Are you hungry for God? As I meditate on the passage from John 6: 30-51, God asked me this provoking question. Notwithstanding the providence from God including the miraculous, I am chastened to reflect on my longing for God. Insidious is my coveting of worldly things and repugnant is my pursuit of worldly passions; I tremble at the knowledge that the nature of the old Adamic man still reigns in my heart.
"For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (v33) I ask myself, " Do I look to the true bread that condescended from heaven to give me eternal life?" Many times, I have failed to. Oh how blind I am to see Him..
What struck me in this passage is Jesus exposing the tough, fibrous roots of fallen life in our hearts by juxtaposing the bread(food) that sustains life on earth with the bread of eternal life - Himself. While there is no question of the importance of food, Jesus leads us to untangle ourselves from the disillusionment of self-life sustenance and draws us to the realities of our soul poverty. The real question is then, "What is our deepest need?"
Jesus demands a moral response. He always, doesn't He? In our pursuit of life, may we look to the Son and believe in Him and His promise is that we shall have eternal life (v40).
God, give me a deeper longing for the Bread of Life, whom You give so freely and lovingly. May You also draw me closer to You, that I may know You, the only true God.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Bread of God - Believe in the One
After Sunday's sermon in Cornerstone Church about the presence of God, I was led to read John 6:25-71. This passage is really rich so I will chew on it bit by bit.
This passage follows the miracle of feeding the Five Thousand with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus was then pursued by the crowd who witnessed the miraculous sign, to Capernaum. From 6:25-29, what struck me was the crowd's motivation of seeking Jesus. As correctly pointed out by Jesus, they are looking for Jesus, "not because they saw miraculous signs, but because they ate the loaves and had their fill" (v26). What it speaks to me is that the unspiritual crowd did not see God beyond the miracle but instead they see only the material prospects of following Jesus; their eyes were fixed on the natural and not the supernatural.
Ever wondered the purpose of miracles? Well miracles can only point to a supernatural being, with powers beyond human comprehension. However, the human mind, dulled by ontological inversion, likes to frame miracles into the categories of "coincidence" or "luck" and deny the omnipotence of God. Whereas in the Bible, we see that miracles have the purpose of making people amazed and awed, thereby opening the eyes of their heart to God.
Well at the same time, miracles are not just acts of God; it requires human endeavour too (v27); without Man, God will not. However, what we must caution ourselves is the complete dismissal of God in the picture.
So my takeaway from this passage is to constantly look out for the hand of God in the miracles that take place, and this calls for belief in the One that God has sent - Jesus Christ (v29).
There can be miracles when we believe. May God work in us the will to believe in His Son to move the mountains, to make possible impossibilities.
This passage follows the miracle of feeding the Five Thousand with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus was then pursued by the crowd who witnessed the miraculous sign, to Capernaum. From 6:25-29, what struck me was the crowd's motivation of seeking Jesus. As correctly pointed out by Jesus, they are looking for Jesus, "not because they saw miraculous signs, but because they ate the loaves and had their fill" (v26). What it speaks to me is that the unspiritual crowd did not see God beyond the miracle but instead they see only the material prospects of following Jesus; their eyes were fixed on the natural and not the supernatural.
Ever wondered the purpose of miracles? Well miracles can only point to a supernatural being, with powers beyond human comprehension. However, the human mind, dulled by ontological inversion, likes to frame miracles into the categories of "coincidence" or "luck" and deny the omnipotence of God. Whereas in the Bible, we see that miracles have the purpose of making people amazed and awed, thereby opening the eyes of their heart to God.
Well at the same time, miracles are not just acts of God; it requires human endeavour too (v27); without Man, God will not. However, what we must caution ourselves is the complete dismissal of God in the picture.
So my takeaway from this passage is to constantly look out for the hand of God in the miracles that take place, and this calls for belief in the One that God has sent - Jesus Christ (v29).
There can be miracles when we believe. May God work in us the will to believe in His Son to move the mountains, to make possible impossibilities.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Are u prepared for eternity?
