"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" - Eph 2:8
I wonder what the phrase "For it is by grace that you have been saved" meant to us. Was it just a nice memory verse? Or a reference for commonly defining grace as "unmerited favour"?
It makes me think again - Why am I doing the things I am doing?(Or wanted to do?) Is it because of a man's soul? Is it because it looked good on me? Is it because I am supposed to obey a commandment?
I realized what must truly inspire, propel and compel me to love is His grace that is embodied in His love. It was by grace we have been saved - we don't deserve it. What is more shocking is that Jesus, being God Himself, chose to reduce Himself to becoming a human being and endured injustice, humiliation and pain for our sake. So that our sins can be wiped away and our death sentence pardoned. We have all received His gracious gift of eternal life when we turned away from a self-ruled life to follow Him. And by His grace, He has given us abundant life on earth too.
When I think about His grace, how He gave Himself so willingly for me on the cross, I realized that His grace is the power and motivation for any loving action. It is because I have seen and understood His love for me, as demonstrated on the cross, that a desire to love flows out within me. It is because of His grace that I must love. For it is impossible not to love when I realized how undeservingly I have been saved because of Jesus' love.
Supposed a killer is about to kill you & your family and a stranger appeared from nowhere to rescue you(losing his arms and legs in the process), will you not swear to take care of him forever? Or even to lay down your life for him? How much more then should you feel within your soul what Jesus had done for you? Will you not climb the highest mountain and cross the deepest ocean for Him? Or even to lay down your life?
For it is by grace I have been saved. I have nothing at first. But by His grace, I have everything now. His overwhelming grace given in His immense love for me had warmed my heart again. I rejoice that He cared enough, that He would give up all things for me. I understood once again my basis for love, the power to love and the restfulness of love. It is by His grace.
1 Tim 1:14 -"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Amen.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Rethinking Church Part 4 - The Community of Love
How about evangelism you ask? Well, if we are faithful in meeting up and engaging in our purpose for meeting up, evangelism comes naturally. We become what the church truly is - witnesses of Jesus Christ to the entire world. It becomes a community of love.
When the church becomes a community of love with loving actions, the gospel becomes very attractive. Paul tells Titus how he is to teach slaves to live 'so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive' (Titus 2:10) Make no mistake. Godly lives commend the gospel. So are good works of social action (1 Pet 2:12). The church is a living community with loving actions, and not a group of people who only talk but would not act.
Jesus said it very plainly in John 13:34-35 that all men will know we are His disciples if we love one another. Therefore, it cannot be helped that unbelievers refuse to believe the gospel and call Christians hypocrites when the community of God is not loving one another. They have every reason to say that, and rightly so. If we want the people of this world to see the good news at work, and to know that Jesus is from God, then the community of God - the Church - must live the way it is supposed to live.
This means we must ensure unbelievers experience the church as a caring and inclusive community. And that does not mean a warm handshake on the door - it means drawing people into the network of relationships that make up the church. It means ensuring that our unbelieving friends meet our Christian friends so they can observe how we relate to one another. Then the church becomes the church - a community of gospel people, not something you attend on Sunday.
No one sits around any longer and wait for someone to show any concern. They move about showing concern to each other, loving each other and so as they give, they also receive. Thus, the church becomes alive. It becomes a living organism as each member does his part in loving and caring. Things are no longer organized, ordered or forced; it now wells up from the innermost being of one where Christ dwells in. If you had met Christ, you will be such a person. Perhaps you have forgotten but you are one - and God's community, and the world is still waiting for you to love them. Start loving. And as each part does its work, the community grows and builds itself up in love which is in Christ. (Eph 4:16)
The church. The community of God. The community of love.
"In my experience, people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message" - Tim Chester
When the church becomes a community of love with loving actions, the gospel becomes very attractive. Paul tells Titus how he is to teach slaves to live 'so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive' (Titus 2:10) Make no mistake. Godly lives commend the gospel. So are good works of social action (1 Pet 2:12). The church is a living community with loving actions, and not a group of people who only talk but would not act.
Jesus said it very plainly in John 13:34-35 that all men will know we are His disciples if we love one another. Therefore, it cannot be helped that unbelievers refuse to believe the gospel and call Christians hypocrites when the community of God is not loving one another. They have every reason to say that, and rightly so. If we want the people of this world to see the good news at work, and to know that Jesus is from God, then the community of God - the Church - must live the way it is supposed to live.
This means we must ensure unbelievers experience the church as a caring and inclusive community. And that does not mean a warm handshake on the door - it means drawing people into the network of relationships that make up the church. It means ensuring that our unbelieving friends meet our Christian friends so they can observe how we relate to one another. Then the church becomes the church - a community of gospel people, not something you attend on Sunday.
