tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207190692024-03-19T12:10:50.030+08:00Random Sermons from a Doctor's Chairsermons given at different times to different churches. May you be blessed by these sermonsAlex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-64557210436177507712017-11-30T15:18:00.002+08:002017-11-30T15:25:26.635+08:00Blogging at Spiritual Formation on the RunI will not be updating this blog. I will continue to blog at <b><i>Spiritual Formation on the Run </i></b> < draltang.wordpress.com><br />
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Please enjoy my previous posts. The new site will include all the posts from this blog and be updated regularly with new ones.<br />
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Thankful for your friendship and fellowship here. Join me in my new blog.<br />
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Welcome to visit my resource website <i><b>Kairos Spiritual Formation</b></i> <www .kairos2.com=""></www><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRip_mWeImhyGmQ-CgjJSlNxWP3yxlNlb1emUfZdu2mbn3E_Aku9C6ut4uxG_dvQpm6YkCY2aA6E2oAn_st4zT_dU-BGb22VkT-NOV2FU31WztNQMQaLShE0N-MvUnUeu_lG3y/s1600/Screenshot+%252810%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1378" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRip_mWeImhyGmQ-CgjJSlNxWP3yxlNlb1emUfZdu2mbn3E_Aku9C6ut4uxG_dvQpm6YkCY2aA6E2oAn_st4zT_dU-BGb22VkT-NOV2FU31WztNQMQaLShE0N-MvUnUeu_lG3y/s400/Screenshot+%252810%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-14406244743098505432016-01-22T22:08:00.000+08:002016-01-22T22:08:07.197+08:00A Decade of Blogging<div style="line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">I have been blogging for ten years! The unsettling events of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 had so distracted me that that I almost let such an important anniversary slipped my mind! I started this blog on 21 January 2006. I posted my <a href="http://draltang01.blogspot.my/2008/07/one-thousand-post.html">1000th post</a> on 20 July 2008, 2001st post on 1 Jan 2010, and <a href="file:///C:/Users/Alex/Dropbox/myweb/%E2%80%9Dhttp://draltang01.blogspot.my/2015/02/my-3000th-blog-post.html%E2%80%9D">3000th post</a> on 11 Feb 2015. One of the features I like about blog is that I can easily retrieve previous posts, unlike Facebook or twitters. Blogging is part of my <a href="http://draltang01.blogspot.my/2010/06/digital-great-commission.html">digital Great Commission</a> activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">My very first post <i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Alex/Dropbox/myweb/%E2%80%9Dhttp://draltang01.blogspot.my/2006/01/why-i-begin-blogging.html%E2%80%9D">Why I begin blogging</a> </i>in 2006 states the reasons why I started the blog.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• With the numerous viewpoints available, I want to add a distinctive Christian one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• I support the open access of knowledge that the Internet offers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• Use Web 2.0 as a platform to sharing our learning experiences</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• Be part of an online community</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">In time, my blogging activities expanded and so did my number of blogs. Aside from this blog, I also administer the following blogs, reflecting my diverse interests.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• <a href="http://draltang.blogspot.my/">Random Writing from a Doctor’s Chair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• <a href="http://draltang02.blogspot.my/">Random Sermon from a Doctor’s Chair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• <a href="http://draltang03.blogspot.my/">Random Spirituality from a Doctor’s Chair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• <a href="http://www.alextang.photography/#sthash.MN6B6IxF.dpbs">Random Photos from a Doctor’s Chair</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">My postings in the blogs have lessen in the last few years because of my increased involvement in </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/draltang">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexthtang">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.my.linkedin.com/in/draltang">Linkedin</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/draltang">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.plus.google.com/+draltang">Google Plus</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/draltang">Youtube</a>. This does not mean that I think that the importance of blogs has decreased. In fact, I believe that blogging has settled into the distinctive niche it was meant to be. Where Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest and Google Plus deal with the daily, social online interactions, blogs offers a place for longer, more reflective and reasoned articles to be posted.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I will continue to blog </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b> Spiritual discipline</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Blogging is a spiritual discipline as I try to write at least 1,000 words daily. Not all of what I have written will be posted. Some will be published elsewhere. I find writing helps me to think and understand myself. It also helps me to experience God and engage with his creation.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Teaching.</b> The Internet has grown tremendously in the last two decades. It has become the largest depository of knowledge mankind has ever created. It is also the largest collection of hubris. I will continue to present a Christian viewpoint from as far as I understand it. I do not pretend to know it all but I see the need for Christian counterpoint especially from an Asian perspective.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Recommending.</b> I will continue to recommend good books, blog postings and websites. I find open sharing is very useful as others may also come across articles or post I am not aware of.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Interaction.</b> I value interactions on my blogs and other social media. I value open minds and fellow seekers. However, I will not waste my time with biased, opinionated, rude bigots. We learn more in our interactions.</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Community.</b> My readers and friends are my online tribe and community. I value every one of them. Their comments and likes are much appreciated. I love the friendships we have formed online and in some cases in the physical world. It is always a pleasure to meet someone in the flesh whom we have met online. I am slowly going down the list and praying for each of my Facebook friends.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Dear friends, thank you for reading this far and being part of my life. God bless you all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">.</span></div>
Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-59131009112540524792014-09-03T16:37:00.002+08:002014-09-03T16:41:44.186+08:00A Transfiguration of Love<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/a5TkRaOV4Ks" width="480"></iframe></div>
<a href="http://www.kairos2.com/a_transfiguration_of_love.htm">sermon transcript</a>
Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-82106107443425985242014-08-29T12:09:00.000+08:002014-08-29T12:09:07.128+08:00One Day at a Time<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/caScXMdj95Q" width="560"></iframe> <br />
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sermon transcript <a href="http://www.kairos2.com/Give_us_today.htm">here</a>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-2281469042998065712014-08-27T12:43:00.000+08:002014-08-27T12:43:15.236+08:00The Rainbow of Prayer<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HClkl21-Bao?list=UU4pQCLiSMYD3dXm50wlj94A" width="560"></iframe>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-26572315400016155942014-08-26T11:22:00.001+08:002014-08-26T11:22:26.530+08:00The Marriage Vows<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RCoMjCY_T5w" width="560"></iframe>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-53173200085750713552014-08-26T11:20:00.003+08:002014-08-26T11:20:59.913+08:00Praying the Jesus Way<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c7LXrbvK0Lk" width="560"></iframe>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-75474566124645665862014-08-26T11:17:00.002+08:002014-08-26T11:19:17.169+08:00River of Life (Ezekiel 47:1-12)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EU6kcrVxeJ0?list=UU4pQCLiSMYD3dXm50wlj94A" width="560"></iframe></div>
Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-74078064514192029812013-02-18T22:00:00.003+08:002013-02-18T22:00:31.668+08:00Lead us not into temptations<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/16601576" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/lead-us-not-into-temptations" target="_blank" title="Lead us not into temptations">Lead us not into temptations</a> </b> from <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang" target="_blank">Alex Tang</a></b><br />
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lead us not into Temptations</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Text: Luke
4:1-13</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sermon Statement</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is the
human Jesus who resisted the temptations of Satan by his lived experience of
the Scriptures. This gives us hope that we can resist temptations by (1)
knowing ourselves; (2) developing a plan to resist; (3) avoid temptations; (4)
resist and pray; and to (5) get the help of theirs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Introduction</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The bible
teaches us a lot about temptation and tempting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul warns
his mentoree about the temptations of money. The bible has a lot to say about
money too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Tim. 6: 9-10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">9</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People who want to get rich fall into
temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men
into ruin and destruction. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the love of money is a root of all kinds
of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced
themselves with many griefs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus and
his three inner circle disciples (John, Peter and James) were at the Garden of
Gethsemane. Jesus was being tempted and this was his advice to his disciples.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matt. 26: 41</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">41</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Watch and pray so that you will not fall
into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dictionary.com
defines ‘tempt’ as</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to entice or allure to do something
often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to attract, appeal strongly to, or
invite</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to render strongly disposed to do
something</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to put (someone) to the test in a
venturesome way; provoke (e.g. to tempt one's fate)</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Temptation
is the enticement, allurement or seduction to do</span>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Evil acts</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Immoral acts</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sinful acts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recognising
this, James has this to offer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">James 1:13-15</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JAS 1:13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When tempted, no one should say, "God is
tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but each one is tempted when, by his own evil
desire, he is dragged away and enticed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">15</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is
interesting to note that in the Lord’s Prayer or the prayer Jesus taught his
disciples to pray, it includes this statement, Matt. 6:13</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:9</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"This, then, is how you should pray:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>" `Our Father in heaven,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>hallowed be your name,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your kingdom come,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>your will be done</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on earth as it is in heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:11</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give us today our daily bread.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:12</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive us our debts,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as we also have forgiven our debtors.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lead us not into temptation,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>but deliver us from the evil one. '</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Foremost
in Jesus’ mind may be his personal experience of temptations of Satan as
documented by our good doctor Luke 4:1-13 which will be recent in his memory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We shall
look at the temptations of Jesus by the devil.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Text and Context</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Luke 4:1-20</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, full
of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the
desert, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where for forty days he was tempted by the
devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:3</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The devil said to him, "If you are the
Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:4</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does
not live on bread alone.' "</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:5</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The devil led him up to a high place and
showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">6</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he said to him, "I will give you all
their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to
anyone I want to. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">7</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you worship me, it will all be
yours."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:8</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship
the Lord your God and serve him only.' "</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:9</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him
stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of
God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For it is written:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>" `He will command his angels concerning you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to guard you carefully;</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:11</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they will lift you up in their hands,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so that you will not strike your foot
against a stone.' "</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:12</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the
Lord your God to the test.' "</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the devil had finished all this tempting,
he left him until an opportune time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the
Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">15</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He taught in their synagogues, and everyone
praised him.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:16</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought
up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And
he stood up to read. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">17</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to
him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:18</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because he has anointed me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to preach good news to the poor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and recovery of sight for the blind,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to release the oppressed,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:19</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:20</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to
the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened
on him, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">21</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and he began by saying to them, "Today
this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Context</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus baptized and acknowledgement by
God</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 3:21</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all the people were being baptized, Jesus
was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">22</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily
form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I
love; with you I am well pleased."</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus had already
spent 30 years on earth to build his character</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 3:23</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old
when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of
Joseph…genealogy</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">Jesus’ temptations narrative</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from
the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">2</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where for forty days he was tempted by the
devil…</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus starts his
ministry</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 4:14</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the
Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus’ Temptations:
Luke 4:1–13</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First temptation
(Luke 4:1-4)</b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“If You are …..” “Since You are the Son of God,
act like God and command these stones be made bread!”<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“Man” does not live on bread alone. <br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“It is written.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus uses Scriptures. <br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“Here is a principle to live by … and I will
live by it.” <br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The physical is one avenue of temptation for all
of us<br />
<br />The texts that Jesus quoted from are from Deuteronomy which
is about the Exodus experiences of the ancient Jews.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deut. 8:3 3 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then
feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach
you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the
mouth of the LORD. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell
during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines
his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Second temptation
(Luke 4:5-8)</b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>authority over all the kingdoms of this world is
Jesus’ destiny<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The temptation is not possession of worldly
power but of good intentions<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only”
(Luke 4:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s timing<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>determine to do the right thing, determining
that in every situation you will worship God, and Him only you will serve.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deut. 6:13-15</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DT
6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14
Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD
your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against
you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The temptation here is not between choosing between good and
bad but between good and better. Satan is willing to give up his domain without
a fight. Jesus can be king immediately. Imagine what amount of good Jesus could
have done if he has taken over from Satan? The better is following God’s
timing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Third temptation
(Luke 4:9-12)</b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>“If [and here we have the if of doubt] You
[really] are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.”<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>God’s people, led out of Egypt and given
demonstration after demonstration of God’s power, ran out of water. At that
moment of pressure they forgot all God’s goodness, and cried, “Is the Lord
among us or not?” (Ex. 17:7) In questioning God’s presence and His love, they
“put God to the test.”<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Make God prove Himself! <br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Relationship with God must always rest on faith,
and on confidence in God’s trustworthiness.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deut.6:16-19</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">16 Do not test the LORD your God as you did at
Massah. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the
stipulations and decrees he has given you. 18 Do what is right and good in the
LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over
the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, 19 thrusting
out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This temptation is about doubts. Can God be trusted? Did he
really said that?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here I want to deal with two questions which are
inter-related.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">CAN
JESUS SIN?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">CAN
JESUS BE TEMPTED?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This deals with the humanity of Jesus. If Jesus
cannot sin or tempted, there is no point for Satan to tempt him, is there? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Person of Christ</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">False
views of the person of Christ</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pms7JHPLwyOrOmLBChmb9jK_YySrTFnnofYs6QEddkpYVWHy84O020In8SXgUs9D4ndG5hAlq1ypSuCHsDIOj_b5ZDFi3pbkUPd_9baWDlay9SXss1yso8YNMqf-kir50ODu/s1600/person.of.Christ-false.views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pms7JHPLwyOrOmLBChmb9jK_YySrTFnnofYs6QEddkpYVWHy84O020In8SXgUs9D4ndG5hAlq1ypSuCHsDIOj_b5ZDFi3pbkUPd_9baWDlay9SXss1yso8YNMqf-kir50ODu/s400/person.of.Christ-false.views.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(from House, Wayne H. 1992. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chart of Christian Theology and Doctrine.</i> Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 55)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Person
of Christ- Fully Divine, Fully Human</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5scqttpRLx-VYXpgwrr3x7YHHP_3ZRB1nh3MWWfJsUio-c8Pv4VKuvC2JOduXUCcbe0rzLNtsdOV2N6IhdAzIQPOGnH3O4L_y2lHgvq3hyePjNWqoGs4LuQEgBySSl_kN87_/s1600/Person.of.Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5scqttpRLx-VYXpgwrr3x7YHHP_3ZRB1nh3MWWfJsUio-c8Pv4VKuvC2JOduXUCcbe0rzLNtsdOV2N6IhdAzIQPOGnH3O4L_y2lHgvq3hyePjNWqoGs4LuQEgBySSl_kN87_/s400/Person.of.Christ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(from House, Wayne H. 1992. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chart of Christian Theology and Doctrine.</i> Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 56)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The kenosis of Christ</span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Divine Consciousness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Son of God laid aside his participation
in the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Godhead when he became a man. All the
attrib-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">utes of his deity literally ceased when the
incarna-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">tion occurred. The Logos became a soul
residing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">in the human Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Eternity Form of Being</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Logos exchanged his eternity-form for a
time-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">form bound down by human nature. In this
time-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">form Christ no longer had all the attributes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">commensurate with Deity, though he could use</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">supernatural powers.</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Relative Attributes of Deity</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This view differentiates between essential
attributes,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">such as truth and love, and those that
relate to the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">created universe, such as omnipotence and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">omnipresence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Integrity of Infinite Divine Existence</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At Christ's incarnation the Logos took up a
double</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">life. One "life center" continued
to function</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">consciously in the Trinity while the other
became</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">incarnated with human nature, unaware of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">cosmic functions of Deity.</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Divine Activity</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Logos turned over all of his divine
roles and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">duties to the Father. The incarnate Logos
was</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">unaware of the happenings within the Godhead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ Emptied Himself of the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Actual Exercise of Divine Prerogative</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Logos retracted the mode of the divine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">attributes from the realm of the actual to
the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">potential. He retained his divine
consciousness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">but renounced the conditions of infinity and
its</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">form.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Adapted from Robert E. Picirilli,
"He Emptied Himself” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Biblical
Viewpoint</i>, Vol. 3, No. 1 (April 1969):23-30. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How to deal
with temptation?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Know yourself (Grass is always
greener on the other side)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your weak points</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A man who carries gunpowder about with him,
may well ask that he may not be led where the sparks are flying. If I have a
heart like a bombshell, ready to explode at every moment, I may well pray God
that I may be kept from the fire, lest my heart destroy me.” Charles H.
Spurgeon, “Lead Us Not into Temptation” in Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996 [1863]) 14:394.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to eat food that will cause you to feel guilty<u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u>after
because you consider it to be fattening, unhealthy, or in excess </span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to buy things you really want even though you don't have the money, or you've
already got enough things and you know you really don't need more.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to yell at someone because you're frustrated and you can't restrain the
temptation to lash out. This could be targeted at anyone in your life,
including your partner, your children, your boss.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to have an </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Recover-from-an-Affair" title="Recover from an Affair"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">affair</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> with someone. Toying with infidelity
is a commonplace temptation for everyone from celebrities, pop-stars, and
politicians, to neighbors and co-workers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to indulge excessively in alcohol or take illicit drugs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting
to give in to sexual urges which you feel are inappropriate such as viewing
pornography, visiting prostitutes, sex before marriage, etc.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanting to give in to </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Procrastination" title="Overcome Procrastination"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">procrastination</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and laziness.
You'd rather not be bothered doing something even though you know you should.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(above
examples modified from </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Temptation"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Temptation</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Accessed 15 Feb
2013)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What makes you susceptible?</span></b></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boredom
with your current situation or relationships.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indecision
or lack of thought about what you want out of life, your job, your
relationships, your future direction.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Attention
or affection-seeking. Perhaps you're feeling that not enough people are paying
you adequate attention or affection.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Low
self-esteem or insecurity.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stress
or feeling down.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Frustration" title="Cope With Frustration"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Frustration</span></a> with the way things are headed
in your life, with other people in your life, with yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Insecurity
and low self esteem</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lack
of faith in yourself, or in your faith or core beliefs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
need to prove something to other people in your life, maybe even as an act of
revenge or "evening the score" (such as having an affair because a
spouse had an affair).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A short-term or shortsighted view of the gains
and a lack of a bigger vision for your future.</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(above
examples modified from </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Temptation"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Temptation</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Accessed 15 Feb
2013)</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prepare to resist temptation (Batten
down the hatches)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does it mean to be obedience to
God</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus said, “Sanctify
them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). Peter said to new
believers, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may
grow thereby…” (1 Pet. 2:2).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Live by the Spirit</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the apostle Paul was
instructing Christians on how to live a godly life, he said that believers need
to be “led by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:17). They must continually “live in the
Spirit” and “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Weapons of warfare 2 Cor.
10:4-5</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Defines your limits</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exercise your will power</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
visualization approach</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Visualize" title="Visualize"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Visualize</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> yourself resisting the temptation.
Picture yourself seeing that chocolate bar, picking it up, feeling it closely,
perhaps even smelling it. Then visualize yourself putting it down and walking
away from it. Make the whole experience as real and tactile in your mind as
possible. When you feel you've practiced it enough, go to the store where they
sell chocolate. Look at it. And resist it. Take along a friend if this gives
you support. After a while, you might even consider taking a taste test to see
if you can eat just a little without overdoing it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Express-Gratitude" title="Express Gratitude"><i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gratitude</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> approach</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Concentrate on
all that you have to be grateful for. Gratitude enables you to remember what
you have in life that is good, to be happy about, such as your family, your
job, your pets, your hobbies, your health, your friends, the fact you've got a
roof over your head and enough food to eat, etc. Gratitude grounds you in a way
that removes justifying giving in to temptation because you felt
"deprived" of something or someone. Importantly, write down your
gratitude, for clarification and reference</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Think of the consequences of failure</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">33. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Avoid temptations. Prevention is
better than cure</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Avoid situation where you may be
compromised</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember your rules or limit</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stop justifying your actions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a man has
a strong desire to drink alcoholic beverages in excess, then he must avoid all
situations that will tempt him to get drunk. Obviously, he should not allow any
alcoholic beverages to be kept in his house. He should not go into bars or
restaurants that serve liquor. Also, he should not keep company with men who
like to drink.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If a man is
struggling with sexual lust, then he should not watch any TV programs or
videos, or look at magazines that will pour gasoline on his corrupt embers. (In
our sex-saturated culture this task will take continued diligence.) King David
should not have been on the roof of his house watching a beautiful woman (who
was not his own wife) taking a bath. Young Christian men and women should never
go out on dates where they are alone and can easily fall in to the sin of
fornication.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">44. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pray and resist</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Watch and pray</span></b></div>
<b>
</b><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God understands</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Heb. 4:15</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">15</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For we do not have a high priest who is unable
to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in
every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">16</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us then approach the throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>God knows our limits</b> (1 Cor. 10:3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">13</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No temptation has seized you except what is
common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what
you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that
you can stand up under it.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5. Get a friend to help</span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Ecclesiates 4:9-15)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:9</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two are
better than one,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because they have a good return for their
work:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:10</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one falls down,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his friend can help him up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But pity the man who falls</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and has no one to help him up!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:11</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, if two lie down together, they will keep
warm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But how can one keep warm alone?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:12</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though one may be overpowered,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>two can defend themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cord of
three strands is not quickly broken.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was the human Jesus who resisted
the temptations of Satan by his lived experience of the Scriptures. This gives
us hope that we can resist temptations by (1) knowing ourselves; (2) developing
a plan to resist; (3) avoid temptations; (4) resist and pray; and to (5) get
the help of theirs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. </span></div>
</div>
Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-15991020400389984772013-01-13T23:45:00.000+08:002013-01-13T23:45:03.545+08:00Unveiling the Glory<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/15973229" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px;" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="427"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/unveilingthe-glory" target="_blank" title="Unveiling.the Glory">Unveiling.the Glory</a> </b> from <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang" target="_blank">Alex Tang</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unveiling the Glory</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">2CO
3:12</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are
very bold. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">13</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not like Moses, who would put a veil
over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was
fading away. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">14</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But their minds were made dull, for to this
day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed,
because only in Christ is it taken away. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">15</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even to this
day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">16</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whenever
anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">17</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">18</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we, who
with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into
his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the
Spirit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sermon statement</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Growing spiritually is co-partnering with the Holy Spirit to
transform us by removing the veil and revealing the glory (Christ) that is
within us. Growing deep in faith spiritual involves two components, three
dimensions and four principles.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Introduction</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The challenge to Paul has always being a group of ‘false
teachers’ who taught that the rituals of circumcision, observing of Sabbath,
new moons, festivals and observing the Old Testament dietary laws are necessary
for salvation. It means to move from the old to the new covenant, the Gentiles
have to become Jewish proselytes before they can be saved. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians deals with the
old and new covenant in more details. In this sermon, we shall examine the old
and new covenant and how it influence spiritual growth in 2 Cor. 3:12-18.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
General introduction to 2 Corinthians</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comparison of the ancient Israelites and Christians</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Old Testament background</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comparison of the old covenant and the new covenant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unveiling the Glory (growing deeper spiritually)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Two components</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Three dimensions</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Four principles</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glory is often a confusing word to many of us was we read
the bible. Glory made mean</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Attribute of God such a Majesty (Rom. 1:23) and
Perfection esp. with regards to righteousness (Rom. 3:23)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:3)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Comparison of the ancient Israelites and
Christians</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chiastic</i> (J. Lambrecht):</div>
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A.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>12–13a (13b) — We (apostles)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .75in; text-autospace: none;">
B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14a</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-autospace: none;">
C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14b</div>
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D.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>14c — They (Israelites)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-autospace: none;">
C’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .75in; text-autospace: none;">
B’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>16 (17)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-autospace: none;">
A’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>18 — We (Christians)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">12</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore,
since we have such a hope, we are very bold. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">13</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not like
Moses, who would </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>put a veil over his face to keep the
Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>away. </span>We(apostles)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .75in; text-autospace: none;">
B.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">14</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But their minds were made dull, </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-autospace: none;">
C.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">for to
this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 1.25in; text-autospace: none;">
D.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It has
not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.</span>(Israelites)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 1.0in; text-autospace: none;">
C’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Even to
this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .75in; text-autospace: none;">
B’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">16</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the
veil is taken away. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">17</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the Lord is the</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .75in; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A’.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">18</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">And
we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed
into his</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>likeness with ever-increasing
glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
(Christians)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Old Testament background</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There already indications of the new covenant in the Old
Testament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremiah 31: 31-33</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER
31:31</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"The time is coming," declares the
LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with
the house of Judah.</span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">32</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will not be like the covenant I made with
their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because
they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the
LORD. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">33</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"This is the covenant I will make with
the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put
my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and
they will be my people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ezekiel 36: 26-27</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">26</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will give you a new heart and put a new
spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart
of flesh. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">27</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will put my Spirit in you and move you
to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Comparison of the old covenant and the new
covenant</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Old Covenant</div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
New Covenant</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moses</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul (Apostles)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Veiled (minds and hearts)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not Veiled</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Law (rules)</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spirit (freedom)</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fading radiance</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Permanent/Ever-increasing glory</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heart of stone</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heart of flesh</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The old covenant was not accompanied with an outpouring of
God's Spirit to change the hearts of very many of the Israelites. By and large
they had hearts of stone and did not keep the covenant commandments. But in the
new covenant God would put his Spirit in his people and cause them to walk in
his commandments. In other words, God would write his commandments on their
hearts. In the old covenant God wrote his commandments on tablets of stone. In
the new covenant he writes them on the human heart. So the old covenant came in
a written code, or in "letter" (as Paul says), but the new covenant
comes in the power of the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unveiling the Glory (growing deep in faith)</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">18</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's
glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Two components</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .5in;">
Holy Spirit and
Spiritual Heart</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
Spiritual growing deep or spiritual formation is unveiling God’s Glory.
Jesus Christ is God’s glory and we are unveiling God’s glory when we are
becoming more like him.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
There are two metaphors for spiritual growth. One is using the farming
metaphor of planting a seed and waiting for it to germinate and grow. The other
metaphor is rediscovering who we are, like the parable of the prodigal son. The
farming metaphor of the seed may be more approach for growth in faith, e.g.
Jesus’ comments on the mustard seeds. Spiritual growth or spiritual formation
is more in rediscovering who we already are. We are embodied bearers of the
glory of God. At this moment, the glory may be hidden in our sinful nature. But
instead of a heart of stone, we have a heart of flesh. The Holy Spirit will help
us to discover God’s Glory.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
A useful illustration is from the Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter,
architect, poet, and engineer Michelangelo (1475-1564). Michelangelo was
considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime, and maybe one of the greatest
artists of all time. His best sculptures are the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pietà</i>, David and Moses. He painted the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel in Rome.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“The best artist
has that thought alone </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Which is
contained within the marble shell; </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
The sculptor's
hand can only break the spell </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: .25in;">
To free the figures
slumbering in the stone.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“I saw the angel
in the marble and carved until I set him free.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Michelangelo</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
“Every block of
stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover
it.”</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
Michelangelo</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
When he saw a 6 ton block of marble, he
sees the statue within. His job is to free the statue by cutting away the marble.
