Not on bread alone

Not on bread alone

Scripture:

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3-4

Observation: After 40 days fasting in the desert, Jesus was hungry, and in that weakened state, was in the most susceptible situation to fall into temptation. Precisely at that point, the tempter took the opportunity to tempt Jesus, to make use of His divine power to satisfy his immediate, pressing physical hunger. Why was it wrong for Jesus to make use of His power in that way? The fact that the devil asked that way showed that Jesus indeed could have easily done the miracle of turning the stone to bread. Nevertheless, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit, and at that point in time, God had not given Jesus the green light to break His fast. Jesus’ answer showed us His conviction, that He would not break fast until God led Him to do so.

There are three main lessons we can learn here. Firstly, temptation may well strike us at our weakest moment, but there is still no excuse to fall into it. Our Lord was tempted when He was at His hungriest, yet He overcame, and so too we need to do the same.

Secondly, the Lord overcame by leaning on God’s Word. Jesus had the Word of God so ingrained in His heart that He knew the exact Word needed for that situation. God’s Word has great power to help us overcome temptation, but it is for us to be well grounded in God’s Word.

Thirdly, obeying God is more important than even our physical needs, no matter how dire they may be. Jesus came to the critical point where He had to choose who was master – God or His body. Later, in his writings, Paul speaks of those whose gods are their stomachs. God is to be first in everything, even over our physical body.

Application: Recognize that temptation may hit us even at our lowest moment, but there is no excuse. Still, we need to be humble and stay close to the Lord, aware that temptation can come at any time and in any form. Give more priority towards reading and memorizing Scripture, for in letting Scripture dwell deeply in our heart builds up our defense against temptation. Recognize that our bodies are living sacrifices to God, that we need to give Him precedence even over our physical desires sometimes.    

Prayer: Father God, blessed be Your name. You reign supreme in Heaven, Your faithfulness reaches across the skies. Have mercy on me, I pray, dear Lord. Lead me away from temptation, and give me strength and wisdom and courage when I have no choice but to face temptation. Give me a new desire O Lord to love Your Word, and to keep it deep in my heart. Let my heart realize O Lord, that You are God and first over all things even over my bodily desires. Sustain me O Lord, and help me walk in Your ways always. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Of fasting and forty days

Of fasting and forty days

Scripture:

After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:2

Observation:

Continuing in our study of the great temptation of Jesus in the desert, we now see that the Lord proceeds to fast for 40 days and 40 nights. Fasting, which is basically abstinence from food for a spiritual purpose, has been practiced since Old Testament times. In times of great need, kings would call for a fast, where the people would abstain from food and pray to God in repentance. In Joel 2:15, the prophet declares “declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly”. Somehow, there is a great power in fasting, and God expects us to fast. In Matthew 6:17, Jesus said “When you fast”, not “if you fast”.

Still, fasting must be done with the right attitude, otherwise, it is of no effect at all. In Isaiah 58, God chides His people who fast with impure motives, showing violence and exploiting those weaker than them. Fasting should be done with great humility with an attitude to seek God’s revelation and presence. The late preacher Derek Prince lists down from Isaiah 58 10 specific rewards for those who fast God’s way - (1) Light, (2) Health, (3) Righteousness, (4) Glory, (5) Answered Prayer, (6) Continual guidance, (7) Satisfaction, (8) Strength, (9) Work that endures, (10) Restoration.

Fasting also has to be done in faith, just as it says in Hebrews that those who come to God must believe that He is and that He will diligently reward those who seek Him.

The period of 40 days and 40 nights is very significant in Scripture. It first occurred during the flood in Noah’s time when it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, purifying the earth from its evil. Later, Joseph embalmed his father Israel for 40 days. Two times, Moses went up to Mount Sinai where he spent 40 days and 40 nights with God, receiving the 10 commandments in Exodus. Later, the spies who went to Canaan spent 40 days exploring the land before they came back. Because of the Israelites believed the 10 spies bad report, they suffered 1 year of the wilderness for each of the 40 days spent exploring the land. In the time of David, Goliath stood before the Israelites 40 days before David rose up to slay him. Later, Elijah traveled for 40 days and 40 nights before reaching Horeb, the mountain of God. In Jonah’s time, he preached “40 more days and Nineveh will be overthrown”. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples over 40 days before ascending to Heaven. 40 days has been used to signify a time of judgment (the flood, Israelites), or prior to judgment (Goliath, Nineveh). 40 days also signifies a powerful period of time of deep communion with God and great revelation from God (Moses, Jesus in the desert, and Jesus with His disciples after His resurrection). What if we set aside a time of 40 days to seek God in fasting and prayer?

