Lord's Day Sermon (4 Nov)

The great promise of God's peace

Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.

Troubles can overshadow the reality of God's peace. We can lose sight of this peace...

So what is this peace?

It ia NOT...
A vague dream or mere pleasant hope.
Just the removal of our troubles
Based on external circumstances. It is within (Phil 4:7), not without

It is...
Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
From God (2 Cor 1:2)
It is God Himself (Eph 2:14) - recall the song of the angels to the shepherds

From the passage,
The provision, protection and possesion of God's peace
The description of God's peace
The condition of God's peace

How can we be assured of God's peace?
It has been proven by His performance
It is maintained by God's power
It is supervised by God's presence, the Holy Spirit

What are the conditions?
Although the gift of peace that God offers is free, certain conditions have to be met - we must have a right relationship with Him.

How does this peace look like?
It is experienced and lived out (Phil 4:6-9).

'Fear God and Fear Not' or naught

Do we have this peace?
Do we value this peace?

Lord's Day Sermon (7 October 2012)

Romans 1:18-32
The Gay Agenda and the Biblical Response
Rev Tan Eng Boo

The church has lost her testimony - allowing homosexual clergy, endorsement of homosexual unions and regarding homosexuality as a normal, non-sin.

So what does the Bible have to say?

In the Old Testament, the earliest account is found in Genesis 19:1-11, c.f. Jude 7.

The Mosaic Law is also clear - Leviticus 18:22, 20:13.

These are laws regarding morality, not ceremony.

But has the Mosaic Law been put aside, superseded?

In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 is clear about the Bible's stand against homosexuality; it is against the natural order ordained by God.

Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, practising homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Can it be that God created homosexual people? That people are born homosexual? Not so, because God created man in both male and female. See Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6-8.

Conclusion
We affirm that the Bible is clearly against homosexuality.
But we must welcome homosexuals in the Church and seek to help them be rid of their sin.

Change is possible.

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Lord's Day Sermon (30 September 2012)

Joseph and Excuses
Rev Tan Eng Boo

Joseph could have been angry with God because of all his experiences, sold as a slave and cast into prison, but he wasn't.

On the life of Joseph...
Genesis 37:3 - a favourite child of Jacob, only 17 at that time.

Genesis 37:28 - sold into slavery

Being sold into slavery is not a simple thing, it is a traumatic event. How did Joseph forgive?

In Potiphar's house...
Genesis 39:1 - a slave in Potiphar's house

The word 'officer' means eunuch. Maybe that is why the wife went after Joseph.

v2 - the Lord was with him!

And in v3, even Potiphar could see it. Joseph must have had quite the exemplary Christian.

There is no excuse to compromise for friends.

With Mrs Potiphar...
Genesis 39:7 - 'cast her eyes' has the meaning of lust. Aggressive to even ask Joseph outright.

In v8 - 9, Joseph had 2 principles that he stood by. First, adultery is 'great wickedness'. Second, it is sin against God.

In v10, she persisted. Still Joseph did not fall into sin.

Finally, in v12, he ran from her. Flee temptations!

Joseph was then falsely accused and sent to prison.

In the prison....
Genesis 39:21 - Joseph continued to find favour in God's eyes

Despite doing what is proper for God, Joseph find himself in prison. Yet he did not stop being faithful to God.


Whatever happens, happens for God's purposes...

Genesis 45
Joseph could forgive his brothers because he could see God's good plan (v7) in all that happened.

Genesis 50:15-17 - while Jacob died, Joseph's brothers feared revenge from Joseph.

Yet in v19-20, Joseph saw how God worked everything for good and he forgave his brothers.

We must be clear about how God works in our lives, shaping us for good. Never give up on God.

Lord's Day Sermon (23 September 2012)

John 15:12-13 ESV
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.


The Redemptive Power of Godly Friends
Rev Tan Eng Boo

Key word: GODLY, not just any friends

3 levels of friendship, found in Job 19.
Acquaintances in v13
Familiar friends in v14
Inward friends in v19

There is such a thing as a very, very close friend - Proverbs 18:25.
We need friends because of the support - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

We can build up inward friend friendships and we ought to do so, in a GODLY manner.

The power of Godly friendship... has a redemptive effect, how?

1. In earnest counsel

Proverbs 27:9 ESV
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Be a counsellor, a GODLY counsellor, to friends. So there is a need to know the Bible well enough to give such advice.

2. Gives trustworthy correction

Proverbs 27:5-6 ESV
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.


Similar to counselling, correction is that necessary counsel given when when we are already on the wrong path.

True, GODLY friends will seek to correct and rebuke, in other to get the wayward friend back on track.

