El Month Vietnamese SDA Church

     It is needless to say that alcoholism is a major problem in America today.  It has been noted to be a factor in at least half of the country's suicides, murders, and accidents.  Yet, drinking is socially acceptable in America as long as we "drink responsibly."  Even among Christian circles, it seems many churches take a position of moderation on this issue. Some people have gone so far to say that alcohol is a medical, not moral issue.

     However, what does the Bible say on this issue?  Let's take a look at a few verses:

Leviticus 10:8-11 - Then the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying: "Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean, and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them by the hand of Moses."

Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Proverbs 23:31-33 - Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things.

Proverbs 31:4-5 - It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

1 Timothy 3:2-3 - A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous

     In light of these verses, how can the Bible commend wine as good and also condemn it as bad?  Can God recommend the moderate use of wine, while knowing fully its bad effects on people?

     Some people will try to defend the moderate use of wine citing Jesus' miracle of turning water to wine in Cana (John 2:1-11) and when He drank wine with His disciples at communion (Matthew 26:27-29).  However, do you think Jesus would promote alcoholism at a wedding feast by making several gallons of alcoholic wine?  Would Jesus choose alcoholic wine, with its ill effects on the body and the mind, to symbolize His precious pure blood to cleanse us of our sins?  I would suggest in these cases, Jesus turned water into grape juice and also drank grape juice with His disciples at communion.  Wouldn't a sweet, refreshing drink be something Jesus would give instead of alcoholic wine?  Wouldn't grape juice, squeezed from grapes in a vineyard (Deuteronomy 32:14) be a better symbol for Jesus' blood than alcoholic wine?

     I would like to suggest that the Bible actually promotes abstinence from alcoholic wine, not moderation.  Furthermore, I would like you to consider the possibility that all the negative verses in the Bible wine refer to alcoholic wine and all the positive verses refer to unfermented grape juice.

     Whether or not you drink alcohol, I invite you to study this issue for yourself and see what the Bible says.  Does the Word of God support moderation or complete abstinence?  You may find that perhaps that one drink might be a bigger deal than you initially thought.

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." --Thomas Jefferson

     This is an old favorite quote of mine when I was young.  I had not thought of it for many years until I went to the Garden of Gethsemane in Israel.  In the midst of the garden were several gnarled olive trees.  Our tour guide explained to us that that these trees were over 2000 years and were the very same trees Jesus saw in His days on earth.  The tour guide went on and pointed out that the Romans chopped the olive trees down and set them on fire to try to destroy them.  However, the Romans failed as the roots of the trees were too deep.  In fact, new living branches were growing out of old stumps as I listened to the tour guide's story.

     The tour guide also shared that olive trees must have survived the great flood in the time of Noah as the dove Noah sent out to see if the flood water receded brought back a freshly plucked olive leaf (Genesis 8:11).

     I have to tell you I was struck by the unbelievable resilience of those olive trees.  To be able to survive things like cataclysmic flood waters, getting chopped down to the trunk, and even being set on fire.  Not even just survive, but to be able to thrive thousands of years later?

     Listening to these stories about the olives trees in Gethsemane made me remember that old Jefferson quote.  For some reason, at that moment, I imagined myself in a flowing river.  Could I stand tall and firm like a rock in the middle of the river?  If I faced adverse conditions, could I stick to my Christian principles and stay true to God?  If I faced a torrent of adversity, would I be able to stand my ground or be carried away by popular opinion?

     As I looked upon those craggly olive trees, I pondered how despite everything, they persevered and were able to stand still.  The only reason they were able to stand was because their roots grew so deeply.  These olive trees made me think of my relationship with God.  Do I have a deep-rooted relationship with God that I always turn to Him first for everything, whether in praise during the good times or in sorrow or comfort during the bad times?  Do I look to Him as my Rock to keep me on firm ground no matter what fiery trials or struggles I contend with in this life?  Am I always looking to grow spiritually each day and not merely survive as a Christian, but to thrive and share the Gospel?

