Lyrics of “My Father Watches Over Me”

As the day for me to go back to my hometown come closer and closer. Sometimes the fear of returning comes strong and stronger as well. Especially when I recall what I was fleeing from 12 years when I begin my journey. Even though throughout the 12 years leaving overseas, God had shown me time and time that he is ahead of me and I should have nothing to fear. But sometimes looking at my situation now I cant help but ask God in prayer . “Since you are omniscient and you transcend time, please tell me how my life would be like when I return” .. I asked because I can only see the path ahead as one full of suffering with nothing much to look forward to.

Sometimes my friend ask me why I am so unwilling to move back. Sometimes I share with them all the horror stories I encountered during my 8 years of working in my home country. How I eventually found relieve and purpose living overseas. Some of them could emphasize and can understand what was happening. But yet even so , it doesn’t make moving back any easier. The only reason for me to move home is to provide a better education for my children. It was something I know that will happen when I first saw my wife pregnant 5 years ago. Right now its just like the entire nightmare scenario playing right before me.

But many many years ago in a prayer God already said that will happen to me. For he said the same thing as he told apostle Peter.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger,
you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
and another will gird you and carry you where you do
not wish.”- Jesus (Jn 21:18-19)

While most in my family only started to lose sleep recently, I have lost sleep a long time ago because of this move. But some how today God keep moving me with the lyrics of this hymn. It keep coming to me as a reminder that he is going to watch over me

While Stanza 3 doesn’t appear in my church’s hymnbook. But I feel it is exactly what God wanted me to understand today.

Title: My Father Watches over me
Author: William Clark Martin 

Stanza 1:
I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land, or on the rolling sea,
For come what may, from day to day,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Refrain:
I trust in God, I know He cares for me;
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Though billows roll, He keeps my soul;
My heav’nly Father watches over me

Stanza 2:
He makes the rose an object of His care,
He guides the eagle through the pathless air,
And surely He remembers me;
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Stanza 3:
I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
Through praise or blame, through flood or flame,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Stanza 4:
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
But, oh, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;
And through the gloom He’ll lead me home,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

 

Lyrics of “Count Your Blessings”

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may every year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017
“I will sing”  – May 3rd 2018
“It is Well WIth My Soul”  – May 3rd 2019
“Through The Night Of Doubt and Sorrow”  – May 3rd 2020

Interestingly, the very first hymn was shared by me in a hotel Room in Kota Kinabalu where I first left home sometime ago. And now this entry is written in Vietnam, perhaps just before I return back to Singapore. Indeed God had really watched over and be with me the entire journey. I remember when my journey started in a prayer I have with God, God told me the same thing as he told Peter at the seaside in John 21.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger,
  you girded yourself and walked where you wished;
  but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands,
  and another will gird you and carry you where you do
  not wish.”- Jesus (Jn 21:18-19)

Now it looks like what is spoken is indeed true. Of course I thank God that I am not being taken as a prisoner or killed like Apostle Peter. But indeed, after that first move I made, all the subsequent moves are places that I know I would not have chosen if I am given a choice to make. 

There are many problems that I encountered, but I also seen how in each of the places i lived in, God allowed me to encounter the same problem with a different magnitude. And in each of the problem encountered, I learn to wait on God and not be anxious. Although I know I’ll be lying if I said I am not at least worried or afraid.  But throughout the journey God had shown me time and time again that he was before me. He is already ahead of me and the problem that’s really hit me are just mere fragments of a worst scenario that would have happened.

Recently my children was asking me what is faith, and I explained, “It is believing that God will help even when nothing had happened yet” 

I think one of the most recent happenings that I thank God for was how he had provided a place that I can lived in that is affordable and within my financial power. It took only 3 days to house hunt and the deal was concluded just before the pandemic. Prior to that we have our own plan in securing a place to stay but we only discovered that it will not work out as planned and we are at a lost. That is when we are asked “How would you be able to handle this? Look where your “trust” in God had landed you to” . But God came through ,directed me to the right seller, and we concluded the house sales in 2 days flat. Of course even owning the property came with many challenges and the situation will have been regarded as far from ideal for many. But I must say that the problem are still manageable and within our ability to handle. God had indeed went ahead of me, destroyed my initial plan as they are not the best, and guided me to the best alternative that is within our ability to handle.

He brought to my mind the story of how God sent Ravens to feed Elijah. For those who understand Jewish dietary law m they will be well aware that Ravens are considered unclean animals as they were scavenger birds. Today if Gods were to send ravens to us to bring us food, will we have the courage to eat it? Yet we see Elijah did not challenge or questions God’s arrangement, but rather he followed and survived the drought that was in the land.

Sometimes the path God will choose to take us may be longer, and may not be the most straight forward path. Just like what I share in this article. The fact is that if the Israelites wanted to enter Canaan from Egypt quickly. God will have taken the Via Maris (AKA “The way of the Philistines” ) It is a known ancient trade route that connects to Canaan by the Mediterranean sea. However this trade route is heavily fortified by the Egyptians and the Israelites will need to go to war often and they may not be prepared for such battles.

Hence Moses recorded in the book of Exodus

 “Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go,
  that God did not lead them by way of the land of the
  Philistines, although that was near; for God said,
  “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when
   they see war, and return to Egypt.”
   So God led the people around by way of the wilderness
   of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in
  orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.”- Moses (Ex 13:17-18)

As the result the children of Israel took 2 years to travel to the border of the land of Canaan, stopping for a few months in Mount Sinai to construct the tabernacle. As they journey they have to follow the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Interestingly the pillar of cloud covered and shaded the children of Israel from the heat and at night the pillar of fire kept the camp warm. In fact the years I spent moving from place to place kind of resembled the journey in many ways. Over time I learn that Gods plan may not be for us to take the fastest route or something that we think that is good.  God will consider all things and lead us using the route that he think is best. Sometimes the path that God intend for us to take may not be exactly what we wanted or wish for.

But, if we are willing to follow and trust the pillar of cloud and fire, God will keep us sheltered and protected as we move along the difficulties in life. Let us not be mistaken that the journey will be easy with Gods help. The fact of the matter is that the Israelites have  to overcome their difficulties as they move along. They have wars to fight, they have to trust God when they run out of food and water. They have to wake up early collect manna daily and they have their fair burden to bear as they followed the pillar of cloud and fire.

When I was younger I used to like the story of the foot prints and that God will carry us when we cannot handle our difficulties. But it will be unrealistic if we think that God is going to carry us with his arms all the way to heaven. For Jesus already said that we will have tribulations in the world and only those who endures to the end will be save.  

So what is the best way to handle all these difficulties? I believe this hymn that I would like to share will give us a very good answer.

