of hearing,
for my recurrent weakness testifies of your eternal strength.

Though immorality, sin, and wickedness encroach
from my waking hour,
grace abounds from the cross of Christ.
  I will praise you for morning mercies,
  I will mediate on your word,
that I might be a sanctuary for the Lord of my House.

Abandoned to God

2011-03-22T21:36:00.008+08:00

I have just finished listening to Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest. It was wonderful to follow the man as he developed convictions and served the Lord with gusto.

What struck me most was his frequent return to the teaching of "Biblical Psychology", a class that the Lord consistently blessed. Oswald lived and did much more, My Utmost for His Highest is a compilation of sermons and certain proof of that, but "Biblical Psychology" was surely his life's message and great work.

How I long to make a similarly distinctive and blessed contribution. But it is in His time. He is the Lord, not I. Pray with me that He will steel my resolve, strengthen my heart, and bless my words and pen.

Nightly lessons

2011-02-26T21:03:00.005+08:00

Talking with Hannah at ten p.m. teaches me this daily! "And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us" - John 3:23

Good bible study application is Relatable

2011-02-25T16:16:00.010+08:00

First consider how you have applied this truth in your personal life. Are there circumstances similar to those your student experiences? For e.g. If your student is a freshman in university and you desire to teach him to walk by faith, sharing your own experiences of learning to juggle schoolwork and ministry will be most convincing. It suggests to him that "If you could do it, then so can I." But if you can't find common situations, don't beat yourself up. More importantly, don't lie. Not lying includes not making yourself sound more terrific than you were. Remember, your students will judge the truth of your words against the truth they see in your life. Just share your personal experience and leave it to your student to work out parallels.

Faith and Power

2011-02-25T04:48:00.012+08:00

"Lord, I don't want to sin against you..." "Lord, help me not sin against you..." These are not bad prayers. The grace of God was at work! But it was when I prayed "Lord, I will not sin against you", that the Lord strengthened my resolve. Compared to the earlier two, my third prayer had faith. I claimed 1 John 5:18 as though it were a promise. It also struck me that my will was involved; And I had aligned it with God's.

Could not read Spurgeon

2011-02-24T20:04:00.007+08:00

Today whist reading Spurgeon I could not finish his evening devotion. The Lord struck with a deep sense that what I loved was his beautiful words. It could... unless I discipline myself... become an idol. I put it down, and picked up my Bible.

Check yourself

2011-01-30T02:20:00.010+08:00

Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, and takes off the relish of spiritual things—that to you is sin.

- Susanna Wesley

The Living God

2011-01-29T11:56:00.010+08:00

Many people believe in God in theory but behave as though God were dead in practice. They do not hear from God because they doubt God speaks. They do not speak to God because they doubt God listens. If God were dead, if the gospel stopped at death on the cross, their practice is both just and wise. But we who believe that Jesus Christ died for all sin should not behave likewise. Instead we come to love the bible and prayer as we understand the significance of Jesus' resurrection.

Getting the gospel

2011-01-19T17:22:00.002+08:00

When people get the gospel, they also get a deep desire to know God and read his Word. Wouldn't you want to know everything about a person who died for you? Wouldn't you treasure a relationship with a person who saved you? Brothers and Sisters, check your understanding of the gospel.

Youth and Prayer

2011-01-18T23:50:00.009+08:00

" ... be constant in prayer" - Romans 12:12

For many of my youth, church life has two components. 1. The celebration service where they worship God, and 2. The small group where they have bible study and fellowship. But missing from their regular diet is the opportunity to express their own prayers. Although the Church has a monthly house of prayer and short pre-service prayer sessions, these are poorly attended. This suggests that the youth have a low view corporate prayer, if not prayer in general. Such a view is inconsistent with a wholesome Christian life. It is through prayer that we learn to mourn, to rejoice, and to trust. Dare we believe that we can abide in God without being connected to Him in prayer?

Romans 12:12 instructs us to be constant in prayer. The NIV reads "...be faithful in prayer," and the NASB, "...be devoted to prayer". More significantly, this phrase is located in a segment of scripture where Paul is not instructing a single part of the body but speaking to all believers. Prayer isn't a spiritual gift embraced by a select few. Everyone is to pray. Moreover, gathering to pray glorifies God. Doubters of the 'prayer meeting' should consider the wisdom of Piper and Spurgeon.

