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Friday, September 25, 2020
Sunday, February 9, 2014
sons of God and the daughters of men
When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown. Genesis 6:1-4
Many Christians read the encounter of sons of God with daughters of men in Genesis 6 and wonder if the Nephilims were Demi-God, a product of Angels in heaven having sexual relations with women of the earth.
This article sums up my position on this age old debate: http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/sons-god/
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Child-likeness
What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. Galatians 4:1-2
In Israel, Children are only a little better than slaves. They have no rights to themselves nor authority over others. Have little knowledge or experience that they can boast about. Have little or no possessions that they can call their own. Yet, a child's joy is not determined by these things.
As we grow older in life, we begin to amass great wealth, much biblical and secular knowledge; and begin to lead or have authority over other people. Despite it all, we must never forget to maintain our child-likeness before God.
Being the child in this context mean to be humble, reliant and always hungry for his father's attention and love. A child's joy is not determined by possessions or status. A child is secure and joyful in the faithfulness and unfailing love of his father.
Humility has great emphasis in this context. A child has absolutely no knowledge or life experience to boast or be confident in, whereas an adult may have learnt and gone through more in life. However, certain lesson we learn in life hinder the truth of God because they come from our understanding of the world. Worldly truth may not always be Godly truths. Jesus calls us all to reduce our confidence in our knowledge and experiences to that of a little child, so that in doing so, we may have a soft heart to accept Godly truth. In John 3, He calls Nicodemus to be "Born again" for this very reason - the Pharisee needed to "Reboot" and trash all of his life's knowledge in order to gain the kingdom of heaven.
The bible says that the Gospel is a foolish concept to many and contradicts human wisdom. How could an almighty God be killed or even crucified? It takes uncompromising faith and humility to accept such a notion as our core belief. Thus the saying, unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you allow God to reduce you to a little child, so that he can reshape and transform your understanding and reveal his truth into your hearts?
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Many of us have grown up strong in God and mighty in our careers. We've accumulated much more wealth than we've ever had when we were children. We've grown even greater in knowledge and experiences. But let's not forget what it means to be that child before God again.
If God doesn't fulfill your dreams or hold off to give you the desires of your heart, will you still come back to the place of a little child, to love him, trust him and give him praise for who he is in your life rather than the things and circumstances he's yet to provide or unfold for you?
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Matthew 18 : 2-5
Matthew 18 : 2-5
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Obed-Edom: Serving God with a Praiseful Heart
I want to direct your attention to one man in the bible. His name is Obed-Edom.
In 1 Chronicles 15, you'll find him serving in several ministries in the House of God.
Verse 18: Obed-Edom the Gate Keeper
Verse 21: Obed-Edom the Harp Musician
Verse 24: Obed-Edom the Door Keeper for the Ark of God
In 1 Chronicles 16
Verse 5: Obed-Edom the Back-up Singer
What a servant this man was. He truly loved God so much, he was willing to give to God, his time and energy to serve in His House.
It is interesting to note that this Obed-Edom was the same man who housed the Ark of the Lord when David was afraid to take it in.
David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” He was not willing to take the ark of the LORD to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household.
2 Samuel 6:9-11
I truly believed that this man served so passionately and faithfully because he had experienced God - both His faithfulness and blessings - while the Ark of the Lord was present in His house for just three months.
With Obed-Edom, His passion did not remain with himself. His passion and anointing spread to all his descendants. Him and his descendants served God in Solomon's Temple faithfully for many generations. Read: 1 Chronicles 26:8
Because of his Passion and Faithfulness, in the later years while David was assigning various duties for the Temple of the Lord, God chose Obed-Edom (by lots) as keeper of the South Gate of Solomon's Temple (1 Chronicles 26:15). This is one of the most important Gate because it is the main gate that was used by Kings to enter the Temple Courtyard.
Experience God and serve Him as a worship with all of your heart. Without the strength and joy that comes from the Lord, your service to Him will only be either duty or routine. But once you've encountered God, your service to him becomes a joy, your life entirely transformed.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Love one another
Some of you may know about this, but Shinyee and I have moved to Melbourne and we are attending a church here called City Life Church. This was the church that Ps Lailing and Wilson and the entire Hope Movement sprang from.
Anyway, we've only been here for about almost two months. We've settled down in the church and attended a life group for youth adults and starting families. The life group happens once every two weeks, so we really haven't had much time to meet and interact with everyone.
However, just in a short span of just eight weeks, after much pouring out of heart matters and talking about personal opinions about matters, Shinyee and I could tell that almost 80% of people (except for its leaders) who are attending have in one way or another been hurt by Christians. YES, CHRISTIANS.
