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
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
'Pain-missed in praise'
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Is God good?
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.' "
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.' "
Monday, August 3, 2009
The road to sin
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.
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.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The right focus
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.
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.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
'He will come and save you'
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.
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.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Face to face with reality
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.
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.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Three groans!
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."
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."
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The groan of God
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
When disinclined to pray
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.
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.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pray! Pray! Pray!
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.
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.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
No prayer- no power
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."
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."
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Confined in a cage!
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.
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.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Double vision
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.
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Who is the real you?
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
One motive, one goal
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.
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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
No harboured resentment
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.
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.
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 4:262. 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.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wrong tactics
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.
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.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Bible vs baseball caps
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
"A spectator sport"
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.
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.
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