SON OF MAN
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people
say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one
of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh
and blood, but by my Father in heaven.“
Matthew 16:13-17
SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:
As the promised Messiah, who became human so that He could taste death, redeem us
from the curse of the law, and pay the penalty for sin on our behalf.
Honor Him as the One who, through death, destroyed the devil and all his works and
delivered mankind from the fear of death.
PRAY:
• For the Church to realize and receive their freedom from death, sin, and Satan; and to
rise up and take their authority over all the works of the devil.
• For the Church to take up their responsibility of sharing the Good News with all
peoples, in every nation.
• For the world to be set free from the stronghold of lies and arguments that the god of
this world raised in their minds against the knowledge of God; for their hearts to be
softened and prepared to receive the word of God and be delivered from darkness.
Read and meditate on Revelation 5 and 6.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Postman Delivers The Goods
The sun is shining. The grass is green. The sky is blue. It’s another normal day in Greendale for Postman Pat and his black and white cat in 'Postman Pat - The Movie', released at cinemas yesterday (Friday 23 May).
Whether he is called upon to rescue sheep from trees or simply deliver the mail, Pat (voiced by Stephen Mangan) loves his job. He is ready with a smile and a wave for every passer-by. The villagers think the world of him. At home, family life is also good. Pat is a dutiful dad to Julian and a loving husband to Sara. The only problem is, he wants to treat Sara to a holiday in Rome and he can’t quite afford it on a postman’s salary.
When Pat hears about a TV talent competitioMaden offering the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy, he decides to enter. He hopes his song will impress judge Simon Cowbell so that he can secure a place in the final and go on to claim the prize. At the auditions, Pat opens his mouth and delivers a belter. His friends and colleagues can’t quite believe it. Pat can sing! After gaining a place in the final, Pat meets rival contestant Josh.
Rupert Grint, who plays Josh, told the 'War Cry' sister paper 'Kids Alive!' about the character’s naive nature. ‘Josh is a bit of a day dreamer and sees the good in everyone,’ he says. ‘He doesn’t really care about competitions, and so his manager tries to lead him astray.’ Josh’s manager is determined to do whatever it takes to bring Pat down. So when he discovers that a robot has been employed to cover the postal rounds while Pat has been focusing on his publicity campaign, he exposes the secret. Will the public turn on their beloved postman for lying to them?
Taking centre stage, Pat comes clean. He explains to the TV audience that he didn’t want to give up his postal duties but found himself caught up in the fame game. ‘It’s so easy to lose sight of what’s important,’ he confesses. ‘Being on telly is quite a thrill, but so is playing football with your son. I forgot to take time for those I really care about.’ The truth is out. So will Pat’s wife be kissing goodbye to her dream holiday?
Although it isn’t wrong to want good things for ourselves and our loved ones, chasing glory and striving for material possessions can be harmful - especially if it comes at the cost of our relationships. In working round the clock to make more money, we risk missing out on quality time with our family and friends. While daydreaming about what we want in the future, we perhaps neglect the preciousness that is the present.
When life doesn’t seem to be as exciting as we might have hoped, it can be difficult to feel content with our lot. But Jesus tells us we mustn’t worry about it. He says: ‘Only people who don’t know God are always worrying… Your Father in Heaven knows [what] you need… Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself’ (Matthew 6:32–34 Contemporary English Version).
Whatever stage of life we are in, Jesus promises us that God cares about it. When we hand our life over to him, we will receive what we truly need: more than enough love and forgiveness to last a lifetime. They come as part of the package.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
Whether he is called upon to rescue sheep from trees or simply deliver the mail, Pat (voiced by Stephen Mangan) loves his job. He is ready with a smile and a wave for every passer-by. The villagers think the world of him. At home, family life is also good. Pat is a dutiful dad to Julian and a loving husband to Sara. The only problem is, he wants to treat Sara to a holiday in Rome and he can’t quite afford it on a postman’s salary.
When Pat hears about a TV talent competitioMaden offering the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy, he decides to enter. He hopes his song will impress judge Simon Cowbell so that he can secure a place in the final and go on to claim the prize. At the auditions, Pat opens his mouth and delivers a belter. His friends and colleagues can’t quite believe it. Pat can sing! After gaining a place in the final, Pat meets rival contestant Josh.
Rupert Grint, who plays Josh, told the 'War Cry' sister paper 'Kids Alive!' about the character’s naive nature. ‘Josh is a bit of a day dreamer and sees the good in everyone,’ he says. ‘He doesn’t really care about competitions, and so his manager tries to lead him astray.’ Josh’s manager is determined to do whatever it takes to bring Pat down. So when he discovers that a robot has been employed to cover the postal rounds while Pat has been focusing on his publicity campaign, he exposes the secret. Will the public turn on their beloved postman for lying to them?
Taking centre stage, Pat comes clean. He explains to the TV audience that he didn’t want to give up his postal duties but found himself caught up in the fame game. ‘It’s so easy to lose sight of what’s important,’ he confesses. ‘Being on telly is quite a thrill, but so is playing football with your son. I forgot to take time for those I really care about.’ The truth is out. So will Pat’s wife be kissing goodbye to her dream holiday?
Although it isn’t wrong to want good things for ourselves and our loved ones, chasing glory and striving for material possessions can be harmful - especially if it comes at the cost of our relationships. In working round the clock to make more money, we risk missing out on quality time with our family and friends. While daydreaming about what we want in the future, we perhaps neglect the preciousness that is the present.
When life doesn’t seem to be as exciting as we might have hoped, it can be difficult to feel content with our lot. But Jesus tells us we mustn’t worry about it. He says: ‘Only people who don’t know God are always worrying… Your Father in Heaven knows [what] you need… Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself’ (Matthew 6:32–34 Contemporary English Version).
Whatever stage of life we are in, Jesus promises us that God cares about it. When we hand our life over to him, we will receive what we truly need: more than enough love and forgiveness to last a lifetime. They come as part of the package.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
May 30, 2014 --- Genesis 20 – Abraham pretends Sarah is his sister – again!
Read Genesis 20
- We know that Sarah was now at least 90 years old (see Ch 17:17) and yet Abraham evidently still feels he needs to deceive the King Abimelech about her…putting her in danger and in the King’s hands. Do you think Abraham should have learnt to trust God for protection by now, given the repeated promise of descendants which would come through him ?
- V12 reveals that, in Abraham’s perspective at least, he had not been lying about Sarah being his sister!
- We know that Sarah was now at least 90 years old (see Ch 17:17) and yet Abraham evidently still feels he needs to deceive the King Abimelech about her…putting her in danger and in the King’s hands. Do you think Abraham should have learnt to trust God for protection by now, given the repeated promise of descendants which would come through him ?
- V12 reveals that, in Abraham’s perspective at least, he had not been lying about Sarah being his sister!
Global Prayer DAY 2 : 30 MAY 2014
THE SON OF GOD
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but
whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the
name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:
As the Son, sent by God the Father, Jesus clearly demonstrated the love of God by His
willingness to humble Himself and be clothed with sinful flesh, so that whoever believes
He is the Son of God would receive eternal life.
PRAY:
• For the Church to understand the necessity of repentance and forgiveness, the
privilege of partaking of the divine nature of God.
• For the Church to become as true sons of God by the Spirit of adoption, and
demonstrate their deliverance from sin through their holy lifestyles, good works, and
willingness to be placed on the altar as living sacrifices.
• For the world to understand that Jesus truly is the Son of the living God; for the
removal of all the misrepresentations of Christ, and lies concerning Him, God the
Father, and the Holy Spirit.
Read and meditate on Revelation 3 and 4
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn
the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but
whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the
name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:
As the Son, sent by God the Father, Jesus clearly demonstrated the love of God by His
willingness to humble Himself and be clothed with sinful flesh, so that whoever believes
He is the Son of God would receive eternal life.
PRAY:
• For the Church to understand the necessity of repentance and forgiveness, the
privilege of partaking of the divine nature of God.
• For the Church to become as true sons of God by the Spirit of adoption, and
demonstrate their deliverance from sin through their holy lifestyles, good works, and
willingness to be placed on the altar as living sacrifices.
• For the world to understand that Jesus truly is the Son of the living God; for the
removal of all the misrepresentations of Christ, and lies concerning Him, God the
Father, and the Holy Spirit.
Read and meditate on Revelation 3 and 4
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Made In Heaven
As arranged marriages go, the idea that the first time you meet your spouse is on the wedding day is pretty extreme. This, though, is the concept behind a new reality show from Channel 4. In what it calls a ‘ground-breaking social experiment’, the broadcaster has acquired the rights to develop the Danish 'Married at First Sight' for a UK audience. The experiment is to see what love’s got to do with it.
If all goes to plan, viewers will watch three couples declare ‘I do’ to a complete stranger. The marriages will be legally binding and cameras will follow the couples for the first six weeks of the relationship. What happens next - quickie divorce or wedded bliss - depends on the couples. Each of the 200-plus applicants will be ‘carefully matched by a panel of experts in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy, social and evolutionary anthropology and theology in the hope that their combined professional experience can create a “perfect” match.’
It is interesting that ‘theology’ is represented - especially as Jesus rated love and relationships so highly. In the reality broadcast known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed many everyday issues, including anger, lust, adultery, promises, revenge, generosity, judgmentalism, worry, ambition and purpose. He also attacked his society’s easy-come-easy-go attitude to marriage and divorce.