     As our tour group walked away to the next site, I look back at those olive trees one last time, thanking God for the silent lessons I just learned.

     When people at my church began organizing for a March 2012 trip to Israel last year, I have to admit I was not to excited about it.  The trip was rather expensive.  Could I afford to go?  After all, I still had a mortgage and student loans to pay, amongst other bills.  Do I really want to go on a 17-hour flight, fight jet lag, then come back the day before I have to go to work, and fight jet lag again?  There were all sorts of reasons running through my head as to why I shouldn't go to Israel, but something kept telling me I should go.  Something was telling me that this was an experience I did not want to miss.  So, I decided to go.

     It must have been divine providence that our tour guide Yehuda is a Messianic Jew!  He was able to share with us insights into Jewish culture and thinking, while showing how everything pointed to Jesus Christ.  We also had an amazing bus driver Samar who was able to drive us through the narrowest streets and safely take us to each site.

     In this trip, I had so many amazing experiences.  I stood on top of Mount Carmel where Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal.  I tasted the sweet grape juice of Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into unfermented wine.  I traveled across the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm.  I walked along the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and witnessed my brothers and sisters in Christ get re-baptized.  I prayed at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed.  I re-traced Jesus' steps to His crucifixion.  I went to the area of Golgotha and partook in Communion at the Garden Tomb and celebrated Jesus' triumphant resurrection.

     I have to tell you that I thank God so much that I went on this trip.  I saw passages in the Bible come alive before my eyes, to see parts of Scripture I previously took for granted in a new light.  Being able to see the gates of Jerusalem and where the temple used has made me be able to understand the sanctuary so much more.  This trip has renewed my desire to study the Bible more indepthly daily and inspired me to share with others what I have seen and heard.

     I will treasure these memories and experiences of my trip for the rest of my life.  I would recommend any Christian to go to Israel at least once - it may change your life.

     A few months ago, I was reading an interesting article in an issue of National Geographic magazine.  It discussed the plight of the tigers, majestic creatures now threatened with extinction.  The writer of the article lamented that the nature preserves and natural habitats of the tiger could be saved if only the local government and people would be willing to put in the effort to save the tigers.  There would be some short term opportunity costs, but in the the long run, the tigers would be saved and given the chance, even thrive once again.  We have the means, but do we have the will to save the tigers?

     For some reason, the question the writer asks resonated with me.  If we do nothing, the tigers may come to the brink of extinction.  We can do something if we are willing to work together to save the tigers.  It would not be easy, as saving the tigers would bristle against other economic interests, but isn't the cause worth it?

     As a Christian, I have the means to save the souls of those around me, but do I have the will?  Have I done missionary work?  Have I donated to missionary work?  Have I gone door-to-door selling religious pamphlets?  Have I gone into the community to share small tracts that shed light on the truth of the Word of God?  Have I lived a life that others can clearly see Christ in me?   Have I invited people to go to my church?  Have I shared the testimony of the reason of the hope I have in me with anyone?  Have I even tried sharing the Gospel message with non-believing family and friends?

     Salvation is not for a select few - it is offered to everyone.  Have you done your part in getting the word out?  If you do nothing, souls will be lost forever.  You may suffer some embarrassment, rejection, or even outright hostility for your efforts, but isn't the cause worth it? 

     You have the means, but do you have the will?

Bible verses to consider:

• Matthew 28:19-20
• 2 Corinthians 6:2
• Ezekiel 33:1-11

     I was talking to a friend the other day, reminiscing about old times from our youth.  He ask me if I remembered this song from almost 20 years ago and hummed the hook of the song.  Surprisingly, I recalled the song and could hear it in my mind like I just heard it yesterday.

     Later in the evening, I looked up the song online just for fun to watch the music video and find the lyrics.  I was a bit shocked to see how trashy the lyrics of that song were.  There were ideas promoted in that song that if I heard in a similar song today on the radio, I would immediately tune to another station.  Yet, that song with its catchy beat and trashy lyrics was in my mind for almost 20 years.