Count Your Blessings (Lyrics)

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

(Chorus)
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

(Chorus)

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

(Chorus)

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Chorus)

 

Lyrics of “Through the night of doubt and sorrow“

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may of the year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017
“I will sing”  – May 3rd 2018
“It is Well WIth My Soul”  – May 3rd 2019

IT is not an easier year since the last. Parenting had been way difficult. But I thank God that he had move much to direct me back to return home.

God had been kind to assure me that he had been watching me over since the first day I step out in 2010 when I wrote about it 10 years ago.

But the world now had sure gotten more and more difficult and now with the virus. It is something that no one would have expected. Now churches had to be close and worship had to be streamed online.

I remember when I was much younger. This was a joke we have in the youth service that one day we will be forced to attend church online and now that had become a reality. I remember we were joking about having a button on a website saying “Press here for your Holy Communion” .. In my church we have Holy Communion every month, and ironically it had been something that I took for granted all my life. Now it is impossible for us to gather to eat it together.

In a way I know God had safely protected my family and we are far from any major epicenter of the virus. And that we are still blessed with our daily bread. Even though life is hard, it is still livable. I know I am supposed to learn how to trust God better and how to continue to let him guide my family to do what he wants us to do.

I believe as we progress in faith, God will increase the intensity of the trials that are set before us. So that through it we can discover weakness and to improve our faith. God will continue to train each and everyone of his children so that their faith grows. While some may view the Virus as a punishment, I would rather view it as a training ground to see how many will be able to continue worshipping even though there is no longer a chance to gather.

If we truly believe in the fact that God is watching each and everyone of us , we will know that he will be watching us in our worship even as we are unable to gather in churches.

That said, I wish each and every one of us will remain strong and continue in our walk to the kingdom of God. So for today, I would like to share. As a reminder that our target is not earth. We all yearn for the better place to come. Interestingly the tune we used to sing this is unique to my church and I am able to find it. Therefore I am attaching a tune that I know will work.

Title: Through the night of doubt and sorrow

Author: Bern­hardt S. In­ge­mann, 1826 (Igjen­nem Nat og Traeng­sel).
Translated from Da­nish to Eng­lish by Sa­bine Bar­ing-Gould

1 Through the night of doubt and sorrow
  onward goes the pilgrim band,
  singing songs of expectation,
  marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
  gleams and burns the guiding light;
  pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim,
  stepping fearless through the night.

2 One the light of God’s own presence
  o’er his ransomed people shed,
  chasing far the gloom and terror,
  brightening all the path we tread:
One the object of our journey,
  one the faith which never tires,
  one the earnest looking forward,
  one the hope our God inspires:

3 One the strain that lips of thousands
  lift as from the heart of one;
  one the conflict, one the peril,
  one the march in God begun:
One the gladness of rejoicing
  on the far eternal shore,
  where the one almighty Father
  reigns in love for evermore.

4 Onward, therefore, Christian pilgrims,
  onward with the cross our aid;
  bear its shame, and fight its battle,
  till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awaking,
  soon the rending of the tomb;
  then the scattering of all shadows,
  and the end of toil and gloom.

 

Lyrics of “Those In His Image Shall Shine”

This is one of the original hymn created by the church. In its original Chinese lyrics. It is saying that God wanted us to be like Jesus. To be merciful, holy, to be meek and humble just like Jesus. It reminded us to rely on the Spirit of God to submit to it for God wanted us to be just like Jesus.

But as the church progressed to have an English speaking congregation, the Chinese hymns had to be translated into English, and those who did such translations understands the trade-off between preserving the content of the lyrics while preserving the same number of notes per line. As a result, some of the hymn were re-written. This is of the hymns that was affected by this.

When I was younger I often sing this in Chinese, but recently the English version seems to speak out to me much recently.

For I am now living in a place where it is difficult to share the gospel. The issue I am facing is mainly a language barrier. It is difficult to master a new language plus the luxury of time to study isn’t there ever since paternity kicked in. In the day time we struggle to make a living and at the night time is spent taking care of children.

So in a prayer I was telling God that this is a helpless situation and it seem impossible for us to share the gospel here. No matter how hard we try, there seem to be no one.  Most of the time we are seekers of the seekers. Where most of our friends had other priorities and eternal life isn’t the biggest issue compare to the challenge of daily survival.

Interestingly, God responded. For in my life there were a few friends that I deemed as impossible to reconnect. The reason for this is because we lost contact when we are really young and during those days the only way to reach a friend is to make a phone call through the land line. (mobile phones were a luxury then). The chances of running into my friend in person is impossible as I am working in another country.

But despite the odds, God allowed me to run into my childhood friend. The circumstances how it happened was even more miraculous. For my childhood friend had randomly boarded a Grab car belonging to another church brother of mine. My church brother had no idea that the man he picked up was my childhood friend. As they were travelling together, my friend noticed some church tracts in my church brother car. As he read it, they ended up speaking to each other about God. That is when my childhood friend told him that he visited my church and it was me who brought him there.

It was through this chance encounter I managed to reconnect to a long lost friend. Which is someone whom I deem as impossible to meet again.

While this event reminded me that with God all things are possible. There still lingers within me the thought that it is impossible to share the word of God because of the language barrier.

That is when the English version of the lyrics keep reaching out to me. It is reminding me that those in the image of God will just shine. Through it God is reminding me just to try my best to live out my life for him. The action by itself will shine for God without me saying a word.

I remember the many times I feel helpless here, for even the simplest work of buying groceries and ordering food becomes a challenge when the menu and aisles are written in a language you cannot understand. Even though with God help over the years I can understand some of the text . It is still quite a challenge to do things that used to be without effort in the past. But we should not back down from trying, and we have to continue to live and shine.

And through this hymn God reminded me once again that our labor in him is not in vain. Even though great empires and great work can crumble, but those who shined for the Lord will always be remembered.

This is the reason why I felt so compelled to share this hymn with everyone.

 

Title: Those in His image shall shine
Author : Unknown

<<Stanza 1>>

O list to the voice of
the Prophet of old,
Proclaiming in language divine,
The wonderful,
wonderful message of truth
That “Those in His image shall shine.”

(Chorus)
They shall shine as bright as stars
within Heaven jeweled with light;
And they that turn many
to His righteousness
As the stars eternally bright.

<<Stanza 2>>
Tho’ rugged the path
where our duty may lead,
Oh! Why should we ever repine?
When faithful and true
is the promise to all,
That “Those in His image shall shine.”
(Repeat Chorus)

<<Stanza 3>>
The grandeur of wealth,
and the temples of fame,
Where beauty and splendor combine,
Will perish, forgotten
and crumble to dust,
But “Those in His image shall shine.”
(Repeat Chorus)

<<Stanza 4>>
Then let us go forth
to the work yet to do,
With zeal that shall never decline,
Be strong in the Lord
and the promise believe
That “Those in His image shall shine.”

 

Lyrics of “It Is Well With My Soul”

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may of the year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017
“I will sing”  – May 3rd 2018

Year 2019 is slightly kinder to me compared to 2018. There are plenty of things to thank God for. God had finally led me to a job to be able to feed my children. The workplace serves as a good relief and escape.