It took him almost two years to complete. He completed the Statue of David in
1504 which is considered one of the most renowned works during the Renaissance
period.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
We can liken the Holy Spirit as a sculptor,
freeing the glory of God in our heart of flesh.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Three dimensions</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Person-in-formation (growing into Christlikeness)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Persons-in-community formation (becoming a people of
God)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level3 lfo2; mso-text-indent-alt: -9.0pt; text-indent: -1.25in;">
<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Persons-in-mission formation (becoming agents of God’s
redemptive purposes)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Four principles</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Les Misérables is a 2012 British musical drama film produced by Working
Title Films and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is based on the
musical of the same name by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg which is
in turn based on Les Misérables, the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo.</div>
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The novel by Victor Hugo is regarded as one of the greatest novel in the
nineteenth century. It examines law and grace. Or of the nature of the old
covenant and the new covenant. The novel is divided into five volumes, each volume
divided into books, and subdivided into chapters, for a total of three hundred
sixty-five chapters. Each chapter is relatively short, usually no longer than a
few pages. The novel as a whole is quite lengthy by modern standards, having
approximately 1,500 pages in unabridged English-language editions, and 1900 pages
in French. It is considered one of the longest novels ever written.</div>
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Valjean's character is loosely based on the life of Eugène François
Vidocq, an ex-convict who became a successful businessman widely noted for his
social engagement and philanthropy. In 1828, Vidocq, already pardoned, saved
one of the workers in his paper factory by lifting a heavy cart on his
shoulders as Valjean does.Hugo used Bienvenu de Miollis (1753–1843), the Bishop
of Digne during the time in which Valjean encounters Myriel, as the model for
Myriel.</div>
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In 1841, Hugo saved a prostitute from arrest for assault. On 22 February
1846, when he had begun work on the novel, Hugo witnessed the arrest of a bread
thief while a Duchess and her child watched the scene pitilessly from their
coach. During the 1832 revolt, Hugo walked the streets of Paris, saw the
barricades blocking his way at points, and had to take shelter from gunfire. He
participated more directly in the 1848 Paris insurrection, helping to smash
barricades and suppress both the popular revolt and its monarchist allies</div>
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Jean Valjean (also known as Monsieur Madeleine, Ultime Fauchelevent,
Monsieur Leblanc, and Urbain Fabre) – The protagonist of the novel. Convicted
for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's seven starving children and
sent to prison for five years, he is paroled from prison nineteen years later
(after four unsuccessful escape attempts added twelve years and fighting back
during the second escape attempt added two extra years). Rejected by society
for being a former convict, he encounters Bishop Myriel, who turns his life
around by showing him mercy and encouraging him to become a new man. While
sitting and pondering what Bishop Myriel had said, he puts his shoe on a
forty-sou piece dropped by a young wanderer. Valjean threatens the boy with his
stick when the boy attempts to rouse Valjean from his reverie and recover his
money. He tells a passing priest his name, and the name of the boy, and this allows
the police to charge him with armed robbery – a sentence that, if he were
caught again, would return him to prison for life. He assumes a new identity
(Monsieur Madeleine) in order to pursue an honest life. He introduces new
manufacturing techniques and eventually builds two factories and becomes one of
the richest men in the area. By popular acclaim he is made mayor. He confronts
Javert over Fantine's punishment, turns himself in to the police to save
another man from prison for life, and rescues Cosette from the Thénardiers.
Discovered by Javert in Paris because of his generosity to the poor, he evades
capture for the next several years in a convent. He saves Marius from
imprisonment and probable death at the barricade, reveals his true identity to
Marius and Cosette after their wedding, and is reunited with them just before
his death, having kept his promise to the bishop and to Fantine, the image of
whom is the last thing he sees before dying.</div>
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Javert – A fanatic police inspector. The main antagonist of the novel.
Born in the prisons to a convict father and a gypsy mother, he renounces both
of them and starts working as a guard in the prison, including one stint as the
overseer for the chain gang of which Valjean is part (and here witnesses
firsthand Valjean's enormous strength and just what he looks like). Eventually
he joins the police force in the small village of Montreuil-sur-Mer. He arrests
Fantine and butts heads with Valjean (as M. Madeleine, the mayor of
Montreuil-sur-Mer), who orders him to release Fantine. Valjean dismisses Javert
in front of his squad and Javert, seeking revenge, reports to the Police
Inspector that he has discovered Jean Valjean. He is told that he must be
incorrect, as a man mistakenly believed to be Jean Valjean was just arrested.
He requests of M. Madeline that he be dismissed in disgrace, for he cannot be
less harsh on himself than on others. When the real Jean Valjean turns himself
in, Javert is promoted to the Paris police force where he arrests Valjean and
sends him back to prison. After Valjean escapes again, Javert attempts one more
arrest in vain. He then almost recaptures Valjean at Gorbeau house when he
arrests the Thénardiers and Patron-Minette. Later, while working undercover
behind the barricade, his identity is discovered. Valjean pretends to execute
Javert, but releases him. When Javert next encounters Valjean emerging from the
sewers, he allows him to make a brief visit home and then walks off instead of
arresting him. Javert can not reconcile his devotion to the law with his
recognition that the lawful course is immoral. He takes his own life by jumping
into the Seine.</div>
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Digne's benevolent Bishop Myriel gives him shelter. At night, Valjean
runs off with Myriel's silverware. When the police capture Valjean, Myriel
pretends that he has given the silverware to Valjean and presses him to take
two silver candlesticks as well, as if he had forgotten to take them. The
police are fooled by Myriel's charade. After they leave, Myriel continues the
pretense and reminds Valjean that he promised to use the silver candlesticks to
make an honest man of himself. [the above section on Les Mis is from Wikimedia
Commons]</div>
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<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>i.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Listen to the Holy Spirit</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Reading the bible</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Prayer</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Circumstance</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Listening to your emotions (inner prompting)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Audible voice</div>
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<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>ii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Say no to self and yes to God.</div>
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<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iii.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>Journey with one another.</div>
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<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>iv.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>See where God is working and join him there.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion</b></div>
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Growing spiritually is co-partnering with the Holy Spirit to
transform us by removing the veil and revealing the glory (Christ) that is
within us. Growing deep in faith spiritual involves two components, three
dimensions and four principles.</div>
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2 components</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Holy Spirit</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Spiritual heart</li>
</ul>
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3 dimensions</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Growing into Christlikeness</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Becoming a people of God</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Becoming agents of God’s redemptive purposes</li>
</ul>
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4 principles</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Listen to the Holy Spirit</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Say no to self and yes to God</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Journey with one another</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>See where God is working and join Him there</li>
</ul>
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Soli Deo Gloria</div>
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Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-75218090526224874352012-09-18T12:27:00.000+08:002012-09-18T15:00:46.591+08:00A Man Called Barnabas<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/14325367" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px;" width="427"> </iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/a-man-called-barnabas" target="_blank" title="A man called Barnabas ">A man called Barnabas </a> </b> from <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang" target="_blank">Alex Tang</a></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sermon
Statement</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy
Spirit and faith.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Text</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC 11:19</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now those who
had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as
far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch,
telling the message only to Jews. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">20</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene,
went to Antioch
and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord
Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">21</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to
the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
11:22</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>News of this reached the ears of the church at
Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">23</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he arrived and saw the
evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain
true to the Lord with all their hearts. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">24</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and
faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Heroes
of the Faith</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Reading Christian biographies is
inspirational and encouraging. It shows us how other Christians struggle in
their faith to remain true to God. It also exposes to new perspective of God we
may not be aware of and new spiritual experiences we have not encountered
before. Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you
the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their
faith." Hebrews 6:12 says, "Do not be sluggish, but imitators of
those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." And of course
Hebrews 11 is a collection of excerpts from the lives of great men and women of
faith. All these examples are for our inspiration and encouragement. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">One of my favourite hero of the faith is Sadhu
Sundar Singh (September 3, 1889, Patiala State, India). He is believed to have
died in the foothills of the Himalayas in
1929. Sundar felt that his religious pursuits in Sikhism and the questioning of
Christian and Hindu priests left him without ultimate meaning. Sundar resolved
to kill himself by throwing himself upon a railroad track. That very night he
had a vision of Jesus who opened Sundar's soul to the truth. Sundar announced
to his father, Sher Singh, that henceforth he would follow Christ. His father
denounced him, and his brother Rajender Singh attempted to poison him. Sundar's
life was saved by the help of a nearby Christian community (Wiki).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Another is William Franklin
"Billy" Graham, Jr. (born November 7, 1918) is an American Christian
evangelist who is an ordained Southern Baptist minister. According to his
staff, more than 3.2 million people have responded to the invitation at Billy
Graham Crusades to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As of 2008,
Graham's estimated lifetime audience, including radio and television
broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion. During the civil rights movement, he began to
support integrated seating for his revivals and crusades; in 1957 he invited
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. to preach jointly at a huge revival in New York City, where they appeared together at Madison Square Garden,
and bailed the minister out of jail in the 1960s when he was arrested in
demonstrations.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">There are many biographical persons in Acts
which was recorded for us by Luke. Luke a doctor was very precise in his use of
language and gives us good glimpses of the personalities involved. One of them
is Joses or Joseph of Cyprus. Most of we know him by his nickname Barnabas </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(Acts 4:36).</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who is Barnabas?</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Barnabas is interpreted
by Luke as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">huios paraklēseōs</i> in Acts 4:36 and variously
translated as “son of consolation” (KJV), “son of exhortation” or “son of
encouragement” (RSV, JB, NIV). Barnabas had originally come from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) and settled in Jerusalem. His strong Jewish roots as a
Levite (Acts 4:36)
and his Hellenistic background in the Jewish diaspora gave him a background
similar to Paul’s and their conservative training as respectively Pharisee and
Levite.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Barnabas owned land
in Jerusalem.
His first appearance in the NT shows him among the earliest converts, selling
his parcel of land and giving the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 4:36). He quickly became a
highly admired and respected leader within this circle. When, after the death
of Stephen, many of the Hellenists fled north (Acts 8:1), Barnabas stayed in Jerusalem with the
apostles. Barnabas had family connections in Jerusalem. His cousin was John Mark whose
mother, Mary, lived in Jerusalem
and hosted the church in her home (Acts
12:12) which was the house Peter went to after his jailbreak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC 12:5</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Peter was
kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
12:6</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night before Herod was to bring him to
trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and
sentries stood guard at the entrance. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">7</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a
light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up.
"Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
12:8</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the angel said to him, "Put on your
clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you
and follow me," the angel told him. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">9</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter followed him out of the prison, but he
had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he
was seeing a vision. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">10</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They passed the first and second guards and
came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and
they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly
the angel left him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
12:11</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now
I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's
clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
12:12</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this had dawned on him, he went to the
house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had
gathered and were praying.</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Luke tells us that Barnabas was a good man,
full of the Holy Spirit and faith (11:24)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He was a good man; full of the Holy Spirit
and faith</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">Good man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">Full of the Holy Spirit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">Full of faith</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">How do we understand being a good man,
fullness of the Holy Spirit and faith?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">John Piper helps</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How do they relate to each other? Probably fullness of the Holy Spirit
and faith is the root or source of Barnabas' goodness. Paul unpacks this
relationship in Galatians. He says in Galatians 5:22 that goodness is a fruit
of the Holy Spirit. You don't get the Holy Spirit because you are good. The
Holy Spirit takes over your life and starts to make you good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But what do we do in that process? We are not passive in this affair of
becoming good. That's why Luke doesn't just say that Barnabas was full of the
Holy Spirit. He is full of the Holy Spirit and faith. Faith is what we do. Now
what does faith have to do with the work of the Holy Spirit?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Galatians 3:2 tells us: "Did you receive the Spirit by works of the
law, or by hearing with faith?" The assumed answer is that we received the
Spirit by faith in the Word of God. Then verse 5 says, "Does he who
supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the
law, or by hearing with faith?" And again the assumed answer is FAITH! The
Spirit is received by faith and goes on being supplied through faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Putting It All Together</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So let's put it all together: At the very beginning of the Christian
life we receive the Holy Spirit by trusting in the truth of the gospel
(Galatians 3:2). Then as the Christian life goes on and there is need again and
again to be strengthened and filled with the Spirit, this too happens by faith
in the word of God's promise (Galatians 3:5). One of the practical fruits or
products of this Spirit-filled faith is goodness (Galatians 5:22).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So when Luke says that Barnabas was "a good man, full of the Holy
Spirit and faith," my understanding is that Barnabas had a great faith in
God, and that by this faith the Holy Spirit became powerful in his heart, and
that the result was a lot of practical goodness in Barnabas' life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“@TozerAW: "Real
faith not only does something for us, but it also does something to us."
AW Tozer (A Disruptive Faith)”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Reflections on the Life of Barnabas</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As we examine the life
of Barnabas I will suggest six ways in which he acts as an example and
inspiration to us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is open to the grace of God</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">11:22</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>News of this reached the ears of the church at
Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">23</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he arrived and saw the
evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain
true to the Lord with all their hearts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Why did the Jerusalem
Church send Barnabas?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">T</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">he church was growing rapidly, especially among the Greeks and
Hellenistic Jews, and soon a Christian church was thriving in the city of Syrian Antioch (about 400 miles north of Jerusalem). Initially it was mainly Jewish.
Then increasingly more and more Gentiles joined the church especially in Antioch, influenced by men from Cyprus
and Cyrene. The
church in Jerusalem
which consisted mainly of Jews was in a dilemma. Who to send to this Gentile
church? Someone who can do cross cultural ministry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The apostles
dispatched Barnabas to travel to Antioch
and to pastor the fellowship there (Acts
11:22). Under his guidance the church grew even more, with
Barnabas respected “as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). Barnabas is able
to see God’s grace in making outsider insider.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Many of us see the
world through the lens of ‘them and us.’ This reminds me of a Helen Reddy’s
song “You and Me against the World.” I believe the early church in Jerusalem also suffered
from this. Now we have Gentiles in the church! What are we to do? They found in
Barnabas a man able to make outsider insiders, strangers to be friends. Such a
person will be perfect to be sent to pastor the new and growing church of Gentiles
in Antioch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Charles Edwin Anson Markham (23 April 1852
– 7 March 1940) was an American poet, most famous for his poem, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Man With the Hoe</i>. But I really like
this poem which express what I have been trying to say:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He drew a circle that shut me out —</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But Love and I had the wit to win:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">We drew a circle that took him in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Shoes of Happiness, and Other Poems</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> (1913)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Paul</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas’s ability to include others is
also reflected in his acceptance of Paul. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his
conversion and lengthy stay in Arabia, the
apostles were understandably cautious about him. But as Ananias had brought
Paul into the Christian fellowship at Damascus, so Barnabas trusted the integrity
of Paul’s conversion and became his advocate among the Jerusalem leaders (Acts
9:27-28). With the help of Barnabas Paul was invited into the center of the
church’s life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">27</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his
journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached
fearlessly in the name of Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">28</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Saul stayed with them and moved about
freely in Jerusalem,
speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After fifteen days (Gal 1:18) Paul set sail from
Caesarea to return to Tarsus while Barnabas
remained in Jerusalem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Acts 9:29-30</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">29</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked and debated with the
Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">30</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the brothers learned of this, they took
him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is an encourager of men</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he sees the potential where others see
failure</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">23</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged
them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Paul</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC 11:25</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Barnabas
went to Tarsus to look for Saul, </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">26</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and when he found him, he brought
him to Antioch.
So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great
numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Since Tarsus was
nearby and since Paul had become well known in the regions of Syria and Cilicia (Gal 1:21–24), Barnabas found
Paul and invited him to join the work in Antioch.
Together Paul and Barnabas co-pastored the church there for one year (Acts 11:26).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Encourages the Jerusalem
Church</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Barnabas also traveled
with Paul on the so-called famine visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27–30). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC 11:27</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this
time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">28</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them, named Agabus, stood
up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the
entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">29</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciples, each according to
his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">30</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This they did, sending their gift to the
elders by Barnabas and Saul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Antioch</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> was the third-largest city in the Roman Empire
(next to Rome and Alexandria) and its church, no doubt the
wealthiest yet, determined to share its riches with the poorer Christians of
Judea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Following the famine
visit, Acts 13 tells us
that the leadership at Antioch
had grown (now to include Simeon, Lucius and Manaen, Acts 13:1). Barnabas and Paul
were commissioned to travel west as missionaries in what will be known as the
First Missionary Journey. The decision to sail to Cyprus may have been influenced by
Barnabas since it was his home and he would have known the island well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is a mentor to leaders</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">because he knows the expansion of the work
of God’s grace depends on Godly leadership</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas' ministry in Antioch had been so successful that the
converts were everywhere. Many of us would say at this point: I am now a
respected leader. I have earned a good reputation for my work. It is now time
to consolidate my gains and establish myself as a prominent preacher in this
part of Syria.
Instead Barnabas went to look for Paul. I believe Barnabas sees the great
potential in Paul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Risk taking with Paul</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Jerusalem Council.</span></i><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Following the first missionary journey west,
Barnabas accompanied Paul to Jerusalem
in order to settle the now divisive issue of the Law and circumcision. Barnabas
is given equal respect with Paul (Acts
15:12) and perhaps his word, as that of a convert and leader <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prior to</i> Paul, carried important weight.
Barnabas was a disciple of the Jerusalem
church who was now reporting to his mentors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Being patient with John Mark</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">John Mark’s presence
in Acts 12:25 and
13:5 implies that he had been in and around Antioch all along and had teamed up with
Barnabas and Saul. But when Barnabas and Paul, after their arrival in
Pamphylia, decided to leave Perga and climb the mountains toward Antioch of
Pisidia, John Mark turned back. Barnabas’s later defense of John Mark would
prove to be the decision that would separate Barnabas from Paul on subsequent
journeys. This happened when they have been working together for at least 15
years!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Acts 15: 36-41</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC 15:36</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some time later
Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the
towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">37</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barnabas wanted to take John,
also called Mark, with them, </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">38</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but Paul did not think it wise to take him,
because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in
the work. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">39</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and
sailed for Cyprus,
</span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">40</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but Paul chose
Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">41</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went through Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Who is right and who
is wrong? Barnabas wants to give John Mark a second chance but not Paul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Later Paul will work
with John Mark and John Mark will write the Gospel of Mark. Without Barnabas,
we may only have three gospels rather than four!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is fallible</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Incident with Peter and the Judaizers</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Peter came to Antioch and mixed freely with the Gentile Christians; but
he withdrew from having fellowship with them when a conservative delegation
from Jerusalem
appeared (Gal 2:11–13).
Worse yet, Barnabas was, in the words of Paul, “carried away by their
insincerity” (Gal 2:13).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Gal 2: 11-14</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">GAL 2:11</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Peter came
to Antioch, I
opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">12</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before certain men came from
James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to
draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those
who belonged to the circumcision group. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">13</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so
that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">GAL
2:14</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I saw that they were not acting in line
with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You
are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then,
that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Conflict with Paul over John Mark</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The second tour
witnessed the rupture of Barnabas’s relation with Paul. Barnabas wanted to give
John Mark another chance, but Paul refused (Acts 15:36–41). Luke uses
discretion when he writes, “And there was a sharp disagreement (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">paroxysmos</i>), so that they separated from
each other” (Acts 15:39).
Once again Barnabas had stood his ground and while Paul assembled a new team.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Again as an example,
John Piper notes:</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
There is no passage in Scripture that says,
"When a young missionary has forsaken the work on his first journey, you
shall give him a second chance after 18 months of penitent and faithful
service." And no biblical text says not to. </div>
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
Instead we have principles that say,
"Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them
all." And we have principles which say that leaders in the church should
be above reproach, and well-tested. One principle stresses the glory of God's
mercy. Another principle stresses the glory of God's calling. One principle
accents the bounty of God. The other principle accents the holiness of God… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-GB">But what does
wisdom dictate in a choice like this? Barnabas seemed to focus on the need and
potential of Mark. Paul seemed to focus on the demands and potential of the
larger cause of the gospel and the honor of the mission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">I believe the mistake here is not the
difference in opinions. There will always be difference in opinions when people
work together. The important point is how to resolve these differences.
Barnabas and Paul by now would have worked and served together for 15 years.
Could their different opinions be resolved by setting up different teams
without the bitterness and break in friendship? </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is a giver</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Generous with his wealth</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">(Acts 4: 36-37)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">AC
4:36</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called
Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">37</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sold a field he owned and brought the money
and put it at the apostles' feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Generous with his standing in ministry</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">In Acts 13:1–3 the Holy Spirit sets
Barnabas and Saul apart for a missionary journey to the unreached cities of Cyprus and Galatia. Notice the order of the names
in verse 2: it is still Barnabas first and Saul second, the way it has been
back in Acts 11:30 and 12:25.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas and Saul at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas and Saul appointed (Acts 12:25-13:3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas and Saul sent off (Acts 13:1-3)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Barnabas and Saul on Cyrus (Acts 13:4-12)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:4-12)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Paul and Barnabas at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Paul and Barnabas at Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:8-20)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Paul and Barnabas separate (Acts 15:36-41)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When they get to the
city of Paphos on the island of Cyprus, the proconsul invites them to speak to
him, and in Acts 13:7 Barnabas still has the honor of first place: "he
summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But when Elymas the
magician tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith, it was Saul who
exploded with the Holy Spirit in verse 10:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You son of the devil, you enemy of all
righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making
crooked the straight paths of the Lord?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But from this point
on, Saul (now called Paul for the first time in verse 9) is in charge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We see this
immediately in verse 13. Luke says, "Now Paul and his company set sail
from Paphos." Barnabas is not even mentioned. In verse 16 it is Paul not
Barnabas who delivers the sermon in Antioch of Pisidia. When both of them are
mentioned, it is now "Paul and Barnabas" not "Barnabas and
Paul" (13:43, 46, 50; 15:2, 22, 35; except in Jerusalem where Barnabas is on his home turf,
15:12, 25; and in Lystra where Barnabas is called Zeus and Paul Hermes).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">He is highly respected</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Paul</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It seems clear that
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark shared a longer working relationship than Acts
implies. Paul’s reference to Barnabas in 1 Corinthians 9:6 shows not only that the Corinthians
knew Barnabas but that Paul continued to respect him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">1CO
9:3</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my defense to those who sit in
judgment on me. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">4</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't we have the right to food and drink? </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">5</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't we have the right to take a
believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers
and Cephas? </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">6</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it
only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Paul refers to
Barnabas as a fellow worker who shares his mission and work. They are friends
again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Others</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Calvin and Luther
were convinced that 2
Corinthians 8:18–19 also referred to Barnabas: “With him (Titus)
we are also sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his
preaching of the gospel.” Likewise, the mention of John Mark in Philemon 24 and 2 Timothy 4:11 shows that Paul
and this younger disciple were later reconciled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2 Tim
4:11</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-text-raise: 3.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">11</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only
Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me
in my ministry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Summary</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Reflections on the life of Barnabas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is open to the grace of God</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is an encourager of men</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is a mentor to leaders</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is fallible</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is a giver</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB">He is highly respected</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Challenge</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Are you a good person, full of the Holy
Spirit and faith?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Reference</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Hawthorne, G. F., Martin, R. P., &
Reid, D. G. (1993). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dictionary of Paul
and his letters</i> (66–67). Downers
Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Soli Deo Gloria</span></div>
Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-55547529494611205072012-07-22T18:57:00.001+08:002012-07-22T18:57:09.698+08:00Facing Discouragement<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 18pt;">When all you know is discouragement</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Seven
ways to overcome discouragement</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/13717864" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px;" width="427"></iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<b> <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/when-all-you-know-is-discouragement" target="_blank" title="When all you know is discouragement">When all you know is discouragement</a> </b> from <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang" target="_blank">Alex Tang</a></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sermon
statement</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The way to deal with dis<u>courage</u>ment
is to take the word courage out and uses it. We overcome discouragement when we
realise that (1) nothing happens according to our plans; (2) we need to be
realistic in our expectations; (3) avoid dwelling on discouragements alone; (4)
controlling our emotions; (5) not to give up; (6) that a closed door may leads
to many open doors; and that our God is bigger than all our problems.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Discouragement occurs when you did not get
what you want. You may be hoping for a A++ grade in your exams and all you get
is a A+ and you get discouraged. Your friend, who always has been getting Cs,
getting a A+ is a great encouragement. What are some of the areas we experience
discouragement?</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Studies</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Grades</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Physical appearances</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Spiritual life</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Relationship</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Friendship </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Parents </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Life
of David</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As a young man, David was a shepherd who
was anointed king by the prophet Samuel. Saul was king then and it took many
years before David could be king. David served as a musician to King Saul for
many years. Even after he killed Goliath, David was not appreciated by King Saul.
In his later life King Saul became increasing paranoid and even tried to kill
David with a spear. David had to flee for his life and live a life of banditry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Do
you want to be king?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Later, as king, David had to rule over a
nation of people who are self-centred and rebellious. Like today, evil men seem
to be in control. King David faced threat to his life and his throne. It must
be very discouraging to be king.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Text: Psalm 11:1-7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Psalm 11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">For the director of music. Of
David.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">1</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> In the LORD I take refuge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> How then can you say to me:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Flee like a bird to your mountain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">2</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> For look, the wicked bend their bows;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> they set their arrows against the strings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to shoot from the shadows</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> at
the upright in heart.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: right; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> When the foundations are being destroyed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> what can the righteous do?"</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: right; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PS
11:4</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The LORD is in his holy temple;</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: right; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> the LORD is on his heavenly throne.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: right; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He observes the sons of men;</span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: right; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> his eyes examine them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">5</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The LORD examines the righteous,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> but
the wicked and those who love violence</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> his
soul hates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">6</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> On the wicked he will rain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> fiery
coals and burning sulfur;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> a scorching wind will be their lot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">7</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> For the LORD is righteous,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> he loves justice;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> upright men will see his face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
David expresses
confidence in God even though wickedness appeared to be so very strong. David
was facing a national crisis that threatened to overturn the stability of the
nation of Israel.
