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# Graceworks

Promoting relational transformation in church & society.

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## Posts

- [Wisdom Etched in Creation](https://graceworks.com.sg/wisdom-etched-in-creation/) - My eyes open as the first morning rays of sunlight stream into my room. I welcome their warmth like an embrace. An orchestra of birdsong fills my ears—the...
- [Five Words](https://graceworks.com.sg/five-words/) - As I enter my 70s it is a good time to reflect on things that are important to me. Here are five convictions that underlie my life and ministry. 1. Integration ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your
- [The Face of Our Faith](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-face-of-our-faith/) - I have been concerned for some time about the face the church shows to the world. If you were a non-Christian who follows churches on social media, you would conclude that the most important thing about the Christian faith is corporate worship. There would be gifted musicians, worship leaders, and preachers on the stage and
- [The Big Picture](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-big-picture/) - This Holy Week I encourage you to look at the big picture. And the big picture is this — Jesus has come and has taken all the sin, all the brokenness, all the tragedies, all the tears, and death upon His shoulders. He died. The terrible things will still be there for a while, but
- [Three Things I Liked](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-things-i-liked/) - A few Sundays ago, I was preaching at an independent Pentecostal church. There were three things I particularly appreciated about their corporate worship. 1. Preparation What struck me first was their emphasis on preparation. About 20 minutes before the formal worship began, the congregation was invited to prepare their hearts. During this time, a passage
- [Three Lessons from Houston](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-lessons-from-houston/) - We all bear the marks of those who discipled us. Here are three convictions I hold dearly because I was discipled by Dr James Houston (who passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 103), and nurtured by Regent College, the school he helped to start. No clergy-laity distinction In the New Testament,
- [A Church on God’s Mission](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-church-on-gods-mission/) - Why do Christians often view missionaries as superspiritual individuals but yet show little interest in the details of their work? Why is concern about missions frequently absent from church life, relegated to the occasional Missions Sunday or the job of a selected few with a “burden for missions”? Why are many Christians more interested in
- [Honesty in Communication](https://graceworks.com.sg/honesty-in-communication/) - Recently I spoke at a church that uses the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) as its main Bible translation. I believe they would have used the English Standard Version as an alternative. I have no problems with these translations and find them useful in many ways. But I’ve used the New International Version (NIV) 2011 as
- [You Love Ministry More Than Me](https://graceworks.com.sg/you-love-ministry-more-than-me/) - “Dad, you love ministry more than me.” Once, one of my children said that to me. Of course life is usually more complicated and resists being reduced to one statement. But, essentially, he was right. I graduated from theological college in my early 30s and began my church vocational ministry shortly after. I had
- [Wake Up!](https://graceworks.com.sg/wake-up/) - But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. — Amos 5:24 How awake are we even in our waking moments? The philosopher Maxine Greene coined the term “wide-awakeness” out of concern that modern life was becoming more impersonal and automated. She called for a greater consciousness and a fuller attention
- [Ambushed at the Supermarket](https://graceworks.com.sg/ambushed-at-the-supermarket/) - A few days ago, Bernice and I were at the supermarket. At this time of year, Chinese New Year music was playing, and suddenly I was gripped with melancholy. I thought of the many Chinese New Year family gatherings we used to have in our family home in Penang. Those were happy times when the
- [Friendship and Mutuality](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-and-mutuality/) - He paid for lunch. I jokingly asked him if lunch had exhausted his entertainment budget for the year. He said “no”, that he had paid for lunch out of his own pocket, not from some church budget. He wanted me to be clear that this lunch came from his pocket and from his heart. He
- [730 weeks](https://graceworks.com.sg/730-weeks/) - Yesterday morning a pastor friend messaged me to ask if I had followed up on a brother who had gone through very difficult and complex relational problems. I had walked with that brother for a while and wanted to follow up with him. I’m sure I told him that I would. More than a year
- [The Degree of Pain](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-degree-of-pain/) - They are very dear friends. I preached at their wedding ten years ago. But I preached at her funeral late November last year. Early one morning I received a message from him telling me that his wife was in a coma and it looked like she would not recover. They were in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
- [Significance in Our Later Years](https://graceworks.com.sg/significance-in-our-later-years/) - Is an 80-year-old person old? Are his or her best years behind him/her? When I first read the story of Moses and his mission to rescue his people from Egypt when he was 80, I assumed that he was an exception to the norm. It was a special case and Moses had been given special
- [Never Too Old](https://graceworks.com.sg/never-too-old/) - Does the road wind uphill all the way? Yes, to the very end. Will the day’s journey take the whole long day? From morn to night, my friend. (Christina Rossetti, 1861) I was planning to return to this column by writing some inspirational piece to begin the year. But like many I was blindsided by
- [Applying Lessons from the Four Exemplars to Senior Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/applying-lessons-from-the-four-exemplars-to-senior-life/) - By Dr Calvin Chong In my last commentary, I shared three significant points found in Luke’s description of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna. Here are some ways we can apply these lessons to our senior life. (1) Live to enjoy the presence of God. A common thread running through Luke’s account of the four aged seniors
- [Four Exemplars of Ageing Faith in the Gospel of Luke](https://graceworks.com.sg/four-exemplars-of-ageing-faith-in-the-gospel-of-luke/) - Dr Calvin Chong The Gospel of Luke is filled with accounts of the overlooked and underestimated in society—marginalised women (1:39–56; 7:36–50; 8:1–3), the poor and economically burdened (1:52–53; 4:18; 6:20–21), social outsiders (2:8–20; 5:12–16; 10:25–37; 17:11–19), moral failures and “sinners” (5:27–32; 7:36–50; 19:1–10), and those weighed down by sickness or spiritual oppression (4:31–41; 5:17–26; 8:26–39).
- [The Crook in My Lot: Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-crook-in-my-lot/) - What would you do if God chose to take away one of your children? Most of us hope never to face such a question. For a long time, I never imagined I would have to answer it myself. Yet, through unexpected sorrow, I discovered profound truths about God’s sovereignty and goodness. In January 2022, our
- [Youth, Meaning, and Mental Health in an Age of Anxiety](https://graceworks.com.sg/youth-meaning-and-mental-health-in-an-age-of-anxiety/) - “Meaningless! Meaningless! … Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV) That ancient refrain regularly resounds in modern consulting rooms. A Story of Confronting Death Recently, I met a young lady who by all outward measures was “doing well”. She was bright, successful in her career, married to a loving husband, and a mother to
- [Making Room for More](https://graceworks.com.sg/making-room-for-more/) - Karl grew up in a church with a vibrant youth ministry, which he was very happy to be part of. He had a small circle of three close friends who were always there for him—attending services together, praying together, going for meals together. But when their group “graduated” from youth and transitioned into the young
- [Riding Above the AI Wave: How the Church Can Respond](https://graceworks.com.sg/riding-above-the-ai-wave/) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) came to widespread public attention in 2022 with the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Since then, an explosion of companies (including Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and multiple startups) has launched their own version of generative AI. Today, AI is pervasive in workplaces—from performing administrative tasks such as transcribing minutes and data entry to more
- [Women can have it all!](https://graceworks.com.sg/women-can-have-it-all/) - “A woman can have it all, one thing at a time.” I learnt this adage at one of the lowest points in my life. As a stay-at-home mum (SAHM) with a baby and a toddler, I had neither domestic help nor parents and in-laws available to lend a hand. I experienced a moment of
- [The Filler Upper](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-filler-upper/) - This month, I had to be in Korea for my cousin's wedding, and some of my friends asked if I was going to do any fillers. (I didn’t!) Whatever I got done on my face—cheek filler, nose filler, jaw filler or the like—would merely be temporary. As time passed, age and weathering would still show
- [Rest in a Restless World](https://graceworks.com.sg/rest-in-a-restless-world/) - I recently finished reading a very interesting book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. In one of the chapters, “The Secret of the Easy Yoke”, he makes a reference to Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
- [Laughter and Endorphins](https://graceworks.com.sg/laughter-and-endorphins/) - I was teaching recently at a seminar in Indonesia. As usual, I tried to break the ice by beginning with a humorous story. No one laughed. Except maybe my interpreter. Later, I asked why. “You are a pastor,” I was told, “Pastors are supposed to be serious.” Really? In the early years of my
- [The Posture of Hospitality](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-posture-of-hospitality/) - The COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared by the World Health Organization in early 2020. [1] The suspending or limiting of activities not only brought panic and anger, but also highlighted the sense of loneliness and alienation that many people felt. Catholic theologian and priest Henri Nouwen describes this isolation and alienation as a “crying loneliness”
- [“Don’t Leave It as a Book”](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-leave-it-as-a-book/) - In preparation for our upcoming Sexual Assault Conference, I thought I would do well to revisit all that we had packed into the 344 pages of the book we published in 2023 on this very topic of Sexual Assault in the Church. I was humbled by the honesty of the narratives we captured within these
- [True Worship](https://graceworks.com.sg/true-worship/) - What does true worship look like? Often, this verse comes to mind when I think about worship: “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). But what does it mean, and how do we worship God in spirit and truth? A while ago, through a series of
- [Good-bye for now](https://graceworks.com.sg/good-bye-for-now/) - I have decided that I shall also take a sabbatical from this weekly e-column. I have been writing this column and its predecessors for more than 20 years now, not every week, but most weeks. It makes sense that a serious sabbatical should include my ceasing from this regular responsibility. One of the lessons
- [Taking a Sabbath](https://graceworks.com.sg/taking-a-sabbath/) - God’s timing is impeccable. My friend, Pastor Jason, asked me to preach at his church, Bartley Christian Church, this coming Sunday. He asked me some time ago. I now find myself preaching on sabbath as my last sermon before I start on my own sabbath in October. It’s a bit hard to take a sabbatical
- [Empathy](https://graceworks.com.sg/empathy/) - I remember the day my first wife died. Many came to offer their sympathies. I was somewhat in shock, but I remember that I was grateful. Then Pastor Lim Soon Hock came. He too had lost his first wife. He didn’t say much, just a few words of wisdom and care. But there was “I
- [Anger is Easy](https://graceworks.com.sg/anger-is-easy/) - This morning I woke up to learn that Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative Christian activist and commentator, had been fatally shot. (1) This should provoke horror and grief from all, whatever your political and theological leanings. A few days ago I read the below: One thing Turkle pointed out is that empathy is a complex
- [Days of Future Past](https://graceworks.com.sg/days-of-future-past/) - They laughed and yelled as they teased one another. They looked like a bunch of teenagers. Their average age: 50. Many were very senior in their chosen fields. For four days, they were just old friends, many of whom had not met up in a long time. Last weekend I had the joy of being
- [A New Creation](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-new-creation/) - I was having lunch with some friends when one of them turned to me and asked: “Why is it that there are so many non-Christians who behave more Christianly than many who identify as Christians?” This is a question that raises many more questions, and to answer it would involve content from a few books.
- [Regent Remembered](https://graceworks.com.sg/regent-remembered/) - I made a new friend recently. Alex Tso leads the Campus Evangelical Fellowship in Taiwan. We were both speaking at an IFES East Asia event and had connected. We discovered that we were both alumni of Regent College (Vancouver). Regent College alumni will know the joy of finding someone else who had spent time in
- [Helpless?](https://graceworks.com.sg/helpless/) - One of my readings this morning: Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right
- [The Object of Our Faith](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-object-of-our-faith/) - Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your
- [Retreats](https://graceworks.com.sg/retreats/) - As some of you may know I have phased out taking church camps from my ministry menu for now (read about it here). But I am open to taking some retreats for those in ministry. I have a burden for those on the front lines and if I can encourage them in some way, they
- [Wholistic Care](https://graceworks.com.sg/wholistic-care/) - I am always very touched when youth allow this grandpa to spend time with them. Last Sunday afternoon I had the privilege to share at Covenant Evangelical Free Church’s combined youth service held at their Woodlands campus. It was one of a number of sermons addressing the issue of mental health. The church was taking
- [Do Dogs Go to Heaven?](https://graceworks.com.sg/do-dogs-go-to-heaven/) - Do dogs go to heaven? We ask again because we just bade goodbye to Toffee — our canine companion, the doggy member of the family — on Tuesday night. I had just come back from a conference in Bangkok the day before. Bernice was on the way back from Melbourne, arriving home on Wednesday. I
- [Vacation or Sabbatical?](https://graceworks.com.sg/vacation-or-sabbatical/) - One of the subjects that I am often asked to speak on is vocational discernment — how we can get a better idea of what God may be calling us to do. I have also written a book on the topic, Discover Your Calling: The ABC of Vocational Discernment. Not surprisingly I often teach this
- [Do You Qualify to Be a Christian?](https://graceworks.com.sg/do-you-qualify-to-be-a-christian/) - I spent an intense but very meaningful weekend with the Petaling Jaya Evangelical Free Church in Selangor, Malaysia. I was one of the speakers at their Disciple Making Conference. The Lord had spoken to them five years ago that this was to be their focus going forward. At such conferences I usually take pains to
- [Growing People Relationally](https://graceworks.com.sg/growing-people-relationally/) - I am low-key excited about the launch of my next book, Growing People Relationally. Excited because the book deals with a subject that in many ways defines my ministry — spiritual mentoring. Low-key because I still struggle about inflicting another book on the world, and there are so many books on mentoring out there already.
- [New Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/new-life/) - Some of you will know that I have stopped taking church camps (https://graceworks.com.sg/no-church-camps-for-now/). You may be wondering why, then, am I still ministering at church camps. Well, the latest one I took, with the Centre of New Life (https://www.cnl.org.sg/), was one I had committed to three years ago. I still try to fulfil my commitments.
- [Pentecost and Presence](https://graceworks.com.sg/pentecost-and-presence/) - Last Sunday the church celebrated Pentecost Sunday. We commemorated the momentous event recorded in Acts 2 when God’s Spirit was poured out on all of God’s people who gathered in Jerusalem. We must remember that in the Old Covenant, the Spirit was only poured out on special people like prophets and kings, for special purposes.
- [Remembering Roy Bell](https://graceworks.com.sg/remembering-roy-bell/) - A few months ago I discovered that one of my lecturers when I was at Regent College, Dr Roy Bell, had passed away. I did my Master of Divinity (MDiv) there. It was jointly offered by Regent and Carey Hall, a Baptist College. Regent would offer more of the classic theological subjects and Carey more
- [Failure](https://graceworks.com.sg/failure/) - In my last visit to Petaling Jaya (Malaysia) I met up with an old college friend. We had not met up in person since college, about 48 years ago, though we had kept in touch over social media. We had both stayed in King Edward 7th Hall (KE Hall), a residential college for those in
- [Gratitude and Stewardship](https://graceworks.com.sg/gratitude-and-stewardship/) - I visited a friend in hospital yesterday and one of the things we talked about was the different stages of being old. Never knew this was a thing till recently. Here is how ChatGPT breaks it down: Young-old: Ages 65–74 * Often still active, possibly working, generally in good health. Middle-old: Ages
- [Friendship at the Heart of All We Do](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-at-the-heart-of-all-we-do/) - Last night someone asked us what Graceworks is all about. It gave me a chance to try a new tagline that has been on my mind the last few days: “Friendship — At the Heart of All We Do” Our mission statement from the word go was Promoting Spiritual Friendship in Church and
- [FIT Materials](https://graceworks.com.sg/fit-materials/) - A long, long time ago, a missionary from another land asked why we were trying to write Sunday School materials for the local context. After all, his country produced the best Sunday School materials in the world and we should just continue to use those. Well, this was a long time ago. I think the
- [Elections Season Again](https://graceworks.com.sg/elections-season-again/) - Whenever a general election approaches, whether in Singapore, Malaysia, the US, wherever, three thoughts normally come to mind. 1. First, all earthly leaders have clay feet. The giant statue in Daniel’s vision looked impressive (Daniel 2:31–45). In the end, however, regardless of whatever kingdoms the different parts of the statue may have represented, the
- [Ministering to the Young](https://graceworks.com.sg/ministering-to-the-young/) - What are some principles for ministering to young people? Recently I have been clearing out my books and of course I rediscovered some gems that I had forgotten about. One was Hear My Story (2003) by Dean Borgman. Although a bit dated it still contains much wisdom in the area of ministering to youth.
- [Thinking About Death](https://graceworks.com.sg/thinking-about-death/) - Sometimes I think of a dear friend and it hits me afresh that that friend has passed away. Although we know that in the end death comes to all of us, it’s not a truth that we really “know”. We live as though we will live forever unless a debilitating disease cripples us and brings
- [Slower Information](https://graceworks.com.sg/slower-information/) - Too busy to read books? Maybe that’s why you should. Most of us can empathise with Hugh McGuire when he writes: ... I found myself drowning in a flood of easy information. The internet — and all the lovely things on it ... — provides unlimited sources of delight at the touch of a finger.
- [Light in the Dark](https://graceworks.com.sg/light-in-the-dark/) - I was in an online prayer meeting with a group of Christian psychiatrists recently. They shared about difficult cases they were facing. Many shared about how they had done everything possible medically yet there was no breakthrough. Sometimes, attempts to treat someone only made them worse. The doctors shared their frustrations and their feelings of
- [Laurel Gasque](https://graceworks.com.sg/laurel-gasque/) - I was about to email Laurel Gasque to request an endorsement for a book on spiritual mentoring I am writing. But before I could, I received the following news from Susan, a common friend. A few hours ago Michelle Gasque went to visit her mother (her “mum” as she would say) and discovered she had
- [Age Differences](https://graceworks.com.sg/age-differences/) - “You mean a serial killer who accepts Christ at the last moment of his life gets to go to heaven, while a good person who helped many during her life goes to hell because she didn’t believe in Christ?” “And what about all those people who never had a chance to hear about Christ
- [On My 70th Birthday](https://graceworks.com.sg/on-my-70th-birthday/) - On my 70th birthday I did two things. First, I went to get a hearing test. I had done this before some years ago. At that time, the audiologist said, “Yes, your hearing is deteriorating but not to the extent to make it worthwhile to get hearing aids. They are expensive.” He told me that
- [Standing in My Heart](https://graceworks.com.sg/standing-in-my-heart/) - I was part of a worship conference some time ago. One of the speakers, I believe she was in her 70s, stood up and said that it was very tiring for seniors to stand for a long time while singing songs during worship services. I loudly said amen to that. We are from a generation
- [Humanly Speaking](https://graceworks.com.sg/humanly-speaking/) - “Humanly speaking we have no hope.” I did a ministry trip to his country recently and an old friend, a senior Christian leader in his nation, said the above. His country has suffered under an oppressive regime for some time now and there was no end in sight. Another leader that I met said they
- [Sage Advice](https://graceworks.com.sg/sage-advice/) - He was a young doctor, in his late 20s. I am close to 70. He was showing me around his town when he turned to me and asked, at my age, what advice would I give to someone his age? I paused for a while. I don’t usually get asked this. (Wonder why?) And I
- [A New Normal?](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-new-normal/) - I recently heard an excellent sermon on the call of Moses when he encountered God at a burning bush (Exodus 3:1–7). I have preached on this many times myself. For the longest time we have seen this call at age 80 as a special case. We expect that most people would receive their call earlier
- [The Power of Meals](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-power-of-meals/) - This year’s Chinese New Year family reunion dinner was special. We had the whole family together. The last time this happened was in 2020 in Penang. My mum was still with us. That was a special reunion dinner too for all sorts of reasons. But mum has gone ahead and is no longer with us.
- [Ambushed by the Power of Your Love](https://graceworks.com.sg/ambushed-by-the-power-of-your-love/) - Lord I come to You Let my heart be changed, renewed Flowing from the grace That I've found in You (1) Last weekend we sang “The Power of Your Love” during worship service. I was surprised that singing the song unleashed vivid memories and powerful feelings in me. Around the year 2000 I was part
- [In the Same Club](https://graceworks.com.sg/in-the-same-club/) - Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve. — Dr. Earl A. Grollman Yesterday (15 Jan) I met up with a friend for coffee. He lost his wife last
- [Ah, Look at All the Lonely People](https://graceworks.com.sg/ah-look-at-all-the-lonely-people/) - A recent article on the BBC website reinforced something that we have known for a while — that one can be lonely in a crowd. ... other people — counterintuitively — aren’t always the antidote to loneliness. They may even be part of the problem. In fact, we can just as easily be lonely in
- [A Time for Goodbyes](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-time-for-goodbyes/) - I had bought some of the books 40 years ago. Most of them I had not read for about 20 years. They were stored in our office. But the time had come to move to another relatively smaller office. Much of our stuff had to be discarded. That included many of my “stored books”.
- [Come to the Light](https://graceworks.com.sg/come-to-the-light/) - This morning I connected with a friend I hadn’t connected with for some time. I found out that he and his dear wife had lost two parents this year and one more is critically ill. I can’t even begin to imagine what their year has been like. Their news came in a year when I
- [Let’s Get Personal and Relational](https://graceworks.com.sg/lets-get-personal-and-relational/) - Bernice and I were catching up with two dear friends recently. Husband and wife, they were doing critical work for the Kingdom where the Lord had placed them. They were far from being luddites but one of the things we talked about was our shared concern that the young were spending more and more of
- [Five Loaves and Two Fish](https://graceworks.com.sg/five-loaves-and-two-fish/) - I have been noticing something strange. One of the joys of growing older is that you get to meet up with people whom you ministered to years ago; some, 20 or 30 years ago. In recent times I have met a few that I first tried to help a long time ago. They are
- [From Death to Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/from-death-to-life/) - I was privileged to witness a baptism service last Sunday. There were five baptismal candidates. The oldest was 61, the youngest 24. One spoke in Chinese, the rest in English. There were three men and two women. One was a limousine driver, one an undergraduate, one a banker, and two were homemakers. There were three
- [Kit Packer](https://graceworks.com.sg/kit-packer/) - I received with mixed feelings the news that ‘Kit’ Packer, widow of J I (Jim) Packer, had passed away on 12 November 2024. I was glad that she was now free of the messiness of this life and was receiving the fullness of life the Lord had in store for her in His presence. I
- [The Call to Vocational Church Ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-call-to-vocational-church-ministry/) - A church member approaches his/her church elders and says that he/she believes God has called him/her to vocational church ministry. How can church leaders decide if an individual is indeed called to that ministry? I prefer the term vocational church ministry rather than full-time ministry because all are called to serve God full-time but some
- [Responding Fully to God’s Call?](https://graceworks.com.sg/responding-fully-to-gods-call/) - Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those
- [Salt and Light](https://graceworks.com.sg/salt-and-light/) - Many years ago a Christian politician came to me almost in tears. He said that every year the church would ask all the missionaries to stand. Then the church would pray for them. But no one has ever asked those in public service to stand to receive prayer. Many in the church believe that only
- [Andrew](https://graceworks.com.sg/andrew/) - Today (October 31) is Halloween and Deepavali. It is also son Andrew’s birthday. I want to wish him Happy Birthday by pointing out one of his strengths — his capacity and commitment to make friends with all sorts of people; people of different races, different social backgrounds, different cultures, different ages, men and women, etc.
- [Training for Mentoring Young Adults](https://graceworks.com.sg/training-for-mentoring-young-adults/) - Do you or someone you know need training in how to mentor young adults? Graceworks will be running an event to do this on November 23. (Details below.) There has been a chorus of calls to mentor the upcoming generations. But what is the best way to empower them? Large gatherings are good at exciting
- [Exchange Stories, Not Cards](https://graceworks.com.sg/exchange-stories-not-cards/) - . . . we come to know ourselves and others through sharing the stories of our lives. (1) In my first meeting (Zoom) with Rob Loane and the late Randy Reese, leaders of Vantage Point3, I was asked to share a few stories that defined my life, before we talked business. We had met up
- [Crazy Grace](https://graceworks.com.sg/crazy-grace/) - Read Genesis 27 & 28 Jacob was a cheat. Guided by his mother, Jacob cheated his elder brother of his blessing by masquerading as his older brother to get the blessings from their father. Not a hint here that mother and younger son trusted God and His promises. Like many, they thought that the
- [Worship — Revelation before Response](https://graceworks.com.sg/worship-revelation-before-response/) - I was naughty and I gave the audience a trick question. I read out two passages that described an encounter between people and God. First, I read out the Isaiah 6:1–8 passage. Then I read the Luke15:11–32 passage. I asked them which picture of God they preferred. Some said Isaiah 6, while others Luke 15.
- [2am Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/2am-friends/) - A few friends excitedly told me about an article that appeared in The Singapore Straits Times recently (1). Part of the article read: It was recently suggested to me that I should consider joining or forming a group of close confidants comprising men — fathers and /or grandfathers — who could be part of
- [The Afterlife and the Promised Land](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-afterlife-and-the-promised-land/) - The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will
- [The Third Agers Are Waiting](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-third-agers-are-waiting/) - A few days ago I met up with a senior mission leader. We discussed how the church needs to rethink the role of seniors in missions. The need for missions and missionaries has never been greater. There are not enough missionaries being sent out. Yet there is a potential pool of missionaries that has rarely
- [Reunion Dinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/reunion-dinner-2/) - Last Saturday was nostalgia day. In the afternoon I had the privilege of speaking to a group of VCF (Varsity Christian Fellowship) alumni who were in college in the 1970s and ’80s. Shared some thoughts on leaving a legacy of faith. In the evening I was at a reunion dinner for former residents of King
- [Hidden Hand](https://graceworks.com.sg/hidden-hand/) - I was at Regent College from 1981 to 1985. It was one of the most significant experiences of my life. What I learnt there would see me through some of the toughest moments of my life and ministry. I was to learn, years after I had left Regent, that my application had initially been
- [Sheep Farmers Club](https://graceworks.com.sg/sheep-farmers-club/) - Once in a while, I will meet a young dentist or dental student who will remind me that I was once the chairman of the Sheep Farmers Club. They would have learnt this from one of their lecturers in the National University of Singapore dental faculty, Dr Vijayan Loganathan. (Dr Vijayan and I were classmates
- [Lights in My Darkness](https://graceworks.com.sg/lights-in-my-darkness/) - I am on a mission to thank the friends who stood by me in my darkest moments. Those of you who know me will know of my ten black years, a period that started with the death of my first wife from cancer and ended with a journey through clinical depression, with a broken marriage
- [Investing in Lives](https://graceworks.com.sg/investing-in-lives/) - And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV) Two Sundays ago I had the privilege of preaching at Evangel Baptist Church. This church will always be special to me because I was one
- [Parody of the Lord’s Supper](https://graceworks.com.sg/parody-of-the-lords-supper/) - The hottest topic in my Christian chat groups right now and indeed on the internet though this seems to be dying down as we await the next big thing, was one of the elements of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Apparently, there was an opening tableau that was a parody and a mockery
- [Mentor to Friend](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentor-to-friend/) - This past weekend I was in Malacca for some teaching and preaching at City Community Church, a leading Assemblies of God church in the city. It was a trip with many highlights. I was especially glad to spend some extended time with my friend Fook Meng who chairs the elder’s board at the church.
- [Third Age Humans (2)](https://graceworks.com.sg/third-age-humans-2/) - The numbers of those 65 and above are rising in many countries. This is certainly true of Malaysia and Singapore. The church must reflect carefully on how we can help third agers (60 and above) live their best lives. As I suggested in my previous article, we begin by remembering that Third Agers are human
- [Third-Age Humans (1)](https://graceworks.com.sg/third-age-humans-1/) - Any reflection on work with Third Agers (those 60 and older) must begin by remembering their humanity. Third Agers are not aliens or cyborgs. They are human beings and so share the needs of all human beings. The Need for Community It is not good for human beings to be alone. The destructive
- [Life in My Days](https://graceworks.com.sg/life-in-my-days/) - I had breakfast with a dear friend a few days ago. He is about 10 years my junior. He said he struggled with fatigue because of the many duties he had and that he took longer to recover from the things he had to do. I said that sounded exactly like me. We both
- [Conversation with a Grab Driver](https://graceworks.com.sg/conversation-with-a-grab-driver/) - Last Saturday I took a Grab to a ministry event in Chapel of Christ the Redeemer which is located on the premises of St Hilda’s School. As usual, I tried to strike up a conversation with the driver. (The conversation was 70% in Hokkien, 30% in English.) My usual opener was to ask how
- [How Are You?](https://graceworks.com.sg/how-are-you/) - She was on the organising committee and working hard at the conference we were a part of. I happened to be walking by and asked, “How are you?”. She began to tear. There were people around and the event was starting so we never got to continue the conversation. I was a bit concerned so
- [No Church Camps for Now](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-church-camps-for-now/) - Today Facebook reminded me that in 2013 I took four church camps in a row. My reaction: What? Gila ka (Was I crazy)? What was I thinking? I find taking church camps very tiring. First, there is usually the travel to a destination away from home. Then there are the many new people you need
- [Bless Many More Seniors](https://graceworks.com.sg/bless-many-more-seniors/) - You know you may be speaking at a seniors’ fellowship meeting when: They ask if you need to go to the washroom before you start. You start your talk with a reference to your recent colonoscopy. In a discussion as to what we will be doing just before we go back to heaven, the
- [Mid-year Life Check](https://graceworks.com.sg/mid-year-life-check/) - Tomorrow it’ll be June. Soon, we will be halfway through 2024. It’s a good time for a mid-year life check. There are at least four things that make life meaningful. * Communion — our walk with God * Community — our walk with others * Co-labour — doing meaningful work as
- [A Framework for Life 4 — Cadence](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-framework-for-life-4-cadence/) - This is the last of four articles on a Framework for Life. It was written with new house officers in mind. Cadence: a regular and repeated pattern of activity (Merriam-Webster) By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then
- [A Framework for Life 3 — Co-labour](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-framework-for-life-3-co-labour/) - This is the third of four articles on a Framework for life. It was written with new house officers in mind. The third component for a framework for life is work. God gave the mandate to humankind to care for His creation. Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our
- [A Framework for Life 2 — Community](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-framework-for-life-2-community/) - This is the second of four articles on a Framework for life. It was written with new house officers in mind. If you were to start reading the Bible from Genesis 1:1 onwards, the first negative you will encounter is Genesis 2:18, “…it is not good for the man to be alone”. At this
- [A Framework for Life 1 – Communion](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-framework-for-life-1-communion/) - Last Wednesday the CMDF (Christian Medical Dental Fellowship) had a welcome lunch for the newest batch of house officers. As chaplain I came along. Wasn’t sure if I had to say a few words of encouragement. As it turned out, I didn’t have to. A group of capable young doctors had everything planned, including
- [Just One Dinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/just-one-dinner/) - I remember the evening clearly. It was a rainy night. We were having dinner at a club a little down the road from P.J.’s famous first A & W restaurant. He was one of the elders of a church that was standing with me at a very dark time in my life. He had
- [Changing the World](https://graceworks.com.sg/changing-the-world/) - I heard a very profound story a few nights ago. He was a retired teacher. In his last year as a teacher, some of his students asked him why he chose to be a teacher. He said that he had wanted to change the world. Then he said that obviously he hadn’t succeeded. His
- [Revisiting the 4 Cs of Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/revisiting-the-4-cs-of-life/) - A new year! Another opportunity to revisit the 4 Cs of life: Communion — our walk with God Community — our walk with others Co-labour — our participation in God's purposes Cadence — our commitment to live with a work-sabbath rhythm Communion Read Matthew 6: 9–13 What does it mean to
- [The Responsibility of Christmas](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-responsibility-of-christmas/) - This Christmas I felt very conflicted. On the one hand there were the usual encouragements to "ho-ho-ho"; to rejoice because Jesus had come. I preached a number of Christmas sermons, including one on John 1:1–18 and reminded one and all that the light that brought life had come. Yet, every day, there are
- [Missing Jesus at Christmas](https://graceworks.com.sg/missing-jesus-at-christmas/) - Does Jesus have to photobomb His own birth celebration? As we approach Christmas, preparations for all sorts of Christmas celebrations are in full swing. The irony is that we usually end up doing a lot of stuff in Jesus’s name but not really spending any time with Jesus Himself. We end up exhausted, go to
- [Three Threats to Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-threats-to-friendship/) - A time of rapid and many changes brings many opportunities and many dangers. Scott and Gratton write: As we live longer lives with more transitions we now have an opportunity to rethink how we form and sustain relationships. The adaptability and flexibility of a multistage life creates many opportunities for us to grow and
- [Listen First](https://graceworks.com.sg/listen-first/) - The past four mornings I have had the joy and privilege of sharing the morning devotion for the Compassion International Asia leadership gathering. Yesterday morning was my last one and I shared about the Mary and Martha story (Luke 10:38–42 ). Rereading the passage, it struck me that a listener in Jesus’s time would
- [Not So Silent Night](https://graceworks.com.sg/not-so-silent-night/) - Last Sunday I preached on Luke 2:8–20 and the shepherds’ encounter with the angel who brought the news of the coming of the promised Messiah. As I reflected further on the passage I thought of how ordinary, how quiet, the evening must have been before the appearance of the heavenly messenger. I imagine the silence
- [Happy Birthday, June Lane](https://graceworks.com.sg/happy-birthday-june-lane/) - They were the dynamic duo of Bible teaching. OMF missionary Dr Lucille Ramish had a PhD and brought big-picture, academic rigour to the teaching. Another OMF missionary, Mrs June Lane who hadn't had the privilege of graduate studies, brought home the messages to our hearts. Together, they brought together the two components of Bible
- [A Mentoring Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-mentoring-church/) - “Spiritual mentoring is an intentional, relational process for helping people grow in Christlikeness by which one person becomes a spiritual guide for one or several others.” Two Saturdays ago I did a three-hour seminar on spiritual mentoring for a church. I’ve reached a stage in life where I feel the toll of doing a
- ["What Do You Do?"](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-do-you-do/) - The best book I have read recently on preparing for the later years of life is From Strength To Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. (1) I commend it to all who take their life seriously whatever age they may be. The things he proposes may not be new to many of us. The secrets
- [When Leaders Don’t Retire](https://graceworks.com.sg/when-leaders-dont-retire/) - Recently I was chatting with a Gen X (born 1965–1980) Christian leader. He said that his leadership board was made up of people in their 60s and 70s. He also said that it was time to introduce some younger leaders into the board. For that to happen, however, some of his present board members would
- [A Typical Singaporean Christian Doctor or Dentist](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-typical-singaporean-christian-doctor-or-dentist/) - I have had the privilege of serving as the chaplain of the Singapore Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship (CMDF) for some time now. Last weekend we had a leaders’ retreat to plan for the ministry going forward. In preparation for the retreat, our chairman, Dr Linus Chua, wrote the following for us to reflect
- [The Power of Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-power-of-stories/) - In the early days of my preaching, I would write out my notes on note cards and bring my note cards to the pulpit. I rarely wrote out my sermons in full nor did I try to memorise them. I wanted more eye contact with my audience. But I was nervous about forgetting stuff,
- [Large Group Meetings Are Not Enough](https://graceworks.com.sg/large-group-meetings-are-not-enough/) - Did you know there are three kinds of loneliness? I didn’t until I read the first chapter of Together (1). (Dr Vivek Murthy is the 19th surgeon general of the United States.) Here is what he wrote: Researchers have identified three “dimensions” of loneliness to reflect the particular type of relationships that are missing.
- [Planting Seeds](https://graceworks.com.sg/planting-seeds/) - “God has not called you to build skyscrapers but to plant seeds.” Once in a while, I wonder if I should establish a “Soo Inn School for Spiritual Mentoring”. Would this be a meaningful legacy, an institution that would pass on what I believe is a biblical, culturally relevant model for relational transformation?
- [The Commitments Test](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-commitments-test/) - How committed are your small-group members? This year I will have a number of opportunities to teach on healthy small groups. I will probably teach about the commitments test. There are at least three levels that small-group members are committed to in their groups. 1. Committed to the activities of the group.
- [Back in STM](https://graceworks.com.sg/back-in-stm/) - I am in the Malaysia Theological Seminary (STM) for a few days, to teach an intensive course on spiritual friendship and it made me think of old friends. STM was a school that made me feel welcomed and allowed me to work with them at a very difficult point in my life. I had
- [A Very Special Birthday](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-very-special-birthday/) - Do you know where is Beaufort, South Carolina? No? Go Google it. I am in Beaufort right now and, since yesterday was my birthday, it was also the place where I celebrated my 69th birthday. It was a very special birthday. I was with my beloved Bernice and with Roger and Janice Capps, two
- [Grieve with Hope](https://graceworks.com.sg/grieve-with-hope/) - I had the privilege of bringing the Easter sermon to a church we are close to last Sunday. Early in Holy Week I received news that a family in the community had lost a son. He had taken his own life. I struggled with how I should present the Easter sermon. I didn’t think
- [Reaching Our Youth](https://graceworks.com.sg/reaching-our-youth/) - In recent conversations with my friends in youth ministry, one theme keeps emerging. They tell me that more and more youth are grappling with depression and this often leads to self-harm. Some threaten suicide. And some succeed in carrying it out. This was brought home to me when I recently heard about an 18-year-old boy
- [WWJP – What would Jesus post?](https://graceworks.com.sg/wwjp-what-would-jesus-post/) - Just heard an excellent lecture about social media from Dr Graham Hill. I conclude that many Christians, including myself, are basically ignorant about social media and how it “disciples” us. We end up being manipulated by those who know how to use the medium, and ignorant of how we can use it for Kingdom
- [The Medium Is the Message](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-medium-is-the-message/) - Let’s say, I don’t come from a Christian background. At some point I decide to be a follower of Jesus. I know nothing of Christian culture. The friend who introduced me to Christ invites me to join him in a Sunday worship service. Clearly this is the most important meeting for Christians. On Sunday, my
- [Thoughts After a Wake Service](https://graceworks.com.sg/thoughts-after-a-wake-service/) - Bernice and I lost our first spouses to cancer. They were outstanding followers of Christ and it would seem to make sense that they should have had many more years of ministry and parenting. But God had other ideas. These are times when divine logic is completely at odds with what we think should
- [Can Christians Gamble?](https://graceworks.com.sg/can-christians-gamble/) - Can Christians gamble? That is, is it permissible for followers of Christ to place a financial stake in games of chance for financial gain? The question is a moral one, and we ought to distinguish it, subtly but crucially, from issues of policy. Policy includes a personal code of conduct, a way of life within
- [Third Age Matters 1: Remembering Our Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/third-age-matters-1-remembering-our-stories/) - Every Lunar New Year’s Eve, after the family had finished the reunion dinner, brandy would be served and we would sit around and tell stories. Every year, dad would tell the same story, about how he was bombed during World War 2 and was buried alive. He was saved by a Japanese rescue team
- [Spiritual Friendship 1: Spiritual Friendship (Re)defined](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-friendship-1-spiritual-friendship-redefined/) - I teach on spiritual friendship and, for the longest time, I have defined spiritual friendship thus: Spiritual friends are friends who are friends with each other because of their common friendship with Christ and who are committed to helping each other follow Christ. This definition was based on C. S. Lewis’s understanding of friendship.
- [Intergen Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/intergen-mentoring/) - I have been teaching ministry to young adults for many years. One thing I always mention is that young adulthood is a time to revisit the big questions of life. . . . it is my conviction that the central work of young, emerging adulthood in the cycle of human life . . . lie
- [Doing Evangelism Today](https://graceworks.com.sg/doing-evangelism-today/) - In the recent Singapore census, it was estimated that about 18.9 percent of Singaporeans are Christians. Did you know that in 1970 that number was only 2 percent? Imagine living in a time when almost none of your friends or family members were Christians and there were only a small number of churches around. That
- [Helping Christians Befriend](https://graceworks.com.sg/helping-christians-befriend/) - Here are some things that Graceworks, our ministry, did recently. *We launched a book by our friend, Andrew Sabaratnam, entitled All Things To All Men. Through this book Andrew wanted to help Christians relate to people from different cultures. One key application — helping the Singapore church reach out to migrant workers. *We ran a
- [Biblical Reflection 1: No Partiality](https://graceworks.com.sg/biblical-reflection-1-no-partiality/) - A man enters a church auditorium to join the worship service. He is the CEO of a major company. How will your ushers treat him? Another man comes for the same worship service. His clothes are shabby and he smells. He is poor and has to wear the same shirt for a few days. How
- [Relational Mentoring 1: Co-mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/relational-mentoring-1-co-mentoring/) - One of the ministries that Graceworks has been committed to is equipping churches to mentor their young adults. These requests came because many churches were losing their young adults and wanted help to connect with them in such a way that helped them to navigate emerging adulthood and therefore provide needed help in this crucial
- [Friendship in ministry 4: Collaboration](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-in-ministry-4-collaboration/) - The most interesting teaching I did recently was a day-long webinar on spiritual formation for Asian leaders. I did this at the invitation of my old friend Chris Leong for MPI (Missions Partnership Initiative). What was interesting was the way this webinar was packaged. When Chris first asked me to do this I said “yes”.
- [Friendship Building Block 4: Touch](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-building-block-4-touch/) - When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
- [Recovery Rediscovery](https://graceworks.com.sg/recovery-rediscovery/) - Can I recover from depression? When I was warded at the Institute of Mental Health in 2017 for my own safety, the case manager for the ward sat down with me to have a chat about my condition. I don’t remember who initiated the topic, but I was under the impression that I would only
- [Friendship in Ministry 3: Revealing Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-in-ministry-3-revealing-christ/) - Many in our churches are hungry for God. This should not surprise us. We live in a lonely world where many are hungry for relationships with man and God. It is not helped that many churches reduce the faith to either head knowledge of Scripture and/or activism, and serve up God in bento boxes of
- [Friendship in Ministry 2: Becoming Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-in-ministry-2-becoming-friends/) - We just returned from a hectic week of ministry in Sarawak. One special joy was ministering together as husband and wife! A highlight of the time there was this part from a note we received: . . . really, really grateful for the both of you. More than the teaching . . . the way
- [Book Review: Assault on the Body](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-assault-on-the-body/) - To be honest, I would not have read Assault on the Body: Sexual Violence and the Gospel Community if I had not been asked to write a review on it. The subject matter is very heavy; it would be too emotionally difficult to get through. Besides, I’m not a victim, aggressor, or church leader, and
- [Friendship in Ministry 1: Mutuality](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-in-ministry-1-mutuality/) - There is a fresh awakening about the importance of missions In Singapore. Not quite sure who said that Singapore was the Antioch of Asia, but churches located in a country that is so blessed surely have the responsibility to be good stewards of their resources as they seek to be good stewards of the gospel.
- [Friendship Interactions 7: Affirming Worth](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-7-affirming-worth/) - A few mornings ago, three seminary students came to interview me for a project they had to do. They had to seek out an older, experienced pastor to ask, among other things, knowing what he knows now, what advice would he give a younger colleague. The students were not that young and already had some
- [Friendship Interactions 6 – Admonishing one another](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-6-admonishing-one-another/) - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 NIV) . . .admonishing is not just rebuking or warning but entails that kind of instruction that reminds
- [Friendship Interactions 5: Modelling Good](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-5-modelling-good/) - Just came back from a 12-day trip to KL/PJ. Bernice was with me for the first four days. Haven't been there since a short trip in early 2020. We stayed with dear friends Shu Leong and Yek Han. I have known them since 1976. I was still in Dental School, and they had just graduated,
- [Friendship Interactions 4 — Mutual Caring](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-4-mutual-caring/) - I am at the tail end of a short visit to Kuala Lumpur / Petaling Jaya, mostly for work and to attend the wedding dinner of our good friends’ son. In between, I am squeezing in as many meet ups with friends as I can. I haven’t been here for awhile. Meeting up with my
- [Friendship Interactions 3: Identity Discovery](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-3-identity-discovery/) - Who are you? Growing up as a Chinese in Malaysia in the ’60s and ’70s, my father would periodically remind me that I am a Chinese in a Malay world and I needed to work extra hard to survive and to thrive. There was little talk of emigration in those days. You just assume you
- [Kok Hiang](https://graceworks.com.sg/kok-hiang/) - I believe the best people are also the most humble. This is definitely true of my friend Kok Hiang (KH). Two nights ago, Bernice and I had the privilege of attending his 60th birthday dinner. It was a joyful celebration with friends and family. I first met Kok Hiang when a common friend, Daniel Soh,
- [Friendship Interactions 2: Encouragement](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-2-encouragement/) - Encourage: to give somebody support, courage or hope (Oxford Learners Dictionary) When he heard that my father had passed away, he cancelled all his appointments and took the first available flight to be with me. My dad was in Penang. My friend was in the senior management of a major bank in Kuala Lumpur. Senior
- [Goodbye Kok Aun](https://graceworks.com.sg/goodbye-kok-aun/) - I take a break from my series on friendship interactions to honour a friend. This morning (5 July 2023) I woke up to a message that my friend, Pastor Ng Kok Aun, had passed away. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise. He had been fighting cancer for more than six years. His condition had
- [Friendship Interactions 1: Vocational Discernment](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-interactions-1-vocational-discernment/) - In my third year of seminary I had a very strong urge to go to Oxford to pursue a DPhil. I ran the idea by a friend and mentor. He said he thought that my doing a PhD would be a stretch. When I suggested that maybe I should do a DMin, a doctorate in
- [Passive or Participatory?](https://graceworks.com.sg/passive-or-participatory/) - I can’t help it. I still feel that most church corporate worship services are more like being in a theatre or lecture. They usually occur in halls where the people are seated in rows all facing forward. At the front, raised or otherwise, is a stage where some people will be leading in the worship
- [Friendship Building Block 3 — Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-building-block-3-time/) - In his study on friendship, Robin Dunbar discovered that there was a direct correlation between the strength of a friendship and the amount of time the friends spend with each other. He writes: How emotionally close we feel to someone is directly related to how much time we invest in them — friendships draw heavily
- [Friendship Building Block 2 — Conversation](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-building-block-2-conversation/) - Conversation: talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, or news and information is exchanged (Cambridge Dictionary) I first met him about two decades ago. I can’t say we were close friends, but we were both in church ministry and we were friendly acquaintances.
- [Friendship Building Block 1 — Sharing Meals](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-building-block-1-sharing-meals/) - There seems to be a resurgence of interest in spiritual friendship. I am getting more invitations to speak on it and to help people experience it. Sales of our basic book on spiritual friendship, 3-2-1: Following Jesus in Threes (Singapore: Graceworks, 2013), are on the rise. Perhaps one of the results of the Covid epidemic
- [Called to be Faithful](https://graceworks.com.sg/called-to-be-faithful/) - Often it is hard to appreciate the power of a book until you have read the last page. Similarly, it is often hard to measure the impact of a person's life until he or she passes on. Many of us felt the impact of the death of Timothy Keller. Now that he has passed on
- [Friends for the Storm](https://graceworks.com.sg/friends-for-the-storm/) - I have been reading the Bible since I was a child. A stint is seminary gave me additional tools to hear God's voice more clearly and more accurately when I study the Scriptures. But as so many have testified, you can never exhaust what you learn from the Bible. Such was my "Ah-ha!" moment when
- [Breakfast with Old Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/breakfast-with-old-friends/) - I was back in Penang recently and had breakfast with some old friends. We had all been in school together and have known each other for more than 60 years. We talked about things in the past, things in the present, and things yet unseen. There was a lot of loud laughter. The dim sum
- [Helping Christians Become Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/helping-christians-become-friends/) - On the evening of 3 April 2023, I had a great time with a pastor and his camp planning committee. They are a great bunch of people and I rejoiced in making some new friends. Apparently, this was the first time they had met up with a camp speaker to connect before a camp. I
- [Sending Out an SOS](https://graceworks.com.sg/sending-out-an-sos/) - The first song I dedicated to Bernice was the Beatles’ “In My Life” (1965). Those who know our story and the lyrics of the song will know why. This remains our song, well one of them anyway. Each time I encounter the song I remember the time of our courtship and am reminded of how
- [The Life to Come](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-life-to-come/) - Some people are apprehensive about death because they fear that in the next life they will have to leave behind all that makes life meaningful in this life. They shouldn’t be. What are some things that make life meaningful in this life? Well, many of us find that meaningful work is important to us.
