My Journal

In socializing, if one maintains the Kingdom of Heaven as the sole subject of discussion and chat, one can easily filter out the vain babblers.

1. With non-Christians, when visitations, social activities are done without the priority of the great commission but rather a mere human kindness, the nightmare is the production of false Christians.

2. With Christians, when visitations, social activities are done without the priority of the enrichment in both grace and knowledge of our Lord, but rather a mere human kindness, hypocrisy will entail.

3. Last but not least, when pastors or the like deny responsibility of the above two premises.

A couple days ago, I have given 6 tickets for last night's performance Bach B Minor Mass away in church for free.

The interesting part is not because I have told the pastor before that those 6 tickets are required for every OSNY member to purchase, but that when she was somehow reminded today that it wasn't given to me for free, she insisted that all those who took the "free" tickets from me must pay me back.

Of course, by principle, I will not trap myself in this old Chinese manner of "No I pay, No I pay". But in the area of ethics, I believe she has greatly erred. If someone gives something for free, then it is free and he must be held to his own words.

Interestingly, one can see others' attitude towards things freely given to them. Sometimes, one cannot deny how certain culture has erred and that it is to be condemned.

All the more reason why I shouldn't stay for lunch or any vain babbling.

I remember a pastor told me not long ago, that there was some rich christian very close to Dr. Stephen Tong in some fashion, who mentioned that there should be some work put forth to translate Rev. Tong's works into English.

I thought to myself, that actually, a man of God, can and should tell this fellow to shut up. For it is better for him to start his own project than suggesting how others should do the work.

And if it is a matter of language skill, well, this is a whole subject by itself. Which is something I have especially against many Chinese preachers here in the States. Many of them have been here for more than 30 years or so, and they can't even speak some basic English. God called you?! Please.

It would appear that it is a common thing for American Chinese Churches to have a whole meal after Sunday Worship Services. Usually at a very low cost if not free (some churches would have it free for first comers).

This concept of course, is to attract more people, however one wishes to put it.

This practice is so strongly rooted in this church culture that if one doesn't stay with any plausible reason, one is considered anti-social.

But then what is social? Is social talking about vain subjects? I would rather take a lazy nap than talking about "How are you...What's up...You know computer-Wah...you sing in Oratorio-Wah...want to hold my hands"

Nay, please, I have better things to do. Now that I can leave at will without any problem. Praise be to God. In my previous church, it would be a trouble if I leave on my own as I would have to walk to the train station and many would want to arrange rides for me or I would be trapped with vain chatters in the car.

It is a common thing in America, where Christians organize short mission trips to poor countries helping out in areas of medical or comforting needs.

For the sake of Gospel, I will always approve; Anything else, if it is of American, is not worth any value even in hell. (Anything else such as "psychological comfort-more damaging than otherwise", "financial/medical support-or rather pay back of the sins of America", etc.)

華人教會的一個大弱點就是愛推人事奉。用種種方式，把教會或任職人員弄成可憐兮兮的樣子，或以人情買同工，或以催動勉強式，等等都不符合聖經教導。

若不敬畏上帝，豈能事奉神。
若敬畏上帝，豈需被動？

這也是爲什麽這些教會常常在基本事奉上碰到問題。若不是教會信仰破產，就是好像非走靈恩派或人情派之路不可。

Those who do not wish to hear the truth, need not be taught of it.