A Good Pastor in the Pulpit.
1. The bible is his foundation, his centre.
2. A good pastor fades in the background and exalts Christ. He is an ambassador of Christ and not of himself.
3. A good pastor speaks with authority, not with suggestion, not for entertainment. He is under divine authority to be under the authority of the Word and to be an out channel of that authority.
4. A good pastor does not lord over the congregation, but serves the congregation.
5. A good pastor speaks with balance. Both what's true and to warn of what's not true. He preaches both the positive to pursue, and the negative to avoid. He does these to protect the flock. Titus 1:9, "exhort in sound doctrine and refutation of those who contradict."
The Pastor and his People
1. A good pastor has a personal relationship with his flock. He loves them and that's why he protects them. He is called to ministry, not to elevate himself, but to love and protect the flock. People are the reason for a pastor.
2. A good pastor affirms his flock. He encourages them with God's presence in their difficulty.
3. A good pastor expresses aspirations for his flock. He expresses how his flock should pursue spiritual maturity. He expresses that his flock not pursue wealth and health that suits the carnal desires, but promotes joy, holiness and the assurance of eternal life rather than temporal carnal desires.
To the People.
1. Appreciate a good pastor.
2. A good pastor is a gift from God.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
How to Recognize a False Teacher
How to Recognize a False Teacher
1. A false teacher preaches that the way is not narrow. It is broad. He might preach of God and Christ. He might preach of sin. But he does not preach that Christ is the only way.
2. A false teacher does not claim that he is a false teacher. He is a wolf but in sheep's clothing. He claims to speak for God, to proclaim truth. He affirms some truth, but changes the meaning of important words. He is like Satan, disguising as an angel of light. He is subtle. He will not necessarily tell you something that is wrong, but he will not tell you the complete truth.
3. A false teacher has no genuine concern for his sheep.
4. A false teacher's lifestyle is recognized by his fruits.
Five Questions to Ask Regarding a False Teacher
1. When does he talk about the holiness and wrath of God? Romans 1:18
2. When does he talk about eternal judgment and the wrath of God? A teacher teaches the whole counsel of God. Not just the positive things.
3. When does he talk about sin and repentance? Luke 24:47
4. When does he talk about forgiveness of sin through Christ alone?
5. When does he talk about the substitutionary atonement of Christ?
1. A false teacher preaches that the way is not narrow. It is broad. He might preach of God and Christ. He might preach of sin. But he does not preach that Christ is the only way.
2. A false teacher does not claim that he is a false teacher. He is a wolf but in sheep's clothing. He claims to speak for God, to proclaim truth. He affirms some truth, but changes the meaning of important words. He is like Satan, disguising as an angel of light. He is subtle. He will not necessarily tell you something that is wrong, but he will not tell you the complete truth.
3. A false teacher has no genuine concern for his sheep.
4. A false teacher's lifestyle is recognized by his fruits.
Five Questions to Ask Regarding a False Teacher
1. When does he talk about the holiness and wrath of God? Romans 1:18
2. When does he talk about eternal judgment and the wrath of God? A teacher teaches the whole counsel of God. Not just the positive things.
3. When does he talk about sin and repentance? Luke 24:47
4. When does he talk about forgiveness of sin through Christ alone?
5. When does he talk about the substitutionary atonement of Christ?
What are the marks of a True Christian?
The Marks of a True Christian
1. He embraces scripture. He doesn't merely acknowledges scripture, but he embraces them with all his life. Embracing it as his highest authority in life. He embraces the bible with all his heart.
2. He embraces Christ personally as savior and sacrifice of his sin. He embraces Christ as not just a man, or prophet, but God in human flesh. He does not seek Christ for earthly reasons, to have a better marriage, or better health, or better wealth but...
3. He submits to Christ as Lord. He repents personally and trusts in Christ. He recognizes Him as authority in his life. Nothing in his life he does not withhold from His authority. His desire is to be obedient to Him.
4. He exhibits sanctification. He thinks rightly about the love of God. He does not measure the love of God by fluctuating circumstances. He knows how Jesus loves him just as how He loved him 2,000 like he was standing at the foot of the cross. And when he understands such a love, he will love his brethens.
1. He embraces scripture. He doesn't merely acknowledges scripture, but he embraces them with all his life. Embracing it as his highest authority in life. He embraces the bible with all his heart.
2. He embraces Christ personally as savior and sacrifice of his sin. He embraces Christ as not just a man, or prophet, but God in human flesh. He does not seek Christ for earthly reasons, to have a better marriage, or better health, or better wealth but...
