17 Dec 2023
In a recent trip overseas, I saw the 3D presentation of a massive waterfall in Terminal 2 of Changi airport. It was awesome in its realism. Without the door underneath it, no one would have guessed that it was just a moving image. So, the saying is true, you cannot believe your eyes.
We are in a world now that we cannot believe everything we see or hear. There was a time when photo evidences or audio recording are indisputable. Now it is not so. They can be fake, deep fake. How can we be sure anymore? We can’t and therefore the society becomes suspicious of everything. All of us will become increasingly isolated for fear of being scammed or harmed. What kind of world are we heading to?
Well, the bible tells us so. We are to hold on to the faith passed down. Do not go around seeking ‘new’ things, latest fad. Live a good moral life. Follow the teachings in the bible and do not be anxious. Trust in the Lord.
The problem with us is that we are too ‘curious’ for our own good. Jesus told us that nobody knows the time of His second coming, not even the Son of God. Yet, here we are trying to speculate. Is it even necessary. Or is it an excuse not to live the life of following God regardless?
Yes, we were told to watch out for indications. However, it is not to watch out for watch out sake. Not to become excited or to throw caution to the winds. Like those in the early church who proclaim that Christ was coming again, stopped work and laze around. The apostles rebuked such with great force. We, today, must not end up doing similar things.
Yes, we are happy that Christ is returning. But we better be sure that we are living lives that are worthy of the gospel. Let us not be complacent to think that we are safe because of teachings that say that you are ‘once saved always saved.’ Those teachings come from preachers who are interested in your resources, not your well-being.
Brothers and sisters, live well and prosper. Christ is definitely coming again, but till then stay dressed and prepare for action.
God bless,
In Christ’s service,
Barry Leong
在最近的一次海外行程,我在樟宜机场第二搭客大厅看见了3D演示的巨大瀑布。它的真实度真是太令人惊叹了。若不是底下的一道门,没有人会猜到这只是移动的影像。所以,俗语所说是真的,你不能相信你的眼睛。
我们现在正处在一个我们不能完全相信一切所见所闻的世界。曾几何时,照片证据或影像记录都是无可争辩的,现在却不是了。他们可以假造,精密的假造。我们如何可以再确信?我们不能,所以今天的社会已经对凡事都心存怀疑。我们所有的人将会因为害怕被欺骗或受伤害而越来越孤立。我们正进入什么样的世界?
是的,圣经是这样告诉我们的。我们要持守所传达下来的信仰。不要四处寻找“新的”事物、最新时尚。活出美好的道德生活,跟随圣经里的教导并且不要焦虑。要信靠主。
我们的问题是,对自己的利益太“好奇”了。耶稣告诉我们,没有人会知道祂再来的日子,连神子也不知道。然而,我们却在此尝试推测。这有必要吗?或者这只是不愿意不计一切跟随上帝的藉口?
是的,我们被告知要观察豫兆,然而,也不是为观望而观望。不要过于激动或将谨慎抛于脑后。就如当年在初期教会里那些宣告基督要再来的人,他们停止工作,懒散度日,使徒是极力的斥责这样的人。今天,我们必须结束作类似的事。
是的,我们很高兴基督要再来。但是我们最好也确定我们所活出的生命是与福音相称的。让我们不要因为有些教导说“一次得救就永远得救”,就自满的以为我们是安全的。这些教导是来自那些只对你的资源而不是福利有兴趣的传道者。
弟兄姐妹,要活得美好和强盛。基督一定会再来,但现在要开始装备妥当,准备行动。
上帝赐福,
在基督里服事的,
Barry Leong
(林秀娟会吏翻译)