Sunday Service July 27 2008 - "Revival of Families" by Eld (Dr) Chuah Seong Peng
Scripture
Various
Introduction
The lighter side of marriage
There are many jokes we make of our marriages.
A lady inserted an ad in the classified: "Husband Wanted". Next day she received a hundred letters.
They all said the same thing. "You can have mine'"
When a woman steals your husband, there is no better revenge than to let her keep him.
A woman is incomplete until she is married.
Then she is finished.
A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?"
Father replied, "I don't know son, I'm still paying."
First guy says, "My wife's an angel!" Second guy remarks, "You're lucky, mine's still alive."
The darker side of marriage
We may make jokes on our marriages but on a serious note, the institution of marriage is under attack today! Look at:
The high divorce rate.
The reluctance of young couples to marry and the consent to co-habitat without commitment to marriage.
The teenage problems.
“Divorce was once all but unthinkable in Asia, but now it's become almost standard. And these days it's women who are doing most of the dumping.” By Liam Fitzpatrick Hong Kong
In Tokyo, you can attend a divorce school to learn the 50 ways to leave your lover.
It isn't only sobbing twentysomethings breaking up; senior couples are doing it, too.
In Singapore, the number of divorces is up a third since 1990, while it has nearly doubled in Thailand.
In the past 20 years, the divorce rate has doubled in mainland China and tripled in Taiwan. And the divorce rate in South Korea now exceeds that of many European countries, including the U.K., Denmark and Hungary. Even in India—where a wife was once considered so immutably tied to her husband that she was thrown on his funeral pyre if he died before she did—sociologists estimate that the divorce rate is 11 per 1,000, up from 7.41 per 1,000 in 1991
The figure quoted for Malaysia is 20% by Zeenah Kausar in 2005.
Among Christians in North America, Barna Group study showed that among Catholic, 25% has had a divorce, compared with 39% of Protestant with Pentecostal the most likely and Presbyterian the least likely.
(Impact Magazine vol 31, no.4. Aug/Sept 2007)
The Call to work on marriage
NECF 40-Days fast and pray for the nation 2008
Theme: Transforming the nation through the local church.
In this 40-Days prayer and fasting, we are to ask God for revival of the personal life, family, church, community, the market place, our nation/government, and the world.
For HLCE: The implication of approval of religious plot of HisLand
God’s agenda with us and for us calls for urgent attention to build strong Christian marriages!
HLCE value statement: A commitment to building strong Christian families
We believe that a strong Christian family is the foundation of a healthy church.
Therefore, we are committed to provide an atmosphere and seek ways to strengthen and nurture strong Christian families.
Revival of family
God’s story began in the family.
Satan attacked the first family.
Consequences of the fall
God’s salvation plan in marriage
God’s plan for mankind began with the family
God uses families to reveal his plan and will for his people. The Patriarchal families and the families of King David and some of the prophets such as Eli, Samuel and so on are just some examples we can study about God’s teaching on family. For this sermon, I will concentrate on the first family to learn some practical implications to build the healthy families God desires for us. We will focus our attention on the husband and wife for the health of the marriage is primarily dependent on the husband–wife relationship.
God’s first family - Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve were to be fruitful and multiply and rule over the kingdom.
Genesis 1:27-28
“So God created man in his own image…God blessed them and said to them,
“Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it.”
Adam was given the authority to rule over all the living creatures
Genesis 2:19-20
God formed all the beasts of the field and birds of the air and asked Adam to name them.
Adam’s naming all the animals as an expression of his authority and rule over them.
Eve was to be a helper for Adam to fulfil God’s purpose for them.
Genesis 2: 18
“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
God choose marriage to fulfil his plan
Genesis 2:24 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh.”
Summary: Adam and Eve are to live an eternal life of communion and trusting dependent on God fulfilling His purpose for them.
Satan attack the family
Genesis 3: The story of the fall of man
Satan came in the form of serpent to tempt Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve fell. They took the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil they were not supposed to eat. What are the trees of life and the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil? What do they represent? Why are they so significant for our salvation story and building Christian family?
The Two Trees
The tree of life versus the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil
Genesis 2:16
“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil.”
In the garden, Adam and Eve were allowed to eat the tree of life but they were forbidden to eat the tree of the knowledge of the good and evil. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the tree that will give them knowledge of moral and ethical discernment of their own independent of God. It will take them away from the trusting relationship they have with God. God forbid them to eat because he wants them to have a perfect trusting relationship with him. When Adam and Eve took the fruit from this tree, they gained ‘knowledge’ to become self-reliance and pride came into their lives. Their communions with God were broken and spiritual death came into their lives. They also suffered physical death as they were stopped from eating the tree of life as God said.