3. He submits to Christ as Lord. He repents personally and trusts in Christ. He recognizes Him as authority in his life. Nothing in his life he does not withhold from His authority. His desire is to be obedient to Him.
4. He exhibits sanctification. He thinks rightly about the love of God. He does not measure the love of God by fluctuating circumstances. He knows how Jesus loves him just as how He loved him 2,000 like he was standing at the foot of the cross. And when he understands such a love, he will love his brethens.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
How the "Messiah" was written
One bitterly cold winter of 1741, Handel received a package in his lodging. It contained a text made up of scripture from his friend Charles Jennens.
"Comfort ye, comfort ye, My people, saith your God...Behold! A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us...and His name shall be calleed Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God..."
Excitedly, he read on. "He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows...I know that my Redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth...King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujiah!"
Handel rushed to the piano with pencil in hand and began to write the music to the immortal Messiah. For two weeks, he labored incessantly. He saw no one and refused food and sleep.
At last, he finished the great oratorio. Tears were streaming down his face as he said, "I did think i did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself."
The composition was first heard in Dublin where it was an overwhelming success. Then in London, where the King rose to his feet at the great "Hallelujah Chorus," and the audience followed his example. Today, audiences all over the world still rise and remain standing during this Chorus.
Later, George Frederick Handel became poor and blind. But he neber permitted his misfortunes to overcome his spirit.
Bach's Biblical Music
Almost 250 years after he died, Bach's music still lifts the hearts and energizes the soul.
Bach wrote his music for God. Most of his works are explicitly biblical. The famous missionary doctor Albert Schweitzer, who was also an expert on Bach, called him the "Fifth evangelist." Bach's music is undisputably in a league by itself.
Bach set before himself and accomplished the seemingly impossible task of preparing a different cantata for every Sunday for a three year period. And remember that he not onlt had to create the music, but also get it copied for the performers and rehearse with them.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Do not mock God
We take God for granted. We take His grace for granted. We do not take Him seriously.
We only seek Him when we are in trouble. The moment our troubles are resolved, we depart from Him again and indulge in our own interests and only come back to Him when we need help.
God is not to be mocked. Either we are in His grace, or we are in His judgement. His judgement might not come immediately, but it will come if we continue in our own wilful ways and refuse to submit to Him despite the many chances to.
Remember that judgement is not immediate only because God is patient with everyone, giving them time to come to repentance. But there is a limit. Burst it and you can only regret for eternity.
You might not like what i have just posted. But trust me, this post is one which i post with responsibility.
With the responsibility that i do not lead your soul to the wrong end but to the right one.
Would you rather that i keep on encouraging one to drive on and over the cliff to plunge to his/her death? Or should I alert those on the road to deviate away from the path that leads to destruction and onto the narrow path that leads to eternal life?
You don't have to like me. But when it comes to the matters of God, please think twice before you hastily reject Him.
Please consider what your own heart and conscience tells you about God. Listen to yourself. Are you suppressing the truth?
Consider who created this universe? Consider who sustains it? Consider what comes after our temporal lives on earth.
We only seek Him when we are in trouble. The moment our troubles are resolved, we depart from Him again and indulge in our own interests and only come back to Him when we need help.
God is not to be mocked. Either we are in His grace, or we are in His judgement. His judgement might not come immediately, but it will come if we continue in our own wilful ways and refuse to submit to Him despite the many chances to.
Remember that judgement is not immediate only because God is patient with everyone, giving them time to come to repentance. But there is a limit. Burst it and you can only regret for eternity.
You might not like what i have just posted. But trust me, this post is one which i post with responsibility.
With the responsibility that i do not lead your soul to the wrong end but to the right one.
Would you rather that i keep on encouraging one to drive on and over the cliff to plunge to his/her death? Or should I alert those on the road to deviate away from the path that leads to destruction and onto the narrow path that leads to eternal life?
You don't have to like me. But when it comes to the matters of God, please think twice before you hastily reject Him.
Please consider what your own heart and conscience tells you about God. Listen to yourself. Are you suppressing the truth?
Consider who created this universe? Consider who sustains it? Consider what comes after our temporal lives on earth.
Reflecting on the past week.
Its been a week since Luke was born. I still remember one week ago, i was still waiting outside the operating theatre waiting anxiously for Cat to come out. By God's grace, Cat's bleeding stopped and she soon returned home. There wasn't much subsequent bleeding after that.
I think i have to thank God for the alert doctors who noticed Cat's profuse bleeding and initiated action towards it. It was already a miracle that she got pregnant and further, the entire pregnancy went well without periods of threatening. And finally, Luke was born.
