- thanksgiving for kaleo showtime (53 turned up, including kaleolites)
- lights, kamera, action (8 aug)
- alicia, as she starts her counselling course
- dilys, as she goes for her driving test on monday (825am)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Terence's prep for 2nd July
Hello! Sorry I can't be there tonight.. Here is my preparation for this study. Qualities I admire will be listed for the ones we did in study only.. cos we didn't really cover character qualities for the authors much, except perhaps for Mark.
Application plan shall be mailed to Wei separately :)
Zechariah
Priest of the line of Abijah (Luke 1:5)
Elderly (Luke 1:7)
Righteous and upright before God, observed all His commandments and ordinances (Luke 1:6)
Doubted the word of the Angel of the Lord (Luke 1:20)
Eventually recanted, came to believe in God’s plan for him and his son. Probably schooled his son, and prepared him in advance for his role (Luke 1:64-79)
What I learnt from him :
More might be demanded of those who know more, contrasting the angel’s response to his question, as to say, Gideon. Punishment for doubting instead of clarification as he ought to have known better as a priest of God
Living a life which is righteous and upright, as well as observing all His commandments, doesn’t mean that you’ll be prepared when the time comes for your testing. He was found wanting, but eventually redeemed himself by affirming God’s plan for his son
The quality I like from Zechariah is what is stated, that he obeyed ALL His commandments and ordinances. Knowing the OT laws, that must have been a lot! Makes me think of someone who knows the word well, and is careful to lead his life in perfect accordance to the word.
Joseph
Descendant of David (Matthew 1:1-17)
Betrothed to be married to Mary (Luke 1:27)
Righteous/Just man (Matthew 1:1)
- Meant that he knew the law well and was careful to live it.
- Also meant that he was merciful, seen in the way he handled Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, given his options under the law
Instrument through which the prophecies were fulfilled, through his obedience to God’s will (Matthew 1:22-25)
- Even though that entailed giving up certain rights (Right to know his wife physically, even the right to have a firstborn by her)
The qualities I admire in Joseph, is firstly, how he was both righteous, as well as compassionate, unlike the Pharisees. Even when supposedly wronged by his betrothed, he still thought of her, and how to settle affairs that she would be preserved, even though he had the right to ask for her death.
Secondly, that he was obedient to God’s will, and because of that, God managed to fulfill the prophecies around Jesus through him as an instrument. He had to give up certain rights, which were crucial to God’s plan, such as not consummating his marriage til the birth of Jesus, as that would undoubtedly throw into question the virgin birth, but did so faithfully, so that the will of God would be made manifest.
Mary
Also a descendant of David? (Luke 3:23-38, depending on your interpretation)
Betrothed to be married to Joseph (Luke 1:27)
Virgin (Luke 1:27) and with that, being able to fulfill the prophecy of a virgin birth
Found favour with God (Luke 1:30) likely because she was a faithful believer, who had led an upright life
Supernatural conception (Luke 1:35)
Faithful and willing to submit to the will of God (Luke 1:38)
- Note that she knew perfectly well what she was risking (Ie death by stoning!), and at the very least, divorce by Joseph
- Yet she had faith that God would provide for her, and see His plan to fruition
Humble (Luke 1:48)
Qualities I admire in Mary, was her faithfulness and willingness to submit to God. Even knowing the possible consequences, her acceptance was quick and filled with trust in God’s perfect plan.
She was also humble, in the Magnificat, she makes it quite clear that she does not think of herself as having ‘earned’ this honour in whatever way, but gives glory where it is due, to God.
