Hellos,

I'm saying goodbye to this blog...

My new blog address is at

http://dehwid.blogspot.com

David

I'm an animal lover - but its not like I'll go crazy when i see a cute furry dog - I've just always been fascinated by the natural world. I'm quite fascinated by my pet cat too..I'm wondering when is he going explode from all his non-stop eating.

Anyway, animals, insects etc have held some fascination for me. Like the ant: You know, before you squish that next ant, just stop and look at it for a moment. Have you ever wondered, where are the batteries on that tiny little thing? God must have fitted them with the most amazing batteries.

These little fellas can just scurry around the whole day and never seem to get tired. They pick up minute chemical scents that other ants emit and that's their mode of communication! Inventors are just struggling and stumbling along to reproduce mechanical robotic insects like them. God had no problem - He just spoke the word and created these biomechanical robots. Ok, go ahead and squish them now haha...

Anyway, I was watching Animal planet last night and there was a documentary about the crabs on Christmas Island. If you love to eat chilli crab or curry crab or watever, you should relocate yourself to this place cos this island is just teeming with crabs. They are everywhere! Should you feel the craving for some spicy chilli crab for dinner, you just have to walk outside and grab one.

Theres like a crab on every part of the island. There's a crab that lives in the forest (??) scavenging off the forest floor. At nightfall, another type of crab will appeared, called the robber crab. This crab is a menace. Firstly, it comes out at night and tears apart your garbage bag etc looking for food with its powerful claws. Secondly, it sometimes takes away keys, shoes etc for no apparent reason (thats why its called robber crab mah). Lastly, its a huge monster, measuring half a metre!! (hope i didnt hear wrongly)

Normal person reaction: gasp! does it attack humans?
Chilli crab lover reaction: gasp! is it tasty?

haha.. sorry crappy. Then theres another crab that lives right on the edge of the surf. Totally oblivious to the pounding waves. Feeding off algae on the rocks. And those waves are not like the pathetic waves you see at sentosa. You can go surfing on those waves.

On the beach, the ghost crab goes to work to dig his burrow. then goes about scurrying on the beach looking for anything that the tide washes in. And no matter how far it goes it will always be able to find its way back to it's burrow. Because it can memorize the exact route it took and landmarks along the way (a small pebble is a landmark to a small crab). At the first indication of danger it will run all the way back to it's burrow and it is the only crab in the world that can run forward, backward and sideways at the same speed. ...

ok..you must be thinking im wierd right so interested in crabs haha..actually I was quite fascinated by it because God designed these crabs to be so specialized to the habitat that they live in. And I wonder is there a lesson to be learnt here? It just reminds of what we have learnt in the SHAPE series.

I believe God has a specific purpose for our lives here on earth and if what he intended for our lives - He will also design us to fulfil that purpose. Just like those crabs, the pounding waves will kill almost any other crab but for that surf crab, it is just the place that God has designed and intended the creature to flourish.

Hmmm...I'm still trying discover how God has designed me..what am i good at? still dunno..good for nothing? haha just kidding...

dehwid

ok..this is like quite an egocentric post haha...I did a temperament test and it turns out that my temperament is - ISTP. Anyway, i think its almost 100% for me...

The Mechanic

As an ISTP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion.

ISTPs have a compelling drive to understand the way things work. They're good at logical analysis, and like to use it on practical concerns. They typically have strong powers of reasoning, although they're not interested in theories or concepts unless they can see a practical application. They like to take things apart and see the way they work.

ISTPs have an adventuresome spirit. They are attracted to motorcycles, airplanes, sky diving, surfing, etc. They thrive on action, and are usually fearless. ISTPs are fiercely independent, needing to have the space to make their own decisions about their next step. They do not believe in or follow rules and regulations, as this would prohibit their ability to "do their own thing". Their sense of adventure and desire for constant action makes ISTPs prone to becoming bored rather quickly.

ISTPs are loyal to their causes and beliefs, and are firm believers that people should be treated with equity and fairness. Although they do not respect the rules of the "System", they follow their own rules and guidelines for behavior faithfully. They will not take part in something which violates their personal laws. ISTPs are extremely loyal and faithful to their "brothers".

ISTPs like and need to spend time alone, because this is when they can sort things out in their minds most clearly. They absorb large quantities of impersonal facts from the external world, and sort through those facts, making judgments, when they are alone.

ISTPs are action-oriented people. They like to be up and about, doing things. They are not people to sit behind a desk all day and do long-range planning. Adaptable and spontaneous, they respond to what is immediately before them. They usually have strong technical skills, and can be effective technical leaders. They focus on details and practical things. They have an excellent sense of expediency and grasp of the details which enables them to make quick, effective decisions.

ISTPs avoid making judgments based on personal values - they feel that judgments and decisions should be made impartially, based on the fact. They are not naturally tuned in to how they are affecting others. They do not pay attention to their own feelings, and even distrust them and try to ignore them, because they have difficulty distinguishing between emotional reactions and value judgments. This may be a problem area for many ISTPs.

