Saturday, March 23, 2024

A Reflection On Passion Week - Jesus, The Passover Lamb. By Dr. Phil Chan.

 A Reflection On Passion Week - Jesus, The Passover Lamb.

What Is I.N.R.I. On The Crucifix? | Simply Catholic

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Recently, I recalled my time in Cambridge during Lent term commemorating Jesus’ last week on earth, also known as Passion Week. Although Pontius Pilate found Jesus innocent, he let Jesus to be crucified. He even gave Jesus a Latin title as inscribed in IESVS NAZARENVS REX IVDÆORVM, meaning Jesus The Nazarene, the King of Jews.” One may commonly find INRI on internet images as given above. 

Beautiful Hymn: O Sacred Head Now Wounded:
Fernando Ortega. YouTube Video by: Scott Bacher.


John 19:19-22. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: "Jesus Of Nazareth, The King Of The Jews." Many of the Jews would have read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek, languages commonly used then.


The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews!'

"But this man claimed to be King of the Jews!"

Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written!" 

Perhaps this sign is so important that all 4 gospels recorded it. Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38 and Matthew 27:37. Aramaic is closely related to Hebrew and was used by common Jews during Jesus’ era, while Hebrew remained the language of the upper class such as in religion and government. It was likely that Jesus and His disciples spoke Aramaic, in addition to Hebrew and Greek.

So what is the Hebrew translation of INRI: ישוע הנצרי ומלך היהודים (Yeshua` HaNatzri V'Melech HaYehudim. What is interesting and amazing is that the first letters of each of these words gives YHVH, more specifically (יהוה, pronounced as yod hey vav hey). This is the holy name of God. Unfortunately people call This Name, tetragrammaton (by inserting the English vowels, one gets the common found name as YeHoVaH) without knowing its significance. יהוה is recorded more than 6000 times in the Bible. The meaning of This Holy Name is explained in an earlier post below.


https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-reflection-on-christmas-babys-name.html


Beautiful Hymn: Lead Me to Calvary

YouTube Video from: DonMoenTV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgwX3bYgav8


Interestingly, during the ancient Passover Festival, Hebrew families would put the family name around the neck of the lamb that they took to the Temple as a sacrifice so that they may receive their own animal thereafter for their Passover dinner. 


For the Passover celebration in Jewish times, besides all Jewish males having to present themselves at Jerusalem, the High Priest would need to go to Bethlehem to find a firstborn lamb without broken bones and defect. After that, the High Priest would carry the lamb through the Eastern gate (old city of Jerusalem) to the Temple and numerous worshippers would be singing praises to God, waving their palm branches. There would be inspection over the next four days to confirm that the lamb was indeed without blemish. In the Temple days, at 3:00 pm the unblemished lamb for the Jewish nation was to be sacrificed and presented to the people.


The Parallel Account

Due to the Passover festival, there were already many people in Jerusalem when Jesus (firstborn of Mary) entered through the Eastern gate on a donkey but this time they were shouting Hosanna (meaning “save us”). Over the next four days, Jesus was examined by the Pharisees, Sanhedrin, Herod and Pilate. Eventually in Luke 23:4 “Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man." After all interrogation, Jesus was crucified at 9.00 am and died at 3:00 pm without broken bones. Jesus is the Passover Lamb.

http://www.magdalenepublishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Goldengate.jpg

This is the Eastern gate (also known as the Golden Gate, Acts 3:2). The Eastern Gate was sealed in AD 1540–41 by order of Suleiman the Magnificent, a sultan of the Ottoman Empire. 


Ezekiel 44:1–2, “The man brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was shut. The Lord said to me, This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it.’”. Interestingly, this Golden gate will be open again when Jesus returns to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4) and enters Jerusalem by way of the re-opened Eastern Gate. 


[King Solomon once said, what has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9]


Jesus was Crucified for my sins.

When Jesus died at 3:00pm, the Temple curtain separating the Holy and Most Holy places was torn into two. This was recorded in Mathew 27:50-51. Similar accounts are also given in Mark 15 and Luke 23. It is often interpreted that with the tearing of the curtain, we are now granted direct access to God in the Most Holy Place. However, there is no Ark of Covenant (as it was already lost) in the Most Holy place i.e. God’s presence is absent. Perhaps there is another take on the torn curtains i.e. in ancient times when a Jewish son died, the grieving father would tear his clothes.

Near The Cross, Jesus keep me near The Cross: 
YouTube Video from: Songs and Everlasting Joy.


Grace and Blessing of God

It is worth noting that Passover is the only feast where God allowed the Israelites to celebrate one month later compared to other ancient feasts. Somehow this grace period seems to imply that there is still time to believe in Jesus as the Passover lamb for our unsaved loved ones and friends. There is still opportunity to repent and receive Jesus, as one’s personal Lord and Saviour. 