The same goes for Caleb as well. There is just too much to thank for.
Though Luke's jaundice level went up too high and was referred to KKH, after 3 days 2 nights of photo therapy, his jaundice level has stayed consistently in healthy ranges.
I thank God for hearing and answering my pleas to Him to keep my family safe.
I think i have to thank God for the alert doctors who noticed Cat's profuse bleeding and initiated action towards it. It was already a miracle that she got pregnant and further, the entire pregnancy went well without periods of threatening. And finally, Luke was born.
The same goes for Caleb as well. There is just too much to thank for.
Though Luke's jaundice level went up too high and was referred to KKH, after 3 days 2 nights of photo therapy, his jaundice level has stayed consistently in healthy ranges.
I thank God for hearing and answering my pleas to Him to keep my family safe.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
The Fragility of Life
The fragility of life
Life is so fragile.
A baby born to this world, cannot do without the care of her parents to feed her.
A teenager so often gets himself into car accidents or violent fatal fights.
A young adult not thinking about the sexual diseases he might get infected with sleeps around.
Cancers, terminal diseases pounce on anyone at any age surprisingly.
Natural calamities claim thousands of lives in a moment.
Life is so fragile.
We are only kept living for the next second by the grace and mercy of God.
We are only protected from the results of our sinful actions by the loving patience of our God.
Life is fragile. You do not know what are the days God has ordained for you.
Trust in Him now. Do not reject Him.
Turn life's fragility into one like a firm fortress. That though the waves of turmoil sweeps around you, you are firm, because you are standing on a solid foundation of rock.
Submit your lives to God, that it no longer hinges on the fragility and hopelessness of men, but stands upon this eternal rock, of value, of purpose, of a living hope, of eternal life.
Our rock is the Christ, Son of the living God.
Life is so fragile.
A baby born to this world, cannot do without the care of her parents to feed her.
A teenager so often gets himself into car accidents or violent fatal fights.
A young adult not thinking about the sexual diseases he might get infected with sleeps around.
Cancers, terminal diseases pounce on anyone at any age surprisingly.
Natural calamities claim thousands of lives in a moment.
Life is so fragile.
We are only kept living for the next second by the grace and mercy of God.
We are only protected from the results of our sinful actions by the loving patience of our God.
Life is fragile. You do not know what are the days God has ordained for you.
Trust in Him now. Do not reject Him.
Turn life's fragility into one like a firm fortress. That though the waves of turmoil sweeps around you, you are firm, because you are standing on a solid foundation of rock.
Submit your lives to God, that it no longer hinges on the fragility and hopelessness of men, but stands upon this eternal rock, of value, of purpose, of a living hope, of eternal life.
Our rock is the Christ, Son of the living God.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Delivery of Luke
Baby Luke, our second child is finally born into the world. I really have to give thanks for God's mercy in this pregnancy and delivery.
Cat actually has fibroids which would diminish her chances of pregnancy. But by God's grace, I am already a father of two. Our gynae has also warned us of complications during delivery, but my God's grace, both deliveries went well.
During the second delivery, there was a knot found in the umblical cord. This meant that there was a danger that baby would not receive adequate oxygen while in the womb. Also, as Luke was almost 4kg, it was a miracle that he could come out smoothly without suction or caesarean.
What's left is just cat's recovery from her wounds. May God heal her bleeding due to the fibroids.
Cat actually has fibroids which would diminish her chances of pregnancy. But by God's grace, I am already a father of two. Our gynae has also warned us of complications during delivery, but my God's grace, both deliveries went well.
During the second delivery, there was a knot found in the umblical cord. This meant that there was a danger that baby would not receive adequate oxygen while in the womb. Also, as Luke was almost 4kg, it was a miracle that he could come out smoothly without suction or caesarean.
What's left is just cat's recovery from her wounds. May God heal her bleeding due to the fibroids.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Denying Youself
What does it mean to live a life of self‑denial, dying to self? What does that really mean? Have you ever thought about that? Think of it this way. When you are neglected, unforgiven, or when you are purposely set at naught and you sting and you hurt with the insult of that oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is dying to self. When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed and your advice is disregarded and your opinions are ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, you take it all patiently in loving silence, you're dying to self.
And when you lovingly and patiently bear any disgrace, any regularity, any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with folly and extravagance and spiritual insensitivity, and endure it as Jesus did, that is dying to self. When you are content with any food, any money, any clothing, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, that is dying to self. And when you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch after commendation from others, and when you truly love to be unknown, that is dying to self. When you see your brother prosper and have his needs wondrously met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy and never question God, though your needs are greater and still unmet, that is dying to self. And when you can receive correction, and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and humbly admit inwardly as well as outwardly that he's right and find no resentment and no rebellion in your heart, that is dying to self.