- [More Than Slogans](https://graceworks.com.sg/more-than-slogans/) - Every Easter, Christians and churches will declare loudly “He is risen!” This is as it should be. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead 2,000 years ago is the turning point in history and the foundation of our faith. But I have often wondered how those outside the church view these loud proclamations. They
- [Subjective and Objective](https://graceworks.com.sg/subjective-and-objective/) - Recently I spent time with some young 2nd/3rd-generation Christians. I asked them why they were Christians. I told them I was ok if they said they did not know or that they were not sure they were even Christians. The majority of them, though, said they were Christians because they had encountered Christ’s goodness
- [God's Tools](https://graceworks.com.sg/gods-tools/) - The late Dr Klaus Bockmuehl wrote a booklet entitled Books — God’s Tools in the History of Salvation (Vancouver, BC: Regent College, 1986). The title has always resonated with me because it summarises well why Graceworks is in publishing (our other ministry focus is teaching and training). Publishing is a tough industry, especially with the
- [A “Doh” Moment](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-doh-moment/) - D’oh —used to express sudden recognition of a foolish blunder or an ironic turn of events Merriam-Webster Doh Interj. A Gen-X colloquialism conveying an overall feeling of frustration. Slang Define I have taught two courses numerous times. One is a course on mentoring. One of the main points I make in that course is
- [New Language](https://graceworks.com.sg/new-language/) - Bernice and I were at a meeting with some leaders recently. One of the statements I heard towards the end of the meeting caught my attention. The brother said that the movement they were involved in was searching for new language to guide the Christian enterprise going forward. I thought it was a no-brainer. In
- [Intergen or Next Gen?](https://graceworks.com.sg/intergen-or-next-gen/) - When churches began to lose their young people, they started to take seriously the fact that we are living in a unique point in history. We now have many generations living and working together; generations which are culturally different because they have been shaped by different formative experiences. Silent (Born 1928–45) Baby boomer (Born 1946–64)
- [Calling and DTC](https://graceworks.com.sg/calling-and-dtc/) - For two Saturday mornings this March (11th and 18th), I will be conducting a seminar on how one can discover one’s calling in life with the Discipleship Training Centre. I have taught this course in various forms in various institutions for many years. It is one of the most satisfying courses I teach. With
- [We Are All Going To Die](https://graceworks.com.sg/we-are-all-going-to-die/) - Captain Yugi Nagata: We’re going to die! Alex Hopper: We are going to die. You’re going to die, I’m going to die, we’re all going to die... just not today. Battleship 2002 Last Wednesday I had the privilege of preaching at the Ash Wednesday service of my church community. I focused on the theme of
- [Once Upon a Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/once-upon-a-time-2/) - If you were to lead a group of Christians in some serious Bible study, which book would you begin with? I once asked a church leader and he said he would start with the book of Romans. He acknowledged it was a tough book to begin with, but he suggested that if anyone could
- [Habits of Happiness](https://graceworks.com.sg/habits-of-happiness/) - This is a story about simple habits to improve your happiness and fulfilment in life. It's inspired by the key findings of a huge Harvard University study of happiness that's now gone on for more than 80 years. (Bill Murphy, Jr.) Do you want to be happy in 2023? And beyond? A recent article
- [Unlikely Candidates](https://graceworks.com.sg/unlikely-candidates/) - You know the script. God approaches an unlikely candidate with an audacious offer. God will bless the unlikely candidate and through that person bless many, many more. This is contingent on the unlikely candidate saying yes to the offer. I was reminded of this divine craziness after hearing a sermon on Abraham recently.
- [Hugging Austin and Kieran](https://graceworks.com.sg/hugging-austin-and-kieran/) - Just came back from a great nine days in Melbourne. Celebrated Lunar New Year there. Since mum has passed on, we didn't go to Penang for New Year this year. We (whole family except son Mark who just started a new job) went to Melbourne because son Stephen and his wife Kallie are there.
- [Q&A with Dr Lai Pak-Wah](https://graceworks.com.sg/qa-with-dr-lai-pak-wah/) - Despite the widespread use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Singapore, many do not know much about TCM. We sat down with author, Dr Lai Pak-Wah, to answer the most commonly asked questions about TCM in Singapore.
- [Mutual Mentoring?](https://graceworks.com.sg/mutual-mentoring/) - The best mentoring literature has consistently pointed out that good mentoring is always a mutual experience — both mentor and mentee grow as they journey together. This has definitely been my experience. I had suggested in an earlier article that this mutual mentoring experience needs to be intentionally recognised today when the different generations have
- [Basic Life Check List](https://graceworks.com.sg/basic-life-check-list/) - This morning (12 Jan 2023) I had the privilege of sharing a devotion with the staff team of Focus on the Family Singapore. Since it is early in the year, I took the opportunity to go through my life check list—four dimensions of life found in the book of Genesis that lay out what is
- [Nurturing Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/nurturing-friendship/) - If you are into new year resolutions, I hope strengthening friendships will be one of your commitments. We need to intentionally cultivate friendships in a lonely world because we need friends. Here are five things you can do to build friendships. 1. Spending time Studies have shown that there is a direct linkage between
- [Grandpa Among the Young](https://graceworks.com.sg/grandpa-among-the-young/) - My last major ministry commitment for 2022 was speaking at a young adult retreat. This was a retreat for GenPaul, the young adult ministry of Queenstown Baptist Church. They had asked me to speak about spiritual friendship. The Lord had been convicting them about the need for deeper relationships since the beginning of the year
- [The Knock on the Door](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-knock-on-the-door/) - Meals-on-Wheels is a meal delivery programme to meet the daily needs of the home-bound elderly. The elderly, who usually live alone, depend on volunteers from TOUCH Home Care’s Meals-on-Wheels to deliver their meals every day. (TOUCH Community Services) For some time now Bernice and I have volunteered to help with the Meals-on-Wheels programme. We usually
- [The Three Basic Spiritual Disciplines](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-three-basic-spiritual-disciplines/) - I recall reading a long time ago that when some people asked the late John Stott how he maintained his faithfulness to Christ and his calling, he replied, “daily Bible study and prayer”. I think I remember correctly. For many of us in the evangelical tradition, Bible study and prayer were the two basic spiritual
- [Intergenerational Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/intergenerational-mentoring/) - Have you heard of the term “reverse mentoring”? I first encountered it recently in a BBC article. Traditional notions of mentoring are top down: senior leaders guiding lower-level staff. But the tides are changing — and younger workers are now teaching up. Senior executives with years of experience have valuable advice for junior employees —
- [Houston and Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/houston-and-friendship/) - Will you live to be a hundred? James M Houston, founding principal of Regent College turned 100 on Nov 21st. Even in a day where many live longer lives, 100 is still an impressive birthday to celebrate. I have written about my spiritual debt to him in earlier columns. I am but one of many,
- [Food and Learning](https://graceworks.com.sg/food-and-learning/) - I have been teaching courses in seminaries for a long time. One of the things I do is try to meet up with small groups of students over a meal and get the whole class over to our house for dinner. I can do the latter because Bernice does the heavy lifting in preparing the
- [Vocation and the poor](https://graceworks.com.sg/vocation-and-the-poor/) - Recently, I taught a course over zoom entitled “Vocation, Work, and Ministry” for the Malaysian Theological Seminary. I have taught some version of this course over the span of many years. I have been delighted when many who took this course received greater clarity as to their personal life missions. But this time something happened.
- [Before I Forget](https://graceworks.com.sg/before-i-forget/) - Dementia: Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. (CDC) Last Friday
- [Why Bother to Vote?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-bother-to-vote/) - Recent events from England to Malaysia have proven yet again the limitations of human leaders and human governments. They serve to remind us that any desire for a perfect leader and a perfect government must await the second coming of Christ and the ushering in of the new heavens and the new earth. But until
- [Daniel Chua](https://graceworks.com.sg/daniel-chua/) - Last Saturday (Oct 15th) Bernice and I were privileged to be at an event that celebrated Rev Dr Daniel Chua's 65th birthday. Graceworks was also privileged to help put together the Festschrift to honour him and I had the further privilege to contribute an essay to that. I first met Daniel in 1986. (I remember
- [How Old Are You?](https://graceworks.com.sg/how-old-are-you/) - If I were to ask you how old you were, you would probably answer me with a number. However, a number may not tell me much about yourself except your chronological age. My mum was 94 when she passed away, but for the last ten yours of her life was struggling with dementia and Parkinson's.
- [Small Groups Already](https://graceworks.com.sg/small-groups-already/) - The book was good, but the material was intense, and I knew I would need time to process what I was reading. So I “cheated” and read the last chapter. The book was The Connected Life by Todd W. Hall (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2022). What he wrote echoed what I preached last Sunday
- [3-2-1 Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/3-2-1-revisited/) - A brother came up to me after I had preached a sermon on spiritual friendship. He said that he was very touched by the sermon. He had been in ministry for many years and had been friendly with many people. But that day it had struck him that he had no close personal friends. I
- [Who Are You?](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-are-you/) - One of the benefits of being an itinerant preacher is that you get to visit many church communities and meet many church leaders; and learn from them. Last weekend we were ministering at the Chapel of the Resurrection and I heard the vicar, Revd David Lee, ask the church who they are. And the answers
- [Eating with Sinners](https://graceworks.com.sg/eating-with-sinners/) - There is one thing the synoptic gospels agree on — Jesus spent a lot of time eating with “undesirables”, so much so that the religious leaders of the day were upset that He spent so much time with sinners. (For the record, we are all sinners.) The fact that He did it so often means
- [Discipleship Meals](https://graceworks.com.sg/41925-2/) - I have had the privilege of working with my friends in Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore, to help set up their new discipleship initiative, Discipleship Bands. Here is how they define a discipleship band: A “Discipleship Band” is a group of three or four people, who meet over a meal, to share and pray together to
- [The Practice of Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-practice-of-friendship/) - What does it mean to be a friend? In recent times I have been looking to the gospel of John for some answers. John is the gospel where Jesus calls His disciples friends (John 15:14), and then commands them to love each other as He has loved them (John 15:12). The love of friend Jesus,
- [Ego Management](https://graceworks.com.sg/ego-management/) - This year I find myself feeling more tired more often. At the beginning of the year, I thought it was grief from my mother’s passing in Oct 2021. Then I had COVID in May, and, when that was over, I thought it might be long-COVID. But maybe all that it is, is my body reminding
- [Frederick Buechner, 1926–2022](https://graceworks.com.sg/frederick-buechner-1926-2022/) - This is how Frederick Buechner begins his book Speak What We Feel: It is Red Smith who is reported to have said that it’s really very easy to be a writer --- all you have to do is sit down at the typewriter and open a vein. (Speak What We Feel [New York, NY: HarperCollins,
- [Thank you, Archibald Hart](https://graceworks.com.sg/thank-you-archibald-hart/) - I am not sure why, but a few days ago I thought of Dr Archibald Hart. I hadn’t thought about him for a long time. I took his module on the “Emotional Hazards of Ministry” for my Fuller DMin. I googled and discovered that he had passed away in 2021. I am sure that I
- [Needed — A Revolution of Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/needed-a-revolution-of-friendship/) - Here’s a question to my brothers and sisters, and to myself: “Do you have any friends who are not followers of Jesus? Good friends?” This may be a question we have to take seriously because it appears that this was the main way people were brought to faith in the early days of Christianity.
- [To the Last Drop](https://graceworks.com.sg/to-the-last-drop/) - Who are our heroes? Usually, they are people who do spectacular things and whose stories appear in the papers and in social media. Let me introduce you to one of my heroes — Uncle Henry. He was the father of a member of one of our small groups. He passed away on 24 July 2022,
- [Focusing on Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/focusing-on-friendship/) - It’s hard not to be reminded of mortality at my stage of life. Almost daily I receive news of a friend who has passed on or a friend who is struggling with a critical illness. I do not fear death per se. I know where I am going, though I hope the transition will be
- [Three Imperatives of the Christian Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-imperatives-of-the-christian-life/) - There is a certain simplicity in how one views things as one gets older. For example, there is greater clarity as to what should be the imperatives that should define the life of a disciple. I have been taking a long hard look at John Chapter 15 — part of Jesus’s farewell discourse — containing
- [Grandpa among the Freshmen](https://graceworks.com.sg/grandpa-among-the-freshmen/) - I just had an incredible three days speaking at the NUS Varsity Christian Fellowship Freshman Orientation Camp. When I first received the invitation I was stunned. I was a freshman in 1974! I wondered if I what I shared would be relevant. And I definitely didn’t want to be a grumpy know-it-all grandpa prefacing every
- [Remember the Creator](https://graceworks.com.sg/remember-the-creator/) - There is the very real possibility that growing older makes one more cynical. We may be able to identify with the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, and his repeated refrain that “all is vanity”. His endeavours to seek meaning in life—turning to wisdom (Eccl 1:12–18), self-indulgence (Eccl 2:1–11), wise living (Eccl 2:12–17), and toil (Eccl 2:18–26)—only affirmed
- [Failure Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/failure-revisited/) - Tonight (23 June) I will be sharing at an FES (Singapore) leadership consultation on “Leaders who Fail.” There is a sense of deja vu here. In 2003 I was part of the first Eagles Leadership Conference and was asked to do a workshop on “Growing Through Leadership Failure”. I had been through a divorce
- [Walking Together](https://graceworks.com.sg/walking-together/) - Have you come across the word friendtor? Came across it recently. Here is one definition: A friendtorship is an informal peer mentor relationship between two people who work in different, but complementary domains. Friendtors connect primarily by shared interests and don’t need to have the same professional background or a previously formed personal connection and
- [I Love You Lord?](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-love-you-lord/) - I have often found it difficult to sing the song “I Love You Lord and I Lift My Voice” (Laurie Klein, 1978). It is a lovely, short song of devotion and I often get goose bumps singing it even after all these years. But I struggle to sing it for two reasons. First, I am
- [The Call of <del>Moses</del> God](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-call-of-moses-god/) - The account in Exodus 3 is commonly known as the call of Moses. I identified with this story and found it particularly comforting when, at the age of 16, I was asked to lead a cell group in the youth ministry . In Exodus 3, I saw this great hero of faith grappling with self-doubt and
- [WWJD?](https://graceworks.com.sg/wwjd-2/) - Have you heard of the phrase “What would Jesus do?” The Wikipedia article on this is helpful. The phrase “What would Jesus do?”, often abbreviated to WWJD, became popular particularly in the United States in the late 1800s after the widely read book by Charles Sheldon entitled, In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do. The
- [Spiritual Konmari](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-konmari/) - In a recent talk, Philip Yancey said that the main reason people read memoirs was not to discover more about the people who wrote them but to discover more of themselves. It certainly felt that way when I read the following from Henri Nouwen’s Sabbatical Journey — The Diary of His Final Year. Writing on
- [Giving Thanks in the Storm](https://graceworks.com.sg/giving-thanks-in-the-storm/) - Christians are not spared the storms of life. This came home to me afresh when I met three medical students in Budapest recently. Coming from Nigeria they had paid a hefty cost to enter a medical school in Ukraine. They were in the 3rd and 4th years of their studies. They had dreams of specialisations;
- [Messily Beautiful, Beautifully Messy](https://graceworks.com.sg/messily-beautiful-beautifully-messy/) - “We’re an intergenerational church. A family church.” I’ve heard this said many times and even said it myself, of the church I belong to. But what does it mean? Often, what is meant is that we’re a multigenerational church, a church that comprises and caters to more than one generation. Usually, this statement is made
- [How Do We Build an Intergenerational Church?](https://graceworks.com.sg/how-do-we-build-an-intergenerational-church/) - In my last commentary Messily Beautiful; Beautifully Messy, I left off with a string of questions on what it would look like if a church truly embraced the different generations and intentionally cultivated intergenerational relationships. Perhaps the real reason I left those questions unanswered was that I didn’t know the answers myself. And perhaps, like
- [Microlearning Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/microlearning-mentoring/) - Life is full of contradictions! I have said often that you can’t teach mentoring through a lecture. People need to actually experience the love, care, and interest of someone walking with them in their journey to becoming what they were meant to be in Christ. But here I am promoting a video course on spiritual
- [The Tensions of Holy Friday](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-tensions-of-holy-friday/) - Death: We are uncomfortable in its presence, and we try everything we can to avoid it. We even avoid talking about it. We use a variety of euphemisms instead, as if we’re afraid that Death itself might overhear. Passed away. Departed from us. Gone to a better place. This phenomenon cuts across time and space:
- [The Pain of Caring](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-pain-of-caring/) - It was 1974. I was waiting for my A-level results and did a stint as a temporary teacher for a few months. They assigned me to the toughest standard/primary three class. One day, we had a meet-the-parents session. There was a student doing very poorly in class. His dad came and I recognised him. He
- [Mentoring and the Generations](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-and-the-generations/) - The Generations Project is an endeavour that Graceworks embarked on which seeks to improve the unity within our churches by increasing the empathy that the different generations have for one another. Having concluded our research into Millennial, Gen X and Baby Boomer Christians in Singapore, our team compared the findings and identified some potential
- [Preaching and the Twin Loves](https://graceworks.com.sg/preaching-and-the-twin-loves/) - Last Sunday I had the privilege of preaching via zoom to Sungai Way-Subang Methodist Church in Petaling Jaya. At the end of the sermon I had the chance to chat with a few folks online. One brother shared that in 1998 he was in a seminar I conducted in the church. It was on the
- [Church at Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/church-at-home/) - Even as I am writing this piece, many of my friends who are pastors and church elders are holding urgent meetings to decide how next Sunday’s corporate worship services will be organised. Larger numbers are now allowed to congregate and worshippers can now sing out loud but must still be masked. I understand the excitement.
- [Learning from Mum](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-mum/) - At my mother’s funeral service, one of her students from teacher’s college gave one of the eulogies. He said that in his time in college, the students respected only two teachers, one of whom was mum. They respected her because she was an excellent instructor in the classroom but she also took pains to build
- [Grieving the Loss of Hymns](https://graceworks.com.sg/grieving-the-loss-of-hymns/) - grief n. the anguish experienced after significant loss . . . (American Psychological Association) I find myself grieving at many worship services. Nothing wrong at these services. The sermons were Bible-based and spoke to me. The worship leaders were sensitive to the Spirit and led the congregation into the presence of God. But I grieved
- [Is Your Leadership Inclusive?](https://graceworks.com.sg/is-your-leadership-inclusive/) - The following paragraph from the 23 February 2022 issue of the Singapore Straits Times caught my eye: Companies with a high proportion of board directors and senior executives aged over 60 delivered lower returns on assets compared with others, an inaugural study on diversity in leadership in all 577 listed campaniles shows. (Krist Boo, "Performance
- [Do You Believe?](https://graceworks.com.sg/do-you-believe/) - The last few days, two people close to us passed away. It seems to be a season of deaths. The most significant loss I suffered was the death of mum in October last year. The Christian narrative is that those who die in Christ go home to the Lord (Philippians 1:23) awaiting a better place
- [A Life of Adventure](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-life-of-adventure/) - In another universe and timeline, my life was filled with physical adventure. Armed with compass and map, we sallied forth through the jungle on an offshore island to reach designated checkpoints. I also did something called ‘night orienteering’. This involved getting from point A to point B in the dead of night through a forested
- [Lighting the Darkness](https://graceworks.com.sg/lighting-the-darkness/) - I stopped at a traffic junction and saw this very ordinary scene to my right. What isn’t obvious in this hurried (and harried) shot I took is that the canopy overhead only allowed the light through patchily. But you can see the results of the scattered rays of light. Where they pierced the gloom, life
- [Evangelism and the Three Cs](https://graceworks.com.sg/evangelism-and-the-three-cs/) - I first heard about the three Cs of being human from R. Paul Stevens. From the creation accounts, he pointed out that humanity was defined by three “calls”. First was communion, the call to relate to God. (Gen 2:7; 3:8) Second was community, the call to relate to other human beings. (Gen 2:18)
- [A Meditation from 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-meditation-from-spider-man-no-way-home/) - [Spoilers ahead: What, you haven’t watched Spider-man: No Way Home yet?] Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is not a perfect movie. As Paris Marx reminds us, a Peter Parker with the patronage of Tony Stark and now Stark Enterprises is not the poor boy from a working-class background that Steve Ditko and Stan Lee gave
- [What Is Spiritual Mentoring?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-is-spiritual-mentoring-soo-inn-tan/) - What is spiritual mentoring? The answer to this question is needed more than ever because the need for spiritual mentoring has never been greater. Two years of Covid has upended our lives and many are seeking the help of safe, wise, and loving friends to help process their lives, to revisit key questions like “Who
- [Helping Young (and Older) Christians Do Evangelism Today](https://graceworks.com.sg/helping-young-and-older-christians-do-evangelism-today/) - In our last ecommentary we looked at some of the challenges to evangelism that the church faces today, especially for our young. I am particularly indebted to an article by James Chambers that points out how our usual pitch for the gospel may sound to today’s young. Let me ask you two questions that
- [Are young Christians interested in evangelism?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-young-christians-interested-in-evangelism/) - The Generations Project is an initiative by Graceworks that seeks to improve the health of the churches in Singapore by increasing the empathy that the different generations have for one another. After researching four different generations, we realised that the issue of evangelism is and probably will continue to be one of the areas of differences
- [Episode 16](https://graceworks.com.sg/episode-16/) - Articles in today’s (30 Dec 2021) edition of the Singapore Straits Times: Covid-19: Record number of infections worldwide in a week Myanmar: US presses for arms embargo after massacre WHO warns of ‘very high’ Omicron risk as cases spike worldwide Concerns in India as hate speech against Muslims grows louder HK’s Stand News shuts down
- [A Merry Christmas?](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-merry-christmas/) - Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be light From now on Your troubles will be out of sight — Hugh Martin 1943 My favourite Christmas song (not carol) is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It is a sad song telling us that our troubles will be out of sight, not removed.
- [A Mixed Model](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-mixed-model/) - Vision: Everyone Fully Mature in Christ Mission: Fostering Christian maturity through the promotion of spiritual mentoring via teaching, training, and publishing. Last Wednesday, Graceworks had its annual planning retreat. We met at a lovely venue provided by our dear friend and supporter, Wei Leong. At the retreat we reaffirmed our vision and mission
- [Compassion and Competence](https://graceworks.com.sg/compassion-and-competence/) - Digital impressions are currently revolutionizing the way dentists create dental restorations for patients. A digital impression is a virtual scan that creates a map of your teeth. By using lasers and other optical scanning devices, dentists can create a virtual, computer-generated model of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. This digital model allows
- [Do You Really Believe?](https://graceworks.com.sg/do-you-really-believe/) - Of born Protestants whose parents talked about religion “a lot,” 89 percent continue to identify as Protestant. . . . The “raised religious” who are leaving organized religion aren’t, for the most part, those whose parents found purpose and meaning in regular observance. Rather, they’re the children of people who, for whatever reason — social
- [Thank You Dad and Mum](https://graceworks.com.sg/thank-you-dad-and-mum/) - I believe children need two things from their parents — unconditional love, and encouragement to excel. I believe our heavenly Parent, Abba Father, gives us both: He loves us unconditionally, yet He wants us to maximise whatever talents He has entrusted to us. As I said when I spoke at my mum's wake recently, in
- [Spiritual Father](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-father/) - If my father is dead, or if he was absent and cold, or if he was a tyrant, or if he abused me, or if he was wonderful but is not there for me now, then who is my father now? Where do I get those feelings of protection, authority, confidence, know-how, and wisdom that
- [What do Gen Zs in Singapore think about the Church?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-do-gen-zs-in-singapore-think-about-the-church/) - With all the hype about Millennials and how the church has been losing them at an alarming rate, we must also ask if this trend will continue to the succeeding generation, the Gen Zs. As they start to come of age and begin entering the work force, how should the church respond to their newfound independence and freedom? [Gen Zs
- [History and Friendship — Remembering Don Lewis](https://graceworks.com.sg/history-and-friendship-remembering-don-lewis/) - It came as a shock to all of us when we received the news that Don Lewis had passed away. He was only 71 (1950–2021). The second last time I met Don Lewis, he had me in a choke hold. It was Dec 6, 2014, and the occasion was the launch of the Festschrift for
- [All Arranged](https://graceworks.com.sg/all-arranged/) - Earlier this evening (28th Oct) I shared a devotion from Luke 4:22–30 which includes the following verses (vv. 22–30): All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built,
- [She Was the Best Man for the Job](https://graceworks.com.sg/she-was-the-best-man-for-the-job/) - Soo Inn often quips when asked about his mum’s former role as Chairperson of the Penang Baptist Church Board, “She was the best man for the job!”. Known throughout the church as Deaconess Ho (何执事), mum was the one you would go to when you wanted to get something done. And done well. Whatever she
- [Why Ordination?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-ordination/) - 'Tis the season for ordinations. Last Saturday a dear friend from the Evangelical Free Church was ordained. This Sunday, another dear friend from an independent Pentecostal Church will be ordained. Reminded me of my own ordination. Can’t remember exactly when it happened. It was in the late ’80s. But I remember who was in my
- [Cell Group Health Check](https://graceworks.com.sg/cell-group-health-check/) - How healthy is your cell group? This may go by different names in different churches, like action group, care group, life group, etc. Essentially, it is part of the small-group ministry of the church. Some of us remember a time when there were no small groups. The primary platform for Christian education was Sunday School.
- [Mentoring — Beyond the Teaching](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-beyond-the-teaching/) - Recently a church asked me to teach them about mentoring. I was happy and excited to do this of course, mentoring being one of the key foci of my ministry at this stage of my life. I was particularly excited by this invitation because I was told that they have never had a mentoring culture
- [Job Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/job-revisited/) - These are dark and terrible times for me (and the family) Asking for prayers… Saw the above posting on a friend's Facebook page. I PMed him and found out that indeed his family was going through a very rough time. This seems to be the kind of postings I am seeing a lot of these
- [What’s the Big Deal about Microlearning?](https://graceworks.com.sg/whats-the-big-deal-about-microlearning/) - For the longest time I held out on using video lectures as my primary way of teaching, especially when I taught in seminaries. I had minimal PowerPoint presentations which I often felt were distractions. I continued to be committed to showing up in the classroom, standing in front of the class, and delivering my lecture.
- [The Friendship Way](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-friendship-way/) - This evening (3 September 2021), we’ll see the online launch of Graceworks’ video series, The Friendship Way, as part of the Biblical Graduate School of Theology’s launch of their microlearning portal, Theology for Life. It’s significant that our first offering is about spiritual friendship; it is our DNA, after all. But we learned it from
- [Does the Church Need a Hierarchical Structure?](https://graceworks.com.sg/does-the-church-need-a-hierarchical-structure/) - The Generations Project is an endeavour that Graceworks embarked on which seeks to improve the unity within our churches by increasing the empathy that the different generations have for one another. Having concluded our research into both Millennial and Baby Boomer Christians in Singapore, our team compared the findings and identified some potential areas of conflict
- [John Nolland — Teacher and Mentor](https://graceworks.com.sg/john-nolland-teacher-and-mentor/) - Some of the teachers that influenced me most at Regent College had done their doctoral work at Oxford University. So, sometime in my third year at Regent, I toyed with the idea of pursuing a doctorate at Oxford too. I ran the idea by John Nolland, a New Testament lecturer who had become a friend
- [Thank you, Singapore](https://graceworks.com.sg/thank-you-singapore/) - Periodically, my friend Pak Wah (principal of Biblical Graduate School of Theology) will ask me whether, in my heart of hearts, I am Malaysian or Singaporean? (I am Malaysian and a Singapore PR.) I will answer, “In my heart of hearts, I am Malaysian”. I guess I am old fashioned, but I believe that
- [The Little-heard Voice of Gen-X Christians](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-little-heard-voice-of-gen-x-christians/) - Gen-X (aged 41 to 56 in 2021) Ask people what they know about “Gen-X” and you might get puzzled looks and questions about whether they are the same as Baby Boomers or Millennials. A quick google search will probably reveal that while there are many articles and plenty of research about Baby Boomers and
- [The Lord’s Model Prayer Part 2 — What is the focus of your life?](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-lords-model-prayer-part-2-what-is-the-focus-of-your-life/) - Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Before we talk more about prayer, we need to look at a prior question. What is the focus of your life? We need to be clear about that first before we find clarity
- [Sven Soderlund and the Legacy of Mind and Heart](https://graceworks.com.sg/sven-soderlund-and-the-legacy-of-mind-and-heart/) - I was delighted to find out at the recent Regent 50th anniversary celebration that some alumni had put together a festschrift for Sven Soderlund. He started teaching in Regent in 1978. I started my studies there in 1981. He wasn’t one of the luminaries like J. I. Packer or Bruce Waltke. But, as many of
- [The Lord’s Model Prayer Part 1—Who Are We Praying To?](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-lords-model-prayer-part-1-who-are-we-praying-to/) - There are those who believe that the Lord teaches you a lesson again and again until you get it. I can easily believe this when it comes to prayer. Perhaps that is why in the space of eight days I am sharing on the Lord's model prayer three times. (I refer to this prayer
- [Are Physical Church Services Still Relevant?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-physical-church-services-still-relevant/) - The Generations Project is a study that Graceworks embarked on seeking to improve the unity within our churches by increasing the empathy between the different generations. Our hope is that this can be achieved as each generation understands their own formative experiences while also appreciating that of the other generations. Having concluded our research into
- [Edifying Meals](https://graceworks.com.sg/edifying-meals/) - When was the last time you read the book of Jude? It’s there tucked between John’s letters and the book of Revelation. Well, I am on a reading programme that brings me through the whole Bible and presently I am in the book of Jude. A large part of the book warns us against false
- [Gordon D. Fee and “No Law of Tongues”](https://graceworks.com.sg/gordon-d-fee-and-no-law-of-tongues/) - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. . . ( 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV) I never had the privilege of studying under Dr Gordon D. Fee. When he joined the Regent faculty I had just finished my studies and had returned to Malaysia. But I am indebted
- [James M. Houston and the Primacy of Christian Character Formation](https://graceworks.com.sg/james-m-houston-and-the-primacy-of-christian-character-formation/) - He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Colossians 1:28 NIV) Imagine building an architectural structure consisting of two tall towers. The taller you want the towers to be, the stronger the foundation of the structure must be. Otherwise the
- [Klaus Bockmuehl and the God of Verbs](https://graceworks.com.sg/klaus-bockmuehl-and-the-god-of-verbs/) - On June 25/26, Regent College will be celebrating her 50th birthday. This was meant to happen last year and on site, but the continuing impact of Covid-19 meant the celebration was postponed to this year and to be held online. My years in Regent (1981–1985) were highly significant. It was a time that equipped me
- [Choosing Tension](https://graceworks.com.sg/choosing-tension/) - A dear friend is fighting for his life. He has not been conscious since Friday. It is still touch and go. Prayer meetings have been organised. Many are praying. He is one of those special people who has touched many lives. He is husband and father. He is young. There is every reason for God
- [The Apologetics of Being Misfits](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-apologetics-of-being-misfits/) - “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”(1 Peter 3:15b NIV) I am doing my daily Bible readings in the book of 1 Peter these days and I came across the above verse again. It is a verse that is often
- [Being and Doing](https://graceworks.com.sg/being-and-doing-2/) - By the time they reach sixty most people have around six health problems. Then it’s just a matter of gently coasting around downhill to senility and death. (Christoper Fowler, Oranges and Lemons [London,UK: Penguin, 2020], 88.) A few nights ago I read the above from a detective novel I was reading. I don’t know quite
- [I Hear You](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-hear-you/) - When was the last time you listened to someone? Really listened, without thinking about what you wanted to say next, glancing down at your phone or jumping to offer your opinion? And when was the last time someone really listened to you? Was so attentive to what you were saying and whose response was so
- [The Gospel Message Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-gospel-message-revisited/) - Researching on ministry to young adults, I came across this critique of how we normally pitch the gospel: Let me ask you two questions that reframed the way I approach reaching millennials. First, what are the most common components of the gospel message you hear when it’s preached? I asked this question to evangelists
- [Between Two Worlds](https://graceworks.com.sg/between-two-worlds/) - A few days ago (April 27) friends on Facebook remembered that it would have been John Stott’s 100th birthday if he had not returned to the Lord in 2011. I realised I had never written about my debt to him. Like many evangelicals in my time, we received very little direct personal mentoring but we
- [Give and Take](https://graceworks.com.sg/give-and-take/) - I was asked to preach on “Love One Another” from the Old Testament and at once I thought of the David-Jonathan friendship in 1 Samuel. Apart from 1 Samuel 20, I also looked at 1 Samuel 18:1–5 and 1 Samuel 19:1–7. I have preached on David and Jonathan before. This time, a new insight struck
- [Leave the Story Alone](https://graceworks.com.sg/leave-the-story-alone/) - Last Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at the traditional services of Wesley Methodist Church (Singapore). It was a test of stamina as I had to preach at four services: three in the morning and one in the evening. I was given a free choice of topics and I chose to preach on Matthew
- [Second-Dose Reflections](https://graceworks.com.sg/second-dose-reflections/) - Didn't sleep very well last night. Had chills and body aches. I know why. We had our second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine in the morning. Later in the day I came across an article that said that 40 percent of white evangelicals in the US do not intend to get vaccinated.I get confused
- [Can’t Fast Forward](https://graceworks.com.sg/cant-fast-forward/) - I have been preaching Good Friday and Easter Sunday sermons for the past, what, 40 years? Some years are harder than others. This will be a hard year. I am here praying and reflecting on what to preach this weekend. But my heart is heavy. * Two young people dear to us, at the peak
- [Intergenerational Ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/intergenerational-ministry/) - Is your church intentionally intergenerational? I have the privilege to be teaching a BGST course on “Spiritual Adulting: Nurturing Emerging Adults in an Intergenerational Context” together with my Graceworks colleague, Wei Hao. This is a course that started life as one on ministry to young adults. However, as we reflected further, we realised that
- [Millennial Christians and the Institutional Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/millennial-christians-and-the-institutional-church/) - Mention the word “millennials” and adjectives like “entitled”, “lazy”, and “disrespectful” may pop into your mind. It is no secret that institutional churches in general are having huge difficulties retaining and engaging with them. However, are these stereotypes really true or are millennials just misunderstood like every other generation before them? Does the church need
- [A Gen X Response to "Millennial Christians and the Institutional Church"](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-gen-x-response-to-millennial-christians-and-the-institutional-church/) - My response to the results of the Millennial Survey can be grouped into three main themes: 1) Rediscovering Community; 2) Rediscovering Rhythms; and 3) Rediscovering Mission. These reflections have been born of my spiritual sojourn over the past 50 years, a growing understanding of the gospel of the kingdom over the past 10 years, and
- [An Almost-Boomer’s Response to “Millennial Christians and the Institutional Church”](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-almost-boomers-response-to-millennial-christians-and-the-institutional-church/) - The following are my personal views and do not necessarily represent those of my “institution”. 😊 I am grateful for these findings. They build for deeper reflection and conversations, and for that I rejoice! Let me say first off that, by and large, I found myself agreeing with many of these observations of the Millennials.
- [A Millennial’s Response to “Millennial Christians and the Institutional Church”](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-millennials-response-to-millennial-christians-and-the-institutional-church/) - The Cloth from Which I Come I don’t like labels; they can feel narrow and constraining, like a cultural straitjacket of sorts. That being said, they do have their place and, like it or not, I am a millennial. This certainly invites the criticisms of entitlement and fragility, and the astronomical expectations of innovating and
- [Baby Boomers and the Singaporean Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/baby-boomers-and-the-singaporean-church/) - Mention the term "Baby Boomers" and, depending on the age of the person you are speaking to, you may get comments ranging from "industrious" and "resilient" to "narrow minded" and "stubborn". Due to their hard work and stage of life, most top leadership positions in churches are currently held by Christians of this generation and,
- [Route 66](https://graceworks.com.sg/route-66/) - This is how I spent my 66th birthday. In the morning I gave a talk to a group of teachers in Pakistan that focused on the condescending love of Christ. In the afternoon I drafted the previous eCommentary, essentially stating that it was difficult to have one narrative that did justice to all the issues
- [Statements](https://graceworks.com.sg/statements/) - Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Do not
- [They Go Ahead](https://graceworks.com.sg/they-go-ahead/) - Watch this video, especially the segment at 3.00 – 3.30 min. Andy Lau is one of my favourite Hong Kong actors. I like many of his movies. In recent times, I have found myself drawn to the last scene from his movie Three Kingdoms — Resurrection of the Dragon (2008). In this scene the Andy
- [A Tale of Two Songs](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-tale-of-two-songs/) - A good movie should entertain of course, but it should also give the viewer fresh insight into life, and inspire one to want to make a difference. 12 Years a Slave (2013) is such a movie. Although it’s “entertainment” it is hardly a feel-good experience. (And for the record, darling Bernice and I saw the
- [Lent](https://graceworks.com.sg/lent/) - I watch the scenes with deep concern. So many Myanmarese are on the streets to protest against the military coup that overturned a democratically elected government. I see the tanks and soldiers. My heart is in my mouth. We know friends in Myanmar some of whom are at the barricades. I wish I could do
- [God Is Enough](https://graceworks.com.sg/god-is-enough/) - “No, don’t sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year. You will sweep all our luck away!” Growing up in Penang I associated the Lunar New Year with many instructions like the above. There were a number of things one had to do or not do so as not to jeopardise your
- [A Recipe for Disaster #1](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-recipe-for-disaster-1/) - When the news first broke that the late Ravi Zacharias had been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour, my first response was — I don’t know if this is true but it is definitely plausible. Having been in church-based ministry for more than 35 years and, indeed aware of the darkness in my own soul, I
- [Marks of Spiritual Maturity](https://graceworks.com.sg/marks-of-spiritual-maturity/) - What does spiritual maturity look like? The Bible verses that undergird the ministry of Graceworks are Colossians 1:28–29. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works
- [Food, Friendship, and Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/food-friendship-and-mentoring/) - “Is he your mentee?” I was asked when someone saw me in a photo with one of the people I was journeying with. I hesitated for a moment and said that I am normally not comfortable with a term like that. Yes, I do mentoring, but I have also understood that Jesus is the mentor
- [The Wisdom of the Ant](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-wisdom-of-the-ant/) - Go to the ant ... consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest — Proverbs 6:6–8 We live in an age of consumerism, where transience is valued over permanence; where immediacy is valued over meaningful waiting;
- [Thank you, Ward](https://graceworks.com.sg/thank-you-ward/) - I had been given every extension the school could give but I had struggled to finish my final project for my Fuller Doctor of Ministry (DMin) programme. My last submission was deemed not of doctoral standard and I had no more time. They understood the struggles I had — my first wife had battled cancer
- [What Are We Known For?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-are-we-known-for/) - A few weeks ago we were ministering at a Brethren assembly. During the open worship time, elder Dhanabalan shared an exhortation from John 13:34–35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if
- [Good News for the Unfaithful](https://graceworks.com.sg/good-news-for-the-unfaithful/) - A few nights ago I was introduced to a new Christmas song, "O Come All You Unfaithful". Here are the first two verses and the chorus: O come, all you unfaithful Come, weak and unstable Come, know you are not aloneO come, barren and waiting ones Weary of praying, come See what your God has
- [Looking Back, Looking Forward](https://graceworks.com.sg/looking-back-looking-forward/) - Many of you would have read or at least know of our book 3-2-1: Following Jesus in Threes. In many ways it is our signature book because it gives both the biblical rationale for why we need spiritual friends, and a simple way to practise spiritual friendship. (For those who may not know, 3-2-1 means
- [A Special Evening](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-special-evening/) - There were a number of highlights during my recent trip to Penang to see my mum. One was the opportunity to celebrate mum’s 93rd birthday. Another was an early birthday celebration for son Andrew. We went to a French restaurant in Bishop Street. The food was good, there was much laughter and good conversations. Andrew
- [Rollercoastering with God](https://graceworks.com.sg/rollercoastering-with-god/) - Slightly over a year ago, I was introduced to De De by one of her many physicians, a caring young man who happened to be our son Mark’s old school pal. After I met her, I was in awe of the tenacity with which she was holding on to life, laughter, and God. And, if
- [Claustrophobia](https://graceworks.com.sg/claustrophobia/) - Claustrophobia: the irrational fear of confined spaces. I suffer from some degree of claustrophobia. It’s not too bad because most days it doesn’t make an appearance. But long-distance plane flights are claustrophobia Russian roulette. I never know if claustrophobia will appear and how severe it will be. I am always armed with prayer and anti-anxiety
- [Investing Time to Be Real](https://graceworks.com.sg/investing-time-to-be-real/) - We were having our team meeting and, as always in recent times, one of the items for discussion was our Generations Project. Someone asked what the younger generation wanted of the Church. A few of us gave various versions of “be real”. Therein lay the rub…generations have grown up with a church culture that celebrates
- [Kindness is Underrated](https://graceworks.com.sg/kindness-is-underrated/) - I was in the mood for koay teow th’ng (broad rice noodle soup) for dinner and walked to a nearby coffee shop, the ones that had many food stalls. The koay teow th’ng was in high demand and many were waiting to give their orders. Finally it was my turn and the koay teow th’ng
- [Who Is It For?](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-is-it-for/) - When someone comes to us with a book idea, one of the first things we ask the author is: Who is the intended audience? Who is this book meant for? When one writes for everyone, there is the danger it might engage no one. Last Saturday I had the joy of seeing my latest book
- [Hashtag — Not Just Singing](https://graceworks.com.sg/hashtag-not-just-singing/) - Photo by Zhiwen Ng I have written on this before and I suspect I will write about this again. I am very disturbed that for many, worship has been reduced to singing songs. Every time a worship leader says “let's enter into a time of worship” and starts to lead the congregation to sing praises
- [Scars as Bridge](https://graceworks.com.sg/scars-as-bridge/) - I told her I was back in Penang to see my mum. Mum is 92, with dementia, and I don’t know how much more time I will have with her. She said she was back in Penang to see her brother. He had been in a coma for four months. Her brother was involved in
- [Too thin-skinned](https://graceworks.com.sg/too-thin-skinned/) - I think Christians on both sides of the Causeway are too thin-skinned. In a recent debate in the Malaysian parliament on a bill to increase penalties for drink driving, a member of parliament from PAS (the Islamic Party), Nik Muhammad Zamawi Salleh, said that all the major religions, including Christianity, banned the drinking of alcohol.
- [Reflections of a Budding Septuagenarian](https://graceworks.com.sg/reflections-of-a-budding-septuagenarian/) - It’s a frightening thought…when we come to the end of our lives, what we believe will either uphold us or betray us. I moved into my seventies last year. Before then, I refused to think of growing old, just older. But as energy levels decline and memory recall slows down, I have come to terms
- [The Generations Project](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-generations-project/) - We are living in a unique point in history where we have at least five generations alive simultaneously. Different studies may define the five generations slightly differently but here are the five generations: Gen Z: Born between 1995–2015 Millennial: Born between 1980–1994 Get X: Born between 1965–1979 Baby boomer: Born between 1944–1964 Silent Generation: Born
- [Faith, Hope, Love, and Malaysia](https://graceworks.com.sg/faith-hope-love-and-malaysia/) - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV) Periodically, I still get asked if I have adopted Singapore citizenship, both by my Malaysian friends and by my Singaporean friends. It is an understandable query. Many Malaysian Chinese have adopted Singapore citizenship after spending
- [Saved Through Childbearing?](https://graceworks.com.sg/saved-through-childbearing/) - There are two types of difficult Bible passages/verses. There are those that are easy to understand but hard to practise, for example “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). But there are verses that are just downright puzzling. Like 1 Timothy 2:15: But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with
- [Purpose and Meaning in the Senior Years](https://graceworks.com.sg/purpose-and-meaning-in-the-senior-years/) - For many adults, their sense of identity and significance are inextricably linked to their jobs. This changes abruptly, however, when they fully retire from paid employment. At first, retirement is an eagerly awaited event, but after months of travelling and doing the things they have always wanted to do, reality sets in. Their status has
- [Journal Entries from a Last Visit](https://graceworks.com.sg/journal-entries-from-a-last-visit/) - I found this journal entry from 23rd August 2019. This morning we visited Jim and Kit Packer. Jim is working on what he believes to be his last book, his “last long haul”, a book on the Anglican contribution to theology that he was cowriting with Don Lewis. He is realistic and not sure if
- [My Journey with Faith & Politics](https://graceworks.com.sg/my-journey-with-faith-politics/) - Stage 1: Apathy I guess it could have been because I was young and barely able to vote... But even when I went to the UK, and all my local peers were so enthusiastic about policies and parties, many of us from conservative Asian countries did not resonate. We couldn’t understand why this was so
- [James Innell Packer—My Eulogy](https://graceworks.com.sg/james-innell-packer-one-eulogy/) - To prove that I am no Packer fanboy, let me say upfront that he was not a great public speaker. Many who first encountered him in his books and looked forward to hearing him speak were often disappointed. His voice came through powerfully in his books but not in his public lectures. And those of
- [Voting as the Tsadiqqim](https://graceworks.com.sg/voting-as-the-tsadiqqim/) - My social media feed in the past week has been filled with excellent commentaries written by thoughtful friends who are followers of Jesus, expounding on some key issues in the election. Many have pointed us to the fact that as Christians, we vote not only as citizens of Singapore, but also as citizens of the
- [Dislocation](https://graceworks.com.sg/dislocation/) - The wilderness. That has been my primary perspective to understand the Christian life. We were redeemed from the slavery to sin, and we are on a life-long journey through various trials and tribulations till we enter the promised land — our Father’s house. The Covid-19 pandemic allowed me to add a new lens to my
- [The KOG Party](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-kog-party/) - Dear friends, I had wanted to update you on the work of Graceworks but again felt led to put that aside and share something about politics, with Singapore facing a general election and Malaysia in continuing political uncertainty. And, of course, a presidential election in the US in November. Many of you will know I
- [Balancing Money & Ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/balancing-money-ministry/) - Don Flow, founder of Flow Automotive, once spoke about the role of money for business in this way: Money is like blood to a human being. Just as a human being cannot live without sufficient blood, so also a company cannot flourish without money. Yet, just as no human being would wake up each day
- [Why the Pandemic is Great News for Faith-Work Connection](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-the-pandemic-is-great-news-for-faith-work-connection/) - There have been a lot of terrible things that have happened in the area that takes up most of our lives, that is work, during this time of coronavirus: Many people have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic; and hardest hit are people with precarious work in hospitality, the arts, and tourism.
- [It’s Not Fair](https://graceworks.com.sg/its-not-fair/) - Not sure how much you believe in these things, but I am an ENTJ according to Myers-Briggs and an Enneagram 8. Among other things, it means I often view situations from the perspective of whether it is fair or not. Therefore, for the longest time, I have struggled with passages like Matthew 20:1–16. Yes I
- [Racial Maturity](https://graceworks.com.sg/racial-maturity/) - Dear friends, Greetings from all at the Graceworks team. First off, I want to thank all those who have helped to support our work in these difficult times. This means a lot to us, both the material support and the love and trust behind it. I had planned to write something about a basic curriculum
- [Everyone Mature in Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/everyone-mature-in-christ/) - Dear friends, I have decided to use the first ecommentary of each month to update folks about the work of Graceworks. This was supposed to be a breakout year for Graceworks. We had new staff joining us. And we were embarking on a major fund-raising programme to purchase our own premises. Of course, with the
- [A Late Zoomer](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-late-zoomer/) - The first mission given to humankind was this: “Be fruitful and increase in number;” (Genesis 1:28a NIV) They couldn’t do this over Zoom. Jesus told us to wash one another’s feet (John 13:1–17). Can’t do this over Zoom either. At least four times in the New Testament we are told to greet each other with
- [Book Review: Waiting](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-waiting/) - Waiting: A Necessary Pause in Time by David W. F. Wong is for readers in any season of waiting and those who cannot wait. The concise and digestible devotions are perfect for those looking for quick encouragement and wisdom in their waiting season. From it, readers journey with some biblical characters and learn from their
- [Personal and Relational](https://graceworks.com.sg/personal-and-relational-2/) - A few days ago, I saw a Facebook posting about a wedding I helped conduct in 1998. There was an accompanying picture that showed the couple with me, half my present size and with black hair. I can’t remember the details of that wedding and, though the couple was very dear to me, we have
- [Book Review 3: Mental Health & The Gospel Community (Good News for Bruised Reeds)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-3-mental-health-the-gospel-community-good-news-for-bruised-reeds/) - In light of the rise in the number of people diagnosed with mental illness in the past decade, Mental Health & the Gospel Community sets out to address the stigma of mental illness. This is in the hope of better equipping the church to bring God’s redemptive hope to the mentally ill. The book has
- [Book Review 2: Mental Health & The Gospel Community (Good News for Bruised Reeds)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-2-mental-health-the-gospel-community-good-news-for-bruised-reeds-2/) - Mental Health & the Gospel Community is an insightful, well-curated collection of stories of people who struggle with mental illnesses. It gives readers an honest behind-the-scenes look into the painful affliction of and experiences with mental illness, through the lenses of people from different socioeconomic strata in our local community. It fosters awareness of the
- [Book Review: Friends in a Broken World](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-friends-in-a-broken-world/) - Author: Tan Soo Inn Friends in a Broken World points to an intentionality for pursuing an edifying kind of fellowship. The introduction gives a sense of chronology through the author describing his childhood and how it may have affected the way he viewed friendships and the brokenness of the world today. He makes it
- [Finding Rest While Working from Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/finding-rest-while-working-from-home/) - We live in strange and unprecedented times where most of us are forced to work from home and the already blurred lines between work and leisure are almost no longer visible. When weekdays and weekends are both spent in the “comfort” of the home, the “sacredness” of Sundays also seems to be diminished. Is this
- [An Ordinary Meal](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-ordinary-meal/) - This past Lunar New Year was special and will remain in my heart for a long, long time. Everyone was back — family from Canada, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. Over great food we swapped stories, teased each other, and shared our struggles — we were family. One meal was particularly special because my mum, the
- [Grief and Meaning](https://graceworks.com.sg/grief-and-meaning/) - A recent article in the Harvard Business Review (HBR) suggests that the discomfort we are feeling in the midst of the present Covid virus pandemic is grief. This makes sense since grief is our response to loss and we have lost so much. I am aware that different people are experiencing different levels of loss.
