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Why I write

I thought it'll be good for myself to just think about why I write all this stuff here, and keep focused to it.

1. To help myself in phrasing out what I understand from my daily studies. I realise that my english is horrible post-NS and I want to work on that.

2. To express my thoughts on my understanding of the Bible, to open up my learning style for reproof and correction.

3. For others to benefit from my thoughts on the Bible, if what I have derived is accurate. So that my thoughts aren't limited to a small brown book left on my shelf for my use only, but accessible to those who would like to read them.

4. As an encouragement to those who read. I feel encouraged when friends of mine share their experiences and personal life so openly to the world, declaring their faith in God so openly.

5. Because you'll never know if you'll touch a life, and they come to know God through these small words I've left behind.

Why Take Up My Cross?

Then he (Jesus) said to them all, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" - Luke 9:23 (NIV)

I find the Gospel of Luke my favourite amongst the 4 Gospels, because Luke uses very strong language and doesn't allow for doubt. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves daily. To take up our crosses daily. Taking up our cross, not meaning physically picking one up and going to crucify ourselves (siao leh!), but to let go of all pride, worldly human ambition, all things we treasure, just like Jesus did.

He could have been King.
He could have been rich.
He could have called down angels and killed of all the Romans.
He could have helped himself down from the cross when they mocked Him.
He could have been holy, blameless, and living in perfect relationship with God.

But no.

Jesus came to earth as a man.
He was born a carpenter in a manger in Bethlehem.
He alone was faithful in all things, living in a way which glorified His Father
He gave himself up to the Romans, gave himself to the point of death on the shameful cross.
And on the last moment, he was separated from God the Father, crying out "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) as he took on our sin, the sins of the world, and could no longer be considered righteous.

And this is our model. To forsake all things we hold dear daily in worship of our King. It is the very commandment given to us by Christ Jesus that I struggle with every day, and the one I want to focus on.
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