The Bond of Perfectness

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Habakkuk 1-3 and Colossians 3.

Colossians 3 is a condensed "cheat-sheet" for Christian living!

Beginning with the foundational mindset that the Christian needs to possess - that of seeking things above to the promise of reward (or punishment!) at the end of it all, this chapter is chokful of fundamental spiritual concepts so crucial to successful Christian living.

I shall leave you to ruminate over the wisdom which speaks much for itself save this quick comment in verse 14.

The idea of a bond is something quite familiar to me! Having to work with a variety of materials on a bow, I use a few types of adhesives for bonding purposes. The varied surfaces and functions require different glues. Sometimes we want as tight a bond as possible, sometimes we need a part to stay but yet drop off if necessary, sometimes it has to be rigid, sometimes flexible.

Yet this spiritual glue that is love is that of perfection or completeness. Lacking in nothing. Multipurpose and for all occasions! That is the key to it all! That is what holds it all together. Paul devoted almost an entire chapter in 1Co 13 taking about this same love, and John no less than almost the entire 1John! That is our primary motivation - of love, as DIRECTED by God, through keeping of His commandments (Jhn 14:15; 1Jn 5:2,3), as Christ has patterned for us.

Brethren, let us continue to learn of God's precepts and put them into action, above all STICK it all together with the perfect bond of love, wherewith we should be known and wherewith we profess the very God Almighty! (1Jn 4:7,8)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ~ Colossians 3:14,15

Exercise!

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 1Samuel 30,31 and 1Timothy 4.

The readings in 1Samuel tell of the tragic end to the lives of king Saul and his three sons, as prophesied by Samuel's spirit (1Sa 28:19). A consequence of the repeated disobedience of Saul. We read with regret how a supposedly promising man ended up in such infamy and we can't help but think what great deeds he would have achieved given his credentials had he exercised more godly restraint.

Wherefore Paul exhorted young Timothy to focus his efforts to "exercise thyself rather on godliness".

It is interesting how Paul draws a comparison with bodily exercise! It seems that the Grecian culture promotes and exalts the human body and of it's endeavours. Wherefore we celebrate the Olympic spirit even to this day and get our modern concepts of gymnasium (the Greek word here for exercise, gumnazo is indeed where we get "gymnastics" and other related terms) and exercise.

Personally, I find bodily exercise a challenge! Trying to motivate oneself to jog once a week is already a gargantuan endeavour! But jokes aside, the analogy here is the effort involved and what we hope to get out of it.

Paul is not trying to negate the benefits of bodily exercise. Obviously, staying healthy and fit should be of concern to any Christian who takes a serious view of our bodies being the temple of God (c.f. 1Co 3:16; 6:19, etc). It's the same reason why we do not engage in activities like smoking, drinking, drug abuse, etc. Paul also advised Timothy to take steps to alleviate his "often infirmities" (1Ti 5:23). (which btw is a telling evidence that even as we pray to God for helping us recover from our illnesses, we should still take steps available in whatever time frame we are in to help ourselves!)
Liken to Jesus' teaching on "hating" our family (c.f. Luk 14:26, etc), the crux here is on the contrast of relative importance.

In comparison to spiritual health, physical health takes a rather far back seat! Unfortunately, even as we take pains to feed and take care of our physical body, which is all good, far too often we neglect our spiritual selves.

Even as we draw a parallel to bodily exercise, we note 3 important aspects of a successful spiritual programme.

1) Nutrition
Speak to any elite athlete, especially of the physical sort (since Paul here is drawing parallel with bodily exercise), one would note the importance of maintaining a certain diet. Any conscientious weight-loss company would also similarly advocate a sound nutrition plan (which heh heh quite often is the key more than anything else!).
We NEED spiritual food! Right from when we are babes, as Peter tells us in 1Pe 2:2, the pure milk right up to solid food (c.f. Heb 5:14). Paul exhorted Timothy earlier in the same chapter to be "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine" (1Ti 4:6). Be careful not to eat just any junk food, but sound nutrition! First and foremost is the bible. The other stuff (yes, my emails inclusive!) are mere guides and must always be checked against the Word (c.f. Act 17:11; 1Jo 4:1, etc). When we need to, it is always good to begin with materials produced by sound brethren. Even with bible dictionaries/encyclopaedias, one needs to exercise caution to possible denominational bias.
Junk in, junk out. There's just no 2 ways about that.

2) Exercise programme
We often read of how elite athletes would switch coaches to fine tune their training programme. Personality compatibility aside, athletes recognise the vital need to be trained properly. Thanks be to God, we have the perfect coach in Christ, through His Word. The only issue is for us to JUST DO IT! Always love the Nike tagline. And interestingly, "Nike" is one of the forms of the Greek word for "victory" (c.f. 1Jhn 5:4). Yes! To be victorious in Christ requires action. We can't just sit around and do nothing.
The bible is full of details. In this chapter alone, Timothy was exhorted to "refuse profane and old wives' fables". (v.7) Hearsay, gossip, legends and traditions trying to pass off as doctrine. Be an example of the believers "in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (v.12) Meditate, pray/think about such things. Give ourselves "wholly to them" (v.15). The idea that it's no longer something we have to plan to do, but it's our very lifestyle! And it has to be consistent for us to see results. Not a haphazard, do-as-I-see-fit-or-have-time attitude.
And of course, it sure helps to have a training partner. That's what brethren are for! Talk to one another. Encourage one another. Help one another. Why restrict ourselves to just Wed and Sun? In any case, often times even these 2 days are rush in rush out. God has given us the "peer support group" in the church. Make use of it!

3) Ultimate reward
Every athlete aspires some form of achievement and recognition. From the olive wreath in ancient Greece to the million dollars promised to Singaporean athletes getting an Olympic gold. What do we have at the end of our endeavour? Nothing short of salvation and life eternal! (c.f. v.16)
But note in v.8, God's promises and blessings apply in our present life too! Even as we look forward to the final reward in heaven, God does not leave His children wanting and without current hope.
Yet again, let us not forget that our striving today is not for a corruptible prize but an incorruptible crown of life and righteousness (1Co 9:25; 2Ti 4:8; Jam 1:12).
And you know what, there's no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. All who will cross the finish line gets the reward! What more can we ask?

Brethren, let us stop procrastinating! Gird up our loins and start today! Eat well, exercise well and rest well in the promise of eternal glory with God.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ~ 1Timothy 2:4

The Pillar and Ground of The Truth

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 1Samuel 27-29 and 1Timothy 3.

The first major part of 1Timothy 3 is a familiar passage to most of us, having recently gone through a series in Church Leadership.

The concluding verses make a simple yet powerful statement with regards to the Church. The New Testament Church. The ONE Church that Christ purchased with His own blood and established (Act 20:28; Mat 16:18). We are brought to mind the excellent series taught by bro Patrick Swayne on the New Testament Church, which deserves our review from time to time.

In v.15, Paul talks about the church being "the pillar and ground of the truth".
Pillar and ground. Building terms so aptly applied here when we think of Christ as the chief cornerstone (1Pe 2:6) and the Church as a living structure with which Christians are the lively stones (1Pe 2:5).
The original Greek word for "pillar" is stoolos, describing that exact nature of the structure as a form of support.
In describing the apostles James, Peter and John, Paul wrote of them as "pillars"
(Gal 2:9). John, when writing of the church at Philadelphia, also described those that overcame tribulations and held fast to the faith as "pillar(s)" (Rev 3:12).
Junior bible class students would be particularly familiar with the dramatic end to Samson's tumultuous life when he perished along with 3000 or so Philistines by toppling the 2 pillars that held up the house (Jdg 16:25-30).
Thus, it is abundantly clear that the pillar is an all important part of the building, so much so that great men of God and fine examples of the faithful are described as such.
And what is the pillar or the structure for that matter, if there were no ground?
Hedraioma is the Greek word here, which again suggests the idea of a support albeit with the focus on being settled, immovable. Indeed, it is derived from hedraios, which we see used as "stedfast" (1Co 7:36; 1Co 15:58) and "settled"(Col 1:23), and in all 3 cases, used with reference to our faith/the faith.
Again JBC students would recall the familiar song based on the wise and foolish man building their houses on rock and sand as told by Jesus (Mat 7:24-27). Certainly, what good is the most fantastically designed, best built structure when the ground itself is unstable?

