In Spite Of…..Unconditional Devotion Part II
Pr. Vincent Liew
Introduction
The danger of backsliding in our devotion to God may not be present only in difficult times but also in the ‘good’ times when our lives are a ‘breeze’. This trend was very typical of the Israelites in OT times. When they were ‘high and dry’, they cried out to God for help, but when they were having a good life, they reverted back to their old rebellious ways, forgetting who their God was (Hosea 13:4-8).
However, Christians can model their lives after 3 persons in the OT whom, in spite of their success, continued to be unconditionally devoted to God. Their devotion to God was reflected in their;-
A. Fear of God – Gen. 39:1-10 (Joseph – Slave to Prince)
i. Joseph resisted Potiphar’s wife’s sexual advances because he had the fear of God. He had the revelation that whenever someone sin, first and foremost, he or she sins against God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In spite of being ‘the man’ now in Potiphar’s house, he did not compromise his devotion to God. Sin is not only about the physical realm, but more importantly; it has drastic implications in the spiritual realm too.
ii. Quote: “When we lose the fear of God, by default we will inherit a thousand lesser fears.
B. Faith in God – Esther 4:15-16 (Esther – Peasant to Queen)
i. Esther became queen of Persia almost overnight. The king was ‘head over heels’ in love with her. She could have asked and got anything she wanted. But when her people, the Jews, were in trouble, Esther turned to God for help. In spite of success in the Persian court, she knew her limitations and she chose to put her faith in God rather than in herself.
ii. The more gifted or talented we are, the stronger the temptation to rely on self rather than God. God becomes our plan B.
C. Fellowship with God – Daniel 6:1-10 (Exile to Governor)
i. Daniel was a VVIP in Babylonia. He was one of the busiest politicians. God had blessed him with favor and everybody wanted a share of him. Even the king maintained a personal relationship with him. However, in spite of his popularity with royalty, Daniel continued to keep his personal fellowship with God like he had always done. Although the situation was not favorable, yet he did not neglect his quiet time with the Lord.
ii. The key to a strong personal fellowship with God is consistency.
Conclusion – Read Ecclesiastes 12
We should strive to remain unconditionally devoted to God by fearing Him, having faith in Him, and fellowshipping with Him even when everything is well in our lives.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (17th September, 2006)
WHAT JESUS TOOK BACK TO HEAVEN
Text: Acts 1: 9-11
By: Ps. Abel Phillips
Introduction: The Bible has much to say about the first coming of Jesus and what he brought from Heaven to earth. But not much is said about WHAT JESUS TOOK BACK TO HEAVEN. In this message we will look at WHAT JESUS TOOK BACK TO HEAVEN.
1. HE TOOK OUR PARDON - JUSTIFICATION - Romans 5: 8-11
Jesus died for our sins and arose for our Justification --- The Pardon is Signed In His Own Blood, Delivered to the Father, And Sealed In The Vault of Heaven Until That Great Reunion Day. We stand before God in the righteousness of Jesus!
2. HE TOOK THE NAIL PRINTS OF HIS SUFFERINGS
Nail Prints, in his hands and feet! --- The devil appears before God to accuse the saints! --- Jesus stands and shows the nail scared prints to the devil, and presents the nail scared prints to the Father… Jesus says I died for them on Calvary and here are the nail scared prints to prove it. Get lost devil, This is a redeemed Child of God!
3. HE TOOK THE AUTHORITY TO SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 16:7 - "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."
THE 120, WAITING IN THE UPPER ROOM KNEW JESUS HAD MADE IT HOME, WHEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COME UPON THEM.
Gal 5:20-22 – We ought to live and operate by the fruit of the Spirit.
4. HE TOOK AN INTERCEDING SPIRIT
Hebrews 9:24 - "For Christ is not entered into the Holy places made with hands, which are the figure of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
I John 2:1 - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, ye have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
5. HE TOOK THE BLUE PRINTS OF OUR HEAVENLY HOME
John 14:2 - "In my Fathers House are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." Wait to you see my brand new home!
6. HE TOOK WITH HIM THE DESIRE TO COME AGAIN
Acts 1:11 - "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
John 14:3 - "And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also."
B - "For the Lord HIMSELF, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Conclusion
1 John 5:1-5 - Have faith in the Son of God. Be eager and anticipate in His Return by being obedient to His Word and the Holy Spirit's Guidance on daily basis.