3. Gives consistent comfort

Proverbs 17:17 ESV
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.

At all times! A GODLY friends is always willing to stand with you in a sacrificial manner.

Who is the example of such friendship? Jesus sets the perfect example. (John 15:12-13)


We ought to work towards being GODLY friends, more than acquaintances.

So how can we build our friendships?
Join the Bible class!
Spend time together; like during the after service period, attend vigil services, etc...

Lord's Day Sermon (16 September 2012)

Philippians 2:19-23
Timothy: Paul's Proven Son in the Faith
Rev Paauwe

Philippians is one of the prison epistles.

One of Timothy's attributes
v20 - Genuinely interested in the welfare of the people - "who do you care for?"

What would Paul say about me?

Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

v22 - Proved himself with faithfulness

So Paul sends him, having passed down what he learned from Christ.


Christ-like attributes
Self-giving, sacrificial
Faithfulness

Lord's Day Sermon (9 September 2012)

Job 2:11-13
Friends Beyond Words
By Rev Tan Eng Boo

The need for intimate, close friends even in the Church.

Job's 3 friends were such friends. They didn't just encourage or talk to Job, they actually came down to see him and be with him.

Proverbs 19:6-7 ESV
Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
All a poor man's brothers hate him;
how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.

Note: Jesus sets the example of the intimate friend. (John 15:13-15)

Job's 3 friends were from distant countries. They made the effort to come down and stand by Job.

So the 3 friends came down to mourn with and comfort Job. (v11) This is what Christians ought to do with one another, see Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2.

In v12, the 3 friends mourned with Job, sharing his sorrows.

Application for us in the Church - take the time to visit those in mourning.

In v13, the 3 friends just accompanied Job through a full week of silence. Job's grief must have been so overwhelming!

Application for us in the Church - there is no need to always say something in periods of grief.

So examine the need for close friends even in the Church.

Lord's Day Sermon (12 Aug 2012)

Revelations 2:1-7
When Christians Lose Their First Love For God
By Rev Tan Eng Boo

Concluding the book of Ephesians... See Ephesians 6:18 onwards; where Paul speaks of "reinforcing" the armour of God.

v18 - Pray! For ourselves AND for others.

Reference Acts 19:9-10, the beginning of Christianity in Ephesus, the beginning of the Church in Ephesus.

But today, in modern Turkey, Ephesus is no more.

So what happened?

Back to Revelations 2... and take note not to end up like this.

37 years later, this is the report of the Church from the Lord; a warning.

v1 - Jesus walks in the midst of His churches. Jesus controls (holds) the messenger/pastor of the churches.

v2 - Jesus knows the Ephesian church's work and specifically, her toil/labour. Jesus knew their patient perseverance. Jesus knew that they fought against evil (cf v6).

v3 - Jesus knew that they have not grown weary in the work.

v4 - but Jesus had something against them; they have left their first love. In the space of time (around 40 years) from when Paul established the church, the second generation of Christians should have taken over. Perhaps it was them who lost heart.

How about us? Have we lost our zeal for Christ? Have we grown cold?

Analogy of husband losing love for wife. This would destroy the marriage relationship.

Likewise, our loss of live for Christ will cause the same damage.

In addition, there is a loss of testimony.

v5 - Jesus gives the instruction for repentance;

REMEMBER from where they fell
REPENT from that fall
REDO the first works

Or He will suddenly come and remove the church.

v6 - see v2.

v7 - who will hear, will be rewarded by Christ.

Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

 

Luke 18:7-8
⁷ And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Lord's Day Sermon (5 Aug 2012)

Ephesians 6:11-17
Building an Unyielding Defence III
by Pastor

So far, 4 armours...
The belt of truth
The breastplate of righteousness
The gospel of peace
The shield of faith

The last 2 armours...
The helmet of salvation
The sword of the Spirit

The Helmet of Salvation (v17)
Helmets are essential for a soldier; it protects the head. In the Bible, the understanding is to protect the mind.

This helmet can protect our minds from the wiles of the devil; doubts, anxieties, etc.

"Of salvation" refers to the assurance of our salvation. Salvation being a past, present and future experience - it has been completed in Christ, it is currently being worked out and it will be realised in glorification.

The Sword of the Spirit (v17)
First time a weapon in the Armour is mentioned. This weapon is spiritual in nature.

It can be offensive - Hebrews 4:12.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

It can be defensive - see how Scripture guards our hearts from temptations.

Expectations

I remember when I realised that I had the desire to enter full time ministry. There was a conviction, an understanding that the call would require much from me.