All around him, the moral foundations of the people were crumbling. This
upheaval was caused by evil men who sought to do him harm. Adding to this
ordeal, the people who were loyal to David panicked, counseling him to flee Jerusalem. But David
remained calm and resolute, keeping his eyes on the Lord. In this hour of
crisis, David determined to trust in God in spite of his circumstances. His
faith, unshakable and unwavering, kept him steadfast in uncertain times.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
The psalm can be
divided into two parts: the voice of discouragement (vv. 1–3) and David’s voice
of courage (vv. 4–7). The first is the voice which David heard. The second is
the voice with which he answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
voice of discouragement</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
The psalm begins
with a note of surprise. David was trusting in the Lord in the midst of his
trial (v. 1). Although his faith was well known to his friends, this did not
keep them from grimly advising him to ‘Flee as a bird’ (v. 2).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
To them it was all
very clear. The wicked were ready to shoot ‘secretly’ (v. 2)—from the cover of
darkness—at the godly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
David’s friends
evidently considered his adversaries to be so numerous, so strong and so crafty
that there was little hope of success against them. It appeared as if these
enemies would cause the very foundations of society to be destroyed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
We often hear the same gloomy assessment that
was given to David. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
Wickedness is so strong and flourishing! The
foundations are crumbling! All is hopeless! The righteous can do nothing to
stem the tide!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> When the foundations are being destroyed,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> what can the righteous do?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David’s Response</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
David’s friends
quite clearly expected one answer and one answer alone when they asked: ‘What
can the righteous do?’ (v. 3). That answer was: nothing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
But David would have
none of it! The very same logic offered to him on this occasion would have kept
him from facing Goliath! David refused to yield to it then, and he here refuses
it again. He does so for the very same reason, namely, his faith in God. The
God who was greater than Goliath was also greater than the wicked who were
seeking to destroy the foundations!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
So David sets
himself to remind his friends of certain key truths about God. </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;">He is sovereign over all (v. 4a). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;">He is well aware of the wicked and what they are doing (v. 4b). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;">He is not ambivalent about evil but has the utmost hatred for it
and in due time will bring judgment on the wicked (vv. 5–6).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-autospace: none;">He loves righteousness and smiles upon those who practice it (v.
7).</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that David
has much to teach us about how to overcome discouragement even though we are
not kings or queens. He can teach us how to take the courage out of dis<u>courage</u>ment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seven ways to overcome discouragement</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Nothing
happens according to our plans (Prov. 21:31)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Be
realistic <span lang="EN-GB">in our expectations</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span>(Prov.
24:3-4)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Avoid dwelling
on discouragements alone (Eccl. 4:9-12).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Control
your emotions (Prov. 25:28)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Don’t give
up (Gal. 6:9)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>A closed
door may leads to many open doors (Gen. 50:20)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Your God
is bigger than your problems (Psalm 11)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nothing
happens according to our plans (Prov. 21:31)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PR
21:31</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The horse is made ready for the day of battle,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> but victory rests with the LORD.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
King David is a
warrior-king and knows full well the power of the cavalry against the foot
soldiers. The horse in these times will be equivalent of an Abrams tank today.
Yet, the author of the proverb warns against being overconfident with our own
planning. Basically ‘shit happens.’ Whatever can go wrong will go wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bruce Wayne in the
first two Batman movies by Christopher Nolan has good intentions. He wants to
fight crime in Gotham by becoming a legend of
fear to the criminals. Unfortunately things did not go according to plans. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Batman Begins</i>, the movie ended with his
house burnt down. In <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dark Knight</i>,
Batman ended up being accursed as a murderer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we should expect
things to go wrong in our lives, no matter how smart, rich or powerful we are.
Things are going to go wrong. We are going to be discouraged. Discouragements
are part and parcel of life. Expect discouragements and you will not be
disappointed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be
realistic <span lang="EN-GB">in our expectations</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Prov. 24:3-4)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PR
24:3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> By wisdom a house is built,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and through understanding it is
established;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PR
24:4</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> through knowledge its rooms are filled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> with rare and beautiful treasures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can we change reality
to the way we want things to be? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Inception</i>
is a 2010 British-American science fiction film with the elements of action
heist, and thriller. Former architecture student Dominick "Dom" Cobb
and business partner Arthur perform corporate espionage by dreaming and using
an experimental military-developed machine to infiltrate the subconscious of
their targets and extract information, their latest target being powerful
Japanese businessman Saito. The movie suggests that we can change ourselves by
implanting suggestions in our self conscious through our dreams. We all have a
need to change ourselves. But we need to have a realistic expectation as to who
or whom we change ourselves into. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beauty and youth are
two of the most lucrative commodity on earth today. Everyone wants to have the
beauty and youthfulness of the models and movie stars. Is that a realistic
expectation? We need wisdom to set realistic goals. Otherwise we will be
setting ourselves up for a fall and discouragement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avoid
dwelling on discouragement alone (Eccl. 4:9-12)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC
4:9</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Two are better than one,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> because they have a good return for their
work:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC
4:10</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> If one falls down,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> his friend can help him up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">But pity the man who falls</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and has no one to help him up!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:11</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Also, if two
lie down together, they will keep warm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But how can one keep warm alone?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">ECC 4:12</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Though one may
be overpowered,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> two can defend themselves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> A cord of three strands is not quickly
broken.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marvel's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Avengers </i>is a 2012 American
superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney
Pictures, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. In facing
the onslaught of the army of Loki and Thanatos, the heroes and heroines found that
that they need one another. Only in teamwork can their combined efforts defeat
their enemies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The presence of
friends who will walk with us during our discouragement cannot be
underestimated. The Preacher recognizes that and calls us to have friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Control
your emotions (Prov. 25:28)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PR
25:28</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Like a city whose walls are broken down</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is a man who lacks self-control.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Incredible Hulk</i> is a 2008 American superhero film based on the
Marvel Comics character the Hulk. It is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars
Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner. It is the second film to be released in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe and the fifth chronologically. This film establishes
a new backstory where Banner becomes the Hulk as an unwitting pawn in a
military scheme to reinvigorate the supersoldier program through gamma
radiation. On the run, he attempts to cure himself of the Hulk before he is
captured by General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (William Hurt), but
his worst fears are realized when power-hungry soldier Emil Blonsky (Tim Roth)
becomes a similar but more bestial creature. Liv Tyler also stars as Betty
Ross, Banner's love interest and General Ross' daughter. The hulk is pure rage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we look closely at
our discouragement, we will find that feelings play a major role in expressing
our not getting what we want. While there is a place for feelings (pain,
sadness), there is also a place when we move beyond the feelings and look for
possible solutions. Bruce Banner finds himself only when he learns to control his
feelings and to integrate them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t
give up (Gal. 6:9)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">9</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Let us
not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The apostle Paul
reminds us not to give up because if we persist, we will succeed. If our goals
are realistic, then the chances of our success are good provided we do not give
up. Po from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kung Fu Panda</i> 1 & 2 is an arrogance panda. One of his redeeming
characteristics is that he never gives up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A
closed door may leads to many open doors (Gen. 50:20)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">20</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> You
intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now
being done, the saving of many lives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These words, spoken by
Joseph whose brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt illustrate this principle
perfectly. If a closed door appears, instead of standing in front of it in self
pity or trying to break it down, look around instead. There may be many open
doors around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Your
God is bigger than your problems (Psalm 11)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This principle brings
us back to the text of this sermon which is based on Psalm 11. David is
effectively saying that God is greater than all his problems and ours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we deal with discouragement?
Discouragement is part of life. We can choose to remain discouraged or we can
pull the courage out of dis<u>courage</u>ment and uses it to continue with our
lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suggest these seven
ways to deal with discouragement</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Nothing
happens according to our plans (Prov. 21:31)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Be
realistic (Prov. 24:3-4)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Avoid
dwelling on discouragements alone (Eccl. 4:9-12).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Control
your emotions (Prov. 25:28)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Don’t give
up (Gal. 6:9)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>A closed
door may leads to many open doors (Gen. 50:20)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Your God
is bigger than your problems (Psalm 11)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What says you?</div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-43253647727160544412012-03-25T20:50:00.001+08:002012-03-25T20:52:41.527+08:00Despondency in Gethsemane<div id="__ss_12146730" style="width: 425px;"><b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/despondency-in-gethsemane" target="_blank" title="Despondency in Gethsemane">Despondency in Gethsemane</a></b> <iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/12146730" width="425"></iframe> <br />
<div style="padding: 5px 0 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/thecroaker/death-by-powerpoint" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang" target="_blank">Alex Tang</a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Sermon statement</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Jesus’ temptation in Gethsemane is the crisis point in salvation history and encourages us to watch and pray.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Text (NIV)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:36</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">37</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">38</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."</span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:39</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:40</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">41</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:42</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:43</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">44</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:45</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">46</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction: Crisis points</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">There are many crisis points in the history of the world. The most recent is 9/11 when two planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York. It changed the domestic and foreign policy of the United States, the sole superpower in the world today. A decision was made somewhere by the Al Qaeda terrorists to go ahead with this attack on civilian target on US soil and this decision lead to consequences that changed the modern world. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">In our Christian tradition, another crisis point was when an Augustinian monk named Martin Luther decided to stand against the Church of Rome in by nailing his Ninety Five theses on a church door in Wittenberg on 31 October 1517 and started the Reformation movement and changed the Christian world. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Another crisis point is when God called to Moses from a burning bush in Genesis 3 and after many excuses, Moses decided to obey God to go to confront the Pharaoh and win freedom for the Hebrews people and changed the ancient religious world. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Each of these involved a point when the final decision was made and to carry out what was decided. It involves agonising decision making. Those making the decision know of the consequences of their decision and the price they have to pay in terms of their personal sacrifices. These among many other crisis points changed the world as we know it.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The most important crisis point in human history occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane in the text we shall study today. We are in the final weeks of Lent. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Exposition</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:36</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>It is probably about midnight on the Thursday of Passover week in A.D. 33 (or 30).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Jesus’ three years ministry is coming to an end</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>He has preached his last sermon and performed his last miracle.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>He has come to fulfill his mission – to be the last and ultimate Passover lamb, the perfect and only sacrifice for the sins of the world.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">37</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">38</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Jesus asks his disciples to keep watch with him. Watch is in the present tense.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Why is Jesus sorrowful and troubled? Sorrowful and troubled is more than just depression or emotional turmoil that all of us experience. It means depper that that and I suggest despondency. de·spond·en·cy [dih-spon-duhn-see] means state of being despondent; depression of spirits from loss of courage or hope; dejection. Isaiah describe the Messiah to be a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief’ (Isa. 53:3). All his life Jesus must know about his mission, his destiny which to die for the sins of the world. Why this sudden change of heart? Why this depression? Why this inner turmoil? Is Jesus afraid of death?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>I suggest that it is not physical death that Jesus is apprehensive about but that he is to become sin and be separated from the Father. To Jesus, that will be the most unbearable part of this stage of his mission. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>And I also suggest that Satan has also a role to play in his despondency or inner turmoil. Matthew detailed Jesus’ temptations in the desert after fasting for forty days and nights (Matt. 4). </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Matt. 4:11</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;"> MT 4:11</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Luke added an additional comment (Luke 4:13)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;"> LK 4:13</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> You remember when it said after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, "He withdrew from him until an opportune time."</div><div class="MsoNormal"> When do you think that was? Right now, I think. And not only did <i>he</i> draw near. John Piper suggests</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"> I’ll bet he gathered all of the most powerful members of his wicked army. You can be <br />
assured that the flaming darts that Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 were flying with volleys<br />
against the soul of the Son of God as he knelt there wrestling for his faithfulness.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:39</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>My Father- Jesus usually uses the word Father or Abba. Here he uses a personal ‘my Father’.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>‘this cup’ is a metaphor for suffering and death that he was soon to face. It is also a metaphor. The imagery of ‘the cup of God’s wrath’ is more powerful and more relevant in Jesus’ case (Rev. 14:10; 16:19; Isa. 51: 17, 22).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>The struggle is between ‘I will’ and ‘you [God’s] will’. Jesus has a choice. He could stop the whole thing now and run away. If he leaves the garden now, Judas would not have found him to betray him. Then he can live the rest of his life away from Jerusalem and Galilee. No one will know him. I suggest this is his temptation by Satan at this moment. Satan was whispering. ‘You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to try to save these humans who are ungrateful, stiff necked and sinful. You don’t have take on their sins and face your father’s wrath on their behalf. Don’t you have a right to yourself to live?’</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>John Piper notes in a similar way</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">John 12:27 says "Now is my soul troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, but for this purpose, I have come to this hour." Now I think that text tells us what the nature of the temptation was. Satan was firing volley after volley into the mind of Jesus Christ. And thoughts came into his mind from Satan, thoughts like, "This is a dead end street. Calvary is just a black hole. It’s going to hurt like nothing has ever hurt any human being ever before, and these rascals aren’t worth it, etc." These were coming out of Satan’s wicked heart into the mind of the Son of God.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:40</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">41</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>The disciples were sleeping. Sleeping is the metaphor of moral failure. Just before coming to the garden at the Passover meal (Last Supper) this all the disciples, not just Peter declared that they will never betray Jesus (Matt. 26: 31-35). Now they have betrayed Jesus because instead of watching, they are sleeping.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Jesus shared about the temptation he is feeling. The spirit may be willing but the body is weak. His weak body is being tempted by Satan. Even at this moment, Jesus is still teaching his disciples. How do you resist temptations?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Watch and pray! It is in the plural. The only effective weapon the disciples has against temptation is prayer.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:42</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Compare Jesus’ first and second prayer:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>There seems to be a change in Jesus’ attitude. Where in the first prayer there may be a hint of bargaining, the second prayer is that of submission and obedience.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:43</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">44</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>The disciples were still sleeping. Maybe Jesus realize that humankind will never to able to get rid of their sinfulness without him. Note that Jesus have stopped rebuking them. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>Jesus affirmed his own decision to go through the ordeal. He prayed again the third time – similar to the three temptations in the desert.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 26:45</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. </span> <span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">46</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>The disciples are still ‘sleeping and resting.’ Jesus again did not rebuke them. John Calvin has this to say: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none;">So far I have wasted my words on you, I shall cease urging you. But however much I may let you sleep, the enemy will not allow it you, but will force you to watch against your will (Institutes III, p.155)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>In the desert, at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus uses Scripture to counter the temptations of Satan, in Gethsemane at the end of his ministry, Jesus uses his mind in decision making and prayer. Jesus made a conscious choice to be submissive to his father’s will. There is not longer despondency and turmoil. The decision is made, Jesus is at peace and is ready to face what is to come. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>‘Rise, let us go.’ The crisis is over and the final act will begin.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lessons for us</b></div><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Spiritual warfare is still ongoing. There is an ongoing battle for our minds.</b> <ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>What we allow into our minds</b></li>
</ol></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">Paul writing to the Philippians highlights safeguards the battle for our minds. What is our antiviral screen? What is our firewall?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">PHP 4:8</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.</span></div><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>What we feed our minds</b></li>
</ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">A Cherokee Legend</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">This story is also called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"</div><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>We are to be watchful.</b> <ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>To be watchful means to know the will of God is.</b></li>
</ol></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">To be watchful means that we have to guard and protect our mind with the Word of God. We have to protect our souls by putting on the armor of God. </div><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Not a sin to react emotionally</b></li>
</ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">It is okay to feel depressed or sad when the situation warrens it or when you are stressed out. It is alright for Christians to be down. There is no teaching in the Bible that teaches Christians must be upbeat and happy all the time. Joy yes, but not happiness.</div><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Watch with friends</b></li>
</ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">Jesus chose some close friends to be with him. Verse 37: "And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled." He asked for their help in spiritual warfare. Verse 38, second half: "Remain here and watch with me." Another text says "pray," and another, "Don’t let yourself come into temptation; stay here and fight with me. Fight with me."</div><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="4" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Make the right decisions</b></li>
</ol></ol><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>We are to watch and pray.</b> <ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>We are weak</b></li>
</ol></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">The ‘spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’ is very true and we fool ourselves when we think otherwise. </div><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="1"><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>We are strong only through prayers</b></li>
</ol></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">Jesus shows us how he drew strength through prayers and talking it through with the Father. That is how we will be strong. True strength comes from empowerment from God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Conclusion</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Jesus’ temptation in Gethsemane is the crisis point in salvation history and encourages us to watch and pray.</span></div><br />
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.Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-41678458450952127442011-10-19T14:17:00.001+08:002011-10-19T14:17:52.851+08:00The Language of Spiritual Friendship<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_9764520"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/the-language-of-friendship" title="The Language of Friendship">The Language of Friendship</a></strong><object id="__sse9764520" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=language-of-friendshipivcc16-10-11-111019011000-phpapp02&stripped_title=the-language-of-friendship&userName=draltang" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse9764520" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=language-of-friendshipivcc16-10-11-111019011000-phpapp02&stripped_title=the-language-of-friendship&userName=draltang" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-69291683280549139432011-07-10T20:03:00.002+08:002011-07-11T11:52:46.296+08:00Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdoms on Earth<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=864691128479045774&site=widget-8e.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-8e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"></div></div>Christians and Governments<br />
Text: Rom. 13:1-7<br />
<br />
<b>Sermon statement</b><br />
Christians are to take care of the Kingdom of Heaven and let God take care of the kingdoms on earth.<br />
<br />
<b>Introduction</b><br />
<br />
On 9th July, Bersih 2.0- a coalition of NGOs and opposition political parties held a <a href=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/10/nation/9074629&sec=nation>massive rally at the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur</a>. This is held in check by the Malaysian police with tear gas and water cannons.<br />
<br />
The <a href=http://bersih.org/>Bersih 2.0’s manifest</a> is<br />
“Only when elections are clean and fair, can citizens be real masters of their own destiny and expect holders of public office to act accountably and effectively.”<br />
<br />
BERSIH started out as the Joint Action Committee for Electoral Reform, which was formed in July 2005, and the coalition’s objective was to push for a thorough reform of the electoral process in Malaysia.<br />
<br />
Bersih 2.0′s call consist of 8 points. In summary, they are:<br />
<br />
1. Clean the electoral roll<br />
2. Reform postal ballot<br />
3. Use of indelible ink<br />
4. Minimum 21 days campaign period<br />
5. Free and fair access to media<br />
6. Strengthen public institutions<br />
7. Stop corruption<br />
8. Stop dirty politics<br />
<br />
Many Christians took part in this rally. <br />
<br />
This is a good opportunity for us to re-examine what is the relation of Christians and the government of the countries they are staying in. The apostle Paul gives us some quidelines.<br />
<br />
Romans 13:1-7<br />
RO 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.<br />
<br />
RO 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.<br />
<br />
<b>Context of Romans 13:1-7</b><br />
Written by Paul in Corinth to the Christians in Rome in the winter of AD 56/57.<br />
Roman government still persecuting Christians.<br />
Many of the Christians in Rome have been exiled (leaving behind their homes and business).<br />
Nero is the emperor.<br />
Emperor worship still taking place.<br />
<br />
If you think this is only Paul’s view, Peter gives a similar view. <br />
<br />
1 Peter 2:13-17<br />
1PE 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.<br />
<br />
Jesus did not come to overthrow the existing political order in spite of the prevailing view at that time that the Messiah will be a political leader. Jesus came to herald in the kingdom of heaven amongst the kingdoms of earth. It must be in this context that we understand Paul and Peter views of government and authorities over us. <br />
<br />
Rom. 13:1-7: This passage teaches five vital principles concerning the Christian’s response to the government:<br />
<br />
A. The Government is<br />
<br />
1. by divine decree (v.1b).<br />
<br />
2. an institution of God (v.2a).<br />
<br />
3. serves to promote good (vv.3b-4a) and restrain evil (v.3a, 4b).<br />
<br />
B. The Christian is<br />
<br />
4. to submit through their conscience (v.5).<br />
<br />
5. to pay taxes and whatever is due to the government (v.6,7).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1. Government is by divine decree (v.1 b.)</b><br />
<br />
v.1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.<br />
<br />
First Paul says that human government is ordained by God for the benefit of society. In whatever forms it exists, civil authority derives directly from God.<br />
<br />
<b>6 types of government:</b><br />
<br />
i. <i>Perfect government </i>will only come when Jesus the King returns to establish His Kingdom in all its fullness.<br />
ii. <i>Just government </i>is possible where full participatory democracy is in bloom so that people elect good leaders and replace them as necessary.<br />
iii.<i> Mediocre government </i>takes place if less than the best people are chosen to rule.<br />
iv.<i> Ineffective government</i> happens in places where rulers are changed too frequently or the people are ungovernable for some reason.<br />
v. <i>Corrupt government </i>develops when rulers assume public office mainly for private gain.<br />
vi. <i>Wicked government</i> ensures when those in authority are particularly wicked, unjust and oppressive.<br />
<br />
Like marriage, it is a universal institution of God, regardless of place, culture, race or any other circumstances.<br />
<br />
There is no civil authority except from God. No matter what forms it takes, no matter where it is, no matter what ideology, no human government that has existed, existing or will exist , all government are under the sovereign authority of God. The entire world, everything in the heavens, on earth and under the earth are subject to the Creator. Without exception, the power that any person, group or society may possess is divinely given. How well or poorly this power is used is another matter. Paul’s point here is that this power has only one source – God.<br />
<br />
Yet in his divine wisdom, God has permitted Satan to have vast but limited power over the world and the affairs of men. And this include governments. Many if not most government are under the influence of Satan and are a means of promoting and perpetuating satanic activity. Governments like other institutions on earth at this moments are under powers, principalities and dominions.<br />
<br />
Governments have authority by divine decree. The autocratic, ruthless and demonic regimes of Adolf Hilter, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Tse Tung were no exceptions. The equally ruthless empires of ancient Assyria and Babylon were no exceptions. The Roman empire, ruled by caesars who declared themselves god are no exception.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Government is an institution of God. Rebellion to Government is rebellion against God (v.2a)</b><br />
<br />
v.2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<br />
<br />
The logical conclusion we can draw is that since government is an institution of God. Any rebellion against a government is a rebellion against God.<br />
<br />
The seriousness in which God takes rebellion is illustrated in the book of Numbers. God has chosen Moses not only to be the law-giver but also to be the human leader of Israel to lead them from Egypt, through the wilderness to the Promised land.<br />
<br />
Numbers 16: 1-3 Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron. “ With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who has been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?”…v.13 “Isn’t enough that you have brought us out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? And now you also want to lord over us?” They are questioning Moses and Aaron’s authority. And God was so angry that “the ground under them split apart and swallowed Korah’s men and their household and fire came out of the Lord and consumed 250 rebels”.<br />
<br />
The next day, the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. They were still defiant. The Lord then send a plague which killed 14,700 people (v.49). Had not Aaron made atonement, the whole community would have perished!<br />
<br />
God takes seriously any rebellion against those who challenge His appointed authority.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Government serves to promote good (vv.3b-4a) and restrain evil (v.3a, 4b)</b><br />
<br />
vv.3,4 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.<br />
<br />
Paul then described the purpose of government. The government has a dual purpose- to promote good and restrain evil. Government is the God ordained vehicle to promote good and restrain evil in human society.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>i. Promote good</b><br />
<br />
To promote good is to promote order. The opposite of order is anarchy. Anarchy means there is no rules and everyone does whatever they want. Look at Indonesia when the government could not maintain order- the killing and raping, the destruction of properties. Look at Bosnia and Kosovo. Judges 21:25 “ In those days Israel has no king; everyone did as he saw fit “(NIV)<br />
<br />
<b>ii. Restrain evil</b><br />
<br />
In order to promote and protect the good in society, human government must punish evil. Consequently, those who do what is evil have reason to be afraid. Because the sword is an instrument of death, the weapon here symbolized the right of civil government to inflict punishment, including the death penalty for crimes that deserve it.<br />
<br />
To restrain evil, there must be a code of law that applies equally to everybody, rich or poor, black or white, educated or illiterate. No one can be above the law.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, rulers are called God’s servant. This means that our Prime Minister is God’s servant whether he knows it or not and he is carrying out God’s divine purpose whether he acknowledges it or not.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Christian to submit through conscience (v.5)</b><br />
<br />
v. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.<br />
<br />
Does vv.1-4 means that Christians must submit to whatever government they are under – whether good or bad?<br />
<br />
Submit versus obey<br />
<br />
v.5 comments on the above section on government. Here Paul is saying that the authority given to human government is not absolute. Submission is based on conscience. Conscience here refers to the Christian’s knowledge of God’s will and purposes.<br />
<br />
When Jesus was asked a trick question about paying tax, He replied, “ Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17)<br />
<br />
So what are the limitations to the authority of human government?<br />
<br />
When it is contrary to God’s law. Disobedience to God’s Word.<br />
When rulers give orders which are contrary to God’s law, for example, by ordering the killing of newborns (Exodus 1) <br />
<br />
Exod. 1:17-20<br />
17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"<br />
<br />
EX 1:19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive."<br />
<br />
EX 1:20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.<br />
<br />
Dan. 1:12-15<br />
DA 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you."<br />
<br />
DA 1:11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.<br />
<br />
<br />
DA 1:15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.<br />
<br />
DA 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.<br />
<br />
Acts 4:18-20<br />
AC 4:18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."<br />
<br />
Christians must say: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5. Christian is to pay taxes and whatever is due (v.6,7)</b><br />
<br />
vv.6,7 This is also why you pay taxes, for authorities are God’s servants, who gives their full time in governing. Give everyone what you owe him; if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor then honor.<br />
<br />
No one enjoys paying tax. But taxes are part of everyday life and we as Christians must pay our taxes.<br />
<br />
<br />
When God established the nation of Israel, He also instituted a taxation system:<br />
<br />
i. Tithe or a tenth (Lev 27:30) This tithe is given to the support of the priestly tribe of Levite which had no land allocated to it and has no support. It is also called the Levite’s tithe.<br />
ii. Annual Festival Tithe. Used for sacrifices, for supporting the tabernacle and then the temple, for cultivating social and cultural life, and for fostering national unity (Deut. 12:10-19)<br />
iii. Triennial Tithe. Levied every three years (about 3.3% per annum) to help the aliens, the orphans and the widows.<br />
iv. Annual half-shekel Tax. Levied on every male Israelite twenty years and above as a contribution to the Lord.(Ex 30:14)<br />
v. At the end of every harvest, Jews were required to leave some of their crops unharvested, allowing the remainder to be gleaned by the poor (Lev 19:10)<br />
vi. Every seventh year, cultivated land is to be left fallow. Whatever crop that comes up is to be left for the poor and what remained was left for livestock to each.<br />
<br />
The total of all these six taxes, all of which are mandately amounted to 24% per year. The taxes are for governmental administrative costs, religious costs and social welfare.<br />
<br />
<b>Lessons for us</b><br />
<br />
Titus 3:1-2<br />
TIT 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.<br />
<br />
1 Thess. 4:11-12<br />
1TH 4:11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.<br />
<br />
We as Christians are required to give the government their due.<br />
<br />
<b>i. Taxes</b><br />
<b>ii. Services</b><br />
<br />
Some government may require some additional services. Singapore have compulsory national service for their youth. Malaysia requires all doctors to do three years of compulsory service after their housemanship.<br />
<br />
<b>iii. Prayers</b><br />
<br />
We are required to pray for our government whether we like it or not. Jeremiah in writing to the Jews in exile in Jer. 29:7-9<br />
<br />
7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 8 Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD.<br />
<br />
<b>iv. Nation building</b><br />
<br />
And work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray to the Lord for that city where you are held captive, for if Babylon has peace, so will you.” (NLT)<br />
<br />
Mind you, this is the Babylon that destroyed the Temple and carried them into slavery and exile. Yet Jeremiah did not ask them to rebel or pray for God’s vengeance on Babylon. Instead he asked them to pray for the prosperity of Babylon.<br />
<br />
<b>iv. Election</b><br />
<br />
