The Bible tells us that the first Christmas was experienced by the least-known, the lowly or the most unlikely of people—the shepherds; the 3 non-Jewish wise men; Mary and Joseph; and someone whose name is hardly mentioned in Christmas celebrations. In fact, this someone was not even there when Christ was born; yet, the wonder…
Posts by Pr Herna Kong (Page 3)
Today, our church, ORPC, turns 166! It is not that young an age, but she has been through a long bitter-sweet journey of joy and sorrow. Like a ship, she has passed through stormy seas and pounding waves, and because Lord Jesus, our Great Captain and Head of our church, has always been with her,…
Although he is known as a hero of faith (Heb. 11), Abraham’s life is that of an ordinary human being, just like ours; a life with the ups and downs along the journey of faith. Abraham failed God twice. After he failed God in Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20), here in Negeb (Gen. 20), Abraham failed God…
Who does not love comfort and convenience? For instance, we love an established career, a harmonious family, an established ministry, a comfortable life in a secure and stable country, and the good company of close friends. It must be hard when we have to leave behind all of these, especially to face an unknown situation…
“Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but…
Genesis addresses the most fundamental issue of life. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” By this, we know that God is the Creator of everything that exists. This also necessarily means that there is no other God, as affirmed in Isaiah 40:25-26a: “‘To whom will you compare me?…
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian.” Gandhi said that because he had been disgusted by the unchristian attitudes and behaviours of many Christians. It is easy for us to respond simply with “Don’t look to man but to Christ.” However, how can non-Christians see Christ whom they cannot…
We all have our plans in life. Some of us may have plans to further our studies abroad, to get married, to buy a house, or to travel to this or that country. Likewise, although the Bible does not mention Mary and Joseph’s plans, I believe they had theirs as well. Being human and betrothed…