In the study of scripture, truth is revealed. In prayer, it is exalted and lived out. While it makes sense to do more bible study than prayer (corporately), an occasional prayer meeting in lieu of bible study fellowship is a stepping stone towards the cultivation of an intimate relationship with God. Young Christians must be led to drink from the deep wells of God so that they learn of its importance. This is not to spoil them, but to develop prayer experience through which and from which we serve and thank God.

Fast-forward 2011

2010-12-28T03:16:00.004+08:00

It's been a year since I stopped blogging to focus on my academic studies. Stopping is a decision I've regretted. Although I've grown both spiritually and as a writer, I've missed out on the reinforcement that blogging adds to casual reading. So I think it's time to reverse that decision... my blog lives! ;)

Would be nice to know if of YOU out there still visits this blog. Then I'll know whether I have an audience or am just blogging for myself.

I Wouldn't Change A Thing!

2010-12-28T00:33:00.007+08:00

A Bill Bright tribute. Lyrics are meaningful.

I think the goal is to be able to feel the lyrics in our bones... both now and at the end.

May it be so for all of us!

For Your Name's Sake

2010-10-14T00:27:00.009+08:00

Jesus, teacher, master, deity

Who I make you out to be,

Changes not what you've done for me.

You are Lord yet you came humbly;

Alas, you were humilitated and for all to see.

But your death was not vain, it was victory!

Today, your love and grace sets me free,

The Holy Spirit is my eternal security,

Yet I strive to trust, not just once but continually.

You are Lord yet not always Lord over me.

These words I say most shamefully..

For my heart is ungrateful, my body lazy.

This then is my solemn plea,

Clothe me with rightness, and add to my piety,

That I might rejoice at knowing you ever so richly!

Broken and Needful

2009-12-22T23:48:00.003+08:00

My spirit is grievous beyond death,
Better to be dead than to sin against the LORD.
"Forgive", declares my lips.
"You are", declares my head,
Yet it is not enough.
I know of my depravity,
That I am destined to anger a living God,
Again and again and again.
I lie on my bed mourning my own death,
"Take me to you" I think to the LORD.
But I die not in my sleep.
Morning comes and I wake,
No better a man and still in need of grace.

Commitments of What kind?

2009-08-19T03:28:00.015+08:00

It is easier to say
“Lord I will die for you,”
than to say
“Lord I will live for you.”

It is easier to say
"Lord I will give you ABC,"
than to say
"Lord I will give up ABC."

It is easier to say
"Lord I will give up _______________ ,"
than to say
"Lord I give you everything."

It is easier to say
"Lord I give you everything,"
than to say
"Lord my time/money/love belongs to you."

Why?

Some answers:
It is easier to say “Lord I will die for you,” than “Lord I will live for you” because there is glory and honor in martyrdom, but in life there are trials and sufferings.

It is easier to say "Lord I will give you not-so-treasured xyz," than to say "Lord I will give up treasured abc."

While the Lord is undoubtedly pleased with our sincere offerings, we have to ask ourselves if a) it constitutes a sacrifice - Did you come to a decision easily? It probably doesn't mean as much to you as you thought. and b) how we give - Do you pick and choose what you have to give him? Are you giving because you love God? Or is there another reason?

It is easier to say "Lord I will give up (treasured possession)," than to say "Lord I give you everything."

When we say "Lord I will give", it is something that we commit to doing. Conversely, when we say "Lord I give", it is something we have committed to the Lord. Being willing to give up everything is also a position of absolute surrender: nothing is withheld. Rather than a giving of our choosing, it is the choosing of giving everything.

It is easier to say "Lord I give you everything," than to say "Lord my time or money or love belongs to you."

Once our life is dedicated to the Lord, we become responsible to him for how what we do with it. Time, e.g. Do we waste our time on meaningless things? Do we live with a Spirit of Boredom? Are we indulging in entertainment? Money, e.g. Do we make financially wise decisions? Are we spending on extravagance? Are we committed to a budget and savings plan? .... and so on.

