"THE FACTS OF THE MATTER"
"A weekly letter of encouragement to business and professional men and women"
July 23, 2008
Good Morning!
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD LIVING A LIFE OF VICTORY OVER SIN
The other morning in a men’s Bible study, the consensus was that victory over sin was, for the most part, a distant hope. The best we can expect in this life is to sort of muddle through. I don’t think so! Sure, life is tough, and we are faced with a constant barrage of trials and temptations, but amidst it all, it is God’s intention that we live victoriously!
“As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:36, 37)
But how? Consider the following principles and supporting Scriptures:
Surrender your life and will to the Lordship of Christ and His transforming power: “…Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:1,2 - selected) (See Rom. 6:13,16, 19)
Surrender your pride and humbly acknowledge your utter dependence upon God: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!”... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." …For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10 - selected) (See Pro. 16:18; Matt. 26:33,34)
Relentlessly pursue God: “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Pro. 2:1-5; Jer. 29:13)
Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you: “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Gal. 5:16; Rom. 8:2)
Claim and appropriate God’s promises of victory: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1Cor. 10:13) (See 2 Thess. 3:3)
Persevere under trials and temptations: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” (Jms. 1:12-15; Pro. 24:16a) (See Rom. 5:3-5; Jms. 1:2-4)
Avoid people and places that tempt you: “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way…He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Pro. 4:14, 15; 13:20) (See Pro. 3:11, 12; 2 Tim. 2:22)
Travel with a band of like-minded brothers for the purpose of support and accountability: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken…Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (Ecc. 4:9-12; Jms. 5:16b) (See Pro. 27:17)
Be aware of the high consequences of living a sinful life, and the rewards of living a righteous life: Proverbs 1:20-32; Deut. 28; Gal. 6:7, 8
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
R. Dwight Hill
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
ODB: Marriage Before Love
Our Daily Bread: July 12, 2008
Marriage Before Love
Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 9:9
A man went to his pastor for counseling. In his hands were pages of complaints against his wife. After hours of uninterrupted listening, the pastor couldn’t help but ask, “If she is that bad, why did you marry her?” Immediately the man shot back, “She wasn’t like this at first!” The pastor, unable to hold back his thoughts, asked, “So, are you saying that she is like this because she’s been married to you?”
Whether or not this story is true, it does suggest an important lesson to be learned. At times, feelings toward a spouse may grow cold. But love is much more than feelings—it’s a lifelong commitment.
Although most people choose to marry only because of love, in some cultures people still get married through matchmaking. In the lives of Isaac and Rebekah recorded in the book of Genesis, love came after marriage. It says in chapter 24 that Isaac married Rebekah and then he loved her (v.67).
Biblical love is about our willingness to do what is good for another. Husbands are instructed to “love their own wives as their own bodies” (Eph. 5:28).
So, walking in obedience to the Lord, let’s keep our marriage vows to love “till death do us part.” — Albert Lee
“For better or for worse,” we pledge,“Through sickness and through strife”;And by the help and grace of GodWe’ll keep these vows for life. —D. De Haan
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
Marriage Before Love
Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 9:9
A man went to his pastor for counseling. In his hands were pages of complaints against his wife. After hours of uninterrupted listening, the pastor couldn’t help but ask, “If she is that bad, why did you marry her?” Immediately the man shot back, “She wasn’t like this at first!” The pastor, unable to hold back his thoughts, asked, “So, are you saying that she is like this because she’s been married to you?”
Whether or not this story is true, it does suggest an important lesson to be learned. At times, feelings toward a spouse may grow cold. But love is much more than feelings—it’s a lifelong commitment.
Although most people choose to marry only because of love, in some cultures people still get married through matchmaking. In the lives of Isaac and Rebekah recorded in the book of Genesis, love came after marriage. It says in chapter 24 that Isaac married Rebekah and then he loved her (v.67).
Biblical love is about our willingness to do what is good for another. Husbands are instructed to “love their own wives as their own bodies” (Eph. 5:28).
So, walking in obedience to the Lord, let’s keep our marriage vows to love “till death do us part.” — Albert Lee
“For better or for worse,” we pledge,“Through sickness and through strife”;And by the help and grace of GodWe’ll keep these vows for life. —D. De Haan
Love is more than a feeling, it’s a commitment
TRAFFIC TICKET
TRAFFIC TICKET
Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?
When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.
Bob? Bob from church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A Christian cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little anxious to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.
Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform. "Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."
"Hello, Jack." No smile.
"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."
"Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good.
"I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit - just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"
"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct."
Ouch! This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics. "What'd you clock me at?"
"Seventy-one. Would you sit back in your car, please?"
"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket. "Please, Jack, in the car."
Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again.
A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.
"Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.
Bob returned to his car without a word.
Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket.
Jack began to read: "Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when she was killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. . . Pray for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left. Bob"
Jack twisted around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he, too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.
