Everyday with Jesus

Blog updates will be terminated

2010-01-06T18:33:00.001+08:00

Dear all,

I have decided to put this blog to a close as I will be working on another devotional material in greater detail. Thanks for all the support! I will still keep this blog as it is for your reference.

God bless,
Kok Sheng

'Pain-missed in praise'

2009-08-11T13:18:00.002+08:00

Job 6:1-10

1. Why is Job's painful poetry in the Book of God?

It is to allow us to know the fact that both lamentation and exultation can be forms of praise and worship to God by allowing us to face reality with Him.

Job 7:7-21

2. How did he mix pain and praise in the reality of his humanity?

He mix pain and praise by relating the character of God to his problems. His eyes are focused on the Lord.

Is God good?

2009-08-04T10:58:00.002+08:00

Job 34:5-12,35-37

1.What did Elihu reveal about Job's lament?

Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.' He might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.

Malachi 3:13-18

2. How can we treat God harshly?

We treat God harshly when we say "It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.' "

The road to sin

2009-08-03T17:18:00.002+08:00

Mark 10:17-23; Luke 16:19-31

1. What did the rich man have that Lazarus did not?

The rich man had great wealth that Lazarus did not. He was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table.

2. What did Lazarus have that the rich man did not?

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

The right focus

2009-08-02T22:39:00.002+08:00

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

1. How did the author of Ecclesiastes view his great wealth?

He became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem. He denied himself nothing his eyes desired; He refused his heart no pleasure. His heart took delight in all his work, and this was the reward for all his labor. Yet when he surveyed all that his hands had done and what he had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

1 Timothy 6:6-19

2. Why do some people suffer many griefs?

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

'He will come and save you'

2009-07-30T17:02:00.002+08:00

Prov 9:10

1. Write a definition of the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Prov 2:1-11

2. How do we come to know the fear of the Lord?

If we accept God's words, store up His commands within us, turn our ear to wisdom, apply our heart to understanding, call out for insight, cry aloud for understanding,look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Face to face with reality

2009-05-23T12:02:00.002+08:00

Genesis 3:1-23

1. How did God respond to Adam's sin?

God did not immediately confront Adam with the eating of the forbidden fruit. Instead, God firstly called to the man, "Where are you?"

Adam answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

Adam said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

God got to the root of the problem in a confrontation manner, but in a progressive way.

Micah 3:8; John 16:7-8

2. Why was Micah filled with the Spirit?

Micah was filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin. For when the Spirit comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.

Three groans!

2009-05-22T18:05:00.002+08:00

Matthew 23:37; Luke 19:41-46

1. Why did Jesus groan and weep?

Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem when the day of peace is hidden from their eyes but the days will come upon them when their enemies will build an embankment against them and dash them to the ground because they did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.

Jesus often longed to gather His children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they were not willing.

Revelations 21:1-4

2. When will groaning cease?

During the new heaven and a new earth.

A loud voice from the throne says, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

The groan of God

2009-05-21T15:54:00.000+08:00

Romans 10:1; Galatians 4:8-20

1. Why did Paul groan?

Paul was concerned for the Galatians. Formerly, when the Galatians did not know God, they were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that they know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that they are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do they wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Paul's heart desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

2 Peter 3:8-9

2. For what does God groan?

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God groans for our salvation.

When disinclined to pray

2009-05-19T22:53:00.002+08:00

Deuteronomy 8:6-18

1. Why may we be disinclined to pray?

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Philippians 4:4-9

2. How can we follow Paul's example?

Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Pray! Pray! Pray!

2009-05-18T08:46:00.004+08:00

Acts 4:23-31

1. What happened when the Early Church prayed?

They raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them."

"... Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Colossians 4:2-4

2. How should we pray?

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

No prayer- no power

2009-05-16T10:26:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 18:41-46

1. How did Elijah show perseverance?

Elijah asked Ahab to look towards the sea for rain but for seven times, there was nothing.

Elijah persevered and during the seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." The sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on. The power of the LORD came upon Elijah.

2 Kings 13:14-19

2. What would result from Jehoash giving up too quickly?

When Elisha told king Jehoash, "Strike the ground.", Jehoash struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times."

Confined in a cage!

2009-05-14T23:41:00.002+08:00

Daniel 6:16-23

1. Why did Daniel escape his cage?

When Daniel was threw into the lions' den by the king, a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed.