Because God's children are human beings - made of flesh and blood - the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. - Hebrews 2 : 14
This week and the last has been a very solemn period for me. I had to attend 2 state ceremonial funerals. As most of you already know, 2 coast guard officers lost their lives in the line of duty. At first I thought to myself that it was very "leychey" to attend the ceremony because it was very rush, and I didn't know them personally. However instructions from higher up that all available have to show support and attend.
2 things came to mind at the ceremonial. 1. How I want to be remembered when I die 2. Am I prepared for eternity
I think these are the questions we don't ask ourselves everyday that we ought to ponder from time to time.
I couldn't help but feel sorrow throughout the ceremonial. Although it wasn't someone close to me, the sight of the family members faces just broke my heart. It reminded me of Lord of the Rings, when the son of king Theoden died. Theoden said : "No father should have to bury his son"
Aren't you glad that God himself had to "bury" his son? Not that God did not love his son, but his love for us far exceeds our understanding. Ephesians 3 : 18 - And may you have to power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
This is not a message of sorrow and despair, but a message of boldness and courage. That we should face each day like Paul did. Philippians 1 : 20 - For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
Joshua Lau
This week and the last has been a very solemn period for me. I had to attend 2 state ceremonial funerals. As most of you already know, 2 coast guard officers lost their lives in the line of duty. At first I thought to myself that it was very "leychey" to attend the ceremony because it was very rush, and I didn't know them personally. However instructions from higher up that all available have to show support and attend.
2 things came to mind at the ceremonial. 1. How I want to be remembered when I die 2. Am I prepared for eternity
I think these are the questions we don't ask ourselves everyday that we ought to ponder from time to time.
I couldn't help but feel sorrow throughout the ceremonial. Although it wasn't someone close to me, the sight of the family members faces just broke my heart. It reminded me of Lord of the Rings, when the son of king Theoden died. Theoden said : "No father should have to bury his son"
Aren't you glad that God himself had to "bury" his son? Not that God did not love his son, but his love for us far exceeds our understanding. Ephesians 3 : 18 - And may you have to power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
This is not a message of sorrow and despair, but a message of boldness and courage. That we should face each day like Paul did. Philippians 1 : 20 - For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
Joshua Lau
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Know God's Authority - Living Strong with the Shield of Faith
dear cell, this is the summary of the sermon. Before this, kudos to all who have made the little but significant changes to the blog. Can we make this blog both inward n outward looking?
Ed, can you lead the bros in thinking about how we can make this blog more outward looking.
Subject: How to live strong with the Shield of faith. (reading: Eph 6:13)
Compliments:
1. Start walking in faith
-Things in the spiritual realm are done according to our faith. (Scripture ref Mat 9:29, Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you")
- Faith is actively moving in God's power. (Scripture ref Mat 17:20, 20He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.")
- We walk by faith and not by sight. (Scripture ref 2 Cor 5:7) faith calls for stepping out.
2. Faith is living in God's presence
Scripture reference: Eph 3:12, Eph 3:14-21
the references spoke about faith being found in God's presence.
The key idea is therefore to walk close with God. To tap into His infinite presence that is readily available and not intermittent. The devil may throw arrows of accusation and defamation that we are not good enough. Well, without grace no one is good enough to enter HIs presence. But thank God that Jesus Christ has died for us, by His blood, we are accepted into God's presence.
3. Faith is pressing on to the end.
Faith is not static but requires us to move and lay hold.
Application:
If we give out of our riches and within our means, it is charity and not giving.
if it is readily within our means to accomplish something, it is not faith.
it is the season to look far and ask big.
Joshua C : Pray and write to 5 pple next week, to bless them in showing that Jesus is a God who loves.
Ed: 3 Acts of kindness and written notes to bless others showing that Jesus is a God who loves.
Selva: Thank God for 10 people in your battalion whom have helped you. Bless them and pray for them during your training.
Teck: Share the gospel with 5 people this week.
the "people"spoken hereforth are non christians and can be total strangers.
will need to hear from Lau, Elvis and Eric. Please update your goals here this week.
i believe we are going in the right direction, in sowing to reach out to the lost. I have just contracted mumps, well jus when you think only kids will get them. Nope and it has serious consequences for adults, so please be prayin for me.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Encounter with God!