One of the ladies (let's name her C) who was there had been constantly bringing another lady (let's name her K) to the life group. C commented in the life group that for K to even come and step foot into a Life Group again, it was the grace and miracle of God.
How sad is that? To know that the only assembly of people that was meant and called to preach God's Love, ended up to be one of the most dreadful place K wanted to be in.
This cannot be the will of God. This cannot be the church that Jesus died for..... but it is. And it is a sad fact. I look at the Aussies around and I know, that one of the reasons why they are so hard-hearted, was that the church has failed to live up to what it first and foremost stands for - The Sacrificial Love of Christ.
We should be fervent and zealous for God. That's a definite yes. But if our zeal and fervency means that we become ignorant and insensitive to other's feelings (especially those within the church), then we have failed to live up to the commandment of God.
Let us reflect on the true Heart of Christ and start Loving One Another - Inside and Outside the Church!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another." John 13:34
Serving ungodly leadership (with favor)
- Daniel (served 3 generations of Babylonian kings who enslaved and occupied Israel)
- Nehemiah (served the King of Persia as a Cup Bearer)
- Ester (became wife of a King of Persia)
Foreign kings in the bible speaks of unbelievingly (Gentile) rulers. We need to recognize that it was God who gave them authority to rule and who made israel subjected to them. Not only that; but also that God has placed us in their service to prospers them - i.e. the Gentile Ruler and their cities, in order to administer God's grace to them in its many forms (1 Peter 4:10).
seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:6
God doesn't always appoint leaders who are godly, reasonable or worthy of service. However, it is always his will that we subject ourselves to their authority and to be committed to serving them (within the boundaries of God's uncompromisable will) in order that God's higher purpose be accomplished. Just because your team members don't share the same conviction doesn't mean we hold back our contributions. God establishes us with such people so that we may work as a team. Master and servants serve as one team instituted by God.
All of these prophets/prophetess, served their kings faithfully and received favor in their eyes. They were commended in the bible for their acts and faith in God despite living in a perverted society.
Our service and testimonies to these [kings] are God's way of reaching out to them.
At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, [The Gentile King of Babylon,] raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Daniel 4:34
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12
God’s Love vs Our Love
Some people anchor their security on their Love for God. But God desires that we have feed our assurance on His Love for us through faith in the blood that was shed on the cross.
The message that the bible brings forth is that "we love because God first loved us", not because "we loved so much and so God loves us back". Love for God can only be produced through encountering God’s divine love and grace - just as it has been said, "He who has been forgiven much, loves much". Self-Motivated Love for God can never produce the transformation God so desires in us.
God does not desire a generation of sold-out martyrs, he desires children who knows fully that they are well taken care of in His plans – only then, will we be able to walk in stillness before Him.
The other name for Security in our own love for God is called "Self-Righteousness" or "Confidence in the flesh". The Bible preaches "Righteousness by Faith and Salvation by Grace". All these happened while we were still weak to overcome sin and loved God not.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Repentance
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Matt 4:17
Jesus' version of repentance was not simply about living right again or feeling sincerely sorry. Because obviously, even the Jews with high regard of the law could not do so, by their own humane strength or discipline; nor did it make them justified before God
Instead, its simply about turning away from the old ways of thinking and becoming part of a new kingdom - a new rule who's values are not based upon justification by works but rather justification and sanctification by faith. That now, we (not just those who are Holy) can turn to God to receive Forgiveness and Grace to change and heal our lives.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Monday, June 15, 2009
The True Grace Of God
Apostle Paul encourages us as workers of God’s kingdom never to take the grace of God in vain. Why? Because there is often a tendency toward “grace abuse.” A third century bishop was shocked to see devout would-be martyrs of the Christian faith devote their last nights in prison to drunkenness, revelry and promiscuity. Since dying a martyr’s death would make them perfect, they reasoned, what would it matter if they spent their last hours sinning? Twentieth century theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer coined the term “cheap grace” as a way of summarizing grace abuse. Living in Nazi Germany, he was appalled by the cowardly way in which Christians were responding to Hitler’s threat. Lutheran pastors preached grace from the pulpit on Sundays, then kept quiet the rest of the week as the Nazis pursued their policies of racism, euthanasia and finally genocide. Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship, highlights the many New Testament passages commanding Christians to attain holiness. Every call to conversion, he insists, includes a call to discipleship, to Christlikeness. God’s grace can be “abused” when we do not understand what it is and its purpose in our lives. So let’s understand what is true grace: (1) Grace empowers you to live in God’s righteousness. It is God’s grace that enables us to live in His righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). Romans 5:17 adds, “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (2) Grace empowers you to work hard. Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). (3) Grace empowers you to serve God (1 Pet. 4:10). The grace of God doesn’t make you passive, complacent, lazy or apathetic. On the contrary, grace teaches you to do what is right and bear the fruit of it. True grace is the power of God that enables you to live a life that fulfi lls God’s purpose. Kong Hee President (Founder) City Harvest Church Singapore
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The True God of Ancient China
China has a history since 2500 BC. Taoism came during 6th BC, Confucianism and Buddhism came during the 5th to 6th Century BC.
