Monday, March 15, 2010 - “Pass It On…With Gentleness and Respect, Please” :
“Pass It On…With Gentleness and Respect, Please” by Rev Leslie Lim (07/03/2010)
“13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:13-16 (NIV)
•Couple sending out tracts, Pastor of Lighthouse Evangelical Church warned for insensitive remarks
•Sharing with gentleness and respect - Not because of religious harmony, but as it reflects the Kingdom lifestyle.
•Sharing the Gospel is going to get harder with time. (Bu they had persecution in the past too.)
•We can turn challenges in life into opportunities to share for Christ.
•Many persecutors, seeing the hope and faith that the Christians at that time have, were converted too.
1)We should to continue to set apart Christ as Lord of our lives
•“34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34
•We shouldn’t be half—hearted Christians, nor pew-warmers.
•Dedicate ourselves to God’s will, live and die with Christ.
•We should follow Christ example. Jesus would go all out to proclaim about God’s kingdom.
2)We are to be prepared to explain our hope and faith in Christ.
•Many of us are not prepared to share, or don’t want to learn more about our faith.
•Cry for a worthy cause (like for lost souls) and not for K Dramas, etc.
•5 Reasons Why I Won’t Share My Faith: Scared of Rejection, Not legal, Don’t know where to start, Don’t know enough information, Walk doesn’t match talk.
•We should take the step to learn more about our faith.
•God is always with us. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
•“People around me, why should I care? Because You, Lord, You care and want me to care.”
3)We must practice how to share the good news with sensitivity.
•People always turn down Christ not because the gospel is not good, but because we always talk down them.
•“"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."” John 8:11b
•Truth without grace will offend. But truth spoken with God’s graciousness will get attention from those who initially reject the truth.
•We are not there to force Christ down people’s throat, but to share Christ’s love.
•The Story of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-6) – Let us be the Sycamore tree to let those who come in contact with us to get into a position to view Christ better.
•We are not there to convert and correct non-Christians, that is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Are you prepared to share Jesus with our family and friends? If you are, pass it on with gentleness and respect, please.
aaron chua thanked jesus at10:15 AM
Thursday, December 24, 2009 - What If Jesus was Never Born? by Dr Philip Ryken :
Almost a century ago, in a famous sermon entitled “One Solitary Life,” Dr. James Allan Francis recounted the biography of a famous man. See if you know who he is:
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.
He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
While He was dying, his executioners gambled for His garments, the only property He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone and today He is the central figure of the human race.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life [The Real Jesus (Philadelphia: Judson, 1926), p. 123].
But what if Jesus had never been born at all? With apologies to Jimmy Stewart, what difference would it make in the world if Jesus had never lived his wonderful life?
If Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make in politics. Our representative form of democracy rests on explicitly Christian principles of church and state. So do our principles of free speech and religious tolerance. In fact, the very founding of this nation was motivated by the goal to establish a Christ-centered community. If Jesus was never born, there wouldn’t be a United States of America, at least as we know it today.
If Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make in education. The world’s oldest universities were all founded on Christian principles, so that students could grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The same is true of nearly every one of the first one hundred colleges and universities in America. Eventually people would have developed institutions of higher education, but there would be no Oxford, no Harvard, no Yale, and no Princeton. Furthermore, Christians have always been pioneers in promoting literacy and universal education. Even America’s public school system is part of the legacy of Puritan education. To this day, linguists are working all over the world, in the name of Jesus, to put native languages in written form and teach people to read the Bible.
If Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make in literature, music, and the arts. There would be no Messiah for Handel to write into his famous oratorio—no Christmas music at all. There would be no Pieta by Michelangelo, and no Last Supper by Leonardo. There would be no cathedrals in Europe, no Hagia Sophia or Notre Dame. There would be no Gospels and no New Testament, and therefore no story of the prodigal son, no parable of the good Samaritan, and no Sermon on the Mount. There would be no Divine Comedy by Dante, and no Paradise Lost by Milton.
If Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make in science and medicine. It was the Christian worldview—with its insistence on the rational order of the universe and man’s dominion over creation—that gave rise to modern science. Followers of Jesus Christ were also pioneers in the art of medicine. The first hospitals were established by Christians who believed they had a God-given responsibility to heal the sick.
If Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make in charity and the protection of life. It was the followers of Christ who first introduced the Roman world to disinterested benevolence, to helping someone who couldn’t help you in return. Pagans were amazed to see that Christians not only took care of their own needy people, but also provided for other people’s poor. It was also the followers of Christ who first abandoned the nearly universal practice of infanticide. The birth of Christ taught them to protect the lives of their own children, and to rescue foundlings and orphans.
Humanly speaking, none of this would have happened if Jesus was never born. What I have said so far is only just the beginning, of course, and it is also true that many wrong things have been done in the name of Christ—that is a topic for another occasion. But simply in terms of secular history, the life of Jesus Christ has had a far greater and more positive influence on the world than anyone else in history.
But to bring what I have said closer to home, if Jesus was never born, what a difference it would make to your own destiny. You would have no atonement for your sin, no resurrection from the dead, no hope of eternal life, and no Savior to call a friend.
What if Jesus was never born? But Jesus was born. As the angel said to the Christmas shepherds: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:12). And the rest, as they say, is history.
[The basic idea for this Window on the World, as well as some of the specific examples, come from D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe’s book What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1994].
http://www.tenth.org/index.php?id=57&tx_xdssermonbase_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=18&cHash=ea7b422eea
aaron chua thanked jesus at10:51 AM
- What Does Christmas Means To Me :
Haha. Christmas is around the corner, and I got so many things I have not done (including my holiday hw!). But recently, I found this piece of paper I wrote in Nov (which I don't even rmb!) and I just want to share it with you guys.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Does Christmas Means To Me?
Christmas, to me, is both the happiest and the saddest day of my life. It is definitely one of the most important day of my life. For without Christmas, life wouldn't be the same.
On this day, Jesus, the Son of God, came down to Earth and lived as a man, to save the world. He came to tell people more about the GOOD NEWS, to lead the people back to God. Showing such humility in his actions and such wisdom in his words, he showed everyone that He was no ordinary person.
On this day, Jesus came to Earth through the annointed Virgin Mary. When Jesus came, the wise men, angels and the shepherd came and rejoice in the coming King aka Messiah. Just life it was prophesised some 400 years ago that He would come!
On Christmas day, Jesus, the son of the Creator of the universe, was not born in the King's palace or to the richest of people. In fact, on that very night, Mary and Joseph actually couldn't rent a room in the inn as the city was crowded, so Jesus had to be born in a manger, which is a feeding plate for animals! The kings, queens, rich & famous were not invited, but instead the shepherds and the wise men followed the star to His birth. For Jesus did not come to crave for fame, for Jesus did not come to be worshipped or served, for He did not come to save those who are proud, but He came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
On Chrisetmas day, I had mixed feelings. It's devestating to ponder about the fact that Jesus came to die for us. Like the song by ShoutPraises "He Made A Way In A Manger", Jesus' knew that he would end up on a cross eventually, but He was still willing. He was the perfect sacrifice, for the imperfect world. He paid a debt that he didnt owe, a debt that we cant pay.
On Christmas day, I smiled at the baby Jesus.
On Christmas day, I cried at the foot of the cross.
On Christmas day, I thank God that He came.
aaron chua thanked jesus at10:05 AM
Sunday, August 9, 2009 - the beatitudes... :
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. " Matt 5:3-10
My cell group is starting on this study of the Beatitudes, and since i wrote down notes for it i thot i might as well type it out.
Blessed = "true happiness" (in its original language)
the first one (poor in spirit) talks about them being mindful of their need for God cos when one is full (lets say from his dinner) he cannot stuff in any more food. Minful that without God we are nothing and have an unquenchable thirst of the word. Similarly, when one is full of the spirit, the person in unable to take in more stuff. Yup haha.
The second one (mourn);
mourn = godly sorrow (judas), not sadness from the pressures of the world. Cori, the richest part of the roman empire, faces problems like divisions in their church. Sorrow that elads to see ho sinful we are, and in wonder how great God's grace and mercy is godly sorrow. (2 Cor 7:10-11) It encompassses a dependence on God. Being Proudd could also be the opposite, (thinking that you are full). It could be caused by being angry with others. "When I am weak, then I am strong." Says Paul. So practical steps?
1) Thank God everyday
2) Humility with a response (Sorrow > Humility)
Third one (meek):
Meek is not weak.
Matt 11:29 "29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Practical step?