Thus it is with these 2 vivid pictures here that Paul draws the comparison of the church with THE TRUTH.
The very key tenets of THE TRUTH, the gospel truth of His saving grace, that is able to set us free (Jhn 8:32).
As bro Swayne's series remind us, we often forget just how important the Church that Christ built is. Truth is, God's plan for man's salvation can NEVER be dissociated from the Church. The Church is the very essence of God's plan for man. Why else would Christ have given His very life for? We are not talking about any building or man-made structure or organisation, but the BODY of Christ (Eph 1:22,23) And hence, it would be our life-long commitment to be part of IT and REMAIN a part of IT, and to tell others so.

Furthermore, or rather because of the all importance of the Church, we have an obligation as members, as the household of God, to "behave" ourselves. Paul reminds us to be "present (our) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is (our) reasonable service." (Rom 12:1), our speech be with "grace, seasoned with salt" (Col 4:6). Peter reminds us to have our "conversation honest" among people (1Pe 2:12). And certainly within the ranks, all round concern and seeking of well-being one for another, spiritually and physically (Gal 6:1,10).

Let us continue to be encouraged and exhorted to uphold the Truth through our thoughts,words and deeds, to spread the saving Gospel, that more may come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (1Ti 2:4).

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ~ 1Timothy 2:4

The Wise Woman

Dear class,

The readings for today are taken from 1Samuel 25,26 and 1Timothy 2.

In the chapter of 1Sa 25, we read of the account of Abigail, the wise and astute woman.

We notice the great contrast between her and her "churlish and evil" husband, Nabal.
Most notable being, in spite being given the chance to "escape" from the husband, she spared no time and effort in her rescue bid. We also note her quick and shrewd thinking to avert disaster.
1) She "made haste" and  took supplies, knowing that was what the men of David lacked (v.18)
2) She humbled herself and spoke kindly and wisely (v.23-31).

As a result, she prevented much bloodshed and David from sinning.

It is interesting to note that, in spite of the evil nature of Nabal, we are not to take things into our own hands. As Paul quoted of Moses in Rom 12:19 (c.f. Deut 32:35), vengeance belongs to God! And we read of how in the end, Nabal got his just deserts.

Over to 1Ti 2, we read of Paul's description of the godly woman.

1Ti 2:9  In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10  But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Sisters! Look to the example of Abigail and what Paul is describing here. Outward beauty is not what God is after, but the inner adornment. The apostle Peter echoes the same sentiment in 1Pe 3:3,4

1Pe 3:3  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Brothers! What are we looking for/trying to develop in our potential mates, spouses, daughters? If we go after the very things that the bible teaches godly women to turn away from, aren't we becoming partly responsible for they way they turn out to be?

Let us continue to look to His Word for guidance and learn from the good examples set before us, that we may be found pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ~ 1Timothy 2:4

Only Fear The Lord

Dear class,

Yesterday's readings were taken from 1Samuel 10-12 and Ephesians 5:17-33.

Just a quick note on 1Sam 12.
We recall how Israel chose to reject God by electing a physical king among them.
Yet in spite of that, God continued to make provisions to the nation.

We note that the Israelites repented of their folly (1Sam 12:19).
Oftentimes, what's been done is done. Yet what's important is not to wallow in our sins but to gird up our loins and set our minds toward making ourselves right with God.

1Sa 12:20  And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
1Sa 12:21  And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
1Sa 12:22  For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
1Sa 12:23  Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1Sa 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
1Sa 12:25  But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

Quick pointers as we examine the Word of God through Samuel:
1) Fear not
We cannot allow ourselves to be stuck in the mire in worry and anxiety, no matter what's been done and how big a set back. Snap out of it! Move on!

2) Turn not to vain things
A spiritual problem requires a spiritual solution. We cannot seek to be right with God through worldly avenues like "making amends" by doing benevolent works, delving into worldly "self-help" books, etc. First and foremost is to turn back to God's ways. And then to continue in them. That is the only way we can be right in the sight of God. We recall the 2 contrasting examples in Peter and Judas Ischariot. Both had sinned yet the latter chose to take matters into his own hands by taking his own life. We can be certain his part is in the lake of fire and brimstone (c.f. Rev 21:8)

3) God will not forsake
As God's holy nation, the same as it is then and in this present Christian age, in it's spiritual form (c.f. 1Pe 2:9), God WILL NOT forsake us! But is ever inclined toward those who would draw near to Him.

4) Prayer for one another
This should be a mainstay in our prayers! Prayer is a privilege accorded to Christians by God. A powerful privilege that is not to be taken lightly but with all reverence and to be in constant use. We see how the apostles constantly kept the brethren in their prayers and of course a very familiar verse as penned by Paul in 1Th 5:17 - Pray without ceasing!

5) Fear God and serve
Notice the dual nature of fearing God. True Godly fear cannot be separated from action! Our service also needs to be "in truth" - i.e. according to God's Word, not our own wisdom or perception, AND "with all (our) heart" - i.e. with the purest motivation and fullest extent of our commitment. Certainly reminds us of what Jesus commanded of us in the worship of God (c.f. Jhn 4:24). And if anyone of us needed anymore motivation to do so, other than the plain fact that we have been saved for the very purpose (c.f. Eph 2:10), let us not forget all the bountiful blessings we have in Christ Jesus!

6) Shun wickedness
To complete the picture, Samuel exhorted the people not to backslide. God has bountiful pleasures and mercy toward those that love Him and would turn to Him, but the wicked and unrepentant will only be left to face the wrath of God. As the redeemed citizens in His Kingdom, let us be forewarned and never allowed ourselves to slide back into the mire. (c.f. 2Pe 2:20-22; Heb 10:26-29)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Give us this day our daily bread. ~ Matthew 6:11

Rejecting God

Dear class,

Many apologies for the long period of absence. Lord willing, I will resume more regular writing from this point on.

Just a late post on today's readings in 1Sam 7-9 and Eph 5:1-16

Israel, after having gone through the "dark ages" of the judges have added injury to insult, so to speak, by rejecting God as we read in the account. (1Sa 8:6,7)

Two important observations:
1) "God allows" does not equal "God approves"
Here is a classic case. Did God approve of the institution of physical kings? Quite obviously not. Yet they exist and it seems that it was God that allowed it to happen. The fact of the matter is, God allows man to chose for himself. Man just can't choose the consequences. Israel was warned of the consequence of having physical kings yet they ignored the warnings and basically just did what they wanted. And we can certainly extend this concept to various areas - most notably denominationalism. Does it's existence mean that God approves of it? How can God approve of something that is contrary to His teaching about the ONE Church? How can God approve of something that is so utterly confusing in doctrine and teaching. How can God approve of something that doesn't even agree on the true way to salvation?
Again, we see that God allows man the choice. Right from the beginning when Adam and Eve chose to eat of the forbidden fruit, this was so. God could not have been clearer in His instruction to the couple, just as God could not have been clearer in His demonstration of Kingship to the Israelites, just as God could not have been clearer about the ONE TRUE Church that Christ has established and the way to be added into that Church. All that has happened that God allowed is as summed up by Paul of people "having itching ears" and turning away "their ears from the truth" (2Ti 4:3,4). Brethren, let us not be deceived - we CAN know the truth (Jhn 8:32). It's only a matter of whether we chose to respect and obey it.

2) Rejecting God
This idea sounds like a serious charge! "No no Samuel, we have all respect to God, we know all that He has done for us, but we just need a more able leader you know, doesn't help that your sons aren't exactly a chip of the block...but you see how our neighbours and even enemies are so successful with their kings..." This sounds like what the Israelites might have been thinking. Fact of the matter is, God said they rejected Him. When we do not follow His will, no matter how sincere, how seemingly beneficial our actions are, they are considered rejection of God's authority and disobedience. Even today, as we profess our faith in Christ, are we truly accepting God's authority? bro Swayne preached an excellent lesson last Sunday about our treasure in heaven. How precious is it to us? How closely are we following His commands to live a godly life? Or do we care enough only to profess with the mouth but well nigh reject God with out actions? (c.f. Mat 15:8,9)
Brethren, we need to be very careful and critical of ourselves. Rejecting God is not as far away or uncommon as it may seem. The greater danger is when we think we are doing fine and make excuses for our continual rejection. Wherefore as we've often read in my sign off - exhort one another daily...lest (we) be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)

Let us be sober, vigilant (1Pe 5:8), ever tender hearted and contrite, and let not our conscience be seared with hot iron (1Ti 4:2), dead and numb, but always examining our lives and making sure we are right in His sight (2Co 13:5).

