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
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
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
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
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
Monday, August 12, 2013
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
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
Friday, July 12, 2013
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
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
Thursday, July 11, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
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
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
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