The Godly Man (the ongoing saga . . .)

Psalm 112 (NIV '84)

1 Praise the LORD.

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.

2 His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.

10 The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

For more reading, check out the Puritan Thomas Watson's work "The Godly Man's Picture . . ."

John Piper & the Prosperity Gospel

Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Terribly Vexed

Commodus: "It vexes me. I'm terribly vexed." Thank you Dr. Keller.

Asian American Christian Thought and Theological History: Pastoral Implications for Diversity and Innovation in a Multiracial Church

Stephen Um and Julius Kim do a great job of capturing some key thoughts regarding Asian-American Christian ministry. They led a workshop during round 2 of the 2011 The Gospel Coalition National Conference entitled, "Asian American Christian Thought and Theological History: Pastoral Implications for Diversity and Innovation in a Multiracial Church." Nothing radically seismic in regards to theology or ecclesiology, I just found it refreshing and candid. It also doesn't hurt that Um is a council member of The Gospel Coalition and Kim is on faculty at Westminster Seminary California . . . not to mention that both are "on team" with the PCA. Too often, the only voices being barked in this conversation are the left of center, inclusive hugging, social gospel hopping, eisegesis processing, allegorical thinking, less-than-biblical & more-on-psychological/culture/experience, local-born and/or N-American raised Korean/Chinese/Japanese . . . how refreshing it is to hear people who truly have a high view of Scripture prophetically speak into the Body of Christ. Yes, it really has been that long.

Moralism & the Canucks

Everything spilled over for the best stew of godless behavior last night immediately following the end of the final period of game 7 of the Stanley Game playoffs. Whether it was a good idea to mix families and drunken deadbeat single men should probably be reviewed by the likes of the City of Vancouver and CBC ("fan zone"). Every other city on the planet has experiences like this. For the Euro-Latin soccer fans, they know if they riot they WILL pay with pain and police-inflicted impunity. I was hoping to see VPD crack some heads (they're probably worried about the socialist anti-cop groups following them around). However for both residents of Vancouver and the surrounding boroughs (who support the team both financially and via social media), who exactly showed up to do damage to the city? Where were they from, which demographic did they fit, when did they arrive to burn Vancouver? Repeatedly throughout last evening's broadcast, I found myself hearing the quips of amoralistic and moralistic banter being driven by blatant images and acts of immorality and severe stupidity. Even the mayor of Vancouver was able to note that "the acts of violence were being committed by a small group of young men." For a city which prides itself in being amoral and inclusive, it seems that Vancouver does have a moral compass after all. The obvious evidence of 15 years worth of culture-induced hatred towards godly ideals regarding manhood and womanhood were clearly being displayed last night. Nothing just came out of nowhere. The groups of opportunistic, indifferent, voyeuristic, curiosity-driven, irresponsible punks who ran around downtown were raised on the likes of lousy television, goofy movies, celebrity moronic behavior and a wholesale all-around insulated privileged upbringing resulting from the hard work of their parents and a liberal government trying to fight tradition for the sake of progress and innovation. Clearly, everyone ought to agree that sometimes old school is just not that bad. This most recent riot is quite revealing in that it tells of mankind's inability to save itself in and of itself. This town needs Jesus, even the well-wishing, good intentioned radio call-in folk . . . this town need some godly parenting to spank, beat up, knock out, then trash their loser sons to the curb when they stumbled home at 7:00AM this morning smelling like beer, smoke and tear gas.



On a side note, even for the innocent passerby (who should have but did not leave downtown for 5 hours) or the seemingly helpless Iphone video-ing person, grab all the fools and dump them off in Syria for a government sponsored session on corporal punishment. Better yet, drop them off in Pakistan for some awareness training in maintaining the image of the country in which you currently receive welfare from.

Should heckling be banned in Parliament?

That was the subject of discussion this morning on Q. "The former Liberal MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheila Copps, argued that heckling, or hectoring, can't be eliminated, and probably shouldn't either." This was a surreal discussion by a grown, adult, middle-aged woman arguing for "name calling" and verbal bullying as an acceptable form of communication within the public federal parliamentary forum when its only other obvious and perceivable option is "picking up arms and bombing our neighbors."

I can already hear it now, "You @#$%!?! Don't worry son, saying that is much better than maiming, killing, amputating, bombing or shooting your opponent" (as Copps would refer to "the opposition"). Now that's worth fighting for.

Discerning Pagan Spirituality from Christianity

Recently on CBC Radio One's "The Current," a documentary was featured which highlighted the conflict which emerged in the village of Oujé Bougamou in Northern Quebec. Apparently, Redfern Mianscum built a sweat lodge behind the home of a village resident. It was "to help his people." However, since the majority of the village are evangelicals, a petition was circulated to remove the lodge and following a municipal vote the structure was torn down.