It is easy to flick off this latest ‘reality’ show as tasteless. It is easy to write off the applicants as desperate - either to find Mr/Miss Right or for the chance to become a ‘celebrity’. But there is a deeper issue. A society that held marriage sacred, that cared about relationships and that honoured lifelong vows would not entertain the idea of such a programme being shown as entertainment.
That a broadcaster thinks there is a potential audience indicates just how far the UK has drifted from the lifelong, faithful, loving monogamy espoused by Jesus.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
If all goes to plan, viewers will watch three couples declare ‘I do’ to a complete stranger. The marriages will be legally binding and cameras will follow the couples for the first six weeks of the relationship. What happens next - quickie divorce or wedded bliss - depends on the couples. Each of the 200-plus applicants will be ‘carefully matched by a panel of experts in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy, social and evolutionary anthropology and theology in the hope that their combined professional experience can create a “perfect” match.’
It is interesting that ‘theology’ is represented - especially as Jesus rated love and relationships so highly. In the reality broadcast known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed many everyday issues, including anger, lust, adultery, promises, revenge, generosity, judgmentalism, worry, ambition and purpose. He also attacked his society’s easy-come-easy-go attitude to marriage and divorce.
It is easy to flick off this latest ‘reality’ show as tasteless. It is easy to write off the applicants as desperate - either to find Mr/Miss Right or for the chance to become a ‘celebrity’. But there is a deeper issue. A society that held marriage sacred, that cared about relationships and that honoured lifelong vows would not entertain the idea of such a programme being shown as entertainment.
That a broadcaster thinks there is a potential audience indicates just how far the UK has drifted from the lifelong, faithful, loving monogamy espoused by Jesus.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
May 29, 2014 --- Genesis 19 – The sin of Sodom and its subsequent Judgement
Read Genesis 19
- V1-3, why do you think Lot was so insistant on the visitors staying at his house?
- V5, does this verse reveal the problem which the angels came to judge?...or do you think it was a symptom of a bigger problem?
- Was the wickedness shown toward the two visitors with regard to homosexuality, rape, or inhospitality?
- V8, isn’t Lot’s offer of two daughters a crazy thing to do?...do you think the Bible includes this as a good thing, or as an example of human stupidity ?...is it affirming to know that the Bible does not attempt to hide such mistakes made by characters such as Lot ?
- V9, having been denied the male visitors, and having rejected the virgin daughters, the men of the city now want Lot!
- V14, even within the family unit not everyone heeded the urgent warning – does this happen today with regard to our eternal Judgement ?
- V1-3, why do you think Lot was so insistant on the visitors staying at his house?
- V5, does this verse reveal the problem which the angels came to judge?...or do you think it was a symptom of a bigger problem?
- Was the wickedness shown toward the two visitors with regard to homosexuality, rape, or inhospitality?
- V8, isn’t Lot’s offer of two daughters a crazy thing to do?...do you think the Bible includes this as a good thing, or as an example of human stupidity ?...is it affirming to know that the Bible does not attempt to hide such mistakes made by characters such as Lot ?
- V9, having been denied the male visitors, and having rejected the virgin daughters, the men of the city now want Lot!
- V14, even within the family unit not everyone heeded the urgent warning – does this happen today with regard to our eternal Judgement ?
Global Prayer DAY 1 : 29 MAY 2014
THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things
were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers
or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:15-16
SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:
As our Creator; the Alpha and the Omega; the Beginning and the End, the First and the
Last; the One in whom you were chosen since the foundation of the world.
PRAY:
• For the Church to faithfully acknowledge the Creator in a world that is filled with lies.
• For the Church to become Christ-like in all their conduct, and so make the invisible God visible.
• For the world to see and experience Jesus Christ, and the image of the invisible God revealed through the love, actions, words and compassion evident in the lives of ordinary Christians, and so be convinced of God’s existence.
Read and meditate on Revelation 1 and 2
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things
were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers
or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”
Colossians 1:15-16
SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:
As our Creator; the Alpha and the Omega; the Beginning and the End, the First and the
Last; the One in whom you were chosen since the foundation of the world.
PRAY:
• For the Church to faithfully acknowledge the Creator in a world that is filled with lies.
• For the Church to become Christ-like in all their conduct, and so make the invisible God visible.
• For the world to see and experience Jesus Christ, and the image of the invisible God revealed through the love, actions, words and compassion evident in the lives of ordinary Christians, and so be convinced of God’s existence.
Read and meditate on Revelation 1 and 2
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Set-Backs Can Become Springboards
If you like television travel programmes, you’ve probably watched some of Michael Palin’s epic adventures. Whether in the Sahara or the Himalayas, even he - with all the mighty resources of the BBC to smooth his way - has occasionally encountered setbacks in reaching the more remote parts of the globe.
Imagine, then, the sheer magnitude of difficulties faced by Paul - the ‘Michael Palin’ traveller of the New Testament - as he took the message of Jesus to mainland Europe, in what is known today as Syria, Turkey, Greece, Malta and Italy. His goal was to establish Christian communities wherever he went. Grand tours and luxury holidays did not feature in Paul’s travels. With no buses to hop on, and no trains or planes to take the strain, ‘Shanks’s pony’ was his most reliable mode of transport. Along the way, Paul also coped with shipwrecks, imprisonment, floggings - and something he described as a ‘thorn in the flesh’.
Writing to believers in Corinth, he said: ‘I was given a thorn in my flesh… to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me’ (2 Corinthians 12:7, 8 New International Version). Nowadays, we tend to use this phrase to describe someone who annoys or irritates us. A ‘pain in the neck’ is another way of putting it.
There are many theories about Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’. Some scholars think it was probably a physical affliction or recurring illness, such as malaria. Whatever it was, it didn’t stop him from achieving great things - helped by his strong belief in the saving power of Jesus.
Although Paul asked God to take away his affliction three times, God didn’t answer that prayer. But he did promise to give Paul the strength to deal with it. Paul writes that God said to him: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul believed in God’s promise. And God offers the same strength to us today. When our going gets tough, there’s no better promise for us to hold on to.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
Imagine, then, the sheer magnitude of difficulties faced by Paul - the ‘Michael Palin’ traveller of the New Testament - as he took the message of Jesus to mainland Europe, in what is known today as Syria, Turkey, Greece, Malta and Italy. His goal was to establish Christian communities wherever he went. Grand tours and luxury holidays did not feature in Paul’s travels. With no buses to hop on, and no trains or planes to take the strain, ‘Shanks’s pony’ was his most reliable mode of transport. Along the way, Paul also coped with shipwrecks, imprisonment, floggings - and something he described as a ‘thorn in the flesh’.
Writing to believers in Corinth, he said: ‘I was given a thorn in my flesh… to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me’ (2 Corinthians 12:7, 8 New International Version). Nowadays, we tend to use this phrase to describe someone who annoys or irritates us. A ‘pain in the neck’ is another way of putting it.
There are many theories about Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’. Some scholars think it was probably a physical affliction or recurring illness, such as malaria. Whatever it was, it didn’t stop him from achieving great things - helped by his strong belief in the saving power of Jesus.
Although Paul asked God to take away his affliction three times, God didn’t answer that prayer. But he did promise to give Paul the strength to deal with it. Paul writes that God said to him: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul believed in God’s promise. And God offers the same strength to us today. When our going gets tough, there’s no better promise for us to hold on to.
UK & Ireland War Cry 24 May 2014
May 28, 2014 --- Genesis 18 – Abraham receives heavenly visitors, who repeat the promise to Sarah and travel on to judge Sodom
Read Genesis 18
- Reading through this chapter and the first verse of chapter 19, it seems that the God and two angels presented themselves in human form. Do you think God and His angels can, and still does, do this today?
- v14, a question for you, maybe with regard to your own prayers….’Is anything too hard for the LORD ?’
- v15, is there any promise or prophecy in Scripture which you doubt will occur?
- V16-33, (especially v25) ‘Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’…how useful is this to remember when considering those who die without hearing the Gospel?
- Reading through this chapter and the first verse of chapter 19, it seems that the God and two angels presented themselves in human form. Do you think God and His angels can, and still does, do this today?
- v14, a question for you, maybe with regard to your own prayers….’Is anything too hard for the LORD ?’
- v15, is there any promise or prophecy in Scripture which you doubt will occur?
- V16-33, (especially v25) ‘Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’…how useful is this to remember when considering those who die without hearing the Gospel?
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
May 27, 2014 --- Genesis 17 – Circumcision is the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham
Read Genesis 17
- Was God’s covenant with Abraham the Hebrew a temporary one or an everlasting one?
- V10-11, was circumcision part of the covenant itself, or was it the sign of the covenant?
- V12, why do you think day eight of a boy’s life was chosen for circumcision?
- V19-21, was God’s covenant to be established through Isaac or Ishmael?
- Was God’s covenant with Abraham the Hebrew a temporary one or an everlasting one?
- V10-11, was circumcision part of the covenant itself, or was it the sign of the covenant?
- V12, why do you think day eight of a boy’s life was chosen for circumcision?
- V19-21, was God’s covenant to be established through Isaac or Ishmael?
CCM Penang Regional Combined Churches Ascension Day Service
CCM Penang Regional Combined Churches Ascension Day Service
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2014.