One final point from this verse was that Jesus was hungry. That seems like one of the greatest understatements. How hungry would we be after fasting for 40 days? Still, the hunger reminds us vividly of Jesus’ pure humanity. He is fully man just as he is fully God. He knows what we go through because He went through it Himself.

Application: Be assured that fasting is a necessary practice for every Christian and seek God’s guidance to lead you into a suitable time and method of fasting. Consider the significance of the 40 day time frame. Seek the Holy Spirit over how we may use 40 days to seek God, whether in fasting, prayer, communion or specific service. Remember that Jesus was fully human just as we are. Praise Him and thank Him that He truly understands us.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the institution of fasting that originates from You. Give me the guidance and discipline to fast according to Your will. I thank You that in Your Word You have promised to reward those who fast in Your way to seek You. Reveal more and more of Yourself to us O Lord, that we may grow deeper in You, even through this practice of fasting. Give me an inspiration to seek You for 40 days. Guide me in how I should set time aside to seek Your face. Thank You, Lord Jesus that You came to earth and felt what all humans feel, that You would truly understand us completely. Praise be to Your Holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.

Lead us not into temptation

Lead us not into temptation

Scripture:

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

Observation:

Continuing along Matthew, we now come to the great testing of Jesus which occurred directly after the Lord’s baptism. We read first that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights where He was tempted by the devil. In the first of the great temptations, the tempter tempts Jesus to use His divine power to sate his physical hunger. And the Lord answers the devil with a great quotation from Deuteronomy, stating that man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.

There are three principles about temptation that we can learn from this passage.

Firstly, God allows us to be tempted. Note that Jesus was led by the Spirit into that difficult period of testing and temptation. In the Lord’s prayer, He asks us to pray “lead us not into temptation”. Still, in James 1, it is written that God does not tempt anyone and in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches that the Lord will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. Looking at Scripture as a whole, we can conclude that God does not tempt anyone but He does allow us to be tempted. In the garden of Eden, He allowed Adam and Eve to be tempted by placing the tree of knowledge of good and evil to be accessible to them, and also allowing the snake to be there to entice them.

Secondly, there is a purpose in temptation. But what is this purpose? After Jesus emerged victorious from overcoming His temptation, He began His ministry with great effectiveness and power. Somehow, temptation is part of the human experience. It is like a test, where those who overcome will receive reward while those who fail will suffer consequences.

Thirdly, we can overcome temptation. But how do we overcome temptation? Jesus was fully human in every way, and the only way out, even for Jesus, was to depend on the power of God’s Word. Paul’s words also serve to encourage us in that “no temptation has seized us except what is common to man”, and “God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear”. The more we read and remember God’s Word, the stronger we become in resisting temptation. 

Application:

Recognize that temptation is part of life, and all of us have to face it, some way or another. No one should think he is above temptation but humbly pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation. When we are tempted, recognize that God’s purpose is in it, and when we overcome, there is reward. Being human, we fail time and again, but do not give up. Forget what is behind, press on and strain towards what is ahead. Build up our knowledge and meditation of Scripture, which is the only great defense to temptation. Remember even the Lord’s words to Peter “Do you love me more than these?” Meditating on the Lord’s love towards us and our love reciprocated to Him does well in helping us overcome.

Prayer:

Thank You, O Lord, for Your Scripture which teaches us that temptation is a necessary part of life. We humbly pray O Lord that You lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Even in the times when I am tempted, help me see O Lord, that You have a purpose in it, and that it is Your good will not to harm us but to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Pick me up O Lord, even when I fail. Let Your Word abide strongly in Me. Lead me from glory to glory even as You help me overcome. Let me remember Your love always O Lord, which will guard me from temptation. Praise be to Your Holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.

To fulfill all righteousness

To fulfill all righteousness

Scripture:

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

Matthew 3:13-15

Observation:

Straight after Matthew talks about John, he now focuses on the entry of Jesus just as He was about to begin His ministry. The Lord comes from Galilee in the North down to the Jordan River. John the Baptist, full of the Spirit, immediately recognizes Jesus and at first refuses to baptize Him. The Lord convinces John that it is proper to fulfill all righteousness and John consents.

In these few verses, we can already learn at least three great lessons. Firstly, we see the humility of Jesus. John the Baptist recognized the Lord’s purity and sinlessness and knew he was totally unworthy as a corrupted human being to baptize Jesus. Still, the Lord insisted that John do it. The Lord, fully knowing who He was and where He came from was not afraid at all of humbling Himself before a weak mortal man. His focus was not on His own pride but solely on fulfilling God’s will. How much indeed can we learn from the Lord’s amazing humility.