An ISTP who is over-stressed may exhibit rash emotional outbursts of anger, or on the other extreme may be overwhelmed by emotions and feelings which they feel compelled to share with people (often inappropriately). An ISTP who is down on themself will foray into the world of value judgments - a place which is not natural for the ISTP - and judge themself by their inability to perform some task. They will then approach the task in a grim emotional state, expecting the worst.

ISTPs are excellent in a crisis situations. They're usually good athletes, and have very good hand-eye coordination. They are good at following through with a project, and tying up loose ends. They usually don't have much trouble with school, because they are introverts who can think logically. They are usually patient individuals, although they may be prone to occasional emotional outbursts due to their inattention to their own feelings.

ISTPs have a lot of natural ability which makes them good at many different kinds of things. However, they are happiest when they are centered in action-oriented tasks which require detailed logical analysis and technical skill. They take pride in their ability to take the next correct step.

ISTPs are optimistic, full of good cheer, loyal to their equals, uncomplicated in their desires, generous, trusting and receptive people who want no part in confining commitments.

dehwid

Ok, the following is part 2 of the previous blog entry...After I read the messed website. I decided to contact the author and his wife through email with my questions to challenge their views. And this is our email exchange..(Warning: It's long. Disclaimer: He is the lor so one not me)

From: David Tay [mailto:david_tay@rp.sg]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 2:26 AM
To: info@tentmaker.org
Subject: Questions on hell

Dear Gary and Michelle,

I’m David. I have been a Christian for several years. I live in Singapore (SE Asia).

I came across your website while surfing the internet and read your articles concerning the subject of “Hell”.

I find your article very interesting but my years of Christian upbringing have painted a different picture of hell. One which your article has failed to convince me that hell is not an actual place of suffering and judgement. Leaving aside the discussion of who will end up there for the time being, I would like to find out more on your belief.

There are several places in the Bible which mention “Hades” or “hell” or a place of judgement. These are just 3 which I can think of right now:

In Luke, Jesus mentions in the story of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man was in Hades a place of torment. There is no reason to believe that this is simply a ficticious parable but Jesus was giving an account of a real occurance.

In Revelations, there is mention of the “Lake of fire” which is once again a place of torment and final judgement.

In the gospel, Jesus speaks of judgement, how God will separate the sheep and goats. The goats “will go away into everlasting punishment..”

I didn’t quote the chapters/verse since I’m sure that you would be familiar with these passages having studied the Bible extensively. We can’t interpret the truth of God from a single verse or assumption. If it is a truth, it will be consistent throughout the whole Bible. I find that the above few verses contradicts your viewpoint that is why I cannot accept your article.

You can refer to me to your articles/relevant discussions and forums but I would love to hear from you personally regarding this. Thanks and God bless.


David

His reply:

From: Gary Amirault [mailto:tentmaker7@mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 11:59 PM
To: David Tay
Subject: RE: Questions on hell



Hi, David, good to meet you. May I ask if you are Chinese or are you a Westerner living there? Do you speak Chinese? The reason I ask is that we are looking for some translators into the Asian languages.

You wrote:

I didn’t quote the chapters/verse since I’m sure that you would be familiar with these passages having studied the Bible extensively.

Gary:Yes, I am very familiar with those passages, far more familiar than the opponents to the message of universal salvation. I’ve studied them for over 15 years now and am quite convinced a Hell of eternal torment is NOT taught in the original languages of the Bible and the only reason YOU believe in Hell is because of your Bible translation and the tradition you have been taught about Hell. Surely God, nor the prophets, nor Jesus, nor the apostles have given you reason to believe in such a contradictory message as Hell.

Obviously, David, I can’t prove all the points in a brief email. We have lengthy books dealing with every single verse used to prove Hell and every single verse that proves universal salvation. For this email, I’ll simply address the one word sometimes translated Hell which you referenced: hades.

Hades is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew Sheol. Do you realize, the leading Bible translations now no longer translate either Sheol nor Hades as Hell? Almost all of them have abandoned Hell as the meaning of Sheol and hades. Why? Because it never was hell to begin with. The Roman Catholics and early Reformators mistranslated this word and better scholarship is now wising up to that fact. Hell is shrinking. The KJV had the word in it only 54 times through the whole Bible. Today, it’s scarcely there in the leading sellers and not at all in many other English translations. We are trying to get this better scholarship into the Asian language groups. They are unaware of this and I believe it would make Christianity MUCH more viable and believable if this new info came out for them. We are working on an article specifically addressing this issue for Chinese. May I suggest you go to the Scholars Corner page of our site and ask the Holy Spirit if there is a book or article there you should be reading?:

http://tentmaker.org/ScholarsCorner.html

Now here is a brief article showing the condition of the Bible in its various forms in English. As you can see, if Hell is a certainty, there is certainly nothing certain about it considering the way the Hell words have been translated in English translations. Hell is surely disappearing in English translations, as it should. It’s a blight on the character of God and makes Him appear to be a hypocrite commanding His disciples to overcome their enemies with love while he consigns His to eternal tortures. Jesus called such behavior a hypocrite. And millions of non-believers see the God of Christianity as a hypocrite and His people here on earth perfectly reflect his own hypocrisy. When Hell leaves the teachings of the Church, the teachings of Jesus will once again shine like the noonday sun. Let me know if I may be of further service to you. Peace, Gary Amirault, founder, Tentmaker Ministries and Publications.