Time: 8:00pm
Venue: Penang Wesley Methodist Church, Jalan Burma, Penang (host church)
Date: Thursday, 29 May 2014.
Time: 8:00pm
Venue: Penang Wesley Methodist Church, Jalan Burma, Penang (host church)
10 Days of Global Prayer - 29 May - 7 June 2014
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”
Matthew 18:19 – 20
The 10 Days preceding the Global Day of Prayer create an excellent opportunity to unite in prayer with millions around the globe based on Acts 1 & 2.
“The bond that unites a man with his fellow men is no less real and close than that which
unites him to God: He one with them. Grace renews not only our relationship with God, but our
relationships with our fellow human beings, too. We not only learn to say "My Father." It
would be unnatural for the children of family to always meet their father separately, never
expressing their desires or their love jointly.
Believers are not only members of one family, but of one Body.”
- Andrew Murray
INTRODUCTION
Prayer Focus on the Person and work of Jesus Christ
The deepest desire of Paul’s heart was to know Jesus Christ as Lord. He had met the risen Christ en route to Damascus. Paul spoke of having the experience of being allowed to enter the third heaven. He also revealed that a messenger of Satan had been sent by God to humble him and to prevent him from becoming proud of the many revelations he had received from God (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). He wrote of his insight into the mystery of God, kept hidden from previous generations, concerning “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” Yet, even in his last letter that he wrote his desire was still “to know Him”. (Philippians 3:10)
Knowledge of Christ should not be confused with knowledge about Christ. Knowing Christ is experiencing an intimate revelation of the Person of Jesus Christ; receiving insight into His manifold grace, and whilst beholding His glory being transformed into His image.
This very intimate and personal experience of knowing Christ is what is meant by the phrase “to seek Christ’s face”. (2 Chronicles 4:14). Seeking His face is a precondition to Him answering our prayers and healing our country.
In Hosea 4:1, God gives a reason why the spirit of lawlessness had been able to invade the land: there was no truth, or mercy, or knowledge of God in the land. In John 17:3, Jesus said that eternal life is to know the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. As it was in the days of Israel, so it is in our days. We need to know Christ Jesus, and through Him, the One who sits on the throne of heaven.
As we set ourselves to seek His face, let the prayer of our hearts be for Him to make Himself known to us, and to a broken and lost world. Let us draw near to Him, with hearts filled with faith that, if we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. May the knowledge of Christ Jesus also become for us “a surpassing worth”!
Monday, May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014 --- Genesis 16 – Abram has a son, but not with his wife Sarai
Read Genesis 16
- V1-2, do you think Abram was too quick to listen to Sarai’s logic, or was this a sensible decision under the circumstances?
- V5, do you feel sorry for Abram, or Sarai, or both…or neither?
- V1-2, do you think Abram was too quick to listen to Sarai’s logic, or was this a sensible decision under the circumstances?
- V5, do you feel sorry for Abram, or Sarai, or both…or neither?
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Flag Day collection
2. Please pray for Freddy Cheong, Alice Ong, Ailyn and Family
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
4. Please pray upcoming Helping Hand Project (Walkathon), Malaysian Youth Camp, Father's Day
5. Please pray for one another, school semester break and families on holiday
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please pray for Freddy Cheong, Alice Ong, Ailyn and Family
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
4. Please pray upcoming Helping Hand Project (Walkathon), Malaysian Youth Camp, Father's Day
5. Please pray for one another, school semester break and families on holiday
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
12th - 31st May 2014:Flag Day Fund raising for the Salvation Army Penang charity work
7th June 2014:Helping Project for Children in Myanmar;Venue: Air Itam Dam; Time: 8:30am
3rd - 6th June 2014:Malaysia Youth Camp;Venue: Cameron Highlands; Note: Contact Pastor Andrew for more information
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Explore Weekend : 15-17 August 2014 (Fri-Sun) @ Johor Bahru: For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
7th June 2014:Helping Project for Children in Myanmar;Venue: Air Itam Dam; Time: 8:30am
3rd - 6th June 2014:Malaysia Youth Camp;Venue: Cameron Highlands; Note: Contact Pastor Andrew for more information
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Explore Weekend : 15-17 August 2014 (Fri-Sun) @ Johor Bahru: For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Genesis 15 – God’s covenant with Abram
Read Genesis 15
- V1-6, God made Abram a promise which by worldly standards and human experience looked unlikely to be fulfilled…but Abram believed God, and his faith was accounted for righteousness. You and I are given a promise by God, that all who seek forgiveness from God through faith alone in the salvation of Jesus Christ shall receive eternal life…to many who underestimate the power of God this may seem unlikely to be fulfilled, and so do we have the faith of Abram?
- Is there a link between the blood/sacrifice of these animals, and the blood of the Passover Lamb, and the blood of Jesus in their respective covenants?
- V1-6, God made Abram a promise which by worldly standards and human experience looked unlikely to be fulfilled…but Abram believed God, and his faith was accounted for righteousness. You and I are given a promise by God, that all who seek forgiveness from God through faith alone in the salvation of Jesus Christ shall receive eternal life…to many who underestimate the power of God this may seem unlikely to be fulfilled, and so do we have the faith of Abram?
- Is there a link between the blood/sacrifice of these animals, and the blood of the Passover Lamb, and the blood of Jesus in their respective covenants?
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Could Do Better
The question of whether or not Britain is a Christian country has taken a new turn. David Cameron raised the issue in an Easter article in the 'Church Times'. Last week the focus was on faith schools. In a BBC interview, Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby said that faith schools provide education for some of Britain’s poorest children.
His comments came after Birmingham City Council launched an inquiry into alleged plots by Islamists to take control of the governing bodies of some Muslim schools in the city - the ‘Trojan Horse’ plot.
To detractors, the Birmingham story fuels their opposition to faith schools, which they regard as elitist or abusive. The Fair Admissions Campaign ‘wants all state-funded schools in England and Wales to be open equally to all children, without regard to religion or belief’. Using free-school-meal eligibility as a benchmark, it claims that by admitting pupils on the basis of religious affiliation, faith schools are turning their backs on the poorest children.
The Archbishop said that Church of England schools ‘are often in the poorest parts of the country … we seek to love and serve people, as we should, through these schools’.
The National Secular Society believes that faith schools are abusing public money and their position. Responding to the Archbishop’s comments, executive director Keith Porteous Wood said: ‘He fails to point out that his schools, run entirely at public expense, prioritise evangelisation over serving the population who are steadily abandoning his pews.’
Do church schools really ‘prioritise evangelisation’? Do parents really move into a catchment area or start going to church so their little darlings can be evangelised - as a priority?
Christianity - a relationship with Jesus - is not something that can be drummed in between maths and science lessons. It is an all-embracing life choice that is based on fact, lived by faith and expressed by serving others.
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
His comments came after Birmingham City Council launched an inquiry into alleged plots by Islamists to take control of the governing bodies of some Muslim schools in the city - the ‘Trojan Horse’ plot.
To detractors, the Birmingham story fuels their opposition to faith schools, which they regard as elitist or abusive. The Fair Admissions Campaign ‘wants all state-funded schools in England and Wales to be open equally to all children, without regard to religion or belief’. Using free-school-meal eligibility as a benchmark, it claims that by admitting pupils on the basis of religious affiliation, faith schools are turning their backs on the poorest children.
The Archbishop said that Church of England schools ‘are often in the poorest parts of the country … we seek to love and serve people, as we should, through these schools’.
The National Secular Society believes that faith schools are abusing public money and their position. Responding to the Archbishop’s comments, executive director Keith Porteous Wood said: ‘He fails to point out that his schools, run entirely at public expense, prioritise evangelisation over serving the population who are steadily abandoning his pews.’
Do church schools really ‘prioritise evangelisation’? Do parents really move into a catchment area or start going to church so their little darlings can be evangelised - as a priority?
Christianity - a relationship with Jesus - is not something that can be drummed in between maths and science lessons. It is an all-embracing life choice that is based on fact, lived by faith and expressed by serving others.
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
Genesis 14 – Lot is captured and then rescued by Abram
Read Genesis 14
- V14, the first mention of the Hebrews!
- V1-17, Have you noticed how already life had become very tribal, with various kings waging war against each other?
- V18-20, for more about the mysterious Melchizedek read Hebrews chapter 7!
- V20, was Abram’s tithe compulsory or optional?
- V14, the first mention of the Hebrews!
- V1-17, Have you noticed how already life had become very tribal, with various kings waging war against each other?
- V18-20, for more about the mysterious Melchizedek read Hebrews chapter 7!
- V20, was Abram’s tithe compulsory or optional?
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Sharing Faith Is The Goal
‘We aim to encourage young people with low self-esteem that whatever happens, we’re with them,’ says former Portsmouth FC player Linvoy Primus. ‘We want them to feel they are appreciated and to gain a self-worth that they didn’t have before.’
In 2001, after becoming a Christian, Linvoy became keen to express his faith by working in local communities. His vision - which he shared with teammate at the time, Darren Moore, and Portsmouth FC’s club chaplain, Mick Mellows - became reality in 2002 after a mission trip to Nigeria.
‘Mick and I spent ten days in the country,’ Linvoy says. ‘We went to one particular school and invited other schools from the area to join us. After coaching sessions and a football tournament, we shared our testimonies about coming to faith. After that, a number of the young people committed their lives to Jesus. We thought the same model of community work could happen in the UK. When we returned home, Faith and Football was born.’
