Essence of Death
By Julian Abraham Chua, 20, Singapore
Death is often associated with the idea of losing. It is especially harder to swallow when it occurs to someone who passes on at a young age. From the perception of the living, it is often a waste to go so young when life has just begun. It is even more so when the person was someone who had everything in life going for him or her.
People also consider it a tragedy to die in good health, suddenly, when they are at the peak of their success. I couldn’t think of a better example than Michael Jackson, a universal pop icon who died in the wake of an upcoming concert.
In most cases, people are afraid to die because they are afraid of what would happen to them in the “next life”, just as they are afraid of other unexplainable phenomenon and taboos.
What’s more, when death is unexpected, in the unfortunate cases of murder or assassination as examples, we put the blame on God, using Him as an excuse and a target of blame. Most of the time, we can’t fully explain it nor can we fathom why such things had to happen but we find it a necessity to blame someone or something.
In truth, it was not in God’s initial creation order for death to exist. However, death as we understand it became a result of sin. Romans 6:23a says: “For the wages of sin is death…”
But that is not the end of the story.
Hebrews 9:27-28a shares with us regarding this idea of death: “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people.”
Christ came and through His death and resurrection, crushed the curse of death and to those who believe He gave them the right to be children of God.
I still remember a pastor who recalled his young friend’s death years ago, he liken it to God walking through a garden of beautiful flowers and uprooting the ones that He liked most, to bring them home.
What a beautiful picture it is when we consider that God will one day pluck us up and bring us home with Him. No longer is there worry that death is such a waste for those who believe.
As the apostle Paul puts it succinctly in Philippians 1:21: “ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
the wrath of God was satisfied—
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
In Christ Alone, Stuart Townend & Keith Getty
(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading ...What We Take For Granted
By Julian Abraham Chua, 20, Singapore
Ever threw your tantrum before? Ever felt dissatisfied with your life? Ever battled with lust, selfishness, jealousy or greed?
Perhaps, that is because we often take life and the privileges we have for granted. For instance, having good health, being able-bodied, having our five senses intact, having close friends and family whom we can turn to for help—these are some privileges we took for granted.
Imagine waking up from a car crash only to find that you will never walk again. Imagine contracting HIV or cancer knowing your time here will be shortened, or losing a loved one. What if you went blind, deaf or even end up in a vegetable-state one day, how will you face these? Because we get too familiar with things, we subconsciously assume that they will always remain as they are.
As Christians, we have to live our lives seeing beyond the surface of things and appreciating what we have as much as we can. It’s good to remember that anything can happen and we are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers despite advance technology that enhances the safety of individuals. The most recent earthquake in Haiti is an example of how unpredictable life can really be. It left hundreds of thousands of Haitians dead and millions more needing aid.
Putting it across simply, the best solution against discontentment is to cherish each day, to appreciate people, and ultimately to embrace God’s Word.
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Discerning God’s Plan
By Julian Abraham, 19, Singapore
Does God have a plan for me? Do I know what His plans might be? These are questions that many of us think little about. There’s always good excuse for not thinking about such matters for our lives are crowded with so many activities. We’re loaded with work, studies, and social activities—all of which consumes much of our time and energy.
However, one reality remains: whatever we do that is outside of God’s plans will never fully satisfy; worst still, the end-result might be disaster and failure. In addition, God is and should always be top priority in our lives. No work, personal goals, achievements should disrupt our relationship with Him. If anything proves to be an obstacle, then it’s time to reconsider our focus and commitments. It could be that it isn’t God’s plan for us to pursue something or that God’s path for us is different from what we are currently taking. Thus it is important to take moments to ponder if the direction we are heading is the path that God wants us to take.
A friend of mine thought God was mean and nasty to him when he was fired from his job. He felt that it was due to his involvement in church. A week later, he found a job that was far better than his last—bigger paycheck, better benefits, and a more pleasant environment! Having said that, it’s not the tangible and visible gains that matter, what’s more important is the chance to grow spiritually and closer to God.
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Right Intentions For Attending Church
By Julian Abraham, 19, Singapore
I’m a follower of Jesus Christ but I don’t follow His teachings.
Sounds strange? Ironic? Familiar?
As a Christian, one of the subtlest yet deadliest ways to fall into sin is skipping weekly church service. Why? The influences week in week out from sources like school, friends, television, movies, advertisements, Internet, magazines and books are not always spiritually healthy. Especially considering the influences of the mass media on youth culture. It often connects coolness with smoking, sex, drugs, rock, Satan-related styles, vengeance, aggression, rebellion, etc. In a way, attending church not only provides the right influences but also lead the weary, the griever and the lost to the ultimate Solace.
That is notwithstanding that we go to church with the right motive. Some of us go to church with the purpose of having fun and an opportunity to hang out with friends. Others go with intentions to get into a relationship. Although none of the reasons above are in and of itself wrong, yet they should never be the main purpose for attending services or church activities. The primary purpose should be to find God in our lives, to grow closer to Him, and to grow stronger in our inner man (Ephesians 3:16). So make it a point to go to church weekly and go with the right intentions. Who knows, you might just find yourself enjoying it!
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
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