In Him
Paul



--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:8-10

God's Unspeakable Gift

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Psalms 129-131 and 2Corinthians 9.

In the stunning conclusion to this entire major section of his second letter to the Corinthian saints, Paul makes the simple yet at the same time deeply profound statement - Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

We've seen previously how Paul through various facets, expressed the Christians' hope and longing in God's promises and how we should conduct ourselves as a result. In this particular section in chapter 9, Paul exhorts all to be generous givers, knowing well that we are all but stewards of God's blessings and that He is the ultimate giver.
Truly, God is our ultimate object in thanksgiving. All our blessings, physical and spiritual originate from Him (2Pe 1:3).
Especially when we think of this "unspeakable" gift. The Greek word here - anekdiegetos comprises of the negative "an" and "ekdiegeomai". The latter of which alludes to a declaration (c.f. Act 13:41; 15:3). The other commonly used term by translators is "indescribable".

How so Paul? This precious gift of Christ, unto the salvation of souls of man (Jhn 3:16) is unspeakable, indescribable, inexpressible in human tongue because of

1) The time in planning
Have you ever planned that perfect occasion for a loved one? It may be for your mom, a girlfriend, your spouse. A birthday, an anniversary, a celebration. But few would deny that the importance attached to is proportional to the time spent in foreplanning and the preparation itself. One wonders how his girlfriend would react if her beau's idea of a valentine gift is a stalk of rose hastily purchased from a roadside vendor!
Yet God's unspeakable gift was planned since the foundation of the world, thousands of years in the making (1Pe 1:20)! God's manifold wisdom and foresight truly confounds the brightest of human minds and imaginations (Eph 3:10; 1Co 1:25).

2) It's value
Some say the diamond is the women's best friend! It's beauty? Rarity? Value? Durability? Yet God's unspeakable gift out-values and outlasts any worldly entity. It's valuation? The precious, sinless blood of Christ! (1Pe 1:18,19) It's duration? Eternity! (Rom 6:23) What or who can beat that? Read a quote recently - "Things that come easy don't last; things that last don't come easy". If that were true, one can only marvel at the value of this unspeakable gift, that lasts an eternity.

3) It's recipient
At the end of the day, our best gifts are confined to a limited people. Yet God's unspeakable gift, just as precious, valuable and lasting as it is, is freely available to ALL (Jhn 3:16; Rom 1:16). That is God's promise to His people before, at present and in the time forward, till His Son comes again. It will never grow old or default but ever ready to be given freely to whomsoever is willing to accept!

Let us not take God's unspeakable gift for granted and do our very best to lay hold unto it and share it's availability with one and all.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. ~ Psalm 119:11

Perfecting Holiness

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 123-125 and 2Corinthians 7.

The first verse of 2Cor 7 strikes us right smack in the face as Paul summarizes the Christian endeavour in a  "3 point" sermon outline.

1) Perfecting holiness
What do we need to do? Perfect holiness. Perfecting in the sense of making complete - i.e. always seeking to makeup the shortfall. A constant diligent endeavour. In the sense of purity, humility and sincerity in purpose. Holiness is simply being set apart, being different after a godly sort. As Paul exhorted Titus (and hence us!) in Ti 2:12 to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;". How do we carry ourselves? Does the world perceive us differently, or do we just behave and appear like anyone else?

2) Cleanse ourselves
How do we do it? Making ourselves clean from filth in the flesh and spirit.
Keep ourselves pure and blemish free is a constant process! Basic 2 step process - clean and keep clean. If there's sin in our lives, remove it! After which, keep ourselves pure by not just thinking not to do, but engage in fruitful works to keep out the devil (c.f. Luk 11:24-26).
Notice "of the flesh and spirit". It applies to action and thoughts! And really, the root of the issue comes from the thoughts. Think good and good will come! (c.f. Mat 12:35)

3) Having promises
Why do we do it? Because we have "these promises". Of what promises? Of the assurance of comfort (2Co 1:4). Of salvation (2Co 2:15,16). Of all sufficiency in God (2Co 3:5). Of the temporal nature of suffering and of eternal glory (2Co 4:17,18). Of the terror of God (2Co 5:11). Of being sons and daughters to our Father in heaven (2Co 6:18).
Brethren, if these be not reason and motivation enough, what else is?

Let us continue to strive for perfection in Christ, to constantly endeavour to live right before God that we may finally lay hold on to the eternal glory in heaven.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. ~ Psalm 119:11

Ministry of Reconciliation

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 119:89-176 and 2Corinthians 5.

Just a quick note on an important concept among a few in 2Cor 5.

In v. 18 -  "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;"

Notice that Paul was writing to a general audience - the saints at Corinth.
What is this ministry of reconciliation?
To be "reconciled" is to be restored to an original relationship. One that had been in peace and harmony. Thus basically, this ministry is that of preaching God's Word - reconcile souls to God.
Thus we all have an obligation, as the "reconciled" ones, to enter into this ministry.

Wait a minute bro Paul, doesn't the "us" in  v. 18 and following refer to Paul and the apostles?

That may be true, although there are certain "us" that refer more clearly to a particular party than others. For example, the "us" in v.21 seem to quite clearly refer to all saints (at least, if not all mankind).
However, we note that that the general thrust of the message here is Paul talking to the saints as fellow brethren. Paul was breaking the barrier with the brethren. Instead of being "you" and "I' but altogether as the body of Christ. Moreover, we have seen in many places how the saints went about spreading the gospel (c.f. Act 8:1,4), and of course, Jesus Himself, gave the command to the apostles to teach "them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.." (Mat 28:20). "Them" being the saints, the saved in Christ.

We have the moral obligation to spread the saving Message! And not only that, also continue to exhort one another to kept ourselves in the reconciled state (c.f. v.20b).
Look out for opportunities throughout your day to do so. It could be a call, a message, an email, even an FB post or tweet!

The Lord help us to be good minsters in His Ministry and lead us to some soul today.

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. ~ 2Cortinthians 5:11

Walk In The Spirit

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 105, 106 and Galatians 5.

The Psalmist, in these 2 psalms reminds the reader of the history of Israel, no less tumultuous by reason of unbelief.

A thousand years down, Paul continues to exhort a spiritual Israel, still teetering between the Old and the New, as we've seen so far in the book of Galatians.
In chapter 5, Paul continues to drive home the point that as Christians, citizens of the spiritual Kingdom, why seek the old again? Why be bound when we've been loosed?

At the same time, Paul reminds the reader of the greater calling/responsibility as a result of this freedom. It is not uncommon, speaking from personal experience before my conversion, for people to observe, even mock at Christians for being able to do whatever we want, since we can always "ask for forgiveness". To this we loudly echo Paul's sentiments - GOD FORBID! (c.f. Rom 6:1,2) In NO way is God's grace a "license" to sin or wanton desires!

No doubt there would be "black sheep" in the "Christian" world at large, yea, even within the Church. But what God has willed for us, as new creatures in Christ is to truly forsake the works of the flesh (Gal 19:21) but to walk in the spirit and cultivate the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:16; Gal 5:22,23; 25).

So what is our spiritual walk?
The bible tells us not to walk in our own ways but that we have been raised to walk in newness of life (Act 14:16; Rom 6:4)
Not after the flesh but after the Spirit (Rom 8:1,4)
Not as men but as called by God (1Co 3:3; 7:17)
Not by sight but by faith (2Co 5:7)
Not as the Gentiles but as God has ordained and as worthy of our vocation (Eph 2:10; 4:1,17)
Not in darkness but in light (1Jn 1:6;7)
Not after our own ungodly lusts but after his commandments in truth (Jud 1:18; 2Jo 6; 3Jn 4)
Walk in love (Eph 5:2)
Walk in wisdom (Col 4:5)
Walk honestly (1Th 4:12)
Walk circumspectly (soberly, diligently) (Eph 5:15)
Walk as children of light (Eph 5:8)
Walk by the rule of Christ (Phi 3:16)
Walk in Christ (Col 2:6)
Walk worthy of the Lord God (Col 1:10; 1Th 2:12)

Walk in the manner after the fruit of spirit. Notice our walk is active and alive! We are raised in newness of life not as emotionless zombies! That is why we are made alive in the Spirit, so as to WALK in the Spirit (Gal 5:25). Abounding in a spiritually fruitful walk is the best and indeed only guard against going back to our old worldly ways and from which we are justified and where there's no condemnation (c.f. Gal 5:23 - against such there is no law: i.e. no condemnation. c.f. Rom 8:1; 2Co 3:9)

The Lord help us all in our walk in the Spirit, with our heads held up high in Christ, ever marching on, never looking back, pressing on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! (Phi 3:14)

In Him
Paul

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ~ Luke 14:26,27

Travail in Birth (typo)

Dear readers,

In my last post, the last sentence of last paragraph should read:
"May we be reminded, he who looks back after putting his hand on the plough is NOT fit for the Kingdom of God. (Luk 9:62)

Many apologies to the typo!

in Him
Paul

Travail in Birth

Dear class,

No, I'm not going to talk to you about child-birth today! Although that is what Paul is alluding to in his colourful, impassioned writing.