     Does it matter what kind of music you listen to?  In my time, I can say I have listened to almost every kind of genre music has to offer.  When I was very young, I listened to rock & roll and heavy metal music.  When I was in my teens, I started gravitating towards rap music, when "gangsta rap" was in its heyday.  When I was in college I listened to punk and alternative music.  When I was in grad school, I listened to techno and dance music.  Somewhere in between, I even checked out country and jazz.

     I dug up some old mixtapes and audio CDs from back in the day and listened to them.  (It did take me some time to find a tape player, though.)  I was astonished at the kind of music I used to like.  Even more shocking was that like the song my friend asked me about, I could recall the beat and lyrics of most of those songs so quickly after only hearing a small portion of each song.

     It is amazing and at the same time how music can affect your mind.  There have been reports from police that some youths involved in gangs will psyche themselves up before a drive-by shooting by listening to hardcore rap music.  It is possible that music can have an influence on your actions and thinking?

     It seems that music has the power to penetrate your mind's defenses and burrow itself right into your memory.  Does it matter what kind of music you listen to?  Your ears may be under a sonic assault and you may not even know it.  Have you paid attention to the lyrics of your favorite songs?

     I had written before that not even "Christian music" is safe.  An American author once wrote, "Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated.  There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing.  The senses of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions.  And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. …No encouragement should be given to this kind of worship.  …Satan will make music a snare by the way in which it is conducted."

     I ask you to consider your music.  I do not believe music is a neutral thing.  It can draw you closer to God or it can even lead you away if you are not careful. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does this music help me appreciate God and His law?
• Does this music cause my body to maintain the laws that govern it?  (Think about music that raises your heart rate or blood pressure, or puts your mind in a twitter.)
• Does this music inspire me to be obedient to God's Word and live by every word of it?
• Does this music help me be determiend to be prepared for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
• Does this music cause my mind to dwell on heavenly holy things?
• Does this music increase my desire for Bible study and deep heart-searching prayer?

     I cannot judge you on this issue, considering what I have listened to in the past myself.  However, I can tell you that I no longer will blindly let my ears be subject to sonic assault.  What will you do?

Bible verses to consider:

• Philippians 4:8
  

     The presents have been opened.  The celebration and reveling is over.  Empty wine bottles and beer cans litter the ground along with all that tinsel.  Sure, the party was a blast while it lasted.  You had a great time the night before, but how do you feel today?

     Are you thinking about making resolutions again for this new year?  Get in better shape?  Travel somewhere exotic?  Experience new exciting things that you never tried before?  Find that ever-so-elusive perfect partner and be in a serious relationship?  What about last year's resolutions?

     Despite all the drinking, partying, traveling to interesting places, doing all the fun things you have done in the past year, do you still feel empty inside?  Do you feel that no matter what you try to occupy yourself with at the moment, no matter all the things you did that you can say you lived life to the fullest in the eyes of the world, that there are only a temporary fix that makes you forget that empy feeling for only a brief moment?

     If you are a Christian, don't think that you're immune to these questions that I am asking you.  These questions are pointed at you and non-believers alike.  If you a Christian, do you still feel empty inside?  You go to church every week, dutifully sing the praise songs, and patiently listen to the sermons, but you feel that you are not growing at all spiritually?  Do you feel that you are playing the role of a "good Christian" on the outside, but you feel dead and hollow on the inside still?

     Friend, I tell you, regardless of your background, what you've done or not done, there is an answer to that emptiness.  You've chased all the pleasures the world has offered, but you have failed to fill that void inside of you.  What you need for this year is Jesus.

     You might be scoffing at me if you are an unbeliever, or rolling your eyes if you are already a Christian.  "Whatever, don't preach to me," an unbeliever might answer.  "You're preaching to the choir - I already know about Jesus, a Christian might reply.