At least life in a way is much more stable. Though sometimes the pain can be still hard and painful, but the mantra of Paul is often on my mind.

“for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be
full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”- Paul (Php 4:11-13)

Recently this hymn is always in my mind. It was written by Horatio Spatford. He is a man who I believe undergo way much more sufferings that I did. He composed the hymn after a series of misfortune befall him. He lost his son(aged 2) at the great Chicago fire of 1871, which destroyed quite a lot of his properties. His business suffered because of the economic downturn.
He planned to travel to Europe with his family on board SS Villie Du Havre, later on he had a change of plan and he sent his remaining family on board. The ship sank in the Atlantic ocean in a collision, that costs the life of his four daughters, leaving his wife a sole survivor. The wife sent a telegram to him saying “Saved alone…”

He composed the hymn while on his way to comfort his grieving wife.

Yet in the midst of these suffering he is able to write “It is well with my soul” What immense courage is that. So whenever I think about the tune and consider the thing that happened to him, I know that likewise I need to learn to handle difficulty and pain. It is by no means an easy task. Especially when the pain is coming from loved ones. I hope that one day I would learn to be able to say the same in the midst of difficulty and sadness.

But for now, I thank God for all he had given.

Title: It Is Well With My Soul
Author : Horatio Spafford

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul!

 

Another New Year Approaches

This year had been difficult. There is not much of a chance to write and pen down my thoughts often. Parenting had been hard, no matter how much effort you pour into it. It will never be viewed as enough, nor can it satisfy anyone. Finding the time to update a blog had become a luxury that is hard to come by.

But somehow, we arrived at the end of the year. It is about time to think and reflect. A time to give thanks and to resolve.

Be thankful For All God Had Provided 

Indeed, I believe that many of us received a fair amount of blessing, even those in the midst of trouble also received some help from the Lord. Perhaps some of us may even received a good abundance and have much to thank God for. In the midst of these blessings, let us remember the Lord God. Let us continue to keep his commandments and follow his path

Just as God through Moses once reminded the children of Israel

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God
  by not keeping His commandments, His judgments,
  and His statutes which I command you today, 
   lest—when you have eaten and are ^full, and have
  built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 
   and when your herds and your flocks multiply,
  and your silver and your gold are multiplied,
   and all that you have is multiplied; 
  when your heart is lifted up, and you forget
  the Lord your God who brought you out of the
  land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; ……..
  then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might
  of my hand have gained me this wealth.’”"- Moses (Deut 8:11-14)

Indeed, in days of peace and abundance, there is a risk for us to think that we are the reasons for our success. Especially in a world where we are taught to believe in our own strength and to fight. We tend to forget this simple reminder from the Psalm

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
  They labor in vain who build it;
  Unless the Lord guards the city,
  The watchman stays awake in vain.”- Solomon (Ps 127:1)

I do think that human being need to work hard for success. God had never condoned laziness. In fact even when God rain manna to feed the children of Israel. They are required to get up early before the sun rise to gather manna for their daily bread. God did not rain it once a week and tell the children of Israel to work all at once and rest the entire week. In fact they are only allowed to gather what they need for the day for 6 days. The only exception is on the Friday where they are allowed to gather two portions so that they can keep the Sabbath.

But we need to remind ourselves that our effort by itself is never enough to gain such success. The work of our hands still require the guidance and opportunities given by God in order to achieve success. Therefore as we enjoy these fruit of success, we need to remember God and to be thankful for all he had provided.

We should also be thankful for the friends, and the good people that he had put around us. As well as the many troubles and trials we need to go through. For all these are given by God so that we can better ourselves and build up our faith for the next year.

Be Mindful That The End Of All Things Is At Hand

As the year draws to the close, we draw ever closer to the second coming of God. It is indeed true if we compare the state of the world and how society had change. The modern world no longer persecute the believers of God by throwing them into prisons and lion dens. For those had never successfully deterred Christians from following God.

The modern world now hide under the flag of progressiveness and human rights. Where the rights of certain individuals can supersede the rights of many others who just wanted to lead normal lives. They insist that they were being attacked, bullied by Christians holding on to Victorian era morality.

Indeed, the bible warn us of this time long ago.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 
  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters,
  proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 
  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal,
  despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure,
  rather than lovers of God,  having a form of godliness but denying its
  power. And from such people turn away!”-Paul (2 Tim 3:1-5)

As Paul told Timothy his son.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus 
  will suffer persecution.” (2 Tim 3:12)

Interestingly, the modern form of persecution now comes in the form of repeating the narrative that what is wrong is right, and repeating it so often that what is incorrect is now regarded as normal. Those who dare speak against that are now demonised to be un-progressive, phobic and bullies.

Sometimes the persecution can even arise from within the church. For many will be deceived by what the word teaches/

This was also mentioned by Paul as well
" But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving
  and being deceived.”(2 Tim 3:13)

Sometimes the challenge for Christians in the last days is more about trying their best to keep their own faith in the midst of these difficulty surrounding. That is why Paul continue to remind Timothy, as well as us

“But you must continue in the things which
  you have learned and been assured of, knowing
  from whom you have learned them, and that from
  childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,
  which are able to make you wise for salvation through 
   faith which is in Christ Jesus.” – Paul (2 Tim 3:14-15)

In this new year. Let us continue to hold on to this faith. The world is going to scream louder against us year after year. But we must strive to be learned and assured of what we believed in. For the end will come. and only those who endure to the end will be saved.

We should also take heed of the advice of Peter

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be
  serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all
  things have fervent love for one another, for 
  “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
   Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 
  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one 
  another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”-Peter (1 Pet 4:7-10)

Let us be even closer to God, be focus in prayers and be serious in Faith. Let us resolve to love one another, for love cover a multitude of sin. Let us continue to serve God seizing every chance, for we know that the time is short. Let us learn to be hospitable to one another despite our differences, and be good stewards of the grace of God.

Rededication 

How is our service like, have we met with much difficulties and much pain? How is our walk with God like? Is it full of thorns and thistles?

Sometimes when difficulties strikes us. It makes following God a big challenge. For we feel that we no longer feels the abidance of God with us. We feel that God had left us to fend for ourselves. In the very beginning of my faith, i was pretty touched with the poem on footprints. This is a poem where God told his child that when he saw a single set of foot prints, that was because God carried him in the period of difficulties.

but interestingly as I move on in faith. I noticed that God doesn’t always carry us n this way. There are times he let us undergo trials and tribulations so that we can make the resolve to follow him even in the midst of trouble. This is true especially to those who need to serve in Church. The path of serving God is never easy 

That is why the Author of Hebrew remind us

“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down,
   and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for
  your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated,
   but rather be healed.”- Author of Hebrews (Heb 12:12-13)

Nothing illustrates this better than the diary of David Livingston. Livingston is a British doctor who spend most of his life serving in Africa. He visited Africa during it darkest history. He served there and died of malaria and dysentery about May 4th 1873.