In view of this, who did Ancient China worshipped in the remaining 2000 over years?
Listen to Podcast: Kong Hee - City Harvest Church
Border Sacrifices (郊特牲)
These are Sacrifices of Calves made to the Supreme God. The emperor would have to fast 3 days before the day of ceremony. This ceremony was practiced until 1911 where the last dynasty ended. Muslims and Jews practice the same Sin Offering Sacrifices to God.
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw03bordersacrifice.htm
Ancient Chinese Characters
Righteousness was defined by a “Lamb” over “Me”. The bible says that Jesus is the Lamb that took away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) and that Jesus has clothed us with righteousness. More such Characters in the links below.
Temple of Heaven
This temple still exists in Beijing, China and was used by emperors to perform the Border Sacrifices. No Idols were ever found in this temple that was used as objects of worship. The Ten Commandment instructs against Worshippers worshipping Gods made of Gold, Silver or wood.
Read More
The original ‘unknown’ god of China
An Ancient pictogram script points to the Bible
Read More
Example:
Tower of Babel
Tower: 塔
Comprises of the following characters:
Soil: 土
Grass: 草
Humans: 人
One: 一
Mouth:口
Interpretation:
Tower is form by Humans as one Language, using Soil and Grass.
Reference:
Messages from Water
Water has a very important message for us. Water is telling us to take a much deeper look at our selves. When we do look at our selves through the mirror of water, the message becomes amazingly, crystal, clear. We know that human life is directly connected to the quality of our water, both within and all around us.
The photographs and information in this article reflect the work of Masaru Emoto, a creative and visionary Japanese researcher Mr. Emoto has published an important book, "The Message from Water" from the findings of his worldwide research If you have any doubt that your thoughts affect everything in, and around you, the information and photographs that are presented here, taken from the book of his published results, will change your mind and alter your beliefs, profoundly.
From Mr. Emoto's work we are provided with factual evidence, that human vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music, affect the molecular structure of water, the very same water that comprises over seventy percent of a mature human body and covers the same amount of our planet.
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
WATCH PODCAST: Kong Hee - Water Crystals
References:
Wikipedia - Dr Masaru Emoto
Miraculous Messages from Water
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
God in Ancient China
Dear Friends,
Just like to share these resources that proves that Ancient Chinese worshipped the Israelite God before from 2250BC to 6 BC. The incident at the Towel of Babel was thought to have happened around 2242BC (Genesis 11:1-9).
Border Sacrifices (郊特牲)
These are Sacrifices of Calves made to the Supreme God. The emperor would have to fast 3 days before the day of ceremony. This ceremony was practiced until 1911 where the last dynasty ended. Muslims and Jews practice the same Sin Offering Sacrifices to God.
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw03bordersacrifice.htm
Ancient Chinese Characters
Righteousness was defined by a “Lamb” over “Me”. The bible says that Jesus is the Lamb that took away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) and that Jesus has clothed us with righteousness. More such Characters in the links below.
Temple of Heaven
This temple still exists in Beijing, China and was used by emperors to perform the Border Sacrifices. No Idols were ever found in this temple that was used as objects of worship. The Ten Commandment instructs against Worshippers worshipping Gods made of Gold, Silver or wood.