While the phrase “passion week” sounds sentimental or even romantic, in Latin “passion” really means suffering. However, there is great joy in this suffering of Jesus, as we now have access to the Living God, יהוה through His dying for our sins and His conquering of death through His resurrection. 

 

Wishing you and your family good health, peace and a Blessed Good Friday holiday.


Author: Dr. Phil Chan.

Author: Associate Prof.
Dr. Phil Chan. [NUS].

Thanks Phil for taking so much time during your busy schedule.
Appreciate your sincere ways in explaining biblical passages and
selecting suitable songs for the posting, for so many years now. Andy.

Images: Google.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Singapore 60s Johnny Lion, Harry Cheok Sings Rolling Stones @ Chinese Swimming Club

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Harry Cheok, retired businessman 
who sings Mick Jagger and other hits.
Watch the videos. He's good!

Harry Cheok, with his black and white batik shirt,
 at the Chinese Swimming Club in 2022.


Harry Cheok won the Johnny Lion of Singapore Competition in the 60s with his group, Willy's Jokers. I have known him for some years now. Harry has kindly allowed me to post his videos when he was on stage at the Chinese Swimming Club. But he wasn't singing the late Mr. Lion's favourites. 

If you noticed the date, he is still performing today. Being a retired business person, he has time to spare and jams with his guitar group. I love his flamboyant style and cute personality. Watch the ladies at the bar and see their reaction. Harry is also an accomplished ukulele player and guitarist.

The local folks would say, "He can *gelek well!" Like Mick Jagger. 

Thanks Harry for your friendship and sparing the videos. 

Can you guess the songs he is singing? 

NB:

*gelek  = shimmy and shake.

Johnny Lion was a singer from Holland who was accompanied by the Dutch guitar group, The Jumping Jewels. They were very popular in the 60s and 70s and Johnny and the J.Js. have appeared in Singapore.

A rousing song from the Rolling Stones 
and made famous by Mick Jagger.
Watch the ladies at the bar watching Harry. 
They love him!

With his group: Willy's Jokers in the 60s.
Check him out here:

Thursday, March 21, 2024

"A Brief Encounter With The Late SG PM Lee Kuan Yew!" Says Freda Hanum. Have you?

Our former Singapore Prime Minister, 
Lee Kuan Yew [LKY]
who passed away on 23 March, 2015.


Meeting Former PM Lee Kuan Yew In Person:

LKY was my mum's most favourite person; she would attend all his rallies and his talks... I was with her all along since 12 years of age. I was so excited when I had a brief encounter in a taxi and LKY was in his car driven by the chauffer, stopped by the traffic light next to our taxi.

He looked at me and gave me a wave with the most kindly smile, I shouted to my mum saying, "It's LKY there next to us!" 😃 

I never forget this brief encounter with the great man of Singapore 🙏.

Freda Hanum [The Teepees, Girl Group]:

Freda Hanum:
Musician, Singer and Author.

Reply From Andy:

Freda Hanum hi! 

That's an exceptionally touching story. Thanks for sharing such an important moment in your life. At Pulau Tekong Island, I couldn't even get near him but his aura and charisma attracted the crowd as they surged towards him that day.

If you had a brief encounter with the late LKY, do write in to tell us.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Remember Good Friday 29th March 2024. Judy Chong Lee's: The B.A.R.T.E.R. For My Life

'Whispering Hope' sung by Jim Reeves 
Gospel YouTube Video from: HomoHumanus.

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Thanks to Jimmy Lee [ETA] and his wife Judy for this, the third religious poem she wrote. An appropriate time truly as Good Friday is approaching... 

The B.A.R.T.E.R. For My Life

I Believe that this universe is not random

That there is a creator of heaven and earth

The God who created man with free will and freedom

And had their names written in His book of life at birth.


I Acknowledge this world is full of sin and hell-bent

Injustice and evil will tempt all to pay the price

I'm amazed God so loved the world He sent

His son to save all with his supreme sacrifice.


I Receive Jesus who died at the cross for my sin

So I will not perish but have everlasting life

It's simple as that, I can't earn it.. can't win

It's by grace through faith in Christ, not strife.


From wretched sinner I'm released to Transform

My soul tie to Hades Jesus has unknotted

He stands with me to face hardships in any storm

My name from the book of life will never be blotted.


I have life in the Spirit with good news to Evangelise

To tell everyone to think and consider eventually

To say there is no hell is one of the biggest lies

For surely as you're born you'd die to go to your destiny.


Maybe it's sooner than we think the end of time coming

Look around this wretched world and corrupted society

The imminent Rapture caught up with Jesus is my longing

To live in heaven with my creator for all of eternity.


There you have it above put in a  nutshell

This is the B.A.R.T.E.R. of life for you and me

Not just in body but for your soul to be well

I pray you will know The Truth that will set you free. 

By Poet: Judy Chong Lee.

