Livingstones Go Deep

Revelations 19 - 22 (31st December) - Weiling

2007-12-31T01:35:00.000+08:00

What a wonderful way to end the year, with a reminder of our glorious hope and future in Christ. We see in Chp 19 the marriage supper of the Lamb, Christ’s love for His bride, the church. (Eph 5:25-33) We see a new heaven and earth. We see a rider on a white horse, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, dressed in fine linen white and with the armies of heaven following Him. We also see Satan’s outcome and doom.

Things seem to have come a full circle with the book of Revelation to end off the Bible. There is a strong contrast between the first three chapters of Genesis and the last three chapters of Revelation.

God created heaven and earth in the beginning (Gen 1:11), and we see that God will create a new heaven and earth when Christ comes again. (Rev 21:1) In fact, God will make everything new. (Rev 22:5) The pain and curse of the Fall, of our sin, taken away for good! (Rev 22:3)

Imagine, a place with “…no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 22: 4) No more tears because God will personally wipe them away. No more good-byes, no more heart-aches. God will dwell with men then and men will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. (Rev 22:4) God with us! The intimacy of fellowship with God that He has created us for!

This is God’s promise to all the saints who patiently endure and remains faithful
“He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
(Rev 21: 7)

Revelation closes with Christ’s thrice-repeated promise: “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev 22: 7, 12, 20) Even as we mark the passing of another year and usher in a new year, does it feel like the second coming of Christ is becoming nearer? How do you feel about that? Do you, like John who wrote Revelation, eagerly anticipate His coming again with a “come, Lord”? Or have you lost that love or even longing for your Lord? Is your mind and heart occupied by something else?

Start the New Year right, begin it with the Lord. Do a “spring-cleaning” of your heart this day. Leave behind and let go of all the baggage and burdens of worry, unforgiveness, discouragement, pain and sin. Start the New Year right. Will you be like the five foolish virgins or five wise virgins? (Matt 25: 1-13) Would you be prepared when Jesus comes again?

Revelations 12 - 18 (30th December) - Weiling

2007-12-30T01:32:00.000+08:00

The chapters ahead in Revelations may seem a little abstract, filled with seemingly mythological creatures. It is sometimes hard to confirm exactly what some of the creatures represent. Some are prophecies of the end time that we will only know when it unfolds. I will not attempt to interpret all of it but to just highlight some interesting points :)

This is how we overcome
In chapter 12, we read about a woman giving birth to a son and a dragon that threatened to devour the child. It is not immediately clear who the woman is, or who she represents. However, we know that the dragon is Satan as it was pointed out. The woman’s child is likely referring to Jesus; a male child “who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter”. (Ps 2:9; Rev 2:27) We see that the dragon “went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Rev 12:17) Satan is on the war path, because “…he is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Rev 12:12)

But we know that the victory is in the Lord and that we shall over come. Satan shall be overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of the saints’ (that’s us) testimony. (Rev 12:11) Indeed, let us also be aware of the spiritual realm of things aside from the physical of what we can see and touch. Let us be alert to stand firm and pray and resist the devil.

Patient endurance and faithfulness
“…This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.” (Rev 13:10) “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Rev 14:12) We can see a similar call to the saints in these two verses to be faithful and to patiently endure; which can only mean that there will be tough times. But we see that from Rev 15 on that God will mete out judgment and that He is in control. We have the final victory!

Revelations 6 - 11 (29th December) - Sky

2007-12-29T14:43:00.000+08:00

Revelations 6

Here there were 7 seals released although only 6 were revealed in this chapter, each with a different impact, different disaster.

1st seal- We see here a conqueror bent on conquest, it probably paint a picture of a powerful, destructive force of military conquest. The three riders the conqueror is grouped with here is violence, famine and death.

2nd seal – this seal a red fiery horse, the rider was holding a large sword was released, whom brought chaos among the world.

3rd seal – this seal a black horse, the rider was holding scales who brought famine to the world. V6 describes how terrible the famine will be.

4th seal – Now we see a pale horse and its rider has a name call Death. ¼ of the earth will be killed by him by the sword, famine and plague.

5th seal – these souls were perhaps the martyrs, one early Christian interestingly wrote “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

6th seal – you see nature destructive self

Revelations 7

In this chapter we see 5 angels, 4 is to destroy the land while the 5 has the seal to save the servants of our God. As servants of God we have been promises protection from his wrath, though not necessarily from all physical danger. Interestingly, later in revelation a similar marking indicates the followers of the beast who will be singled out to receive God’s fury.

Revelations 8

The last seal is being released we see an angel taking a golden censer filling it with fire and sending destruction to earth.

Angels given the 7 trumpets, each trumpet when blown will have a different disaster or impact.

1st trumpet – probably a hailstorm burning up 1/3 of the earth
2nd trumpet – huge mountain thrown into the sea killing 1/3 of sea creatures and turning the sea into blood
3rd trumpet – water was undrinkable causing death
4th trumpet – the sun, moon, stars all turned dark. 1/3 of the days were without light

Revelations 9
5th trumpet – the opening of the abyss causing suffering among the people who do not have the seal of God
6th trumpet – killing 1/3 of mankind by three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur.

Revelations 10

Another angel came down with a scroll for John to eat. Eating a scroll symbolizes accepting the scroll’s message. The message is sweet, because it announces salvation and bitter because it proclaims harsh judgment to the world.

The mystery of God being accomplished here usually refers to God’s strategy to redeem people through Christ. His purpose in history that the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord.

Revelations 11
The 2 witness bring to my mind is Moses and Elijah who were able to turn the waters into blood, call down the fire that devour their enemies and shut up the sky so that it will not rain. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and prophecy, both of which give testimony to Christ. The Hebrew people held that at least 2 witnesses were needed to establish the truth of legal testimony.

The 7th trumpet was sounded here and the judgment was over. The people in heaven were to give thanks and to declare Christ reign for ever and ever on the Kingdom of the world.

Revelation 1 - 5 (28th December) - Andrew

2007-12-28T00:04:00.000+08:00

Chapter 1
“Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him – even those who pierced him…”
- verse 7

The book of Revelation talked about the things that will happen in the near future and some of the things discuss in it had already happened. And the most awaited one is the second coming of Jesus Christ.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God…
- verse 8

Yes. Our God is the beginning and the end. He first created the heaven and the earth and when Judgment Day comes, He will end everything on earth. People will be judged according to what they had done good or evil.

Chapter 2
Firstly, this chapter talked about the church in Ephesus.

“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches…”
- verse 7

So always pray for an open heart and mind before coming to church for service.

From what Apostle John wrote to the church in Ephesus, it seemed that the people in the church don’t tolerate evil people but somehow they don’t love him or each other (they did not fulfilled the greatest commandment)

“This is the first and the greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Matthew 22:38-39

After that Apostle John wrote another letter to the church in Smyrna.

Church in Smyrna = the church of persecution

And then to the church in Pergamum

“I know that you live in the city where that great throne of Satan is located, and yet you have remained loyal to me…”
- verse 13

Praise God who always save us from Satan.

Somehow the people from the church in Pergamum commited idolatry and also sexual sins.

“Repent, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
- verse 16

At this moment, repent to God whatever sins you know you are still holding on to and place it at the foot of the cross.

After that is the letter to the church in Thyatira.

“To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, I will give authority over all the nations.”
- verse 26

“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.”
- chapter 3 verse 5

This is a year of…. VICTORY! Let’s finish this year victorious and continue to perserver on to obey God.

Chapter 3
“…Your deeds are far from right in the sight of God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again. Unless you do, I will come upon you suddenly as unexpected as a thief.”
- verses 2-3

Now take this moment again to reflect back when is the first time you receive Christ and let God be your heavenly Father. Remember your first love for Christ.

And then to the church in Philadelphia.

“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.”
- verse 10

Enough said.

Lastly, to the church in Laodicea.

“But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
- verse 16

God doesn’t like lukewarm water (lukewarm Christians). Either you are fully for God or you are fully against Him. Not in-between.

Chapter 4
This chapter talked about how worship is going to be like in heaven.

“…Day after day and night after night they keep on saying…”
- verse 8

Yes. Worship is forever in heaven. It is continous in heaven.

Chapter 5
This chapter talked about how Jesus (the Lamb) has conquered the earth and ransomed the people on earth for God.

2 John 1, 3 John 1 (27th December) - Li Juan

2007-12-27T20:42:00.000+08:00

2 John 1
The greatest commandment in the Bible is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength, followed by Love our neighbor as ourselves. In this book, it reminds us again that we need to love one another. Loving is also walking in obedience to His commands. Do not be deceived by anyone who is not of God, always pray for God’s protection and discernment.

3 John 1
Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. Let us continue to do good for the sake of the Name, even though we might receive no help from anyone of the world. Yet, trust that God will send His provision along the way.

1 John 1 - 5 (26th December) - Quanwei

2007-12-26T16:57:00.000+08:00

The Lord’s message is very simple: He is light & He will not allow us to walk in darkness. He doesn’t want us to be liars when we proclaim we have fellowship in Him but yet still choosing to live in sins. In fact, the Lord also said that we are deceiving ourselves if we claim to be sinless in Him. And by doing all these things, His words will have no place in our lives!

But thank God that as long we humble ourselves & confess our sins to Him, He is faithful & will cleanse us from our sins! And when we choose to walk in His light, we will be able to have fellowship with our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ without any shame!

He also reminds us that in order to walk in His light, we can’t love the world or anything in this world. I know this is a struggle to most of us because sometimes things from the world are precious to us & it’s not easy for us to let go of it. But yet, these are the things that will also draw us away from God & thus fall from His grace. However if we choose to do His will & not get too involved in things of the world, We will live forever in Him just as He has promised us when we received Him as our personal Lord & saviour.

The Lord Himself also reminded us the importance of love. God Himself is love! A love not from us but from God who enables us to love one another. In fact this is the second greatest commandment from God Himself where He wants to see us loving one another. He wants us to act out our love for one another through our actions & not merely by words. The Lord even said that whoever hates his brother or sister, he or she is a murderer & will have no eternal life. When we really love the people around us, we will also know God more in our lives & that He is greater than our hearts! And how do we know all these? We know it by the Holy Spirit that He has deposited in us.

The Lord also wants us to be careful of what we hear because we’re into the last days & there are false prophets around. In fact if we’re not careful, we might even just want to hear what we want to hear & neglect the words of God. He who denies the Son or the Father is a liar & will not inherit the promises of God in his life! Therefore be careful of what we hear & ask God to give you a discerning spirit to know the good & the evil.

In conclusion, I believe these 5 chapters are telling us to live a life to please God by loving Him & the people around us. We don’t have to sin anymore because Christ Himself has died for us on the cross & we have been set free! And when we do that, The Lord will hears us when we ask for anything according to His will. We also need to be careful of how we live our lives & hearing His words clearly. Do not be easily deceived by Satan & know that God will guide your heart when you choose to live in Him! Let’s continue to walk in His light & shine for the Lord always!

Jude 1, 2 Peter 1 - 3 (25th December) - Karen

2007-12-25T11:37:00.000+08:00

As we read the letters from both Jude and Peter, we can see similar themes in these two passages. Both are written to remind the church the need for constant vigilance on false teachings and prophets; to grow and be strong in the faith and to oppose heresy.

The warnings from these two authors can be summarised as the following:

a. False Teachers
Jude warns against false teachers and leaders who reject the lordship of Christ, undermine the faith of others and lead them astray. These ‘leaders’ and those that follow them will be punished

b. Apostasy
This refers to turning away from Christ. We are to remember that God punishes rebellion against him. We must be careful not to drift away from a faithful commitment to Christ. If our faith is real, it will be evident in our faithful people. We must be diligent in our Christian growth.

Warnings come in various forms, e.g. signs, sounds, sights, smells, feelings or written words. Their purpose is the same; to advice us to be alert and caution us of imminent danger. Responses to these warnings also vary; from disregard and neglect to corrective action. How a person reacts to a warning is usually determined by the situation and the source of the warning.

Having read these scriptures already, what will be your decision like when the “situation” that the warning refers to happens? Would you heed the warning or would you disregard its importance. Make that decision today before God today, before the warning becomes a reality.

2 Timothy 1 - 4 (24th December) - Karen

2007-12-24T15:12:00.000+08:00

“Famous Last Words”

This is the last letter to Timothy, written by Apostle Paul, before his death in the Roman Prison. His letter was to give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, the pastor of the church at Ephesus.

The key verse of his letter is this, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15)

In his letter, Paul is giving Timothy advice to remain solidly grounded in Christian service and to endure suffering in the difficult days to come. It is easier for us to serve God for the wrong reasons: because it is exciting, because our friends are there, for the recognition or because it is personally enriching. Without a proper foundation, we find it easy to quit during difficult times. Hence, Paul’s letter covers the main themes of the Foundations of Christian service.

Theme: Boldness
Explanation: Paul urges Timothy to carry out his ministry without fear or shame by using boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit has given him, even in the face of opposition and persecution.
Importance: God honours our confident testimony even when we suffer. To overcome our fear of what people might say or think, we need to take our eyes off of people and look only to God.

Theme: Faithfulness
Explanation: Jesus was faithful to us in dying for our sin; Paul was faithful to God even while he was in prison. Paul urged Timothy to maintain loyalty and endurance.
Importance: As we trust Christ, He will count us worthy to suffer, and He will give us the strength to help us to be steadfast.

Theme: Preaching & Teaching
Explanation: As Paul and Timothy were both active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ, Paul urged Timothy to not just to carry the torch of Truth, and to pass on to others in sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.
Importance: We must prepare people to transmit God’s word to others so that they in turn might pass it on.

Theme: Error
Explanation: In the last days, there will be false teachers, and backsliders. We need to be ready with a solid program to equip Christians.
Importance: Knowing the Word of God is a sure defense against error and confusion.

Personal Reflection:
Having read this letter by Paul, I am inspired by Paul’s faithfulness to God in the ministry. His life has left a legacy that continues to inspire many Christians till today. I would like for my life to leave behind a legacy that is according to God’s will for my life. For it is God’s call for us to do all we can to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation.

Hebrews 11 - 13 (23rd December) - Xiaowen

2007-12-23T11:35:00.000+08:00

Heb 11

Verse 1: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

Faith is to see in the spiritual realm what you hope for to happen and thereafter claim wad u see and pray with perseverance, believing what you see in the spiritual realm will come to pass in reality. One example is parents’ salvation. See in the spiritual realm what kind of spiritual climate you want in your family and pray and see it come to pass! =)

Seeing is possessing. See and possess the desires of your heart. Of course things of the Lord la=)

Verse 6: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

In the new King James Version it says ‘diligently’ instead of ‘sincerely’. As long as God knows your heart of desire for Him, He rewards. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists. This is like if you want to come and find me, you must first believe that I exist on this earth because if I don’t exist on this earth, then how do you find me right? This is the same with God.

Examples of various men and women of faith were given. It shows us that when we live a life walking in faith, the Lord will never fail in His promises for us. He fulfills His promises for us slowly, so long as we believe. Let’s hold on to the promises in the bible and walk in faith, believing the Lord will fulfill each and every one of these promises in time to come. He has His reasons and His best timing to fulfill those promises. =) Also, let’s not fail in any of our promises that we made to the Lord because He takes them seriously.

Heb 12

Verse 1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

‘…ESPECIALLY the sin that so easily trips us up….endurance...’ Sin trips us very easily. So let us watch ourselves and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we may not sin as sin slows us down in our walk with the Lord. The race is not an easy race. It is not just some 100m dash or a 2metres walk. It is an ongoing race which requires endurance, one that calls for God’s supernatural strength to run. We cannot run this race without God’s strength and help. And it is only with God that we can have the endurance to carry on.

God’s discipline is for our good. He loves us so He disciplines us. If you do not love somebody, then you will not bother to correct that person right? It would probably just be ‘let the person be. It is his/her problem if he/she stays this way.’ But because God loves us, He corrects us and also, because we love each other in this family that we correct one another in love.

God has His best for us. Our earthly fathers discipline us to the best that they can, sometimes uncertain whether they are right. But God is never wrong, He is always certain of what He is disciplining us about. He may also discipline you through your leaders, so obey your leaders when they discipline you.

It is always painful to be disciplined at that particular point in time, and we may either obey or rebel. However, later on, if we had obeyed, we would be thankful that we had obeyed, and if we had rebelled, we would then realized that we should have listened and would understand why we were disciplined at that point in time and would not commit that same mistake again.

Verse 14: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”

Be holy and see the Lord. Also, when we live in peace with everyone, the pre-believers will see Lord within us and among us. We have to WORK to live in peace and be holy. We have to work for it. It is not easy work, but we do it with God’s strength. =)

Heb 13

In verse 2, show hospitality to strangers and who knows you may just be entertaining the angels! I remember some pastor said that we should each and every person like Jesus. Love them like you would love Jesus. When you see them as Jesus, surely you will not judge them, or mistreat them, but you would treat them the way you would treat Jesus.

Jesus died that we may be made holy by His blood that cleanses us. Let’s be thankful.

In verse 17, obey your leaders and be accountable to them. Be accountable to God and to your leaders. Your leaders have to account to God too. Don’t make their work difficult, but make it a joy=) sometimes we account to our leaders but forgot to account to God, assuming that God already knows everything. True, God knows everything that happens in our lives, but He wants us to tell Him ourselves and account to Him. It is the same as how sometimes our parents know certain things about our lives without us telling them but they still want to hear from us personally.

Hebrews 7 - 10 (22nd December) - Benjamin

2007-12-22T09:05:00.000+08:00

In today’s readings, we are constantly being reminded of various things.

Firstly, we are reminded of not God’s forgiveness of our sins and transgressions. Of course, it does not imply that we should continue indulging in the desires of the secular world and keep asking for forgiveness. This will be taking God for granted and testing God. We should constantly check ourselves and watch our words and actions so that we do not go against His will.

Next, we are reminded to live with hope, trusting God to bring us to a wonderful ending in every circumstance. This can be difficult since many a times, we will be impatient, or maybe even scared to live according to His divine plan. We will attempt to move in our own directions which may not be what He has planned. We want a hold on how things in our life happen. But I guess some of us would have experienced how amazing things will eventually work out when we just live by His plan, waiting patiently for everything to fall into place and let the whole picture be crystal clear to us.

Next, the new covenant that the Lord has made with man, where all men will know the Lord. How wonderful that is!

Lastly, we are re-affirmed of God’s visitation again, where in Heb 9:28 it says that Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Let’s hold faith and stand firm according to His word; let’s continue to wait patiently for Him to reveal Himself to us and what His plans are for us; let’s be the child whom He will say ‘Well done’ when He sees us.

Hebrews 1 - 6 (21st December) - Jason Song

2007-12-21T12:22:00.000+08:00

A mindful well thought out plan:
In examining Hebrews 2, it seems God was speaking about how mindful He was of us, “What is man that you are mindful of him” (verse 5). As we can see, God was also fully aware of how much He loved his only son. “the son of man that you care for him?” (verse 5).

Perfection though suffering:
The Lord speaks in the preceding scriptures about the suffering that Christ had to go through, and how temptation was critical in perfecting Jesus’ testimony of being an all sufficient Savior.

“10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”

Temptation’s road a fitting pathway to test true sons of God:
Hebrews 2 speaks about how much Jesus was like his brothers. How He was made to be very much exposed to everything we’ve experienced. It was deliberate, for “He was made a little lower than the angels” (verse 7 & 9). Ironically, Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks about how much greater Jesus was to angels. Here we see how God went way way beyond the call of duty in search of love. Jesus was lowered but for a short time, as in this period, He could then be exposed to the full extent of our sin. Jesus experienced the everyday temptations that we have experienced. How wonderful is it that God is mindful of us each day, He had a plan from the beginning, for He loves us immensely. There is freedom once again from sin as Jesus suffered and gained the right to present to us a pathway to righteousness.

Phillipians 2: 3 “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in everything consider each other above yourself”. Jesus did nothing out of vain conceit, and considered our lives above His own. He did these things, so that we might be free from sin, He promises freedom.

“18Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

1 Peter 1-5 (20th December) – Crystal

2007-12-20T01:42:00.000+08:00

In Christ, we are given a new birth and a living hope. We should always remember the work done on the cross and through his mercy we are saved. When we suffer in trials, it is faith that holds us on. This faith is one which is greater than gold.

1 Peter 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."^[a]

Simply put it across as God is holy and as His child we should always aim to be like Him. Do not compromise your standards and lifestyle. God’s ways are usually the opposite of the world’s. Be ready to discern for what is right and what is wrong in God’s perspective. We are saved not by silver or gold but of the precious blood of Jesus. Therefore we should live a life that honors God and away from the evil plots and like baby, craving for spiritual milk and taste that the Lord is good.

As living stone, we are chosen out from the rest and special in God’s sight. Once again, God wants us to abstain from the sinful desires and live a good life, pleasing and one that glorifies God. God wants us to also submit to authority given by Him and for His sake. There are times that we feel that we are wronged, but always submit to the authority because God place them above us for a reason. Show proper respect and love to everyone.

It is important that husband and wife live in harmony. In 1 Peter 1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. 7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. These verses summarise the gist of a healthy living and a way to protect the relationship.

As we submit to the authorities, we should also clothe ourselves with humility towards one another. God promised that when we humble ourselves, God will lift us up in due time. Be self-controlled and alert of what God want us to do. As much as we want to do our very best for God, the evil one will also not let us off easily, he will try to pull us down every time opportunity arises. But take heart, our God is there for us, He is greater than we can imagine.

Titus 1 - 3 (19th December) - Alvin

2007-12-19T14:04:00.000+08:00

A Book of Good Works!!

If you pay careful attention, you would have noticed the words “good works” being repeated many times in the three short chapters of the letter of Paul to Titus. In the NKJV, I counted six “good works”. And when you do Bible study, one of the things to take note is repetitive words as they are a sign that God has something important to say.

First, let’s have some context for this letter. This was a letter written by Paul to his spiritual son, Titus, who was left in Crete to pastor the church that Paul has planted there. The church in Crete is a relatively new church and a church under attack by false doctrines and false teachers.

Hence this was a letter of instruction for Titus to rebuke the false teachers and correct the false teachings; to appoint the leadership to oversee the young church in Crete and to instruct the believers on proper Christian living.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”

And James said in James 2:14
26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

The true demonstration of faith is in the doing and the living out of it in our daily lives. And that is the message of God that Paul is teaching the church in Crete. So the whole book is really about how then should a Christian behave, in whatever position one is in; as a young man, as a leader in church, as a citizen, as a slave, as an old man etc.

So go and read this letter again, and re-evaluate our lives in the light of what Christian and Godly living really is, in whatever position God has placed us in. And it’s not too late to start doing the good works!!

One more note: if you read the book of Titus carefully, in the instructions given by Paul, the word “all” and “every” appears many times. It’s a reminder that all Christian living must be evident to all man at all times. May God convict our hearts again to be all that we are meant to be as witnesses of His name and may we not blaspheme God’s name by our conduct.

1 Timothy 1 - 6 (18th December) - Ivy

2007-12-18T15:48:00.000+08:00

Warning Against False Teachers of the Law
Paul commanded Timothy to stay in Ephesus so as to be an influence to the people who gives false teachings. How do we recognize those that give false teachings? They devote themselves to myths and genealogies and promote controversies to the work of God. And Paul also says that the doing the work of God requires faith. The goal of doing God’s work is love. To do the work of love it requires a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

The Lord's Grace to Paul
A lot of us could probably identify with Paul. Although we were sinners, but yet God gave us a new chance. Why would God do so? So that we experience His mercy and grace and would pass it on to others too. So that we can display the love of Christ (unlimited patience) to others too. Paul also encouraged Timothy to hold on to the prophecy released to him so that by following them, he may fight a good fight.