The Christian charity began in Portsmouth and was set up by Linvoy, Mick and Darren. It is supported by other professional footballers, Bobby Hassell, Rory Fallon, and Joel Ward. The organisation has two full-time staff members and more than 250 volunteers.
‘I would describe Faith and Football as a church without walls,’ says Linvoy. ‘As an organisation we engage with young people in the community and their families by using the gifts we have to show them love and support. We started by setting up community football leagues because, as footballers, that’s what we know. It’s also a sport that everyone recognises. We set up the first league in Portsmouth, a city that has a number of social and environmental problems.’
Faith and Football runs numerous six-a-side community leagues alongside churches in Portsmouth, Barnsley, Farnborough and Plymouth. The leagues run for six weeks at a time and are available to boys and girls up to the age of 13. At the end of the season, Faith and Football holds presentation evenings where each child receives a medal and a certificate. The winning team also takes home a trophy. In the past, Linvoy has talked about his faith as part of the evenings.
‘In the early days, I got involved with the leagues quite regularly, but as we expanded it became more difficult,’ he says. ‘Having a professional footballer present is always going to be an attraction for the kids - but the programme is not about the footballers, it’s about the local church getting involved. If young people only want to take part in what Faith and Football are doing “because a footballer’s going to be there”, then we’ve missed something. Some of the children have never met me, but they recognise that their local church, supported by a charity set up by footballers, has helped them.’
Faith and Football’s work extends further than the pitch. Its Extra Time literacy scheme is designed for young children who are struggling with reading.
‘Some churches might not like the idea of the football league programmes, but they do like the idea of Extra Time,’ Linvoy says. ‘When we initially started the scheme, some of the schools were apprehensive about allowing the volunteers to read Bible stories to the children rather than using secular books, but two of the schools were fine with it. The results were amazing. Some of the children’s reading ages went up by three or four years.
‘There was one child who was really struggling when she came into contact with Faith and Football. She had a lot happening at home that meant she was disruptive in school. Her reading mentor was able to get alongside her and be a listening ear. After a year, the girl’s reading improved and she was able to stand up in front of the class and read out a poem she’d written - something she’d never thought of doing before. Two years later, we had a ten-year celebration of Faith and Football. In front of 300 people, the young girl read out her experience of learning to read. If we hadn’t been able to offer that facility to the school, where would that girl be?’
The charity has also developed other school-based programmes, including the Faith and Football Social Enterprise and Business Challenge for year nine secondary school students. Over a four-month period, a group of four to six students plan and develop a trading business, such as making and selling sweets. The aim is to help students demonstrate their enterprise, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Running across Portsmouth, Southampton and Birmingham, the programme allocates each school a Christian business mentor who offers business principles and life-skills advice. Linvoy says that he has seen many parents and children warm to the Christian faith as a result of the hands-on approach adopted by the volunteers.
‘Our community work has allowed people who wouldn’t normally enter a church building to hear the Good News,’ he says. ‘If the parents or guardians are present for their children’s football league presentations, for example, then they are likely to hear a five or ten-minute gospel message. From the beginning of the league right through to the presentation evenings, the churches using our programmes are able to build relationships with people.
‘We insisted that members of the churches volunteered to be football managers, coaches, tea-makers or administrators so that the participants’ families could see that Christians are normal people too. I believe we have been effective in joining two different communities together.’
On a personal level, how has Linvoy managed to stay successful in the public eye while continuing to be open about his faith?
‘When I was still playing football, I had good support from my chaplain, Mick Mellows,’ he says. ‘He knew what it was like having a faith in the football community. There are a lot of players who are open about their Christian faith and do good work but don’t get the publicity. I always believe that if you’re confident in Jesus, you will be naturally inclined to talk about your faith. Before I was made redundant, I wasn’t too worried or fearful of what would be coming next. I had a real conviction that I’d be going out and sharing my faith with others. So I started sending out flyers to different churches. Two years on, I’m still trekking up and down the country sharing my testimony.’
Linvoy also works for Christians in Sport, an organisation through which he gives support to other Christian footballers around the country, and receives it in return.
Twelve years on, Faith and Football continues to change lives by sharing the gospel message in communities. ‘The core of what we do hasn’t changed,’ Linvoy says. ‘But what has changed is the world we live in and the issues we face. Things are getting a little bit more complicated and harder to understand.
‘I hope that Faith and Football has brought a sense of trust to families who didn’t know Jesus. It is good to see some of them go on to volunteer in their communities and support people who they know need help.’
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
In 2001, after becoming a Christian, Linvoy became keen to express his faith by working in local communities. His vision - which he shared with teammate at the time, Darren Moore, and Portsmouth FC’s club chaplain, Mick Mellows - became reality in 2002 after a mission trip to Nigeria.
‘Mick and I spent ten days in the country,’ Linvoy says. ‘We went to one particular school and invited other schools from the area to join us. After coaching sessions and a football tournament, we shared our testimonies about coming to faith. After that, a number of the young people committed their lives to Jesus. We thought the same model of community work could happen in the UK. When we returned home, Faith and Football was born.’
The Christian charity began in Portsmouth and was set up by Linvoy, Mick and Darren. It is supported by other professional footballers, Bobby Hassell, Rory Fallon, and Joel Ward. The organisation has two full-time staff members and more than 250 volunteers.
‘I would describe Faith and Football as a church without walls,’ says Linvoy. ‘As an organisation we engage with young people in the community and their families by using the gifts we have to show them love and support. We started by setting up community football leagues because, as footballers, that’s what we know. It’s also a sport that everyone recognises. We set up the first league in Portsmouth, a city that has a number of social and environmental problems.’
Faith and Football runs numerous six-a-side community leagues alongside churches in Portsmouth, Barnsley, Farnborough and Plymouth. The leagues run for six weeks at a time and are available to boys and girls up to the age of 13. At the end of the season, Faith and Football holds presentation evenings where each child receives a medal and a certificate. The winning team also takes home a trophy. In the past, Linvoy has talked about his faith as part of the evenings.
‘In the early days, I got involved with the leagues quite regularly, but as we expanded it became more difficult,’ he says. ‘Having a professional footballer present is always going to be an attraction for the kids - but the programme is not about the footballers, it’s about the local church getting involved. If young people only want to take part in what Faith and Football are doing “because a footballer’s going to be there”, then we’ve missed something. Some of the children have never met me, but they recognise that their local church, supported by a charity set up by footballers, has helped them.’
Faith and Football’s work extends further than the pitch. Its Extra Time literacy scheme is designed for young children who are struggling with reading.
‘Some churches might not like the idea of the football league programmes, but they do like the idea of Extra Time,’ Linvoy says. ‘When we initially started the scheme, some of the schools were apprehensive about allowing the volunteers to read Bible stories to the children rather than using secular books, but two of the schools were fine with it. The results were amazing. Some of the children’s reading ages went up by three or four years.
‘There was one child who was really struggling when she came into contact with Faith and Football. She had a lot happening at home that meant she was disruptive in school. Her reading mentor was able to get alongside her and be a listening ear. After a year, the girl’s reading improved and she was able to stand up in front of the class and read out a poem she’d written - something she’d never thought of doing before. Two years later, we had a ten-year celebration of Faith and Football. In front of 300 people, the young girl read out her experience of learning to read. If we hadn’t been able to offer that facility to the school, where would that girl be?’
The charity has also developed other school-based programmes, including the Faith and Football Social Enterprise and Business Challenge for year nine secondary school students. Over a four-month period, a group of four to six students plan and develop a trading business, such as making and selling sweets. The aim is to help students demonstrate their enterprise, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Running across Portsmouth, Southampton and Birmingham, the programme allocates each school a Christian business mentor who offers business principles and life-skills advice. Linvoy says that he has seen many parents and children warm to the Christian faith as a result of the hands-on approach adopted by the volunteers.
‘Our community work has allowed people who wouldn’t normally enter a church building to hear the Good News,’ he says. ‘If the parents or guardians are present for their children’s football league presentations, for example, then they are likely to hear a five or ten-minute gospel message. From the beginning of the league right through to the presentation evenings, the churches using our programmes are able to build relationships with people.
‘We insisted that members of the churches volunteered to be football managers, coaches, tea-makers or administrators so that the participants’ families could see that Christians are normal people too. I believe we have been effective in joining two different communities together.’
On a personal level, how has Linvoy managed to stay successful in the public eye while continuing to be open about his faith?
‘When I was still playing football, I had good support from my chaplain, Mick Mellows,’ he says. ‘He knew what it was like having a faith in the football community. There are a lot of players who are open about their Christian faith and do good work but don’t get the publicity. I always believe that if you’re confident in Jesus, you will be naturally inclined to talk about your faith. Before I was made redundant, I wasn’t too worried or fearful of what would be coming next. I had a real conviction that I’d be going out and sharing my faith with others. So I started sending out flyers to different churches. Two years on, I’m still trekking up and down the country sharing my testimony.’
Linvoy also works for Christians in Sport, an organisation through which he gives support to other Christian footballers around the country, and receives it in return.
Twelve years on, Faith and Football continues to change lives by sharing the gospel message in communities. ‘The core of what we do hasn’t changed,’ Linvoy says. ‘But what has changed is the world we live in and the issues we face. Things are getting a little bit more complicated and harder to understand.
