New Book proposal "The Mystery of Intimacy"

For the past 2 years I have been teaching "how to be close to God". While it may take me another year to finish teaching the class, I feel now is the time to begin writing a book on this topic. I intend to call the book "The Mystery of Intimacy", subtitled "How to be close to God". Here are my proposed contents:

The Mystery of Intimacy
(How to be close to God)

Introduction to a Mystery

Part 1 The Rule of Intimacy

• Seek conviction of the Spirit
• Seek filling of the Spirit
• Seek to walk in the Spirit

Part 2 The Test of Intimacy

• Fruit of the Spirit
• Unity of the Spirit
• Fullness in Christ

Over the next few months I will be writing on these topics. Eventually I will collect them into a book. Feel free to send your editorial comments.

Romans 12:1-8 Gift Centered Service

After devoting eleven chapters to God's mercy, Paul is now going to apply it to Christian living. Interestingly, he starts with the proper use of spiritual gifts. Usually Romans 12:1-2 is not linked to spiritual gifts, but this implies that Paul has no theme at the crucial point of this letter. As I see it, the theme is that gift centered service must be done in the fruit of the Spirit. Since we are focused on spiritual gifts, I will only comment on the first eight verses and leave the fruit of the Spirit for another time.

12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

These words are linked by the Bible: offering, sacrifice, obedience, worship. When we give something to God or do something for God, it shows that we believe He deserves such things. Worship applies to every area of life, but we often exempt Paul's prime consideration: Spiritual Gifts. God has given each Christian a spiritual gift. He wants us to use it. To honor God, we must discover, develop and use our gifts. Using our gifts is an act of worship. Thus ignoring our gifts is dishonoring to God; an act of rebellion.

12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Spiritual gifts are the power of the Holy Spirit, given to break us free from the pattern of this world. The world does not have our power to serve, help, give, teach, lead, govern, etc. Obedience to God yields the fruit of the Spirit. When we develop and use our God given spiritual power, God transforms our mind. It becomes easier and easier to know how use our gift in accordance with God's will. If we remain humble and obedient, this transformation will extend beyond using our gifts, into every area of life.

12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

One of the great dangers of success is pride. When we use the power inherent in our gifts, we will succeed more than the world can. The pattern of this world is to glorify self. If our minds are not transformed, we will become proud of our spiritual gifts and the success they bring us. We must always keep in mind that our powers are not earned, they are gifts from God. Without Him, we can do nothing.

12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

All the Christians in the world, and in fact throughout the ages are members of one body. We all have different purposes, but we are united in Christ. We must take direction from the head (Christ) and go about our specific functions. It can be difficult at times to adjust to the other members when our own purpose is so pressing, but we truly need each other. In humility we must remember that only God can behold the whole body working at once.

12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 12:7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Not only do we have a diversity of gifts, but also those with the same gift have differing amounts of power and areas of service. One gift may be for teaching children only. Such a gift would not help when teaching adults. Another teaching gift could be for one-on-one situations, and still another for mass audiences. Whatever the gift: find, develop, and use it as God directs. Concluding this selection is a partial list of gifts, note how they have been turned into verbs of action: prophesy, serve, teach, encourage, give, govern, show mercy. In view of God's mercy, let us worship God by using our gifts to serve others. In doing so, He will transform us into his image.

Spiritual Gifts Series: Romans 12:1-6 Gift centered service

12:1
Using your gift is an act of worship
12:2a
When you use your gift, God changes you
12:2b
Using your gift helps you know God’s will
12:3
Don’t become proud of your gifts (they come from God)
12:4
A body has many members with different functions
12:5
In Christ, we (the church) form one united body
12:6a
God has given us differing gifts in differing amounts
12:6-8
Use the gift God has given you: prophesy, serve, teach, encourage, give, lead, show mercy

Spiritual Gifts Series

Last week in my Sunday School Class I began the new semester topic of Spiritual Gifts. I'd like to summarize the material as a FAQ (frequently asked questions). Much of my material is adapted from Peter Wagner's book, "Your Spiritual Gifts can help your church grow."

What are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual Gift: a special power God gives to Christians through the Holy Spirit to help others and glorify God.

things to note about this definition:

• a special power: a spiritual gift is nothing less than the power of God
• God gives: this power is a gift from God which we must discover
  
• to Christians: every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts
• through the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit lives inside each Christian and provides access to this power
• to help others: each gift is designed to benefit others
• and bring glory to God: the ultimate purpose of the gifts is to enhance our ability to bring glory to God.
  

How many Spiritual Gifts are there?