1 Timothy 2 Instructions on Worship
First of all, we are to put forth our ‘requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone’ not forgetting the rulers of the land. Next, we are lift up holy hands without disputes or anger. We need to be dressed modestly. But God don’t need the women to be dressed extravagantly but to be dressed with good deeds as well. Timothy also gave instructions on the conduct woman should have during worship. To be submissive and not overpowering man.

1 Timothy 3 Overseers and Deacons
Timothy gave the qualities of overseers and Deacons. For a more comprehensive study of this phases, see http://www.rbc.net/bible_study/discovery_series/booklets/31071.aspx

1 Timothy 4 Instructions to Timothy
We see that Paul imparts wisdom of discernment to Timothy. He taught Timothy how to recognize false teachings
We can see that Paul loves Timothy and gave him so many encouragements! This is also the very heart of God.

Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 5 Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves
Paul has given very practical advice on how to treat widows, elders and slaves. Sometimes the social stigma causes us to lose respect for this group of people. Especially in an era like this, in Singapore, we are taught to lookup to talent and not wisdom that comes with experience workers. Are we one of those who ‘despise’ older workers? Paul gave instructions in how to categorise widows. He also encouraged younger widows to remarry so that we give the enemy no chance to blame them.

Take note of this in Verse 22: Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
Do be careful when laying of hands, sins can be passed!

1 Timothy 6 Love of Money
Timothy warns that the love of money cause many to fall away from God. The love of money also brings about much grief.

Paul's Charge to Timothy
Once again, we can really see Paul’s love for Timothy. Paul speaks from the very heart of God to encourage Timothy. Do you need encouragements today? I pray these words of the Lord will encourage you and bring peace in your hearts. I believe this is the same charge God have for those of us who have the desire to serve and love God. Let us ‘guard what has been entrusted to your care’.

Philippians 1 - 4 (17th December) - Sky

2007-12-17T14:33:00.000+08:00

If you’ve had trouble seeing how faith can be dressed in everyday work clothes, read Philippians. It puts lofty truths into practical terms.

Philippians 1

In prison, Paul consistently preaches the Gospel thus coming out with the chapter title, Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel.

V6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the days of Jesus Christ

When we trust Christ, we are already fully saved. But GOD’s work in our lives continues until the day of Christ Jesus, the time that he returns or until the time when we die and stand before him. Only than shall we be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Courage can be contagious, but Paul has set an example to the believers to speak up. Even during great hardship, Paul ignored the potential negative consequences to share the message. His example challenges others to be just as bold in telling other the world of GOD.

Philippians 2

We learn a very important lesson from this chapter today, imitating Christ’s humility.

Christ enjoyed complete equality with the Father. Even in human form his essential nature remained unchanged; he was still God. Yet so that he might take away the sins of the world, he voluntarily laid aside the privileges and glory of his heavenly authority.
When people recognize and confess Christ’s lordship they will be saved.

Like a new generation, we are to shine like the stars in the universe. To be someone bright and to shine for our GOD, how is it to you to shine in wherever you are?

Philippians 3

The book Philippians continue to teach us further lessons in our walk with Christ.

Paul has come into a greater understanding in his walk, and that is he has no confidence in his flesh. Nothing good has come and will ever come out from it, and that’s a lesson we should take home. Only the Holy Spirit can tutor and mentor us in our walk in righteousness.

V13 – 14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which GOD has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Sometimes we tend to wonder away from the goal, with our hurts, struggles, past. But we forgetting what is behind and straining what is ahead towards the goal.

Philippians 4

We are to think of lovely, pure, right, noble and true thoughts. Paul is not talking about fleeting impressions that invade our thinking. Thoughts of temptations or discouragement can come unannounced. But we can discipline ourselves, making conscious choices to contemplate good things. Reading uplifting Bible verses, for example, listening the Holy Spirit to get us to the right track. Convict yourself to be discipline in your thoughts today.

Ephesians 1 - 6 (16th December) - Vivien

2007-12-16T23:42:00.000+08:00

Ephesians 1

Spiritual Blessings in Christ
The first part of chapter 1 is an affirmation that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. And we are CHOSEN before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Then he continued to tell of the rescue plan God has for us, all summarized.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
Apostle Paul did not stop giving thanks for the Ephesians and remembered then in his prayers. 2 things that he prayed for them:
1) Spirit of wisdom & revelation
- To know Him better
2) Enlightenment of the eyes of their hearts
- To know the hope to which He has called them
- To know the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints
- To know His incomparably great power for them who believe

Conclusion: It is ALL ABOUT GOD! Something that we should pray for each other!

Ephesians 2

Made Alive in Christ
Like written in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We are made alive through His grace and mercy. And this came at a price. So we must remember that we live not for ourselves but for the One who has bought us at a price.

So what’s our plan after being made alive? In verse 10 it says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

One in Christ
After reading this passage, we must give thanks that God included the Gentiles in His rescue plan. In the past the division was Jews and Non-Jews. Now, believers of God and pre-believers of God. Jews or not, we have access to the Father by one Spirit and so the promises in the Bible! In verse 19 & 20, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

Ephesians 3
The mystery of Christ… to reach out to us! And what God refer us as… unsearchable riches of Christ!!! We are His hidden treasure! So now we can approach God with freedom and confidence in Him and through faith in Him.

With that Paul prayed a powerful prayer over us –

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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.”

Ephesians 4 – 5:21

Unity in the Body of Christ
When there is unity, there is power. Remember the story of the tower of Babel? It was God who said this, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them…"
It is important for the Body of Christ to be united and this is not going to be easy, because it is written that we need to be COMPLETELY humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Doesn’t this sound impossible? But with Christ, all things are possible! So, not going to be easy but it is possible!

Living as Children of Light
The day we’ve accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are a new creation, born again! We should no longer live in our old ways. We need to put off our old self and put on our new self. This is possible because we have God. Don’t upset the Holy Spirit by still harbouring anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and etc… But be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, like Christ has forgiven you.

Be imitators of God, as we are made in His image! Live a life of Love!
Keep away from darkness and being disobedient, but live in the light and found out what pleases God and do them! There are many traps set by Satan, and we need to be careful of how we live.

Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9
Roles in a household:
Wives are to submit to their husbands, and husbands are to love their wives.

Children are to obey their parents in the Lord; parents don’t provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them, but bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (NLT)

Slaves are to obey their earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart. [This part of the passage also applies to how we obey God]
Masters are not to play favouritism and don’t threaten them.

Ephesians 6:10 – 24
The Amour of God
It is not easy to live in holiness on earth. We definitely need help! Therefore we have the amour of God to put on to help us!
1) Belt of Truth
2) Breastplate of Righteousness
3) Shoes of Gospel of peace
4) Shield of Faith
5) Helmet of Salvation
6) Sword of the Spirit

And all these accompanied with prayers!
We must remember that we are always battling in the spiritual realm. When we are tempted to do something that displeases God, it is when the battle is the fiercest! Strictly speaking there is no grey area, it is either black or white. But either due to ignorance or compromises we make it seems that is it a “grey area”. I believe if we put it in front of God, He will surely tell you whether it is white or black. Or we can do is that the Holy Spirit will always guide us and prompt us to look beyond the grey area. Ignorance is not a good excuse… So always pray for wisdom!

Philemon, Colossians (15th December) - Alvin

2007-12-15T12:55:00.000+08:00

Philemon
This is perhaps one of the shortest letters of Paul but yet it has a very powerful message in it that has helped changed the world over the centuries.

The gist of it is Paul writing to Philemon, one of his spiritual sons, to accept Onesimus, a spiritual son of Paul, but a slave of Philemon, as a fellow brother and to remove the master-slave relationship between them.

In this short letter, Paul brought out two very powerful truths which are evident in the other letters that He wrote.

1) In Christ, we are all equal before God, whether Jews or Greek, man or woman, slave or free. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God.
2) In Christ, our witness must come from our “doing” of scripture.
For point one, Paul wrote to Philemon asking him to regard Onesimus as a partner in the work of Christ.

15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

To further appeal to Philemon, Paul mentioned that he is a “prisoner of Christ”, describing his sufferings for the Lord, to encourage Philemon also to give up his rights and suffer for God as he understands he is asking Philemon to do a very difficult thing, that is to relinquish his ownership of Onesimus and view him as an equal in the work of the Lord.

For point two, Paul recognises the importance of Philemon demonstrating his faith through actions. The letter suggests that Philemon was one of the leaders of the house church that the believers are attending. Therefore his testimony has great impact on the believers and for the pre-believers. The inward change that Philemon experienced through the grace of God, must now be “worked out” in his life through his example. And the relinquishing of his rights as Onesimus’ master will demonstrate that he truly has experienced the grace of God, which was freely given and so now he must freely give. This will be a powerful display of God’s truth not only to the believers but also to the unbelieving world as it will appear incredible for a slave owner to free the slave without any payment.

This is the scriptural truth that has caused many radical changes in the world which brought about the abolishment of slave trading and other oppressive laws throughout history. And Paul was very serious about Philemon that he asked him to prepare a room for him for his visit.
I believe this is more than a statement of faith by Paul that he will released from prison to visit Philemon, but it is also Paul’s apostolic authority over the church which Philemon is in. In other words, Paul expects to see Philemon’s obedience in this matter when he arrives.

2 more pointers to also take note of when we read this letter of Paul.

1) How do we look at other Christians? Do we judge them by their social status, financial status, spiritual maturity, age? Or we see them as partners in the work of God, fellow brothers and sisters whom God loves and we should too? I guess we know what the answer should be, but upon deeper reflection, sometimes we might really fall short of this.

2) Paul being the spiritual father and leader of Philemon could use his authority to charge him to obey but he chose not to. Instead he appealed to Philemon in love. The end result that matters to Paul is not so much the outward (the abolishment of the master-slave relationship of Philemon and Onesimus), but the inward (reconciliation between two brothers in the family of God and the recognition of the finished work of reconciliation brought about by the Cross of Jesus)

8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Sometimes, we need to watch that we do not just focus on the results, but also the process and the purpose.

Colossians
Jesus is Lord, and because He is Lord, how then should we live? The book of Colossians is a very similar book to the book of Ephesians, but whereas the book of Ephesians tells us to walk worthy of the calling of God, the book of Colossian wants us to walk worthy of God. Are our lives worthy of God? This is a very serious question to ask as it brings into scrutiny every aspect of our lives, be it our spiritual, our relationships, our testimony before others, our theology etc.

Hence Paul goes into detail many aspects of our lives and how then we ought to walk worthy of God in those areas, fully pleasing God and being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.
Paul goes on to describe the pre-eminence of God, His greatness and fullness. And as such, He is to be first in everything, which includes our lives. Is God first in our lives?
Yet the Almighty God who is the Beginning and the End, the first in ALL things would choose to bring us near to Himself and reconcile us to Himself through His sufferings on the Cross, which is why Paul went on to say that he too will suffer for our sake, so long as to present every man perfect in God. That is the true heart of a slave of God and a spiritual Father. There is a saying that a true mark of a disciple is that of suffering. Are we serious enough with God and His work to say that we are WILLING to suffer for Him?

Paul then goes on to deal with the subject of philosophy and rituals. His argument of the matter is not to allow differing thoughts and rituals to replace the centrality of our faith, which is Christ Himself. We are to be careful and discerning in the things we read and hear, even from the pulpit. This is important because, the centrality of our faith MUST be Christ and nothing else. If anyone or anything preaches another gospel or theology apart of Christ, we need to reject it.

Though in comparison to the time of Paul, we have much lesser rituals and ceremonies in the church, we still need to be careful. We need to be careful that the things we do for God, does not replace God Himself. That we do not just get caught up with the works of ministry, be it in church services, cell groups and all, and all the other things we are accustomed to as Christians, and neglect the place of Christ in our lives. It is a subtle thing, but if we are not careful, we might fall into it. Remember the story of Mary and Martha?

Again, the emphasis is the Lordship of Christ. He is Lord, not our theology or customs or even our ministry. Hence walk worthy of God, walk in Him.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving”

If Christ is Lord, and we are now His, then we can no longer live and walked like we once did. Since we have been dead to our trespasses, we must now be alive to God. Paul then tells us to put off our worldly nature, and to put on our new nature which is in Christ. I really would encourage us to meditate on the following verses carefully and reflect. Are there things we have yet to put off? And are there things we have yet to put on? Let us work on them that we may walk in God worthy of Him.

“5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,”
“12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Now as we established the fact that Christ is Lord and He shall be first in all that we do, Paul goes into more detail by showing us how we should treat our different relationships in the light of Christ being Lord in Col 3:18-4:1

Lastly if Christ is Lord, He must be made known. As such Paul solicits prayer for open doors to preach the Gospel and for us to redeem the time, which means to make full use of it in the light of the unfinished work of preaching the Gospel. He also admonishes us to walk in wisdom towards the pre-believers and to watch our words, so that we will always appear attractive to them. Is the Gospel attractive to our pre-believing friends and families? If it is not, maybe it has to do with us, whether we have been a good ambassador for God or not.

Acts 27 - 28 (14th December) - Sky

2007-12-14T14:32:00.000+08:00

Acts 27

In this chapter, we see that Paul is traveling to Rom for his appeal to Caser. It describes mostly on the journey to Rome.

We see here that Paul giving advice to the centurion not to sail from Crete, but the centurion instead listening to Paul followed the advice of the pilot. As disaster struck, Paul encouraged them to pick up their courage, for God has graciously given him the lives of all who sail with him.
Paul being a prisoner and to be on trial constantly did the work of God, even through disastrous time. Encouraging the man and giving wise advice, this impacted their lives greatly. A scenario happen where the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Paul earning the centurion’s favor wanted to spare his life and kept them from carrying out their plan.

Acts 28

It’s humorous in a way that Paul even on trial he was still preaching in Rome under guards. After 3 months, Paul arrived in Rome, being guarded he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets all the way from morning to evening.

V30 – 31
For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about our Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 24 - 26 (13th December) - Benjamin Low

2007-12-13T10:09:00.000+08:00

One thing that I learnt from today’s readings is that when you are doing the will of God, fair judgment will be upon you.

Here we see that the Jews are trying to harm Paul. However, King Aggrippa found that Paul can be released even without having to go to King Caesar for trial. As Paul stood trial before King Aggrippa, he was able to speak with faith firmly because he knew that it was God’s will that he was trialed; he was speaking the truth that Jesus rose from the death and was not afraid to be convicted. We do not see that he was grumbling about being put into prison nor put on trial.

How many times do we complain about things, situations that we are in? Perhaps we are put down, looked down upon, even ostracized by others. But how many a times do we stand firm on our grounds when we know that we are doing God’s will? I suppose some of us will tend to sway from our grounds and choose to take the step towards the position where others will ‘accept’ you instead.

Let’s all know and be assured that when we are doing the will of God, regardless of situations, we should continue to stand firm on our roots and disregard how the general public view our actions. There will be some ‘Festus-s’ lurking around, trying to pin us down so as to gain favour with others. However, you will definitely meet your ‘King Agrippa’ whom will be just and know that you have done nothing wrong and should be set free from all condemnations.

Dear family, let’s continue to stand between the gap, doing what is just and necessary, according to the will of God. At times when we are discouraged by our surroundings, do not despair. Share them with your spiritual family and let us encourage each other, spur each other on as we move into the Year of Sabbath. It is not just to rest and do nothing, but also to grow in the Lord. So brothers and sisters, let’s continue to push on for His Kingdom!

Acts 20:4 – 23:35 (12th December) – Crystal

2007-12-12T01:21:00.000+08:00

In Acts, it record the ministry of Paul and how Paul work in and through his ministry partnering the Holy Spirit. Travelling around the world spreading the gospel, Paul performed many miracles, one of which is to raise the dead. Eutychus was raised from the dead at Trous. Not by his own strength, but by the spirit, Paul performed miracles and wonders empowered by God.

Before Paul moved on, he reminded the Ephesians once again to be on guard against those who intend to harm the flock. Paul said in Acts 20: 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

As we ponder upon life and where we are now, in every race, it is different. Are you in God’s will for you? Are you going to complete the task victoriously? Jesus came and saved the world. He forsakes himself. At this point in life, I asked is my life worth more than what has been done on the cross.

Just as Paul mention in Acts 20: 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

God always remind us of helping those who are weak and poor. Even in our busy days, I believe we are able to take time to look around and give a helping hand to the needy. When you serve and give, we will receive more, for it is said in the word of God. It is also when we serve and give freely, we can draw ourselves closer to God’s heart.

As Paul travel to Jerusalem to spread the gospel, the Holy Spirit moved among the people and many turned to Christ. However, this has also created a commotion and stirred up the Jews and eventually, Paul was arrested. Knowing that God is with him, Paul did not fear. When Paul encountered God, God affirmed him of his works and assured him that He will bring him through. God knows fully when and what we needed most at each phrase of our life. Do not give up seeking Him and in every circumstance be sure that God is with you.

Throughout the many travelling, Paul continued to trust God and stand firm in his belief, testify about Jesus. It is because Paul knew full well that God is in control and God’s protection is with him. Although he knew speaking against the Pharisees will cost him his life, he chose to speak as the Spirit leads. At times in life, we choose to keep mum about testifying at the right moment. Of course we have to ask for discernment and wisdom to speak.

God’s protection has always been with Paul, because he is in the centre of God’s will. Even in the mist of all the plotting to kill Paul, God kept him safe. You and I are able to experience God’s protection too. He is always around watching over you, but are you giving him your full attention when He speaks?

Romans 14 - 16 (11th December) - Junming

2007-12-11T21:35:00.000+08:00

Romans 14

Verse 4 "Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.''

In this chapter Paul tells us not to judge our fellow brothers and sisters-in-christ. Many times we see our fellow brothers and sisters, even our leaders and pastors and we pass a judgement on them. Truth is, unless we know the person full well, we do not know the circumstances and the true intention behind everything that the certain person does. And even if we do know that person fully(which really doesn't happen), God says it is up to Him to judge.

Perhaps some of us, we do not just judge. We pass our judgement on to other brothers and sisters, in other words, gossip and murmuring. God says it is a sin. It doesn't make logical sense to commit a sin just because we suspect a certain someone is doing something that is not right. Eventually, that person may be blameless, but we ourselves would have commited a sin. Not a good bargain at all. So, as hard as it might be, pray for God to give you a non-judgemental heart, eyes that see through His, and a heart that feels through His. Be aware of what we think and speak at all times.

Romans 15

Paul further emphasises on unity within the body of christ.

Verse 5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.''

Through our love for each other, we can actually be a huge testimony of God's love for us! I remembered when i first became a christian, i saw how my cell group were really close to each other, and they were genuinely, sincerely concerned about each other's lives. That actually made me tell myself that i wanted to be in a family like that. So i encourage you to love your brothers as yourselves, like the way Jesus loved you.

Romans 11 - 13 (10th December) - Xiao Woon

2007-12-10T10:07:00.000+08:00

Romans 11

God’s mercy on Israel

6 “And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.”

Like what we learnt in sermon, grace is something we have although we do not deserve it. Works in itself is not able to save us because if works can save us, then there’s no need for God’s grace in our lives.

We are not beyond recovery! Thank God for His mercy for us =)
No matter how bad your past or the things you did, God is always ready to forgive you =)

Be careful not to let unbelief into our hearts or we’ll be broken off from the olive tree, but always trusting the Lord. Just as how the branches trust the roots to provide the nutrients for them to grow, let’s also trust the Lord to provide us the ‘nutrients’ for our growth.

Our God is a God of second chance. Notice that the passage says that God can graft the original branches back onto the olive tree. As we realize our unbelief and repent, God will bring us back to him =) It is His desire for all man to turn to Him.
God’s mercy is for everyone

From the Israelites and the Gentiles, we can see the wisdom of the Lord. How we can never understand fully His ways and decisions! But we know that His ways are good and will never harm us. His ways are much higher than our ways, that is why we should obey Him even when we do not understand why.

Like what Nick Vujicic said, we have a plan, but God has a greater plan. Follow God’s plan and we will never go wrong=)

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice to God

W must be a living and holy sacrifice for the Lord.

Our God is a God of justice. No worries about revenge or payback time. God will do that in time to come.

All we have to do is to behave like a Christian, doing the right things and obeying God. Cling onto the good and from verse 21,
Rom 12:21---“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Sometimes it’s tough to follow God and 100% do the things perfectly. There’ll be times we may feel like falling. This is where we need the Holy Spirit to counsel us and also God’s supernatural strength to help and bring us through.
Romans 13

All authority comes from God

All authority comes from God, be it your teachers, your bosses, your managers, your leaders, your parents, the government etc…so respect them even if they are unreasonable. It’s our duty to show our respect for the authority, whether or not they are mean to us God will deal with them accordingly=)

Heb 13:17---“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”

God placed the various authorities over us for certain reasons. Though we may not understand or may not like it, we should just obey and slowly God will reveal His reasons for His ways, maybe not fully, but at least bits and pieces of it. He definitely wants us to learn certain things from the authorities =)

Love Fulfills God’s Requirements

Love is the key to all other things.

10 “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”

With love for one another, one would not think of hurting the other party in any way to gain any sort of benefits for oneself, which is why loving our neighbour as ourselves is the greatest commandment as it concludes God’s law. The root of all the other commandments is love.

We must live decent lives for all to see.

Romans 8 - 10 (9th December) - Quanwei

2007-12-09T16:56:00.000+08:00

In these chapters, the Lord said that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ because we have been set free from the law of sin & death. For God says that those live in the sinful nature, we can’t please God. If our minds are set on the sinful nature, it will lead to death. But we can find peace & life if our minds are control by the Spirit. And God said that our spirits are alive in Him because we have Christ within us! Therefore we no longer have to be salves of sin but rather living in the freedom of God!

Even as we’re suffering right now in certain areas of our lives, the Lord wants us to wait eagerly for the glory that He will reveal in us in time to come. He wants us to have this hope that is unseen because hope that is seen is no hope at all. This hope doesn’t come from us but rather from God when we wait patiently in Him. Also allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we’re at our weakest & not knowing what to pray.

The Lord also said that we’re to be more than conquerors for the Lord in all situations of our lives & that He will work for the good of those who truly love Him. For if the Lord is for us, nobody can be against us in His name! Most importantly, nothing can separate us from the love of God in our lives!

The Lord Himself also reminded us that He is just & will have compassion & mercy on those He love. Therefore, it’s not our effort or works that caused God to love us more but rather it’s His mercy & grace that enable us to receive His love for us. Just like Paul’s desire for the whole of Israel to be saved, we need to submit to God’s righteousness & realized that Christ is the end of the law. And this righteousness that we’re taking about here is faith itself! This is the same God that we all served & believed in & that whoever calls upon His name, that person will be saved! So we need to believe & have faith in Him!

But when there is unbelief among us, we need to ask God to take it away from us. Just like Israel, we need to ask the Lord to take away the unbelief spirit in our nation & not be a disobedient or obstinate nation for Him!

Romans 4 - 7 (8th December) - Stephanie

2007-12-08T23:54:00.000+08:00

Chapter 4 is a vital link chapter which introduces the main ideas of the book of Romans. Abraham (Romans 4:1-5) and David (Romans 4:6-8) illustrates the truth that salvation is not by works. All man can do is believe the humanly impossible but divinely credible miracle of grace (Romans 4:16-25).

Chapter 5 shows us that we need to be pardoned by God and indeed, God is willing to offer this pardon that we need. We have all sinned in Adam but through Christ Jesus, man has been justified. Learning about the Law makes one aware of sin and faith upholds the Law. Just take a look at Adam. He didn’t do anything on his own that he could boast about.

Even before God gave him instructions about circumcision to certify the gift of righteousness by faith, God approached Adam, a sinner, promising that he would be the father of many nations. “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3).

Against all hopes, Abraham believed and hence he became the father of many nations. (Romans 4:18a). Past the age of being able to have children, Abraham and Sarah had their only child. God made Sarah able to have a child when she was unable to. Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully assured that God had the power to do what God has indeed promised Abraham that He would do (Roman 4:20-21).