‘I hope that Faith and Football has brought a sense of trust to families who didn’t know Jesus. It is good to see some of them go on to volunteer in their communities and support people who they know need help.’
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
Genesis 13 – Abram and Lot part company
Read Genesis 13
- V4, Abram ‘called on the Name of the LORD’…what do you think this means?
- V13, Lot chose to live in a land which looked appealing, but contained much wickedness…are there parallels with decisions regarding where we choose to ‘live’ or spend our time today?
- V4, Abram ‘called on the Name of the LORD’…what do you think this means?
- V13, Lot chose to live in a land which looked appealing, but contained much wickedness…are there parallels with decisions regarding where we choose to ‘live’ or spend our time today?
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
A Minority Of One Can Be Powerful
Ever felt you’re the only one bothering to speak out against something you consider to be wrong or unfair? That you are shouting out to a world that doesn’t want to hear? You may even feel like ‘a voice in the wilderness’. If so, you’re in good company. The phrase appears in an ancient prophecy, which is quoted in the Book of Matthew: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him”’ (Matthew 3:3 New International Version).
The prophecy was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist. His mission was to prepare the Jewish nation for the imminent arrival of God’s long-promised Messiah - Jesus. Crowds flocked to hear John’s clear and forthright message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’ (3:2). Those who did so were baptised in the River Jordan.
John dispelled any idea that he was the Messiah himself. He pointed people elsewhere by saying ‘after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit’ (3:11).
The phrase ‘a voice in the wilderness’ has often been used to describe notable people who, against opposition or indifference, have fought for those who were downtrodden, oppressed or forgotten.
William Wilberforce, for example, tirelessly campaigned to abolish the slave trade in Britain and its colonies. The work of Lord Shaftesbury and Dr Thomas Barnardo with poor and orphaned children led to major child welfare reforms. The compassion of William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, instigated the provision of safe shelter for London’s homeless people and he also persuaded Parliament to raise the age of consent to 16. All of these lone voices risked ridicule and their reputation by speaking out against the social evils of their day.
This generation has seen Nelson Mandela’s successful battle against apartheid and - nearer to home - the ongoing struggle by Baroness Lawrence to get justice for her murdered son Stephen. The world still needs people who are not afraid to speak out against unfairness and bad practices in their communities.
Can one lone voice really do any good? History says ‘yes’.
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
The prophecy was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist. His mission was to prepare the Jewish nation for the imminent arrival of God’s long-promised Messiah - Jesus. Crowds flocked to hear John’s clear and forthright message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’ (3:2). Those who did so were baptised in the River Jordan.
John dispelled any idea that he was the Messiah himself. He pointed people elsewhere by saying ‘after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit’ (3:11).
The phrase ‘a voice in the wilderness’ has often been used to describe notable people who, against opposition or indifference, have fought for those who were downtrodden, oppressed or forgotten.
William Wilberforce, for example, tirelessly campaigned to abolish the slave trade in Britain and its colonies. The work of Lord Shaftesbury and Dr Thomas Barnardo with poor and orphaned children led to major child welfare reforms. The compassion of William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, instigated the provision of safe shelter for London’s homeless people and he also persuaded Parliament to raise the age of consent to 16. All of these lone voices risked ridicule and their reputation by speaking out against the social evils of their day.
This generation has seen Nelson Mandela’s successful battle against apartheid and - nearer to home - the ongoing struggle by Baroness Lawrence to get justice for her murdered son Stephen. The world still needs people who are not afraid to speak out against unfairness and bad practices in their communities.
Can one lone voice really do any good? History says ‘yes’.
UK & Ireland War Cry 17 May 2014
Genesis 12 – Abram receives a promise from God, and tricks Egypt’s Pharaoh.
Read Genesis 12
- V13, Is this promise still active today? If Abram’s promise was fulfilled through his descendants, the Jews, and the land of Canaan is Israel, then does this promise urge us to bless the Jews and Israel?...or did the promise die with Abram?
- V10-20, does this story condone lying?...or is it an example of Abram’s fallibility?...or are we missing a piece of this puzzle (see also Ch20:12)
- Why do you think this story of the famine and Abram’s deceit was included in Scripture?
- V13, Is this promise still active today? If Abram’s promise was fulfilled through his descendants, the Jews, and the land of Canaan is Israel, then does this promise urge us to bless the Jews and Israel?...or did the promise die with Abram?
- V10-20, does this story condone lying?...or is it an example of Abram’s fallibility?...or are we missing a piece of this puzzle (see also Ch20:12)
- Why do you think this story of the famine and Abram’s deceit was included in Scripture?
Monday, May 19, 2014
Genesis 11 – The Tower of Babel, and Shem’s descendants down to Abram.
Read Genesis 11
- Would you agree that only the Bible provides an adequate explanation of why we have different languages? If not, what other explanation would be adequate?
- V9, does this explain why humankind is so widespread geographically?
- V31, this verse tells us how Abram and Sarai came to live in Haran.
- Would you agree that only the Bible provides an adequate explanation of why we have different languages? If not, what other explanation would be adequate?
- V9, does this explain why humankind is so widespread geographically?
- V31, this verse tells us how Abram and Sarai came to live in Haran.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Flag Day preparation and school collection
2. Please pray for Cheryl Lee, Rachel, Colin Ooi for God's healing hand to be upon them
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
4. Please pray upcoming Helping Hand Project (Walkathon)
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please pray for Cheryl Lee, Rachel, Colin Ooi for God's healing hand to be upon them
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
4. Please pray upcoming Helping Hand Project (Walkathon)
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
12th - 31st May 2014:Flag Day Fund raising for the Salvation Army Penang charity work
7th June 2014:Helping Project for Children in Myanmar;Venue: Air Itam Dam; Time: 8:30am
3rd - 6th June 2014:Malaysia Youth Camp;Venue: Cameron Highlands; Note: Contact Pastor Andrew for more information
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
7th June 2014:Helping Project for Children in Myanmar;Venue: Air Itam Dam; Time: 8:30am
3rd - 6th June 2014:Malaysia Youth Camp;Venue: Cameron Highlands; Note: Contact Pastor Andrew for more information
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Genesis 10 – The sons and descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth
Read Genesis 10
What do you think is the importance and relevance of including this genealogy of the sons of Noah?
What do you think is the importance and relevance of including this genealogy of the sons of Noah?
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Genesis 09 – Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth
Read Genesis 09
- V3, is this the first mention of eating meat?
- V13, if this was the origin of the rainbow, is it fair to assume that before the Great Flood it never rained? (See also Genesis 2:5)
- If so, does this add to the amazement of what Noah had been predicting and preparing for?
- V20-27, It seems Noah was angry with Ham, but why?
- V28, After the flood, the lifespan of people reduced dramatically to the levels that we commonly experience today. Is this because the water canopy above the sky provided protection from direct sunlight prior to the Great Flood? Was this simply God’s will? Or was it God’s will being accomplished through natural means?
- V3, is this the first mention of eating meat?
- V13, if this was the origin of the rainbow, is it fair to assume that before the Great Flood it never rained? (See also Genesis 2:5)
- If so, does this add to the amazement of what Noah had been predicting and preparing for?
- V20-27, It seems Noah was angry with Ham, but why?
- V28, After the flood, the lifespan of people reduced dramatically to the levels that we commonly experience today. Is this because the water canopy above the sky provided protection from direct sunlight prior to the Great Flood? Was this simply God’s will? Or was it God’s will being accomplished through natural means?
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Grounds for success
How does your garden grow? For the past few weeks, contestants on BBC Two’s The Big Allotment Challenge have been answering that question with their gardening skills. Viewers of the show, hosted by Fern Britton, have seen nine pairs of passionate gardeners putting their horticultural knowledge to good use in various challenges in the hope of being crowned Britain’s best growers.
In a garden in the grounds of Mapledurham House, Oxfordshire, the pairs face three weekly challenges – ‘grow’, ‘make’ and ‘eat’. The tasks are overseen by garden and food experts Jim Buttress, Jonathan Moseley and Thane Prince.
The ‘grow’ challenge gives contestants a chance to prove just how green-fingered they are when it comes to producing prize-worthy fruit or vegetables. At the end of each challenge, Jim uses his 40 years of experience to examine the contestants’ produce for quality.
There are two ‘make’ tasks. One tests the contestants’ expertise in nurturing flawless flowers; the other gives them the chance to showcase how creative they are when making attractive floral arrangements. With his keen eye for flora, Jonathan nips any messy displays in the bud.
In the ‘eat’ challenge, Thane tests cooking skills as the teams turn their best produce into preserves or condiments.
At the end of each episode, the experts confer over which pair has blossomed, which pair is beginning to wilt and which pair can’t grow any further. Once a decision has been made, one couple gets the chop and is sent home. Last Tuesday (6 May), mother and daughter Shirley and Victoria were turfed out. They were strong believers in growing their own produce for a healthier lifestyle.
Lee Senior, gardening columnist for The War Cry, explains why growing produce is so popular: ‘The modern generation are warier of having produce from supermarkets that might have been contaminated with chemical sprays. Having an allotment means you can control what you and your family eat.’
Whether we’re green-fingered or prefer to concrete over a lawn, life can sometimes seem like an out-of-control garden. We may be frustrated by waiting for our careers to blossom. We may need to nip bad spending habits in the bud and get our finances in check. Maybe we need to root out the weeds of a broken relationship that contaminate our hearts or to water a treasured friendship that has dried up.
