We often celebrate Christmas by speaking of "peace" and "joy", and the reality of God with us. But sometime around May, when Christmas seems far away, how real is God? Is He with us? When we read of unrest more than peace, it does seem like a fight to believe that God is at work in our world and in our lives. The Psalms are full of such groanings, and Christians are both optimistic (because we know of a future hope) and realistic (because we understand the reality of sin). And we know that we can take all these things to God in prayer.
This week our neighbours to the north go to the polls. Even as Singapore continues to talk about leadership succession and new policies to build up our society, let's not also forget about the peace and stability of our neighbours and our region.
There were lots of surprising events in world news this week. North and South Korean leaders met and spoke of peace between the 2 nations, and the North has also spoke of plans to close nuclear sites. In the US, a 40 year manhunt for a serial killer seemed to finally come to a close. We thank God for these tiny respites of peace and justice in a world that so desperately needs it, but we are reminded that this world is still so broken, and still groaning and waiting for a complete and full redemption.
There is much confusion outside the church and also within the church about God’s design for gender. Too often we subject ourselves to cultural norms, either in the secular sense, or also within the church. It is important to wrestle with what the Bible says.
This week, we are led to think about political systems and peace. Global leaders continue to meet and discuss the situation in North Korea. At the same time, our neighbours up north are planning an upcoming election. In Singapore, our government is planning a round of Cabinet reshuffle, and continue to look into means to address social inequity. As Christians living in this world, how can we also pray for it while remembering that this place is not our home?
This week, we read of attacks on the chemical stores in Syria. There are people whose lives have been and continue to be affected by the ongoing strife in this nation. At the same time, Facebook continues to be in hot soup about their way of handling the data of their users. Back home, we read of the potential renewing of leaders of our nation. How can we deal with these issues as Christians?
To help us understand Nahum, we need to understand the historical context and genre. Nahum is one of the 12 Minor prophets, so called not because these books are unimportant, but because they are short. Even in Jesus’ time, these books were read together/read as a group.
Dear Christian, do you believe that God is in control over all parts of the world, including trade tariffs, cybersecurity and even local elections?
This week we are once again reminded of the need to pray for leaders all over the world. From Spain to New Zealand and even on our shores, good leaders who are wise enough to make good policies are important not only to ensure peace, but also for flourishing.
In Jer 29:7, God told the nation of Israel in exile to "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf". God intended for His people to live as citizens of a different kingdom but also as people that are rooted in and aware of the needs of their present times. As we read of the needs in our world, from cyber security breaches, to gun controls, to the sudden threats of accidents and fires, we realise that we too, live in a fallen world that is in need of God.
Do we recognise false doctrine when we come across it? It could be in that sermon that you heard last weekend. Or on the podcast that you listen to on the way to work. Or in a book by that bestselling Christian author. Are we able to recognise false teaching?
Most of us are busy people and do struggle with Bible reading. How can we have a meaningful time of Bible reading? Why should we do it?
