Mark 6 - Jesus Walks on Water

Mark 6:47-52
Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.

Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 

Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.

They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Interesting perspective

Revelation 1:3

Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

BSF LM - Stimulate meaningful and purposeful conversations

Below are the points submitted by GLs on LM 21 Feb 16 on how we use the aims of BSf to stimulate meaningful and purposeful conversations.

Aims of BSF
1. Encounter God, as He has revealed Himself in the Bible – the Creator and Sustainer of all, sovereign in history and in the salvation and perseverance of the Saints.
How does this week’s study give/reveal a new perspective/attribute of God?
How do you encounter God with you through this prophecy?
Which prophecy did you cover?
What does this mean to you?
Any verses in this week’s study that speaks to you or do you see God in a new light?

2. Know and love God in His fullness through our Lord Jesus Christ

How do I know God better?
What you learn about Jesus help you to know God better?
How can one know and love God through BSF study?
How does the deeper knowledge of Christ help you to love God more?
How is your relationship with Christ can be deepen to love God?

3. Study and apply the Bible daily by the power of the Holy Spirit

How do you find the daily questions and how can you study and apply it?
How can you apply what you have learnt at your workplace, home or role as father , son…etc
How have you applied what you learnt to QT or your own study of scriptures.
What has God spoken to you as part of your daily study and lessons and questions.
What are the challenges of applying the study of BSF questions

4. Grow to spiritual maturity in the context of community, demonstrating Christ-centered lives

Which Bible passage or verses struck you and what was your response?
How did the lesson speak to you?
Could you care to share any new lessons /insights/applications.
What is the one thing you can apply form this week’s lesson?
What act of love have you done this week from lesson learnt?

5. Equip and train spiritual leaders to serve God in culture and the local church

Are you involved in any  ministry?
How do you find this fulfilling?
Show by self exampleHow can you use BSF knowledge to share with others
In what way can BSF help you?
What areas of your spiritual life has been touched by BSF study?
How can you magnify God in your church and interaction with others?

6. Love and care for our families, neighbors, communities and the world inthe name of Jesus Christ

How many kids do you have?
What do you normally do with your family?
How do you spend time with your family? Any problem?

7. Reach the next generation of younger adults and children with the gospel ofJesus Christ through Bible engagement

Encourage GM to bring children to the school program
Do you have children in the school program?
Are you bringing children to the school program?
Do you make use of the BSF home discussion sheet?

BSF - Lesson 1 (23 Feb 2016)

God's Prophecy: The Telling & Foretelling of God's Story

Aim:
Understanding of Biblical Prophecy provides us with a God centered confidence to face whatever tomorrow brings.

1. What is Prophecy
Principle 1: Prophecy is God confiding in His people.

2. Characteristics of Prophecy
Principle 2: Prophecy proves that God is in charge of  yesterday, today & tomorrow.

3. Purpose of Prophecy
Principle 3: Fulfilled prophecy gives God's people assurance of future fulfillment.

Cornerstone

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all

Christ alone
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.

1 Samuel 16:7

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

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God doesn’t focus on our outward appearance. It is what’s on the inside that matters to Him.

Scripture tells us that our beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes which call attention to us. Rather, it should be that of our inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4)  

So often we look at what we can see on the outside – beauty, talents, fame and such, but God sees straight to the heart – motives, intent and character. 

Even Samuel was swayed by physical appearance. When meeting Jesse’s first son, Eliab, he immediately assumes this must be God’s anointed one, however, God makes it clear: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.” (1 Samuel 16:6)

As we can see from God’s perspective, the outward appearance is not the best way to judge a person.

There is an old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Its meaning is simple, a person’s appearance, either their physical attributes or clothing, are no indication of their inner being. We need to be very careful because outward appearance can be very deceptive.

Jesus told the teachers of the law and Pharisees: “you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

‘Beauty is only skin deep’, and often the vain and arrogant seem to be the most beautiful to those lacking discernment from God, since our heavenly Father makes it clear that what actually matters to Him is what is in our heart.

A true child of God will reflect a humble spirit, love for God and others, as well as joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is truly a beautiful person in the eyes of God. “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)

Lord, You alone know each heart; I pray for discernment of Your Holy Spirit to recognize the qualities of the people who come into my life and not only look at the outward appearance, but to look at their heart.

Verse Today - John 13:34

Verse of the Day -  John 13:34

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

BSF Intro Lesson - 16 Feb 2016

1. God's Revelation  - The Bible

Principle 1: God created humankind and the world for His glorious purpose.

2. God's Promises - The Old Testament

Principle 2: God's promises gives His people their only hope.

3. God's Redemption - The New Testament

Principle 3: The power to live a victorious life free from the curse of sin is to trust in Jesus.

