Bible study group

Every Tuesday evening a number of our friends meet at our home for Bible Study. At the moment we are doing the Book of Acts. These are adults, very busy people who make time to get together to share the word and fellowship together.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)


We read in Deuteronomy 6:4-9,"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (NIV)

What a privilege to be able to share the word with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Adult Bible class by Major Lee Kong Yee.

The day began with  Prayer Meeting at 9.15 a.m. at Praise chapel. It is good to start the day with prayer. In the past we used to have this at 1.30 p,m. I only wish and pray that more people would make the effort to attend the prayer meeting.

This was followed at 9.45 a.m by Adult Bible class  led by Major Lee Kong Yee. Last year, when I indicated my desire to step down after serving for ten years, we did not know who would succeed me. We did not know Major Lee was going to be appointed to Singapore.

But the Lord's timing is always perfect. Major Lee Kong Yee from Kuala Lumpur Corps was appointed to Singapore as Education Officer to train the cadets. He and his wife Irene Chang and two children chose to worship at the William Booth Corps (church). He has very kindly taken over this responsibility. Perfect timing!

He decided to continue with my series on 1 Samuel. He is a Bible scholar and teacher and folk who attended have expressed their appreciation. We thank God for our colleagues and fellow believers for their contribution. God has given us different gifts to build His church. Some serve in the kitchen preparing lunch for the folk, others serve by playing in the band or sing in the songsters, or at the door to welcome visitors.

Adult Bible Class

"The old order changeth, yielding place to new
And God fulfils Himself in many ways,
Lest one good custom should corrupt the world" says Tennyson the poet.

The Bible tells us:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" Ecclesiastes 3: 1

I have been doing the Adult Bible Class at our church for the last ten years and feel it is time I relinquish this responsibility and pass the baton to someone else. The folk need a change which I feel is good for the church.

I shall conclude the series at the end of November this year.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Bible studies on Sunday

I have been conducting the Adult Bible Class for the last ten years at our Church - William Booth Corps. This was initiated by Major Allen Satterlee, our pastor that that time. He himself is an excellent Bible teacher and preacher. Currently he is the Editor in Chief of the War Cry in USA. You can read the publication on line.

He also arranged for Mrs. Lim Li Ching, a retired school teacher, to help me and fill in those Sundays when my wife and I would be away preaching at another church. About once a month he himself would sit in the class to give support and encouragement.

Our Corps Secretary, Terence Tan has also been helping me whenever I needed his input. For the last three weeks Terence did a series of studies on the Inter Testament period, known as the "Silent years." He did a lot of research and presented his lessons using Power Point. Those who attended were truly blessed.

Four hundred silent years, but God was actively working our His purposes. Recall the words of Paul to the Galatians, "When the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." Galatians 4: 4. The incarnation of Christ was God's appointed hour. God's timing is always perfect. It's amazing that God utilizes history to fulfil His purposes.

Bible Study - Dare to be different - 3

Last Saturday, I concluded with the third in the series of studies on the Life of Joseph.
Events moved very quickly. Joseph was released from prison and after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams Joseph gave Pharaoh a survival plan for the next fourteen years. Only 30 years old, Joseph was made in charge of the country's affairs, he was only second to the Pharaoh. He saved the nation from starvation.

The famine spread and before long his brothers were in Egypt looking for food.  His brothers were soon brought into his presence. What an opportunity to get even for the pain and hardship they had caused Joseph.

His Disposition was different
The world lives in the spirit of "an eye for any eye, a tooth for a tooth." It is inherent in human nature to want to take revenge or to retaliate.

After putting his brothers through a series of tests, he discovered the change in their attitude. Judah the brother who had stepped forward with the plan to sell Joseph (37:27) now came forward to take Benjamin's punishment so that Benjamin could return to the father. Now Joseph was convinced his brothers had changed for the better.