- [We Do What We Can](https://graceworks.com.sg/we-do-what-we-can/) - I encountered two extremes of emotion yesterday. One, a case of racism, and the other a fundraising initiative. I had to make a delivery run because one of our online retailers desperately needed their stocks replenished. Armed with my face mask, hand sanitisers (yes, two—a spray and wet wipes) and the bags of books, I
- [With Us In Death](https://graceworks.com.sg/with-us-in-death/) - Screengrab from YouTube Super spoilers ahead! Don’t read this if you plan to watch the last episode of Picard and haven’t done so. GEORGE TOWN: Former director of the Third World Network and The Star columnist Martin Khor Kok Peng has died. He had been ill for several years and had returned to Penang
- [Advent Thoughts](https://graceworks.com.sg/advent-thoughts/) - Advent is a season of expectation. But what are we looking towards? Christmas turkeys and dinner parties? Presents by the dozen? Around this time, many years ago, Mary was also filled with anticipation (Luke 1). She would have been heavily pregnant and eager to meet this baby boy whom the angel Gabriel had told her
- [Stockpiling and the Bible](https://graceworks.com.sg/stockpiling-and-the-bible/) - Have you been stockpiling? With all the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic many Singaporeans rushed to supermarkets to stock up on daily necessities or what were perceived to be necessities. I confess that my wife and I were also “stalking” our phones for available RedMart delivery slots. I thought I’d take a step back
- [Hearing in Community](https://graceworks.com.sg/hearing-in-community/) - Last Saturday morning I preached to a congregation of four — my dear wife, the two pastors of the church I was speaking at, and one member of the church staff, a technical wiz responsible for taping my sermon. The church was Yio Chu Kang Chapel. In light of the present virus epidemic, the church
- [House Churches — Exception or Norm?](https://graceworks.com.sg/house-churches-exception-or-norm/) - Those of you who know me will know how I have long championed small groups meeting in homes as the preferred platform to do church. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I encountered this article in mainstream media, the Singapore Sunday Times. “Christians: Return of the House Church,” (Lee Siew Hua, The Sunday Times, March
- [This Side of Heaven](https://graceworks.com.sg/this-side-of-heaven/) - Once, in 1968 when I was 13, I developed a high fever. Dad and mum gave me the usual antipyretics but the fever continued to spike. They consulted doctor friends who recommended that I be hospitalised straight away because the fever was dangerously high. So I was rushed to Penang General Hospital. The first thing
- [A Note from the Chaplain](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-note-from-the-chaplain/) - I have the privilege of serving as the chaplain of the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship (CMDF), Singapore. In my capacity as chaplain I sent out the following note to the CMDF community on Wed 19th, 2020. I have decided to also send it out via the Graceworks mailing list because there are healthcare practitioners
- [Crisis Response](https://graceworks.com.sg/crisis-response/) - Recently, the Anglican Bishop, the Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah, gave a sermon to the Singapore church as the country faced the COVID-19 virus crisis. I thought his main points applied equally well to the Malaysian church as our country faced a challenging political crisis. First, he said, followers of Christ must rest in the sovereignty
- [What? Why?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-why/) - KUCHING: The nation’s first Covid-19-related death was recorded in Sarawak on Tuesday (March 17), the state disaster management committee announced. The victim, 60-year-old Pastor David Cheng (pic), from Emmanuel Baptist Church here, passed away at 11am at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). (The Star) The first reported death from the Covid-19 virus in Malaysia was a
- [书评：与同性吸引之友同行 (压伤芦苇 , 你不折断)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends-chinese-2/) - 《压伤的芦苇，祂不折断：与同性吸引之友同行》：初步 “压伤的芦苇，祂不折断； 将残的灯火，祂不吹灭； 等祂施行公理，叫公理得胜； 外邦人都要仰望祂的名” —马太福音十二章十八至二十一节 我国近年来对于同性吸引这个话题议论纷纷；新加坡教会对这议题开始进行的讨论踌躇不决。多年来，全球教会以及基督徒公开地反对同性吸引、同性婚姻等观念，甚至以公开游行表示抗议；我国的信徒、教会也不例外。在种种风潮当中，在教会内经历同性吸引的人的声音变得越来越渺小。 《压伤的芦苇》英语版在2018年5月首次出炉，此时的出版正是时候；现在，出版商 Graceworks 也出版了中译本。这本书辑集了经历同性吸引的信徒个人的不同经验、感受，挣扎；对于他们真实的经验，它不加褒贬。读这本书的经验就如坐在咖啡馆，默默地听主内的姐妹、弟兄分享他们最切实的生活经验。对我而言，这是个谦卑的殊荣，同时也是沉重的负担。读者们得扪心自问：我们是否愿意与主内的姐妹弟兄同背重担，陪伴他们共走人生的道路？ 某些论客会发表以下的评论，说 《压伤的芦苇》选集的故事都是出自教会本身，无法全面反映LGBT社群所面对的困境。也许也会有某方批评它没有坦白面对LGBT社群以及新加坡社会对教会的某些疑惑，例如教会是否瞒着公众，在暗中进行回转治疗 (conversion therapy)。 这些批评都有有他的道理、真相；但这并不代表《压伤的芦苇》的含义毫无价值。相反的，本人认为这本书的价值不在讲述什么大道理、大理论，而是小人物各自私密的挣扎 。无论是教会内外，这些挣扎也许在这一生不能有圆满的答案。但我们仍然能够继续聆听他们的心声， 继续牵着姐妹弟兄的手，让他们的重担也成了我们的重担。 你我也许无法找出让我们能够和他们一起毫无顾虑往前走的途径；但我们依然能够一同背着彼此的重担，一起走着，一起寻找。 如果这是恩典之路，那《压伤的芦苇》就是初步。 你可在这观看样本并购买《与同性吸引之友同行 》. 这书评是由余子卉所写。子卉在2018年从新加坡国立大学毕业，如今在社会部门工作。
- [The Empire Strikes Back](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-empire-strikes-back/) - The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro, Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization and mass protest in Czechoslovakia as a Communist state after World War II. It began on 5 January 1968, when reformist Alexander Dubček was elected First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ), and continued until 21 August 1968,
- [书评：与同性吸引之友同行 (压伤芦苇 , 你不折断)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends-chinese/) - 谈到同性恋这个话题时，我往往会感到尴尬，又会感到同情，但不知身为基督徒的我应该对同性吸引的人有什么看法，或应该怎么与一个同性吸引的人相处。所以，这本书对我有很大的帮助。 书里的前半部是由数位受同性吸引的兄弟姐妹分享自己的经历所组成的。每位贡献者的背后都有自己的故事，而每个故事里都带着许多复杂的情愫。有些故事描述了上帝的慈爱与恩典如何让他们完全解脱同性吸引，但有许多故事的结局叙述着他们仍旧与同性吸引挣扎着，却因着上帝的信实而依旧信靠祂。书籍中的真实感是我喜欢这本书的最大原因。这些主内的兄弟姐妹们都表明了自己容易故态复萌，所以必须亲密的依靠上帝，也需要周边的人给予加倍的关怀和支持。 书中的故事不仅让我感受到他们的挣扎，也使我对教会往往缺乏爱心和怜悯感到惭愧和悲伤。这些故事再次肯定了教会的三个需要改进之处—1. 我们缺乏让基督徒公开和坦诚议论困难话题的机会、2. 我们不知如何关怀与扶持同性恋吸引的人、3. 我们时常过度注重婚姻与成家立室的事而忽略了单身的兄弟姐妹。当然，其中的某些故事也让我们目睹一个基督徒或教会怎么成功的帮助同性恋者走出黑暗的时光—这是值得鼓励和学习的。他们为我们树立了好榜样，鼓励我们把上帝的慈爱和怜悯带给我们周边的人。虽然教会有许多不足之处，但我们应该一同靠着基督为磐石，携手建立一个健康，能反映主的荣光的教会。 我特别喜欢其中一位同性吸引的人分享的一句话：“骨折痊愈时，必须能跑能跳，才是真正的痊愈。罪，也能痊愈，重获新生，并回到群体生活中。”这让我领悟到群体生活的重要性。我们必须把他们当成真心朋友，像我们一样需要群体和友情的人。我们的角色就是当他们的好友，耐心地陪伴和帮助他们融入教会群体，而并不是负责 ‘修理’或‘洁净’他们。只有上帝能够更新和改变一个人。 此外，书籍的后半部记载了一些同性恋吸引之友的家人和朋友的感想，以及几位牧师对此话题的经验。他们当中有许多人在学习如何与同性吸引之友相处的旅程中自我反省，发现自己其实也处在罪恶中，也一样会犯错，并且要为自己的选择对神负责。我们大家都是凭着神的恩典得到救赎，并不是靠着自己的行为。所以，我们能做的就是互相学习和扶持，并提醒彼此凡是都要信靠神。其中一位朋友用了一个很恰当的比喻：我们应该“在基督团体（花园）里给他们一份空间，让神这位园丁在他们的生命中做工。” 如果同性吸引的人在教会里觉得自己不被接纳或不能得到安慰，怎么能通过教会感受到基督的爱呢？ 看完这本书后，几个问题浮现在我的脑海中。那我们又应该怎么帮助不知道自己活在黑暗里的人呢？怎么用爱心说诚实话? 除了耐心地，无条件地去爱护他们，我们还能为他们做什么，好让他们愿意遵行上帝的旨意呢？但愿上帝继续指引我们。 最后，我要感谢所有提供书本里真言真语的人。他们愿意坦白和真心地表达自己在这方面的挣扎，并承认了自己的软弱和错误的行为，好让读者感触良多。另外，我也要感谢帮忙翻译的人士；虽然这本书的原文是英文，但翻译版本也能够恰当地把贡献者们的情感和情绪表达出来，而他们所用的文笔也容易阅读。 你可在这观看样本并购买《与同性吸引之友同行 》. 何槿晴是一名教师。她目前也在教会里的青少年事工与丈夫一起服侍。
- [Mentoring and the Kingdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-and-the-kingdom/) - Spiritual mentoring is an intentional, relational process for spiritual formation by which one person becomes a spiritual guide for one or several others. (Adapted from: Anderson, Keith R. & Randy D. Reese. Spiritual Mentoring. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999.) This evening and tomorrow, I will be giving a seminar on spiritual mentoring. My first
- [Welcome to the Family](https://graceworks.com.sg/welcome-to-the-family/) - Epic = Extremely Awesome This Lunar New Year was epic for many reasons, the main one being that our whole family made it for the New Year’s eve reunion meal. That included my sister Sandy, her hubby Jimmy and their three girls, Song Wei, Song Yi and Song Jie; Mark and John from Singapore; Andrew
- [A Happy Hiatus](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-happy-hiatus/) - We are taking a short break in order to bring you a public service announcement...
- [Ok (Worship) Boomer](https://graceworks.com.sg/ok-worship-boomer/) - Crown Him with many crowns, The lamb upon the throne: Hark! How the heav'nly anthem drowns All music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail him as thy matchless King Through all eternity. Lyrics: Matthew Bridges (1800–1894), Music: George Job Elvey (1816–1893) Last Sunday I had
- [Must We Call It Bible Study?](https://graceworks.com.sg/must-we-call-it-bible-study/) - “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” — Augustine of Hippo) A basic Christian spiritual discipline is Bible study. This is correct and must continue to be emphasised. The Bible is God’s special revelation to us. It is the only book that is “exhaled”
- [Relaxing Reality](https://graceworks.com.sg/relaxing-reality/) - Somehow, and somewhere, behind and above a discouraging world, stands a poised Father, completely in control and utterly unfrustrated. To believe that human beings are the final arbiters of history is inevitably to become a whiner rather than a thanker because human irresponsibility does embitter. The church needs her Master’s acquiescence in the sovereignty of
- [Full and Grateful](https://graceworks.com.sg/full-and-grateful/) - It's a bit hard to believe that this is the last Graceworks commentary for the year. This year feels more full than other years. Perhaps it has been developments in family, especially caring for mum in Penang. She is 92, living with dementia and other health issues. We go back once a month to see
- [Wait for it, wait for it…](https://graceworks.com.sg/wait-for-it-wait-for-it/) - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will
- [Mary Was No Wimp](https://graceworks.com.sg/mary-was-no-wimp/) - Mary, the mother of Jesus, was no wimp. The angel Gabriel declared that Mary was “highly favoured” and that the Lord was with her (Luke 1:26–28), which are Luke’s code words for the fact that Mary was a woman of substance. She was maybe 14 years old? Yet she stood her ground when she was
- [At the U2 Concert](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-u2-concert/) - The acoustics were horrible. The volume was unforgiving. But it was U2 in concert and it was on my bucket list, if I had one. Last Saturday, Bernice and I were at the first U2 concert in Singapore, courtesy of the kindness of sons Mark and John. Listening to the concert, I realised I wasn’t
- [Finding Your Voice](https://graceworks.com.sg/finding-your-voice/) - After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need
- [I Want to See Jesus](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-want-to-see-jesus-2/) - Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:8–9a NIV) The above is a very interesting exchange between Philip and Jesus
- [A Dance of Two Movements](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-dance-of-two-movements/) - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will
- [Crazy Love](https://graceworks.com.sg/crazy-love/) - Imagine you are a member of a church where many are poor. Some of them don’t even have a roof over their heads. Many are not sure where their next meal is coming from. Most are victims of natural disasters that would strike their part of the world from time to time. But there are
- [Playing it Safe](https://graceworks.com.sg/playing-it-safe/) - Yesterday (7th November), my good friend Rama was told to report to Bukit Aman police headquarters to record a statement. In his own words: On 3 April 2018, after an 18 month investigation, Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) announced its decision that the Malaysian police force is behind the abduction and disappearance of social
- [Book Review: Attentive to God – Being Aware of God’s Presence in Daily Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-attentive-to-god/) - Authored by Tony Horsfall Attentive to God – Being Aware of God’s Presence in Daily Life is written by Tony Horsfall and, as the title suggests, is written to help readers grow in their awareness of God in their everyday lives. Each chapter of the book is based on the story of a biblical character
- [Book Review: The Dao of Healing](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-the-dao-of-healing/) - Authored by Lai Pak-Wah Readers may be daunted by this book as it attempts to cover a topic that is not widely discussed in Christian circles. However, the author is careful in his introduction of the topic through laying the necessary foundations of examining and defining Chinese medicine, and readers are eased into unpacking this
- [Book Review: Twelve Strands](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-twelve-strands-2/) - Twelve Strands is diverse collection of testimonies from authors of vastly different backgrounds and specialising in different genres. In this book, the authors share about how their writing journeys began as well as the triumphs and struggles that they faced along the way. I appreciate the authors’ honesty when sharing about their struggles and how
- [Book Review: Twelve Strands](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-twelve-strands/) - Sewing Story to Story: A Review of Twelve Strands At first glance, I mistakenly assumed from the description that this book was a collection of stories by twelve Asian Christian writers. I was pleasantly surprised as I read on to discover that Twelve Strands is a collection of the stories of how twelve Asians came
- [Book Review: Rings on Fire](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-rings-on-fire/) - Authored by Desmond & Elaine Ng As a book on marriage, Rings on Fire starts in the most unexpected way possible—with Desmond and Elaine’s journey towards divorce. The book takes a double narrative—from the points of view of both Desmond and Elaine, interweaving both sides of their stories and helping readers to understand each of
- [Friendship at the Core](https://graceworks.com.sg/friendship-at-the-core/) - I have the privilege of teaching some courses at various seminaries. Often, at the end of a course, we would invite the students over to our home for dinner. We did this recently. This class was a small one and we could fit everyone around our dining table. At such gatherings, great food and conversation
- [Mum at 92](https://graceworks.com.sg/mum-at-92/) - We just came back from Penang where we celebrated my mum’s 92nd birthday. (Mum has Alzheimer’s dementia, is recovering from a broken hip, and is staying in a nursing home in Penang.) We had a great time with mum. First we took her for lunch at a fish and chips place. She finished all her
- [Book Review: Mental Health & The Gospel Community (Good News for Bruised Reeds)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-mental-health-the-gospel-community-good-news-for-bruised-reeds/) - Mental Health & The Gospel Community, the second in the Good News for Bruised Reeds series, continues Graceworks' effort to "[open] up conversations among those who are struggling, those who care for them, and those in the gospel community who want to be better Christ lights to this community". The first volume, reviewed in the
- [Faith Healing Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/faith-healing-revisited/) - It’s been a long time since I wrote on “faith healing”, the conviction that if we have enough faith, God will surely heal us. That’s because I haven’t heard a sermon on faith healing in a long time. I heard one recently. And as I have written before, as in many things, we live in
- [A Quiet Faithfulness](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-quiet-faithfulness/) - Have you ever wondered if there would be people at your funeral, apart from your immediate family? I have. I’m happiest when allowed to be like the worm curled up under a stone, so I don’t expect many to pay me much heed. Hence my musings about my passing. Last Sunday morning, a dear friend’s
- [Book Review: Walking with Same-sex Attracted Friends (Good News for Bruised Reeds)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends-2/) - Through presenting numerous testimonies of individuals who have been impacted by SSA in one way or another, Good News for Bruised Reeds: Walking with Same-sex Attracted Friends brought about many new insights and fresh perspectives. While there are many books and articles available about the biblical understanding of SSA that guide us on how we
- [Book Review: 3-2-1 Following Jesus in Threes](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-3-2-1-following-jesus-in-threes/) - Authored by Soo-Inn Tan A Starting Point Daniel had three friends: Hanan’yah, Azar’yah and Misha’el—or, as some might remember better: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: “Among these, from the people of Y’hudah, were Dani’el, Hanan’yah, Azar’yah and Misha’el. The chief officer gave them other names—to Dani’el he gave the name Belt’zhatzar; to Hanan’yah, Shadrakh; to Misha’el,
- [The Culture of Graceworks](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-culture-of-graceworks/) - Recently I have come across a number of articles teaching that for a company to be healthy and functioning well, the company must pay attention to its culture, and that culture is more important than strategy. It can be tempting for businesses to over-emphasise the focus on strategy whilst inadvertently underplaying the power of culture.
- [Thankfulness Instead](https://graceworks.com.sg/thankfulness-instead/) - I came ready to speak on conflict management. It was my fourth and final address for the Geylang Methodist School (Secondary) beginning-of-term prayer and praise gathering. I was asked to focus on spiritual friendship for the sessions and I came ready to talk about conflict management because friends will fight and they need to know
- [The Same Caravan](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-same-caravan/) - I enjoy preaching. I think it’s one of my gifts. When I get invited to speak on a new subject, I relish the challenge. But not last night. I am still not sure how it happened but I found myself the main speaker on the first session of a three-day conference on the church and
- [A Multi-ethnic Vision](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-multi-ethnic-vision/) - A Malay Muslim, he was one of our sons’ classmate and a good friend. He was often over at our house. I remember one occasion when he joined us for a meal. We made sure the meal was scrupulously pork free. We normally say grace before meals and we asked if he was ok with
- [Dinners with Jesus Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/dinners-with-jesus-revisited/) - Image from http://kendallvanderslice.com/we-will-feast Indulge me. Once in awhile I return to my dream of setting up a house church. And then I imagine what a regular meeting will look like. The last time I did this can be found here: Dinners with Jesus. Well, I am on holiday and having the space and time to dream
- [Discipleship Redux](https://graceworks.com.sg/discipleship-redux/) - I will be speaking at three Vancouver churches this weekend — one seminar, one adult Sunday school class, one sermon and one consultation with some church leaders. Independently, all three have asked me to speak on discipleship. I wondered why, seeing they have access to so much Christian formation resources in Vancouver. I was further
- [Evangelising a “Woke” Generation](https://graceworks.com.sg/evangelising-a-woke-generation/) - Last night, during my “Ministry to Young Adults” class, one of my students, a young adult himself, asked: “How do we do evangelism with a ‘woke’ generation?” I had heard the term “woke” before but I googled just to be sure. Definition of woke (chiefly US slang): aware of and actively attentive to important facts
- [Visiting Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/visiting-friends/) - “You mean you came all this way just to see us?” I was asked this twice the past few days. We had made a lightning trip to Petaling Jaya to see some friends. There was a family undergoing a major transition. Another friend had a wife with stage four cancer. One was in the midst
- [Bleeding Preachers](https://graceworks.com.sg/bleeding-preachers/) - Last Saturday I had the chance to share at a CRU reading advocacy event. It gave me a chance to revisit some of the books that had impacted my life. One, which impacted my preaching, was Frederick Buechner's book, Telling the Truth (New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1977). He begins the book by giving
- [Requiem for a Rascal](https://graceworks.com.sg/requiem-for-a-rascal/) - Pet ownership is not for wimps. It’s excruciatingly tough. Especially when it comes time to bid our furry family members farewell. Those twinkling eyes you see above were shut for the last time last night. We couldn’t bear Dusty being in constant pain and, in recent times, often unable to support his own weight because
- [6 Ways to Prepare for the Workforce](https://graceworks.com.sg/6-ways-to-prepare-for-the-workforce/) - The workplace can be an exciting environment, full of opportunity, possibility, and connections. However, it can also be daunting, chaotic, and stressful. When entering the workforce, taking steps to prepare can go a long way in starting strong and sustaining well. If you’ve been at it for a while and are feeling worn down, it
- [Returning to Father](https://graceworks.com.sg/returning-to-father/) - There is no shortage of books, planners, seminars, and apps to help you manage your time. The huge market for time management tools is an indication of the world we live in. Many of us are distracted, torn in many directions, working hard, yet often feeling guilty we are behind in all the things we
- [Taking the Time Crunch Seriously](https://graceworks.com.sg/taking-the-time-crunch-seriously/) - Recently the WHO officially recognised “workplace burnout” as a workplace phenomenon. Defined as a state of “vital exhaustion…burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed…”. Many of us shake our heads and wonder why it has taken the official medical authorities so long to recognise workplace
- [Privilege or Service?](https://graceworks.com.sg/privilege-or-service/) - There is a line from Steven Garber’s book, The Fabric of Faithfulness 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2007), that I quote often when I am speaking to undergraduates. And since I am the chaplain of the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship here in Singapore, I am often addressing medical and dental undergraduates. It
- [Book Review: Bribery & Corruption (2nd ed.)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-bribery-corruption-2nd-ed/) - Authored by Hwa Yung Bribery and Corruption consists of three sections. It starts and builds upon a biblical reflection on the subject by Bishop Hwa Yung, followed by five brief theological responses and three case studies by authors wearing various lenses, such as academia, ministry and, quite extensively, business practice (spanning a few sectors). It
- [Book Review: Wherever You Go](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-wherever-you-go-2/) - Authored by Hannah Lau In the opening pages, we make the acquaintance of the two young protagonists of this novel, whose collective experiences include wrestling with the realities of living in a broken world, but having faith in the perfect plans of a Heavenly Father. His personal call and destiny for their lives form the
- [Book Review: Wherever You Go](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-wherever-you-go/) - Authored by Hannah Lau Wherever You Go by Hannah Lau is one of the easiest faith-based books I have read, yet in it lie many truths in the personal recounts of two different women connected by their common belief in the gospel. Though they did not know nor had they met each other before, they
- [Book Review: A Gentle Touch](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-a-gentle-touch/) - Authored by John Ting A Gentle Touch heeds and echoes the call for the Church to break their silence on mental illnesses. Offering valuable insight, the book provides a hardly heard voice to individuals with mental illnesses to share their perspectives to the Church. The Church has for a long time approached mental illnesses with
- [Book Review: The Pattern](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-the-pattern/) - Authored by Dev Menon I am usually sceptical about Christian books on dating, romantic relationships and marriage as I feel that a lot of the material out there is either heavily influenced by secular philosophy and feel-good advice or, on the other extreme, imposes very stringent standards on Christians with regards to this subject matter
- [Book Review: The Plate Spinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-the-plate-spinner/) - Authored by Dev Menon In a busy and hectic society like Singapore, one word that everyone, from primary school students to working adults, all long for is “time”. We give excuses that we have no time, we say, “I need more time” or “I got not enough time” (pardon the Singlish), but there’re only 24
- [Book Review: Jesus: The Path to Human Flourishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-jesus-the-path-to-human-flourishing-2/) - Authored by I'Ching Thomas Witnessing about Jesus to non-believers can be daunting. After all, one must be prepared to handle the barrage of questions that are sure to flllow such an attempt. Even though Jesus Himself commanded us to spread the Gospel across the nations, there still exist ethnic, cultural and social boundaries that may
- [Book Review: Jesus: The Path to Human Flourishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-jesus-the-path-to-human-flourishing/) - Authored by I'Ching Thomas Many Christians in Singapore have a burden to reach their family and community with the Good News of jesus Christ, but often struggle with those whose beliefs and traditions are more deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. I'Ching Thomas; book will thus be invaluable for those seeking to help cultural Chinese
- [Book Review: Walking With Same-Sex Attracted Friends (Good News for Bruised Reeds)](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends-good-news-for-bruised-reeds/) - Good news for Bruised Reeds derives its title from Isaiah 42:3—"a bruised reed he will not break". It seeks to encourage friends and family of those with same-sex attraction (SSA) who are seeking God and have likely faced more prejudice and rejection—and burdens of guilt—than most. At the same time, the book aims to "challenge
- [Book Review: Where Spirituality and Justice Meet](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-where-spirituality-and-justice-meet/) - The Concept of Spiritual Transformation The theme of transformational development, or spiritual formation, runs through the heart of each of these essays in this riveting book. Transformational development is no less than "our continuing response to the reality of God’s grace shaping us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy
- [Book Review: Men For Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-review-men-for-christ/) - “There is no concept of retirement in the Bible,” asserts Timothy Liu, the current CEO of Dover Park Hospice, who is in his 40s. He is one of the 21 highly qualified and distinguished contributors in this compilation of exhortations in a men’s ministry in Mt. Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church. Several other contributors affirm Mr Liu’s
- [Books Saved My Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/books-saved-my-life/) - It was 1974. I was a first-year student in the Faculty of Dentistry in the then University of Singapore. My residential hall, KE Hall, had a small library and I was there trying to study for upcoming exams. In a moment of boredom, I decided to check out the collection in that small library and
- [THE Story](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-story/) - Photo credit: Alteregocomics.com [Spoiler alert for Avengers: Endgame (2019)] Rocket: No, Groot! You can’t. You’ll die. Why are you doing this? Why? Groot: We are Groot. [Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)] How many of you watched the movie Gladiator (2000)? How many of you wanted Maximus to reconnect with his old legions who were still
- [Until We Reach Unity](https://graceworks.com.sg/until-we-reach-unity/) - In most towns we frequent, there is one church that we consider our “home church”. In Penang, not surprisingly, it is Georgetown Baptist Church (GBC). I grew up in that church and served as her pastor for four years, my first pastorate after seminary. Georgetown Baptist was also the church that ordained me for church
- [Almost Enoch](https://graceworks.com.sg/almost-enoch/) - Eric passed away in the early hours of May 27, 2019. He was supposed to have passed away five years earlier. Eric, cousin of Michael, Bernice’s first husband, had been fighting renal failure for a long time. Five years ago, he refused to start receiving dialysis. Medically, this meant he wouldn’t have long to live.
- [Belonging](https://graceworks.com.sg/belonging/) - Photo credits: Adelene C A few evenings ago, Bernice and I attended the 88th birthday bash of her fourth aunt. The theme of the evening was Peranakan. Peranakans are an ethnic group descended from Chinese settlers from the southern provinces who came to the Malay archipelago including British Malaya (now Malaysia and Singapore, where they
- [The Dialysis Signal](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-dialysis-signal/) - A common friend told me that J had started dialysis and that he didn’t look too well. I visited him on Wednesday and was a little ashamed that it took a health crisis for me to make the time to go see him. We were friends who had grown up together in Penang. I have
- [Persecution — Normal](https://graceworks.com.sg/persecution-normal/) - The book of Revelation was written to Christians who were undergoing horrendous persecution at the hands of the Romans and the satanic powers behind them. In Chapter 12, the writer tells us how the saints were able to triumph over the Enemy. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have
- [It Wasn’t the Romans](https://graceworks.com.sg/it-wasnt-the-romans/) - Many of the Jews in Jesus’ time thought that their main problem was the fact that they were under the control of a pagan power—the Romans. The answer to that problem? A Messiah who would come and militarily demolish the Roman armies. But the Messiah came on a donkey, not a war horse (Matthew
- [Captain Marvel](https://graceworks.com.sg/captain-marvel/) - Goose the Cat | Marvel Studios Went with family to watch Captain Marvel (2019) a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it. It was a fun movie with a few interesting twists. My favourite character was the “cat”. But it wasn’t a movie that had the gravitas of, for example, Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014). So
- [Let Us Close Our Eyes and Worship](https://graceworks.com.sg/let-us-close-our-eyes-and-worship/) - ID 119063517 © | Dreamstime.com “As the music plays, let us close our eyes and just worship the Lord.” Have you heard a worship leader say this? I have, and every time I hear this I say, sometimes out loud, no, no no. Why? Because it reduces worship to a private, personal, emotional,
- [Ministering in Weakness](https://graceworks.com.sg/ministering-in-weakness/) - I am about to teach a course on mentoring for BGST (Biblical Graduate School of Theology). Originally planned for the end of 2019, this will now take place in the first half of 2020. In preparation for the course I asked some of those I had the privilege to mentor, to share what aspects of
- [Millennials, Faith and Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/millennials-faith-and-work/) - Seven women are gathered in the boardroom, looking at me with expectation. Each of them has been working, mostly alone, on projects that have absorbed their thoughts, actions, and lives for as long as 12 years. Over the next ten months, we are going to work together to squeeze the most out of their projects,
- [The Weapons of Our Warfare](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-weapons-of-our-warfare/) - For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.(2 Corinthians 10:3–4 NIV) A few weeks ago I received the following message: https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/watain-to-perform-in-singapore-for-the-first-time-in-2019 I wonder why Singapore
- [The Day Has Come at Last](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-day-has-come-at-last/) - I have a confession to make. When I am out with Bernice, and I see an old couple, I will hum the first few lines of the Beatle’s number, “When I'm 64”. It was my cheeky way of saying “Watch out, old folks ahead”. Well, I turned 64 yesterday (5 March). “When I'm 64” is
- [Adulting: What is that?](https://graceworks.com.sg/adulting-what-is-that/) - “Adulting”—a strange term for anyone not in the know! Before graduation, this was a term I coined to stand for anything and everything that I didn’t need to do as a student. To my great surprise, I discovered that everyone in and around my age group, even if they were from different communities, were already
- [The Long Game](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-long-game/) - Wiktionary: (idiomatic) A long-term strategy or endeavor. When you pass your half-century, the game doesn’t seem that long anymore. You’re closer to your death than you are your birth. But when even making the transition from this life to the next is merely that—a transition—you know you still need to play the long game. When
- [Human Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/human-life/) - It’s been a long time since I held a newly born in my arms. This past Monday I had the privilege of holding grandson Austin. It’s hard to describe the wonder of a new life. One of the first things that strikes you is the fact that a baby is so helpless. He or she
- [Thinking Of Death At Lunar New Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/thinking-of-death-at-lunar-new-year/) - During the Lunar New Year period (it officially lasts 15 days) you are not supposed to talk about or think about negative things. It might jinx you for the rest of the year. But this year I keep thinking about death. On the 29th of Jan I received news that a friend named Ranjan had
- [Granddad](https://graceworks.com.sg/granddad/) - Last Friday, January 18th, I became a grandfather. I was in Singapore. Austin Tan arrived in Melbourne. I heard the news. I saw the pics. I can’t wait to carry him, to kiss him, to smell him, like my dad carried me, and kissed me and smelled me when I was a baby. It’s still
- [Mentoring is Listening](https://graceworks.com.sg/21597-2/) - Last night we had the privilege of hosting a dinner for Tony Horsfall in our home. Of course we wanted this long-time practitioner of spiritual mentoring to say a few words about spiritual mentoring and this he did, after dinner. One of the main points he made was that the heart of spiritual mentoring is
- [Personalisation](https://graceworks.com.sg/personalisation/) - There are times, not often, that I think the following: “Why hasn’t this church/organisation invited me to preach? Is it because of my chequered past? Is it because I am not high-profile enough? After all I see them inviting speakers like Edmund Chan, Robert Solomon, Benny Ho, etc. Why not me?” A recent article by
- [Obedient Listening](https://graceworks.com.sg/obedient-listening/) - January 2019 is an interesting month in that it is the first time in a long, long time that I have no speaking engagements on any of the Sundays. I have an itinerant ministry and I have the privilege of preaching at various churches on any given Sunday. But no church has invited me to
- [A Tiring Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-tiring-year/) - These few days I have been sleeping earlier than I usually do and waking up later than I usually do. I am tired. It has been a demanding year for a number of reasons. First, the volume of work has risen considerably. We have had many more interesting manuscripts to publish. We have had many
- [The Limits of Our Power](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-limits-of-our-power/) - I love my mother, but I can't give her what she wants. She wants to go home, but for now she has to stay in a nursing home. Mum, 91, and suffering from dementia, had a bad fall a few months ago and now needs constant nursing supervision and care. There are not that many
- [Last Camp of the Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/last-camp-of-the-year/) - My second last retreat/camp for the year was with a group of Malaysian Methodists held in Cameron Highlands. It was a significant time and I heaved a sigh of relief thinking it was my last camp/retreat of the year. Then Bernice reminded me there was one more—the Christalite Methodist Chapel camp. My Malaysian friends prayed
- [Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/friends-2/) - It was 1995. I was at a major crossroads. I believed the Lord had called me to the pastorate and I had served as a pastor for 10 years. But now I believed the Lord may be calling me to serve in a parachurch organisation. If I were to go in that direction would it
- [Mutuality and an Appeal for Support](https://graceworks.com.sg/mutuality-and-an-appeal-for-support/) - . . . the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. (Galatians 6:6 NIV) I have been deeply touched at the many who have written in to say how much they have been blessed by the weekly eCommentaries. I heard from folks who have been following them
- [That's How The Light Gets In](https://graceworks.com.sg/thats-how-the-light-gets-in/) - At the last CMDF (Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship) dinner, something interesting happened. A guest, who was not a follower of Jesus, decided to be one. What is more interesting is why? The theme of the evening was “Good News for Bruised Reeds”, and the invited speaker and a panel of three spoke about their
- [With Great Power...](https://graceworks.com.sg/with-great-power/) - One shouldn't be surprised when one hears that a 95-year-old man has passed away, but there are certain bigger-than-life persons whose death will always surprise you. I was surprised to hear about the death of Stan Lee, one of the founders of Marvel comics and its leading light through the years. (Stan Lee died at
- [Is It Time to Call It a Day?](https://graceworks.com.sg/is-it-time-to-call-it-a-day/) - I am writing this at 10.53pm on a Thursday evening. I am tired and sleepy but I need to get this done because we send out this weekly ecommentary every Friday. I seriously doubt that I can write this tomorrow because tomorrow will be a full day. As was today. Many times this year, and
- [Vanity and Laziness](https://graceworks.com.sg/vanity-and-laziness/) - If the measure of a man's greatness is not the amount of money in his account when he dies, but the number of lives he has touched, Eugene Peterson, who died on Oct 22 at 85, was a great man. The moment it was known that he had passed on, social media exploded with stories
- [The Next Chapter](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-next-chapter/) - This past Tuesday Bernice and I went up to Penang for an early celebration of my mum's 91st birthday. My sis and family came up from KL for the celebration too. When we reached Penang we were alarmed to discover that my mum had had a bad fall about a week earlier. Her carer either
- [You Started a Bookstore???](https://graceworks.com.sg/you-started-a-bookstore/) - Whenever I am back in Petaling Jaya I try to drop by Lit Books, an independent bookstore owned and run by a husband and wife team, Min Hun and Elaine. (I must thank son Andrew for giving me a heads up about the store.) Husband and wife came from sterling careers in journalism, corporate communications
- [Don't Look Away](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-look-away/) - It's already moving off the front pages of print and online media, not spared of the relentless push for new news to catch the attention of audiences addicted to novelty. But this happened last Friday: A powerful, 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, September 28, triggering a tsunami and leaving more
- [Losing to Gain](https://graceworks.com.sg/losing-to-gain/) - The third third of life, 60–90 and beyond, is a time of loss. It is a time when we bid goodbye to many things. We bid goodbye to a younger body. Our energy levels are not the same. We may need multifocal spectacles or go for cataract operations. Our hearing begins to go. Grey hair
- [The Witness of Our Lives](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-witness-of-our-lives/) - What are the weapons of our warfare? I have always been intrigued by how the early church grew so rapidly. To quote Alan Kreider: The growth of the Christian church in the Roman Empire is mysterious. Scholars who spend their entire lives studying this phenomenon continue to find it surprising. Why did this minor mystery
- [A Focused Heart](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-focused-heart/) - Recently I was ministering in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia, and took the opportunity to meet up with an old friend, Pastor Lam Kee Hing. (He is a little older than me.) I don't think I exaggerate when I call him the key leader in the ministry to indigenous people in West Malaysia and, especially, in East
- [Three Verbs for Teachers](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-verbs-for-teachers/) - With BGST's, Vocation, Work and Ministry MM 101, 2017 cohort. An article on mentoring that I read recently (David L. Bartlett, "Mentoring in the New Testament," in Mentoring, Dean K. Thompson & D. Cameron Murchison eds. [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2018], 23–36) helped me to name what I am trying to do in my teaching
- [Making a Difference](https://graceworks.com.sg/making-a-difference/) - We cannot all be heroes and thrill a hemisphere With some great daring venture, some deed that mocks at fear But we can fill a lifetime with kindly acts and true There's always noble service for noble souls to do (1st verse of the Tanjong Katong Girls’ School Song) In a ballroom filled with hundreds
- [What About Coal Mining?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-about-coal-mining/) - One of the more important courses I am privileged to teach is Biblical Graduate School of Theology’s “Vocation, Work and Ministry” course where we explore biblical teaching on issues like our daily work, ministry in church and the matter of calling. This year the course has been separated into two, the first dealing with the
- [A Good Night's Sleep](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-good-nights-sleep/) - Are you getting enough sleep? Numerous articles alert us to the dangers of poor sleep. The following is information from an article entitled, “Get Enough Sleep”. . . . poor sleep has been linked to significant problems, including: *greater risk of depression and anxiety; *increased risk of heart disease and cancer; *impaired memory; *reduced immune
- [Timing](https://graceworks.com.sg/timing/) - Tonight I will have the privilege of bringing the Word at the wake of Edward Cheah, or Booney-ko as he was known among family and friends. He is the husband of Agnes, Bernice's cousin. Booney-ko died on Wednesday as a result of a horrendous traffic accident he suffered on Monday. He was on his bicycle
- [Don't Pass the Baton](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-pass-the-baton/) - I was privileged to be part of a recent retreat for pastors and church leaders. The focus of the retreat was: How do we mentor the next generation of leaders? During the retreat I said that none of us chooses what generation to be born in. And every generation is shaped by different formative forces.
- [Let Your People Pray](https://graceworks.com.sg/let-your-people-pray/) - I have been to prayer meetings both sides of the Causeway that have left me very frustrated. For some reason they tend to be combined prayer meetings with folks from different churches and different denominations. Here is what frustrates me—the prayer leader lists some items for prayer; he or she exhorts those gathered to pray,
- [Twenty Years On](https://graceworks.com.sg/twenty-years-on-2/) - The 2018 World Cup concluded recently, and my darling wife Bernice reminded me that it has been 20 years since my struggle with clinical depression. The 1998 world cup was on. Ricky Martin was celebrating the Cup of Life. I normally enjoy watching a good game of football, but I didn't enjoy any of the
- [An Invitation to Listen](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-invitation-to-listen/) - You may or may not know that the word "gospel" means good news. As followers of Jesus we have been called to preach the good news of the Kingdom till the King returns. But how is the gospel good news to someone who wants to follow Christ but who is sexually attracted to those of
- [The 4 Cs of Job Selection](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-4-cs-of-job-selection/) - In high school, I already had inklings about serving God in church-related work. But my parents guided me in the direction of dentistry and that became my first degree. There was no discussion of vocation. The goal was to get a job that promised financial security. Looking back, I understand. Both my parents had gone
- [This Is Your Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/this-is-your-time/) - Last evening (26/6/18) I had dinner with two outstanding young men. They take their call to follow Christ seriously. They take the stewardship of their own lives seriously. They were seeking to make sense of the unfolding circumstances of their lives, but in the context of wanting to grow and to be clearer as to
- [Pronounced “Beekner”](https://graceworks.com.sg/pronounced-beekner/) - In our recent trip to Vancouver, I made a number of new friends. One was a young woman from Sitiawan, Perak. She told me she had been reading my weekly column for more than 15 years and had been helped by them. I was pleasantly surprised. I have been writing a weekly column (well most
- [Leader, Leader?](https://graceworks.com.sg/leader-leader/) - When I first did the Wagner-Modified Houts Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire, a questionnaire that helped one discover one's spiritual gifts, I was surprised to discover that my primary gift was teaching. I thought it would be leadership. But leadership came in second or third. I thought that leadership would be my primary gift. After all, I
- [Quek's Quackers](https://graceworks.com.sg/queks-quackers/) - These past few days we have had the privilege of taking the Emmanuel Bible-Presbyterian Church camp. This is one camp that we were really looking forward to doing because Bernice and I owe the pastor of the church, Dr Quek Swee Hwa, big time. I first met Dr Quek in 1981 when I started my
- [The Critical Matter of Gratitude](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-critical-matter-of-gratitude/) - Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. (Oxford Dictionary) “Your bill has been paid.” We were having lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant at Harbourfront. We were near the end of our meal when the cashier walked over and told us that our bill had been paid. She
- [Valuable Still](https://graceworks.com.sg/valuable-still/) - One of the few indulgences on our recent trip to Vancouver was catching Paul Simon's farewell concert. We had been looking forward to this. Paul Simon (with Art Garfunkel) had provided some of the most meaningful songs to the soundtracks of our lives. And it was his farewell tour. Culminating a music career that began
- [Ordinary Miracles](https://graceworks.com.sg/ordinary-miracles/) - Jumped out of bed this morning when the alarm rang. Was a full night of sleep — eight whole hours. No kidding! So, “what’s the big deal?”, some of you are probably thinking. In the last week I have travelled from Singapore to Vancouver to Chicago and back to Vancouver again. Is a full night
- [The Times They Are A-Changin'](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-times-they-are-a-changin/) - I missed what may probably have been the most important event in Malaysian history in my lifetime. I was on a plane to Vancouver when the 14th Malaysian general election was taking place. Of course I was praying long before this day and kept shooting up silent prayers as we headed for Tokyo and on
- [What's The Use of Praying](https://graceworks.com.sg/whats-the-use-of-praying/) - I want to start by apologising to my fellow Malaysians. I won't be voting on May 9th. I will be on a flight to Vancouver where I have ministry commitments. These are commitments made long ago. I was hoping the elections would be this weekend but it was not to be. Those who know me
- [How Was Your Weekend?](https://graceworks.com.sg/how-was-your-weekend/) - This was how I spent my last weekend. Friday and Saturday I helped lead a retreat for key leaders and centre managers of St Luke's Elder Care (SLEC). Of all the ministry requests for the weekend, this came the latest. I said yes for a number of reasons. The CEO of SLEC, Dr Kenny Tan,
- [The Call to Die](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-call-to-die/) - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (4 February 1906–9 April 1945) The first thing that strikes you about the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the last thing that remains with you is probably this line: "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Here is the part of the passage where this line can be found:
- [We Are Not Stupid . . . I Think](https://graceworks.com.sg/we-are-not-stupid-i-think/) - "Semboyan telah berbunyi" is Malay for “the bugle has sounded”. The date for the next Malaysian general election has been announced. The contesting parties and coalitions will be, well, blowing their own trumpets. We are already in the midst of a media cacophony that will only get worse, so let me pen down some thoughts
- [Marks of a Good Sermon](https://graceworks.com.sg/marks-of-a-good-sermon/) - Whenever I have the opportunity to teach a course on homiletics, I usually show the class this clip. It’s one that shows excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s last speech. He would be assassinated the next day, April 4th, 1968, at the age of 39. (You can read the text of the full speech here)
- [Death and Hope](https://graceworks.com.sg/death-and-hope/) - Did you know that 151,600 people die each day globally? It is hard for large numbers to strike a chord. Death strikes home when it takes away people that we care about. Two deaths come to mind this week. One was the death of Pastor Rick Seaward. I didn't know him personally but many of
- [Deadlines](https://graceworks.com.sg/deadlines/) - Whenever I tell Bernice and my Graceworks team that I am working on a book, and give a tentative deadline for finishing it, I am met with knowing smiles. Based on past experience they know that they should add about a year to that date. I find writing very difficult. I am most alive when
- [Meaning at 63](https://graceworks.com.sg/meaning-at-63/) - The most important book I have read in recent times is The Power of Meaning by Emily Esfahani Smith. Smith's thesis is this: if you spend your life chasing happiness you may get it but happiness is often short lived and ephemeral. But if you spend your life pursuing meaning, you will find that though
- [Losing? Winning?](https://graceworks.com.sg/losing-winning/) - Nobody likes to lose. Last Sunday my team lost. Arsenal lost to Manchester City, 3–0, during the League Cup Final of the 2018 English Premier League. I suspect not many Arsenal fans shed many tears. We are used to the inconsistency of our team. A more significant loss happened on Tuesday, 27 February. The Federal
- [More Cynical, More Hopeful](https://graceworks.com.sg/more-cynical-more-hopeful/) - One of the highlights of our recent trip to Penang for the Lunar New Year was the visit of our dear friends Steven Sim and his wife Joreen, together with their son Shaun. We first met Steven more than ten years ago when we were part of the same cell group. The group consisted of
- [A Different New Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-different-new-year/) - Not feeling particularly festive this Lunar New Year. I know why. For the first time we will not be visiting Ah Hoon Kor to wish her happy new year. She passed away in July last year. She was my dad's sister, and the last member of the family from that generation. I miss her, and
- [Why You See Me So Up?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-you-see-me-so-up/) - I was having tea with a dear friend. He was on staff at a church and was someone whose life and ministry I held in the highest regard. In the midst of our conversation, he asked: "Why you see me so up?" This is a literal English translation of a Chinese phrase that basically says:
- [Treating Depression or Treating the Person?](https://graceworks.com.sg/treating-depression-or-treating-the-person/) - I remember the onset of my clinical depression. I had just preached at the ordination service of a good friend. I was then to a join a young adults evangelistic camp. As I was driving away from the ordination service, it happened. It was as though someone turned off all the switches in me. I
- [Shit Happens](https://graceworks.com.sg/shit-happens/) - "Shit Happens" Idiom: used to say that bad things happen as part of life and cannot be prevented (Merriam-Webster) I was at a very low point in my life, perhaps the lowest to date. I had lost a wife to cancer, another to a divorce, which led to the loss of my reputation and my
- [A Question for New Year's Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-question-for-new-years-day/) - What is the core of the Christian faith? I posed this question to the Dental Prayer Fellowship as they gathered for their annual rededication service on the morning of 1st January. Jesus gave us the answer when He answered a query on which was the most important commandment: One of the teachers of the law
- [Learning from the Girl at the Counter](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-the-girl-at-the-counter/) - I popped into a Happy Mart convenience store (a Malaysian version of 7-Eleven) to buy some parking coupons. The staff on duty was a young Malay girl wearing a headscarf. I had to wait for a while because she was exchanging messages with someone on her smartphone. When she finally attended to me I teased
- [Sprinter or Long Distance Runner?](https://graceworks.com.sg/sprinter-or-long-distance-runner/) - Are you a sprinter or a long-distance runner? I am more of a sprinter. I want the quick kill. I want to give it my all in one decisive event. But to faithfully put one foot in front of another with no immediate emotional gratification, with no quick sense of closure — that's tough for
- [Dark Beauty](https://graceworks.com.sg/dark-beauty/) - At a recent camp, I took along a novel to read as my evening leisure pursuit. The campsite was rustic, with just the bare amenities and no entertainment except the surrounding forest which was gorgeous. The novel was Blue Light Yokohama by Nicolas Obregon (UK: Penguin Random House, 2017). Somewhere at the beginning of Chapter
- [Death and Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/death-and-life/) - I am writing this in the quiet of my room in El Sanctuary, a quaint retreat centre near Alor Gajah, Malacca, Malaysia. I am here to speak to a group of bright young adults from Orchard Road Presbyterian Church. I am enjoying my interaction with them. But I came to this retreat with mixed feelings.
