Is Christmas Worth Celebrating?

by Jason Fam

It’s that time of the year again when we see Christmas trees being decorated and put up everywhere we look. Christmas lights would light up the night sky. Carols are heard in shopping malls. That could only mean one thing – Christmas is coming. Being celebrated on the 25th of December every year, Christmas is a day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated among billions of people around the world. However, what is the true meaning of Christmas? What is the reason we can celebrate Christmas today?

Growing up, every Christmas we would put up a Christmas tree in our home, spend time and have a feast around the dinner table with family and friends, give and receive gifts, do some Christmas shopping, and sometimes we would travel overseas for vacation. Being born in a Christian family and being a Christian myself, we would celebrate Christmas in church, and we would sing Christmas carols with our church friends. Growing up with this tradition every year, I sometimes would ask myself a question: Is there more to Christmas than this or is Christmas just another holiday in our calendar?

Spending the past couple of Christmases during the COVID-19 pandemic really had me thinking of what Christmas really is about. If Christmas is about trees and presents, what about those who cannot afford them? If Christmas is about having a feast in the comfort of your home, what about those living in hunger and those living in the streets, with nowhere to call home? If Christmas is about spending time with family and friends, what about those who do not have people to celebrate it with, especially those in quarantine because of COVID-19? If all that is on our bucket list this Christmas is stripped away, do we still have a reason to celebrate Christmas?

I have good news for you. The answer is a resounding yes! Why do I say so? I’d like to personally share with you three reasons why Christmas is worth celebrating.

Jesus our Savior

Jesus our Emmanuel

Jesus our Reigning King

Jesus our Savior

“God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!”

– “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

Firstly, Christmas is about God willingly sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, out of His love for us, to save us from our sins. In Matthew 1:21, God commanded for the newborn baby in Mary’s womb to be named Jesus (ישוע), which in the Hebrew language means “The LORD saves”.

Jesus did not just come to perform miracles and to heal the sick physically; He came to fulfill man’s greatest need: He came to restore our relationship with our Maker which was once broken by our sins. He came to redeem us from sin so that we can have peace with Him.

Why do we need Jesus to save us from our sins? Wouldn’t our good deeds be good enough to undo or outweigh them? Romans 3:10 says that “there is no one righteous” and Romans 3:23 says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. In other words, because of our sinful nature, no good deed or charity that we do, no matter how good and noble it is, can ever meet God’s standard of good. And sin is not merely just doing what is wrong or unlawful, but it is simply turning away from God. Isaiah 53:6a says that “we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” And the consequence of sin is spiritual death – eternal separation from God.

Because we cannot save ourselves, God sent His Son, Jesus, who is holy, perfect, and sinless to take the punishment of death that we deserved, so that we might have abundant and eternal life with our Maker. He saved us, not because of our own merit or human endeavors, but because of His grace and mercy, given to us freely (Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9). Unlike most beliefs that tell us that we have to do good deeds and work our way up to heaven, our salvation is freely given to us because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Christmas is not just about celebrating the birth of a baby boy; it is about celebrating the birth of our Savior, through whom we receive the ultimate gift of eternal and abundant life through His death and resurrection. He came as the Light of the world so that those who have walked in darkness can now have the light of life (John 8:12). Because of what Jesus came to do, we can be set free from the bondage of sin and darkness, so that we may find light and life in God.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2

“Come Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart”

– “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley

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Shalom (שלום). As a Christian, we may have been greeted with this word at least once. There is something unique and heartwarming about being greeted with this Hebrew word. But what is it about this word that comforts the heart of every believer in Christ?

Simply put, shalom is the Hebrew word for “peace”, and it is commonly used among Israelis and occasionally used among Christians as a greeting and a farewell. And in both modern and Biblical days, shalom is also used to ask about one’s wellbeing. Most of us think of peace as a state of quietness or tranquility. It can also be thought of as the absence of conflict or trouble or war. While all the mentioned definitions are true to a certain extent, there are deeper and more powerful meanings that are carried by this ancient word.

As I have been studying Hebrew for the past couple of years on my own, I have discovered rich and profound meanings of this seemingly simple word, that have encouraged me in my walk with God.