His field diary recorded much of his life. throughout the diary there were many instances where he wrote and “Lord, I offer myself to you once again”.

Indeed, whenever we encounter problems in life where our faith is being challenge, that is when we need to reconsider and make the decision to follow God once again. Such move will strengthen our resolve, give us the additional strength we need to continue to follow God.

To achieve this in the coming year,  we need to constantly remind ourselves of the blessing that we received from God. That we are his children and it is an honour that is not easily attained.

Conclusion

There is quite a lot shared here regarding the things we need to consider during this new year. Let us also be willing to make resolves for the Lord. Let us resolve to make changes to ourselves, try to walk closer to God.

Let us resolve to forgive each other and let go of the old hurt that we receive last year.

Let us resolve to learn to manage our sadness, our emotions even when other hurt us badly.

Let us resolve to build our family altar and to lead our children to learn about God and serve God. For the world our children will grow up in will be harder than our world. The challenge that they will face while keeping the faith will be much stronger.

Recently a friend shared about a video that our next generation is finding it harder to follow God. This is something that we ought to worry about as parents .Therefore in this coming year let us remember to make the resolve to teach this faith to our next generation.

May God continue to guide each and everyone of us in the  new year. 

 

The titles of a Christian–Christian

Introduction

The titles of believers reminds us of the virtues a believer ought to have. These titles are meant to help us reflect and examine if we are befitting of these titles.

So far in our studies we have examine 2 titles

The most common title is a believer
The most basic title is a disciple.

But the most identifying and accurate title is a Christian. why do I think it is the most accurate?

When one are called a believer, you would need find out about his belief. When a person is called a disciple, there is a need to find his master. But when one is called a Christian, he is known to be a believer and a disciple of Jesus. For there is only one Christ and one Jesus.

The term Christian did not originate from Jerusalem as we read in Acts

“ And when he had found him, he brought
  him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole
  year they assembled with the church and
  taught a great many people. And the disciples
  were first called Christians in Antioch.”- Luke (Acts 11:26)

There are many who think that Christian was a form of mockery. But personally I find the lack of evidence to support that claims. But those in Antioch must have heard the name of Christ mentioned often. They can see that these people are focused on Christ and they often mentioned him. Perhaps that is why they decide to call them Christian.

Today if one is known as a Christian, it  is no longer a form of mockery. But if a Christian fail to behave or fall short of the teaching of Jesus. Then it would be a mockery to call him Christian.

In the gospel, Jesus defined what it meant to be a Christian, let us study these definition closely. 

PT 1 : Christians Belong to Christ

“If you were of the world, the world
  would love its own. Yet because you
  are not of the world, but I chose you
  out of the world, therefore the world
  hates you.” – Jesus (Jn 15:19)

A Christians belong to Jesus, He had chosen them out from the world. As they were called out from the world to follow him, therefore they belong to him and not the world. So the first question we need to ask ourselves is if we truly belong to Christ?

“Do you look at things according to the
  outward appearance? If anyone is
  convinced in himself that he is
  Christ’s, let him again consider this
  in himself, that just as he is Christ’s,
   even so we are Christ’s” – Paul (2 Cor 1-:7)

Paul wanted Christians to consider if they truly belong to Christ. If we indeed belong to Christ, are we like Christ? Let us not be Christians by name but with behaviour that are unlike Christ. For Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi

“Brethren, join in following my example,
  and note those who so walk, as you have
  us for a pattern.
  For many walk, of whom I have told you
  often, and now tell you even weeping,
  that they are the enemies of the cross
  of Christ:  whose end is destruction,
  whose god is their belly, and whose
  glory is in their shame—who set their
  mind on earthly things. 
  For our citizenship is in heaven, from
  which we also eagerly wait for the Savior,
  the Lord Jesus Christ, “- Paul (Php 3:17-20)  

We need to pay attention to disciples who walk in Christ. Paul and the apostles are such examples for we read of how they love Christ, how they forsake everything and was willing to suffer for Christ. They have gave up everything and they never regret or recant their faith in face of persecution, whipping and even death. These are evidence that they belong to Christ.

On the other hand there are those who appeared to have good behaviour but are actually the enemies of the cross.  How are these people enemies of the cross? The teaching of the cross tells us of Jesus being God who came in the form of flesh, it tells us to obey the teaching of Jesus. But these people had their belly as their God, they choose to obey their lust and refuse the teaching of Jesus.

The message of the cross tells us that God wanted to forgive the sins of man and to grant them eternal life. But these people focus only on their lives on earth but not that eternal life. They set their minds on things of earth and forget that the belong to heaven. They will rather pursue the things on earth and not the things about eternal life. They often go against the teaching of the cross.

They accused Christians for being impractical and obsessed about eternal life. They felt that Christians had forgotten about the daily suffering that the people faced. They feel that the sermons spoken by Christians are high and mighty, empty talk that are useless in life. For those who hear it remains poor and hungry and it brought no benefit to the hearers. They ask “What is the point of worshipping God if one is hungry and poor”

The fact is that going to church will not make a person reach. The Church will not be able to provide monetary support or food. In most of my church, you would only receive a free lunch, and the queue is often so long. It is not surprising that many find sermons empty and impractical.

But is the teaching of Jesus that impractical and empty? 

Jesus remind us not to labour for food that perish but food that leads to eternal life. Jesus is not talking about something empty. He is here on earth to give us that eternal bread. He is here to remind us that if we only seek physical bread, our end will be death and destruction. That is why we need to seek that bread which God wants to give to us, one that leads to eternal life.

We need to seek for the things above and hope in his second coming. Sometimes if that means suffering and poverty it is not a big problem, For life on earth is short and life is more than just eating and drinking. 

PT 2 : Christians Emulate Christ

Jesus tell us that a Christian is someone who emulate Christ.

^“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
  for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
  you will find rest for your souls.”- Jesus (Matt 11:29)

Jesus wanted us to learn from him because we belong to Christ. We need to have the life of Christ within us. We need to manifest Christ in our lives. The essence of that life is being gentle and lowly in spirit.

In the world, different type of lives exhibits different kinds of instinct. A butterfly will always be attracted to the fragrance of flowers and you will always find them in the garden. But a housefly is attracted to stench and they will always be found at the rubbish dump.

A Christian should be inclined to love in the way of Christ, for we must follow his example, be humble and gentle. We need to get rid of anger and pride. Those that belong to Christ will live out the character of Christ.  That is why Paul reminded the Philippians

“Only let your conduct be worthy
  of the gospel of Christ, so that     
  whether I come and see you or
   am absent, I may hear of your     
  affairs, that you stand fast in one
  spirit, with one mind striving
  together for the faith of the gospel,”- Paul (Php 1: 27)

A Christian behaviour must be worthy of the gospel of Christ. The gospel teaches that we belong to Jesus and are a new creation. Our old sinful self dies with him in baptism, and a new man emerges from baptism. So are we a new creation or are we our old self?