CT even caught wind of this and posted an article reporting on the incident. Within the CT article, even Native American Christians seem to be divided on the issue - and it doesn't surprise anyone to point out that the Native Americans from the liberal Christian camps are the ones landing squarely within the "inclusive" zone.

So we've got white media reporting on a Native issue (or as we in Canada refer to as "First Nations"), FN Christians from both the left and right - in reality TV fashion - battling out in front of media. Then there is this "white guilt" temporary separation of "religious freedoms and traditions" thing happening. White north Americans will never fully understand that traditions and customs for the rest of the world is often times rooted deeply in spirituality. To argue for one's customs and traditions is very often a fight for one's spiritual beliefs and values.

The village elders of Oujé Bougamou (who incidentally belong to the Pentecostal tradition) felt deeply about the meaning behind the tradition in question. Their ban on the sweat lodge was a ban against the open practice and acceptance of shamanism and pagan spirituality. Maybe this was motivated by numerous testimonies of people who were experiencing demonic attacks which resulted in the inability to sleep and function? Whether or not this was a decision which was made "justly" (according to our pluralist North American legal worldview) is another story. What I found interesting was the commenting from "well-meaning white folk" and "jaded FN folk." I guess all FN people are "suppose" contain within their DNA anti-establishment and "church"-hating tendencies. Or at least that's what the FN activists teach. But then what about the FN Christians? Are they all suppose to pick up assault rifles, march the standoff lines, sign petitions, and adopt the leftist agenda?

Or perhaps we should be asking, "Can Christians attend pow wows, sweat lodge ceremonies, rain dances, etc.?"

From the CT article one pastor commented, "Where in the Bible can you go where sacred objects used by nations were ever redeemed and used to worship God?" asks Ojibwe evangelist Craig Smith, whose ministry is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. "In the Old Testament, that didn't bring God into the sanctuary. That drove him away."

Regardless of what Pastor Smith (who is native) has to say, "freedom of religious expression" seems to be the band wagon on this round . . . which only further promotes my confusion of white folk. How and why do they "go to battle" over certain religious/tradition-related issues and not over others? For example, down the road at UBC, the majority non-Asian Board of Governors (2 Chinese) has approved the building of a hospice next to a neighboring high-rise. Despite the protest of the many Chinese & Korean tenants, the white liberal, pacific northwest agenda still goes forward.

*Side note: Even though 40% of the UBC student population is Asian, out of 49 seats in the student council (for the 2010-2011 year) only 7 are Asian. My math is pretty bad, is that 14%? Back in 2009, MacLeans reported that there were no Asians on the student council.

For those who are late to the show, there is some cultural nuance and hidden gems worth mining in this story. For the majority of Asian cultures, customs and superstitions regarding the dying and dead inform and dictate daily life and existence. If someone in the family dies, depending on whether the person is older or younger, the rites of the dead will follow suite accordingly. If the person who dies is younger, the elderly never show respect to those who are younger. Whereas if the person who dies is older, everyone who is younger must show respect to that individual even to the extent of postponing weddings and other festive events (everyone pays and everyone mourns - life ceases and stops). In regards to death itself, it is very improper (bad luck) and potentially virally improper to reside in a dwelling so close to a place where people who are confirmed to die are spending their last day. To live next to a hospice could potentially destroy a person's future, livelihood and social network; the cause & effect of the present situation will ruin one's future of luck, success and happiness.

But then again, for the Chinese Christian, this is a area of familiar tension. Many Chinese Christians do not bow - out of the respect - for the dead at funerals. Many Chinese Christians do not live in superstitious paranoia as many Chinese normally do. Many Chinese Christians don't care about flow of fire, water and spiritual energy in their homes as many other Chinese may do. Then there are the Chinese Christians who are so afraid of their dead relatives, parents and grand parents that they "do all the Chinese stuff" anyways. So aside from the the issue of the Oujé Bougamou elders perhaps unjustly using their municipal powers to ban something they felt was not right, what was the issue again? Then again, if the entire community which voted and supported the elders in the first place democratically decided and confirmed the ruling . . . what was the issue again? This sounds a lot like the folks down in Lynden, WA fighting over whether or not businesses should be allowed to be open on Sunday . . . the Lord's Day . . . the Sabbath . . . and did I mention the town was founded by Dutch Reformed folks?

I vaguely remember something about a pagan golden calf being God's temporary stand-in somewhere in Exodus. I guess He didn't like that one either.

Who are the Enemies of 21st Century 2nd Generation Chinese Christians?