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

Setting my Heart
When I read those Words, I was stirred into action. Together with the account of the Road to Emmaus, I decided that I will enter the full time ministry. I would give up my guitars and serve!


But I didn't do that.

In reality, I continued to feed my personal desire to perform with my little spoken-word band. My desire to play guitar and to play live did not abate. It would not since I provided sustenance.

Deny Myself
I recall the words of the Lord in Luke 9:23 -

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

That runs with Ezra ya?

I have come to see that the guitar and performing are hindrances to my calling.

It was a dream - to rock out with the guitar and play for crowds. I love the sounds and the stage. These things are not evil in itself... But the call was issued and I committed.

Remember the Call
Time to give to God what is His; my heart and my self.

Thank God for showing me this through the efforts of my lovely fiance. If not for her warnings and steadfast insistence (that I remember my calling), I would have jeopardized my commitment. She is truly the help meet for me.

Ah, now to get on and do it. Dear Lord, this will hurt. A lot. But the reward will be all satisfying. It will be.

John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

"but they must first WANT to be helped... grace can't flow to where itis not wanted or needed..."

ARGH!, a photo by Shredcow on Flickr.

The last comment on this Facebook post made me jump.

Which god is this person referring to?

Surely not the God described in the Bible. The Lord who said that "no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him..." (John 6:44)

Guitar Speak - The Toneczar Halophaze

Here's one of my favourite effect pedals - the Toneczar Halophaze phaser. Capable of a myriad of useful phaser sounds, this thing is a tone tool. I don't know what Ed (the maker) added into this black box but the throb and complexity of the tones are unmatched by anything I've tried/heard.

Pretty cool.

Lord's Day Sermon (22 July 2012)

Ephesians 6:11-17
Building an Unyielding Defence II
by Pastor

1. The 2nd Armour: the Breastplate of Righteousness (v14)

We are always told to have the armour always on - never taken off.

A breastplate protects the vital organs but the ancient Jewish thought is that,
a) The heart represents the mind and the will. (Mark 7:21)
b) The stomach represents the emotions.

Hence, the Breastplate of Righteousness is a guard on the practical aspects of righteousness - holy living.

2. The 3rd Armour: Feet shod with the Gospel of Peace (v15)

Perhaps the reason why this is the 3rd Armour is so that people wouldn't downplay the importance of boots. Still, there is no indication that one Armour is more important than another.

"gospel of peace" - means what?

The context of Ephesians is about spiritual warfare, not preaching the Gospel.

Hence, see Romans 5:1 -

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is the Gospel that gives us endearing, enduring, enabling peace.

3. The 4th Armour: the Shield of Faith (v16)

"Faith" means the basic, fundamental in the living God!

"Fiery darts" - has reference to the ancient practice of dipping arrows wrapped with cloth into flammable liquid.

This Shield can extinguish ALL the fiery darts of the Devil.

Lord's Day Sermon (15 July 2012)

Joshua 9:1-27
What's the Smartest Thing to Do?
By Bro Lim Chien Chong

Today, we have many book-smart people... but are they street-smart?

Being both... is insufficient though valuable.

We need to be governed by wisdom from above. Our learning and experiences must be shaped by wisdom from above.

1. When a decision has to be made (v1 - 15)

See how the Gibeonites knew about God's mighty work in Egypt. (v1 - 7)

What about us?

See how Joshua and Co. checked the Gibeonites' claims (v8 -15).

But they did not seek God's counsel (v14).

Are we prayerful in our decision making?

2. When a Mistake was Made (v16 -27)

True wisdom follows though obligations faithfully despite misjudgments (v16 -21)

Despite what the leaders faced from the purple of Israel and the exposure to external pagan culture - they still honoured the agreement.

A modern example is the marriage covenant... We stay together primarily because of the covenant. God is a covenantal God.

3. The Covenant that was Made

Compare the covenant made by the leaders of Israel to the salvation covenant made by God Himself.

God's covenant is so much better!

Ratified by God Himself thru the oaths that He undertook.

We are truly so much better off!

Lord's Day Sermon (24 June 2012)

Ephesians 6:12-17
Building An Unyeilding Defence - The Armour of God (1)
By Pastor

We need to ask - are we in spiritual warfare? Is life so good and comfortable that we forget or dismiss this?

1. We are in a spiritual warfare (v12)

Our enemy is Satan and his intention is to destroy (1 Peter 5:8) us.

This spiritual warfare is serious business. World leaders can be under the influence of the devil (Daniel 10:13, 20).

Do not be complacent, all of us are targets of Satan. Jesus warned Peter. Peter warned believers (1 Peter 4:12). Jesus warned believers (John 16:18-20).