- [Worship Leader](https://graceworks.com.sg/worship-leader/) - You noticed her because she was different. She sometimes sang off key. She sang certain words louder, for emphasis. But her raising of her hands, her body language, were all appropriate. She was really worshipping her God in song. She inspired my own worship. I worshipped God better that day because she was in the
- [Living in the Now](https://graceworks.com.sg/living-in-the-now/) - Mum has lost most of her short-term memory as she journeys down the path of Alzheimer's dementia. When I drop by to visit, she will smile and yell my pet name, "Ah Chye". I will go upstairs to put away my stuff and, when I come down again, she will look at me as though
- [Love and Death Don't Mix](https://graceworks.com.sg/love-and-death-dont-mix/) - Love and death shouldn't be in the same universe. A few weeks ago I was having lunch with Bernice when a Chipmunks song came on (The Chipmunk Song — Christmas Don't Be late). Suddenly my dad came to mind. (He passed on in 2003.) I remembered that he had bought me three Chipmunk LP records
- [The Stages of Transition](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-stages-of-transition/) - I don't do transitions well. In 1981 I left Malaysia/Singapore to commence my studies in Regent College, Vancouver. It was a dream come true. I would be studying with faculty I highly respected at a school whose unique philosophy I really believed in. And Vancouver is a gorgeous city. Yet for most of that first
- [The Importance of Spiritual Friendship Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-importance-of-spiritual-friendship-revisited/) - ... friendship is a relationship of mutuality and intimacy rooted in shared interests, loves, or goals and characterized by genuine interest in the other person as a particular other. –James Calvin Davis Last Saturday night we had the privilege of once again sharing our vision of the critical importance of spiritual friendship with a new
- [Blessed are the Peacemakers](https://graceworks.com.sg/blessed-are-the-peacemakers-2/) - As a permanent resident in Singapore, there is much I appreciate about the city-state I now call my home. This ranges from the relative absence of cigarette smoke to a government that takes a strong stance against corruption. I also appreciate that the country is multi-religious, with a healthy secularism that does not downplay the
- [We Gave Them Veto Vote](https://graceworks.com.sg/we-gave-them-veto-vote/) - I just came back from Penang late last night. Spent a few very special days there. First, we celebrated my mum's 90th birthday. That would have been special enough. But we also had a short family holiday. There are six in our immediate family: Bernice, myself, and four sons, Mark, Stephen, John, and Andrew. Andrew
- [Sharing a Hymnal](https://graceworks.com.sg/sharing-a-hymnal/) - Last Sunday, Bernice and I joined Evangel Baptist Church for their 40th anniversary lunch. There was an anniversary service earlier in the day but we missed that because we had a ministry commitment elsewhere. I was part of the original congregation that started the church in the late ’70s. It was good to see old
- [Prebeliever?](https://graceworks.com.sg/prebeliever/) - I was having lunch with some friends after church last Sunday. One of them worshipped regularly though he was not a Christian. In the course of conversation, he mentioned that he didn't like the term prebeliever. He said he was happy to be called a non-believer but why prebeliever? I told him that I had
- [A Lesson From Microsoft](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-lesson-from-microsoft/) - empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. (Oxford Dictionary) The October issue of Fast Company features an article on Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. Nadella has done well. . . . he's generated more than $250 billion in market value [for Microsoft] in just three and a half years .
- [Lighting Candles](https://graceworks.com.sg/lighting-candles/) - I have one more lecture left in this year's Vocation, Work and Ministry class. It's a Biblical Graduate School of Theology class that seeks to help people understand the biblical significance of work, both church-related work and, especially, work in the marketplace. The course also helps people discern what work God may have called them to
- [Both, And](https://graceworks.com.sg/both-and/) - Michael Low, a good friend of mine, is finishing his studies at Regent College, Vancouver. He has kindly accepted the role of being a living epistle — I have asked him to convey my greetings to the Regent faculty who had blessed me when I was there (1981–1985). Recently, he conveyed my greetings and affection
- [Honouring a Mentor](https://graceworks.com.sg/honouring-a-mentor/) - Festschrift: A volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar. (Merriam-Webster) Last Saturday (December 6) we were in Vancouver to be part of an event at Regent College, my theological alma mater. It was an event to honour W. Ward Gasque, who with James Houston, Carl Armerding
- [“I Know Kung Fu”](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-know-kung-fu/) - At a recent church camp I showed a clip of one of my favourite scenes from one of my favourite movies, Matrix (1999). It's the scene where Neo, the hero, has knowledge of kung fu downloaded into his brain. When the download was completed, he declares that he knows kung fu and, in a sense, he does.
- [Sergeant Pepper and the Questions of Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/sergeant-pepper-and-the-questions-of-life/) - Last week (June 1st) was the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' album, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I was in Form 1 (Grade 7) when it was released. Didn't really notice it or appreciate it till a few years later. Looking back after five decades, I realise the songs in the album ask the key
- [A Meal With Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-meal-with-friends/) - Charles Xavier: "This is what life looks like, people who love each other, a home. You should take a moment, feel it. You still have time." (Logan, 2017) Yesterday I had lunch with friends from a very special period of my life, many of whom I have not met for 40 years. I studied dentistry in the University of Singapore
- [Hope and Guide](https://graceworks.com.sg/hope-and-guide/) - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And
- [Getting It Right](https://graceworks.com.sg/getting-it-right/) - Evangel: "Good news, and in the context of the Bible, the good news of Jesus Christ." Evangelism: "Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ with the hope that the listener will respond and embrace Jesus as Lord and Saviour." Evangelicalism: "A transdenominational movement within Protestant Christianity that among other things, sees the bible properly interpreted as
- [The Geography of His Will](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-geography-of-his-will/) - Last August, I had the privilege to be part of the Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering in Jakarta. One of my highlights was meeting up with a brother from Pakistan that I had met for the first time at the previous Younger Leaders Gathering 10 years earlier. Then, he was starting out in campus ministry. In
- [Are You Crazy?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-crazy/) - If I were deciding on a career today and did any sort of vocational testing, I am sure I wouldn't have done dentistry. I would probably have ended up in law, or management or mass communication, but no, not dentistry. Fine detailed handwork is just not me, though I forced myself to learn and became
- [Horizons](https://graceworks.com.sg/horizons/) - When we boarded the plane for Penang to visit mum, I recalled my first time on a plane. Mum took me on a trip to Hong Kong end of 1969, just the two of us. I was 14, waiting to start grade 10 (Form 4). It was a reward of sorts for my performance in
- [Reaching Young Adults](https://graceworks.com.sg/reaching-young-adults/) - The best things in my life have been unexpected. Like meeting Bernice across a book table. Or the gathering of almost 40 young-adult ministry leaders in our house. It started innocently enough. I was taking a retreat with Bible Presbyterian young adults and I mentioned to a dear friend and the main organiser of the
- [Ah Hoon Kor](https://graceworks.com.sg/ah-hoon-kor/) - I have said it before and I will say it again. Death, even when expected, still takes you by surprise. Yesterday, I received a Whatsapp message from my cousin Colin to say that 4th aunt (Ah Hoon Kor) who lived in Penang, had passed away. She had been ill and housebound for a while, yet
- [Open Minds, Burning Hearts](https://graceworks.com.sg/open-minds-burning-hearts/) - I woke up this morning to a pleasant surprise. I received a photo via Whatsapp of two friends — Michael Low, who is now a student at Regent College, and Dr Bruce Waltke, one of my lecturers when I was studying at Regent (1981–85). Michael has been kindly conveying my warmest regards to the lecturers
- [Thank You Singapore Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/thank-you-singapore-church/) - On the occasion of Singapore’s National Day (August 9) let me put on record my thanks to the Singapore church, and I will name names. I am a Malaysian in full-time church ministry. In this part of the world, a divorce is the kiss of death for public ministry. I did my time. I underwent
- [An Evening in Bangsar](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-evening-in-bangsar/) - Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; (Luke 24:13–15 NIV) Last Monday (August
- [Mentoring Young Adults — Mission Critical](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-young-adults-mission-critical/) - Last Sunday afternoon, we had the privilege to conduct a seminar on mentoring young adults in Bedok Methodist Church. The request was a recent one and I was already down to preach at another church that morning, two sermons in fact. But I had said yes to this invitation because ministry to young adults is a key
- [Face to Face for Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/face-to-face-for-life/) - empathic: "showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another." I don't often read when I am on a flight but I am glad I read Curt Thompson's Anatomy of the Soul (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2010) on a recent flight to Penang. Quoting the work of Daniel Siegel, Thompson writes: In particular, he
- [Willing to Retire There](https://graceworks.com.sg/willing-to-retire-there/) - Had a Facebook video call with a friend in Pune, India, this morning. He was one of a number of key younger leaders I had met at the Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering in Jakarta last year. He was originally from Mumbai but had been sent by his group of churches to plant a church in
- [An Unexpected Crisis](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-unexpected-crisis/) - Yesterday I did my first MRI examination and lived to tell the tale. I had been having pain in my lower right back on and off for a number of years now. It had always been rare and the pain bearable. Recently the pain had become more frequent and more severe. My GP friend referred
- [Over Seas](https://graceworks.com.sg/over-seas/) - For me, 421 came about after a church-wide push. My regular Bible study group took it up, and the leaders arranged our groupings. Mine was quite the eclectic bunch. Girly Lydia, artsy supersmart overachiever non-mainstream Rachel, everybody-loves-Ruth, and me. We began our first session deciding the general programme for each meeting (devo, sharing, prayer), confidentiality
- [Mentoring or Spiritual Friendship?](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-or-spiritual-friendship/) - When I first heard about the concept of 3-2-1 spiritual friendships I was really excited to try it. I had never had a group of friends with whom I felt I could share my deepest fears and greatest joys. It seemed so simple yet so revolutionary at the same time. Our cell group decided to
- [A Reminder of God's Faithfulness](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-reminder-of-gods-faithfulness/) - " 'Funny how we need to be reminded to continue meeting one another.' This passing comment made me to realise the sad truth, that unless we take measures or are told to meet up with one another, life will just slip by and we will inevitably allow everything else to take the place of our
- [God is Bigger](https://graceworks.com.sg/god-is-bigger/) - It's not easy for me to revisit my past, especially a period I call my ten black years. I wished I could go back in time and do things better, make better choices, be a better man. But I can’t go back in time. Now, I seek to redeem my past by sharing whatever lessons I learnt from those dark times, with others. The most important lesson is this — God is bigger than our failures.
- [Making a Fool of Myself](https://graceworks.com.sg/making-a-fool-of-myself/) - Writing has never come easy for me. I prefer to preach or teach any time. When I stand before a group of people and preach or teach, I see some results of my work straight away. Your listeners may love you or they may hate you but you have a pretty good idea from their
- [I Read "Lord of the Rings" Nine Times](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-read-lord-of-the-rings-nine-times/) - When people learn that I have read The Lord of The Rings nine times, they shake their heads and politely suggest that I should get therapy. I am sure they are right for this and many other reasons. But it may well be that Tolkien's trilogy may have in fact saved me from madness. I
- [The One-Another Mandate](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-one-another-mandate/) - In about two weeks’ time, Graceworks will be organising her first seminar of the year. We don’t organise many seminars but this one in particular represents the core mission of Graceworks. God has called Graceworks to champion the course of relational transformation, the desire to see lives transformed for Christ in the context of authentic
- [A Book Launch](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-book-launch/) - This Wednesday, 26th April, Graceworks will be launching one of my books, Walking With The Risen Christ. Writing does not come easy to me. I am energised when I am preach, teach, or have conversations one-on-one or in small groups. But when I write, I don't have that face-to-face encounter. Writing is a lonely activity; it’s just
- [Are you emotionally healthy?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-emotionally-healthy/) - "Dad, what does it mean to be emotionally healthy?", Andrew, no. 2 son asked me. I was giving him a ride to a tuition class and was giving him one of my standard spiels about balanced development. As I periodically tell my sons, "you gotta grow, not just academically, but spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally
- [Angry Lesson](https://graceworks.com.sg/angry-lesson/) - Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers’”.
- [I'm Just A Jealous Guy](https://graceworks.com.sg/im-just-a-jealous-guy/) - One learns about jealousy early in life. "Dad seems to like my brother over me." "Why is she teacher's pet?" "And why, oh why does she prefer to be in his arms and not in mine?" There was this girl I really liked. And she seemed to be giving vibes that she liked me too.
- [The Original Blue Pill Pedlar](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-original-blue-pill-pedlar/) - This has been a rough week. I have been speaking to a group of youths at a church camp. Youths are not my usual target group. I normally speak to groups college aged and older. This was a group of folks aged 12 - 18. And this guy, who has been speaking to groups since
- [Stay Awake With Me](https://graceworks.com.sg/stay-awake-with-me/) - I did well for my O level exams. Had distinctions in all my subjects except Chemistry, my bogey subject. Got a credit for that. Everyone expected me to do well for my A levels. Instead I passed my A levels with very average results. What happened? I underestimated the difficulty of the A level exams.
- [No Time to Think](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-time-to-think/) - "My name is Soo Inn. I am an info junkie." When my internet service provider (ISP) is down I manifest cold turkey symptoms. I call the ISP office demanding to know when they will be back online. I back up my main ISP with two more ISPs. I know precisely what David Brooks is saying
- [Instant Messaging Saved My Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/instant-messaging-saved-my-life/) - The introductory blurb sounded very promising. As her lead-in to her article, "The Art of Multitasking", (FAST COMPANY October 2002), Alison Overholt writes: "Feeling overworked? Overwhelmed? The dirty little secret of the slow-growth economy is that most of us are busier than ever. We're doing our jobs, plus the jobs of one or two gone-but-not-replaced
- [Busyness---Vice or Virtue?](https://graceworks.com.sg/busyness-vice-or-virtue/) - "If you asked twenty good Christians today how they are doing, nineteen of them would reply, busy. But if you asked almost any of the desert fathers, they would have told you that busyness is a sin. You see what has happened? A vice has become a virtue." Karl E. Johnson (re:generation online, www. regenerator.com/)
- [Family Altar](https://graceworks.com.sg/family-altar/) - "Don't want to be an American idiot. One nation controlled by the media. Information age of hysteria. It's going out to idiot America. Welcome to a new kind of tension. All across the idiot nation Everything isn't meant to be ok. Television dreams of tomorrow. We're not the ones who're meant to follow. for that's
- [Flexi Hours](https://graceworks.com.sg/flexi-hours/) - The meeting had to be rescheduled because I had to make an urgent trip back to Kuala Lumpur. But the four members of my mentoring cohort and I managed to agree on a new date to meet. As usual the meeting would begin with dinner at 7.30 pm. A day before the meeting one of
- [Seminar City](https://graceworks.com.sg/seminar-city/) - On any given night in Singapore there is a Christian seminar going on. Probably a few. I discovered this when I moved down here and ran a few seminars of my own. Invariably they would clash with other seminars held on the same evenings. These seminars can be roughly divided into a few types: Church run seminars which are
- [Are You Resource Depleted?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-resource-depleted/) - Talked to a young lawyer recently. Three years out of law school, he specialized in litigation. I asked him about his hours. He said that leaving office at 9pm was norm. But there would be nights when he would leave at 11pm or later. I wasn't surprised. Many of my friends who are lawyers and
- [Stories from Vietnam](https://graceworks.com.sg/stories-from-vietnam/) - You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.
- [2015 Special Edition](https://graceworks.com.sg/2015-special-edition/) - Dear friends, Would you consider supporting the work of Graceworks? Income from the sales of our books and the honorariums we receive make up about 2⁄3 of what we need to operate. It is friends and communities who know us and who believe in what we do, who help make up the rest. Below is
- [A Request for Partnership](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-request-for-partnership/) - The Ministry of Graceworks Last year, Graceworks organised two conferences of our own. We are often invited to teach and train with many churches and institutions, but these two were done under our own banner. One was called The One-Another Mandate. It spelt out in detail the relational basis for life, especially life for the
- [Charmed I'm Sure](https://graceworks.com.sg/charmed-im-sure/) - I'm sure most readers of this column don't watch the TV programme, "Charmed". Which is as it should be since the heroes of this popular series are three witches. And we all know that witches are practitioners of black magic, in league with the devil. Or are they? The witches in this series are three
- [CNN Virgin](https://graceworks.com.sg/cnn-virgin/) - I was visiting with my parents last week and was exposed to 24/7 news for the first time. I don't have astro (pay tv) at my place. My parents had just subscribed. Anyway I got my first chance to watch 24/7 news. I surfed between CNN, BBC and CNBC with periodic visits to ESPN and
- [The European Cup Final and the Meaning of Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-european-cup-final-and-the-meaning-of-life/) - 'I am truly saddened by these incidents that have no ending. My question is - why isn't God answering the cries of His people? Where is He? Why doesn't He intervene and help those helpless people, especially the women and children?' The above was part of an email I received last week. It was a
- [Football Highlights](https://graceworks.com.sg/football-highlights/) - I was in my mum's place in Penang over the weekend. Mum has cable TV but she doesn't have the sports package so I couldn't catch the Reading - Arsenal game on Monday. (Bernice and I are long time supporters of Arsenal.) However we managed to catch the goals from that game on some Football Highlights" type programme. (Yes,
- [Response: Charmed, I'm Sure](https://graceworks.com.sg/response-charmed-im-sure/) - I can't agree more with you on 'Charmed'. Problem is, I like the show. And that's how it starts with all of us, perhaps, us being the non-introspective, quick-fix generation. We treat entertainment very superfluously. We tend not to delve into the intricacies of the subject matter, the philosophy of the author of the story,
- [Sex, Lies, and Trivial Pursuit](https://graceworks.com.sg/sex-lies-and-trivial-pursuit/) - What is one of the most exciting questions facing humankind as we enter the 21st Century? It is this: "Will CBS's 'Survivor2', or NBC's 'Friends' rule Thursday night viewing in the U.S.? This question is so vital it was chosen to be the cover story of the March 2nd issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. The score
- [Ex Nihi-what?](https://graceworks.com.sg/ex-nihi-what/) - Ex Nihilo: "from or out of nothing." Here are some interesting scientific 'facts': 1. As far as we know the universe consists of 50 billion galaxies. This is as far as science can see at the moment. The universe may be infinite for all we know. 2. All this stuff is supposed to have emerged
- [The Mulder-Scully Example](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-mulder-scully-example/) - The last season of the X-Files has just begun its run on broadcast television in Malaysia. As a poor X-File fan who cannot afford cable TV this was my chance to catch the last season of one of my favourite TV series. The opening two parter was ok. But clearly the life had gone out
- [Vignettes of Relational Grace](https://graceworks.com.sg/vignettes-of-relational-grace/) - Lady stands before an open window Staring so far away She can almost feel the southern wind blow Almost touching her restless day She turns from her window to me Sad smile her apology Sad eyes reaching to the door Daylight loses to another evening And still she spares me the word goodbye And sits
- [Did Sylar Die?](https://graceworks.com.sg/did-sylar-die/) - The last episode of season one of the popular TV series "Heroes" aired over cable here in Singapore a couple of weeks ago. I liked the episode for obvious reasons. I liked its emphasis on unconditional love as the mightiest force of all. And the fact that the main bad guy, Sylar, gets defeated and
- [Are You a Sucker for Flattery?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-a-sucker-for-flattery/) - Bernice and I caught an episode of the TV show, Damages, a few evenings ago. The series is a legal drama set in the exciting world of class-action litigation in the US. In that episode, Patty Hewes, the main protagonist, played by Glenn Close, wanted to see if her protege would be willing to put
- [X-Files, Seasons 4 and 10](https://graceworks.com.sg/x-files-seasons-4-and-10/) - It's a pity that the recent return of The X-Files (season 10, 6 episodes, fourteen years after the end of the last season) ran on Fox channel when X-Files season 4 was running on Hits Channel at the same time. Season 4 was a showcase of some of the best of those first nine seasons.
- [To Be Continued...](https://graceworks.com.sg/to-be-continued/) - (Spoilers ahead for fans of Bones.) The finale of the TV series Bones, was a two-part episode (season 12, episodes 11 and 12). The first part, “The Day in the Life”, ended with a horrendous explosion. The bad guy had won. He had successfully attacked the good guys and had escaped justice. The good guys,
- [The Beatles are Demonic](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-beatles-are-demonic/) - In the last few weeks I have been blessed by many emails warning me about the ''Harry Potter'' books. Children reading these books by J. K. Rowling, stood a good chance of being turned to satanism, I am told. I really appreciate the concern of the many dear souls who forwarded me those warnings. However,
- [It Was Twenty Years Ago Today](https://graceworks.com.sg/it-was-twenty-years-ago-today/) - It was twenty years ago that John Lennon died. On December 8th 1980, Lennon was shot and killed in New York. For many in my generation, this was a defining moment. I had just completed dental school and was starting work. The music of the Beatles played a key role in the soundtrack of my
- [Candle in the Wind](https://graceworks.com.sg/candle-in-the-wind/) - I saw Elton John in concert in Singapore last week. And he was a real trouper. He sang 30 songs from his vast repertoire before the audience let him go. (I try to imagine myself preaching 2 1/2 hours non-stop!) It was a special treat for me. I first heard his music in my late
- [Goodbye, George Harrison](https://graceworks.com.sg/goodbye-george-harrison/) - George Harrison died on Thursday, November 29th, 2001. He died of cancer. His passing didn't shake the world as much as the death of John Lennon, his fellow Beatle. Maybe his death was just one of many tragedies in the September 11th year. Or maybe, after the death of Lennon, there was never going to
- [Who is John Entwistle?](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-is-john-enwistle/) - "In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary." 1Corinthians 12:22 (NLT) John Entwistle died on 27th June 2002. Who is John Entwistle you may ask? He was the bass player for the legendary British rock group, The Who. Aging baby boomer rock fans like myself will
- [At The Grammys](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-grammys/) - You know for sure you are middle age when you can sing along with James Taylor and you know all the words to 'Sweet Baby James'. But you have no idea who John Mayer is and the only words you know to his song, 'Your Body Is A Wonderland' is, well, "your body is a
- [Jim Croce on Valentine's Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/jim-croce-on-valentines-day/) - I received a copy of The Very Best of Jim Croce for Valentine's Day. Croce was an American singer-songwriter who died in an air crash in 1973 just as his career was taking off. As I played the CD I was reminded of two of my basic convictions: that everybody loves a love song, and
- [Homeward Bound](https://graceworks.com.sg/homeward-bound/) - Nostalgia can gut you. I just bought Simon & Garfunkel, Old Friends, Live on Stage (CD+DVD). I am blown away every time I hear "Homeward Bound." Happened again. All of us who live in the modern rock/pop era have our own collection of songs that transport us quickly and powerfully back to the past. "Homeward
- [Remember to Always Think Twice](https://graceworks.com.sg/remember-to-always-think-twice/) - I watched the Michael Jackson memorial service on TV. I half expected him to burst out of his casket. I imagined the casket cover opening, and a sequinned gloved hand rising up, accompanied by the intro to "Thriller." But it was not to be. MJ did not rise from the dead. He was no messiah
- [Going Back in Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/going-back-in-time/) - I’m goin’ back in time And it’s a sweet dream It was a quiet night And I would be all right If I could go on sleepin’ (“Best of My Love,” Eagles, 1974) Last week Bernice gave me an early birthday treat. She got us tickets to the Eagles concert held in the Indoor Stadium
- [James Taylor](https://graceworks.com.sg/james-taylor/) - One of the first songs I ever sang in public was James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." It was 1970, I was in Form 4 (grade 10) and I was auditioning for a place in a school concert. I didn't get in but this should tell you that I have had a long acquaintance with James
- [Using the Internet](https://graceworks.com.sg/using-the-internet/) - "Everyday computers are making people easier and easier to use." I saw the following headline on the cover of a magazine. I was far away and in a hurry so I didn't get a chance to check out the article. But the line struck a chord. This chord was reinforced when I heard Dr. David
- [Are you salty?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-salty/) - ''This bowl of mee is not salty enough.'' It's amazing how one's attitude towards salt changes with age. When we were younger, clear soy sauce was applied liberally to ensure taste. Now, aware of hypertension and worse, we are conscious if dishes are too salty. Its amazing that minute amounts of salt can effect such
- [When God Doesn't Intervene](https://graceworks.com.sg/when-god-doesnt-intervene/) - ''I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.'' Last week was another tough week. I visited the sister-in-law of a good friend. She was dying of cancer. My friend is a Christian and so are the patient's three sons. Much prayer had been offered in faith. But no healing had been forthcoming. I also met up with
- [SEX!](https://graceworks.com.sg/sex/) - ''Heard any sermons on sex lately?'' I have. Lots of them. But not in church. We live in a world obsessed by sex. Information technology makes this obsession the basic wall paper of our days. Yet the church is strangely silent on this topic. That is why I was so delighted that at a recent
- [The Human Genetic Code - God's Knitting](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-human-genetic-code-gods-knitting/) - Perhaps I am getting a bit cynical in my old age but I am always amused when I hear President Clinton talk about God. (God forgive me.) He did it again when he was announcing the successful discovery of the human genetic code. He said: "Today we are learning the language in which God created
- [A Study in Sadness](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-study-in-sadness/) - "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad?" (Psalm 42:5 NLT) I went to see 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' last Monday. Boy, was it a sad movie. Among the 'downers': You faithfully love someone only to have that person betray you. You finally find the courage to tell the one you love that you love him/her
- [Are You a Somebody?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-a-somebody/) - In Luke 24, Jesus appears to two disciples on the Emmaus Road. One was named Cleopas. Name the other one. Well, if you can name the other one I would like to meet you because the other disciple is not named. He belongs to a large group of players in the biblical drama whose names
- [A Christian Dilemma](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-christian-dilemma/) - dilemma:"A state of indecision between two alternatives" Part of the price of growing older is coming to terms that life is complex. When one is younger the world is black and white. Growing older doesn't mean the jettisoning of moral absolutes. It does mean coming to terms that applying those absolutes in some situations is
- [Travel Preparations](https://graceworks.com.sg/travel-preparations/) - Death is extremely rude. It respects no one's timetable. This was a busy week. I was trying to kick off a new ministry and preparing for a trip to Singapore. Then the news came. A good friend's father had passed away. Death is extremely rude. It respects no one's timetable. This was a busy week.
- [God's Comedy Hour](https://graceworks.com.sg/gods-comedy-hour/) - This is a hard time for those who value justice. There are so many bodies on the road to Jericho you just feel like crossing to the other side of the road . It gets so tiring. Whether it is the latest numbers from Ambon, or the plight of innocent hostages all over the world,
- [Business Ethics? Are You Kidding?](https://graceworks.com.sg/business-ethics-are-you-kidding/) - The term "business ethics" has longed being considered an oxymoron in many Christian and non-Christian circles. Christian children are told that they are "too straight" to really make it big in the world of business. Furthermore, the new economy brings additional pressures to anyone trying to be ethical in business. * The speed of the new economy To succeed
- [The Wolverine and the Lamb](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-wolverine-and-the-lamb/) - The Wolverine character in the 'X-Men' movie would seem to be a poor choice to remind us of the Lamb of God. We first encounter him as a vicious wrestler and for the whole of the movie, he has a chip on his shoulder the size of an oak tree. Yet his saving of Rogue(a
- [God's Quality Control](https://graceworks.com.sg/gods-quality-control/) - God's quality control is atrocious. At least where sermons are concerned. It's unbelievable the kind of stuff that is churned out Sunday after Sunday in pulpits all over the world. I'll bet if God put Bill Gates in charge of the quality control of sermons, things will be done somewhat differently. Old Bill would probably
- [Suicide](https://graceworks.com.sg/suicide/) - RM20,000 (USD 5,263.02) doesn't seem like much money these days. Surely one doesn't take ones' life because of a debt of that amount. Yet it was reported on the front page of the Malaysian STAR yesterday that two women jumped to their deaths from the 17th floor of their condominium because they couldn't repay a
- [Light My Fire](https://graceworks.com.sg/light-my-fire/) - I was visiting my comic store a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised to hear the DOORS' "Light My Fire" playing over the store's music system. For the uninitiated, the DOORS were a rock group popular in the 60's and the 70's. They were fronted by a guy named Jim Morrison, a cult hero
- [Truth, Love, and Homosexuality](https://graceworks.com.sg/truth-love-and-homosexuality/) - One of the 'fall-outs' of the trial of Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, on charges of sodomy, was the sudden and widespread exposure given to the whole issue of homosexuality. Suddenly children were asking their parents, "what is anal sex?" This must have been a difficult time in many households. I
- [My Miracle is Bigger than Yours](https://graceworks.com.sg/my-miracle-is-bigger-than-yours/) - A bad stock tip and the stock market crash left Mani with a debt twice his annual salary. He had to sell his car, and a small food business that he had. He also had to put off his wedding. Mani turned back to God. Than the miracles began to happen. His debt is now
- [The Ministry of Wasting Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-ministry-of-wasting-time/) - I was having lunch with a friend last week. She had done well in her chosen profession. However, she told me that she had decided to cut back on her work to free up more time for people. She wanted to be more available for her family, and her friends, both Christian and non-Christian. She
- [Charm is Deceptive](https://graceworks.com.sg/charm-is-deceptive/) - Into the wasteland of Malaysian 'free' TV comes FIRST WAVE. Produced by Chris Brancato and Francis Ford Coppola, it shows promise. The theme of the series is not new. The hero, Cade Foster, discovers that it is his destiny to warn humankind of the invasion of the Gua, an alien race bent on taking over
- [Weak is Good](https://graceworks.com.sg/weak-is-good/) - "It's not easy to be transparent. At work we have learnt to hide our weaknesses. If we reveal our weaknesses, we will be penalised." The above sentiments were shared during a training event for small group leaders. The topic was, of course, the need for openness and transparency in small group relationships. The person who
- [God and the Gangster](https://graceworks.com.sg/god-and-the-gangster/) - The Nov. 6th issue of Newsweek carried an interview with Tetsuo Nakajima, a Japanese gangster(yakuza). He had been involved in crimes ranging from extortion to drug dealing and had served two prison terms. At the height of his yakuza career he fell in love with a Korean studying in Tokyo. He eventually married her, his
- [Wanted: Gatekeepers for God](https://graceworks.com.sg/wanted-gatekeepers-for-god/) - "I don't need anyone to tell me. I can find out for myself" - could very well be the motto for the information age. While none will dispute the amount of knowledge now available, at least to those online, romanticism about the information age is fast wearing out. In a recent article in Business2.0, Richard
- [Miserable Materialists](https://graceworks.com.sg/miserable-materialists/) - "The annual cost of depression in America is US$44 billion, as much as coronary heart disease." (Economist, Vol.349, 8099) What is wrong with this picture? The American economy has been hot for some time. Most Americans can afford to buy the stuff that Madison Avenue tells us is essential for our happiness. But they are
- [Good Death](https://graceworks.com.sg/good-death/) - By a vote of 104-40, the lower house of the Dutch Parliament has just passed a new law that permits euthanasia under certain circumstances (Economist, December 2nd - 8th, 2000, p. 61). People over the age of 16 who suffer acute and unremitting pain may now arrange for doctors, who must follow precise guidelines, to
- [Christ and Partisan Politics](https://graceworks.com.sg/christ-and-partisan-politics/) - "For a while, it seemed the market had conquered all. Now politics is reasserting itself as a driving force. In Europe, the welfare state is thriving, and partisan furies are again dividing the Mideast." (Fareed Zakaria, Newsweek, Issues 2001 Special Edition, 14.) The above quote accurately captures the resurgence of politics as a force to
- [Are you lonesome tonight?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-lonesome-tonight-2/) - Do you ever get ambushed by a sense of intense loneliness? Most of our lives are too noisy and too rushed for us to feel anything, much less loneliness. But sometimes we may be suddenly gripped by a sense of intense loneliness. I was, last Saturday, as I was driving alone to a holiday resort
- [Obladi-Oblada, Life Goes On](https://graceworks.com.sg/obladi-oblada-life-goes-on/) - I had two key conversations last week that reminded me that cynicism was rife, even in Christian circles. A senior editor was complaining to me that it was so difficult to recruit journalists these days. Perhaps the Malaysian economy is really picking up and people had other job options. But she also bemoaned the absence
- [Answers and Questions](https://graceworks.com.sg/answers-and-questions/) - It is only the fifth day of the new year and I am already feeling tired and frazzled. And I know why. Yes the end of 2000 saw me travelling a bit. Yes, dad's health is a concern. Yes there was the usual running around preparing the boys for a new school year. But I
- [Christmas as Anaesthetic](https://graceworks.com.sg/christmas-as-anaesthetic/) - Christmas is feel good time. You know Christmas is near when the radio begins to play Christmas favourites. "Have yourself a merry little Christmas..." TV stations begin to screen collages of warm Christmas scenes from the movies. Christmas is feel good time. For a little while we turn our eyes away from the pains of
- [The Perfect Leader](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-perfect-leader/) - Do you know the name of the President of the Philippines? Its Gloria Arroyo. Don't feel too bad if you said Joseph Estrada. The events that led to Mr. Estrada's ouster and the swearing in of Mrs. Arroyo took place at lightning speed. At least it seemed that way from those of us who watched
- [Restoring the Fallen](https://graceworks.com.sg/restoring-the-fallen/) - That Jesse Jackson had fathered a child with a mistress probably didn't come as too much of a shock to an American public already overdosed on news of the moral failures of her public figures. It surely didn't come as a shock to God who, being all knowing, is the ultimate realist. However, the fall
- [Birth Pangs](https://graceworks.com.sg/birth-pangs/) - One of the most profound moments of my life was my attendance at the birth of my second son, Andrew. I was with his mother throughout the eight hours that Andrew took to safely emerge from her womb. There are some mysteries no man will ever be party to. One of these is the experience
- [Bad Grammar, Awesome Theology](https://graceworks.com.sg/bad-grammar-awesome-theology/) - Ever been jarred while reading Matthew 28:19? It reads: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."(NRSV) "The name" is in the singular. You expect one name to follow. Instead you get three, "Father, Son and Holy Spirit". What
- [The Scandal of Grace](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-scandal-of-grace/) - It isn't always easy to tell the good guys from the bad in the bible. David was a man after God's own heart. Yet the guy was a real jerk. He arranged for a man to be murdered to cover up his adulterous relationship with the man's wife (2 Samuel 11). And how about Jacob?
- [Destroying Idols](https://graceworks.com.sg/destroying-idols/) - The largest standing statues of Buddha are being destroyed. Carved out by Greek artists in the fifth century, the statues are located in the Bamiyan region of Afghanistan. Their destruction is the result of an order by the Taliban regime that "all sculptures in Afghanistan, including the Bamiyan masterpieces be destroyed for contravening the Islamic
- [Victorious Gladiator](https://graceworks.com.sg/victorious-gladiator/) - My mother says I look like Chow Yuen Fatt. Which is probably why I felt disappointed when 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' didn't win best picture at the 73rd annual Academy Awards. I didn't feel too bad though. 'Gladiator' won. No, nobody has even hinted that I look anything like Russel Crowe. But hey, 'Gladiator' won!
- [Just Another Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/just-another-day/) - Confession time. A few days ago I turned 46. Yup, four more years (God willing) and I hit the big five. The signs are all there. Hair is greying - rapidly. The battle of the bulge has been lost. And cute babes I meet now call me 'uncle'. So, birthday 46 was pretty quiet. Family
- [Why?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why/) - "Daddy, why doesn't Jesus heal me straight away?", Andrew, my 10 year old son asked me last week. He had been coughing non-stop for five days. We had been to the doctor twice.It was confirmed that Andrew had a bad chest infection and he had been put on antibiotics. But the worse was the continuous
- [Necessary Servant, Fatal Master](https://graceworks.com.sg/necessary-servant-fatal-master/) - I have always been struck by Jesus' words in Matthew 6:24. There He says: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the first and love the second, or he will be devoted to the first and despise the second. You cannot serve God and Money." (REB) Of all the choices for
- [Dying with Easter in Sight](https://graceworks.com.sg/dying-with-easter-in-sight/) - It has been a long time since I led in a funeral service. I did one this past weekend. Chee Man had fought a valiant battle with cancer. He had a family that did not falter in their support. No expenditure of time, energy, or money was withheld in their support of his battle. Chee
- [To Save the World--Solitude Needed](https://graceworks.com.sg/to-save-the-world-solitude-needed/) - In Making All Things New, my all time favourite book on spirituality, the late Henri Nouwen writes: Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. Solitude begins with a time and place for God, and God alone. If we really believe that God not only exists but also is actively present in our
- [Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/friends/) - We first met 17 years ago. I was in the middle of my theological studies at Regent College. They were starting their programme. I was from Malaysia. They were a Singaporean couple. Somehow we hit it off. We became friends. Through the years our pilgrimages took us to different parts of the globe. They ended
- [Spiritual Mentors](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-mentors/) - "We all need someone higher, wiser, older to tell us we are not crazy after all, that what we are doing is all right. All right, hell, fine!" The late Ray Bradbury wrote the above in an essay entitled 'Drunk, and in Charge of a Bicycle.' In it he recounts how as a young writer
- [Paul Had Temporal-Lobe Epilepsy](https://graceworks.com.sg/paul-had-temporal-lobe-epilepsy/) - In an article entitled "Religion and the Brain" (Newsweek,May 14, 2001, International Edition), Sharon Begley surveys the growing field of 'Neurotheology', the study of the biological basis for spirituality. Her article mentions among other things, the possibility that Paul's many encounters with the Lord were actually the products of abnormal bursts of electrical activity in
- [Job's Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/jobs-friends/) - Job's friends often receive bad press. When we hear the term it conjures up a picture of well meaning people who in their desire to help actually cause more hurt. To their credit, Job's friends sat with him for seven days before venturing to speak (Job 2:13). And their motives were pure. They wanted
- [Death](https://graceworks.com.sg/death/) - It was a strange compliment. And it went something like this: "I really liked your sermon at the funeral service. It made me want to die." For an Asian to voice anything resembling a death-wish is mucho 'pantang'(taboo). I suspect this sentiment is fairly universal. And then there is the apostle Paul. My sermon was
- [View from the Ditch](https://graceworks.com.sg/view-from-the-ditch/) - Parables are no fun when you know how they turn out. For example everyone knows about the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Heck, we all want to be the Good Samaritan. We know we should extend aid to all who need it even to those who despise us. The trouble is few of
- [The Mummy Affirms](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-mummy-affirms/) - I went to see "The Mummy Returns" with No.1 son. I confess. I thoroughly enjoyed it. You should see the resurrected evil phantom guards crawling along the walls of famous London buildings. Man, that was cool! Ok, ok, the story included references to unchristian stuff like reincarnation. But hey, the pace never slacked enough for
- [Father's Day Ramblings](https://graceworks.com.sg/fathers-day-ramblings/) - I remember the day Stephen, my No.1 son was born. I remember carrying him in my arms. I remember carrying him and wandering all over the maternity hospital long after visiting hours were over. I couldn't bear to let him go. The nurses finally caught on to us and took him back. My experience as
- [RAP Preaching](https://graceworks.com.sg/rap-preaching/) - The pulpit is a very dangerous place. Preach badly and you are guilty of making God's word sound dull and ineffective. Do it well and immediately the ego is in danger of deadly pride. Some of us are called to walk this dangerous tight rope on a regular basis. Dangers aside, if we are called
- [Restore or Discard?](https://graceworks.com.sg/restore-or-discard/) - What happens when an appliance in your house breaks down? The heating filament in my oven toaster broke about a year ago. It would have been much more expensive to repair it than to buy a new one. So we threw the broken one away and bought another. This seems to be a common practice
- [Moon Over Elliot Bay](https://graceworks.com.sg/moon-over-elliot-bay/) - I awoke at 3.25am on the morning of July 4th. It may have been residual jet lag. Maybe it was a divine nudge. Or maybe I needed to go to the bathroom. Whatever it was, I was awake and for one of the few times in my life, I was overwhelmed by a vision of
- [Mystery Novels](https://graceworks.com.sg/mystery-novels/) - I first discovered mystery novels in the midst of writing my ThM thesis. Desperately needing mental breaks from a thesis that seemed to crawl along, I visited the neighbourhood library - and discovered Agatha Christie. I have been hooked ever since. Should Christians be reading mystery novels? Well, I am in good company. J.I Packer
- [Rejoice? Give Thanks?](https://graceworks.com.sg/rejoice-give-thanks/) - I received an e-mail from an old friend last week. He basically stated that the world is in such a mess that the only thing to do now is to hope that Christ returns soon. While few may share his strongly theological perspective on life, many will be able to identify with his sense of
- [Key Word:Overwhelmed](https://graceworks.com.sg/key-wordoverwhelmed/) - This seems to be a tough time for many of my friends. One has been laid off for about three months. He has young kids and a mortgage to pay off. He was the only breadwinner. In his 40s, his job prospects are grim. Another is a missionary in a foreign land. Someone snatched her
- [Q12](https://graceworks.com.sg/q12/) - It's an employer's market. With global economies softening unemployment is on the rise. However good people are always valuable to any company. And lean teams leave no room for fat. All team members need to be motivated and productive. Is there a secret to motivating employees and keeping them? The Gallup Organization thinks so. After extensive studies, they conclude
- [Life Literacy](https://graceworks.com.sg/life-literacy/) - Grace@Work is one year old. It officially starting functioning on 1st August 2000. I recall the time well. It was a scary time. I could never have anticipated stepping out in faith like this at this stage of my life. Would there be adequate funding? How will I survive ministering alone? Would anyone come? The
- [Obvious Failure](https://graceworks.com.sg/obvious-failure/) - I met one of my seminary profs from Regent College a few weeks ago. He was visiting from Canada. He is a senior statesmen in evangelical circles, particularly in the area of spirituality. Over lunch, he reminded us how he embarked on his 'career' in spirituality. He was a geographer by training. He left a
- [Love for the Brethren](https://graceworks.com.sg/love-for-the-brethren/) - "Islam is the only way to heaven. Therefore apostasy away from Islam is the worse thing that could happen to us and our loved ones. We need to prevent apostasy at all costs. Therefore only the most severe penalty will do for anyone caught trying to influence a Muslim away from Islam." In a nutshell,
- [Divine Alchemy](https://graceworks.com.sg/divine-alchemy/) - What if.... What if Joseph's brothers had been nice, forgiving guys? We'll never know because when push came to shove, they decided to kill their braggart brother (Genesis 37). One brother had a little more sense so Joseph's life was spared. He was sold into slavery instead. It would turn out to be the first
- [Waiting for the Harvest](https://graceworks.com.sg/waiting-for-the-harvest/) - Tensions rise over refugee ship Four dead in Spanish plane crash Policeman "killed family then himself" Mid-East 'truce' fails to bite These were the main headlines from BBC Online today (29th August, 2001). If they sound too grim, here is the offering from Associated Press: Bomb injures 34 in Algeria capital Gunmen fire at U.S.
- [Test Everything](https://graceworks.com.sg/test-everything/) - TIME Magazine--reliable newsweekly or trojan horse for ungodly values? Well, both actually. In a rapidly shrinking world, TIME, and other weeklies like NEWSWEEK and ECONOMIST provide well written articles and editorials that help one understand the world. But look between the pages. They are often filled with advertisements that push a blatant sexism. Or an
- [Pie in the Sky](https://graceworks.com.sg/pie-in-the-sky/) - "..pie in the sky by and by when you die.." Atheistic communism used to throw this taunt at Christianity. Believing that 'religion was the opiate of the masses', communism saw Christianity as a threat to its programme of building a just society. They saw Christianity sapping people's resolve to fight for a better world in
- [From the Nile to New York](https://graceworks.com.sg/from-the-nile-to-new-york/) - The stench must have been horrible. The fauna of the Nile had a field day. Perhaps ancient Egypt was a more violent place and time than today. Still, the sight of a continuous stream of dead male babies floating down the Nile would have given pause to any witness, in any era. For the record, these were the male
- [Listen to your Heart](https://graceworks.com.sg/listen-to-your-heart/) - This is a good time for evangelism. The gods of the day have been found wanting. Materialistic consumerism has been shown, yet again, to be no gods at all. Suicidal terrorism is no life giving god either. Recent events have brought home afresh that the only true solution to the deepest needs of mankind is the gospel of
- [In Search of Excellence?](https://graceworks.com.sg/in-search-of-excellence/) - "Good Christians will never excel in the worlds of business and the professions. There is something in the Christian spiritual DNA that handicaps their ability to compete and come ahead in the real world." I have encountered the above sentiments again and again. Apparently many non-Christians believe them to be true. What is more surprising
- [Win-Win](https://graceworks.com.sg/win-win/) - Remember the Marshall plan? Named after the then U.S. Secretary of State, George C. Marshall(1947), it was a financial aid programme funded by the United States, "for the recovery of war-devastated Europe: former Allies, belligerents and neutrals...all that had suffered damage and privation during the war..." (Martin Gilbert) The rationale for the Marshall plan was
- [The God Difference](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-god-difference/) - Sometimes you have to wonder what God is up to. Like when the 16 Christians were shot dead in Pakistan. The killers came in towards the close of the service and started shooting. Mothers threw themselves over their children to protect them. Cries for mercy were unheeded. The shooting went on till all were dead.
- [Let's Do Lunch](https://graceworks.com.sg/lets-do-lunch/) - I ordered the tempura set(I'm a creature of habit.) He ordered the noodles. Over the meal we talked... and listened. Subject matter ranged from the state of the world to the health of our parents. We chatted about our work, exchanged war stories about raising children, shared our concerns about common friends. Spiritual stuff? I'm
- [True North](https://graceworks.com.sg/true-north/) - Please read the following: "It is hard to be sure of anything among so many marvels. The world is all grown strange. Elf and Dwarf in company walk in our daily fields; and folk speak with the Lady of the Wood and yet live; and the Sword comes back to war that was broken in
- [Strength Divides; Weakness Unites](https://graceworks.com.sg/strength-divides-weakness-unites/) - I met a friend recently. We had met for the first time 5 years ago when we shared a room at a ministry consultation in Hong Kong. I was experiencing deep pain in my life then. I shared some of that pain with him. He listened with kindness and compassion. He prayed for me. I
- [Gladiator - Training Film for Leader Wannabes](https://graceworks.com.sg/gladiator-training-film-for-leader-wannabes/) - "I want to go home." There is a very powerful moment early in the movie the Gladiator, where the main protagonist, general Maximus, learns that he is to succeed the emperor. The emperor has chosen Maximus as his successor over his own son, Commodus. It is very clear that Maximus doesn't want the job. This
- [Goodbye, Chien](https://graceworks.com.sg/goodbye-chien/) - Talk about timing. When I was in Singapore recently, I picked up a new Henri Nouwen book: TURN MY MOURNING INTO DANCING. No, Henri Nouwen hasn't come back from the beyond. The book was put together by Timothy Jones, who compiled the book after working through "hundreds of pages of lecture notes and sermon transcripts
- [I love you?](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-love-you/) - "Be quiet or we will shoot you all!" By now the 21 hostages taken from Sipadan Island by the Abu Sayyaf would have gone through 19+ days of captivity. Hostages go through well documented phases depending on how long they are in captivity - shock, denial, anger, depression, acceptance, and even identification and compliance with
- [It's So Unfair](https://graceworks.com.sg/its-so-unfair/) - "I was so happy to receive an email from someone who claimed to love me" By now you would have heard about the 'I LOVE YOU' virus which has made its destructive way around the world. You would either have been struck by it, or have received 30 emails from well-meaning friends warning you about
- [Dancing Santas?](https://graceworks.com.sg/dancing-santas/) - Have you seen the dancing Santas? They seem to be the rage this Christmas. These mechanical wonders come in various sizes. (I've seen them in heights ranging from one foot to eight feet. Their basic trick - shaking their hips side to side in simple harmonic motion. I looked at them and wept. One more
- [Blood, Bread, and Bethlehem](https://graceworks.com.sg/blood-bread-and-bethlehem/) - On 20th October, 2001, Johnny Thaljiya, 17, was shot to death. He had just left vespers in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and had stopped to talk with his cousin in nearby Manger square. He was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. Once again, blood flows in Bethlehem. This doesn't quite square with
- [Peace on Earth](https://graceworks.com.sg/peace-on-earth/) - Tucked away in U2's All That You Can''t Leave Behind album is this incredible bit of poetry: Jesus this song you wrote The words are sticking in my throat Peace on Earth Hear it every Christmas time But hope and history won't rhyme So what's it worth Peace on earth ("Peace on Earth" Lyrics: Bono--lead singer
- [2002 - Year of the Wounded Healer](https://graceworks.com.sg/2002-year-of-the-wounded-healer/) - She was surprised. It had been a very hard year. One by one, key members of her family had been stricken. She was exhausted. She had nothing more to give. And then there was the matter of the members of her small group. Many were going through incredible problems too. They had always been looking
- [Transitions](https://graceworks.com.sg/transitions/) - I'm not sure who first coined the phrase "change is the only constant" or when that phrase was first coined. I only know that I rarely hear it anymore. Not because it is no longer true, but because change has become so commonplace in the 21st century that it is passé to point it out.
