The teacher/scholar/elder person is respected in Chinese culture
These are all good things (after all, Jesus is a teacher, and the wisdom literature promote the wisdom of scholars, and older people are to be respected, as commanded in the pastoral letters (as well as other places)
However, at times this is skewed in the Chinese culture.
I am sure that a lot of people have read The Trellis and the Vine by col marshall and co
the application of those prinicples (i.e. pastor's role -A) training , not just ministry B) people, not program) is much harder in a chinese culture
I have seen two phenomena in some Chinese churches
1) some regard the pastor with a reverence in such a way they think they cannot do ministry
2) some regard the pastor with such disdain i have seen some people who think that a church is better off without a pastor.
Amongst many things, view 1 neglects the fact that we are a priesthood of believers and view 2 neglects that God does give some people the gift of teaching and equipping.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
无欲无求 (no desire)
Those that are chinese will be familiar with a chinese /buddhist saying " 无欲无求"
Traditional Chinese/Chinese of a buddhist background still believe this.
However the post 80s and esp post 90s are used to be the centre of attention and are given everything they want. (my fiancee has been going to a chinese run play group and it's clear when every family think that their own kid is king then things are a bit chaotic!)
against this background, we are to understand that the Christan view is not to the suppression of desire (cf Col2, Phil 3) but rather to foster a desire in God (cf Psalm 37)
the implications are astounding... the former generation needs to realise that desire is good if placed in God, and the current generation need to realise that only delighting in the lord will give you the desire of your heart.
Traditional Chinese/Chinese of a buddhist background still believe this.
However the post 80s and esp post 90s are used to be the centre of attention and are given everything they want. (my fiancee has been going to a chinese run play group and it's clear when every family think that their own kid is king then things are a bit chaotic!)
against this background, we are to understand that the Christan view is not to the suppression of desire (cf Col2, Phil 3) but rather to foster a desire in God (cf Psalm 37)
the implications are astounding... the former generation needs to realise that desire is good if placed in God, and the current generation need to realise that only delighting in the lord will give you the desire of your heart.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
the offence of the gospel - as a chinese
one thing about changing from a church where i do a lot to a church where i do very little is that i can reflect.
Read andrew hong's blog about face:
the way i reflect on these issues theologically, in a very brief way, is to do a biblical survey and see whether it is a core gopsel issue.
While in the wisdom literature, it does emphasize the importance of peace, the timing of wise words, the gospel at times does bring offense the division, and the idea of peace and wisdom is presumed only on the gospel.
Read andrew hong's blog about face:
the way i reflect on these issues theologically, in a very brief way, is to do a biblical survey and see whether it is a core gopsel issue.
While in the wisdom literature, it does emphasize the importance of peace, the timing of wise words, the gospel at times does bring offense the division, and the idea of peace and wisdom is presumed only on the gospel.
reflection on the book of numbers during my sleep
Sorry, LONG time no post.
Just reflected on the book of numbers in my sleep (from the Bible, not one of those geeky things i do when a draw a whole list of numbers on the train)...
summary: Israel went 'camping', not in the gaming sense, where they sit there and wait and kill (in the computer gaming sense -well, there's a sense of that - instead of going to canaan they killed a whole heap of animals... but this is to sacrifice to God), and also not in the recreational sense, but to worship God.
But when they set out, they grumbled.
This reflects well on us. all as Christians. i am planning to get married, and plan to renovate the house i bought... with interest rate rises, etc, and just the whole thing about how ridiculously much wedding costs, i have been unfocused and grumbling.
i should reflect more on one of my favourite hymns, 'Glorious thing of Thee has spoken', with one verse based on the book of numbners:
"Round each habitation hov'ring,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a cov'ring,
Showing that the Lord is near;
Thus deriving, from their banner,
Light by night, and shade by day:
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray."
God leads with his presence both for his provision and his direction, with just enough sustenence for a life of worship.
Just reflected on the book of numbers in my sleep (from the Bible, not one of those geeky things i do when a draw a whole list of numbers on the train)...
summary: Israel went 'camping', not in the gaming sense, where they sit there and wait and kill (in the computer gaming sense -well, there's a sense of that - instead of going to canaan they killed a whole heap of animals... but this is to sacrifice to God), and also not in the recreational sense, but to worship God.
But when they set out, they grumbled.
This reflects well on us. all as Christians. i am planning to get married, and plan to renovate the house i bought... with interest rate rises, etc, and just the whole thing about how ridiculously much wedding costs, i have been unfocused and grumbling.
i should reflect more on one of my favourite hymns, 'Glorious thing of Thee has spoken', with one verse based on the book of numbners:
"Round each habitation hov'ring,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a cov'ring,
Showing that the Lord is near;
Thus deriving, from their banner,
Light by night, and shade by day:
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray."
God leads with his presence both for his provision and his direction, with just enough sustenence for a life of worship.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Seeing with out heart
I'll start writing up my chairing spots...
starting from today.. even though i am not officially chairing at church.