2. Put on the whole armour of God (v13)

Note the instruction - put on the WHOLE armour.

Why put on armour? To "withstand in the evil day" and to "stand firm".

Always have the armour on - like a soldier ought to.

3. The Armour of God: The Belt of Truth (v14)

"Stand" and be prepared for action - don't be caught off guard (2 Cor 2:11).

"Truth" has reference to God's Word (John 17:17). So get to know the Bible and apply/do it... Don't be an illiterate Christian.

Psalm 19:7–11
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.

Lord's Day Sermon (17 June 2012)

Matthew 5:5
Who will take over the World?
By Rev (Dr) John Grauley

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

The world that we live in is a world in a great deal of turmoil - e.g. economic and what not. We don't know what is going to happen.

However, in history, there have been people who want to rule the world.

So how do we really "win" in such situations?

We have the words from Jesus that state - the meek, and only the meek, will rule the world.

In Jesus' day, meekness was associated with weakness. Same today.

This part of the beatitudes builds on the first 2. To be meek is build upon these 2; a desire to depend on God and dying to self.

The world today is all about self-assertion. Humility and self-sacrifice is frowned upon. Besides, we are conceited beings. Being meek is not a natural thing. How should we consider meekness then?

What is meekness?
Meekness is part of the Fruit of the Spirit. Meekness has the idea of taming a wild beast. Meekness is power under control.

Look to Jesus for meekness.

Meekness is the the opposite of self-interest. We need to be self forgetful. The meek man is not a mouse - though he may be a Samson, he does not exalt himself, neither does he think highly of himself. He knows he is weak and little before God.

Yet paradoxically, the meek man knows that he is more important than the angels and that he is valuable in God's eyes.

Being meek is not about letting people trample over us but rather about the restraint of power.

How does meekness affect our lives?
Meekness has to do with being teachable, coming under the authority of God.

Look at the example of Mary. When the angel told her that she was pregnant, instead of putting her reputation before the announcement, she submitted to the Lord.

Look at Jonah, who tried to escape preaching the saving gospel to the Ninevites by running away. Despite submitting finally, he was still angry with God for saving the Ninevites.

So is Jesus really Lord of my life? Do I live a life for His glory or my glory?

Do we really win being meek?
Look at Abraham and Lot - choosing the land, the elder let the younger choose first.

Look at Saul and David - David did not lay hands on the Lord's anointed.

Though we may suffer for it, we win by being meek, obeying the Lord.

Look at the Christians during the Roman persecutions. They won Rome with their love for the persecutors.

Look at Jesus, who suffered and did not retaliate, but rather, entrusted Himself to the Father.

How do we become meek?
We have to pray and ask God to develop meekness; it is the Fruit of the Spirit.

And we put it into practice!

No one masters a music instrument without practise.

Building Christian Relationships (Message 7) - How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 7th message about the fourth condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated (Matthew 18:15-20)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

Matthew 18:15–20
15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

How? In the manner which Jesus prescribes.

Step 1
Go to the brother privately and tell him his sin (v15)
'Fault' means 'sin'.
Don't beat around the bush, lest you forget to say it.
Do go PRIVATELY.
"gaining" a brother means winning a brother to a twofold restoration of relationship between God & Man and Man & Man.

Step 2 (if 1 fails)
Take one or more with us and go see that brother privately again (v17)

Why take more people?
So that they may be witnesses to the words this brother says (Deut 19:15). Then they may testify to the elders if something happens.
They are to also help persuade him (cf v17a, 'hear them')

Step 3 (if 2 fails)
Appeal to the church (v17a)

Step 4 (if 3 fails)
The church is to excommunicate him

He is to be dropped from the membership of the church. This means, if he is on a church board, he resigns, if he teaches, he resigns, if he is a musician, he ceases, anything to do with the church, ceases.
Does this mean we are to be unkind? Not at all because the Bible tells us to be kind to everyone.

This is a commandment from Jesus.

Step 5 (after telling the church)
Jesus gives the church the authority to excommunicate him (v18)

'Bound' means to prohibit.
'Loose' means to allow.

This means that whatever is prohibited in God's Word on earth is prohibited in heaven. God will ratify this.

Cf 1 Cor 5:13 and 2 Cor 2:5-10

Excommunication is done for the good of the sinning brother.

After Jesus says those things, notice v19. If 2 come together in prayer for something they wanted, God will grant it according to His will.

Why is it so? Why will the Lord do that?
Jesus explains in v20 - He will be spiritually present with those praying together in His Name (or in His authority) so that what is prayed will be in His will.