- [I Survived Harry Potter](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-survived-harry-potter/) - There is a moment in the movie/book that we all ought to applaud. Quirrell, the evil wizard's henchman, articulates his philosophy of life: "There is no good and evil. There is only power, and those too weak to seek it" Harry Potter (the hero) rejects this philosophy and goes on to put up a brave
- [Work Fewer Hours!](https://graceworks.com.sg/work-fewer-hours/) - "There is no correlation at all between success and hours worked." This in-your-face statement is the title of an article by Seth Godin in the June 2001 issue of FAST COMPANY. Godin notes that "one of the least savoury by-products of the new economy has been an almost complete disregard for sleep, family, and personal
- [Have You Affirmed Someone Today?](https://graceworks.com.sg/have-you-affirmed-someone-today/) - In his book, EXPLORING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION, Alan Jones describes the first time he received spiritual direction. He was still in seminary. Periodically he had to take walks with his principal. Jones writes:"He (the principal) was an extraordinary and powerful personality. I have since come to realize that he is an extremely complex man whose own psychological and spiritual wounds helped
- [Gospel Still Means Good News](https://graceworks.com.sg/gospel-still-means-good-news/) - I know that bad news sells. But its getting ridiculous. Each morning's paper is another rehash of the same old problems at home and abroad. What is worse, there seems to be no real solutions. Sept. 11? Lets toughen up airport security. Enron collapse? Lets tighten up public accounting practices. Illegal immigrants causing trouble in
- [Lessons from Fellowship of the Ring (1)](https://graceworks.com.sg/lessons-from-fellowship-of-the-ring-1/) - Have you ever wished that you lived in another time? Or that your life had turned out differently? Are you spending a lot of time day dreaming about the 'what ifs' of your life? I have. When the pastorate got tough I day dreamed a lot about going back to seminary and doing graduate work.
- [Shaping the Heart Requires Relationship](https://graceworks.com.sg/shaping-the-heart-requires-relationship/) - I love to preach. I feel alive when I stand before people and try to communicate God's word with relevance, accuracy, and passion. Through the years many have told me that I have the 'gift'. God has gifted me to preach. I feel His pleasure when I preach the Word. In recent years however, I
- [Sacramental Pizza](https://graceworks.com.sg/sacramental-pizza/) - Have you noticed that food and eating appears all over the bible? The trees in the idyllic garden of eden had trees that were pleasant to the sight and good for food (Genesis 2:9). Heaven is the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-8). Jesus want us to remember Him through a meal (Luke 22:14-20).
- [Reflections of a Family Taxi Driver](https://graceworks.com.sg/reflections-of-a-family-taxi-driver/) - For those who think that single parents have exciting social lives, here is my weekly schedule: Mon - Give no.2 son ride to soccer practice. Tues - Give no.1 son ride to tuition(supplementary school lessons) and no.2 son to Tae Kwan Do. Wed - Give no.2 son ride to tuition. Thurs - Catch my breath,
- [Divine Zen](https://graceworks.com.sg/divine-zen/) - Divine Zen: "The only way we can receive God's forgiveness is to realize that we do not deserve to be forgiven." Having difficulty figuring it out? That's ok. Its divine zen. And more significant than one hand clapping. Its at the heart of Psalm 51, the locus classicus of confession scripture passages. There the Psalmist
- [Every Breath You Take](https://graceworks.com.sg/every-breath-you-take/) - Every breath you take is excruciatingly painful. So you hold out as long as you can. But sooner or later your lungs cry out for oxygen. So you silently scream as you inhale. Eventually your energy runs out. Then you stop breathing. And then you die. That is if your heart doesn't give out first.
- [Grey Hair](https://graceworks.com.sg/grey-hair/) - A sweet young thing came up to me at the mall a few days ago. She gave me a dazzling smile and I thought: "Wow, the old guy still has it." I blessed her with a smile in return. Then she asked me if I would like to buy some hair dye. She was selling
- [All You Need Is Love](https://graceworks.com.sg/all-you-need-is-love/) - Do you know Tim Sanders? He is the chief solutions officer at Yahoo. In a recent article in Fast Company magazine (Feb. 2002), Sanders writes: "The most powerful force in business isn't greed, fear, or even the raw energy of unbridled competition. The most powerful force in business is love." Sanders goes on to define
- [Chasing the Proper Triad](https://graceworks.com.sg/chasing-the-proper-triad/) - Its instructive that a book entitled "The Road Ahead" should be written by Bill Gates. In another generation a spiritual leader would have written it. Or perhaps a political leader. Today it is a businessman who shows us the road ahead. It is indicative of the degree that business has taken over the popular mindset.
- [Memo to the Shafted](https://graceworks.com.sg/memo-to-the-shafted/) - He had worked for the company for the better part of a decade. Although he was a just a junior partner, his technical expertise and networking abilities had been instrumental in making his company the leader in its field. The company was going for an IPO. He was about to reap the fruits of many
- [No Room For Grace](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-room-for-grace/) - The March 11th 2002 issue of Christianity Today(CT) contains a very poignant testimony by a homosexual Christian man. Remaining anonymous, he writes about his daily battle against his homosexual desires, "a battle that comes at considerable psychological cost to [him] and [his] family." He is married and is committed to remaining faithful to his wife
- [Grading Spider-man](https://graceworks.com.sg/grading-spider-man/) - Entertainment A- Theology D- I went to see Spider-man the movie last Saturday. Now I must tell you that I am a Spider-man fan from way back, from a galaxy far, far away where comics used to cost 40sens (US 12 cents). I liked Spider-man because he wasn't a superman. He was like any normal
- [Early Father's Day Reflection](https://graceworks.com.sg/early-fathers-day-reflection/) - "You don't have to wait till the bus pulls out. I am sure that you have more important things to do", dad said when I dropped him off at the bus station this morning. He had been visiting and was on his way home. (Dad and mum live in Penang, about 250 miles away.) Something
- [Rated: R](https://graceworks.com.sg/rated-r/) - Want a sure fire way of shocking good church folk? Just say 'sex'. For some reason, sex, in the minds of most Christians, is filed under 'evil'. Which is an insult to God and a travesty of the facts. Fact: God created humankind as male and female. Fact: Since humankind doesn't reproduce by mitotic division,
- [GOAL!!!!](https://graceworks.com.sg/goal/) - I suspect the GDP of many countries will dip this month. How can it not when managers and mechanics alike stare hypnotized at TV screens while the soccer giants of the world battle away for the World Cup? And while the GDP of many countries may be suffering, the take from legal and illegal gambling
- [In Between Jobs](https://graceworks.com.sg/in-between-jobs/) - Losing a job hits you at two levels. First you lose a steady source of income. (I am assuming most of us do not have large, independent sources of money.) This is particularly scary when you have mortgages to pay off and your kids are in college. It is surprising how fast the savings go.
- [Attack No Hope](https://graceworks.com.sg/attack-no-hope/) - Okay, so "Attack of the Clones" is an improvement on "The Phantom Menace". Take away the pod race and the final duel with Darth Maul from "Phantom Menace" and you have no movie. "Attack of the Clones" has a bit more going for it. Still one can't help but feel that most of your adrenaline
- [Should I Take This Job?](https://graceworks.com.sg/should-i-take-this-job/) - Once in a while Christian friends ask me for help in deciding if they should take up a job offer. These are folks who are already working and now face the prospect of moving to another job. When I am confronted by such a query my first reaction is one of joy. Folks who ask
- [Basic Leadership Qualifications](https://graceworks.com.sg/basic-leadership-qualifications/) - What sort of people should be leading our churches and our parachurch groups as we enter a new millennium? Recently I revisited my master's thesis. Entitled "Leadership Qualifications in the Pastoral Epistles", it sought to understand the leadership qualifications that Paul lays out in 1 Timothy 3:1-11 and Titus 1: 5-9. I found the thesis
- [Worrying About Tomorrow](https://graceworks.com.sg/worrying-about-tomorrow/) - His wife's cancer had come back. They last fought the big 'C' 17 years ago. It had gone away. For almost two decades. But it had come back. The prognosis was good. But still? What if? They had three young children. His work entailed a lot of travelling. What if? We chatted over a cup
- [A Minority Report](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-minority-report/) - I find myself in the minority. Everyone I have talked to who has seen the movie, Minority Report, has enthused about it. I thought it was just so-so. It starts out as a sci-fi movie and morphs into a who-dun-it. Its actually quite a respectable who-dun-it though the final denouement would have come as no
- [Divine Wrestling](https://graceworks.com.sg/divine-wrestling/) - You've seen the pattern before. First God gives you a strength. So you learn to make full use of it. You get used to it. You polish it. You begin to count on it. Then God has to wean you off it. Take Jacob, old heel grabber, aka the deceiver. He survived all his life
- [Making the Right Move](https://graceworks.com.sg/making-the-right-move/) - It was a very difficult decision. And rightly so. He had received a job offer from America. However there was no job offer for his wife. It meant that both of them had to resign from their positions here in Malaysia and relocate to the U.S. With their very young daughter. It was a tough
- [The Serious Matter of Rest](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-serious-matter-of-rest/) - "What do people do when their earnings are less predictable, their jobs less secure, and their incomes potentially higher or lesser than before? They work harder. Not only do they put in more hours on the job, they also work more intensively." Robert . B. Reich In his noteworthy book, The Future of Success, Robert
- [God's CV](https://graceworks.com.sg/gods-cv/) - curriculum vitae: "a summary of somebody's career and qualifications" Have you ever noticed how long-winded God can get when He introduces Himself? Take for example the time He introduces Himself to Moses from the burning bush: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
- [Heart Drive](https://graceworks.com.sg/heart-drive/) - "When Jesus gathered the twelve disciples he communicated with them orally. Likewise the crowds who heard him came without notebooks and left without paperback copies of 'The Good News According to Jesus'. They simply had to retain his message by applying it to their daily lives, memorizing it and retelling it." Arthur G. Patzia Recently
- [The Serious Matter of Rest (2)](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-serious-matter-of-rest-2/) - In his book WORKING THE ANGLES, Eugene Peterson points out the following: " The Deuteronomy reason for Sabbath-keeping is that our ancestors in Egypt went four hundred years without a vacation (Deuteronomy 5:15). Never a day off. The consequence: they were no longer considered persons but slaves. Hands. Work units. Not persons created in the
- [Wake Up Call Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/wake-up-call-revisited/) - I lost a wife to lung cancer. After been touched by pain and tragedy I can never again be glib about the pain of others. On the anniversary of September 11th I look afresh at the impossible pictures. It is too much. The pain represented there is way too much for me to imagine much
- [Shiphrah? Puah? Who?](https://graceworks.com.sg/shiphrah-puah-who/) - Ever heard of Shiphrah and Puah? You should. They get my vote for Christian role models for the new millennium. In case you were sleeping in Sunday School, Shiphrah and Puah were the Hebrew midwives mentioned in Exodus Chapter 1. Talk about an impossible choice. They were commanded by Pharaoh to kill all male Hebrew
- [For the record](https://graceworks.com.sg/for-the-record/) - I wasn't sure I would see them again this side of heaven. I really wanted to. These two couples loomed like giants in my life. They were four key mentors who shaped my life decisively. I owed them big time. But they were retired. One couple lived in the US. The other in England. Then
- [What Lies Beneath](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-lies-beneath/) - She would probably protest. But I would still do it. I would still include her in my list of heroes. At the peak of her career she decided that it was time to get out. Her decision must have looked like career suicide to some. But she took her cues from within. And from above.
- [Spiritual Geography](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-geography/) - We are stardust We are golden And we've got to get ourselves Back to the garden. "Woodstock" Joni Mitchell Suddenly the world feels like a very dangerous place. You are on vacation and a bomb violently takes your life. You go about your business and a sniper chooses you as his next target. Of course
- [The RFM Test](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-rfm-test/) - Have you heard of the following: CG, GG, HFG, HG, YWAF? They stand for, cell group, growth group, home fellowship group, home group, and young working adults fellowship, respectively. They are but a sampling of the many ways Christians assemble for community. Some of these groupings are more general in purpose. Others meet with more
- [Abba](https://graceworks.com.sg/abba/) - How do you address your father? I call my father "pa", pronounced "pa-h". (I call my mother "mummy" but that's another story.) Jesus called his heavenly Father, "Abba". I'm not sure how he addressed Joseph, but scholars since Jeremias are in agreement that Jesus addressed his heavenly Father with the Aramaic term "Abba". We have
- [Scooby-doo (Classic), where are you?](https://graceworks.com.sg/scooby-doo-classic-where-are-you/) - Scooby-doo was one of my favourite cartoon series when I was growing up. So when I saw it on again a few days ago, I thought I'd make a trip down memory lane. I was disappointed and a bit scared. This was no Scooby-doo from my childhood. A basic premise had been changed. In the
- [OutwardInward](https://graceworks.com.sg/outwardinward/) - In these days of daily scientific innovation, it's hard to remember a time when battery-powered toys first appeared. I recall a toy tank I had that ran on batteries. It had a very cool feature. When it ran against a wall or any immovable obstacle, it would pause for a second, and then reverse direction.
- [The Real Picture](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-real-picture/) - I've always been drawn to the Emmaus Road account (Luke 24:13-53) because it speaks of one of the most crippling of human experiences - disillusionment. The two disciples had betted their lives on Jesus. They had come to a point in their lives where they had truly believed He was the promised Messiah. And now
- [Day By Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/day-by-day/) - The one question that most of us avoid is this: "When will we die?" Most of us are part of this universal denial. We live as though we will live forever. Barring the second coming of Jesus to wrap up time and space, and He has taken much longer than any of us would have
- [Grandmother Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/grandmother-stories/) - No. 1 son (16 going on 17) wants two things for Christmas. First he wants a Discman, a portable CD player. Nothing special here. Every teenager functions with a constant soundtrack. His second request blew me away. He wants me to do bible study with him. He made it clear that he didn't want lectures.
- [Rushed or Savoured?](https://graceworks.com.sg/rushed-or-savoured/) - How was your Christmas? I spent mine nursing a migraine headache. (Yes, I did go for Christmas service.) The headache wasn't surprising. Here are some of the highlights of my last three weeks: *My two boys took turns to get bad throat infections. *I drove to Penang to give my parents a ride to Kuala
- [Take Me To The River](https://graceworks.com.sg/take-me-to-the-river/) - I wish time were arranged like the tracks on a music CD. When you finished listening to one track there would be a few minutes of silence before the next track begins to play. I wish there was a buffer between the years. Just a little time to mark the passing of 2002 before we
- [Novices for Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/novices-for-life/) - He came up to me tentatively and asked: "Would you mind if a novice prayed for you?" He was young and young in the faith. A college student, he couldn't have been a Christian for more than a year. It was the first Sunday at church. Every first Sunday the church celebrated Holy Communion and
- [It's One For The Money...](https://graceworks.com.sg/its-one-for-the-money/) - "I know that God has called me to cross-cultural missions. But I want to make sure I have adequate financial security before I go. So I will go all out in my profession till I am 40. Then I will go." You live long enough and you get to hear your fair share of declarations
- [Fu Manchu or Crouching Tiger?](https://graceworks.com.sg/fu-manchu-or-crouching-tiger/) - I have a (another) confession to make. In a previous life I was a dentist. Well it was so long ago and far away it feels like another life. But yes, for three years I was a healer of human oral tissues. Dentistry is a controversial profession. For some reason people are fearful of going
- [Drowning in Trivia](https://graceworks.com.sg/drowning-in-trivia/) - In her excellent book on the "Writing Life", Annie Dillard advises writers to: "Write as if you were dying. At the same time, assume you write for an audience consisting solely of terminal patients. That is, after all, the case. What would you begin writing if you knew you would die soon? What would you
- [Communion, Community, Ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/communion-community-ministry/) - "So, what plans do you have for the ministry of LEAD?" he asked. "None beyond the rough outline I have already given you. My first priority is helping the team members deepen their friendship." The above exchange took place at a lunch I had with a few key young leaders. I had invited them to
- [Your Hair Is Like A Flock Of Goats](https://graceworks.com.sg/your-hair-is-like-a-flock-of-goats/) - Ladies, how would you feel if a guy were to walk up to you, look you in the eyes, and say:" Your hair is like a flock of goats"? I tried the line on a modern maiden a few months ago. She laughed in my face. But the line must have been hot in Solomon's time. Check out
- [WWJD?](https://graceworks.com.sg/wwjd/) - A few years ago Andrew, my no.2 son, came home with a WWJD wristband. For the uninitiated, WWJD stands for 'What Would Jesus Do". It's part of a movement that seeks to help Christians make godly decisions. When faced with a decision they are to ask themselves what Jesus would have done in a similar
- [The Mystery Of Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-mystery-of-friendship/) - I spent my birthday lunch with an old friend. We met at the Lake Club. As usual, we talked about work, family, friends, church, and key world events. But as always I realized that the meaning of such encounters was more than the sum of the parts. There was, for me anyway, and I would
- [Bonian Wisdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/bonian-wisdom/) - When asked as to what he thought of the possibility of war in Iraq, Bono, lead singer of rock group U2 said: "We do not want to make a martyr out of Saddam Hussein. Its not the '60s. We have complex problems. We need new solutions." Bono pointed out what is often overlooked in the
- [IRAQ](https://graceworks.com.sg/iraq/) - I appreciate the many of you who have offered to buy me coffee to get my views on the Iraq situation. Since my middle aged bladder can only take so much caffeine at any one time, by the time I get to go to Starbucks with you, the war will probably be over. Therefore I
- [Why Bother?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-bother/) - Do you know who was Zoran Djindjic? He was the Prime Minister of Serbia. And he was assassinated on March 12th, 2003. Not a good time to die. With the world preoccupied with the war in Iraq, not many may have noticed his demise or understood its implications. Djindjic was Prime Minister since 2001. A
- [Data Shows The Way](https://graceworks.com.sg/data-shows-the-way/) - I believe most movie critics are actually evil Klingons in disguise. That would explain why most of them have not been hot about the latest Star Trek movie, "Nemesis." In truth it is the best Star Trek movie ever. The main protagonists of "Nemesis" are Picard, captain of the Starship Enterprise, and Shinzon, leader of
- [Farewell, Leslie Cheung](https://graceworks.com.sg/farewell-leslie-cheung/) - Life is full of ironies. On one hand there are thousands of people who value life. Hence they take whatever precautions they can against diseases like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). On the other hand there are people who choose to end their life. Like top-notch Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung, who jumped to his
- [Death and Obi-Wan](https://graceworks.com.sg/death-and-obi-wan/) - There is a very powerful moment in the first Star Wars movie, now titled Episode 4. It is the moment when the planet Alderaan is destroyed by the bad guys. We see the moment of its destruction reflected in the response by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Emotionally he is overwhelmed because he senses the terror and death
- [Shock and Awe](https://graceworks.com.sg/shock-and-awe/) - I have yet to see an anatomically correct picture, or model, of Jesus on the cross. I am sure they exist but I haven't seen them. All those that I have seen have some piece of cloth draped conveniently over his groin area. We never get to see his genitals. I can understand our hesitance
- [Fatt-Chye Can Do Better](https://graceworks.com.sg/fatt-chye-can-do-better/) - I went to see Bulletproof Monk(BPM) for two reasons. One, I was looking for fresh metaphors and fresh language for one of my pet topics, mentoring. Second, I have always had a soft spot for Chow Yuen Fatt, ever since my mother pointed out that we look alike, and are of the same age. (In
- [Changing Diapers For The Kingdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/changing-diapers-for-the-kingdom/) - I have always being intrigued by the story of Ruth. Here was a lady who had known pain and loss, having lost her husband early in life. Pain can make a person look inwards. Instead we see her choosing to follow her mother-in- law Naomi, choosing to care for her instead of returning home to
- [Confessed Recently?](https://graceworks.com.sg/confessed-recently/) - I heard a very sad story recently. While abroad, a Christian sister had fallen into sexual sin. It was a one-time thing. She was alone and lonely, far from home. She didn't enjoy the encounter and regretted it the moment it was over. In fact the whole incident was so unlike her. She took her faith seriously and
- [Love and Death](https://graceworks.com.sg/love-and-death/) - Is Bryan Singer Christian or what? Both the X-Men movies highlight sacrificial love. The climax of X-Men had Wolverine giving his life to save Rogue. (He had to survive of course so that he could come back in X2.) The climax of X2 had Jean Gray giving her life to save her friends. Note: These
- [Trust and Obey Reloaded](https://graceworks.com.sg/trust-and-obey-reloaded/) - I really wasn't in the mood to see Matrix: Reloaded. I had just heard that someone close to me had a growth in her colon. Never good news. It's just that cancer had visited that family twice before. And each time had taken a life. I found myself overwhelmed with a deep sense of grief.
- [FOG Update May 14th 2003](https://graceworks.com.sg/fog-update-may-14th-2003/) - Dear Friend of Grace, I am so sorry that it has been so long since my last update. I have a sneaky feeling that someone has fixed the clocks and they are running much faster this year!! Almost half the year is over!! Maybe I should send shorter but more frequent updates. I guess I
- [FOG Update May 31st 2003](https://graceworks.com.sg/fog-update-may-31st-2003/) - Dear Friend of Grace, Thanksgiving =========== 1. Please thank God with us! Madam Lee's lab report came back a few days ago. The growth is stage one cancer. Which means it is contained and the prognosis is good. There is still some discussion as to how the treatment should proceed. But this does not change
- [Learning from Suicide Bombers](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-suicide-bombers/) - I doubt any reader of this column would ever consider becoming a suicide bomber. Killing as many people as you can while killing yourself seems so far removed from the spirit of Him who said: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10b NRSV) Because the act of suicide terrorism
- [The Wedding of Charles and Philip](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-wedding-of-charles-and-philip/) - A key strand in Nora Gallagher's new book, "Practicing Resurrection", deals with Christian perspectives on homosexuality. Gallagher's pastor is a gay who has come out of the closet. The book chronicles in absorbing detail her church's journey towards accepting same sex marriages, culminating in the wedding of Charles and Philip. I was glad I read
- [Miraculous Healing Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/miraculous-healing-revisited/) - You find that you have cancer. Or maybe it's a member of the family who has been afflicted. And suddenly friends, acquaintances and complete strangers volunteer to help. First there will be the recommendations of all sorts of herbal preparations, vitamins, and food supplements that are guaranteed to defeat the big 'C'. Then there is
- [Treating Teeth Or Treating People?](https://graceworks.com.sg/treating-teeth-or-treating-people/) - The boys and I went to see 'Finding Nemo' last Sunday. Cool dad-son bonding film. I had only one beef about the movie. I hated the way the dentist was portrayed. (Let me declare up front that I was trained as a dentist and practised that noble profession for 4 years before moving on to
- [Fire In Their Bones](https://graceworks.com.sg/fire-in-their-bones/) - Its been four years since I last taught a course on preaching. I will be teaching one again starting this week. Preparing for the course, I took the opportunity to visit some bookstores to check out the new books on preaching. I wasn't surprised that most of them were "how-to" books --- "how to preach
- [You Never Know](https://graceworks.com.sg/you-never-know/) - I just discovered that Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britain, is just two years older than me. And here he is, leader of a country, and here I am, er... well... I picked up this interesting bit of information from David Brook's article, The Transformer, in the Atlantic Monthly (July/August 2003, 27).What really struck
- [Pssst! Wanna Join A MMC?](https://graceworks.com.sg/pssst-wanna-join-a-mmc/) - It's hard to believe that I was once a pastor. For ten years I had the privilege to pastor two churches. I don't think I will serve as a pastor again anytime soon. Maybe never. But if I ever were to lead a church again, I might as well try something different. After all you
- [Should Christians Convert Others?](https://graceworks.com.sg/should-christians-convert-others/) - It was quite jarring to walk into bookstores in Malaysia to be confronted with the cover of the June, 30th issue of TIME magazine. The headline screamed: "Should Christians Convert Muslims?" Fact is, there are state laws in Malaysia that penalizes anyone caught "enticing" a Muslim to leave his or her faith. Therefore the issue
- [Sunday, First Or Last?](https://graceworks.com.sg/sunday-first-or-last/) - You do know that Sunday is the first day of the week don't you? I won't blame you if you didn't. Most diaries and planners start the week with Monday and end it with Sunday. You have nice long strips of planning time for Mondays to Saturdays. Saturdays and Sundays are cramped into smaller spaces
- [A Time for Clarity and Wisdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-time-for-clarity-and-wisdom/) - The gay issue just won't go away. In fact it should be the issue du jour for many days to come with the election of a practising gay to the office of bishop in the U.S. What is at stake here? The answer is both simple and complex. The simple answer, and one where the
- [Senior Citizenship For All](https://graceworks.com.sg/senior-citizenship-for-all/) - Would you like to live for three hundred years? The bible tells us that Enoch lived three hundred and sixty five years before God took him. Enlightenment scholarship had a field day with age spans like Enoch's. No one could possibly live that long. It must be the hyperbolic language of a pre- scientific age.
- [Moment By Moment](https://graceworks.com.sg/moment-by-moment/) - "Dad has just come out of the operating theatre. Can't you hear him coughing in the background? That's him." Through the wonder of cell phones, my sister had just informed me that dad had survived his by-pass operation. I was with dad on Tuesday. He was supposed to have his operation then. It was an
- [At The Hard Rock Cafe](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-hard-rock-cafe/) - We first met in 1975. We were in the same residential college at university. We met again on Tuesday night, for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Singapore. Ours was a friendship that had been forged, tested and lived out through the years. Almost three decades now. They lived in Singapore. I in Kuala
- [Evaluating The Pastor](https://graceworks.com.sg/evaluating-the-pastor/) - I received an email from a church leader recently. He wanted advice as to how his church should conduct a pastor evaluation exercise. The pastor's term of service was coming to an end and they had to do this. The church leader was a good man. He was fully aware that such evaluation exercises could
- [Memo To A New Widower](https://graceworks.com.sg/memo-to-a-new-widower/) - I am reluctant to speak. I look at you and I have some idea of what you are going through. More than that, I have some idea of what you will be going through. Ten years after losing my wife I am just beginning to get some feel of the solo dance we need to
- [Emmaus Road Learning](https://graceworks.com.sg/emmaus-road-learning/) - It was a short email. All it said was: "Dear Soo-Inn, Thank you for walking with us." It was the subject of the email that made it special. It read: "The Emmaus Road". The email came from one of the students in my preaching class. This was the first formal class I had taken in
- [The Joke's On Us](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-jokes-on-us/) - Once a year the glitterati of U.S. television gather to honour their own. Known as the Emmys, this year's award ceremony was the 55th. You've seen one Emmy you've seen them all. Yet there was something a bit different about this year's Emmys. There was one award that was not mentioned. It's the award for
- [The Long And The Short Of It](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-long-and-the-short-of-it/) - Everyday for the last few months, I have received ads in my email inbox that pushed products guaranteed to lengthen my penis. At first I was perplexed. Did somebody know something about my dimensions that I wasn't aware of? I was relieved to find out that virtually everyone was getting the same ads. When I
- [The Right Qualifications](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-right-qualifications/) - There are one or two pluses about being a widower. One key one is having the privilege of being able to walk with other widowers in their grief --- assuming that your life doesn't fall apart the first few years after the death of your wife, that is. I was on the phone with a
- [But He Was My Papa](https://graceworks.com.sg/but-he-was-my-papa/) - The last three things I did for my father while he was alive were these: I gave him a shave (with an electric shaver). I helped to exercise his right arm (someone else did the left). I kissed him. Of course when I did those things I had no idea that they would be the
- [No Rehearsals](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-rehearsals/) - I took part in a play only once in my life. In my second year in university I played Earnest in "The Importance Of Being Earnest." I thought our best performance was the full-dress rehearsal. We were a little tense on the night of the actual performance. All in all I thought we did pretty
- [What's Wrong With This Picture?](https://graceworks.com.sg/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/) - The Oct 20th 2003 issue of Newsweek International mentions two movies. A small column on page 8 discusses "The Passion", Mel Gibson's "traditional Roman Catholic portrayal of the death of Jesus?" In his article, Sean Smith notes that the movie has attracted "more hostile attention than any movie in recent history," making it a financial
- [This Is NOT That](https://graceworks.com.sg/this-is-not-that/) - One argument frequently heard in the defence of ordaining practising gays as church leaders, is the comparison of the gay leadership issue with the issue of women in church leadership. The argument is simple. Just as the world-wide church is slowly accepting women in church leadership, it will eventually accept practising gays as church leaders.
- [M1 Gets My Vote](https://graceworks.com.sg/m1-gets-my-vote/) - Let me confess up front. I haven't a clue as to how Neo, the Oracle, and the machines combined to defeat Agent Smith. But I still enjoyed "Matrix Revolutions"(M3) more than its predecessor. Why? Because the movie focused on people: People who loved. People who lost loved ones. People who fought against impossible odds. People who paid the ultimate sacrifice
- [The Importance of Good Packaging](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-importance-of-good-packaging/) - I wasn't too hot about Dan Brown's first book, "Digital Fortress". His latest offering, "The Da Vinci Code" however, is a great read. It almost deserves the many laudatory blurbs plastered all over the cover. Here's the one from fellow thriller writer Clive Cussler: "Intrigue and menace mingle in one of the finest mysteries I've
- [Go Take A Nap](https://graceworks.com.sg/go-take-a-nap/) - By any account it was a tough day at the office for Elijah (1Kings 18). First there was the day-long show-down with the prophets of Baal. Interesting odds. 1 vs. 850. Then there was the waiting for God to come through, to burn up the drenched bull. God came through and that led to the
- [Who are you, who, who?](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-are-you-who-who/) - I had breakfast with one of my mentors this morning. He doesn't live in Malaysia and we meet up in person at most once a year. He didn't know that my dad had passed away. He listened as I shared. He recounted his own experience of the death of his father and we both reflected
- [Daddy, what did you do in the war?](https://graceworks.com.sg/daddy-what-did-you-do-in-the-war/) - Every time I read of a new suicide bombing in Israel or Iraq, I am reminded that certain segments of the Muslim world see themselves as in a 'hot' war and are willing to kill and die for their cause. I am reminded that in numerous training camps in Asia and the Middle East, many
- [The Mary Paradigm](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-mary-paradigm/) - I was having dinner with some good friends a few nights ago. One of them shared that she was pregnant, her first pregnancy. We rejoiced with her. I marveled again at this experience of bearing a child, an experience foreign to men. A child conceived in love as this one was, would require the mother
- [The Amazing Race](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-amazing-race/) - There may have been a time when I thought that the Christian life gets easier when one gets older. No longer. I have come to terms that there is no such thing as an 'easier' Christian life this side of heaven. Surprise! That's what Jesus told us: "In the world you will have suffering..." John
- [Work in Progress](https://graceworks.com.sg/work-in-progress/) - When did you stop making New Year resolutions? For me, it must have been sometime the last 10 years. It must have been a time when life was so demanding that one year just slipped into another. Which is not to imply that I have anything against New Year resolutions. Anything that makes us slam
- [Solomon, Poster Boy For Grace](https://graceworks.com.sg/solomon-poster-boy-for-grace/) - Did it ever strike you as odd that God allowed Solomon to succeed David as king? And become an ancestor of Jesus in the process? (See Matthew 1:6) Not only was Solomon not David's oldest male offspring, he was a child of David's marriage with THAT woman, Bathsheba. Granted, mum and uncle Nathan did have
- [Lessons From The Lord Of The Rings (2)](https://graceworks.com.sg/lessons-from-the-lord-of-the-rings-2/) - I had one main question as I went to watch The Return Of The King: Would Peter Jackson follow the bittersweet ending of the book or would he have a feel good ending? (I almost missed the ending because I had to go to the restroom after the destruction of the ring scene. Came back
- [Missing From The Dinner Table](https://graceworks.com.sg/missing-from-the-dinner-table/) - Apart from the four years I was studying in Canada, I have never spent a Chinese New Year reunion dinner without dad. His absence loomed large this year. (Dad passed away October 15th 2003.) I recalled that we always had steamboat for our reunion dinners. In recent years we used an electric cooker. But when
- [The Last Samurai --- History As Reality Check](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-last-samurai-history-as-reality-check/) - 'The Last Samurai' is an excellent action flick. Unfortunately most of the characters in the movie were taken from the Hollywood dictionary of stereotypes. *The money grabbing, commerce obsessed westerner. *The evil easterner who has been seduced by the money obsessed values of the west. *The noble, savage easterner who turns out to be more
- [Quiet Time Or Burning Bush?](https://graceworks.com.sg/quiet-time-or-burning-bush/) - Do you know what's quiet time? You may not if you didn't grow up in mainstream evangelical culture. Quiet time (QT) is the name given to the evangelical spiritual discipline of regular bible study and prayer. Growing up in an evangelical church, you were expected to set apart time each day to commune with God
- [Learning From The Dead](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-the-dead/) - Caught the 46th Grammys last Monday (Sunday night in the U.S.). I was relieved that there were no wardrobe malfunctions. Was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of Earth, Wind and Fire. Middle-aged paunchy musicians can still rock. There's hope! But there was only one song that really caught my ear--- Warren Zevon's "Keep Me In
- [Should I Take This Job?](https://graceworks.com.sg/should-i-take-this-job-2/) - "Should I take this job?" Once in a while I am privileged to be privy to the struggles of my friends as they wonder if they should take a new job offer. Of course in the uncertainties of the New Economy some of us are relieved just to be able to put food on the
- [Lunch at the Faculty Club](https://graceworks.com.sg/lunch-at-the-faculty-club/) - He was one of my lecturers at Regent College (Vancouver). A pastor of many years experience, he led a key church in town. He was about twice my age. And he invited me for lunch at the faculty club. As we chatted I had the strangest feelings. Here I was, a kid of 28, in
- [Goo or God?](https://graceworks.com.sg/goo-or-god/) - I caught an old episode of "Star Trek: The Next generation" a couple of nights ago (All Good Things... Season 7). Boy, were their writers and producers card carrying members of atheistic evolution. In the story, a superhuman figure named Q, brings Captain Picard back to that point in time when life on earth began.
- [Lent Birthday Party](https://graceworks.com.sg/lent-birthday-party/) - I don't blush easily. But no amount of control could stop my cheeks from burning when the congregation burst into "May the Good Lord bless you...", the usual second verse of "Happy birthday to you?" in our part of the woods. I was taking the second of a series of 6 Lent talks at St.
- ['Tis the Season for Elections](https://graceworks.com.sg/tis-the-season-for-elections/) - It's not difficult to be cynical about democracy. The concept is simple. The people are allowed to decide who should lead them. Hence elections are held on a regular basis. If the government of the day fails the people, they can be voted out and another government voted in. In practice however, democracy is far
- [Interruptions](https://graceworks.com.sg/interruptions/) - This week I received an email from a friend I had not heard from for almost twenty years. I first met him when I was at seminary. He wrote: "I cracked open my Regent mail today and saw your picture. You'd be surprised how often I think about you. I still remember conversations we've had,
- [Remembering the Dead](https://graceworks.com.sg/remembering-the-dead/) - Last Tuesday, mum and I visited Dad''s grave. (He is buried at Western Road Christian Cemetery, Penang.) The permanent granite structure had not yet been built. We were told we should wait for about a year to allow the earth time to settle. In the meantime the gardener had planted some flowers on the grave. The flowers were beautiful,
- [Gibson and Good Friday](https://graceworks.com.sg/gibson-and-good-friday/) - I have yet to see Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". (I have seen some of the promotional clips on the Internet.) No approved version has yet appeared in Malaysia though I know that there are pirated versions making the rounds. All the reviews I have read agree on one point. The movie is
- [Twenty Years On](https://graceworks.com.sg/twenty-years-on/) - Does anyone know who wrote: "Education is a funny thing. At eighteen, I knew all the answers, now, at age 46, I don't even understand the questions." The last few days I had the privilege of ministering at the Singapore Baptist Pastors' Retreat. I recalled that I had first spoken to some of them about
- [Learning from the Apple guy](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-the-apple-guy/) - I really liked the guy. I asked him "why should I switch from PC to Macs?" I expected a long and enthusiastic exposition of the superiority of Apple technology. I thought I'd receive fresh revelations of the more recent plots of the wintel axis of evil to fool the people. I was waiting for him
- [With Heavy Head](https://graceworks.com.sg/with-heavy-head/) - It all began when Andrew my no. 2 son came to my room early last Friday morning (around 3am). He was in tears and had a high fever. We went to the doctor and he said it was probably a bad viral infection. As the day unfolded, it was my turn. High fever, body aches,
- [Clergy Occupational Hazard](https://graceworks.com.sg/clergy-occupational-hazard/) - There is still the hint of a headache. Appetite not quite back to normal. Nor energy levels. But clearly the worst of the dengue attack is over. No more high fever. No more body aches. And platelet levels back to normal. Still, almost two weeks have gone by, most of that time spent in bed.
- [The Stink Within](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-stink-within/) - There must be a dead mouse in my bedroom. The stink was unmistakable. And we had caught two live ones there just a few weeks earlier. But a search of the room turned up no mouse, dead or alive. It finally hit me. The rotten stink was coming from my own nose. There was mucus
- [Lessons from Van Helsing](https://graceworks.com.sg/lessons-from-van-helsing/) - Pop quiz. The movie 'Van Helsing' is: 1. A horror movie. 2. An action movie. 3. A metaphorical examination of evil. 4. A comedy. 5. None of the above. All those who put down ''5'', "None of the above", expect your no-prize in your mail box in the next few days. *''Van Helsing'' a horror
- [The Passion Test](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-passion-test/) - I was a singer in a rock and roll band. We were called the Keviians and we were the resident band of the King Edward 7th Residential College, University of Singapore. We played at the College hops but I suspect we were all in the band because we liked what we were doing. It was
- [He Is Me](https://graceworks.com.sg/he-is-me/) - It was really embarrassing. When we came out of the movie theatre after watching 'Schindler's List', my date showed me her hand. It was the hand I held throughout the movie. And it was all red, swollen from the pressure I had put on it. Spielberg's account of the Holocaust was that disturbing. I also
- [Jesus At Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/jesus-at-work/) - I was chatting with a dentist over the weekend. We were at a church camp where I was one of the speakers. I guess it's not everyday that you discover that your camp speaker is also a dentist, albeit one who last touched a pair of forceps in 1981. She asked me how she was
- [Under the Hood](https://graceworks.com.sg/under-the-hood/) - It appears that everything significant is birthed in blood. Regent College (Vancouver) was no different. When she first opened her doors in 1970, six students enrolled. Two were killed in a car crash before school started. Yet today, Regent is recognized as a cutting edge school of theology within the evangelical family. In the thirty
- [Back to School](https://graceworks.com.sg/back-to-school/) - Finally got round to watching 'School Of Rock' (movie). I was feeling a bit under the weather, recovering from a mild viral infection. So, to pick up my spirits, I: a) prayed; b) fasted; c) read scripture; d) went out and got a DVD. No prizes for those who picked "d". (Ok, I also prayed
- [At the Song River Cafe](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-song-river-cafe/) - The apostle Paul received his call to ministry on the road to Damascus. I received mine in the Song River Cafe (Gurney Drive, Penang, Malaysia). I was having supper with some church friends after Wednesday night prayer meeting. (Baptists are specialists in prayer and feasting.) For some time I had been very disturbed by one
- [The Pastor Has No Clothes](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-pastor-has-no-clothes/) - I was doing my daily bible readings from the book of Acts recently and I re-encountered the episode in Acts where Paul and Barnabas were thought to be the Greek Gods Hermes and Zeus. (Acts 14:8-18) When Paul and Barnabas realized what was happening, this is how they responded: "But when the apostles Barnabas and
- [Happiness Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/happiness-revisited/) - Happiness is serious business. The American Declaration of Independence enshrines the right to pursue it. The University of British Columbia has a professor of happiness economics. And happiness is the topic of an article --- "Behind The Smile" --- in the July 26th 2004 issue of Newsweek (International Edition). In his survey article, Richard Ernsberger
- [Learning From Teenage Killers](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-teenage-killers/) - In the March 2002 issue of the Atlantic Monthly, Ron Powers, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, studies the rising incidence of "acts of lethal violence committed by 'ordinary' teenagers from 'ordinary' communities"... (The Apocalypse of Adolescence, 58-74). He noted that on the rare occasions when the kids were asked as to why they were attracted to
- [Life's Not Fair](https://graceworks.com.sg/lifes-not-fair/) - I had lunch with an old friend a few days ago. He had just resigned from a very senior position with his company. The situation sucked. Resigning was his least destructive option. He had given all to his company. He had beaten every growth target they had thrown at him. But he had become a
- [At Last, Lessons from Spider-Man 2](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-last-lessons-from-spider-man-2/) - I delayed watching Spider-Man 2 as long as I could. I was familiar with the Spider-Man ethos. I have been reading Spider-Man comics since they first appeared in the 60s'. I knew the movie would portray a "super hero" with many intractable problems. Hey, I have enough problems of my own. Going to the movies
- [Treasure Hunters](https://graceworks.com.sg/treasure-hunters/) - The late Henri Nouwen begins his book, 'The Road To Daybreak' by describing a visit he received from a member of Jean Vanier's L'Arche community. Because he had to go to work (he was on the faculty of Yale Divinity School at the time), he had to leave his guest alone in his apartment. When
- [A Quiet Anniversary](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-quiet-anniversary/) - The ministry of Grace@Work is now in its fifth year of existence. The ministry came into being as we entered the third millennium, in August 2000. It was birthed reluctantly. I was no ministry entrepreneur. Grace@Work was born primarily because my complicated personal circumstances made it extremely difficult for me to be working in any
- [Spread the Word and you'll be free](https://graceworks.com.sg/spread-the-word-and-youll-be-free/) - "You are not delusional. I read your writings to help myself keep sane in this world". I am very grateful for those who wrote in to tell me I am not delusional. There seems to be a general consensus that the updated mission of Grace@Work---"Transforming Lives through Friendship and Scripture"--- is a viable ministry. However,
- [Death Throes, Birth Throes](https://graceworks.com.sg/death-throes-birth-throes/) - I dreaded conducting funerals for children. I can still remember the small coffins, specially made. I recall the tiny plots in the cemetery. I remember looking at the tiny bodies, eyes closed forever this side of life. I recall the teddy bears or other favourite toys that were often put into the coffin with the
- [A Lesson From Harvard](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-lesson-from-harvard/) - Recently, a friend of mine had the opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams. He had the opportunity to do a short-term postgraduate course at Harvard Business School. My friend ran a successful company in the construction industry. He had set out to run his company on Christian principles. Many had told him it was
- [The Power of Three](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-power-of-three/) - They were about ten years my junior. But we were at ages where such age differences didn?t really matter. The three of us would meet up for an extended lunch once a month. As we enjoyed the diverse cuisines available in Malaysia, we would, on purpose, ask each other three key questions: How is your
- [Arsenal Drew Last Night](https://graceworks.com.sg/arsenal-drew-last-night/) - Arsenal drew against determined Norwegian side Rosenborg last night. They should have won. They wasted many good scoring chances. But they only managed a draw. And I am not feeling too bad. (I have been supporting Arsenal Football Club since 1971.) I was a bit more cut up when they drew with Bolton a couple
- [Endangered Species](https://graceworks.com.sg/endangered-species/) - Remember the hymns vs. choruses' war? When the charismatic renewal appeared on the scene in the early 70's, it brought with it its own music. And worship music became the front line of the renewal movement. You just knew that a congregation had been renewed when folks raised their hands at worship and used songs
- [Live Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/live-life/) - This is not a good week. A number of things happened that really threw my emotions out of kilter. And the week is not even over yet. But I think the main reason why I am feeling down is that it is the first anniversary of my father's death. I was taking a break at
- [Just Who Are You Anyway?](https://graceworks.com.sg/just-who-are-you-anyway/) - I was resting at home, recovering from a viral infection of the inner ear (read: vertigo, vomiting, yucky). I was feeling better and so I caught some TV. There was a rerun of an episode of the Outer Limits (sci-fi series). The story focused on a mysterious man who had supernatural powers. He could heal
- [Chew 50 Times](https://graceworks.com.sg/chew-50-times/) - I have one bad habit. Well, actually I have several, but I do have this one. I like to read when I am eating. I will bring my latest issue of Newsweek to the coffee shop and read while I am consuming my food. As a result I am often not fully aware of what
- [The Best We Had To Offer](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-best-we-had-to-offer/) - As I am writing this piece, they are counting the last few ballots in the state of Ohio, U.S.A. By the time you read this, the world would have known who will be President of the United States for the next four years. You would either be relieved and rejoicing, or, angry and frustrated, depending
- [An Interrupted Dinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-interrupted-dinner/) - "Life is a haiku But God unveils the last line Only in heaven" We were on our way to dinner. It was a long anticipated feast for some old friends. We were going to have steamboat in Bangsar. It was a good night for steamboat. It was raining heavily. We drove through the rainstorm, laughing,
- [The Right Prescription](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-right-prescription/) - "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul." 3 John v.2 ESV Some become doctors because they are called by God. Others because they are called by their parents. And others still, by both. For ever so long,
- [Called Everyday](https://graceworks.com.sg/called-everyday/) - "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8 ESV I know of many friends who heard God's voice speak to them from this verse, and its original reference in
- [Handy Lessons](https://graceworks.com.sg/handy-lessons/) - In many ways, Charles Handy is THE management guru. Rumour hath it that the The Economist first coined the term to describe him. He first made his mark in management circles with the publication of his book, 'The Age of Uncertainty'. It was named one of the 10 best business books of 1990 by both
- [Final Chapters](https://graceworks.com.sg/final-chapters/) - It was one of those moments. I was having a chat with mum. She wanted to give me some instructions as to some things she wanted done after she passed on. (Mum is in good health but I guess that after dad passed away, she wants to be more pro active about preparing for the
- [Feeling Christmassy Yet?](https://graceworks.com.sg/feeling-christmassy-yet/) - Feeling Christmassy yet? Me neither. Just came back from a nice holiday. But it's the end of anther demanding year. And like most of my years this past decade, it was a year of many downers interspersed with some incredible highs. I am tired, just have enough energy to see the year out. No, I
- [Come Good Friday, Come Easter.](https://graceworks.com.sg/come-good-friday-come-easter/) - As I was preaching on "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favours!", the waves were rushing to shore. As I was enjoying a fellowship meal with the church folks, the tsunamis were beginning to claim lives. Perhaps I should have preached from the book of Ecclesiastes. Penang
- [God's Will For You In 2005](https://graceworks.com.sg/gods-will-for-you-in-2005/) - Want to know God's will for you in 2005? Here it is: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." Luke 10:27 HCSB I suspect this was not the answer you were expecting. Freedom is so
- [It Could Have Been Worse](https://graceworks.com.sg/it-could-have-been-worse/) - I was at a wedding dinner last weekend when the guest next to me discovered I was some kind of clergy. He asked me the question du jour: What is the spiritual significance of the tsunami?? I mumbled something about the fact that we live in a fallen world where terrible things happen. In truth
- [Not There Yet](https://graceworks.com.sg/not-there-yet/) - I knew a girl once. She very much wanted a boy friend --- bad. She was a good Christian girl so she knew the boy had to be a Christian too. She was a good Christian girl so she knew that she should ask God for what she wanted. She did her part. She made
- [Not Married Yet-ah?](https://graceworks.com.sg/not-married-yet-ah/) - Not married yet-ah?? These are the dreaded words confronting many a single. Often well meaning, they reinforce the belief that one is somewhat deficient until one is married. Singles know full well the occasions when the pressure will be on: weddings, wedding dinners, and New Year clan gatherings. If you are single and Chinese you
- [Choosing Love, Choosing Truth, Choosing Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/choosing-love-choosing-truth-choosing-life/) - Jakob the Liar was on cable. And CNN was broadcasting live, the 60th Anniversary Commemoration of the liberation of Auswitch, a place where: More than one million Jews were killed but Gypsies, Poles, Russians also died in the camp. Hundreds were subjected to medical experiments by Nazi doctors trying to prove theories of Aryan supremacy.