There is no definitive list, although there are several partial lists in the Bible. Every book on Spiritual Gifts comes up with a few differences. I prefer to use Wagner's list of 27 gifts. I have arranged them as:

Governmental (to prepare God's people for works of service): apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher

Public (gifts that tend to get noticed by others):
exhortation, leadership, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, exorcism, missionary, martyrdom

Private (gifts that tend not to be noticed by others):
administration, service, giving, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, discerning spirits, helps, celibacy, voluntary poverty, hospitality, intercession

I could include others such as arts and worship leading, but I'll delay that to another day.

Julie, merciful servant

I have one Sunday Bible class student, Julie, who has been in my class since I started teaching in Taiwan, over 12 years ago. Julie speaks Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese (her favorite I think) and English. She is a retired travel agent and still likes to travel around the world. She also has a gift, from the Holy Spirit, to serve.

Julie is a senior citizen, but she serves the rest of us. She takes attendance for the class records, organizes the tables and chairs if they are disorganized and brings me a glass of water if I need one. Julie used to make copies of class handouts before class, but the church office recently complained that they are too busy to help supervise our copying, so now I have to submit my class materials a week ahead so they can be copied at a more convenient time for the church staff. (We have an exceptionally organized church, but there isn't much room for spontaneity.)

Anyway, our church, Suan-Lien Presbyterian, is over 90 years old and Julie has grown up in it. She is very happy now because her husband finally became a Christian last year and her daughter is finally getting married this year.

Back when I was making trouble over the 2-28 Incident, Julie took me to lunch and helped me understand some things. At the beginning of the 2-28 Incident, the Taiwanese people rose up in revolt against the corrupt government imposed on them by the mainland (China, ruled by Chang Kai-Shek). For four days, gangs ran through the streets and searched the houses looking for mainlanders to punish. Julie was a young secretary working in Taipei at the time. One of her coworkers was another young woman from the mainland. Julie was worried about her friend's safety, so she invited her to stay at Julie's house. Julie shepherded the woman past the gangs, and hid her until the trouble was past.

This was an element of the 2-28 Incident that I'd never heard before. I had only heard about the suffering of the Taiwanese, never the mainlanders. Julie told me that I was right to say the Taiwanese should forgive the government, but with a pained expression she asked me not to push the issue. "People just don't want to talk about this," she said.

I don't remember how soon, but I did follow her advice. I used to bring up this topic once every year on the last day of February, but now I just slip it into my general teaching on forgiving our enemies, without specifically highlighting the 2-28 Incident. I still love and respect those who refuse to forgive, perhaps they will see beyond my brashness, to merciful heart of God. But as for Julie, I believe her reward will be greater than all the successful, high placed leaders who are spiritually crippled by bitterness. Meanwhile, revival tarries.

Thomas, retired judge, baby Christian

Thomas came to my class soon after converting to Christianity. He was a retired judge and the uncle of May the prominent doctor I mentioned in one of my earlier posts. Thomas had long been interested in Christianity, but was afraid to become a Christian because his parents were against it. Thomas didn't follow the local religion, but his parents did. So he waited until they died to become a Christian.

In Taiwan, most people follow a Buddhist-Confucian system which emphasizes ancestor worship. The oldest son has a special responsibilty to take care of his parent's spirits after they die. He must have a special mantle in his house where he offers incense and prayers for his ancestors. On certain days he must "offer" them food and "spirit money", to provide for them in the afterlife. Ancestors who are not cared for will come back as ghosts and make trouble for the living.

I enjoyed having Thomas in my class. His English was good, he had that certain freshness that only new Christians have, and he was not afraid to speak his mind. In the course of discussing forgiveness and the 2-28 Incident, Thomas shared that he had been a student during that time and some of his professors were taken away by the government and never seen again. This illegal action outraged Thomas and his fellow students, but there was nothing they could do. I think that is what motivated him to study law and become a judge. Even though he came from a successful family, became rich, powerful and respected; he always felt the government was an oppressive enemy of his people.

I taught Thomas and the class many things the year he attended and he received them with joy. Until I taught Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I exhorted the students to really forgive their enemies. Thomas stood up in class and explained why he hated his enemies. I then reaffirmed that Jesus wanted him to forgive just as he wanted the Jews to forgive their enemies including the oppressive Roman government. Finally Thomas boldly declared that he would not forgive his enemies. He also said, "If that is what it takes to be a good Christian, then I cannot be a good Christian!"

That was the last day Thomas came to my class. Of course, I still see him around the church once it a while. (Its a big church.) I hope he has continued to grow in the Lord. He reminds me of the rich young ruler. Jesus loved the rich young ruler and showed him the way of perfection. The rich young ruler however loved the world more than God and sadly rejected Jesus' message. I imagine that Jesus was the sadder of the two.