God works in everyone's life. He works thru me, you and whosoever has faith in him. At tis pt of time..CPT Teck will ask, where in tha bible, tells u tis? John 6:27-29: "What must we do to do the works God requires?" .. The rest of the passage, read it up? Know what the Lord has bestowed upon us. All of us has the power to live up to God's will for us, but sometimes our faith in the wrong things diverts our purposeful focus and thus leading to worship in Church only.
Fear is something that's provoking some crossroads that aren't meant to be. When approached to CPT Teck about it.. Fear is putting Faith in the wrong things. It was said then and needs to be said again. The evil forces are constantly in action to put us out of business but Brothers then again, our prayers needs to be put forefront in the first line of defense against evil. Psalm 91. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
This week was a blessed one because I felt the Lord's hand on me, his protection. Protecting me even when friends of mine brought up evil issues. Psalm 91 was a strong prayer to overwhelm me fr the arrows of evil. Praise the Lord!! Last but not least, sometimes God speaks thru people like CPT Teck and our very own Brothers. Let us all be receptive of Lord's call unto us. Bless you guys. Hope u hv a gr8 weekend ahead.
Fear is something that's provoking some crossroads that aren't meant to be. When approached to CPT Teck about it.. Fear is putting Faith in the wrong things. It was said then and needs to be said again. The evil forces are constantly in action to put us out of business but Brothers then again, our prayers needs to be put forefront in the first line of defense against evil. Psalm 91. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
This week was a blessed one because I felt the Lord's hand on me, his protection. Protecting me even when friends of mine brought up evil issues. Psalm 91 was a strong prayer to overwhelm me fr the arrows of evil. Praise the Lord!! Last but not least, sometimes God speaks thru people like CPT Teck and our very own Brothers. Let us all be receptive of Lord's call unto us. Bless you guys. Hope u hv a gr8 weekend ahead.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Love the LORD!!!!!!
This is the first time im using a blog...
Never ever do a blog before...
When i was watching tv that time...
GOD just prompt me to go internet to use the Biblegateway.com to type in this word PEACE
then it came to a verse Joshua 21:44
44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them.
at first i don't know what GOD is trying to say to me...
but as i read on i slowly understand...
He is saying peace is enough for me now is time to fight the war...
GOD wants us to fight and now always seek his peace...
we seem to always seek his peace to be upon us...
but from now on i will fight this war in my school for HIM...
so cell lets fight together... to win your own marketplace for HIM!!!!!
bless you people with a great week....
elvis siging off
Never ever do a blog before...
When i was watching tv that time...
GOD just prompt me to go internet to use the Biblegateway.com to type in this word PEACE
then it came to a verse Joshua 21:44
44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them.
at first i don't know what GOD is trying to say to me...
but as i read on i slowly understand...
He is saying peace is enough for me now is time to fight the war...
GOD wants us to fight and now always seek his peace...
we seem to always seek his peace to be upon us...
but from now on i will fight this war in my school for HIM...
so cell lets fight together... to win your own marketplace for HIM!!!!!
bless you people with a great week....
elvis siging off
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Reflections
Aleph
Joyful are the people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
As I learn your righteousness regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! - Psalm 119 : 1 - 8
Firstly I'd like to thank God for an opportunity to share with some of my crew about easter on sunday night. They were asking me which came first? - Good Friday, Easter, or the Passover.
So I was explaining the passover was practiced before the cruxifiction of Jesus as sacrifices to God for the atonement of sin. (This is still practised by muslims today) So that judgement will not come on to those who obeyed. (The first passover is found in Exodus 12) Frankly speaking, to declare something like that for the first time was a breakthrough for me. Praise God! =)
Anyway I was thinking again what I should be doing for devotion. Sometimes you just find it hard what God wants to tell you. Then i remembered what Teck said on sunday: "Great men take time to reflect". Its not always the case of "Lord, What do you want to tell me today?"
But "Lord, What have you told me before that I should remember?"
I believe it is safer to refer back to the notes taken every week than to flip through the Bible blindly and choose a topic out of convenience. <-- Do correct me if I'm wrong! ;) Know God's Rest - Living Free with the boots of peace. Ephesians 6 : 13 - 15
One of Satan's deadliest weapons is to destroy our relationships with other people. E.g. alienation, suspicion...