Shalom in the Bible: Perfection

Mentioned approximately 250 times in the Old Testament, the most basic definition that this word conveys is being complete, whole, or perfect. As an adjective, it refers to something that is intact, uncut, and undamaged, with nothing missing or lacking. It also describes a heart that is undivided and fully committed to God. Examples in the Scriptures include:

“…[Joshua] built [an altar] according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses – an altar of uncut stones, on which no iron tool had been used. On it they offered to the LORD burnt offerings and sacrificed fellowship offerings.” – Joshua 8:31b, when Joshua was building an altar on Mount Ebal after capturing the city of Ai.

“You will keep in him perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

“Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes.” – 2nd Kings 20:3a, a prayer that King Hezekiah uttered at his point of death.

Subsequently, as a verb, one of the definitions is to complete or to make something whole. It refers to taking what is missing or broken and restoring it to wholeness.

An example is found in Nehemiah where the broken wall of Jerusalem was completed:

“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.” – Nehemiah 6:15

Making Restitution/Payment

In the process of restoring something to wholeness, this verb also means to pay back what was owed or to make restitution for any loss. An example of such usage is found in Exodus 22:1-15, where restitution is required in cases of theft or damage. Other examples in Scripture include:

“He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” – 2nd Samuel 12:6

“Anyone who takes the life of someone’s animal must make restitution – life for life.” – Leviticus 24:18

“She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” – 2nd Kings 4:7

Reconciliation

Another meaning that this verb conveys is to reconcile or to heal a broken relationship. In the Scriptures, this definition was not only applied on broken relationships with a family member or friend, but it also applied to relationships with an enemy. Such an example is used in Proverbs 16:7,

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” – Proverbs 16:7

This word can also be used in relationships with kingdoms and nations, as stated in 1st Kings 22:44,

“Jehoshaphat was also at peace with the king of Israel.” – 1st Kings 22:44

What is amazing is that this word does not just mean cessation of war, conflict, or transgression against another person. It also means seeking the benefit of each other.

The Gospel of Shalom

So, how do all the earlier definitions relate to the gospel of peace that we have today? What does it really mean when Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:27 hours before He retreated to Gethsemane:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

When God created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, all creation was in the state of perfect peace and in complete communion with the Creator of all things. However, because of man’s choice to disobey God, that perfect relationship that God intends to have with mankind was broken. The world is cast into brokenness and left in shambles. The fallen world that we live in, along with its violence, heartache, pain and death are the consequences of that shalom that was lost so long ago.

Because our sins have destroyed mankind’s relationship with Him, God, who is righteous and just, simply could not overlook our sins without payment. Sin had to be dealt with. The penalty for that broken fellowship must be paid, which is death. Nothing we could have done or we could ever do in our own strength, can ever meet God’s perfect standard of righteousness.

Yet, this world was not left without hope because God, in His mercy and grace, has promised to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to make all things right and complete again. The moment that Adam and Eve sinned, God prophesied against the serpent that tempted them:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.” – Genesis 3:15

And through the prophet Isaiah, God promised that Christ would come as the “Prince of Peace”, and that there will be no end to the greatness of His government and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says:

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.” – Ephesians 2:14-16

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now come into God’s presence as His sons and daughters freely and boldly. Because Jesus paid the ultimate price by bearing our sins upon Himself on that cross, our broken relationship with our Maker can be mended. We, who were once God’s enemies can, therefore, be reconciled to Him through faith in Christ. We can have perfect peace with God because sin has already been paid for by the blood of Jesus. Through the finished work of Christ, the shalom that was lost in the garden has been restored and is available to us again today. And He will one day restore all things back to the way God intended with the promise of His presence dwelling among His people (Revelation 21:3). J.I. Packer, an eminent theologian and one of the most influential evangelicals in the world today, penned about God’s peace very well in his classic “Knowing God”:

“The peace of God, then, primarily and fundamentally, is a new relationship of forgiveness and acceptance – and the source from which it flows is propitiation. When Jesus came to His disciples in the upper room at evening on His resurrection day, He said, ‘Peace be with you’; and when He had said that, He showed them His hands and side. (John 20:19 f.) Why did He do that? Not just to establish His identity, but to remind them of the propitiatory death on the cross whereby He had made peace with His Father for them. Having suffered in their place, as their substitute, to make peace for them, He now came in His risen power to bring that peace to them.” – “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer

Our Response

Having said that, true shalom can only be found in God alone. This shalom cannot be found in the absence of bad news or conflict or noise, nor is it dependent on circumstances, physical conditions, or what we feel; it can only be found by trusting in God, who is the eternal Rock of our salvation, just as the prophet Isaiah exhorts in his book:

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” – Isaiah 26:3-4

Trusting in God means to give Him complete control, enthroning Him in every aspect of our lives, as He guides us and leads us in the way everlasting in our walk with Him. If you are not yet a believer of Christ, I pray that you may experience His peace that transcends beyond human comprehension and understanding by putting your faith in Jesus Christ and in His finished work.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2

Our Mandate to be Peacemakers

As God’s children who have received His peace, Christ has therefore given us the mandate to be peacemakers and in being peacemakers, we are also given the ministry of reconciliation – reconciling people to God and reconciling one another in love.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” – 2nd Corinthians 5:18-20

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians also exhorted the church to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3), which requires humility, patience, and bearing with others in love.

Let us be channels of God’s peace by exemplifying Christ’s life here on earth. Let us bring love and forgiveness in relationships that are scarred with hatred and hurt. Let us bring hope and light in a world that is filled with darkness and despair. Let us be reconcilers in every relationship filled with conflict and let our lives be a signpost that point people to Jesus Christ.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you [shalom].” – Numbers 6:24-26

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2nd Thessalonians 3:16.

The post True Shalom appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.

• We encourage all visitors to update their MySejahtera before they come for Worship Services.
• We trust that everyone will play their part to comply with the SOPs and together we will ensure that our in-person Sunday Service will be an experience to savor!

Only fully vaccinated persons are eligible to attend

• For those unvaccinated due to medical reasons, they will have to get a letter from their doctor to be allowed to attend Worship Services
• Only a person with “Low Risk No Symptom” (blue) or “Casual Contact No Symptom” (yellow) is allowed entry
• At the designated checkpoints, scan to check-in through MySejahtera and followed by temperature check (<37.5)
• Ushers will verify “fully vaccinated” status via MySejahtera digital cert or physical vaccination card (for those without handphone) and to manually record your attendance.
• Proper wearing of mask at all times
• Observe the predetermined capacities in lifts, lavatories, sanctuary hall and social distancing guidelines
• Sit at the designated chairs only
• Exit the church premise as soon as the service ends
• No refreshment and/or eating is allowed in the premises at all times

If you are bringing your children along, please note the following:

• Parents to observe the seating distancing requirement for your children as family seating “bubble” is not available.
• Parents to prepare and manage their children in consideration of others during the service in session.

We have enclosed a set of FAQs to ensure clarity for all.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching”

Hebrews 10:25

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As I stepped out of his shop later, I decided to walk about 100m towards a street vendor selling coconut water. It was a hot afternoon and some coconut water would be refreshing indeed! I bought 3 packets – 2 for myself and 1 for my barber. When I walked back and passed it to him, he broke out in a big smile and thanked me profusely. Coconut water. It takes so little to make someone’s day, doesn’t it?

We all have the capacity to make someone’s day and to make our world a better place. It doesn’t take much really and we need not trivialize small acts. Truly, to bring hope and a smile does not take herculean efforts or cost a lot. Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”. Indeed, you are a light in a world that grows increasingly dark and you can be that glow to push back the despair and the gloom wherever you are. A smile, a warm hello over video call, a comforting text, a surprise snack through online delivery or a cool drink perhaps, or even helping with a practical need. I am sure many have made your day now and then, and you can think of many ways to make someone’s day too … and make your own in the process!

If you are a Christian, God has given you spiritual gifts to bless others (1 Cor 12:4-11). Use them, don’t keep or hide them away. Greet, give, write, speak, intercede, proclaim, comfort or aid. The “butterfly effect” postulates that tiny changes can give rise to large consequences so feel free to start small where you are. Faith, as tiny as a mustard seed, can bring about eternal changes and we do not despise the day of “small beginnings” (Zech 4:10) when the Lord’s hand is in it!

This blog is authored by Mok Kok Hoong on 3 November 2021.

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Several characters feature in this fast-paced story. Ahab, the wicked king of Israel was starting a war with Aram. Jehoshaphat, the wimpy king of Judah, was urged to join him. 400 prophets in Ahab’s court prophesied that God gave his blessings to go to war and that they would be victorious. One of them, Zedekiah, even showed off a prophetic sign to the effect.