BSF Leader's Meeting -13 Feb 16 (part 2)

GL’s Leadership Development Responding to Controversy
Appropriate reaction to controversy

Category 1 – Sentence or phrases that can be used to intervene when someone is offended or a disagreement becomes disrespectful.
This is not the platform to discuss the subject…lets come back…
Let’s hear from others……….
“Hold” Let’s not get too excited…
Can we move to the next question…
Due to lack of time… let’s move on..
Let’s remember our ground rules
Sorry let me cut in….
We are here to learn together
Thank you both Next Question?
We can take this further in fellowship
We need to continue thinking about this ...
Listen to the lecture ....
What does the Bible say?
Let’s be forbearing
We hear you ... Another view?
Let’s take it off-line
WWJD

Category 2 – Questions to ask during a follow up with a GM who was offended during the DG.
How are you?
Would you mind if we ……
Were you offended?
How did you feel about…….
Has the issue been resolved?
How are you processing it now (affirmation)
I appreciate your sharing…, are you surprised?
How have you benefitted?
How can we move forward?
How can we do better next time?
How can we build on the group better?

BSF Leader's Meeting - 13 Feb 2016

What questions can you ask your Group to define what is a good discussion group:
What do you look forward to the discussion every week?       
How can we encourage you to participate in the discussion?       
How can we draw unity in our diversity of view?
How can we spur you?
What is a good discussion group?
What is the characteristic of a good discussion?
How can we respond to each other’s view when we don’t agree

Suggest and describe what is a vibrant discussion group.
Why do you come to BSF?
How do you want to listen to others view/sharing?
What is interesting to you in this week’s lesson?
What do you think is a vibrant DG?
What has been beneficial for you from your past BSF DG?
What do you think is a safe and vibrant DG?
How can we prevent our safety within our DG be breeched?
What makes a good discussion session?

How do we make / encourage one another to share?
What do you intend to achieve from our weekly discussion?
How do you prepare yourself to contribute to our discussion?
What do you think we should avoid to derail our discussion session?
What good practices can we adopt during sharing?
What makes you come to every discussion on time?
How will you allow the Holy Spirit to share what you have learnt.
How will you prepare before discussion?

How do we keep the unity in Christ?
How are the differences that bring us to God and His word?
What is one thing you have learnt from the group discussion last week?
How do you hope to contribute to the group discussion?
How can you build up the group by your sharing?
If you came fully prepared, would you think that our discussion would be more effective?
Keep your answer concise and precise so that more members can participate.
How do we keep the sharing safe so that members will speak out openly.
Will the sharing be more confidential if we don’t use names for persons or churches?

Ephesians 4:1-16 Unity & Maturity in the Body of Christ

As I prepare to lead my DG to study the book of Revalation, below scripture spoke to me on how to preserve unity ... That the key is to focus on Jesus 

Ephesians 4:2-7,11-16 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called ; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. [11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

God's Love

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.

Verse Today - Mark 12:30-31

Verse of the Day - February 9

Mark 12:30-31
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

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"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Four times this command is spoken in the New Testament: Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33; and Luke 10:27.

In essence, the first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up this way. “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30).

A Christian's number one duty is to love God with all the heart, the soul, the mind, the understanding, and the strength. The Greek word for heart represents the innermost part of a person, the center of one's personal life. The word used for soul consists of the mind, will and emotions. This includes one's personality. The word for mind means the faculty of thought, the reflective activity of the heart. The word for understanding basically refers to intellect, and the word for strength means physical ability. It is clear that God wants all that a person is and has to give. He commands His people to love Him with everything they are, with every ounce of their being.

Love is not a feeling or an emotion. Love is a decision. For believers, God wants them to decide to love Him in all that they do, for all of their lives.

To love God is to obey His Word. He does not want people to act religious and just go through the motions. He knows all and sees through that kind of hypocrisy. He wants heart, soul, mind and strength.
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Loving God also means learning to love what God loves, and to hate what God hates. “You love righteousness and hate wickedness.” (Psalm 45:7)

“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

It should be noted that God loves conditionally, not unconditionally. He loves His own people unconditionally, but, like any parent, not everything they do. He offers correction to His children, either directly, through His Word, or indirectly, through other people, “for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.” (Hebrews 12:10)

Carefully keep all these commandments to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him. Obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days. “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NLT) 

God is love and God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

Verse Today: Proverbs 3: 5-6

Verse of the Day - February 3

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

BSF Day of Prayer

Attended the Day of Prayer for the study of the Book of Revelation ..... had been moved and was able to pray during the 3 hours with fellow BSF leaders and also visitors ...

Basic Truths of Christian Faith - 24

24. What does the Holy Spirit do for you?
He works powerfully and effectively to give me faith, to justify and santify me, and to preserve me in Christ.

John 3:5
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

John 14:26
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Romans 8:9
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

Romans 8:15
15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Basic Truths of Christian Faith - 23

23. Who is the Holy Spirit?
He is the eternal thrid Person of the Trinity.

John 15:26
The Work of the Holy Spirit
26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.