'Living before Muslims in the world...'

While reading through an English translation of the Koran (in preparation for specific evangelism during the month of Ramadan), I was struck by the high calling we have as true Christians to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

The Koran states, "Yet they (Christians) are not all alike. There are among the People of the Book some upright men who all night long recite the revelations of God and worship Him; who believe in God and the Last Day; who enjoin justice and forbid evil and vie with each other in good works. These are righteous men: whatever good they do, its reward shall not be denied them. God well knows the righteous" (3:113).

People we come into contact with watch us constantly, and as ambassadors for Christ and with His help, our everyday lives should reflect the reality of what has happened (and is happening) in our hearts. "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honourable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Peter 2:12) Holy Bible.

What a challenge - but what an opportunity!

To 'know' and to 'live' Christ...

"For Christians who are completely evangelical, doctrinally sound, intellectual, and 'objective,' probably what is needed most is the strong balancing influence of a more vital 'subjective' relationship with the Lord in everyday life..." (Wayne Grudem)

Does my 'head knowledge' of God translate into a 'relationship knowledge' of Christ? Do I experience Him as a living God and not just a string of theological ideas neatly presented and sorted into categories in my head? Is my actual life being changed by my wanting to please Him more and more? If not, I am merely going through the motions of being a Christian and the Living God is not present in me at all or I am on spiritual 'life-support' and there is a mere flicker of spiritual life in me...

Religion - The good and bad of it...

"In law, good cops are good; rogue cops are bad. In medicine, good doctors are good; quacks are bad. But in religion, strangely, everything is somehow good; nothing is essentially bad. This is self-deceived nonsense, and we can no longer afford it" (Don Richardson)

It is so essential that we as humans make sure that what we believe is true and not just a set of ideas. The law of gravity is true - whether I believe in it or not - but my belief in it can change the consequences of my actions dramatically. The end of human life is not the time to try to explore the validity of my beliefs...

Foot loose durian yum char...

It's more in the mind than on the taste buds!

My second encounter with a chicken's foot (that is - detached from the original owner) was less dramatic and more enjoyable than the first time! Yum char is a great way to enjoy new food sensations and great company. Even 'durian' was strangely pleasant - after several warnings of "It tastes like sewage!" - It all depends on your mindset. Telling myself that it was a fruit and not sewage, actually brought out the taste of the fruit - which I found quite pleasant.

Long may this form of food adventure live on!

Packing my bags...

Howick Baptist Church Family Camp (Totara Springs, NZ) 18 - 20 Sep 09
Shepherds Conference 2010 (Los Angeles) 3 - 7 March 2010
STAND4TG NZ (Conrad Mbewe) - Howick Baptist Church (Auckland) 16 - 18 April 2010