" 1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior," Titus 3:1-6
Jesus is meek, but not weak. (eg overthrowing the tables in the temple)
Controlling one's temper. ("Slow to anger, patience at heart")
Meek = Self-controlled.
Opposite what society thinks that one needs to succeed.
Meek?
- Quiet cconfidence (no need to prove anything to nayone)
- Not a characteristic that you are born with, but it is an attitude to things that everyone must work on
aaron chua thanked jesus at1:31 AM
Monday, July 27, 2009 - "I Don't Want To Be A Fanatic!" :
YF: Sermon Series - Letter of James
"I Don't Want to Be a Fanatic!" by Rev Leslie Lim
James 1:19-22
[Listening and Doing
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. -James 1:19-22 (NIV)]
-Everyone is a fanatic of something like soccer or heroes (not me!), but no one wants to be a Spiritual Fanatic, especially after knowing of bad incidents like the KKK and the Northern Iceland “war”.
-definition of a HS fan: One filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit (HS) to lead him or her to knowledge of the truth about God and to a lifestyle in accordance with that truth --> a HS fan!
-how?? As much as it is a cliche, it is by reading and DOING the word (there is a reason why cliche are cliches) - simple things like controlling our speech, being slow to anger, caring for the orphans & widows and personal righteousness
3 pratical steps!
#1: Control of tongues
(According to an accordance, as Rev Leslie Lim said, being loose with our tongues Includes the following:
-interrupting & dominating conversation
-being easily provoked & lashed at others
-criticising and murmuring (?!)
-judging & condemning others
-cursing
-engaging in suggestive and off-coloured talk
-talking about and looking down on others
-gossiping and telling tales)
Our anger and our speech is a reflection of our inner heart, therefore it is a good indicator whether how much you are willing to love God. Anger cannot bring about righteousness. ("In your anger do not sin"[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold." Eph 4:26-27)Our words and speech can hurt the people around us, like a knife stabbing.
#2: Personal Righteousness
(v21) Therefore, get rid of all moral filth.
The word "filth" is "rupania" in greek, the root word is "rupos" (greek) and it literally means "wax in the ear". This show that moral filth inside us hinders our listening to God's word.
#3: Care for the unfortunate
Care of orphans, widows & other acts of social concerns
=\= content of Christianity (aka not what's Christianity all about)
== EXPRESSION of it
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27
Religion is a practice of one's faith. Re (agian) - ligion (to bind together)=> Reliigon is the beginning to make things work together properly again, as they SHOULD work (ie according to God's standards.)
QuEsTiOn: Why should we concerned about them?
4 reasons:
#1: Self-knowledge - only after practising by then do we know the weaknesses of ourselves
#2: Acceptance to God - Looking at James 1:27 (above) again, it implies that there is a religion NOT acceptable to God. (ie faith without works is dead)
Responsibility: TO FIND OUT what is pleasing to God
how?
(cliche moment)by Checking with the Bible. =D
danger: we must take the Bible as an entire-ity and not practise selective listening.
(simplest eg: thou shall not steal is the least impt in the 10 commandments so can forget about it)
danger 2: there is a tendency for us to do the superficial things but not the important things.
(ie "but ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)
(eg going through the Holy Communion will be of no imptance if we dont appreciate and understand the significance of it)
#3: Personal Blessings
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25
Though it shouldn't be our main purpose of pleasing God, but it should keep us assured and motivates us that God is a fair God and we are storing our treasures in Heaven.
#4: A blessing for other people
We are not meant to live alone, we are meant as a brotherhood, to build each other up, and to bring more people to Christ. Our lives affects, like a ripple, others, no matter you like it or not. What if someone junior comes up to you and ask you why you christian but you like this and like that?
"I like my way of doing it better than your way of NOT DOING IT." -D.L. Moody
aaron chua thanked jesus at9:44 PM
Sunday, July 5, 2009 - hey what do you think is the GOSPEL? :
(full version pls) lol.
the importantance of it is that if we are not even sure of this, how can we live out God's life in us and live for God?
another qn to ponder: what does it take to gain eternal life? *aka whats the criteria to go heaven?* lol. (is beliving enough?)
aaron chua thanked jesus at1:03 AM
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Fw: Why go to church on Sunday? :
If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!
Why Go To Church?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.. But I do know this ... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
All right, now that you're done reading, send it on! I think everyone should read this! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?"
aaron chua thanked jesus at12:45 AM