Really? Jehoshaphat wasn’t all convinced and asked if there was any other prophet they could consult. Enter a nameless messenger who was tasked to bring the prophet Micaiah, whom Ahab disliked. The messenger told Micaiah what the 400 court-appointed prophets have prophesied and advised Micaiah that he should just go along with them. In effect, he told Micaiah not to rock the boat, to join the king’s elite band of yes-men and just climb the corporate ladder. After all, Micaiah, do you really think you alone are smarter than 400 others?

Lessons from the Lone Prophet

Can you feel the pressure? Can you imagine the consequences if Micaiah didn’t play their game? But dauntless, Micaiah was determined to say only what God reveals.

Before the 2 kings and the 400 prophets, Micaiah reveals that the war will end in disaster for them and that Ahab himself will die in battle. For prophesying God’s true message, which Ahab loathed, Micaiah was thrown into prison till Ahab returned from battle. Alas, Ahab was indeed killed in battle and never returned. And thus, though unwritten, Micaiah was left to die in prison. One prophet who prophesied truth, versus 400 who spoke lies, suffered while the rest went on their jolly way. “Super unfair”, one might say. So then, we ask ourselves. What would we have done in Micaiah’s shoes, or what can we learn from this lone prophet whom we never hear of again? What can we learn from the other characters?

First, be courageous with your (godly) convictions and do not compromise. Many are the allures and enticements if we would just “go with the flow”. Privileges, “unity”, even “peace”. But no integrity. We do not seek to be sore thumbs but we must stand up for truth, especially God’s truth. Yes, even if it is only one voice against 400 others!

Second, doing right might land us in hot soup. Ahab said Micaiah will be freed from prison only when he returned from war. Micaiah knew Ahab would never return, and thus, he would never be freed. Yet he didn’t back down and he suffered for it. The one who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6) and who is also “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14) didn’t back down from the hard road of doing God’s will too. Doing the God-thing can invite brickbats, not bouquets. Do it anyway.

All in or all out

Ahab played both sides. He wanted his war but he didn’t entirely dismiss Micaiah’s words either. So, he disguised himself without his regalia in the battle, hoping the enemy wouldn’t target him. In this way, he explored Micaiah’s prophecy “just in case”, but he didn’t embrace it. And just as prophesied, he was killed in battle. You see, merely sampling God’s truth, or sitting on the fence, or “standing in two boats” 脚踩两只船, isn’t smart at all. You’re all in, or you’re all out.

May we be courageous and unflinching in godliness and in upholding God’s word and his truth. May we persevere and rejoice even if we suffer as a consequence. And may his Spirit plant us firmly and wholly in his kingdom.

Blessings.

This blog post is authored by KH Mok.

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The quote attributed to Epicurus sums up the sentiments of many people, especially atheists:

“Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.

Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.

Is he both able and willing? Then whence comes evil?

Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?”

A quote by Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher.

The argument stated above is flawed. Many qualified people have ventured to give good Christian responses to the problem of evil. I am not a Christian philosopher or a professional theologian. Therefore, I will leave the comprehensive answers to the experts. But very briefly, on an atheistic worldview, what basis is there to complain about the presence of evil in this world? Think about it: if God does not exist, then there is no standard of right or wrong; there is no evil or good. Everything is arbitrary and there is no higher standard to appeal to. Why should someone bemoan the fact that there is evil in the world if that person thinks that there is no God? If I note and agree that evil exists, logically this means that there is a standard of ultimate good which I am appealing to, that is, God.

The Bible is not silent about evil. I would like to offer three responses from the Bible to the problem of evil.

We are asking the wrong question

We like to know the reason for evil. Why? Why? But Jesus directs us to the deeper issue: Have we repented of our sins?

Luke 13:1-5 records for us:

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

In other words, these people were asking Jesus about the atrocities perpetrated by humans, and natural disasters or accidents. Perhaps they were asking, “Why?”. In their minds, these Jews were pious people. They were offering sacrifices in the temple when they were slaughtered at the command of Pilate, the Roman governor. If these were pious Jews, why were they slaughtered? Similar questions were asked when the tower at Siloam collapsed, killing eighteen people. Jesus did not answer them in the way they expected. Instead, he told them that unless they repented, they will all likewise perish. Jesus highlighted that all people have sinned and needed to repent. The question comes back to me: Have I repented of my sins? Do I trust Jesus as my Saviour? What about you?