Tending to the mess in our lives can be overwhelming. But we can be reassured in knowing that God – the master gardener – is ready to help. Jesus told his disciples: ‘My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit … I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit’ (John 15:1–5 New International Version).
Our personal growth and emotional health are important to God. At times it may be painful, but if we hand our lives over to Jesus, he will prune away all our rotten parts and plant the good fruits of joy, peace and love. As we stay connected to him, we grow. Is it time to let him dig deep?
UK & Ireland War Cry 10 May 2014
In a garden in the grounds of Mapledurham House, Oxfordshire, the pairs face three weekly challenges – ‘grow’, ‘make’ and ‘eat’. The tasks are overseen by garden and food experts Jim Buttress, Jonathan Moseley and Thane Prince.
The ‘grow’ challenge gives contestants a chance to prove just how green-fingered they are when it comes to producing prize-worthy fruit or vegetables. At the end of each challenge, Jim uses his 40 years of experience to examine the contestants’ produce for quality.
There are two ‘make’ tasks. One tests the contestants’ expertise in nurturing flawless flowers; the other gives them the chance to showcase how creative they are when making attractive floral arrangements. With his keen eye for flora, Jonathan nips any messy displays in the bud.
In the ‘eat’ challenge, Thane tests cooking skills as the teams turn their best produce into preserves or condiments.
At the end of each episode, the experts confer over which pair has blossomed, which pair is beginning to wilt and which pair can’t grow any further. Once a decision has been made, one couple gets the chop and is sent home. Last Tuesday (6 May), mother and daughter Shirley and Victoria were turfed out. They were strong believers in growing their own produce for a healthier lifestyle.
Lee Senior, gardening columnist for The War Cry, explains why growing produce is so popular: ‘The modern generation are warier of having produce from supermarkets that might have been contaminated with chemical sprays. Having an allotment means you can control what you and your family eat.’
Whether we’re green-fingered or prefer to concrete over a lawn, life can sometimes seem like an out-of-control garden. We may be frustrated by waiting for our careers to blossom. We may need to nip bad spending habits in the bud and get our finances in check. Maybe we need to root out the weeds of a broken relationship that contaminate our hearts or to water a treasured friendship that has dried up.
Tending to the mess in our lives can be overwhelming. But we can be reassured in knowing that God – the master gardener – is ready to help. Jesus told his disciples: ‘My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit … I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit’ (John 15:1–5 New International Version).
Our personal growth and emotional health are important to God. At times it may be painful, but if we hand our lives over to Jesus, he will prune away all our rotten parts and plant the good fruits of joy, peace and love. As we stay connected to him, we grow. Is it time to let him dig deep?
UK & Ireland War Cry 10 May 2014
Genesis 08 – The rain stops, the flood recedes and the earth dries.
Read Genesis 08
- The familiar story continues. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- Compare Ch7:11 with Ch8:14…how many days were Noah and his family aboard the Ark?
- The familiar story continues. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- Compare Ch7:11 with Ch8:14…how many days were Noah and his family aboard the Ark?
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Forgiveness is better than a poke in the eye
The wish to get our own back on someone who has done us wrong is an attitude we usually learn in the school playground. It may be part of growing up, but that’s where it should stop.
In April, two significant news events showed revenge and forgiveness in a new light. During the first state visit to the UK by an Irish head of state – unthinkable during the years of armed conflict – President Michael D. Higgins said that both countries could ‘take immense pride in their work towards peace in Northern Ireland’.
April also marked the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. In three months in 1994, an estimated one million people were killed. The country was left in ruins and its people traumatised.
A survivor of the atrocities, who came face to face with the killer of her father and brother, said: ‘The past is gone. It’s time to look to the future. Revenge is pointless – what does it achieve?’
What a difference to the eye-for-an-eye, tit-for-tat, attitude that is so often invoked!
Originating from the law God gave to Moses, over the years ‘an eye for an eye’ has been taken out of context and used as permission to commit callous crimes at will.
Originally, it related to the suggest punishment for the serious injury to a pregnant woman resulting in premature childbirth: ‘You are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot’ (Exodus 21:23, 24 New International Version). It was a measure for damage limitation, not a command to get your own back.
Jesus uses the expression as the starting point for a new understanding of forgiveness. He says: ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you … if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also … Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:38–44).
Many people live by the maxim that revenge is sweet. But for those who choose to practise it, forgiveness is even sweeter
UK & Ireland War Cry 10 May 2014
In April, two significant news events showed revenge and forgiveness in a new light. During the first state visit to the UK by an Irish head of state – unthinkable during the years of armed conflict – President Michael D. Higgins said that both countries could ‘take immense pride in their work towards peace in Northern Ireland’.
April also marked the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. In three months in 1994, an estimated one million people were killed. The country was left in ruins and its people traumatised.
A survivor of the atrocities, who came face to face with the killer of her father and brother, said: ‘The past is gone. It’s time to look to the future. Revenge is pointless – what does it achieve?’
What a difference to the eye-for-an-eye, tit-for-tat, attitude that is so often invoked!
Originating from the law God gave to Moses, over the years ‘an eye for an eye’ has been taken out of context and used as permission to commit callous crimes at will.
Originally, it related to the suggest punishment for the serious injury to a pregnant woman resulting in premature childbirth: ‘You are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot’ (Exodus 21:23, 24 New International Version). It was a measure for damage limitation, not a command to get your own back.
Jesus uses the expression as the starting point for a new understanding of forgiveness. He says: ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you … if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also … Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:38–44).
Many people live by the maxim that revenge is sweet. But for those who choose to practise it, forgiveness is even sweeter
UK & Ireland War Cry 10 May 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
Genesis 07 – The Great Flood begins
Read Genesis 07
- The familiar story continues. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- V10, do you think Noah’s contemporaries started to believe his message and started praying to God for mercy once the floods began?
- Can you imagine how Noah and his family felt as the waters rose? Safety, sadness, joy, trust?
- Using the genealogy of chapter 5, it is estimated that the flood occurred around 1656 years after the creation of Adam. We may feel that this is a very long time, but it was only 2 lifetimes, and of course from God’s eternal perspective it was no time at all!...How long do we feel it has been since Jesus rose from the grave and promised to come again, to take us to be with Him? (John 14:1-3)
- How can Noah’s warning, God’s Judgment, and the provision of an Ark be compared to the mission of the Church today?
- The familiar story continues. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- V10, do you think Noah’s contemporaries started to believe his message and started praying to God for mercy once the floods began?
- Can you imagine how Noah and his family felt as the waters rose? Safety, sadness, joy, trust?
- Using the genealogy of chapter 5, it is estimated that the flood occurred around 1656 years after the creation of Adam. We may feel that this is a very long time, but it was only 2 lifetimes, and of course from God’s eternal perspective it was no time at all!...How long do we feel it has been since Jesus rose from the grave and promised to come again, to take us to be with Him? (John 14:1-3)
- How can Noah’s warning, God’s Judgment, and the provision of an Ark be compared to the mission of the Church today?
Genesis 06 – Humankind’s wickedness, God’s Judgements, and Noah’s Ark!
Read Genesis 06
- This is a very familiar story. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- V9, ‘Noah walked with God’. Is this an accurate description of your life and character?
- By modern measurements the Ark would have been at least 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high, with 3 decks. Can you imagine the talk/ridicule/opposition Noah would have faced when constructing it?...Could you have done it under these conditions?
- V20, did Noah have to go and collect 2 of every animal, or did they come to him?
- This is a very familiar story. As you read through it carefully, is there anything which you had either forgotten or not noticed before?
- V9, ‘Noah walked with God’. Is this an accurate description of your life and character?
- By modern measurements the Ark would have been at least 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high, with 3 decks. Can you imagine the talk/ridicule/opposition Noah would have faced when constructing it?...Could you have done it under these conditions?
- V20, did Noah have to go and collect 2 of every animal, or did they come to him?
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Penang Children's Home - Boys and Staffs
2. Please pray for all Mother's both church and home. Pray for all our physical and spiritual mothers a double anointing of God's Spirit
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please pray for all Mother's both church and home. Pray for all our physical and spiritual mothers a double anointing of God's Spirit
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
13th May 2014:Church Family Day Venue: Tanjung Asam(Gertak Sanggul); Person In Charge: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jasinta
15th May 2014: Community Service (Food Parcel): Venue: Community Hall; Time: Please contact Pastor Andrew
18th May 2014: Territorial Candidate Secretary Visit
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
15th May 2014: Community Service (Food Parcel): Venue: Community Hall; Time: Please contact Pastor Andrew
18th May 2014: Territorial Candidate Secretary Visit
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
The Salvation Army International Congress: 150th Anniversary; Date: 1-5 July 2015; Venue: London (UK); Theme: Boundless the Whole World Redeeming. For more information please contact Pastor Andrew.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Genesis 05 – A genealogy from Adam to Noah
V5, Adam lived 930 years. Although this may seem unlikely by today’s age limits, there are good reasons to believe the biblical record. Start by trusting the Bible, and consider some reasons why the ages of people found within this chapter are not so incredible after all…
V23-24, what happened to Enoch?...while others are recorded to have died, is this an instance of someone being Raptured (similar to Elijah, Paul, John, Moses, Angels)?