Secondly, Jesus purposely included John in this sacred declaration before God. If He wanted, Jesus could have “baptized” Himself on the pretext that there was no one worthy enough to do it for Him. However, that was never God’s intent. It is God’s will to include us together in the work that He wants to do. God does not need us to tell others about Him. He could be far more effective by blazing His message in fire across the skies. However, God wants to involve us. We have a narrow view of love sometimes, thinking that love is only about giving and receiving. A deep part of love and a meaningful relationship is doing things together, and God wants us to work with Him to fulfill His purposes.

Thirdly, by being baptized, Jesus set the pattern for all His disciples to follow. The act of baptism symbolizes the death of the sinful, old man, and the resurrection of the new man in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ case, He had no sin, but when He was immersed in the water, He was symbolizing His death by carrying not His sins, but the sins of the whole world so that He could fulfill all righteousness by His death and sacrifice. When Jesus came up out of the water, symbolizing His new life, He was symbolizing the new life available to all who would follow Him. Every time we see or think of baptism, we should constantly remind ourselves in faith “the new has come, the old has gone”.

Application:

Ask God to help us to be humble. Who are we to think we are better than others when our Lord humbled Himself before mortal men. Thank God that it is His will to include us in His plans and purposes. Ask God to lead us to join Him where He is at work. Remember the baptism, the act of dying to our old self, and letting our new man live in Christ. Remember the words “the old has gone, the new has come”.

Prayer:

Father God, forgive me for my times of pride, when I have often thought myself better than others. Help me be humble O Lord, even to consider others better than myself. Thank You, Lord God, that it is Your good will to include us in Your plans and purposes. Open my eyes and heart O Lord to see where You are working and help me join you there, that I might make a difference, living according to Your will. Help me remember O Lord, that the old has gone and the new has come. Give me the faith to believe this truth, and even to see its application become reality in my life. Praise You, O Lord, for Your great love to us. In Jesus name, Amen.

With the Holy Spirit and fire

With the Holy Spirit and fire

Scripture:

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

Observation:

In John the Baptist’s next few verses, he now focuses on the coming Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. He begins by distinguishing his baptism, which was a baptism for repentance, and the Messiah’s baptism, which would be with the Holy Spirit and fire. John’s further description of the Messiah is like a farmer with a winnowing fork who is clearing his threshing floor, separating the wheat which will be stored in the barn from the chaff which will be burned up.

The Greek word “baptizo” from which we get baptize is literally translated “to dip”.  The picture we get then of someone being baptized is to be dipped, or immersed into the water. Another picture of this is like going under a waterfall. John’s baptism was with water and for repentance, which means “changing of the mind” in Greek. The meaning here does not refer to a flippant change of the mind like deciding to eat chicken rice instead of char kway teow for lunch, but a deep, complete turn-around of one’s thinking. The Hebrew Word for repent means “to turn around”. Those without God are primarily concerned with their own selfish wants and desires. They do not realize they are sinners or perhaps even don’t care if they sin. Those who recognize they are sinners begin a road to redemption. They realize that sin will only lead them to death, and so turn from sin and instead begin seeking for redemption, which they will find in fullness in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

The baptism of Jesus is with the Holy Spirit and fire. In the book of Acts, this event was first shown as the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on Pentecost in the form of tongues of fire, and they began speaking in foreign languages. Today, Jesus continues to baptize those who ask Him with the Holy Spirit, who speak out in new tongues. Today, the baptism of the Holy Spirit still remains an issue of contention for some of the conservative churches who believe that speaking in tongues was only for that time in history. However, there is massive growth of the Pentecostal churches in the world in the last century, and the church at large is recognizing that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is just as relevant and powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago. Still, as the late Derek Prince pointed out, a tongue-speaking Christian is no better than a non-tongue speaking Christian. However, if a devoted Christian were to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, his effectiveness in God’s service would be magnified to even higher levels. Derek Prince likens the difference as if changing from using a watering bucket to using a hose when watering the plants.

Lastly, the image of Jesus as a farmer on the threshing floor reminds us of the great Separation that will happen at the end of the age when the Lord will separate out those who belong to Him from those who don’t. In another parable, He warns that not everybody who thinks they know Him actually do. This is a warning for all of us to check our faith, to see if our heart is devoted to the Lord or whether we are actually devoted to our own self and the world.

Application:

Think of the word repentance. What is the condition of our mind? What we think about show us what we believe. Is our Lord and righteousness and love a priority in our minds, or are our minds filled with other worldly things. We need to change and renew our minds to be set on God’s kingdom and His righteousness.  Ask God for more of His Spirit in Jesus name. Picture ourselves immersed under the Holy Spirit like a waterfall. Open wide our mouths and let God fill it, as the Psalmist writes. Speak forth in new tongues and praise the Lord, with great joy! Finally, even in our times of silence, remember the Lord’s day is coming, and seek Him even more. He will separate the wheat from the chaff! Let us put our entire trust in Him and seek to follow Him and live by His Holy Spirit

Prayer:

Change my mind and heart O Lord, that I might be wholly devoted to you. Let the things of the earth fade away, and lead me in Your ways everlasting. Set my mind and heart O Lord, on Your kingdom and righteousness. Give me more of Your Holy Spirit O Lord, so much more. Wash over me like a waterfall, O Holy Spirit. I open my mouth, and ask that You fill it, O Lord. Let me speak forth with fountains of joy welling from inside me. Praise be to Your Holy name! Guard me and protect my heart always O Lord I pray. Preserve me and keep me save, even till the day of Your coming! In Jesus name, Amen.