Building Christian Relationships (Message 6) - How to Have Unity in the Church

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 6th message in the Theme but the 1st  about the third condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

How to have Unity in the Church (1 Cor 12:12-26)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

1 Cor 12:12-26

¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many.
¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body?
²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body.
²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
²² Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Christ also has a body made up of different members with different spiritual gifts. The body is made up of different people, regardless of race, baptized by the Spirit into the body. Every one of them has partaken of the Holy Spirit and He dwells in each one. Paul reiterates this. (v12-14)

4 things the Apostle Paul says we must do to maintain unity in the church.

We must be content with our own spiritual gift (v15 - 17)
Do not complain if you do not have a particular gift. Be contented with the gift you have, knowing that despite what we have, we remain part of the body.

Guard against jealousy!

Therefore the very existence of the body depends on the different members coming together in unity.


God determines our position and spiritual gift in the church (v18)

Setting the members (spiritual gift) is both about determining its position and enabling it.
E.g. If God determines that a believer is to be a helper, He will also give the gift of help to him.

Rejecting a position or gift, is resisting the will of God because He alone decides who gets what.

If every believer were to accept God's gifting, there would be unity in the church.

We must recognize our dependence on one another (v21)

"My deficiency is made up by your ability"

If every member is necessary, then even those who seem disinterested, or even detrimental, are necessary too. No one ought to be cut off. They may serve a purpose that God intended.


We must care for one another, just as we care for ourselves. (v22-24, key v25)

There may be some people in the church that don't have attractive gifts but God adjusts to give more honor to them so that the member can give more care to one another.

People serving in the nursery and pastors; both ought to receive the same care.

The consequence of this v26 - that if that one suffers, all suffers, one is honored, all rejoices. This is what ought to be done.

Building Christian Relationships (Message 5) - That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 5th message in the Theme but the 2nd about the second condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

That Little Piece of Flesh that Dwells Between Our Jaws (James 3:5-6)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

James 3:5-6
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The Description of the Tongue

A fire (fire) v5b
A tiny spark can be the means to destroy a forest. And the tongue can destroy indeed! (v6a, a fire)

Sad thing that when such damage was done, it is impossible to totally undo the damage.

An embodiment of all kinds of unrighteousness (v6b)
A world of unrighteousness! Every kind of evil has been perpetuated by the tongue. Look at the 10 commandments, how many are broken by the tongue. Every one of them!

v6c onwards, James is saying that the tongue shows itself to be an embodiment of evil among the members of the body.

It defiles all the other posts of the body by influencing it to sin (v6d, staining)

How does the tongue influence the body to sin? By verbally committing to sin.

So we must be careful to make verbal commitments, make sure it does not go against the Word. But if we find out later that a commitment would cause us to disobey God, we must honor God first by backing out of the commitment.

The tongue sets on fire the wheel of life (v6d, entire course)

It affects every single part of life; destroying communities. E.g. couples, neighbors, church, business, school, social etc. Every part of life is included.

It is inspired by the devil (v6e, hell [gehenna])
Any time the tongue is an instrument of evil, it is being inspired by the devil.


See... This is why the tongue needs to be controlled.

But it is tough to tame, in fact, no one can (cf v8) but God, through the Holy Spirit, can bring it under control.

Building Christian Relationships (Message 4) - That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 4th message in the Theme but the 1st  about the second condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

That Little Piece of Flesh that Dwells Between Our Jaws (James 3:1-5)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

James 3:1-6
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

v2
In many things, we all sin, whether we are teachers of the Word of God or not.

James then goes from a discussion about teachers to the tongue.

He will discuss about the Importance of the tongue. v2b-5a
Description of the tongue. v5b - 8
Uses of the tongue. v9
Improper use of the tongue. v10

Why talk about the tongue?
v2b - if we are sinless in our speech, then we are spiritually mature, and able to also control the whole body!

James now gives several illustrations.

v3 - Controlling horses with a small bit... Why? To make them obey us.

v4 - Controlling a huge ship in the midst of a gale/storm with a small rudder. The pilot can control the ship to go wherever he wants it to go.

v5 - James now applies his illustrations... Just as the bit is small compared to the horse. Just as the rudder is small compared to the huge ship.

Just as the tongue is small, it can do great things.

Yet, we can't control our tongue. We don't care what friendship is destroyed, what business is harmed, etc.

James is saying that we are not spiritual, matured people if we cannot control the tongue (cf v2).

Wow. Instead of always seeking to do good, to do better, consider working on the control of the tongue.