This relationship between God and Abraham is also available for us who believe in Him who resurrected Jesus after Jesus died for our sins. There is justification through faith, and this justification brings peace with God. Just as Abraham has believed, we must also believe that “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not though they were” (Romans 4:17b).

Just as Adam’s disobedience led to the condemnation of many, Christ’s obedience led to the justification of many. Christ’s death was God’s plan for gifting faith and righteousness, and reconciling us back to Him. Christ’s death offers a reversal of the Adam’s process of death to all. Sin was in the world before the Law, but isn’t taken into account until there is a Law, which is added so that trespasses are documented. Sin increases from there, but so does God’s grace which reigns through righteousness whereas sin reigned in death.

All of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death. This means that we are buried with him through baptism into death, just as Christ has risen from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4).

In Chapter 5, Christ is crucified for us. In Chapter 6 we are crucified with him (Romans 6:6). The same power which raised Christ from the dead is at work in us to make our deliverance from sin possible (Romans 6:4). When we are baptised in water, and like Jesus, we go down, buried, and back up, resurrected. The old life is finished, dead and a new life begins. When Jesus was on Earth, only a limited number of people could hear, see and touch him. But now our Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to consider ourselves “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Our evidence for this is faith. Our invitation is to consciously offer ourselves and the members of our body to God daily for His use. We are no longer obligated to offer ourselves to sin – we aren’t under the Law but under grace. But that doesn’t mean we are free to keep on sinning. This means we are free to follow God into righteousness, holiness and eternal life.

But this deliverance seems to involve conflict as well. Paul shares his own experience of the struggle (Romans 7:14-25). There is a battle going on inside of us – “In my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body” (7:22-23). And thank God, this is exactly what Jesus Christ has rescued us from.

What are your thoughts after reading these chapters? Consider these points:

• Know that God’s grace increases in proportion to the increase of sin and that sin is greatly increasing in the world around us.

• Recognise that we have died to sin. There is no reason for us to sin any longer. When we are baptised into Jesus, we went under, buried our old selves, and rise up again, being resurrected into a new life.

• Recognise that our old selves were crucified with him so that our old body of sin could be done away with. This is Christ’s solution to our sin. We can stop being a slave to sin and quit doing the things we now know we shouldn’t be doing. Anyone who has died and risen again with Christ has been freed from sin. Through believing in Christ’s death and resurrection, we have died and come back to life.

Romans 1 - 3, Acts 20: 1 - 3 (7th December) - Li Juan

2007-12-07T20:22:00.000+08:00

1) We should all learn to be like Paul, not ashamed of the gospel as it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

2) Thanksgiving is so important because if we do not give thanks, our thinking will become futile and our hearts will be darkened.

3) The righteous will live by faith. Hence, to have faith, we must lead a righteous life; be it the decisions we make, the words we speak, our actions etc. It is through God’s faithfulness that we can even be righteous, since we are all still sinners without Jesus. Hearing the law does not make us righteous, but obeying it instead does. God will give to each person according to what he has done; He looks at one inwardly rather than outwardly; He looks at the heart. Righteousness and faith are inter-related and one comes with the other.

2 Corinthians 10 -13 (6th December) - Weiling

2007-12-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

2 Corinthians was Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s teaching, character, and motives had been brought under attack by some in Corinth after his first letter. Paul writes to set forth his credentials and vindicate his conduct. From this book, we are offered glimpses into the Apostle Paul’s pre-conversion background, his vision from God, his thorn in the flesh, and his persecution for the cause of Christ.

Paul wrote to the rebellious minority in chapters 10-13 and asserted his authority as a Gospel Minister. Some in Corinth were questioning and doubting him and there were false apostles or “super apostles”. Paul asserted his credentials of being a Hebrew, an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham (pure lineage). He also boasted about his sufferings for Christ. (11:23-29)

Boasting
Paul boasted to get his point across because many were boasting in the way the world does (11:18), and Paul certainly had no lack in the things to boast about. The word “boast” was used 13 times in 2 Corinthians. We often associate boasting with being proud and wanting to seek attention and glory for oneself. However, we see that it was not so with Paul.

Notice who and what Paul was boasting in. “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (10:17-18) He went on to add that he would only boast in his weakness (2 Cor 10:30; 2 Cor 12:5) so no one will think more of him than is warranted by what he does or say. (2 Cor 12:6) He wanted Christ to take the rightful credit and glory, recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made strong in our weakness; Paul himself made weak because of the thorn in his flesh. (2 Cor 12:7-10)

Paul boasted to prove himself credible to the Corinthians because sometimes, people just get caught up in the physical aspect of things (2 Cor 10:7) but we forget that there is the spiritual aspect of things as well (2 Cor 10:3-5). Thus, we must be careful to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” and that we are not deceived by false teachings and arguments.

2 Corinthians 5 - 9 (5th December) - Li Juan

2007-12-05T20:27:00.000+08:00

1) We live by faith and not by sight. We should make it our goal to continually please God.

2) Anyone in Christ is a new creation. God sent Jesus Christ to us to reconcile us to himself.

3) Do not put stumbling blocks in anyone’s path.

4) Do not be yoked with unbelievers. One of the most common topics discussed, Christians should never get together with a non-Christian, it is what God says in the Bible (Deut 7:3-4).

5) Generosity is encouraged, as it is written at the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let men praise God for the obedience that accompanies our confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.

2 Corinthians 1 - 4 (4th December) - Sky

2007-12-04T14:26:00.000+08:00

2 Corinthians 1

This Chapter serves as an encouragement and yet a harsh yet real truth to us all.

V4-V6
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from GOD. For just as the sufferings of Christ flower over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation, if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

The only thing recorded in the bible that said we will suffer is persecution. Christians will suffer because we identify ourselves with Him. Paul is also asking the church to comfort one another. At times we may have difficulty feeling Christ’s comfort. But others can encourage us with their physical presence, sharing our pain and suffering. Their spiritual strength can flow into our lives, not as pat answers, but as genuine grace.

Christians may go through tough times. But we won’t go through it alone.

Here you see Paul changing to plan of visiting Corinth the 2nd time.
But apart of his plans we can learn something in this short passage.
We see here the usage of Amen. Its meaning is a Hebrew word carried over into English, which means so be it. It is used to confirm or endorse what has been said. It also expresses our humility before GOD.

Also we see here what is the seal of ownership? This seal was their grantee that the promises would be fulfilled in Christ through his death and resurrection.

2 Corinthians 2

Here we see Paul demanding obedience, testing their faith of his young congregation. Were they willing to name sin for what it was? Willing to discipline one of their own? Here he taught that it can be difficult to offer forgiveness and mercy in the face of genuine repentance as it is to discipline. But he will enforce to forgive and comfort that person.

Next section we see our favorite verse for this year.

V14 But thanks be to GOD, who always leads us in triumphant procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

2 Corinthians 3

We see in V6 the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

This letter is referring of the law GOD gave to Moses. Following the law does not kill, but anyone who tries to follow the law falls short of its requirements. In face, such failure convinces us we are sinners. So the law does a valuable service: though we can’t follow it and be saved by it, the law shows us our spiritual need which is Christ.

The next section we see how Paul describing the glory if the new covenant which is by God’s grace is surpassing the glory if the old covenant which is by God’s Law. Also describing that unlike Moses we do not put a veil over his face. We who with unveiled faces all reflect with ever-increasing glory which comes form the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Once the veil is remove we can see that the old covenant has been superseded by the new and that Christ fulfills the law.

2 Corinthians 4

This chapter is a chapter we can all relate to and be encouraged.

V8 we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

V17 for out light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

In a certain frame of mind that we can begin to see eternal glory of Christ. What is the glory if Christ to you? What is his glory? Is it just a manifestation, a light, a power, strength?

1 Cor 15 - 16 (3rd December) - Junming

2007-12-03T09:09:00.000+08:00

1 Cor 15
This chapter talks exclusively about Christ's resurrection. As i was reading it, a thought hit me. While we believe that Christ died for us, do we all really believe that he resurrected, and that he is alive and always with us? Maybe we all heard it too much and might have taken it for granted, or it's a fact that was drilled into us.

But do we all understand it with our mind and believe it with our soul that Christ is resurrected and alive in us? Take some time to ponder about it. In any case, Paul mentioned that if Christ wasnt resurrected, the christian faith would be dead. And since all of us believe, we all ought to know that we are bound for heaven as well=)

If Christ was to come back today, now, how would we feel? Will we feel happy that we'll be going to paradise or will we feel sad that we will have to leave this world and everything else that we have here? Be prepared for that day. Start building your treasures in heaven. To quote from Nick Vujicic, happiness built on temporary things will be temporary.

1 Cor 16
Paul talks about some personal matters with the Corinth church. But he leaves them with some advice.

v13-14 ''Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.''

That was important enough to be left in the conclusion. Let us always bear that in mind. To always be alert and rooted in Christ. Most importantly, let all our daily activities be driven by love. Be it God's love for us, our love for God, or our love for God's people.

1 Corinthians 12 - 14 (2nd December) - Vivien

2007-12-02T10:05:00.000+08:00

1 Corinthians 12
In chapter 12, there are 2 passages – Spiritual Gifts and One Body, Many Parts. Both are talking about unity among different functions

From verses 1 to 11, it talks about the different spiritual gifts that existed and we are not to be ignorant about it. But before telling them the gifts, Apostle Paul added a reminder (v4 – 7):

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

This is a fundamental fact the God has laid down.

Then there goes the list of gifts:
• Message of Wisdom
• Message of Knowledge
• Faith
• Healing
• Miraculous Powers
• Prophecy
• Distinguishing between spirits
• Speaking of different tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.” v11

So there is no point is comparing gifts or being envious, because God determines the gifts that you receive.

From verse 12 to 31, Apostle Paul used a human body as an analogy to reinforce unity. He gave examples like the foot cannot reject itself because it is not a hand then also the eyes cannot reject the hand because it is not an eye. I believe Paul purposely did that so that we will not have any excuses of rejecting either others or ourselves. What is more important is that we worshipping the same God.

So kind possessing different gifts, we have different roles to play, but the purpose is ONE!

1 Corinthians 13
My favourite topic, I guess everyone’s too! Hehe… LOVE. God may have wired us differently; nevertheless He has wired us in one common area, our desire to be loved and to love, because God is love. When He created mankind in His image, love is something that is in His character. That DNA we all possess from Him =)

Apostle Paul started by giving a continuum of examples of different degree of empty actions. From speaking in tongues to physical sacrifice (which I feel is really extreme! How can you sacrifice your body love without love, unless you don’t love yourself at all). But I guess this will cover all grounds; no excuses!

Verse 4 to 8a is definition of love:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”

Things may change or pass away but 3 will remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of all is LOVE.

1 Corinthians 14
Chapter 14 consists of 2 areas of corrections in handling the gifts of prophecy and worship.

From verses 1 to 25, Paul teaches us about prophecy and tongues. When we use the gift we should bring edification to the body. So what is the right way when speaking in tongues?

“For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.”

We shouldn’t just stop at speaking in tongues, but also ask God for revelation so that there will be edification to the body.

From verses 26 to 40, it talks about orderly worship. Yes, there is freedom to worship God, but this should be order too. Maintaining order brings out the reverence and also can better edify the body. I remember when we have worship back in TC or TCT, there were times where the altar is open for members of church to release words. It was done in an orderly manner where one speaks and the rest listen. Then it becomes very clear to every listen what was being said, and the body may be edified.

1 Corinthians 9 - 11 (1st December) - Kelvin

2007-12-01T10:04:00.000+08:00

In chapter 9, apostle Paul gives an analogy on why ministers of the Word deserves the penny that were given to the church. He gave a perfect scenario in which all of us do not work for nothing and indeed whatever job we do we expect something in return from the job we are doing as a form of providence and at the same time we honor God in everything we do in our job such we give Him the glory.

Paul also mention that all of us should make our body a slave to us so that we can do great things for the Lord. I know sometimes it very hard to do that especially our body is not willing and it end up not doing what actually we want to do. So persevere my friends so that we can what our body cannot do by itself because we have the spirit of God in us to do great things in this world.

Run for the prize that can last eternally for us! As I read this, I was suddenly reminded of the recent marathon that I literally overcame by the power of the mind. I felt the pain in my body and I was struggling to tell myself not to quit and in the end I did. So, I guess the Lord taught me how to overcome by the sheer power of the mind.

In chapter 10, God reminded us in verse 13 that that there is not any temptation that we cannot resist because He would not allow what we would not be able to resist to occur to us. Hence, there is a always a way! Believe it! Interestingly, this portion talks about food. If our friends offered us food that was offered to idols and we do not know, God says it is alright but we should not ask our friends whether they are food offered to idols ourselves because we always want to give glory to God for all things so we simply accept our friends’ blessing to us.

However if our friends tell us that the food given to us are offered idols we should not take them because it is for our conscience to be clear of guilt. It is also mention that everything in this earth can be done if they can be done but not everything is good to us and the message implied here is to recognise what is good to do and what is not good.

In chapter 11, paul talks about the grooming of the male and female worshippers. Ladies need to have long hair so that it cover their head as they pray while Men have to have short hair so that their heads are not covered. These verses spur me into wondering whether today’s modern hairstyle of men with long hair would affect our prayer with God? So, guys keep your hair short after exploring the period of long hair. Ladies, long hair is the glory of God’s beauty in women hence, have long hair and enjoy it!

Next, the Lord supper was mentioned as one that all of us should come together and part- take together. It says if we are not going to wait for each other to eat, we can have our meals back at home. Wow, I think we better wait for each other and give thanks before we start eating from now on.

1 Corinthians 5 - 8 (30th November) - Kelvin

2007-11-30T18:19:00.000+08:00

To sum up, Paul covered the following issues within the 4 chapters. They are removing the immorality from church, lawsuit between brothers , Marriage, Sexual immorality and food sacrificed to idols. We all know that in church, our sole purpose is be a form of support to one another because the Lord says that we are to be pillars that carry each other who are weary and fallen.

Hence, it is important that we do not have people who are increasingly strong advocates of the wrong side. Meaning people who openly declared that sins are acceptable in certain ways. Be careful of such people because you can never know that you would be influenced if he/she were to be allowed to stay with around. Paul mentioned that we are not judging the world out side the church but we are ensuring that within the church there should be words of edification and not destruction.

Hence, if you do know people who are of the church of Jesus Christ and have such values, do stand up to your beliefs and rebuke them the right way because keeping quiet would only mean that you approve of such things.

Lawsuits are something that we want to avoid these days because they are expensive and require a lot of knowledge of the legality. Apostle Paul warns us that instead of going into lawsuits with your brothers/sisters, there is certainly other ways to settle.

By going public with the lawsuits, the non believers would see even the disunity in the church and there is definitely some one wise enough within the church to reduce disputes. In marriages, it is good to be married because one can take care of the other and fight satan together.

However, Paul also mentioned about having non believing spouse and the church has no reason at all to divorce a non believing spouse because the Lord declare it holy already. But, this is certainly not the way to go if you are not married, the bible taught us that we should seek partners who also believe in what we believe so that we would not face many troubles in this life.

Food sacrifice to idols have always been an issue, Paul says it so that we would always be greedy for food and he puts it in a interesting manner. He says in verse 8 that food does not bring us closer to God in anyway and we are no worse if we do not eat or even if we do. Hence, fellowship with one another does not need to be of food but of the spirit that matters.

1 Corinthians 1 - 4 (29th November) - Andrew

2007-11-29T00:39:00.000+08:00

Chapter 1
This book is a letter from Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth.

“Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thoughts and purpose.”
- verse 10

I suppose at the time Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, he realized that there are some arguments in the church.

Is there arguments happening in our church or even in our own tribe? Like what Paul wrote in the letter, “Let there be real harmony…”. We are in the same family in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Can Christ be divided into pieces? ...”
- verse 13

Since we are in the same family and a family should not be divided into pieces, let us not have any disputes among ourselves.

“… but to preach the Good News – and not with clever speeches and high-sounding ideas, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.”
- verse 17

Yes, before we spread the gospel to our friends or family members, let us pray first. Pray for the wisdom of God to come upon us.

‘As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy human wisdom
and discard their most brilliant ideas.”’
-verse 19

And pray that words out of our mouths are indeed from Him and not by our own strength.

“Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.”
- verse 27

Isn’t our God a wonderful and marvelous God? If anyone says that you are a fool etc, rejoice because our God who spoke to us through his words already told us that He deliberately chose us whom the world considers foolish to shame those who called us a fool.

“… so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.”
- verse 29

‘As the Scriptures say,
“The person who wishes to boast
should boast only of what the Lord has done.”’
- verse 31

Chapter 2
Paul spoke about wisdom in this chapter. He did not use any chim words to convene the messages to the church in Corinth because he wanted the people to trust in the Lord’s wisdom rather than human wisdom.

And he trusts that those who have the Holy Spirit in them will understand what he’s trying to say.

Chapter 3
“My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow.”
- verse 6

See how humble Apostle Paul is. Indeed, everything that we do and whatever results that we achieved from it, whether its good or bad, it is God who determined the results. When its good, we should not boast as if its by our own strength.

“But can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a rod strike unless a hand moves it? Can a wooden cane walk by itself?”
- Isaiah 10:15

“We work together as partners who belong to God.”
- verse 9

Yes. We are all working in God’s field. And everyone of us are important in God’s plan to bring His kingdom to our world. Therefore let us work in harmony together.

Chapter 4
From verse 1 to verse 4, Apostle Paul talked about it does not matter whether he is being faithful to his faith or not because it is God himself who will examine him (verse 4).

“So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful…”
-verse 5

Enough said.

Acts 18:19 - 19:41 (28th November) - Sky

2007-11-28T22:33:00.000+08:00

Acts 18

In this chapter, Paul is in the Gentile (Greeks) nation of Corinth.

We see here that the Lord told Paul to not to be afraid, to keep speaking, do not be silent. For our Lord is with him, and no one will harm him.

Sometimes in unknown and difficult times, how sweet is His affirmation and encouragement. It gets so desired we tend to find it in our own way.

We see here the first couple ministry is being established in their home. Priscilla and her husband Aquila, although Paul limited the ministry of woman, he understood the vital involvement of women in the church. Just like FCBC :)

Acts 19

Paul continues his journey preaching our Savior Christ. Baptizing them with the Holy Spirit and performing miracles even with handkerchiefs and aprons.

We see something interested in V13, unbelievers driving out demons. Having seen Paul effectively cast out demons in Jesus name, they added the Lord’s name and for good measure, Paul’s to their catalog. These exorcists had no power over demons, they do not believe, only using His name in vain causing them to be overpowered by an evil spirit, being mocked “Jesus I know, and I know Paul but who are you?”

We see a riot taking place, as craftsmen were afraid of losing their business due to Paul’s preaching of man-made gods are not gods at all.

The uproar was quieted as the city clerk stepped in. It was settled in a diplomatic fashion.

1 Thessalonians 1 - 5, 2 Thessalonians 1 - 3 (27th November) - Junming

2007-11-27T10:01:00.000+08:00

1 Thessalonians
This letter was written to the church of Thessalonica after the apostle Paul left them very abruptly, leaving many of the new converts without spiritual guidance. So this can be viewed as a letter from a spiritual father to his children on how to lead Godly lives.

In 1 The 4:1-8, Paul talks about leading holy lives for God. God punishes such sin. Verses 9-10 go on to talk about loving your brothers. These are the 2 things Paul mentioned that we ought to do in order to please God. Brothers and sisters, May God speak to you if these are the areas of your lives that you struggle in.

Verse 13 and continueing on to chapter 5, Paul reminds the Thessalonian church that Jesus will one day return and to always be on their guard for the coming of that day. Also, we are not alone. Let us encourage the brothers and sisters around us to always be spiritually-alert.

The main message in the book of Thessalonians should be in the conclusion ba. That paragraph sums up everything that Paul wants to speak to his spiritual childern in Thessalonica.
Of special note: 1 The 5:19-22 ''Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.''

2 Thessalonians
Paul follows up his first letter with a second. This is itself shows his heart for his spiritual children. For those of us with spiritual children, do we all show such concern for their lives? Paul led a busy life too. But he genuinely cared and wanted to be part of them, even though he couldnt be with them physically.

The message is essentially similar to 1 Thessalonians. He reiterated to the church to be on guard spiritually, to stand firm till the end. Finally, he ended off with a request for prayer from his spiritual sons, then to warn them against idleness. Warning: If we slack off, there are going to be consequences!

''If a man will not work, he shall not eat.''
We must not take God's providence and grace for granted. In our studies, in our work, give our best. God can provide, but if we are not going to put in effort, then there, the bible says you will not succeed.

Acts 17: 1 - 18: 18 (26th November) - Madeline

2007-11-26T09:59:00.000+08:00

Highlights and thoughts...

See Acts 17:11 - How do we evaluate sermons and teachings? Notice how the Bereans opened the Scriptures for themselves and searched for truths to verify or disprove the message they heard from Paul.

Always compare what you hear with what the Bible says. A preacher, teacher or pastor who gives God's true message will never contradict anything with what is found in the bible, God's Word.

Acts 18:2 - Bcos Paul was a tentmaker, he is able to go wherever God led him, carrying his livelihood with him. Being skillful and talented is truly an attribute to the life of a missionary. I believe all of us have different skill such that we can serve wherever we go... in schools and marketplace.

Acrs 18:10 - Sometimes, we cam feel discouraged and alone especially when we are persecuted in our faith. However, there are others in the neighbourhood who also follow Christ. Ask the Lord to show them to us...

Galatians 4 - 6 (25th November) - Ivy

2007-11-25T17:05:00.000+08:00

Galatians 4

1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father.

Even though we are heirs of god, when as children we still need to submit to authorities that god has entusted us upon i.e.: our earthly parents, spiritual leaders etc. Being older, they would have more experience and are wiser.

Paul's concern for the Galatians

8Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

This refers to christians who still observe certain traditions and festivals of their ancestors which are linked to superstitions or other strongholds from their past. Astrology, horoscope, superstition and fengshui are some examples of things which we have allowed to control our lives.

Always look to our maker - God for decisions. We want to please Him in all that we do. Remmember, we are covered by the blood of Jesus!

Hagar and Sarah

Paul writes about Ishmael and Isaac born of two woman, but fathered by Abraham. Ishmael was a result of Sarah's unbelief that God would give her descendants despite His promise through the words of an angel. (She told her servant, Hagar who was younger to lie with Abraham such that she may conceive a child).
Isaac was a child born out of God's promise to give Abraham and Sarah a child despite her old age.

We are the modern day Isaac and are born out of freedom and thus should not be enslaved in slavery. Be joyful and rejoice living as princes and princesses of God! =)

Galatians 5

Freedom in Christ

4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Paul addresses the issue of circumcision. During Old Testament times, every male born had to be circumcised as it represented an act of being set apart and holy for the Lord. However in New Testament, when Jesus had died on the cross, it was an act of love and grace which wiped out the system of circumcision. Thus everyone is equal in God's eyes circumcised or not.

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[d]; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[e] 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Paul warns the people against engaging in sinful activity with the full knowledge that Jesus had already died on the cross for out past, present and future sins. Indeed, all the more so, we should live a holy life out of awe, fear and gratefulness for God's grace which was given freely!

The most important command is summed up as 'love your neighbour as yourself'. Let's learn to love others just as christ loved the churc, glorifying God in all we do.
I pray for us that we might catch the heart of Jesus and be as compassionate as He is, loving others as He does.

Life by the Spirit

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Let's live our lives according to the Fruit of the Spirit.
Misconception: Often people refer to "love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control" as many fruits. However, these characteristics actually sum up to only one Fruit. Think of them as seeds that together form a fruit.

Galatians 6

Doing Good to All
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Helping our fellow brothers and sisterd who are in need is something we should all rise up to. But we must ensure that our own spiritual life is in order, that our walk with God is straight before we attempt to help others. This is very important as we need wisdom from God and must be able to hear him properly if we are to help others.