All creation was subjected to God’s curse

The apostle Paul writes that the creation was subjected to futility by God (Romans 8:18-25). Or as the NLT translates… “subjected to God’s curse.” There is comfort in knowing that the creation was subjected to futility by God. This means that all that is happening in the world is not occurring randomly but God reigns over all! God is sovereign. God is in control.

Because of sin, all of creation is corrupted. There is a hope that all of creation is waiting for. A time will come when all evil will be purged. Meanwhile all of creation groans. Not only the creation groans, “but we ourselves who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Are you groaning, my friend? Is there a holy dissatisfaction in your heart that tells you that you are not made for this world? This a pointer to God.

C.S. Lewis writes,

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”

— C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (1952), C.S. Lewis

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There is a hope of glory coming

Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) Friends, there is a glory that is going to be revealed to all of us who are in Christ. We are going to exchange our tents for buildings. This imagery is described in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. Our mortal bodies are likened to tents. And in the tents of our mortal bodies, we groan! Tents are not permanent. We groan as we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothes. “..We await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21).

As we wait in hope, we are not left alone; God is with us in the midst of our sufferings and groanings. And we cry, “Our Lord, come!” (Maranatha!)

For those of you who are searching for an answer to your dissatisfactions and groanings, please contact us. We would like to point you to Jesus and welcome you into the family of God.

This blog is authored by Colin Kee on 10th August 2021.

The post Creation: from Groaning to Glory appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.

Quest from the East

Matthew 2 tells us that the Magi from the east noticed a peculiar star which heralded the birth of the king of the Jews. These Magi were most likely Gentiles and they might have been astrologers or ‘wise men’ of some kind. They then traveled to Jerusalem and to King Herod to seek out this royal child. After all, where else could a king of the Jews be born if not in Jerusalem and in the ‘royal’ household? But what they heard must have shocked them!

There was no such newborn in Herod’s household! Furthermore, the chief priests and teachers of the law quoted the prophet Micah, that such a national king, the Messiah, whom all Jews have been anticipating throughout the centuries, would be born in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem!

So, the Magi continued on their quest to search for the child in Bethlehem. But what about the religious leaders? Craig Keener, in his commentary on Matthew, wrote “while the religious leaders know where the Messiah will be born, they do not join the Magi in their quest. These were the religious leaders, but they failed to act on their most critical biblical knowledge.” They utterly ignored their king and their Messiah and that is both outrageous and sad!

As for Herod, he felt his rule threatened by a ‘new’ king of the Jews. So, when the Magi failed to report back to him exactly where the child was, he ruthlessly ordered the slaughter of all Bethlehem boys under 2 years only. So, while religious leaders ignored the Messiah, the civil leader opposed him and wanted him dead! It clearly portrays Herod as a usurper to the throne that legitimately belongs to Jesus.

Is Jesus ignored

We can reflect on at least 2 ideas here. First, the priests and teachers of the law scored full marks in the Scripture quiz but they wouldn’t even travel the short 5-miles to Bethlehem to worship the Messiah. Gentile Magi would but not them; how ironic! How ironic too, that we may “know” our Scriptures, but completely ignore them or the Jesus they point to. Or that we may “know” how we should live according to God’s Word, but then disregard what it says anyway! Whether we are leaders or not, may we genuinely and earnestly seek to worship our King and Savior, and not take him for granted.

Is Jesus dethroned

Secondly, none of us would dare say that we want Jesus dead. But then, are we willing to give up our own throne to Jesus, or are we like Herod who plots and maneuvers to keep it for himself? Who sits on the throne of your life? If you are the one, then you usurp Jesus’ place. He will not dislodge you by force but if you yield it to him, he will take it because he is its legitimate King and owner!

Serve Him, Honor Him

If we claim to be God’s servants and we honor him in every way, then every day, Christmas or not, will be bright, joyous and rewarding.

Blessings!

This blog is authored by Mok Kok Hoong on 28 July 2021.

The post The Dark Side Behind Christmas appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.