- [4 Lessons from W. L. Gore & Associates](https://graceworks.com.sg/4-lessons-from-w-l-gore-associates/) - Most of us have probably heard of Gore-Tex fabrics, fabrics which have a transparent plastic coating that makes them waterproof and wind proof but keeps them breathable. What you may not know is that the company that produces them, W. L. Gore & Associates, was deemed the most innovative company in America by FAST COMPANY
- [Star Wars at Lent](https://graceworks.com.sg/star-wars-at-lent/) - The boys and I watched Star Wars Episodes 4 and 5 over the Lunar New Year holidays. The special effects definitely looked dated this time round. (What were the Stormtroopers wearing, white coloured paint cans??) However, I noticed that my two boys, though raised in an age of dazzling special effects, following the movies with
- [A Responsible Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-responsible-life/) - I gave her full marks for her honesty. When the CEO of a Multi National Company was interviewed, this is what she said about work-life balance. (She is a mother of two.) The fact is there are certain times in your career when your family will have to take the back seat," she said. ...a
- [It Was Late In The Evening](https://graceworks.com.sg/it-was-late-in-the-evening/) - It was late in the evening, February 24th 2005 I sat down to enjoy my new DVD player. I put on one of my all time favourites, Ridley Scott's BLACK RAIN. As the opening song sounded I felt something. I was tired but I wasn't feeling sad. Yet I was. Then I remembered the date.
- [Help! I am Yoda!](https://graceworks.com.sg/help-i-am-yoda/) - I always wanted to be Gandalf. A natural leader, Gandalf was wise, powerful, and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the battle against evil. So I took this online fun test expectantly. It was supposed to tell me which fantasy/sci-fi character I most resemble. And I am Yoda. I am this short, funny, green
- [The Fool On the Hill](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-fool-on-the-hill/) - What kind of God is this? Gods were meant to be feared. They threw thunderbolts from Mount Olympus. They imprisoned you under mountains if you displeased them. This God was a wimp. He allowed Himself to be spitted upon, hit, slapped, and punched. He allowed Himself to be stripped and executed. He allowed Himself to
- [Bonded by Blood](https://graceworks.com.sg/bonded-by-blood/) - Have you checked out the March 21st issue of TIME? (I have the Asian Edition.) The lead story alone, on Mary, mother of Jesus, would justify a Newsweek subscriber like myself picking up this issue. But I found myself more drawn to a short article in the health section on the phenomena of the "broken
- [When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Go Fishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/when-the-going-gets-tough-the-tough-go-fishing/) - Last week I had the privilege of meeting up with some old friends. It was meant to be an Easter evangelistic dinner gathering. But the fish weren't biting. Most of the non-Christian guests didn't turn up. It gave me a chance to catch up with some of my friends. I had known most of them
- [Mission Before Mate](https://graceworks.com.sg/mission-before-mate/) - Those of us of a certain vintage will remember that in our college years, we were told that in the matter of choosing a life partner, we must follow this rule: mission before mate. In other words we had to be first clear as to what God wanted us to do with our lives. Then
- [What Did You Expect?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-did-you-expect/) - Christians on both sides of the Causeway are probably not feeling too hot about some recent events on the political front. In Singapore, approval has been given for two casinos to be built. And this in spite of a high level of Christian activism against the casinos. In Malaysia, the issue of the banning of
- [Not A Zero Sum Game](https://graceworks.com.sg/not-a-zero-sum-game/) - Ever had this happen to you? You are attending a worship service and the pastor gives a special welcome to Mr. X who happens to be one of the following: 1. A senior politician. 2. Very rich. 3. A successful sportsman 4. A professional highly regarded in his field. 5. Some combination of the above,
- [Beating About the Bush](https://graceworks.com.sg/beating-about-the-bush/) - Can you see the real me, can you, can you?? [The Who (Quadrophenia)] I saw Laura Bush on TV the other day. I did a second take. She was hilarious! Speaking at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 30, she had the audience in stitches. This was the part that most people will
- [Looking for Father](https://graceworks.com.sg/looking-for-father/) - "I'm gonna watch you shine Gonna watch you grow Gonna paint a sign So you'll always know As long as one and one is two There could never be a father Who loved his daughter more than I love you." [Paul Simon] "father of mine tell me where have you been i just closed my
- [The Force is So-So in this One](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-force-is-so-so-in-this-one/) - "Please allow me to introduce myself I'm a man of wealth and taste I've been around for a long, long year Stole many a man's soul and faith." [Sympathy for the Devil --- Rolling Stones] "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then, if his servants
- [What is Success?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-is-success/) - "Four and Twenty years ago I come into this life, The son of a woman And a man who lived in strife. He was tired of being poor And he wasn't into selling door to door And he worked like the devil to be more. A different kind of poverty now upsets me so Night
- [Memo To Today's Working Stiffs](https://graceworks.com.sg/memo-to-todays-working-stiffs/) - "Woke up, fell out of bed, Dragged a comb across my head Found my way downstairs and drank a cup, And looking up I noticed I was late. Found my coat and grabbed my hat Made the bus in seconds flat Found my way upstairs and had a smoke, Somebody spoke and I went into
- [Looking for Answers](https://graceworks.com.sg/looking-for-answers/) - Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, And they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are
- [Packer Gave Me An A-](https://graceworks.com.sg/packer-gave-me-an-a/) - "Take these hands Teach them what to carry Take these hands Don''t make a fist Take this mouth So quick to criticize Take this mouth Give it a kiss Yahweh, Yahweh Always pain before a child is born Yahweh, Yahweh Still I'm waiting for the dawn" [Yahweh U2] "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! Early
- [I Get Bugged By The Numbers](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-get-bugged-by-the-numbers/) - How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand? Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly Before they're forever banned? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind, The answer
- [An Apple Parable](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-apple-parable/) - For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught To say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows and did it my way ["My Way" P. Anka, J. Revaux, G. Thibault, C. Frankois] Trust and
- [Another Fruit from the Poison Tree](https://graceworks.com.sg/another-fruit-from-the-poison-tree/) - Got a black magic woman Got a black magic woman I got a black magic woman Got me so blind I can't see That she's a black magic woman She's tryin' to make a devil out of me ["Black Magic Woman" Peter Green] God will make a way Where there seems to be no way
- [Learning Wisdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-wisdom/) - You never promised me a Rose Garden You never said it would be easy You never promised me a leisure lifetime You only said you'd never leave me? ['Rose Garden' Stevie Nicks] Change my heart O God, make it ever true, Change my heart O God, may I be like you.['Change My Heart O God'
- [That's So Unfair](https://graceworks.com.sg/thats-so-unfair/) - "That's what you get for lovin' me That's what you get for lovin' me Ev'ry thing you had is gone As you can see That's what you get for lovin' me.? [That's What You Get for Loving Me Gordon Lightfoot] "Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me,
- [Uniquely You](https://graceworks.com.sg/uniquely-you/) - Ah, look at all the lonely people Ah, look at all the lonely people Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been Lives in a dream Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door Who is it for? All the lonely
- [Closing the Deal](https://graceworks.com.sg/closing-the-deal/) - "You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride, You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side, You may be workin' in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair, You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed You're gonna have
- [Blessed Are The Peacemakers](https://graceworks.com.sg/blessed-are-the-peacemakers/) - Ev'rywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy 'cause summer's here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy? ['Street Fighting Man' Rolling Stones] "Sometimes my life just don't make sense at all And the mountains look so big, and my faith just seems so small So hold me, Jesus,
- [When the Levee Breaks](https://graceworks.com.sg/when-the-levee-breaks/) - If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break, [X2] When the levee breaks I'll have no place to stay. Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan, [X2] Got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home, Oh, well, oh, well, oh, well. Don't it make you feel bad When
- [An Esther Moment](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-esther-moment/) - I don't know how it feels to be a beautiful woman. For the record I am a greying paunchy middle aged man. (Well I did dress in drag once but that's different.) Like every other human permutation, I would guess that being a beautiful woman has it's plus and minus moments. It must be great
- [Throne Room Epiphanies](https://graceworks.com.sg/throne-room-epiphanies/) - "For most people, toilets are a private perch, a place for quiet contemplation." Daniel McGinn WIRED It happened again. I was having a time of sharing and prayer with two key church leaders when one of them shared that the Lord had spoken to him while he was on the toilet-throne. (Bear with me. I
- [F2F](https://graceworks.com.sg/f2f/) - I remembered a time when I didn't know how to use electronic mail. Heck, I didn't know how to use a computer. I was petrified of coming near one in case I spoilt it. I finally forced myself to learn how to use a computer because I needed to learn to use e-mail. I kept
- [Learning from Lincoln](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-lincoln/) - "Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue!" [Eugene O'Neill} I am not too hot about doing my autobiography. Some places in my past are still a bit too intense to revisit. Unfortunately I lead a mentoring ministry called NextUp that seeks to help people discern their vocation in the
- [Darwin and the Good Samaritan](https://graceworks.com.sg/darwin-and-the-good-samaritan/) - "If we live in a dog-eat-dog world, then why are we frequently so good to each other?" [Fehr and Renninger] Once more our TV screens overflow with images of human misery. One report estimates that 40,000 have perished in the recent earthquake in South Asia. Those who survived, numbering in the millions, are now helpless
- [Growing Old](https://graceworks.com.sg/growing-old/) - Recently I have been thinking about what it means to grow old. Why? Maybe it's because I am now 50. Or maybe it was brought on by the death of my father two years ago. But I suspect it's all the World War 2 documentaries I have been watching. Often these documentaries will feature folks
- [Spiritual Mentoring and the Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-mentoring-and-the-church/) - "How do you introduce spiritual mentoring into a church without adding more items into the church programme?" I was having a meal with the senior pastor of a fast growing church recently and he asked me the above question. I was giving him my usual spiel about how I saw relational ministry as being at
- [Losing Sight Of Heaven](https://graceworks.com.sg/losing-sight-of-heaven/) - "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door And I can't feel at home in this world anymore." [Words and Music by Albert E. Brumley] I like good advertisements. They entertain, they inform, and yes, they
- [Sex and the Cell Group](https://graceworks.com.sg/sex-and-the-cell-group/) - Last Friday our cell group discussed sex. And I wondered how often does this happen in conservative evangelical churches in Asia. A lot of the credit must go to our pastor, Rev. Wong Fong Yang. He is running a pulpit series on Money, Sex and Power. He is a believer as I am that the
- [Getting the Full Picture](https://graceworks.com.sg/getting-the-full-picture/) - A long time ago I learnt from C. S. Lewis never to judge a man as he is without knowing how far he has come. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity: "Human beings judge one another by their external actions. God judges them by their moral choices. When a neurotic who has a pathological horror of
- [Two Curriculums](https://graceworks.com.sg/two-curriculums/) - Miyagi: Your friend, all karate student, eh? Daniel Larusso: Friend? Oh, yeah, those guys. Miyagi: Problem: attitude. Daniel Larusso: No the problem is, I'm getting my ass kicked every other day, that's the problem! Miyagi: Hai, because boys have bad attitude. Karate for defense only. Daniel Larusso: That's not what these guys are taught. Miyagi:
- [Grandma is going to hell?](https://graceworks.com.sg/grandma-is-going-to-hell/) - Earlier in the year I was helping to share the gospel with someone who in many ways was very interested in the Christian faith. The main thing that held her back was this: She really loved her mother who was a practising Buddhist. To embrace Christianity was to embrace a truth system that taught that
- [Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...](https://graceworks.com.sg/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas/) - Did you know that: *Men and women who felt the most loved and supported had substantially less blockage in their coronary arteries. *Men and women with heart disease who were single and lacked confidants were three times as likely to have died after five years. *Married men who feel that their wives showed them love
- [Some Year End Lessons from Narnia](https://graceworks.com.sg/some-year-end-lessons-from-narnia/) - Went to see the movie "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" with my cell group members last night. Only the actors that played Lucy and Mr Tumnus seemed to be in their roles. The rest were merely playing theirs. And most of the time the White Witch was rather stiff (reminded me of one
- [At the Barricades](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-barricades/) - Last night (January 3rd 2006) my sons and I may have broken the law. [In Malaysia I believe all assemblies of more than three people need a permit from the police.] We took part in a candlelight vigil called by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism,Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS). There weren't that many of
- [Shocked](https://graceworks.com.sg/shocked/) - I remember my mum hinting that my beloved Teochew nanny may have lost her daughter in very tragic circumstances. Sons were prized in China. Daughters were not. Apparently, when her daughter was born, they tore her from her mother's arms and threw the new born child into the river. That was a long time ago.
- [Oprah, a Christian Evangelist](https://graceworks.com.sg/oprah-a-christian-evangelist/) - Ha! Made you look! No, Oprah hasn't become a Christian evangelist. Not to my knowledge anyway. But just imagine the possibilities. If Oprah were to start speaking for Christ on her show and through her other media channels, why it would be Pentecost all over again. With her influence, thousands would turn to Christ. The
- ["WHO AM I?" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-am-i-by-dietrich-bonhoeffer/) - Who am I? They often tell me I would step from my cell's confinement calmly, cheerfully, firmly, like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They also tell me I would talk to my warders freely and friendly and clearly, as though it were mine to command. Who am I? They also tell me
- [The Rock of Ages Crushed my Kidney Stone](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-rock-of-ages-crushed-my-kidney-stone/) - The following sequence of events will be very familiar with those who have been afflicted by painful episodes of kidney stones. (I have since learnt that there are those who have a predilection for stone formation, folks referred to as "stone formers.") The pain started around 1am in the morning. It wasn't too bad at
- [Born Again](https://graceworks.com.sg/born-again/) - I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of no.2 son. (No.1 son was born in a public hospital where fathers where not allowed into the delivery room because there were a number of mothers sharing a room.) I remember that from the time "the water burst" till the time that no.2 son emerged was
- [Googling for God's Will](https://graceworks.com.sg/googling-for-gods-will/) - "Why doesn't God just gave me a straightforward answer when I ask Him for His will?" Invariably someone will ask this when I run a seminar on "Finding God's Will." The logic of this question is even clearer in an Google age. After all when I need to know something I just Google and there
- [Going Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/going-home-2/) - I was back in Penang the last few days to be with mum. (Penang is my home town about 250 miles from Kuala Lumpur where I presently reside.) I took a cab from the airport and discussed world affairs with the cab driver in Hokkien (Chinese dialect) as we went along. I knew I was
- [Saturday Worship Services](https://graceworks.com.sg/saturday-worship-services/) - Last weekend my church started a Saturday worship service. We used to have two worship services on Sunday. Now we have one on Saturday, at 6pm, and one on Sunday, at 10am. I went for the Saturday service and gave it two thumbs up for various reasons. First, it was great to begin the "Christian
- [Apologia for Apologetics](https://graceworks.com.sg/apologia-for-apologetics/) - Apologetics is in the air! And what is that you ask? No, it's not the art of giving good apologies. Apologetics is that branch of Christian theology "concerned with the intelligent presentation and defense of the historical Christian faith." Its the discipline that seeks to carry out Peter's admonishment to "Always be ready to make
- [True Enough](https://graceworks.com.sg/true-enough/) - Jesus's Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). This means that often, Christians have little political leverage. Consider the case of Mr. Abdul Rahman. An Afghan man is being prosecuted in a Kabul court and could be sentenced to death on a charge of converting from Islam to Christianity, a crime under this country's
- [A Confluence of Three Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-confluence-of-three-stories/) - Just discovered that my Saturday is going to be crazy. I will be giving a three-hour seminar on mentoring and then go straightaway to preach at a Saturday service. (When I accepted the gig for the mentoring seminar we had not gone on to Saturday services yet.) Am I overwhelmed? Yes. Am I in a
- [Success and Failure at Regent College](https://graceworks.com.sg/success-and-failure-at-regent-college/) - This summer I will have the privilege of teaching a course at Regent College, Vancouver. Entitled "Surviving Success, Appreciating Failure: A Biblical Perspective on Handling Success and Failure in Christian Leadership," it will run from July 31 till August 4. You can check out the details on the Regent website at: https://www.regent-college.edu/academics/summer/summerweeks5.html#APPL588 In many ways
- [No Instant Rewards](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-instant-rewards/) - He had been a Christian for less than a year. But the conversion was real. He was a new person. And it showed in the way he did business. First of all he began to see his employees differently. He began to treat his employees and their families as de facto stockholders in his company.
- [God on a Donkey](https://graceworks.com.sg/god-on-a-donkey/) - If He had wanted to, He could have had a legion of angels as His outriders (Matthew 26:43). Instead He showed up for His most important appointment on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). What stunt was He pulling? The book of Kingly etiquette was specific. Kings made their appearances on powerful war horses preceded and followed
- [Lord's Supper at Pizza Hut](https://graceworks.com.sg/lords-supper-at-pizza-hut/) - We were tucking into the Super Supreme and the Hawaiian Supreme when no.2 son (Andrew) asked: "Dad what is mid-life crisis?? Interesting that no.2 son should ask this since he is about to turn 15. Dad went into his Wikipedia mode and tried to explain that somewhere between the ages of 45-60 people tend to
- [Who's Afraid of the Da Vinci Code Movie?](https://graceworks.com.sg/whos-afraid-of-the-da-vinci-code-movie/) - I am flabbergasted that some Christian groups in Malaysia and Singapore are calling for a ban on the screening of the Da Vinci Code movie (DVC movie). Why this hysteria? Is the DVC movie the Antichrist or what? (Hey, that's an idea for a book. The Antichrist is not a person. It is actually a
- [Sorrow and Joy](https://graceworks.com.sg/sorrow-and-joy/) - The distance between joy and sorrow is razor thin. He had come to help me celebrate my wedding. He and his wife were old friends. I had conducted their wedding. Their maid was away and the babysitter was not available and they had three young children. But they had come all the way anyway, from
- [I Could Sing of Your Love Forever? Why?](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-could-sing-of-your-love-forever-why/) - Here are the statistics. Lyrics of popular worship song "I could sing of your love forever", 109 words. Psalms 89 which has the same theme, "I will sing of the LORD's great love forever", about 850 words. Big difference. And in the difference lies one of the most serious problems of the modern church. Popular
- [A Spirituality for Activists](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-spirituality-for-activists/) - "Elected officials should not be using their influence for personal gain." "There are issues that are bigger than partisan politics." "People need to know their rights under the constitution and not allow themselves to be slowly shunted into a de facto Islamic theocracy." "Elected officials need to be accountable to the people." "Bribery and corruption
- [The Original Round Table](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-original-round-table/) - Most of us are familiar with the story of King Arthur and the Round Table. King Arthur had his knights sit around a round table because he didn't want his knights jockeying for position and honour. At a round table all were equal. This is a concept familiar to the Chinese who have their meals
- [Bonus](https://graceworks.com.sg/bonus/) - Most of us in full time church related jobs don't get paid much. Hence those love gifts/honorariums/stipends really help balance the monthly budget. So I appreciated the love gift I received when I took a church camp recently. But what I really appreciated was the card that came with it. Sometimes, and more often its
- [Christian Values At Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/christian-values-at-work/) - I just heard that a good friend had received a major promotion. I was glad, proud of him, joyful that a good friend had done well. I was also grateful to the Lord because in this world, good people may not get recognized. No matter how good you are, you take nothing for granted in
- [Unchurched but Faithful?](https://graceworks.com.sg/unchurched-but-faithful/) - A recent blog entry posed this question: "Can one be de-churched yet faithful?" The blogger based his query on the book "A Churchless Faith" by Alan Jamieson which deals with this phenomenon: "The numbers of people who claim to be disciples of Jesus but want nothing to do with a church are rising, a trend
- [I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-wish-i-knew-then-what-i-know-now/) - I was back in my home church over the weekend. I was there as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Talk about your trip down memory lane. * I had my salvation confirmed in this church. * I received my call to full time church related ministry through this church. * It was the first
- [The Lina Joy Case --- Why We Should Care](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-lina-joy-case-why-we-should-care/) - I wonder what I would do if one of my sons were to reject Christianity and embrace Islam. I would try my best to show him the veracity of the Christian faith. I would fast and pray. And if in the end he decides that Islam is the true faith, I would have to respect
- [The Big Questions](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-big-questions/) - Please pray for my children, pray that they will do well in their exams." Every year around the times of the major government exams, I will receive many emails/text messages that are variations of the above. Worried parents want divine help for their children, not just to pass their exams, but to ace them. Families
- [Futility and Faithfulness](https://graceworks.com.sg/futility-and-faithfulness/) - I am about to write in to a local paper. I am disturbed because today, this paper carried a report that says that the Prime Minister (Malaysia) has asked for all forums dealing with Article 11 (pertaining to religious freedom) to stop. The Prime Minister said: "'Article 11 forums to discuss inter-faith issues must stop
- [Mysteries on the Cancer Road](https://graceworks.com.sg/mysteries-on-the-cancer-road/) - In the end its really moot if its God's permissive will or if its God's perfect will or some other category of divine will. The fact is it's cancer. The fact is I have two close friends fighting cancer. Therefore please understand why I look more down than usual. I tear a bit more easily.
- [Death for Apostates](https://graceworks.com.sg/death-for-apostates/) - I preached on Deuteronomy 17 last Sunday, a chapter that contains the following instructions. "Suppose a man or woman is discovered among you, in one of your villages that the Lord your God is giving you, who sins before the Lord your God and breaks his covenant by serving other gods and worshiping them, the
- [You Can't Go Wrong with Love](https://graceworks.com.sg/you-cant-go-wrong-with-love/) - Last Sunday night I met up with one of my NextUp cohorts. (NextUp is a small group ministry run by Grace@Work that seeks to help emerging Christian leaders clarify their vocations. ) During the meeting one of the members said that there was a danger that you could be so concerned in discovering your personal
- [Community and Vocation](https://graceworks.com.sg/community-and-vocation/) - Lately I've received a few invitations to return to the pastorate. They are all invitations to join pastoral teams. I wonder if the Lord will allow me to return to the pastorate one more time. But of this I am sure. God has to lead the way. I am not looking for a job. Indeed
- [Learning from Dad and Mum](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-dad-and-mum/) - Dad was the youngest son of a peranakan family. Mum is the oldest girl from a Hong Kong family. They had their fights. It didn't help that dad was a people oriented person and mum was goal oriented. Not only did they fight, they continued their fight in me. I inherited to some degree both
- [Keeping An Appointment](https://graceworks.com.sg/keeping-an-appointment/) - I had to take a church retreat. I was reluctant to go. I had just come back from ministry gigs in Singapore. And before that I had made a trip to Penang on family matters. I was tired. And I hate the long winding drive up to Cameron Highlands where the retreat was to be
- [Hooked on the Numbers](https://graceworks.com.sg/hooked-on-the-numbers/) - A long time ago, in another life, I worked as a pastor. The highlight of my week then was finding out the worship attendance of the most recent worship service. If the numbers were up, I felt a certain joy, a hidden gladness, a secret pride of my church and my ministry. If the numbers
- [The Bible and Homosexuality](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-bible-and-homosexuality/) - In their commentary on Romans, M Eugene Boring and Fred B. Craddock have this to say about homosexuality: "The Christian ethical perspective on homosexuality is a complex subject involving legal, social, psychological, and medical points of view as well as theological and biblical statements. Although the biblical teaching on sexuality and sin is an indispensable factor in Christian ethical decision making,
- [Tired as Teacher](https://graceworks.com.sg/tired-as-teacher/) - I am exhausted. I am half way through a seven day conference and I am tired. (I am at the Lausanne Young Leaders gathering and I guess that is part of the problem. It's been sometime since I was a young leader.) This conference follows a great retreat I had with some great folks. I had no down time in
- [A Safe Place for Jacobs](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-safe-place-for-jacobs/) - If you have committed some horrendous sin, adultery let's say, where will you go to get the help you need? (I am assuming you understand that sin is wrong and that it will destroy you and others if not dealt with.) Well I do not know who you will go to but I know that the first person you
- [The Fight for Truth](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-fight-for-truth/) - This week I was reminded afresh that the search for truth comes at a very high price. In Malaysia, a leading academic resigned after his work was considered "rubbish" by a high government official and his own think tank publicly distanced itself from his findings. "The research director of the Asli report which concluded that bumiputra (ethnic Malays
- [Grace at Play](https://graceworks.com.sg/grace-at-play/) - I have been writing and sending out a weekly email commentary since August 3, 2000. By God's grace, I have done this every week without fail. It has become much larger than I ever expected. I estimate that about 20,000 people read it worldwide weekly.Every week was a new miracle. Somehow the Lord would give a word. And even on
- [A Bad Case of Jet Lag](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-bad-case-of-jet-lag/) - With so many people flying I will assume that most readers of this column will be familiar with the symptoms of jet lag. Essentially your body clock is out of sync with where you are at present and so you get hungry and sleepy at all the wrong times. (Of course this is not a problem for those who are
- [Supporting the Work of Grace@Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/supporting-the-work-of-gracework/) - Periodically folks have asked as to how Grace@Work is financed. We are financed through the donations of individuals and communities that either believe in what we are doing, or have been blessed by the ministry, or both. This is how the ministry has been operating in its six years of existence. The only way people were able to
- [Bet on the Baby](https://graceworks.com.sg/bet-on-the-baby/) - It really was no contest.On one side you had a king armed with all the powers of state including the army, driven by the power of fear and hate.On the other, you had a baby and they don't come more vulnerable than that.It was a no brainer who would win if it came to a showdown. Sunday school
- [How To Approach a Bear](https://graceworks.com.sg/how-to-approach-a-bear/) - Recently I discovered what I should do if I were to encounter a bear in the wild. * If the bear is close to you, back away slowly. Never run. * Act calmly. Move deliberately, as if you are not alarmed. This will help to calm the bear, too. * If you are in a group, bunch
- [Don't Feed the Assassin](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-feed-the-assassin/) - How dangerous is pride anyway? The Russian Orthodox church seems to think it is very dangerous. The November 2006 issue of Christianity Today reports on a Father Sergey who had a very successful ministry of exorcism. (Agnieszka Tennant, "The God Who Lives and Works and Plays in Russia," p.40) He was so successful that he was forbidden to do
- [Who Is Waiting At The Airport?](https://graceworks.com.sg/who-is-waiting-at-the-airport/) - My mum loves to travel. My dad hated traveling. I'm somewhere in between.I don't mind traveling but I find travel more inviting if I get to visit with friends.This is especially true when I am visiting places for the first time. There are few things that beat seeing a familiar welcoming face at a strange airport. A familiar face
- [Biting My Tongue](https://graceworks.com.sg/biting-my-tongue/) - When I was interviewed for the position of pastor of First Baptist Church, I had to answer one key question: "Do you speak in tongues?" The church had been split by the charismatic controversy. They had to know. My answer then and my answer now is this:"What you need to know is my theology on the matter. That is more critical then
- [Losers](https://graceworks.com.sg/losers/) - I met up with some of my classmates from dental school last Saturday. The food was great and we feasted on nostalgia. Dental school was such an intense time of our lives. Three decades have passed but we remember. I remembered the first time I experienced academic failure. In my first dental professional exam I
- [Preaching with the Ears](https://graceworks.com.sg/preaching-with-the-ears/) - I had to make two trips to the toilet before church. Why? I was preaching that morning. No, I am no novice to the art of preaching. I have been practising this art for close to thirty five years now. I believe it is my primary vocation. But after thirty five years I still get pre-sermon
- [My Calling is Higher Than Yours](https://graceworks.com.sg/my-calling-is-higher-than-yours/) - When I left dentistry to pursue a vocation in the church, many Christians came up to me and commended me for leaving dentistry to "serve God." While I appreciated their encouragement I was always disturbed by this statement because it implied that I wasn't serving God while I was practising dentistry. I knew this was
- [One Life to Live](https://graceworks.com.sg/one-life-to-live/) - She had a professional qualification in accounting and had worked in one of the Big 4 accounting firms for a while. But deep down she knew she was a teacher with a special love for preschoolers. And so she resigned from her accounting job and became a kindergarten teacher in her church. The drop in
- [At The Movies](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-movies/) - Caught two movies over the Lunar New Year holidays. Ghost Rider was fun. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, it worked while his previous efforts (Daredevil, Elektra) failed because Ghost Rider doesn't take itself too seriously. (Catch the Nicolas Cage character trying to sterilize a needle with hell fire.) I left the theatre feeling like I
- [Raiders of the Lost Tomb](https://graceworks.com.sg/raiders-of-the-lost-tomb/) - I had my first crisis of faith in my final year of dental school. The crisis arose because I believed God was calling me to leave dentistry and enter the pastorate. For the only son of a Chinese diaspora family, this was madness. And suddenly following Christ was going to cost me. I came from
- [Old Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/old-friends/) - We met for tea on the second day of the Lunar New Year. I had known both of them for more than forty years. Faces more lined, hair more gray, but in so many ways we were the same boys who knew each other in primary (elementary) school. But here we were in our 50s'
- [Sons and Fathers](https://graceworks.com.sg/sons-and-fathers/) - The last thing he said before he boarded the plane was: "I love you dad." With that No 1 son walked towards immigration and one chapter of my life closed. Last Sunday Stephen left for Melbourne to finish his final year of university. (He had done two years at a local branch.) No. I didn't
- [Let the Music Lead](https://graceworks.com.sg/let-the-music-lead/) - It was a first for me. The couple started their wedding by summarizing their pilgrimage to God and to each other --- through Latin dancing. Those of us who knew anything of their story recognized some of the moves they had worked in. These were two strong individuals and Latin dancing, a shared passion, was
- [Worshiped?](https://graceworks.com.sg/worshiped/) - My church held an afternoon seminar on corporate worship last Sunday. One of the questions asked was "how do you know you have worshiped?" Here was a basic question if there ever was one. If there is one activity that most Christians do its Sunday corporate worship, well, weekly corporate worship. Some churches worship on
- [Beyond Yahoo](https://graceworks.com.sg/beyond-yahoo/) - Last week was kinda weird where the Grace@Work mailing list was concerned. You probably received double mailings. Or mailings at email addresses where you may have indicated that you do not want mailings. I apologize for the confusion. The root cause of all these strange mailing list behaviour was that I was migrating from Yahoo
- [Boasting of our Weaknesses](https://graceworks.com.sg/boasting-of-our-weaknesses/) - There were those who questioned my spirituality when my first wife died. Word came to me that there were those who were saying that if indeed I was a leader called and empowered by God, I would have been able to have prayed for my wife's healing successfully. (She died of cancer.) There are those who believe that if
- [These Things We Know](https://graceworks.com.sg/these-things-we-know/) - It was a record of sorts. I have never had two good friends die on me in the same week. But that was how I saw the year out. My good friend Prem passing on on the 26th of December. And my good friend Luan on the 31st of December. No New Year reflections. No New Year resolutions. Just grief, my
- [Goodbye Prem and Thank You](https://graceworks.com.sg/goodbye-prem-and-thank-you/) - He was already very weak when I visited him in hospital. But true to character he was more concerned for me than for himself. He passionately stated his support for my ministry and said he wanted get me to preach in his church.Pastor Prem got his wish. I had the privilege of sharing from the pulpit at his wake.
- [The Day the Tide Turned](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-day-the-tide-turned/) - I remember going with my dad to the cemetery during Qingming. (For the Chinese it is a day to remember and honour one's ancestors. Young and old pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, tea, wine, chopsticks, (joss) paper accessories, and/or libation to the ancestors. Wikipedia). Dad and I were Christians and
- [Worship is Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/worship-is-life/) - “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship.”(Romans 12:1) Recently I was invited to expound on the book of Hosea. Now that's a book I haven't looked at seriously since my time in seminary! As I grappled with the
- [To Go or To Stay?](https://graceworks.com.sg/to-go-or-to-stay/) - There was a time when I would be angry at Malaysian Christians who chose to emigrate or who refused to return to Malaysia after their education abroad. Islam was the official religion of Malaysia. It was increasingly difficult for non Malaysian missionaries to enter the country. Surely it was God's will that Christians in Malaysia
- [Lost and Found](https://graceworks.com.sg/lost-and-found/) - I do not relocate well. I was all at sea when I first moved from Penang to Singapore to do my university studies. I was depressed, unable to focus and ended up doing poorly in my first year. I didn't feel better till my second year. I completed my dental degree and worked in Singapore
- [Born to be Bought](https://graceworks.com.sg/born-to-be-bought/) - Went to see Wild Hogs (2007). Not sure what the movie is about? Here is a summary by Rich Cline: "A slick businessman (Travolta), family-guy dentist (Allen), computer nerd (Macy) and hen-pecked writer wannabe (Lawrence) escape from their mundane lives every weekend by taking their Harleys out for a spin. They call themselves the Wild
- [Does God Prefer Steaks?](https://graceworks.com.sg/does-god-prefer-steaks/) - In Genesis 4:1-7 God seems incredibly unfair. Two brothers, Cain and Abel, bring their offerings. One brings "some of the fruits of the soil..." (v. 3 TNIV). The other brings "fat portions of the firstborn of his flock..." (v. 4 TNIV). God accepted Abel and his offerings but not the offerings of his brother. Why
- [A Pity About Spider-Man 3](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-pity-about-spider-man-3/) - The first time my heart kicked in in Spider-Man 3 was when Harry Osborn/New Goblin was rushing to save his friend Peter Parker/Spider-Man. But it was too late to save the movie. Remember Spider-Man 2? It was great. I was engaged throughout. It was easy to care. There was only one main protagonist, Dr Octopus.
- [Carpe Funerals](https://graceworks.com.sg/carpe-funerals/) - Funerals are a gift because there are few things in life that throws the primary questions of life in your face like a funeral. Funerals insist that we shake off our life-stupor, at least for a while. Against the backdrop of the smell of the wreaths, the hushed tones of the mourners (or loud talking
- [A Long Distance Race](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-long-distance-race/) - I learnt about taking the long view on life from my Malay neighbour. He once told me that sometimes things may look as though they are going against the purposes of Allah but Allah will win in the end. It may take generations but in the end Allah will win. Now here was a word
- [Your Unique Contribution](https://graceworks.com.sg/your-unique-contribution/) - They could do Deep Purple better than Deep Purple. The Alley Cats were the kings of the Penang disco scene. They were the premier rock group in Penang in the 1970s. They would go on to write their own stuff and became heroes in the Malaysian music industry. One of the highlights of my teenage
- [At Least Ask the Boss](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-least-ask-the-boss/) - I am no chess buff but everyone knows that Garry Kasparov was world champion. Wikipedia tells us that "Kasparov became the youngest ever World Chess Champion in 1985." What some of us may not know is that in recent times he has become a leader in Russia's pro-democracy movement. This game is much more dangerous
- [What Does the Boss Think?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-does-the-boss-think/) - I am serious about following the Lord. I want to consult Him over the key issues of my life. But how do I hear from Him? How do I discern His will for me? How do I hear from the Boss? It would seem that some believers are virtual atheists. They keep God in some
- [I Am Proud Of My Humility](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-am-proud-of-my-humility/) - Are you humble? This is the ultimate Catch-22 question. To answer in the negative is to admit that you are not humble. To answer "yes" is to reveal that you have a somewhat high opinion of yourself and therefore are not really humble. You just can't win. This past week two people told me that
- [The Strange Career of John Mark](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-strange-career-of-john-mark/) - The October 2, 2006 issues of Fortune carried a story on Google. It included a report of a mistake made by one of their vice-presidents, Sheryl Sandberg, that cost the company several million dollars. When she went to apologize to Larry Page, one of Google's founders, he said "I'm so glad you made this mistake
- [Acceptance](https://graceworks.com.sg/acceptance/) - It was a key moment in the relationship. I needed to know that she didn't love me just for my looks. I removed my dentures. And smiled at her. OK, readers of this column who actually know me will know there was never any danger that Bernice or anyone would love me for my looks.
- [Agnostics Coming Out](https://graceworks.com.sg/agnostics-coming-out/) - Their stories are different. But they have arrived at the same place. They are now agnostics. They are no longer sure if there is a God. Or if it is possible to know for sure if there is one. Some come from committed Christian families and had never thought through the faith for themselves. They
- [At 52](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-52/) - I just came back from a conference where I met some old friends and made some new ones. Some asked how old I was. I would answer, "I am 51," and then I realize that it is already '07. I will be 52 this year. Some questions went beyond the numbers. At a tea break someone asked "how young
- [At the Table](https://graceworks.com.sg/at-the-table/) - I haven't had the privilege of leading in a Holy Communion service for a long time. If all goes according to plan, I will have the opportunity to do so this Sunday. And if I do I will try to prepare the congregation to take the elements by my usual exhortation on "the six directions
- [By the Numbers](https://graceworks.com.sg/by-the-numbers/) - The source was reliable. The numbers were staggering. The estimated number of Christians killed for their beliefs around the world in 2006 --- 173,000 ("By the Numbers, "Newsweek International, August 13, 2007, p.5). There is renewed interest in Christian martyrdom because of the Korean missionaries in Afghanistan who are now hostages of the Taliban. Debate
- [A Time for Kindness](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-time-for-kindness/) - Ever heard of Augustine of Hippo? "Few people today would doubt that Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was the greatest writer of the early Christian church. Certainly, he has left us more books than anyone else. For centuries, most of the Western Church took its understanding of Christian doctrine from him, and his influence lingers even
- [A 3M Ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-3m-ministry/) - Two things happened to me recently that set me thinking afresh about church. One, since February this year, I have had the privilege of being part of the pastoral team of a church. Haven't done this in awhile. It has been a challenge getting back into harness. I am also teaching a course on leadership
- [National Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/national-day/) - Today Malaysia commemorates its 50th year of independence from British colonial rule. I was talking to some friends recently and we noted that there seems to be little reason to rejoice. The government of the day still takes an ethnic approach to running the country. Invariably it puts the different races in an adversarial relationship
- [Learning from Mother Teresa's Doubts](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-mother-teresas-doubts/) - "But faith goes up and down doesn't it?" I was encouraging a young friend to consider water baptism. Her first query concerned her faith or the apparent fluctuation of her faith. It was a good question and I tried to help her understand the difference between faith, which is more akin to faithfulness, and feelings
- [Work-Life Imbalance and the Bible](https://graceworks.com.sg/work-life-imbalance-and-the-bible/) - He was 29. He worked for one of the Big Four accounting firms. He was successful. And he was leaving work past midnight most nights. With limited time for his wife and his church community he knew that something was wrong. But he was too tired to reflect as to what he should do. Increasingly
- [I Wanted to go to Oxford](https://graceworks.com.sg/i-wanted-to-go-to-oxford/) - There was a time when I was gripped with a desire to go to Oxford University to pursue doctoral studies. I was finishing my masters at Regent College and seriously considered moving on to Oxford for the next stage of my formal education. Now I am no scholar. (I struggled to finish my Doctor of
- [Spiritual Birth Certificate](https://graceworks.com.sg/spiritual-birth-certificate/) - My birth certificate is a yellowing document, frayed at the edges. But the vital information it contains is still legible and clear. Among other things, it shows clearly the exact date and time I was born. I have no equivalent document for my spiritual birth. I can't tell you the exact day and time I
- [What is Important?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-is-important/) - My church was very kind. I applied for no pay leave for October and they agreed. There were two key events in October and I had to be away. First, I have to be in Penang to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday. And tonight (September 30), Bernice and I travel to Toronto where we will
- [Showing the Colours](https://graceworks.com.sg/showing-the-colours/) - I love visiting North America in the fall. I love the fall colours. My cousin was in between chemotherapy rounds and insisted on driving us out into the country to do some apple picking. In half an hour we were in an orchard outside of Toronto. It was a cloudy day. The orchard was in
- [Purpose and Meaning](https://graceworks.com.sg/purpose-and-meaning/) - Once in awhile you read something that sounds really right. It makes you want to put it in a piece but you are not quite sure how. I caught the following passage from Will Hutton's The World We're In some time ago: [A good business is much more than a network of contracts. It is
- [Mum](https://graceworks.com.sg/mum/) - It's not every day that I get a chance to honour my mother publicly. I did it last Sunday. I was preaching in her church, the Penang Baptist Church, in their Sunday worship service. Some time had been set aside to commemorate mum's 80th birthday. The topic of my sermon was "Learning from Mothers and
- [Between Romans 13 and Revelation 13](https://graceworks.com.sg/between-romans-13-and-revelation-13/) - Some of my Christian friends in Malaysia are caught in a dilemma. The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH), is calling for a peaceful rally to be held this Saturday, to press for reforms in the electoral system. The police have refused to give a permit for the rally citing various legal reasons. BERSIH
- [Saved by Dad](https://graceworks.com.sg/saved-by-dad/) - I almost drowned when I was a child. I can't remember how old I was. Preschool I think. I was at the beach with my dad and some of his friends. I was only allowed to play in the shallows. Standing up, I was safely above the surface of the water. And I had on a flotation
- [Looking for COOI](https://graceworks.com.sg/looking-for-cooi/) - I am at my church's annual camp. Tonight, during the first talk, my pastor and friend Mark, said that many of us are looking for COOI, the Church Of Our Imagination. It's the ecclesiastical holy grail, the perfect church where we truly belong. It's the church that accepts us for who we are yet challenges us to grow.
- [Bloody Advent](https://graceworks.com.sg/bloody-advent/) - Reports of killings in the U.S. seem to receive so much more prominence in the media than killings elsewhere. Still, the recent mall killings and suicide in Omaha qualifies as a terrible tragedy by any measure. Here is the Guardian's report: "The teenage gunman who shot dead eight people at a Nebraska shopping mall before
- [Learning from Mary](https://graceworks.com.sg/learning-from-mary/) - This Sunday I will be preaching on the announcement of the birth of Jesus from Luke 1:26-38. The choice of the topic was, in the end, a no brainer. We just came back from church camp and the leaders wanted some sermons to encourage members to serve. And since it was the Advent season the sermon must have some
- [Support the ministry of Grace@Work?](https://graceworks.com.sg/support-the-ministry-of-gracework/) - It's hard to believe that the first edition of the Grace@Work ecommentary went out on August 3, 2000. (I have included a copy of that piece below.) Since then it has gone out every week except for two weeks when I was on my honeymoon. As always, the ecommentaries are my weekly attempts to make
- [Saving Truth](https://graceworks.com.sg/saving-truth/) - I led him to Christ. He let me stay in his house. Twenty years separate the previous two statements. I am in Melbourne to attend son Stephen's graduation. (Was it only yesterday that I carried him newly born in the Penang maternity hospital?) When Ken heard I was coming, he offered his house for us
- [Taking the Long Term View](https://graceworks.com.sg/taking-the-long-term-view/) - Barring something more tragic or more spectacular happening, Benazir Bhutto's face will be the last face that dominates the media this year. "Bhutto, 54, had hoped the huge popular following she enjoyed among the Pakistani poor would propel her to power for the third time as prime minister in an election meant to stabilise a country racked by
- [Three Calls for the New Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/three-calls-for-the-new-year/) - At first I felt that I had nothing to contribute to our church’s Watch Night service. Besides, our pastor had the main preaching segment covered. I was tired, still feeling the effects of all the changes I went through in 2007. But on the afternoon of 31st December, a passage came to me. It was
- [Leaders with Clay Feet](https://graceworks.com.sg/leaders-with-clay-feet/) - The biggest political news in Malaysia for the New Year was the resignation of the health minister. He had been filmed committing adultery and the one-hour sex video had been distributed widely in his home state. He didn’t do a Bill Clinton. He admitted he was the person in the video, apologized to his colleagues
- [Starting Over](https://graceworks.com.sg/starting-over/) - In my first professional examination in dental school I flunked three of my four final papers. And I flunked the big ones — anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. I remember the long train journey home to Penang knowing my dad would be waiting for me at the train station. I was always scared of his temper
- [Cab Conversations 1](https://graceworks.com.sg/cab-conversations-1/) - “The government only takes care of the Malays. No one really bothers about the Indian poor.” “Or the Chinese,” he added diplomatically. I was on the way to the airport and did what I normally do to get a feel of the pulse of the nation. I was talking to my cab driver. I had
- [Surprising Judgers](https://graceworks.com.sg/surprising-judgers/) - I had preached that Sunday. In the afternoon I had to take a coach to Kuala Lumpur (KL). I was looking forward to a good nap on the trip. There were many responsibilities waiting for me in KL. But when I arrived at the station, I saw a couple, two good friends taking the same
- [Vote!](https://graceworks.com.sg/vote-2/) - I had already planned to be in Kuala Lumpur in early March. Even if I hadn’t, I would have made sure that I voted in the coming Malaysian general elections. I had long decided that the salt and light mandate (Matthew 5:13-16) meant that I was to live out kingdom values in every sphere of
- [Listening to Old Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/listening-to-old-stories/) - Dad passed away in 2003. I miss him. I especially miss him during Lunar New Year eve family reunion dinners. That was when he would regale us with the stories of his life. And he was a consummate story teller. A particular favourite of his was the story of the time he almost died during
- [Life is Absurd](https://graceworks.com.sg/life-is-absurd/) - Bernice and I caught a sneak preview of the movie, No Country for Old Men, last week. I had not read the book and therefore was all set up for the sucker punch ending. When the final credits rolled, my immediate reaction was, "Hey, who stole the last reel? Surely there must be more. Surely
- [More Solid](https://graceworks.com.sg/more-solid/) - As a child I always thought heaven was extremely boring. You had wings, sure, and that was cool. But you had to wear what looked to me like white hospital gowns, and float on the clouds playing harps. Nothing much happened. It was like some kind of retirement home where you had to listen to
- [Fear Factor](https://graceworks.com.sg/fear-factor/) - Could you eat a cockroach? No? How about a worm? Or a cricket? Contestants on the reality show Fear Factor, are expected to ingest creatures that would normally gross us out. I am not a fan of the show but the few times I have seen the contestants squirm, have helped me understand how Peter
- [20/20 Hindsight](https://graceworks.com.sg/2020-hindsight/) - The first seminary I applied to rejected me. I really wanted to go to that school. It was a top school in the US for the training of pastors. I had made the traumatic decision to leave a career in dentistry to pursue a church-related vocation. The next step was to get proper seminary training.