Today, we read of Psalms 103,104 and Galatians 4.

One of the primary messages of the book of Galatians is the fact that we are no longer under the Old Law, but that of the new Law of Christ. Yes, the Old Law had served it's purpose but it no longer was necessary after having fulfilled it's purpose. (Gal 3:24-27)
Paul's plea to the Christian's in Galatia was for them to wean themselves off! Why get oneself entangled again from that which the Jews failed to keep? Why seek to be in bondage when we have been made free?
As such, Paul felt as if he were a woman in travail. Mothers among us would attest to the great discomfort experienced. At that moment in pain, any mother would hope it would pass as soon as possible! That was what Paul felt when he saw his spiritual children regress into the Old Law.
It is interesting and vital to note that, while we may be tempted to label the Old and New as "plan A" and "plan "B", the fact of the matter is, there has ALWAYS just been ONE plan. If anything, more like part A and part B of an entire complete package our Almighty God had designed right from the very beginning.
Notice in v.21 -  Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
The Old Law reveals the New! If one would get to the crux of the Old, he would be looking forward to the New and not hang on to it, as if a mother in labour wished for the the delivery process to go on and on!

From a similar perspective, if we were to hang on to our pre-conversion life-style and thinking, it would be akin to tempting the ones who had taught us and yea God Himself in an extending child birth. GET ON WITH IT brethren! What are we hanging on to? Have we not tasted the graciousness of the Lord? (1Pe 2:3) May we be reminded, he who looks back after putting his hand on the plough is fit for the Kingdom of God. (Luk 9:62)

Let us continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and wean ourselves off worldly thoughts and actions, no longer carnally minded, but looking up to things above. (1Co 3:3; Col 3:1,2)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ~ Luke 14:26,27

Strangers and Pilgrims

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psa 84-86 and 1Pe 2.

1 Peter 2 starts off with our class theme verse in v.2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

And indeed, GROWTH and MATURITY are important hallmarks of the faithful Christian. And this development is solely with reference to the spiritual department.
If anything but for the fact that we are "Strangers" and "Pilgrims" in this world.
Our citizenship is in the Kingdom of God! We are merely PRs (Permanent Residents) or perhaps even Work Permit holders!
And yes of course, as Peter would point out later in the chapter (v.13 ff), we are subject to the laws of the land, to our worldly masters. Yet being aliens, our primary focus should not be on our current place of residence but our ultimate heavenly abode.

As strangers and pilgrims in this world, we need to constantly ask ourselves - just what are we preparing ourselves for?
Sometimes, we seem to live like we never want to leave this world! As if we would renounce our heavenly citizenship for a worldly passport. Far fetched? Yet every time we choose to disobey His Word, every time we let worldly priorities take precedence over spiritual, every time we fail to stand up for The Faith, we are moving closer toward a total renouncement of our heavenly citizenship.

Practically, Peter reminds us of at least 3 areas how we should live as spiritual foreigners -
1) Abstain from fleshly lusts
We are all too familiar with 1Jo 2:15-17. Paul exhorts Timothy to "flee youthful lusts". (2Ti 2:22) The temptation is real! Being subject to the constant bombardment and not making a conscious effort to turn away is going to make it more and more difficult to live as foreigners! In the same verse, Paul gives tips to make things easier - follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace. Heavyweight items, yet boils down to an active, engaged life of good works, for which we've been created to walk in! (Eph 2:10). As Christians, we can't hole ourselves up in some remote island or high mountain and live as hermits to "abstain from fleshly lusts"! There's work to do! LOTS of it! And in fact that's the way in order for us to keep ourselves focussed on our citizenship and making sure we lay hold unto our ultimately citizenship rights.

2) Honest living
Besides for our own good, our godly way of life is one of the greatest testament to His Word. Wherefore Jesus exhorted us -
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ~ Mat 5:13-16

For a fact, there would be people who would look upon us with disdain, who would revile us, accuse us of being "aloof", "self-righteous", "goody-two-shoes". (c.f. 1Pe 4:4) Yet we need to continue to persevere, knowing that we have been commanded to be "god-pleasers" and not "men-pleasers" (Col 3:22,23). The skeptical and scornful will never be pleased, yet the pure and genuine in heart would definitely see the glory of God through true Christian living. Consistency is the key here. Never let our decisions waver and wander. It will only make our critics more critical and the good hearts cold, and worse, trample God's name under our very own feet.

3) Submit to every ordinance of man
Obviously, if we were to observe the drift of the Scriptures, this submission is not about doing evil! But rather a reminder on two fronts.
Firstly, being a foreigner doesn't mean we are above the laws of the land! Any PR, WP, EP(Employment Pass) holder are still subject to the same laws! We are to respect and submit to the authorities. Paul even go as far to say - "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."! (Rom 13:2) Thus even as we go about doing His Work, we need to be careful not be come into conflict with the laws of the land. Note that contextually, in Rom 13, Paul had particular reference to Christians paying taxes to the Roman government, which some have an issue against. So as a similar example, it would be wrong for an individual to evade taxes just so he can give more to God!
Secondly, as we've seen in Col 3:22,23, our submission is an ultimate projection of our submission to God. Once we get that clear, it removes "dilemmas" in our choices. In bro Swayne's excellent sermon yesterday, he alluded to the example of Daniel. Daniel had purposed in his heart to do God's will regardless. Was the king angry with Daniel on hearing his accusers? On the contrary, he was was angry with himself for having foolishly declared a law that had Daniel implicated and sought ways and means to get him out of the rut! (Dan 6:14) Why? Because Daniel had given his best in his service to Persian empire like as to God, and the king knew he had a great man under his service, one of whom he could fully put his trust upon, so much so that Daniel was basically his second-in-command (Dan 6:3). And of course we all know how the story concluded. And we notice how God was glorified through Daniel's shining example (Dan 6:26,27). Give of our best at work, as to the Lord, stick to His Principles, and God is faithful to make ways for us and deliver us.

Brethren, let us never forget our status here on earth, and live as we should in the capacity of foreigners in a foreign land, labouring in so far as to ensure our return to our homeland and to being as many people with us as possible.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

In Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. ~ 1Corinthians 15:58

Stand In Awe and Sin Not

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Psalms 4-6 and Acts 9:22-43.

In Psalm 4, the writer gives a couple of pointers to motivate us against sin.
1) Shaming God (v.2a)
As serious as it sounds, it remains a God approved fact that when we sin, we have put God's name, His Glory, His love for us to shame. Paul has even stronger words as we read in Hebrews
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Heb 10:26-29)
v.29 should be a sobering reminder to all! WE are indeed held to a higher standard, "having tasted the good Word of God"  and "made partakers of the Holy Ghost" (Heb 6:5,6).
Bro Patrick Swayne gave a stinging reminder to us all last Sunday when he mentioned of our decision making - Would Christ approve? Or will we give shame or glory to God?
Important questions that we need to constantly ask ourselves, to the point where we don't even need to! And only because it has become "2nd nature" or rather indeed, Christ-nature.

2) Love vanity, seek after leasing (v.2b)
The word "leasing" basically means "falsehood". Vanity we can understand, which basically refers to things of the world. We are all familiar with 1Jn 2:15-17. Putting our priorities back on the old self is an outright denial of the grace and power of God! But falsehood? You mean we prefer lies? Oh yes! As the old adage goes - truth hurts! Far more people would rather have others tickling their ears, nevermind the ultimate consequence. Paul warned Timothy of such who would "after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2Ti 4:3,4)
Beware brethren! Adopt a contrite and humble heart, less we be so caught up and high minded that we seek after praise from men rather than God!