Life is precious. Handle with care.
-- Author Unknown
Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?
When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.
Bob? Bob from church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A Christian cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little anxious to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.
Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform. "Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."
"Hello, Jack." No smile.
"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."
"Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good.
"I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit - just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"
"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct."
Ouch! This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics. "What'd you clock me at?"
"Seventy-one. Would you sit back in your car, please?"
"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket. "Please, Jack, in the car."
Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again.
A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.
"Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.
Bob returned to his car without a word.
Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket.
Jack began to read: "Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when she was killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. . . Pray for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left. Bob"
Jack twisted around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he, too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.
Life is precious. Handle with care.
-- Author Unknown
27 INDICATIONS THAT WE NEED REVIVAL
27 INDICATIONS THAT WE NEED REVIVAL
1.. When we do not love Him as we once did.
2.. When earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
3.. When we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible and pray.
4.. When we have little or no desire for prayer.
5.. When we would rather make money than give money.
6.. When our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
7.. When we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
8.. When we make little effort to witness to the lost.
9.. When we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer.
10.. When we do not tremble at the Word of God.
11.. When we seldom think thoughts of eternity.
12.. When we are more concerned about our jobs and careers than about the Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.
13.. When Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.
14.. When our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.
15.. When we watch things on TV and movies that we would not show in church.
16.. When our prayers lack fervency.
17.. When our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.
18.. When our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.
19.. When we aren't seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God.
20.. When we are bored with worship.
21.. When we are more concerned about what others think about us than what God thinks about us.
22.. When we are making little or no difference in the secular world around us.
23.. When we are unmoved by the thought of our neighbours, business associates and acquaintances going to hell.
24.. When we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our sin.
25.. When we aren't exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.
26.. When the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and our church.
27.. When we are blind to the extent of our need and don't think we need revival.
-- Author Unknown
1.. When we do not love Him as we once did.
2.. When earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
3.. When we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible and pray.
4.. When we have little or no desire for prayer.
5.. When we would rather make money than give money.
6.. When our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
7.. When we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
8.. When we make little effort to witness to the lost.
9.. When we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer.
10.. When we do not tremble at the Word of God.
11.. When we seldom think thoughts of eternity.
12.. When we are more concerned about our jobs and careers than about the Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.
13.. When Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.
14.. When our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.
15.. When we watch things on TV and movies that we would not show in church.
16.. When our prayers lack fervency.
17.. When our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.
18.. When our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.
19.. When we aren't seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God.
20.. When we are bored with worship.
21.. When we are more concerned about what others think about us than what God thinks about us.
22.. When we are making little or no difference in the secular world around us.
23.. When we are unmoved by the thought of our neighbours, business associates and acquaintances going to hell.
24.. When we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our sin.
25.. When we aren't exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.
26.. When the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and our church.
27.. When we are blind to the extent of our need and don't think we need revival.
-- Author Unknown
The Parable of the Vineyard Owner's Son (Jesus' Authority Questioned)
Sunday Service June 15 2008 - "The Parable of the Vineyard Owner's Son (Jesus' Authority Questioned)" by Rev Richard Tok
Scripture: Mark 11.27-33; 12.1-12
A.1. Mark 11.27-28
Jesus was questioned. The Sanhedrin-chief priests, teachers and elders questioned him.
“By what authority are you doing these things?” “And who gave you the authority to do this?
Jesus had purged / cleansed the Temple and cursed a tree to wither the previous day.His authoritative words and deeds (forgiving and healing) received popular recognition.The religious people doubted and questioned Jesus’ credentials.This showed Jesus’ motive and mission were still a secret (hidden).
On spiritual and religious matters, why ask questions. Is it to learn and understand; to know and practice; to challenge and discredit? Our questioning attitude shows our ignorance, disagreement, opposition or our desire to be a better person.2. Mark 11.29-33Jesus replied with a counter-question.
“John’s baptism – was it from heaven (divine origin), or from men (human origin). Tell me!”Jesus’ authority came from the same source as that of John the Baptist – God. This showed that between Jesus and John there was no rivalry. The answer given by the religious leaders would reveal their opinion of him.
The religious leaders were in a bind, a dilemma.
To answer: “From heaven” - they condemned themselves for not believing in John and not supporting his ministry. They have rejected God’s messenger, John. They would have to accept Jesus’ authority. This is the true answer but not acceptable. They did not believe.
To answer: “From men” – they deny that John was commissioned by God. They discredit themselves before all Jews. They feared the Jews because everyone regarded John as a genuine prophet. This preferred answer was false but it was unacceptable because they feared the people.
Mark 11.33
The religious leaders took an easy way out of the dilemma.
“We don’t know,” they said.