One thing i learnt in SOL is not to carry each others 'monkeys'. It is crucial to discern between helping our friends or family and allow their problems to step over our heads till we ourselves get sucked into their burdens and both end up drowning in defeat.

Not Circumcision but a New Creation

13Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[g] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

The only thing we should be boasting about is having the love of Jesus Christ in us, that we know and understand God as He sent himself in the flesh as His son, Jesus to die for us on the cross.

We are new creations in Christ who has set us free!! =) Praise Him

Galatians 1 - 3 (24th November) - Weiling

2007-11-24T09:50:00.000+08:00

GALATIANS

Background
There were some Jewish Christians who believed, among other things, that a number of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the New Testament church. Following Paul’s successful campaign in Galatia, they insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity abide by certain Old Testament rites, esp circumcision. Some of these Jewish Christians argued that Paul was not an authentic apostle and that out of a desire to make the message more appealing to Gentiles he had removed from the gospel certain legal requirements. And so Paul responds by writing this letter to the church of Galatia.

Theme and Message
We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ – by nothing less and nothing more – and we are sanctified by the obedience that comes from faith in God’s work for us, in us and through us by the grace and power of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Jews & Gentiles: The Jews are blood descendants of Abraham (you can trace back the lineage) and they are proud of that. Circumcision was observed according to the Law by Moses. To simplistically explain, the Gentiles are the non-Jews.

GAL 1
Paul Called by God
After we learn about the background of this book, we can better understand why Paul seems to keep qualifying himself as one sent by God. He began the letter by stating that he was sent by God (Gal 1:1) and that he received the gospel by revelation from Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11-24). We can read more about Paul’s conversion in Acts 9.

GAL 2
External Appearances and Fear of Men
Paul was called to the Gentiles just as Peter was called to the Jews. Paul was accepted by the rest of the apostles, men of “high reputation”. They had heard about his conversion and praised God because of him (Gal 1:23,24). But we see that Paul did not care much about reputation or what men think because “…God does not judge by external appearance” (Gal 2:6).

It was this fear of men and the occupation with outward appearance that caused Paul to oppose Peter. This was because Peter used to eat with the Gentiles but stopped after some Jewish Christians from James arrived. (To understand this chapter better, you may also wish to read Acts 10:9-11:18 where God spoke to Peter that the gospel is also for the Gentiles.)

Peter was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group (Gal 2:12). The Jews pride themselves in obeying the Law and are fixated with it. They saw the Gentiles as sinners and do not associate with them.

Justified by Faith in Jesus Christ Alone
But the important truth is that “…a man is not justified by observing the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” This is because no one can be justified by observing the Law. Nobody is good enough. (Gal 2:15,16) If righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ would have died for nothing! (Gal 2:21). We all fall short.

But through our faith in Christ, we were crucified when Christ was crucified, so that we no longer live but that it is Christ for lives in us. (Gal 2:20) And so the life we now live, we live it by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Cease striving in the flesh to merit God’s love. And don’t adopt a holier-than-thou attitude because you think you kept more rules!

GAL 3
Gentiles are Justified by Faith (Gal 3:8)
Most of us are “Gentiles” unless you are a Jew by birth. Here Paul says that “…those who believe are children of Abraham” and are “blessed along with Abraham” through Christ Jesus (Gal 3:7,9,14).

Thus, we share in his promise from God and his inheritance as well! God is not one to show partiality and indeed we are all one in Christ Jesus and all sons of God through faith in Jesus. (Gal 3:26,28)

The Promise and the Law
The Promise came before the Law. Thus, the Law does not alter the inheritance and blessings that God promised to Abraham and his seed – Jesus Christ. The inheritance does not hinge on the Law. The Law was set in place because of our sin before Jesus Christ came to earth. The Law was so that we would realize that no one is righteous for all have fallen short. The Law was to lead us to Christ (Gal 3:24) through whom alone we may be justified by faith.

Acts 15 - 16 (23rd November) - Junming

2007-11-23T09:58:00.000+08:00

In Acts 15 the bible talks about God's love not only for the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. The Jews refer to God's chosen people, the nation of Israel, while the Gentiles represent everyone else - US! That also tells us that it is not who we are that we are saved, but who God is. We're only saved by God's grace.

In the beginning of Acts 16, Paul and Barnabas had a quarrel and split up. Despite such a huge loss, Paul continued with God's ministry. In our life right now, are we still able to give God our very best despite losing something important? Paul could. And he went on to become the champion church-planter of his time, spreading God's word far and wide, touching countless lives.

The later part of the chapter talks about Paul's first experience in prison. He and Silas were flogged and imprisoned for driving a demon out of a girl-for doing God's work, yet they could sing hymns to God while in shackles. Their faith and love for God really is amazing. They were then rescued by God miraculously, and in the process, saved the warden and his entire family.

Acts 16:31 ''Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household.''

This is a verse to encourage my fellow brothers and sisters with unsaved family members. God assures us that He intends to save our family. Take faith, believe and pray! God works in many ways, but i firmly believe that God placed each of us in our respective families as His seed. He wants to save our families through us! All of us would want our unsaved family members to be saved, but it is never easy. In front of our friends we can easily pretend to be someone else, but our family knows us the best. They are the ones who can see God's work in our lives full transparency.

Therefore i urge everyone here to be a good testimonial at home. It's scary. The eternal lives of our parents could actually be determined by how much we help with washing the clothes, doing the dishes and sweeping the floor. Scary. But it's through the little things that we can show God's love to our parents.

God has a plan for our family. Claim it. Be a blessing to your family from now if you haven't started.

James 1 - 5 (22nd November) - Stephanie

2007-11-22T10:03:00.000+08:00

Book of James

Chapter 1 teaches us not to grumble when adversities come. These times of “testing” can produce fine spiritual qualities which could not develop if life were smooth and unruffled. They help us to grow and make us more mature (James 1:4). It also mentions that man’s words are sometimes destructive but God’s word is thoroughly and uniquely beneficial. God’s word must not simply be heard, but it has to be practiced and applied. If we obey God’s word, we control our speech (James 1:26). God’s word touches our hearts and sanctifies our character.

Chapter 2 shows the concern James has for the poor. There is no class-conscious favoritism in the church (James 2:1-4). It also brings across the important point that words alone are not what requires of us (James 2:15). True faith is always expressed in consistent good works and deeds.

Chapter 3 is where James has a great deal to say about both appropriate and unfitting speech. Our tongue has astonishing potential for either good or evil. With our tongue, we can glorify God (James 3:9) or create havoc as what is mentioned in Chapter 4. We need God’s wisdom to know the best way to act in a given circumstance.

A believer ought to subject all his life to God’s sovereign will and not boast and brag about either his achievements or ambitions. It is better to use the opportunity of each day not simply to think about good things but to actually do them (James 4:17).

Then in Chapter 5, James returns again to the subject of the “rich and poor”. Some rich had loads of wealth (James 5:1-3) but at the expense of their poor employees (James 5:4), where oppression by greedy citizens and landowners is exposed and condemned with righteous anger. The cries of the poor were heard by God but such cries should also be answered by us. There are millions of people in Third World countries who may be crying out for help – we should make a constant effort to pray and give to these who are crying out.

And if we ourselves are found to be in a difficult position, whatever life’s circumstances may be, we need to develop qualities of endurance and remember that God’s faithfulness. God is always true to His word.

Lastly, in Chapter 5, prayer is not simply an exercise during times of troubles – something that many of us may more frequently do only in times when our circumstances are down. It is equally important when life seems kind to us (James 5:13).

Acts 13 - 14 (21st November) - Madeline

2007-11-21T09:39:00.000+08:00

I shall name these 2 chapters... The life of a missionary...

Acts 1-3
Antioch becomes the center from which the missionaries Barnabas and Saul are sent out.
Who sends the missionary? God sends the missionary through two essential and complementary means: the personal, inward call to the individual and the outward confirmation through the church.The church releases the missionary (see vs 3)

Acts 13:4-13
Encounter with deceitful man - Elymas. Paul , being filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to discern and he rebuked Satan with the power of God.

Acts 13:14-37
When we come together to worship God, we must do it, not only by prayer and praise, but by the reading and hearing of the word of God. Every thing is touched upon in this sermon, to receive Christ as the promised Messiah. Paul passes from David to the Son of David, and shows that this Jesus is his promised Lamb, a Saviour to do that for them, which the judges of old could not do, to save them from their sins. Our complete separation from sin, is represented by our being buried with Christ. But he rose again from the dead! : this was the great truth to be preached.

Acts 13:38-52
The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; but the missionaries became bolder. And guess what? When the missionaries are persecuted and expelled from the region, they left happily! (see vs 52 - And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. )

Take a deep breath, lets move on to Acts 14.

Acts 14:1-7
P & B spoke so effectively that many believed... Still, there were many unbelievers. The missionaries persevered and continued to preach the good news.

Acts 14:8-18
They performed miracles - healing. The crowd treated them like gods. Again, they were persecuted.

Acts 14:21-26
The journey continues and they continued to preach the Good News... on and on... on and on...

Food for thots...
Their "never-say-die" spirit, perseverance, patience, intimacy with the Holy Spirit, wisdom, boldness, willingness, faith, love for God, love for people...

Can we be missionary for God?

I'm excited about 2nd Dec where Nick is coming to church to preach. I believe his testimony will touch the hearts of many. Let's invite our friends and love ones ya...

Acts 11 - 12 (20th November) - Sky

2007-11-20T22:31:00.000+08:00

Acts 11

Once again, GOD is dealing the issue in Peter’s Jewish heart.

“Do not call anything impure that GOD has made clean”, Peter struggle dealing the lingering attitudes toward the Gentiles through this time as GOD had to repeat 3 times in 2 different visions. Even Peter, the pillar in the House of GOD, in his walk He has issues to be dealt with in his heart, to grow and to humble.

In the next section, revival broke out in Antioch and a new church was born. The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to lend support and encouragement because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. When he arrived, he saw that the expanding church needed gifts he did not have, he brought Paul in to teach the new believers, sharing leadership for the sake of the church maturity.

Acts 12

As King Herod wanted to kill the people belonging to the church, GOD intervened. Peter was saved and he went back to the house testifying the greatness of out Lord.

It must have served as a great encouragement to them as it not only strengthens their faith but seeing how our GOD is a protector of their lives.

While King Herod ordered the execution of his guards failing to detain Peter, he was struck down publicly and the word of GOD continues to increase and spread.

Acts 9 - 10 (19th November) - Sky

2007-11-19T22:29:00.000+08:00

Acts 9

In this chapter of Acts, we see something beautiful and amazing. The conversion of Saul or most people will know him as Peter.

He was miraculously blinded, could not eat nor drink and Jesus sent Ananias another Pharisee to restore him, to be filled. It’s beautiful because GOD could have used anyone, but He chose Saul as a prime example of what grace could do.

1 Tim 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Saul’s mind being illumined by the Holt Spirit assimilated his knowledge as a Pharisee preached the good news of Jesus.

The next section we see Peter heals a paralytic and reviving the dead. This is the first recorded miracle of resurrection of a person besides Jesus.

Act 10

2 Interesting visions were shared in Acts 10 for both parties

For Cornelius was a vision of bringing back Peter to his house, pretty straight forward.
For Peter was a vision of asking him to kill and eat impure animals. Peter refused because he has not eaten anything impure before. He was puzzled of the meaning of this vision.

But later the vision causes a dramatic change in Peter’s attitude and behavior towards non-Jews. This vision causes a growth and breakthrough in Peter’s heart.

As I ponder about it, I realize GOD uses trials, struggles, visions, people even you to grow each day. What does it mean to you to grow?

Acts 7 - 8 (18th November) - Karen Khng

2007-11-18T09:22:00.000+08:00

Acts 7 documents Stephen’s review of Jewish history, which carries the testimony of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

In Acts 7:30, we read about Moses’ encounter with God at Mount Sinai.
Acts 7:44-50 emphasise that God do not only dwell in His temple, but wherever hearts of faith are open.
In Acts 7:55-60, Stephen saw the Glory of God and Jesus sitting at His right hand. Stephen was stoned to death while praying for forgiveness (reminded of Jesus on the cross?) for his offenders. He was the first to give up his life for the Gospel.

Acts 8 started with Saul agreeing with the death of Stephen and persecuting the church.
Philip went to a city in Samaria, preaching & doing miraculous work and there was great revival in the city. Even Simon, a man who practiced sorcery believed and was baptised.
In Acts 8:14-24, the apostles in Jerusalem, upon hearing the revival of Samaria, asked Peter and John to baptise them in the Holy Spirit. And indeed, the apostles received the Holy Spirit after Peter and John prayed and placed hands on them. Simon, after witnessing the baptism of Holy Spirit, offered money in return for the same and was rebuked by Peter to repent of his wickedness and sin.

Acts 8:26-40, back to Philip, he was led by an angel to an eunuch who was on his way back from Jerusalem. Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, went up to the eunuch who was reading the Scripture (Isaiah), and asked if he understood what he was reading & took the opportunity to preach to him. The eunuch was then baptised in the faith (& water).

Acts 4 - 6 (17th November) - Stephanie

2007-11-17T09:45:00.000+08:00

Acts 4-6 relate the initial hazards of the early Church. A description of the spiritual warfare going on in Jerusalem a few months after Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection has been given here. It seems evident here that there can be no work of God without opposition.

We read of the interrogation of Peter and John (Acts 4:3-22); the arrest of the apostles (Acts 5:17-18). The Sanhedrin battled Jesus’ believers with everything at their disposal – intimidation, orders, correction, arrest, punishment, even threatening death so as to stop them from spreading what they were seeing in terms of Scripture.

Meanwhile, the apostles were determined to obey God rather than men. When they do so, the impossible happened, like escaping from jail with the doors still locked. The apostles knew their focus was on prayer and the ministry of the word. They were to “tell the people the full message of this new life.”

With that, the number of believers kept on increasing. Even when the apostles were flogged by the Sanhedrin, in pain they were still “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” (Acts 5:42)

Eventually the apostles were able to leave Sanhedrin alive because indeed what the Pharisee, Gamaliel said was true. “For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38b-39)

Acts 1 - 3 (16th November) - Li Juan

2007-11-16T23:15:00.000+08:00

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
None of us know when Jesus will be coming back again, but when He left, He had sent us the Holy Spirit. Though Jesus is not with us physically, always remember that the Spirit lives with us in our hearts.

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 is God’s governmental number. Jesus’ twelve was not complete after Judas betrayed Jesus and died after that. Just like what we believed in the G12 vision, the remaining eleven apostles, too see a need to complete the 12. Matthias was then chosen in replacement of Judas. Continually pray that you’ll be prepared and ready to take up the role of a spiritual parent, and pray that God will give you your 12 and you’ll disciple them wholeheartedly with love.

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
Through these verses, I am amazed by how real the Holy Spirit can be. He enables man to speak in tongues, a new language we do not understand, and makes no sense to us. However, it can be a common language somewhere in another corner of the world.

A real life incident I heard from a friend: One day during their church’s service, they were all speaking in tongues and worshipping God, and they had a guest from Spain. Suddenly, he was really surprised when he overheard someone speaking Spanish (the guy was actually speaking in tongues!).

We can speak in tongues and do not understand what it means, but speak it as a form of ‘angel language’ communicating with God in the spirit.

Peter Addresses the Crowd
I am reminded of this song when I read these verses:

We want to run to the altar and catch the fire
To stand in the gap between the living and the dead
Give us a heart of compassion for a world without vision
We will make a difference bringing hope to our land

People crucified the Son of God and did not believe in Him, yet we can be the different generation who is like Jesus’ disciples, bringing the gospel to the lost and the unbelieving, baptizing them and helping them with their journey into the kingdom of God. As the Year of Victory is coming to the end, continue to pray for the lost sheeps around you and ask big. God hears these prayers and will make them come to pass.

The Fellowship of the Believers
Personally, these verses are one of my favorites in the Bible. This is what I pray and hope to see in my G12 group and in the whole Livingstones too. Just want to encourage every one of us never to give up meeting up together, because there is power when two or three (or many many more!) gather together in the name of Jesus, and in unity. A spiritual family is important (very very essential!) in our spiritual walk and growth! And when we gather, we must be edifying in our words and acts, encouraging and loving!

Peter heals the Crippled Beggar
In the gospels in the earlier part of the bible, Jesus was the one healing the sick and handicapped, and performing miracles. Here, the disciples are given the power to heal too though Jesus is not with them physically anymore.

Peter speaks to the onlookers
The healing power comes from Jesus’ name and the faith that we can have through Him.

John 20 - 21, Luke 24 (15th November) - Sylvia

2007-11-15T01:01:00.000+08:00

The following are accounts which had not been metioned in Matthew and Mark

Luke 24

Jesus's disciples were the closest to Him yet it seems like his prophecy that He would be risen from the dead and the world would know that He is the Messiah didn't sink through their ears. Even when Jesus walked alongside them, the did not recognise him even after talking with him!!

Finally when they were eating together with Him then were their eyes opened. Jesus also showed them the scars on his hands and feet to prove that he was not a ghost nor figment of their imgination

John 21

Jesus appeared again to his disciples as they were fishing and blessed them with a huge catch till the net was bursting full. I believe it was an encouragement to them, an assurance that he will not forget them. and the huge catch of fish was to indicate of the work they would do - bringing in a mighty harvest for God.

Dear friends and family, i pray with all my heart that our tribe will unite together and move as one with one heartbeat in christ to save souls for God!

Mark 16, Matthew 28 (14th November) - Sylvia

2007-11-14T00:49:00.000+08:00

The Resurrection

Hallelujah!! Jesus has risen from the dead! As both Marys went to the tomb to anoint Jesus's body with spices, they found it empty and were informed by an angel of God that Jesus has risen and would be going to Galilee. When they ran to spread the news, Jesus appeared before them again

The Guards Report

Afraid of being punished, the chief priests told the guards to say that Jesus's disciples came and stole his body in the middle of the night. And this story was spread around many Jews. Sadly so, it has a impact as people will not believe that Jesus has risen and is indeed the Messiah.

The Great Commission

The eleven disciples met with Jesus as they went to the mountain of Gaililee. Some believed yet some doubted. Jesus rebuked them for thier lack of faith as He had many things for them to accomplish in his name.

The Great Commission, even in G12 which everyone is called upon to fuflfil:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matt 28: 19-20

Be disciple-makers!

John 18 - 19, Luke 23 (13th November) - Weiling

2007-11-13T20:47:00.000+08:00

These chapters depict the persecution and cruxification of our Lord and Saviour. It also shows how Jesus completed the work (John 19:30 It is finished) that His Father has called Him to do on earth. Jesus came to earth, He healed and set free many. But the main purpose was to be the sacrificial Lamb in our place, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

He who knew no sin but became sin on our behalf... (2 Cor 5:21)
Jesus did nothing wrong and certainly did nor deserved the death penalty. Pilate, and also Herod, both declared him free from any charge that would warrant the death penalty. (John 9:14; Luke 23:1-16, 22 and 40) But the chief priests and crowd were out for His blood. It was totally unfair. But Jesus knew that all this was necessary and was part of God's redemption plan. Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above..." (John 19: 11)

To drink the cup the Father has given Him
Jesus knew that He was going to die for us but He appeared so calm. "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (Isa 53: 7) Why? Because He chose to obey and to "drink the cup" the Father has given Him. "Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18: 11)
But we know also that Jesus struggled in this when He prayed "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14: 36) And so, while Jesus can fully empathise with you in your struggles to obey Him, He is also our example in obedience.

And because of Jesus' obedience, the work is finished. Because of His sacrifice, we can go to the Father. Let's not forfeit this privilege bought at a high cost. Let's take time to pause and say "Thank You Jesus, from the bottom of my heart".

Mark 15, Matt 27 (12th November) - Sky

2007-11-12T09:07:00.000+08:00

In both chapters you see a summary of what happens on the death of Jesus.

Judas deeply regretted his actions, but yet his remorse did not necessarily equal repentance. As his sorrows lead to his own death, Corin 7:10 states

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”

Next scene is the sentencing of Christ, such sadness fills my heart as the sentence was in such an unjust and painful manner. But we know only He can give the true salvation through his sacrifice.

Jesus was tortured before being crucified, each having its own meaning and significance. We see some intimate moments as Jesus cried out to out GOD why He has forsaken Him. With the weight of sin of the world on Him, HE felt the agony of separation from his Father.

During the death Jesus the curtain in the temple tore in 2. This curtain separates the Holy Place from the Most High. What does this mean to you?

John 14 – 17 (11th November) – Crystal

2007-11-11T22:27:00.000+08:00

John 14

Before Jesus leaves his disciples, He comforts them, “1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” When Thomas asked Jesus to show them the way that Jesus was about to go. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

If we believe and trust that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, we will be empowered to do the things that Jesus did and even greater, knowing that He is the only way. Jesus promised that if we ask anything in his name, it will be given onto us. Of course, it has to be from God.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Counselor who will be with us forever. When Jesus leaves, the Holy Spirit will live in us and be with us. He will teach us all things and remind us of the things that God has taught us. Jesus also mentioned that whoever loves Him will obey his teaching.

Being a Christian is to be Christ-like and not only like Christ. Some might choose what they like to hear from God and reject whatever that they deemed as harsh discipline. We should always be watchful towards God’s teaching in our life. Whether it is good or bad, we can always ask God what He is trying to teach us throughout this experience.

John 15

Jesus describes God as the gardener, himself as the vine and his disciples as the branches. The gardener will cut off every branch that bears no fruit and when the branch remains in the vine, the branch will bear much fruits and apart from the vine, the branch can do nothing. Jesus too commanded his disciples to love one another as how He has loved them. With this in mind, Jesus has chosen us and appointed us to bear fruits just as how he has commanded his disciples to do.

Just as how Jesus has chosen his disciples apart from the world, He has also chosen us to be that light to testify His love and truth to the rest of the world. As Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will too testify of Him. We too as the children of God are chosen to stand for Him.

John 16

Before Jesus leave to be crucified, He assured his disciples that there will be a Counselor who will come and be with them. “7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” The Counselor is the Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth and lead us to do what is righteous in God’s sight. He will make known to God what we think and say. Understanding will also come from Him.

Jesus comforts his disciples of turning grief into joy. Even though at the moment, the disciples do not know or understanding what Jesus, they choose to believe and remember the words that were given. Jesus wanted to send forth peace even before He leaves his disciples. 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Let’s us all trust and believe in whatever God has placed in our hearts even though there may be obstacles or trouble that we cannot bear. But Jesus came to overcome the world; there is nothing we cannot overcome together with Him.

John 17

The whole of chapter 17 wrote down what did Jesus prayed for before He was captured. Jesus humbled himself before God and glorify Him. Jesus knew very well His task on earth and is going to be accomplished with much pain. As we reflect, we look into our life and ask ourselves, what is the calling and task that God has given us? Are we doing our best in these areas so as to glorify Him?

Jesus prayed for his disciples too. Jesus knew that the world would persecute his disciples but He did not ask God to take them out of the world because He knows that they have to be around so that more people can know of the Father’s love. Jesus kept them in prayers, wanting God to protect them from the evil one. Just as how Jesus prayed, we should always keep ourselves and be committed to pray for our cell members or cell mates. You never know when the evil one will attack them or us.

As Jesus prayed for the believers, He said, “22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:” It is such a honor that we are able to share the glory that Jesus have if we choose to believe. How privilege it is to be one with Christ. His desire is for God’s love to be with us. Do you feel His love for you today?

John 13, Luke 22 (10th November) - Sylvia

2007-11-10T00:31:00.000+08:00

These chapters give similar accounts yet there is a slight difference is their accounts of the night before Jesus was crucified which had not been mentioned in the book of Matthew and Mark.