http://www.ttf.org/index/journal/detail/faith-in-the-creator/
The original ‘unknown’ god of China
An Ancient pictogram script points to the Bible
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v20/i3/china.asp
Shang-Di (上帝)
Confucius and Mozi both acknowledged the existences of one Supreme God (Shangdi - 上帝 ) that created the Heavens and Earth and ruled over all spirits.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shangdi
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7syfnuNtW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azx1Ks7V05k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhx-UAyDVfQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d82FUfcwMgI&NR=1
Book
http://www.godinancientchina.com/
Hope you find these resources useful.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Choosing a Mate
We know that it is the Lord's will for people to have a mate if they desire one. In the beginning when God created Adam, God Himself made this statement: "... It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him" (Genesis 2:18 KJV). "Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, completing) for him" (Genesis 2:18 Amplified). The Lord wants to bring a mate to those who will ask Him and have the patience to wait for His choice. Being single is an important time to prepare us for marriage. It can also be a time to experience a closer communion with God. As we seek God to cleanse us of the world and help us become the kind of wife or husband that would bless someone, we will soon find that we are not lonely. First, the Lord would begin using us to bless others; then we will find we are content in Him. Eventually, in God's plan and timing, He will bless us with a wonderful mate so that both lives can be a witness for Him. We believe if a marriage cannot glorify the Lord, then it would be better to remain alone. There are worse things than being alone. One of these is to be out of God's will by compromising and marrying someone who does not feel the same way we do about the Lord. Marriage is the second major choice we make in our lives, and we should never enter into it without much prayer. To rush into a marriage can be disastrous. The most important decision of our lives, of course, is our decision to follow the Lord. This decision is not a one-time declaration, but a daily determination to follow Jesus above all. If we allow the emotional or soulish realm to dominate our lives we become more susceptible to the enemy leading us astray through someone. This area of the flesh should be brought under the Lord's subjection so that Satan does not get the advantage and consequently destroy our lives and ministries. So many have failed the Lord because they chose a man or woman over the Lord. We find this true throughout the Bible, too. Solomon's heathen wives led him into idolatry. Samson lost his eyes because of a woman, Delilah. David committed murder because of passion for Bathsheba. Our emotions need to be cleansed as they are not the sign of love. The true definition of love is"God is love." If God is not in a relationship it is not true love. What this world calls love is really lust since it is built on what the other person does for me, not what I can do for him or her. If the other person fails to keep up his end of the bargain, a divorce occurs because the offended mate is no longer pleased. This is the attitude of the world's so-called "love." God's love loves without receiving back; God's love is forgiving and patient. God's love is gentle and kind. God's love waits. God's love sacrifices. 1 Corinthians 13 in the Bible gives us a beautiful definition of real love: (In this King James translation the word "charity" means "love.") 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Man's emotions are not a reliable gauge upon which to establish a marriage relationship. We must know in the Spirit that it is God's will. It is much better to marry for character than for emotion. Emotions fluctuate; character doesn't. Emotions are in the soulish realm, and unless the carnal mind has been renewed, Satan can give us emotions or feelings of love for someone of his choosing. (If he did not have this in his power, he could not split up marriages.) One of his favorite techniques is to suddenly take away the feelings one once had for his mate and give feelings for someone else. When he has successfully convinced a person that he no longer loves his or her mate, then he leads them to divorce, whispering, "You are living a lie." After he has destroyed that marriage, he then leads one to marry again by stirring their emotions for another. Often after their next marriage something happens that they do not expect. Before too long, friction begins to develop with the new mate, then arguing. Finally, they find the same thing has happened again; they feel no emotion for their new mate and the next divorce is in the making. "Falling" in love is Satan's way. The very expression of these words should tell us something. A Christian should not blindly "fall" into any trap. Love is bigger than simply falling for someone. Certainly, the Lord gives us a wonderful emotional feeling for the one we are to marry. However, this "feeling" without God's direction can be disastrous as Satan can tamper with our emotions and feelings too. Marriage, in a Christian's life, should be based on a decision directed by the Holy Spirit. A Christian's love for another is a commitment. Of course, the Lord will supply the emotions for the mate He sends, but that should not be the criterion for making the decision to marry. The Lord should be sought, and whatever He speaks to us we should do. He knows the future and what is best for us. If we trust Him He will not fail us in this or any other important area. Women or men who allow emotions to rule them will never be victorious Christians. Emotions should always follow, never lead. During Old and New Testament times, fathers and mothers chose the mates for their children. God's people were very careful to choose those who were "believers." We find this practice still prevalent in India and other Eastern cultures. The parents, being older and more prudent, made wiser decisions than the children in this area. The divorce rate in India is only about 7%, whereas in the USA, at the present, it is nearing 50%. Marriages that are loveless can be saved and restored simply by asking God to restore the love that was once there. Sexual relationships can also be healed by praying for a desire for one's mate. Prayer is a mighty weapon. God's love can mend and heal, providing people are willing to lay down their lives for their mates. His love will not fade, as does the love of the world. Those who are single and have never been married are cautioned in God's Word to seek a mate who is a like believer. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)." Many precious people suffer because they are living with unsaved mates. Some did not have Christ when they made their marriage decision, but they have since found the Lord. Those will have God's grace and love to win their mates for Jesus. The Lord always strives to bring the lost mate to Himself through the partner who knows Him. Mighty miracles of deliverance and salvation have occurred when people have endured suffering in order to bring their mates to the Lord. Those people who have the light, but choose to marry into darkness by yoking themselves to unsaved mates find that their flesh has led them away from God. The Lord wants to bless marriage unions and see His plans fulfilled in both mates' lives. What a glorious plan He had from the beginning for both male and female. We can trust Him in this important decision. If we will totally commit to do His will we will never be disappointed in the one He sends into our lives. Taken from: http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=149
There are some single people who are constantly out looking for a mate, and they are miserable because God has not sent them one yet. They have prayed and prayed, yet they still have no mate. Some settle for Satan's provision instead of asking God for the patience to wait for the one whom He would send. If they would look to Jesus and seek to please Him, rather than being concerned about a mate, soon they would find the right one crossing their path. Looking for a man or woman to just keep them from being lonely or just to fill their needs or to be a father or mother to their children should not be the only reasons for desiring a mate. They also need to be concerned about what kind of husband or wife they would be for a mate. These single people are still much in the flesh if they just want their own needs met. They should ask the Lord to fill them with His love and peace.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Basic Christian Doctrine
1 Thess. 4:14-17
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Two Essentials of Sharing Good News (Acts 8:26-40)
1. Walking with the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:26-30)
Philip was led by the God to the desert road that goes down Jerusalem to Gaza (vs26) and speaks to an Ethiopian. The Holy Spirit asked Philip to go toward the chariot and stay near it (vs28). We need to partner with God and Holy Spirit when we go out to share the Good News. God want to guide and lead us to bring Good News to others
Application: Pray all the time when you go out to share the gospel. Pray quietly while you are looking for lost souls. The Holy Spirit will direct you through continual prayer.