It might not be time, money or love, it might be something else. Whatever it is specifically for you, it is hard not being in control. Coming to a position of absolute surrender is abstract - It is easier to make decisions if we don't look too closely. But to stay in that position we get down to the nitty gritty. Realization sets in, and we start to think that not being in control might equates to complete chaos. God may call you do do something you wouldn't do on your own - taking that expensive holiday you think you can scarcely afford to show love to your kids for example.

We are given the right to live as we see fit, but in giving up our rights to make space for God's will, we become filled with Christ's righteousness.

So what kind of commitments do you made to the Lord? Is there one you need to be making?

Lord, please don't send me to Africa!

2009-08-19T03:15:00.002+08:00

Oh Lord I am your willing servant
You know that I have been for years
I'm here in this pew every Sunday and Wednesday
I've stained it with many a tear
I've given You years of my service
I've always given my best
And I've never asked you for anything much
So, Lord I deserve this request

Please don't send me to Africa
I don't think I've got what it takes
I'm just a man,I'm not a Tarzan
Don't like lions, gorillas or snakes
I'll serve you here in suburbia
In my comfortable middle class life
But please don't send me out into the bush
Where the natives are restless at night

I'll see that the money is gathered
I'll see that the money is sent
I'll wash and stack the communion cups
I'll tithe eleven percent
I'll volunteer for the nursery
I'll go on the youth group retreat
I'll usher, I'll deacon , I'll go door to door
Just let me keep warming this seat.

- Scott Wesley Brown

A New Song

2009-07-20T22:57:00.001+08:00

Dear Lord, I do surrender Myself, my all, to thee;
Myself, my all, to thee;
My time, my store, my talents,
So long withheld by me.
I've heard the call for workers.
The world's great need I see
O send me to the rescue,
I'm here, my Lord, send me!

Here am I, my Lord, send me,
Here am I, my Lord, send me,
I surrender all to obey thy call,
Here am I, my Lord, send me.

Too long at ease in Zion
I've been content to dwell,
While multitudes are dying
And sinking into Hell.
I can no more be careless,
And say there's naught to do,
The fields are white to harvest
And labourers are few.

O hear, thou God of Heaven,
The vows that now I make!
To thee my life is given,
'Tis for the lost world's sake.
To serve thee I am ready,
Though friends and foes despise,
I now present my body
A living sacrifice.

HT: Beyond the Brook

TGIMB

2009-07-11T10:23:00.000+08:00

Thank God It's My Birthday. =]

Remember the Lord

2009-06-30T00:18:00.000+08:00

Nothing has meaning when I sin against the Lord,
Not love, not time.
No, nothing at all.
If only I would remember always.

I forget that He is the Master.
Not you, not I.
No, to behave so is pride.
If only I would remember always.

My spirit cries “You foolish man!”
Who seeks death, not life?
No treasure on earth truly satisfies.
If only I would remember always.

I must go before Him with fear and trembling,
I will not run. I could not hide.
Why would I? No God provides grace in Jesus Christ.
If only I would remember always.

Answering God's Calls

2009-06-28T07:06:00.004+08:00

The secret to a life of significance does not lie in asking "What singular purpose does God have for me?", nor "What great things will He lead me to do?" but is answered in "What am I doing with my life?" God calls us to Christian responsibility, to Christ-likeness, and this humble common purpose is undoubtedly most glorifying to God.

Prayer mirrors the gospel.

2009-06-18T17:58:00.001+08:00

“The gospel, God’s free gift of grace in Jesus, only works when we realize we don’t have it all together. The same is true for prayer. The very thing we are allergic to—our helplessness—is what makes prayer work. It works because are helpless. We can’t do life on our own.

Prayer mirrors the gospel. In the gospel, the Father takes us as we are because of Jesus and gives us his gift of salvation. In prayer, the Father receives us as we are because of Jesus and gives us his gift of help. We look at the inadequacy of our praying and give up, thinking something is wrong with us. God looks as the adequacy of his Son and delights in our sloppy, meandering prayers.”

—Paul Miller, A Praying Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress 2009), 55

Bear fruits in keeping with repentance

2009-06-17T22:31:00.002+08:00

a cry of apology
agony, aching sorrow
God save me.

a cry of need
without love, no good thing
God save me.

grace abounding, hope restoring
faith astounding, power transforming
God save me.