My Bible Journal: August 2015

Saturday, August 29, 2015

BSF Leaders meeting (29 Aug 2015)

Homiletics review for Numbers 20

"I Wish .... " Video

Felt that this video is meaningful

https://youtu.be/ZGVTX_DPRm8

For us to reflect on things we wish for .... We do not see perspectives from others who actually see how blessed we are ....

I need to thank God for his blessings that I am showered with .... to have a thankful heart .... not just wishing for more .... qn is do I need it? What does that actually add to me spiritually.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

BSF - Covering Yong Yeo's Group Discussion

Praise God for letting me cover another Group this evening. The HS led me and I felt comfortable with the discussion; there was sharing and good discussion. The only thing was that the time passed quickly ... so the last part I had to rush. Fortunately we still finished the session in time for the lecture.

Pray that God be close to lead me in the discussions ... that I can prepare well and generate honest discussion amongst the men.

Numbers 19: How Jesus is our High Priest Some pics which gives a quick summary

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Red Heiffer

The slaughtering of a red heifer was a ceremonial ritual in the Old Testament sacrificial system, as described in Numbers 19:1-10. The purpose of the red heifer sacrifice was to provide for the water of cleansing (Numbers 19:9), another term for purification from sin. After the red heifer was sacrificed, her blood was sprinkled at the door of the tabernacle.

The imagery of the blood of the heifer without blemish being sacrificed and its blood cleansing from sin is a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ shed on the cross for believers’ sin.

6 things that Jesus was to accomplish:
1. Jesus was “without blemish” just as the red heifer was to be. The red heiffer was a cow (unlike the normal bull / ram / goat), which was unique. Jesus fulfilled these symbolism.

2. As the heifer was sacrificed “outside the camp” (Numbers 19:3), in the same way Jesus was crucified outside of Jerusalem: “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood”

3. For the first time in the OT that a past sacrifice (red heifer's ashes) was used to cleanse future sins.

Jesus died once for our sins of the past, present and future. On time for all.

4. Cleansing to be done by man who is ceremonially clean

Numbers 19:9 (NIV)

9 “A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin.

Only Jesus can be the perfect priest to cleanse our sins as he was without sin

5. Contact with he unclean defiled and contaminated everyone
Jesus bore all our sins (made vulnerable ... as our substitute)
Although he bore our sins ... He remains unblemished, he remains clean!!

6. Sacrifice could not cleanse our conscience
Heb22 - without shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness
Heb22:24 - Jesus as our high priest entered Heaven itself; unlike earthly priests who entered the copy of heaven.
Heb10:1 - law is a shadow of what is to come. Jesus' blood cleanses us of all sins.

BSF Lesson 21 (25 Aug 2015)

Affirmation of the Priesthood
1. Koran & Rebels Destroyed (Numbers 15:1-16:40)
Principle 1: Grumbling against God's appointed leaders is rebellion against God.

2. Aaron's Priesthood Affirmed (Numbers 16:41-18:32)
Principle 2: The only way to approach God is the way that God prescribes.

3. Aaron's Priesthood Points to Jesus Christ (Numbers 19)
Principle 3: Jesus Christ is God's appointed mediator.

Monday, August 24, 2015

God's protection

This morning (25/8) had a near miss accident along the way to work. Had to swerve to avoid colliding into the front car as he braked when a bus cut into his lane. It was indeed a close shave!!! Thank you God for your protection on the roads daily .... having your protective hand constantly watching over me. Amen

Saturday, August 22, 2015

1 John 2

Children's Sermonett

BSF Leaders meeting (22 Aug 2015)

Homiletics

Numbers 16 & 17

Aim: God has provided one way to Salvation

We learned how to formulate Applications

Application = apply Scripture targeting transformational heart change instead of behaviour modification.

- Need to challenge for heart change

- Question form + open ended to move GMs to poder

-Short, impactful & provocative

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

BSF - covering SengHee's Group

Praise God that the HS led me in the discussion. The Ps & Ts fell into place and I managed to complete the questions.

During the session I was calm and did not have anxiety in my heart. Felt a feeling joy doing the session with the men. HS was leading and not me .....

BSF Lesson 20 (18 Aug 2015)

The 12 Spies
1. Difficulties & Challenges (Numbers 13:1-33)
Principle 1: Difficulties presents the chance to trust God or turn back to unbelief

2. Making the Right Choices (Numbers 14:1-19)
Principle 2: Trusting in God’s character directs us in making the right choices

3. Every Decision has Consequences (Numbers 14:20-45)
Principle 3: With God’s presence to guide our lives, we will live in His power & faithfulness

2 areas of impact: Howe Lai’s reminder that
A) Hardest lesson for man => to trust God instead of our own reasoned minds

How much so for the Israelites who was at the doorstep before entering Canaan!!

Reminder that we too are no different vs the Israelities then … do not be quick to judge and criticise them … but a reminder to re-examine myself … am I the same?

Instead of trusting God fully … we normally ask for more proof / signs before taking that step of faith

Even in NT => the apostle Thomas was the same … he wanted evidence before trusting that Jesus had resurrected!!

Faith is:
- Trust God based on his past record if faithfulness
- Basis of God’s character
- He can & will defeat our enemies as what he did previously
- Trust God to experience his power

Remember to take faith in God as:
i) What we see can be unreliable … normally, we see what we want to see
ii) We do not see the whole / big picture which God sees
iii) It is hard to imagine what we have not seen

B)      Follow Moses’ example
-          Moses’ intercession wasn’t based on saving the people
-          His basis was protecting God’s reputation / status and God’s glory in the eyes of the world
Reminder to consider: how is my decision / action impacting God?

Pray that:
I take faith fully in Jesus (like how Caleb and Joshua look at their circumstances with God at their centre).
That I will have faith led perspective by having the discipline to read God’s Word; spend time with him and in prayer.

Blessings of God do not necessarily result in obedience!!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Leaders BSF meeting 15Aug2015

Was working through Homelitics ... determining the lesson Aim

More practice needed ....

Following Caleb’s & Joshua’s example

Need change our lenses when we look at circumstances we face ... if we put on "faith - filled perspective" ... We will be like Caleb & Joshua .... They only saw God's incredible power vs small giants!!