Elizabeth
Of the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5)
Righteous and upright before God, observed all His commandments and ordinances (Luke 1:6)
Barren (Luke 1:7)
- God had closed her womb all these years, ostensibly a sign of displeasure, but eventually, so that she could be an instrument of His Glory
Conceived in spite of her age and previous barrenness (Luke 1:24)
- This miracle is a sign of the remarkable child that God would give Elizabeth (She was probably way past menopause :p)
Same quality I like in Zechariah is in Elizabeth, which is living her life in strict accordance to the law. Otherwise don’t really have much else :p
Matthew
Also called Levi (Matthew 9:9)
Tax Collector (Matthew 10:3)
One of the 12 apostles (Matthew 10:3)
Left everything to follow Christ (Luke 5:27-28)
- Knowing how wealthy tax collectors were, Matthew must have given up a lot, to follow Jesus
Aimed his Gospel primarily at the Jews
- Multiple OT references, as well as tracing Jesus’ descent from Abraham, the father of all Jews
- Cites Jewish custom without explaining it
- Theme is that of portraying Jesus as the promised Messiah, King of the Jews
Mark
Cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10)
Accompanied Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 12:25, 13:5)
Deserted them halfway (Acts 13:13)
Eventually proved himself to Paul (2 Tim 4:11)
Close relationship with the Apostle Peter (1 Pet 5:13)
Mark’s Gospel was more of Peter’s memoirs, and aimed at Gentiles (esp Romans)
- translated Aramaic terms for them
- Used Latin expressions of Greek equivalents
- Carefully explained Jewish customs
- Theme is that of Jesus as the suffering servant, emphasized Christ’s human emotions and human limitations
Luke
Was a Gentile (Col 4:11,14)
Frequent companion of Paul (Acts16:9,10, 2 Tim 4:11)
Doctor (Col 4:14)
His writing style was that of a meticulous historian, and had compiled his Gospel from a variety of sources
Terence
Application plan shall be mailed to Wei separately :)
Zechariah
Priest of the line of Abijah (Luke 1:5)
Elderly (Luke 1:7)
Righteous and upright before God, observed all His commandments and ordinances (Luke 1:6)
Doubted the word of the Angel of the Lord (Luke 1:20)
Eventually recanted, came to believe in God’s plan for him and his son. Probably schooled his son, and prepared him in advance for his role (Luke 1:64-79)
What I learnt from him :
More might be demanded of those who know more, contrasting the angel’s response to his question, as to say, Gideon. Punishment for doubting instead of clarification as he ought to have known better as a priest of God
Living a life which is righteous and upright, as well as observing all His commandments, doesn’t mean that you’ll be prepared when the time comes for your testing. He was found wanting, but eventually redeemed himself by affirming God’s plan for his son
The quality I like from Zechariah is what is stated, that he obeyed ALL His commandments and ordinances. Knowing the OT laws, that must have been a lot! Makes me think of someone who knows the word well, and is careful to lead his life in perfect accordance to the word.
Joseph
Descendant of David (Matthew 1:1-17)
Betrothed to be married to Mary (Luke 1:27)
Righteous/Just man (Matthew 1:1)
- Meant that he knew the law well and was careful to live it.
- Also meant that he was merciful, seen in the way he handled Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, given his options under the law
Instrument through which the prophecies were fulfilled, through his obedience to God’s will (Matthew 1:22-25)
- Even though that entailed giving up certain rights (Right to know his wife physically, even the right to have a firstborn by her)
The qualities I admire in Joseph, is firstly, how he was both righteous, as well as compassionate, unlike the Pharisees. Even when supposedly wronged by his betrothed, he still thought of her, and how to settle affairs that she would be preserved, even though he had the right to ask for her death.
Secondly, that he was obedient to God’s will, and because of that, God managed to fulfill the prophecies around Jesus through him as an instrument. He had to give up certain rights, which were crucial to God’s plan, such as not consummating his marriage til the birth of Jesus, as that would undoubtedly throw into question the virgin birth, but did so faithfully, so that the will of God would be made manifest.
Mary
Also a descendant of David? (Luke 3:23-38, depending on your interpretation)
Betrothed to be married to Joseph (Luke 1:27)
Virgin (Luke 1:27) and with that, being able to fulfill the prophecy of a virgin birth
Found favour with God (Luke 1:30) likely because she was a faithful believer, who had led an upright life
Supernatural conception (Luke 1:35)
Faithful and willing to submit to the will of God (Luke 1:38)
- Note that she knew perfectly well what she was risking (Ie death by stoning!), and at the very least, divorce by Joseph
- Yet she had faith that God would provide for her, and see His plan to fruition
Humble (Luke 1:48)
Qualities I admire in Mary, was her faithfulness and willingness to submit to God. Even knowing the possible consequences, her acceptance was quick and filled with trust in God’s perfect plan.
She was also humble, in the Magnificat, she makes it quite clear that she does not think of herself as having ‘earned’ this honour in whatever way, but gives glory where it is due, to God.