Joseph could no longer control himself (45: 1) What a dramatic moment when events reached a climax with the revelation, "I am Joseph!" The response met with silence. We are told "His brothers could not answer him for they were dismayed  (literally terrified) at his presence." Joseph did not just revealed his identity, but he revealed also his perspective. "You sold me... but God sent me." (45:5)  Seeing God at work in his life had prevented him from being bitter. We today have the assurance of Romans 8: 28 " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "

Joseph  has given us a wonderful model of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy - it is not overlooking the wrong, nor excusing the wrong, nor minimising the wrong. "The miracle of forgiving is the creation of a new beginning. It does not always take away the hurt. It does not deny the past injury. It merely refuses to let them stand in the way of a new start. (Lewis B Smedes) Amazing grace how sweet the sound. A greater than Joseph nailed to the cross prayed the prayer of forgiveness for those who had cruelly put Him there. The world has its standards, but as Christians let us dare to be different and practise the standards of Christ - the disposition to forgive.

"The two primary causes of emotional stress are the failure to forgive and the failure to receive forgiveness." David Seaman in "Healing for Damaged emotions."

His Destiny made him different
Joseph was thrown into the pit, then into prison, and ended up in the palace! All the time, the Lord was with him.

We have a greater destiny than that. We were lifted up out of the horrible pit, the pit of sin. We were delivered from the prison of despair and "To him who overcomes, I will give him the right to sit with me on the throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne." Rev, 3: 21
"You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Isaiah 61: 6

John writting Revelation in exile on the island of Patmos desires to encourage his audience who lived under severe persecution gives us wonderful pictures of the destiny of believers. We shall reign forever with Him who sits upon the throne.

Secrets of Fruitfulness in the life of Joseph.
Fellowship with God. Joseph enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God. Gen. 37: 5, 9;  39: 2, 21, 40: 8
Favour with God and man. Gen. 37: 3,  39: 4, 21;   41: 39-41
Faithfulness in his responsibilities. Gen. 37: 2. 39: 6, 22, 23
Fear of God Gen. 39: 7-20
Forgiving nature. Gen. 50: 19-21,  40: 14-15

Bible Study - Dare to be different (2)

Last Saturday 19th May, we had the second of the series of Bible study on the life of Joseph.  This was held at the chapel at THQ.

The brothers were annoyed when they heard Joseph, the favourite in the family describe his dreams. The dreams were suggestive of his future greatness and exaltation.To add fuel to fire his filial duty and sense of accountability compelled him to make honest report concerning his unworthy brothers.

Jacob sent Joseph to look for the brothers who were pasturing their flocks at Shechem. Joseph found them at Dothan. There, Joseph was thrown into a pit and then later sold as a slave and was taken into Egypt. He became a servant to Potiphar.

His Dedication was different.
Obviously he must be a very good servant to Potiphar, totally dedicated to his work. We see a sequence of events (39: 1-6) which culminated in his promotion to high office in Potiphar's household. The Lord was with Joseph; hence his lovely attitude and effectiveness. Potiphar increased Joseph's authority and responsibility and let him handle everything except the food Potiphar ate. Potiphar's household was blessed because of the presence and dedication of Joseph.

Joseph was a man of integrity. As Christians we are expected to be people of total integrity. Let us be intentional in holy living.

Later Joseph was wrongly accused and put into prison. Whether in Potiphar's mansion or in prison, he maintained that sense of dedication. As prisoner and slave he could have become bitter, but the Lord was with him and he continued to be dedicated to whatever responsibility given him. Even the Chief prison officer made him in charge of other prisoners.

As the days passed thoughts of his own adverse circumstances receded from his mind. In prison he noticed people who were sad and needed help. He was able to interpret the dreams of two prisoners. He used his gift of interpreting dreams as a ministry even in prison. As the Lord's servant we can always engage in minstry no matter where we are placed or under what circumstances.

His Devotion was different.
Joseph was not only dedicated to his work, he was also devoted to the Lord and his master. Let us give total devotion to our duty regardless of who is the master. Although they were not of the same faith and race, Joseph served Potiphar faithfully and gave him full devotion.

Potiphar's wife tried many times to seduce Joseph (39: 6-12), but Joseph did not yield to temptation. Joseph a man of God would not sin against the Lord. Sexual sin is not just between two consenting adults, it is an act of disobedience to God. One day when they were alone together, she made a desperate attempt by grabbing him by his coat. Joseph fled from the scene. Sometimes we need more than avoiding temptation, we have to flee from it.