If a Christian conduct is unworthy of the gospel, it would look like a terrible match. The Chinese had an interesting phrase to describe it. It is  狗尾貂续. It is like a Sable tail  joined to a tail of a dog.

In ancient china the tail of a sable considered a luxurious commodity. It is said the mother of Genghis Khan gave a gift of sable tails to the wife of the Khan as a gift. But to pair a sable tail with a dog tail is an irony. On one end it looks luxurious as beautiful and at the other its so cheap and ugly.  

In the same way, the gospel of Christ is something precious and if the Christian fall short of that standard, it would be an irony and a mockery. For it would be like a new cloth being sew into an old garment. The new cloth will shrink and make the tear worst.

Christians are suppose to remove their old garment and put on the new garment. If we patch a new cloth onto our old garment, it will not match We need to put aside our old garments and put on the new one.

Let us not be called Christian by name, let us be a true Christian, a new creation.

PT 3 : Christians are witness for Christ

Jesus tells us that

“Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary
  for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the
  dead the third day, and that repentance and
  remission of sins should be preached in His
  name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 
  And you are witnesses of these things.” – Jesus (Lk 24:46-48)

Jesus is on earth to preach the gospel of salvation.To fulfil salvation, he had to be nailed on the cross, and be raised from the dead on the 3rd day. These events proves that he is the savior and his gospel is the gospel of salvation. 

That gospel is one that can forgive sin, today we are witness to that gospel, we have enjoyed the grace of God. But we are not to enjoy this grace alone, we need to preach the message to others so they wlll become Christian.  We need to share this message with our family especially.

(Extracted from Acts 26:27-29)

Paul : “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
Agrippa : “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Paul: “I would to God that not only you, but also all
            who hear me today, might become both almost 
            and altogether such as I am, except for these chains”

Paul is a man who preach Christ in season and out of season. He was arrested for the sake of the gospel and he stood trial before King Agrippa. Paul wishes that all those who heard him would become a Christian.

Today whenever we share the gospel, often those who hear us will not listen. But we are to continue in this work, and not be discourage. We need to be like Paul to seize every opportunity to persuade them, for Paul knew that faith will only come through hearing. and hearing will only happen when we speak. If we choose to remain silent how can they hear and believe?

We need to ask ourselves if we had did our best to preach the gospel. We are not to just preach with our mouths, we need to testify through our behaviour We need to show that we are indeed Christians, for actions speak louder than words.

In my church in Taiwan there are many natives. They bore a good testimony for their faith. Even though they are persecuted for their faith, they did not give up.  They listen to the words of God and they changes their behaviour they indeed become a new creation. In the past they used to be drinkers, they get into fights and live their lives immorally . But after they became Christian and they changed and the  government officers can see the change in them.

Let us not forget our status as witness, if we know our responsibly and status, we will understand that Christ had called us out to be his witness. Will our testimony be glorifying God or a mockery before God.? 

PT 4 : Christians are followers of Christ

Jesus tells us that a Christian is a follower of Christ

“The following day Jesus wanted to go to
  Galilee, and He found Philip and said to
  him, “Follow Me.””- John (Jn 1:43)

In those days, there are many who are willing to follow Jesus, but they their method of following Jesus is different. These are something we need to consider. For we all wanted to follow Jesus, but how do we follow?

“After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being
  a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear
  of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might
  take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate
  gave him permission. So he came and
  took the body of Jesus. 
  And Nicodemus, who at first came to
  Jesus by night, also came, bringing a
  mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a
  hundred pounds. 
  Then they took the body of Jesus, and
  bound it in strips of linen with the
  spices, as the custom of the Jews is
  to bury. “- John (Jn 19:38-40)

Here records of 2 followers of Christ, Joseph is a rich man and Nicodemus is a council member, an officer of the Jews. They were disciples of Christ in secret, they followed him secretly. Nicodemus was a man who seek Jesus in the night. They are both aware that Jesus is the Christ, but they did not have the courage to openly profess that they are Christians. So they followed in secret

But after Christ was crucified, they witness the love of Christ on the cross, it touched them deeply, so they made the resolve and repented. They openly profess that they believe in Jesus. They went to collect his body and bind it with spices and buried him. They completed that last beautiful deed for the Lord. But what is most important is that they are no longer Christians in secret.

So how do we follow Christ? are we doing so openly or in secret? Sometimes those around us may not even know that we are Christians . Perhaps we have good reason to hide that identity. But if we recognised the love of Christ on the cross, it will touch us greatly. We will be like Joseph and Nicodemus, to be open and courageous about our faith.

There is also some who follow Jesus from afar.

“But Peter followed Him at a distance,
  right into the courtyard of the high priest.
  And he sat with the servants and warmed
  himself at the fire.”- Mark (Mk 14:54)

Peter followed Jesus but he did so from afar. He was afraid. If we also choose to follow the Lord from afar, we will fall just like Peter. But what we can be assured of , is that Jesus did not give up on Peter even though he fell. When he denied Jesus 3 times, Jesus turned and looked at him. When Peter saw his eyes, he will know that it is not one of rebuke but one with mercy.

For Jesus already told him that he will deny him 3 times and he had already prayed for him. Jesus had given him a chance, reminding him to strength his brethren when he return. When he recalled the words of Jesus, when he saw how he had denied Christ. When he saw how far he was as he was following Christ, his failures and his weakness. He went out to weep. But that weeping changed his life. From then on he no longer followed Christ from afar, he followed Christ closely. He follow even onto death, he no longer give up or change his resolve.

Conclusion

We all have our moments of weakness, perhaps we used to be zealous and now we are cold. Perhaps we used to follow Jesus closely and now we are afar off. If we continue in that state, what will happen to us at the very end?

We need to consider if we are true Christians, for Jesus wanted us to follow him, he want us to follow closely and not afar off. We need to be open about our belief and never change.

Are we a true Christian? 

 

Lyrics of “红尘客栈”

Today is a special day. I would like to  wish the love of my life a happy birthday. This time I am unable to be with her physically. It is making me really sad. At this point of time I wish i can go back and see her.

Therefore I would like to dedicate this song to her.

To those who were watching this MTV. Just to put the story into context. This is set in ancient China where a famous swordsman rescued a damsel who was captured by a group of thugs. After freeing the girl, he went into a life of recluse away from his former life of fighting and feuds.

As they lead their lives happily, eventually their enemies found them and attacked. The swordsman died allowing the damsel to flee. I remember scrolling through the comments and some were wondering why the lady abandoned her lover. Apparently the answer was in the text on the screen. The swordsman told her “You escape now, we would meet at the usual spot”. That is why she was waiting for him at the lake. Unfortunately he must have died which is why he did not appear.