God shut the mouths of the lions which did not hurt Daniel because he was found innocent in God's sight. No wound was found on Daniel, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel was later released from the cage.

Acts 12:1-14

2. How was Peter released from prison?

Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it.

Double vision

2009-05-09T19:07:00.002+08:00

1 Samuel 16:1-13

1. Contrast how people saw David and how God saw him?

The Lord said "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 17:41-51

2. Why could little David be confident against Goliath?

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

Who is the real you?

2009-05-08T11:07:00.002+08:00

Psalms 139:1-24

1. What did the psalmist explain?

The psalmist explained that the Lord has searched and known him, knowing his every actions and thoughts. The Lord is everywhere and He will guide the psalmist.

2. What did he desire?

The psalmist desire that God to see if there is any offensive way in him so that He can lead him in the way everlasting.

One motive, one goal

2009-03-18T10:31:00.002+08:00

Philippians 3:3-16

1. What was Paul's goal?

One thing Paul does: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Hebrews 12:1

2. Define perserverance.

Perseverance is to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

No harboured resentment

2009-03-15T13:40:00.003+08:00

Romans 12:14-21

1. In what ways can resentment be neutralised?

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ephesians 4:26

2. What is the maximum time allowed for anger?

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

The maximum time allowed for anger is till before sunset.

Wrong tactics

2009-03-14T15:21:00.003+08:00

Genesis 4:1-7

1. What can result from harbouring resentment?

Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

Anger and a downcast spirit will result from resentment.

Hebrews 12:15

2. How can we overcome resentment?

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Thus we can overcome with the grace of God.

The Bible vs baseball caps

2009-03-05T10:10:00.003+08:00

John 2:1-11

1. What resulted when the servant obeyed Jesus without question?

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."

"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Romans 12:1-2

2. How do we avoid copying the world?

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

"A spectator sport"

2009-03-04T19:08:00.003+08:00

Matthew 7:16-23; 21:28-32

1. How can a genuine follower be recognised?

Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

1 John 2:17

2. How is a genuine follower rewarded?

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

A genuine follower enters the kingdom of God.

Impeccable leadership

2009-03-03T23:14:00.002+08:00

Exodus 32:1-10, 30-35

1. What resulted when Aaron followed the people's request?

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'

"I have seen these people," the LORD said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."

The next day Moses said to the people, "You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin."

So Moses went back to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written."

The LORD replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin."

And the LORD struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

John 8:31-36

2. What two blessings came from Jesus' leadership?

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

'The ultimate issue'

2009-03-02T11:28:00.004+08:00

Luke 14:33

1. What is the cost of being a follower?

Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my (Christ's) disciple.

The cost of being a follower is to give up everything.

Luke 18:18-30

2. What is the reward of being a follower?

The reward of being a follower will be treasure in heaven, eternal life and to enter the kingdom of God.

'The primal call'

2009-03-01T10:02:00.004+08:00

Matthew 10:34-39; Matthew 11:28-30

1. What does Jesus require of His followers?

Jesus said "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Mark 1:14-20

2. What responsibility is given to His followers?

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

'He's my brother'

2009-02-28T21:47:00.002+08:00

Mark 2:1-12

1. Why should we carry others' burdens?

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

When we carry others' burdens, the burden will later be taken care by God.

Galatians 6:1-10

2. What happens when we carry others' burdens?

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

An epilogue

2009-02-27T09:59:00.002+08:00

Romans 12:3-21

1. What are some of the ways we can care for one another?

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:8-10

2. How can we fulfil God's requirements?

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Sharing at a deep level

2009-02-23T22:08:00.002+08:00

Romans 14:1-13

1. Why should we be slow to criticise?

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

2. What did Paul admit to?

"We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.

But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

'Model' leadership

2009-02-22T21:37:00.002+08:00

Psalms 133:1-3;

1. Where does the Lord 'bestow his blessing'?

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.

For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Acts 20:17; Acts 20:25-32

2. What was Paul's charge for the Ephesian elders?

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.

He said, "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

What is a caring church?

2009-02-21T17:37:00.003+08:00

Galatians 4:18-20

1. Why was Paul in pain?

Paul was in pain because he wished that he could be with his people now as he was perplexed about them.

