One Truth. Much Joy

It has been quite some time I haven been writing anything. Mostly because the camera i was using spoiled, and my sister took like forever to reformat my computer...(my files are still in her comp!)

However, I'm back! And I've gotten a knowledge, one which could set anyone free from the bondage and stress of gaining God's acceptance.

For the pass years, being born in a Christian environment, with Christian parents and relatives, I couldn't say i have testimonies of facing all types of trials and tribulations before being a Christian. I just 'simply' became one. Parents brought me to church every Sundays, Grow up with friends in church, and joined in Sunday school and learn about the Bible stories, from Abraham to Moses, From Jesus to Paul. Last time everything was just routine.

Time goes by quick enough for others to call me a youth. And I was recruited by the worship team to be the LCD dude, then became a guitarist in the team. We hang out every Saturdays and Sundays after church and youth services.

Everything was just comfortable and routine, and it wasn't good. Not at all. However, things started to change a few months back, when our good ole Ps. Luke, (Uncle Pastor as we called him since like forever) resigned as our senior pastor. It's like losing a father that supplied us with the word and guidance. Anyway, it wasn't a bad thing to happen. As Christians, we have to learn to step out of our comfort zone to reach out to others. If he did not resigned, many things wouldn't be as it is today. We would still be in our comfort zones, and just be ignorant to the recent happenings around.

God has a great plan for us all. And all of the plans will come according to His timing. Jason came back three months ago from London. He not only brought us souvenirs from London, but a truth that will set everyone free from the bondage of working hard to 'gain' God's love. God's love and grace is abundant. We do not need to work for it. Maybe if you are living in the Old Testament, or during the Moses era, we have to slaughter unblemished lambs as offerings unto God for his acceptance and blessings. But the question is, are you living in that era? NO! we are living in the 21st century. God sent Christ 2000 years ago to complete His ultimate plan. All sins are forgiven so that we do not have to sacrifice anything else to gain our righteousness anymore. Having the mindset that God is a harsh and strict father, and we have to polish His shoes every morning, or score a hundred for our examinations to gain his acceptance is wrong! An insult to the work of Christ on the cross 2008 years ago. We are righteous in His eyes.

When Christ was hung on the cross, He said," It is done....complete!". He redeemed our salvation and his blood cleansed the sins of man. All is forgiven. The mighty plan of God is complete, nothing else is needed.

Romans 8: 1~2 (The Message Bible)

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

Grace has overcome law. Before this, we have to obey the law in order to receive grace from God. But as Christ died for us, grace is free. And with that grace too much for us, that would overflow will be enough to compel us from going against the law. Isn't this a good deal? The ultimate salvation plan!

With the wind of change still blowing, we have to be strong in faith. Learn how to stand out if things aren't right. Tell the world you are not ashamed to tell the truth. Opposition will sure be present. But that is how we got to know Christ. Peter and Paul didn't just simply travel around telling others about Christ and live with rich merchants and greeted warmly by the pharisees at the Synagogue. If Peter just gave up half way, we wouldn't have the chance to acknowledge the amazing love that God has for us.