I came across an article in a local newspaper about the heroes of our nation's independence. There were the photographs of men and women of different races and religion who served our nation and most have passed on. Most of the names of these people I have not even come across but they were remembered for their sacrifices! After 53 years of Merdeka many of us don't even know or remember them and many other nameless heroes who helped built this country to where it is today, including the migrant workers. And today we are struggling with our identities whether we are first Malaysians or our racial origin. Whilst our world has become increasingly globalised - economically, socially and politically, there are some who are trying to build walls to not only prevent the outside world from getting in, but also to divide people from within! How foolish we have become when we conveniently choose to quickly forget our past and those who have gone on to sacrifice their lives for our sakes. There are bigger issues at hand to battle together but we have chosen the ones that in the long term are relatively unimportant! We are indeed like lost sheep that desperately needs to find a shepherd!
The Bible keeps on reminding us to remember and not have selective memories to do what is convenient and appealing to our interests. There are important things that we must never forget. Like the Sabbath, the commands, the Lord, Lot's wife, others in prayer and many others. Even the celebration of the Lord's Supper is a call of remembrance of God's love and sacrifice. There are many others who have given up their lives for the gospel - nameless to us but remembered by God. We are beneficiaries of their sacrifices. So let us remain focused and finish our race well. Then we can really shout "Merdeka! Merdeka! Salvation belongs to the Lord!"
Ps. Ben
August 30, 2010
August 21, 2010
Life Consuming Passion
Today we are spoiled for choice in the selection of English translated Bibles. There are just so many types and in different forms to cater to the different age groups. I am sure that you have more than one translation or copy with you! It is no wonder then that the Bible is the best seller of all time! Once upon a time, it was a crime to have any translation of the Bible apart from Latin. Only the clergy could read it and explain it to the people. Reason? The man in the street was without proper training to interpret it correctly. They were too much in the business of the world and could not be trusted with it. The Bible was the property of the church and could only be read at public services.
But one man was instrumental to bring about a revolution. His name was William Tyndale, the father of the English Reformation. Tyndale's one life consuming passion was to see the Bible being translated into English. During his time the only Bible available was in Greek or Latin, which was certainly not accessible to the ordinary folks who used English, the language of the peasants. His request for the translation of the New Testament (NT) was turned down by the church authorities in England. He then had to escape to Germany, where he completed his translation of the NT from the Greek. In 1526, he printed several thousand copies of the NT and smuggled it into England. Many of these copies were confiscated and burned. The price for possession of it was death!
Tyndale was condemned by the English church authorities as a heretic and had to be on the run from the law for several years. He spent most of his time translating the Old Testament and living in poverty. Eventually he was betrayed by a friend, imprisoned and eventually executed. Even in prison, he led such an exemplary life that his jailer and some of his family members were converted (just like the jailer at Philippi) As he was about to be hanged and burned, he cried with a loud voice, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes!" Less than a year later in August 1537, King Henry VIII gave permission to publish what was to be known as the Matthew's Bible. Though this translation contained 90 percent of Tyndale's work, his name was never mentioned in the version. But most of it still lives on today in the 1611 King James Authorised Version.
The invention of the printing press was a revolution. It enabled the English version of the Bible to spread far and wide in a relatively short time.Now everybody can read the Bible! The effects of the printing press had on society then is just like what the Internet has on today's society. The door was opened and now cannot be shut. Now that we have Bibles easily available, what do we do with them? Do we read it and treasure it as God's Word just as Tyndale had passionately gone all out to fulfill his life consuming passion? There are some places still in the world that possession of a copy of Scripture is a crime or the import of it has been disallowed by the authorities (like our own nation for the BM version). Keep what you possess not by having more copies but using it on a regular basis. Eat it like honey and bread to give you nourishment and life.
Ps Ben
But one man was instrumental to bring about a revolution. His name was William Tyndale, the father of the English Reformation. Tyndale's one life consuming passion was to see the Bible being translated into English. During his time the only Bible available was in Greek or Latin, which was certainly not accessible to the ordinary folks who used English, the language of the peasants. His request for the translation of the New Testament (NT) was turned down by the church authorities in England. He then had to escape to Germany, where he completed his translation of the NT from the Greek. In 1526, he printed several thousand copies of the NT and smuggled it into England. Many of these copies were confiscated and burned. The price for possession of it was death!
Tyndale was condemned by the English church authorities as a heretic and had to be on the run from the law for several years. He spent most of his time translating the Old Testament and living in poverty. Eventually he was betrayed by a friend, imprisoned and eventually executed. Even in prison, he led such an exemplary life that his jailer and some of his family members were converted (just like the jailer at Philippi) As he was about to be hanged and burned, he cried with a loud voice, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes!" Less than a year later in August 1537, King Henry VIII gave permission to publish what was to be known as the Matthew's Bible. Though this translation contained 90 percent of Tyndale's work, his name was never mentioned in the version. But most of it still lives on today in the 1611 King James Authorised Version.
The invention of the printing press was a revolution. It enabled the English version of the Bible to spread far and wide in a relatively short time.Now everybody can read the Bible! The effects of the printing press had on society then is just like what the Internet has on today's society. The door was opened and now cannot be shut. Now that we have Bibles easily available, what do we do with them? Do we read it and treasure it as God's Word just as Tyndale had passionately gone all out to fulfill his life consuming passion? There are some places still in the world that possession of a copy of Scripture is a crime or the import of it has been disallowed by the authorities (like our own nation for the BM version). Keep what you possess not by having more copies but using it on a regular basis. Eat it like honey and bread to give you nourishment and life.
Ps Ben
August 10, 2010
Lunch with David & Sharon
Recently David and Sharon returned for a visit and here is a picture (courtesy of D&S) of a group of us after our lunch together. Thanks for your fellowship and may God bless both of you and we hope to see you again next year!
August 6, 2010
A Time to Pray
This Sunday (Aug 8) is the start of the NECF 40-Day Fast and Prayer. It is a good time to really pray for our nation. The theme for this year is "Uniting the Generations" and also marks the 10th anniversary of this event. For the first time, the fast will end on Sept 16, which is Malaysia Day (first time it is a national public holiday) This is also the Ramadan season. We are praying for our nation Malaysia to be united.
If you have not thought of what to do and need help, then get hold of the prayer guide. The electronic copy (adult and kids version and in different languages) is available at the NECF website at http://www.necf.org.my for your download. It is also available on Facebook. The prayer guide is informative as well as useful to help you pray for each day. If the Lord leads you to fast, do so. There's always a first time. Let us prepare our hearts to be in a prayerful mode.
May the Lord teach us all to pray.
Ps Ben
If you have not thought of what to do and need help, then get hold of the prayer guide. The electronic copy (adult and kids version and in different languages) is available at the NECF website at http://www.necf.org.my for your download. It is also available on Facebook. The prayer guide is informative as well as useful to help you pray for each day. If the Lord leads you to fast, do so. There's always a first time. Let us prepare our hearts to be in a prayerful mode.
May the Lord teach us all to pray.
Ps Ben
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