Ephesians 5:23-32

2. What is the concern of Christ?

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

Learn to let go

2009-02-17T22:02:00.002+08:00

John 16:5-7
1. Why was it good for Jesus to leave?

It is for our good that Jesus is going away. Unless He goes away, the Counselor will not come to us; but if He go, He will send him to us.

Acts 1:1-11; 2 Timothy 2:2

2. What process did Paul explain?

On one occasion, while Jesus gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Caring for the family

2009-02-16T19:43:00.002+08:00

Mark 15:1-6

1. Can you be a devout hypocrite?

Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

Given that even the chief priests, elders, teachers and whole Sanhedrin can arrest Jesus, one can indeed be a devout hypocrite.

Ephesians 5:21-6:4

2. How should family members care for each other?

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Care - one at a time!

2009-02-15T09:31:00.002+08:00

Luke 9:1-2; 12-17

1. How did Jesus care for many people?

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here."

He replied, "You give them something to eat."

They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd." (About five thousand men were there.)

But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." The disciples did so, and everybody sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Luke 9:1-2; 10:1

2. When Jesus was dealing with people, what did He focus on?

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

Jesus focused on appointing people and sending them to care for the multitudes.

Caring for yourself

2009-02-05T10:14:00.002+08:00

Mark 6:30-32

1. What was Jesus' concern?

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Jesus' concern is that we must also care for ourselves in order to also care for others.

2 Corinthians 8:10-15

2. What was Paul's advice?

This is Paul's advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

You're an angel

2009-02-04T11:01:00.003+08:00

Genesis 16:1-16

1. In Genesis 16, what did Hagar learn?

"You are the God who sees me," for Hagar said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Genesis 21:8-19

2. How did God minister to Hagar physically and emotionally?

Hagar's child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac."

The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, "Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring."

Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.

When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.

God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."

Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

Stop worrying

2009-02-03T18:54:00.002+08:00

Matthew 6:25-34

1. What did Jesus say about worrying?

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1 Peter 5:7

2.What should we do with our worries?

Cast all your anxiety on Jesus because he cares for you.

Overcoming loss

2009-02-02T10:29:00.002+08:00

Job 1:13-2:13

1. How did Job respond to loss?

Job heard from the messengers that the oxen, donkeys, sheep, servants, camels, sons and daughters were struck dead when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing

2. Contrast the responses of Job's wife and his friends.

Job's wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

When Job's three friends heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.

When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

The tyranny of the urgent

2009-02-01T14:09:00.002+08:00

Exodus 16:14-30

1. Why is it sometimes important to do nothing?

It is because we need a rest.

In Exodus, this is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'

Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." So the people rested on the seventh day.

Luke 10:38-42

2. Contrast Mary and Martha.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Common Christian problems

2009-01-29T20:36:00.002+08:00

John 20:24-31

1. How did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubts?

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Mark 9:24; Romans 10:17

2. How can doubts be resolved?

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

To resolve doubts, we must believe in order to overcome our unbelief.

Caring is hope

2009-01-27T20:50:00.002+08:00

Luke 8:40-56

1. How did Jesus bring hope?

Jesus had empathy with the dead child and he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!". Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2. What hope did Paul have?

Paul have the hope of Christ that Christ's grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore Paul will boast all the more gladly about his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him. That is why, for Christ's sake, Paul delights in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when he is weak, then he is strong.

Caring is being known

2009-01-26T18:55:00.001+08:00

Matthew 20:29-34

1. How did Jesus care for the two blind men?

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 26:6-13

2. How did Jesus care for the woman who anointed Him?

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

Caring is respect

2009-01-25T10:07:00.002+08:00

Luke 7:36-50

1. How did people regard these women?

When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

Luke 13:10-17

2. How did Jesus regard the women?

Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

A willing crucifixion

2009-01-20T22:29:00.002+08:00

Luke 14:16-20

1. What sort of excuse did the guests offer?

Jesus said: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'

"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'

"Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'

"Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'

Luke 14:25-35

2. Why should someone 'hate... his own life'?

Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Jesus cannot be His disciple.

Therefore, if you want to follow Christ, you have to give up everything by hating the old life of ourselves.

Self-surrender

2009-01-19T19:05:00.002+08:00

Mark 10:17-31

1. Why could the man not surrender himself to Jesus?

The man had great wealth and he could not bear to sell everything to give to the poor in order to follow Jesus.