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance

Scripture:

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Observation:

After introducing John the Baptist and his ministry, Matthew now focuses our attention on some of his famous words. He calls the Pharisees and Sadducees a brood of vipers, and calls them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance”. Then John declares that being in the physical genealogy of Abraham is of no use to them and warns them that if they don’t produce good fruit, they will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Then John declares forth his prophecy of the coming Messiah, who is far more powerful than Him, and gives us the image of a farmer at the threshing floor, separating the wheat and the chaff.

There are many lessons even in these few words of John, but we will focus on three. Firstly, consider the words “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?”. John preached “repent, for the kingdom of God is near”, and later Jesus said the same thing. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to come near? It is not good news for unrepentant sinners, who can only expect wrath from God. Recognizing this, people went out to John the Baptist and repented (changed their mind) not to continue in sinful ways.

Secondly, John preached that we are to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. What does it mean to keep with repentance? It means to continue in that new direction we have taken, away from sin and towards holiness. As we move that way, we will produce good fruit along the way and bless others. However, there are some who will not keep with repentance but turn back to sinful lives and therein is the warning for them that they risk being thrown into the fire.

Thirdly, John declared that out of the stones, God could raise up children of Abraham. Later, when He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus famously declared  “Even if they (the children) keep quiet, even the stones will cry out (Luke 19). Later in Peter, he likens believers like living stones, being built into a spiritual house. In Galatians, Paul explained that it is not so much those physically descended from Abraham who are children of Abraham but those who have faith like Abraham. In Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26, the prophet prophesies about God removing our hearts of stone and giving us hearts of flesh. When we put our faith in Jesus, our dead hearts of stone become flesh, alive!

Application:

Remember firstly, that we repent because we are fleeing from the coming wrath, which is for unrepentant sinners. Then, check ourselves to see if we are keeping with repentance, walking in the path towards righteousness in the Lord. Faith without works is dead. What are our deeds for God? Are we showing love and kindness to others, or mainly concerned about ourselves? Pray to our Lord, to remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. The condition of our heart is an important thing, whether our heart is open to God or closed because of sin.

Prayer:

Praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your great love for us. You came to save us, that we might escape the wrath due to us for our sins. Help us produce fruit in keeping with repentance, even as we seek to follow You. Remove our hearts of stone, and give us hearts of flesh, living hearts open to You. Forgive our sins O Lord, and lead us in Your righteous ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus

SIBKL/Paul Estabrooks/13/10/12

The Scripture says that you are blessed when men persecute you, reject you, or exclude you. However, just like Indian curry, where you have mild, medium and hot, persecution can be just the same. People ask me if I get depressed hearing all these sad stories, but when we go to them, we are the ones getting encouraged. There is a saying that Christians are like nails – the harder you hit them, the deeper they go. In China, they say Christians are like bamboo – the faster you cut them down, the faster they grow back. In another country, they are described like rubber balls – the harder you throw them, the higher they bounce. Christians are also like flowers, the more you crush them, the more fragrant their smell. In India, they say Christians are like coffee, - you don’t know how strong they are until they get in hot water. There is much that we benefit from interacting with them.

The letter of Hebrews was written mainly to Jews who had become Christians, turning their back on their old religion, and thus having to endure severe persecution. Some of them were considering giving up and returning to Judaism because of the pressure. The writer of Hebrews wrote to convince them that Jesus is better than any other faith. As said in Hebrews 12:2, because Jesus if the greatest, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. That is the main message of Hebrews.

In Vietnam under the communist regime, there was a pastor who was blind. When authorities arrested him and beat him up, it was all the more difficult because he didn’t know from which directions the blows would come. Years later, the pastor was asked “how do you remain strong?” Incredibly, the blind man replied “I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus”. Hebrews 13:1 says “Keep on loving one another”. Jesus commanded that we should love one another and our joy will be full. Love is not something you do once or outwardly, but repeatedly.

Hebrews 13:2 says “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” What do we do when stranger come into our fellowship, are we kind to them like father Abraham?