John Macarthur - Sermon "Winning by Losing: The Paradox of Discipleship"
And when you lovingly and patiently bear any disgrace, any regularity, any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with folly and extravagance and spiritual insensitivity, and endure it as Jesus did, that is dying to self. When you are content with any food, any money, any clothing, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God, that is dying to self. And when you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works, or itch after commendation from others, and when you truly love to be unknown, that is dying to self. When you see your brother prosper and have his needs wondrously met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy and never question God, though your needs are greater and still unmet, that is dying to self. And when you can receive correction, and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and humbly admit inwardly as well as outwardly that he's right and find no resentment and no rebellion in your heart, that is dying to self.
John Macarthur - Sermon "Winning by Losing: The Paradox of Discipleship"
Saturday, April 09, 2011
The Most Important Thing.
Mike Hanzas was a different sort of guy. He lived alone. Two years before he died, he began making preparations for his death. He bought a lot in the cemetery. He made weekly visits to the cemetery, planted grass over his plot, mowed it regularly, even put flowers there. He wanted to see the flowers there before he was gone. He bought a casket and visited the funeral home to see the casket. He’d stand beside the casket and say, “That’s where I’m going to live someday!”
One day Mike invited his family to come and see him. After a good meal, he gave out some canned goods he figured he wouldn’t need, and some personal items, and his will. As he did this, he suffered from a heart attack and passed away.
A lot of preparation I’d say. . . .
But you know what the sad thing is?
As far as we know, Mike Hanzas had made every provision for his body but none for his soul.
Do you recall the words of Matthew 16:25, 26
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
If you stand before God, with a lost soul, an unsaved soul, a soul that never got around to
accepting the Lord Jesus Christ, you will face tremendous loss.
You will have nothing to look forward to but hell. . . .and eternal separation from God. At that moment when you stand before God, what will you use to bargain with God for your soul?
Nothing...
When you stand before God, it will be too late to make any changes. . . you won’t be able to
exchange anything for your soul.
You’ll be lost forever.
If you’re waiting for your deathbed to do business with God about your eternal destiny, Satan’s
got you so fooled. He’s got you right where he wants you. And if you keep putting that decision off, and putting it off, thinking that you can sluff your way into eternity, God will somehow open the doors of heaven to you. . . you’re fooling yourself.
By the time you finally wake up and see the truth, it will be too late. Vast amounts of people in good churches across this nation are pursuing their financial future, their comfort and their possessions to the detriment of their soul.
Don’t let that be you!!! Because in the end, God will say, “you fool, this very night your life will be required of you!” And you will be able to do nothing about it.
I can guarantee that within less than a second after you die, that money you spent a life time
amassing will be the furthest thing from your mind. The only question on your mind will be. . . “am I ready to face eternity?” And by then, it’s too late to prepare.
No one escapes death. . . no one!
The question is. . . are you ready?
The only way for you to be ready is if your soul has been bought, paid for and purchased.
What buys, pays for, and purchases a soul?
Only the blood of Jesus.
When He died, He hung on that cross in agony, to pay for your soul.
When He rose again, He did it for you. . . to insure that if you trust Him, He will raise
you up from the dead.
The only thing that remains for your soul to be ready for death is to come to Christ to be
saved from sin.
Jesus said:
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no
wise cast out.”
Have you come to Jesus?
If you haven’t. . . you’re selling your soul to something that doesn’t care about you.
But Jesus is the rightful Owner of your soul. . . .
Have you received Him personally?
Why not now?
One day Mike invited his family to come and see him. After a good meal, he gave out some canned goods he figured he wouldn’t need, and some personal items, and his will. As he did this, he suffered from a heart attack and passed away.
A lot of preparation I’d say. . . .
But you know what the sad thing is?
As far as we know, Mike Hanzas had made every provision for his body but none for his soul.
Do you recall the words of Matthew 16:25, 26
“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
If you stand before God, with a lost soul, an unsaved soul, a soul that never got around to
accepting the Lord Jesus Christ, you will face tremendous loss.
You will have nothing to look forward to but hell. . . .and eternal separation from God. At that moment when you stand before God, what will you use to bargain with God for your soul?
Nothing...
When you stand before God, it will be too late to make any changes. . . you won’t be able to
exchange anything for your soul.
You’ll be lost forever.