They don’t want to admit the truth or what’s right. They want to maintain what’s safe for their position in the eyes of the public, those who were watching and listening.They pleaded ignorance to save face. They suspended judgement / opinion (no comments). This action or attitude actually showed the rejection of John and Jesus as God’s messengers. Throughout history, many Jewish religious leaders rejected God’s messengers and their message. Jesus points this out in “the Parable of the Tenants.”
When we search for answers for spiritual and religious questions we must be willing to accept them and uphold them in faith and practice. Pretending not to know so as not to practice what we believe does not give us the license to do questionable things. Our belief becomes questionable. We trip ourselves and stumble others. Behaviour=Belief! A good tree bears good fruit.
B.Mark 12.1-12
Social situation: First-century Palestine, especially Galilee, reflected in this parable. Rich foreign landlords owned large tracks of estates. They leased to tenant farmers. Agreement: Tenants cultivated land, cared for vineyards while landlords were away. A portion of harvest was to be paid as rent. Owners sent agents to collect rent at harvest time. Relationship: Tension arose between absentee owner and tenant at harvest time.
1. Mark 12.1
Jesus addressed the Sanhedrin by telling them a parable. They had questioned him on his authority. They were planning and plotting against Him. This parable would expose their evil intentions and warned them of the consequences.
The vineyard is a symbol of the nation of Israel. In describing the landlord’s preparations for the vineyard Jesus showed the owner’s seriousness and desire to have a choice vineyard. Then he leased it to farmers, vine-growers, representing the religious leaders of Israel. Then he went on a long journey and became an absentee owner.
2. Mark 12.2-5
The owner sent three servants on three successive occasions to a share of the fruit at harvest time (the 5th year). These servants or agents represented God’s servants, the prophets, to Israel. The tenant farmers were violent. The first servant they beat and sent away empty handed. The second was seriously wounded and shamed. The third servant was killed.The owner was long-suffering and continued to sent other servants. Those were either beaten or also killed.God had sent prophets to Israel to gather fruits of repentance and righteousness, but his prophets were abused, wounded or killed.We ought to examine the Church of Christ today, our congregation and ourselves when we read the parable. How relevant is it to us, to me? Is it just a story about other people of another time or is it about us and about me? Is it about behaviour and response towards God who is not physically present in our world? But He has agents in our midst. How seriously do we take God’s messengers and the messages we receive from them, time and again? How well have we applied God’s Word to our own lives and know Him as He is?
3. Mark 12.6-8
The owner had one more left to send, his own son – “They will respect my son,” he thought. Unique to Mark, the writer, is his use of “my Son & my beloved Son (1.11; 9.7).” He used them to represent God’s Son, Jesus. They are used here to show that the farmers should give HIM thehonour they had denied to the servants. But they had other thoughts and plans. They killed him in the vineyard and then threw him out.Reading v.7, let us try to understand the rationale to kill the owner’s son. In Palestine of those days, someone could claim a piece of land if it was “ownerless property,” first come first served! The farmers may have presumed that the arrival of the son meant that his father had died. So, it they killed him they could acquire the vineyard.
Some would explain that this portion of the parable predicts what would happen to Jesus. He would be crucified outside Jerusalem. It meant Jesus was expelled from Israel, dramatically showed the religious leaders’ rejection of Him.This reasoning presses the parable too far. The throwing of the son’s body out of the vineyard without burial is better seen as the climax of the leaders’ wickedness. The parable showed their rejection and murder of the son took place within the walls of the vineyard, i.e. within Israel.
4. Mark 12.9
Jesus asked a rhetorical question: “What then will the owner of the vineyard do?”This kind of questioning made the audience think with the speaker. They share in deciding what action the owner should take.Expected answer: He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
Jesus affirmed the religious teachers’ answer, whether spoken or silent. That struck deep into their hearts concerning the serious consequences as they plotted to kill Jesus. Jesus claimed himself as the “only Son” sent by God (John 3.16).Rejection of the owner’s son was really rejection of the owner! He would come with executive authority to punish the murderers. Then he would give the vineyard to other. Rejection of John the Baptist & Jesus was rejection of God Himself. Judgement on Israel was inevitable. Their privileges would be transferred to others (Rom.11.25)
5. Mark 12.10-11
Jesus focused sharply the parable on Himself when He quoted Psalm 118.22-23. This quotation brought to an end the parable.“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”The figures in the Parable “son & tenants” are changed to “stone & builders” in the Psalm. Jesus, the owner’s son, seen as the “stone” was rejected by the tenant farmers, seen as “builders.” But the stone has become the capstone / cornerstone, the most important stone in a building.
The builder’s decision to reject the stone was reversed. An ordinary stone has become the headstone! God overrules in amazing ways. He can & will reverse rebellious human attempts to obstruct His plans & purposes.6. Mark 12.12The real intention of the religious leaders was confirmed. They began by asking Jesus questions. The way they asked was to trip and trap Jesus. They questioned Jesus’ authority. They were looking for an excuse or reason to reject Jesus. So Jesus directed the parable of the Parable Vineyard Owner’s Son at them.