- [What Happened, Really?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-happened-really/) - By now the whole world knows of Hilary Clinton's mistaken claims about her visit to Bosnia. Here is the BBC's summary of what happened. Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has said she made a mistake in claiming that she came under sniper fire on a trip to Bosnia in the 1990s. "It proves I'm human,"
- [Don't Come in Winter](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-come-in-winter/) - In my last email to him, I told him that we were thinking of visiting Toronto, and him, at the end of the year, maybe in December. In his last email to me he warned me about Toronto in December. He said: Yes, it would be fun for your family to come to Toronto for
- [Healing Our Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/healing-our-stories/) - Can you tell me a bit about your father? How is/was your relationship with him? Through the years I have had many opportunities to lead studies on the Parable of the Gracious Father (Luke 15:11-32). Often I would begin the study by asking folks to describe their own fathers, and the quality of their relationships with their dads. I
- [Being Before Doing](https://graceworks.com.sg/being-before-doing/) - They could have had a comfortable house in the suburbs. But his office was in the city. If he had a house in the suburbs, the after-work commute would mean that by the time he got home, his children would already be in bed. So he opted to have a home in the city. The
- [Adiaphora About Being SITS](https://graceworks.com.sg/adiaphora-about-being-sits/) - Have you ever been slain in the Spirit (SITS)? Rested in the Spirit? Not quite sure what that means? Here is a helpful definition from Wikipedia: Being slain in the Spirit is a term related to the Charismatic movement and Pentecostalism which describes a religious phenomenon in which a person enters a state with loss
- [Why Do Christian Leaders Fall?](https://graceworks.com.sg/why-do-christian-leaders-fall/) - Why do key Christian leaders fall? Why do people who have been used mightily by the Lord get entangled in the sins of power, sex, or money, or some combination of the deadly three? The question came up when we having dinner with some good friends last night. With great sadness we looked at the lives of some
- [Encouragement is Serious Business](https://graceworks.com.sg/encouragement-is-serious-business/) - Do you know the no.1 reason why people resign from their jobs? Because they do not feel appreciated. This is the conclusion of the U.S. Department of Labour as cited in the book, How Full is your Bucket? (Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, New York: Gallup Press, 2004, p.31). I am sure people resign for
- [Happiness is Overrated](https://graceworks.com.sg/happiness-is-overrated/) - If I had remained in Melbourne, I would have been happy and that is all I would have been. We were having dinner with a new friend a few evenings ago. A Malaysian, he shared about his time in Melbourne. It was a significant time. He went to university there. He found the Lord/the Lord found him, there.
- [Don't Waste Your Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/dont-waste-your-life/) - [Spoiler: If you intend to watch the movie Iron Man, go watch before you read this commentary!] Old time Marvel Comics fans like myself feel that we have died and gone to heaven, celluloid heaven that is. I picked up my first comic books in the 60's. They cost Malaysian 40 sen (list price US 12 cents) then.
- [Changes](https://graceworks.com.sg/changes/) - I hate change. Give me the security of familiarity. I rejoice in the warmth of familiar faces and familiar places. Change takes so much out of me. But I have also come to terms with the fact that change is the perfect backdrop for divine encounters. In times of change we discover what does not change. Therefore, often, in
- [Just Dinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/just-dinner/) - We had a Care Group (small group) meet planned for tonight. We were looking forward to it because we were going to welcome back a member who had been away for awhile. But at the last minute many members messaged to say they could not make it. And so we are just going to have dinner with those who
- [Mission Impossible](https://graceworks.com.sg/mission-impossible/) - Last night, Bernice and I decided that whenever we drive away from a place where we were ministering, e.g. a church where I had just preached, we will play the Mission Impossible theme song on the car CD player and wear black sunglasses. OK, maybe watching Mission Impossible 3 on HBO may have had something to do with our
- [Hearing from God in My "Sarung"](https://graceworks.com.sg/hearing-from-god-in-my-sarung/) - When do you normally hear from the Lord? I normally hear from the Lord in the morning when I am just waking up. I am lying in bed, not yet fully awake. And in that in between time, no longer asleep but not yet fully awake, I hear Him speak. Happened just a few mornings ago. Periodically I
- [The First Anniversary is the Toughest](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-first-anniversary-is-the-toughest/) - I was senior pastor of a growing church. I had just lost my wife to cancer. He was one of my church elders. And he told me, "You need to get back on the horse as soon as possible." I believe he had my interests at heart. He was definitely concerned for the welfare of the church. But
- [Another Ode to Friendship](https://graceworks.com.sg/another-ode-to-friendship/) - Tonight Bernice and I will be meeting up with some old friends for dinner. Well, they are more my old friends. They came to know Bernice only since she entered my life but we are all good friends now. I first knew this couple before they were married. We were all students in the University of Singapore in the
- [New Address](https://graceworks.com.sg/new-address/) - I miss Roson more than I thought I would. (My cousin died on March 31, 2008 from pancreatic cancer.) In these past three months I have been ambushed often by memories of the good times we shared. I think of the trip Bernice and I made to Toronto the year before last. So many memories, so much magic —
- [Two Ears, One Mouth](https://graceworks.com.sg/two-ears-one-mouth/) - Are you a good listener? I am not. I interrupt people before they finish their sentences. And after hearing one or two sentences I assume I know the rest of what a person wants to say. I then stop listening and am already marshalling my responses. (Yes, I am an ENTJ.) No, I am not a good listener but
- [Night and Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/night-and-day-2/) - Life is full of ironies. Or God has a great sense of humour. Tomorrow (July 26) I am to run a workshop on sabbath-keeping at a small group conference. I have never been so tired and overworked in recent memory. Perhaps I will present myself as a negative model, as one who is living with inadequate sabbath. We'll
- [My True Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/my-true-home/) - We were in Penang the last couple of days to visit my mother. It was a good visit. She seems to have shaken off the worst of the shingles that afflicted her earlier in the year. We took a drive to Balik Pulau. Had excellent laksa there — both the sour and the Thai styles, and managed to
- [Sometimes, Surviving is Thriving](https://graceworks.com.sg/sometimes-surviving-is-thriving/) - Received an email from a good friend a few days ago. He had just made a visit to his home town. A large part of the visit was spent with three people with very serious medical conditions. Two of them were not expected to last long. All three were suffering severe discomfort. My friend ended his mail by saying,
- [Your "Real" Job](https://graceworks.com.sg/your-real-job/) - I had a terrible toothache. Started on Tuesday. I was still in KL. God was merciful and the toothache started only after I had finished most of what I needed to do in KL. I messaged my dentist in Singapore. A brother in Christ and a dental school class mate (yes, in my first life I was
- [The Value of Children](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-value-of-children/) - Singapore is facing a crisis. Her citizens are not reproducing enough. Hence the Singapore government is stepping in with "a bonanza of tax benefits, generous leave and other child linked perks" (Lee Siew Hua, "Big Perks for Big Families," The Straits Times, August 21, 2008, 1) in an attempt to raise the existing "fertility rate of 1.29 closer to
- [Commandments for Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/commandments-for-life/) - Christians in Malaysia should greet the following news report with some joy: PUTRAJAYA: Fifty-five people, more than half of whom are Puspakom employees, have been held for corruption in a nationwide blitz Tuesday and yesterday. It is believed that they were earning up to an additional RM1,000 each a day or RM55,000 a month "in takings" from vehicles
- [A New Take](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-new-take/) - Last Sunday we had the privilege of having Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra, Secretary for Dialogue and Social Engagement, IFES (South and East Asia), speak at our worship service. He spoke on the eighth commandment, the call to not steal, but it was his comments on Luke 21:1-4 that really caught my attention. As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich
- [A Serious Movie](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-serious-movie/) - Dark Knight is a movie that grabs you by the you-know-what and doesn't let go till the last scene. It's one of the few movies where I saw people clapping when the credits rolled. Was it that good? The box office receipts say yes. So do the critics. It is a powerful movie, an adult movie. Compare it to
- [Putting It All Together](https://graceworks.com.sg/putting-it-all-together/) - I never had the patience to enjoy jigsaw puzzles. But I have done a few in my time. The thing about jigsaw puzzles is, the more you work on one, the more you know where the remaining pieces fit. When you start out you have all these pieces in hand but you have few clues as to
- [Fatherless Children](https://graceworks.com.sg/fatherless-children/) - We live in a time of fatherless children. More and more, children grow up in fatherless families. Some lose their fathers through tragedies like fatal accidents or killer diseases. A growing number are victims of parents who divorce, usually ending up with their mothers who often get custody. A large number grow up in intact families but are de
- [Money Makes a Great Pitch](https://graceworks.com.sg/money-makes-a-great-pitch/) - "Psssst. Give an altar call now and half the church will come forward." I was speaking at a church camp recently when the pastor of the church whispered the above suggestion. No, I am not that anointed a speaker. As part of my talk, I was personalising the lure of money. I was speaking as though money was speaking.
- [A Family Tradition](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-family-tradition/) - I first got the idea from Grace Goh. She encouraged us to take our children out for a good celebratory meal just before they sit for a major exam. She said that when we do this, we send a very clear signal to them that they are loved for who they are and not for how they perform.
- [The First Question](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-first-question/) - The request was simple enough. Cross to the other side of the lake. A number of them were seasoned fishermen. They did this all the time. The day was peaceful, peaceful enough for Jesus to take a power nap. And then they were fighting for their lives. One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the
- [Neither Christ Nor Antichrist](https://graceworks.com.sg/neither-christ-nor-antichrist/) - Scully (to Skinner): "With all due respect, sir, I think you overestimate your position in the chain of command." ("The Blessing Way", X-Files Season 3) I have friends who think that the Democratic Party is a tool of the devil. They are terribly disturbed that Barack Obama has been elected and see him as a strong candidate for
- [The Doctor is In](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-doctor-is-in/) - One of the results of sin is that we hide. We hid from God when He came looking for us that first evening after we sinned (Genesis 3:8). We have been hiding ever since. We try to hide our sin from God. We try to hide our sin from others. And we try to hide it from ourselves.
- [The Fundamentals](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-fundamentals/) - Writing the preface for my next book, I was confronted afresh as to how eventful my life has been these past few years. Here is the opening paragraph of the preface: It's been almost four years since I published my last collection of essays. In that time, I have remarried, completed my Doctor of Ministry, moved to Singapore, launched
- [Forces Beyond Our Control](https://graceworks.com.sg/forces-beyond-our-control/) - Problem: The Bible prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Jesus's parents lived in Nazareth, about 145 kilometres away. Solution: Use emperor Caesar Augustus' programme for the registration of provincial citizens to get Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7). From Joseph's perspective the whole thing sucked. He thought that the hard work of
- [Messy](https://graceworks.com.sg/messy/) - Childbirth is messy. I have had the privilege to observe one, the birth of my son Andrew. It's seventeen years ago now but you never forget the sights, the smells the sounds... It's messy. Then you see the top of the child's head. Next thing you know the new life emerges. Any man who has the opportunity to witness
- [Yes, We Can](https://graceworks.com.sg/yes-we-can-2/) - My dad had a fiery temper. He was a passionate man. He loved passionately. He also angered passionately. Those who know me will probably be thinking: "Soo Inn's a little like his dad. He too has a quick temper." And you would be right. In the past my excuse for my bad temper would probably be, "Well, it's all
- [Another New Year](https://graceworks.com.sg/another-new-year/) - Don't know about you but the new year looks strangely like the old one. Which is why I am holding out for another one. This one: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy
- [Means and Ends](https://graceworks.com.sg/means-and-ends/) - This morning I received an ad in my email in box pushing a tablet that promised to increase my "manhood" by three inches. Haven't had much of such ads for a while but recently they seemed to have returned with a vengeance. Of course I constantly get ads for the blue pills and pills of various colours that promise
- [No Short Cuts](https://graceworks.com.sg/no-short-cuts/) - Later in the year I will be running a one day seminar on preaching for a church I am working with. I look forward to running these seminars for lay preachers. I believe preaching should not be confined to the clergy guild. Mature church members who are gifted in this area should be given the opportunity to share from
- [Roots and Wings](https://graceworks.com.sg/roots-and-wings/) - It may have been in the small print. If it was, I missed it. When I signed on to be a parent no one told me how hard it would be to let your children go when they grow up. So it was really hard to say goodbye to Stephen two years ago when he left for Melbourne
- [Friends for Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/friends-for-life/) - "My cancer has come back." "I don't think I can save my marriage." "My child is gay." "I have lost my job." Life can be very hard. "...no matter how hard we try to bring order and peace into our lives, there are moments when everything seems to be falling apart and times when we not only
- [People of the Person](https://graceworks.com.sg/people-of-the-person/) - Recently I was reminded at a talk that the heart of the Christian faith is not a book. It is a person — Jesus. The context of the comment was our continuing (and necessary) attempts to build bridges with our Muslim friends. It is so tempting to draw the following parallel: Christianity has a leader, Jesus, and Islam has a
- [Trusting in God's Horticulture](https://graceworks.com.sg/trusting-in-gods-horticulture/) - Saw the following news item yesterday. MOSCOW (AP): A jury in Moscow voted unanimously Thursday to acquit three men in the killing of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, dimming hopes for justice in a case that has mocked Russia's claims to be a modern democratic nation. The brazen 2006 slaying of the crusading investigative reporter sent a grim signal to other
- [Lost My Voice](https://graceworks.com.sg/lost-my-voice/) - Once in awhile you get to demonstrate what you preach. Last Sunday I preached from Genesis 32:1-32. One of my main lessons was that Jacob had to learn to move away from self-sufficiency to dependence on God's blessings before God could bless him and use him. I had to preach in a still small voice, no, not in any
- [And the Oscar goes to ... Salim.](https://graceworks.com.sg/and-the-oscar-goes-to-salim/) - Life follows art. A medium budget British film with an all-Indian cast about an orphaned street urchin winning at life against all odds, wins eight Oscars including Best Picture. Bernice and I went to see it last night. For two hours we were confronted with a world that we know nothing about. We are a middle class couple living
- [Legacy](https://graceworks.com.sg/legacy/) - When I get older losing my hair many years from now, will you still be sending me a valentine, birthday greetings, bottle of wine? ("When I'm Sixty-Four", Lennon and McCartney, 1967) Yesterday (March 5) was my birthday. How old am I? Let's say it is a figure that rhymes with "sixty-four." Let's also say I am
- [Remembering](https://graceworks.com.sg/remembering/) - I expected to be more emotional. I broke down only once --- when I was sharing during the sharing time at the close of the retreat. Last weekend Bernice and I were at the CCF Alumni retreat at Port Dickson. The College and Career Fellowship (CCF) is a ministry to those making the transition between tertiary studies and
- [Are You Lonesome Tonight?](https://graceworks.com.sg/are-you-lonesome-tonight/) - I have long suspected that, given enough time, empirical science will come to conclusions that were always taught by Scripture. Take the following report for example: In 1985, when researchers asked a cross-section of the American people, "How many confidants do you have?" the most common response to the answer was three. In 2004, when researchers asked again, the
- [Palm Sunday Revisited](https://graceworks.com.sg/palm-sunday-revisited/) - "How big is your church? How many worshippers do you have each Sunday? How big is your church building? Do you own your own building or do you have to rent? What is the seating capacity of your worship auditorium?" We encounter questions like these all the time. They remind us that for many Christians, church size and
- [Lessons from Gethsemane](https://graceworks.com.sg/lessons-from-gethsemane/) - I have been revisiting Gethsemane in preparation for Maundy Thursday. I am struck afresh by the prophetic force of Jesus' travail in the dark. Jesus is no eager suicide bomber rushing to his martyrdom. Instead He wrestles with His Father to see if there was anyway He could get out of going to the Cross. Here are His words
- [Did Jesus Wash Between the Toes?](https://graceworks.com.sg/did-jesus-wash-between-the-toes/) - I confess. This was the first year I participated in a Maundy Thursday service. What is Maundy Thursday you ask? It is the Thursday before Easter and it commemorates the events that took place on that night two thousand years ago. This includes: Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, the institution of the Lord's Supper, Jesus praying
- [Unequally Yoked?](https://graceworks.com.sg/unequally-yoked/) - Can Christians marry non-Christians? They could, under civil laws. What people usually mean when they ask, is, what does the Bible say? Does the Bible permit marriage between Christians and non-Christians? And the usual answer is "no" and the passage normally cited is 2 Corinthians 6:14-18: Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness
- [The Safest Place](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-safest-place/) - Bernice and I will be going to North America next week. This was a ministry trip planned some time ago, before the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus epidemic. A friend asked: "Are you still going?" He is a good friend and he was concerned for my safety. Well, my spiritual rule of thumb about safety is that the
- [Terima Kasih! (Thank You!)](https://graceworks.com.sg/terima-kasih-thank-you/) - Are you someone who says "thank you" easily --- and mean it? Are you someone who goes through life aware of the grace you receive? (I guess I needed a lot of help in this area because the name my mother gave me, Soo-Inn, means "conscious of grace received" in Chinese.) More and more I have come to see
- [Wow, 2 Timothy 2:2](https://graceworks.com.sg/wow-2timothy-22/) - Last weekend, I met two key leaders at the church where I gave a seminar. One was on staff, the youth pastor. The other was a lay leader. They both shared that their lives had been impacted by a guy named Nick. I first met Nick more than twenty years ago. He was in engineering school. I was
- [Eating with Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/eating-with-friends/) - The restaurant was named Tutta Bella. The pizzas were delicious --- and gluten free. That meant you could eat more and not feel too full. We had the house wine, Spanish, a little more tart than I had anticipated, but still reat. And the dessert... well... But the highlight was the conversations. They were old friends, good friends.
- [An Unexpected Blessing](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-unexpected-blessing/) - It was an hour before we were supposed to board the plane. We were surprised when we were called to report to the boarding gate. (This was about 1.30 in the morning, after a weekend of ministry, after three weeks in the Pacific Northwest, waiting to board our Vancouver to Hong Kong flight.) We asked the airline official if
- [Hatred Makes You Strong](https://graceworks.com.sg/hatred-makes-you-strong/) - One of my favourite scenes in Star Wars 6 (Return of the Jedi) is the one where Luke Skywalker finally bests his heavy breathing dad Darth Vader. Luke had tried to avoid fighting his dad but when Darth threatened to turn Luke's sister to the dark side, Luke goes berserk and defeats his dad, cutting Darth's right hand
- [Decisive](https://graceworks.com.sg/decisive/) - I used to pride myself on my decisive decision making. I guess it has something to do with my personality. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, I am an ENTJ. Wikipedia reminds us that "ENTJs tend to be fiercely independent in their decision making, having a strong will that insulates them against external influence" and that they "tend to
- [The Smell of Cigarettes](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-smell-of-cigarettes/) - Smell is the only sense that does not make a brief stop at the brain's relay station, the thalamus, before going to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that explains, reasons and rationalizes. Smell is unmediated, unfiltered; it hits the prefrontal cortex with a wallop. (Marianne Szegedy-Maszak, "Happy Days," The Los Angeles Times, April 18, 2005)
- [Anthony Yeo](https://graceworks.com.sg/anthony-yeo/) - Singapore's 'father of counselling' Anthony Yeo, who had leukemia, died yesterday from complications. The veteran counsellor and consultant therapist at the Counselling and Care Centre was 60 years old. He was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a cancer of a type of white blood cell that fights off infection in the body, after he collapsed at home on the evening
- [A Big Deal](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-big-deal/) - Spiritual friendship is friendship that is rooted in Christ, for the purpose of growing in Christ. "What is the vision of Graceworks?" Often folks would ask Bernice or myself about the nature of our work and we usually reply by stating our mission: "to promote spiritual friendship in church and society." The response to this is usually a
- [A Visit with Mum](https://graceworks.com.sg/a-visit-with-mum/) - Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Proverbs 23:22 TNIV) I was with mum the last few days. This is the first time I have visited with her this year since the Lunar New Year (January). She teased me numerous times about the fact that in 2009,
- [Angry in Malaysia](https://graceworks.com.sg/angry-in-malaysia/) - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save
- [Under the Sun and More](https://graceworks.com.sg/under-the-sun-and-more/) - I was chatting with a friend yesterday morning. His wife, also a dear friend, is fighting cancer with faith and courage. I said he must be very tired. He said he was but that he has also been energised by the fresh realisation of his own mortality. He talked about his plans to invest more of his time
- [Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World](https://graceworks.com.sg/jesus-loves-the-little-children-all-the-children-of-the-world/) - Film director Yasmin Ahmad dies KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning film director Yasmin Ahmad has died from massive bleeding in the brain at the Damansara Specialist Hospital. She died at 11.25pm yesterday. She had undergone surgery following her collapse at the TV3 headquarters Seri Pentas on Thursday. The 51-year-old movie maker was famed for her advertisements and films capturing the essence
- [Losing More Than We Gain](https://graceworks.com.sg/losing-more-than-we-gain/) - Does your church have a youth service? A number of churches have youth services targeted at the young. These services are different in feel from the "main" services. The worship style is more contemporary, the music modern and louder, and hymns are usually taboo. The rationale for such services --- to reach the young who may be bored by
- [The Object-Subject Switch](https://graceworks.com.sg/the-object-subject-switch/) - In preparation for a lecture, I revisited the temptation narrative in Genesis 3 and learned something new. The first thing that Satan did when he approached Eve was to change God from an object to be worshipped to a subject to be discussed. Here is Satan's opening gambit: Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the
- [An Epidemic of Tired and Lonely](https://graceworks.com.sg/an-epidemic-of-tired-and-lonely/) - We were talking about a Christian leader who had to leave a position of leadership because of some personal problems. My friend said two things. First he said, "We should have seen it coming. Why didn't we see it coming?" Then he said, "I could be next." He talked about his own flirtation with burnout. As we reviewed his
- [Small Groups and Transformational Learning](https://graceworks.com.sg/small-groups-and-transformational-learning/) - I have the privilege of teaching a course on Christian Spirituality in a major seminary in town. For three hours every Tuesday, nineteen students and myself grapple with issues that pertain to our relationship with God. The last forty minutes or so of every class, I divide the class into small groups of three or four. In their small
- [Father, Forgive Them](https://graceworks.com.sg/father-forgive-them/) - (AP) Dozens of Malaysian Muslims paraded Friday with the head of a cow, a sacred animal in Hinduism, in a dramatic protest against the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in their neighborhood. The unusual protest by some 50 people in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor state, raises new fears of racial tensions in
- [Not Another Leadership Seminar](https://graceworks.com.sg/not-another-leadership-seminar/) - Think of a few leaders you admire. How many of them were effective leaders as a result of some formal leadership training they received? Ruth A. Tucker has this to say about leadership training: Enrolling in a seminar to learn how to be a leader is as unfeasible as taking a seminar to learn how
- [Dental School](https://graceworks.com.sg/dental-school/) - Last night I was speaking at a dinner for first year Christian dental students. It is hard to imagine that I was a freshman in dental school in 1974. Time has dulled both joy and terror but I still recall starting dental school as a major transition in my life. Not only was I embarking
- [Quiet Time as Meal](https://graceworks.com.sg/quiet-time-as-meal/) - Those of us who grew up in evangelical circles know all about "quiet time." This was spiritual discipline 101 pre-Richard Foster. All serious Christians took time every day to spend some quiet time with God. This usually involved reading a portion of Scripture, and spending time in prayer. I often came away from my quiet
- [Sharing Our Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/sharing-our-stories/) - "How are you?" "How was your week?" "Can you name one item of joy and one item of concern in your life?" The many groups that Bernice and I lead are terribly predictable in one aspect --- there will always be a time for people to share their stories. The sharing may take place over
- [Remembering](https://graceworks.com.sg/remembering-2/) - "Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Therefore to know the Jesus of tomorrow you need to know the Jesus of yesterday." I would often exhort folks to do journaling with the above challenge. (Sounds kinda cool too.) I would say that unless you record your memories of how Jesus has answered
- [Leadership Teams are Norm](https://graceworks.com.sg/leadership-teams-are-norm/) - I have long come to realise that team leadership is norm. Perhaps, when I was younger, I held to the individualistic, heroic, bigger than life model of leadership (and maybe believed I was on the road to being one.) But life, and the Word, have taught me that the norm for leadership is not multi-gifted
- [More Substantial](https://graceworks.com.sg/more-substantial/) - What happens after death? Nothing, according to some. Death is the universal anticlimax to life. So we should "seize the day" or "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die (1 Corinthians 15:32 NRSV)." Then there are those who, like the ancient Greeks, saw death as "the release of the immortal soul from its

## Pages

- [Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/) - Graceworks is a training consultancy and publishing house dedicated to promoting relational transformation and publishing books that present truth for life.
- [Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/t2.png” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”120px||120px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”%22initial%22″ background_position=”%22top_left%22″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”||27px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]MENTORING Training mentors and running mentoring groups to help followers of Jesus grow in Christlikeness.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px”
- [Our Team](https://graceworks.com.sg/about-the-team/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(16,109,109,0.65)” custom_padding=”3px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”%22initial%22″ background_position=”%22top_left%22″ custom_padding=”|0px|50px|0px” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” admin_label=”Post Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato Light|||on|” title_font_size=”50px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”MOBILE” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”%22initial%22″ background_position=”%22top_left%22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_team_member name=”Tan Soo Inn” position=”Chairman / Training Consultant” image_url=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Soo-Inn-Bio-Pic.jpg” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Mobile Soo
- [Talks](https://graceworks.com.sg/training/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Training-Banner-2000.png” custom_padding=”120px||120px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|5%||5%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato Light||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]TALKS Equipping people to live out relationally healthy lives in the church and the world[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0||false|false”
- [Partner Us](https://graceworks.com.sg/sponsorship/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Book-with-Heart-Cord-Sponsorship-GreenTint-3.png” custom_padding=”120px|0px|120px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato||||||||” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]PARTNER US[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|” admin_label=”Desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”15px||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”13px|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”18px” header_font=”||||||||” max_width=”61%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]Graceworks is
- [Store](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display:none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22initial%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22″ background_position=”%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22top_left%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22%22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Search for: [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index=”500″ overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_css_main_element=”.et_pb_fullwidth_menu { z-index: auto!important; }” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”263″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#459a85″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#c5002c” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ menu_font=”Lato|||on|” menu_text_color=”#ffffff” menu_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” positioning=”relative” z_index=”500″ background_layout=”dark” overflow-x=”visible” overflow-y=”visible” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” dropdown_menu_animation=”expand” custom_css_main_element=”||” border_color_all=”#ffffff”
- [Ebooks Help](https://graceworks.com.sg/ebookshelp/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”263″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#459a85″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#c5002c” _builder_version=”4.16″ menu_font=”Lato|||on|” menu_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” dropdown_menu_animation=”expand” custom_css_dropdown_links=”{color: #459a85}” border_color_all=”#ffffff” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|42.2344px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off||” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#106d6d” header_text_color=”#c5002d” header_font_size=”35px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”||30px|” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]EBOOK HELP[/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#c5002c” closed_toggle_text_color=”#c5002c” closed_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff”
- [Book Tables](https://graceworks.com.sg/book-tables/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(16,109,109,0.65)” custom_padding=”3px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|0px|50px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato Light|||on|” title_font_size=”50px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off”
- [Contact Us](https://graceworks.com.sg/contact-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Website-Banners-2000.png” custom_padding=”%22%22"120px|0px|120px|0px"%22%22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”%22%22"initial"%22%22″ background_position=”%22%22"top_left"%22%22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato Light||||” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]CONTACT US[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”15px||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”20px||20px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ header_font=”Lato||||” header_text_color=”#106d6d” header_font_size=”20px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]OUR OFFICE 540
- [What is Spiritual Friendship?](https://graceworks.com.sg/what-is-spiritual-friendship/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Cover Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SpiritualFriendship-GreenTint.jpg” custom_padding=”120px|0px|120px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”42px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP Friendship that is rooted in Christ, for the purpose of growing in Christ.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”25px||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”
- [Mentoring for Life](https://graceworks.com.sg/mentoring-for-life/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Cover Image” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MFL_banner_mildtint.png” custom_padding=”120px|0px|120px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” text_letter_spacing=”0.5px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”42px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]MENTORING FOR LIFE Helping organisations equip their mentors to bring out the best in their mentees[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.17.6″
- [Publishing Services](https://graceworks.com.sg/publishing-services/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|42.2344px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How can I get my book published?” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#197173″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”30px||15px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]How can I get my book published?[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]You can
- [General FAQ](https://graceworks.com.sg/faq/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”263″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#459a85″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#c5002c” _builder_version=”4.16″ menu_font=”Lato|||on|” menu_text_color=”#ffffff” menu_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” dropdown_menu_animation=”expand” custom_css_dropdown_links=”{color: #459a85}” border_color_all=”#ffffff” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|42.2344px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”20px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#106d6d” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#c5002d” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”0px||15px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]GENERAL FAQ[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text
- [Millennial Generation Insights](https://graceworks.com.sg/generations-project/millennial-generation-insights/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”MOBILE SECTION” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mobile-banner.png” custom_padding=”60px|0px|60px|0px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”28px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]THE GENERATIONS PROJECT Millennial Generation Archetypes[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Mobile” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”15px|0px|15px|0px|false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|40px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″
- [Generations Project](https://graceworks.com.sg/generations-project/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”MOBILE SECTION” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mobile-banner.png” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”120px|0px|120px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”28px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]THE GENERATIONS PROJECT Unity Through Empathy Bridging the Intergenerational Divide in Church[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”MOBILE” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”15px|0px|15px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row
- [Silent Generation Insights](https://graceworks.com.sg/generations-project/silent-generation-insights/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”MOBILE SECTION” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mobile-banner.png” custom_padding=”60px|0px|60px|0px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_line_height=”28px” header_font=”Lato|300|||||||” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]THE GENERATIONS PROJECT Silent Generation Archetypes[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|on” admin_label=”Mobile” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”15px|0px|15px|0px|false|false” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”20px|0px|4px|0px|false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column
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- [Blog](https://graceworks.com.sg/blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”263″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#459a85″ mobile_menu_text_color=”#459a85″ _builder_version=”4.16″ menu_text_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”46.7px” custom_margin=”-22px||||false|false” custom_padding=”2px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”b0bf5418-994a-43d1-aef8-7d7c6764119d” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”80px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_font_size_tablet=”72px” header_font_size_phone=”32px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]Blog[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_slider posts_number=”4″ include_categories=”406″ show_meta=”off” show_image=”off” use_bg_overlay=”off”
- [Our Story](https://graceworks.com.sg/our-story/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Our-Story-banner-2000.jpg” custom_padding=”120px|0px|120px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato Light||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]OUR STORY How the Lord led us to begin Graceworks[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|6px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”
- [Publishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/publishing/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”DESKTOP SECTION” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Publishing-Banner-v2.png” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”120px||120px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Banner Header” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”27px|0%|0px|0%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Banner Subtitle” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato Light||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]PUBLISHING Bringing to life books that promote spiritual friendship and connect the Word of
- [Events](https://graceworks.com.sg/events/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(16,109,109,0.7)” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” transparent_background=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|10%||10%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”Lato Light|||on|” title_font_size=”50px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”|||” parallax_effect=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”Desktop section” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” overflow-y=”visible” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” overflow-y_tablet=”” overflow-y_phone=”” overflow-y_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” overflow-y__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” width__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” overflow-y__hover=”visible”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.17.6″
- [Spiritual Friendship Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/resources/spiritual-friendship-stories/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(6,109,109,0.65)” custom_padding=”25px|0px|25px|0px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”27px|0px|0px|0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Dancing Script|on|||” text_font_size=”28px” header_font=”Lato Light|||on|” header_font_size=”40px” header_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”-10px||10px|”]Stories of Spiritual Friendship Real people. Real Stories.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”10px|0px|54px|0px” hover_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”Dancing Script|on|||” header_text_color=”#106d6d” header_font_size=”27px”
- [SocialJustice-2022](https://graceworks.com.sg/socialjustice-2022/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Social-Justice-2022-_Page-Banner.png” title_text=”Social Justice 2022 _PageBannerMobile” src_tablet=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Social-Justice-2022-_PageBannerMobile.png” src_phone=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Social-Justice-2022-_PageBannerMobile.png” src_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]What does Jesus think about the grief and suffering of the poor and marginalised? What would He have us be and do in response to the grievous injustices of poverty? These collections of essays compel
- [About Us](https://graceworks.com.sg/about-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_image=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Training-Banner-2000.png” parallax=”on” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”120px||120px|”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”|10%||10%”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”Lato||||” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”Lato Light||||” header_font_size=”50px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”]ABOUT US Graceworks is a consultancy committed to the promotion of spiritual friendship in church and society through publishing and training.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section
- [Christmas-2021](https://graceworks.com.sg/christmas-2021/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Web-Banner-Christmas-2021-Website-1.png” title_text=”Perspective-changing Reads for Christmas” src_tablet=”” src_phone=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Web-Banner-Christmas-2021-Square-2.png” src_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]As we remember Christ’s birth and how He turned our world upside down, we share five reads that stirred our readers’ convictions and challenged their worldviews. Enjoy 15% off these titles upon checkout. Promotion ends 31
- [Archived News](https://graceworks.com.sg/archived-news/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_color=”rgba(16,109,109,0.7)” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” transparent_background=”off” next_background_color=”#ffffff”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” custom_padding=”|10%||10%” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” _builder_version=”3.15″ title_font=”Lato|300||on|||||” title_font_size=”40px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”|||” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” parallax_effect=”off” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”3.15″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|60px|0px|false|false” prev_background_color=”rgba(16,109,109,0.7)” next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row custom_padding=”40px|0px|31px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.15″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Nov ’19” _builder_version=”3.15″ text_text_color=”#c5002c” text_font_size=”25px”]November 2019[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.15″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_image src=”https://graceworks.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Christmas-Promo-2019-Storewide-Discounts-30-Off-Past-Titles-Web.jpg” url=”https://graceworks.com.sg/christmas-store/”
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## Products

- [身体的侵犯](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/身体的侵犯/) - 《身体的侵犯》通过性侵犯幸存者的证词以及神学家、牧师、学者、社会工作者、辅导员、律师和辩护人所写的文章，呈现了一个以基督为中心的回应来应对性暴力。 这些章节揭示了上帝对性暴力受害者的心，展示了教会如何成为一个支持性的社群，解释了在对受害者做出回应及与他们同行时如何避免常见的错误，并提出了如何负责任地保护我们的教会。 无论你是处理性侵犯案件的牧师、想让你的教会社群成为安全空间的平信徒，还是与性暴力受害者同行的人，这本书都适合你。 This is the Chinese translation of Assault on the Body.
- [Assault on the Body: Sexual Violence and the Gospel Community](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/assault-on-the-body-sexual-violence-gospel-community/) - Assault on the Body presents a Christ-centred response to sexual violence, through testimonies by sexual assault survivors and articles by theologians, pastors, academics, social workers, counsellors, lawyers and advocates...
- [Irrevocable Gifts](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/bernice-lee/irrevocable-gifts/) - Irrevocable Gifts is a collection of personal narratives from six Creatives.
- [以基督教的观点了解中医](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/a-christian-perspective-on-chinese-medicine-chinese/) - 我们该如何了解中医？赖博士将通过自己与中西方医学的交流，带我们一起从圣经、神学和哲学的观点来探讨及了解这两项医学文化传统。
- [值夜班](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/值夜班/) - 一个男孩对他的邻居感到非常困惑。夜晚大家都睡觉了，林叔叔却出门了。早晨大家都准备好上学的时候，他才回家。叔叔去哪儿了？他整个晚上又在做什么呢？
- [Letters to Paige (One of Us #2)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/letters-to-paige/) - Why does Paige read so slowly? The class squirms as they wait for Paige to finish reading the paragraph aloud, one word at a time. The letters seem to have a life of their own! How will you encourage that classmate who struggles with words?
- [Short of Nothing (One of Us #1)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/short-of-nothing/) - Many things changed for Toby in the new school year: his teachers, his classmates and … himself. When he becomes the shortest student in class, Toby struggles knowing that this is the tallest he will ever be. It's a bumpy journey of growth for Toby, his teachers and his friends. How will they ride out these changes together?
- [Dung, Dung, Dung, DUNG!](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/dung-dung-dung-dung/) - Indoors-bound Ernest Lee has been paired up with his nature-loving classmate Coral Ling for a science project. Can Ernest look past the poop to see the dung beetles for what they are? Join the Earthkeepers in discovering the wonders of the little dung beetle and its big job in the forest!
- [Giant Clam Calamity](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/giant-clam-calamity/) - It is Ernest Lee's first camping and snorkelling trip. When Ernest and his buddy, Coral Ling, are invited on a pre-dawn intertidal walk, he stumbles upon an underwater UFO! What is it?
- [Bee Hoon Boy](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/bee-hoon-boy/) - What would you do if your classmate slept all the time and had noodles in his hair? Welcome to Bee Hoon Boy's world! Everyone keeps their distance from Bee Hoon Boy, but is there more to him than meets the eye?
- [Homebound Melody](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/homebound-melody/) - Melody Ji is confused when her parents tell her they are "going home". How can Singapore be "home" when MJ has lived abroad all her life? Step into a whole new world with MJ—what will this homecoming be like?
- [About Joy](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/about-joy/) - Do you know joy? Joy does, through the world she creates in her amazing stories. But what is it about Joy, who keeps to herself and always has her nose in a book? What did she run off the stage during the awards ceremony?
- [A Church on God's Mission](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/latest-publications/a-church-on-gods-mission/) - Rooted in Scripture and expressed through real-world examples, A Church on God’s Mission challenges and equips the Church to embody God’s holistic mission of word and deed. This book is not merely a resource but a vision for renewal, stirring every church to become a vibrant movement shaped by the mission of God! Reverend Tony
- [The Gospel, Sociopolity, and Malaysian Society (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/the-gospel-sociopolity-and-malaysian-society/) - The word ‘gospel’ or ‘evangel’ is well-known and well-used among Christians. If the gospel is central to Christianity yet understood differently, how then can Malaysian Christians from diverse background relate the gospel to the sociopolitical situation of the country? This essay will explore this question by highlighting a common emphasis of the gospel that all Christians share, and showing how this commonality relates to the present sociopolitical challenges in Malaysia.
- [爱护天父世界](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/loving-our-fathers-world-chinese/) - 我非常享受阅读这本介绍关爱受造界的小册子，也热情地向他人推荐它。结合知、心、行三个方面，这本书的内容涵盖：对圣经基础清晰且实用的分析；关于活出关爱受造界的门徒生活，新加坡自然生态给予我们的温馨启发；以及牧者对教会实际行动的呼吁。 Dave Bookless 牧师博士 神学主任，A Rocha International 关爱创造催化员，洛桑运动（Lausanne Movement） 对于想要将关爱受造界融入个人生活中的人来说，《爱护天父世界》是一个通俗易懂的入门指南。本书内容为个人及当地教会提供了十分实用且基 Jasmine Kwong 女士 关爱受造界推动者，海外基督使团（OMF International） 关爱创造催化员，洛桑运动 福音之道 面对这变幻莫测的世界，教会蒙上帝呼召，身负使命。福音之道系列丛书以本于福音为原则，分析阐述基督徒面临的复杂社会议题，以帮助教会回应呼召、活出使命。本系列丛书专为教会使用而设计，每一册都具备以下特点：内容简明扼要，语言平易近人，神学严谨细致，且立足于亚洲处境。
- [Pressed But Not Crushed](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/pressed-but-not-crushed/) - Exploring the intersecting realms of faith, vocation, and mental well-being, Pressed But Not Crushed empowers Christian junior doctors, inviting them to discover theological insights that illuminate their purpose within the medical field. As they navigate the challenges of their profession, from managing failure and anxiety to learning what truly is a healthy work-life-church balance, this
- [Depressed Dave](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/mak-kean-loong/depressed-dave/) - Many books teach you how to fight depression, or how to recover from it. But how many actually show you how the journey will look like?
- [启动社群容纳性: 导师指南](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/启动社群容纳性-导师指南/) - 这套查经资料（《导师指南》和《参与者指南》两个版本）从圣经角度帮助教会小组学习容纳特需人士的基本原则。内容包括四课选自新约圣经的学习材料，并附有实践应用及小组讨论问题。《导师指南》另提供参考答案和详细的带领说明，以协助小组带领者。 在此查看《参与者指南》
- [启动社群容纳性: 参与者指南](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/启动社群容纳性-参与者指南/) - 这套查经资料（《导师指南》和《参与者指南》两个版本）从圣经角度帮助教会小组学习容纳特需人士的基本原则。内容包括四课选自新约圣经的学习材料，并附有实践应用及小组讨论问题。《导师指南》另提供参考答案和详细的带领说明，以协助小组带领者。 在此查看《导师指南》
- [启动从心容纳性: 教会容纳特需人士入门指南](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/启动从心容纳性-教会容纳特需人士入门指南/) - 这份卓越的出版物体现了教会需要以深刻而全面的方式应对“残疾”议题。种种迷思、片面之词的话或刻板印象，确实无助于肯定特需人士在教会与社会中应有的地位。 — 黎志强牧师(博士), 新加坡全国教会理事会会长, 新加坡长老会大会会正 我们或许是“暂时健全”的，或许并非如此，但圣经告诉我们，每个人都是特需人士，都需要上帝那包容而赋能的爱。愿本书激励教会既给予又领受这份包容而赋能的爱——这是每位特需人士或暂时健全者所必需的。 — 黄昌荣牧师(博士), 新加坡卫理公会会督 本书视野宏阔、论述有力、神学启迪、实践切合。无论年龄、性别、环境，残疾都是我们终将面对的课题。本书是牧者与教会领袖必读之作 ，重新校准对教会本质、使命及门徒训练的认知，以适应新常态。 — 章剑文主教（博士）, 新加坡圣公会教区主教 《启动从心容纳性》是一本全面的资源，不仅面向教会，更是所有关心特需人士、渴望深入了解者必备的指南。它提供深刻而实用的智慧，帮助我们自身及教会实现亟需的残疾包容性。毫无疑问，这本书必将为每位读者带来神圣的改变。 — 范秀平女士, 新加坡国家福利理事会会长
- [Enabling Hearts: A Primer for Disability-Inclusive Churches](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/koinonia-inclusion-network/enabling-hearts-a-primer-for-disability-inclusive-churches/) - This volume was formulated to help enable the development of more disability-inclusive churches. As an introductory “primer”, it aims to provide churches with a basic understanding of disability in Singapore, and some foundational insights concerning how to minister to persons with disabilities. Its title, Enabling Hearts, reflects two essential characteristics of the volume. First, it
- [Enabling Communities: Facilitator's Guide](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/koinonia-inclusion-network/enabling-communities-facilitators-guide/) - This bible study helps church small groups under the basics of disability inclusion from a biblical perspective.
- [Enabling Communities: Student's Guide](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/koinonia-inclusion-network/enabling-communities-students-guide/) - This bible study helps church small groups under the basics of disability inclusion from a biblical perspective.
- [The Nurturing God: God's Parenting and Ours (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/the-nurturing-god-gods-parenting-and-ours-ebook/) - The nurturing of God needs to be understood using both feminine motherhood and masculine fatherhood. They are two sides of one coin.
- [Growing People Relationally: Frameworks for Spiritual Mentoring](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/featured-book/growing-people-relationally/) - In this book, popular author and preacher Soo-Inn Tan presents basic truths and guiding principles for the practice of spiritual mentoring. Designed for anyone passionate about seeing lives transformed through spiritual companionship, Growing People Relationally: Frameworks for Spiritual Mentoring is especially valuable for current and aspiring spiritual mentors, as well as leaders overseeing mentoring in
- [Loving Our Father's World](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/dennis-tan/loving-our-fathers-world/) - I greatly enjoyed reading this brief introduction to creation care, and warmly commend it to others. It appeals to head, heart, and hands, with clear and helpful biblical foundations, some delightful lessons in creation care discipleship from Singapore wildlife, and a pastor’s practical call to action for churches. The Reverend Dr Dave Bookless Director of
- [When Woke Goes Broke](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/leow-wen-pin/when-woke-goes-broke/) - "Suzanne Choo’s When Woke Goes Broke is informational and instructional. A 'must read'. Woke is the fake oxygen of a new generation. Instead of nurturing the pursuit of true social justice, it slowly poisons us to extreme scepticism which 'questions everything and believes in nothing'. "Suzanne’s work is culturally incisive in her analysis. It is
- [Breakfast with Jesus](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/david-w-f-wong/breakfast-with-jesus/) - What will it be like to meet Jesus in person? The Apostle John gives us a glimpse of such an encounter. As the disciple who knew Jesus most intimately, he described an early morning breakfast with Jesus. You are invited to relive the experience. It will prepare you for your meeting one day.
- [The Invisible People: Series 1 Set](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/the-invisible-people/) - Ames Chen’s delightful series, The Invisible People, is a collection of picture books that show children how to relate kindly to the domestic workers, construction workers, and bus drivers in their society.
- [建筑工叔叔](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/建筑工叔叔/) - 你是否想过是谁在那些“危险”告示牌 后方工作？让我们和一位好奇的男孩踏上 探险之旅。他不仅找到了答案，还收获了 超乎他预期的——友谊和一颗感恩的心。
- [Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking Giving Direction](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/by-other-publishers/spiritual-mentoring-a-guide-for-seeking-giving-direction/) - As we seek God together we come to know him more deeply. That's the idea behind Spiritual Mentoring. Spiritual mentoring is an ages-old practice that Keith Anderson and Randy Reese introduce in a way that fits life as we know it today.
- [Generations Project Crowdfunding](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/sponsorship/generations-project-crowdfunding/) - Thank you for partnering us; we appreciate your support. If you have access to PayNow, please choose this option. Alternatively you can use PayPal / Credit Card or Direct Banking. Please choose the amount you would like and click the ‘Add to cart’ button above. If you would like to use a cheque, please make
- [Sponsorship](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/sponsorship/sponsorship/) - Thank you for partnering us; we really appreciate your support. If you would like to use a credit card or direct banking, simply choose the amount you would like and click on the ‘Add to cart’ button above. If you would like to use a cheque, please make it out to GRACEWORKS PRIVATE LIMITED and
- [Bundled Set: The Pattern, The Plate Spinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/bundled-set-the-pattern-the-plate-spinner/) - A bundle of Dev Menon's books which are catered to the needs of the young adult. Dev has a heart for serving the young adults and relating to them, which is evident in his extremely engaging writing style.
- [巴士司机](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/巴士司机/) - 你每天早上都坐同一辆公共巴士上学吗？你看到路上有很多公共巴士吗？看看一名学生如何试图保住他最喜爱的巴士司机的工作。对他来说，这名巴士司机不仅仅是人群中的另一张面孔，而是他的英雄和榜样。中文版包括汉语拼音。 Do you take the same bus to school every morning? Can you recall what the driver looks like? Find out how one student tries to save the job of his favourite bus driver. Not just another face in the crowd, but his hero and role model. This Chinese translation includes Hanyu Pinyin! 【隐形的人】系列是献给从事非常特殊工作的人。他们的工作让我们的世界变得更美好。然而，我们却未必将他们视为我们生活的一部分。让我们一起来认识这些“隐形的人”，向他们问好或说声 “谢谢”，让大家都能“看见”他们。
- [阿公心爱的工作服](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/阿公心爱的工作服/) - 为什么阿公(祖父) 要花很长时间熨烫他的工作服？让我们一起通过这个故事了解为自己的工作感到自豪是什么意思。看看这个小女生如何在朋友的帮助下，勇敢地坚持正义。中文版包括汉语拼音。 Why does Ah Gong ('grandfather' in Chinese) take so long to iron his uniform? Follow our friend as she learns what it means to be proud of one's work. See how she courageously stands up for what is right, with the help of her friends. This Chinese translation includes Hanyu Pinyin! 【隐形的人】系列是献给从事非常特殊工作的人。他们的工作让我们的世界变得更美好。然而，我们却未必将他们视为我们生活的一部分。让我们一起来认识这些“隐形的人”，向他们问好或说声 “谢谢”，让大家都能“看见”他们。
- [3-2-1: Following Jesus in Threes (2nd Edition)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/best-sellers/3-2-1-following-jesus-in-threes/) - Popular author and preacher Soo-Inn Tan presents a highly doable model for spiritual friendship in this groundbreaking book. 3-2-1: Following Jesus in Threes seeks to explain both the whys and hows of 3-2-1 triads.
- [精神健康与福音群体 (压伤芦苇 , 你不折断)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/bruised-reeds-2-chinese/) - Good News for Bruised Reeds: Mental Health & The Gospel Community (Chinese). 这本书中你将会听到各种人的心声：与焦虑症、抑郁症、精神分裂症及自杀倾向搏斗的人的心声； 面临亲人正挣扎于精神疾病的人的心声； 陷于内疚与绝望中的照顾者的心声；与抑郁症搏斗的牧者的心声；那些愿意为受苦者发声的人的心声。 最重要的是，这书含有先知性的声音，呼召教会为着她的无知而悔改，并要成为一个安全的群体，让心灵破碎的人得以经历在基督里的医治与完全。
- [The Invisible People: Series 2 Set](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/the-invisible-people-series-2-set/) - This product contains all three books in series 2: Ah Gong's Uniform, Aunty Postman, The Night Shift. The Invisible People series is a tribute to the people who hold very special jobs. Their work makes our world a better place. Yet, we may not treat them like they are a part of our lives. These
- [Friends in a Broken World](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/spiritual-friendship/friends-in-a-broken-world/) - This booklet contains five meditations from a key passage (Luke 24:13–49) that undergirds Graceworks’ ministry of seeing lives transformed through community. The meditations focus on the encounter between the risen Christ and two of His disciples on the Emmaus Road.