Hell is Leaving the Bible “forever.”

By Gary Amirault

Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. (Matt. 15:6, KJV)

The word "heaven" appears in the Bible hundreds of times. If "Hell" is the fate of those who do not accept Jesus as their Lord, how often do you think God should put it in the Bible Scriptures warning all the citizens of the world the consequences of failing to accept Jesus as their Savior? As least as many times as the word "heaven"? At least once in each book in the Bible? Thousands of times? The FACTS may shock you. If salvation was deliverance from a place called Hell which all human beings are automatically destined to go to unless they get “born again” and stay true to Jesus’ teachings, wouldn’t it be wise for the author of the Bible to place that warning everywhere? Check your version of the Bible. See where the word Hell first appears. Why isn’t it right in the first book of the Bible, if indeed that is the fate of all those who are born into this world apart from Christ. And why did God wait thousands of years AFTER the original sin before He sent the solution to sin? See where the phrase “everlasting punishment” first appears in your translation (and it only appears once) and ask yourself why does it appear so infrequently and so late in the Bible?

I hope this short work will cause the reader to ask themselves many questions they’ve been afraid to voice. Our Father’s plan of redemption is FAR more wonderful and successful than “tradition” and “orthodoxy” has taught us. May this little article crack the walls of traditions which have hidden the light of the glorious gospel from the reader’s understanding. Now let’s “study to show ourselves approved,” and see how great the salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah really is!

blah blah blah blah x10000 (articles from his website)

From: David Tay [mailto:david_tay@rp.sg]
Sent: Tuesday, September 27, 2005 5:56 AM
To: Gary Amirault
Subject: RE: Questions on hell



Hi Gary,

I’ve just gotten the chance to read your email. Thanks for the reply but it is a really long email that would take me some time to read.

Since all the points can’t be proven in one email then it’s alright. I just have one question: how trustworthy are the translations that you have mentioned?

I’ve read some of the articles you posted in the email but I’m still not convinced because the whole concept of universal salvation doesn’t seem to fit together completely.

If there is no hell or judgement, why did Jesus have to die for our sins? What did God have to rescue us from if we are not destined for an eternity in hell?

If I can understand your view on God correctly: You believe that God is a loving God. It would contradict that loving nature if God were to condemn people to eternity in hell.

If that is so how can God be a God of justice? There is so much injustice in the world. I don’t mean to be insensitive, the terrorist that planned the attacks against your country are evil men. Many innocent lives were lost in the Sept 11 attack. I can imagine it left many families fatherless. You mean God forgives even those that do not acknowledge him, even those evil men?

I believe God is a just God but his justice is tempered with love and mercy. But still God had to bring judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah, on the Ancient world in Noah’s time, on Ananias and Sapphira. The children of Israel were God’s instrument of judgement on the Canaanites, this was stated very clearly in the book of Exodus to Deutoronomy. God did not give victory to the Israelites because of their righteousness but rather it was the sin of the Canaanites that which had reached the full measure that brought God’s hand on them.

Anyway, I don’t mean to offend you. I wrote this email to you as I’m interested in your views since you have studied the Bible extensively as well.

Thanks,

David

His reply again...

Thanks for your reply. You asked a couple of good questions, which, if you thought it through yourself, I’m sure you would have come to this same conclusion.

Yes, justice is important. Tell me, is it just for a mother to kill her child for stealing a piece of candy? Millions of Christians have been taught this is justice? Is it right for God to consign the entire planet to eternal damnation simply for being born into this world (Doctrine of Original Sin)? Well, millions of Christians have been taught this is just AND the leaders who have perpetuated this teaching claim they get it from the Bible. Is it just to punish a sin committed in finite time with eternal punishment? Even human beings as corrupt as we are find it difficult to sentence a person to death. Few decent human beings could bring themselves to torture someone forever. Professional torturers can’t handle too much torturing before they themselves get sick and that after only a few hours. Our own makeup tells us something is radically wrong with the concept. Besides, in corrected translations, the concept simply disappears from the Bible. The FACT is the Bible in the Hebrew and Greek doesn’t teach it. It’s that simple. As to your other arguments:

http://tentmaker.org/FAQ/index.html

Keep in touch. Peace, Gary

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will drag (that’s what is says in the Greek) all mankind unto myself.” John 12:32

Let me know what you think haha...