Building Christian Relationships (Message 3) - A Portrait of Love

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 3rd message about the first condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

A Portrait of Love (1 Cor 13:6-7)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

1 Cor 13:6-7
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

v6b
Love rejoices with righteousness.

"With" is used... Interesting.
Note how Paul makes a contrast with the first part of verse 6.

True, biblical love rejoices when righteousness is done.

v7a
Love patiently bears all the troubles and annoyances that come to us.

Bear in the Greek means a roof, the idea that of a roof sheltering against the elements.

v7b
Love believes the best regarding the things that happen.

"Benefit of a doubt"

Doesn't mean we condone evil but we recognize it though we still must forgive on a personal level.

v7c
Love expects the best regarding all the things that others do. It is optimistic.

We expect the best and should be genuinely disappointed if the best does not happen.

v7d
Love bravely and calmly bears all sufferings and persecutions that come to it.

Do not retreat from our position of love!

This is surely tough thing... A battle of endurance.


--
Wow. What a difference from the world's standard!

Building Christian Relationships (Message 2) - A Portrait of Love

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.


[This is the 2nd message about the first condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

A Portrait of Love (1 Cor 13:5-6)

by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)

1 Cor 13:5-6
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

v5a
Love does not act in an unbecoming, improper manner. It always maintains a proper decorum.

True biblical love results in good manners.

Example of the Apostle Paul of his conduct in the market place our in front of kings.

v5b
Love does not seek to please itself... cf 1 Cor 10:33

Love is not selfish. It doesn't ask, "what's in it for me?"

Live for others!

v5c
Love is not easily provoked by the injurious things done to it.

We will have hurtful things done to us but if we have biblical love, we will not be roused to anger. Take it in stride!

v5d
Love does not impute evil to the perpetrator. It's not resentful.

Love forgives on a personal level. ("personal" included to show how it IS to be done on such a level but excludes the punishment that follows a crime, for example.)

v6a
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. It grieves over unrighteousness.

Do I grieve over unrighteousness?

If I don't, have I become so hardened? So desensitized?

Love does not sympathize with unrighteousness.


Is that a picture of me? What does my picture look like?

Building Christian Relationships (Message 1) - A Portrait of Love

This church camp, we will study how to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIPS. There are 4 conditions we need if we are going to BUILD CHRISTIAN RELATIONS.

[This is the 1st message about the first condition]

Building Christian Relationships

1. A Portrait of Love (Part 1) 
2. A Portrait of Love (Part 2) 
3. A Portrait of Love (Part 3) 
4. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 1) 
5. That Little Piece of Flesh That Dwells Between Our Jaws (Part 2) 
6. How to Have Unity in the Church 
7. How a Christian Brother Who Sins Against Us is to be Treated 

A Portrait of Love (1 Cor 13:4)
by Dr William Harding (Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Practical Biblical Theology, Biblical Theological Seminar)
 
The first condition - We must have true biblical love.

1 Cor 13:4

Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up...

In 1 Cor 13:4, Paul begins to paint a portrait of love.

1. Love endures an offense without seeking against the one who committed it. (v4a)

We will be offended many times in this life but if we have true biblical love, we will endure the offense without seeking revenge.

2. Love is naturally deposed to do acts of kindness (v4b)

Love does not look at a situation and go, "I don't feel like being kind but I'll force myself to be kind."

Interesting point. A part of the Fruit of the Spirit is "kindness" and "love".

3. Love isn't jealous but is content with its lot (v4c)

Note: jealousy can also take place because of relationships as well as over physical items. Be wary of the intangible factors that trigger jealousy.

Love looks to God and accepts whatever lot He has given!

To be rid of jealousy, repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness then seek the Lord's help in genuinely looking out for the very best good of that person.

4. Love isn't boastful but it is modest, recognizing that the credit for everything belongs ultimately to the Lord. (v4d)

Vaunteth = boasting, bragging

A braggart brags about his ability, importance or accomplishments.

The proper opposite of this ought to be the understanding that all credit ultimately belongs to the Lord.

5. Love isn't conceited but it is humble, recognizing that all that it has is by the grace of God (v4e)

From the outward boastfulness to the inward pride... Love isn't conceited; an overestimation of one's ability, importance or accomplishments; inflated with pride.


If any one of this characteristics is missing, repent and ask the Lord thru the Holy Spirit to grow that fruit.

Lord's Day Sermon (13 May 2012)

Ephesians 6:1-4
The Responsibilities of Children to Their Parents
by Pastor

The Spirit-filled children's attitude/behaviour to their parents.