Luke 5:8-11

2. What was the example of the disciples?

Though Peter declared he is a sinful man, Jesus said "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Jesus.

The main focus

2009-01-09T14:12:00.002+08:00

Acts 2:42-47

1. How did the Early Church demonstrate love?

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32-37

2. Should Christians hold their possessions in common?

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

The second incarnation

2009-01-06T21:01:00.003+08:00

Matthew 10:1-10

1. How were Jesus' disciples expected to emulate their Master?

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep."

Matthew 10:40-42

2. How do people still welcome Christ today?

If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is Christ disciple, he will certainly not lose his reward.

We can still welcome Christ to people by receiving ourselves for others for Jesus said "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me."

The law of Christ

2009-01-05T23:59:00.001+08:00

John 13:31-35

1. What new law did Christ establish?

Love one another. As Christ have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are His disciples, if you love one another.

James 2:8

2. What is the 'royal law'? How much do you live by it?

The royal law found in Scripture is"Love your neighbor as yourself".

A God who cares

2009-01-04T09:56:00.002+08:00

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. How did God demonstrate that He cares for us?

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Titus 3:3-8

2. Why should we care for undeserving people?

Those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

A Christian - one who cares

2009-01-03T19:59:00.002+08:00

Job 4:3-4; Acts 9:36-43

1. What was said of Job, and of Dorcas?

Job has instructed many and strengthened feeble hands. His words have supported those who stumbled; strengthened faltering knees.

Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. When she died, Peter said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

2. How can we become like them?

As how God loves us, we can also love others with the love of the Lord.

A universal craving

2009-01-02T18:41:00.002+08:00

Mark 10:42-45

1. How do we achieve greatness?

Whoever wants to become great must be a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Luke 4:14-21

2. What was Jesus' purpose?

The Spirit of the Lord is on Jesus because Jesus is appointed to preach good news to the poor. Jesus was sent to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

'God - let me be aware'

2009-01-01T12:47:00.002+08:00

Luke 10:25-37

1. Why is being an 'expert' in religion not enough?

We must also love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind'; and love our neighbor as ourself.

Jesus said, "Do this and you will live."

Luke 16:19-31

2. When did the rich man become aware of other's needs?

The rich man become aware of other's needs when he went to hell. It was only at that time that he found out his brothers need to repent of their sins.

Adonai

2008-12-08T09:26:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 33:17-24; Hebrews 12:1-4

1. How do we change when we see God?

There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2. Where should we focus our attention?

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

'Peace of mind'

2008-12-01T21:56:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 26:1-4; 27:5

1. How do we experience the peace of God?

We have a strong city where God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Or else come to God for refuge and let them make peace with God.

Romans 5:1-2

2. How do we experience peace with God?

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Two sources of sickness

2008-11-19T07:47:00.002+08:00

Psalms 32:1-7

1. Why was David sick and when was he healed?

David was sick because he kept silent where his bones wasted away through his groaning all day long. His strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

He was healed when he acknowledged his sin to God and the Lord forgave the guilt of his sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Peter 2:24

2. What is God's will for our bodies?

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Not a needle - a nail

2008-11-17T08:26:00.002+08:00

Colossians 2:13-16

1. What was nailed to the cross?

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Hebrews 12:1-14

2. Why did Jesus not avoid the cross?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Why was man made free?

2008-11-16T09:15:00.002+08:00

John 3:14-18

1. Outline God's plan of salvation.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

2. List the characteristics of God revealed in this plan.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Rejoice in mystery

2008-10-26T08:54:00.002+08:00

Psalm 71:14-24

1. Why would the psalmist praise more and more?

The psalmist would praise more and more of God because of the hope he has in God. His mouth will tell of the Lord's righteousness, salvation, mighty acts, marvelous deeds and restoration. For God increases his honor and comforted the psalmist.

Philippians 4:4

2. What did Paul emphasize?

Paul emphasized that we should always rejoice in the Lord.

Entering into mystery

2008-10-25T22:15:00.002+08:00

Psalms 139:1-12

1. What could the psalmist not attain?

The knowledge of God is too lofty for the psalmist to attain for the Lord discerns and searches everything within us.