3) Stand in awe (v.4a)
Never ceased to be amazed by the greatness and grace of God. Never take for granted our blessings from God! Yes! All should stand in awe of our God Almighty (Psa 33:8) and realise just how privileged we are, with a God ever providing for us and yes even His only Begotten, to redeem us from sin. When we cease to be struck by that wonder, we put ourselves on the slippery road to complacency and indifference, which ultimately leads to death.

4) Commune with your own heart (v.4b)
In short, PRAY! "with your own heart" here does not mean speaking to ourselves but rather using our hearts -  the heartfelt, sincere plea to our Father in heaven.
Probably all advice to healthy relationships point to healthy communication. The same can be said of our spiritual relationship. Prayer is our communication to God! Enough cannot be said of this precious privilege of us as children of God. (1Thess 5:17). As Lioyd Sanderson so eloquently penned:
The Father speaketh in His word, He talks no other way!
And to converse with Him, our Lord, We must take time to pray!
Pray in the morning, pray at the noontime,
Pray in the evening, pray anytime.
Pray when you're happy, pray when in sorrow,
Pray when you're tempted, pray all the time.


The Lord help us all to do all we can to stay in His good pleasure and help one another along, that we may lay hold to that crown of righteousness.

in Him
Paul


But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ~ 2John 9-11

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ 3John 4

Salvation Belongeth Unto The Lord

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 1-3 and Act 9:1-21

Psalm 2 contains the Messianic prophecy that bro Patrick Swayne mentioned in Wed night class last week (the series of which you are missing a lot if you are not already attending!).

The super script of Psalm 3 mentions that this was penned when David was running away from his own son Absalom. A consequence of his sins resulting from the Bathsheba incident (c.f. 2Sa 12:11,12; 2Sa 15:14 ff).

Among other things, we note that we have a choice over our actions. We just can't choose the consequences! It is obvious that David repented after the incident, but he still had to pay for his actions. In spite of his trials, observe how he has remained faithful and every trusting in God.

Often, we take for granted the blessings of God that we fail to acknowledge the source! Even now as you read this, many things had to happen, starting with being able to get off from bed! (c.f. Psa 3:5) There are just so many things that God has put in place just so we can survive that have become so common place, we seem to let them fade into the background. Just recently, a couple of brethren commented on how much we appreciate the blue skies and rain as a result of a particularly serious haze.

And mostly importantly, salvation, even that of our souls, is from God and God alone. This simple yet powerful statement once again drives home the fact that men is helpless to the fact of his spiritual condition, without the help of God. This is not to say we cannot do anything to lay hold onto salvation, but that we of ourselves cannot create the conditions and the plan of our salvation (c.f. Eph 2:8,9; Eph 1:3-5). It is God who has purposed from the foundation of the world, the wonderful, glorious plan of salvation, found only in Christ Jesus, through His Church (1Pe 1:18-20; Eph 3:10,11; 5:23).

Let us not be deceived by the diverse doctrines of man (Eph 4:14) but recognize and hold fast the one sure and true way, only which we can lay hold unto eternal life (Heb 10:23; 1Ti 6:12)

In Him

Paul

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ~ 2John 9-11
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ 3John 4

Types From the Old Testament

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Deut 16-18 and Acts 4:23-37.

The passage in Deuteronomy includes the famous prophecy of the arrival of Jesus Christ (Deu 18:15,18). Besides this, let us examine some types in the Old Testament as we see in these passages.

The word "type" is a technical term originally derived from the printing industry. "type" refers to the block with raised letters/figures that is impressed upon a print media to produce the desired copies, which is called the "anti-type". Thus the "type" itself is intelligible but must to transferred to a media for the meaning to come across.

The Greek word is "tupos" and "antitupos" for type and antitype respectively. The bible makes it clear that the Old Testament, at least in part, reveals a series of "types" or examples for us to follow, which is often translated into the antitypes in the New Testament. Paul wrote in 1Co 10:6,11 - "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
And again in Rom 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Thus it is abundantly clear that, there is a specific purpose for the Old Testament and the old Law, even though we, of the Christian dispensation is no longer accountable to it.

1) Passover
Much can be said of this, if we were to examine the details, but suffice to say, in broad terms the allusion and antitype to us in Christ. Christ is our passover (1Co 5:7). He was the Lamb that was sacrificed, whose blood is smeared that we might receive the hope of salvation, as so did the Israelites on that fateful night in Egypt when the angel of death took away the first born. Notice the setting during the Jewish passover - God chooses the place; they were to eat the lamb and unleavened bread in haste - the account in Exodus tells us they were to be fully clothed and ready to move (Ex 12:11).
God and only God is able to provide the true solution to man's needs. There can be no other sacrifice but of Christ, wherewith man can be justified (1Jn 2:2). This world is not where we linger and truly dwell. We are but pilgrims to a heavenly abode. Wherefore the need for full preparation and haste. Are we prepared to live and die in Christ, as Paul mentioned in Phi 1:21? Where is our sense of urgency when it comes to preparing for that world to come? Having been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, how are we living to give glory to Him? Or do we still lust after the fleshpots of spiritual "Egypt" as did the Israelites?

2) Sacrifice
In Deut 17:1, we read of the requirements of the sacrifices offered by the people. "Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God." We are reminded by Paul that WE are indeed to be a "living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1). Hence, whatever that we offer in our spiritual service to God has to be our best. And notice the qualification is not just the quality per se but also the heart behind it. Truly, as David penned, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa 51:17) Where's our heart in our service to God? In attendance, in bible study, in good works? Or are we even faithfully engaging in such activities??

3) Priests
The Levites had no inheritance from the land! But "the Lord is their inheritance" (Deut 18:2). Peter describes the Christian as a "holy priesthood" (1Pe 2:5,9). The antitype of the Levitical priesthood. Truly, we are "joint-heirs with Christ"! (Rom 8:17). With that ultimately heavenly inheritance that God has promised to His faithful. Wherefore, we shall spare no effort in making sure we stay eligible to lay claim to that right!

The Lord help us all learn of the examples before us and exercise all diligence to make our calling and election sure! (2Pe 1:10)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ~ 1 John 3:4

Two Evils

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Jeremiah 1,2 and Matthew 20:17-34

Jeremiah is sometimes referred to as the "weeping prophet". Small wonder! Given the grave message he was to bring forth to the people.

In a scathing opening 2 chapters, Jeremiah hits home with v. 2:13 - For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Not only have God's chosen forsaken the way of the Lord, they have went about establishing their own solutions. And to top it all off, refusing to admit any wrong doing (c.f. Jer 2:23,35)!
Such is a dangerous position that we today could still adopt and fall into, and yea, unfortunately so prevalent in today's "Christian" world at large.

We need to be careful not to go about to "establish (our) own righteousness" (Rom 10:3). No matter how sincere, how sugar coated, how "good".
Bro Patrick Swayne pointed out an excellent point in his lesson last night. Truth is, there is only ONE way, ONE Truth, ONE life. (Jhn 14:6). For all the passion and "love" and yea even "good" claimed by those who seemingly profess God, it all boils down to one thing - it only matters if you lead a good life. Which is essentially denying the very purpose of God, for us to set our affection on things above (Col 3:2), indeed, for what's worth, serving the creature rather than the Creator (c.f. Rom 1:22-25)!
Don't get me wrong, we are commanded to live righteous and godly lives and engage in good works (Gal 6:10; 2Ti 3:17; Ti 3:8, etc). We are born again for this very purpose! (Eph 2:10) Yet all but for the purpose God has commanded and not what man perceives to be good, and not letting a means become an end!

As Jeremiah reminds us at the end of the verse, the ways of man are but "broken cisterns, that can hold no water". Well did the proverb writer say, twice over! "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Pro 14:12; 16:25)

We would all do well to shun evil ways and trust in the Fountain of the Living God, from which only comes life and everlasting thirst quenching. (c.f. Jhn 4:13,14)

in Him
Paul



--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ~ James 2:17
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ~ James 2:20
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ~James 2:24
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26

The Backsliders

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Hosea 12-14 and Matthew 20:1-16

Hosea ends with a high and hopeful note about the backsliding Israelite nation.
Previously Hosea described Israel as a "back sliding heifer" (Hos 4:16) and later in Hos 11:7 as a people "bent to backsliding".
Backsliding is slippery business! Once started, it is hard to turn back. Let's take a look at the typical profile of the backslider:

1) Look toward the world for help (Hos 7:14)
And of course, since he has chosen to forsake the Lord, the only other option is the world. Even those who still profess to "know God", but in effect deny God by their disobedience, are as those who openly deny God.

