revisit

it can be quite interesting to read past entries of your diary/blog. i just revisited some of the things i wrote in my previous blogs. i stand flabbergasted at the atrocities of the standard of my english language and expression then (1st blog - ajesusfreak). i actually squirmed while reading some of the things i wrote! haha.

my 2nd blog (whenhespeaks) saw an improved effort in attempt to write in proper sentences and less cheesy/childish/act-cute expressions. though blog 2 only survived for roughly 20 entries, there were several entries i posted that i think are noteworthy. in fact, i don't even think i am able to organize and elucidate my thoughts with such clarity and structure now. must be the army and its brainless activities taking its toll on me.

here's one penned down last April, almost a year back.


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Love one another, not irritate..
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Yet another victim of tactless evangelism.

Let me first establish my stand that this entry is not directing to anyone or an attempt to put down. I’m just stating my sincerest point of view towards this whole issue. I’m trying to prove nothing. Also, before I start, I feel the imperative to apologize on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ, to all of you guys who have been offended, pissed or had a bad experience with a pious Christian. I won’t deny that I was guilty of it and am still learning. Ultimately, we all meant well and because you are important enough to us we want to share good news with you. Though sometimes, it appears totally tactless and distasteful.

It is no doubt that it is God’s desire that all will turn from their own ways and return to the Father. This is the very purpose of God’s salvation plan, all driven by Love. Hence, God has called us as to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). I’m for the Great Commission. But, I believe God has a time for everything (Ecc 3:1).

It really pains me when friends tell me their bad experiences with Christians, hence causing them to be disdainful of Christianity.

Me: “Care to share with me what happened? Just curious..”

Friend 1: “Last time I was still in Primary School. I remember one fine day, I was on my way home. All of a sudden, a group of elder boys surrounded my at.. err.. I think its Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Can you imagine how scared I was as they were all towering and older than me. Then they started to tell me about church and God and all. I was really pissed and scared la. That’s why I don’t like when people come and tell me about God and all..”

Friend 2: “You don’t get offended ah Marcus. I really hate that science teacher la. Last time I think I was in Primary 6. My science teacher told my class that there was a science camp and invited all of us to attend. Me, liking science and all went for the camp. Ok la, there was a bit of science here and there. But guess what, a pastor actually came to preach to us during one of the nights. I tell you it really got me so turned off because I feel cheated by my teacher. Bluff us is science camp then in the end actually try to share God.”

Friend 3: “Aiyah. My friend from some church keep asking me to go church. Then tell me how my religion is false and that I will go to hell.. Whah lao.. Then they damn irritating lah..”

These are a few ‘testimonies’ that I’ve heard from my friends and there are so many more people out there who have same sentiments. I was just reading a popular Singaporean blog entry regarding a distasteful incident she had with a pastor and it sparked off many negative replies in her forum.

Yes, it’s the end times and we’ve to be more conscientious in sharing the gospel with our loved ones. But I don’t think arguing our way through and forcing it down our friends’ throats will work. In fact, it has proven to backfire, causing the gospel (good news) to become acts of “hypocrisy and rude infringement of rights”(sounds like bad news to me).

I think what Pastor said is really true. Our lives as Christians are the best testimonies to our friends and family. Who will believe you if you tell them God is good and you’re often seen spouting vulgarities or constantly worrying about issues. However, when we are strong in our relationship with our loving Daddy God, we inherit all the blessings He has for us and will also see an improvement in our character. These are the ‘Fruits’ of the Holy Spirit. A Fruit is an effect of knowing God’s perfect love and grace for us and not our own work. Knowing this Perfect Love casts out all fear (1john 4:18) and indeed transforms us. Then, the people around us will surely see God’s reality in our lives and will want to know our Almighty, yet full of love God. Sometimes even without us testifying.

In saying this, I’m not saying that young Christians or Christians still struggling with issues are therefore not qualified to talk about God’s goodness, because salvation is the greatest miracle and surely God has blessed us in one way or another. However, I think we should learn to be tactful and rely on God’s Grace rather than our talk. Sometimes, it gets so bad it sounds almost like ‘sales talk’ more than sharing a good God that is real and living in our lives. After all, it is God’s Grace that brings salvation. It is GOD that saves, not us. Also, since God has His own time for all things, if a person doesn’t respond well, at least it’s a seed planted. Perhaps one day, this seed will take root and God will work in their lives, regardless of whether or not it is you or me who leads him/her to Christ.

Also, I’m learning to learn the bible in context and not just take one particular verse to suit to whatever I want to know. It is very dangerous. In the same way, I’m also learning to be careful even when sharing with my friends.

I quote this girl from the forum, “evangelism is really one of the ugliest things on earth, in my opinion, and that incident you described is really one of the most tasteless I’ve heard.”

How sad. We as Christians should stop tarnishing and complicating the name of our Daddy God in heaven. In my opinion, it is really a profound yet simple relationship with God. I once blogged about this analogy. Evangelism to me is just like if I’ve watched a great movie, say ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ and I really enjoyed it. I’ll naturally tell my friend about it so that you, my friend can also get to enjoy the movie. (It’s just an example. Fit any movie you like to replace Spongebob Squarepants. Haha.) Simple.

I’m definitely not an expert in evangelism and Christianity. There are still so many things I don’t know and I’m in a process of learning and experiencing God daily. If there are somethings that I’ve said that is incorrect, or if I’ve contradicted myself, pardon me. I’m not trying to be philosophical anyway. I wrote this from the bottom of my heart with no intentions in mind. I just needed to pen down some of my thoughts. I hope you get my drift.

God loves me and knowing Him is a ever life-changing experience.



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1 year ago.
i said, 'God loves me and knowing Him is a ever life-changing experience.'

1 year later.
i say, '