- Up until Noah entered the Ark, this list of Patriarchs would have either been contemporaries of Adam, the first created human…or else they would have known someone who was his contemporary. No doubt throughout his long life the creation story was told many times to all who would listen, and yet, as we shall discover in the next chapter, this eye-witness to Eden’s paradise and the consequence of sin, was not enough to stop the population from moving further away from God. What does this tell us about human nature and the often mentioned request for evidence of God’s existence?
- What questions would you have had if you were alive at the same time as Adam?
V23-24, what happened to Enoch?...while others are recorded to have died, is this an instance of someone being Raptured (similar to Elijah, Paul, John, Moses, Angels)?
- Up until Noah entered the Ark, this list of Patriarchs would have either been contemporaries of Adam, the first created human…or else they would have known someone who was his contemporary. No doubt throughout his long life the creation story was told many times to all who would listen, and yet, as we shall discover in the next chapter, this eye-witness to Eden’s paradise and the consequence of sin, was not enough to stop the population from moving further away from God. What does this tell us about human nature and the often mentioned request for evidence of God’s existence?
- What questions would you have had if you were alive at the same time as Adam?
Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Godless Delusion
Stuck in Bank Holiday traffic, motorists need a distraction. A newspaper letter about the UK not being a Christian country was, therefore, a godsend. Radio programmes kept delayed listeners updated. Easter, it seems, is a good time to do God.
The row started after David Cameron wrote in the 'Church Times' that Britain should be ‘more confident about our status as a Christian country’. He also pointed out that ‘we should be confident in standing up to defend’ Christian values. In response, 56 people - including members of the British Humanist Association - defended their position in a letter to 'The Daily Telegraph'. Their purpose was to ‘object to his characterisation of Britain as a “Christian country” and the negative consequences for politics and society that this engenders’.
Subsequent claims and counterclaims have focused on statistics - ranging from the number of charities founded by non-Christians to the numbers of children attending church schools - and history, where the letter-writers are accused of being deluded.
How accurate a picture of Christianity, though, are the protagonists drawing? Church schools are not sausage machines, churning out little Christians. Christians rejoice that - unlike in some countries - they, along with people of all faiths and none, will not be imprisoned for their beliefs. Britain has some laws that offend many Christians, but nobody is calling for the imposition of theocracy. Equally, biblical Christianity is more than doing good, winning a numbers game or cultural mood music. It is not a contest of celebrity endorsement.
Following Jesus Christ means making a personal faith commitment that affects every aspect of life. No individual or state can convert anyone or assume faith for another. True conversion does not happen at the point of a gun or the blade of a scimitar. Conversion is an act of God in an individual’s life. It is people who are - or are not - Christian.
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
The row started after David Cameron wrote in the 'Church Times' that Britain should be ‘more confident about our status as a Christian country’. He also pointed out that ‘we should be confident in standing up to defend’ Christian values. In response, 56 people - including members of the British Humanist Association - defended their position in a letter to 'The Daily Telegraph'. Their purpose was to ‘object to his characterisation of Britain as a “Christian country” and the negative consequences for politics and society that this engenders’.
Subsequent claims and counterclaims have focused on statistics - ranging from the number of charities founded by non-Christians to the numbers of children attending church schools - and history, where the letter-writers are accused of being deluded.
How accurate a picture of Christianity, though, are the protagonists drawing? Church schools are not sausage machines, churning out little Christians. Christians rejoice that - unlike in some countries - they, along with people of all faiths and none, will not be imprisoned for their beliefs. Britain has some laws that offend many Christians, but nobody is calling for the imposition of theocracy. Equally, biblical Christianity is more than doing good, winning a numbers game or cultural mood music. It is not a contest of celebrity endorsement.
Following Jesus Christ means making a personal faith commitment that affects every aspect of life. No individual or state can convert anyone or assume faith for another. True conversion does not happen at the point of a gun or the blade of a scimitar. Conversion is an act of God in an individual’s life. It is people who are - or are not - Christian.
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
Genesis 04 – Adam and Eve start having children
Read Genesis 4.
V1-6, Cain evidently knew that killing Abel was a bad thing, as he lied about knowing his brothers whereabouts. Isn’t it amazing how so soon after the dramatic events of the expulsion from Eden we have someone who commits murder and lies to God? What can this tell us about our individual need to be in close relationship with God, and of the need to take seriously our responsibility to introduce Him to our children?
V17, Where did Cain’s wife come from?...Was it his sister?...was such a marriage prohibited by this time?...would there be a genetic problem with interbreeding or did that come later through the effects of the sin’s curse, leading to the prohibition of incest?
V1-6, Cain evidently knew that killing Abel was a bad thing, as he lied about knowing his brothers whereabouts. Isn’t it amazing how so soon after the dramatic events of the expulsion from Eden we have someone who commits murder and lies to God? What can this tell us about our individual need to be in close relationship with God, and of the need to take seriously our responsibility to introduce Him to our children?
V17, Where did Cain’s wife come from?...Was it his sister?...was such a marriage prohibited by this time?...would there be a genetic problem with interbreeding or did that come later through the effects of the sin’s curse, leading to the prohibition of incest?
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Still Friends...Ten Years After The Last One
So no one told them life was gonna be this way. When they hit TV screens back in 1994, the six actors in the US sitcom 'Friends' did not expect to make ten series or achieve global stardom. Nor did Jennifer Aniston imagine that female fans would be rushing to their hairdresser, asking for ‘a Rachel, please’. But viewers on both sides of the pond took the characters of Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel to their hearts. And when the series concluded ten years ago this month, it was the end of an era.
In May 2004, highlighting the special bond that the New York gang had with the public, many fans held 'Friends' parties to see the final episode together. More than 50 million Americans watched as Rachel ‘got off the plane’ to be with Ross. When the gang finally left Monica and Chandler’s apartment to stroll into their future, it was a very big deal.
But thanks to reruns of the series on the UK’s Comedy Central, viewers are still hanging out with the friends. They can laugh all over again as they watch Phoebe croon her way through the song ‘Smelly Cat’. Their heartstrings can be plucked as they revisit Monica and Chandler’s wedding day. And they can still relate to the feelings of heartache faced by Ross and Rachel when their relationship hits the rocks.
Back in 2001, actor James Michael Tyler - who played coffee shop owner Gunther - told 'The War Cry' why he thought the show was so popular. He said: ‘Fans identify either with one or more of the characters or they know someone just like them. Also they identify with the situation a character’s going through. The show’s very true to life.’
Perhaps he was right. After all, whether we live in New York, old York or anywhere else, good and bad days happen. Sometimes life seems sunny. We have job satisfaction, great friends and good health. But at other times we feel as though we’re stuck in second gear. We go through a break-up, we lose our job or we make an embarrassing mistake (known as ‘pulling a Monica’). We look at others and want what they have, because, let’s face it, could our life be any more depressing.
Even with the best of friends surrounding us, we can feel misunderstood. We worry that if we keep on burdening our friends with our woes, they’ll grow tired of us and leave. We think no one truly knows or understands how we feel.
But someone does. Jesus is a friend who will never give up on us or tire of hearing from us. Instead, he enjoys every minute we spend with him.
In the Bible, Jesus invites everyone: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28 New International Version). He makes it clear that we don’t have to pretend to be something we’re not. Nor do we have to worry that it’s too early or late to call on him. Day and night, he is ready to welcome us.
Whatever our situation, Jesus promises he’ll be there. And his friendship lasts for eternity.
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
In May 2004, highlighting the special bond that the New York gang had with the public, many fans held 'Friends' parties to see the final episode together. More than 50 million Americans watched as Rachel ‘got off the plane’ to be with Ross. When the gang finally left Monica and Chandler’s apartment to stroll into their future, it was a very big deal.
But thanks to reruns of the series on the UK’s Comedy Central, viewers are still hanging out with the friends. They can laugh all over again as they watch Phoebe croon her way through the song ‘Smelly Cat’. Their heartstrings can be plucked as they revisit Monica and Chandler’s wedding day. And they can still relate to the feelings of heartache faced by Ross and Rachel when their relationship hits the rocks.
Back in 2001, actor James Michael Tyler - who played coffee shop owner Gunther - told 'The War Cry' why he thought the show was so popular. He said: ‘Fans identify either with one or more of the characters or they know someone just like them. Also they identify with the situation a character’s going through. The show’s very true to life.’
Perhaps he was right. After all, whether we live in New York, old York or anywhere else, good and bad days happen. Sometimes life seems sunny. We have job satisfaction, great friends and good health. But at other times we feel as though we’re stuck in second gear. We go through a break-up, we lose our job or we make an embarrassing mistake (known as ‘pulling a Monica’). We look at others and want what they have, because, let’s face it, could our life be any more depressing.
Even with the best of friends surrounding us, we can feel misunderstood. We worry that if we keep on burdening our friends with our woes, they’ll grow tired of us and leave. We think no one truly knows or understands how we feel.
But someone does. Jesus is a friend who will never give up on us or tire of hearing from us. Instead, he enjoys every minute we spend with him.
In the Bible, Jesus invites everyone: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28 New International Version). He makes it clear that we don’t have to pretend to be something we’re not. Nor do we have to worry that it’s too early or late to call on him. Day and night, he is ready to welcome us.
Whatever our situation, Jesus promises he’ll be there. And his friendship lasts for eternity.