When Adam and Eve took the fruit of the knowledge of the good of evil, they have taken the path of self-reliance and broke their relationships with God; they have chosen a life of broken relationship with God and one another.
The results of the fall:
Broken relationship with God.
Broken relationship from one another.
Broken relationship with God:
From a relationship of perfect communion, harmony and total trust to a relationship of guilt and fear and insecurity.
Gen 3:10
“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
When they disobeyed God and took the forbidden fruit, sin came into their lives and their self- consciousnesses were changed. Adam and Eve felt guilty and ashamed as a result of their disobedience. They were afraid of God because they felt unworthy before Him. Adam’s acknowledgement of his nakedness before God was an expression of his sense of humiliation from his act of disobedience. He felt naked because there was something to hide. He was afraid because he knew he will be found out. Adam and Eve now lived with insecurity.
Broken relationship from one another:
From a relationship of mutual help and interdependence to a relationship of mistrust and suspicion.
Genesis 3:12-13
“The woman you put here…the serpent deceived me…”
Adam and Eve began to blame others for their mistakes. Adam blamed God and Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. Their self-righteousness and insecurity made them proud. There was a loss of trust and they stopped to communicate.
There are implications of these on our marriage today.
The effect on our marriage today
Adam and Eve sense of failure and unworthiness and loss of trust between them led to a loss of openness and breakdown in communication
This failure of Adam and Eve left a great imprint even in our lives today. The fear of failure and the worry of being ‘naked’ have made both men and women unwilling to open up themselves even to their spouses. Women may be better at communicating their feeling but they are just as inhibited and afraid as men about being opened to one another. This has resulted in the women being secretive and difficult to fathom and men’s seeming reluctance to work at communicating with their wives. No wander Freud who is one of the most well known psychoanalysts has to say, “Despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul, I have not yet been able to answer…the great question…What does a woman want?”
For the men, the failure in the Garden of Eden has left a great bruise of their ego. Men have become insecure after the first failure. There is no greater fear for men to show their failures and weakness before their wives again. They would rather occupy themselves with work, hobbies, and business trips than to spend time and effort on the so-called institution of marriage. They would not want to let their wives into their weaknesses and fears.
Furthermore, according to Patrick Morley, “Most men are not unhappy with their marriage, they only don’t really enjoy their wives – they are simply less than happily married” (The Man in the Mirror, 1997,129).
Therefore they don’t see it as a crisis to work for. After a while they simply accept it as a reality in life. But this is a deception of the enemy who wants us to believe that marriage is not meant to be beautiful and perfect – that one has to learn to accept reality and not to make too much a fuss about working on it. That’s why sometime we hear statement like “why are women so troublesome and demanding!” But the truth is men are either afraid to work at it or they simply don’t know how. For the men, marriage is hard work, the ability to love and building relationship through communication troubled men deeply.
So how should we go about working on our marriage? There are many marriage seminars that we can attend to learn about some understanding and technique to improve our abilities to build relationship with one another. I think these are good and useful to attend. But I want to ask you to consider looking at working on the root problems of pride, insecurity, shame, guilt and fear and look to God for His strategy for dealing with these as well.
God’s strategy for a healthy marriage
God’s salvation plan in marriage: The Story of Grace
God’s strategy for a healthy marriage is found in his story of grace that began in his salvation plan in the Garden of Eden. Satan attacked God’s plan for human beings through his first family. God also used family to win his battle over Satan. He gave the hint when he told Eve that through her ‘seed’, mankind will defeat Satan. Her offspring will crush the serpent’s head. Jesus was the seed through the descendants of Eve who is to fulfill this plan. We see this plan of God unfolding before us from the story of God’s grace to mankind beginning in the Old Testament.
God’s grace to Adam and Eve
Even after the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God extended his grace in his punishments to them. Compare to the serpent, Eve was given the chance of child birth to continue the propagation of the human race and her offspring will crush the head of the serpent. Adam was given the chance to eat the fruit of his labor as he toiled the soil compared to the serpent which only get to eat dust. He even made skin covering sacrificing animals to cover their shame. This covering is only a partial cover for a better covering that is complete is yet to come.
Even after the fall, God preserve the seed of Adam and Eve through his gracious blessing on them to have other children after Cain and Abel. Seth was born to continue their descendants to Noah who in turn gave birth to Ham, Shem and Japheth. It was Ham that finally led to Abaham.