The Befrienders is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide emotional support via telephone call. They are non-religious, non-judgemental and non-political in nature. Every call is handled with care and strict confidentiality. Callers can remain completely anonymous and need not to use their real names.

During the training phase, recruits were exposed and introduced to various subjects such as self-awareness, empathy, stress management, loneliness, mental illness and telephone skills. It is crucial for the recruit to complete every session in order to become a competent and skilled Befriender as one is dealing with human emotions and psychological well being. All recruits will be assessed through various role-plays and apply everything that has been taught into action. Successful recruits will then go through a probation period before being confirmed as a Befriender.

‘Why is the world so full of fake and toxic people?’

A caller asked when dialed into the Befrienders suicide prevention hotline

Despite being a new Befriender, I had the opportunity of speaking and listening to the stories of various callers. Oftentimes, all the caller really wants is just someone to talk to and pour their hearts out to another person. While the Befrienders are commonly known as a suicide prevention hotline, many who call in are facing depression, loneliness, stress and anxiety. These struggles hit across all ethnicities and age groups, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens. Issues can range from relationship, work, personal inadequacy and financial issues :

‘Why is the world so full of fake and toxic people?’
’My husband doesn’t love me anymore. I think he wants a divorce. ’
‘I lost my job and I feel so useless. I don’t know what to do anymore.’

Volunteering for the Befrienders is certainly not for the faint-hearted. One has to have a huge amount of patience, empathy, understanding and a generous spirit in listening to the stories of the caller whilst also being mindful of our own emotions and biases. This is especially important when the Befriender is dealing with suicidal calls. The call can quickly become intense and heavy as the caller takes the Befriender on an emotional roller coaster ride. Sometimes, the suicidal caller can hang up halfway through and the Befriender will never know the outcome of the suicide attempt. This itself can be a daunting challenge even for the seasoned Befriender.

While the global pandemic continues to prolong, so are the sufferings and stressors of life for the vast majority of us. For some, death has gotten the upper hand of their life situation. Suicide cases have been on the rise and many are crying out of desperation. As the world is focused on physical health in combating COVID, mental health has also become a very real issue with a rising concern. How then should we respond as believers of Christ?

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

In tough times like these, may we be reminded to be devoted to one another in love. Call up that estranged friend or family member, lend a listening ear to the downcast, be patient with the weak and show kindness to the poor. We have been blessed to bless others, no matter how big or small it may be. If you are in need of help, seek help! There is no shame in asking for help and assistance especially in your mental wellbeing.

As the saying goes, people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. One may be the most powerful, wealthy and successful individual but if no care has been shown, then nobody really cares about the former. In tough seasons like this, let’s learn to love one another by showing care and concern that is genuine and consistent, not just one or two times. May we love one another, just as Christ has first loved us.

For more information about Befrienders Penang, click here.

Watch Aaron Leong’s message on how to live a Victorious Christian Living.

The post Why I joined Befrienders appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.

Why is mental health so often not addressed in the church?

Some unhelpful comments … although well-meaning

Many times, the church is ill-equipped to handle the issue of depression. This is due to a lack of awareness and training.

Let me share my personal story.

A Christian leader once remarked in my presence, “I do not understand people who are depressed. They should just snap out of it.”

Wow. That really cut deep.

I never dared to share my own battles with depression thereafter.

I felt that as a Christian, there must have been something wrong with me.

After all, should not the joy of the LORD be my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)?  Then, why am I not feeling it? I am a “bad” Christian?

Depression in the Bible

God is not afraid to address this topic in the Bible.

Numerous persons in the Bible faced depression although the word “depression” is not used directly.

When confronted with Jezebel’s death threats, Elijah prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV).

1 Kings 17:12 is one occasion that is very similar to the desperation resulting in the White Flag movement in Malaysia. It was during a time of drought. The widow of Zarephath said to Elijah the prophet, “As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” We do not have a famine in July 2021 in Malaysia. However, many people are in dire financial straits with continued lockdowns and job loss. Some are surviving on their last pieces of biscuits (or cookies in American English).

Others in the Bible who faced depression were Job (Job 3:11, 20-22), Rebekah (Genesis 27:46; 28:5) and quite possibly, mighty King David (Psalm 22, 69).

Depression is a battle

Depression is like any other health battle in our lives.