Isaiah 40:21-31

2. What did Isaiah understand he could not understand?

The prophet Isaiah understand that God is behind the mystery of the beginning of the earth and the creation of the heavens. For the Lord brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

God's given redemptive range

2008-10-15T22:13:00.002+08:00

Acts 11:1-18

1. Why was Peter criticised?

Peter was criticised by the circumcised believers for going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.

2. What was his defense?

Peter explains that the voice had spoke from heaven, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' Then he remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was Peter to think that he could oppose God?"

When the circumcised believers heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

Everyone has a part

2008-10-06T22:34:00.002+08:00

1 Corinthians 12:1-14

1. What did Paul want us to know?

Paul want us not to be ignorant. When we were pagans, somehow or other we were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore Paul tells us that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

2. What is common to us all and what is different?

The body of Christ is a unit that is common to us all What is different is that we made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

No sense of story

2008-10-05T15:26:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 43:1-11

1. What is God's promise?

God promised that when you pass through the waters, He will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Since you are precious and honored in His sight, and because God loves you, He will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for the Lord is with you;
He will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

John 9:1-7

2. What did Jesus explain?

Jesus explained that trials do happen so that the work of God might be displayed in that person's life. As long as it is day, Jesus will do the Father's work for He is the only light of the world.

For these 2 months....

2008-06-30T23:59:00.000+08:00

THE BURNING, CLEANSING FLAME
May-June 2008

'For he will be like a refiner's fire ...’
Malachi 3:2

In the universe two fires burn. Both passionately compete for our attention; both seek to engulf us and set us ablaze. One is destructive, the other divine.

In this issue, Selwyn asks ‘Which fire consumes us?’ Are we caught up with the scorching passions of this world, or are we set alight with the passion of Jesus?

Our Father longs to give good gifts to His children, and is ready to help us with our struggles. He asks us to repent of our lack of trust, take Him at His word and ask for His help.

Through the burning, cleansing flame of the Holy Spirit we can live life as God intended.

Click here to download PDF of first week

Gold seekers - or God seekers?

2008-06-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35

1. What was the practice of the Early Church?

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

1 John 2:15-17

2. What was John's warning?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Fire! Fire! Fire!

2008-06-03T12:15:00.002+08:00

Joel 2:28-32

1. What did Joel promise?

Joel promised that in the day of the Lord, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Even on servants, both men and women, He will pour out His Spirit in those days. The Lord will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;

Luke 11:9-13

2. What did Jesus promise?

Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

A life change - life-changing

2008-06-02T08:01:00.002+08:00

Galatians 1:13-24

1. Why did the churches praise God?

Paul, in his previous way of life in Judaism persecuting Jesus Christ, was called by God's grace. God revealed Christ in him so that he might preach Christ among the Gentiles. Paul did not consult any man, nor did he go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before he was, but he went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

The people only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of Paul.

Philippians 3:3-14

2. How did Paul view his old strict religious life?

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

But whatever was to Paul's profit he now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, he consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord, for whose sake Paul have lost all things.

Paul wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Paul press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Do we get all at conversion?

2008-06-01T09:12:00.001+08:00

Acts 8:4-23

1. What happened when Philip went to Samaria?

Philip went to Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Even Simon the Sorcerer believed and was baptized.

2. Why did the apostles go to Samaria?

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

There's more!

2008-05-31T22:22:00.002+08:00

Acts 19:1-7

1. What did Paul explain to the disciples?

Paul explained, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:4-7

2. What is God's goal for our lives?

God sent Jesus to redeem us under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So we are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

We are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Never enough!

2008-05-17T15:04:00.002+08:00

Joshua 7:1-26; Proverbs 27:20

1. What did Achan confess to?

Achan confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."

2. How did his sin affect others?

Joshua said, "Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

Money, money, money

2008-05-16T12:09:00.003+08:00

Luke 18:18-25

1. What prevented the ruler joining Jesus?

The ruler could not join Jesus though he does not commit adultery, murder, steal, give false testimony, honor his father and mother. But when Jesus asked him to sell everything and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven and follow Jesus, the ruler became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

James 5:1-6

2. Why did James rebuke the rich?

The wealth of the rich has rotted, and moths have eaten their clothes. Their gold and silver are corroded. The corrosion will testify against them and eat their flesh like fire. The rich have hoarded wealth in the last days.

Look! The wages the rich failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are crying out against them. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. The rich have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. They have fattened themselves in the day of slaughter.

