10 - You vigorously deny the existence of thousands of gods claimed by other religions, but feel outraged when someone denies the existence of yours. 9 - You feel insulted and "dehumanized" when scientists say that people evolved from other life forms, but you have no problem with the Biblical claim that we were created from dirt. 8 - You laugh at polytheists, but you have no problem believing in a Triune God. 7 - Your face turns purple when you hear of the "atrocities" attributed to Allah, but you don't even flinch when hearing about how God/Jehovah slaughtered all the babies of Egypt in "Exodus" and ordered the elimination of entire ethnic groups in "Joshua" including women, children, and trees! 6 - You laugh at Hindu beliefs that deify humans, and Greek claims about gods sleeping with women, but you have no problem believing that the Holy Spirit impregnated Mary, who then gave birth to a man-god who got killed, came back to life and then ascended into the sky. 5 - You are willing to spend your life looking for little loopholes in the scientifically established age of Earth (few billion years), but you find nothing wrong with believing dates recorded by Bronze Age tribesmen sitting in their tents and guessing that Earth is a few generations old. 4 - You believe that the entire population of this planet with the exception of those who share your beliefs -- though excluding those in all rival sects - will spend Eternity in an infinite Hell of Suffering. And yet consider your religion the most "tolerant" and "loving." 3 - While modern science, history, geology, biology, and physics have failed to convince you otherwise, some idiot rolling around on the floor speaking in "tongues" may be all the evidence you need to "prove" Christianity. 2 - You define 0.01% as a "high success rate" when it comes to answered prayers. You consider that to be evidence that prayer works. And you think that the remaining 99.99% FAILURE was simply the will of God. 1 - You actually know a lot less than many atheists and agnostics do about the Bible, Christianity, and church history - but still call yourself a Christian. Now, how would you refute these claims? Or would you agree with them? At first glance it does indeed seem true. Write something similar of other religions and get killed. Is this fair? Joel.

Ever wondered why some people can be so naturally charismatic around others, or are people-magnets, or don't happen to have problems talking to complete strangers at all. Yet others seem so stuffy or stuck up when approached and are actually in no mood to converse.

It all boils down to our levels of confidence. Why we act differently around our close friends compared to strangers. Singaporeans generally appear aloof and cold, and somewhat distanced from others. We're too comfortable in our own zones, to be exact. Which is a sad thing indeed. If we don't befriend strangers, talk to them, show them God's love/shine God's light then HOW WILL THEY EVER SEE GOD?

On Thursday I was asked why my MSN nickname was "Holy discontent and being salty! Catch the vision and be aligned". A great opportunity to share, to people whom I have known in less than a month. That's one of the ways we can actually talk to others! This society thrives on extroversion, not introversion. We need to be proactive, it is after all God's command to "go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit", not "wait for people of all nations to come to you and ask you how to receive God".

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

(Romans 10:11-15)

We are to be proactive, and filled with confidence and boldness. To boast in the Lord, our confidence. Gideon was a timid person, a coward, till he met with God. Moses did not dare to speak up against Pharaoh, but with God he became a powerful leader of the Israelites. Therefore Jeremiah says, "but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," decla res the LORD (Jeremiah 9:24)."

Confidence is instilled by God. We don't have to worry about our flaws, because naturally as humans we are flawed. God didn't care about what we were. He cares only about our heart towards Him. "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:27-31)

When we boast in the Lord, He makes us complete. And He loves us!

Joel.