The new element that we now have which Paul and the Roman Christians do not have is called participatory democracy. Abraham Lincoln’s dictum of a government by the people, of the people and for the people is now everywhere embraced, in theory if not in practice. In a democracy, we have the awesome privilege of choosing those who rule over us.<br />
<br />
<b>What about socio-political activities?</b><br />
<br />
If we are to discern history, different governments except for the prefect government carry within them the seeds of their own destruction. All the great empires fell. Assyrian, Babylon, Rome, the Third Reich, USSR and certain form of Chinese communism all crumpled under their own corruption and evil. Is that due to the actions and street demonstrations of their people? Maybe. <br />
<br />
I believe more in a sovereign God who lift up and destroy nations in his own perfect timing. As a student of history, I sometimes think that people movement that causes regime change by means of anarchy causes more harm and hardships to the people themselves, often innocent people. I also see that given enough time, most evil regimes will fall by the weight of their own corruption.<br />
<br />
I often find that as Christians, we are often selective in reading and obeying the Scripture. We often take what we like and disregard what we do not. Take for example the Bersih 2.0 rally. I wonder how we can apply Romans 13:1-7 if we take part in it.<br />
<br />
The call for a clean and transparent electorate is good<br />
It is plainly an illegal gathering<br />
It brought the nation capital to a standstill causing inconvenience to thousands and loss of income to many<br />
It might have led to violence, injuries, deaths and destruction of properties<br />
The Agong has already responded<br />
The public is already aware of the issues due to the actions of the government<br />
Indications that it is subject to manipulation by others with their own agenda<br />
<br />
What is the Christian ethical response to this rally? What will Jesus do (WWJD)?<br />
<br />
I myself do not have a ready answer to this. How to reconcile Rom.13:1-7 and participation in a rally such as this? Honestly, I have no idea what Jesus would have done. What I can do is to continue to think and pray about it. Hopefully the Holy Spirit will grant me wisdom when someone decide to organise a similar rally in the future.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
<br />
Romans 13:1-7 gives us some indication of the relation of Christians and their governments.<br />
<br />
A. The Government is<br />
<br />
1. by divine decree (v.1b).<br />
<br />
2. an institution of God (v.2a).<br />
<br />
3. serves to promote good (vv.3b-4a) and restrain evil (v.3a, 4b).<br />
<br />
B. The Christian is<br />
<br />
4. to submit through their conscience (v.5).<br />
<br />
5. to pay taxes and whatever is due to the government (v.6,7).<br />
<br />
It teaches that government is not a necessary evil that we Christians have to endure. It is appointed by God and is part of His divine plan. Christians are to take care of the Kingdom of Heaven and let God take care of the kingdoms on earth.<br />
<br />
Soli Deo GloriaAlex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-91541118435235585382011-02-21T12:11:00.001+08:002011-07-10T20:12:24.187+08:00What is Spiritual Formation?<div><embed align="middle" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=864691128479019444&site=widget-b4.slide.com" name="flashticker" quality="high" salign="l" scale="noscale" src="http://widget-b4.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="height: 320px; width: 400px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="text-align: left; width: 400px;"></div></div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-43389340177707534612011-01-23T23:40:00.000+08:002011-01-23T23:40:22.688+08:00Praying the Jesus Way<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Praying the Jesus Way</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew 6:5-8</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_6663131"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/praying-the-jesus-way" title="Praying the Jesus Way">Praying the Jesus Way</a></strong><object id="__sse6663131" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=prayingthejesuswayjbbc23-01-11-110122101814-phpapp01&stripped_title=praying-the-jesus-way&userName=draltang" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse6663131" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=prayingthejesuswayjbbc23-01-11-110122101814-phpapp01&stripped_title=praying-the-jesus-way&userName=draltang" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sermon Statement </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Praying the Jesus way requires us to be real (authentic) pray-ers, totally committed to the act of praying. This act of praying is in communion with God, and in asking Him for our needs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sermon Text (Matthew 6:5-8)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.<span> </span>6 But when you pray, go into your room (closet), close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span> </span>7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.<span> </span>8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Introduction</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayer is a complex yet simple subject. Prayer is complex because there are so many layers of truth about it. There are numerous books on prayers and there are also conferences and workshop you can sign up to learn about prayer. Yet prayer is simple because it is a relationship with God. So simple that even children can do it. So complex that even theologians cannot understand it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some disturbing truths about prayers</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Not all prayers is good and pleasing to God</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The teaching of the Pharisees includes a prayer with these words: “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who hast not made me a gentile, … a slave, … a woman” which is quite disturbing on many levels.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Time spent in prayer is not necessary well spent</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayers that include telling God what to do, teaching God about himself asking for impossible things such as asking God to reverse time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">God answers the prayers of Christians and non-Christians</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">For a Christian, praying should be as natural as breathing</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal">Reformed and Anglican theologian J.I.Packer writes about this in his book, <i>Growing in Christ</i>:</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It is not too much to say that God made us to pray; that prayer is (not the easiest, but) the most natural activity in which we ever engage; and that prayer is the measure of us all in God’s sight.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How to Pray the Jesus Way</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">He begins by asking us to be real (authentic) pray-er (v.5)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He describes the place for us to pray (v.6)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He describes the wrong way to pray (v.7)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He tells us the way (v.8-13)</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Real (authentic) Pray-er (v.5)</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Avoid praying like hypocrites</b></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The word hypocrite is a word taken from the Greek drama. It is an actor who covered his face with a mask as he portrayed a character which is a false character, not like who the character really is. We call it “putting on a false front.” It hides our real character.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hypocrites in the New Testament often describe a person who makes a pretense of holiness while hiding their true nature. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In true prayer as Jesus is teaching it, we must not be hypocrites because true prayer must be REAL. Hypocrites are not real.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Hypocrites is always marked by the flesh</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Hypocrites are self-centered</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">Self-promotion, courting public opinion, condemning others</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Hypocrites glorifies in a reputation of holiness rather than being holy</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">(Prov.12:22)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">(Prov. 15:8)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Closet Praying (v.6)</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">In closet prayer we get away from people</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In closet prayer we get away from the world</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In closet prayer we get away from other distractions</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In closet prayer we set aside our mental distractions</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">In closet prayer we prepare our hearts for communion</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are two keys to closet praying. One is the preparing our hearts. We need to get away from people, the world, different types of distractions so that we can prepare our hearts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ezra is so highly regarded by the Jewish rabbis that they suggest that if God have not given the law to Moses, He would have given it to Ezra. These rabbis ranked Ezra second only to Moses. Why such a high ranking? Ezra 7:10 gives us a clue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (NKJ).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel (NIV). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The second key to closet prayer is also setting time aside to pray. It is so easy not have time to pray because our schedule is so full. We need to make an intentional effort to set aside block of time every day so that we can pray or what is called closet prayer. Martin Luther is well known to have said he was going to have a busy day ahead so he had to set aside three hours to pray!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We must intentionally set aside time for prayer. Abraham, Moses, Daniel and Jesus of Nazareth are all busy people. The biblical record shows that they are also men of prayer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Genesis 18: 22</div><div class="MsoNormal">The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Exodus 3:1-3 </div><div class="MsoNormal">Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.<span> </span>2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.<span> </span>3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Daniel 6:10</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mark 1:35</div><div class="MsoNormal">Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What about the Christians?</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Charles Simeon devoted the hours from four till eight in the morning to God. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">John Wesley spent two hours daily in prayer. He also began at four in the morning. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Luther said: "If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer."</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>What about Public Prayers?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The teaching here is not against public prayers. It is against hypocrites who make a show of being holiness by their praying. Public or corporate prayer is an important part of<span> </span>spiritual life of the church as is private prayer an important part of our spiritual life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Jesus called the Temple his “Father’s house” and a “house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Jesus prayed in the sight of others (Lk.3:21; 10:21; 11:1)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Early church had public meetings (Acts 4:24-31; 12:5-12)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span>o<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Paul talked about his prayers (Col. 2:1; Rom. 15:30; Rom. 9:2)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Wrong Way to Pray (v.7)</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Avoid praying like pagans</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Use idle, mechanical or “magic” words</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal">Use of secret or power word</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">mantra</li>
</ul><li class="MsoNormal">Vain repetitions or long and verbose</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">True or authentic prayer is often brief. I love this story about John Hyde of India also known as “Praying Hyde.”<span> </span>John Nelson Hyde (November 9, 1865-February 17, 1912) was an American missionary who preached in the Punjab.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“The American evangelist J. Wilbur Chapman told about meeting John Hyde. Knowing Hyde’s power in prayer, Chapman asked the great prayer warrior to pray for him. For five minutes they knelt together and Hyde did not utter a word. Then he lifted his face to heaven and utters just two words, “O God.” He relapsed into silent meditation for some time and then began to pray. Chapman said that Hyde prayed such a prayer for him as he had never heard before, and that God answered the petitions of that prayer in such a way that permanently changed his ministry. Hyde took time to have the glory of God fill his soul so that when he made his request it was effective because it was a prayer of faith.” (Alan Cairns, <i>The Lord’s Prayer</i>, Belfast: Ambassador Publications, 2004, 67)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Alteration of consciousness</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal">Do not empty our mind like Buddhist meditations</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Cause a trance like in 1 Kings 18:25-29 concerning the challenge of Baal priests and Elijah on Mount Carmel. </li>
</ul></ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a power encounter. There have been no rain on Samaria (Northern Kingdom) for three and a half year and the challenge is whose God is more powerful. Yahweh or Baal. The more powerful one will of course make rain when called upon by their followers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.”<span> </span>26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “O Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.”<span> </span>28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed.<span> </span>29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Praying the Jesus Way (v.8ff)</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Prayer is fellowship with God</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He will gives us what we need</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">Prayer is asking</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Asking must be specific</li>
</ul><li class="MsoNormal">He will restores what is lost</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">He restores our souls</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He restores the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He restores the peace we have lost through sin</li>
</ul><li class="MsoNormal">He acknowledges that we are His people</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">He gives us a foretaste of the Day of Judgment</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">David equate God’s refusal to answer his prayer with God’s rejection on Judgment Day (Psalm 28:1)<sup> </sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">To you I call, O LORD my Rock; Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Isaiah 3:10</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Conclusion</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How then shall we pray?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Praying the Jesus way requires us to be real (authentic) pray-ers, totally committed to the act of praying. This act of praying is in communion with God, and in asking Him for our needs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soli Deo Gloria</div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-86762130486986746872011-01-10T02:18:00.000+08:002011-01-10T02:18:14.989+08:00The Rainbow of Prayer<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Rainbow of Prayer</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Dynamic Activities of the Lord’s Prayer</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Pray then like this…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Text: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11: 2-4</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div id="__ss_6491475" style="width: 425px;"><b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0pt 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/the-rainbow-of-prayer" title="The rainbow of prayer ">The rainbow of prayer </a></b><object height="355" id="__sse6491475" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=therainbowofprayerhlce09-01-11-110108232130-phpapp02&stripped_title=the-rainbow-of-prayer&userName=draltang" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse6491475" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=therainbowofprayerhlce09-01-11-110108232130-phpapp02&stripped_title=the-rainbow-of-prayer&userName=draltang" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br />
<div style="padding: 5px 0pt 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sermon Statement</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069" name="OLE_LINK2"></a>Praying the Lord’s Prayer is approaching God in a direct and intimate way; adoring the Creator and the Almighty; acknowledging His work and worth in praise and worship; accepting from God’s one’s own situation as He has shaped it; admitting sin and seeking pardon; asking that needs be met, for ourselves and others; and adhering to God in faithfulness through thick and thin.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><b>I.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>The Format of the Lord’s Prayer</b></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 39pt;"> <td colspan="2" style="height: 39pt; padding: 3.75pt; width: 99.32%;" width="99%"><span lang="EN-GB">The Lord's Prayer is the model of prayer that Jesus taught us, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is presented here in traditional and modern language:</span></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 169.5pt;"> <td style="height: 169.5pt; padding: 3.75pt; width: 49.5%;" valign="top" width="49%"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Our Father, who art in heaven,<br />
hallowed be thy name.<br />
Thy Kingdom come, <br />
thy will be done, <br />
on earth as it is in heaven<br />
Give us this day our daily bread.<br />
And forgive us our trespasses,<br />
as we forgive those who trespass against us. <br />
And lead us not into temptation, <br />
but deliver us from evil. <br />
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen </span></div></td> <td style="height: 169.5pt; padding: 3.75pt; width: 49.5%;" valign="top" width="49%"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Our Father in heaven,<br />
hallowed be your name.<br />
Your Kingdom come, <br />
your will be done, <br />
on earth as in heaven<br />
Give us today our daily bread.<br />
Forgive us our sins,<br />
as we forgive those who sin against us. <br />
Lead us not into temptation, <br />
but deliver us from evil. <br />
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory. <br />
Now and for ever. Amen </span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We always assume that the doxology is part of the Lord’s Prayer. However reading Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11: 2-4 shows otherwise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Matthew 6:9-13</div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Luke 11:2-4</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="height: 139pt;"> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 139pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:9</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "This, then, is how you should pray:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> " `Our Father in heaven,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> hallowed be your name,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:10</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> your kingdom come,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> your will be done</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> on earth as it is in heaven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:11</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Give us today our daily bread.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:12</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Forgive us our debts,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> as we also have forgiven our debtors.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 6:13</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> And lead us not into temptation,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> but deliver us from the evil one. '</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 139pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 11:2</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> He said to them, "When you pray, say:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> " `Father,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> hallowed be your name,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> your kingdom come.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 11:3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Give us each day our daily bread.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">LK 11:4</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Forgive us our sins,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> And lead us not into temptation. ' "</span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Sermon on the mountain</div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Sermon on the plains</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Audience: Jews</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Audience: Gentile</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">The Righteousness of God supersede our behaviour</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">The Grace of God to save</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">“how you should pray” in the Sermon on the Mount</div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">“when you pray” in response to the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In some ancient and many later MSS of Mt. 6:13 a doxology follows. In the AV it reads, ‘For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.’ Although the most authoritative MSS do not have the doxology, it has been used in the Christian church from the earliest times (cf. the Didache and the Western Text [Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (696). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><b>II.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Comments about the Lord’s Prayer</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">the Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God summarized in prayer form. Tertullian called it the ‘epitome of the whole Gospel’ (breviarium totius evangelii) and St Augustine the source of all other prayers. [Cross, F. L., & Livingstone, E. A. (2005). The Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed. rev.) (1001). Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.]</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">It should be noted that our Lord (when teaching his disciples this prayer) did not say, ‘we must pray’ but ‘you pray’. The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer which he taught, not one which he used. He does not appear ever to have used the expression ‘Our Father’ in such a way as to include his disciples with himself [Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (696). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.]</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">It is in a plural form rather than individual. The first person singular pronoun is not used anywhere in the prayer. We say, “Our Father, … give us … .” This prayer is meant for a community. It may profitably be used by an individual, but it is not meant as an aid to private devotion. It is a prayer to be said by God’s people; it is the prayer of the Christian family.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">The Lord’s Prayer seems to be Jesus’ synopsis of various Jewish prayers of the time. The first two sentences: “Hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come,” echo the language of the Jewish prayer, the Kaddish. It begins: “Magnified and hallowed be his great name in the world … And may He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and in your days … quickly and soon.” The third, “Your will be done,” is similar to a prayer of Rabbi Eliezer (about A.D. 100): “Do Thy will in heaven above and give peace to those who fear Thee below” (Babylonian Talmud, Berakoth). The petitions in the Lord’s prayer also echo ancient Jewish prayers.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">The first, “Give us our bread,” is akin to the first benediction of grace at mealtime. “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, king of the universe, who feedest the whole world with thy goodness …; thou givest food to all flesh.… Through thy goodness food hath never failed us: O may it not fail us for ever and ever.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The second, “Forgive us,” echoes the Eighteen Benedictions, 6: “Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned against thee; blot out our transgressions from before thine eyes. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who forgivest much.” The accompanying phrase, “as we also have forgiven,” reflects the Jewish teaching found in Sirach 28:2: “Forgive the wrong of your neighbor, and then your sins will be forgiven when you pray.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The third petition, “Lead us not into temptation,” is similar to a petition in the Jewish Morning and Evening Prayers. “Cause me to go not into the hands of sin, and not into the hands of transgression, and not into the hands of temptation, and “not into the hand of dishonor.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The final words, “Hallowed be thy name,” “Thy kingdom come,” and “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” constitute a prayer for the final victory of God over the devil, sin, and death. It is possible that they were also understood by the early Christians to be a petition for God’s rule in their lives in the here and now. [Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (Rev. ed.].) (414–415). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.]</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">There are two components in the Prayer. One is directed towards God, and the other is directed towards ourselves and others. </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">The ‘thou’ petitions of the Lord’s Prayer focus on God and implore God to act so as to achieve his purposes in the world. The first petition (hallowing God’s name) is further explicated by the second (coming of God’s Kingdom) and the third, found only in Matthew (doing God’s will). God’s ‘name’ is synonymous with God himself; the first petition invokes God to make his holiness manifest to the world by ushering in the final day of salvation. To concretize this, the disciples pray, ‘Thy kingdom come,’ and, ‘Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ Here, God is called upon, as part and parcel of his holiness, to establish his kingly Rule in splendor over all nations and (in Matthew) to exercise his will here on earth with as much freedom from opposition as he presently exercises it in the sphere of his heavenly abode. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The ‘we’ petitions focus on the physical and spiritual needs of the disciples. The petition for bread is a request for the necessities of life. Traditionally translated (in Matthew), ‘Give us this day our daily bread,’ it is more accurately rendered, ‘Give us today our bread for the morrow.’ At the basis of this petition is the notion that the disciples pray for the necessities of life that they require ‘today’ in view of the fact that ‘tomorrow’ God’s splendid Kingdom will come. The petition for the forgiveness of debts, or sins, is an appeal that God, as Father of the disciples, will graciously forgive them their sins and so enable them to forgive one another. The final petition in Luke (not being led into temptation), which is supplemented in Matthew by the petition for deliverance from evil, is a plea that God so guide the disciples through life that their relationship to him as Father may never come into jeopardy and that they may be preserved from Satanic evil of every kind. [Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper's Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (576). San Francisco: Harper & Row.]</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">In its original form, the Lord’s Prayer probably comes from the earthly Jesus himself. One indication of this is that the version in Luke essentially reappears in Matthew. Another is the Jewish and Aramaic character of the prayer. </li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal">the Lord’s Prayer parallels in important respects the Kaddish and the Eighteen Benedictions—Jewish prayers apparently in use, in their oldest forms, in the synagogue worship of Jesus’ time</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">behind the Greek word for ‘Father’ is the Aramaic abba. Jesus himself apparently addressed God as abba (cf. Mark 14:36), thus establishing a custom that was continued even by Greek-speaking Christians (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:15).</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">behind the Greek for ‘debts’ and ‘sins’ is choba. Choba means ‘debt’ or, in a religious context, ‘sin’ or ‘guilt’; thus, in Aramaic, forgiveness of ‘debts’ (Matt. 6:12) is the same as forgiveness of ‘sins’ (Luke 11:4). [Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper's Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (575). San Francisco: Harper & Row.]</li>
</ul></ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><b>III.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>The Seven Dynamic Activities in the Lord’s Prayer</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jesus meant the Lord’s Prayer to be a template or pattern of all types of prayers. Hence we can learn much from this prayer. J.I.Packer, a well known theologian identifies seven distinctive activities in the prayer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“As analysis of light requires reference to the seven colors of the spectrum that make it up, so analysis of the Lord’s Prayer requires reference to a spectrum of seven distinct activities: <b><i>approaching</i></b> God in adoration and trust; <b><i>acknowledging</i></b> his work and his worth, in praise and worship; <b><i>admitting</i></b> sin, and seeking pardon; <b><i>asking</i></b> that needs be met, for ourselves and others;<b><i> arguing</i></b> with God for blessing, as wrestling Jacob did in Genesis 32 (God loves to be argued with); <b><i>accepting</i></b> from God one’s own situation as he has shaped it; and <b><i>adhering</i></b> to God in faithfulness through thick and thin. These seven activities together constitute biblical prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer embodies them all.” [Packer, J. I. (1996). Growing in Christ (157). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J.I. Packer has suggested seven activities. However I would like to modify them and suggest these distinctive dynamic activities as the seven As of the Lord’s Prayer.</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a"><li class="MsoNormal">approaching</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">adoring</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">acknowledging</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">admitting</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">asking</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">accepting</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">adhering</li>
</ol><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">The Lord’s Prayer</div></td> <td style="border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal">Dynamic Activities</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Our Father in heaven, (Matt.6:9b; Lk.11:2b)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">approaching</div><div class="MsoNormal">God in a direct and intimate way</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">hallowed be your name. (Matt.6:9c)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"> adoring</div><div class="MsoNormal">Creator and Almighty </div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Your Kingdom come, (Matt. 6:10a; Lk.11:2c)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">acknowledging</div><div class="MsoNormal">his work and his worth, in praise and worship</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">your will be done, <br />
on earth as in heaven (Matt. 6:10b)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">accepting</div><div class="MsoNormal">from God one’s own situation as he has shaped it</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Give us today our daily bread. (Matt 611; Lk. 11:3)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">asking</div><div class="MsoNormal">that needs be met, for ourselves and others</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Forgive us our sins,<br />
as we forgive those who sin against us. (Matt. 6:12; Lk.11:4a)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">admitting</div><div class="MsoNormal">sin, and seeking pardon</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Lead us not into temptation, (Matt. 6:13a; Lk. 11:4b)<br />
but deliver us from evil. (Matt. 6:13b)</span></div></td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="295"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">adhering</div><div class="MsoNormal">to God in faithfulness through thick and thin</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Approaching</i></b> God in a direct and intimate way</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some hold that the prayer should be understood in the spirit of Ezekiel 36:23: “I will honor my great name that you defiled, and the people of the world shall know I am the Lord.” In this view God himself is asked to ensure that his name is honored. But it seems more likely that we have here a prayer that men will come to have a proper reverence for God. A change in the attitude of sinners is in mind, rather than an action of God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Adoring</i></b> of the Creator and Almighty</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Acknowledging</i></b> his work and his worth, in praise and worship</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Accepting</i></b> from God one’s own situation as he has shaped it</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Admitting</i></b> sin, and seeking pardon</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The petition about forgiveness differs slightly in the two accounts. In Matthew it is “Forgive us our debts,” while Luke has “Forgive us our sins.” Without question it is the forgiveness of sins that is in mind, but the Matthean form sees sin as an indebtedness. We owe it to God to live uprightly. He has provided all we need to do this. So when we sin, we become debtors. The sinner has failed to fulfill his obligations, what he “owes.” Matthew goes on to say, “as we also have forgiven our debtors,” and Luke, “for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.” The tense in Matthew indicates that the person praying is not only ready to forgive but has already forgiven those who have sinned against him; in Luke, that he habitually forgives. Further, he does so in the case of every debtor</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Asking</i></b> that needs be met, for ourselves and others</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The traditional understanding, “daily,” seems most probable. But however we translate it, the prayer is for the simple and present necessities of life. Jesus is counseling his followers to pray for necessities, not luxuries, and for what is needed now, not a great store for many days to come. By confining the petition to present needs Jesus teaches a day-by-day dependence on God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Adhering</i></b> to God in faithfulness through thick and thin</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><b>IV.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Lessons for us</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Prayer depends on a relationship with God</b></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We need to have a knowledge and attitude about God if we are to pray to Him. If we do not believe that He exists or that He is not good, why should we pray to Him? If we do not believe that He listens and answers, why bother to pray?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayer develops out of intimacy with God. As Teresa of Avila has shown us in her book, <i>The Interior Castle</i>, each level of intimacy with God brings on a deeper intimacy of prayer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J.I.Packer writes,</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Say …” Did Jesus just intend that they should repeat the words, parrot fashion? No; but that they should enter into the sense. “Say,” we might say, means “mean!” This prayer is a pattern for all Christian praying; Jesus is teaching that prayer will be acceptable when, and only when, the attitudes, thoughts, and desires expressed fit the pattern. That is to say: every prayer of ours should be a praying of the Lord’s Prayer in some shape or form.</div><div class="MsoNormal">[Packer, J. I. (1996). Growing in Christ (156). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>Prayer is a ‘natural’ action</b></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prayer should be as natural to us as breathing. Every breath we take brings in life saving oxygen into our bodies. Our bodies need oxygen if we are to survive. We not need to think about breathing because it is so natural to us. Prayer should be like breathing. It should be so natural to us that we do not even think about praying. We just do it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">J.I. Packer again comments:</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It is not too much to say that God made us to pray; that prayer is (not the easiest, but) the most natural activity in which we ever engage; and that prayer is the measure of us all in God’s sight.” [Packer, J. I. (1996). Growing in Christ (156). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><b>The Lord’s Prayer is a useful template for our prayer life</b></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There will not be much development in our prayer life unless we understand the Lord’s Prayer. Until we understand each lines of the prayer, we will not be able to make progress. J.I.Packer urges:</div><div class="MsoNormal">“So the Lord’s Prayer should be put to service to direct and spur on our praying constantly. To pray in terms of it is the sure way to keep our prayers within God’s will; to pray through it, expanding the clauses as you go along, is the sure way to prime the pump when prayer dries up and you find yourself stuck. We never get beyond this prayer; not only is it the Lord’s first lesson in praying, it is all the other lessons too. Lord, teach us to pray.” [Packer, J. I. (1996). Growing in Christ (157–158). Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.]</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><b>V.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Conclusion</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To pray the Lord’s Prayer is approaching God in a direct and intimate way, adoring the Creator and Almighty, acknowledging his work and worth in praise and worship, accepting from God’s one’s own situation as he has shaped it; admitting sin and seeking pardon, asking that needs be met, for ourselves and others, and adhering to God in faithfulness through thick and thin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soli Deo Gloria</div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-20384753066315279252010-10-17T23:52:00.002+08:002010-10-18T03:52:17.213+08:00A People Apart<div id="__ss_5465485" style="width: 425px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0pt 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/a-people-apart" title="A People Apart">A People Apart</a></b><object height="355" id="__sse5465485" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=apeopleaparthlce17-10-10-101017092127-phpapp01&stripped_title=a-people-apart&userName=draltang" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse5465485" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=apeopleaparthlce17-10-10-101017092127-phpapp01&stripped_title=a-people-apart&userName=draltang" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div><div style="padding: 5px 0pt 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A People Apart (Jer. 35:14)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Sermon Statement</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Christians are a people called apart for God because they are a people who are saved by God, who knows the Word of God, who loves the people of God, who loves those who do not know God, who lives their lives with integrity, who experiences joy, and who are free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Text (Jeremiah 35:14)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jonadab son of Recab ordered his sons not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. (NIV)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Background (Jeremiah 35:1- 18)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:1</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD during the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">2</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Go to the Recabite family and invite them to come to one of the side rooms of the house of the LORD and give them wine to drink."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:3</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> So I went to get Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons--the whole family of the Recabites. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">4</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the room of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah the man of God. It was next to the room of the officials, which was over that of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">5</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then I set bowls full of wine and some cups before the men of the Recabite family and said to them, "Drink some wine."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:6</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But they replied, "We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: `Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">7</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.' </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">8</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">9</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">10</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">11</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded this land, we said, `Come, we must go to Jerusalem to escape the Babylonian and Aramean armies.' So we have remained in Jerusalem."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:12</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying: </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">13</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem, `Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?' declares the LORD. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">14</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> `Jonadab son of Recab ordered his sons not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather's command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">15</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, "Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your fathers." But you have not paid attention or listened to me. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">16</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The descendants of Jonadab son of Recab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.'</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:17</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: `Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.' "</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 9.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JER 35:18</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: `You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">19</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: `Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' "</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Note: Who also has the Lord promise will never fail to have a man to serve him? David</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The obedience of the Recabites is held in contrast to that of the Judeans (v. 12-16). An object lesson was shown to the Judeans of a people who stand apart from other people because of their obedience. Wine is a common drink of that period.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I. The test of the Rechabites (vv 1–11)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A. The Lord’s command (vv 1–2)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="ES">B. Jeremiah’s obedient response (vv 3–4)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">C. The test (v 5)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">D. The testimony of the Rechabite lifestyle (vv 6–10)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">E. The reason for the Rechabite presence in Jerusalem (v 11)</div><div class="MsoNormal">II. Prose oracle against the Israelites (vv 12–17)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A. Contrast between the Rechabites and faithless Judah (vv 12–16)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">B. The word of judgment (v 17)</div><div class="MsoNormal">III. An oracle of promise for the Rechabites (vv 18–19)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Keown, G. L. (2002). <i>Vol. 27</i>: <i>Word Biblical Commentary : Jeremiah 26-52</i>. Word Biblical Commentary (194). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Who are the Recabites?</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Recabites were a nomadic clan (35:7-10) descended from “Jonadab [or Jehonadab] son of Recab” (v. 6) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">assisted Jehu in exterminating Baal worship from Israel (2 Kings 10:15-27). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">They were related to the Kenites (1 Chron. 2:54-55) who descended from Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro (Judg. 1:16). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Evidently Jonadab rejected a settled way of life for the life of a nomad, and his lifestyle became the norm for his clan (Jer. 35:6-10). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The four prohibitions of the Recabites</li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">shall not drink vine</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">shall not build a house</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">shall not sow a seed</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">shall not plant or own a vineyard</li>
</ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">They traveled in the wilderness of the Negev (Judg. 1:16; 1 Sam. 15:6)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some scholars suggest that they were iron-monger, artisans dealing with iron or even makers of chariots</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">They possess the ‘family secrets’ of iron making and to keep this secret within the family, they are forbidden to drink vine and become nomadic.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">They were forced to move to Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezzar threatened Judah in 598 BC. (Jer. 35:11). </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">They are a people apart yet forced to live in urban Jerusalem.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah invited the Recabites, including Jaazaniah, into one of the side rooms in the temple. These rooms surrounded the temple court and were used for meetings, storage, and as priests’ residences (1 Kings 6:5; 1 Chron. 28:12; 2 Chron. 31:11; Neh. 13:7-9). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The particular room Jeremiah entered belonged to the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah. Nothing is known about Igdaliah except that he was a man of God- a term usually used to describe a prophet (cf. 1 Kings 12:22; 2 Kings 1:9-13; 4:21-22). The room occupied a prominent position, next to the room of the officials and over the room of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper. Maaseiah was one of three ”doorkeepers“ for the temple. This was evidently a high position because those holding it were singled out by the Babylonians for judgment along with the chief priests (cf. 2 Kings 25:18-21; Jer. 52:24-27). Into this august company Jeremiah brought the rough, nomadic Recabites.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">(Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (1179). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>A People Apart</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah knew that the Recabites do not drink wine but purpose invited them to an important function room and in front of the religious authorities of Judah, offered the Recabites wine! Of course they refused.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Recabites were then used as an object lesson to the Judeans of a people who are faithful in obeying their founders as contrasted with the Judeans who are not faithful in obeying their God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Eugene Peterson, writing in his excellent book, <i>Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at its Best</i> (Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983 p. 142) notes,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i>The essence of Jeremiah’s message is this; “You also have a father who has commanded you to live in total relationship to him. You know that he has set you apart to a live of love. Why don’t you live in response to it? If you think it is because ordinary, mortal human beings can’t do it, think again. The Recabites are ordinary, mortal human beings and they have been doing it for 250 years. You also have a way of life that requires a certain disciplines to maintain its character. The disciplines involve you in making specific decisions about the way you live: regular worship, faithful prayer, tithing and caring for the poor, moral conduct and the pursuit of righteousness. Now, why don’t you do it? If you think that it is too rigorous a life for ordinary mortal human beings, think again. The Recabites are ordinary mortal humans, and they have been doing it for 250 years.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Christians are also a people apart. Christians are called to be faithful to their God. The characteristics of the Recabites are that (1) they do not drink wine, (2) do not build houses, (3) do not sow a seed, and (4) do not plant or own a vineyard. What about Christians? What set Christians apart from the other people? The Recabites are so named because they followed the teaching of Recah, their founders. Christians are son named because they follow Christ.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Here are seven characteristics that set Christians as a people apart. Unlike the Recabites whose distinguishing characteristics are negative and consists in “Thou shall not,” Christians as a people are full of positive features. Christians are </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who are saved, worshipful and prayerful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who knows the Word of God</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who loves the people of God</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who loves those people who do not know God</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who lives their lives with integrity</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who experience joy</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>people who are free</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People who are saved, worshipful and prayerful</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">John 3:17-21</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">17</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">18</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">19</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">20</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">21</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>(a) People are saved by the work of Christ on the cross</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Christians are people who have come into the light and have seen the truth. That Jesus Christ, God himself can into the world to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven by God. That is why the Holy Communion is so meaningful. Each time we partake of the bread and wine, we are reminded that God has saved us though the death of his son. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>(b) People who are saved by Christ are a worshipping people.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Christians worship because we know how awesome our God is. It is beyond our finite minds to understand him. This God we worship is beyond time; that is why the past, present and future is open to him. This God we worship knows every particle in the know universe and yet even aspect of our lives. I used to have discussions with my friends that because of the quantum theory which things exist in two states, God cannot be all knowing. My also is to ask why not? Why can he know the existence of both states?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>(c) People who are saved by Christ are a praying people.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The all powerful, self-sufficient God wants us to talk to him. Prayer is our conversation to him. We really need to move beyond our ‘shopping list’ type of prayers to contemplative prayers where we can learn to contemplate on his holiness. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People who knows the Word of God</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Matt. 4:4</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 4:4</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jesus mentioned that in response to the temptations of Satan. Not too long again, Christians are known as people of the Book. You know who called us that. The Muslim. Unfortunately, Bible literacy has gone down so much that many still times the sentences “God helps those who help themselves” come from the Bible. The Reformation started the trend of translating the Bible into the people’s own language so that people can read and understand the Bible themselves, not just the clergy and the scholars. We shall be celebrating the 400 years anniversary of the King James Bible next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People who Loves the People of God</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">One of the observations made by many people is how Christians ‘love on another.’ Of course, I am aware that there are problems in the church and Christians are suing each other in the courts. However, one of the distinguishing marks of Christians is their love for one another. I am privileged to be in a church where there is this Christian love. Often it is not apparent, but anything, should anyone in this church get into trouble, people are mobilized into service, counseling, giving aids, giving money, visitations and prayers. I am very impressed by the Ladies Fellowship and the Cell Groups in this. I am also impressed by individual Christians who will go out of the way to help others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">John 13: 34 Jesus said</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JN 13:34</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">35</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">People will know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ if we love one another. Love for one another is the mark of being a Christian.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People who Loves Others</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Matt. 5:43</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 5:43</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">44</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">45</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">46</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">47</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">48</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People Who Lives with Integrity</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Matt. 5:33-37</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">MT 5:33</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">34</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">35</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">36</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">37</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your`No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Here Jesus is teaching his disciples to keep their words. Deliver what you promise. No need to talk too much. Walk your talk. Christians are always aware that they are living in the world but they are not part of the world. That’s because their perspective is different. The world wants Money, Power, and Sex. Christians want in Faith, Love, and Hope. This is the straight and narrow path Jesus talked about. Christians have always sought to live lives of honesty, integrity, and according to their conscience.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People Who Experiences Joy</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">John 15: 9-11</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JN 15:9</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">10</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">11</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jesus was teaching his disciples. If we remain in Jesus’ love, then we shall have joy. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is transient. I remember the happiness I feel when I bought my first BMW 520. The sleek design and the smell of new leather. Wow. It is heavenly. There is a special feeling when you drive around in a new BMW. You feel that everyone is looking at you. After a few days, it is just another car. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I remember the joy when I married almost 30 years ago. Despite all the up and downs in a marriage the joy is still there. How much so is the joy of Jesus who said that his “joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>People Who are Free</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">John 8: 32-35</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">32</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JN 8:33</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">JN 8:34</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">35</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. </span><span style="font-size: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;">36</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>(a)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>New Covenant</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;">Unlike the Israelites who are under the Mosaic covenant, we Christians are under the new covenant. The prophet Jeremiah taught a lot about this covenant. This new covenant is not about obeying a set of eternal rules and regulation. God has now written his laws into our hearts and conscience. We know what is right or wrong</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>(b)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Choices</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Reject God</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;">God has allowed us to choose to obey him or not, as he has allowed us to choose to be saved or not. Imagine a being with all the power in all creation allowing his creatures free-will! Imagine such a being allow his creatures the choice to reject him. And even when they have accepted him, he still allows the choice to disobey him. It is a high sign of respect to be allowed freedom. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;">Most of us who are working know that there is a hierarchy of authority in any company and the lower you are in that hierarchy, the less freedom you have. The reverse is true. The higher you are in the hierarchy the more freedom. God has turned it upside down. All levels of the hierarchy have equal freedom. The cleaners have equal freedom as the executives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b>Choose God</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;">Choosing God is a choice. Choosing God is privilege given to us and nobody can take that away from us. They can take away our status, our properties, or dignity but they cannot take away our freedom to choose God.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.75in;">I am often touched by this story that I have heard but I cannot confirm whether this is a true story or not. It was about group of Christians in Africa that was captured by a regime that hated Christians. These Christian are placed in the middle of a stadium to starve to death as a lesson to others who want to become Christians. There a young man among the Christians who is a musician. He decided to lead the captured Christians to sing hymns to praise God. All day and night, sounds of singing can be heard from the compound. The captors were upset about the singing and ordered the young man not to sing. The young man disobeyed and continued to sing. The captors decided to cut off the young man’s tongue. They observe closely to see what the young man will do. They say the young man mimic playing a guitar and singing though there was no sound from his mouth. The captors were upset and decided to cut off both his forearms above the elbow. They then watched what the young man will do. The young man stood up in the centre of the group and swayed his body as if he is singing in worship of the Lord. The captors were so furious that they cut off the young man’s head and throw it into the crowd of captive Christians to discourage them. Instead the next day, they find the Christians singing even more enthusiastically. When they we to investigate found the young man’s head. The expression on the face of the young man at the time of his death was that of a man full of joy and expressing this joy by singing to God. Not even death can rub this young man of his choice to follow God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lessons for us</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We need to be a people apart. The Recabites followed the 250 years old commands of their founder, a man, their forefather – Jonadab Ben Recab. We follow the eternal commands of Jesus who is more than a man. He is also a God. We become a people apart by</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Saved, worshipful and prayerful</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Set time for personal prayer</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Read a devotional book</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Study the Word of God</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Read the Bible</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Read books about books of the Bible</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Memorise parts of the Bible</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn to love one other Christians</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Do something for one Christian</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn to love one other non-Christians</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Do something for one non-Christian</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Live each day with integrity</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Receive joy in our lives</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">(7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Exercise your freedom to Please God</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.25in;">Soli Deo Gloria</div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-27480248375198537392010-08-30T06:37:00.004+08:002010-08-30T06:51:33.099+08:00Run with the Horses<div style="width: 425px;" id="__ss_5084821"><strong style="margin: 12px 0pt 4px; display: block;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/run-with-horses" title="Run with Horses ">Run with Horses </a></strong><object id="__sse5084821" height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=runwithhorsesfbck29-08-10-100829173154-phpapp01&stripped_title=run-with-horses"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed name="__sse5084821" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=runwithhorsesfbck29-08-10-100829173154-phpapp01&stripped_title=run-with-horses" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><div style="padding: 5px 0pt 12px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Run with the Horses</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Text: Jeremiah 12:5</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Text<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">5 “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jordan</st1:place></st1:country-region>?” (NIV)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Sermon Statement<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">God is with you, will give you strength and will not let you face problems more than you are able to overcome</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Context<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Translation<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>18 The Lord made it known to me, and so I knew; then You showed me their evil deeds.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I had not known that they devised plots against me: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Let us destroy the tree with its sap, and let us cut him off from the land of the living,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">that his name be remembered no more.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>20 O Lord of Hosts, who judges righteously, who tries the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Lord:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">21Therefore thus said the Lord concerning the men of Anathoth, who seek your life, and say, “Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord or you will die by our hand,” 22Therefore thus says the Lord of Hosts, “Behold, I will punish them; the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine; 23 and none of them shall be left, for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, the year of their punishment.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>12:1 Righteous are you, O Lord, even when I contend with you, nevertheless I would present my case to you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?<span style=""> </span>2 You plant them and they take root; they grow and bring forth fruit; You are near in their mouth but far from their heart. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">3 But you, O Lord, have known me; you see me; and you try my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for slaughter; and set them apart for the day of slaughter.<span style=""> </span>4 How long will the land mourn? And the grass and every field wither? <span style=""> </span>Because of those who dwell in it, the beasts and birds are swept away. Because they said, “He will not see our latter end.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Lord:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>5 “If you have raced on foot and they have wearied you, How will you compete with horses? And if you trust in a safe land, How will you do in the jungle of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>6 For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you.<span style=""> </span>They are in full cry after you; do not believe them, even though they speak good words to you.”<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: 150%;" align="center"><b><span style="">Jeremiah’s Times</span></b><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">686 Manasseh becomes sole king<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 33pt; text-indent: -33pt; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">648<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="">Josiah born<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -45pt; text-indent: 45pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="">642 Amon succeeds Manasseh as king<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">640 Josiah becomes king<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">633 Josiah at 16 seeks after God<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">628 Josiah at 20 begins reforms<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">627 Jeremiah at 20 called as prophet<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">621 Mosaic Law found in the temple<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">612 <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Nineveh</st1:city></st1:place> destroyed as Nahum prophesied<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">609 Josiah slain in battle at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Megiddo</st1:city></st1:place>; Jehoiakim becomes king<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">605 <st1:city st="on">Babylon</st1:city> defeats <st1:country-region st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region> at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carchemish</st1:place></st1:city>;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -81pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> <span style=""> </span>Daniel, others taken hostage to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Babylon</st1:place></st1:city>;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -81pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> <span style=""> </span>Nebuchadnezzar becomes king of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Babylon</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">604 Nebuchadnezzar receives tribute in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Palestine</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">601 Nebuchadnezzar defeated near <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">598 Jehoiakim set aside; Jehoiachin rules from December 9 to March 16, 597 and is deported April 22 to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Babylon</st1:city></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">597 Zedekiah becomes king in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">588 <st1:city st="on">Babylon</st1:city> lays sedge to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> on January 15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">587 Jeremiah imprisoned (Jer. 32:1–2)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">586 Zedekiah flees July 18; destruction of city begins August 14; Gedaliah killed and Jews migrate to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> against God’s command October<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Today passage involves Jeremiah’s fourth message focused on <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s broken covenant with her God. Though the message itself is undated, several markers help date the passage to 621 BC., six years after Jeremiah began his ministry around the time of King Josiah death by Pharoah Neco. Prior to that the temple was being repaired as part of King Josiah’s reforms, and a copy of the Law was discovered in the renovation (2 Chron. 34:14-33). Several of Jeremiah’s references seem to allude to this discovery of God’s Law and the realization<span style=""> </span>of the broken covenant. Jeremiah called on the people to heed the words of the covenant that Josiah read to them (11:6; 2 Chron. 34:19-32). The specific portion of the covenant God mentioned was the terms that regarded obedience and disobedience to His Law (cf. Deut. 28). </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Though King Josiah forced an outer conformity to the covenant, his reform did not penetrate the hearts of the people in a lasting way. Thus, under Josiah, the ancient feasts and worship were reinstituted. Thus too Habakkuk, the troubled Levite whose thoughts are recorded in the book that bears his name, came to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> and took a leading role in the revival of public worship. But Habakkuk was a worried, deeply concerned man. In spite of the outward signs of revival under Josiah, Habakkuk sensed the deep-seated evil which still revealed itself on the hills of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region> and in the injustices which marred his society. There were even rumours of royal child sacrifice to Chemosh.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">After Josiah died the people returned to their idolatrous ways. Among the people was a conspiracy to abandon the covenant. Instead of heeding the warning of Jeremiah they returned to the sins of their ancestors to serve false gods. The people responded to Jeremiah’s rebuke by trying to kill him. This is the first episode in their continuing opposition to his ministry.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Challenges</p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128.6pt;" valign="top" width="171"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">People</p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 83.85pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Lessons for us</p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->The plot on Jeremiah’s life (11:18-20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->The refusal of the people to listen to Jeremiah and repent (11:21-23) and “Why does the wicked prospers?” (12:1-4)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Idolatry</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you stumble in safe country, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128.6pt;" valign="top" width="171"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Jeremiah’s family and the men of Anathoth</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->The nation of <st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region> and the nation of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the surrounding nations</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Spiritual warfare</p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 83.85pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->more suffering for Jeremiah as he continue to prophecies</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s judgment on <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> (12:7-13) and God’s judgment on the surrounding nations (12:14-17)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Idolatry</p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">how can you compete with horses? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>?</p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 128.6pt;" valign="top" width="171"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Jeremiah’s family and the men of Anathoth, the royal household, the nation of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region> (12:6)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->The nation of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> and Chaldeans, Arameans, Moabites, Ammonites, Babylonians</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->Satan</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 83.85pt;" valign="top" width="112"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">how can you compete with horses? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah was tired and burnt out. Ministry during the peaceful reign of King Josiah and the state support of religion has worn him out. He is not seeing fruits in his ministry. People are not repenting but making a great show of religiosity. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah is worn out by contenting or racing with men and stumbling in a safe country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">He is tired and he started complaining to God.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><i style="">What is God’s <span style=""> </span>response?<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Poor Jeremiah, working so hard, you need a break.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Don’t worry, things will be easier than now on.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“It’s okay, just do your job.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><i style="">Actually God said,<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">how can you compete with horses? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jordan</st1:place></st1:country-region>?” (Jer.12:5) </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Jeremiah, you think what you have suffered is bad, wait till you experience what will be coming for you!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">What is next is that you will be racing with horses and walking through the thickets of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><i style="">Future challenges for Jeremiah<o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->conflicts with false prophets</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->into the stocks by priest Pashhur</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->threat of death (cistern) and imprisonment by King Zedekiah’s officials</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->taken to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">(5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->acting out prophetic parables</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span>i.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->buying and burying a linen belt – how God wishes to ruin <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s pride</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span>ii.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->buying a jar of clay and smashing it – how God will smash <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: -1.5in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span>iii.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->make and wear a yoke of wood – Babylonians will enslave <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Is God being nasty to Jeremiah?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Reverend Doctor George Campbell Morgan D.D. (9 December 1863 – 16 May 1945) was an evangelist, preacher and a leading Bible scholar. Morgan was the pastor of Westminster Chapel in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place> from 1904 to 1919, and from 1933 to 1943. His preaching and weekly Friday night Bible classes were attended by thousands. Known as prince of expositors, Preaching Magazine ranked him among the ten greatest preachers of the 20th century. His paramount contribution to the Christian faith lay in teaching the Bible and showing people how to study it for themselves. Superbly gifted, he dedicated his insight and eloquence to a single objective: communicating God's truth with scholarly integrity, rhetorical lucidity, and arresting relevance. Morgan published over 60 books and booklets, many of which are still available today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">G. Campbell Morgan notes,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“God never calls a man to content with horses until He has practiced him with footmen; that God has never yet send a man into the wilds of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place> until He has trained him in the land of peace. It is a great principle, always obtaining in God’s method with His servants, and in all His dealings with His people” (G. Campbell Morgan, <i style="">Studies in the Prophecy of Jeremiah</i>, 1994, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 91).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Lessons for us<o:p></o:p></b></p> <h3><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">1.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God has helped we in our struggle with our problems in the past and is helping us in the present</h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">“God is with you, will give you strength and will not let you face problems more than you are able to overcome”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">At the beginning of his ministry, God has promised to make Jeremiah a fortress, an iron pillar and a wall of bronze. Jer. 1:18, 19</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.<span style=""> </span>19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">Morgan proclaims,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">“Victories won where they seem impossible, are assurances that they will be won where they seem impossible”<span style=""> </span>(G. Campbell Morgan, <i style="">Studies in the Prophecy of Jeremiah</i>, 1994, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 93).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">“The one thing no man can take away from us is our victory of yesterday, and its prophecy of victory tomorrow” (G. Campbell Morgan, <i style="">Studies in the Prophecy of Jeremiah</i>, 1994, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 93).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h3><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">2.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is sovereign (God has his own timing ) (12:7-17)</h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Can God suffers?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“Can God feels pain?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The divine lament portrays God as also suffering because of evil, evil from the hand of his own people. This passage gives us a rare glimpse into the consternation and anguish that evil causes God. The anguish is especially acute for him when his own people are responsible for it. In these verses the Lord expresses both love and hate for his people, emotions we usually consider mutually exclusive, at least for God. When the Lord opened himself up to his people in love, he also opened himself to the possibility of hurt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">These verses present an image of God as passionately involved with his world and his people. It is amazing to think that evil can cause God the same anguish that it causes man. Passages such as this forever discredit the image of God as dispassionate and removed from his world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">God would forsake and abandon <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> and turn her over to her enemies. By describing the nation as His house, His inheritance, and the one He loved, God was indicating that the judgment was not coming from the hardened heart of a capricious king. Though He wanted to do just the opposite, God was forced to judge because of the people’s sin. The nation had become like a lion who had raised her voice (roars) in opposition to Him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <h3><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">3.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is with us</h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We are involved in spiritual warfare. One of the most powerful weapons the Enemy has against us is discouragement and despair. It is his WMD (weapon of mass discouragement). Paul writes to the Ephesians,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >12</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the <span style="color:red;">powers</span><span style="color:black;"> </span><span style="color:red;">of</span><span style="color:black;"> this dark </span><span style="color:red;">world</span><span style="color:black;"> and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >13</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >14</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >15</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >16</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >17</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >18</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">(Eph. 6:12-18)</p> <h3><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">4.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God will help us in our struggle with our problems in the future</h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;">“God is with you, will give you strength and will not let you face problems more than you are able to overcome”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <h3><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">5.