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, not hell a fury like a woman scorned." William Congreve. Potiphar's wife's infatuation turned to cold hatred.

The lady committed perjury. She turned the tables and accused Joseph of attempted rape. The result, Joseph was thrown into prison.

Bible Study - Dare to be different (1)

Last Saturday I began a series of Bible studies entitled "DARE TO BE DIFFERENT" -a study on the life of Joseph. I was told that 20 youth leaders had registered, but about fifty people turned up! Praise the Lord, there is hunger for God's word.

Today we live in a culture of copying or imitating. We are afraid of peer pressure; we like to conform, because we all like to be well thought of. Everyone is doing it. We sometimes use the term 'today's culture' or the 'done thing' - relevance! I’m all for relevance, but do not use this word to cover our own lack of courage to stand up for our convictions.

Joseph in the Old Testament dared to be different! Joseph as a teen ager was the favourite son of Jacob (Israel) His self assurance, moulded by pain and combined with personal knowledge of God allowed him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won the hearts of people he encountered - Potiphar, the keeper of the prison, other prisoners and even the king and finally his ten brothers.

The first lesson covered two points:

His dress was different Joseph's coat of many colours, or richly ornamented robe, a tunic of long sleeves, was symbol of authority. Jacob did not hide his preference for Joseph. The dress or robe symbolized pre-eminence, superiority and status. It marked him out as a white collar worker while his brothers were blue collar ones. More than physical dress we want to emphasise the importance of our spiritual garment of Christian behaviour. We put away the old garment of sin and unrighteousness and put on the garments of righteousness provided by the Father though the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

His dreams were different. God used visions and dreams to communicate with many throughout the Bible. God is sovereign and He can communicate using whatever means that suit His purpose. Best of all today He communicates with us through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

Our dreams during sleep are coloured by our thoughts during waking hours. Our secret fears and longings find expression in our dreams. We describe our longings, our hopes, and our ambitions as our dreams. Dreams or visions give us direction and increases our potential. It enables us to prioritise, adds value to our work. When in Christ our dreams our dreams are different from the dreams of the people of the world. For us let our dream be to fulfil the mission of saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity to the glory of God.

Wait, watch and work

I did Bible class today and dwelt on Revelation chapter 16. John in his vision presents the third group of seven judgments depicting the climax and the end. It is interesting to read the comments of Dr. Billy Graham on this subject,

"The sigh of insecurity heard across the world is perhaps the death rattle of civilisation as we have known it. We have reached and impasse. On the human level the situation seems hopeless. Events are now in the hands of God. It is His turn to act, and the Scripture promises that He will. He is the Lord of history, Nothing is taking God by surprise. Events are moving rapidly toward a climax, but it will be God's climax.

Every private conversation I hold with world leaders indicates that they all believe we are moving towards this climax, and that we stand at the threshold of either world destruction or a new era of mankind."

Before we can contemplate the glories of Messiah's rule, John shows us, we must see how judgment is intensified until one decisive stroke destroys the whole fabric of civilisation.

Seven appointed angels pour out seven bowls of God's wrath. Each is universal in its reach and unique in its horror.

It is a call for us to live in a state of preparedness.In view of the imminent crisis involved in the battle between God and the forces of evil, Jesus Himself counsels the church to be ready for the day. It will come like a thief - no thought of furtiveness, nor suddenness of the Lord's return, but unexpectedness. Paul likens the coming of Christ to the coming of a thief ( 1 Thess. 5: 2) For those who are awake to His coming, the return of our Lord will be no surprising, unexpected event but a glad deliverance from this chaotic world in which we find ourselves. Let us wait, watch and work till the Lord comes.

Adult Bible class at William Booth Corps

Glory and Doom – Revelation 14

The portrait of the beast in Revelation 13 is ugly, but not fantastic – this realism about the monster of evil. He storms and rages for he knows his end is near. Christ’s witnesses are not intimidated. They have to choose between worshipping the beast or die. Faced with these stark alternatives and pressured by the economic monopoly of the Antichrist some caved in, others triumphed.