Howard, once like an uncle

After realizing the depth of bitterness in my church over the 2-28 Incident, I focused my Bible Study class on forgiveness. I did not mention God's anger or my meeting with the pastor. My goal was show that God wanted them to forgive for the 2-28 Incident even if the government did not apologize or repent. Unfortunately it cost me my best friend and mentor in the church, Howard.

When I first came to Suan-Lien Presbyterian Church in 1992, it was Howard who helped me the most. He was an elder in the church and a taught a small English Bible study class. Although he is Taiwanese, he has traveled a lot and speaks English well. He invited me to take over his class and he became my assistant. He also helped me adjust to Taiwan and find other ministry opportunities. I never had to ask Howard for help, he seemed to know what I needed before I asked. He treated my like his favorite nephew.

I learned that Howard grew up in a successful family, but his father had business that lead him to spend a lot of time away from home. When Howard was a young man, his father who was now dying, confessed that he had more than one wife and family. His dying wish was for Howard would unite all the family together. Of course Howard was shocked but as the oldest son, he was honor bound to follow his father's last wish.

The big problem was that some of Howard's step-family lived in China and it was illegal for most Taiwanese to go to China. So Howard got an illegal passport and went to China. Unfortunately he got caught in Hong Kong as he was coming back to Taiwan. That cost him several months in prison, but he did unite his father's families.

After many years running the family factory, Howard realized he want to devote more time to God and church work. He sold his factory, invested in Canadian stocks and focused his energy on serving the church. He traveled around Taiwan with an American Presbyterian whose ministry was for spiritual renewal and revival. He brought a group of pastors to learn at Fuller Theological Seminary. He even organized a college for senior citizens though the church. He was and is a gifted leader.

Unfortunately, he like many of our church leaders was quite bitter about the 2-28 Incident and the government oppression following it. I had seen hints of it in the past, but I thought he would let it go once he saw the scriptures on our own sinfulness and God's forgiveness. Then one fateful class, the one where the wife of the denomination president ran out screaming, Howard refused to read Bible verses about sin and forgiveness. Then he walked out of the room and didn't come back for about a year. I was shocked and saddened because we had been working together every Sunday for over four years. Until that day his only complaint was that he wanted me to teach more about the Holy Spirit. (I just wasn't ready to focus on that.) Ironically he came back to class a year later and I was teaching on the same topic again. I spoke to Howard before class and said, "I think God really wants you to hear this message". But he refused and walked out again, never to return.

Of course I occasionally see Howard around the church, he's retired from the church elders and has silver hair now. But his is still active in various church projects. To this day I consider him one of the most godly and accomplished Christians I know. We are always friendly as we pass each other in the church, but our precious fellowship is gone.

Pastor Pung, the 2-28 Incident and me

A few years ago I was attending worship at Suan-Lien Presbyterian Church. The services are in Taiwanese, but they offer translation in English and Japanese. Pastor Pung was talking about the injustice of the 2-28 Incident. The government was beginning to open up about what really happened, but had kept many records secret. And even today many records are still secret. Most foreigners in Taiwan know little about the 2-28 Incident and care even less. I am different because I married into a traditional Taiwanese family and I also have many senior citizen students and friends who lived through that tragic time. While I knew about the 2-28 Incident, I didn't really care because I'm a foreigner and it seemed such a long time ago.

Well, as Pastor Pung was giving his sermon complaining about the government's current handling of the 2-28 Incident, I started feeling angry. This was strange because I already knew the problem, I agreed with Pastor Pung's point and I previously had not cared much. As he continued to speak, I felt a very rare and burning anger welling up within me. I recognized that this was not my anger, but God's. He was filling me with his emotion. I was reflecting the Lord's anger as the moon reflects the sun's light. (I know this sounds strange, but sometimes God causes me to feel what he feels about something: joy, love, anger, even sadness. It's always a surprise when it happens. I never seek this experience although I do pray I will be filled with God's heart, soul, mind and strength.)

Anyway, I recognized this great anger came from God. He was not angry at the government, He was angry at my pastor! God was angry that Pastor Pung was speaking about justice and punishment for those responsible for the 2-28 Incident. I didn't hear God speak, but if I could put the emotion into words, the anger would say "How dare you speak this way in MY HOUSE! Where is your forgiveness?" This feeling was so strong I could barely keep from interrupting the service.

After the service, I wrote a letter to Pastor Pung explaining what happened and how I thought he should respond. He invited me to a meeting with himself and the other 3 pastors. I told him that God was angry with what he said in church and he needed to forgive the 2-28 Incident and implicitly all government oppression for the past 50 years. Not only he, but the entire denomination needed to forgive those responsible. Pastor Pung said he would forgive only after the government confesses and repents. I was taken aback by this and countered that Jesus forgave him and all of us before we even asked Him, indeed while we were His enemies. Pastor Pung concluded that when God tells him that, then he will listen. I though that was a good answer, we can't expect pastors to follow the dictates of everyone who claims a message from God.