If you’re waiting for your deathbed to do business with God about your eternal destiny, Satan’s
got you so fooled. He’s got you right where he wants you. And if you keep putting that decision off, and putting it off, thinking that you can sluff your way into eternity, God will somehow open the doors of heaven to you. . . you’re fooling yourself.
By the time you finally wake up and see the truth, it will be too late. Vast amounts of people in good churches across this nation are pursuing their financial future, their comfort and their possessions to the detriment of their soul.
Don’t let that be you!!! Because in the end, God will say, “you fool, this very night your life will be required of you!” And you will be able to do nothing about it.
I can guarantee that within less than a second after you die, that money you spent a life time
amassing will be the furthest thing from your mind. The only question on your mind will be. . . “am I ready to face eternity?” And by then, it’s too late to prepare.
No one escapes death. . . no one!
The question is. . . are you ready?
The only way for you to be ready is if your soul has been bought, paid for and purchased.
What buys, pays for, and purchases a soul?
Only the blood of Jesus.
When He died, He hung on that cross in agony, to pay for your soul.
When He rose again, He did it for you. . . to insure that if you trust Him, He will raise
you up from the dead.
The only thing that remains for your soul to be ready for death is to come to Christ to be
saved from sin.
Jesus said:
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no
wise cast out.”
Have you come to Jesus?
If you haven’t. . . you’re selling your soul to something that doesn’t care about you.
But Jesus is the rightful Owner of your soul. . . .
Have you received Him personally?
Why not now?
A Dream of Denial
There was once a Christian who had a dream.
I saw in a dream that I was in the Celestial City. I was one of a great multitude from all countries and people and times and ages. I found out that the saint who stood next to me had been in Heaven more than 1,860 years.
"Who are you?" I said to him? We both spoke the same language of Heaven, so we could understand each other.
Said he "I was a Christian who lived in the days of the apostle Paul. I was one of those who died in Nero's persecutions. I was covered with pitch and fastened to a stake and set on fire to light up Nero's gardens."
"How awful!" I exclaimed.
"No," he said. "I was glad to do something for Jesus. He died on the cross for me."
Another man beside me then spoke. "I have been in Heaven only a few hundred years. I came from an island in the South Seas. John Williams a misionary, came and told me about Jesus, and I too learned to love Him. My fellow countrymen killed the missionary and they caught and bound me. I was beaten till i fainted and they thought I was dead, but I revived. Then next day, they knocked me on the head, cooked and ate me."
"How terrible!" I said.
"No," he answered, "I was glad to die as a Christian. You see the missionaries had told me that Jesus was scourged and crowned with thorns for me."
Then they both turned to me and said, "What did you suffer for Him? Or did you sell what you had for the money which sent men like John Williams to tell man kind about Jesus?"
And I was speechless. And while they both were looking at me with sorrowful eyes, I awoke, and it was a dream! But I lay on my soft bed awake for hours, thinking of the money I had wasted on my own pleasures; or my extra clothing, and costly car, and many luxuries; and I realized that I did not know what the words of Jesus meant: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
I saw in a dream that I was in the Celestial City. I was one of a great multitude from all countries and people and times and ages. I found out that the saint who stood next to me had been in Heaven more than 1,860 years.
"Who are you?" I said to him? We both spoke the same language of Heaven, so we could understand each other.
Said he "I was a Christian who lived in the days of the apostle Paul. I was one of those who died in Nero's persecutions. I was covered with pitch and fastened to a stake and set on fire to light up Nero's gardens."
"How awful!" I exclaimed.
"No," he said. "I was glad to do something for Jesus. He died on the cross for me."
Another man beside me then spoke. "I have been in Heaven only a few hundred years. I came from an island in the South Seas. John Williams a misionary, came and told me about Jesus, and I too learned to love Him. My fellow countrymen killed the missionary and they caught and bound me. I was beaten till i fainted and they thought I was dead, but I revived. Then next day, they knocked me on the head, cooked and ate me."
"How terrible!" I said.
"No," he answered, "I was glad to die as a Christian. You see the missionaries had told me that Jesus was scourged and crowned with thorns for me."
Then they both turned to me and said, "What did you suffer for Him? Or did you sell what you had for the money which sent men like John Williams to tell man kind about Jesus?"
And I was speechless. And while they both were looking at me with sorrowful eyes, I awoke, and it was a dream! But I lay on my soft bed awake for hours, thinking of the money I had wasted on my own pleasures; or my extra clothing, and costly car, and many luxuries; and I realized that I did not know what the words of Jesus meant: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
Friday, April 01, 2011
Love one another - C.S. Lewis
"Be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still undecided. If they are wrong, they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them."