North Korea tops the list for persecuted Christians. There was a Christian doctor named Dr.Park who built a hospital near the border, took the North Korean authorities to the hospital and told them he would build one just like that in North Korea. After raising as many funds as he could, he needed just USD 15000 more and time was running out. As he sat in his office, the nurse told him that there was a dirty looking gentlemen waiting to see him. He looked like he had slept in the streets. Dr.Park decided to see him, and to his surprise, the man said “I heard you have a problem”, and when Dr.Park said yes, he handed over an envelope and left. To his great surprise, Dr.Park found exactly USD15,000 in that envelope. Thinking back, he concluded that the dirty looking man had been an angel from God sent to meet his need.

Hebrews 13:3 says “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” None of us wants to go to prison. Yet in prison, a pastor led 95 people to Christ. Brothers and sisters have enough opportunity for witnessing inside as well as outside. What would be your concerns if you were in prison? You would want your family taken care of. You would want people to pray for you.

There is a little country east of Ethopia called Eritrea. The government declared all Protestant churches to be illegal. Orthodox and Catholic churches were allowed but if there was a Protestant gathering, the entire group would be arrested and interrogated until they found out who the leaders were and they were put in prison. Today, there are 2,000 Christians in prison in Eritrea. They could easily get out if they signed a paper saying they will stop going to church and following Jesus.

As they don’t have enough proper Christian cells, so many prisoners are kept in old shipping containers where there is no light and ventilation. Its hot during the day and cold during the night. There are hundreds of our brothers and sisters in these kinds of prisons. All they ask if that we pray for them. The most we can do is to pray for them.

One of them is a young lady, called Helen Berhane who produced a Christian music CD to encourage the young Christian people in her land. She was put in prison and led many people to faith there. In her book, she related how she was summoned to the prison office and questioned why she was preaching to the guards. She said “Jesus wants me to tell the guards too. I am not afraid of you. You can do all that you want to me, but you can never take my spirit”. She finally led so many people to faith in prison that they had to release her.

Iran is the nation with the fastest growing Christian population today, at a rate of 20% every year, but they have to meet in secret. Two Christian women were caught and put in prison where they were interrogated and tortured. They remained in prison for almost the whole year under brutal conditions. Christians all over the world wrote letters to them. They never received any, but they knew because the guards told them. Some of the guards who read the letters were even impacted by the Bible verses written therein.

Christians all over the world who are persecuted endure with courage because they fix their eyes on Jesus. And that is what we also must do.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

A voice of one calling in the wilderness

A voice of one calling in the wilderness

Scripture:

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:1-6

Observation:

Right after finishing his brief description of how Jesus was born and came to live in Galilee, Matthew now focuses on John the Baptist. John the Baptist was a great enigma indeed in those days. Living in the wilderness, wearing clothes made out of camel’s hair and a leather belt and sustaining himself on locusts and wild honey, John must have been a strange sight indeed. Yet, people came to him from everywhere for he was seen to be a prophet from God Himself. It was already prophesied about him in Isaiah, that John’s main ministry would be to prepare the way for the Lord and make straight paths for him. John’s main message was for people to repent, for the kingdom of God has come near. Those who repented would confess their sins and be baptized by John in the Jordan River.

In studying this passage, we first look at repentance, confession and John’s baptism. The word “repent” in Greek means to change one’s mind, while in Hebrew, it means to turn around. So we have a picture of a man walking in one direction, changing his mind, turning and walking in the opposite direction. The follow through of repentance was confessing one’s sins. So we have sinners living in sin, stopping, deciding to live instead for righteousness and then going back to pursue that life of righteousness. In the act of baptism of John, the cleansing in water represented the washing away of one’s old sins. 

Secondly, we look at the prophecy and role of John the Baptist. His main role was to prepare the way for Jesus, and John would direct those who came to him to watch out for the Messiah who would come soon. Many of those who were baptized by John became followers of Jesus, most notably, James and John. We too who follow Jesus, have this assignment to prepare the way for the Lord wherever we go. We may not be the one to lead every particular soul to conversion, but we can always plant seeds, by good testimony, encouragement and prayer.

Finally, we learn yet again that we can never judge another by their appearances. At first glance, people would think John the Baptist was a mad man or beggar, but he was the greatest among men born of women as praised by our Lord Jesus Himself.

Application:

In regard to repentance, we need to ask ourselves which way we are facing, towards sin, or towards righteousness in God. Once we realized an area where we are not in conformance with God’s way, we need to confess our sins, and then move in the direction towards God’s righteousness. John’s baptism only prepared the way for the Lord, but it is the baptism in the Lord that symbolizes the death of our old life and the giving of our new life to live for God. 

Just as John the Baptist worked to prepare the way for our Lord, we too should seek to prepare the way for Him by being a good testimony, and helping and blessing others. Also, we must always remember to never judge by appearances, but be open to the Lord’s leading. In entertaining strangers, some have entertained angels.