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God’s judgment is just</h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">A note about the destruction of the men of Anathoth: The account of the return from exile recorded in Ezra-Nehemiah states that 128 men of Anathoth returned with the exiles (Ezra 2:23; Neh 7:27), so the destruction was not complete<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <table class="MsoTableGrid" style="border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Issues<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;color:windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;color:windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /></td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 99.8pt;" valign="top" width="133"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >People<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.65pt;" valign="top" width="150"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Lessons for us<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >The plot on Jeremiah’s life (11:18-20)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >The refusal of the people to listen to Jeremiah and repent (11:21-23) and “Why does the wicked prospers?” (12:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Idolatry<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;color:-moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;color:-moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >If you stumble in safe country, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 99.8pt;" valign="top" width="133"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Jeremiah’s family and the men of Anathoth<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >The nation of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the surrounding nations<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Spiritual warfare<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.65pt;" valign="top" width="150"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >God has helped we in our struggle with our problems in the past and is helping us in the present<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >God is sovereign (God has his own timing)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(c)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >God is with us<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr style=""> <td style="border-style: none solid solid; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 116.55pt;" valign="top" width="155"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >more sufferings for Jeremiah as he continue to prophecies<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >God’s judgment on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region> (12:7-13) and God’s judgment on the surrounding nations (12:14-17)<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.15pt;color:-moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >how can you compete with horses? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.65pt;color:-moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color;" valign="top" width="76"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>?<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 99.8pt;" valign="top" width="133"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(a)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >Jeremiah’s family and the men of Anathoth, the royal household, the nation of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Judah</st1:place></st1:country-region> (12:6)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="">(b)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >The nation of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place> and Chaldeans, Arameans, Moabites, Ammonites, Babylonians<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 112.65pt;" valign="top" width="150"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >(d)God will help us<span style=""> </span>in our struggle with our problems in the future<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" >(e)God’s judgment is just<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""> </span>“God is with you, will give you strength and will not let you face problems more than you are able to overcome”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Morgan:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“In my contending with horses, I shall also and again be weary; but I shall win, for I have already won by Thy strength in running with footmen” (G. Campbell Morgan, <i style="">Studies in the Prophecy of Jeremiah</i>, 1994, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 93).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place>? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Morgan:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“that He is God, though in the wilds I shall oftentimes be assaulted by fear, yet I shall win, as I have won in the land of peace” (G. Campbell Morgan, <i style="">Studies in the Prophecy of Jeremiah</i>, 1994, Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company, 93).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Soli Deo Gloria</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="edn1"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Craigie, P. C. (2002). Vol. 26: Word Biblical Commentary<span style=""> </span>: Jeremiah 1-25. Word Biblical Commentary (174). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city></st1:place>: Word, Incorporated.</p> </div> <div style="" id="edn2"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" >[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Craigie, P. C. (2002). Vol. 26: Word Biblical Commentary<span style=""> </span>: Jeremiah 1-25. Word Biblical Commentary (179). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city></st1:place>: Word, Incorporated.</p> </div> </div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-22160024479858360292010-07-19T01:24:00.004+08:002010-07-24T22:15:07.991+08:00The Lamentations of Jeremiah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckCcotQZ7cTrDrB3fcTo7grKO-w7-tXuR0Qs0VKZh3Z3Fy8RUGor5ZifpGwtbw7rS9Oh2lw22cq0MXFcXXuJm1G2HAqq7IW7XRD7aeL5eeVjoMI8lydcUWeui3wO6ebYN_gX7/s1600/Slide1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckCcotQZ7cTrDrB3fcTo7grKO-w7-tXuR0Qs0VKZh3Z3Fy8RUGor5ZifpGwtbw7rS9Oh2lw22cq0MXFcXXuJm1G2HAqq7IW7XRD7aeL5eeVjoMI8lydcUWeui3wO6ebYN_gX7/s400/Slide1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495298763763470050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_4828571"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/knowing-the-god-of-lamentations-jeremiah" title="Knowing the God of Lamentation's Jeremiah">Knowing the God of Lamentation's Jeremiah</a></strong><object id="__sse4828571" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=lamentationsofjeremiahtrinitybaptist18-07-10-100724090350-phpapp01&stripped_title=knowing-the-god-of-lamentations-jeremiah" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse4828571" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=lamentationsofjeremiahtrinitybaptist18-07-10-100724090350-phpapp01&stripped_title=knowing-the-god-of-lamentations-jeremiah" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">draltang</a>.</div></div><br /><!--[endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; 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mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1040"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:18pt;">The Lamentations of Jeremiah and the God of Jeremiah<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Lamentations 3:21-25</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span lang="EN-GB"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Sermon Statement<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Justice and love comes together in our Holy God in perfect balance. The unfailing love of God goes beyond judgment to new life because He is a God of hope, love, faithfulness and salvation</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Text:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LA 3:21</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Yet this I call to mind<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>and therefore I have hope:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LA 3:22</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>for his compassions never fail.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LA 3:23</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>They are new every morning;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>great is your faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LA 3:24</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>therefore I will wait for him."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LA 3:25</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>to the one who seeks him;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Introduction</span><br />I visited Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - Museum for Art and History in 2006, the 400 anniversary of Rembrandt’s birth. The museum has a special exhibit of many of Rembrandt’s paintings. I remember enjoying examining the paintings. It was a bittery cold day in Amsterdam but the museum was nice and warm. The painting that haunts was one about the prophet Jeemiah.<br /><br />The Prophet Jeremiah Mourning over the Destruction of Jerusalem by Rembrandt van Rijn was completed in 1630, the same year he completed his oil on panel Judas Returning the Thirty Pieces of Silver, as well as Samson Betrayed by Delilah, Self-portrait with Wide-open Eyes and The Raising of Lazarus.<br /><br />That year Rembrandt's father died. “The Prophet Jeremiah Mourning over the Destruction of Jerusalem” is among the early works of Rembrandt in which his leitmotif of conceptual structure was a single or totally dominant figure<br />that is totally bound up in the course of an historical event. Rembrandt masterfully turns an individual person, their expressions and posture, into a history painting. Seated at the base of a large column, Jeremiah mourns the destruction of Jerusalem. It was an event he had prophesied. The light falls almost exclusively on the old man and his immediate surroundings. His bushy beard, wrinkled forehead and fur-lined cloak are depicted with great precision.<br /><br />Jeremiah's pose, his head supported by his hand, is a traditional attitude of melancholy: his elbow rests on a large book which is inscribed 'Bibel' on the edge of the pages, probably a much later addition to the painting. The book is presumably meant to be his own Book of Jeremiah or the Book of Lamentations. Rembrandt is a master of light in art. The lighting of the figure is particularly effective with the foreground and the right side of the prophet's face in shadow and his robe outlined against the rock. Jeremiah’s hands rested on a few pieces of gold and silver vessels which he must have managed to salvage from the burning temple.<br /><br />Away from the light, on the left in the background, was the fall of Jerusalem. The Babylonian troops of King Nebuchadnezzar II are marching into the city and putting it to the torch. These events occurred in the year 586 BC. Zedekiah, King of Judah, is standing outside the city, his head in his hands. Nebuchadnezzar ordered his eyes to be gouged out.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Background</span><br />Traditions have it that the prophet Jeremiah wrote the Book of Jeremiah and Lamentations. The central theme is the fall of Jerusalem to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 BC. Jerusalem fell because of God’s judgment on the Israelites who had turned away from God. The Israelites turned to idolatry and self-dependence.<br /><br />Jeremiah ministered under seven rulers<br />• Josiah (Judah’s last Godly king)<br />• Jehoiakim (ungodly, scripture burning king)<br />• Jehoiachin (a ninety-day wonder judged by God)<br />• Zedekiah (Judah’s last king)<br />• Nebuchanezzar (Babylon conqueror)<br />• Gedaliah (Babylonian appointed governor of occupied Jerusalem)<br />• Johanan (successor of Gediah who was assassinated)<br /><br />God’s judgment on the Israelites (Judeans) was because of<br />• Ungodly kings<br />• False prophets, priests and wise men<br />• Idolatry of the people (return to worship of Baal)<br />• Refusal to listen to God<br /><br />The book of Lamentations is written during the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 BC. Jeremiah was never exiled to Babylon so it shows the agony of the people left behind after the military devastation. The horrors of the conquest include<br />• Wholesale devastation and slaughter of kings (2:6,9: 4:20), princes (1:6; 2:2,9; 4:7-8; 5:12), elders (1:19; 2:10; 4:16), priests (1:4,19; 2:6, 20; 4:20), prophets (2:9, 20) and people (2:10-12; 3:48; 4:6)<br />• Starving mothers are reduced to cannibalism (2:20; 4:1)<br />• Judah’s people are dragged into exile (1:3, 18)<br />• Elaborate ceremony and worship rituals came to an end (1:4, 10)<br /><br />The book of Lamentation has a chiastic structure. The chiastic structure shows the main theme of the book. Though the book is mainly about God’s anger and judgement, it also reveals some important attributes of God.<br /><br /><br />The chiasm structure of Lamentations<br /><br />Right in the middle of the book, amongst all the desolation and judgements is this few wonderful passages – Lam. 3: 21-25. Jeremiah reminds us that<br />LA 3:21 Yet this I call to mind<br /> and therefore I have hope:<br /><br />LA 3:22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,<br /> for his compassions never fail.<br /><br />LA 3:23 They are new every morning;<br /> great is your faithfulness.<br /><br />LA 3:24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;<br /> therefore I will wait for him."<br /><br />LA 3:25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,<br /> to the one who seeks him;<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Attributes of God<br />1. God of hope (3:21, 24-25)<br />2. God of love (3:22)<br />3. God of faithfulness (3:23)<br />4. God of salvation (3: 22-23)<br /><br />God of hope (3:21)<br />Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:<br /><br />Action words<br />• call to mind (remember)<br />• hope<br /><br />God of love (3:22)<br />LA 3:22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,<br /> for his compassions never fail.<br /><br />Action words<br />• great love<br />• not consumed<br />• never fail<br /><br /><br />God of faithfulness (3:23)<br />LA 3:23 They are new every morning;<br /> great is your faithfulness.<br /><br />Action words<br />• new every morning<br />• faithfulness<br />A new start. Every morning is a new beginning after a night of darkness.<br /><br />God of salvation (3: 24-25)<br />I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."<br /><br />The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;<br /><br />Action words<br />• wait<br />• hope<br />• seeks<br />Seeks for God as David did in Psalm 16<br /> Psalm 16<br /><br />A miktam of David.<br /><br />PS 16:1 Keep me safe, O God,<br /> for in you I take refuge.<br /><br />PS 16:2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;<br /> apart from you I have no good thing."<br /><br />PS 16:3 As for the saints who are in the land,<br /> they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.<br /><br />PS 16:4 The sorrows of those will increase<br /> who run after other gods.<br />I will not pour out their libations of blood<br /> or take up their names on my lips.<br /><br />PS 16:5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;<br /> you have made my lot secure.<br /><br />PS 16:6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;<br /> surely I have a delightful inheritance.<br /><br />PS 16:7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;<br /> even at night my heart instructs me.<br /><br />PS 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me.<br /> Because he is at my right hand,<br /> I will not be shaken.<br /><br />PS 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;<br /> my body also will rest secure,<br /><br />PS 16:10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,<br /> nor will you let your Holy One see decay.<br /><br />PS 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life;<br /> you will fill me with joy in your presence,<br /> with eternal pleasures at your right hand.<br /><br />Our response<br />In difficult and adverse times, we have to remember as Jeremiah did that God is a<br />• God of hope (3:21, 24-25)<br />• God of love (3:22)<br />• God of faithfulness (3:23)<br />• God of salvation (3: 22-23)<br /><br /><br />I have written my response to Rembrandt painting in my blog post here:<br />“The painting has a powerful effect on me. As I gaze on Jeremiah’s face and hands, I felt the pain and disappointment of a man who served God but met with much opposition and ridicule. No one listened to him. Everyone did what seemed right in their own eyes. Jeremiah had talked and scolded and cajoled but it all fell on deaf ears. And because of this, he had to watch as his beloved country was sacked, Jerusalem burnt and the temple destroyed. He had failed as a prophet of the Lord to convince his people. Though the fault was not his, the guilt must have weighted heavily on his mind. The guilt and the pain of a prophet as revealed in this painting.<br /><br />The painting also spoke to me of the many parents who had to watch their children go astray. They have tried their best to teach them right from wrong. However, that is no guarantee that the children will follow and make correct informed decisions. I am sure the pain in the hearts of these parents resonates with the lamentation in Jeremiah’s heart. The guilt and pain of these parents as reflected in this painting.<br /><br />The painting also revealed to me the heart of God. How the heart of God must have been broken by the people He loved. He loved so much that He was willing to send His only Son to die for them. These people were so fickle minded and ungrateful. He had given opportunity after opportunity to return to Him yet they continued to spurn Him. They have chosen to chase after other gods who promised immediate gratification. The same pain and sorrow in His heart as reflected by Jeremiah and the newly blinded Zedekiah. The pain of the broken heart of God as ingrained in this painting.<br /><br />Often, we take for granted, God’s love for us. Looking at Rembrandt’s painting is a graphic reminder of the danger of taking His love and God, Himself for granted.”<br /><br />Soli Deo GloriaAlex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-39094772932273638452010-05-11T00:49:00.003+08:002010-07-28T14:35:27.298+08:00Growing Sincere Faith<p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size:14pt;">A Grandmother, a Mother and a Son: Growing Sincere Faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><div style="width:425px" id="__ss_4854727"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang/a-grandmother-a-mother-and-a-son" title="A grandmother, a mother and a son">A grandmother, a mother and a son</a></strong><object id="__sse4854727" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=agrandmotheramotherandasonhlce20-06-10-100727235420-phpapp02&rel=0&stripped_title=a-grandmother-a-mother-and-a-son" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse4854727" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=agrandmotheramotherandasonhlce20-06-10-100727235420-phpapp02&rel=0&stripped_title=a-grandmother-a-mother-and-a-son" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/draltang">Alex Tang</a>.</div></div><br /><b style="">Text: 2 Timothy 1:5<o:p></o:p></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also (NIV).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Sermon statement<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Timothy’s sincere faith was nurtured and developed by his grandmother, Lois and mother Eunice. The matrix of faith formation is by teaching about the faith, living out the faith, and growing one’s own faith.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">While it is right to celebrate Mother’s Day because mothers everywhere and of every generation from the time of Eve is to be recognized and appreciated. However, I believe it is too narrow to limit it to only biological mothers. How about thousands of<span style=""> </span>women who are married but do not children, aunties, grandmothers, godmothers, babysitters and guardians of children who are not biological mothers but look after children? Don’t they deserve recognition even though they are not biological mother? I wish to make a case for Motherhood Day instead of Mother’s Day. Happy Motherhood Day!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I thought it fitting, on this Motherhood's Day, that we remember two mothers: Lois, who was grandmother of Timothy, and Eunice, Timothy's mother. In particular, I want to honor the heritage given Timothy because a mother and a grandmother loved him enough to give him their most precious possession: the gift of sincere faith. This faith, according to Paul was first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois, then in his mother, Eunice, and is now to be found in Timothy himself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">2 Timothy was probably written during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment. Here the old apostle is waiting for his execution and longs of the company of Timothy. In this letter he would ask Timothy to join him in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> (cf. 4:9, 21). Paul had longed for Timothy’s companionship which was such a joy to him. Even the great apostle at times became lonely, discouraged, and in need of support from fellow Christians. In his long ministry, Paul has experienced the betrayal of many friends and colleagues. He remembers fondly of Timothy’s sincere (<i>anypokritou, </i>“unhypocritical”) faith which he attributes to the influence of Lois and Eunice. References to Timothy as Paul’s son in the faith (cf. 1:2; 2:1; 1 Tim. 1:2) could therefore probably be understood to mean a mentor-<span style=";font-family:";" >protégé</span> relationship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Lois and Eunice were first mentioned in Acts 16:1. We know Timothy's real father was a Greek and his mother a Jewish Christian. Timothy’s father was a Gentile and probably an unbeliever; hence no mention of him is made here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">Eunice, </span>Timothy’s mother was a woman of notable faith (2 Tim. 1:5). She was Jewish (Acts 16:1) and pious, for Timothy’s biblical instruction had begun early (2 Tim. 3:15), but her husband was a Gentile and her son uncircumcised (Acts 16:3). In view of Jewish intermarriage with leading Phrygian families such things may represent her family’s social climbing, not personal declension. Some Latin mss and O<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""></a><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""></a>rigen on Rom. 16:21, call her a widow, and <i>hypērchen</i> in Acts 16:3 might support this. She lived at Derbe or Lystra (linguistically a case can be made for either). Her name is Greek, and does not seem common. It is sometimes suggested that Paul refers to Jewish faith, but the most natural interpretation of 2 Tim. 1:5 (and of Acts 16:1) is that Christian faith ‘dwelt’ (aorist, perhaps alluding to the event of conversion, doubtless in Paul’s first missionary journey) ‘first’ in Lois and herself (<i>i.e</i>. antecedent to Timothy’s conversion).<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="">Lois, </span><span style="">Timothy’s grandmother is presumably the mother of Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). Paul doubtless alludes to her Christian faith: had she been simply a godly Jewess, her devotion is less likely to have been known to him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Teaching about the Faith<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">How powerful is the teaching of scripture in the lives of our children and grandchildren? Note again what Paul said to Timothy:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">"Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:12-15).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">How important to the lives of our children and grandchildren is the learning of scripture? This cannot be emphasized enough. But what is more important, as the apostle Paul stated next is the foundation of our teaching.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">How then do we teach our children scripture?</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Age appropriate teaching</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Read the Bible together</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Discuss the sermon</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Relate it to their everyday life</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Memorise the Scripture</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Living Out the Faith<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">One day four ministers stood talking and, as so often happens, the conversation soon drifted to shop talk. "I prefer the King James Version of Scripture," said one, "for its eloquent use of the English language." A second minister gave forth that no Bible could match the New American Standard for its faithfulness to the original Greek and Hebrew text. "That may well be," said the third, "but I prefer the New International Version for its contemporary language and easy readability." There was a thoughtful period of silence, and then the fourth minister said, "I like my mother's translation best." It was with some surprise that the others said: "We didn't know that your mother had translated the Bible." "Yes, she did," he replied. "She translated it into her daily life, and it was through her translation that I came to faith."</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We are the walking Bible. Our children cannot see Jesus but they see us. We are the demonstration of the faith to our children. Timothy must have been building up his faith by watching how his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice lived. How they interact with each other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Deut. 6: 6-9</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Nurturing the Faith<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Paul mentions Timothy as co-sender of six of his letters. He also spoke highly of Timothy in his letter to the Philippians. So confident was Paul of Timothy's faith that, in his first letter to Timothy, he called Timothy "my true son in the faith." Timothy became for Paul what Barnabas could not be -- the inheritor of Paul's mission. In Paul's final letter to Timothy, written near the end of his life, he speaks without reserve, calling Timothy "my beloved child," for Timothy was truly part of Paul's lineage, wealth and crown.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">In essence Paul said: "Timothy, I know your grandmother, and her faith is authentic. It is the same faith I have observed in your mother, and after having watched you all this time I am convinced of your faith also." To describe that faith, Paul used a word which means literally, "without hypocrisy." (quote from Wood, D. R. W. (1996, c1982, c1962). <i>New Bible Dictionary</i> (p. 694). InterVarsity Press).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Timothy was a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1) and was highly esteemed by his Christian brethren both there and in Iconium (Acts 16:2). When he became a Christian is not specifically stated, but it is a reasonable inference that he was a convert of Paul’s first missionary journey, which included Lystra in its itinerary, and that on that occasion he witnessed Paul’s sufferings (2 Tim. 3:11). It is not certain when Timothy’s mother Eunice became a Christian, perhaps before Timothy, but certainly before Paul’s second missionary journey.</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">He was first entrusted with a special commission to Thessalonica to encourage the persecuted Christians. He is associated with Paul and Silvanus in the greetings of both Epistles directed to that church</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">was present with Paul during his preaching work at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Corinth</st1:city></st1:place> (2 Cor. 1:19)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">is next heard of during the apostle’s Ephesian ministry, when he was sent with Erastus on another important mission to <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Macedonia</st1:place></st1:country-region></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">whence he was to proceed to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Corinth</st1:city></st1:place> (1 Cor. 4:17). The young man was evidently of a timid disposition, for Paul urges the Corinthians to set him at ease and not to despise him (1 Cor. 16:10–11; cf. 4:17ff.). From the situation which resulted in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Corinth</st1:city></st1:place> (see 2 Cor.) Timothy’s mission was not successful, and it is significant that, although his name was associated with Paul’s in the greeting to this Epistle, it is Titus and not Timothy who has become the apostolic delegate</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">accompanied Paul on his next visit to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Corinth</st1:city></st1:place>, for he was with him as a fellow-worker when the Epistle to the Romans was written (Rom. 16:21)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">went with Paul on the journey to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> with the collection (Acts 20:4–5)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">when Paul, then a prisoner, wrote Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. In the latter Epistle he is warmly commended and Paul intends soon to send him to them in order to ascertain their welfare</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">When the apostle was released from his imprisonment and engaged in further activity in the E, as the Pastoral Epistles indicate, it would seem that Paul left Timothy at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3) and commissioned him to deal with false teachers and supervise public worship and the appointment of church officials. </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The question that is important to us is how did Timothy develop this sincere faith that is Paul trust so much? We knew that Timothy received teaching and lived in a household of faith. So how did he develop his own faith? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Many of us who grew up in a household of faith may be living the faith of our parents instead of our own faith. While our parents’ faith is good enough for us when we are children, it will no be enough for us when we are adults.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">"Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it (We tend to believe the values our parents give us, don't we?), and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:12-15).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We all have to move from the “faith our parents have in Christ Jesus” to “faith in Christ Jesus.” How do we do that? Against Paul has provided the answer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, <u>that the man of God may be complete</u>, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We are taught the scripture, we live the scripture and the scripture forms us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Holy Spirit is given to us to help his develop sincere faith. This sincere faith is based upon the scripture. The Holy Spirit uses the scripture to help us develop our own faith in Jesus Christ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Timothy’s sincere faith was nurtured and developed by his grandmother, Lois and mother Eunice. The matrix of faith formation is by teaching about the faith, living out the faith, and growing one’s own faith.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Soli Deo Gloria</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr size="1" align="left" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""></a><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""></a><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>Wood, D. R. W. (1996, c1982, c1962). <i>New Bible Dictionary</i> (346). InterVarsity Press.</p> </div> </div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-44061145981830642712010-05-03T00:49:00.001+08:002010-05-03T00:54:33.979+08:00Abortion: Slaughter of the Innocents<div><embed src="http://widget-bd.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=864691128478874301&site=widget-bd.slide.com" style="width: 400px; height: 320px;" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width: 400px; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 18pt;" lang="EN-GB">Abortion: Slaughter of the Innocents</span></b><span style="font-size: 18pt;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Dr Alex Tang</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Sermon statement<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion is never justified except to save the mother’s life</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion is an important issue to discuss in churches today. I shall approach this topic by considering when human life begins. By identifying when human life begins and estimating the time when abortion is done, we shall come to an understanding on whether abortion is taking a human life or not. We shall also look at some Bible verses and derive some biblical principles that may help us to thinking about this subject. We shall end by discussing in what ways we shall deal with abortion and the people involved.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">When does human life begins?</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Conception, fertilisation, chromosome fusion</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and some of the Protestant denominations regard conception as the point when the spermatozoa penetrates the ovum and fertilises it. To them, conception is when human life begins. Conception is when the soul enters the cell or ensoulment has occurred. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The philosopher Aristotle believed that at conception the future child is endowed with a principle of only vegetative life. This is exchanged after a few days for an animal soul. The animal soul is succeeded by a rational soul much later. His followers taught that a male child receives his rational soul on the (40) fortieth day. The female child receives her rational soul on the (80) eightieth day. This belief was widely accepted by the ancient world for many centuries. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In the fourth century, Gregory of Nyssa, who was well educated in Greek teaching, advocated the view that at the time of conception, the embryo is given a life principle (soul) and begins to live a distinct individual life. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Thomas Aquinas, the great Dominican theologian, reverted to Aristotle’s teaching that a male was given a soul after 40 days and the female after 80 days. This was accepted by the church and later became widely accepted as a church tradition until 1875. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In 1875, the German embryologist, Oskar Hertwig, discovered the fusion of the spermatozoa and the ovum (egg) in fertilisation. That year, the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Rome</st1:city></st1:place> declared that a human being exists and becomes ‘ensouled’ the moment the spermatozoa enters the ovum. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In 1987, it modified this view by declaring that human life begins not at the moment when the spermatozoa penetrates the ovum but at the moment of fusion between the male and female genetic materials (nuclei). Modern science has discovered that there is a time lapse of 22 hours between the moment the spermatozoa penetrates the ovum wall and the fusion of the genetic materials.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The late Pope John Paul II reaffirmed the Roman Catholic tradition that life begins at conception when he wrote: “When a unique set of human genetic instruction is present, a person is present.” In his attempt to modernise church tradition, the late pope implied that the presence of a complete set of human DNA makes a cell a human person. To modern scientists, this may not make sense. They may retort that all our skin cells have complete sets of human DNA and we lose millions of skin cells a day! Is each cell then a person? Having a complete set of human DNA does not make a person as in the case of a teratoma. A teratoma is a fertilised ovum mutated into a tumour. There are differentiations of tissues in a teratoma though in a chaotic manner. When we cut open a teratoma, we may find hair, mixed with tooth and other organs but a human being is not formed. All the genetic information may be present but the development has gone haywire. Another point to be considered is that 40 to 70 percent of fertilised eggs die when they fail to implant in the womb. If the presence of a complete set of DNA defines a human person, then one would have to say that the majority of human beings were never born or lived no longer than a week. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Professor John Guillebaud from the <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">College</st1:placename>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">London</st1:city></st1:place>, has suggested that conception is a process. He believes that conception has two components: fertilisation and implantation. Fertilisation without implantation has zero survival rate. With fertilisation and implantation, the foetus has about 80 percent chance of making it to term. Hence Professor Guillebaud considers conception to have taken place only when a fertilised ovum implants in a uterine wall. Conception, according to him, would not have taken place if a spermatozoa penetrated the ovum and fertilised it but was not implanted, as in spontaneous abortions or fertilisation in a test tube. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Professor Ramsey, a noted Protestant ethicist, believes that a zygote is a human being i.e. human life begins at conception. Professor Ramsey did not go into the technical details.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Implantation (six days)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The uterine lining must respond. If no response, the embryo will not develop.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Cell differentiation, individuation (14 days)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Many in the scientific community believe that human life begins 14 days after conception. Implantation begins at day five and completes by day nine. By day 14, the cells of the embryo begin to specialise so that the embryo has a top, bottom, front and back. A primitive streak is formed which will develop into the spinal cord and nervous system. Other cells begin to separate into foetus, placenta and other supportive tissues.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">At 14 days, the possibility of twinning recedes. Twins are formed when the embryo splits into two, each with equal and identical genetic materials. They are identical twins because they are from one embryo. They share one placenta. Non-identical twins happen when two ova are fertilised and the two embryos are implanted at almost the same time. They develop independently of each other. Triplets, quadruplets and so forth are similarly formed. Some would regard this as an important fact. If one were thinking in terms of souls, then would an embryo that is destined to split and become twins be given two souls at conception? Could two souls coexist in one embryo? If at conception, one soul were given, what would happen when the embryo splits into two when twinning occurs? Another observation is that prior to 14 days, two embryos can fuse and subsequently develop normally but with four sets of genetic information. In the triplets, two embryos will have fused so that there is only one +2. If one male and one female embryo fused, we get hermaphrodite.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United Kingdom</st1:country-region></st1:place>, an ethics committee led by Dame Mary Warnock, a philosopher came to the conclusion that it is not unethical to create and experiment on embryos as long as it does not occur fourteen days after fertilisation. The Warnock Committee’s recommendation served as the basis of The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Act passed in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">United Kingdom</st1:country-region></st1:place> in 1990. This Act governs IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) and the treatment of embryos. Experimentation of embryos was allowed under the Act up to fourteen days after fertilisation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The 14-day mark is the choice of the Embryo Research Panel of the National Institute of Health (1994) in the <st1:country-region st="on">USA</st1:country-region> and of the Donaldson Report in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">UK</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Many other research institutes also follow similar definitions that human life begins at 14 days with the formation of the primitive streak and considering that the possibility of twinning recedes beyond that point.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Formed and unformed (28 days)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The formation of all body systems and organs is complete after 28 days. The embryo is about two millimetres long. During subsequent growth, these organs will increase in size and functions. The embryo can now be considered ‘formed’. A human body or nephesh may be said to be present. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In the early and medieval church, the consensus among theologians was that God would give a soul at the point when the body is fully ‘formed’ in the womb. This is known as soul creation. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Another school of thought called traducianism taught that a soul is inherited from one’s parents and will be fully formed when there is a formed body. One can only be a human being if one has a body and a soul. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">This is obviously different from the beliefs of the Early Church Fathers that a life principle (soul) is given at conception. Both soul creation and traducianism reason that one needs to have a body to have a soul. The distinction is between ‘formed’ and ‘unformed’. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Those who taught this include Lactanius, Jerome, Augustine, Cyril of Alexandria and Thomas Aquinas.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Ensoulment (40-90 days)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Aristotle wrote that the male embryo develops a human soul about 40 days after conception, whereas a female embryo acquires its soul 80 days after conception. One author has suggested that the early church was influenced by this ‘delayed ensoulment’ principle and allowed abortion up to 90 days. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">At 40 days, primitive undeveloped brain waves can be detected. High resolution ultrasound done on the foetus at this stage shows incredible details—the foetus begins to look like a baby. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">In the Jewish rabbinic understanding of the Talmud and subsequent teachings, a developing foetus before 40 days is ‘like water’. It is only worthy of consideration after 40 days.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Human appearance (10 weeks)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Quickening (16 weeks)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">sensitivity to pain, nervous system (18 weeks)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">viability (24-28 weeks)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">About 24 weeks, the foetus becomes viable. This means that if it was delivered prematurely, it can survive with the help of modern medical care. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines abortion as any product of conception delivered before 28 weeks. However, nowadays, it is routine to be able to save babies born prematurely at 24 weeks. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Some medical ethicists use viability as a measure of being human.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">At 26 weeks, the foetus has greater viability and is more developed. Brain wave patterns show waking and sleeping stages. To some people, this self-awareness is what makes a human being. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Self-awareness is an important criterion of personhood. Carl Sagan believed that the ability to think is what makes us human. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.10.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Birth (nine months)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The Jewish rabbinic commentary regards the foetus to be part of the mother’s body and it is only at the moment when the head or the greater part of the breech is delivered that the foetus becomes an individual. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">But it continues to be regarded as a non-souled entity until after 30 days. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Roman and Stoic stress that there is no soul until birth</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.11.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Naming after birth (Greeks, Romans, Yoruba e,g, eight days)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Jewish children are not named or admitted to the community until after the eighth day and for those who die in the perinatal period (30 days), the rituals of death are not necessary.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">1.12.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Self consciousness, cortical development (? 2 years)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">For 1900 years the early conceptus was not seen as a person. Significantly, there were no funerals for miscarriages. The Holy Office in 1713 forbade baptism of a fetus not well formed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Biblical considerations<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The Bible does not give an answer to the question, “When does human life begin?” Attempts have been made by various scholars to cite evidence that God considers the foetus to be fully human by referring to Psalm 139, Job 3:11, Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:39-44.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">John Stott made an ingenious argument by using Psalm 139. Firstly, using verse 14, ‘for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb’, he concluded that the psalmist is already aware at his conception i.e. creation. Secondly, he noted that there is continuity between the verses: verse 1 “you have searched me” (the past), verses 2-3, “you know when I sit and when I rise” (the present) and verse 10, “your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (the future). Thirdly, the whole Psalm 139 speaks of communion between God and the psalmist. John Stott concluded that these three words (creation, continuity, communion) give us the perspective that the foetus is already a human life, though not yet mature, has the potential of growing into the fullness of humanity. The point he made was that the beginning of human life is found in the pre-natal period and there is continuity from life before and life after birth. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-GB">“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11 (NIV). This verse</span><span lang="EN-GB"> sheds no light whatsoever on the status of the foetus Job. It provides a retro perspective view as it is the adult Job contemplating his circumstances.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="" lang="EN-GB">“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV). The focus of this verse is more </span><span lang="EN-GB">on Jeremiah’s calling to be a prophet than it is a statement about when he became a human being.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;" lang="EN-GB"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Luke 1:39-44 relates the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth, both of whom were pregnant. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Elizabeth</st1:city></st1:place>’s baby (John the Baptist) “leaped in her womb” in response to Mary’s greeting. The case is made here that Luke uses the same word <i style="">brephos</i> for an unborn child (1:41,44) as a newborn baby (2:12,16) and little children brought to Jesus to be blessed by him (18:15). It is difficult to derive an ethical principle on the basis of one Greek word. Nevertheless, Luke who was often careful with his words classifies all of them as children. Being a medical doctor, he must have been aware of ‘quickening’ or when the unborn child makes his or her first movement in the womb. The emphasis in this passage is on the reaction of the unborn John the Baptist to the unborn Jesus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">These often quoted passages do not address the question, “When does human life begin?” With proper exegesis, one can only conclude that the emphasis is on the sovereignty of God and his interactions with human beings.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">A medical dictionary defined abortion ‘as the premature expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception- of the embryo or of a non-viable foetus’. Embryo refers to the first eight weeks of gestation after fertilisation of the ovum by the sperm. Foetus refers to the embryo after eight weeks until birth. Abortion can be a naturally occurring process. It was estimated that 50% of all conception occurs in abortion because for some reasons, the embryo was non-viable.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion on demand is not available in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Malaysia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Abortion can only be performed for medical reasons as provided in section 312 of the Penal Code and its has to be certified by at least two doctors.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">In <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region> abortion is available on demand. It even allows teenage girls to procure abortions without their parents’ knowledge. In <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, abortion was illegal until the Infant Life (preservation) Act of 1929 provided that abortion was admissible if it is to save the life of the mother. This was further liberalised in the 1967 Abortion Act. By 1983 over 2 million legal abortions had been performed since the 1967 Act was passed and by 1995 over 4.5 million. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">In the United States, in January 1973 in Roe v. Wade case<a style="" href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>, the United Supreme Court declared by seven votes to two that it is constitutional for a woman to choose to have an abortion done on her during the first three months (first trimester) of her pregnancy and during the second and third trimester if the pregnancy affects her physical or mental health. This ruling opened a floodgate for abortions to be performed in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The premise behind the ruling is that a woman has a right to decide what is to be done to her body and that includes an ‘unwanted’ foetus. This is usually described a ‘pro-choice’. ‘Pro-choice’ means a woman has total rights to decide what is done to her body.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Techniques of abortion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Most abortions are done during the first three months of pregnancy. There are a number of ways a fetus can be aborted. I have not included the herbal or other manipulations done by traditional healers and back-street abortionists.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Vacuum aspiration<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This is used for pregnancies up to 12-14 weeks. In this technique, the cervix is dilated and a tube connected to a suction apparatus was inserted. The fetus was sucked out into a jar. The foetal body parts were examined to ensure totally removal. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">‘D & C’-Dilation and Curettage<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This is the most popular technique. The cervix was dilated and a ‘curette’ was inserted. The walls of the womb were scraped until the foetus was cut into pieces and removed. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Toxic solution<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">In this technique, a hyperosmolar solution, usually saline was introduced into the womb by means of a needle. The saline kills the foetus that will then be expelled naturally through the vagina. This is usually used in pregnancies of 12-16 weeks.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Hysterectomy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This is similar to Caesarean section by which the foetus is removed through an incision in the womb. Unlike Caesarean section, the foetus is left to die.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">‘D and X’ – Dilation and Extraction/ Partial birth abortion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This is done in late stage pregnancies when the foetus is fully formed and is too strong for dismemberment by the above mentioned techniques. Here the foetus was manipulated into a breech position and labour induced by a drug, prostaglandin. The baby was partially delivered feet first until the head remains in the womb. Then the doctor creates an incision at the base of the skull and a suction catheter inserted. The brain is then sucked out through the catheter, causing the skull to collapse and then the now dead baby was removed from the womb by pulling on the feet. Many women who opt for "partial-birth" abortions do so because their foetuses have severe or fatal anomalies or because the pregnancy endangers their lives or health. Opponents of this method of abortion argue that the procedure is really a form of infanticide.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">RU 486 with prostaglandin<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">In 1991, it was licensed for use in the <st1:country-region st="on">United Kingdom</st1:country-region> and in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region>, 2000. It is not available in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Malaysia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. RU 486 can be used during all three trimesters. It produces an abortion by destroying the lining of the womb. It is often used with prostaglandin, a drug that facilitate labour and the evacuation of the abortus from the womb.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">4.7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">‘Morning after’ pill<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This pill contains a high dose of oestrogen, which makes the lining of the womb unsuitable for implantation of the fertilised ovum. It is effective if take within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">There are many techniques to abort an embryo or a foetus. Some techniques are relatively safe while others have certain dangers. What is important to note is that these techniques are readily available and can be done by any competent doctor. Hence there are demands from pregnant women for abortion for whatever reasons because of the easy availability and the safety of the procedures. Virginia Mollenkott wrote, “Every time a woman gives birth, she undergoes the equivalent of a major operation, whereas getting a legal abortion is seven times safer than giving birth.” <a style="" href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style=""> </span>A pregnant lady can check into a hospital or a clinic in the morning, have an abortion done and be home in the afternoon in time for tea.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">What does the Bible say about Abortion?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Bible has surprisingly made no reference to abortion. It does not given an answer to the most crucial aspect of the abortion issue- when is the fetus considered a human being? Attempts has been made to cite evidence that God consider the fetus to be fully human by referring to Psalm 139, Job 3:11, Jeremiah 1:5 and Luke 1:39-44.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Scriptural passage to which both proponents and opponents appeal to in the current debate, is Exodus 21:22-25.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows.<span style=""> </span>But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This passage can be understood in different ways. Firstly, the passage may imply that the Bible makes a distinction between a fully human life (the mother) and the life of a foetus. This verse can be taken to mean a foetus is not considered to be a fully human person and is therefore of less inherent value than an already born person. Thus the death of a fetus merit a fine while the death or injury to the mother called for the application of <i style="">lex talionis</i> (life for life, eye for eye,… etc). However, it must be noted that the foetus does have value, even though it is less than that of the mother.<a style="" href="#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Secondly, the passage may be interpreted the way as Jack Cottrell has done. He concludes that verse 22 does not refer to a miscarriage but to a premature birth. Thus causing a premature birth will merit a fine but death of injury to the premature baby or the mother will merit the lex talionis.<span style=""> </span>Thus he concludes,’..the life of the fetus is valued just as highly as the mother, and the lex taliois principle applied to both..’<a style="" href="#_edn3" name="_ednref3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> R.C.Sproul has came to the same conclusion.<a style="" href="#_edn4" name="_ednref4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" style="margin-left: 0in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">To support this view, R.C.Sproul quoted the work of:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 40.5pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB">“Dr. Frame also examines the verb <i style="">yatza</i>, found in Exodus 21:22. The term means ‘go out’ or ‘depart’. <i style="">Yatza</i> is normally used to describe ordinary births (Gen 25:26, 38:28-30, Job 10:18; Jeremiah 1:5, 20:18). The only possible exception is the use of <i style="">yatza</i> in Numbers 12:12; Again, the Hebrew has a more accurate term for miscarriage and spontaneous abortion: <i style="">shakol</i> (Gen 31:38, Exodus 23:26, Job 2:10, Hosea 9:14, Malachi 3:11). The proper interpretation, then of the phrase <i style="">weyatze’u yeladheyla</i> in Exodus 21:22 would not be an induced miscarriage nor the death of an unborn child but an induced premature birth of a living child.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 40.5pt 0.0001pt 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB">Finally Dr. Frame examines the term <i style="">ason</i> (injury) in verses 22 and 23. Had the writer intended to refer only to the woman, <i style="">lah</i> meaning ‘to her’ would have been added. The harm then refers to the woman, to her prematurely born child, or to both’”<a style="" href="#_edn5" name="_ednref5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 1in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Regarding the various interpretation of the passage, Gareth Jones wrote,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBlockText" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">“I regard this as slender basis on which to build a whole theology of the foetus. The biblical writer was dealing with the regulations within a covenant community, and his primary concern at this junction was with the nature of the punishment to be inflicted for injury following accidents or fighting. He was not dealing with the status of the foetus as such, nor with its importance relative to that of an adult human life. This passage deals with unintentional abortion brought about by personal conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 40.5pt 0.0001pt 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""> </span>There are even greater difficulties in applying this passage to the status of the embryo and early foetus. The miscarriage at the heart of Exodus 21:22-25 must have been of a relatively well-developed foetus, perhaps six months or older. Had the miscarriage been that of an embryo of just a few days’ or a few weeks’ gestation, the woman would probably not have been aware of her pregnancy, let alone of her miscarriage. To extrapolate from the miscarriage of an older foetus to the status of an embryo a few days old involves a major leap, which has to be justified on grounds of legitimate biblical interpretation. I do not consider that such justification exists.”<a style="" href="#_edn6" name="_ednref6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt 1in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;" lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Bible, while silent on abortion, teaches about man and woman being created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27). Man bears the image of God (<i style="">imago dei</i>) because God blew his breath or <i style="">nephesh</i> into man and that man has a role as co-creator. It also implies a foetus bears the image of God. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Donald</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Lake</st1:placename></st1:place> wrote,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">“ While I maintain that the image of God is present in the fetus (as is <i style="">nephresh</i>), it is not something static. Rather, it is dynamic. It develops through one’s life. The image of God refers to the total human being, shape and form as well as his role in creation. Consequently, the image of God is something that a human being grows into rather than simply is.”<a style="" href="#_edn7" name="_ednref7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">What is implied is that the foetus has the image of God (<i style="">imago dei</i>) and yet also it is in the process of becoming. A New Testament analogy is that we are to ‘conform’ into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29-30). It is present at spiritual birth yet also takes a life long process of growing into maturity. <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Donald</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Lake</st1:placename></st1:place> concludes, “Consequently, abortion is wrong not just because the killing of the foetus is destroying the image of God, but rather because abortion prevents the image of God from being fully manifested!”<a style="" href="#_edn8" name="_ednref8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Biblical Reasons Against Abortion : The Sanctity of human life<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">6.1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Human Dignity comes from God.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Human life reflects the very life of God. We are created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27), so our dignity and God’s are closely related. “Whosoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed: for God made man in his own image” (Gen 9:6). Human life is a gift from God. In response, we should approach this life with gratitude, thanksgiving and deep responsibility.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">6.2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">All Human Life has Equal Dignity</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">In Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Men and women bear the same dignity and this applies to all of mankind of all ages, sex, race and conditions. However incapacitated, mentally retarded, chronically ill, physically dependent or in a persistent vegetative state, they bear that dignity and has equal claims on us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">6.3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">“Thou shalt not kill”</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The sixth commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17) has its roots in the Creation’s narrative:- “Let us make man in our own image”(Gen 1:26) and in the Noahic Convenant’s “Whosoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”(Gen 9:6). Man, being made in the image of God, is not to be intentionally killed. <i style="">Ratsach</i> is the Hebrew word translated as ‘kill’ in the commandment. It is similar to the Greek <i style="">phoneuo</i>, which means ‘murder’. Hence the sixth commandment forbids murder or ‘unauthorised, intentional or hostile killing of one human being by another’. It is because of this that many Christians will allow exceptions to this commandment such as martyrdom, war and capital punishment. Such exceptions can also be inferred from the Scriptures.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">6.4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Love your Neighbour.<span style=""> </span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Jesus summarised the Commandments as ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. (Mk 12:30-31). Christians are called to love their neighbours. And this included taking care of each other and looking out for each other. It does not include helping each other to die, though Biblical Christian ‘situation ethicists’ may argue otherwise in the name of a new metaphysically contentless definition of ‘love’ when that neighbour is in great suffering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Positional Response to Abortion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">There are many confused responses to abortion. Many people look to their spiritual leaders for guidance. Unfortunately many spiritual leaders themselves do not have the answer. The theologians’ stand may be different from that of the doctors who profess evangelical faith. A rape victim may think differently from a busy female executive.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The responses of various people to the emotive issue of abortion can be categorises into four basic stands:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">7.1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion is never justified.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">There are people who believe that abortion is never justified whatever the circumstances. Proponent of this stand believes that the foetus is a human being and there is no justification whatsoever in allowing the killing of a human being. The Roman Catholic Church has denied allowing any abortions to be done, even those to save the mother’s life. Some conservative Christians also held to this view. The consideration here is of the <i style="">sanctity of human life</i>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">7.2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Therapeutic abortions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The second group of people believe that only in one special circumstance is abortion allowed. That is if the abortion will save the mother’s life. This group also held to the view that the foetus is a human being, but a potential human being. When weighed against the life of the mother, who is a realised human being, can be sacrificed. Many conservative Christians have this view.<a style="" href="#_edn9" name="_ednref9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The abortion done here is called therapeutic abortion because it is used to saves lives. Consideration here is of the <i style="">value of an individual</i>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Catholic <i style="">doctrine of double effect</i> allows two exceptions: ectopic pregnancy and uterine cancer. The foetus and uterus must be removed together.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Doctrine of double effect in that an action will cause two effects, one good and one evil is morally allowable under the following circumstances</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">If the action is good in itself or not evil</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">If the good follows as immediately from the cause as from the evil effect</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">If only the good is intended</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">If there is a proportionally grave cause for performing the action as for allowed in the evil effect.</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">7.3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Justifiable or ‘hard cases’ abortions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The third group also held the view of the second group concerning the value of the foetus and the mother. However they have extended the justification to include victims of rape, incest or congenital abnormalities in the fetus. They consider these circumstances as ‘hard cases’. The consideration here is of<span style=""> </span><i style="">compassion</i>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The General Board of the American Baptist churches, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">USA</st1:place></st1:country-region> (1981)-decision for abortion may be made when “all possible alternatives will lead to greater destruction of human life and spirit.”</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The American Friends Service Committee (1970)-“it is better to end an unwanted pregnancy than to encourage the evils resulting from forced pregnancy and childbirth.”</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The General Convention of the Episcopal Church (1982)-permissible in serious threats to mental or physical health of woman, deformation of fetus, rape and incest.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (1983) affirmed Roe vs Wade decision and ‘the principle of inviolability can be applied” if the fetus is viable</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The General Synod of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place> – “every woman must have the freedom of choice to follow her personal religious and moral convictions concerning the completion or termination of her pregnancy.”</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The United Methodist Church General Conferences (1976, 1984)- listed a number of cases when “the path of a mature Christian judgment may indicate the advisability of abortion.”</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The <st1:placename st="on">Lutheran</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> (1970)-“on the basis of the evangelical ethic, a woman or couple may decide responsibly to seek an abortion.” Daniel Maguire, On Moral Medicine.p.587</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Some difficult cases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Cases where there is a serious medical problem:</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the pregnancy endangers the life or health of the mother</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">there are too many foetuses in the womb for them all to survive</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the foetus is so defective that it will die later in the pregnancy</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the foetus is so defective that it will not live after the birth</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Cases where the child will not be 'normal':</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the child will suffer from some mental or physical abnormality that the parents (correctly?) think will very seriously damage its quality of life</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Cases where the pregnancy is entirely unintentional</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by rape</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by failure of contraception where the potential parents are not to blame</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by a badly done vasectomy</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by the parties not knowing that sexual intercourse causes pregnancy </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">such cases would include persons who are not mentally capable of understanding this</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Cases where the pregnancy is unintentional but where a risk was taken:</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by failure of contraception within the known risk that contraceptive method</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by carelessness in the use of contraception</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">pregnancy caused by failure to use contraception</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Cases where the pregnancy has lifestyle consequences:</span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">having a child would prevent the mother achieving some life objective</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the mother is incapable of looking after a child</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the mother is incapable of looking after another child</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">another child would lower the family's standard of living</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">there is not enough food to support the child</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">having another child would result in criminal proceedings against the parent</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the child is not of the preferred sex</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">coping with the child's disability would damage the family's lifestyle</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">coping with the child's disability would disadvantage existing family children</span></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.55in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.3in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">7.4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Pro-choice view of abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">This group feels that the mother has the right to choose and that society, government and religious authorities have no right to interfere. The foetus is considered a part of her body and she has a right to decide what is to be done to her body. While some recognise the foetus as a potential human being; others regard it a lump of cells, equivalent to a tumour. As doctors remove tumours from her body, abortion is likened to be removal of a tumour. The consideration here is of the <i style="">rights of an individual to choose</i>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The first three groups are often called ‘pro-life’ and most evangelical Christians and Catholics will be included into this group. The last group and by far the largest group are called ‘pro-choice’. Unfortunately dialogues and attempts to understand each other’s views has not been successful. This have lead to ‘pro-life’ protests who often ends with violence with ‘pro-choice’ groups, fire bombing of abortion clinics and even murder of a doctor who performs abortion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Christian response<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">If the Church can made a stand against abortion, but it must be ready to help those to whom abortion seems to be the solution to their problem. The biblical mandate of helping our neighbours and protecting the weak and the defenceless are never so important as in the abortion issue. Our neighbours are often the frightened pregnant mothers seeking a way out of their quandary. The weak and the defenceless are the foetuses. No other group of individuals are as weak and defenceless as the foetuses.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(a)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Sex Education<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The Church must be in the forefront of education concerning sexual education. There must be continual emphasis of avoiding pre-marital sexual relationships especially amongst the teenagers. There must be teaching on the type of contraceptive methods used.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(b)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Contraceptives<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The use of contraceptives will prevent unwanted pregnancy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(c)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Adoption<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">For unwanted babies done out of wedlock, rape, incest or other reasons, adoption is an option for carrying the baby to term. There are many couples who are unable to have children and the Church has a role to help them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(d)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Love and Compassion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(e)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Victims of incest and rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="">(f)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Teen pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">Counselling, love and compassion should be given to those who are seeking abortion or have had abortion. There are many Christians who have deep wounded because of a performed abortion. These wounds need to be healed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">The issue of abortion is a good opportunity for the Church to be engaged with society and</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB">the State. There are many frightened pregnant women seeking help. The Church should be there to meet this need.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style=""><span lang="EN-GB">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Hunt, Geoffrey. "Abortion: Why Bioethics Can Have No Answer - a Personal Perspective." <i style="">Nursing Ethics</i> 6, no. 1 (1999): 47-57.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Lazareth, William H., ed. <i style="">Persons in Community: Theological Voices from the Pastorate</i>. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Singer, Peter. <i style="">Rethinking Life and Death: The Collapse of Our Traditional Ethics</i>. New York: St. Marthin's Griffin, 1994.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Warren, Mary Ann. "On the Moral and Legal Status of Abortion." In <i style="">Biomedical Ethics</i>, ed. T.A. Mappes and D. DeGrazia, 434-440. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc, 1996.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Waters, Brent, and Ronald Cole-Turner. <i style="">God and the Embryo: Religious Voices on Stem Cells and Cloning</i>. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2003.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /> <hr size="1" align="left" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span style="">Jane Roe (real name Norma McCorvey) and Henry Wade, district attorney of <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Dallas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Norma McCorvey wanted a safe, legal abortion and challenged <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state> law. The Supreme Court decision allows women to decide the right to remain pregnant or not. This is weighed against the rights of the foetus-age of viability which is between 22-28 weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> </div> <div style=""><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br /> <hr size="1" align="left" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="edn1"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> David K. Clark, & Robert V. Rakestraw, Eds, <st1:city st="on"><i style="">Readings</i></st1:city><i style=""> in Christian Ethics, Vol 2</i> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Grand Rapids</st1:city></st1:place>. MI: Baker Books, 1996) p. 31</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn2"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[ii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> James K. Hoffmeier, “Abortion and the Old Testament Law”, James K. Hoffmeier, ed., <i style="">Abortion: A Christian Understanding and Response </i>(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1987) p. 58.</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn3"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref3" name="_edn3" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[iii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Jack W. Cottrell, “Abortion and the Mosaic Law” Clark, David K. & Rakestraw, Robert V. Eds, <st1:city st="on"><i style="">Readings</i></st1:city><i style=""> in Christian Ethics, Vol 2</i> (<st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Grand Rapids</st1:city></st1:place>. MI: Baker Books, 1996) p. 32-35. </span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn4"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref4" name="_edn4" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[iv]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> RC. Sproul, <i style="">Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue</i><span style=""> </span>(Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1990)</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn5"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref5" name="_edn5" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[v]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Ibid., quoted the work of Dr. John M. Frame on this exegesis. p.197-198.</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn6"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref6" name="_edn6" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[vi]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Gareth Jones, <i style="">Valuing People</i> (Carliste, Cumbria: Paternoster Press, 1999) p. 70-71</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn7"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref7" name="_edn7" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[vii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Donald</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Lake</st1:placename></st1:place>, “A Theological Perspective on Abortion”, James K. Hoffmeier, ed., <i style="">Abortion: A Christian Understanding and Response </i>(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1987) p. 90.</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn8"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref8" name="_edn8" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[viii]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Ibid., p. 91</span></p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn9"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="#_ednref9" name="_edn9" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";" lang="EN-GB">[ix]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> John Stott, “Reverence for Human Life”, <i style="">Christianity Today,</i> 9 June 1972, p. 12</span></p> </div> </div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-91984682580979707372010-04-13T03:04:00.003+08:002010-04-13T03:12:32.150+08:00Practice Resurrection<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:6px;">Practice Resurrection:<br />God’s Calling; Our Living</span></b></p><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-f4.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=864691128478863860&site=widget-f4.slide.com" style="width: 400px; height: 320px;" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width: 400px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=864691128478863860&map=1" target="_blank"><br /></a> </div></div><br /><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Sermon Statement</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">When God’s calling and our living fits, we are growing up in Christ: God’s calling; our living. We can only appreciate fully the wonderful gifts of God if we are living our lives in a worthy manner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Text: Ephesians 4:1<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:1</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The Sakura or Cherry Blossoms is held in special significance for the Japanese people. The cherry blossom season arrives in the early spring and signifies new life and new beginnings. After a hard cold winter, cherry blossoms indicate the beginning of spring. The winter is over. New life will be springing from the soil. It also signifies new beginnings. This is the season when school begins and when young men and women begin their new jobs and hence their new lives in Japanese society. What is more significant is that the cherry blossoms period is short. The flower buds, blossom and drops within 7-10 days. It reminds the Japanese people that life is short and should be lived in a worthy manner. During the cherry blossom season, families and friends will picnic under the cherry trees and enjoy the blossoms.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Easter is also a time of remembrance. Easter recalls us to remember God who became man to suffer and die for us. The key to Easter is the resurrection. Because of the cross and resurrection, we are now able to live a brand new life. The apostle Paul is very conscious of this. Practice resurrection is living life in the power of the resurrection. In our text today Ephesians 4:1, he wrote “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (NIV). There are two components to this sentence. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->the calling we have received</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->living a life worthy of this calling</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->why bother?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">(1) What Calling?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Paul explains that in Eph. 4: 7, 8. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:7</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >8</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>This is why it says:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>"When he ascended on high,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>he led captives in his train<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>and gave gifts to men."