Their reaction was to arrest Jesus. Remember that was the Passover Week. The crowd had just given Jesus a rousing welcome into Jerusalem. Fearing the excited crowd of people & the popularity of Jesus, they left him and went away. Their conscience had been pricked. Their hearts hardened.
What can we learn from this incident and the parable?
The human heart is deceitfully wicked. Whether it was the chief priests, teachers of the Law or the elders of the synagogue, or people like us in the church, everyone has a deceitful heart. The human heart can harden. God says, “Do not harden your hearts.”
Questions are asked. Answers are sought. Are they to reinforce our own idea of how or what things should be? We should learn to change. Pray, “Change my heart, O God.”
In private & group Bible Study, pray that the study of God’s Word has a transforming effect on our faith and practice. When it comes to personal application we must be brave to apply the Word to ourselves. We must learn to think and form an opinion to be expressed with honesty. We must not take the easy way out or the lazy way out by saying, “I don’t know,” “No comments,” “Private and personal.” We must all grow “in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord JC.” Our sincere sharing stirs each other to love and good deeds.
Questioning for knowledge is all right. The religious leaders asked questions to reject Jesus’ authority. In a subtle way it was a total rejection of God. We must be careful about throwing questions around undermining authority. They lead to disagreement, misunderstanding and violent conduct. Ungodly behaviour is the rejection of the rule of God.
Our God may be invisible but He is ever present. The structure of the Church, our worship, prayers, songs of praise and the saying of our Confession, e.g the Apostles Creed, remind us all, that God in Jesus Christ is Alive. He is Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresent.
God is Sovereign. He is King. He is in charge, in command, in control. He died and lived again. Some people may plan and plot against His purpose. He has the power and capacity to reverse the order of things. He is to be feared (honoured). He is to be trusted. Our God is trustworthy. He is worthy to be worshipped.
Examine ourselves. Be careful that by our thought, word or deed we do not reject His authority or His person. Jesus is Lord. Be careful lest we become an apostate.
Scripture: Mark 11.27-33; 12.1-12
A.1. Mark 11.27-28
Jesus was questioned. The Sanhedrin-chief priests, teachers and elders questioned him.
“By what authority are you doing these things?” “And who gave you the authority to do this?
Jesus had purged / cleansed the Temple and cursed a tree to wither the previous day.His authoritative words and deeds (forgiving and healing) received popular recognition.The religious people doubted and questioned Jesus’ credentials.This showed Jesus’ motive and mission were still a secret (hidden).
On spiritual and religious matters, why ask questions. Is it to learn and understand; to know and practice; to challenge and discredit? Our questioning attitude shows our ignorance, disagreement, opposition or our desire to be a better person.2. Mark 11.29-33Jesus replied with a counter-question.
“John’s baptism – was it from heaven (divine origin), or from men (human origin). Tell me!”Jesus’ authority came from the same source as that of John the Baptist – God. This showed that between Jesus and John there was no rivalry. The answer given by the religious leaders would reveal their opinion of him.
The religious leaders were in a bind, a dilemma.
To answer: “From heaven” - they condemned themselves for not believing in John and not supporting his ministry. They have rejected God’s messenger, John. They would have to accept Jesus’ authority. This is the true answer but not acceptable. They did not believe.
To answer: “From men” – they deny that John was commissioned by God. They discredit themselves before all Jews. They feared the Jews because everyone regarded John as a genuine prophet. This preferred answer was false but it was unacceptable because they feared the people.
Mark 11.33
The religious leaders took an easy way out of the dilemma.
“We don’t know,” they said.
They don’t want to admit the truth or what’s right. They want to maintain what’s safe for their position in the eyes of the public, those who were watching and listening.They pleaded ignorance to save face. They suspended judgement / opinion (no comments). This action or attitude actually showed the rejection of John and Jesus as God’s messengers. Throughout history, many Jewish religious leaders rejected God’s messengers and their message. Jesus points this out in “the Parable of the Tenants.”
When we search for answers for spiritual and religious questions we must be willing to accept them and uphold them in faith and practice. Pretending not to know so as not to practice what we believe does not give us the license to do questionable things. Our belief becomes questionable. We trip ourselves and stumble others. Behaviour=Belief! A good tree bears good fruit.
B.Mark 12.1-12
Social situation: First-century Palestine, especially Galilee, reflected in this parable. Rich foreign landlords owned large tracks of estates. They leased to tenant farmers. Agreement: Tenants cultivated land, cared for vineyards while landlords were away. A portion of harvest was to be paid as rent. Owners sent agents to collect rent at harvest time. Relationship: Tension arose between absentee owner and tenant at harvest time.