These last two Sundays, we focussed our thoughts on Chapter 14. The first vision is one of assurance of the struggling church. The Sermon on the Mount claims that rejoicing in persecution is possible, sustained by the hope of future reward. (Matt. 5: 11) John’s visions encourage us with foreviews of ultimate glory.

This morning we concentrated on the message of the three angels. The first calls the world to worship. The message is the eternal gospel. There is hope still for all before the final trumpet is blown – the seventh trumpet.

The second angel announces the everlasting doom of the lost. We are given the messages of ‘fire and brimstone’ – traditional symbols of destruction, dating back to the fate of Sodom of Gomorrah in Genesis 19. The doctrine of hell is not a popular one in our generation. We cannot avoid it simply because we do not like it.

Torments meted out to the impenitent, the rebellious, the wicked are self imposed. They do not express Divine vindictiveness. God is love and does not delight in the suffering of His children.

John is not writing to frighten pagans, he is writing to fortify Christians. The beast had set before them the ultimatum “Bow down or die.” God through John has His alternatives “Refuse the beast and suffer physical death” or “Reject the gospel and Christ and suffer eternal death.” This message in John’s vision reinforces the teaching of Jesus in the gospels.

Let us keep God’s commandments, heed His warnings. The lesson ends with a beautiful verse often used at funerals, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. They will rest from their labour…” This is where we get the phrase, “Rest in peace” in short RIP.

What we take with us into eternity is not material possessions; but our faith and character. Let seek His grace to keep us faithful even unto death.

The hour passed very quickly. I’ve been much encouraged by the response from our folk who love the Scriptures and feel it is worth their while to get up early to join us in searching the Scriptures.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday. Crowds lined the street to welcome Jesus. They were exuberant; some threw their garments on the dusty road for the donkey to walk. Why? That animal had a special rider on it - Jesus. They waved Palm branches jubilantly and enthusiastically in the air. They shouted 'hosannas.' By the time the the parade reached the city the whole city was roused. This day marked time of celebration where Jesus was welcomed and worshipped.

The crowd was eager to support Him when He gave them what they wanted. There is such a thing as bought loyalty that depends on favours, or to put it bluntly on bribes. Recall after the feeding of the five thousand, they wanted to make Jesus King. Jesus had to leave them for He did not want to rule an earthly kingdom. To do so would have sidetracked Him from His eternal purpose. His mission was to establish the Kingdom of God, the spiritual kingdom throughout the entire world.

Less than a week later the people, were shouting "crucify Him." We assume they were the same people who welcomed Him on Palm Sunday. If that was so, then I can describe them as fickle. Human fickleness! We see this every day in our society. Fickleness is due to lack of commitment. A committed faith is not blocked by personal trial or crisis or benefits withdrawn.

Many come to God expecting everything to be good. Maybe some hiccups here and there, every now and again. But when a real crisis comes, when the bottom drops out for us, we raise the question, "Why? Why should this happen to me?" We blame God. A committed faith in God takes the good and bad. O we need to examine our faith - is it casual or committed?

During the discussion in our Adult Bible class, one member. Bruce came up with the thought that it could be possible the people which shouted "crucify Him" was a different crowd from the one which welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday. He suggested that this crowd could be paid by the chief priests and enemies of Christ to demonstrate during the trial. Bribery! Quite possible. Again we come to the subject of human greed or materialism. In some countries, voters are paid to vote! They vote not for the good or interest of the country, but for personal gain.

Well it was an interesting study of the attitude towards Jesus on the two different occasions.

God has given us the gift of free will - we are allowed to choose. We can accept Him or reject Him. I am reminded of the poem written by our poet General John Gowans called "choice"

Is choice a tragedy?
It seems to me
It very often is,
But must it be?
Would it be
If I couldn't choose?
Lord, in your mercy
Teach me how to use
The precious power
You dangerously given
To choose the way I work,
The way I live.

I don't ask You
To take the gift away,
But guide me in my choices,
Everyday.

