“Crazy Rich Asians,” a Warner Brothers adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel has taken the world by storm since its premiere in mid-August. In 3 weeks, the film has become the most successful Hollywood studio romantic comedy in nearly a decade at the U.S. box office, topping the charts for the third weekend in a row, already raking in an estimated total of USD 1 million. Amidst its many themes are the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous in Asia, the importance of traditional family values, pedigree, connections and being part of the “in” crowd. One major theme is that of “inheritance” (or “old money”), in which the male protagonist is essentially modern day royalty, primed from a young age to take over his father’s legacy – his business empire, wealth and assets, and family name. Watching and reading interviews done with the author, it is apparent that much of his novels were based on personal experience as well.
Continue reading
Category: Culture
The Almighty – Infinite God (Marvellous Saviour)
#avengers #infinitywars #marvel
Exhausted? God will revive you!
Jesus Christ – Return to God
#starwars
Throne of grace versus game of thrones
#gameofthrones
As the world celebrates Star Wars Day, I chanced on a ChurchLeaders article on Star Wars quotes that (might) work in sermons. (Disclaimer: Please take this tongue-in-cheek! Don’t use these in sermons and blame me for getting fired for turning to the dark side!)
- “Who’s more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?” — Obi-Wan
- “The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.” — Qui-Gon Jinn
- “Sometimes we must let go of our pride and do what is requested of us.” — Padme
- “Always pass on what you have learned.” — Yoda
- “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” — Yoda
- “Your focus determines your reality.” — Qui-Gon Jinn
- “In my experience there is no such thing as luck.” — Obi-Wan
- “The belonging you seek is not behind you…it is ahead.” — Maz Kanata
- “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.” —Yoda
- “Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them.” — Obi-Wan
Bonus: “All mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like. It’s the only way we grow.” — Padme
Double bonus: “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” — Darth Vader
The article ends appropriately, which is my prayer to you too,
So, this May the 4th, we’d like to say: May the Holy Spirit be with you, in you and working through you!
Read full article here.
#maythe4thbewithyou
Tracking, reading through what’s been said critically about BatB on both camps, especially on a popular pro-family FB page, I think we need to be objective and balanced in our approach towards such issues, and depictions in films and media. This page went to the extreme of labelling BatB as a homosexual-themed movie, and called for boycotts. It obviously got slammed for not being consistent against other issues portrayed such as bestiality and magic, as well as hobby horsing and exaggerating over what was literally only a 3-second implicit scene of the character in question.
As much as I am saddened by BatB’s director’s open admission of creating this sub-plot and describing it as “a nice, exclusive gay moment” in a Disney movie, this is unlikely the first time, and definitely not going to be the last time.
Although I disagree with NCCS’ decision to issue a statement about this movie (there are endless others that deserve more attention, focus), I agree somewhat with part of what they advised, that we should be aware of possible influences, exercise discretion in guiding our children, and stay rooted in God’s word in developing a biblical worldview.
#askpastortime
Reviews and critiques:
https://answersingenesis.org/reviews/movies/should-christians-watch-disneys-beauty-and-beast/
http://www.gospelcenteredmom.com/2017/03/beauty-and-beast-why-christians-can.html?m=1
http://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/beauty-and-the-beast-2017
https://sarahcinnamon.com/2017/03/21/an-unlikely-view-a-different-review/
http://www.blogpastor.net/2017/03/beauty-and-the-beast-reading-bribery/
As requested, suggested by my church youth leaders, we are starting a short segment called “Ask Pastor Time” every fortnight to address current issues. A question will be put forth and I will attempt to provide a succinct biblical response and how we as Christians should deal with it. Feel free to comment and post questions.
#askpastortime
Blessed Lunar New Year to all! For Chinese communities around the world, this holiday marks the start of spring, and a significant time of celebration and family reunions. Much of the food and practices associated with this holiday is tied to the concept of abundance. For example, the eating together of a fish whole, with the word “fish” sounding like the word for abundance, hence the proverb 年年有余 (nian nian you yu), meaning “may your years overflow with surplus.”
The Bible teaches us about blessings and abundance as well. The Abrahamic covenant begins, “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.” (Gen. 12:2) Jesus also gave us this promise, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10:10, NAS “abundantly”) Sometime in recent decades, however, the idea of blessings and abundance have begun to leave a bad taste in our mouths, or has become a sensitive or taboo topic, due by and large to the rise of the prosperity gospel, which emphasizes physical health and material wealth that can be made available to believers as long as they have enough faith and contribute significantly to God’s kingdom through giving and service. Granted the abuses and excesses that have ensued into huge scandals even here in Singapore, it is no wonder that we do not talk or teach about this subject more often. We begin to swing in a kneejerk fashion to the other extreme, we need to be humble, “poor in spirit,” live simply and don’t flaunt, boast of or pursue wealth and prosperity. The fact is, the Bible does talk about abundance and blessings, and we need God’s wisdom on how to approach the subject and apply God’s word into our daily lives. Solomon and several characters in the Bible were blessed with material wealth, and many used their wealth for godly pursuits and activities. We can indeed bless others and God’s work with what He blesses us with, and be assured that God will bless us in return (although not always in the form of material wealth). “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Lk. 6:38)
God’s word also teaches us that our lives do not consist only in the abundance of our possessions (Lk. 12:15). Abundance is also mentioned in relation to fruitfulness in our lives. What kind of fruit are we called to bear as disciples of Christ? Two examples are being moulded in our character into Christlikeness (fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23) and winning lost souls for Christ (firstfruits of salvation, 2 Thes. 2:13). The same passage that Paul shares about giving cheerfully ends this way, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)
May this year be a year of blessings and abundance for you and your family as you seek and serve the Lord faithfully and fruitfully!
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)
Skillful Shepherds 