Be at peace with God - When we are at peace with God, everything else falls into alignment and harmony. Eph 2 : 12 - 18, Romans 5 : 1
If we are not having a peaceful relationship with someone, it is because we are not at peace with God. Please do not be mistaken. If you are persecuted because of the gospel and thus causing your friend to avoid you (Ps ceasar said during the G12 conference :"When you please God, you will lose friends.") and someone having something personal against you, knowing you are a christian, is totally different.
To end off... In this chaotic world we live in, we can still have the peace that surpasses all understanding. And that is at the centre of God's will --> In the midst of the hurricane, the eye of the storm is peaceful.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26 : 3
joshua lau
Joyful are the people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!
Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
As I learn your righteousness regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! - Psalm 119 : 1 - 8
Firstly I'd like to thank God for an opportunity to share with some of my crew about easter on sunday night. They were asking me which came first? - Good Friday, Easter, or the Passover.
So I was explaining the passover was practiced before the cruxifiction of Jesus as sacrifices to God for the atonement of sin. (This is still practised by muslims today) So that judgement will not come on to those who obeyed. (The first passover is found in Exodus 12) Frankly speaking, to declare something like that for the first time was a breakthrough for me. Praise God! =)
Anyway I was thinking again what I should be doing for devotion. Sometimes you just find it hard what God wants to tell you. Then i remembered what Teck said on sunday: "Great men take time to reflect". Its not always the case of "Lord, What do you want to tell me today?"
But "Lord, What have you told me before that I should remember?"
I believe it is safer to refer back to the notes taken every week than to flip through the Bible blindly and choose a topic out of convenience. <-- Do correct me if I'm wrong! ;) Know God's Rest - Living Free with the boots of peace. Ephesians 6 : 13 - 15
One of Satan's deadliest weapons is to destroy our relationships with other people. E.g. alienation, suspicion...
Be at peace with God - When we are at peace with God, everything else falls into alignment and harmony. Eph 2 : 12 - 18, Romans 5 : 1
If we are not having a peaceful relationship with someone, it is because we are not at peace with God. Please do not be mistaken. If you are persecuted because of the gospel and thus causing your friend to avoid you (Ps ceasar said during the G12 conference :"When you please God, you will lose friends.") and someone having something personal against you, knowing you are a christian, is totally different.
To end off... In this chaotic world we live in, we can still have the peace that surpasses all understanding. And that is at the centre of God's will --> In the midst of the hurricane, the eye of the storm is peaceful.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26 : 3
joshua lau
This post was meant for last week k.. only joshua lau! remembered and posted to the mail. I thank you bro! lets grow to seek God together and i'm excited to see this blog filled!
joshua chong
Just last night i had a dream. In this dream i was sharing with a friend why unbelievers and many christians suffer the hardships of life, and most of the time they emerge defeated. My answer was simple. Their eyes were not on the solution. Frankly speaking, i did not know why i said that! The answer may be simple, yet many of us choose to walk a different path. (Matt 11:30) Jesus said: " For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden i give you is light."
The same night i was reading hebrews chapter 11: Great examples of faith
Yes indeed this is what i need.. great examples of faith. I was seeking inspiration from one of these great men, since our walk with God can be inspirational. But what was the inspiration of these great men? Yes they had great faith. More so, they were in constant contact with God.
Even Moses could not atone for his sins back in his time. How many great men of faith have been looking forward to experience what we have now received (v 13) never had a chance to! So my brothers, let us not forget what Jesus, our high priest, has done for us once and for all. That we do not need to live under the law, but by the law with grace.
Lau
joshua chong
Just last night i had a dream. In this dream i was sharing with a friend why unbelievers and many christians suffer the hardships of life, and most of the time they emerge defeated. My answer was simple. Their eyes were not on the solution. Frankly speaking, i did not know why i said that! The answer may be simple, yet many of us choose to walk a different path. (Matt 11:30) Jesus said: " For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden i give you is light."
The same night i was reading hebrews chapter 11: Great examples of faith
Yes indeed this is what i need.. great examples of faith. I was seeking inspiration from one of these great men, since our walk with God can be inspirational. But what was the inspiration of these great men? Yes they had great faith. More so, they were in constant contact with God.