Non-Christians content with us over Luke 14:25-27 and Matthew 10:37-38. "The bible tells you to HATE your parents". But the word 'hate' actually means 'love less', with the idea of putting Jesus first.

v1 - the word 'children' refers to... WHO? The word means 'all offspring'. So regardless of age or marital status, this command applies to all. "In the Lord" or "as unto the Lord" - obey your parents as you would the Lord!

Regardless of any bad blood - we must obey our parents. This pleases the Lord (Colossians 3:20).

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Disobedience to parents is a sinful thing! Also see Romans 1:30; it is a mark of an unbeliever.

v2 - honour BOTH parents! Don't forget one.

"Honour" - hold in highest regard.

Reminder to take care of parents when they are old, while they are alive. Spend your affections when they are living, not wait till they are gone.

v3 - it is a blessing to honour our parents.

"Go well with you " - Quality Life
For example, they have much experience and wisdom. Put away this 'generation gap' issue by bridging the gap. Do not shun their wisdom.

"May live long" - Quantity of Life

v4 - back to the husbands/fathers.

"Do not provoke" - unreasonable, reckless actions/words. Lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:21).

'Bring them up in the discipline and instruction' - "Discipline", do not forgo discipline/admonition. "Instructions", to teach them the instruction 'of the Lord', as it is prescribed by the Lord.

Lord's Day Sermon (7 May 2012)

Ephesians 5:22-33
The Spirit-filled Wife and Husband - Pastor

A timely message because of...
The strong feminist movement around today. Look at how even bible translators follow them - e.g. NLT.
Also note the woman's standing in work and education today, even in the Church. This powerful woman will find it difficult to submit to man.

Men, do not take it lightly for we also have much to do.

Do not follow the world's standard but follow the Bible's standard.

v22-24
To the Spirit-filled wife... Accept v22 unconditionally!

A Christian family will see the wife submitted to the husband.

Again, note that there are no qualifications for this submission, regardless of the wife's status or the husband's capability.

1 Peter 3:1 - even if married to a non-believer, the wife must still submit.

Meaning of submission - subjecting to authority.

Is submission a kind of slavery? NO!

Submission acknowledges God's order.

Submission must be 'as unto the Lord' - which does not mean that the husband is like the Lord but that the wife is doing it like it is to the Lord.

Gv24 shows the model of submission.

v25-33
To the Spirit-filled husband...

Love your wife - A command! No strings attached, no stopping.
What kind of 'love' is Paul speaking of? 4 qualities...

A sacrificial love like how Christ gave Himself for the Church, to the extent of death.

We need to show this love - we men need to put away our likes and comforts for our wives and give of our time and efforts.

v24 shows the model of submission.

v25-33
To the Spirit-filled husband...

Love your wife - A command! No strings attached, no stopping.
What kind of 'love' is Paul speaking of? 4 qualities...

A sacrificial love like how Christ gave Himself for the Church, to the extent of death.

We need to show this love - we men need to put away our likes and comforts for our wives and give of our time and efforts.

v24 shows the model of submission.

v25-33
To the Spirit-filled husband...

Love your wife - A command! No strings attached, no stopping.
What kind of 'love' is Paul speaking of? 4 qualities...

A sacrificial love like how Christ gave Himself for the Church, to the extent of death.

We need to show this love - we men need to put away our likes and comforts for our wives and give of our time and efforts.

v24 shows the model of submission.

v25-33
To the Spirit-filled husband...

Love your wife - A command! No strings attached, no stopping.
What kind of 'love' is Paul speaking of? 4 qualities...

v25 - A sacrificial love like how Christ gave Himself for the Church, to the extent of death.

We need to show this love - we men need to put away our likes and comforts for our wives and give of our time and efforts.

v26, 27 - a purifying love like how Christ cleansed the Church.

In the context of Ephesians, Paul had in mind the sexual purity of the husbands because Ephesus had many temple prostitutes.

Men, be mindful of this.

V28 - 30 - the caring love.
Nourish her, even in spiritual food.

Cherish her - show her that you love her, remember dates.

v31 - the unbreakable love.
This quote from Genesis tells us about the permanence of marriage; the word 'join' means 'cemented'.
In Mal 2:16, God hates divorce.

Finally, in v33, Paul summarizes his instructions.

Lord's Day Sermon (29 April 2012)

Ephesians 5:18-21

Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Pastor

v18
A command - do not be drunk with wine (command) but be filled with the Holy Spirit (command, continuous).

How to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
To yield oneself to the control of the Spirit.

So.... what happens when we are filled with the Holy Spirit?

v19
A life filled with singing, a singing Christian.
A good reason for singing, singing praise to God for salvation (Ps 40:3; 96:1-2; 149:1, Rev 5:8-9; 14:3)

Note: Christian music is a distinctive... Have we lost our distinction to worldly music?