We do not go around asking a cancer patient, “I do not understand why you have cancer. You should just snap out of it.”

Friends, we cannot just snap out of depression.

If you can snap out of what you are feeling at that moment, you are not experiencing depression.  You may just be feeling what people call “the blues”. A temporary low feeling or mood is normal. It may even be good for us. It allows us to process a negative event in a healthy way. We can often distract ourselves by doing something we enjoy or by talking with a friend.

Depression, however, is a condition that you may need to find help for. Some symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood, sadness, or an “empty” feeling, or appearing sad or tearful to others
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
• Significant weight loss when not dieting, or significant weight gain (for example, more than 5% of body weight in a month)
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
• Restlessness or irritation (irritable mood may be a symptom in children or adolescents too), or feelings of “dragging”
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, or indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide

(source : WebMD)

Depression Treatment: When Should You Get Help?

If you have five or more of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, you may have major depression. Your primary care doctor is a good place to start. Your doctor can screen you for depression, and help you manage and treat your symptoms so that you can feel better.

If you are in Malaysia, some resources that you can reach out to are as below:

• Befrienders is offering emotional support 24 hours, 7 days a week to people who are in despair and having suicidal thoughts. Their nationwide number is +603-76272929. The phone number for Penang is +604-2910100 and other contact methods can be found here.
• This next resource is for our children. They are facing greater pressure than ever with online learning as well as social and physical isolation. Buddy Bear Childline by Humankind is manned by Psychological First Aid (PFA) trained volunteers and provides a safe space for children and teenagers.  Their toll-free line is 1800-18-2327. Humankind is a registered social enterprise based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  They are on a mission to improve the social and emotional well-being of all communities especially communities that are underserved and vulnerable.
• Georgetown Baptist Church’s CareNet ministry https://old.gbcpg.org/ministries/carenet/ . You can contact Susie or Tong Ik at +604-2287110.

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. Reach out. You are not alone. We can get through this. Together.

This blog is authored by Poh Yoke Lo on 14th July 2021

The post The Church and Mental Health appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
 the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
 Day after day they pour forth speech;
 night after night they reveal knowledge.
 They have no speech, they use no words;
 no sound is heard from them.
 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
 their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4 NIV)

Each morning, the sky is like a canvas with the many hues and bursts of colours all so wonderfully displayed. One cannot help but lift up one’s eyes to admire the wondrous beauty of the bold strokes of colour that no human hand can create. There is a meditative silence all around us as the clouds glides slowly against a background of the emerging golden rays of the sun that is rising above the horizon. It is such a celebration of Joy!

“When I consider your heavens,
 the work of your fingers,
 the moon and the stars,
 which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
 human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

Indeed, what is man that God is mindful of him! Who am I that God is mindful of me? The joy of knowing that God who in all His majesty is also a God who knows and cares for me is Joy unspeakable!

I am reminded of what Jesus said in John 15:9-11 – to remain in His love so that His joy may be in us and that our joy may be complete.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9-11 NIV)

As the love of God and the joy of the Lord fill our hearts, let us rejoice in the Lord and choose to spark Joy

The fullness of joy is the assurance of God’s love for us as we remain in His love. It is often said that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As joy fills our hearts, our countenance radiates joy, hope rises in our spirits and we are strengthened to go on in our journey.

When doors have to close to assemblies in church, we also lost the togetherness of fellowship lunches and friendship teas, the cacophony of children’s voices and the hearty exchange of conversations in the hallway. It is now Silence! The unutterable silence fills the empty hall now devoid of people. Many are closeted at home to stay safe. Loneliness, fear, anxiety and worry arise out of prolonged isolation. Is there someone in need of a word of encouragement, a word of cheer, a helping hand, or just to hear their name being spoken?

As the love of God and the joy of the Lord fill our hearts, let us rejoice in the Lord and choose to spark Joy. Will you reach out to a friend, a relative or a colleague and be the sparkle in their life?

“Though the fig tree does not bud
 and there are no grapes on the vines,
 though the olive crop fails
 and the fields produce no food,
 though there are no sheep in the pen
 and no cattle in the stalls,
 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
 I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

This blog is authored by Mary Phuah on 30th June 2021

The post Don’t hold back, let us spark Joy! appeared first on Georgetown Baptist Church.