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Most think it quotes Psalm 68:18 (a psalm of David) with five minor and two major changes. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >PS 68:18</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>When you ascended on high,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>you led captives in your train;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>you received gifts from men,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>even from the rebellious--<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>that you, O LORD God, might dwell there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The two major variations are the change from the second to the third person, and the change of direction from having received gifts from men to the giving of gifts to men. However, it is better to think that Paul was not quoting one particular verse of the psalm but rather that he was summarizing all of Psalm 68, which has many words similar to those in Psalm 68:18<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=20719069&postID=9198468258097970737#_edn1" name="_ednref1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. The essence of the psalm is that a military victor has the right to give gifts to those who are identified with him. Christ, having captivated sinful people by redeeming them, is Victor and gives them as gifts to the church. The battle is Easter and Christ has emerged the victor by his resurrection from defeating death.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">What are these gifts or graces that Christ gives to us? Paul have mentioned this in the longest sentence in the New Testament – all 201 words in Greek of it (278 in NIV, depending on your translation) in Eph. 1:3-14</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >4</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >5</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >6</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >7</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >8</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >9</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >10</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 1:11</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >12</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >13</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >14</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Now we shall read this and note down what are the things God has done for us (God verbs):</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->blessed us with every spiritual blessings (v.3)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->chose us to be holy and blameless (v.4)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->predestined us –adoptions as children (v.5)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->redemption – forgiveness of sin (v.7)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (v.8)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->made known to us the mystery of his will –salvation for Jews and Gentiles (v.9-10)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->included in Christ – sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13,14)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We already received all these gifts from God.<span style=""> </span>So why is there the need to live a life worthy of these gifts? It’s already ours. God would not take them back. Why should we live a life worthy of these gifts?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Living a life worthy of this calling<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">What does living a life worthy of this calling means? What are the practices or components of this life? This life is practice resurrection.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be humble, gentle and patient (Eph 4:2)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:2</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Arrogance is a common problem when we gain in experience.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep unity in faith (Eph. 4:3-6)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:3</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >4</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >5</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>one Lord, one faith, one baptism; </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >6</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Personality differences</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Ego problems</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Put on new self- true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4: 22-32)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:22</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >23</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>to be made new in the attitude of your minds; </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >24</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:25</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >26</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >27</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>and do not give the devil a foothold. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >28</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 4:29</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >30</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >31</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >32</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Temptation of the old self</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Go back to the old ways</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Temptations of old environments</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">a.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Truthfulness (no lying) – tell people what they want to hear</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">b.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Anger control</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">c.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No stealing</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">d.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No gossip</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">e.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Do not grieve the Holy Spirit</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">f.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No unwholesome emotions (bitterness, rage, anger, slander, malice)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">g.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Kind and compassionate</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">h.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Forgiveness </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be Children of Light (Eph 5:8-17)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 5:8</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >9</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >10</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>and find out what pleases the Lord. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >11</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >12</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >13</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >14</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>"Wake up, O sleeper,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>rise from the dead,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>and Christ will shine on you."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 5:15</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, </span><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >16</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. </span><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >17</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Expose evil</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Save the lost</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Break bondage – addiction ( sex, power, money, drugs, porno)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18-20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >18</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >19</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >20</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 5:21</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><a name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a name="OLE_LINK1"><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><span style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be strong in the Lord (Eph. 6: 10-18)</span></span></p> <span style=""></span><span style=""></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >EPH 6:10</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >11</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >12</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >13</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >14</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >15</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >16</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >17</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >18</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Taking up Our Cross<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">I will suggest that living in a way worthy of our calling or God’s gift is what Jesus means when he calls to us take up our cross.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >MT 16:24</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;" ><span style=""> </span>Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross <span style="color:black;">and follow me. </span></span><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >25</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. </span><span style="line-height: 150%; position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;color:black;" >26</span><span style="line-height: 150%;font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Our cross is then to live in a worthy manner:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be humble, gentle and patient (Eph 4:2)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep unity in faith (Eph. 4:3-6)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Put on new self- true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4: 22-32)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be Children of Light (Eph 5:8-14)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:15-20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be strong in the Lord (Eph. 6: 10-18)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">These are the practices of those who receive the benefits of Jesus’ resurrection. They can be considered practices of resurrection or as Eugene Peterson terms them “practice resurrection.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Why Bother?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The fact that Paul has to urge us means that we have a choice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The appeal to live worthily of God’s calling presupposes that God’s gracious initiative requires a continuous human response and that his call bestows both high privilege and high responsibility. Believers have been called into all the blessings of salvation and into experience of the power of the God who raised Christ from the dead and who brought them from death to life and to a share in Christ’s reign in the heavenly realms. They have been called into the new humanity out of Jews and Gentiles, into the new temple, the one body (cf. <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Col</st1:state></st1:place> 3:15, “called in the one body”) of the Church, and thus called to be part of God’s purposes for cosmic unity.<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=20719069&postID=9198468258097970737#_edn2" name="_ednref2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Eugene Peterson in the last book of his Conversations on Spiritual Theology (2010) <i style="">Practice Resurrection</i> offers an interesting perspective. The Greek word for worthy is <i style="">axios</i>, which is offers a metaphor of a balance. The balancing scales, the <i style="">axios</i>, centers the Ephesian letter. The letter is designed to keep God’s calling (chapter 1-3) with our living (chapter 4-6).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">“When our walking and God’s calling are in balance, we are whole; we are living maturely, living responsively to God’s calling, living congruently with the way God calls us into being.” (Peterson 2010, 32).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Eugene Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology in <st1:placename st="on">Regent</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:placetype>, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Vancouver</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place> one of my favourite spiritual teacher. He has influenced me greatly in my thinking and teaching in spirituality. He is a prolific writing. Peterson is 78 years old and his magnum opus is his 5 book series on Conversations in Spiritual Theology: <i style="">Christ’s Play in Ten Thousand Places </i>(2005), <i style="">Eat This Book </i>(2006), <i style="">The Jesus Way</i> (2007), <i style="">Tell It Slant</i> (2008), and <i style="">Practice Resurrection</i> (2010).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Where are we on our spiritual journey? Are we living a life worthy of our calling?</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some never started on living a worthy life</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some started but stopped because it is hard</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some started but compromised</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some started but backslided into their old nature</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Some continued in carrying their cross daily</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Where are you? (time for meditation)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b style="">Lessons for us:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">We can only appreciate fully the wonderful gifts of God if we are living our lives in a worthy manner; God’s calling; our living. We are not talking about salvation here but spiritual growth. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Living in a worthy manner:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be humble, gentle and patient (Eph 4:2)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Keep unity in faith (Eph. 4:3-6)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Put on new self- true righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4: 22-32)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be Children of Light (Eph 5:8-14)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:15-20)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 150%;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">(7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Be strong in the Lord (Eph. 6: 10-18)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Soli Deo Gloria</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">11 April 2010</p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportEndnotes]--><br /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="edn1"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=20719069&postID=9198468258097970737#_ednref1" name="_edn1" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" >[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city></st1:place> Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (634). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wheaton</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">IL</st1:state></st1:place>: Victor Books.</p> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> <div style="" id="edn2"> <p class="MsoEndnoteText"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=20719069&postID=9198468258097970737#_ednref2" name="_edn2" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;" >[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Lincoln, A. T. (2002). Vol. 42: Word Biblical Commentary : Ephesians. Word Biblical Commentary (235). <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:city>: Word, Incorporated.</p> </div> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">download<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">|<a href="http://www.kairos2.com/Practice%20Resurrection_HLCE_11.04.10.pdf">sermon</a> (pdf)|<a href="http://www.kairos2.com/Practice%20Resurrection.ppt_HLCE_11.04.10.pdf">Powerpoint</a> (pdf)|mp3|</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">.<br /></p>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20719069.post-41726336692895011602010-02-16T10:36:00.003+08:002010-02-16T10:45:39.331+08:00A Transfiguration of Love<embed src="http://widget-7e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=864691128478821758&site=widget-7e.slide.com" style="width: 400px; height: 320px;" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width: 400px; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=864691128478821758&map=F" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-size:14pt;">A Transfiguration of Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Text: Luke 9:28-36<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style="">Sermon Statement<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is a God-event which affirms who Jesus is and encourages him to the cross. We can draw encouragement from a God who loves us that he plans for our redemption through his son, Jesus Christ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Today is 14 February 2010, an auspicious day because</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">First day of the Chinese Lunar New Year- the Year of the Metal/Gold Tiger. The Zodiac tiger is often associated with wood so metal is a rare year. The last metal tiger is in 1950.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Valentine Day for lovers and romance. No panties day for <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Malaysia</st1:country-region></st1:place> where women are encouraged not to wear panties for valentine day to show their love! </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome was a priest in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Saint Praxed</st1:placename> in <st1:city st="on">Rome</st1:city>, and at <st1:placename st="on">Whitefriar</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Street</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Carmelite</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dublin</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region></st1:place>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine were expounded briefly in Legenda Aurea. According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Transfiguration day</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style="">Text: Luke 9:28-36<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LK 9:28</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >29</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >30</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Two men, Moses and Elijah, </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >31</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >32</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >33</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >34</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >35</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >36</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The account of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ as recorded here in Mark 9:1-10; Matthew 17:1-3 and Luke 9:28-36. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The significance of the transfiguration event is that</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Jesus Christ reveals his divine nature<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The transfiguration of Jesus Christ is a demonstration to three witnesses that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">v.18-20 Peter’s confession of Christ</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >LK 9:18</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >19</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >20</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">v.21ff Jesus told that he will suffer, die, raised to life</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >21</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >22</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."<span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >23</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >24</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >25</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >26</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >27</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">v.28-36 The Transfiguration</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">v.41 Healing of boy with evil spirit</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">v.42 Jesus tells of his betrayal</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">In all three accounts of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, we are given the names of the three disciples who accompanied Jesus and who stood as human witnesses to the glory that was Christ's. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">There were also three heavenly witnesses, Moses, Elijah, and the voice of God from heaven. Therefore, the Old Testament law of three witnesses required to attest to any fact (Deuteronomy 19:15) was satisfied both in earth and in heaven.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">There are many features about the account which derive significance from the <a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="">OT. </a></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets witnessing to the Messiah and being fulfilled and superseded by him. </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Each of them had had a vision of the glory of God on a mountain, Moses on Sinai (Ex. 24:15) and Elijah on Horeb (1 Ki. 19:8). </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Each of them left no known grave (Dt. 34:6; 2 Ki. 2:11). </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The law of Moses and the coming of Elijah are mentioned together in the last verses of the OT (Mal. 4:4-6). </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The two men at the empty tomb (Lk. 24:4; Jn. 20:12) and </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The two men at the ascension (Acts 1:10) </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">the ‘two witnesses’ (Rev. 11:3) are sometimes also identified with Moses and Elijah.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The word "transfigured" is a very interesting word. The Greek word is "metamorpho" and it means to transform, literally or figuratively to metamorphose, or to change. The word is a verb that means to change into another form. It also means to change the outside to match the inside. The prefix "meta" means to change and the "morphe" means form. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">In the case of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ it means to match the outside with the reality of the inside. To change the outward so that it matches the inward reality. Jesus' divine nature was "veiled" (Hebrews 10:20) in human form and the transfiguration was a glimpse of that glory. Therefore, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ displayed the Shekinah glory of God incarnate in the Son. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Therefore, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a unique display of His divine character and a glimpse of the glory, which Jesus had before He came to earth in human form.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">2 Peter 1:16-18</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >2PE 1:16</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >17</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >18</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Jesus Christ Affirmed- Sonship and Authority</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >35</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">The voice of God attesting to the truth of Jesus' Sonship was the second time God's voice was heard. The first time was at Jesus' baptism into His public ministry by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:7; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">2 Peter 1:19</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >2PE 1:19</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >20</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. </span><span style="position: relative; top: -3.5pt;font-size:6.5pt;" >21</span><span style="font-size:10pt;"><span style=""> </span>For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">Jesus Christ receives encouragement<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">In light of the self-revelation Jesus had just made six days earlier about his own suffering and death, and in light of the parallel with the heavenly voice at his baptism being followed by a major trial, it seems likely that the transfiguration would be equally an encouragement for Jesus. The presence of Elijah and Moses with him in the cloud would affirm his path to the cross and remind him of its necessity, for as Paul says, “the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ… whom God publicly displayed as a mercy seat for sins…” (<a href="javascript:%7b%7d">Rom 3:21-22, 25</a>).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The cloud symbolizes </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">the covering of the divine presence (Ex. 24:15-18; Ps. 97:2). </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">There is a cloud to receive Christ out of his disciples’ sight at the ascension (Acts 1:9). </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The return of Christ will be with clouds (Rev. 1:7).</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style=""><span style=""><span style="">(3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="">God is with us and will helps us because he loves us<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The key to understanding the transfiguration is love. It is love that God sends his Son to suffer for our sake. It is love that Jesus undertakes the suffering. And it is love that God will see us through the coming years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Lessons for us<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">•<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus is who he says it is</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">•<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The transfiguration is also for the encouragement of Jesus to face his coming suffering</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style=""><span style="">•<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7pt;" > </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is with us and will help us because he loves us</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style="">Notes<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">v.28. said this. This refers to Luke 9:18-27 (Peter’s Confession of Christ)</li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-family:Arial;">9:28-31.</span></b> <b>About eight days </b>later <b>Jesus . . . took </b>three of His apostles <b>up onto a mountain to pray. </b>But Mark wrote that the event occurred after <i>six </i>days (Mark 9:2). The two accounts are not contradictory if one understands Mark as speaking of the intervening days and Luke as including the days of Jesus’ teaching as well as the day on which the transfiguration took place. The transfiguration may have occurred on Mount Hermon near Caesarea Philippi (<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="">cf. Mark 8:27), though some say it was </a><st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Tabor</st1:placename></st1:place>. At the transfiguration three events occurred: </li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">1. Jesus’ <b>face </b>and <b>clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. </b>This would have immediately reminded those present of Moses’ face shining with a bright light when he received the tablets of the Law (Ex. 34:29-35).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">2. <b>Moses and Elijah appeared </b>and spoke <b>with Jesus. </b>The bodies of Moses and Elijah were never found. God buried Moses’ body (Deut. 34:5-6), and Elijah did not die but was taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2:11-12, 15-18). These two men represent the beginning and the end of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, for Moses, as the Lawgiver, founded the nation, and Elijah is to come back before the great and terrible day of the Lord (Mal. 4:5-6).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">3. Moses and Elijah <b>spoke about His departure </b>(<i>exodon, </i>“going out or away”) <b>which He was about to bring to fulfillment at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>. </b>“Departure” referred to Jesus’ leaving the world through which He would bring salvation—much as Yahweh had brought deliverance to <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> in its Exodus (departure) from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>. This departure was to be fulfilled in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. From this point on, Jesus indicated several times that He was headed toward <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> (Luke 9:51, 53; 13:33; 17:11; 18:31). Jesus did not want His miracles widely publicized at that time, for the fulfillment had to be at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. This was confirmed by Elijah’s and Moses’ words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;">9:32-33.</span></b> Three disciples were with Jesus. This number is reminiscent of Moses’ three companions—Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu—who saw God (Ex. 24:9-11). <b>Peter, </b>James, and John <b>were very sleepy </b>at the beginning of the transfiguration. Later these three and the others fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the garden (Luke 22:45). As the disciples woke up, they were overwhelmed with the <b>glory </b>of the situation. They realized they were in a kingdom setting which triggered Peter’s idea that they build <b>three shelters. Peter </b>may have been thinking of the Feast of Booths, a feast of ingathering long associated with the coming kingdom (cf. Zech. 14:16-21). Peter seemed to have assumed that the kingdom had arrived.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Luke editorially inserted that Peter <b>did not know what he was saying. </b>The thought is not that Peter misunderstood the significance of the kingdom setting—he was correct in that. The problem was that he forgot Jesus’ prediction that He would suffer (Luke 9:23-24).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;">9:34-36.</span></b> <b>While </b>Peter <b>was speaking, a cloud . . . enveloped them. </b>Grammatically the word “them” could refer to the three disciples or to all six people (Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and the three disciples). But more likely it refers to Jesus and the heavenly visitors, with the disciples being those who <b>were afraid. </b>A <b>cloud </b>was often a symbol of God’s divine presence (Ex. 13:21-22; 40:38). Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus was being taken away from them, and they would never see Him again. As was the case at Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:22), so here a voice spoke to those witnessing the event: <b>This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him. </b>Those familiar with the Old Testament, as the disciples were, doubtless immediately recognized the reference (in the words “listen to Him”) to Deuteronomy 18:15 with its messianic prediction of a Prophet greater than Moses. The people were to listen to (<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title="">i.e., obey) the Prophet.</a> Suddenly <b>the disciples </b>saw <b>that Jesus was alone. </b>At that time they did not tell anyone <b>what they had seen. </b>The experience at the transfiguration fulfilled Jesus’ prediction (Luke 9:27). Three of the disciples did see a manifestation of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> before they died (cf. 2 Peter 1:16-19).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The sign of the Tiger is associated with money. So, it's always nice to know that you can relax and keep your money safe (especially when the tiger's looking after it!) <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/2010YearOfTheTiger#module34586372">http://www.squidoo.com/2010YearOfTheTiger#module34586372</a></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">We conclude with notes on some of the theological significance of the transfiguration. The following comments are only preliminary; frankly, it would take years, perhaps a lifetime, to explore the depths of the meaning of the transfiguration. (a) It symbolized and foreshadowed both the resurrection and parousia. (b) It was a temporary unveiling of the Son of God’s eternal glory. (c) That this glory was <i>seen</i> and not just expounded on was so that “the disciples could taste in part what could not be fully comprehended” (Calvin). That is, as the old Chinese proverb says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” (d) Moses and Elijah were a part of the picture to show both continuity with the OT in the ministry of Jesus and his own uniqueness and absolute authority (hence he alone wore the brilliant clothing, and he alone is identified from heaven as the one to be obeyed). (e) The cloud was a continuation of the Shekinah glory: the presence of God has returned fully in the person of Jesus Christ. And Moses and Elijah are there, silently endorsing him as the one in whom men meet God. Our final two points are taken largely from 2 Peter rather than from Mark; they represent Peter’s own reflections on the theological significance of the transfiguration. (f) The certainty of Christ’s glory is transferred to believers: they too will glorified and this fact should give them confidence as they face death (cf. <a href="javascript:%7b%7d">2 Peter 1:16-18; 1</a> <a href="javascript:%7b%7d">John 3:2</a>). (g) The certainty of Christ’s glory also gives believers confidence in him as a prophet and those whom he authorizes as prophets (<a href="javascript:%7b%7d">2 Peter 1:16-21</a>). In sum, the transfiguration is a part of the heavenly glory that even the apostle Paul could allude to when he wrote, <span style="font-family:Greek;">Logivzomai gaVr o{ti oujk a[xia taV paqhvmata tou' nu'n kairou' proV" thVn mevllousan dovxan ajpokalufqh'nai eij" hJma'"</span> (<a href="javascript:%7b%7d">Rom 8:18</a>). <a href="http://bible.org/article/transfiguration-jesus-mark-91-10-some-biblico-theological-reflections">http://bible.org/article/transfiguration-jesus-mark-91-10-some-biblico-theological-reflections</a></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">The upper part The <b>Transfiguration of Jesus by Raphael</b> is an event reported by three of the Gospels in which Jesus is transfigured upon a mountain (one is Matthew 17: 1-9). Jesus became radiant, spoke with Moses and Elijah, and was called "Son" by God. Peter, James and John were with Jesus upon the mountain. The transfiguration put Jesus above Moses and Elijah, the two preeminent figures of Judaism. The lower part is a different scene from the Bible, in which the disciples fail to cure a sick boy.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b>Half-Finished Painting</b></li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">A. C. Dixon tells us that when the great artist Raphael died at the early age of 37, some of his friends and relatives carried his marvelous painting “The Transfiguration” in the funeral procession. It was only partially finished, and they felt that because of his youth and the limited time he was allotted to use his creative genius, it was a symbol of life’s shortness. But the completed picture has a deeper meaning—a message that should impress itself upon all of us: life’s sojourn is fleeting and death sometimes terminates even our best efforts. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;" align="right">—Henry G. Bosch</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> </p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><span style="font-family:Arial;">TRANSFIGURATION</span></b>. The transfiguration is recorded in Mt. 17:1-8; Mk. 9:2-8; Lk. 9:28-36. Its absence from John is usually accounted for on the ground that the whole of Christ’s life was a manifestation of the divine glory (Jn. 1:14; 2:1l, <i>etc.</i>). There is also a reference to it in 2 Pet. 1:16-18.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">In the Synoptic Gospels the event takes place about a week after Peter’s confession of the Messiahship of Jesus. He took his three closest disciples, Peter, James and John, up to a mountain (probably Hermon, which rises to a height of 2,814 m above sea-level). There he was transformed (rather than changed in appearance) and his garments shone with heavenly brightness. Moses and Elijah then appeared and talked to him, and Peter suggested making three tents for them. A voice then came from a cloud declaring Christ’s Sonship and his authority, after which the vision ended. The narrative suggests that the whole event was objective, though many modern scholars have sought to describe it in terms of a subjective experience of Jesus or of Peter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">The transfiguration marks an important stage in the revelation of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God. It is an experience similar to his baptism (Mt. 3:13-17; Mk. 1:9-11; Lk. 3:21<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title="">f.). Here his glory is revealed not just through</a> his deeds, but in a more personal way. The glory denotes the royal presence, for the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> is in the midst of his people.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">There are many features about the account which derive significance from the <a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title="">OT. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the </a>Prophets witnessing to the Messiah and being fulfilled and superseded by him. Each of them had had a vision of the glory of God on a mountain, Moses on Sinai (Ex. 24:15) and Elijah on Horeb (1 Ki. 19:8). Each of them left no known grave (Dt. 34:6; 2 Ki. 2:11). The law of Moses and the coming of Elijah are mentioned together in the last verses of the OT (Mal. 4:4-6). The two men at the empty tomb (Lk. 24:4; Jn. 20:12) and at the ascension (Acts 1:10) and the ‘two witnesses’ (Rev. 11:3) are sometimes also identified with Moses and Elijah. The heavenly voice, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him’ (Mk. 9:7), marks Jesus out not only as the Messiah but also as the Prophet of Dt. 18:15<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title="">ff.</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">The cloud symbolizes the covering of the divine presence (Ex. 24:15-18; Ps. 97:2). There is a cloud to receive Christ out of his disciples’ sight at the ascension (Acts 1:9). The return of Christ will be with clouds (Rev. 1:7).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">In Luke we are told that the subject of their conversation was the <span style=";font-family:";" >exodos</span> which he was to accomplish at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. This seems to mean not simply his death but the great facts of his death and resurrection as the means of redemption of his people typified by the OT Exodus from <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">The transfiguration is therefore a focal point in the revelation of the kingdom of God, for it looks back to the OT and shows how Christ fulfils it, and it looks on to the great events of the cross, resurrection, ascension and parousia. Peter was wrong in trying to make the experience permanent. What was needed was the presence of Jesus alone and attention to his voice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Soli Deo Gloria</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <div style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%"> <!--[endif]--> <div style="" id="ftn1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title="">OT Old Testament</a></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn2"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title="">cf. </a><i>confer</i>, compare</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn3"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title="">i.e. </a><i>id est</i>, that is</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn4"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city></st1:place> Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). <i>The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures</i> (230). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wheaton</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">IL</st1:state></st1:place>: Victor Books.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn5"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>Tan, P. L. (1979; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1997). <i>Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers</i> (electronic ed.). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Garland</st1:city> <st1:state st="on">TX</st1:state></st1:place>: Bible Communications.</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn6"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title="">f. and the following (verse, </a><i>etc.</i>)</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn7"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title="">OT Old Testament</a></p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn8"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title="">ff. and the following (verses, </a><i>etc.</i>)</p> </div> <div style="" id="ftn9"> <p class="MsoNormal"><a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=20719069#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><sup><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12pt;" >[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>Douglas, J. (1982; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). <i>New Bible Dictionary</i>. Includes index. (electronic ed. of 2nd ed.) (1212). <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wheaton</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">IL</st1:state></st1:place>: Tyndale House.</p> </div> </div>Alex Tanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04003300678212296112noreply@blogger.com0