The rich have condemned and murdered innocent men.

Anger is poison

2008-05-09T23:12:00.002+08:00

Esther 3:1-6; 7:9-10

1. What was the result of Haman's anger?

After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?" Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, "A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king." The king said, "Hang him on it!" So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.

Proverbs 16:32

2. What is better than power?

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Reprobate instincts

2008-05-06T12:21:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 13:1-21

1. Why did Ammon feel ill?

Ammon was ill because he fell in love with Tamar but she was a virgin. Thus, he called her to come and give him something to eat. Actually he had in plan to rape her.

2. How did his passion overwhelm his common sense?

He refused to listen to the reasonings of Tamar and raped her, ending up hating her than loving her more.

'This rabble of the passions'

2008-05-05T23:59:00.001+08:00

Romans 7:5-25

1. What struggles did Paul experience?

Paul was struggling with sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in him every kind of covetous desire, deceived him, and through the commandment put him to death, sold as a slave to sin.

He said, "Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

2. How did he find an answer?

In Paul's inner being he delight in God's law; but he see another law at work in the members of his body, waging war against the law of his mind and making him a prisoner of the law of sin at work within his members.

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul said.

'The only hope...'

2008-05-04T09:45:00.002+08:00

2 Kings 2:7-14

1. How did fire redeem Elijah?

As Elijah and Elisha were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Isaiah 6:1-8

2. How did fire redeem Isaiah?

The doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" Isaiah cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

Then one of the seraphs flew to Isaiah with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched Isaiah's mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!"

'Redeemed from fire by fire'

2008-05-03T08:34:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 17:3; Zechariah 13:7-9

1. What will fire do?

The LORD uses fire to test the hearts of men.

He will bring into the fire and refine the righteous like silver and test them like gold. They will call on the Lord's name and God will answer them; The Lord will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

2. How can we ensure fire will not damage us?

Our works will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.

If what we built survives, we will receive God's reward. If it is burned up, we will suffer loss; we will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Therefore, do everything truthfully based on God.

A framework of fire

2008-05-02T08:05:00.002+08:00

Genesis 1:14-18

1. Why does God allow fire into our lives?

Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 15:6-21

2. Which two fires did Abraham experience?

As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river."

Danger! Fire!

2008-05-01T08:53:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 14:28-33

1. Why is fire dangerous?

Fire is dangerous because it can destroy. Just like how Absalom's servants set Joab's barley field on fire

Acts 17:1-8

2. What happens when people encounter fire?

The Jews were jealous when they hear about Jesus Christ (Holy fire).

So they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

For these 2 months....

2008-04-30T23:59:00.001+08:00

COMPLETE IN CHRIST
March-April 2008

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. -Colossians 1:17

Many things in the world can shake our faith, and we can find ourselves questioning what we truly believe. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colosse to encourage them and reaffirm what they had already heard and believed: Jesus was there at the beginning; He made everything; He holds all things together.

In this issue, Selwyn examines Paul’s letter to the Colossians and asks ‘Does Jesus have pre-eminence in your life?’ When we realise that our Saviour’s way is the right way, we are free to live lives that will truly make a difference in the world.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Closing words

2008-04-30T13:04:00.004+08:00

Luke 23:26-43

1. What concerned Jesus as He faced death?

Though Jesus was going to be crucified, He said "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children."

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

However, the other criminal said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Though Christ was undergoing much agony during crucification, He did not call for the legions of angels to save him from perils. He focused on the will of the Father to die for our sins as an atonement. It is about us that matter, not Himself.

John 19:25-27

2. How can you be more aware of others' needs?

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Christ was more aware of his mother's welfare though he was going to be crucified soon.

We can also draw strength from Jesus to be more aware of others' needs.

Say 'No' to the marginal

2008-04-29T08:24:00.002+08:00

Luke 10:38-42

1. Why were Martha's good intentions bad?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Revelations 2:1-7

2. How had the Ephesians become preoccupied with the marginal?

God knows the Ephesian's deeds, hard work and perseverance. The Ephesians cannot tolerate wicked men, have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. The Ephesians have persevered and have endured hardships for the Lord's name, and have not grown weary.

However, the Ephesians have become preoccupied with these marginals that they had forsaken their first love. They should thus repent and do the things they did at first. If they do not repent, God will come and remove the lampstand from their place.