Even Moses could not atone for his sins back in his time. How many great men of faith have been looking forward to experience what we have now received (v 13) never had a chance to! So my brothers, let us not forget what Jesus, our high priest, has done for us once and for all. That we do not need to live under the law, but by the law with grace.
Lau
Love
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This is probably the first verse that I've memorized in Sunday School, thanks to the colorful sweets and the coupon redemption system. I'm sure most of us know this verse on our fingertips. I watched the show "Passion of Christ" on Good Friday yet again and I encountered the cross in a very special way. We are truly blessed that God loves us so much that He's willing to give up his ONE AND ONLY Son to die for us all so that we may have eternal life and not perish in our sinful nature.
I thought to myself... "If only God didn't plant the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, there would definitely be no chance for Adam & Eve to sin and Jesus need not be crucified and WE would all live in the garden of Eden happily ever after..." HoHoHo!
Uhhuh! Moments later, I remembered I had this talk with Teck Horng at Longhouse weeks back. God planted the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is to allow Man to show his love for God. Meaning, in the midst of temptations, we can say "NO!" and not give in - that's showing our Love to Him!
I pray that we'll not just sing worship songs without meaning each word we sing and saying I Love You, GOD just because we feel like it, but I pray that every actions we make in our daily lives will reflect our Love for Him.
Have a blessed week.
Edward
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This is probably the first verse that I've memorized in Sunday School, thanks to the colorful sweets and the coupon redemption system. I'm sure most of us know this verse on our fingertips. I watched the show "Passion of Christ" on Good Friday yet again and I encountered the cross in a very special way. We are truly blessed that God loves us so much that He's willing to give up his ONE AND ONLY Son to die for us all so that we may have eternal life and not perish in our sinful nature.
I thought to myself... "If only God didn't plant the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, there would definitely be no chance for Adam & Eve to sin and Jesus need not be crucified and WE would all live in the garden of Eden happily ever after..." HoHoHo!
Uhhuh! Moments later, I remembered I had this talk with Teck Horng at Longhouse weeks back. God planted the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil is to allow Man to show his love for God. Meaning, in the midst of temptations, we can say "NO!" and not give in - that's showing our Love to Him!
I pray that we'll not just sing worship songs without meaning each word we sing and saying I Love You, GOD just because we feel like it, but I pray that every actions we make in our daily lives will reflect our Love for Him.
Have a blessed week.
Edward
Monday, April 9, 2007
Knocked Out?
I was reading the church bulletin a few weeks back and pastor Khong was sharing about the latest "Rocky" movie. The story is about a retired world boxing champion in his fifties taking on the current boxing champion of the world. The odds were stacked against him, as he was not as fast and it was predicted that he would not last for more than 3 rounds. However, Rocky was still standing when the 10th round ended. The statement he made to his son in the story struck me. Rocky said, "In life, it is not how many winning punches you can deliver that counts. What really matters is how many winning punches you can take without falling that really matters."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
With exams and bike rally nearing, i have become even busier. The recent good friday events have also taken much of my time and hence i was not able to study well. Days which i commit to my studies became unproductive and often end up in me falling asleep. Also, I have often missed my devotion times and find plenty of excuses for myself. "Yes, at times we are knocked down by the evil one, but by the grace of the Lod, we will not be knocked out. "
I do not want to take God for granted after he have blessed me, but i want to put him first and continue to trust him for everything i do. Brothers i encourage you to do your devotion daily as God wants to speak to us!
Joshua
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
With exams and bike rally nearing, i have become even busier. The recent good friday events have also taken much of my time and hence i was not able to study well. Days which i commit to my studies became unproductive and often end up in me falling asleep. Also, I have often missed my devotion times and find plenty of excuses for myself. "Yes, at times we are knocked down by the evil one, but by the grace of the Lod, we will not be knocked out. "
I do not want to take God for granted after he have blessed me, but i want to put him first and continue to trust him for everything i do. Brothers i encourage you to do your devotion daily as God wants to speak to us!
Joshua
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter Sunday
The jist of the sermon. Jesus is alive!