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Thursday, March 31, 2011
In Pictures - Luke 21
In Pictures - Luke 21
9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish
and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,
and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.
35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
A Lesson on Submission
1Peter 5: 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
James 4:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 4
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Blind Leaders of Blind
On one occasion, Col. Robert G Ingersoll, the agnostic lecturer of the last century, was announced to give an address on Hell. He declared he would prove conclusively that hell was a wild dream of some scheming theologians who invented it to terrify people.
As he was launching into his subject, a half-drunken man arose in the audience and exclaimed: "Make it strong, Bob. There's a lot of us poor fellows depending on you. If you are wrong, we are all lost. So be sure you prove it clear and plain."
If hell is not real, does it matter what sins i commit, for there are no consequences?
But what if hell is real? (Luke 16:19-30)
If all roads lead to heaven, does it matter what my belief is? For couldn't I just believe in my dog?
But what if there is only one road, one way, one path? (John 14:6)
If doing good can lead me to heaven, does it matter how much good I do, for it is sufficient?
But what if I am not doing enough good? Not enough to guarantee me a ticket to heaven? (Romans 3:23)
If the bible teaches of a loving God who loves me dearly, wants me to be reconciled to Him in His eternal joyous Kingdom, wants to take care of me, wants to wipe off every tear that I have ever shed, is willing to accept me into His Kingdom regardless of the evil deeds I have done, is willing to die the most tragic death ever, to save me despite my sin, why am I hardening my heart to reject Him? (Man)
As he was launching into his subject, a half-drunken man arose in the audience and exclaimed: "Make it strong, Bob. There's a lot of us poor fellows depending on you. If you are wrong, we are all lost. So be sure you prove it clear and plain."
Matt 15:14 "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
If hell is not real, does it matter what sins i commit, for there are no consequences?
But what if hell is real? (Luke 16:19-30)
If all roads lead to heaven, does it matter what my belief is? For couldn't I just believe in my dog?
But what if there is only one road, one way, one path? (John 14:6)
If doing good can lead me to heaven, does it matter how much good I do, for it is sufficient?
But what if I am not doing enough good? Not enough to guarantee me a ticket to heaven? (Romans 3:23)
If the bible teaches of a loving God who loves me dearly, wants me to be reconciled to Him in His eternal joyous Kingdom, wants to take care of me, wants to wipe off every tear that I have ever shed, is willing to accept me into His Kingdom regardless of the evil deeds I have done, is willing to die the most tragic death ever, to save me despite my sin, why am I hardening my heart to reject Him? (Man)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sanctus, "I am a Christian"
"I am a Christian."
The young man said nothing else as he stood before the Roman governor, his life hanging in the balance. His accusers pressed him again, hoping to trip him up or force him to recant. But once more, he answered with the same short phrase, "I am a Christian."
It was the middle of the second century, where Christianity was illegal and believers throughout the Roman empire faced the threat of imprisonment, torture or death. Sanctus, a deacon from Vienna, had been arrested and brought to trial. The young man was repeatedly told to renounce his faith. But his resolve was undeterred. "I am a Christian."
When at least it became obvious that he would say nothing else, he was condemned to severe torture and a public death in the amphitheater. On the day of his execution, he was forced to run the gauntlet, subjected to wild beasts, and fastened to a chair of burning iron. Throughout all of it, his accusers kept trying to break him, convinced that his resistance would crack under the pain of torment.
But as Eusebius recounted, "He did not utter a word except the confession he had uttered from the beginning."
His dying words tell of an undying commitment. His rallying cry remained constant throughout his entire trial. "I am a Christian."
Matt 24:13 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved."
The young man said nothing else as he stood before the Roman governor, his life hanging in the balance. His accusers pressed him again, hoping to trip him up or force him to recant. But once more, he answered with the same short phrase, "I am a Christian."
It was the middle of the second century, where Christianity was illegal and believers throughout the Roman empire faced the threat of imprisonment, torture or death. Sanctus, a deacon from Vienna, had been arrested and brought to trial. The young man was repeatedly told to renounce his faith. But his resolve was undeterred. "I am a Christian."
When at least it became obvious that he would say nothing else, he was condemned to severe torture and a public death in the amphitheater. On the day of his execution, he was forced to run the gauntlet, subjected to wild beasts, and fastened to a chair of burning iron. Throughout all of it, his accusers kept trying to break him, convinced that his resistance would crack under the pain of torment.
But as Eusebius recounted, "He did not utter a word except the confession he had uttered from the beginning."
His dying words tell of an undying commitment. His rallying cry remained constant throughout his entire trial. "I am a Christian."
Matt 24:13 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved."