Even though the MTV looks very well made. I still think they should have escape through the back door.   I would think that would be a smarter move instead of facing all the enemies at the main door.

I found the lyrics very beautiful. It is not easy to translate it to English effectively. But I gave it a shot nonetheless

Title : 红尘客栈 Artist : 周杰伦天涯的尽头是风沙 红尘的故事叫牵挂 封刀隐没在寻常人家 东篱下 闲云 野鹤 古刹	tiānyá de jìntóu shì fēngshā hóngchén de gùshi jiào qiānguà fēng dāo yǐnmò zài xúncháng rénjiā Dōng lí xià jiān yún yě hè gǔ chà
快马在江湖里厮杀 无非是名跟利放不下 心中有江山的人岂能快意潇洒 我只求与你共华发	kuài mǎ zài jiānghú lǐ sīshā wú fēi shì míng gēn Lì fàng bu xià xīn zhōng yǒu jiāngshān de rén qǐ néng kuàiyì xiāosǎ wǒ zhī qiú yú nǐ gòng huáfà
Chorus 剑出鞘 恩怨了 谁笑 我只求今朝拥你入怀抱 红尘客栈风似刀 骤雨落 宿命敲	Chorus jiàn chūqiào ēnyuàn liǎo shéixiào wǒ zhǐqiújīnzhāoyōngnǐ rùhuáibào hóngchénkèzhànfēng sì dāo zhòuyǔ  luò sùmìng qiāo
任武林谁领风骚 我却只为你折腰 过荒村野桥 寻世外古道 远离人间尘嚣 柳絮飘执子之手逍遥 Chorus ends	rèn wǔlín shéi lǐng fēngsāo wǒ  què zhǐ wèi nǐ zhéyāo Guò huāngcūn yěqiáo xún shìwài gǔdào yuǎnlí rénjiān chénxiāo liǔ xù piāo zhí zi zhī shǒu xiāoyáo
檐下窗棂斜映枝桠 与你席地对座饮茶 我以工笔画将你牢牢的记下 提笔不为风雅	yán xià chuāng líng xié yìngzhīyā yù nǐ xí dì duì zuò yǐnchá wǒ yǐ gōng bǐhuà jiāngnǐ láoláo de jì xià tíbǐ bù wèi fēngyǎ
灯下叹红颜近晚霞 我说缘份一如参禅不说话 你泪如梨花洒满了纸上的天下 爱恨如写意山水画	dēng xià tàn hóngyán jìn wǎnxiá wǒ shuō yuán fèn yīrú cānchán bù shuōhuà nǐ lèi rú lí Huā sǎmǎn le  zhǐ shàng de tiānxià ài hèn rú xièyì shānshuǐhuà
Repeat Chorus 任武林谁领风骚 我却只为你折腰 你回眸多娇 我泪中带笑 酒招旗风中萧萧 剑出鞘 恩怨了	Repeat Chorus rèn wǔlín shéi lǐngfēngsāo wǒ  què zhǐ wèi nǐ zhéyāo nǐ  huímóu duō jiāo wǒ lèi zhòng dài xiào jiǔ zhāo qí   fēng Zhōng XiāoXiāo jiàn chūqiào ēnyuàn liǎo

Translation

Title : The Tavern Of Life

The ends of the world is the wilderness
The stories of life are about longing
I sheath my sword and vanished into reclusion
Among old temples and wild cranes

To ride and kill in the past,
all for the sake of fame and glory.
One who long to rule the world will never live free and simple
Now I long to grow old with you.

Chorus
Who rejoices in fighting and feuds
I would rather have you in my arms
The Traven of life is filled with violence
The rain falls and karma strikes

It doesn’t matter who rules the world
For I will only submit to you
To seek a simple life, to live in recluse,
Away from the bustle and hustle of life
To live a simple and carefree life.
Chorus End

The branches rustles outside of our old window
As I drank tea face to face with you.
I inscribed you in my mind through paintbrush
with graceful and bold strokes

As sunset approaches with beauty
Fate became as silent as though in mediation
Your tears fell like flowers to my drawing
Emotions like strokes within the painting

Chorus

It doesn’t matter who rules the world
For I will only submit to you
I smiled and tear as you glance back
As the banner flew desolate in the wind,
Sword unsheathed, gratitude’s and feud ended

 

 

 

Lyrics Of “I will sing”

As it was my custom since 2010, I would specially post a hymn on the 3rd may of the year.  3rd may had always been a special day in my life.

So far I have shared the following hymns

What A Friend I have In Jesus” – May 3rd 2010
“Thanks to God” – May 3rd 2011
“Day By Day” – May 3rd 2012
“All The Way The Savior Leads Me” – May 3rd 2013
“Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer” – May 3rd 2014
”Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” – May 3rd 2015
”Hold Thou My hand” – May 3rd 2016
”My Father Watches Over Me” – May 3rd 2017

It is quite interesting to say that everything around me started to fall apart 2 months after that last post. I can still remember that last happy weekend where I was travelling down Bui Vien street enjoying Vietnamese egg coffee and coconut coffee

From that weekend onwards, peace seem so far away. It was tore away bit by bit.  It started out at work, with projects falling apart, team shrinking. We continue to fight on back at work for the next 6 months, until it it finally led to unemployment.

The only happy thing that came was the birth of my daughter, yet in the midst of that joy. The worry of not being able to find employment and to take care of her looms ominously in your mind. The probability that I may need to be separate from my children are there.

This is on of the times you wish that there are some comfort from God, but you find God awfully silent. Yet instead you are surrounded by misunderstandings, accusations, criticism, and the demands of love, completely isolated and in pain

It is one of these time that you wonder what is the point of holding on. What is the point of enduring? Actually there are plenty of reasons to give up.  But as these thoughts are running through my mind. The song by Prophet Habakkuk was ringing in my mind.

“Though the fig tree may not blossom,
  Nor fruit be on the vines;
  Though the labor of the olive may fail,
  And the fields yield no food;
  Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
  And there be no herd in the stalls—    
   Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
   I will joy in the God of my salvation.

