Thursday, 12 March 2020
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
Christian Hope
My grandmother, Mdm Wee Gin Neo, died earlier this year in April. She was a member of Kay Poh Road Baptist Church and used to bake the bread for The Lord's Supper! By God's grace, she lived a long and full life, to the age of 92. As I helped out with funeral matters such as the obituary and eulogy, I thought about hope - the Christian hope of eternal life.
We sometimes use the word "hope" to describe things which we want to happen, but may not actually happen. For example, we "hope" that Singapore will qualify for the World Cup. The difference between worldly hope and Christian hope is that Christian hope is 100% certain. How can we be so sure?
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul establishes that Christ not only died for our sins, but was buried, and raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. It is because of this, because He lives, that we have hope.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know, I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." - 1 Corinthians 15:17-19
Saying that Jesus died for our sins, without going on to say that Jesus was raised back to life, is not the gospel. It is not good news. In fact, it is very bad news, because it means that Jesus has been defeated by death and we have no hope!
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Because Jesus defeated death, we are no longer in our sins and have hope beyond this life. Because Jesus clothes us with His righteousness and immortality, we can inherit the kingdom of God, which is an eternal kingdom.
"I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"" - 1 Corinthians 15:50-55
Because Jesus defeated death, we have victory over death (i.e. eternal life), if we are in Christ.
"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." - Romans 8:34
Furthermore, because Jesus was raised back to life, He can intercede for us. We do not have a dead High Priest, but a great High Priest!
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
May we believe in Jesus and, even when faced with death, have the Christian hope of eternal life!
We sometimes use the word "hope" to describe things which we want to happen, but may not actually happen. For example, we "hope" that Singapore will qualify for the World Cup. The difference between worldly hope and Christian hope is that Christian hope is 100% certain. How can we be so sure?
"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul establishes that Christ not only died for our sins, but was buried, and raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. It is because of this, because He lives, that we have hope.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know, I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." - 1 Corinthians 15:17-19
Saying that Jesus died for our sins, without going on to say that Jesus was raised back to life, is not the gospel. It is not good news. In fact, it is very bad news, because it means that Jesus has been defeated by death and we have no hope!
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Because Jesus defeated death, we are no longer in our sins and have hope beyond this life. Because Jesus clothes us with His righteousness and immortality, we can inherit the kingdom of God, which is an eternal kingdom.
"I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"" - 1 Corinthians 15:50-55
Because Jesus defeated death, we have victory over death (i.e. eternal life), if we are in Christ.
"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." - Romans 8:34
Furthermore, because Jesus was raised back to life, He can intercede for us. We do not have a dead High Priest, but a great High Priest!
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
May we believe in Jesus and, even when faced with death, have the Christian hope of eternal life!
Saturday, 21 September 2019
Sunday, 8 September 2019
Random Thoughts
1. Don't worry about distinction, but commitment to the core.
2. Religious Exclusivism vs Political Exclusivism
3. Things may happen step by step, and may change along the way. The most important step is the next step.
2. Religious Exclusivism vs Political Exclusivism
3. Things may happen step by step, and may change along the way. The most important step is the next step.
Sunday, 12 May 2019
God the Wedding Planner
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4
Sunday, 21 April 2019
Blessed Easter
Jesus is alive and the body of Christ is the Church. We testify to His resurrection.
Blessed Easter!
Monday, 1 January 2018
Blessed New Year
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." - Psalm 1:1-2
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:19
"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32
"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." - Isaiah 64:4
If God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how much more will he also with him graciously give us all things!
As the years go by, God brings about new things which I could not have imagined at the start of each year (in 2017, it was Vienna). Above all, we must be at peace with God and rest in His will.
You do not know what tomorrow will bring
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15
Do not be anxious about tomorrow
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:33-34
Do not be anxious about anything
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
Seek the things that are above
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:1-2
Set your minds on things that are above
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:3-4
My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life, my all
To love and follow Him
Holy Spirit, Living Breath Of God
Holy Spirit, living breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Let the presence of the risen Lord
Come renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your Word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me
O Father, All Creating
Except Thou build it, Father, the house is built in vain
Except Thou, Saviour, bless it, the joy will turn to pain
But naught can break the union of hearts in Thee made one
And love Thy Spirit hallows is endless love begun
All Glory Be To Christ
Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive
Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive
To you who boast tomorrow's gain, tell me what is your life
A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ
All glory be to Christ our King, all glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we'll ever sing, all glory be to Christ
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:19
"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32
"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." - Isaiah 64:4
If God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how much more will he also with him graciously give us all things!
As the years go by, God brings about new things which I could not have imagined at the start of each year (in 2017, it was Vienna). Above all, we must be at peace with God and rest in His will.