Prayer:

O Lord, forgive me I pray in the areas where I have sinned. Lead me O Lord to turn towards You, to follow You and obey Your ways. I thank You, Lord Jesus, that You have given me new life, for I have been crucified with you, and the old gone and the new has come. Teach me O Lord to prepare the way for you in the lives of unbelievers who do not know you yet. Open my eyes too not to judge others but be kind to all. In Jesus name, Amen.

I felt someone push me forward

I felt someone push me forward

FGB Jaya One/Brother Charlie Yeo/12/10/12

I was sitting down just like you in FGB Meetings, wondering how I would begin to serve when the Lord opened up an opportunity in 1994. In 1995, I was appointed president of my first Chapter in SS15, just a few months after joining. I asked God for wisdom like Solomon. There were massive problems at first, with people coming and going. 50% of the Chapter consisted of ladies. At one stage, there were only 2 or 3 men, with the rest ladies. However, that too is a good thing because ladies are very vibrant in prayer. Without prayer, nothing happens. Then the SS15 Chapter began to boom. Ladies brought their husbands and boyfriends. Then the ladies left, but the men stayed. We still had problems, but then, every ministry has problems. In fact, when there are problems, the Chapter comes alive. Sometimes people persecuted me, but I committed all the problems to God. If my God is for me, who can be against me? If it had not been for God, I would have given up long ago.

Soon, I started to move in the Lord. I called for meetings and people would come. Everyone responded when I laid hands on them. We founded a committee of up to 10 members and began really working together in the ministry. There would be no ministry if we had no love. I prayed for them. Prayer is so important. Lives began to change. God will increase. There is a real joy in having brothers of different denominations come together to pray.

I was given a mandate to build up 11 chapters.  Some chapters which had been vibrant in the 80s, having 20-30 people, now only had 1 or 2. Even if no one showed up, I would still worship. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are there with us. In time, 1 then 2 then 3 would walk in. It’s a joy. All glory to God. We have to keep on praying and let Him do the work. It is the Holy Spirit who works as we pray.

After 4 years I wanted to step down from my first Chapter. One smart aleck said, since God created the world in 7 days, you can only step down after 7 years. Somehow, I automatically withdrew after 7 years and someone was there to take over. I became a field rep for FGB and told the Lord, I want to go further. You need to be submissive and teachable.

I used to do insurance for 18 years. I accepted Jesus through a Singaporean friend who brought me to Calvary church. I was in the car with him when he asked to stop by his church at Calvary. Instead of waiting in the car, he asked me to follow him and sell some insurance to the church people. And so I did. The next day, I was supposed to fetch him back to Calvary again, but somehow he didn’t show. Still, I found myself going there, and asked myself what I was doing here. From nowhere, my friend suddenly showed up and sat next to me. Reverend Datuk Dr Prince Guneratnam was preaching and at the end asked if there was anyone who wanted to accept Christ. Suddenly, I felt someone push me forward. I heard a second calling, and someone pushed me 2 steps forward. Then it was the final call, and someone pushed me 3 steps forward, right in front of the Reverend. He asked me again and I nodded my head.

Shortly after, I was baptized, and I recall pulling all three pastors down with me as I went down into the water, submerging all of us. As I came out, I found myself saying Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ so that it is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me. From that day onwards, my life changed. Before, I had been like a gangster, smoking, drinking, womanizing and at the nightclubs almost everyday. Now, I gave up everything. Smoking and whiskey tasted horrible to me. Because of my heavy smoking, I used to cough out black bits, but one day, I started coughing uncontrollably but at the end of it, there was no more black. My lungs were clear. When the doctor examined next, he was amazed how a chain smoker like me could have such clean lungs.

While before I used to be tall, thin and had a moustache, I then put on weight, and became shorter and heavier. When I visited my family in Toronto, my parents did not recognize me at all. At the train station, they saw me but did not recognize me. I decided to play a trick on them, and just sat and observed them. They even asked me once if they saw a man who was tall and thin with a moustache. After an hour, they were so agitated, they decided to go home. Then I called ‘dad’, and the second time, he recognized me and said “you rascal. How did you become like that?” I told them I was a Christian and most of them became Christians too.

FGB requires 4 members to form a chapter. The Head Office gave me 10 prayer groups to revive. When I came the Brickfields Chapter had 1 member and no committee, but now there are 8 committee members. Again, it was the ladies who brought the harvest. This is God’s business. Even if no one comes, and I will still pray. We have to be faithful, available, submissive to God and teachable. We must be FAST men. We must remember that if there is no love, there is no ministry. People like to complain, compare and criticize but let us instead to the 3E’s – Encourage, empower, exhort. 