"2nd generation" is a generic reference to anyone who is raised/born somewhere else than wherever their "respective mother country" (ethnic country of origin) may be. Other terms such as "local-born" (Canadian or American-born; CBC/ABC) or "N. American-raised" [or UK, Australian, South American, etc.] can also be used synonymously with this description.

But in particular, for the North American raised (or born) Chinese Christian, what are the present threats that seek to undermine their faith in Jesus? Increasingly and more clearly, over the past 15 years, I have observed the steady increase of the following idols gaining power within the CBC/ABC church:

- materialism
- consumerism
- confused individualism

I guess "materialism" in this case would be "economic materialism" which is something that describes a behavior or value that places priority and importance in the collection of material goods. This is nothing new for CBC/ABCs, we always have the latest tech, gadgets and thing-a-ma-bobs the free market has to sell. Price is no obstacle in many instances, the temptation for "more stuff" is greater than one's desire to glorify God. Just look at what is parked in your garage, what is plugged into the lighter in that thing parked in the garage, what your garage is attached/detached to, the stuff that is plugged into that attached/detached home, etc. For a vomit-inducing experience, just go on facebook or twitter.

Consumerism describes the environment or "social/economic order" which fosters the desire to purchase and acquire goods and services in increasingly greater amounts. Not to be confused with "consumer protection" or "consumer awareness" (which is something that your local Better Business Bureau attempts to promote). Obviously, consumerism and materialism are connected. The desire to acquire "more stuff" could be described as the "consumerist" tendency for greater amounts of material wealth.

Lastly, there is something which would be best described as "confused individualism" which is quite present in many CBC/ABC Christian communities. This is that odd tension which surfaces when local-born Chinese fight for their rights, promote themselves and hang out their shameless laundry of self-serving, "spoiled & privileged" values. Call it equality or the "emperor [or empress] syndrome," many CBC/ABCs gain entry into adulthood believing that they have a "license to sin" and "permission to express themselves" with utter freedom and "a right which I have earned to." "Pay now or later" often comes to mind as many eventually insanely engage warp speed then smash into a wall of reality, shame and humiliation years later. Over compensating for a shame-based culture? Probably. But seriously, are you really that important and deserving? Suck it up, shut up and grow up. You are a sinner, a whinner and a baby. Are you really that which Mommy and Daddy say you are? (or didn't say you are?) No, not really - but God really is "all that" (and more).

Anyhow, all three of these "things" seem to be of greater importance to many CBC/ABC Christians nowadays (is that nominalism?). Many have bought into the fallacy that "with wealth comes power" when in fact for the CBC/ABC "with love of money comes destruction." Scripture offers a stable and steady encouragement of both "ands" - suffer and sacrifice for the sake of righteousness (Jesus) and you will experience real life. Patience and long-suffering are valued in God's economy "wait patiently for the Lord" - God is not about "customer care and satisfaction." How far deep are we into this now? 25 years? The theological and ecclesiological divide is deeper and further now as time goes on.

A sobering reminder of the global inequality that results from consumerism and materialism is found here.

This inequality is not just a poverty/developing country thing either. For example, the current population of Canada & the US is roughly 345,939,000 people. There are around 6,920,000,000 people on planet earth. North America accounts for ONLY 4% of the global population. Currently China (Atheist), India (Hindu) & Indonesia (Muslim) combined have around 2,787,474,637 people - that's 40% of the global population. Food for thought, where do we (N. Americans) get off thinking that our ideas, books and theology are somehow more developed and better than the rest of the world? Moreover, where do we get off believing that our elite ideas ought to govern and inform the global Christian community? When materialism, consumerism collide with Zondervan, ridiculously over priced N. American seminaries, the silliness of N. American "christian" (with a small "c") spirituality . . . it's just an elite group of people with too much time, money, privilege and goofiness. That's western theological colonialism (inequality) on a global scale . . . and sadly, many CBC/ABCs are either platinum card carriers of that program or would like to sign up when it becomes available.

How ought we respond to this? Do we buy into more N. American culture? Do we adapt third world principles? Do we bury our heads in the sand? Perhaps, we could start by repenting of our sins and submitting ourselves to God's established created order as set forth by His word. Perhaps as people repent of their sins the Holy Spirit may begin a real work within the heart of people who humbly come before God with the desire for Jesus to be uplifted and glorified in their lives. Yes, there are the programs, methods and steps for church growth, spirituality and missional living - but seriously? Nothing . . . like nothing (nada) . . . nothing beats the power of the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin and righteousness. Nothing beats that.

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22.37 - 40 NIV)

The Father's Work in Salvation

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." (Jesus in JN 6.44 NIV) "On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'" (v.60). "He [Jesus] went on to say, 'This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him'" (v.65).