John 13

In this book, you see that Jesus washed his disicples' feet during the Passover feast. Jesus did it as a demonstration of humility and love. It was to set an example for his disciples to be humble, stay united and love one another as He as their teacher and Lord and humbled himself to wash their feet, so should they do for one another.

This the same, as brothers and sisters together ina tribe, we should always have a spirit of humility and always be willing to learn from our fellow spiritual family and not brush off their words of wisdom.

Luke 22

Here, you see that during the last supper, the disciples actually quarrelled amongst themselves, comparing who was the greatest disciple among all. Isn't it silly that they could argue over such wordly and trivial matters when Jesus impending death was more important as they should be spending more time, talking and knowing his heart?

Jesus told them that they should all be focused on their ministry and not concerned over such stuff. For all of them were his faithful disciples and would be given tribes to rule over. The ultimate master they serve was Jesus.

Sometimes, we as disciples may have bone of contentment or some jealousy/ envy arising in us when we feel our leader is not treating us as well as another cell mate. Or we may even think ourselves superior to others. However, in God's kingdom, we are all equal!! so we must be careful not to allow Satan to cause disunity and unsettlement within our cell nor tribe nor church!

Mark 14, Matthew 26 (9th November) - Sylvia

2007-11-09T00:10:00.000+08:00

Jesus's time has come. He predicts the timing of his death, him being betrayed by Judas and disowned by Peter.

One significant event to note is that whilst Jesus was eating at Simon the Leper's, a woman went up to him and poured expensive perfume oil on him. Imagine the touching scene, the lady spent a large portion of whatever she had, probably even all, simply to spend it on Jesus.

Jesus already knew which disciple was going to betray him and whom was going to disown him. Isn't it sad, pouring your heart out to your sheep and teaching them all that you know, loving them, and in the end, they abandon you?
Jesus understood it all too well. After all, in the end, as he got arrested, his disciples all deserted him and fled.

Reflection: Which one of us will abandon Jesus and forsake him for money/pressure/fear of being persecuted? Will we stick out through the tough times and endure hardship for Him?

Jesus appears before the crowds and is simply accused of blasphemy when he prophesises and gets sentenced to death - It was all a plot to find an excuse to kill him.

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son to die for our sins, so that we may be saved and have eternal life. Will we remember this grace?

Matthew 25 (8th November) - Ezra

2007-11-08T23:20:00.000+08:00

Verse 1-13 what I've gather is, many times we ask God for a sign, God shows us, and yet we ask again, and He shows us again. Some of us, think that by waiting more, it will be better, but like what it's written, when the time is right, God has shown, that means the door is open. When God opens the door through His signs, we have to take the step of faith to step into the open door and God will do the rest. You may not look at this passage in the same way as I do, but there is 100 and 1 ways for this passage to speak to you. So continue to read it to gather what this passage speaks to you.

Verse 14-30 shows us that, God gave everyone of us talents. Some may be music, some may be preaching, some may be prayer, etc... but how we grow this talent is up to us. We can chose to keep it, some may keep it for their own glory, or we can us it to glorify God and using the talent that God has place in us to use it for His glory. Many of us may get confuse with what it really mean to use our talent to glorify Him.

Well, it means; for example you are good in guitar, use it to play for worship and when you want to improve and think of going for lessons, go with a heart that says, I want to improve to be the best for God, that's all. Some may want to perform outside for more exposure, yes, only with the right heart and goal in mind. Some may what to join competition to get more credentials, this is where it becomes dangerous. Joining competition for credentials can feed the pride in us to want to join more and win, win for cridentials and glory, though we may say, we still thank God for everything, but the pride in us will grow to want to be notice. This area is a very thin line drawn where must be guided carefully and closely so as not to fall, as many proclaim Christian bands, dancers, actors, etc... have fallen because they wasn't guided properly.

Verse 31-46 shows us that, God is among the poor. We don't just give money to the poor, but we tell them about Him. We let God use us to glorify Him among the poor. We can also see this passage in this way, that He wants us to reach out to those poor in the spirit, meaning, do not know Jesus.

Matthew 24 (7th November) - Li Juan

2007-11-07T23:10:00.000+08:00

Signs of the End of the Age, The Day and Hour Unknown

Several signs of the end times are mentioned, and we are observing more and more of these inclinations happening in this era. However, no one can accurately determine when Christ will actually come again. Let us live each day as the last day, and be always prepared when Christ arrives.

Do not wait till tomorrow to then repent and turn back from the wayward path. Do not hesitate another moment in wanting to know God more intimately. Do not let your love (for God and for people) grow cold because of the many injustice and wickedness observed. Recognize that God is the perfect love in the midst all of these. The only thing we can faithfully cling on to is the living word from the Bible, and the living God himself. Do not look to men for assurance or approval, but look to? God.

Mark 13 (6th November) - Sky

2007-11-06T22:25:00.000+08:00

In Mark 13, we see Jesus Prophesizing the end of age.

Jesus predicts a time of unequalled distress will occur on earth between the temple’s desolation and Chrit’s return. During this extended period od time, Gentiles will overrun Jerusalem. This distress, sometimes referred to as the tribulation, may become particularly intense just before Christ’s return.

Its interesting that even Jesus does not know when HE is returning. As Christ became human, he gave up the right for divine abilities for his own purposes (Phil 2:6-8). Because Jesus submitted to the Father in everything, he left the matter of the timing of his return to HIM. People today who claim to know the day of Christ’s return are claiming to know more than Jesus did are false prophets

Luke 20 – 21 , Matt 23 (5th November) – Crystal

2007-11-05T23:10:00.000+08:00

Luke 20

As we learnt about wisdom in yesterday’s sermon, Luke 20 also teaches us how Jesus used his wisdom from God to drive off those who want to set him up. In Luke 20, Jesus was questioned by the high priest of what authority gave Jesus the power to heal and teach. Jesus answered in an intelligent way. He asked them another question, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?" The priest knew that whichever answer they give will not do them good. In this case, God grant Jesus the wisdom to answer those who wanted to harm him. In the very same way, God wants to grant us wisdom in the things we say and do, in order to protect us and to fight against the opposition forces. God wants to bless everyone with wisdom, especially those who are poor.

The parable of the tenants from Jesus told the high priests off when he preaches it to the crowd. He uses example of the tenants as the high priests, the servants as the people sent by God, the son as himself and the owner as God. Jesus taught the parable not only to drive off the high priests but also to help the people understand that He is the one that God sent as the only son.

Once again the high priests sent spies to trap Jesus in his teachings, to arrest him. This time round, they use Caesar the tax collector. Everyone knows that Caesar is a man of lies and sins. Therefore, some were unhappy to even pay taxes to him. The spies questioned Jesus, wanting to trap him with his words. However, Jesus replied to the people, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." This not only convinced the people to give taxes to which it belongs to but also kept the spies silence not knowing what to do next.

Next the Sadducees who do not believe that there is resurrection came to Jesus and question him about his teaching about resurrection and marriage. Using an example of a woman marrying 7 brothers who died after one another, they question Jesus about who does the woman belongs to after death since she was the wife of all 7 brothers. Once more, Jesus gave an answer that convinced the people and shut the Sadducees from asking anymore questions. Jesus said “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Indeed, our God is a God of the living and not the dead.

Jesus also warned the people of the false prophets and to always be on guard against those who falsely claim that they are Christ. (further elaboration below)

Luke 21

Jesus used the example of the widow who gave everything that she had to live on as an offering to God to teach the people about a giving heart. After all, what God seeks is not your wealth but a pure heart, a heart that says “I will give up everything for his kingdom” and believing that God will provide us with whatever we need. Will you entrust everything to him?

Luke 21:5-38

Jesus spoke about the signs of the end of age. There were many signs and disasters that will strike on earth and especially the people of God. Jesus made this known to us because he wants to guard our hearts and be always ready for his return. It is said,” and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.” We should always be vigilant and watch our hearts. Stop procrastinating and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit says to you. The day might not come in the near future, but you never know if you are going to face God before his coming. I believe everyone of us wants to be able to stand in front of God and hear him say, “well done, my servant!” God also promised us, 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life, and he said 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Always hold on to God’s words closely, if ever one day the bible is not available anymore, how are you going to claim his promises? Therefore, start memorizing verses right now.

Matt 23

The seven woes consist of,

- Those who shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces

- Those who travel over land and sea but fail to win a single convert

- Those who swears by God’s name

- Those who neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness.

- Those who are full of greed and self-indulgence

- Those who are full of hypocrisy and wickedness

- Those who proclaim the wrong doings of their ancestors but yet follow their footsteps

I hope all of us will guard our hearts against all these 7 woes mention in order not to harden our hearts and become indifference to what God has called us to do.

Mark 12, Matthew 22 (4th Nov) - Vivien

2007-11-04T23:02:00.000+08:00

Matthew 22:1 – 14
The Parable of the Wedding
God is very merciful. Like the king in the parable, He is always inviting. But people ignore His invitation, and some even mistreated and killed His servants who were sent to invite them. And when the final hour come, all will hear of the Gospel and regardless good or bad, as long as they accept the invitation they are allowed into the banquet. And security is tight at the banquet; it is strictly by invitation only. If you’ve missed the invitation, even if you managed to sneak in, you will be found and chased out. Let us be prayerful that our unsaved family and friends will accept the invitation and not refuse, for the consequence is heavy.

Mark 12:1 – 12
The Parable of the Tenants
2 Don’ts in a form of Chinese idioms to serve as a warning: 1) 得寸进尺 2) 忘恩负义
When a task has been entrusted to you, be a good steward. The task ultimately doesn’t belong to you. Act in a responsible manner, because the owner will come after you in the end.

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Cor 1:26 - 29

Mark 12:13 – 17& Matt 22: 15 -22
Paying Taxes to Caesar
I think this is a very cool passage! It amazed me how wise Jesus is! This passage is a MUST-READ! Short and too simple, that’s why it amazed me!

The key verse is “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Mark 12: 18 – 27& Matt 22: 23 – 33
Marriage at the Resurrection
This Sadducees was rather imaginative. But he came with a mindset that there is no resurrection. So if resurrection does occur, it would give rise to complications. Never did he realize that there were flaws in his assumptions, and Jesus corrected him. And now we know, there is no marriage in heaven, and like the angels, we belong only to God. So don’t worry too much what happen if I have a complicate family background, it really doesn’t matter when we get to heaven.

Mark 12: 28 – 34 & & Matt 22: 34 – 40
The Greatest Commandment
And the Great Commandment goes to…(drum roll)….

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbour as yourself.

“When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’ And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” v34

This reminded me of what Ps Melvyn has said, that God delights in man with wisdom.

Mark 12: 35 – 40 & Matt 22: 41 – 46
Jesus was quite popular, with a large fan club! Many people were delighted listening him. He actually warned about teachers of the law who only wanted to pride themselves with status and luxury. And such people will be punished severely.

Mark 12: 41 – 44
The Widow’s Offering
The weak has a special place in Jesus’ heart. As Jesus commented about the widow’s offering, I believe for a moment the disciples were wondering why would Jesus say that she has put more in the treasury than others when it was only 2 very small copper.

“…They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." v44

Sometime we can be shallow and look at things on the surface or look at the absolute amount. Let us ask for God’s wisdom to look at thing on the deeper level.

Mark 11, John 12 (3rd November) - Benjamin

2007-11-03T22:16:00.000+08:00

In Mark 11, it is written that the Lord made a statement “May no one ever eat fruit from you again”. Simple as it may sound, it kind of got me. What if one day someone comes up to me, seeing that I’m not bearing ‘fruits’ (be it in my ministry, my life or my spiritual walk) and commanded that no one will ever eat fruit from me again! It will be something that I do not want to hear since if that’s the case; won’t I become an empty vessel that will not be useful again? Surely, I want to be someone whom God can do His works through me so brothers and sisters, please watch ourselves that we do not become fruitless, but always remaining fruitful in the Lord.

Another 2 very important points for us to learn are:

1) Mark 11:24 - …whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.

It can’t get any clearer about this statement. True test of faith and patience to wait upon the Lord and trust that He will bless us with what we have asked for in prayer but according to His timings.

2) Mark 11:25 - …. If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Regardless of how we have been treated, betrayed by the people around us, forgive them for the Lord says so.

Will any of you give up something that is of the highest monetary value for someone else? Martha did! Offering perfume to be poured onto Jesus’ feet, and even using her hair to wipe them. Will any of you do this for your spiritual elders/parents? Giving up something that others value highly of and offering you for the goodness of the spiritual elders/parents? I won’t be surprised if most of us will hold dearly onto the items and think of a million and one excuses to reason our ways through as so to safe keep the items. However, if we are able to release everything onto the Lord, the Lord will be pleased with us.

Honor God and God will honor you! Live a life that honors God that every word you speak, every thought you hold, every action you take is a true reflection of how a righteous man/woman of Christ should be.

Luke 18:15 - 19:48 (2nd November) - Sylvia

2007-11-02T21:03:00.000+08:00

The Little Children and Jesus

16But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

The kingdom of God is only for the poor in spirit, the righteous and the little children. God has a special place in His heart reserved for the little children. That's why for those who don't have a ministry to go to, come join Young Arrows!

I personally grew a lot and God through the kids softened my heart more and more each day. Makes me feel younger everytime i am with them =)

The Rich Ruler

The ruer was reluctant to let go of his riches. Even though he did not commit adultery, murder, steal, give false testimony andhe honoured his parents, he was unable to let go of all that the world had to offer Him, thus he would not be able to enter the kingdom of God.

29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

Once we are able to surrender to God our issues and trust that He can provide for all our needs, we needn't worry about what tomorrow brings. We know that our treasures shall be stored up in heaven!

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

Jesus speaks about his death and tells His disciples what is going to happen, yet they still do not understand.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

The blind man was so determined to see that he kept persisting and asked Jesus to heal Him.
It is always persistence and our own level of faith that determine whether we will get healed.

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

Zacchaeus was eager to know Jesus and he was willing to repent of the wrongdoings he had done. He was wiling to give up his riches to follow Jesus

We can learn from Zacchaeus in his attitude. Withough hesitation, he simply gave

The Parable of the Ten Minas

22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?

23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'

24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'

25" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'

26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.

What the Lord has entrusted to us, we are to be fruitful with it. Should we be careless with them, God will take it away from s and give it to the most deserving one and we will be judged when we go to heaven.

It like how we take care of our sheep. We are held responsible for every single one.

The Triumphal Entry

38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!""
"Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Jesus was given a glorious welcome by the crowds who had heard about his grace and love and his healing and performing of miracles.

Yet he also spoke of the fall of the temple of Jerusalem when the end times came

Jesus at the temple

46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'[a]; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[b]"

The temple of God was meant to be a holy place of worship. Instead, it became a place where the people sold their wares and profitted.

Jesus was persecuted by the priests and Pharisees. They tried to find ways to kill him a any opportunity they had. However, because of his popularity with the masses and his unfinished work, Jesus was protected by God as His time had yet to come.

Matthew 20 - 21 (1st November) - Kelvin

2007-11-01T22:19:00.000+08:00

These 2 chapters contain really interesting accounts that Jesus had and also the parables that were told to his disciples. Jesus started by telling us the parable of the workers in the vineyard. He showed us a glimpse of how the Kingdom of heaven works. That, God will keep inviting people into it till the eleventh hour and He will treat everyone equally regardless of how early we came into His kingdom. Jesus also highlighted that some of us would feel unfair that though we may have started working much longer than those who came in at the eleventh hour and we are warned not to be having such feelings because God did not say that we would be paid more if we started from the beginning.My understanding here would be God himself did not considered us any better even if we came to know Him much longer than others. Sad to say, maybe some of us think that the number of years that we came to know the Lord determines how close we are with Him. Point to note here, Everyone is equal in God’s Kingdom.

Next, the Zebedee’s sons’ mother came to ask Jesus to let her sons to sit on the left and right of His throne in heaven but Jesus said no because it will be decided by the Father in Heaven. Then He came to the conclusion that struck all His disciples that whoever wants to be first has to be the last and who ever wants to be great must be a servant to someone else. Over here, giving is the clue to being successful. Giving not just in terms of money but efforts, time, care, concern and many more.

Jesus talked about the parable of the two sons and He compared His disciples with tax collectors (despised during their time) and prostitutes. He wanted to demonstrate that saying about what we believe without alignment in the heart to what we actually said is actually useless. Many times all of us say we believe in the Lord but our actions say otherwise of what we believe. Thus, Jesus is trying to tell us that it is better not to believe in God than to say you believe but actually you do not believe in your own heart.

Lastly, Jesus talked about the parable of the tenants where He was referring to the pharisees and priests of His times. Well, it can be applied to us as modern days christians as well. God says that whoever that is not fruitful and not doing the right things consistently would cause him/her to lose ownerships of what were given in the first place. Meaning, whatever God entrusted us would be taken away from us. As in parable, the evil doing tenants were given a couple of chances to redeem themselves but they choose not to do so. Life is all about choosing. God did not put to us a specific path that each of us are going to take but rather He offers us choices to make so that He can know who are the ones that are after His heart and who are after the world. Choose God today because He can never be wrong.

Mark 10, Matthew 19 (31st October) - Weiling

2007-10-31T22:58:00.000+08:00

When the Pharisees asked Jesus about divorce, they did it with the intention of testing Him on the rules and laws; the to-dos and not-to-dos. But it was not simply about what is permissible or not. Jesus spoke to them about the heart of the issue, i.e. the issue of the heart; the motive. Moses permitted a man to divorce his wife because the man’s heart was already hardened. God’s plan was for union not separation. Thus, we have the famous line at weddings: if God has joined a couple together, let no one separate them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matt 19: 14

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." – Matt 19: 21

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. – Matt 19: 30

… Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. – Mark 10: 43, 44

The teachings of Jesus appear to be topsy-turvy or opposite of worldly wisdom or logic. Often, we clamour to be ahead, to be first. We want to be great, to be powerful, and to be rich. But Jesus told the young man to give up his ALL and to follow Him. Jesus taught us to serve because He Himself came to earth not to be served but to serve. (Mark 10: 45)
He Himself set the divine example.

And Jesus promised a great reward:
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. – Matt 19: 28, 29

Luke 17:11 - 18:14 (30th October) - Andrew

2007-10-30T22:18:00.000+08:00

Luke 17:11 - 37
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he met ten lepers, crying out to him to heal them. And when they were healed, only one of them, a Samaritan returned to Jesus to thanks him.
“Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has mad you well.”
- verse 18 – 19

When Jesus blessed us, we tend to be excited about it, sometimes even forget to thanks Jesus about it. Do not be like the nine other lepers, who after being healed by Jesus, did not return to thanks him. But be like the one Samaritan who remembers Jesus is the one who healed him.

Always give thanks to God first thing when you are being healed or blessed by Him.
Then Jesus talked about the coming of God’s kingdom.

“When the Son of Man returns, the world will be like the people were in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and flood came to destroyed them all.”
- verse 26 – 27

“And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business – eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building – until the morning Lot left Sodom. The fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.
- verse 28 – 29

And Jesus comes again, people will be judged.

Luke 18:1 – 14
“Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”
- verse 7

Be perseverance in our prayers. When we want something badly, God will surely grant our prayer request, just like how the judge, who was godless, gave in to the persistent widow.
“…For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honoured.”
- verse 14

Let us not be like the proud Pharisee who thanks God that he’s not a sinner and scorned everyone else, especially the tax collector. Instead, be like the tax collector who asked God to forgive him as he admitted his a sinner. God will honour those who admit himself a sinner.

John 11 (29th October) - Andrew

2007-10-29T22:54:00.000+08:00

John 11

A small notice I made when I read verse 3.
‘So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, the one you love is very sick.”’
- verse 3
How did the two sisters, Mary and Martha knew that Jesus love Lazarus? Probably because Mary personally experience the love of Christ by pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair (verse 2).

“… As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light.”
- verse 9-10
Remember we are the light of the world? Thus we can see and not stumble easily into the sins of this world.

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish…”
- verse 25 - 26
Thanks God that we believe in Him and have the eternal life that He gave us all, and aren’t we glad to have that precious life. Spend this time to really thanks Him for giving us that.

“Jesus responded, ”Didn’t I tell you that you will see God’s glory if you believe? ”
- verse 40
“Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.”
- verse 45
Do you want to see God’s glory shine through you? Believe in Him. And when the people around us see God’s glory shining through us, many of them will believe in Jesus, like those people with Mary on the day Jesus raised up Lazarus. Just believe in Him.

Luke 16 - Luke 17: 1 - 10 (28th October) - Sky

2007-10-28T16:29:00.000+08:00

Luke 16
Why commend someone who was dishonest in this parable?
Jesus is not urging us to cheat. He is encouraging his disciples to be savvy about the use of money and other world matter. Being wise in such matter is essential to make an impact for all eternity.

In the portion of Additional teachings
What Jesus preached did not cancel the Law, He fulfilled it. Through his grace may the Law be fulfilled? The Law paves the way for GOD to show his love for people through Jesus.

In this parable is very interesting, we can learn
1) The righteous and un righteous will go to different places
2) Both are conscious and recall their life on earth
3) The unrighteous suffer torment while the righteous is comforted.

In V31 I ask myself why someone who rose from the dead wouldn’t convince people. Won’t it be easier?
They will ignore the evidence already available for them to respond in faith. Even today, people dodge evidence of Christianity’s truth. They are more interested keeping their way of life than submitting to the truth.

Luke 17:1-10
As Jesus preaches about this, a question came to my mind. How much faith do we need?
I believe like planting a seed, and it grows; use a little faith, and your life will grow too. Perhaps we don’t need to pray to GOD to increase our faith; rather we may need to ask him to help us use the faith we have.

Whatever the case, we need Faith.

Luke 14 - 15 (27th October) - Stephanie

2007-10-27T09:42:00.000+08:00

One Sabbath, while visiting the house of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Everyone remained silent, so Jesus took hold of a man and healed him. Jesus then spoke about the Parable of the Great Banquet.

Through the Parable, we understand that God’s blessings are for all who respond to his gracious invitation (Luke 14:15-17), but even as that is so, the majority do not wish to dine with him, so make up lame excuses (Luke 14:18-20).

Jesus also emphasizes the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) as strongly as he emphasizes the loving invitation of free grace. Jesus said, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

When Jesus tells the Parable of the prodigal son, we see the story of love, loss and salvation. The father’s love for his prodigal son reminds us of the love of God who will receive us “when we come to our senses”.

Let us also learn from this statement that the father spoke to his elder son, who felt that his father’s love was so lacking in his life: “My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32)

Luke 12 - 13 (26th October) - Vivien

2007-10-26T22:10:00.000+08:00

Luke 12:1 - 12

Can't Hide Behind a Religious Mask
Continuing from chapter 11, after rebuking that hypocritical behaviour of the Pharisee, Jesus started to warn his disciples not to be like the Pharisee. Be honest because you can’t hide anything from God in the first place. 纸是包不住火的. So don’t play with fire.

Fear the right person. Don’t do stuff that displease God, because we want to avoid trouble from God. What the bad can do to you is temporary, but dishonouring God can bring about an eternal impact! You are of high worth in God’s eyes. So don’t find your value in man, which leads to compromising to the standard of the world.

When you are put on the spot, believe that the Holy Spirit will come in your defence; this is a promise!

Luke 12:13 – 21

The Parable of the Rich Fool
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” v15

When God bless, He wants us to bless others. Don’t be greedy and accumulate wealth only for your selfish desire. When we die, we can’t bring any of those along to heaven.

Luke 12:22 – 34

Do Not Worry
The Jesus summarized that we don’t have to worry about life. Often we are worry about our significance in this society, which may lead us to sin. Not that we want to sin, but we are pressured. How many times have we compromise our standard due to pressure from friends, boss and colleagues?

Do the right thing, be it giving to the poor, and your riches will be in heaven, one that is eternal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.