- Jesus partner with the God
- Jesus had revelation about Nathanael (John 1:47-49)
- Jesus told Nicodemus about “Born Again” that open up to sharing Good News (John 3:1-21)
- Jesus knew about Samaritan Woman background (John 4:16-19)
2. Walking with the Words (Acts 8:31-35)
Philip was able to explain to the Ethiopian the prophetic words about Jesus’ death given by Prophet Isaiah. Philip had the Word of God inside him and the Holy Spirit was able quicken God’s word when the Ethiopian asked Philip for the interpretation. Memorise some scriptures in the bible as you read the Word of God.
Application: Memorise some scripture such as “Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, 13, John 1:12, John 3:16, John 10:10, John 14:6"
Friday, June 13, 2008
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
This conversation is a good illustration of the need to know more than basic theology when discussing the issue of whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation.
Both Frank and myself had computer Bible programs at our disposal so we were copying text into the dialogue. This made things easier and quicker.
Also, this dialogue belies my belief in infant baptism. I'm Reformed in theology and believe in the covenant aspect of baptism that includes infants. I do not believe it saves infants but I believe that as circumcision was a covenant sign in the Old Testament, baptism is the covenant sign in the New.
My desire is not to convince you or anyone about this position here in this dialogue. Rather it is to establish the fact that baptism is not a requirement for salvation.
Frank: You're from CARM right?
Matt: Yep.
Matt: I'm Matt Slick.
Frank: That's what I thought.
Frank: What do you think of water baptism regeneration?
Matt: It is a false doctrine.
Frank: Still another meaning refers to the sacrament of baptism, which is a spiritual rather than bodily cleansing (Matt. 28:19, Rom. 6:3, 1 Pet. 3:21).
Matt: Correct. It is important, but it is not what saves us.
Frank: event from water baptism (see John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 19:2-3, 22:16, Rom. 6:3, Col. 2:11-12, Titus 3:5, and 1 Pet. 3:21 on the subject of baptism's graces). But something instructive can be learned about the mode of baptism and the meaning of the word 'baptizo' even if they insist on separating Spirit baptism from water baptism. Aren't they the same?
Matt: Water baptism is a sacrament - a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality. Spirit baptism is an anointing, possession, movement of God on a person.
Frank: Isn't it essential for salvation? "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38; what about this? Acts 19:1-6 weren't they baptized immediately in this passage of scripture?
Matt: Do you believe baptism is necessary for salvation?
Frank: I don't know.
Matt: Have you got a Bible?
Frank: Yep.
Matt: Acts 10:44, They are baptized after receiving the holy spirit, right? It was after they speak in tongues and glorify God. Tongues is a gift for the church, for church members, for the saved…then they were baptized. If baptism is necessary, then that means those people were filled with the HS, glorified God, and spoke in tongues, but they were not saved. Does that make any sense?
Frank: How do you explain, the baptism 1st in (Acts 2:41)?
Matt: Hold on. One thing at a time. Do you see the point in Acts 10:44ff?
Frank: Luke 3:3; Luke 7:29; Acts 19:4; Rom. 6:4; Eph. 4:5 -- All refer to baptism and I read Acts 10:44 but there are other passages too, that should be looked at like Matt. 3:13. Didn't Jesus give us an example of how we should be baptized?
Matt: First of all, were the people in Acts 10:44ff, saved before baptism?
Frank: Yes, in that particular situation, but how about all these other verses. Why absolutize that passage and not others? Like Acts 1:5, why did John the Baptist give water baptism?