The sifting of Peter

Our Lent Bible study was on Peter. Jesus warned him about the fierceness of Satan's power. Satan would sift him as wheat. Peter failed miserably, but it was not a lasting or permanent kind of failure. After his denial of Jesus, he went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22: 61-62) The Holy Spirit brought to Peter's memory the words of Jesus, "I have prayed for you." They brought hope and comfort to his soul.Peter also recalled the instruction, "When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers."

Peter was the first disciple to reach the tomb when they were told that Jesus had risen. He was on the beach with the risen Lord when He said, "Peter, feed my sheep. Peter was there worshipping when Jesus was translated to Glory. Peter became a mighty preacher and missionary and leader of the church. We fail sometimes, but failure need not be final.

I am reminded of the song written by John Gowans in the musical "Jesus Folk"

Knowing my failings, knowing my fears,
Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears.
Jesus recall me, me re-ordain;
You know I love you, use me again.

I have no secrets unknown to you,
No special graces, talents are few;
Yet your intention I would fulfill;
You know I love you, ask what you will.

For the far future I cannot see,
Promise your presence, travel with me;
Sunshine or shadows? I cannot tell;
You know I love you, all will be well.

Envy

Many years ago (in the 1930's) as a child attending Sunday School at Balestier Corps (church) I learned this chorus which I've not forgotten.

"Root them out, get them gone,
All the little bunnies in the fields of corn.
Envy, jealousy, malice, pride,
These must never in my heart abide"

Envy is a feeling of discontent with regard to some other person's advantages, success, possessions, talents, gifts etc - an emotion that wells up in a person's heart when he sees someone in a better position. Low self esteem may be the cause. Envy and jealousy can ruin reputations, splits churches, break up friendships and even cause murders. Envy originates in the warped heart of man.

What triggered envy in the chief priests against Jesus? There were many reasons."They feared Him because the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching." Mark 11: 18. "They listened to Him with delight" Mark 12: 37. The chief priests could not bear the sight of the crowds following Jesus. The priests could not stomach our Lord's popularity.

The last straw was when Jesus entered the Temple and cleansed it by driving out the money changers, overturning the benches of those selling pigeons and doves. Jesus took a bold move against the established religious racket. Ah, it hurt their pockets. It disrupted their business and destroyed their profits during the Passover Festival.

Why did Jesus do it? The Temple was a house of prayer , but the priests had abused God's house by having a lucrative business. Jesus referred to "the den of thieves." Jesus wanted all people of all nations to worship without restrictions; the priests restricted worship to the rich, to those who could afford and willing to pay exorbitant fees for sacrificial animals.

That was our Adult Bible study for Sunday 3rd April. Our thoughts during the Lent season are focused on the events leading to Calvary.

Let us examine our own hearts and let the Lord speak to us. They may be things that we need to get rid of right now.

Search me, O Lord and know my heart day,
Try me O Saviour and know my thoughts I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me,
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free."

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Our Bible study this morning was on "Mary the Mother of Jesus" Mrs. Lim Li Ching took us through the various portions of Scripture showing the role Mary played in the life of Jesus beginning from the Christmas story.

Then we moved on to "the boy Jesus at the temple (Luke 2: 41-51); 'the wedding at Cana' (John 2: 1-12) where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. Our focus then moved on to 'Mary at the cross of Jesus.' The close mother-son relationship now had to be severed by death and replaced by the John-Mary relationship. Finally we moved to 'Mary and the apostles.' Luke provided this final glimpse when he stated that after the Ascension, Mary joined in continual prayer with the apostles (Acts 1: 14) Nothing more is recorded of her. Mary had fulfilled her task of bearing the Messiah. Once this work was accomplished she had to join other believers and be like them. When Luke recorded Peter's Pentecostal speech of Paul's work, he made no reference of Mary. Her place was in the church not in heaven as the dispensatrix of grace.

It was a very interesting study of Mary whom we honour by giving her the dignity that is hers in Scripture. However, we do not worship her. We worship God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - the Holy Trinity.

I am very grateful to Mrs. Lim Li ching for role she plays in our Adult Bible class. Every now and then she takes a couple of studies. This allows me to have break especially when we have to conduct meetings either at our own or another church.