Luke 12:35 – 48
Watchfulness

We need to be ready for the coming of Jesus. As the hour of His coming is unknown, we need to be ready 24/7. We can view this in another way; we don’t know when God will call us home. You’ll never know if you will last till tomorrow. The question is “Will you be ready to go?” Are you going to tell God that you are not ready to be called home, can You give me a moment?

Are there things that you have not settled? Maybe somebody that you have not asked for forgiveness from or somebody you have not forgiven. Or have you said “I love you” or expressed your love to your parents and siblings?

Jesus wants to remind us that when more is given to us, more will be expected of us, which is logical. When more is given it proves that you have the capability to handle, so naturally more is expected. This is being a good steward.

Luke 12:49 – 59

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” v 51

There will be a time where divisions are stirred up, even within a family. When all else fails, who are you depending on? Will you decide to give up being Christian, and think that that is your fate? Or are you going to hold on to the godly principles that you have acquired after so many years of walk with God?

Jesus was criticizing those who were interpreting the Times. They were stating the obvious and deceiving people actually. God warned against such people.

Luke 13:1 - 9

Repent or Perish
Jesus was teaching about the importance of the heart condition. Is any evildoer much worse of a sinner then an unrepentant Christian? Clearly the answer is NO! Actually the Christian should be judged more heavily, because in Chinese we call it 明知故犯 (We know the rules, but we still go otherwise). So nobody can escape from judgement, even Christian. A person who is unrepentant, I would say has not truly known God, and do not belong to God’s Kingdom. So repent or perish.

Luke 13:10 – 17

A Crippled Woman Healed on the Sabbath
Jesus healed a lady who was crippled for 18 years on Sabbath, and as usual the synagogue rulers were grumbling about it. Over here we can see that certain infirmity can be a spiritual attack, and it could last for many years!

When the synagogue rulers were making noise about healing on Sabbath, Jesus retaliated with a simple example that was so relevant to their lives. If they knew how to show mercy to their livestock and untied them so that they can have a drink, then what’s more for a human being who had been tied for 18 years! With that they were defeated flat!

Luke 13:18 – 21

The Parable of the Mustard Seeds and the Yeast
Jesus gave 2 examples of the Kingdom of God. And both are physically small (or tiny) but produce a huge outcome! God never despise the weak. Instead, often He uses the weak to do great and mighty things to humble the proud.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b

It is a reminder for us not to look down on the things that are small (be it task, talent and possession), what matters is not the size of the object, but the attitude of the subject. Be humble.
Luke 13:22 – 30

The Narrow Door
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” v 24

Which door is easier or more attractive to enter, the narrow one or the wide one? Many will choose the wide one. Why make life so difficult to choose a narrow one to enter? But that is like the door of Satan. Very attractive and worldly, so that people will fall for it. In this world that we live in, we are always bombarded with temptations.

So the Bible has already warned us to MAKE EVERY EFFORT! It will not be easy to enter a narrow door, but it is definitely worth it! Don’t be locked out to realize how foolish you were to choose the seemingly better way. That reminded me of an email that I’ve read long time ago, where Satan invited a couple to a country club-like hell to entice them. So when the couple compared it with heaven, they decided that hell seems like a better place to stay in. then when they were finally brought to hell again to be locked forever, it was hell, duh! Satan is deceptive in every way! So beware and know the Word of God, so that you will be wise.

Luke 13: 31 –35

Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem
Not all Pharisees are bad. Here are some good ones. They told Jesus to leave Jerusalem because Herod wanted to kill Jesus. But Jesus refused to, because He knew very clear why He was there. And He would continue with His mission knowing the end result would be physical torment and death. When we are clear with our purpose in life, fear will not be overpowering. If we want to live a life to the fullest, we need to have a purpose-driven life with God in the centre of it all.

John 10: 22 - 42, Luke 10 - 11 (25th October) - Ivy

2007-10-25T14:15:00.000+08:00

John 10:22-42 The Unbelief of the Jews

The Feast of Dedication commemorated the cleansing of the temple under Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. after Antiochus Epiphanes had defiled it by sacrificing a pig on the altar of burnt offering. The feast was celebrated towards the end of December. This is also the present day Feast of Lights called Hanukkah. Solomon’s Colonnade was a roofed walkway supported by large stone columns, just inside the walls of the temple courtyard.

Were the Jews really interested to know if Jesus was Christ? Even after all the miracles that Jesus had performed, they still asked if Jesus was Christ. They were probably hoping that Jesus would say something against the Law or something wrong that they would be able to accuse him. They probably didn’t want to be lead in the way which Jesus has showed them.

Pause for ponder: Do we sometimes asks questions with the right intentions? Do we sometimes query wanting to know the truth? Or do we post questions to our friends or leaders wanting to hear what we want to hear? Are we willing to be lead by Jesus in Jesus’ way or our own way?

Jesus told the Jews that he has already said he is Christ but they do not believe because they are not his sheep. What does this mean? That means we are only able to recognize Jesus’ voice, if we believe in Jesus. By believing in Jesus that He is God and our saviour, he calls us His sheeps and He becomes our shepherd. Being sheeps of Jesus, we know Him, we know His voice, we have eternal life. What a beautiful gift that God has given us when we believe in Him! See also Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch us out of His hands (unless we chose to walk out of His hands).

Pause: Do you know the voice of your heavenly Father Jesus? Do you listen to His voice and follow (obey) Him? Do you have the assurance that you have eternal life and no one can harm you?

When the Jews picked up stones to stone Jesus, Jesus asked them for which of the miracles are they stoning Him for? And the Jews replied they were stoning Him for proclaiming Himself as God and regarded it as blasphemy.

The Jesus replied in verse 37: “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

Pause: Can we sometimes be like the Jews? Even after experiencing the miracles of Jesus in our lives but we still do not believe? Although this passage is referring to the unbelief of ‘non-believers’ but it can also fall on us! I pray that we would not see miracles in our lives or even in the lives of others but yet remain unbelieving.

The Jews then tried to grab hold of Jesus but He escaped. Jesus then went to the place where John baptized many and during His stay, many were saved. Their hearts were opened because John the Baptist has already told them about the coming of Christ.

Luke 10 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-two
Street evangelism!! Woohoo! Jesus gave very specific instructions on how to do street evangelism. We hear this verse so much ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’ What does it really mean? Does it mean that believers are few? Or does it mean that the ‘willing ones’ are few?

Jesus reminded the seventy-two that He is sending them as lambs amongst wolves. Its also a reminder of the possibility of danger. Jesus reminded them not to take a purse or sandal or greet people along the way. This suggested the urgency of the ‘mission’ that was given.

"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' 6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. 7Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Don’t we just love Jesus and his parables? An expert in the law tested Jesus and asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus knew he knew the word of God and asked him what does scripture says? We all know the greatest commandments don’t we?

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Jesus illustrated how we should love our neighbor by giving us a very practical scenario. First, he illustrated with a priest and second a Levite and third a Samaritan. How does this speak to us? I think Jesus is telling us that, I don’t care what is your position in the society or appointment in church, if we do not love or show mercy, we would not inherit eternal life.

At the Home of Martha and Mary
This is another of my favorite New Testament stories. 2 women, Martha & Mary. Martha is a task oriented person. She is probably the one who loves to serve by cooking (like me) and hosting others. She likes to ensure that her guests are well fed. Mary on the other hand seems to be the lazy one. Not helping her sister with the preparation. Martha complained to Jesus and hope that Jesus will reprimand Mary to help her. Martha probably thought Jesus is male chauvinist and would usher Mary to help. But Jesus did not. Jesus told Martha, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’

Is Jesus not sympathetic towards Martha for all the preparations? Was Jesus too harsh on Martha? I believe not. I felt that Jesus called Martha in a very intimate way. Jesus called ‘Martha Martha’. Can you sense the closeness and the love Jesus have for Martha? Note that it is not that preparations are not important. But notice what did Jesus said to Martha? "you are worried and upset about many things”. The preparations were necessary but the worrying was not. Martha was so caught up with wanting to do the best preparations and hoped that we could have an extra hand. On the other hand, should could make a simpler preparation and spend less time preparing and more time with Jesus.

How many of us are like Martha? When it comes to studies, work or when organizing a party or event, are we like Martha? Caught up with the preparation and forgot about spending time with Jesus?

When serving the Lord, are we caught up with the preparations and the doing that we forget to draw strength from Jesus?
Are we too caught up with work that we often find ourselves lost in work and neglect our time with Jesus?
Are some of you sometimes ‘worried & upset’ about grades and performance at school that you we neglect Jesus?

Jesus ended the conversation by saying: ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’

I believe Jesus is suggesting. Both are attitudes are good. But what Mary chosen is better. Our studies, career, events etc would be taken away from us but our time spend with the Lord and our relationship with Him will not be taken away from us.

Jesus' Teaching on Prayer
Another beautiful story. Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus’ to teach them how to pray. Without hesitation, Jesus eagerly 2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

I would summaries the attitude/principles when praying to God as follows:
1) Praise
2) Providence
3) Forgiveness
4) Deliverance

The very first attitude that we should always have is praising God. Regardless of situations we are in, praise God. We win we praise God, we lose, we praise God. We also praise God with a kingdom mindset.

Next, is providence. Some of us may think, is it too selfish if we ask God next for providence? My answer is no. Let’s look at 2Cor9:11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Hey! God wants to provide for you so that you can bless others!

Thirdly, we need to ask God for forgiveness of our own sins and ask God to help us forgive others.

Fourthly, ask God for deliverance from temptations.
I believe all these attitudes/principles needs to go hand in hand and not missing out any.

Lastly, just in case we missed out the purpose of praying. Jesus illustrated to us the purpose of prayer is to ask. What did Jesus promise when we ask?
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Don’t we all love this verse? This is the Lord’s promise and assurance to you and God is not slow in providing. Trust in the Lord’s faithfulness today!

Jesus and Beelzebub
When Jesus drove out a mute demon out from a man and causing the man to have the ability to speak again, some said Jesus’ ability came from another demon, Beelzebub. From verse 17, Jesus is saying: If satan gave power to Jesus, who oppose him in every way, he would be supporting an attack upon himself. In verse 19: Jesus did not say whether the followers of Pharisees actually drove out demons but they claimed to drive out demons by the power of God and Jesus claimed the same. So to accuse jesus of suing satanic power was implicitly to condemn their own followers as well. When demons are driven out by the finger of God, that means the king and savior is with us.

The one who does not support Jesus opposes him, making neutrality impossible.
Verse 25: A place has been cleaned up but left unoccupied. This suggests that a reformed life which lacks the presence of God and power is open to reoccupancy by evil.
Jesus is not denying the blessedness of mother mary but is stressing that it is more blessed to be an obedient follower of Christ.

The Sign of Jonah
On several occasions, the Jews asked Jesus for a sign but was rejected as they did not ask with the right intentions. Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection by comparing with Jonah’s ‘burial’ in the huge fish. Jonah went to the town of Ninevah and asked the people to repent. And they did. Jesus is much greater than Solomon and Jonah! All the more the people should have a turn in hearts!

The Lamp of the Body
The light here refers to the light of the gospel. The truth of the Gospel. How can the light be hidden? The problem with the Jews for asking for a sign is not that there isn’t any signs and wonders. But they could not see. Their hearts have probably been corrupted and therefore not able to see the light. This is so beautiful: Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.
This is suggesting that if our life is pure and holy, the light of the gospel would be shone upon us and revealed to us.

Six Woes
The Pharisees were shocked that Jesus did not clean himself before eating. I would think Jesus did it purposely so that he would start his ‘opening’ talk. Ha! Jesus emphasized the importance of inner cleanliness than the outer cleanliness. Jesus goes on to talk about how the Pharisees seem to be doing the right thing e.g. tithing, and they love their position in the marketplace. But Jesus shamed them that they would not be remembered after their death. The experts of the Law are supposed to ‘liberalize’ the people but they kept the law to themselves. Outwardly, they honour the prophets in the building or rebuilding of memorials but inwardly, they reject the messiah. The people who should have the knowledge to open the minds of others kept the teaching to themselves and left the people in ignorance of the way of salvation.

The Pharisees were of course insulted and planning to trap Jesus.

John 9 - 10 (24th October) - Li Juan

2007-10-24T21:33:00.000+08:00

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
There are things which happen to us which we feel so puzzled by and we questioned God “Why?”. Sometimes, these things happen so that the work of God can be displayed in your life through these circumstances.

The Pharisees Investigate the Healing
They questioned the healing power and miracles Jesus did. The man who was healed was so full of faith, so certain that Jesus is from God. “If this man was not from God, he could do nothing.”

Spiritual Blindness
Physical blindness is infinitely times far better than spiritual blindness. Once our spiritual eyes are blinded, we can no longer see the truth and would not be guilty of any sin. If you feel spiritually handicapped, ask God to open up your eyes so that you can see, open up your ears so that you can hear, soften your heart so that you will be receptive and teachable once again.

The Shepherd and His Flock
Jesus is like the good shepherd; the good shepherd can lay down his life for the sheep, Jesus died on the cross to cleanse us of our sins and to redeem us. Do we know Jesus like how the sheep recognizes the shepherd’s voice? Take time to tune in to Jesus’ voice, to recognize the Holy Spirit, to identify God’s presence.

John 7 - 8 (23rd October) - Sky

2007-10-23T14:36:00.000+08:00

John 7

In this chapter we see a lot of unbelief of Christ among the Jews. Jesus challenged their authority and their way of life. He disregarded their teachings on Sabbath and upset their way of doing things in the temple. Jesus also threatened their status with the occupying Roman authorities. If the people rallied around Jesus Rom would respond with a cruel force.

We can also see a lot of opinions and thoughts in our Jesus in this chapter. Some say he is simply a good man because of his healings and teachings but not God’s son. Other say he is mad, arguing that many unstable people believe themselves as a savior. A few suggest he deliberately deceived people to gain influence and advantage. But we correctly say he is the revealed Messiah, the Son of God and our Lord.

Jesus has many names to us, one day who should try naming all

John 8

An amazing thing happened here and is that the Pharisee brought a woman caught in adultery in front of Jesus wanted to test him and set a trap about the Law. But he rebuked them and said those who without sin shall throw the 1st stone. Jesus stopped the vigilantes’ rush to judgment and made them wait for his surprising answer.

Jesus claimed here that he is not only on a mission from God, but he also claimed to be the unique Son of God who always does what pleases God and who brings the light toe the world. The Pharisees considered this claim preposterous and indeed a person who would make such an amazing statement could only be a liar or the authentic son of God.

V32 then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Freedom is not only in your body but in yr choices, in your mind, in your heart. The truth is his Word. We are to keep his word to continually love God, and actively trust him even if we experience temporary setbacks by not living perfect obedience.

Matthew 18 (22nd October) - Ezra

2007-10-22T23:22:00.000+08:00

Matt 18 is actually very easy to understand if you just see it stright forwardly.

In the first part from verse 1 to 14, Jesus is bringing across to everyone that, even the little ones meant a lot to the Father.

It doesn't mean that you can only know Him when you are an adult, but even the little ones can too. They are God's presious ones.
As it is written, God is a Father, if out of 100 sheeps, 1 is missing, He will search everywhere for this 1 sheep till He finds it.

Verse 15-20 talks about how 2 or more coming together to pray for a person. Though the first part talks about telling a brother his faults, and it goes on to say that, if he refuses to listen to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector.

I believe what we can learn from that is, not to see it in a literial way, but to see it deeper. There isn't right or wrong way to look at it, bible scripture speaks to everyone in many different ways. But for me, this is what I gather- no matter what the brother or sister is or their rebeliousness is, we must pray for them. If they chooses to sin and ask us to join them, that is where we draw back, but still continue to keep them in prayer.

Verse 21-35, as Jesus speaks, He knows that His time will come where He will be cruxified, and cancel our sins/depts. In the same way, what this passage speaks to me is that, as Jesus die on the cross for our sins, He has forgiven us, we as His children must learn to forgive our brothers / sisters if they have wrong us.

Mark 9, Luke 9: 28 - 62, Matthew 17 (21st October) - Vivien

2007-10-21T22:55:00.000+08:00

As you read the passages accounted by 3 authors of the Gospel, it will be interesting to know their background which led to their writing style.

We first read from Mark. He was Barnabas’ cousin (Col 4:10). Lifting from my student Bible, he was referred warmly as a son by Apostle Peter (1 Pet 5:13). He accompanied Peter to Rome, where Peter helped him write the Gospel account that bears Mark’s name.
Mark is the shortest Gospel. His emphasis is on what Jesus did, rather than what Jesus said.

Next, Luke was known as a physician and companion of Apostle Paul (Col 4:14). He was highly educated person. He did investigations and conducted interviews with eyewitnesses. Therefore it is one of the more thorough and detailed Gospel. He backdated his account from the birth of John the Baptist!

Finally, Matthew was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who was the tax collector. According to my Student Bible, the arrangement of the Gospel of Matthew reflected his occupation as a tax collector - systematic, ledger-sheet thinking. He doesn’t tell Jesus’ story chronologically; he groups facts topically. Also, his account included events after the resurrection. [Gospel of John also has an intimate account of events that occurred after the resurrection, as he is one of Jesus’ Twelve]

So we can see that God has arranged it in a way that 4 persons from 2 different time periods and closeness with Jesus would write about the Gospel in different styles for different audiences. Here we see the cooperation of 4 gospels to form a complete Gospel!

Mark 9: 2 – 13; Luke 9:28-36; Matthew 17:1 – 13
The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain to pray. Then He transfigured right before their eyes. Moses and Elijah appeared. Jesus has an inner circle of disciples among the twelve, namely the 3 mentioned earlier. When we are so close to God, He will reveal an intimate part of Himself to us. Be part of the inner circle! As written in James 4:8, Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you! =)

Mark 9:14 - 32; Luke 9: 37 – 45; Matthew 17: 14 – 19, 22 – 23
The Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matt 17:19-20

Have you ever question God, why can this person can perform such miracle or manifestation, why can’t I? I’ve asked that before, then I would think to myself, oh man…my prayer today got no power… Sometimes we can fall into the trap of self-glorification. Our source of faith must be correct in the first place. I always find that the most powerful prayer that I’ve said is always when I humble myself before God and know that without Him, I am nothing. When our focus is right, with the faith as small as a mustard seed, it can move mountain already!

Matt 17:24 – 27
The Temple Tax
This is unique to Matthew, as he was a tax collector, so he is knowledgeable in this aspect and also money matters.

It doesn’t make sense for Jesus to pay tax, since it was for the temple.
However, as a layman Peter would naturally think that the right thing to do was to pay tax, and Jesus will definitely do the right thing, so he answered on behalf of Jesus.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?"

However, Jesus chose to take the humble route and chose not to offend them. But He still had the aura of God. He got the money from a fish that Peter was told to catch, and He also provided for Peter’s share! Jesus is really the coolest guy on earth!

Mark 9:33 - 40; Luke 9: 46 - 48
Who will be the Greatest?
There are many paradoxes in Christianity. This is one of them. Want to be the greatest? Then be a servant! Humility is the key to been the greatest, because this prevent you from being an arrogant person. It helps us to focus others rather than ourselves.

Mark 9: 38 – 41; Luke 9:49 - 50
Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
I don’t think this is much of a problem for us in this era. In fact we are happier that more people are doing the right thing in the name of Jesus. But I think we can apply it on other context. Especially when we identify each other in groups and cliques. We shouldn’t allow such exclusivity be a barrier to our relationship with other Christians, because we are but ONE BODY OF CHRIST.

Mark 9: 42 – 50
Causing to Sin
Jesus viewed stumbling blocks very seriously. If any part of our body causes us to sin, cut it off and throw it into hell! Wah… Serious… Be careful that we don’t be a stumbling block to others. Be at peace with each other.

Luke 9:51 – 56
Samaritan Opposition
Jesus and disciples were not welcomed in a Samaritan village, and John and James actually asked Jesus if He wanted them to call fire down! John was known as “Son of Thunder” and we can see why from here. But that also showed the faith that he had! I guess that’s why even though John wasn’t the best-tempered person, but was chosen to be in the in-group of Jesus. Of course, Jesus rebuked them.

Luke 6: 57 – 62
The Cost of Following Jesus
It seems like a high price. Basically it about being obedient towards God and putting Him first in our lives. Dying to oneself. Can you do it? Not easy, but possible. It’s a matter of your heart condition.

Mark 8, Luke 9, Matthew 16 (20th October) - Li Juan

2007-10-20T21:31:00.000+08:00

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
Just like how Jesus was able to multiply 2 loaves of bread and 5 fishes to feed the 5000, He too was able to multiply 7 loaves of bread and a few small fishes to feed the 4000. Jesus had compassion on them; the people who had been following Him for the past three days and were hungry. God will provide if you follow Him. It is amazing how God can provide in ways so miraculous and against the logical mind.

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
Like how Jesus warned His disciples to guard themselves against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, we too need to guard ourselves against any influences of the world; any teachings/acts/social norms which are against the biblical truth. We can be blinded by a seeming ‘truth’ as it is so common in our society nowadays. Yet, it can be unlawful in the sight of God. Today, return to the bible again. Is there anything you are doing which is not pleasing in God’s sight?

Peter’s Confession of Christ and Jesus Predicts His Death
For anyone to say “Yes I believe in Jesus Christ”, he must deny himself; recognize that he belongs to the kingdom of God and not to himself. His body is not his own but God’s, his whole being belongs to God and it is by His grace that we can ever exist in this world with all that we have. He must take up the cross; embracing the truth of the Son being sacrificed on the cross just so that we can live. Come back to the feet of the cross again to remember how we can have eternal life, because of the cross. Follow Jesus; follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the laws/principles in the bible. NEVER continue a sinful life because you see how hurt Jesus is, and repent of the sins before it’s too late.

Mark 7, Matthew 15 (19th October) - Vivien

2007-10-19T20:11:00.000+08:00

Mark 7: 1 - 23 & Matthew 15:1 - 20
Clean and Unclean
The Pharisees and some teachers caught Jesus’ disciples not washing their hands ceremonially before eating, and accused them of breaking the tradition of the elders. In the Old Testament, washing was mentioned as a symbol of cleansing and innocence.

GOD spoke to Moses: "Make a bronze Washbasin; make it with a bronze base. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the Altar. Put water in it. Aaron and his sons will wash their hands and feet in it. When they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the Altar to serve there or offer gift offerings to GOD, they are to wash so they will not die. They are to wash their hands and their feet so they will not die. This is the rule forever, for Aaron and his sons down through the generations." Exodus 30:19

And all the elders of that city who are next unto the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley. And they shall answer and say, `Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful, O LORD, unto Thy people Israel, whom Thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto Thy people of Israel's charge.' And the blood shall be forgiven them. So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD. Deuteronomy 21:6-9

This is an outward expression of an inward intention. It is not really the literal washing that made the priests pure and holy, but the knowledge that they are imperfect and needed to be clean by God by confessing their sins, and so the washing served as a symbolic act and a reminder.

Also, washing was mentioned for hygiene purpose.

However the Pharisees have made these symbolic act not symbolic anymore. It became a tradition, a ritual. So that’s why Jesus rebuked them, calling them as hypocrites. Their hearts were not right. They had totally missed the point of ceremonial washing.

Jesus then illustrated that it was not the food that was fed by a dirty hand that cause a person to be unclean. And Jesus stated clearly that nothing outside could make a person unclean by going into him. But what comes out of the man that makes him unclean. And then Jesus actually declared that all foods are clean! Hallelujah! This is why the worst sinner that you can think of can be clean overnight. All it takes is a decision to accept Christ as his Saviour and King.

Vivien Hibbert mentioned this: "In every worship, there should be a change in the people, if not they are just merely singing songs."

Ask yourself these questions; have worshiping during service become a tradition for you? Is there any different emotionally and spiritually every time you worship God with songs?

Don’t let any worship time be a sing-along session for you. If not it will be meaningless.