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints..." Eph 1:16-18
When people look around the world, the things that i keep hearing is "financial crisis, unemployment, etc".
The typical response i hear from Christians is "wealth perishes, God is in control, trust in him" and other typical cliched responses.
Having gone to stuff like SCAAA retreat and hearing andre hong's preaching on affections. (you can have a sample of it here:
http://andrewhongnsw.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!EEB36B88C6BA62C4!2680.entry
(sorry, should have hyper linked, but can't be bothered at 8am in the morning)
i believe that the those cliched responses does not encourage people to see past the problems
it's good at this point to see how the Apostle Paul writes.
Notice in v18 he says " having the eyes of your hearts enlightened".
the heart is the place where deep thought occurs. (it's like when you mull over something and something is 'gnawing at the stomach'.. well.. sort of like that kind of feeling')
the important thing is, in order to see the world properly, it requires the eyes of our heart enlightened. (Paul in fact assumes it)
The answer to our current crises is not to give cliches answers and try to patch the problem, but it is to change the way we see and more importantly, what we use to see.
we need to see from our heart, and gut, and that gut needs to be informed by the gospel
starting from today.. even though i am not officially chairing at church.
"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints..." Eph 1:16-18
When people look around the world, the things that i keep hearing is "financial crisis, unemployment, etc".
The typical response i hear from Christians is "wealth perishes, God is in control, trust in him" and other typical cliched responses.
Having gone to stuff like SCAAA retreat and hearing andre hong's preaching on affections. (you can have a sample of it here:
http://andrewhongnsw.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!EEB36B88C6BA62C4!2680.entry
(sorry, should have hyper linked, but can't be bothered at 8am in the morning)
i believe that the those cliched responses does not encourage people to see past the problems
it's good at this point to see how the Apostle Paul writes.
Notice in v18 he says " having the eyes of your hearts enlightened".
the heart is the place where deep thought occurs. (it's like when you mull over something and something is 'gnawing at the stomach'.. well.. sort of like that kind of feeling')
the important thing is, in order to see the world properly, it requires the eyes of our heart enlightened. (Paul in fact assumes it)
The answer to our current crises is not to give cliches answers and try to patch the problem, but it is to change the way we see and more importantly, what we use to see.
we need to see from our heart, and gut, and that gut needs to be informed by the gospel
Friday, November 7, 2008
Gen Y, Politics, Culture, Rhetoric, and Implications for Preaching
Haven't blogged for ages.
Had a 20.5 hour day yesterday, even though the body is weak, the mind is still active.
These are some of the things that i have thought about:
1) Does the Ascent of the Gen Ys mean the death of Preaching?
Gen Ys and post 80s has been teh subject of many studies.
One of the more interesting one is to see the similarities and contrasts between them in America and China:
http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/7/1/8/3/p271830_index.html
The typical picture of older people on Gen Ys are that they are apathetic unmotivated hedonist that are Tech Savvy, bombarded with information and looking for instant gratification.
Obviously Gen Ys don't see themselves that way.
At times though one wonders what is the place of preaching to this generation. There is an information overload.. Does preaching still work?
2) Politics and the rise of the new poet and new heroes?
I have observed politics for a while, and it seems that with the new generation comes new emphases. I'll try to succinctly draw on some interesting political phenomena.
These are the leaders that has risen to/given power (and my opinion of some of the traits that appeal in particular to Gen Y):
America - Obama, the charismatic poet
Australia - Rudd, an eloquent visionary
China - Wen Jia Bao - A man of action (esp seen in the Yunnan Earthquake). (Though i don't know enough about chinese politics or politics in general to assess him or others that closely) Look at his fan club:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/-Wen-Jia-bao/13823116911?sid=079b77cf8f1af487900477e4d694eeac&refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fref%3Dsearch%26init%3Dq%26q%3Dwen%2Bjia%2Bbao%26sid%3D079b77cf8f1af487900477e4d694eeac&ref=s
The Gen Y's turn out for the American Election is surprisingly high. When inspired by a poet and a vision, Gen Ys do great things and are motivated. What does it mean for Christian ministers?
3) Implications for ministry
a) Preaching is not dead, in fact, it's needed more than ever.
Given the rise of Charismatic men of action and eloquence, Gen Ys and many others are more than ever inspired by words.
b) A new Portrayal of Jesus?
There is a picture of Jesus that we don't look at much. Graeme Goldsworthy in Gospel and Wisdom sees Wisdom fulfilled in Jesus (Duh, it's Goldsworthy book, i suppose it can't go anywhere else!). But Jesus is seen as a wise man, a sage.
The Charismatic hiddenness of Jesus teaching (and its wisdom) that motivates the crowd is a good piece of rhetoric, motivating the crowd, giving the poor hope and the nation of Israel a new hero and Messiah. Obviously we need to bridge the hermeneutical gap between the gospel times and now given that we are not the nation of Israel, etc.. But having said that, is this the portrayal of Jesus (amongst many others) required of this generation?
Qn: can you think about what Gen Ys want (felt needs) and what area of the gospel relates to that?