2) Hard hearted will not listen to rebuke (Hos 7:15)
Even God, through diverse means, tried to bring Israel back, the sinful nation only persisted in her ways. Such is the characteristic of backsliders who would turn a deaf ear to the most earnest pleas or the sharpest rebuke. As Jesus quoted of Isaiah in Mat 13:15, such are whose " heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed"

3) Becoming worse and worse (Hos 12:1; 13:2)
And because rebuke and pleas fall on deaf ears, backsliders often get worse and worse spiritually and drift further and further away. It's all in a vicious cycle, as Isaiah wrote of Israel taking counsel of the world instead of God and "add sin to sin".

4) "I did no wrong" (Hos 12:8)
This is often the common refrain. And the backsliders back it with the fact that they are doing well and even better in life. Some even claim a greater level of "spirituality"! The fact of the matter is, when there is no adherence to God's Will, there is no acceptance from God. If the backslider continues to be recalcitrant, God will allow these "blessings" to get in the way of him getting back.

5) Final desolation (Hos 13:15,16)
He can go ahead and mock and laugh and rejoice in his "break away", his new found "freedom", but the backslider will ultimately taste his own medicine. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (1Sa 15:23a) All of whom who practice such are destined to the lake of fire. (Rev 21:8) Christians have an even more serious and grave charge. As Peter explains in  2Pe 2:20-21 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them." And Paul issues a stern warning "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Heb 10:26,27)

Yet there is hope for the backslider. Hosea ends on a hopeful note in the concluding chapter. God is ever merciful and ever ready to heal the backsliders, if they would repent and mend their ways. Again, we observe that prevention is always better than cure! (c.f. Hos 14:9) The backslider is often one who had stood still for too long. We need to engage in an ACTIVE walk with God, always looking and pressing forward, keeping up a steady pace, which is the best way to ensure we do not fall by the wayside and start backtracking!

Let us take heed unto the examples before us, to always remain tender and contrite hearted, that should we fall, be quick to jump back on to our feet and leap out of backsliding and continue in an ever stedfast pace forward with God.

In Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ~ James 2:17
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ~ James 2:20
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ~James 2:24
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26

For I Desired Mercy, And Not Sacrifice

Dear class,

Apologies for the long break. Hope you have been keeping up the readings on your own!

Today's readings are taken from Hosea 5-8 and Matthew 18:21-35

The passage in Hosea continues to highlight the spiritual adultery of the Israelite nation and the impending judgment.

One of the central concepts is found in Hos 6:6 - For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
This was the exact passage that Jesus quoted in Mat 9:13 and 12:7.

In the original context, the word "mercy" seems to imply the idea of "piety", specifically toward God. And when we bring to mind the rebuke of Samuel to Saul in 1Sa 15:22, the meaning becomes all the more evident. Obedience to God is our primary objective. Only with that, can we perfectly perform what God has instructed us.
But the manner that Jesus quoted of it suggests an acceptable specific use under the umbrella concept - that of showing compassion toward others. That was the primary motivation of God towards man - love. It was because of love that God sent His Son Jesus to die for us (Jhn 3:16), because of love that the Church is established that we make be part of the body of Christ (1Co 12:12ff) , because of love that God willed for us to walk in Christ's footsteps, to be ultimately acceptable to Him (1Pe 2:21). And thus, as rendering perfect obedience as Christ did (Phi 2:5-8), we need to show compassion toward one another, yea indeed toward our "enemies" and focus on doing what's truly right before God.

However, we need to be very careful not to take God's Words out of context by nullifying acts of worship/service. Some use these verses to justify poor attendance to church services and bible study and even slammed strict observance of other worship activities as legalistic and anti-love! Of course, there is no doubt that one can go through the motions of being the "Christian" perfectly, yet have no heart in it. This is precisely where the Israelite nation was headed down to. But you see the problem was not with the sacrifice but with the attitude of the people.
The fact of the matter is, sacrifice is commanded of God (c.f. Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15, etc). The question here is not it's existence, but the motivation behind it. In an analogous way, we can see obedience and sacrifice like the proverbial horse and cart. Both are important as a manner of transport, but the only workable way is to put the horse before the cart. To do otherwise would render the system useless. Perfect sacrifice can only come out of perfect obedience. The latter is the only way that our sacrifice can be truly acceptable before God. To put our focus on sacrifice, without due regard to obedience would be like as the proverbial "putting the cart before the horse".

Let us continue to render perfect obedience to God, as patterned for us by our Lord Jesus Christ that we can present the holy, perfect and acceptable sacrifice.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ~ James 2:17
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ~ James 2:20
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ~James 2:24
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 1Kings 6,7 and Matthew 7.

Matthew 7 concludes the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and as with the previous 2 chapters, contain a chockfull of important principles.

Opening this is section is the oft misunderstood and misused statement on "judging".

The problem is when one stops at verse one when clearly, Jesus went on to clarify what he meant in the next 4 verses.

2 things we note in this passage.

1) v.2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 

In a sense, it could be taken as the ultimate judgment which all will face. We think of the concepts of being merciful and forgiving in Mat 5:7; 6:14,15.

In another sense, one realises that those who have the habit of pointing fingers, often get pointed at without sympathy. We reap what we sow! (c.f. Gal 6:7.8)

2) v.3-5 basically refers to the attitude. Even when Jesus makes it clear, there are people who would use these verses to deflect the purest and most well meaning intentions of another by saying things like ,"we are all sinners!" or "you are a sinner too!". First of all, we note that whether be it a mote or a plank, the need is for them to be removed! A sin is a sin regardless of who comes round to convict it! Would a driver stopped for speeding turn around and accuse the police officer, "Don't tell me you've never exceeded the speed limit before!"? Granted, obviously a person who lives in habitual sin, is not going to carry a lot of weight in his judgments. In all likelihood, the judgment made might not even be well informed or sound! But the point from the recipient's angle should be whether the judgment is an accurate reflection and not on the spiritual state of the judge. On the other hand, entering into a judgment situation without the facts and worse having the wrong attitude will just make things worse.

Jesus said in Jhn 7:24 - Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. 

The problem is not with the "judging". We are to exhort one another (Heb 3:13; 10:25). Discipline is necessary in the church for the sake souls (Rom 16:17; 2Th 3:14,15). Elders have the responsibility to feed and defend the flock (Act 20:28; Ti 1:9). The problem is with the attitude, motivation and sometimes prerequisite behind it. We should not shy away from "judging" just for fear of being rejected or rebutted but rather, be motivated to adopt a pure, sincere attitude, in love, and to ensure we live pure, blameless lives too! It was never Jesus' intention for brethren to "mind their own business" and let one another wallow in their sins. Remember, we still need to remove both the plank and the mote!

Practically speaking, we all need to be more aware and caring to one another. Most of us, if not all, can attest to the fact that best friends are often able to be "brutally" honest with one another. Why? Because we know one another well enough to realise the intentions of the friend. Recalled what bro Yong Yaw mentioned in his last sermon about "disfellowship". Why is it difficult? Because there was little "fellowship" to begin with in the first place! As brothers and sisters in Christ, it is so important for us to develop a close knit bond. Paul described it as a body parts "knit together" (Col 2:19), "fitly joined together" (Eph 4:16). Such that when the situation calls for rebuke, the bitter pill becomes easier to give and to swallow.

Let us work together and help one another to greater heights and to our ultimately heavenly goal.

in Him

Paul

--

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. ~ Hebrews 2:1

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Dying In The Wilderness

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Numbers 26-28 and Matthew 2.

As the Israelites came to an end of their sojourn (finally!) we are reminded of the fulfilment of God's pronouncement on a stiff-necked generation. Recall the incident of the 12 spies (Num 13,14). Because of their lack of faith God had determined that the only 2 souls in that generation who would step into the promised land would be Caleb and Joshua, the 2 spies who had brought back a good report (Num 14:26-30).