   The Lord God is my strength; 
  He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
  And He will make me walk on my high hills.” –Habakkuk (Hab 3:17-19)

That is why for this time. I would like to share this hymn                   

I Will Sing
Don Moen

Lord, You seem so far away
A million miles or more, it feels today
And though I haven’t lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it’s hard for me to pray

But I don’t know what to say
And I don’t know where to start
But as You give the grace
With all that’s in my heart

I will sing, yes, I will praise, even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing, I will praise, lift my hands to honor You
Because Your word is true, I will sing

Lord it’s hard for me to see all the thoughts
And plans You have for me, yes it is
But I will put my trust in You
Lord we made Your die to set me free
Oh thank God You did

But I don’t know what to say
And I don’t know where to start
But as you give the grace
With all that’s in my heart

I will…

 

Pneumatology Of Jesus (Part 5)

So far, we have studied the following

1. The Holy Spirit Is Here To Lead Us Into All Truth  (Part 1, Part 2)
     a. Aspect 1: To lead individuals to develop a relationship with the Truth 
     b. Aspect 2: To lead the church into all Truth 
2. The Holy Spirit is here to lead the church into all truth (Part 3, Part 4)

Let’s continue to explore the other misconceptions about the Holy Spirit 

Misconception 6: Only Holy Spirit Calls Jesus Lord

Paul once said

“Therefore I make known to you    
  that no one speaking by the Spirit
  of God calls Jesus accursed, and no
  one can say that Jesus is Lord except
  by the Holy Spirit.” – Paul (1 Cor 12:3)

That is why many in Christendom today believe that only people who are moved by the Holy Spirit will address Jesus as Lord. Therefore, whoever who calls Jesus Lord is moved by the Holy Spirit.  They have the Holy Spirit living within them and therefore they belong to Christ. 

Some may even go on and  supplement their case quoting

“that if you confess with your mouth
  the Lord Jesus and believe in your
   heart that God has raised Him from
  the dead, you will be saved.
  … …
  For “whoever calls on the name of the
  Lord shall be saved.””- Paul (Rom 10:9,13)

But is this what the bible teaches? Is that what Jesus says?
“Not everyone who says to Me,
  ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the
  kingdom of heaven, but he who
  does the will of My Father in
  heaven.”- Jesus (Matt 7:21)

The right question to consider is to ask ourselves if we indeed obeyed and did the will of God. While it is true that the Holy Spirit can move someone to call Jesus Lord, but the Holy Spirit is supposed to lead a person to call upon the name of God and seek God.  The Holy Spirit will never go beyond the words of Christ.

It is good to call Jesus Lord, and it is good to call upon his name. These are all truths in the bible. But they are only part of the Truth that the Holy Spirit is here to teach. He is also here to teach us to love one and another and to lead a life without sin.

Important Concept: Complete Truth Includes The Truth Of Salvation

The truth mentioned previously are all truths found in the bible. But there are more to it within the words of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is here to lead us into all truth, not just a partial truth. Today we see many Christians moved by the Holy Spirit, believing in Jesus and practicing the love of Christ in their lives. These are all good and are truth taught by Jesus but the Holy Spirit is meant to lead us into all truth. 

What am I referring to? Jesus once instructed his apostles

“teaching them to observe all
  things that I have commanded
  you; and lo, I am with you always,
  even to the end of the age.” – Jesus (Matt 28:20)

Those were the command of Jesus, we are to teach one another to understand the teaching of Christ till the end of the age. We are here to teach the whole truth, not part of the truth. We are here to teach all that Jesus commanded, and the Holy Spirit is here to lead people into all truth. Especially regarding the forgiveness of sin and salvation.

Many Christians today are moved by the Holy Spirit, they believed in Jesus, they are full of the love of Christ. But those are part of the truth. The Pneumatology of Christ tell us that the Holy Spirit is here to lead us into all truth, Jesus tells us to keep his words and command. We must do it ourselves as well as to teach others to follow.

Jesus is not talking about only part of his teaching, but his complete words. We know that by the first century CE, the Holy Spirit stop descending, the teaching of the church had deviated and they no longer keep the complete truth. The truth taught were correct, but they have stopped talking about the other aspects of the truth.   They no longer keep the teaching of the bible, even though they claim to be believing in Jesus

An Example Of A Incomplete Truth

But a partial truth is not the same as the complete truth.Even though the words are still correct, but the missing pieces negate the effect of that truth brought.  The Didache was compiled by the early Christians.  but even from within it we know that the church no longer keep the complete truth taught by Jesus.But by reading it we know that the church no longer held to the complete truth taught by Jesus.

For example, chapter 7 to 10 of the Didache talks about Baptism.  Within the gospel, we know that Jesus and John the Baptist, as well as the Apostles baptized by full immersion using living water (Living water is flowing water, from the stream.)

As quoted in Wikipedia
Baptism is to be conferred "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"^[ with triple immersion in “living water” (that is, flowing water, probably in a stream). If that is not practical, in cold or even warm water is acceptable. If the water is insufficient for immersion, it may be poured three times on the head (affusion). The baptized and the baptizer, and, if possible, anyone else attending the ritual should fast for one or two days beforehand.

Comparing this to what Jesus had done, it proves that even in the first century, the Christians no longer keep the teaching of Jesus fully. Even though they believe in Jesus, they have downplayed the need for baptism, and they no longer esteemed baptism.

They had forgotten the fact that Baptism taught by the Apostles is for the Remission Of Sin, they have forgotten how the disciples conduct baptism. They allowed their view to supersede the words of Jesus.  They added their own recommendation, which is that those attending baptism should fast one to two days beforehand. Which is not commanded by Jesus.

Misconception 7: One should listen to the Spirit and not the words of man.

There is another misconception from Christian that arises from the words of Paul in  Gal 1:11-12

“But I make known to you, brethren,
  that the gospel which was preached
  by me is not according to man. 
   For I neither received it from man,
  nor was I taught it, but it came through
  the revelation of Jesus Christ.”- Paul  (Gal 1:11-12)

Over here Paul is talking about the moving of the Holy Spirit, how he was led to the truth. For Paul did not receive the teaching from man. He was not taught by men and his teaching came as a revelation from Jesus Christ

Since the Holy Spirit had led him to understand the truth of Jesus, therefore we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us freely. We need to ignore the perspective of a man completely.

Those who took this view seriously may even advocate that we should destroy all books and teaching written by man, and that only the bible, dictionary and concordance are allowed. For Paul received instruction from the Holy Spirit and no one else.   

But this is a dangerous view to hold, for that will mean that one should only pray and not listen to a sermon. For only the Holy spirit is allowed to teach and no one should teach one another. On the long run, this may lead to a more serious issue.

Just imagine if the Holy Spirit had taught an individual, they compiled and wrote them down in a book, for they believe that it is important, when they pass away, the next generation of Christians burnt their book, and begin that cycle again. Then the libraries will be filled, burnt up and filled again, 

But is this thinking in accordance with the words of Jesus? This is in fact a dangerous path to take.. I can think of a few immediate dangers.

But is this according to the teaching of Jesus?

It is actually dangerous to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth. While we understood that the Holy Spirit is here to guide us and lead us into all truth.  But that does not mean that we should just listen to Spirits and ignore the teaching of others.

It is actually correct to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us understand the truth. But it is not right to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth. For it is against the teaching of Jesus. There are many dangers that will arise and let us examine these dangers together. 

Pt 7. : A Potential Foothold For The Devil

By asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth we would leave a foothold for the devil to work. We are giving him a chance to lead us away from the truth. This danger can cause great damage to the church. For many Christians are misled by the devil. We need to use the bible to help us understand and explain the truth.