Subject: Why is the ressurection true.
Complements:
1. It is a pragmatic fact.
- Why will Romans/Jews/Christians hide Jesus' body?
Lets look at the cost n benefits.
Romans: HIde Jesus' body.
Benefits: If Christ were to come alive, they can stop him just in time to prevent a revolt among the jews. Jesus was the contentious subject that was costing governace to be a chore.
Costs: Many guards will have to die just in order that Jesus may be well hiden. Not many guards die.
Jews
Benefits: Hide the body and close the speculation that Jesus will resurrect. it will be a good move. BUT why didnt the jews expose the disciples then?
The disciples
Benefits: To change the world! Come on friends! They so know that 12 lives can change the world, they schemed and designed the gospels and even die for it so that Jesus may be proven true. No.
I am pretty sure that they didnt die for anything. 11/12 of the disciples died a matyr's death.
And if anyone of these people are keeping Jesus' body, they would have exposed each other's lies.
2. The resurrection is a psychological fact
A bunch of cowards'lives were changed. When Jesus was crucified, they immediately abandoned Jesus. Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The rest went into hiding. And a week later, the same group of people rose up on their feet and proclaimed that Jesus is alive, they died doing it. Can a lie compell people to lay down their lives? Other than the fact that hey must have really met the risen Christ.
3. The resurrection is an experiential fact.
Jesus did not leave us as orphans but have left us with the Holy Spirit (John 15-18 expounded on the holy spirit) And the Spirit moves amongst us. Jesus's resurrection can be experienced through the holy spirit. If there are so many people saying that God has touched them in a special way i.e, healing, speaking, signs, miracles etc. Then either they are crazy OR Jesus is indeed walking amongst us.
Some thoughts:
In our sharing with our friends about God's reality in our lives...Is it second hand? "God did this for me many years back...." God gives us daily bread each day. Is the resurrection true in our lives?
Is Jesus alive in you? Or is He only alive many years back.
God wants to do a special work in our lives. Make that your prayer. Pray for healing for others. Pray for 5 people this week, lay hands on them and see God work through you!
Subject: Why is the ressurection true.
Complements:
1. It is a pragmatic fact.
- Why will Romans/Jews/Christians hide Jesus' body?
Lets look at the cost n benefits.
Romans: HIde Jesus' body.
Benefits: If Christ were to come alive, they can stop him just in time to prevent a revolt among the jews. Jesus was the contentious subject that was costing governace to be a chore.
Costs: Many guards will have to die just in order that Jesus may be well hiden. Not many guards die.
Jews
Benefits: Hide the body and close the speculation that Jesus will resurrect. it will be a good move. BUT why didnt the jews expose the disciples then?
The disciples
Benefits: To change the world! Come on friends! They so know that 12 lives can change the world, they schemed and designed the gospels and even die for it so that Jesus may be proven true. No.
I am pretty sure that they didnt die for anything. 11/12 of the disciples died a matyr's death.
And if anyone of these people are keeping Jesus' body, they would have exposed each other's lies.
2. The resurrection is a psychological fact
A bunch of cowards'lives were changed. When Jesus was crucified, they immediately abandoned Jesus. Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The rest went into hiding. And a week later, the same group of people rose up on their feet and proclaimed that Jesus is alive, they died doing it. Can a lie compell people to lay down their lives? Other than the fact that hey must have really met the risen Christ.
3. The resurrection is an experiential fact.
Jesus did not leave us as orphans but have left us with the Holy Spirit (John 15-18 expounded on the holy spirit) And the Spirit moves amongst us. Jesus's resurrection can be experienced through the holy spirit. If there are so many people saying that God has touched them in a special way i.e, healing, speaking, signs, miracles etc. Then either they are crazy OR Jesus is indeed walking amongst us.
Some thoughts:
In our sharing with our friends about God's reality in our lives...Is it second hand? "God did this for me many years back...." God gives us daily bread each day. Is the resurrection true in our lives?
Is Jesus alive in you? Or is He only alive many years back.
God wants to do a special work in our lives. Make that your prayer. Pray for healing for others. Pray for 5 people this week, lay hands on them and see God work through you!
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