Such a difficult crowd the Israelites were that even Moses fell prey to their disobedience, as we are brought to remembrance the incident at Meribah (c.f. Num 20:8-13)
Num 29:14: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

I can help but feel sorry for Moses! By human counts, Moses did what he could. At that point, he was probably vexed to death by a stiff-necked people, complaining and whining away. And it was not as if God did not ask him to strike the rock before to get water. And yet it was just this fine line between speaking and striking that made Moses right or wrong before God, that determined whether he died in the wilderness as the others in that generation, or passed into the promised land.
Notice the harsh judgment upon Moses "For ye REBELLED against my commandment" Wow God, hey give the man a break! Here was a faithful man of God, the meekest man on earth (Num 12:3), whom God Himself honoured and said whom he speaks to "mouth to mouth" (Num 12:8)! But yes, if we will not obey God's Word to the last jot and tittle, we transgress His law and it doesn't matter what good we have done. We have to face the consequences. In that matter, God still "gave face" to Moses by allowing the water to flow, yet Moses had to suffer the fate like the rest of the unbelieving generation.

You know, it's easy for us to just say, "oh but I'm doing good in the Lord" or "see? I am blessed by God to do such and such", but think of Moses. Did he not also? What good is good if not in the name of God, i.e. AUTHORISED by God? It is but nought and sin. (c.f. Mat 7:21-23) We need to be very very careful not to go about establishing our own righteousness, thinking we can "outdo" God or even believing to please God.

Otherwise, we too will die in this present wilderness and be lost in eternity.

The Lord bless us and keep us that we always strive to do EXACTLY as He commands, turning neither to the left nor right.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ~ 2Timothy 2:22

God Is Not A Man

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Numbers 23-25 and Matthew 1

The account in Numbers continues and rounds off the "Balaam incident". As a good reminder and for the benefit of the newcomers, I attach a previous post on the "Doctrine of Balaam" below.

Besides this, one very striking statement from the inspired mouth of Balaam is from Num 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Before we we go into this, let us notice an important fact here - was Balaam a willing prophet in this case? Most certainly not! He had greed all filled up in his mind, yet under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he prophesied exactly what God wanted the people to hear. This illustrates an important point - the influence of the the Holy Spirit has always been for a specific, miraculous purpose and it did not necessarily imply of anything with regards to the medium. The Holy Spirit did not and does not come upon any individual to affect him morally! Balaam was obviously morally mal-guided. Why, the donkey was not even a moral being! (c.f. Num 22:28-30) Yet both spoke as inspired of the Spirit. So the point here is that Holy Spirit influence, as with all miracles, were for a specific purpose from God to establish His will. In the case of Balaam, the message is clear - no one can go more or less of the Word of God. (c.f. Num 22:18, 38; 23:12; 24:12-13) Miracles were not a "given" to be used "as and when" one feels like. The Holy Spirit guides us today through and only through the Word but will not and has never directly influenced our moral behaviour. It is still up to us to exercise our will to allow ourselves to be guided by God through His Word. The grace and providence of God certainly opens up avenues to the pure in heart, such that they become convicted by the Word. But God's mercy will drip off the cynical and stone-hearted like water off a duck's back.

"God is not a man...neither the son of man" seems to be a "no-brainer". At the very least, the fact that we attribute the title "God" obviously shows a significant difference.
Yet we note that the norm since to be contrary to that. Observe what the psalmist wrote:
Psa 115:2  Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
Psa 115:3  But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psa 115:4  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
Psa 115:5  They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Psa 115:6  They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
Psa 115:7  They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
Psa 115:8  They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

And we are all quite familiar with the multitude of legends, fables and mythologies across all cultures that very often depict "gods" like humans. As bro Yong Yaw pointed out in his powerful sermon yesterday, such are those with that the atheists would label as religion being a "psychological crutch". And what a big and "comprehensive" (aka Kiasu!) one for some! (c.f. Act 17:22,23)

The God of the Bible, the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of the universe, our Great Saviour, is not like those! Simply because, He wasn't conceived of and created by the imaginations of man. This fundamental fact is often overlooked when man at times tries to reason out God's actions. The prophet Isaiah couldn't have put it any better in Isa 55:8,9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Just imagine - if the foolishness of God is wiser than man (1Co 1:25), how can man hope to fully comprehend the wisdom and glory of God? What we can appreciate is what God would reveal to us and that is His love and of our obedience to His Word. Beyond that, we find ourselves in self-defeating speculation that can only lead to confusion, cynicism and ultimately, death (Pro 14:12; 16:25).

Just in case some of us might be left scratching our heads by the part about God not needing to "repent", when there seem to be clear instances where the bible says God "repents" (e.g. Gen 6:6,7; Ex 32:14), the very concept that God is not a man and 1Co 1:25, explains the apparent discrepancy. Just as one could jump at 1Co 1:25 to claim that God could be "foolish", one certainly can use the verses in Gen 6:6,7, etc to claim that God did repent! As we've mentioned on a couple of occasions in class, 1Co 1:25 points to the fact, just as Isaiah did in Isa 55, of the great contrast and disparity between God's wisdom/thoughts and man's. Thus it is with this concept that we can correctly understand what the writers are trying to portray in using "repent" as applied to God.
To give an illustration in the style of 1Co 1:25, if we understand "repent" as some sort of "regret" as a result of doing something without foresight, then the other extreme end would be an action taken with great wisdom and careful consideration. Thus the "repentance" of God would be far better than man's most well thought out actions. In those instances where God "repented", it was not a case of God's "plan B" but rather either due to man's failings resulting in a detracting from God's desired will for man or the mercy of God that put man back on track. The concept of "repent" is thus brought down to man's level of understanding to show God's perfect control over all circumstances. Note it's the circumstances, but not man's actions that are controlled.

Let us be always reminded of the profoundness in Num 23:19 and not go about establishing our own misconceptions of God but look to the final disposition of Job and ever be in awe and reverence of our Creator and Saviour.

in Him
Paul


Doctrine of Balaam

What is the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans? The doctrine of Balaam should sound familiar. (Remember the Balaam puzzle??? :))If you recall,Balaam, son of Beor, was the prophet who was hired by Balak the King of Moab to curse the Israelites (Num 22-24). After failed attempts as we read of the the account, greed drove him to finally succeed in causing the people to sin, indirectly causing the death of 24000 Israelites! (Num 25:9, c.f. Num 31:16) As illustrated in Rev 2:14b, the doctrine of Balaam is basically that of worldliness and greed. Here was a church which had all the bells and whistles with their proclamation of faith, yet allowed members to continue in worldly practices like fornication. Remember that sin is not only in commission but also omission! If we fail to convict erring brethren, it is as good as being an accomplice!
As for the doctrine of Nicolaitans, there are a number of views. Barnes suggests that the Nicolaitans were a specific group of people who held the doctrine of Balaam. Clarke wrote in his commentary that the Nicolaitans were possibly a gnostic sect (people who believed in worldly knowledge in salvation), subscribing to polygamy and mixing of pagan rites. But he too is of the opinion that those who held the doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans and the Gnostics as a whole belonged to the same group. It seems unlikely that the inspired writer would have left something of importance to speculation, especially when it was mentioned previously in Rev 2:6. When we examine the progression of the argument in Rev 2:14,15, it seems to support what the commentators suggested. v. 14 was a broad reference to an OT example and v.15 describes a specific group in their time. Essentially, we need to beware of worldliness that has so often crept into the church. It does not help matters that some of the "mega churches" peddle the "prosperity gospel" and perpetuate the bombardstic, ra-ra element of the entertainment industry, making a huge mockery of the sobriety, purity of the gospel truth. Nicolaitans of today are alive and all around! We will all do well to identify such and beware of them.

2Pe 2:10  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
2Pe 2:11  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
2Pe 2:12  But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
2Pe 2:13  And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2Pe 2:14  Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2Pe 2:15  Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2Pe 2:16  But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

Jud 1:11  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Rev 2:14  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ~ 2Timothy 2:22

Walking By Faith

Dear class,

The readings for today are taken from Numbers 12-14 and Revelation 19.

The passages from Numbers illustrates vividly, both positively and negatively the true concept of what it means to walk "by faith".

Let us first revisit 2 central verses concerning "faith".
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

This as we seen and have seen previously, faith is a concrete concept. Faith can and must be developed through and only through His Word.

