Thanks to everyone who has been sending through questions. This week, we’ll be looking at how we can rely on God as we navigate the digital nature of our society and as we continue to sin.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

QUESTION 1.

I UNDERSTAND THAT DURING THE CRUCIFIXION, GOD THE FATHER WAS POURING OUT HIS WRATH ON GOD THE SON. THEIR ROLES ARE VERY EVIDENT IN THE BIBLE, BUT I STRUGGLE TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF GOD THE SPIRIT DURING THIS TIME. WHAT WAS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DURING THE CRUCIFIXION?

We speak of God in two equally true terms: unity and trinity; trinity and unity. The three persons of our one God-being are always there together in harmony whether we can discern their parts or not. According to the dominant role of the Holy Spirit, which is to apply the work of Christ according to the Father’s plan into the hearts and lives of people, the Spirit was there to work faith among the onlookers of the crucifixion [John 16:8-10], like the Centurion who commented, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” [Matt.27:54].

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
John 16:8-10 (ESV)

He was also comforting the grieving hearts of Mary and the disciples, and reminding them of Jesus’ words [John 14:26-27]. Also, as God, the H.S. always was, and always will be; but particularly during the gospel age, until the return of the Lord Jesus, the H.S. is intimately present with the church, the believers [John 14].

Also, check out the Athanasian's Creed & Nicene Creed here.

QUESTION 2.

HOW HAS ASIAN CULTURE AND TRADITION BOTH BENEFITED AND BEEN TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE CHURCH?

Ooh~ Juicy question! I think many Asian-Australian/American church leaders have a lot to say about this, all having lived through them.

First, the bad news (the “detriments”):

Asians are extremely pragmatic—probably because we are from old worlds with many ups and downs through our colorful, painful battle-scarred history. We had to survive! So, “what works” is “what matters.” Problem is, faith/spiritual matters are not always practical—especially doctrinal and theological orthodoxy. So, the Asian churches/Christians tend to be too pragmatic for their own good, prioritizing questions like, “What grows the church? What draws people? What’s popular? What’s hot?” And they have been known to compromise biblical truths and priorities to meet these demands.

Asians are also materialistic. Of course, all people/races are materialistic, but most Asians are the “new-money” people, so they tend to be a tad tacky and cheesy with their overt desires and flaunting of money. Our rich uncles are really annoying and embarrassing! These things need to be overcome by the understanding of supreme ownership and authority of God’s sovereignty, that it is He who give and takes away. Asian Christians need better understanding of Christian stewardship vs. human ownership attached to their sense of identity and idolatry.

Asians are highly spiritual in a superstitious way, familiar from our past shamanism and animism, and even some irrational syncretism of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. A little bit from here and a little from there. Such confusing spiritual guessing works must be entirely replaced with biblical truths by the renewing of the mind [Rom.12:1], and putting new wine in a new wineskin [Matt.9:14-17].

New to the Christian faith, and bearing lots of baggage from our past, we are a bit “desperate” as a people-group, if I may say that about many different Asian nationals and varied cultures within. This is a broad-brush stroke. From here, we need to move on to “balance, control, accuracy and intentional potency” to execute our mission on earth as Christ’s church.

Now, the good stuff—and there are many!

Asians are survivors! We ain’t going nowhere!! M-hm~! There’s a reason why Asians are the biggest race group on planet Earth! This tenacity to survive has great use in the perseverance of God’s church to the very end. This may be audacious, but call it a foregone conclusion that the Asian churches will be around to the end, even though we are relatively new to the Kingdom race. The question is, are we a “problem” that doesn’t go away, or “solution”? I believe in these last days, we are part of the great solution to completing the Great Commission mandate [Matt.28:19-20].

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Asians are hard-working and sacrificial. Need I say more? Does this remark require some justification beyond what is already self-evident? Don’t our parents work 50-70hrs a week, AND attend prayer meetings every morning at 5:30AM? Even the “drive” of the church in these last days is significantly fueled by the participation of the Asian churches. Asians pray hard, give hard, serve hard, and know how to achieve great thing on a shoestring budget.

However, there is sharp decline amongst the 2nd generation born and living in Western culture. Even though only one generation away, to these 2nd/3rd gens, the days of eking and scratching a living seem like distant past. We are quickly infected with existential quandaries because we are surrounded by ease of living. Unlike the 1st generation, we are not desperate enough!

However, our collectivity must be sanctified for holy and biblical purposes, because if directed in a secular way, it will only result in social conformity

Asians are collective people, and guard our relationships with vigilance. Again, look at the way we survive. When applied to church, it can be a very good thing. However, our collectivity must be sanctified for holy and biblical purposes, because if directed in a secular way, it will only result in social conformity. As the Lord’s church, Asians saints excel in accountability, support and cooperation.

(Questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.