1. Mark 12.1
Jesus addressed the Sanhedrin by telling them a parable. They had questioned him on his authority. They were planning and plotting against Him. This parable would expose their evil intentions and warned them of the consequences.
The vineyard is a symbol of the nation of Israel. In describing the landlord’s preparations for the vineyard Jesus showed the owner’s seriousness and desire to have a choice vineyard. Then he leased it to farmers, vine-growers, representing the religious leaders of Israel. Then he went on a long journey and became an absentee owner.
2. Mark 12.2-5
The owner sent three servants on three successive occasions to a share of the fruit at harvest time (the 5th year). These servants or agents represented God’s servants, the prophets, to Israel. The tenant farmers were violent. The first servant they beat and sent away empty handed. The second was seriously wounded and shamed. The third servant was killed.The owner was long-suffering and continued to sent other servants. Those were either beaten or also killed.God had sent prophets to Israel to gather fruits of repentance and righteousness, but his prophets were abused, wounded or killed.We ought to examine the Church of Christ today, our congregation and ourselves when we read the parable. How relevant is it to us, to me? Is it just a story about other people of another time or is it about us and about me? Is it about behaviour and response towards God who is not physically present in our world? But He has agents in our midst. How seriously do we take God’s messengers and the messages we receive from them, time and again? How well have we applied God’s Word to our own lives and know Him as He is?
3. Mark 12.6-8
The owner had one more left to send, his own son – “They will respect my son,” he thought. Unique to Mark, the writer, is his use of “my Son & my beloved Son (1.11; 9.7).” He used them to represent God’s Son, Jesus. They are used here to show that the farmers should give HIM thehonour they had denied to the servants. But they had other thoughts and plans. They killed him in the vineyard and then threw him out.Reading v.7, let us try to understand the rationale to kill the owner’s son. In Palestine of those days, someone could claim a piece of land if it was “ownerless property,” first come first served! The farmers may have presumed that the arrival of the son meant that his father had died. So, it they killed him they could acquire the vineyard.
Some would explain that this portion of the parable predicts what would happen to Jesus. He would be crucified outside Jerusalem. It meant Jesus was expelled from Israel, dramatically showed the religious leaders’ rejection of Him.This reasoning presses the parable too far. The throwing of the son’s body out of the vineyard without burial is better seen as the climax of the leaders’ wickedness. The parable showed their rejection and murder of the son took place within the walls of the vineyard, i.e. within Israel.
4. Mark 12.9
Jesus asked a rhetorical question: “What then will the owner of the vineyard do?”This kind of questioning made the audience think with the speaker. They share in deciding what action the owner should take.Expected answer: He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
Jesus affirmed the religious teachers’ answer, whether spoken or silent. That struck deep into their hearts concerning the serious consequences as they plotted to kill Jesus. Jesus claimed himself as the “only Son” sent by God (John 3.16).Rejection of the owner’s son was really rejection of the owner! He would come with executive authority to punish the murderers. Then he would give the vineyard to other. Rejection of John the Baptist & Jesus was rejection of God Himself. Judgement on Israel was inevitable. Their privileges would be transferred to others (Rom.11.25)
5. Mark 12.10-11
Jesus focused sharply the parable on Himself when He quoted Psalm 118.22-23. This quotation brought to an end the parable.“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”The figures in the Parable “son & tenants” are changed to “stone & builders” in the Psalm. Jesus, the owner’s son, seen as the “stone” was rejected by the tenant farmers, seen as “builders.” But the stone has become the capstone / cornerstone, the most important stone in a building.
The builder’s decision to reject the stone was reversed. An ordinary stone has become the headstone! God overrules in amazing ways. He can & will reverse rebellious human attempts to obstruct His plans & purposes.6. Mark 12.12The real intention of the religious leaders was confirmed. They began by asking Jesus questions. The way they asked was to trip and trap Jesus. They questioned Jesus’ authority. They were looking for an excuse or reason to reject Jesus. So Jesus directed the parable of the Parable Vineyard Owner’s Son at them.
Their reaction was to arrest Jesus. Remember that was the Passover Week. The crowd had just given Jesus a rousing welcome into Jerusalem. Fearing the excited crowd of people & the popularity of Jesus, they left him and went away. Their conscience had been pricked. Their hearts hardened.
What can we learn from this incident and the parable?
The human heart is deceitfully wicked. Whether it was the chief priests, teachers of the Law or the elders of the synagogue, or people like us in the church, everyone has a deceitful heart. The human heart can harden. God says, “Do not harden your hearts.”
Questions are asked. Answers are sought. Are they to reinforce our own idea of how or what things should be? We should learn to change. Pray, “Change my heart, O God.”
In private & group Bible Study, pray that the study of God’s Word has a transforming effect on our faith and practice. When it comes to personal application we must be brave to apply the Word to ourselves. We must learn to think and form an opinion to be expressed with honesty. We must not take the easy way out or the lazy way out by saying, “I don’t know,” “No comments,” “Private and personal.” We must all grow “in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord JC.” Our sincere sharing stirs each other to love and good deeds.