He will be called a Nazarene

He will be called a Nazarene

Scripture:

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt ²⁰ and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

²¹ So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.²² But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, ²³ and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:19-13

Observation:

As we continue to follow the early life of our Lord, we see the angel of the Lord appear to Joseph a third and fourth time, first letting him know that it was time to return to Israel, and then warning him to withdraw from Judea which was then controlled by the son of Herod, Archelaus.

From the passage, one of the first points we note is that God has His perfect timing for everything. If He so chose, God could have removed the evil king Herod earlier, but He allowed Herod to live a further number of years. In any case, once Herod and all who were on the lookout to kill Jesus had died, it was time to return. In our lives too, there are different times for different things. Some seasons, we may have to withdraw for a while from a certain thing or place, and then return later when the time is right. The important thing is to be guided by God as we live life.

We also note from the passage that even from childhood, our Lord had to move from place to place. From Bethlehem to Egypt, back to Israel, and then specifically to Galilee. Later on, the Lord said “Foxes have holes and birds have nests but the son of man has no place to lay his head”. One thing about traveling from place to place is that it reminds us that our home is not here on earth. We are but strangers and pilgrims in this place. Our true home is a far greater one, a heavenly, perfect one. Hence, we should not allow us to be so attached to the temporal things of the here and now, but always have that heavenly vision.

Regarding the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene, there is no obvious Old Testament reference. However, scholars traditionally believe that it is in reference to the place in Isaiah where the coming Messiah was described as the Branch. A Greek reading of the Hebrew word for branch “Net-zer”, would sound like “Nazarene”. Meditating upon Jesus as the Branch, we are reminded of His precious words where He said “I am the vine, you are the branches” and asked His disciples to “Remain in Him, so that He would remain in them.” What does it mean to remain in Jesus? It is to be aware of His presence with us throughout the day through His Holy Spirit. It is to seek to know Him more and more. It is to desire to become more and more like Him.

Application: Thank God that He holds all history in His hands. Even when things don’t seem right, or life seems difficult, trust in God, He has perfect timing for everything. Remember that we are aliens and sojourners on this earth, which is only a temporary place. Desire to adopt a heavenly view as we go about our daily lives. Meditate on Jesus as the Branch, as the Vine from which we derive our being and purpose.

Prayer: Praise You, Father in Heaven, for You hold all history in Your hands. You make all things perfect and beautiful in its time. Let me always trust You, Lord, no matter what the circumstance, no matter what problems I face. Let me always remember Lord that I am only a pilgrim on this earth, and I have a greater, higher destiny beyond this world. Lord Jesus, remain in Me always I pray. Teach my heart to listen to You, to seek You more, and let Your presence dwell more and more richly in me day by day. In Jesus name, Amen.

No shame in flight

No shame in flight

Scripture:

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

¹⁴ So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, ¹⁵ where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

¹⁶ When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. ¹⁷ Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

¹⁸ “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted,   because they are no more. Matthew 2:13-18

Observation:

After the Magi leave, Joseph then receives a second visitation from an angel, giving him an urgent and specific command to escape to Egypt. The small family stay on in Egypt until the death of Herod and then only return, fulfilling the prophecy in Hosea 11:1 “Out of Egypt I called my son”. The wicked king Herod, when realizing the Magi had outwitted him, proceeded to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were 2 years old and under. Here Matthew quotes Jeremiah 31:15 in giving us a picture of the tremendous sorrow of the mothers in Bethlehem at that time.

There are several lessons we can learn from this passage. Firstly, if we receive an urgent instruction we know beyond doubt is from the Lord, we must act quickly and without any delay. Joseph took Mary and Jesus and left in the night. There was no waiting until morning.

Secondly, there is a time when we must flee, and there is no shame in that. When the church was persecuted, the Christians fled scattering but spreading the gospel wherever they went. In the end times, Jesus warns those in Jerusalem to flee to the mountains when the Anti-Christ appears. However, when Jesus comes again, it will be all his enemies who will have to flee and take cover.

Thirdly, the role of prophecy in Scripture shows us that God’s hand is in control of all that happens in history, even when the most heinous acts happen. Many may question how a good and merciful God could allow someone like Herod to commit such terrible acts, murdering innocent, young children. However, it is our part to trust that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. We may not understand everything but we can be assured that God is good, and in the end He will makes all things right. Concerning the death of little children, there is evidence in Scripture, that they go straight to be with Jesus in Paradise. In the Psalms, King David spoke of going to his dead infant son, and Jesus said that to enter the kingdom of Heaven, we need to become like little children.

Application:

If we receive a clear, urgent command from the Lord to leave, then we need to go quickly. The lesson of Lot’s wife is clear reminder to us. Just as there are times for everything, there is also a time to flee, and there is no shame in taking flight when we have to. Thank God for prophecy which confirms our faith and builds our trust in the Lord. Choose to trust that God is good and faithful, even in the midst of the rampant evil in the world today. Seek to come to God like little children, for as Jesus said, we need to become like little children to enter the kingdom of God.