Mark 7:24 – 30 & Matthew 15: 21 - 28
The Faith of a Syrophoenician Woman
It is advisable to read the 2 accounts for better understanding. It took me quite a while to digest them. I was kind of taken aback why was dog used as an analogy of the woman. But I guess it is a cultural and time difference. But that wasn’t the main point.

Let’s focus on Jesus first. You’ll get a better picture reading Matthew’s version. The first lesson to learn from Jesus is prioritising. Jesus was very focused, and He prioritised that the people of Israel should be first is the line. The second lesson to be learnt is be flexible and merciful. Jesus wasn’t rigid; He made room for those who desperately needed Him.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

By the way, we are all God’s favourite and priority, and this is only possible for God to do it, because He is God! Why did Jesus need to prioritise then? I believe He is capable to pay equal attention to everybody. But being in human form, He has chosen to limit Himself to the capability of a man to lead by example how man should behave. So don’t think that there is a line for you to queue up, God is always available for us.

Let’s switch our focus to the woman now. 2 lessons to pick up too. First, be desperate. Reading James 4:8 again… “Come near to God and he will come near to you”
Second, be humble. Look at the way she replied to Jesus! She knew that she wasn’t at the top of the priority list, she also knew that Jesus is compassionate and merciful! It was her faith and humility that had saved her daughter. Know who God is, then you will know that there are many blessings that we can ask of God, because He is a God who love us.

Mark 7:31 – 37
The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man
As Jesus continued His ministry, a group of men brought Jesus a man who was deaf and mute. Jesus brought him away from the crowd and healed him. Then Jesus told him not to tell people about it. But it spread to many people.

Matthew 15: 29 – 39
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
Jesus has did it once again! It is not about how much resource we have. It is about the Source. It doesn’t really matter if we have 5 or 7 loaves, 2 fish or a few fish. The point is that we allow God to be glorified through our limited resources, so that layman can see how amazing God is.

John 6 (18th October) - Li Juan

2007-10-18T23:40:00.000+08:00

With just 5 loaves of bread and 2 small fish, Jesus was able to feed 5000 people with them. Jesus was able to walk on water, to the boat his disciples were on. These show how miraculous our God is.

Jesus is the Bread of Life, and whoever believes in him will have eternal life. We do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life; and that is to believe in Jesus. For us believers, we can still check our hearts today. Repeating the sinner’s prayer for umpteen times every Sunday, do we truly mean what we say in our hearts? Or were we merely repeating after the pastor? Thank God for Jesus, mean it with all your heart.

Mark 6, Luke 9: 1 - 17, Mathew 14 (17th October) - Sylvia

2007-10-17T21:59:00.000+08:00

John the Baptist Beheaded

John's time had come. He was jailed for standing up to his values and not being afraid of it and killed because of a king's pride.

Isn't it a shame when sometimes we sin or go the wrong way simply because we don't want to lose face or due to peer pressure?
Don't be afraid to stick to your values and not go the ways of the world. Set an example for the other younger believers in faith.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Even when Jesus was mourning for the loss of John, He still remembered the needy and had compassion on them to heal the sick. As He spoke to the crowds, it got late and everyone was hungry in an ulu place where shops were closed.

Thank God for the miracle Jesus performed. Feeding the thousands with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Awesome!

Jesus Walks on the Water

Jesus walks on the water and ended up beig mistaken for a ghost by his own disciples. As He invited Peter to join Him, initially Peter was able to walk on the water. However, facing a distraction, He lost faith and began to sink.

Often, we enter into things with such huge faith but our faith level gradually comes down as we meet with obstacles or distractions etc. Look to the Lord in all that we do such that we do not need to fear anymore.

Matthew 9 - 10 (16th October) - Sylvia

2007-10-16T21:17:00.000+08:00

Matthew 9

Jesus heals a Paralytic

Jesus continues to heal the sick and gets so many criticisms from the Pharisees. They claim to know the law - they teach it. Yet the Pharisees do not believe in the Son of God and do not have an intimate relationship with God.

The Calling of Matthew

Jesus saw Matthew and told him to follow Him. That was how Matthew became one of his 12. He was willing and obedient to follow in Jesus's footsteps.

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Jesus is so compassionate and merciful that He wants to save the sinners so that they may have eternal life.

Jesus questioned about fasting

15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

There is a time to fast. e.g.: We fast when we have something urgent to seek God or when we have to make important decisions when at crossroads of our lives.

A Dead Girl and a sick woman

The woman who had been bleeding had the faith that just by touching something that belonged to Jesus, she would be healed. It was her faith that healed her. How many times have we been disappointed or didn't receive healing due to our lack of faith?

v23-25 When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.

Jesus had to call for the crowd to be put outside as they were a distraction and were being negative which may shake the ruler's faith. The crowds symbolises obstacles or sin that i spreventing us from being healed. So in order for healing to take place, we need to focus on Jesus and remove unsightly/unholy things from our lives.

Jesus heals the Blind and mute

Jesus continues to heal the sick and needy, yet the Pharisees are so disbelieving that they went to the extent of calling Jesus the prince of demons who has the authority to command his demons.

We must stand up for our faith whenever people make fun or speak against our God.

The Workers are few.

37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

This passage is a call for us to rise up and outreach to people. It starts with a small gesture of love even before evangelising. There are so many people out there who have yet to hear of Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, lets be shining stars for Jesus, to magnify God's glory and love through our lives.

Matthew 10

Jesus sends out his 12, giving them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness by His name. So healing and chasing demons is not limited to just Jesus, because by His name, we can anything. But don't anyhow do it or else we may end up being spiritually attacked if our faith is not strong.

Jesus gives His disciples words of wisdom to guide them as they go round blessing people. He even warns them that they may face persecution for what they are doing but as long as they stand firm to their faith , they will receive their due rewards..

37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Lesson to learn: Love God among all things and surrending ourselves to Him, trusting that He will help us lead our lives in a manner pleasing to Him and not us going our own way.
Loving the needy and our fellow christian brothers and sisters.

Mark 4 - 5, Matthew 8: 14 - 34 (15th October) - Junming

2007-10-15T22:38:00.000+08:00

Mark 4-5

The parable of the sower - The four kinds of soil

1.Footpath
This talks about hard-hearted people. When God's word is sown, Satan immediately comes and take it away.

2.Rocky place
People who receive God's word but have shallow foundation, and they fall away immediately when trials come.

3.Thorny ground
People who are choked by too many issues concerning their lives, and as a result become unfruitful.

4.Good soil
People who receive God's word, accept it, and produce a crop. Multiplication

I believe many of us fall in the 3rd group. While we all love God, there are just too many distractions around us. Studies, work, hobbies, relationships.. Reflect on them. Is God glorified through them? Or is God at the backseat? Prioritise.

A lamp on a stand
Looking at it in the context of the previous parable, Jesus is the lamp. So when he comes into our lives, where do we put him? People in the 3rd group would be the ones to put him under the bed. Yes, Jesus is still in the room, but His light does not shine and brighten your room.

People in group 4 would put him on a stand, so that his light fills the room, such that even people from far away can see the bright and lighted room. God's word is meant to be disclosed to the world. And whoever works towards it will get his reward and more=) But whoever does not, what you have will be taken from you. Looks like there's only one choice no?

The parable of the growing seed
This parable talks about the mysterious power of the seed to grow by itself. Yes, it sprouts then it germinates, or vice-versa then it somehow grows. I didnt ace my biology. Hated it. But God created all those processes. There lies the similarity to His kingdom. Once sowed, it grows, as long as we water it. Then we harvest it when it is ripe. Those who wants to draw close to God but you just don't know how, start with getting close to His word. Commit yourself to reading and talking to Him. The seed will grow. Mysteriously.

The parable of the mustard seed
Everything starts small. But God will make a small seed grow into a huge tree, where it will provide shade and rest for your cat, the squirrels, some bats, many kinds of insects and soldiers training under a hot sun. If God has put something into your heart, do not think that a small step forward is insignificant. The first step is always the toughest, but with God, He's going to carry you the rest of the journey till you see fruits. And the creatures taking shade under you.

Jesus calming the storm
Reminds me of the verse Exo 14:14. ''The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.''
Jesus can calm any storms that you are going through. Just give them up to God.

The death of 2000 pigs
I always like this story. I see the funny side of how 2000 pigs just rushed themselves off a cliff into a river. Those who watched Ice Age, it reminds me of the Dodo birds. Ha. But Jesus drove out a legion of very powerful demons and probably tricked them into killing themselves. The villagers who saw it were probably fearful. A powerful man was in their midst, and he might kill the rest of the pigs in their land. So they plead with him to leave. If only they knew who he was. And the person who had been demon-possessed was instructed to tell of God's goodness back home, which he did. Those of us with unsaved families, please check your own behaviour at home. It is God's intention to save your family through you.

A dead girl and a sick woman
Jesus heals! By faith, claim his healing powers.

Matt 8:14-34

The passages are similar except for one which was not recorded in Mark

The cost of following Jesus
Reminds me of the parable of the sower. Those of us who truly want to follow Jesus, check your priorities. Everything else we do is for the glory of God. We cannot serve 2 masters. Nor can we serve 284352.93 masters, as some of us are doing. Do not crowd Jesus out with all the other commitments we have. Pick your commitments wisely.

Luke 8, Matthew 13 (14th October) - Li Juan

2007-10-14T22:35:00.000+08:00

The Parable of the Sower
There’re 4 analogies made here, which is you? The environment in which the 4 types of seeds fell at is similar to the conditions of your heart. Tell yourself today that you want to be the seed which fell on good soil, hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop, yielding a hundred times what was sown.

Perseverance is the key to see God’s promises coming to pass, God’s work completed. With the mere 2 months left in 2007, will u persevere; at the same time put that little faith in God, trusting that any unfulfilled goals are still possible to be reached?

The Parable of the Weeds
Though being sown on good soil, the evil one would have come along the way to plant some weeds (worries, deceitfulness of wealth etc) in our paths, disturbing our growth. We must be careful not to let these weeds choke us and make us unfruitful. They will eventually be pulled out by God’s angels, burnt and destroyed. Today, check your heart. Has it be overwhelmed by the things of the world which crept in so unknowingly that you weren’t even aware of? Rid those weeds.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Are you willing to lay down all that you have to enter into the kingdom of God? It is equivalent to what was mentioned earlier, it can be your wealth, or a habit or lifestyle, or something dear to you, but it is unpleasing in the sight of God. Are you able to exchange it for the entry pass into heaven?

The Parable of the Net
The good fishes will be separated from the bad fishes. The faithful will be separated from the unfaithful. The obedient will be separated from the disobedient.

Also, from Luke 8:26-56, it accounted how Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, casted out the demons in several places. And in Matthew 13:58, it is written “he did not do many miracles there (Jesus’ hometown) because of their lack of faith.”

Are you asking for a miracle? Exercise the mustard seed-like faith and trust God.

Luke 11, Matthew 12: 22 - 50 (13th October) - Junming

2007-10-13T20:23:00.000+08:00

Disciple: ''Lord, teach us how to pray.''
Jesus: "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.''

This is the ''model'' prayer, something singaporean students would love. A formula to memorise and to ace in. Jesus loves Singapore=)

But of course, Jesus is teaching us that when we pray, we give glory and praise to God, then ask for God to fill us, forgive our sins (but first we forgive others for theirs) and to keep us from temptations. I believe most of us know this. THEN verse 5 begins with the word(or discourse marker), ''then''. So the passage from verse 5 till verse 8, and even from verse 9 till 13, are all in response to the disciple's request to Jesus to teach them how to pray. So not only do we pray the above items when we pray, but there're more to ask of God.

From verse 5 till 8, God tells us to ask out of boldness, and because you are bold, you will be given. Note, in verse 6, the person who asks is asking for bread not for himself, but for his friend who has come to visit. The bold guy wasnt seeking to bless himself and to meet his own needs, but the needs of others. And because of his boldness, God will bless him.

We all know ''ask and it'll be given, seek and you'll find, knock and the door will be opened''. But in the context of the previous passage, God reminds us. Ask BOLDLY and it'll be given, seek BOLDLY and you will find, knock BOLDLY and the door will open. Be bold! Unfulfilled goals for year 2007? Ask big now!

That said, if there were times that you asked boldly and it wasnt given, you sought but couldn't find and when you knocked, either the door didnt open or it opened into your face, check your heart. Do we ask for ourselves to be blessed or for ourselves to be a channel of blessing?

Well, yes, if we ask for ourselves to be blessed, God loves you, he does bless us with the things that we want, as is mentioned in verses 11-13. But if we keep doing that, then it becomes greed. We store up treasures in our earthly homes and grow fat.

Or maybe it's just the right thing, but at the wrong time.

Between verse 14-26, Jesus talked about driving out demons. Jesus is indeed stronger than all demons and even Satan himself. If everything in your life is going wrong, there is still hope in Jesus=) But the important thing that God reminds us is that after we repent or are cleaned, continue to keep Jesus in your heart. Do not let your guard down, for Satan and his devils can come back again even more strongly.

The rest of the chapter talks about the sign of Jonah, where Jesus prophesied to the hard-hearted Pharisees about his resurrection. They are blind to the light that they are already seeing. God says that we don't need a sign from God. God is always here with us. We need good eyes to see Him working around us. Soften your heart.

Then Jesus gave 6 woes. Can you imagine Jesus woeing you? Not woo. Woe. That's pretty depressing. But yes, if your heart is stubborn, then uh.. woe to you. But you can repent. Woo.

Matt12:22-50
Essentially similar to the passage in Luke. Note verses 33-37 though. A good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. Watch your heart and watch the words that you say. It might not even be vulgarities. It might be jokes that go too far, comments that are insensitive. ''For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.''

Matthew 11 (12th October) - Sky

2007-10-12T09:09:00.000+08:00

In this chapter we see the first official “conversation” of Jesus and John.

As John was suffering unjustly in prison, it’s no surprise that he sought answers from Jesus. Jesus answer was intended to give reassurance: the miracles he performed gave evidence he was indeed the one who is to come.

Strangely Jesus quoted, those leave in the kingdom of heaven will be greater than John. Jesus affirmed bother the greatness of John the Baptist and the greater privileges kingdom citizens enjoy. Great as he was, John served only as a forerunner who announced that the kingdom was near. Under Christ’s new covenant, we enjoy the fullest benefits of kingdom life.

Later in the chapter we see Jesus denouncing the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed. Their hearts were still heavy.

As chapter 11 ends with rest for the weary, we always come back to the truth that we have to rely on HIM. For HE yearns it and it’s for our own good. As his woke is easy and burden is light.

Luke 7, Matthew 8: 1 - 13 (11th October) - Sylvia

2007-10-11T23:02:00.000+08:00

The Faith of the Centurion

This master had a heart of mercy for his servant that he sent people to look for Jesus to heal his servant. Not long after Jesus was making His way to see him, the centurion sent word that Jesus had only need to give a word to heal his servant, and not take the trouble to travel.

Such great was his faith that Jesus did not have to lay his hands upon the servant and pray or anything. The Centurion simply believed that Jesus had such great power and could perform long-distance miracles!

Remarkable lesson to learn: Its our level of faith that determines how far we would be able to go

Jesus Raises a Widow's Son

Jesus had a heart of compassion for a widow. Imagine how heartbreaking it is to lose your husband and next lose your son. Jesus emphatised. Thus He brought the dead man back to life and he and his mother were reunited.

Jesus and John the Baptist

John hears about Jesus and wants to know if He is the Messiah. Jesus speaks to the crowd about the good works that John has done. John is a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. He is a super devoted man of God who doesn't eat bread or drink wine.

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

Jesus teaches an important lesson - not to look down nor judge a person who willingly comes to the feet of Jesus, laying down her pride to wash his feet with her hair, splurging on perfume (we can guess how expensive they were those days)

47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

We are no worst then a sinner would it not be for God's love thus sending Jesus to save our sins. Dear Family, shall we learn how to forgive others that we may be forgiven?

Matthew 5 - 7 (10th October) - Ivy

2007-10-10T21:09:00.000+08:00

Matthew 5

Beautitudes
Picture this: Loads of people are following Jesus wherever He preaches. Man and woman. Young and old. Amongst them maybe the broken hearted or despised. And Jesus begun teaching by saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit! What a great line opener! What? Say again? Blessed are the poor in spirit? Me? And Jesus continues’ ‘For theirs is the kingdom of heaven!’ Wow!! Can you imagine how many souls were comforted by the word of Jesus that day? How many hearts were healed because of His preaching? Jesus ended with: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
God always comforts the poor. Let us be reminded to always bless the poor yeh?

Salt and Light – NACl &
Let us take a look at some meanings of salt:– noun
1. a crystalline compound, sodium chloride, NaCl, occurring as a mineral, a constituent of seawater, etc., and used for seasoning food, as a preservative, etc.
2. an element that gives liveliness, piquancy, or pungency:
3. to cure, preserve, or treat with salt.

Light:
1. an illuminating agent or source
2. the radiance or illumination from a particular sourceI got these meaning on dictionary.com.

Therefore! What? You and I are called to be PRESERVATIVES and be the element that gives LIVELINESS and PUNGENCY! To CURE AND PRESERVE!! We are PRESERVATIVES of the truth of the Gospel! Not forgetting being that illuminating agent to lead the way for the lost! Don’t play play ah!

The Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus made it very clear to the people who are debating over his preachings. Some may find it controversial or contradicting. But Jesus made it very clear here that He came to fulfill them! He loves and forgives, but that does not mean that the people are free from the 10 commandments!
Then Jesus goes on to talk about Murder, divorce, oaths, eye for an eye, love for our enemies.
Is there any reconciliation you need to do? Have you broken a promise before God? Is there someone you wronged? Is God prompting you to love an ENEMY? Obey the word of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Ivy10:10 God will bless those who eats the humble pie.

Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
I wonder if you were in the era where you had to raise funds using the Charity Elephant envelope. Did you ever boast to your friends how much you rose? I think I did. But God tells us here to do the acts of righteousness not openly and publicly so that people will praise us. Perhaps you are required to fulfill certain hours of community service.

Reflect: Do you do it out of compassion? Or just to get it over and done just to get your points? Let’s bless the needy from the bottom of our hearts and not intentions.

Prayer
Have you ever marveled at some very long and seem to be very chim prayers? Need no marvel. Even if your prayer is simple, God will honor because it is from your heart. Jesus also reminds us that we need to forgive others in our daily prayers. I believe there are bound to be people who get on our nerves from time to time? But God reminds us that we need to forgive ours just as how he forgives us.

Fasting
I noticed prayer and fasting almost always comes together. Prayer coupled with fasting puts us in a humble position to seek God’s hands upon a situation.

Let’s see Ezra8:21-23
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

But what was the attitude behind the fasting and prayer? Humbleness. Do you have a situation you are praying for? You may want to fast and petition to God and HE WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYER!!! This is God’s promise!! Woohooo!

Treasures in Heaven
Where is your heart today? What has it set upon? Korean drama? Clubbing this weekend? That new dress at Far East or Takashimaya?? New PS?? What does the word of God say?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Are these worthy to be your treasures? Time to set your heart on treasures that will not fade away! We cannot serve 2 masters. Where have your heart been? Who are you serving today? Wholeheartedly?

Do Not Worry
Tell me! Who don’t worry? How not to worry? But God is right also! ‘Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?’
How much can we achieve by freaking out and worrying? Why not PRAY! Praying will get you a higher chance of having your prayers answered but worrying…. Well eats into you and decays your soul. Not worth it. So better pray. Then what is God’s promise? ‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’

What are you worrying about today? I believe this not only relates to finances. It maybe your career path, studies or family situation? But God promised: Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all that you worry about and all that you pray for, WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU! Let’s thank God now!

Judging Others
Yes yes, do not judge we all know. But how not to judge. Now imagine this. You may comment on this person. Aiyoh cannot make it, how can he XXX. Next time when you do the same act, the same measurement is actually applied to you. However if you are gracious to others, in the same way, others will be gracious to you too. Don’t compare. People are just different and God made them that way.

Ask, Seek, Knock
Everyone loves this verse! Yes! Ask and it shall be given! Seek and you will find! Ask for the wrong things and you will receive! Because the mind wants it! Therefore be careful of what you ask for!! For those of you who have asked, trust the Lord to give it to you. If it is with accordance to His will, surely he will answer! Just ask lah!

The Narrow and Wide Gates
Sometimes the easiest way out may not be the best way in. The difficult way in could be the best way out.

A Tree and Its Fruit
The Tree here is our heavenly father and the fruits are the fruits of the spirit. We all know that we are the child of God. But do we have the fruits of the spirit that God will recognize us?

Galatians 5:21-23 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Wow…the word of God is strict. If we live like ‘this’ we would not inherit the kingdom.
Repent repent!

The Wise and Foolish Builders
Don’t you love the words from Jesus? They are so pictorial and so vivid! So therefore brothers and sisters, what are your building your life’s foundations on? The story of the 3 little pigs. What is your life built upon today?

I pray that you’ll grow deeper in love with Jesus and long for His presence in your life. Continue to build your life’s foundations on things that will not wavier. Which is God’s love.

Mark 3, Luke 6, Matthew 12: 1 - 21 (9th October) - Sylvia

2007-10-09T17:42:00.000+08:00

Jesus addresses the issue of Sabbath. When questioned about his healings on the Sabbath which was deemed unlawful, 9Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"

The Messiah's power overrules the olden day laws. Sabbath should not be a time where we totally completely stop what we are doing and ignore the poor and needy. It is after all still doing God's work.

Love for enemies
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

We have been reminded of these countless times. Need i say more?

Judging others
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven

41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

It is not for us to judge fellow believers nor non-believers for all will be judged on Judgement Day when Jesus comes back to earth to reign as king. If we judge others, we ourselves will be judged.

A Tree and its Fruit
45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

We are what our heart is. As we have more ugly thoughts, we will become ugly inwardly and outwardly. As our characters are more aligned with Jesus, lo and behold, such a beautiful sight.

so the secret to being beautiful and handsome is to be a godly Christian =p

The Wise and Foolish Builder
48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

We need to get out Christian values and foundations right lest we stumble during tough times.

Jesus and Beelzebub
22And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub[c]! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

Either the Messiah or the ruler over demons have the power to command the spirits. Rather then believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Pharisees chose to blasphme and called him Satan

John 5 (8th October) - Sylvia

2007-10-08T22:44:00.000+08:00

Jesus healed an invalid out of compassion yet He got persecuted for it simply it was a 'Sabbath' whereby according to the Jews, no work was supposed to be done. They even wanted to kill Him for equalising himself with God.

So Jesus gave them a very chim yet wise explaination:
" 19Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
20For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,
23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him "

Jesus is so obedient and his intimate relationship with God shows:

"30By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."

There have been many testimonies about Jesus's great work all around. He doesn't need and won't boast. So humble.

Sabbath is like a breather period for us to set ourselves apart, take time off our busy schedules to rest and wait upon God. It does not mean that we stop outreach altogether. Touching people's lives is an everyday thing that should not stop.

Mark 2 (7th October) - Vivien

2007-10-07T22:07:00.000+08:00

Mark 2 – 耶酥, 帥呆了 !
Jesus heals a paralytic

A familiar passage to most of us. After Jesus has returned to Capernaum, the people were excited to hear the Word from Him, and so there was a crowd. There were a group of men who also heard of His coming, and brought a paralytic to Jesus. Due to the crowd, they took an alternative route, which was the rooftop! Can you imagine the amount of effort needed to carry a man to the roof and lowering him to Jesus? Jesus was impressed by their faith and determination and so He healed the paralytic. Was there a time when you are not sure if you can pull through a difficult period in your life, but the people around believe in you and were always supporting you, and encouraging you? Take a moment to thank God for such people that exist in your life.

What happened after that was some teachers of the law were very unhappy about Jesus forgiving sin, but Jesus just shut them off by commanding the paralytic to get up and take up his mat to leave, and immediately he did it. 帥呆了 ! haha… everyone there was amazed!