Final greetings

2008-04-28T08:34:00.001+08:00

2 Timothy 4:9-13

1. Contrast Demas and Luke.

Demas loved this world. Therefore he has deserted Paul and has gone to Thessalonica. Only Luke is with Paul.

John 3:16; 1 John 2:15-17

2. How can we love and yet not love the world?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More names on the list

2008-04-27T09:00:00.002+08:00

Genesis 18:16-33

1. What does Abraham's prayer teach us about intercession?

Abraham's prayer teaches us the power of intercession. God says He "will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Intercession is powerful because it reaches God and God will do something about it.

2. What does it teach us about God?

God is a righteous God who does not tolerate sin. Yet He is merciful to those who are righteous. The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." That began a bargain between Abraham and God where in the end, God had to say "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

This teaches us that God is gracious and will protect those who are righteous in His name. He does not wipe everyone (regardless righteous or not) out just for the sake of punishing sin.

Paul- a people-person

2008-04-26T18:20:00.002+08:00

Philemon 1-25

1. How did Paul feel about Philemon?

Paul said about Philemon, "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

2. How did Paul refer to Onesimus?

Paul refer to Onesimus as his dear brother. Formerly Onesimus was useless, but now he has become useful. Paul asked Philemon to keep him so that he could take the place in helping Paul while Paul is in chains for the gospel.

The right to say 'No'

2008-04-25T23:59:00.001+08:00

Genesis 4:1-8

1. What right did God grant Cain?

The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

God grant Cain the right to do what is right or wrong.

1 Peter 3:15-16

2. How should we answer people?

Our hearts should be set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

First talk to God

2008-04-24T10:08:00.002+08:00

Luke 18:1-8

1. Why may we sometimes seem not to receive answers to our prayers?

It is because we are not persistent with our prayers.

For even the judge who neither feared God nor cared about men decided to find justice for the persistent widow, will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

God will see that they get justice, and quickly.

Philippians 4:4-6

2. How did Paul link prayer and praise?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

A heated talking point

2008-04-23T08:25:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 14:31; Malachi 3:5

1. How does God identify with oppressed workers?

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.

James 5:1-6

2. Why did James criticise rich people?

The rich people have hoarded wealth in the last days. The wages they failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are crying out against them. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

The rich people have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. They have fattened themselves in the day of slaughter. They have also condemned and murdered innocent men.

Free- on the inside

2008-04-22T08:30:00.003+08:00

John 8:31-36

1. What is true slavery and what is true freedom?

Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. That is true slavery.

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, it is true freedom.

Titus 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

2. Why should slaves/employees obey their masters/employers?

Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractivee.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. For we are not seeking our own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Problem fathers

2008-04-21T08:19:00.002+08:00

Matthew 18:1-10; Ephesians 6:4

1. How did Jesus regard and relate to children?

Jesus says whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For their angels in heaven always see the face of the Father in heaven.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Mark 10:13-16

2. Why was Jesus indignant?

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

'The Jesus Christ man'

2008-04-17T08:17:00.002+08:00

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

1. How can those without Bible know Bible truth?

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

We ourselves are the Bible's letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Ephesians 6:5-9

2. How can we daily be like Christ?

We must obey our earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as we would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

'Overalls or evening dress'

2008-04-14T14:59:00.002+08:00

Psalms 86:5-17

1. What did the psalmist report?

The psalmist reported the God is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to Him. Among the gods there is none like the Lord, no deeds can compare with His. All the nations the Lord has made will come and worship before Him and bring glory to His name. For God is great and do marvelous deeds. Great is God's love, delivering the psalmist from the depths of the grave. The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:19-26

2. How did the depressed prophet find hope?

The depressed prophet remember of the LORD's great love thus we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. The prophet says "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

The charter of equality

2008-04-13T09:16:00.002+08:00

John 4:4-9

1. Why was the woman surprised?

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The Samaritan woman was suprrised and said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans).

Acts 10:15,28; Romans 3:29;10:12-13

2. Why is there no real distinction between people?

We should not discriminate and call anything impure that God has made clean. Though we are well aware that it is against the law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown that we should not call any man impure or unclean.

This is because our God is the God of Jews and also the God of Gentiles too. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

'Life is decision'

2008-04-12T22:23:00.002+08:00

Joshua 24:14-27

1. What choice did Joshua offer and how did the people respond?

Joshua told the people to fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God."

Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, a witness against them if they are untrue to God.

1 Kings 18:21

2. Why did Elijah criticise the people?

This is because the people were wavering between two opinions. Elijah said, "If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.

'I'm in for it now'

2008-04-11T17:32:00.002+08:00

Matthew 27:1-8

1. Identify Juda's thoughts and emotions.

When Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

2 Peter 3:1-15

2. Why is the Lord patient and not in a hurry to judge?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Our chief business

2008-04-07T13:25:00.004+08:00

Psalms 27:4

1. What was the psalmist's desire?

The psalmist's soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; his heart and his flesh cry out for the living God, that he may dwell in the house of the LORD. All the days of his life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Psalms 63:1-8; 84:1-12

2. What was the psalmist's practice?

The psalmist will praise the Lord as long as he lives, and in the Lord's name he will lift up his hands. The psalmist's soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips his mouth will praise the Lord.

On his bed, the psalmist remember the Lord; he thinks of God through the watches of the night. Because the Lord is his help, the psalmist will sing in the shadow of His wings. The psalmist's soul clings to the Lord; God's right hand upholds the psalmist.

The problem of the self

2008-04-06T09:18:00.002+08:00

Matthew 15:7-9; John 4:19-25

1. How did the Samaritans worship?

They people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far. They worship in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. The Samaritans worship what they do not know.

Philippians 3:1-3; John 4:19-25

2. How should we worship?

We should worship what we do know. The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

We must worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

The continuing cross

2008-03-15T08:27:00.002+08:00

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

1. What was Paul's hope?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 11:16-29

2. What did he face daily?

Paul said, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."

"Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?"

Christ - the pleasure of God

2008-03-13T18:46:00.002+08:00

Luke 3:22; John 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

1. What was unique about Christ?

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." For the Father who sent His son, Jesus, is with him; the has not left Jesus alone, for Jesus always do what pleases the Father."

Thus, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 2:1-11

2. What was Christ's attitude?

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christ - a centripetal force

2008-03-11T11:14:00.002+08:00

Luke 7:28; John 1:1-13

1. Contrast Jesus and John

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Jesus was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

John 10:27-30

2. What does Christ hold in His hand?

Jesus says:

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

'Grace and peace'

2008-03-02T08:07:00.002+08:00

John 1:14-18

1. Try to define 'grace' and 'peace'.

Grace is getting what you don't deserve. From the fullness of Christ's grace we have all received one blessing after another grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Peace is having no burden, knowing God is in control of all things.

John 14:25-27

2. How does the world's peace differ from Christ's peace?

Jesus says, "I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Shut up- to write

2008-03-01T09:23:00.002+08:00

Genesis 39:20-23

1. What did Joseph and Paul have in common?

Paul and Joseph were being put in prison despite not commiting sinful crime.

Like Paul, while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him.

The LORD showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Philippians 1:12-20

2. Why should we not fear physical restrictions?

Paul says "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Despite being held in prison, Paul continues to share the gospel and write letters to the churches, which now becomes an important part of the Bible. Being chained up did not restrict him, yet it gave Him other opportunities to serve for Christ.

For these 2 months....

2008-02-29T23:59:00.000+08:00

THE NATURE OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
January-Feburary 2008

Everyone is different. We are all individuals, with different pasts, needs, dreams, hopes and fears. And everyone's spiritual journey is different too. The Holy Spirit leads each Christian in the way his or her individuality requires. But although we may not travel along the road of discipleship at the same rate, there is a divine pattern at work. God uses common experiences and encounters to draw us ever closer to Himself.

Join Selwyn in this issue as he considers what movement towards God 'looks like' and how we can, each day, take one more step towards Christlike maturity.

Click here to download PDF of first week. To get the devotional data for the whole bimonth, please approach any good Christian bookstore to get a copy.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Moving toward God

2008-02-29T23:58:00.000+08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

1. Meditate on God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Jude 20-21,24-25

2. Give thanks with Jude for the love and mercy of God in Jesus.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

The benefits of repentance

2008-02-18T10:24:00.001+08:00

2 Corinthians 7:8-11

1. What does godly sorrow produce?

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Hebrews 10:19-25

2. On what basis can we draw near to God?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.