God’s grace to mankind through Abraham
God began the work of his salvation to mankind beginning with his covenant of grace to Abraham and his family. It was pure grace for Abraham and his family who was pagan worshippers at the time of the calling of God to them!
God’s ultimate and complete grace through his Son Jesus
The salvation plan brings fruition through the coming of his Son Jesus Christ. We see this story of grace revealed to us through Paul’s letter to the Romans. Just a sample from Romans to shed some light for us.
Righteousness through faith in Christ Jesus to ALL not through observance of the law
Romans 3:20-23
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, which the Law and the Prophets testify.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1-2 “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
Through Jesus perfect sacrifice, man and woman’s guilt was washed and shame covered completely. Man and woman no longer live by law but grace.
In the new life the Spirit set us free from the law of sin and death.
Jesus not only died for our sins but he was resurrected to give us the new life. But he went further, he sent the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live the victorious life! All these are made possible by his grace. Through Christ, men and women find their righteousness through faith and can now come boldly before God, no more hiding or feeling afraid and ashamed no matter how many failures they have in this life. Satan can no longer accuse them before God of their short falls. The blood of Christ covers their sins completely forever. The love of Christ on the cross gives them the confidence to stand before God and one another. They can now face each other and be opened and willing to be vulnerable and communicate freely with each other.
Restoration of family under Christ’s headship
Christ-centred Spirit filled marriage
Ephesians 5 :18, 21
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit…submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”
Husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church.
Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
The greatest need of the wives is to be loved unconditionally. The greatest need of men in marriage is to be respected. Ephesians 5:33 asks the wives to show love to their husband by respecting them. To respect her husband is to submit to him as to the Lord. To respect is not the same as obey. You can be forced to obey someone but not respect. Respect is earned! This is a real struggle in many marriages. This struggle is over only if both the husband and wife find their identities, source of comfort, strength and wisdom in the Lord. They can only do so when they are led by the Holy Spirit in a Christ-centred and Spirit filled marriage..
Work and pray for:
Husband and wife to mutually respect and love each other.
Commit to lifelong loving marriage building up one another to be holy and blameless through his Word.
Honor marriage and guard the sacredness of the marriage bed and not deprive each other of sexual pleasure and intimacy.
A word to the Father
Let us take up our roles as the head of the family. The authorities given to the fathers come with the responsibilities to take care of our families. Let us not run away from the responsibilities and honors God has entrusted to us fathers.
Some good news for the fathers
Statistical studies showed man are better equipped with natural instinct and talents to nurture our children than we thought!
According to Ross Parke, professor of psychology at University of California, “Fathers are better prepared biologically for parenting than we previously thought” (Reader Digest, July 2008, p56).
Katherine Wynne-Edwards, a biology professor from Queen’s University in Canada found that hormonal level changes in fathers in the weeks that surround their babies’ birth that prepare them to take on parenting roles like the mothers. She found that their level of the male hormone testosterone dropped and the female hormones like oestrogen and prolactin rose.
Dr. James Swain, assistant professor at Yale Child Study Center looked at the brains of 25 couples 2-4 weeks and 3-4 months after their babies were born to see how they respond to their infants’ cries using functional MRI. The results revealed that brain activities in both mothers and fathers were strikingly similar to what you would find in people suffering from obsessive-compulsive neurosis. That explains parents’ anxiety to check on their crying infants. The interesting thing is the level of such activities in the brain that he found out. At 2-4 weeks, mothers have more of such activities than the fathers; but by 3-4 months the fathers were catching up!
Other studies have revealed fathers’ roles in helping their children language development, promoting children independence, better achievements in school both academically and in extracurricular activities, getting more popular with their peers.
In a report, teenagers with involved fathers are 80 % less likely to have been in jail and 75% less likely to be unwed parents!
Taking the step of faith to work on our marriage
Peter walking on water Matthew 14:22-30
Peter focused his eyes on Jesus
Peter was alright when he kept his eyes on Jesus. He sank when he let his focus shifted to the wind.
Peter was the only one – ‘The Odd One Out’
Peter was the only one in the group that responded to the call.
God wait for us to trust him to help us in our challenges, are you willing to step out in faith?
Facing the storm of our lives in family, will you take that step of faith and trust God and keep your eyes focus on Jesus and not on the problems?
It takes faith to trust in God to walk on the water
Not everyone will do so, be like Peter and be the ‘ODD ONE OUT’ to withstand and let Him overcome the storm of our lives.
Focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, whom for the joy set before him, endured the cross scorning its shame.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD LIVING A LIFE OF VICTORY OVER SIN
"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
"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
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
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