Matt: If they were saved before baptism, then baptism isn't necessary for salvation, is it? Psalm 119:151 says that the SUM of God's law is truth. Let's tackle Acts 2:38, okay?
Frank: Okay.
Matt: What is 'the promise' spoken of in Acts 2:39?
Frank: The promise of the HS and the LORD shall call. But you still have not answered the above passages, that are in reference to baptism.
Matt: First of all, let's stick with one thing at a time. Second, that is not it.
Frank: What do you mean?
Matt: To a Jew what would be "The Promise"?
Gen. 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. And I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Gal. 3:8-14, And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, All the nations shall be blessed in you. 9So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them. Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, The righteous man shall live by faith. 12However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, He who practices them shall live by them 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree 14in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Notice that in verse 8 the promise is called the Gospel being justified by faith. Verse 14 mentions it as THE PROMISE.
Acts 7:17, But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,
Acts 13:32-33, And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, Thou art My Son; today I have begotten Thee.
Frank: Verse 39 says, "for the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Matt: Yes. Very good. The Abrahamic Promise included infants, didn't it? The Abrahamic Promise is that God would justify the Gentiles by faith. Check out Rom. 4:13-16, For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there violation. 16For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Frank: "Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16). 1 Pet. 3:21: "Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Luke 18:15 says, "Now they were bringing even infants to him" (Proseferon de auto kai ta brephe), and following this are the same words as in Matt. 19:14. The Greek word brephe means "infants"-- could you explain these passages?
Matt: We are doing Acts 2:38. One verse at a time.
Frank: Okay.
Matt: Do you see that the Abrahamic promise is still in effect?
Frank: What you mean?
Matt: The Abrahamic promise is THE PROMISE spoken of in Acts 2:39 . THE PROMISE is that God would justify the Gentiles by Faith. That is reiterated by Paul in Gal. 3:8ff, and Rom. 4:13ff. Acts 2:38 is referred to in Acts 2:39 , THE PROMISE. Do you remember what the sign of the Abrahamic promise was?
Frank: I don't know, then how in the world can infants be saved, they do not understand to have faith?
Matt: Were infants included in the Abrahamic promise through circumcision?
Frank: Yes.
Matt: Circumcision was the covenant sign of the Abrahamic promise, right?
Frank: To be honest I don't know.
Matt: THE promise in Acts 2:39 was meant for the children too, wasn't it?
Frank: I guess...
Matt: Gen. 17:11-12, "And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants." Acts 2 is full of quotes from the OT. Peter was a Jew. He was speaking to Jews. THE PROMISE was understood by the Jews, they knew what it was. That is why Peter said it was for their children as well. That is why entire households were baptized. Don't households have babies in them?
Frank: Yep.
Matt: You see, this is theology. The groups that teach baptismal regeneration don't know this stuff... therefore, they make mistakes. Acts 2:38 isn't speaking about baptism being a requirement. It is a sacramental sign. Circumcision didn't save. Baptism doesn't either.
Frank: I can see that.
Matt: It is a covenant sign and promise for God's people and their children. That is the context. Peter wasn't saying that baptism saves... but he was drawing their attention to the significance of the NEW covenant sign for Christians: baptism.
Frank: What about these passages? "Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16). 1 Pet. 3:21: "Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Luke 18:15 says, "Now they were bringing even infants to him" (Proseferon de auto kai ta brephe), and following this are the same words as in Matt. 19:14.
Matt: Acts 22:16, calling on Jesus name is what saves us, not water. 1 Pet. 3:21, let's look at it in the NASB.
Frank: Okay.
Matt: "And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," "And corresponding to that" in the Greek, is the word, 'antitupon.' It means, antitype, representation, etc. The question is then, "Corresponding to what?". For that we need to look at the previous verses.
1 Pet. 3:18-20, "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water." What was it that saved Noah and his family? The water or the ark?
Frank: The ark.
Matt: Did they enter the ark by faith?
Frank: Yes.
Matt: Then they were saved by faith, weren't they? That is why it says in the rest of 1 Pet. 3:21, "...not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Peter is stating that it was not the water, but an appeal to God that saves. The appeal is done by faith, right?
Frank: It looks that way.
Matt: Then baptism is actually an appeal to God, a trust in Him by faith, a dying to ourselves (Rom. 6; Col. 3), a public declaration of our identification with Christ. Does that make sense?
Frank: I think. Acts 1:5, why did John the Baptist give water baptism?
Matt: In Matt. 3:13-15 it says, "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Jesus got baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He came to fulfill the Law. Quite simply, Jesus was baptized so he could enter into the Melchizedek priesthood so He could be the High Priest and offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Frank: When believers get baptized is that to show a fulfillment of righteousness?