- [Walking With The Risen Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/spiritual-friendship/walking-with-the-risen-christ/) - While it is important to structure small-group meetings, it is more important to understand how all these practices relate to the fact that the risen Christ is in the midst of the meeting.
- [Bundled Set: 3-2-1, Friends in a Broken World, Walking with the Risen Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/spiritual-friendship/bundled-set-3-2-1-walking-with-the-risen-christ-friends-in-a-broken-world/) - A bundled set of author Tan Soo-Inn's books. 3-2-1 is the Graceworks' bestsellers to date, having gone through its 8th reprint.
- [A Mentoring Guide: Christ. Conversation. Companionship.](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/by-other-publishers/a-mentoring-guide-christ-conversation-companionship/) - For a large number of adults today who do not think they have what it takes to mentor others well, this book is for you.
- [三二一 ：依主三友行](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/3-2-1-following-jesus-in-threes-chinese/) - 3-2-1: Following Jesus in Threes (Chinese Translation). 《依主三友行》将讲解三友小组的为何与如何——本书的内容，已足够助你了解并实行我们对属灵友谊所提倡的“3-2-1”方式。
- [The Generations Project](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/best-sellers/the-generations-project/) - For some years now, churches in Singapore have been experiencing an exodus of younger members from their midst. In response to this, Graceworks was invited by some churches to help older leaders understand the world of the young so that they could minister to them in ways that took seriously their cultural shaping. We soon
- [Uniting Generations Conversation Cards](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/spiritual-friendship/uniting-generations-conversation-cards/) - UG Cards were created with the vision to forge deeper bonds between generations. It is a tool designed so that God-centered and authentic conversations can take place, resulting in deeper understanding and empathy for one another. With 66 cards in total, there are 4 levels: Level 1 establishes familiarity and similarity through nostalgia. Level 2
- [Good News for Bruised Reeds – Colours of the Kingdom](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/good-news-for-bruised-reeds-colours-of-the-kingdom/) - It is likely that some racial prejudice lurks within every one of us, and we need the eyes and tears of others to help us see. This book provides us with the tears of those who have suffered racial prejudice...
- [Silence: A Necessary Pause in Noise](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/david-w-f-wong/silence-a-necessary-pause-in-noise/) - A book to help readers find a pause in noise, a time for silence, and a word from God who speaks to all who will be quiet enough to listen.
- [Solitude: A Necessary Pause from Company](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/david-w-f-wong/solitude/) - A book to accompany you as you retreat to solitude and as you return to community.
- [Workship: How to Use Your Work to Worship God](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/workship/) - In her book, Kara explores the biblical view of work, provides six spiritual disciplines to integrate faith and work, shares practical wisdom on how to make a difference in the workplace, and offers ideas to help churches better equip their congregations to live out their faith at work.
- [Workship 2: How to Flourish at Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/workship-2-how-to-flourish-at-work/) - How does faith at work look like in reality? In this follow-up to Workship 1, Kara Martin shares more practical wisdom on making a difference in the workplace.
- [Following Jesus in the "Real World"](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/personal-growth/following-jesus-in-the-real-world/) - Whether you’re just finishing a degree or graduated a decade ago. If you look back longingly on the spirituality of your college years and wonder how you can regain it, this is the book for you. If it was ever easy to graduate from college, chose a direction, and move on in life, it’s not easy today. The terrain is unmapped, the destination uncertain, the stakes high.
- [Finishing Well (Revised Ed)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/finishing-well-closing-lifes-significant-chapters/) - In life, it is important how we begin, and how we continue. But ultimately, how will we finish? Will we finish well, or will we finish badly?
- [Koinonia Groups: Nurturing Disability-Inclusive Small Groups in Your Church](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/koinonia-groups-nurturing-disability-inclusive-small-groups-in-your-church/) - "I highly recommend this primer to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of disability-inclusive small groups and their potential to transform lives! The authors’ biblical insights and practical handles will undoubtedly inspire and equip readers to create Koinonia Groups that embody the love and grace of Christ, fostering genuine fellowship and empowering individuals to become
- [The Bus Driver](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/the-bus-driver/) - Do you take the same bus to school every morning? Can you recall what the driver looks like? Find out how one student tries to save the job of his favourite bus driver. Not just another face in the crowd, but his hero and role model.
- [Aunty Goes Home](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/aunty-goes-home/) - Have you had to say goodbye to a good friend or a close family member? Farewells are difficult, even more so for a young child. Follow this little girl on her journey, as she says goodbye to someone precious. Not goodbye, but see you again.
- [Uncles At Work](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/uncles-at-work/) - Have you ever wondered who works behind those signs that say 'Danger. do not enter'? One little curious boy did. Join him on his adventure as he gains more than he expected — not just answers, but friendship and a heart of gratitude.
- [The Justice Demand (ebook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/the-justice-demand/) - Where is social justice in the Gospel? Where is social justice in the Singapore Church? These are the two main questions this book seeks to explore. Through the recount of the author's journey of discovering social justice in the Bible, on the streets of Singapore, in the long history of the Singapore and global Church,
- [Discover Your Calling: The ABC of Vocational Discernment](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/best-sellers/discover-your-calling/) - All of us have a yearning to understand where we belong in this world. As Christians, most of us understand from Scripture that God has a purpose for each of us and has gifted us differently. But discovering our unique giftedness and where God calls us to use those gifts eludes so many.
- [Good News for Bruised Reeds – Mental Health & The Gospel Community](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/pastoral-resources/good-news-for-bruised-reeds-mental-health-the-gospel-community/) - This book is an honest look into how the church can journey with Christians with mental illnesses effectively. Its moving testimonies by those who suffer from it, their caregivers, and pastors who minister to these brothers and sisters, challenge the common misconceptions about mental illness.
- [The Night Shift](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/the-night-shift/) - A boy is puzzled by his next-door neighbour. Uncle Lin leaves when everyone goes to bed and returns home when everyone gets ready for school. Where does Uncle go? What could he be doing all night?
- [Ah Gong's Uniform](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/ah-gongs-uniform/) - Why does Ah Gong take so long to iron his uniform? Follow our friend as she learns what it means to be proud of one's work. See how she courageously stands up for what is right, with the help of her friends.
- [Two Saves in a Day](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/two-saves-in-a-day/) - Have you ever felt too small to make a difference in your community? With his super ears, Zander discovers the destructive power of some insects. Teaming up with Cicada and Ladybug, he learns how every single organism, no matter how tiny, leaves an impact in the ecosystem. Together, the terrific trio tackle the invading pests before it’s too late!
- [Wonderfully Made](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/wonderfully-made/) - Have you ever felt bad about being different? Join Zander, a boy teased for his ‘stick-out’ ears, on a journey to embrace weirdness everywhere. Through unexpected friendships, Zander discovers that he is not a mistake but a miracle.
- [The Rest Race](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/the-rest-race/) - Are we made to work or to rest? Do you work to rest or rest to work? Pastor Dev seeks to dislodge us from the world of EVIL-work that we’ve been cursed into, and then invites us into the blessing of the life-giving rhythms of Sabbath rest.
- [The Pattern: Discovering God's Design for Marriage](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/the-pattern-discovering-gods-design-for-marriage/) - Readers will find Dev’s writing conversational and accessible. He combines a strong theological framework with a lot of practical help for couples as they begin their marriage. While those preparing for marriage need counsellors, mentors, and models — companions who will walk with them — they also need to base their marriage on God and His truth. The Pattern provides this biblical foundation and does it admirably.
- [The Plate Spinner](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/the-plate-spinner/) - The seemingly benign issue of time, if not handled wisely, can become malignant. We have only so much time in a day, a week, a month — and soon, all too soon, the years will catch up with us. The best part of our lives hurries past us, and we wonder if it has gone the way of waste and regrets. Could we have invested our time better? As in medical conditions, malignancy is best treated when detected in the early stages.
- [Help! I'm Growing Old](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/help-im-growing-old/) - Urged on by a desire to help others, author Chuah Tong-Ik spent a year researching on aging-related topics and has sieved out useful tips into this compact primer. Updated with new sections on technology, sexuality and senior singleness, this comprehensive book also features discussion questions to help readers understand the implications of aging.
- [A Gentle Touch](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/john-ting/a-gentle-touch/) - The author, who has himself experienced clinical depression, explains how we can care for and help those who are mentally unwell—with compassion and gentleness.
- [Bundled Set: Workship, Workship 2](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/bundled-set-workship-workship-2/) - A bundled set of author Kara Martin's books. Workship is short-listed as the Australian Christian Book of the Year 2017 by SparkLit.
- [Aunty Postman](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/ames-chen/aunty-postman/) - Is your postman short, plump, tall, or thin? Do you run to your gate when the postman delivers a long-awaited parcel? Discover what makes Aunty Postman so special as we go up, down, and around the estate she delivers for.
- [Zander's Adventures with Cicada & Ladybug](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/zanders-adventures-with-cicada-ladybug/) - Zander’s Adventures with Cicada and Ladybug is an appreciation of the wonders of creation. Fire up your imagination as they embark on missions to make a positive impact on the world around them!
- [Operation Dunk!](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/children-book/operation-dunk/) - Have you ever felt too young to help those in need? Discovering that his neighbour’s house is a breeding ground for dangerous mozzies, Zander comes to the rescue with his trusty insect pals, Cicada and Ladybug. Find out how the super team, equipped with the knowledge of life cycles, saves the whole neighbourhood from an impending Aedes attack.
- [Practical Parenting: A Guide for Busy Asian Mums and Dads](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/marriage-and-family/practical-parenting/) - Parenting is meant to be a lovely journey but due to our strong belief systems in a fast-paced Asian society, parents often feel pressured and are in despair on how best to bring up their children. This is a practical guide book, offering sound advice and direction to help strengthen your family.
- [Attentive to God](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/attentive-to-god/) - The purpose of this book is to help you become more consistently aware of God; to train your ear to hear his voice, and your eye to see what he is doing; to grow and improve so you can serve God more effectively.
- [All Things to All People: Cultural Intelligence for Christians](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/andrew-sabaratnam/all-things-to-all-people/) - Challenge yourself to think anew about how we should steward the gospel in this era of globalisation and immigration. This book will help you develop your cultural intelligence so that you can relate, respect, express care, work, and witness effectively across cultures.
- [Where Spirituality & Justice Meet: Spiritual Formation & Integral Mission](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/personal-growth/where-spirituality-justice-meet-spiritual-formation-integral-mission/) - Originally written as part of the Master of Transformational Development (MTD) program at Eastern College Australia, these authors share their personal experiences of how they wrestled with questions encountered in their missional work, and testify that ones capacity to “do justice and love mercy and walk humbly with God” requires a God-nurtured resilience.
- [Where Human Rights & Biblical Justice Meet: Imago Dei & Integral Mission](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/societal-issues/where-human-rights-biblical-justice-meet-imago-dei-integral-mission-ebook/) - In the quest to speak truth to power, what should be the proper role of Christian counter-culture in the engagement amongst Scripture, human rights, justice, fairness and political systems? Be prepared for an upending of conventional views, an upsetting of traditional values, and an unseating from our comfort zones.
- [Sabbath for Pastors (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/mark-chua/sabbath-for-pastors/) - Sabbath for Pastors has much to say about our maddening, busy lifestyle — that we may truly understand what life and pastoral ministry is all about. Sabbath is a gift of life given to us, so that we may find our rest and renewal in God. Let Sabbath for Pastors show you how to discover in Him a wellspring of joy and delight.
- [Rings on Fire (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/desmond-elaine-ng/rings-on-fire/) - Rings on Fire shines a bright light on a seemingly gloomy world. This is a no-holds-barred account of how one marriage went to the edge of the abyss, yet clawed its way back to wholeness again. All because of the power of Divine intervention.
- [Finishing Well in Ministry (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/finishing-well-in-ministry/) - Finishing Well in Ministry is a unique book that combines biblical truths based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians and important personal well-being principles for longevity and faithfulness in our ministries. No matter how long you have been in ministry, this book will spur you to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).
- [A Christian Perspective on Chinese Medicine](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/a-christian-perspective-on-chinese-medicine/) - Can Christians use Chinese Medicine? How should we understand Chinese medicine? To answer these questions, Dr Lai will bring Chinese medicine into dialogue with modern medicine, and evaluate both traditions from biblical, theological and philosophical perspectives.
- [Waiting: A Necessary Pause in Time](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/david-w-f-wong/waiting/) - A book to read while waiting; for those short of time or patience. Forty short devotions on waiting. Four longer expositions if you have more time.
- [Women Without Walls](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/mary-cotes/women-without-walls/) - Jesus calls men and women alike to be ambassadors of God’s kingdom in society. What kind of spiritual journey can strengthen them to rise to this challenge, engage in the public arena and thrive as the strong, significant players in mission that God calls them to be? This is the question that lies at the heart of this book.
- [Jesus: The Path to Human Flourishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/jesus-the-path-to-human-flourishing/) - This book seeks to present the Gospel in a way that seamlessly corresponds with Confucius’s ideals for humanity but with a realistic solution. In fact the uniqueness of one’s culture and ethnicity is affirmed, as the Lord of Heaven is the Creator of all. There will be no identity dilemma — one can be a Chinese and a Christian with honor.
- [Men for Christ](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/personal-growth/men-for-christ/) - Men for Christ: Living Out Our Faith is a compilation of dynamic talks for men, featuring 21 distinguished speakers like Bishop Robert Solomon, Rev Tan Soo-Inn, and Rev David Wong among others. The speakers skilfully address crucial topics like male spirituality, godly fatherhood, overcoming marketplace challenges, navigating significant life transitions and finishing well.
- [与同性吸引之友同行 (压伤芦苇 , 你不折断)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/chinese-books/walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends-chinese/) - Good News for Bruised Reeds: Walking with Same-Sex Attracted Friends (Chinese). 本书希望达致双层效果：一方面鼓励那些认真跟随基督，却又挣扎于同性吸引的人；另一方面挑战教会耐心聆听，伸出援手。
- [Good News for Bruised Reeds – Walking with Same-Sex Attracted Friends](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/best-sellers/good-news-for-bruised-reeds-walking-with-same-sex-attracted-friends/) - This book seeks to both encourage those who are serious about following Christ but who are struggling with same-sex attraction, and to challenge the church to lend a listening ear and a helping and welcoming hand.
- [God's Gardeners: Creation Care Stories from Singapore and Malaysia](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/societal-issues/gods-gardeners-creation-care-stories-from-singapore-and-malaysia/) - What does caring for God’s creation look like where we are? The book presents a refreshing local perspective on the distinctiveness of Christian environmental ethics, seeks to encourage fellow Christians on this creation care journey, and inspire those who have yet to begin.
- [Call Me By Name](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/anne-wong-png/call-me-by-name/) - Stories from Christians with special needs, their families, and those serving in the special needs community; sharing their faith and how they have grown in their identity in light of their experience of special needs.
- [Bundled Set: The Narrow Road, The Journeys Trilogy](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/bundled-set-the-narrow-road-the-journeys-trilogy/) - The Narrow Road and The Journeys Trilogy are the re-publication of Rev. David Wong's Books, under the same title.
- [Bundled Set: Men for Christ Vol 1 and 2](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/marriage-and-family/bundlet-set-men-for-christ-vol-1-and-2/) - A bundled set for Men for Christ: Living Out Our Faith by Carmel Men for Christ ministry.
- [Bundled Set: Making Sense, Travel Mercies, Thinking on the Run](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/meditations/bundled-set-making-sense-travel-mercies-thinking-on-the-run/) - First published in the noughties, Making Sense, Travel Mercies, and Thinking on the Run have recently been reissued by Graceworks, and updated with new Prefaces by Soo-Inn Tan. These three volumes contain reflections on life and death, music and movies, friendships, work, and more.
- [Travel Mercies](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/meditations/travel-mercies/) - Only those who suffer deeply and redemptively can walk the canyon floor alongside our depressions and afflictions. So this book provides good company and is a good guide through the disappointments, frustrations, and grief of our mortality. Yet the central message of this honest and indeed transparent book is that by God’s grace, in whatsoever state we’re in, there are lessons to learn that “godliness with contentment is great gain”.
- [Wherever You Go](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/hannah-lau/wherever-you-go/) - Through a friendship over email, Corrie and Keiko agonise, laugh, share, and commiserate over the big and small things in life: What does it mean to have a fulfilled and meaningful life? How can we be faithful to God, especially in difficult circumstances? How do we know whether a bad situation is our cross to bear or something to walk away from?
- [Leadership (Primer)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/leadership-primer/) - If leadership is more function than office, a number of liberating consequences follow. Taking a leaf from Nehemiah, this primer shares the eight key functions that can be seen from Nehemiah’s style of exercising leadership.
- [Men for Christ Volume 2](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/personal-growth/men-for-christ-volume-2/) - Men for Christ: Living Out Our Faith Vol. II is a bold response to the crisis of masculinity in the church. This second volume features 22 more men who passionately address the issues that often hinder men from rising into their God-given destinies. It offers accessible introductions into challenging topics like sexual purity, anger management, effective marketplace ministry and evangelism, and retiring well.
- [The Narrow Road: Turning Neither Left nor Right](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/the-narrow-road-turning-neither-left-nor-right/) - Why not go with the flow? Why not keep on one side to be safe? In The Narrow Road, the author challenges readers to choose the path he describes as a mountain ridge with ravines on both sides. The way is narrow, difficult and perilous, but it leads to life.
- [The Dao of Healing](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/the-dao-of-healing/) - The popularity of Chinese medicine has been growing exponentially. However, amongst Christians, it is still viewed with suspicion and negativity. Are these fears justified? How can we better understand the roots and practices of Chinese medicine? The Dao of Healing takes us on an in-depth exploration of the histories and philosophies that have shaped both Western biomedicine and Chinese medicine in order that we might make informed judgements about them.
- [Thinking on the Run](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/meditations/thinking-on-the-run/) - Soo-Inn not only runs the race but also thinks on the run. Here his thoughts are preserved to be explored at leisure. So taste them, savour them, ponder them.
- [The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/apologetics-and-theology/the-complete-book-of-everyday-christianity/) - A lot has happened since the The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity was first published in 1997 by IVP. We felt that for the book to be really useful for the reader today, we had to add a few critical articles, such as Climate Change, Global Financial Crisis, Restorative Justice, Social Media, Shame.
- [Twelve Strands](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/bernice-lee/twelve-strands/) - Twelve Strands pulls together the writing journeys of 12 Asian authors from countries as diverse as South Korea and Pakistan. Some write poetry and songs, while others write children’s books. Some are able to share the deepest pains and highest joys of those whose testimonies they give voice to. All feel an almost compulsive need to write so that the knowledge of the love of Christ can reach the farthest corners of their country, if not the world. They share a calling.
- [The Journeys Trilogy](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/christian-instruction/the-journeys-trilogy/) - Full of stories and insights gleaned from the author’s personal and spiritual journeys, this trilogy brings together three of David W. F. Wong’s earliest publications: Journey Mercies, Love’s Rough Journeys, and Journeys Beyond the Comfort Zone.
- [Out of the Dark Night](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/stories-and-testimonies/out-of-the-dark-night/) - Painstakingly compiled by the Hat Muoi team over the course of many years, Out of the Dark Night is the result of the belief that there are many precious lessons to be learnt in adversity. And the great news is that each of us has equal access to the Source of help and healing.
- [Making Sense](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/meditations/making-sense/) - Making Sense…is a collection of essays that struggles to apply a Christian mindset to the realities of daily life. They stem from the conviction that if God is real, then He and His Word must be relevant to the struggles that we face in the world.
- [Bribery & Corruption (2nd Edition)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/hwa-yung/bribery-corruption/) - This short book is one attempt to respond to the need to help Christians in Asia find a biblical response to the real pressures they face in the marketplace. It takes seriously both the Scriptures and the context in which Asian Christians function.
- [Hands and Feet (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/hands-and-feet/) - Given the variety of overlapping international movements, national political campaigns, and urgent local issues competing for our attention, how should each of us decide what to engage in at a particular point?
- [Christianity and Citizenship (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/alwyn-lau/christianity-and-citizenship-2/) - Christianity & Citizenship is a follow-up series to The Bible & the Ballot that focuses on Christians’ participation as citizens. Like the previous series, the present one is also a collective effort by Christians from different parts of the theological spectrum. Six writers weigh in on topics ranging from governance to education, political movements to the gospel, as well as things that often go unspoken and avoided.
- [Engage or Escape? (ebook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/engage-or-escape/) - In our quest for educational reform, we must fight not only for choice for the privileged but also emancipation for the oppressed. Such a fight should resonate all the more with Christians, as we serve a Saviour who consistently identified with the last and the least of society.
- [Strengthening Democracy in Malaysia (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/christopher-chong/strengthening-democracy-in-malaysia/) - What is democracy? It is more than just elections. It involves the existence of a space which allows for people to freely debate on public issues and government policies as well as present alternative ideas without the fear of repercussions. If the health of a democratic society is dependent on the existence of such a space, how can we ensure a free and vibrant public sphere?
- [The Bible & the Ballot (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/alwyn-lau/the-bible-the-ballot-ebook/) - How do we relate Christianity to political engagement in Malaysia today? This is the question that we, as part of the community of believers, are trying to answer in this book. It is our conviction that “if Jesus Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all”. We proclaim the lordship of Jesus over every aspect of life. Therefore, it is important for us to reflect on the relationship between what we confess on Sunday and what is happening in the country every day.
- [Prayer & Political Consideration (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/prayer-political-consideration/) - If prayer life is central to our faith, then it is important to understand how we can relate the act of praying to our political engagement. How do we pray when we face complex political difficulties?
- [Recovering the Unspeakable (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/recovering-the-unspeakable/) - Probably due to concern about the sensitivities of Muslim listeners, Christians in Malaysia—and the rest of the world—are reluctant to speak in public about Jewish and Christian exilic consciousness. We are reluctant to speak about a consciousness which is rooted in Scripture and expressed powerfully through Christian martyrs. I believe this is unwise, for the result of this reluctance is a veiling of what Christians are prepared to die for.
- [Power and Governance (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/power-and-governance/) - Power is in a constant flux and power shifts like the ebbs and flow of the tide. This is amply demonstrated in the ‘political tsunami’ of 2008 in Malaysia. This flux is in no small measure determined by the ethical performance of the ruling government of the day. The rise and fall of any ruling power depends largely on the manner of its governance in which the use/misuse of power is of quintessential determinant factor.
- [Naming Names (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/alwyn-lau/naming-names/) - Naming the powers is not an exercise in generality. And if the appropriate action following the act of naming is to cast a vote, then ipso facto political naming cannot be separated from electoral endorsement. But if a preacher should advise his flock on whom to vote for, would this mean that the Church has sold out to political partisanship?
- [The Real Picture (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/ebookexclusive/the-real-picture-2/) - Christmas is a paradox. Sometimes it can be a stressful or depressing time of year. Yet Christmas should be a time of great joy. It is a reminder that God is truly Immanuel, “God with us.” Christmas reminds us that God stepped into human history to bring us true hope and joy. May this collection of meditations help you refocus on the true meaning of Christmas, and in getting the true picture we find our faith renewed and our mission strengthened.
- [Vote! (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/vote/) - Some Christians wonder if it really is a Christian duty to vote. After all, there are no explicit directions to vote in the Bible. And aren’t we committed to seeing society changed through seeing individuals changed by the gospel? So why should Christians vote?
- [Việc Chúa Làm](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/by-other-publishers/viec-chua-lam/) - Painstakingly compiled by the Hat Muoi team over the course of many years, Việc Chúa Làm is the result of the belief that there are many precious lessons to be learnt in adversity. And the great news is that each of us has equal access to the Source of help and healing.
- [Avoiding the Void (ebook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/authors/alwyn-lau/avoiding-the-void/) - Job refused to look away from the void in his pain. He refused to accept cheap solutions to the problem and ‘causes’ of his suffering. And just like how Job’s friends sought to cover-up Job’s trauma via inauthentic explanations, could it be that Malaysia’s leaders are always seeking to pull a veil over the abyss within the country via the promise of growth, wealth and prosperity, as if money solves everything? What happens, then, when the tap runs dry?
- [Vote for Change (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/vote-for-change/) - In most mature democracies, the government changes hands from time to time. A change of government doesn’t usher in the apocalypse. In fact, knowing how power tends to corrupt, perhaps political parties should take turns at being the opposition for seasons of humbling and heart searching.
- [Why am I Attending Vigils? (eBook)](https://graceworks.com.sg/store/category/church-politics-state/why-am-i-attending-vigils/) - My purpose in this essay is to clarify my thoughts, to say at least tentatively, why I am attending the candlelight vigils — an illegal act in Malaysia. Why do I deliberately disobey the law? Why do I do it repeatedly? Why do I encourage others to do the same?

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- [Racism](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/racism/)
- [Violence](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/violence/)
- [Death & Grief](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/life-issues/death-grief/) - Death comes to all men but at times unexpectedly. Yet, a Christian does not grieve without hope. He does so, bearing in mind the future promise that God offers while recognising the reality of the present. Practical advice is also offered for those who experience grief or see others going through it.
- [Movies & Television](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/media/movies-music/) - Movies and music, to a certain extent, reflect certain ideas and realities about life. How do we make sense and respond to the things portrayed in the screen as well as the things that we listen to on the radio? A different insight is offered here through the lens of a Christian.
- [Christian Living](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/publications/christian-living-publications/)
- [Young Adults](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/publications/young-adults/)
- [Kara Martin](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/authors/kara-martin/)
- [Publishing](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/graceworks/publishing-graceworks/)
- [Malaysia](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/malaysia/)
- [Widowhood](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/family/widowhood/)
- [Music](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/media/music/)
- [Spiritual Friendship Stories](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/spiritual-friendship-stories/)
- [2018](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2018/)
- [2019](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2019/)
- [FIT](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/graceworks/fit-posts/)
- [Book Review](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/book-review/)
- [Gender roles](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/christian-living/gender-roles/)
- [Discipleship](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/discipleship/)
- [Discipleship](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/church/discipleship-church/)
- [2020](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2020/)
- [COVID-19](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/covid-19/)
- [Politics](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/politics/)
- [2021](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2021/)
- [Spiritual Maturity](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/christian-living/spiritual-maturity/)
- [2022](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2022/)
- [2023](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2023/)
- [2024](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2024/)
- [2025](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2025/)
- [Generations Project](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/graceworks/generations-project/)
- [Singapore](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/singapore/)
- [Third Agers](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/church/third-agers/)
- [Blog](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/blog/)
- [Intergenerational](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/church/intergenerational/)
- [Loneliness](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/loneliness/)
- [Ministry & Training](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/graceworks/ministry-training/)
- [Social Media](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/media/social-media/)
- [Worship](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/christian-living/worship/)
- [Technology](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/world-issues/technology/)
- [2026](https://graceworks.com.sg/category/articles/2026/)

## Tags

- [church camp](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/church-camp/)
- [death](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/death/)
- [gospel](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/gospel/)
- [inspiration](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/inspiration/)
- [leadership](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/leadership/)
- [legacy](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/legacy/)
- [Malaysia](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/malaysia/)
- [ministry](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/ministry/)
- [movies](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/movies/)
- [music](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/music/)
- [Penang](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/penang/)
- [politics](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/politics/)
- [prayer](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/prayer/)
- [preaching](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/preaching/)
- [Sarawak](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/sarawak/)
- [sermon](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/sermon/)
- [suicide](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/suicide/)
- [teachers](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/teachers/)
- [tragedy](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/tragedy/)
- [worship](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/worship/)
- [depression](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/depression/)
- [recovery](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/recovery/)
- [growth](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/growth/)
- [mental health](https://graceworks.com.sg/tag/mental-health/)

## Product categories

- [eBook Exclusive](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/ebookexclusive/)
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- [Marriage and Family](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/marriage-and-family/)
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- [Apologetics and Theology](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/apologetics-and-theology/)
- [Authors](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/)
- [Soo-Inn Tan](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/soo-inn-tan/) - Soo-Inn Tan is a director of Graceworks, a ministry committed to promoting spiritual friendship in church and society. Since 1985, Soo-Inn has been journeying with people through his ministry of preaching/teaching, writing and mentoring. Originally trained as a dentist at the University of Singapore, he answered God’s call to go into full-time church-related ministry in 1981 and obtained his Master of Theology from Regent College, Vancouver, Canada, in 1984. In 2006, he obtained his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, California. Soo-Inn’s primary passions include connecting the Word of God to the struggles of daily life, and the promotion of the discipline of spiritual friendship. He has been a supporter of Arsenal Football Club since 1971 and his favourite movie is Star Wars 4.
- [John Ting](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/john-ting/) - Rev. John Ting is presently a full-time pastor at Adam Road Presbyterian Church. He has been involved in theological teaching in Singapore for over thirty years. He is a certified instructor of the Mental Health First Aid programme in Singapore. Married to Frances, they have three adult children.
- [Alwyn Lau](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/alwyn-lau/) - Alwyn Lau is a member of Friends in Conversation. A lecturer in Marketing and Sociology at KDU University-College, he’s also pursuing a Ph.D. (Arts) at the University of Monash (Sunway). He’s married with two kids and blogs at wyngman.blogspot.com.
- [Hwa Yung](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/hwa-yung/) - Hwa Yung is the Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. He has been a minister of the Methodist Church in Malaysia since 1981. During this time he served as a pastor, and lecturer and Principal of the Malaysia Theological Seminary (STM). He was also the founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia, Trinity Theological College, Singapore. He is engaged in various ministries internationally, including being the Chairman of the Board of the Oxford Centre for the Mission Studies, Oxford, and a member of the Congress Management Committee for the 3rd Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization, Cape Town 2010. His writings have focused largely on missions and Asian Christianity. His wife, Bee Teik, trained as a doctor, now works as a writer and spiritual director. They have three children, Yang Jerng, Xin Ping and En Ning.
- [Joshua Woo](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/joshua-woo/) - Joshua Woo Sze Zeng is currently reading theology at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. His writings are posted and referred to at various platforms such as the Singapore Daily, Global Voices Online, reach.gov.sg, the Christian Post Singapore, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs website, Temasek Review, TheMicahMandate.org, and the World Reformed Fellowship website. He blogs at szezeng.blogspot.com.
- [Tee Shern Ren](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/tee-shern-ren/) - Tee Shern Ren is a doctoral candidate at the National University of Singapore. He previously taught physics at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur.
- [Ong Hwai Teik](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/ong-hwai-teik/) - Passionate about shepherding God’s people, Ong Hwai Teik desires to help fellow pastors and church leaders thrive in the long race of life and ministry. He was called into the pastoral ministry soon after coming to faith in Christ as a teenager and received theological and ministry training in both Malaysian and overseas seminaries. He has served as a pastor with the Methodist Church in Malaysia for the past 30 years and was the president of its Trinity Annual Conference for 11 years, before being elected into the Episcopal Office in 2012. He has also been blessed with a wife and a daughter — his two greatest supporters.
- [Richard Lamb](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/richard-lamb/) - Richard Lamb served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for twenty-three years as campus staff and staff trainer. He is the author of The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends and now works in business development for a research firm. He lives with his wife and two children in San Gabriel, California.
- [Chua Tong-Ik](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/chua-tong-ik/) - Chuah Tong-Ik grew up in Taiping and had his tertiary education in Australia under a Colombo Plan scholarship. He has worked as a lecturer and pastor. Chuah is married to Siew Hua and they have three adult children and four grandchildren. Now retired, he resides in Penang, Malaysia.
- [Rama Ramanathan](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/rama-ramanathan/) - Rama Ramanathan graduated in Mechanical Engineering in 1982 and has since worked in factories and in regional roles in operations and quality management. Early in his Christian life he committed to live in submission to God through learning, obeying and teaching (Ezra 7:10). He blogs at write2rest.blogspot.com.
- [Desmond & Elaine Ng](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/desmond-elaine-ng/) - Desmond & Elaine Ng graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore in 2006. They were both actively involved in dental missions during university days and dated each other for about 4½ years before getting married in 2008. Desmond currently works as a general dentist in private practice, while Elaine works as an orthodontist in a hospital. They are both first-generation born-again Christians and worship at The City church in Singapore. They are also proud parents of Esther.
- [Mark Chua](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/mark-chua/) - Mark Chua was an ordained minister with The Methodist Church in Malaysia. Rev Dr Chua passed away in 2017 and is survived by his wife Serene and their four children — Eugene, Rachel, John, and Justin.
- [Christopher Chong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/christopher-chong/) - Christopher Chong Eu Choong is a member of Friends in Conversation. He holds a doctorate in Political Science where his research interest lies in the intersection between religion and politics (with particular reference to Christians in Malaysia). He teaches at a private university and blogs at cacoescrib.wordpress.com.
- [Robert Banks](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/robert-banks/) - Robert Banks is an award-winning author of books on the biblical, theological, and practical dimensions of faith, work, community, lifestyle, leadership and everyday life. He has planted house churches in Australia and overseas, and helped business, media, and professional groups integrate faith and practice. He is currently Adjunct Professor for Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena and Associate of the Centre for the Study of Christian History and Experience at Macquarie University, Sydney.
- [David W. F. Wong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/david-w-f-wong/) - Rev David W. F. Wong is the senior pastor of Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church. He has been in the pastoral ministry for over forty years, during which he also served with Haggai Institute, overseeing leadership training in Maui, Hawaii, for Christian leaders from over a hundred nations. Lyricist to six musicals and author of a dozen books, he is married to Jenny, and they are blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
- [Dev Menon](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/dev-menon/) - Dev Menon is currently serving as a pastor in Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church. He is married to one wonderful wife, Chene, and they have three young children, Josiah, Jerusha, and Tirzah. Dev has been ministering to young adults for the last few years in Singapore. Prior to that, he was working with tertiary students from around the world at All Souls Church, London.
- [Bernice Lee](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/bernice-lee/) - Bernice Lee is a founding director of Graceworks. Upon graduation from the University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979, Bernice worked as a political researcher with the Ministry of Defence before launching into the publishing industry in 1981. In the years since, she has worked as writer, editor, editorial manager and publishing director. The years 1991–2005 were spent managing the publishing programme for Armour Publishing Pte Ltd, a local Christian publishing company which she co-founded. Utterly committed to the ministry of spiritual friendship as modeled by the early church, Bernice continues to indulge in the joys of providing hospitality (and meals) in the hope of entertaining angels unawares.
- [Hannah Lau](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/hannah-lau/) - Hannah Lau was born and raised in Canada. Growing up with immigrant parents from Hong Kong gave her a rich perspective on both Eastern and Western cultures. She has spent her adult life in Asia, beginning in China as a tentmaking missionary. With a colourful and hard-earned career in advertising, she’s now using her corporate experience to help the non-profit sector. As an author and public speaker, she’s passionate about people, their stories, and how Christ can be an active part of the adventure. She believes that aside from God, everything should be approached one witty comment at a time.
- [Kara Martin](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/kara-martin/) - Kara Martin is Project Leader with Seed, a lecturer with Mary Andrews College, and formerly the Associate Dean of the Marketplace Institute at Ridley College in Melbourne. She has worked in media and communications, human resources, business analysis and policy development roles, in a variety of organisations, and as a consultant. She was Director of the School of Christian Studies for three years and has lectured with the Brisbane School of Theology, Macquarie Christian Studies Institute and Wesley Institute. Kara has a particular passion for integrating our Christian faith and work, as well as helping churches connect with workplace Christians. She is married to David, and they have two amazing adult children.
- [Category](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/)
- [Latest Publications](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/latest-publications/)
- [Best Sellers](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/best-sellers/)
- [Diane Littleton](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/diane-littleton/) - Diane Littleton came to S.E. Asia in 1969. She met and married her husband Jeff in Malaysia in 1971. After 14 years in Hawaii, they returned to live in Asia. She was widowed in 2009. Diane has two married children and seven grandchildren all living in the Asian region. Email: littletondiane@gmail.com
- [I'Ching Thomas](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/iching-thomas/) - I’Ching Thomas is a writer and speaker in Christian Apologetics specializing in the relevance of the Christian faith in the Eastern cultural contexts. She is regularly invited to speak at universities, churches and conferences throughout the world. In addition to numerous published articles, she has also contributed to the best-selling book, Beyond Opinion (Thomas Nelson, 2007).
- [Featured Book](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/featured-book/)
- [Christian Living](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/christian-instruction/)
- [Meditations](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/meditations/)
- [Societal Issues](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/societal-issues/)
- [By Other Publishers](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/by-other-publishers/)
- [Pak-Wah Lai](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/pak-wah-lai/) - Dr Pak-Wah Lai is Principal and Lecturer in Church History & Historical Theology at the Biblical Graduate School of Theology. A graduate from NTU (B.Bus Honors), BGST (Grad Dip CS) and Regent College (MCS, ThM), Pak-Wah completed his PhD at Durham University where he studied the use of rhetoric in John Chrysostom’s theology and ethics. He has published several journal articles and book chapters on Chrysostom’s use of exemplar figures, ascetic ideals and Trinitarian theology. More recently, he has compared the medical anthropologies of the church fathers and the Chinese. Prior to theological studies, Pak-Wah taught Supply Chain Management at the Singapore Polytechnic, and was engaged in Investment Promotion in the Singapore Economic Development Board.
- [Family Inclusion Network (FIN)](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/family-inclusion-network-fin/) - The Family Inclusion Network (FIN) is a Singapore based network founded by passionate believers, comprising of parens and volunteers for the cause of inclusion within the church and the larger community. It was launched in September 2011 with the support of Church of Our Saviour (COOS). Email: fin.every1in@gmail.com Tel: 96368737 / 68850700
- [Keith R. Anderson](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/keith-r-anderson/) - Keith R. Anderson (DMin, George Fox Evangelical Seminary) is president of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He is the author of A Spirituality of Listening, Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Those Giving and Receiving Direction, Friendships That Run Deep, Is This The One? and What They Don’t Always Teach You at a Christian College. Anderson previously served as dean of spiritual formation and vocation at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and as dean of spiritual formation/campus pastor at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was director of Vocare, a program for theological exploration of vocation funded by a $2 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, and has been the Senior Fellow for Spiritual Formation for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities since 2000. His parish ministry experience includes serving urban parishes in Washington State, Michigan, and Minnesota.
- [Randy Reese](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/randy-reese/) - Randy Reese (Doctor of Missiology, Fuller Theological Seminary) is president of VantagePoint3, a ministry seeking to foster renewal and maturity in local communities through the development of lifelong approaches to Christian leadership formation. Reese is also adjunct faculty at Fuller Theological Seminary, teaching courses on global leadership and missiology.He is the author of Spiritual Mentoring.
- [Sponsorship](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/sponsorship/)
- [Bundled Set](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/bundled-set/)
- [Children's Book](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/children-book/)
- [Tony Horsfall](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/tony-horsfall/) - Tony Horsfall has been a teacher, church planter with OMF in Malaysia, a trainer with EQUIP and a pastor in West Yorkshire. The Lord led him to freelance ministry in 2002, and he began Charis Training with the intention of helping others to experience the grace of God in their lives and to be drawn into a closer fellowship with Him. Tony now runs seminars and retreats and has authored several books. He and his wife Evelyn live in Yorkshire, England. They have two children and three grandsons to keep them young.
- [Anne Wong-Png](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/anne-wong-png/) - Anne Wong-Png graduated with a Diploma in Marketing and spent 15 years in several marketing and product management sections. In 1997, Anne pioneered a community-based pre-school for Church of Our Saviour and served as Centre Director for 12 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood & family Education. Her quest for the inclusion of persons with special needs is borne out of her own personal journey as a parent of a child who is differently-abled. In 2011, with the support of Church of our Saviour (COOS), Anne founded the Family Inclusion Network (FIN), a network of families and like-minded friends who embrace inclusion passionately.
- [Leow Wen Pin](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/leow-wen-pin/) - Reverend Leow Wen Pin is Associate Pastor at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, where he oversees the church’s preaching and teaching ministries. He is also the founder of the Koinonia Inclusion Network, a disability mission organisation that enables the Church to welcome and disciple people of all abilities. A biblical scholar by training, Wen Pin has authored/edited several books on various Christian topics. He is married to Xinyi and they have three children. For more information about him, see www.leowwenpin.com.
- [Chinese Books](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/chinese-books/)
- [Seow Siew-Hua](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/seow-siew-hua/) - Seow Siew-Hua, BSc(Hons), DipEd, MEd, MSc, PhD, has worked as a lecturer and a principal in a private school she co-founded. She is married to Tong Ik and they have three grown-up children and four granddaughters. Now retired, she resides in Penang, Malaysia.
- [Mak Kean Loong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/mak-kean-loong/) - Mak used to talk to computers and people until depression knocked the door down in 2017. Now he just talks to people about what it means to live with depression, in the hopes that more people will hurt less. He lives with his wife, two boys and two guinea-pig daughters in a flat in sunny Singapore.
- [Mary Cotes](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/mary-cotes/) - Mary Cotes has been a regular contributor for many years to the quarterly Preacher magazine, and her sermons feature in the current Canterbury Preacher’s Companion 2020, and in the forthcoming collection of the same title for 2021. Her devotional and liturgical material has appeared in numerous publications, not least in the collection of worship material written by women, Gathering Up the Crumbs, BUGB 2020. Writing also in French, she is the author of Quand les femmes se mettent à l’oeuvre, FAREL Excelsis, 2017, a contributor to Ce que j’aimerais te confier, FAREL Excelsis 2020, and a member of the editorial team of the website ServirEnsemble. She is also a qualified classical musician and teacher. She is married to Duncan and lives in Britain.
- [Ames Chen](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/ames-chen/) - Ames began her career as a Humanities teacher, before moving on to volunteer as an English teacher in parts of Southeast Asia. Ever passionate about education, she now trains students in leadership and communication skills as a freelancer. Motherhood ignited her joy of storytelling, and she is now learning to share the stories of others. She chose to pen books for children, as she firmly believes in the potential of the next generation to effect change.
- [The Invisible People](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/the-invisible-people/) - The Invisible People series is a tribute to the people who hold very special jobs. Their work makes our world a better place. Yet, we may not treat them like they are a part of our lives. These beautifully illustrated books offer heartfelt stories that help children appreciate these unsung heroes in our society.
- [Joanna Ong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/joanna-ong/) - In her quest for a meaningful existence, Joanna has found two balms for her restless soul: writing and nature immersion. Her children are an immense source of inspiration and perspiration, and this series was birthed from her eldest son’s lively imagination. Juggling motherhood and research, she hopes her stories encourage weary minds to wonder and wander.
- [Wei-Hao Ho](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/wei-hao-ho/) - In his working life, Wei Hao has spent time as a Social Worker in a local Family Service Centre (FSC) and then in different ministries in the Civil Service. During this time, he studied part-time and obtained his Masters in Divinity from Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST). Wei Hao has been involved in Youth and Young Adults ministry since he was a tertiary student and one of his current burdens is to help bridge the gap between the different generations in the church. The Graceworks Generations Project is the outworking of this burden which seeks to increase unity through greater empathy among the generations. Whenever possible, he loves to travel and take photos, his favourite continent is South America.
- [Andrew Sabaratnam](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/andrew-sabaratnam/) - As a migrant, Andrew Sabaratnam has sojourned in several countries. Born in Malaysia, he did his higher education in the UK and, upon graduation, returned to Malaysia to work for an Italian telecommunications company. During this period, he spent considerable time in Rome and Genova. Andrew subsequently moved to Singapore and pursued a career as a tertiary education lecturer. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor, he has over 35 years of experience in tertiary education. As an educator, Andrew has travelled extensively and interacted with many from around the world, including people from Russia, Hungary, India, China, and Japan. Additionally, Andrew holds a master’s degree in Christian Studies from the Biblical Graduate School of Theology and is a certified Cultural Intelligence trainer.
- [Suzanne S. Choo](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/suzanne-s-choo/) - Dr Suzanne Choo is an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. She taught at a Christian mission secondary school in Singapore for six years before pursuing her Master of Arts in English Studies at the National University of Singapore and her PhD in English Education at Columbia University in the United States. During her time in the United States, she served as a volunteer to a Christian non-profit organisation that runs a soup kitchen via a mobile bus to impoverished communities. This experience was one of several that moved her to pursue theological studies and uncover its connections to social justice. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies and the Interdisciplinary Studies Prize from the Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST) in Singapore where she is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Theology and Integrative Studies. She worships at Adam Road Presbyterian Church together with her husband, Wilson, and their daughter. Her website is http://suzannechoo.com.
- [The Gospel Way Series](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/the-gospel-way-series/) - Churches are called to “make disciples of all the nations” in a faithful and relevant manner through both word and deed. This is no easy task given our ever-evolving world where a multitude of complex social issues confront the Church. The Gospel Way series provides practical handles to help Christians address such issues. The series has seven distinctives. It is: 1. Christ-centred, emphasising how the gospel speaks into each social issue. 2. Contextualised, written by Asians for Asians. 3. Curated, taking trustworthy positions on theological matters. 4. Church-focused, written pastorally for use in church. 5. Concise, designed with busy people in mind. 6. Convenient, written in a reader-friendly style. 7. Concrete, helping the reader to apply practical insights to their lives.
- [Ronald JJ Wong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/ronald-jj-wong/) - Ronald JJ Wong seeks to advocate for justice and build community. He serves as an elder in his local church. He is the co-editor of the Good News for Bruised Reeds series and “Assault on the Body: Sexual Violence and the Gospel Community”
- [My Classmate](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/my-classmate/) - Do you have a classmate from a different family background or culture? My Classmate is a series about classmates just like these, whom others have difficulty getting to know. Will you be the brave one to take the first step to befriend them? The books in this series will show you how!
- [Earthkeepers](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/earthkeepers/) - The Earthkeepers series shines a light on small and often unseen creatures that play big parts in our forests, oceans, and urban environment. With a little help from field experts, Coral Ling and Ernest Lee explore forested nooks, watery habitats, and lively neighbourhoods to uncover these awesome creatures. Ready to join Coral and Ernest on an Earthkeepers’ mission to appreciate the wildlife wonders around you? And when you get to know and love something, won’t you care for it?
- [Emily Lim-Leh](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/emily-lim-leh/) - Emily Lim-Leh is an award-winning author of 50 children’s books. Her debut book Prince Bear & Pauper Bear was inspired by her journey of losing her voice to a disorder, which led to finding a God-given voice in writing. Emily was named Mediacorp’s Singapore Women Award Honoree for inspiring readers and is a recipient of the Public Service Medal (Covid-19) for her informational children’s e-picture books for the community. Emily blogs at Mum-Mum’s the Word.
- [Pauline Loh](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/pauline-loh/) - Pauline Loh is an award-winning author and creative writing teacher. She has written 15 adult non-fiction books, 5 Young Adult books, 9 children’s storybooks, and 3 junior chapter books. Childlike wonder and unfettered imagination are what she aspires to.
- [Relational Transformation](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/spiritual-friendship/)
- [Lam Kuo Yung](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/lam-kuo-yung/) - Reverend Lam Kuo Yung is the Senior Minister of Katong Presbyterian Church, and serves as the Vice Moderator of the Synod of The Presbyterian Church in Singapore. Kuo Yung is the author of the books “Together Alive: Rediscovering Community Living in God’s Family” and “Total Discipleship: Experiencing Jesus and His Abundant Life”. He is married to Lois Kwan and they have three children. In his free time, he enjoys trekking, fishing, and camping.
- [Dennis Tan](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/authors/dennis-tan/) - Dennis Tan is the Co-Founder of Our Father’s World, a mission organisation dedicated to mobilising the body of Christ to care for God’s creation. He graduated valedictorian from the environmental studies programme at the National University of Singapore and is currently pursuing theological studies at Trinity Theological College. He worships at Sengkang Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature, playing board games and going to the theatre.
- [Koinonia Inclusion Network](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-category/category/koinonia-inclusion-network/) - KIN is a disability mission organisation that enables the Church to welcome and disciple people of all abilities. They partner churches by equipping, resourcing, and connecting them in their inclusion journey. Find out more at kin.org.sg.

## Product tags

- [easter](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/easter/)
- [jesus](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/jesus/)
- [breakfast](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/breakfast/)
- [meditation](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/meditation/)
- [devotion](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/devotion/)
- [david wong](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/david-wong/)
- [john 21](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/john-21/)
- [discipleship](https://graceworks.com.sg/product-tag/discipleship/)