Elizabeth
Of the priestly line of Aaron (Luke 1:5)
Righteous and upright before God, observed all His commandments and ordinances (Luke 1:6)
Barren (Luke 1:7)
- God had closed her womb all these years, ostensibly a sign of displeasure, but eventually, so that she could be an instrument of His Glory
Conceived in spite of her age and previous barrenness (Luke 1:24)
- This miracle is a sign of the remarkable child that God would give Elizabeth (She was probably way past menopause :p)
Same quality I like in Zechariah is in Elizabeth, which is living her life in strict accordance to the law. Otherwise don’t really have much else :p
Matthew
Also called Levi (Matthew 9:9)
Tax Collector (Matthew 10:3)
One of the 12 apostles (Matthew 10:3)
Left everything to follow Christ (Luke 5:27-28)
- Knowing how wealthy tax collectors were, Matthew must have given up a lot, to follow Jesus
Aimed his Gospel primarily at the Jews
- Multiple OT references, as well as tracing Jesus’ descent from Abraham, the father of all Jews
- Cites Jewish custom without explaining it
- Theme is that of portraying Jesus as the promised Messiah, King of the Jews
Mark
Cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10)
Accompanied Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 12:25, 13:5)
Deserted them halfway (Acts 13:13)
Eventually proved himself to Paul (2 Tim 4:11)
Close relationship with the Apostle Peter (1 Pet 5:13)
Mark’s Gospel was more of Peter’s memoirs, and aimed at Gentiles (esp Romans)
- translated Aramaic terms for them
- Used Latin expressions of Greek equivalents
- Carefully explained Jewish customs
- Theme is that of Jesus as the suffering servant, emphasized Christ’s human emotions and human limitations
Luke
Was a Gentile (Col 4:11,14)
Frequent companion of Paul (Acts16:9,10, 2 Tim 4:11)
Doctor (Col 4:14)
His writing style was that of a meticulous historian, and had compiled his Gospel from a variety of sources
Terence
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
In God's Presence
BSF resumed for me and the last lesson had it's impact because of what we had been studying during camp. The BSF lesson we have this week is on Exodus 33:7 - 34:35.
This is the time just after the Golden Calf incident and so the tent of meeting had been pitched a distance away from camp (33:7), signifying the gap that separates sin and God. Whenever Moses entered the tent of meeting, a pillar of cloud would appear at its entrance and the people stood and worship.
Moses actively seeks God's presence. In Exodus 33:15 Moses told God that the Israelite community will not go and conquer the promised land without the presence of God. It is the presence of God that makes the Israelite community different from their pagan enemies for "What else will distinguish [them] and [the] people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Exodus 33:16)
How many of us actually go about our daily lives with the presence of God? Do we actively seek the presence of God to be with us each day just as how Moses resolved only to move on with God's presence? What makes us different from our society?
We had a question that had me thinking. How close are we to God? When we desire someone, we spend time with that perseon, we think of this person a lot, we talk to this person a lot, we try and get to know this person, we talk to other people to find out about this person, we share the same interests, probably even have a similar lifestyle and may even eat the same food as this person. The list just goes on. If we desire God, we have to actively seek after Him, just like how we seek after people that we like.
Skipping forward to the end of Exodus 34, Moses emerged after seeing God's glory with a radiant glow on his face. He was oblivious to it. But people around him kept their distance because of his radiance. Maybe real spiritual people won't know that they're very spiritual. Anyway, being in the presence of God will result in us radiating his glory, which is the sum of his character and attributes. Each time we enter in His presence, we reflect Christlikeness and we behave in a Christlike manner.
The study of these 2 chapters gave a new meaning to the phrase 'in God's presence'. In the light of Moses and the studies at camp, I'm sure God is asking me to seek his presence.
This is the time just after the Golden Calf incident and so the tent of meeting had been pitched a distance away from camp (33:7), signifying the gap that separates sin and God. Whenever Moses entered the tent of meeting, a pillar of cloud would appear at its entrance and the people stood and worship.
Moses actively seeks God's presence. In Exodus 33:15 Moses told God that the Israelite community will not go and conquer the promised land without the presence of God. It is the presence of God that makes the Israelite community different from their pagan enemies for "What else will distinguish [them] and [the] people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Exodus 33:16)
How many of us actually go about our daily lives with the presence of God? Do we actively seek the presence of God to be with us each day just as how Moses resolved only to move on with God's presence? What makes us different from our society?