In humility, I chose not to make this a public issue, but I felt had to do something. I began to pray every night that God would give the church leaders a vision for His plans and that they would forgive for the 2-28 Incident. I also began a year of teaching in my church Bible Study Class on forgiveness as I discovered Chinese culture is much less forgiving that Western culture.

Next time I will share the consequence of that year.

2-28 and the Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church was established by Scottish missionary Dr. James Maxwell in 1865, in southern Taiwan. He was followed by another Presbyterian missionary, Canadian Dr George MacKay in 1872 in northern Taiwan. Ever since, the Presbyterian Church has been the largest denomination in Taiwan. Christians comprise only 3 percent of the 23 million people in Taiwan, of which about a third are Presbyterian. While few in number, their impact on Taiwanese development is notable. Presbyterians are responsible for Taiwan's first school, first hospital and first printing press.


The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) has long seen itself as a defender of the Taiwanese people. It also has long been independent of foreign influence. According to the PCT website:

During the Japanese colonial period, in spite of strong pressure from the authorities to use Japanese, the PCT continued to use the Taiwanese language in its activities. Because of the increasing militarism of Japan in the late 1930's all foreign missionaries were expelled, and this gave the church an early experience of complete independence. Evangelism among the Aborigines started at this time despite ruthless Japanese opposition. By the end of the war 4,000 -5,000 Aboriginal people were ready for baptism.

When China took over Taiwan in 1945, they continued the repression of Taiwanese language, history and culture. Again the PCT stood as a haven for the Taiwanese. In response to the 2-28 Incident, the church became a strong voice for truth and justice. In spite of Martial Law, the PCT became a haven for those seeking multiparty democracy and Taiwan independence from China. In their eyes:

Since 1865 the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan has burned with the fires of God's Spirit. At times it has been scorched by the flames of repression and harassment. Yet it still stands as a light in the darkness and a beacon of hope in the society of Taiwan.

Today the PCT is quite active in social justice with ministries to the blind, elderly, poor, prisoners, aborigine's and people in need around the world. But there is something I sense, that makes God unhappy with the PCT's response to the 2-28 Incident. I'll share that over the next several days.

source: http://www.pct.org.tw/english/introe.htm

The 2-28 Incident

A series of events began February 28, 1947 that have greatly affected the political and spiritual life of Taiwan. The event that triggered it is disputed:

http://www.taiwandc.org/228-intr.htm
http://www.antiwar.com/chu/c022500.html

Based on my research, here is a summary of what happened and why.

In 1895, China lost a war with Japan and as a consequence gave Japan sovereignty over Taiwan. Japan developed Taiwan as an economic colony and treated the Taiwanese, not as equals, but better than those territories they captured in war. Everyone had to learn Japanese and Japanese culture intermingled with Chinese. The elite would go to Japan or America for further study. Taiwan was relatively untouched by World War II, although a few allied bombs were dropped on the island.

In 1945, at the end of the war, the Allies forced Japan to give Taiwan back to China (this action was formally recognized in 1951). China which had just survived a brutal war with Japan looked on the natives of Taiwan with suspicion. Furthermore, the Nationalist Republic of China (ROC) led by General Chang Kai Shek, was in the process of losing a great civil war against the Communists, led by Mao Tse Tung. The ragtag force sent to govern Taiwan was considered undisciplined, corrupt and uncivilized compared to the former Japanese colonial government.

After a year of perceived misrule, "Taiwanese" anger over the recently arrived "Mainlanders" reached a flashpoint in the 2-28 Incident. A Mainlander police officer arrested a Taiwanese woman selling cigarettes without a license. This led to large scale riots all over Taiwan. Taiwanese in the streets attacked anyone who couldn't speak Japanese.

The government appeared to negotiate with the 2-28 leaders, but when additional troops arrived from the mainland they began shooting anyone in the streets. After regaining control, the Nationalist government rounded up suspected leaders and killed them. Many of the Taiwanese elite were killed or imprisoned including: lawyers, doctors, professors and students; beginning a ten year campaign called the "White Terror."

In 1949, the Communists won their civil war against the Nationalists. Chang Kai-Shek fled for Taiwan with 2 million soldiers, enacted Martial Law and banned all opposing political parties. The 2-28 Incident was covered up and the secret police ensured the people would be afraid to discuss it.

Martial law was lifted in 1987 and today Taiwan is peaceful and prosperous. The "Mainlanders" and the "Taiwanese" have been living together for over 50 years. People can discuss the 2-28 Incident openly and in fact it is now a national holiday of remembrance. As the world considers China's ambitions for Taiwan, the Taiwanese hear the echoes of 2-28.

Next I will show how all this affected the church in Taiwan.