The Parable of the Sower - Retold for a new generation (Matt 13)
Jesus once told his disciples a parable of the sower.
A sower who sowed the seeds of the gospel sowed it across a field.
Guarding against Procrastination (Matt 13:19)
Some of the seeds fell beside the road where birds came and ate them up. The seeds are those who hears the gospel yet do not understand it. The devil comes and snatches away what is in the their hearts.
Are you this seed? Are you still procrastinating in believing the Word of God? Without faith first, can you understand? Has the devil snatched away what's is in your heart?
Being Prepared for Persecution (Matt 13:20-21)
Some of the other seeds fell on rocky places, where the soil is thin. They immediately sprang up because of the thin soil. Yet when the scorching sun shined upon them, they withered away for they had no roots. These seeds are those who hear the gospel with joy immediately. They might make emotional yet superficial commitments to Christ but the commitments are not real. They remain interested till persecution comes and there's a price to pay.
Are you this seed? Will you forsake what you received immediately with joy when persecution, inconvenience, costs, come into the picture?
Godliness in handling Prosperity (Matt 13:22)
There were some other seeds which were sowed among thorns. The seeds grew but were choked out by the thorns. These seeds are those who hears the Word, yet the world's worry and the deceitfulness of wealth choke their understanding of the Word and they become unfruitful. The make superficial commitments without true repentance. Yet, can't break from the love of money and love of the world.
Are you this seed? Are you a friend of the world, yet enemy of God? (James 4:4) Are you the rich ruler who cannot give up his possessions to follow Christ? (Matt 19:16-27)
Wouldn't a prosperity gospel introduce more 'weeds' to choke budding seeds? Why would we introduce more weeds when there are already many as there already is?
Guarding against Barrenness (Matt 13:23)
Finally, there were seeds which fell onto good soil. They are those who hears, and understands. Such bear fruits of repentance and fruits of the Spirit. They bear fruits of thirty fold, sixty fold and a hundred fold.
Are we bearing fruits or are we barren? The good tree bear good fruits. Any other tree is thrown into the fire. As such, only the seeds that grow into fruit bearing plants enter the Kingdom of God.
Which seed are we?
Do we guard against procrastination in believing God's Word or do we thirst for it?
Are we prepared against persecution or fall away when we have to bear the cost?
Do we sow seeds of the gospel or sow weeds of wealth's deceitfulness?
Are we barren plants or good trees that bear good fruits?
For the Master,
Jason
A sower who sowed the seeds of the gospel sowed it across a field.
Guarding against Procrastination (Matt 13:19)
Some of the seeds fell beside the road where birds came and ate them up. The seeds are those who hears the gospel yet do not understand it. The devil comes and snatches away what is in the their hearts.
Are you this seed? Are you still procrastinating in believing the Word of God? Without faith first, can you understand? Has the devil snatched away what's is in your heart?
Being Prepared for Persecution (Matt 13:20-21)
Some of the other seeds fell on rocky places, where the soil is thin. They immediately sprang up because of the thin soil. Yet when the scorching sun shined upon them, they withered away for they had no roots. These seeds are those who hear the gospel with joy immediately. They might make emotional yet superficial commitments to Christ but the commitments are not real. They remain interested till persecution comes and there's a price to pay.
Are you this seed? Will you forsake what you received immediately with joy when persecution, inconvenience, costs, come into the picture?
Godliness in handling Prosperity (Matt 13:22)
There were some other seeds which were sowed among thorns. The seeds grew but were choked out by the thorns. These seeds are those who hears the Word, yet the world's worry and the deceitfulness of wealth choke their understanding of the Word and they become unfruitful. The make superficial commitments without true repentance. Yet, can't break from the love of money and love of the world.
Are you this seed? Are you a friend of the world, yet enemy of God? (James 4:4) Are you the rich ruler who cannot give up his possessions to follow Christ? (Matt 19:16-27)
Wouldn't a prosperity gospel introduce more 'weeds' to choke budding seeds? Why would we introduce more weeds when there are already many as there already is?
Guarding against Barrenness (Matt 13:23)
Finally, there were seeds which fell onto good soil. They are those who hears, and understands. Such bear fruits of repentance and fruits of the Spirit. They bear fruits of thirty fold, sixty fold and a hundred fold.
Are we bearing fruits or are we barren? The good tree bear good fruits. Any other tree is thrown into the fire. As such, only the seeds that grow into fruit bearing plants enter the Kingdom of God.
Which seed are we?
Do we guard against procrastination in believing God's Word or do we thirst for it?
Are we prepared against persecution or fall away when we have to bear the cost?