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
Genesis 03 – The fall, the curse, and the banishment from Eden
Read Genesis 3.
V1, a talking snake!...our logic and reasoning is often based on what is considered ‘natural’, but when the ‘supernatural’ is involved is there any reason why this shouldn’t be taken at face value?
V1-4, The serpent challenges God’s command (found in ch2v16-17) by first of all casting doubt (“Did God really say…”) and then distorting His words (in this case exaggerating), before finally dismissing God’s words as untrue. Is this the way the devil still tempts us, challenges God’s will and distorts His Gospel today?
V6-19, the result of the first human sin was immense, and explains why there is so much hardship today as a consequence. But the eating of the forbidden fruit was the product of doubting God’s goodness, wanting more than is provided, and believing the lie there is no consequence for breaking God’s law. Although it would be easy to pin the blame on Adam and Eve, would it also be true to say that each one of us has committed a similar sin of doubt, greed, and breaking God’s 10 commandments?
V21, despite their doubt, greed, and disobedience, this verse shows that God still loved them and would continue to help protect them.
V1, a talking snake!...our logic and reasoning is often based on what is considered ‘natural’, but when the ‘supernatural’ is involved is there any reason why this shouldn’t be taken at face value?
V1-4, The serpent challenges God’s command (found in ch2v16-17) by first of all casting doubt (“Did God really say…”) and then distorting His words (in this case exaggerating), before finally dismissing God’s words as untrue. Is this the way the devil still tempts us, challenges God’s will and distorts His Gospel today?
V6-19, the result of the first human sin was immense, and explains why there is so much hardship today as a consequence. But the eating of the forbidden fruit was the product of doubting God’s goodness, wanting more than is provided, and believing the lie there is no consequence for breaking God’s law. Although it would be easy to pin the blame on Adam and Eve, would it also be true to say that each one of us has committed a similar sin of doubt, greed, and breaking God’s 10 commandments?
V21, despite their doubt, greed, and disobedience, this verse shows that God still loved them and would continue to help protect them.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Divided Loyalties Do Not Add Up
Despite our best intentions, we can’t always please everyone. Take this case of divided loyalties. Joan had arranged with her mother that she would bring her husband and two young children to lunch on Mother’s Day. But the day before, her husband accepted an invitation from his mother for lunch. Neither spouse had checked with the other before making the arrangements. What a dilemma! Which mother would be the least offended when they had to tell her that lunch was off? The couple were grateful that Joan’s mother saw the funny side of the situation and said she’d keep the chicken in the freezer for another time.
In this series, we are looking at the meaning and background of Bible sayings in common usage. This week’s saying originated with Jesus. He said: ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money’ (Matthew 6:24 New International Version).
In Bible times, slaves or servants were owned by their masters. They had no rights of their own and were completely at their master’s disposal. If their loyalty was doubted, their service ended abruptly.
Rather than the word ‘money’, older versions of the Bible use the word ‘mammon’, which actually refers to material possessions in general.
The Bible tells the story of a wealthy young man (see Mark 10:17–25) who inquired about the necessary qualifications to get into Heaven. Jesus replied that he should use the Ten Commandments to guide his everyday life. To this he proudly answered that he had never knowingly broken any of them. But it was a different story when, testing his commitment, Jesus told him he must sell all his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him. It was the one thing he couldn’t do. Money had become his master.
The saying ‘No man can serve two masters’ is often used in relation to politics and business - especially when the divided loyalties of ambition and power interfere with a positive outcome for good. So, what rules our life?
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
In this series, we are looking at the meaning and background of Bible sayings in common usage. This week’s saying originated with Jesus. He said: ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money’ (Matthew 6:24 New International Version).
In Bible times, slaves or servants were owned by their masters. They had no rights of their own and were completely at their master’s disposal. If their loyalty was doubted, their service ended abruptly.
Rather than the word ‘money’, older versions of the Bible use the word ‘mammon’, which actually refers to material possessions in general.
The Bible tells the story of a wealthy young man (see Mark 10:17–25) who inquired about the necessary qualifications to get into Heaven. Jesus replied that he should use the Ten Commandments to guide his everyday life. To this he proudly answered that he had never knowingly broken any of them. But it was a different story when, testing his commitment, Jesus told him he must sell all his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him. It was the one thing he couldn’t do. Money had become his master.
The saying ‘No man can serve two masters’ is often used in relation to politics and business - especially when the divided loyalties of ambition and power interfere with a positive outcome for good. So, what rules our life?
UK & Ireland War Cry 3 May 2014
Genesis 02 – The creation of Adam and Eve
Read Genesis 2:
v2, why did God rest on the seventh day?
v7, what did God form from the dust?...and was this creation a man before God breathed life into it, or was it an animal?
v15, even in the paradise of Eden, man had a job/responsibility/work to do…what can this tell us about God’s will for our lives, and perhaps even suggest about our eternity in heaven?
v16-17, why do you think God placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden if its fruit was forbidden?
v22, At this point the curse of death has not been introduced, and so reproduction for the sake of continuity was not necessary….and so, why do you think God only made one companion for Adam at this time?...and why now make a woman instead of another man? Does this tell us anything about God’s will and design for human relationships?
v2, why did God rest on the seventh day?
v7, what did God form from the dust?...and was this creation a man before God breathed life into it, or was it an animal?
v15, even in the paradise of Eden, man had a job/responsibility/work to do…what can this tell us about God’s will for our lives, and perhaps even suggest about our eternity in heaven?
v16-17, why do you think God placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden if its fruit was forbidden?
v22, At this point the curse of death has not been introduced, and so reproduction for the sake of continuity was not necessary….and so, why do you think God only made one companion for Adam at this time?...and why now make a woman instead of another man? Does this tell us anything about God’s will and design for human relationships?
Monday, May 5, 2014
Genesis 01 – ‘In the beginning…’
Read Genesis 1:
v1, If God did not created everything, then who or what did?
- Would it take more faith to believe that God created everything, or to believe that nothing created everything?
- If God is the Creator of the universe, then does it make sense to challenge (as opposed to study) His account of how creation began?
v14, if time is measured using night and day, the rotation of the Earth, moon and Sun, then is it fair to reason that the creator of time and space is not subject to them, and can be infinite?
v20-25, the phrase ‘according to their kinds’ is frequently mentioned in the creation of the animals, do you think one ‘kind’ evolved into a different ‘kind’ over many millions of years, or that God created the animals originally within their specific animal groups? Do we see examples of millions of transitional forms (one kind of animal being evolved into another kind) today?
- From a biblical perspective, is there a problem with believing in the theory of evolution?
- From a contemporary and secular perspective, is there are problem with believing in the biblical account?
v27, in what way were we made in the image of God?
v1, If God did not created everything, then who or what did?
- Would it take more faith to believe that God created everything, or to believe that nothing created everything?
- If God is the Creator of the universe, then does it make sense to challenge (as opposed to study) His account of how creation began?
v14, if time is measured using night and day, the rotation of the Earth, moon and Sun, then is it fair to reason that the creator of time and space is not subject to them, and can be infinite?
v20-25, the phrase ‘according to their kinds’ is frequently mentioned in the creation of the animals, do you think one ‘kind’ evolved into a different ‘kind’ over many millions of years, or that God created the animals originally within their specific animal groups? Do we see examples of millions of transitional forms (one kind of animal being evolved into another kind) today?
- From a biblical perspective, is there a problem with believing in the theory of evolution?
- From a contemporary and secular perspective, is there are problem with believing in the biblical account?
v27, in what way were we made in the image of God?
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Alice Ganasoundary, Sis Devi and Kisha.
2. Please pray for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration, Senior Citizen Fellowship and Helping Hand Project
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for Major Brenda who is currently at ICO in London for attending intense spiritual seminar. Pray also for Major Tan and the ministry at Kuala Lumpur.
• Pray for Malaysia. The latest car accident tragedy of Mr Karpal Singh is a further blow to a political progress of the nation. Pray for God power to move His people and protect them from evil forces.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please pray for upcoming event, Church Sport and Outing, Mother's Day Celebration, Senior Citizen Fellowship and Helping Hand Project
3. Please pray for one another in your prayer, especially those that are not feeling well.
• Pray for God's anointing and wisdom for Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn as they lead out Territory in these challenging days
• Pray for Major Brenda who is currently at ICO in London for attending intense spiritual seminar. Pray also for Major Tan and the ministry at Kuala Lumpur.
• Pray for Malaysia. The latest car accident tragedy of Mr Karpal Singh is a further blow to a political progress of the nation. Pray for God power to move His people and protect them from evil forces.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
10th May 2014: Senior Citizen's Fellowship: Venue: Dim Sum, Macalister Road; Time: 8:00am
13th May 2014:Church Family Day Venue: Tanjung Asam(Gertak Sanggul>; Person In Charge: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jasinta
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
13th May 2014:Church Family Day Venue: Tanjung Asam(Gertak Sanggul>; Person In Charge: Bro Kim Aun & Sis Jasinta
2014 Helping Project for Children in Myanmar; Women's Ministry team is organizing a walkathon in support for this project fundraising; Venue: TBA
Friday, May 2, 2014
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge
5 May 2014 to 28th November 2014
Week 01: Bible Reading Plan and Discussion Starters
150 popular chapters from the Old Testament within 7 months,
reading just 5 chapters per week.
More information.. stay tune..
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