Let us imagine a scenario. Today, if through prayer and the revelation of a Spirit. We perceive certain truths. What happens if these revelations had no basis in the scripture? Will we choose to believe it? There is a risk that some in the church will think that the revelations are not inspired by God.  This will lead to a split in the church, for there will be 2 groups of people in the church. Some will choose to believe while others will not.

We need to understand that the Holy Spirit is given to help us understand the word of God. He is not here to go beyond what Jesus had taught. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit will not speak on his own authority, he will take those that belong to Jesus and give it to others. He will never speak contrary against the teaching of Jesus.

The Warning Of Paul

“Now, brethren, concerning the
  coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
  and our gathering together to Him,
  we ask you, not to be soon shaken in
   mind or troubled, either by spirit or
  by word or by letter, as if from us, as
   though the day of Christ had come. 
   Let no one deceive you by any means;
  for that Day will not come unless the
  falling away comes first, and the man of
  sin is revealed, the son of perdition,”- Paul (2 Thess 2:1-3)

In those days, the church in Thessalonica was curious, they ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to them. They did not pay attention to the teaching of Jesus nor do they bother about the teaching of the Apostles. Since they know that the Holy Spirit is here to lead them to understand the truth.

They did receive truth that no one knows,  and they feel that it is God who revealed it to them, Those truths are different from what the Apostles commonly taught. So the Christians there were wondering whether to believe in these revelations or not. For they have heard from people filled with the Holy Spirit, full of love and of good teaching.

But the teaching of these men was confusing and it is full of destruction. For they are sharing a gospel that altered. These teachers preach it since they believe that they are guided and moved by the Holy Spirit.  So they wrote letters to the Thessalonians talking about their belief, which are different from what Jesus and the Apostles taught.

That is why Paul tells them to careful, be it in Spirit, Word or letter, they need to discern what is being shared.

The Advice Of John : Test the Spirits

Elder John teaches us the same thing 1 Jn 4:1-3

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
  but test the spirits, whether they are
  of God; because many false prophets
  have gone out into the world.
  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every
  spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has
  come in the flesh is of God,  and every spirit
  that does not confess that Jesus Christ has
  come in the flesh is not of God. And this is
  the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have
  heard was coming, and is now already in the
  world.”- John (1 Jn 4:1-3 )

There is a need for Christians to judge and discern if a Spirit is indeed from Christ. But how do we discern? What is the basis for our judgement? Should we believe them just because they come in the name if Jesus? What was John talking about?

What John was talking about in 1 Jn 4:2. In his time there were people who claim that Jesus Christ is not from God. They do not believe it because in their opinion, the Holy God will never take the form of an unholy body. They believed that the body is sinful and unclean, capable of sinning and vulnerable. They questioned whether God will stay in a body that is prone to sin. 

While today this problem no longer exists as most Christians believe that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh. But during the time of John there were some who regarded Jesus as a mere illusion, even though he appeared as human but he is not a man. They went one step further to say that he came in the form of man but without a physical body.

Sometimes this debate carried on into modern day Christianity.

So how should we discern the Spirit? Is it as simple as asking, “Do you confess that Jesus had come in the flesh?”. If we do so, is that not childish? If a man wants to deceive you, will he answer truthfully? Perhaps he may confess, but he may be an anti Christ in disguise. 

We tend to picture the devil as ugly and scary. But Paul tells us

“For such are false apostles, deceitful
  workers, transforming themselves into
  apostles of Christ.  And no wonder! For
  Satan himself transforms himself into an
  angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing
  if his ministers also transform themselves
  into ministers of righteousness, whose end
  will be according to their works.”- Paul( 2 Cor 11:13-15)

Let us not be surprised that the devil can disguise himself as an apostle. They can even manifest the power of the apostles, to heal the sick and cast our demons. These are things that many cannot do.  

The Corinthians saw their miracles and believed that these people are the apostles. But Paul warned them that Satan can come as an angel of light. In the same way, his servants can pretend to be ministers of righteousness. They will be able to heal the sick, cast out demons  making others believe in them. If these ministers can perform miracles, but not teach the truth. Then it is a huge problem. That is why I would like to side-track a bit and discuss the following question.

Is the Holy Spirit Here To Perform Miracles Only?

The Holy Spirit has the power to heal the sick and cast out demons. But that is not his main purpose. In the same manner, Jesus can perform these miracles, but his sole purpose on earth is not to heal the sick and to cast out demons.

That is why when many came to Jesus with their sick and demon possessed, Jesus left them and went somewhere else to preach the gospel.  For that is his true purpose why he was on earth. The Holy Spirit had the power to heal the sick and cast out demons. But according to the Pneumatology of Christ, his greatest duty is to lead Christians into all truth. That is why we need to discern what is truth and what is not

If we examine the words of John carefully in 1 Jn 4:2-3. He tells us to examine the Spirit and not the man. John is indeed wise and watchful for he knows that man can choose to be deceptive.  They can disguise themselves as a minister of righteousness and deceive you. They can even profess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, but yet the spirit of the antichrist is within him.

That is why he tells us not to examine what is external but look into his spirit. Let us examine a man base on his way of life and what he does. Let us judge if he had indeed led his life according to the teaching of Christ. Let us ask questions such as “Did he submit to the truth? Has he truly repented?” that is how we can discern between what’s real and what’s false.

That is why John taught this

“We are of God. He who knows
  God hears us; he who is not of
  God does not hear us. By this we
  know the spirit of truth and the
  spirit of error.” – John (1 Jn 4:6)

Only those who are of God will listen to the words of God. Those who are not of God will not listen. That is how we differentiate between the Spirit of  truth and Spirit of error. Ultimately, it is the truth that will help us discern the Spirit, if one indeed receive the Holy Spirit, he will be moved by the Spirit and submit to the words of God. For the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth

The Spirit of Truth will never go against the truth, but the Spirit of error will. The Spirit of Error will only pay lip service, but his actions will truly reveal who he is.

Conclusion

Truth will always be true forever. Falsehood can pretend for the moment by that façade will disappear eventually. The Chinese had a saying 驴要知马力，日久见人心. If you ride a horse for a while, you will discover its strength, if you observe a man for a while, you will understand his heart.

Let us not believe in every spirit, but let us test the Spirit. For many false prophets had gone out into the world. We need to observe their Spirit, we need to discern them, then we can differentiate between the Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error.

If we are not familiar with the words of God, we would end up not following man blindly without discernment. We will be deceived by his outward appearance,  and we would not be able to tell if his actions are against the truth.

Let us start by having a basic understanding of the scriptures. Let the word of God dwell richly within us. Let us be doers not hearers. Let us not just learn bits and pieces from various sermon speaker, but aspire to go forward and read the word of God ourselves. Let us allow it to dwell richly within us, then we could use the word of God to help us discern the Spirit.