Personal thought: Is the concern one of style or lyrics? Both? What is the weight of importance?

How does the Spirit-filled Christian sing?
- They sing to one another!
- They sing 'psalms, hymns and spiritual songs'
- They sing from the heart

What about the world's music? How can a Christian sing songs that promote the sinful lifestyles of the world? Or songs written by people with rebellious lifestyles?
Why not songs praising God and goodness, written by Christians who have been touched by God?

It is important to sing with the heart, i.e. Sing with understanding.

v20
We need to thank God! This is something we neglect... We would rather petition but not thank the Lord.

- be thankful for blessings
- be thankful for the hope of blessings
- be thankful for trials or battles in life

"Give thanks for everything" - Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

v21
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will live a life of humility. We will submit to one another.
"Submit" in the greek is a military term that means to come under the rank of a superior.

Lord's Day Sermon (22 Apr 2012)

Daniel 5:1-30

Why Being Great is not so Great After All

Bro Lim Chien Chong

We all aspire to be great... But the greatness we desire may not be the greatness that God intended.

v1 - 4, a great feast took place. In v31, the king was slain! Apparently, the city was under siege... yet, the king threw a feast!

Why? Confidence in the thousands? In the idols?

c.f. v18 - 23, Daniel seems to hint that the king's "greatness" was merely inherited from Nebuchadnezzar. Also, the great Nebuchadnezzar had been humbled by this Jewish God, what more this king? Oh, the pride - it blinds! The king has no regard for God.

v5-24, God issues a wake up call.

Interestingly, no one remembers Daniel but the Queen, who may be the mother of the king.

God uses circumstances, people and most importantly, His Word, to issue a wake up call.

"The pride that king had, offended the great God."

v25-31, the king hits the snooze button and meets with a great fall.

v13, interesting how the king seems sarcastic to Daniel.

v29, no mention of change in the king... Hmmmm....
He wanted to know what the Words meant but no change. Eager to know but no push to DO more.

"if there is one thing we can learn grim the king, it is that we ought not to procrastinate when the Word of God judges/rebukes/instructs us"

Our aspirations for greatness must be for God's greatness. Zoom out. See the big picture.

THE BIG PICTURE
Remember Jesus - who came to take away sin, the pride that leads to rebellion.

Render to Him the greatness that is His.

Realise, do not ignore, the things we need to change... But THIS IS NOT ENOUGH. Just knowing what God says is not enough.

Repent - DO the right things now!

Lord's Day Sermon (15 April 2012)

Walking Wisely in the Lord
Ephesians 5:8-17
By Pastor

Reminder to "walk circumspectly"; to live wisely. To walk right because Jesus is coming again. To spend time properly. To know who to "keep up with", eg, keep up with work vs keeping up with Christ. Putting the right things first.

v1 - v14, Paul reminds the Ephesians how to live as Christians.

v2, manifest love
v3 - 7, put away all filthiness
v8 - 14 , reflect Jesus in your life

Note: v12 says that Christians have secret sins. It ought not to be.

The key point of this sermon, to walk wisely in the Lord. (v15 -17)

v15, walk carefully!
Be alert about how you live life and WHO you live life with.

Walk right with God.
Avoid snares, temptations, sinful people.

Live right and be "wise".
Live wrong and be "unwise".

v16, Redeem the time!
How to walk carefully? Make the best use of time.

Note how everyone has been given time, a fixed amount of time, from the Lord. Our days are numbered! So maximise your time NOW.

Question - how to give time for God in such a busy world? Need to be wise and find the balance.

"No time for God" - a lack of love for God.

v17, Do the will of God.
How to redeem the time? Understand the will of God.

Are you doing the will of God? Do you obey God?

How to find the will of God? From His Word. Search the depths of Scripture!

It's Time to Restart the Blog

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

It's time to restart the blog.

For several weeks months, I have been struggling with a crippling procrastination. It's high time to get right.

This blog was to be an outlet for the fruit of study and reflection, personal study and reflection. Instead, I have grown too reliant on "hand me down" knowledge from Christian articles.

Now, Christian articles are a good thing; a great, convenient resource for wisdom and knowledge. Especially for busy folk. Grab and go. Easy to digest. Mind will be free later to do other things.

But what started as a means of convenience turned into an excuse for not hiding God's Word in my heart and not meditating on God's Word daily.

I grew lazy with the wonderful articles which had already unpacked God's Word for ready consumption.

sigh

Lord forgive me. Help me to get back to actually reading and personally distilling your precious Word.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15