Questioning for knowledge is all right. The religious leaders asked questions to reject Jesus’ authority. In a subtle way it was a total rejection of God. We must be careful about throwing questions around undermining authority. They lead to disagreement, misunderstanding and violent conduct. Ungodly behaviour is the rejection of the rule of God.
Our God may be invisible but He is ever present. The structure of the Church, our worship, prayers, songs of praise and the saying of our Confession, e.g the Apostles Creed, remind us all, that God in Jesus Christ is Alive. He is Omnipotent, Omniscience and Omnipresent.
God is Sovereign. He is King. He is in charge, in command, in control. He died and lived again. Some people may plan and plot against His purpose. He has the power and capacity to reverse the order of things. He is to be feared (honoured). He is to be trusted. Our God is trustworthy. He is worthy to be worshipped.
Examine ourselves. Be careful that by our thought, word or deed we do not reject His authority or His person. Jesus is Lord. Be careful lest we become an apostate.
Resisting the Grace of God's Presence & Ministry
Resisting the Grace of God's Presence & Ministry
Pst Lawrence Chua (07/08/05)
Lk 15:11-32, John 13:1-7
Eg of grace
- Gifts of service {Rom 12:6-8)
- Grace of God's abiding presence :Heb 13:5-6
-Grace of God's ministry in our lives : 2 Cor 1:3-4
Observation: Many Christians resist the grace of God in their lives
Prodigal Son: Resisting the grace of God's Presence
God's Presence - the security, guidance,
Younger son resisted grace by leaving the father's presence
Older son resisted grace by not living in the father's presence.
Reason: Over familar (familiarty breeds contempt)
eg: parent's presence
Younger + older son: Underestimated the value of God's abiding presence (Less than worldly pleasures + less than a young goat)
Have we taken God's presence for granted?
Have we taken the grace of serving God as his son for granted?
Enjoy His presence + serving Him.
Peter: Resisting the grace of God's ministry
Peter resisted due to pride, conceit, sense of superiority
We need to receive ministry of Jesus so that we can minister to others.
Many of us have difficulty receiving ministryReceive ministry, serve in humility
Pst Lawrence Chua (07/08/05)
Lk 15:11-32, John 13:1-7
Eg of grace
- Gifts of service {Rom 12:6-8)
- Grace of God's abiding presence :Heb 13:5-6
-Grace of God's ministry in our lives : 2 Cor 1:3-4
Observation: Many Christians resist the grace of God in their lives
Prodigal Son: Resisting the grace of God's Presence
God's Presence - the security, guidance,
Younger son resisted grace by leaving the father's presence
Older son resisted grace by not living in the father's presence.
Reason: Over familar (familiarty breeds contempt)
eg: parent's presence
Younger + older son: Underestimated the value of God's abiding presence (Less than worldly pleasures + less than a young goat)
Have we taken God's presence for granted?
Have we taken the grace of serving God as his son for granted?
Enjoy His presence + serving Him.
Peter: Resisting the grace of God's ministry
Peter resisted due to pride, conceit, sense of superiority
We need to receive ministry of Jesus so that we can minister to others.
Many of us have difficulty receiving ministryReceive ministry, serve in humility
Super Single
Super Single : 1 May2005 : SP Lawrence Chua
- Most pple have narrow minded view on singleness
- Singles' emotional baggage created by society (social pressure that creates burden)
- Agst divorces but abvocate separation in certain circumstances
- Many baggage is self-borne: singles accepting what society say + think of them instead of rejecting them
- We often accept what is the world's norm instead of what is in scripture
- Time for standard singles to change their view & become super singles.
1) Impact of education
- Creation of choice, empowerment: choice of education leading to non-marriage. Uneducated women in villages have no prob with marriage & procreation
- Many choose the freedom of singleness.
- Choice brings restriction
- Education is a blessing. But the choice & blessing has brougth problems
2) Imbalance in expectation
- Many expect marriage to be bliss but singleness a bane
- Contrary to expectation, many marriages have no harmony at all but agony
1 Cor 7:3-4 Loss of authority over own body
1 Cor 7:28 Have trouble, stress,
1 Cor 7:33 Have additional burden
Matt 19:1-12 Jesus said marriage is life-long commitment then see vs12
Balance view: John 10:10 Having an abundant life - for singles & the married. To have a full & fulfilled life.
Singles often filled there's something missing in life. Singles should therefore stop wallowing & live life fully & abundantly as a super single
3) Imperment in view of eternity
Matt 19:1-12 Better not to marry
Does marriage continue to eternity?
Lk 20:27-40 Women married 7 times: Jesus said marriage only on earth - no marriage in the resurrection. One would think if marriage is that great, God would instituted marriage in heaven.
