Galatians 4 - 6 (25th November) - Ivy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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