No one sits around any longer and wait for someone to show any concern. They move about showing concern to each other, loving each other and so as they give, they also receive. Thus, the church becomes alive. It becomes a living organism as each member does his part in loving and caring. Things are no longer organized, ordered or forced; it now wells up from the innermost being of one where Christ dwells in. If you had met Christ, you will be such a person. Perhaps you have forgotten but you are one - and God's community, and the world is still waiting for you to love them. Start loving. And as each part does its work, the community grows and builds itself up in love which is in Christ. (Eph 4:16)
The church. The community of God. The community of love.
"In my experience, people are often attracted to the Christian community before they are attracted to the Christian message" - Tim Chester
Rethinking Church Part 3 - The Purpose of Meeting Together
To continue the question from the previous post, "So why do we meet up? What is the purpose of going to 'church'? Why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together?"
Acts 2:42-47 tells us quite clearly the primary reason for meeting up.
1. It is to learn about the Word of God(v42) which in our modern context seems to be listening to sermons and having bible study.
2. It is for fellowship(v42) - that means getting to really know each other, encourage each other, spur each other toward love and good deeds(Heb 10:24-25) and to carry each other's burden (Gal 6:2)
3. It is to break bread together(v42,46-47) - praising God together(our modern day praise & worship time), remembering Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26 - partake in Holy Communion), and giving thanks together for His goodness & provision(v46. We do this in giving our public testimony, having a meal together)
4. It is to pray together(v42) - Praying together(Matt 18:19-20), and also for each other(James 5:16)
5. It is to share, give and bless each other(v44-45) - giving to those who are in need, sharing things together for the benefit of everyone, blessing one another (2 Cor 9:6-13)
So there you have it. Are you in some ways involved in all of the 5 points mentioned? Remember, you form the church. You are a part of it. The church is therefore you, and the rest of the people who meet together. The church cease to exist if all the parts of the body cease to engage in her purpose. It will then become just a hollow gathering of people who profess to follow Christ but are not doing anything that would demonstrate their following of Christ.
Acts 2:42-47 tells us quite clearly the primary reason for meeting up.
1. It is to learn about the Word of God(v42) which in our modern context seems to be listening to sermons and having bible study.
2. It is for fellowship(v42) - that means getting to really know each other, encourage each other, spur each other toward love and good deeds(Heb 10:24-25) and to carry each other's burden (Gal 6:2)
3. It is to break bread together(v42,46-47) - praising God together(our modern day praise & worship time), remembering Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26 - partake in Holy Communion), and giving thanks together for His goodness & provision(v46. We do this in giving our public testimony, having a meal together)
4. It is to pray together(v42) - Praying together(Matt 18:19-20), and also for each other(James 5:16)
5. It is to share, give and bless each other(v44-45) - giving to those who are in need, sharing things together for the benefit of everyone, blessing one another (2 Cor 9:6-13)
So there you have it. Are you in some ways involved in all of the 5 points mentioned? Remember, you form the church. You are a part of it. The church is therefore you, and the rest of the people who meet together. The church cease to exist if all the parts of the body cease to engage in her purpose. It will then become just a hollow gathering of people who profess to follow Christ but are not doing anything that would demonstrate their following of Christ.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rethinking Church Part 2 - Why Meet Together?
If you've read the story in my previous post below, you would realized that going to 'church' could mean something more than just singing a few songs, listening to a sermon and then going for lunch together.
Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying going for church service is wrong or unnecessary. However, have you really thought about why you faithfully go to 'church' every Sat/Sunday? I put church in quotation because church in essence is a community of people belonging to Christ, not a building. So why do we meet up? What is the purpose? Are you fulfilling that purpose?
The previous story mentioned that the young believer(after having read the book of John), "mistakenly" thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things Jesus did. Was he mistaken? I didn't think so.
So am I saying that from now on, all Christians should go pray for the sick, share his faith, and go wherever there is a need on every Sunday? We will find that out from Acts 2:42-47. But to be sure, even if the answer is a yes, any change will take time and it starts from the heart of one person. No one should expect the church(the whole congregation that is) to change overnight or to change their mindsets together. Granted this is possible in view of God's power, most often than not, God works on the heart of each individual and causes their hearts to respond to Him, and to be used by Him to influence others for His cause.
So why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together? Have you thought about that?
Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying going for church service is wrong or unnecessary. However, have you really thought about why you faithfully go to 'church' every Sat/Sunday? I put church in quotation because church in essence is a community of people belonging to Christ, not a building. So why do we meet up? What is the purpose? Are you fulfilling that purpose?