Prophetess Anna (Lk 2:36-38) She was only married 7 yrs. God's favor was for her to see Jesus.
- The world often do not understand God's blessing & think that those not married are not blessed.
- Marriage on earth is so brief & yet marriage brings so much grief to singles.
4) Imminence of the end time
a) Singles care for the things of the Lord & concentrating on extension of God's kingdom w/o distraction (Matt 19:11-12).
Jesus not only talked but walked it by not being married. He would have been a model to married & on parenting. He chose to stay single.
Anna, Jesus, Paul all stayed single.
Paul encouraged singleness (1 Cor 7:8). The only thing is married can have legitimate sex. But Paul says this can be handled via self-control. Also can't get pregnant or enjoy parenting.
Jesus commented who stay celibrate Matt 19:11-12
Good to be married but better to be single 1 Cor 7:38
Are our singles taking advantage of their unencumbered single to extend God's kingdom?
Are our singles finding life full & fulfilling? The greatest hurdle facing singles is own mindset - The biblical teaching vs. the world's view.
- Most pple have narrow minded view on singleness
- Singles' emotional baggage created by society (social pressure that creates burden)
- Agst divorces but abvocate separation in certain circumstances
- Many baggage is self-borne: singles accepting what society say + think of them instead of rejecting them
- We often accept what is the world's norm instead of what is in scripture
- Time for standard singles to change their view & become super singles.
1) Impact of education
- Creation of choice, empowerment: choice of education leading to non-marriage. Uneducated women in villages have no prob with marriage & procreation
- Many choose the freedom of singleness.
- Choice brings restriction
- Education is a blessing. But the choice & blessing has brougth problems
2) Imbalance in expectation
- Many expect marriage to be bliss but singleness a bane
- Contrary to expectation, many marriages have no harmony at all but agony
1 Cor 7:3-4 Loss of authority over own body
1 Cor 7:28 Have trouble, stress,
1 Cor 7:33 Have additional burden
Matt 19:1-12 Jesus said marriage is life-long commitment then see vs12
Balance view: John 10:10 Having an abundant life - for singles & the married. To have a full & fulfilled life.
Singles often filled there's something missing in life. Singles should therefore stop wallowing & live life fully & abundantly as a super single
3) Imperment in view of eternity
Matt 19:1-12 Better not to marry
Does marriage continue to eternity?
Lk 20:27-40 Women married 7 times: Jesus said marriage only on earth - no marriage in the resurrection. One would think if marriage is that great, God would instituted marriage in heaven.
Prophetess Anna (Lk 2:36-38) She was only married 7 yrs. God's favor was for her to see Jesus.
- The world often do not understand God's blessing & think that those not married are not blessed.
- Marriage on earth is so brief & yet marriage brings so much grief to singles.
4) Imminence of the end time
a) Singles care for the things of the Lord & concentrating on extension of God's kingdom w/o distraction (Matt 19:11-12).
Jesus not only talked but walked it by not being married. He would have been a model to married & on parenting. He chose to stay single.
Anna, Jesus, Paul all stayed single.
Paul encouraged singleness (1 Cor 7:8). The only thing is married can have legitimate sex. But Paul says this can be handled via self-control. Also can't get pregnant or enjoy parenting.
Jesus commented who stay celibrate Matt 19:11-12
Good to be married but better to be single 1 Cor 7:38
Are our singles taking advantage of their unencumbered single to extend God's kingdom?
Are our singles finding life full & fulfilling? The greatest hurdle facing singles is own mindset - The biblical teaching vs. the world's view.
Coping with Stress in Courtship & Marriage
Coping with Stress in Courtship & Marriage:
Lawrence Chua, LSBC (10 April 2005)
Lk 1:5-38
Nuptial Stress
- stealthy existence of stress
Blibical models
A) Expect conflict stress in married life
a) to be expected. Even a godly couple is not exempted.
The fundamental answer is 'commitment'.
B) Expected commitment in marriage
Matt 19:4-6
- It is necessary to communicate & bldg strength into marriage.
a) Store good things in heart & avoid keeping score of the bad things.
Events create experiences & memories. Lk 6:45
1 Cor 13:5b Love does not keep record of wrongs.
b) God centered
Make sure both stay God centered. One who hear, believe & follow God.Both can pray & ask Grace from God.
Lawrence Chua, LSBC (10 April 2005)
Lk 1:5-38
Nuptial Stress
- stealthy existence of stress
Blibical models
A) Expect conflict stress in married life
a) to be expected. Even a godly couple is not exempted.
The fundamental answer is 'commitment'.
B) Expected commitment in marriage
Matt 19:4-6
- It is necessary to communicate & bldg strength into marriage.
a) Store good things in heart & avoid keeping score of the bad things.