Do we sow seeds of the gospel or sow weeds of wealth's deceitfulness?
Are we barren plants or good trees that bear good fruits?
For the Master,
Jason
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Are you seed thrown onto rocky soil?
From John MacArthur, Matt 13.
"If your confession of Christ, however you define it, if your confession of Christ, I'm talking about you personally, does not come from a deep inner conviction of your sin, does not come from a deep sense of lostness, does not include a tremendous desire for the Lord to cleanse and purify and lead you, if your confession of Christ does not involve a great hunger for self-denial and self-sacrifice and a willingness to suffer for His sake, then you have no root and it's only a matter of time.
And something will come along and you'll burn up and die, because you're not willing, as Jesus said, to take up the cross and follow Him. And if you're not, you're not worthy to be His ... what? ... His disciple.
Only God can break up that stony heart and if you've got that kind of heart, you need to pray and ask the Lord to do for you what He promised to do for Israel in Ezekiel 36:26 when He said, "I'll take away your stony heart and give you a heart of flesh."
And so, He says there are ... there are these who hear but they never clean out the soil. The world is still there. And money is still there. And that's exactly why Jesus said - You cannot serve God and money ... you either hate the one and love the other or despise the one and cling to the other. That's why John said - If any man love the world, the love of the Father is ... what?... not in him.
You can't be that double-minded man. The soil that is going to produce the fruit must be cleansed of that stuff and that is why I'm so convinced in my heart that true salvation only occurs where there is true repentance...where there's a willingness to deal with sin in the life and that is a marvelous and gracious work of God.
"If your confession of Christ, however you define it, if your confession of Christ, I'm talking about you personally, does not come from a deep inner conviction of your sin, does not come from a deep sense of lostness, does not include a tremendous desire for the Lord to cleanse and purify and lead you, if your confession of Christ does not involve a great hunger for self-denial and self-sacrifice and a willingness to suffer for His sake, then you have no root and it's only a matter of time.
And something will come along and you'll burn up and die, because you're not willing, as Jesus said, to take up the cross and follow Him. And if you're not, you're not worthy to be His ... what? ... His disciple.
Only God can break up that stony heart and if you've got that kind of heart, you need to pray and ask the Lord to do for you what He promised to do for Israel in Ezekiel 36:26 when He said, "I'll take away your stony heart and give you a heart of flesh."
And so, He says there are ... there are these who hear but they never clean out the soil. The world is still there. And money is still there. And that's exactly why Jesus said - You cannot serve God and money ... you either hate the one and love the other or despise the one and cling to the other. That's why John said - If any man love the world, the love of the Father is ... what?... not in him.
You can't be that double-minded man. The soil that is going to produce the fruit must be cleansed of that stuff and that is why I'm so convinced in my heart that true salvation only occurs where there is true repentance...where there's a willingness to deal with sin in the life and that is a marvelous and gracious work of God.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Forgiveness
During the Korean war, a South Korean Christian was arrested by a young communist leader and was ordered to be shot. However, when the communist leader knew of this Christian who was in charge of an orphanage caring for small children, he decided to spare him and took the man's son instead to be executed.
So, in the presence of his father, the 19 year old son was shot.
Later, when the fortunes of war changed, the young communist leader was captured by the United Nations forces. He was tried and condemned to death.
But before the sentence could be carried out, the Christian whose boy had been killed, pleaded for the killer.
He declared that the communist leader was still young and did not know what he was doing.
"Give him to me." Said the father. "And I will train him."
He was granted the request and the father took the murderer of his son into his home and cared for him for many years.
Today, the young communist is a Christian pastor.
Matt 5:22 "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement... will be in danger of the fire of hell."
5:38-41 "You have heard "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
5:43-44 "You have heard "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
6:12 "Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who have sinned against us."
Luke 23:34. Jesus when nailed on the cross, during his last moments. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
So, in the presence of his father, the 19 year old son was shot.
Later, when the fortunes of war changed, the young communist leader was captured by the United Nations forces. He was tried and condemned to death.
But before the sentence could be carried out, the Christian whose boy had been killed, pleaded for the killer.
He declared that the communist leader was still young and did not know what he was doing.
"Give him to me." Said the father. "And I will train him."
He was granted the request and the father took the murderer of his son into his home and cared for him for many years.
Today, the young communist is a Christian pastor.
Matt 5:22 "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement... will be in danger of the fire of hell."
5:38-41 "You have heard "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
5:43-44 "You have heard "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
6:12 "Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive those who have sinned against us."
Luke 23:34. Jesus when nailed on the cross, during his last moments. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
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