     Friend, if you are an atheist, agnostic, or otherwise an unbeliever, I am not talking down to you.  I am asking you to consider an alternative you may have not given serious thought before.  Perhaps you never gave Jesus a chance before because hippocrite Christians or angry atheists turned you off on Christianity.  Well, forget them all for just this moment.

     Friend, if you a Christian who only knows about Jesus, I am asking you if you know Jesus.  Intellectual assent to truth is not the same thing as a vibrant faith.  Superficial good works is nothing compared to good works coming as a result of a living faith. 

     Jesus is Life.  He gave His life and died for us, just so that we could have a chance to life it fully, to live it the way God intended for us to live.  If you want to fill that emptiness with something permanent and lasting, you need to know Jesus.

     How can you know Jesus for yourself?  I invite you to pick up a Bible and read it for yourself just this once.  No preconceived notions, no biases, just come in with a clean slate.  You don't have to read it from beginning to end.  I only ask you to read one book - the book of John in the New Testament.  It is right after the book of Luke and just before the book of Acts.

     If you read the book of John, and you think I am full of it, that's okay.  You can't say I preached down to you - I only asked you to read something.  If you like what you read, I would say go back and read the three books preceding John: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. 

     Even if you a Christian, if you took the time to slowly read the book of John again and pray to God for more understanding, you might be surprised to find things in the book you didn't catch before.  Perhaps you may see some of those old, familiar stories in a brand new light.  When you read the book of John, you may be surprised to feel something stirring inside you spiritually again.  Something you thought was dead, but was actually dormant this whole time.

     If your interest is piqued, and you want to learn more about Jesus and where to go from here, feel free to stop by our church.  You don't even have to come to the morning service.  I won't force you to sing songs or listen to sermons.  You can come by in the afternoon and say just hi and hang out.  Find one of the youth leaders and let them know what you're interested in knowing about.  They're all friendly folk.  They even offer free Bible studies to anyone interested.

     If you only make one resolution this new year, take the time to know Jesus.  You may be surprised by what may come.  No matter what you decide to do, I wish you all the best.  God bless, and may this year be a good one for you

Books to consider:

• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John
  

     I was driving with a non-Christian friend to go to the movies a few months ago and I happened to have the radio tuned to a local Christian music station.  This normally wouldn't be a big deal or anything, but after four songs played on that station, Laura Story's "Mighty to Save" started to play.  My friend then turned to me and said, "Oh, you have it on the Christian station?  I didn't even realize it."

     My friend's statement struck me and stayed with me the rest of the day for some reason.  He listens only to rock music, and the four previous songs by "Christian rock" bands sounded pretty similar to what he was accustomed to listening, although the lyrics were obviously different.

     Ever since that day, I started to think about Christian music versus secular music.  Christian music is supposed to be more uplifting and have you to focus your attention upon God, whereas secular music (especially certain genres) tend to focus attention on self.  When I started to critically analyze the music on the Christian music station, I found that a lot more songs had more of a harder edge to them in recent times than when I first started listening a couple of years ago.

     At the last Harvest Crusade at Angels' Stadium, some of my Christians friends who attended couldn't handle the music being played.  They felt that they were in a rock concert, with all the drums and bass guitar riffs being blasted out the speakers.

     A couple of weeks ago, the praise team incorporated a trap set (the drum set with snare and cymbals) into their praise songs.  The trap set overpowered both the piano and the praise singers in my opinion, and I felt very uncomfortable listening to the music being played.  I even had difficulty raising my voice to sing along.  We were supposed to be singing songs praising God, but the music just didn't seem appropriate to me for such a task.

     I know I am rambling a bit at this point, but the point is that it seems to me that Christian music is increasingly emulating the styles of wordly secular music.  I just want you to think about Christian music versus secular music for the next week and where do you fall in all of this.  What kind of music do you listen to?  Do you find this possible trend in Christian music disturbing?  Is this subject even a big deal? I will delve into this topic again next time, but I will leave you with a skit that briefly touches upon this issue:

NOTW

     Have friends ever told you stories of tough situations they have gotten themselves in and they finish their stories by yelling out "(Forget) my life!" in exacerbation?  Perhaps you have found yourself going through difficult trials in life and you feel like screaming out the same thing?  In fact, I am told there is a website where people can post their horror stories online for other people to read and think to themselves, "Yeah, that person's life really sucks at the moment."