You do not know what tomorrow will bring
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15
Do not be anxious about tomorrow
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:33-34
Do not be anxious about anything
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
Seek the things that are above
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:1-2
Set your minds on things that are above
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:3-4
My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life, my all
To love and follow Him
Holy Spirit, Living Breath Of God
Holy Spirit, living breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Let the presence of the risen Lord
Come renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your Word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me
O Father, All Creating
Except Thou build it, Father, the house is built in vain
Except Thou, Saviour, bless it, the joy will turn to pain
But naught can break the union of hearts in Thee made one
And love Thy Spirit hallows is endless love begun
All Glory Be To Christ
Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive
Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive
To you who boast tomorrow's gain, tell me what is your life
A mist that vanishes at dawn, all glory be to Christ
All glory be to Christ our King, all glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we'll ever sing, all glory be to Christ
Friday, 22 September 2017
Undivided
Give me an undivided heart
That I might fear Your name
Teach me to walk in righteous paths
And follow in Your ways
For You are gracious and forgiving
Hear, O Lord, and answer me
Give me an undivided mind
That I might love Your Word
Help to hunger for Your voice
And know Your Spirit's sword
For You are good, Your truth unchanging
Life is found in serving You
Undivided, I want to live for You
Single-minded, all that I say, all that I do
Sanctify me, take me and make me new
That I might live for Christ, my Lord
Give me an undivided love
For all that You desire
Make me a living sacrifice
Ignite in me Your fire
For You, O Lord, are God eternal
All my ways are known to You
Undivided, I want to live for You
Single-minded, all that I say, all that I do
Sanctify me, take me and make me new
That I might live for Christ, my Lord
Undivided, counting my gains as loss
Single-minded, whatever the pain, whatever the cost
Sanctify me, help me take up my cross
And live for Him who died for me
That I might fear Your name
Teach me to walk in righteous paths
And follow in Your ways
For You are gracious and forgiving
Hear, O Lord, and answer me
Give me an undivided mind
That I might love Your Word
Help to hunger for Your voice
And know Your Spirit's sword
For You are good, Your truth unchanging
Life is found in serving You
Undivided, I want to live for You
Single-minded, all that I say, all that I do
Sanctify me, take me and make me new
That I might live for Christ, my Lord
Give me an undivided love
For all that You desire
Make me a living sacrifice
Ignite in me Your fire
For You, O Lord, are God eternal
All my ways are known to You
Undivided, I want to live for You
Single-minded, all that I say, all that I do
Sanctify me, take me and make me new
That I might live for Christ, my Lord
Undivided, counting my gains as loss
Single-minded, whatever the pain, whatever the cost
Sanctify me, help me take up my cross
And live for Him who died for me
Saturday, 22 July 2017
Ambassadors
The only thing an ambassador does, if he's interested in keeping his job, is to faithfully represent the message, methods, and character of the leader who has sent him. He is not free to think, speak, or act independently. Everything he does, every decision he makes, and every interaction he has must be shaped by this one question: "What is the will and plan of the one who sent me?" The ambassador does not represent his own interest, his own perspective, or his own power. He does everything as an ambassador, or he has forgotten who he is and he will not be in his position for long.
- Paul David Tripp, Parenting
- Paul David Tripp, Parenting
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Awe
Creation is awesome. God designed it to be awesome. And God designed you to take in creation's awesome display. You are meant to be inspired and to celebrate the awesome things that come from the Creator's hand. But as you participate and rejoice in the awesome display of creation, you must understand that these awesome things were not intended to be ultimate. They were not made to be the stopping place and feeding station for your heart. No awesome thing in creation was meant to give you what only the Creator is able to give. Every awesome thing in creation is designed to point you to the One who alone is worthy of capturing and controlling the awe of your searching and hungry heart.
As it is true of a street sign, so it is true of every jaw-dropping, knee-weakening, silence-producing, wonder-inspiring thing in the universe. The sign is not the thing you are looking for. No, the sign points you to what you are looking for. So you can't stop at the sign, for it will never deliver what the thing it is pointing to will deliver. Created awe has a purpose; it is meant to point you to the place where the awe of your heart should rest. If awesome things in creation become your god, the God who created those things will not own your awe. Horizontal awe is meant to do one thing: stimulate vertical awe.
- Paul David Tripp, Awe
As it is true of a street sign, so it is true of every jaw-dropping, knee-weakening, silence-producing, wonder-inspiring thing in the universe. The sign is not the thing you are looking for. No, the sign points you to what you are looking for. So you can't stop at the sign, for it will never deliver what the thing it is pointing to will deliver. Created awe has a purpose; it is meant to point you to the place where the awe of your heart should rest. If awesome things in creation become your god, the God who created those things will not own your awe. Horizontal awe is meant to do one thing: stimulate vertical awe.
- Paul David Tripp, Awe
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