Six women named Mary

Yesterday in our Bible study, Mrs. Lim Li Ching spoke on five of the six Marys in the New Testament. A number of those attended were surprised to learn that the meaning of Mary, or Marian, Miriam. It means "the fat one."

Mary Magdalene whom Jesus cast out seven demons from her is sometimes mistakenly identified with the Mary in Luke 7 referred to as "the sinner" On the day of the resurrection she was among the first who went to the tomb to bring spices to Jesus.

Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. We remember her as the one who sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha was busy in the kitchen. Mary was very much devoted to Jesus. She anointed the feet of Jesus.

Mary, mother of James and Joseph was probably the wife of Clopas. She was with the first group at the empty tomb.

Mary the mother of John Mark who helped Paul and Barnabas.

Mary of Rome one of the 24 people Paul greeted.

Next week in this Lenten series we shall be looking at Mary, mother of Jesus.

Sunday Adult Bible study

We continued with our studies on the Book of Revelation and yesterday it was our 30th lesson. Chapter 12 deals with John's vision of "The Woman, the war with the dragon and the wilderness." John sees the picture of a woman clothed with the brightness of the sun standing on the moon and wearing a crown of stars. She is pregnant and in the pains of labour. Then he sees a dragon with seven heads and ten horns, wearing seven crowns. The dragon strikes down one third of the stars and throws them to earth, desiring to devour the baby to whom the woman is giving birth. She gives birth to the child who is to lead the nations, and he is taken away by God so the dragon cannot get him. The woman flees into the wilderness where she is cared for by God for the time.

Wow a picture! John is using apocalyptic language. We spent time trying to understand the literature and metaphors. The hour passed extremely quickly any many questions were asked and discussed.

Actually we were swept back through the centuries to a date preceding the Advent of Christ. This leap shows us the important point about time in Revelation which embodies a series of visions, but not necessary of visions of successive events. John Stott puts it, "This book is not like a film showing the continuous unfolding of one story, but a series of lantern slides depicting the same landscape from different angles." This is not to deny that there is any chronological progress. Revelation does portray real development in history, moving towards the End.

Here is no mistaking who the Child was - the Messiah.We learned in our lesson the portion refers to two main themes - One is the Exodus how God led His people, then continuing to show images that depict spiritual warfare. Satan can inflict much harm, but he cannot stop the work of Christ. The day will come when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. "Philippians 2: 10-11

I am glad in retirement I am able to concentrate on my Bible study and share with my fellow church members the truths of the word. We can learn much from the Book to help us in our everyday living. Revelation is essentially a book of worship. True it predicts future events, but is is important that while on earth we live lives pleasing to God and eventually we shall meet Him face to face.

Search the Scriptures

A lot of my time is spent in reading and searching the Scriptures. I've been greatly blessed and thank God for the opportunity of sharing the word with others every week.

Among Bible believing Christians there are those who believe the Bible is so simple that there is no need for anyone to explain the Scriptures to us. They claim ‘we have the Holy Spirit to instruct us.’ They claim they have been in the church for many years, they know all the stories of the Bible, and there is no further need for any Bible study.

Let’s face facts. The Bible was written so many years ago on so many different subjects. People lived in cultures very different from ours. We do need the help of commentaries and people who have spent time prayerfully searching and studying the Bible.

We attend church not just to worship but to hear the word of God explained to us. What an awesome responsibility is placed upon our preachers and teachers of the word. Let us search the Scriptures and learn the truths God has for us.

No one should stop learning. In life we keep pursuing knowledge. There is so much to learn about our Christian faith and it is important that we know the word of God as revealed in the Bible.

Study the Bible to be wise; believe it to be safe; practise it to be holy. Search the Scriptures and you will be richly rewarded.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to illumine our minds (1 John 2: 20, 27). He has also appointed ‘pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4: 11, cf Acts 20: 28, 1 Pet. 5: 2) God works through means for the salvation and sanctification of His saints (meaning Christians) He uses pastors, teachers and in Salvation Army terminology, officers and local officers who are held accountable by God for the spiritual well being of people in the church.