The previous story mentioned that the young believer(after having read the book of John), "mistakenly" thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things Jesus did. Was he mistaken? I didn't think so.
So am I saying that from now on, all Christians should go pray for the sick, share his faith, and go wherever there is a need on every Sunday? We will find that out from Acts 2:42-47. But to be sure, even if the answer is a yes, any change will take time and it starts from the heart of one person. No one should expect the church(the whole congregation that is) to change overnight or to change their mindsets together. Granted this is possible in view of God's power, most often than not, God works on the heart of each individual and causes their hearts to respond to Him, and to be used by Him to influence others for His cause.
So why do we, followers of Jesus Christ, meet together? Have you thought about that?
Rethinking Church Part 1
What does going to 'church' mean to you? Is it like going to some social club, function or a building? Or is there a wonderful purpose for Christians to meet together? I want to share with you through a series of my thoughts on how Jesus would want his church to look like, and how it should really be. This is the "Rethinking Church" series - a get real in our walk 'provocation'.
Excerpt from "Goodbye Generation" by David Sawler (*emphasis mine)
"A young man listened intently to what was being said. He has been invited to a Christian outreach event by his good friend and it was more than he expected. Something was happening and God began to work on his heart. At the end of the night, people were invited to come forward to pray and accept Christ, which he did. During a follow up time, someone gave him a small 'Book of John' so he could learn more about Jesus. His friend that brought him was ecstatic that he had made a decision to follow Christ. He told him to make sure he read the book of John and that he would pick hi up for church the next day.
That night he did just that. he was hungry to find out more about what this decision he just made meant. He read the whole book and couldn't wait to go to church for the first time in his life.
His friend came to get him and they went to the morning service. They were welcomed and quickly grabbed a seat before the service began. They sang a few songs that he didn't know but he tried his best to be a part. When they sat down, he turned and asked, 'Is it time?' The friend said, 'No, the service isn't done yet.', not quite understanding.
Then came the announcements, a special song, and then the preaching. He thought all were quite good but kept asking, 'Is it time?' The friend who brought him was getting a bit annoyed and kept reassuring him, 'soon it will be time'.
The pastor asked everyone to stand, said a prayer and dismissed everyone. 'Finally, he thought, 'it is time.' He turned to his friend and said, 'let's go.' His friend, not realizing what he meant, thought that he was hungry and wanted to go out for lunch, a common ritual for many Christians after a morning Sunday service. He too was getting hungry and couldn't wait for the Swiss Chalet dinner that had awaited him. The friend however soon realized that they each had something different in mind.
All this young believer knew about Christianity was what he read the night before about he life of Jesus and his disciples. He had mistakenly thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things that Jesus did. That morning, he had come fully prepared to go pray for the sick, to share his faith, and to go wherever there was a need.
Excerpt from "Goodbye Generation" by David Sawler (*emphasis mine)
"A young man listened intently to what was being said. He has been invited to a Christian outreach event by his good friend and it was more than he expected. Something was happening and God began to work on his heart. At the end of the night, people were invited to come forward to pray and accept Christ, which he did. During a follow up time, someone gave him a small 'Book of John' so he could learn more about Jesus. His friend that brought him was ecstatic that he had made a decision to follow Christ. He told him to make sure he read the book of John and that he would pick hi up for church the next day.
That night he did just that. he was hungry to find out more about what this decision he just made meant. He read the whole book and couldn't wait to go to church for the first time in his life.
His friend came to get him and they went to the morning service. They were welcomed and quickly grabbed a seat before the service began. They sang a few songs that he didn't know but he tried his best to be a part. When they sat down, he turned and asked, 'Is it time?' The friend said, 'No, the service isn't done yet.', not quite understanding.
Then came the announcements, a special song, and then the preaching. He thought all were quite good but kept asking, 'Is it time?' The friend who brought him was getting a bit annoyed and kept reassuring him, 'soon it will be time'.
The pastor asked everyone to stand, said a prayer and dismissed everyone. 'Finally, he thought, 'it is time.' He turned to his friend and said, 'let's go.' His friend, not realizing what he meant, thought that he was hungry and wanted to go out for lunch, a common ritual for many Christians after a morning Sunday service. He too was getting hungry and couldn't wait for the Swiss Chalet dinner that had awaited him. The friend however soon realized that they each had something different in mind.
All this young believer knew about Christianity was what he read the night before about he life of Jesus and his disciples. He had mistakenly thought that when believers got together, they went to do the things that Jesus did. That morning, he had come fully prepared to go pray for the sick, to share his faith, and to go wherever there was a need.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What are you fighting for?