     The reason I bring this subject up today is that I have noticed recently (at least with the people I know) there is a feeling that there is not much to be thankful for nowadays.  Do any of the following complaints sound familiar to you?

     "My work schedule stinks!  Why is the boss being so unfair?"

     "I couldn't get that (electronic device) I wanted during Black Friday!"

     "Why can't my boyfriend/girlfriend do things my way?"

     "My boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with me!  My Christmas plans are ruined!"

     "I'm tired of driving my old crappy car!  I want a nice ride like my friends!"

     "I can't stand how my house looks right now and people are coming over for the holidays!"

     Now, I am not trying to dismiss any of these complaints as irrelevant and I recognize that people may get into some situations where life is legitimately hard on them.  I am just saying that it seems to me that we spend too much time focusing on the negatives in our life - what went wrong, what didn't happen, what we don't have.

     I read in a magazine article the other day that if you have a job (no matter how menial), a car (even an old beat-up used on), a bank account (regardless of how little the amount), and a place to go home to sleep at night, you are among the top 10% richest people in the world!  Can you imagine that?  There are so many people in the world starving and struggling to survive the day that I feel ashamed about complaining about my lot in life when I think of them.

     You may not realize it, but God has blessed you a lot in your life.  You just have to stop and think about it for a moment.  The little things you have - living in a free country, being able to take a shower, having food to eat, a home to go to, even the ability to walk and run - these things are all blessings from God!

     I know it's hard to be thankful during difficult times, but consider the Apostle Paul.  For his conviction in Jesus Christ, he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, suffered pangs of hunger and thirst, his life threatened numerous times among other things.  Yet, he exhorts us to thank God without ceasing!  I am astonished that throughout all the trials Paul went through, he still had so much to be thankful to God for!

     I am no better than anyone else.  When I go through difficult times, I find it hard to be thankful.  However, I pray daily now and thank God for all the things He has done for me and ask for the strength to keep my eyes on Jesus even in the most troublesome and painful times and still be able to thank Him like Paul did in the past.  I invite you to do the same in your own life.

     We need to reinterpret the FML acronym.  Whenever you feel tempted to shout out "(Forget) my life!", just pray "Forgive me, Lord.  There is so much I have to be thankful for."

Bible verses to consider:

• Ephesians 5:20
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Romans 1:21
• Psalms 69:30
• 1 Chronicles 16:34

     Is it okay for Christians to get tattoos?  This is a question I have seen come up among young Christians on and off over the years.  I remember when I was younger, I thought if I were to get a tattoo, it might be kind of cool to get a tattoo of barbed wire around my bicep.  However, I never got that tattoo.

     Many Christians have studied the Bible trying to find what the Bible says on this issue.  Those who are against Christians getting tattoos cite Leviticus 19:28 - "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord."  In ancient times, tattoos were part of pagan ceremonies.  Opponents of tattoos therefore argue why should Christians continue in an anciet pagan practice God has expressly forbidden?

     However, proponents of tattoos have argued that there is no prohibition in the New Testament against tattoos.  Moreover, they argue that tattoos were part of "Old Covenant" laws now made obsolete in the "New Covenant" era.  In their estimation, Christians are now free to get tattoos if they wish, as long as the tattoos are gotten with good intentions.  (For example, if a young man decided to get a tattoo of a cross or a particular Bible verse to honor God, rather than get a tattoo out of rebellion against his conservative parents.)

     While I have seen many nice-looking tattoos on people, some which might even be considered beautiful art if displayed in a museum, would we really be honoring God if we got a "tasteful" tattoo with the best of intentions?  Even if we are living in the "New Covenant era," are tattoos appropriate for Christian today? 