Events create experiences & memories. Lk 6:45
1 Cor 13:5b Love does not keep record of wrongs.
b) God centered
Make sure both stay God centered. One who hear, believe & follow God.Both can pray & ask Grace from God.
Winning over Worries - Pst Benny Ho
Winning over Worries - Pst Benny Ho (LSBC; 20Mar 2005)
Phil 4:1-9
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives u something to do but it won't get you anywhere.
Worry can't change the past, but it can certainly ruin the present.
Vs. 6: Do not be anxious/worry
Worry: Focused thinking, but wrong thinking in the mind, wrong feelings in the mind over circumstances & situations.
Psychosomatic illness- illness in the body caused by the mind
Whatever we are going thru, it is only temporal, the day will come when Jesus will rtn.
Worries & anxiety is something the devil use to rob the personal believer of joy.
How to ovecome worries
1) Pray correctly
Don't worry be happy-wrong!
Whatever is worth worrying abt, is worth praying over.
1 Pet 5:7-Cast all your cares on Him.
John 14:1-Trust in Jesus
Phil 3:6: Prayer (Person of God), Petition (Prob you have), Thanksgiving (Power of Praise) = results in God's peace that guards our mind from wrong thinking & our hearts from wrong feelings.
2) Think correctly
Isa 26:3
Wrong thinking can ruin everything
How often it is that our fears is more perceived than real. If only we are brave enough to face it, then we will realise the problen
Worry is focused thinking on the problem instead of the person of Jesus Christ.
Prov 23:7 - Whatever we think, we become
Thought-Action-Habit-Character-Destiny
Instead of thinking of worries, why don't we spend it on the Word of God.
3) Live correctly
All our correct praying & thinking must lead to correct living
Isa 32:17
Phil 4:9-What is learned must be put into practice.
Don't just worry. Just do it or decide what to do. Translate it to +ve Godly action.
The beginning of anxiety is the end of Faith. The beginning of True faith is the end of anxiety.
When u become wrinkled with care & worry, it is time to have a Faith-lift.
There is total security in Christ. Outside of Christ there is no security.
God is here to give us peace that the world cannot know.
In the end, it will be okay. If it is not okay, it is not the end.
Phil 4:1-9
Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives u something to do but it won't get you anywhere.
Worry can't change the past, but it can certainly ruin the present.
Vs. 6: Do not be anxious/worry
Worry: Focused thinking, but wrong thinking in the mind, wrong feelings in the mind over circumstances & situations.
Psychosomatic illness- illness in the body caused by the mind
Whatever we are going thru, it is only temporal, the day will come when Jesus will rtn.
Worries & anxiety is something the devil use to rob the personal believer of joy.
How to ovecome worries
1) Pray correctly
Don't worry be happy-wrong!
Whatever is worth worrying abt, is worth praying over.
1 Pet 5:7-Cast all your cares on Him.
John 14:1-Trust in Jesus
Phil 3:6: Prayer (Person of God), Petition (Prob you have), Thanksgiving (Power of Praise) = results in God's peace that guards our mind from wrong thinking & our hearts from wrong feelings.
2) Think correctly
Isa 26:3
Wrong thinking can ruin everything
How often it is that our fears is more perceived than real. If only we are brave enough to face it, then we will realise the problen
Worry is focused thinking on the problem instead of the person of Jesus Christ.
Prov 23:7 - Whatever we think, we become
Thought-Action-Habit-Character-Destiny
Instead of thinking of worries, why don't we spend it on the Word of God.
3) Live correctly
All our correct praying & thinking must lead to correct living
Isa 32:17
Phil 4:9-What is learned must be put into practice.
Don't just worry. Just do it or decide what to do. Translate it to +ve Godly action.
The beginning of anxiety is the end of Faith. The beginning of True faith is the end of anxiety.
When u become wrinkled with care & worry, it is time to have a Faith-lift.
There is total security in Christ. Outside of Christ there is no security.
God is here to give us peace that the world cannot know.
In the end, it will be okay. If it is not okay, it is not the end.
Friday, July 11, 2008
O Lamb of God (Glenn Feehan)
D A Bm D7
O Lamb of God who was slain
G D A
Your blood was shed for me
D A Bm D7
You purchased life itself
G A D
And gave it all for me
G D
Redeemed, forgiven
G D
Through the riches of Your grace
G D
You have raised me up
Em A
Your blood has made me clean
G D
I can draw near to You
G D
I am being healed by You
G Em(A) A(D) ( GD )
Your peace now reigns in my heart
O Lamb of God who was slain
G D A
Your blood was shed for me
D A Bm D7
You purchased life itself
G A D
And gave it all for me
G D
Redeemed, forgiven
G D
Through the riches of Your grace
G D
You have raised me up
Em A
Your blood has made me clean
G D
I can draw near to You
G D
I am being healed by You
G Em(A) A(D) ( GD )
Your peace now reigns in my heart
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