Firing the opening salvo is a negative example of that of Miriam and Aaron.
In a rather disappointing turn of events, it was now Miriam and Aaron's turn to turn their backs against their brother, Moses.
The blood relationship not withstanding, we recall it was Miriam, right form the very beginning who witnessed the great faith of her mother in attempting to bring up Moses and the greater providence of God who in the end saw it through that Moses was raised up and not just in any way, but in the wisdom and ways of the Egyptians, which was to prove invaluable in the ultimate encounter with Pharaoh. And of course, Aaron, the spokesman, was by the side of Moses all this while, witnessing and attesting to the great faith demonstrated by His brother.
Yet in a petty show of envy and jealousy, over a seemingly legitimate reason, Miriam and Aaron sought to usurp the authority of Moses.
First up, we note that the actions, however right and justified, will never cover our intentions. Moses may have been wrong in their sight to marry a foreigner (c.f. Ex 34:16) or maybe enter into a polygamous relationship. However, it is clear that the reason why his siblings spoke up was not to correct their brother but only out of envy. It is no coincidence or even something put in out of the blue that Num 12:3 pointed out that Moses was the meekest person above all men which were upon the face of the earth. If there had been anyone who would be the first to shy away from the limelight, it would be Moses! Recall his great reluctance in the encounter with God at the burning bush. (Ex 3,4) The only reason why Moses was where he was, was because God had commanded him to!

Then, the lack of faith between the 2 older siblings was evident because they did not trust in God's chosen. How was it manifest? Was it because they had witnessed Moses' incompetence (e.g. the example of King Saul)? Was it because Moses had sinned and/or led the people to sin? (In fact it was Aaron who has first failed in the incident of the gold calf!) No. They did not have faith, they did not trust God, not because of Moses inadequacies but on the contrary, in spite of the great works God had performed through Moses.

And then was the dual example of great faith and equally great lack of it - the account of the 12 spies.
It was the the same group of spies that sought out the same places, saw the same things and brought back the same produce. Yet what a vast difference in attitudes between Caleb and Joshua and the rest of the spies!
In the eyes of Caleb and Joshua, the fine produce of the land was further testament to God's promise of the "land flowing with milk and honey". Yet, the rest of the spies chose to ignore the part that God promised but focus on the inhabitants.

Caleb and Joshua showed great faith in that they wholly believed in what God had promised. The fact that they physically saw the rich produce was but a bonus to their proper understanding of the nature of God. Notice their accurate observation in verses 14:7-9
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

Blind faith? FAR from it! On the contrary, what the Israelites displayed was blind disbelief. It was faithlessness IN SPITE of the evidence! The rock solid faith of the 2 spies was based upon God's Word and the numerous works brought to pass by The Lord. Faith that was demonstrated by doing what God had commanded and being convinced that God will bring His promises to pass.

How do we walk by faith? It's not about flipping a coin and letting God "decide". It's not about making choices that have no basis whatsoever. It's not about sincerely pursuing what one perceives to be pleasing to God.
It's simply about taking God at His Word and carrying it out. It's about focussing on doing what is right before Him. That is what Moses did, in spite of the odds and challenges. That is what Caleb and Joshua did in spite of the opposition and even risk of death.

This is what we should do even today. Remember, with God, we are the majority! Let us continue in our walk of faith, that we too may finally lay hold on life eternal.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; ~ Titus 1:2,3

The Lord Bless Thee, And Keep Thee

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Numbers 5,6 and Revelation 16.

Numbers 5 mentions the "law of jealousies" and numbers 6 about the Nazirite vow.
In the conclusion of Num 6, is the familiar refrain that is the text of a familiar tune, hymn 621.

And indeed a comforting blessing upon the faithful.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

All our blessings are from God! (c.f. Eph 1:3; 2Pe 1:3).
God is the one who will keep and guard us (Phi 4:7)
Certainly, under God's grace, we have the hope of appearing pleasing before Him, of Him looking upon us in favour. Let it not be found that the Lord's face be against us! (1Pe 3:12)
Finally, true, lasting peace - peace among men and about all, peace with God is only found in the Lord, in Christ. (Eph 2:14,15; Phi 4:7; 2Th 3:16)

Let us be encouraged, let us take heed, let us live our lives in the manner that God is pleased.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

Purposed In His Heart

Dear class,

The readings today are taken from Daniel 3,4 and Revelation 6.

The book of Daniel thus far recounts the events in the Babylonian captivity of Israel. We were introduced to Daniel and his 3 friends - Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. From the insistence on an authorised diet to the refusal to bow down to pagan gods, Daniel and his friends truly exemplified the Christ-like attitude in obedience. It wasn't that the young men were "chosen" or "possessed" by the Holy Spirit, but the fact as written of Daniel in 1:8  - "Daniel PURPOSED in his heart". This is a conscious, deliberate act on the part of the young men to shun what is evil and do what is right before God.

The young men purposed that they will not eat of the pagan food. Possibly of the unclean meats as listed under the Mosaical law.
But it is evident that they also purposed to conduct themselves in a righteous manner, for in spite of their "idiosyncrasies" the prince of eunuchs over them were in their favour. (Dan 1:9)

The young men purposed that they would not bow down to pagan gods. As a result, they incurred the wrath of the king who would have them thrown into the furnace. Yet they emerged unhurt and as a result convinced the king of the supremacy of God.
As Nebuchadnezzar pointed out, the young men had purposed in their hearts to "yield[ed] their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God" (Dan 3:28)

Brethren, today we similarly have the need to "purpose in our hearts" to do His good will. Just as Joshua wrote in Jos 24:15 "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Jesus Himself gave us the perfect example by making "Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phi 2:7,8)

We need to bear in mind, that we always have a choice! The only question is whether we chose to do that which is right.
Let us continue to let Christ be our example and guide, to always strive to purpose in our hearts to do the will of God.

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15

Who Was, And Is, And Is To Come

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 26,27 and Revelation 4.

Chapter 4 of Revelation begins the "apocalyptic" section. One of the striking verses is found in 4:8
"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

Certainly brings us to the scene first described by Isaiah in Isa 6:2,3. Also, is this concept of the timelessness and omni-presence of God. No less than 5 times in the book, Jesus mentioned about being the "Alpha and Omega", the first and last. (Rev 1:8,11,17; 21:6; 22:13). If one could frame God in a timeline, He would encompass the extremes and everything in between!
Related within is also the concept of the perpetual immutability, or changelessness of God, as we read earlier in Heb 13:8 and even earlier in Mal 3:6.

The fact that God "was" means that God was there right from the start. He was there in the foundation of the world. He was there when the plan of salvation was conceived. He was there when man first sinned. He was there when His Son died on the cross. God is in control! There is not a single "plan B" that God had to execute. There was only plan A all along! Job was taught this important lesson amidst his suffering. God bless his soul that he came to realisation and God help us all to continually recognise that fact.

The fact that God "is" means that God is always with us. God is not what as some imagine to be, some kind of irresponsible, whimsical being that leaves His creation in the lurch, as if they were His playthings. God may not manifest Himself as He did in those days, but the very fact that the world is still spinning, the sun still shines, rain still falls, air is ever present and breatheable, life goes on is a testament that God is still very much with us today. God takes care of us ALL THE WAY! In every generation, God is personally there. Such was the strong statement that God conveyed to Moses in Ex 3:6. God is present and living. And today we can certainly continue to say of God of YOU and I.

The fact that God "is to come" means that God will see it through till the very end. It means God will bring to pass all that he has said. We need to learn and continue in our belief to trust in God's promises. Abraham, in his moment of weakness, decided to take things into his own hand when he couldn't see how he could have a child with Sarah and the result was the birth of a pagan nation in Ishmael (Gen 16). Thanks be to God, Abraham learnt his lesson and when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, he did not try to take things in his own hands but realise all he needed was to walk by faith - i.e. follow exactly what God said and believe that God will deliver his promises. We do not know what is to come for us, yet we know for sure that God knows and God WILL BE THERE. All we need to do is to focus on the present, taking reference and comfort from the past and look forward to that final goal of God's promise.

What a great comfort and consolation! In the midst of the uncertainties of life, the pain and suffering, the confusion, there's one whom we could hang on and go to, one who have, is now and will ever provide and deliver His promises.

Let us be encouraged in our single minded service to Him and help one another and others along!

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2Thessalonians 3:14,15