Let us pray this prayer:

Break Thou the bread of life,
O Lord to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves
Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page
I seek Thee Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee.
O living Word (SASB 650)

The Bliss of Heaven

This morning we focussed our thoughts on Revelation 7. The hour passed very quickly as we shared our thoughts on the subject.

John sees a crowd of people so vast that it cannot be numbered, standing before the throne of the Lamb of God. The multitude comes from all walks of life - people of every tribe and nation, no division in cast or pedigree, no separation of colour or wealth or language, all in Christ, all glorifying Christ.

This beautiful scene ends with that verse that has brought comfort to millions of people in our sorrowful world "And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Well there are different attitudes shown by people when we talk about the 'blessed hope.' Some are apathetic, some hostile, some fearful, but to those who are right with God live with joyful expectancy for this wonderful day when Jesus comes again.

Around the throne of God - Revelation

We had our usual Adult Bible study on Revelation this morning. We focused our thoughts on the 'four living creatures' in Revelation 4. These creatures vibrant with life, neither need nor seek rest as they surround God's throne in praise and worship. The four representations are the same as in Ezekiel -faces of man, lion, ox and eagle. They stand for pre-eminence -man the crown of creation supreme in wisdom and ability; lion the king of beasts; the ox greatest among domestic animals and servant to man; eagle, king of the air and swiftest of birds. All these are symbols that stand for pre-eminence and superiority in creation. They all surround the throne of God in worship and praise.

The 24 elders inspired by the song of the angels raise their voices in praise and adoration to God. The angels praise God for His essential nature, the eternal 'who was, and is and is to come.'The 24 elders for the glory of His created works 'for you have created all things.

Let us give God our praise and worship now and not wait to we get to Heaven, God's Throne Room. Yes the day will surely come but in the meantime remember

"God is still on the throne, and He will remember His own;
Though trials my press us and burdens distress us, He never will leave us along.
God is still on the throne and He will remember His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you, God is still on the throne." Chorus 122 SASB)

When we sing hymns such as "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea.... Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee..." etc we are singing Revelation.

When we sing "All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing" we are singing Revelation.

Adult Bible Study - Revelation

The theme of the first three chapters of Revelation is 'Christ in the church.' We learned some valuable lessons about Christian living and what the church should be. Today we came to the next segment of the Book beginning from Chapter 4 - Christ in the world.

John gets a glimpse of Heaven and God's throne - what is it like, the wonder of wonders, the layout. What an awesome view he shares with us. From spiritual stocktaking and self searching, we turn to the Throne of God. John is invited to the very courts of glory. He has seen on earth the church with its strength and weaknesses, success and failures. He heard the words of commendation and condemnation and the plea to repentance. Now he sees perfection of worship and service in heaven.

The radiant beauty of God is beyond description. John shuns the use of anthropomorphism to describe God. Instead he depicts His glory and brightness and compares Him to precious jewels. God is seen as perfect purity, justice and mercy.

One day this vision will become reality and we will be there. So the call today is for us to be faithful, to persist in our faith and determination, to continue on our pilgrim journey till He calls us home. Our God is worthy of our worship. Imagine, some day we will join the holy angels and behold this beautiful scene and there bow to Him in worship and humble adoration.

The Hymn writer has captured this beautiful scene in the song,

"Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story,
Of the Christ who died for me;
Sing it with the saints in glory
Gathered by the crystal sea, (SASB 337)

Maranatha!

Paul's perspectives

First Sunday in January, we resumed our Adult Bible Studies after a month's break. This morning we continued with our studies on the letter to the Philippians. We studied Paul's perspectives on pain and pettiness (Philippians 1: 12-18)

Although in prison Paul continued to witness for Christ. He made a deep impression on the guards as well as the workers in Caesar's household. We learned one very important fact - Paul got on top of his circumstances. How easy it is for us to succumb to circumstances and situations. I pray daily that His grace will enable me to be 'more than conquerors' even over the most difficult of circumstances.

Nothing could rob Paul of the joy in the Lord. Even in prison he could write "Rejoice in the Lord." The secret - he had the right goal. He focused on Christ and had the attitude of his Lord.