For anyone who is fighting in any way in a church, a cell group or a parachurch organization, may I you ask the following questions:
"What are you fighting for? Is it really worth the fight?"
"For whom are you fighting for? For God's name or for man's pride?"
"What are your actions? Silent Bitterness or Prudent Communication?"
"What do you wish to achieve? Angry dejection or hopeful reconciliation?"
You will know if you are fighting right once you honestly answer the questions above.
Many a times, fights are unnecessary because the issues are not worth fighting for. Prudent communication with a spirit of humility is most effective, even if at times the devil has got the better of the other person such that peaceful communication becomes almost impossible.
Therefore, let us not be ignorant of the devil's schemes (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:11) and allow him to divide the house. For a house that is divided will not stand at all (Mt 12:25).
"So what are you really fighting for? In the light of eternity, is it really that important?" Time to think again my friend. Time to bring your fight and issue to the Lord again. "Is it really that important to the Lord that you think He would have you fight it out?" You will have your answer by now. Shalom.
"What are you fighting for? Is it really worth the fight?"
"For whom are you fighting for? For God's name or for man's pride?"
"What are your actions? Silent Bitterness or Prudent Communication?"
"What do you wish to achieve? Angry dejection or hopeful reconciliation?"
You will know if you are fighting right once you honestly answer the questions above.
Many a times, fights are unnecessary because the issues are not worth fighting for. Prudent communication with a spirit of humility is most effective, even if at times the devil has got the better of the other person such that peaceful communication becomes almost impossible.
Therefore, let us not be ignorant of the devil's schemes (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:11) and allow him to divide the house. For a house that is divided will not stand at all (Mt 12:25).
"So what are you really fighting for? In the light of eternity, is it really that important?" Time to think again my friend. Time to bring your fight and issue to the Lord again. "Is it really that important to the Lord that you think He would have you fight it out?" You will have your answer by now. Shalom.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Get Real & Follow
Excerpt from "Men Who Met God" by A.W.Tozer (emphasis mine)
"A great number of believers have set a limitation on what they are willing to do for the Lord, for His Church and for His people. Such an attitude only underscores the contemporary unwillingness of professing Christians to take the Word of God seriously. Their difficulty is NOT in understanding the Bible but in persuading their untamed hearts to accept its plain instructions.
The question we face, therefore, is NOT theological. We know what the Scriptures teach. Rather, our problem is moral: Have we the courage to stand up for what we know to be true and right? Can we bring ourselves to take up the cross with its blood and death and reproach?"
This is just so familiar isn't it? We all know. I mean, come on. Singapore have all the Christian resources you ever need - CDs, DVDs, Books, Seminars, Conferences, Bible Study Classes, Courses, Bible colleges, Libraries, Churches - everything! But how is it that what Tozer(1897-1963) said so many years ago still sound so true today? May our untamed hearts accept the Word's plain instruction. Amen.
We know, but we refuse to accept.
We understood, but we refuse to follow.
We hear, but we never see.
We saw, but we never do.
O! That God may forgive us!
We want to feel good, but we forgot there is a cross.
We want to look good, but we forgot there is a death.
we want to do good, but we forgot there is a sacrifice.
We want to be good, but we forgot there is a price.
O! That God may forgive us!
"A great number of believers have set a limitation on what they are willing to do for the Lord, for His Church and for His people. Such an attitude only underscores the contemporary unwillingness of professing Christians to take the Word of God seriously. Their difficulty is NOT in understanding the Bible but in persuading their untamed hearts to accept its plain instructions.
The question we face, therefore, is NOT theological. We know what the Scriptures teach. Rather, our problem is moral: Have we the courage to stand up for what we know to be true and right? Can we bring ourselves to take up the cross with its blood and death and reproach?"
This is just so familiar isn't it? We all know. I mean, come on. Singapore have all the Christian resources you ever need - CDs, DVDs, Books, Seminars, Conferences, Bible Study Classes, Courses, Bible colleges, Libraries, Churches - everything! But how is it that what Tozer(1897-1963) said so many years ago still sound so true today? May our untamed hearts accept the Word's plain instruction. Amen.
We know, but we refuse to accept.
We understood, but we refuse to follow.
We hear, but we never see.
We saw, but we never do.
O! That God may forgive us!
We want to feel good, but we forgot there is a cross.
We want to look good, but we forgot there is a death.
we want to do good, but we forgot there is a sacrifice.
We want to be good, but we forgot there is a price.
O! That God may forgive us!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Who is your God?
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in,
that is really your God.
—Martin Luther (1483-1546)
that is really your God.
—Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