We had a question that had me thinking. How close are we to God? When we desire someone, we spend time with that perseon, we think of this person a lot, we talk to this person a lot, we try and get to know this person, we talk to other people to find out about this person, we share the same interests, probably even have a similar lifestyle and may even eat the same food as this person. The list just goes on. If we desire God, we have to actively seek after Him, just like how we seek after people that we like.
Skipping forward to the end of Exodus 34, Moses emerged after seeing God's glory with a radiant glow on his face. He was oblivious to it. But people around him kept their distance because of his radiance. Maybe real spiritual people won't know that they're very spiritual. Anyway, being in the presence of God will result in us radiating his glory, which is the sum of his character and attributes. Each time we enter in His presence, we reflect Christlikeness and we behave in a Christlike manner.
The study of these 2 chapters gave a new meaning to the phrase 'in God's presence'. In the light of Moses and the studies at camp, I'm sure God is asking me to seek his presence.
Monday, June 22, 2009
On Jonah
Dear all,
I spent an afternoon pondering on Jonah during church camp. Since I have not shared anything for a long time, I would like to share this with you.
I wanted to know more about Nineveh because it was the place that God wanted Jonah to go to and preach to them about His love. So, I read Nahum, and boy, was I frightened by their atrocities. The Assyrians of Nineveh were known for their cruelty. They were powerful, defeating many around them. Everyone was afraid of them because they were ruthless. Their city was also thought to be impenetrable. I think everyone would naturally think that the empire would never fall. It means that they would get stronger and stronger, and they will terrorize everyone. Ultimately, all countries would be theirs, and people would live in oppression and darkness. Their power could have served as a reminder to Israel to repent and turn back to God.
At the end of the day, the city fell (famine, series of losing battles). God showed that even the strongest fail, even the victors lose, but God has never lost, and has never lost control. He has been there to witness empires rise and fall, and He still stands in control. Awesome!
What might seem like a victory noe can be a defeat in future, and vice versa. Nothing stands forever, but God.
With this knowledge in mind, as I think about Jonah, I learnt 5 things.
1. God is merciful, even to sinners that, in our eyes, are bad and lousy to the core (ie the Ninevites). To God, these sinners are confused and lost, and they need God (4:11)
2. God will change His mind to save His children no matter how much He has been disappointed/ angry with them for sinning.
3. God is compassionate (3:10). He forgave the Ninevites despite what they had donem because they turned from their ways. ==> a) God is a God of chances. (b) He will respond when we repend and ask for Him, desire Him
4. In great adversity do we find God and know who He is in our lives. eg Jonah's beautiful prayer when he was in the big fish.
5. God used Jonah even though He tried to run away. Our God is a God of chances.
And then I started thanking God. He is really marvellous :)
Love, YT
I spent an afternoon pondering on Jonah during church camp. Since I have not shared anything for a long time, I would like to share this with you.
I wanted to know more about Nineveh because it was the place that God wanted Jonah to go to and preach to them about His love. So, I read Nahum, and boy, was I frightened by their atrocities. The Assyrians of Nineveh were known for their cruelty. They were powerful, defeating many around them. Everyone was afraid of them because they were ruthless. Their city was also thought to be impenetrable. I think everyone would naturally think that the empire would never fall. It means that they would get stronger and stronger, and they will terrorize everyone. Ultimately, all countries would be theirs, and people would live in oppression and darkness. Their power could have served as a reminder to Israel to repent and turn back to God.
At the end of the day, the city fell (famine, series of losing battles). God showed that even the strongest fail, even the victors lose, but God has never lost, and has never lost control. He has been there to witness empires rise and fall, and He still stands in control. Awesome!
What might seem like a victory noe can be a defeat in future, and vice versa. Nothing stands forever, but God.
With this knowledge in mind, as I think about Jonah, I learnt 5 things.
1. God is merciful, even to sinners that, in our eyes, are bad and lousy to the core (ie the Ninevites). To God, these sinners are confused and lost, and they need God (4:11)
2. God will change His mind to save His children no matter how much He has been disappointed/ angry with them for sinning.
3. God is compassionate (3:10). He forgave the Ninevites despite what they had donem because they turned from their ways. ==> a) God is a God of chances. (b) He will respond when we repend and ask for Him, desire Him
4. In great adversity do we find God and know who He is in our lives. eg Jonah's beautiful prayer when he was in the big fish.