Check these below. Click connection:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/11/getting-old-poem-by-judy-chong-lee.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/07/as-we-grow-older-by-judy-chong-lee.html


Poet Judy Chong Lee with hubby Jimmy PresLee,
who is an Elvis Tribute Artiste [ETA]

Copyrights Reserved.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

'Music Maker' [1963] Richard Anthony: Dedicated To All Music Makers

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'Music Maker' sung by Richard Anthony. 
YouTube Video by: Sids60sSounds.
Richard Anthony passed away on 19.04.2015.

Romanticism At Its Most Eager

Richard Anthony:

Many music lovers are aware of Ray Anthony the 1950's famous band leader and trumpeter. Shakespearean lovers would be aware of Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal friend in the play who was also with Cleopatra. 

Not many though would remember Richard Anthony, the French singer who recorded a song that I love, even till today. 

This post is dedicated to all music makers... 

French singer The late Richard Anthony
sings 'Music Maker'

Music Maker

[1] Let them build a tower to the stars

I don't care what others do

I just wanna be your music maker

And sing my song to you

 

[2] Let them build a bridge of steel and stone

Mountain high and oceans long

I just wanna be your music maker

And link our hearts with a song

 

Long as, I have music and the words to sing

If you're, there to sing to

I have everything


[3] Let the others look for fame and fortune

This is all I want to do

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you

 

Long as, I have music and the words to sing

If you're, there to sing to

I have everything


[3] Let the others look for fame and fortune

This is all I want to do

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you...


Composers: Sid Tepper n Roy C. Bennett 

Orchestra: Arranged/conducted by Ivor Remonde

Columbia Records 1963.

Band leader / trumpeter 1950's
Ray Anthony

Julius Caesar's friend. With Cleopatra too.
 Mark Antony.

Any more Anthonys that you might remember?
Hmmm! What about Marc Anthony, who used 
to be with Jennifer Lopez? A list indeed...

And the songs Richard Anthony sings?
He sings English songs in French too.
Do you know any of them? Here's one below:

Richard Anthony: 'Peggye Sue' in French.
YouTube Video by: sadonani59

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Chew's Captivating Connections With Crooning Celebrities!!! By HH Chew

THIS NEW POST HAS
  UP TO 300 VIEWS!  

HH Chew with the Julie Andrews star 
at Hollywood Boulevard not too long ago.

He was in Palm Springs, California 
and rubbed shoulders with the stars.

Driving through the desert from Los Angeles to Las Vegas 
in Summer 2023, Mr. Chew had a break and visited 
Peggy Sue's Diner in California.


Entrance to Peggy Sue's...

Where he met Elvis.

A little dangerous but made for a lovely pose indeed!

Still at the Diners' with Peggy Sue.

Not only Elvis, HH Chew visited Frank Sinatra's 
home too. Now that's paying homage!

The number of shows he attended was incredible. 
Let him tell you the story...

He holds the record, I think, unless
another reader writes in with more...😄

Thanks again HH for your Hollywood travel tales
and your numerous concert attendance!

Hello again, Andy. 

Yes, I have attended a fair number of  concerts. To name some viz. Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, Pat Boone, Skeeter Davis, Johnny Tillotson, Brian Hyland, Blue Diamonds, Johnny Lion, 

Kenny Roger, Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Madonna, Celine Dion, Tony Orlando, Julie Rogers, Herman’s Hermit, Freddie and the Dreamers, Julie Rogers, Paul Anka, Leo Sayer, Brotherhood of Man, Andy William, Ray Charles, The Supremes, The Osmonds, Eric Clapton, Sheena Easton, Manfred Mann, Frances Yip, Jacky Cheung etc. 

I may have missed some names. There are some artistes whom I have attended more than once eg Tom Jones, Olivia Newton John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Skeeter Davis, Pat Boone and Cliff Richard probably about 5 times. 


Engelbert Humperdinck: In Singapore: 
Release Me YouTube Video by: Inge Ramlan.

Some of the artistes those days were performing exclusively at Shangri-La’s Tiara Lounge, if you may recall. The Supremes, Ray Charles, Andy William performed in one of their function rooms. Some performed at The Neptune and Mandarin’s Kasbah and Belvedere.

Most of the shows were seen in Singapore during the 1970's. The charges increased during the 1980's and, with a dinner thrown in, it was *$200 per head at most restaurants.

*Today it's more than $300 for only a back seat in the galleries.

Copyrighted Images and Story by HH Chew.

Don't forget to read his 1st story when he met Skeeter Davis. Click below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2024/02/skeeter-davis-was-friend-unassuming-hh.html

Frances Yip & NAFA Orchestra 
Singapore Indoor Stadium 2009.
'Amigos Para Siempre'
YouTube Video by: chengyu83.

Jumping Jewels & Johnny Lion in Singapore 2003 
I Like It. YouTube Video by: TheStratpete

YouTube Videos are for illustrations only.
This blog welcomes videos of artistes who performs in Singapore.