Matt: No. When JESUS got baptized it was to fulfill righteousness. To be consecrated as a priest, He had to be:
- washed with water (Lev. 8:6; Exodus 29:4, Matt. 3:16).
- Anointed with oil (Lev. 8:12; Exodus 29:7; Matt. 3:16).
Both of these were bestowed upon Jesus at His baptism. Additionally, He may have needed to be 30 years old - (Num. 4:3) Jesus said in John 5:39 that the Bible was about Him. Jesus came to fulfill the Bible prophecies and typologies. He was baptized to enter into the priesthood (Heb. 5-7).
- Exodus 29:1 - "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect."
- Exodus 29:4 - "Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water."
- Exodus 29:7 - "Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head." The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus at His baptism. He was 30 years old. THAT is why He was baptized, to fulfill the Law and to be our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek so He could be a sacrifice for our sins.
Frank: Okay, I've got to think about this for a while.
Matt: Save the transcript and read it, okay?
Frank: okay, no problem.
Baptism is a very important ordinance for the Christian. But it is not what saves us and it is not part of salvation. We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1), not faith and baptism.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Fire of the Lord Part I
Written by: Reinhard Bonnke
Monday, October 01, 2007
God on Fire
“Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?”
(Isaiah 33:14)
The Bible contains over 500 references to fire, linking it with God ninety times. God in action is like a blazing fire, we are told. “The people shall be like the burnings of lime; like thorns cut up they shall be burned in the fire” (Is 33:12). Lime burns slowly and thorns quickly. The fire of God has the same effect on all it touches. Fire is His essential characteristic: “The Lord your God is a consuming fire” (Deut 4:24).
Ezekiel, for example, often uses the language of fire to talk about God, e.g. “I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord” (Ezek 22:31, NIV).
Is your God like that? A God of fire is the only one there is. Our God is like a forest fire, not an iceberg. He is never likened to the moon with its cool light, but rather to the sun, radiating warmth. His dwelling is the light of rising suns. What He does He carries out with intense desire and blazing purposes. He cannot abide anything tepid. There is nothing pastel pink in His presence, pale or anemic, neither one thing nor another.
That is God. Can you take it? Isaiah asks, “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Is 33:14). Who indeed?
Elijah presents us with a real challenge: “The God who answers by fire, He is God” (I Kgs 18:24). Well, if you want to be another Elijah you have to have the God who answers by fire. Can you get along with that sort of religion – incandescent Christianity, hot Gospel, the “fire in your bones” type of faith? Or do you want a casual, easygoing God? The God of Elijah and of Isaiah is never half-hearted, but a God of tireless vigor and total commitment. He is an enthusiast! What He does, He does with fervor: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (2 Kgs 19:31).
Isaiah 33 speaks of God’s consuming anger against wickedness; God being a devouring fire to Israel’s enemies. Then comes the crunch: the fire will have widespread effect. “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. ‘Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” (Is 33:14). Either in or out of Zion He is a devouring fire.
God Does Not Change
God is the same God to everybody, both in the church and in the world. The God who is angry with sinners every day is the God we deal with. He does not change. True partnership with the Lord means being on fire; the God of fire has no fellowship with icicles. He does not get on well with mild, cool, flabby folk who are undisciplined and haphazard and who work in fits and starts, blowing neither hot nor cold. No matter who we are, God does not adapt to please us; we always have to adapt to Him. Is God too much for you? Too zealous, too unremitting in His activity?
Church leaders and pastors represent God, the God of fire. Our ministry is to bring that God into people’s lives, putting fire into their hearts.
Jesus baptizes with fire (Mt 3:11-12, Lk 3:16-17). John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Scholars question whether John the Baptist ever said such words, and if he did what he meant. Some say that his words about Jesus baptizing in the Holy Spirit and fire refer to cleansing Israel and judgment. I am sure they are wrong. When John spoke of a baptism of the Spirit and fire, it was a promise, not a threat, although it was also a kind of forewarning of things to come. Throughout Scripture the fire of God comes both to purge and to bless.
The fire of God is not given to make us cozy, but holy, and to stir us up. When Moses saw the burning bush God first warned him that he was standing on holy ground, and then told him of the great thing He was about to do, to release Israel from the captivity of Pharaoh (Ex 3). When Isaiah was in the temple and it filled with smoke of the burning holiness of God, his awareness of being unclean preceded God’s equipping him to be His messenger.
If the God of fire takes over, it will not be a comfortable experience for those who sit at ease in Zion. The idea of being filled with the Spirit is not to give us nice emotions and lovely church meetings, but to set us going for God. In giving power, Jesus makes His purpose clear: “You shall be witnesses to me” (Acts 1:8). It is glorious to be anointed, but it is for service, not for nice services.