5. God used Jonah even though He tried to run away. Our God is a God of chances.
And then I started thanking God. He is really marvellous :)
Love, YT
Friday, May 29, 2009
prayer requests/ updates- 28/05/09
- martin & diana, who are returning tomorrow
- jami & oilam, who are getting baptised this sunday
- wenwei, who is going to vietnam next week
pray too for van [vern] who is feeling discomfort at her spinal/neck area
- daniel, who is leaving for israel next monday
- jami & oilam, who are getting baptised this sunday
- wenwei, who is going to vietnam next week
pray too for van [vern] who is feeling discomfort at her spinal/neck area
- daniel, who is leaving for israel next monday
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Prayer requests/ updates- 21/05/09
Jess- meeting her best friend tomorrow. pray for her as she intends to share the gospel with her friend.
Daniel- flu. pray that God will heal him even as he prepares to go to israel with ernest (who is coming back tmr)
Martin & diana- returning next week. pray that they would be able to adjust back to the life here...and that it would be a time of renewal and rest...
Joy- pray for her even as she takes her course
Daniel- flu. pray that God will heal him even as he prepares to go to israel with ernest (who is coming back tmr)
Martin & diana- returning next week. pray that they would be able to adjust back to the life here...and that it would be a time of renewal and rest...
Joy- pray for her even as she takes her course
Friday, May 15, 2009
prayer requests/ updates- 14/05/09
daniel-uncle roger's back: pray for safety
mrschai- received confirmation letter(:
job at focus on the family
jianshin- job offer: starts next month
yinting- thank god for the opportunity for her to learn from uncle chien chuan in his clinic
jessica- thank god for the time spent with uncle tony
accepted offer for warrick uni: leaving in sep (3 years-politics & international studies)
oilam- sleepless nights. pray for her health
terence- the long duty thingy from saturday-sunday
mrschai- received confirmation letter(:
job at focus on the family
jianshin- job offer: starts next month
yinting- thank god for the opportunity for her to learn from uncle chien chuan in his clinic
jessica- thank god for the time spent with uncle tony
accepted offer for warrick uni: leaving in sep (3 years-politics & international studies)
oilam- sleepless nights. pray for her health
terence- the long duty thingy from saturday-sunday
Thursday, May 14, 2009
My One Question ~ Alicia Chai-Boo
Hello Everyone!
Jessica, welcome back, & you are not the latest in this ;-)
My One Question is:
"Why do i believe Him?"
Context: we will be examining the words, teachings & claims of Jesus in this gospel study. as i come face-to-face with what the disciples & Jesus Himself proclaim about Him, i will need to answer this question - why? do i believe what Jesus & others say about Himself? i hope my relatively young christian faith will be challenged for the good that i will be more deeply affirmed than before.
On another note, some updates pertaining to my previous prayer request: my application to ECTA has been formally accepted by Australia. i will be a student again! =p I am also likely to serve with Focus on the Family, perhaps starting next Monday. Changes galore...hold fast to Christ!
Jessica, welcome back, & you are not the latest in this ;-)
My One Question is:
"Why do i believe Him?"
Context: we will be examining the words, teachings & claims of Jesus in this gospel study. as i come face-to-face with what the disciples & Jesus Himself proclaim about Him, i will need to answer this question - why? do i believe what Jesus & others say about Himself? i hope my relatively young christian faith will be challenged for the good that i will be more deeply affirmed than before.
On another note, some updates pertaining to my previous prayer request: my application to ECTA has been formally accepted by Australia. i will be a student again! =p I am also likely to serve with Focus on the Family, perhaps starting next Monday. Changes galore...hold fast to Christ!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
(belated) 1 question
hi all! i missed you guys :)
sorry this is late.. i just got around to clearing my emails and opening alicia lim's email about the faithbook account and all.
my 1 question is kinda like jami's, terence's and yinting's:
how did Jesus, despite being 100% man, manage to maintain an upward, heaven-bound, eternity-based perspective of things despite the numerous temptations of this world and the sinfulness of the society that He lived in... and more importantly, how can i do the same?
see y'all tomorrow :)
jess
sorry this is late.. i just got around to clearing my emails and opening alicia lim's email about the faithbook account and all.
my 1 question is kinda like jami's, terence's and yinting's:
how did Jesus, despite being 100% man, manage to maintain an upward, heaven-bound, eternity-based perspective of things despite the numerous temptations of this world and the sinfulness of the society that He lived in... and more importantly, how can i do the same?
see y'all tomorrow :)
jess
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