The calling of Levi

Jesus and his disciples went to Levi’s house for dinner with tax collectors and “sinners”. The Pharisees saw them and commented as if eating with the “sinners” was detestable. And what happened?
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” v17b
The first time I read this passage, I was utterly impressed by Jesus respond! Haha… Cool right?!

Jesus questioned about fasting
John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, but Jesus’ didn’t, and some people questioned why. Without knowing the history and culture, it will be kind of difficult to understand Jesus’ respond. Basically, why they were not fasting was because, God in human form was with them, so there is no need to fast to draw close to Him. They would start to fast when Jesus was taken physically away from them.

Do visit this website for a commentary about it: http://bibletools.org//index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/BS/k/740

Lord of the Sabbath
On Sabbath, Jesus went through the grainfields and picked some heads of grain, and the Pharisees were upset, as they have broken the law on Sabbath. Jesus replied using David as reference that the law was made for man, and not the other way around. We are God main subject.

John 2 - 4 (6th Oct) - Weiling

2007-10-06T23:12:00.000+08:00

John 2 records the first miracle that Jesus performed. It was the turning of water into wine at a wedding. The wine ran out at the wedding, which was not really a matter of life and death. Jesus also added that “[his] hour has not yet come”. But it shows God cares about even the little things concerning our lives and just the crucial bits. It also shows that Jesus had authority over nature and the natural state of things. What is more, we see that Jesus 很有水准. His wine was not just any average old wine. It was so good that the headwaiter commended the groom for it. So He is not just a utilitarian God who cares only about the bare necessities, who says “enough can already”. Indeed, He is a God of the so much more!

In John 3 we find one of the core verses that every Christian should already know – John 3:16. But the verse that caught my attention in this chapter is verse 17, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him”. Jesus came, not in a position to spot faults and levy punishment. He is not like the inspectors who go around giving “summons” to people who park illegally, nor is he like the driving tester who catches all your mistakes and gives you demerit points. Jesus came in a position seeking to save. He came for the purpose that you and I may be saved. He came in a position of love. He wants to see people saved. Today, ask yourself what your perception of God is. Do you see Him as a loving God who is for you and wants the best for you? Or do you see Him as a forbidding God with a checklist waiting to catch all your mistakes and sins?

An unusual scene unfolds in John 4. A Jew talking to a Samaritan in that time was unheard of. But Jesus did not merely chat with this Samaritan woman. He saw her, for who she is, He knew her past and probably her heart aches. He asked about her husband knowing her dilemma. She had five husbands before (perhaps they passed away) and acknowledged that the man she lived with was not even her husband. And because of that revelation of knowledge from Jesus, (v.29) she believed that Jesus is the Messiah. And because she testified, many Samaritans believed in Jesus too. We see also that when the Samaritans heard for themselves (v. 41, 42), even more of them believed. Therefore, we learn here that we should tell people about the goodness of God in our lives, so that they may hear and believe. But we know that what is even more powerful is when they hear from God themselves and receive a personal touch. We can do this by praying for them, by inviting them to church and also by releasing the word of knowledge or wisdom that God gives you for them!

John 1:15-51, Matt 4, Luke 4-5 ( 5th October) - Crystal

2007-10-05T01:15:00.000+08:00

John 1:15-51, Matt 4, Luke 4-5

The first parts of the chapters summarized the event that came after Jesus’ forty days fast. Formed as a man, Jesus was hungry. As satan came and tempt him asking him to turn stones into bread and jumping off the temple, Jesus rebuke satan with the word of God. Whenever we are tempted by satan’s works and voice, be bold to stand up in the name of Jesus. Therefore, we too have to be equipped with the sword of the spirit to be able to withstand and fight off satan.

Through this event, it has also taught us that we should not only be fed with solid food but spiritual food to be able to stay strong. Do not put God into test. Do not worship anything except God alone.

Just like us, Jesus came in human form and was tempted by satan. But he showed himself as an example to all and tells us that we are able to withstand temptation if we choose to walk right with God. Nothing is impossible.

After the fasting period, Jesus took off to his mission to preach the word of God. He went off firstly to be baptized and John recognized him as the messiah, the Son of man. Jesus did not take the chance to show off himself among the crowd but to be baptized just like others.

Jesus went on healing the sick and weak. On his way, he found his disciples, Andrew and Simon (known as Peter). Jesus did a miracle for the fishermen, he bless them with so much fishes that they sink the boats. However, Jesus call on to those who response to him and are willing to give up everything to follow him.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Are you willing to sacrifice everything in your life now to follow Jesus?

In Luke chapter 5:17-39, there are a few examples that describe the beliefs and the way of lives of the Pharisees. Jesus came to change the way of their thinking and to correct and warn us about how we should live our lives as a true Christians and not the Pharisees. 31Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Therefore, we should make Jesus as our example to be people oriented. Not only to the believers, but more importantly to the pre-believers who require guidance and light in their life. The purpose of us being in earth is to spread the word of God, the good news that has given to us. No point waiting to go heaven alone without accomplishing what God has given you. After all, the only thing we can do on earth and can’t in heaven is to spread the word of God.

Mark 1, Luke 3, Matt 3 (4th Oct) - Benjamin

2007-10-04T23:18:00.000+08:00

Responding to the call of John, many came forth to confess their sins and were baptized in the Jordan River. In Matt 3, we see that judgment is upon those who live in denial that they think they are the children of God and can live the way they prefer. (Matt 3:8-10)

Sometimes we may become complacent of our positions in life, our achievements that we have made thus far and live in a way that does not honor what the Lord has blessed us with. However, it is said that if we do not ‘produce good fruit’, we will be cut down and thrown into fire to die. Dying in flames is definitely a painful experience, thus to prevent such a painful punishment to be upon us, we have to live as we are called to.

John was able to recognize that what he was doing of baptizing the people is a duty given to him. But he knew that a greater being (Jesus) will come and he will humble himself before Jesus. When we are placed in areas of responsibilities that capture the attention of many, are we able to humble ourselves and submit to higher authorities when they come? Or will you feel apprehensive and feel bitter that the attention is taken off you? I hope that you choose the former, if not, ask God to give you a humble heart and repent.

Here in Mark 1, we see Jesus gathering his disciples, driving out evil spirits and healing people who came to him. 2 things came to my mind about this chapter.

Firstly, when we are called to serve, do we response immediately? Letting go of how we are used to be living, all the riches we have, and be an obedient child and go forth to serve? Not easy for many, but trust that when you go forth in faith, blessings beyond your carnal mind will be able to decipher will come.

Secondly, when we experience God’s blessings, be it healing, prayers answered etc, do we go out to the world and spread the word and share how mighty is our God? Or do you hide in a corner and just pray and give thanks to God? Worse still, you receive and think nothing of it, not even giving thanks!! I hope your choice is the first option for many will come to know the Lord as they hear of miraculous works and will want to experience it themselves. These will be great testimonies we can use and touch the lives of those who do not know the Lord. So I encourage all of you to share the blessings you have experienced thus far, big or small, to people around you.

Matthew 2, Luke 2: 39 – 52 (3rd October) - Sylvia

2007-10-03T10:15:00.000+08:00

Having heard of Jesus’s birth from the angels, the Magi (Wise Men) wanted to go and worship Him, at the same time alerting Herod who became fearful for His position as King thus giving the order for all boys in Bethlehem who were below two years to be killed.

Joseph and Mary had to run to another town to protect Jesus. That’s how they ended up in the town of Nazareth.

Jesus knew at a young age that He was God’s child and He was obedient and eager to learn about the teachings of the word of God. As He grew up, He had favour in the eyes of God and man.

Matthew 1, Luke 2:1 – 38 (2nd October) - Sylvia

2007-10-02T10:14:00.000+08:00

The passage gives an overview of Jesus’s family tree.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus Christ – this is indeed a miracle of the Holy Spirit. Thank God for sending angel to speak to Joseph if not he would have divorced Mary.

Imagine all the ridicule and hardship Mary had to go through, a young girl, unwed and pregnant.
Thank God for sending Jesus Christ who would soon be the Messiah of Jerusalem =)

Luke 1 & John 1: 1-14 (1st October) - Kelvin

2007-10-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

Before the Lord Jesus came onto this earth, a series of miracles had to happen. One of which was the birth of John the Baptist who would prophesied on the Son of God. The way God works often give His people the element of surprise.

Zechariah did not expect himself to talk to Gabriel the angel of God and for a moment he did not believe what Gabriel said - that Elizabeth and him will bear a newborn even at an old age. On the other hand, Mary was not expecting herself to talk to the angel of God as well and even question on how the Lord is going to make her pregnant as she is a virgin.

As a result, Zechariah was tongue-tied by God and could only display hand signals on what he had encountered to others and his wife. I guess many of us do not expect ourselves to be in such situations like Zechariah and Mary who were definitely stunt by what God was doing in their lives.

But always remember that whenever God wants to do a work in your lives, expect something extreme to happen to you. It may be something that you really do not wish to have or you may be in a circumstance that spells trouble. Nonetheless, God is saying He will transform you with the situation that you are in because God is able to do all things - For example: as long as God wants a newborn, no matter how old a woman is, He will ensure that the child is born through her ( Just look at Sarah and Elizabeth). Thats the extend of boundary that only God can do for us. Therefore, be prepared to see the incredible things in your lives if you want God to work something out of for you.

Malachi 1 - 4 (30th September) - Andrew

2007-09-30T23:43:00.000+08:00

Malachi 1
“…’Truly, the Lord’s great power reaches far beyond our borders!’” - Verse 5

How many times have we read from the bible that our God is great in power and He can do the impossible, the things men can’t do, He can do?
If anyone of us feel that we can’t do something, wait… our God whom we depends upon and with His great power, He can turn the things we can’t do to the things we can do.
If anyone of us got some problems, emotionally or physically, let us not focus on how big our problems are, but let us focus on how big our God is because His power “reaches far beyond our borders”.

This part is directly from my bible (NLT version).
“The Lord Almighty says to the priests: “A son honors his father and a servant respects his master. I am your father and master, but where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have despised my name!
“But you ask, ‘How have we ever despised your name?’
“You have despised my name by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.
“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’
“You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect. When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t it wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor and see how pleasing he is!” says the Lord Almighty.
- verse 6 – 8

Scary isn’t it when God talks in this way? God wants us to be clean from inside out and not be like those animals which are either blind or crippled and offered to the Lord. We are a living sacrifices to the Lord, thus let us encourage one another and help each other to be righteous before the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Malachi 2
The Lord warned the priests as their guidance is not from God but it’s by their own strength, thus causing people to stumble into sins. And the Lord made a call to faithfulness.

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “It is as cruel as putting on a victim’s bloodstain coat,” says the Lord Almighty. “So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife.”
- verse 16

Enough said.

Malachi 3
The coming day of Judgement – In the end, the Lord Almighty will come and judge each one of us according to what we had done, good or bad.

“I am the Lord, and I do not change…”
- verse 6

Wonderful isn’t it? Our God Himself told us he do not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him.”
- verse 16

Let us fear Him. Fearing Him does not mean fearfully fear Him, but rather staying close to Him and His words. Don’t we all want to have our name written on the scroll of remembrance? Then fear God.

Malachi 4
The coming Day of Judgement – God spoke about the coming Day of Judgement.

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”
- verse 2

Oh… don’t we want to be like someone leaping with joy and feeling so free during the Day of Judgement?

Nehemiah 11 - 13, Psalm 126 (29th September) - Andrew

2007-09-29T23:37:00.000+08:00

Nehemiah 11
The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, together with a tenth of the people from the other towns of Benjamin and Judah.
And then the list of the names of the provincial officials who came to Jerusalem precedes…

Nehemiah 12
The first part of this chapter lists down the name of the priests and Levites who had returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the high priest.
Followed on is the list of the decendents of Jeshua the high priests.
And then comes the dedication of the new wall built in Jerusalem. Nehemiah himself led the leaders of Judah to the top of the wall and organized two large choirs from Jerusalem to give thanks unto the Lord. Some of the priests played trumpets and others played the other instruments. When I was reading this part of the chapter, I can almost paint in my mind the picture of that is going on by the description of it. And its so awesome and marvelous to see them coming together, playing musical instruments and singing praises to God. How beautiful isn’t it?

Nehemiah 13
Eliashib the priests who had been appointed the supervisor of the storerooms of the Temple of God and who was the relative of Tobiah, converted a large storage room and gave it to Tobiah. This room had previously been used to store the grain offerings, frankincense, Temple utensils and tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the special portion set aside for the priests – all of these are for the works of the Lord. And when Nehemiah realized what Eliashib had done, he became very upset and threw all of Tobiah’s belongings out of the room and he purified the room and brought all the things that were once in the room back.

Summary: Nehemiah was a faithful man. A man walking very close to God and His words
(For example, He did not let any men work during the Sabbath day and did not let the men of Judah intermarried women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab.).

Psalm 126
This psalm is a praise of psalm to the Lord.
“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.”
- verse 5 - 6

Yes. Continue to perservere on the works of the Lord. Continue to serve Him faithfully and by the end of the days, you will be surprised by the blessings you will get from Him.

Nehemiah 8 - 10 (28th September) - Sylvia

2007-09-28T22:06:00.000+08:00

Ezra Reads the Law

Background: Ezra was a scribe who was very well versed in the Book of Law from God. Scribes then were very rare as they had to have well -qualifications to be able to read and also teach the word of God - being able to explain to others.

The Book of Law was read for seven days on the seventh month where was great celebration.

The people had to find joy in the Lord - NO one was allowed to grieve as it was a sacred day.

The Israelite Confess Their Sins

There was a day when the Israelites came together to confess their sins and their father's wickedness. They set themselves apart to confess, repent then worshipped the Lord.

It is quite heartening to know that brothers and sisters are able to come together gathered in one place and just cry out to God to seek forgiveness, to confess their sins and no one judges each other for we are all sinners, only saved and made whole by God's grace.

The Agreement of the People

The People agreed together and signed something like a contract, binding them to their promises to which they would be cursed/punished should they break the promise.
It is good that the oath was made in front of everyone thus everyone can support each other and help each other not fall to temptations.

Many things to agree to:
-obedience to commands, regulations, decress of the Lord
-marriage obligations
-Sabbath
-different types of offerings: grain, burnt, sin etc
- tithing - 10% of what you have

**i must emphasise on the importance of tithing. even if you are not working. 10% of pocket money also can. Being in the working world now, i all too understand the "heart pain" of giving 10% of my meagre pay to God - i am left with veri little you know. But because we give willingly, God will bless us with more. He is storing our treasures in heaven =)

Nehemiah 6 - 7 (27th September) - Sky

2007-09-27T09:10:00.000+08:00

Nehemiah 6

As Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall, further opposition and false persecution was against him.

Bu in this whole passage he only prayed 4 words.
“Now strengthen my hands.”

Such a simple prayer and yet it’s a prayer of faith. He didn’t plead to GOD for strength. He yearned it! Not today or tomorrow but now. Prayers are not about flowery and bombastic words, or just words of wisdom and encouragement. It takes faith and Spirit.

In the same chapter the wall was completed. Something interesting is that the surrounding nations soon realized that Nehemiah’s work had been done with the help of GOD.

Nehemiah 7

This chapter states the genealogical record of those who first returned.

GOD accomplished several things by bringing these people together:
1) Leadership was shifted from the city rulers to the tradition heads of the family clans.
2) Key leaders were named to popular Jerusalem and restore its credibility as a capital city
3) Impurity in the priesthood was cleaned out
4) A new national identity was established
5) Funds were raised for work

Nehemiah 1 - 5 (26th September) - Junming

2007-09-26T23:17:00.000+08:00

The book was written in a time when the Israelites were being driven to exile(scattered to many places)by the Kingdom of Babylon. Nehemiah was a cup bearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia(Neh 1:11) His job involves tasting the King's food and wine before he serves them to the king. As such, this is someone that the king must highly trust, as chapter 2 actually shows. Powerful man.

In chapter 1, as Nehemiah heard stories of what happened to his fellow countrymen and his homeland in Jerusalem, he wept. But not stopping at only that, he sought God, and decided to do something about it. Using his position as the King's cupbearer, he decided to seek help from the Persian King.

Chapter 2. He gives the king a =( face, which prompted the king to ask him what was wrong. This is unusual for a master and slave relationship, but it shows a little of the extent of the favour King Artaxerxes had on Nehemiah. Nehemiah then daringly asked the king(in the presence of the queen as well) to go back to Jerusalem where he would rebuild the city wall.

Such was his faith, he even asked the king for resources to rebuild the wall! In a more modern context, that involves asking your boss for permission to leave the company for a long period of time to start your own company, and at the same time asking your boss for money to start your own company. We could be sacked, Nehemiah could have been executed! But Nehemiah had the faith that God would always provide, and he had the desire to serve and lead his own people. Eventually, with the King's blessings and resources, he went. Upon checking the condition of the wall, he immediately gathered his people and allocated them their job scopes, which is listed in chapter 3.

Chapter 4 and 5 talks about the problems Nehemiah faced. In chapter 4, while rebuilding the wall, he faced external pressure, where enemies threatened to attack while the Israelites were busy with rebuilding their city.

Most of the time this is true of our lives. As we are busy serving God, setbacks happen. Our confidence waver, and we complain and give up(Neh 4:10-12). But Nehemiah stuck close to God. ''Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.''(V14)

He then made the Israelites work while carrying their weapons! Not an easy task to clear rubble, move boulders up a wall and at the same time carry a spear or a bow with a quiver of arrows! But that was what the Israelites did. While giving our best for God, do not lower our guard. Keep your weapons and armour close to you, stay firmly rooted in God's word.

Chapter 5 talks about the internal problems that Israel faced while building the wall. Even while building the wall, the Israelites were struggling to pay taxes in the season of famine. The tax collectors among them were still profiteering from their fellow countrymen. But they were willing to listen to Nehemiah and return all the money and property they collected.

Nehemiah really had the favour of the Lord upon him. God raised him to lead Israel when they needed leadership, God gave him courage and boldness to ask from King Artaxerxes, wisdom to allocate and distribute the task, patience and confidence to deal with the internal and external problems he faced. Indeed God favoured him, but he also chose to be used by God, and he took the first step to volunteer himself. Let it be so for our lives, and we will see God use us in ways we never imagined. Got a wall to overcome in your life? Look to Nehemiah and learn=)

Ezra 7 - 10 (25th September) - Li Juan

2007-09-25T23:33:00.000+08:00

Ezra was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, and the king had granted him everything he asked for because the hand of the Lord was upon him. It is written, whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Truly, whatever we are to work at, let us do it with a heart of gladness and with diligent hands, without complains.

For whatever we do, let us work at it with all our heart, as working for God and not for men (Col 3:23).

The gracious hand of our God will be on everyone who looks to Him, but his great anger is against all who forsake Him. Just like Ezra who led the men back to Jerusalem, they fasted and petitioned to God for His protection, and God answered their prayers. God protected them throughout the whole journey.

The people of Israel inter-married others from other tribes, and it was a great sin as it was the corruption and pollution of the holy race. Similarly, we believers should never be together (as in BGR) with people who are not of God as it is seen as a defilement to God. Just like the people of Israel, if you are guilty of this sin today, make a confession before God and separate yourself from him/her (ezra 10:11).

Esther 6 - 10 (24th September) - Li Juan

2007-09-24T20:50:00.001+08:00

Esther 6, 7 – Mordecai honored, Haman Hanged

The king wants to give honor and recognition to Mordecai for the deeds he had done, exposing 2 of the king’s officers who had conspired to assassinate the king. Similarly, our Father in heaven will reward us accordingly to what we have done for Him and obeyed Him. Haman suggested a grand royal plan for the man the king delights to honor as he thought it would be himself. Yet, he was commanded to get all these done for Mordecai. During the banquet with Queen Esther, the queen revealed Haman’s adversary to the king, and eventually, he was hung. What is done in the dark will eventually be revealed in the light.

Esther 8, 9 – The King’s Edict in behalf of the Jews, Triumph of the Jews, Purim Celebrated

Mordecai was appointed over all of Haman’s estates after Haman was hung. The king also granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves, to destroy any armed force that might attack them and their families, and to plunder the properties of their enemies. It was a time of gladness and honor for the Jews. They held a joyous celebration to feast and celebrate their happiness. Many people of other nationalities became Jews as there fear that the Jews would seize them. No one could stand against them, and Mordecai became more and more powerful.

There are countries in the world where women are denied the rights to vote, the poor are neglected in the social welfare system, and there is corruption in the government etc. Let us continue to pray for the peace and authority of our Lord to be evident in these countries.
Mordecai wrote to all the Jews in every province to have them celebrate annually on a particular day of a month, as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies. The month was when their sorrow was turned into joy, their mourning into a day of celebration. The days were observed as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Esther 10 – The Greatness of Mordecai

Mordecai was held in high esteem by his fellow Jews as he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. We need more Mordecais in the world. In your own marketplace, are you willing to be the Mordecai? Fighting for what is right and just?

Esther 1 - 5 (23rd September) - Vivien

2007-09-23T22:12:00.000+08:00

Esther 1
In this chapter, it talks about Queen Vasthi was deposed. As I was reading, I remembered 2 learning points. Why are Queen Vasthi deposed? She refused to obey the command of the king. Yesterday, at Stanley’s and Madeline’s wedding, Pastor Chan gave 2 pieces of advices to the newly wedded, 1) Husband, to be faithful to the wife; 2) Wife, to respect husband.

Pastor Chan, mentioned that as a wife, she need to respect her husband especially when they are seen publicly. Then the husband will have “face” or 面子. From Proverbs 31, a wife of a noble character is someone who the husband can have full confidence in her (v11); who brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life (v12); who adds on to the reason for others to respect him (v23).

So what Queen Vasthi did was deadly to her marriage. She is not just an ordinary woman, but a queen! The king had lost face in front of nobles! Also she could influence the nation’s women. By not obeying the king, it was possible that this value would be passed down to the people. Therefore the wise men advice to depose the queen was the best choice.

The second learning point is our action can influence others. For Queen Vasthi, she was a queen then, so her actions would influence the women of her nation, which is a huge influence! As for us, not matter how much influence we have, we are still capable of influencing others! So we need to always be conscious of our action, so that we don’t stumble others.

Esther 2
In Chapter 2, Esther, who was an orphan, was made queen. The process was tedious. It reminded for those Hong Kong drama series, where girls were put through a long process of training before meeting the king to be appointed as concubines. Esther has found favour with the people that she had contact with, which was one of her secrets to success. Obedience and respect. Of course, God was in control of the whole situation, to save His people.

The second part is about how Mordecai and Esther continued to gain favour from the king, by rescuing him from an assassin. Your authority might not be a Christian, but still assist him/her, unless it is against God’s principles.

Esther 3 – 4
A plot was set up by Haman to destroy all the Jews in the provinces, because of his hatred for Mordecai. That’s how wicked man can be. Doesn’t this seem terrible? An edict was passed out to have a race wiped out. How can such a thing be reversed? Was this the end of the Jews?

How would we react when something terrible in our lives befall, which doesn’t seem reversible?

Esther was the only hope for Mordecai. So he went to her for help. And of course it would be a very stressful moment for Esther, as it concerns her life and conscious. In the end she decided to not go against her conscious and fast and pray to bet on her life. And if she dies, she dies.
Many times, we struggle within ourselves, but usually not life-and-death issue. Should be go against our conscious and just get that temporary benefit? Don’t go against our conscious! If we do, then we will be numb towards things that we used to know that is not right.

Esther 5
In this chapter, Queen Esther went ahead with her plan to rescue her people. She had the favour of the king, and the king was glad to see her, even though he didn’t summon her. And things were going smoothly.

On the hand, Haman was very boastful about his achievements and boasted about the banquet that Queen Esther invited him to. And in his mind, all he wanted was to get rid of Mordecai…