Had a 20.5 hour day yesterday, even though the body is weak, the mind is still active.
These are some of the things that i have thought about:
1) Does the Ascent of the Gen Ys mean the death of Preaching?
Gen Ys and post 80s has been teh subject of many studies.
One of the more interesting one is to see the similarities and contrasts between them in America and China:
http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/7/1/8/3/p271830_index.html
The typical picture of older people on Gen Ys are that they are apathetic unmotivated hedonist that are Tech Savvy, bombarded with information and looking for instant gratification.
Obviously Gen Ys don't see themselves that way.
At times though one wonders what is the place of preaching to this generation. There is an information overload.. Does preaching still work?
2) Politics and the rise of the new poet and new heroes?
I have observed politics for a while, and it seems that with the new generation comes new emphases. I'll try to succinctly draw on some interesting political phenomena.
These are the leaders that has risen to/given power (and my opinion of some of the traits that appeal in particular to Gen Y):
America - Obama, the charismatic poet
Australia - Rudd, an eloquent visionary
China - Wen Jia Bao - A man of action (esp seen in the Yunnan Earthquake). (Though i don't know enough about chinese politics or politics in general to assess him or others that closely) Look at his fan club:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/-Wen-Jia-bao/13823116911?sid=079b77cf8f1af487900477e4d694eeac&refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fref%3Dsearch%26init%3Dq%26q%3Dwen%2Bjia%2Bbao%26sid%3D079b77cf8f1af487900477e4d694eeac&ref=s
The Gen Y's turn out for the American Election is surprisingly high. When inspired by a poet and a vision, Gen Ys do great things and are motivated. What does it mean for Christian ministers?
3) Implications for ministry
a) Preaching is not dead, in fact, it's needed more than ever.
Given the rise of Charismatic men of action and eloquence, Gen Ys and many others are more than ever inspired by words.
b) A new Portrayal of Jesus?
There is a picture of Jesus that we don't look at much. Graeme Goldsworthy in Gospel and Wisdom sees Wisdom fulfilled in Jesus (Duh, it's Goldsworthy book, i suppose it can't go anywhere else!). But Jesus is seen as a wise man, a sage.
The Charismatic hiddenness of Jesus teaching (and its wisdom) that motivates the crowd is a good piece of rhetoric, motivating the crowd, giving the poor hope and the nation of Israel a new hero and Messiah. Obviously we need to bridge the hermeneutical gap between the gospel times and now given that we are not the nation of Israel, etc.. But having said that, is this the portrayal of Jesus (amongst many others) required of this generation?
Qn: can you think about what Gen Ys want (felt needs) and what area of the gospel relates to that?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Benediction - Jude
Another mysterious tradition (other than HC) is the bendiction. why have it at all.
from looking at jude we can learn about about the bendiction:
1) context of Jude:
warn against false teachers
the importance of contending for the gospel
need to encourage weak/ snatch the perishing.
Implication: If we realise the context and danger of the situation - it will be natural to ask God for blessing, and the right type of blessing - not just for posperity, but preservation and power to live for and contend for the gospel.
b) Why does Jude end with v24-25
this Prayer of Benediction asks God for the power to contend for the gospel.
c) Basis of benediction
God’s salvation is not only justification. It’s preservation. We often think that we are given a task (e.g. Matthew 28:18-20) then we need to do it. He is able to keep us from falling. and power to last... and contend.
d) Attitude in praying.
Most church services end with a benedction.
at times i just stand up and do a strectch before going to lunch.
but if we are asking God to bless us to face the world, there should be a humle, revenant, but exceeding joy.
e) Insights for benediction passages.
it's interesting that Numbers 6:23-27 (context - Israel encamped about to conquer land) and jude 24-25 (contending for the gospel) both are in fighting contexts. THis has implications of what we ask God to bless us for. (cf a) )
hope this gets you thinking...
from looking at jude we can learn about about the bendiction:
1) context of Jude:
warn against false teachers
the importance of contending for the gospel
need to encourage weak/ snatch the perishing.
Implication: If we realise the context and danger of the situation - it will be natural to ask God for blessing, and the right type of blessing - not just for posperity, but preservation and power to live for and contend for the gospel.
b) Why does Jude end with v24-25
this Prayer of Benediction asks God for the power to contend for the gospel.
c) Basis of benediction
God’s salvation is not only justification. It’s preservation. We often think that we are given a task (e.g. Matthew 28:18-20) then we need to do it. He is able to keep us from falling. and power to last... and contend.
d) Attitude in praying.
Most church services end with a benedction.
at times i just stand up and do a strectch before going to lunch.
but if we are asking God to bless us to face the world, there should be a humle, revenant, but exceeding joy.
e) Insights for benediction passages.
it's interesting that Numbers 6:23-27 (context - Israel encamped about to conquer land) and jude 24-25 (contending for the gospel) both are in fighting contexts. THis has implications of what we ask God to bless us for. (cf a) )
hope this gets you thinking...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)