Life Without Fire
Can we live without fire? Not on this earth. Primitive people believed fire was a gift of the gods, and we can certainly appreciate that. As part of God’s preparation of this world for human habitation, fire is as essential as water or air. Without essential warmth, half the population would freeze to death. Without fire there would be no cooking, no metals, no gold and silver jewelry, no glass, no sunlight, and no manufacturing; we would never have seen a steam train or steam ship. We could not imagine a more terrible world. Nobody would want to live on this planet, and in fact nobody could.
The universe is full of fire. The sun is a great globe of incandescence, every star shines by its own fires, and even the center of our planet is fire – a molten iron core. Every volcano is a dynamic illustration of God’s character. He is a Vesuvius of goodness, life and energy.
Some think God is extinct and have published books which claim to demonstrate just that. What happened to God? They may as well ask what happened to the stars. If they are not visible it is because of modern pollution in the atmosphere. That is the price we pay in our great cities – lots of lamps but no stars. These days, the Magi would be hard put to find a star to guide them to Bethlehem. But this is a modern-day parable. People are not finding their way to Jesus because of pollution. We are too clever by half. Nobody can see God through a polluting cloud of doubt and sin. But He is still there, shining for ever.
On the day of Pentecost there was not only fire but also wind. Wind disperses fog and mist. It clears the atmosphere just as surely as fire warms it. The disciples had doubts galore even after Jesus had risen from the dead and spoken to them. We read that Jesus appeared to the eleven as they sat eating a meal together. Some had believed reports of His appearance but others had doubted; Jesus rebuked them for their hardness of heart. But when the winds of God tore the heavens open and swept into the Upper Room, no doubts were left. The tornado and the tongues of fire on every head were no hallucination. Jesus had reached the power center of the universe, just as He had said. He had kept His promise.
Power Beyond the Grave
Jesus did all these things after He had gone from the earth. What a Jesus! Dead? Forgotten? How can a dead man set 120 living people aflame all at once – and first thing in the morning, too? However, He did not come back, stand among them and say, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” You would have thought that for such a historic, vital occasion He might personally have supervised the event. In fact, He did not. The Holy Spirit had come in His place – the Other Comforter. He could be and do all Jesus was, and did. In fact, all Jesus had ever done was by the Spirit.
That is the scale of Pentecost. It is not an insignificant or minor event. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the coming of the Comforter took place in Jerusalem, and the coming of the Holy Spirit occurs in each individual as a personal experience. It is as if Jesus Himself was back again and we are His disciples.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Trial of Faith
If you have faith as a mustard seed . . . nothing will be impossible for you —Matthew 17:20
We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith, and it may be so in the initial stages. But we do not earn anything through faith— faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work. Yet God frequently has to knock the bottom out of your experience as His saint to get you in direct contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of emotional enjoyment of His blessings. The beginning of your life of faith was very narrow and intense, centered around a small amount of experience that had as much emotion as faith in it, and it was full of light and sweetness. Then God withdrew His conscious blessings to teach you to "walk by faith" ( 2 Corinthians 5:7 ). And you are worth much more to Him now than you were in your days of conscious delight with your thrilling testimony.
Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven as trustworthy in our own minds. Faith being worked out into reality must experience times of unbroken isolation. Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, because a great deal of what we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith, as the Bible teaches it, is faith in God coming against everything that contradicts Him— a faith that says, "I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do." The highest and the greatest expression of faith in the whole Bible is— "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" ( Job 13:15 ).
Thursday, October 11, 2007
God’s Silence— Then What?
When He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was —John 11:6Has God trusted you with His silence— a silence that has great meaning? God’s silences are actually His answers. Just think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany! Is there anything comparable to those days in your life? Can God trust you like that, or are you still asking Him for a visible answer? God will give you the very blessings you ask if you refuse to go any further without them, but His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into an even more wonderful understanding of Himself. Are you mourning before God because you have not had an audible response? When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible— with absolute silence, not a silence of despair, but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation. If God has given you a silence, then praise Him— He is bringing you into the mainstream of His purposes. The actual evidence of the answer in time is simply a matter of God’s sovereignty. Time is nothing to God. For a while you may have said, "I asked God to give me bread, but He gave me a stone instead" (see Matthew 7:9 ). He did not give you a stone, and today you find that He gave you the "bread of life" ( John 6:35 ).
A wonderful thing about God’s silence is that His stillness is contagious— it gets into you, causing you to become perfectly confident so that you can honestly say, "I know that God has heard me." His silence is the very proof that He has. As long as you have the idea that God will always bless you in answer to prayer, He will do it, but He will never give you the grace of His silence. If Jesus Christ is bringing you into the understanding that prayer is for the glorifying of His Father, then He will give you the first sign of His intimacy— silence.
My Utmost For His Hightest
Oswald Chambers
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