Text: Acts 1: 9-11
By: Ps. Abel Phillips
Introduction: The Bible has much to say about the first coming of Jesus and what he brought from Heaven to earth. But not much is said about WHAT JESUS TOOK BACK TO HEAVEN. In this message we will look at WHAT JESUS TOOK BACK TO HEAVEN.
1. HE TOOK OUR PARDON - JUSTIFICATION - Romans 5: 8-11
Jesus died for our sins and arose for our Justification --- The Pardon is Signed In His Own Blood, Delivered to the Father, And Sealed In The Vault of Heaven Until That Great Reunion Day. We stand before God in the righteousness of Jesus!
2. HE TOOK THE NAIL PRINTS OF HIS SUFFERINGS
Nail Prints, in his hands and feet! --- The devil appears before God to accuse the saints! --- Jesus stands and shows the nail scared prints to the devil, and presents the nail scared prints to the Father… Jesus says I died for them on Calvary and here are the nail scared prints to prove it. Get lost devil, This is a redeemed Child of God!
3. HE TOOK THE AUTHORITY TO SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT
John 16:7 - "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."
THE 120, WAITING IN THE UPPER ROOM KNEW JESUS HAD MADE IT HOME, WHEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COME UPON THEM.
Gal 5:20-22 – We ought to live and operate by the fruit of the Spirit.
4. HE TOOK AN INTERCEDING SPIRIT
Hebrews 9:24 - "For Christ is not entered into the Holy places made with hands, which are the figure of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
I John 2:1 - "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, ye have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
5. HE TOOK THE BLUE PRINTS OF OUR HEAVENLY HOME
John 14:2 - "In my Fathers House are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." Wait to you see my brand new home!
6. HE TOOK WITH HIM THE DESIRE TO COME AGAIN
Acts 1:11 - "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
John 14:3 - "And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also."
B - "For the Lord HIMSELF, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Conclusion
1 John 5:1-5 - Have faith in the Son of God. Be eager and anticipate in His Return by being obedient to His Word and the Holy Spirit's Guidance on daily basis.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Sunday re-cap (10th September 2006)
In Spite Of (Unconditional Devotion to God)
Pr. Vincent Liew
Introduction: James 1:2-3 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.(NKJV)
i. It is natural for all of us to desire that everything goes well in our lives; our wealth, our health, our family, our relationships, etc.
ii. However, in reality, not everyday is a ‘beautiful Sunday’. We will definitely experience ‘good days’ as well as ‘bad days’. So what do we do?
We will look at three specific yet unique scenarios where those who were involved had to make a choice to either abandon God or follow Him in spite of their circumstances.
A. Scenario 1: Provisions – Habakkuk 3: 17-18
i. Fig tree, grapevine, olive, grain, and flocks covers the entire range of agricultural produce that Israel was dependent on for their livelihood
ii. We are not talking about the luxuries of life but the very basic needs in life. Imagine losing our jobs, having no food to feed us or our children, no money to pay our water or electric bills, and etc.
iii. But in spite of the seemingly bleak situation, Habakkuk could still rejoice in God his salvation. His confidence did not rest in visible yet temporal blessings, but rather in an unshakeable relationship with God. God is still God whether He continues to provide these things for his people or not. Habakkuk was determined to rejoice and exult in the Lord even though there may not be any visible or external signs of His presence or favor.
B. Scenario 2: Persecution/Deliverance – Daniel 3:15-18
i. Three good friends of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced life and death situation. Bow down and worship a false idol or be thrown into the blazing furnace.
ii. In spite of staring death in the face, obeying God was more important than life to these three, so if God chose not to deliver them, they will still be devoted to Him. They did not know how God will deliver them, but dead or alive, they knew they were God’s treasured possession. God may be trusted to protect us, but our honoring Him is not conditional upon His preserving us. The three were not delivered from the fire, but in the fire!
C. Scenario 3: Physical Wellbeing/Healing – Job 2:7-10
i. Apparently hopeless case. In spite of all his afflictions (material, emotional, physical) Job did not sin against God. He had disproved Satan’s claim that he would sin with his lips by cursing God if he was physically struck down.
Conclusion
We can rise above the circumstances because our God is with us and He will never leave us nor forsake us. He the One who gives us strength and grace to be more than overcomers.
Pr. Vincent Liew
Introduction: James 1:2-3 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.(NKJV)
i. It is natural for all of us to desire that everything goes well in our lives; our wealth, our health, our family, our relationships, etc.
ii. However, in reality, not everyday is a ‘beautiful Sunday’. We will definitely experience ‘good days’ as well as ‘bad days’. So what do we do?