     (For the record, I reject the Old/New Covenant argument used by proponents of tattoos.  I believe people who use the Old/New Covenant argument do not fully understand the historical and experiential applications of the Old and New Covenants, but that is a discussion for another time.)

     If I decided to paint a stylistic flaming skull on the side of a church, people would be outraged that defaced that church.  Even if I painted a cross or a Bible verse on the side of a church, there would be many people who still would believe that defaced that church.  Paul the Apostle argued in his first epistle to the Corinthian church that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.  He argues that our bodies are not our own to do as we please, but actually belong to God.  Therefore, we must honor God with our bodies.  If we wouldn't paint images and symbols on the church, why should we permanent etch images and symboles into our own bodies? 

     In addition, God's people are called to be an example to others.  Wouldn't a Christian (even though his or her individual faith may be strong) with tattoos send mixed messages to those around him or her?

     If you are considering whether or not to get a tattoo, ask yourself this - are you truly honoring God with this act?  Remember, you are God's own creation.  God wants to write His laws on our hearts, not on our skin.

Bible verses to consider:

• Psalms 139:14
• Romans 12:1
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• 1 Peter 2:9

     I heard a story recently about an evangelist traveling to different college campuses and asking college students some moral and ethical questions.  He would start off with the following scenario:

     "Back in the days of Nazi Germany, the Nazis would shoot all the Jews and throw their bodies into large holes or ditches.  The Nazis would then bring in bulldozers to bury the Jews, some of who were yet still alive.  If you were living in those times and a Nazi soldier put a gun into your head and demanded that you drive a bulldozer to bury those Jews or else he would shoot you dead, what would you do?  Some of those Jews were dead, some of those Jews may still be alive, but you don't know for sure.  Would you bury those Jews?"

     Pretty much all the college students would be horrified by the story and the prospect of possibly burying someone alive, and they all would proclaim with righteous indignation that they would rather die then go through with such an act.  Then the evangelist would drop a bombshell on them and ask, "So, how do you feel about abortion?"

     Abortion is a controversial issue facing modern society for several decades now.  Abortion is defined as a surgical method for terminating a pregnancy, especially within the first six months.  Abortion is different from contraception, which would be defined as a method of preventing a pregnancy in the first place, which is  a whole other issue.  Abortion is an especially difficult dilemma in that how do we protect the sanctity of prenatal life and balance that with women's personal freedom to choose what they want do do with their bodies?  Where should Christians stand on this issue?

     Have you given this issue much thought?  Is it a bit simplistic to say that you are "pro-choice" or "pro-life" and leave it at that?  If you are "pro-life," have you given any thoughts to the prenatal lives that are thoughtless discarded because women decided to have abortions as a matter of convenience, a form of contraception, or even because they did not like the gender of the fetus?  If you are "pro-life," have you given any thoughts to the difficult situations where a woman's life is threatened if she goes through with the pregnancy, if the fetus has been diagnosed with severe congenital disorders/defects, or in cases of rape or incest?

     Despite where your personal beliefs on this issue lie, you need to realize that abortions are not insignificant events.  We should never condone abortions wholeheartedly for just any reason.  Abortions should only be considered in the most serious of situations. 

     As Christians, we should not condemn those individuals who are personally struggling with this tragic issue.  We should offer comfort and moral support, and pray with these individuals for guidance from the Holy Spirit on the best course to take.

     In the end, the pregnant woman who has to choose whether or not to have an abortion.  Whatever decision she makes, let her do so after appropriate consultation, medically and Biblically.

     If anything, the evangelist's story made me think about this issue and also made me realize I have never given it much thought before.  I definitely have to go back to the Bible and prayerfully study, asking God for wisdom on this issue.  I invite you to do the same.

Bible verses to consider:

• Acts 17:28
• Galatians 6:1-2
• 1 John 3:17
• Romans 12:2
• Revelation 12:11