Prayer:

Praise Your great name, O Lord. You hold all things in Your hands. In time to come, if we are so called to leave, help us be ready and vigilant, without being too entangled in the things of the present. Lord, even in dark times, when evil is rampant, and others may doubt, let my faith ever be strong in You. You are good O Lord, in spite of all that happens, and You are faithful. In the end, You will make all things new. Let me learn to come to You like a little child O Lord. Lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus name, Amen.  

Do not let the past rob you of your future

FGB Jaya One/Gus Kirby/5/10/12

Hebrews 10:24-25 says ^“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” God gives us warning to prepare us.

I first joined FGB in Taman Mayang about 6-7 years ago. One of the brothers approached my principal for a room and I felt convicted to join this fellowship. I saw that the group was struggling with the worship so the Lord prompted me to help in the area of worship. Over the years, I found FGB to be a tremendous ministry of testimonies. Before, my perception was limited, but the Holy Spirit convicted me that He accepts people whatever denomination who come to Him. We all comes as children of God. As the verse goes “As many as received him, as many are called children of God. Brothers shared how God rescued them. I too felt compelled to share with those who did not know God. There are those who are discouraged. There are those who need a helping hand. We all need a helping hand and brothers and sisters to come and walk alongside us. We are one body, and Christ is the head of the body. Even one small cut causes the whole body to be in pain. Unless there is agreement with God, no miracles take place. It take men agreeing with God. God gave us choice, free will. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.

I have 4 brothers. For real transformation, there must be 2 in agreement. As the Scripture says, we must try to come together often in the name of Jesus, and He will be there with us. A threefold cord is not easily broken. The devil seeks to bring disunity and discord. We need to keep professing the Lord as Lord of our lives. God will arrange the steps of a righteous man. God does not look at numbers or the outward appearance. He looks at the heart Out of the abundance of the heart are the issues of life.

The Lord knows us by name. He knows the number of every hair on our heads. God is very meticulous, like accounting. You are important and precious to God. When 2 or more pray, bring God in. We must learn to live life lifting up and serving one another. We often think we can do things on our own, that we don’t need others. However, no man is an island. 

I like to watch Animal Planet. The Scripture says that we can learn from the beasts and the birds. My favorite are the big cats, the lions. When the female lions go hunting, they will move to isolate the prey that is weakest from the rest of the herd. When we isolate ourselves, then we become targets.

In my family, we had a reputation of serving in the church. There was peace in the home but my dad had a problem with alcohol and nicotine. It was a bondage he could not get over. My mum prayed constantly for deliverance from these vices. On the outside, people saw us a good family, but we had no conviction, no fear of the Lord. My brothers and I also picked up nicotine and did what the world did.

One of my first jobs in my career was to go to the Middle East, and it was a culture shock for me, but I was very thankful for the Bible my mum gave me. After the 3 years, I came back, but began following the world again, going back to the vices. I went into gambling and when I went to Australia, found even more gambling there. I lost everything and came back bitter and depressed. I was angry especially with friends who deserted me although I had treated them well in my better times.

My Pastor told me “You are the prodigal son, God had his hand on you, but you let go”. I realized that when I came back from the Middle East, I had let go of God. Then I met a friend of 10 years who had a totally transformed life. He had been a worst drinker, and I was so happy to see his life transformed. From that meeting on, he fasted and prayed for me and my family. My pastor says the reason you and I are in the kingdom of God is because someone prayed for us. Another wise saying my Pastor told me was “Don’t let your past rob you of your future”. I finally realized I had to surrender to God, to just come to him like a child.

We must acknowledge the gathering of saints be it in church, in FGB or in a cell group. I realized I must share how God delivered me from my nicotine habit. I began to attend a small fellowship. Our Lord Jesus said that He will build His church.

We must pray for our leaders. The Holy Spirit convicted me not to speak against my leaders. Its easy for us to criticize and complain. There is power in our tongues. The eye gate and the ear gate are also important. The proverbial “see no evil, hear nor evil, speak no evil” is so true. In Christ, he who was a liar lies no more. We must be careful what we speak. God has promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

My mum passed away 5 months ago. She was faithful, always praying for her children. When she was diagnosed with cancer, we went through it together as a family. I am so thankful to the cell members who came alongside us to support us. She did not suffer for too long. We were so touched that even in her pain, she still had the heart of a mother, showing concern for us rather than for herself. The promises of God are Yes and Amen

In closing, I want to leave with you Psalm 50:15, the number to call in times of trouble. I first heard it in a sermon by Reinhardt Boenke. It says “ call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.