We will look at three specific yet unique scenarios where those who were involved had to make a choice to either abandon God or follow Him in spite of their circumstances.
A. Scenario 1: Provisions – Habakkuk 3: 17-18
i. Fig tree, grapevine, olive, grain, and flocks covers the entire range of agricultural produce that Israel was dependent on for their livelihood
ii. We are not talking about the luxuries of life but the very basic needs in life. Imagine losing our jobs, having no food to feed us or our children, no money to pay our water or electric bills, and etc.
iii. But in spite of the seemingly bleak situation, Habakkuk could still rejoice in God his salvation. His confidence did not rest in visible yet temporal blessings, but rather in an unshakeable relationship with God. God is still God whether He continues to provide these things for his people or not. Habakkuk was determined to rejoice and exult in the Lord even though there may not be any visible or external signs of His presence or favor.
B. Scenario 2: Persecution/Deliverance – Daniel 3:15-18
i. Three good friends of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced life and death situation. Bow down and worship a false idol or be thrown into the blazing furnace.
ii. In spite of staring death in the face, obeying God was more important than life to these three, so if God chose not to deliver them, they will still be devoted to Him. They did not know how God will deliver them, but dead or alive, they knew they were God’s treasured possession. God may be trusted to protect us, but our honoring Him is not conditional upon His preserving us. The three were not delivered from the fire, but in the fire!
C. Scenario 3: Physical Wellbeing/Healing – Job 2:7-10
i. Apparently hopeless case. In spite of all his afflictions (material, emotional, physical) Job did not sin against God. He had disproved Satan’s claim that he would sin with his lips by cursing God if he was physically struck down.
Conclusion
We can rise above the circumstances because our God is with us and He will never leave us nor forsake us. He the One who gives us strength and grace to be more than overcomers.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (03rd September, 2006)
Know your Calling
Ps. Alfred Ee
Text: Matt 14:15-21; 15:32-39 & Rom 12:3-8
Eph 4:7-16 Everyone of us are called into the Ministry, not only the 5 fold Ministry. Let each one function within their gifts / calling.
Three Meaning Grace:
1. Salvation Grace / Unmerited favour – Saving grace of God
2. Dynamic power of God – Don’t operate in your own strength. Be strong in the Lord and not in your own ability.
3. Grace as gifts and ministry (Eph 3:1-3,8)
Because of God’s Grace we go to heaven; because of God’s mercy we don’t go to hell.
Five Fold Ministry (Eph 4:11-16)
1. Apostles
2. Prophets
3. Evangelists
4. Pastors
5. Teachers
Function:
i. Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry
ii. Edifying of the body of Christ
iii. Unity of the faith, Knowledge of the Son of God
The Seven Fold Ministry (Rom 12:3, 6-8)
1. Prophesying
2. Serving /Ushering
3. Teaching
4. Encouragement / Exhorting
5. Giving with Liberality
6. Leading / Leadership
7. Gift of Mercy
So know your calling / gifting. If you are not in the Five Fold Ministry, then through the grace given to us, serve through the seven fold ministry according to Roman 12:6-8
Ps. Alfred Ee
Text: Matt 14:15-21; 15:32-39 & Rom 12:3-8
Eph 4:7-16 Everyone of us are called into the Ministry, not only the 5 fold Ministry. Let each one function within their gifts / calling.
Three Meaning Grace:
1. Salvation Grace / Unmerited favour – Saving grace of God
2. Dynamic power of God – Don’t operate in your own strength. Be strong in the Lord and not in your own ability.
3. Grace as gifts and ministry (Eph 3:1-3,8)
Because of God’s Grace we go to heaven; because of God’s mercy we don’t go to hell.
Five Fold Ministry (Eph 4:11-16)
1. Apostles
2. Prophets
3. Evangelists
4. Pastors
5. Teachers
Function:
i. Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry
ii. Edifying of the body of Christ
iii. Unity of the faith, Knowledge of the Son of God
The Seven Fold Ministry (Rom 12:3, 6-8)
1. Prophesying
2. Serving /Ushering
3. Teaching
4. Encouragement / Exhorting
5. Giving with Liberality
6. Leading / Leadership
7. Gift of Mercy
So know your calling / gifting. If you are not in the Five Fold Ministry, then through the grace given to us, serve through the seven fold ministry according to Roman 12:6-8
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