Where Was God?

The recent incident that happened in one of the cities in Connecticut may have put everyone who are affected  into a moment of grief and questions that maybe difficult to answer. I would like to share this video which I got from a social networking site.

How Not To Lose Sight of Christ as We Celebrate Christmas

Text: Matthew 2: 1 - 22

Introduction:

As we celebrate Christmas, we should bear in mind the center of the celebration - the only reason why we have Christmas - JESUS CHRIST. If you look around, Christmas seems to be the biggest business mankind has developed. A lot of things seem to substitute Jesus. However, as Christians we should not lose sight of Christ as we celebrate this season. Let us look at the text in Matthew 2:1-22 where we see biblical principles on how not to lose sight of the Saviour. I believe that we can learn from what the wise men or Magi did why they were able to find Jesus.

1. They diligently seek Jesus

    Continue to seek the Scripture and study the Word of God. More often, those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him.

We must learn of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shines in a dark place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit.

2. They did not listen to what King Herod told them

We should not be deceived by what the world offers. In this passage, though Herod was very old, and never had shown affection for his family, and was not himself likely to live till a new-born infant had grown up to manhood, he began to be troubled with the dread of a rival. He understood not the spiritual nature of the Messiah's kingdom.

Let us beware of a dead faith. A man may be persuaded of many truths, and yet may hate them, because they interfere with his ambition, or sinful indulgences. Such a belief will make him uneasy, and the more resolved to oppose the truth and the cause of God; and he may be foolish enough to hope for success therein.

3. They were overjoyed and worshiped Jesus only

We should not be overwhelmed by circumstances, by the celebration, we should focus our worship to Jesus alone. What joy these wise men felt upon this sight of the star, none know so well as those who, after a long and melancholy night of temptation and desertion, under the power of a spirit of bondage, at length receive the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with their spirits that they are the children of God.

4. They offered their best gifts

Always offer the best to God. We may well think what a disappointment it was to them, when they found a manger was his palace, and his own poor mother the only attendant he had. However, these wise men did not think themselves baffled; but having found the King they sought, they presented their gifts to him. The humble inquirer after Christ will not be stumbled at finding him and his disciples in obscure cottages, after having in vain sought them in palaces and populous cities. The gifts the wise men presented were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Providence sent these as a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition. Thus our heavenly Father, who knows what his children need, uses some as stewards to supply the wants of others, and can provide for them, even from the ends of the earth.

5. They obeyed what God told them

We need to continue obeying God as we journey.  We CAN NOT go back to where we have been before we accepted Jesus. Just like the wise men they left Jerusalem using another way.

Conclusion

• Jesus Christ love is the greatest gift ever given by God to men.

• The best gift that we can share to others is the “gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus”.

• Let us not focus on Christmas so we may not lose sight of Christ.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 4:7)

CALEB: Waiting Patiently for the Promise

Biographical Method of Bible Study

        References:

                  Deuteronomy 1:36               Joshua 14:6-15                                  Numbers 32:11-13

                  Numbers 26:63-65               Numbers 14:30                                 Numbers 13:6                      
                  Joshua 15:13-16                    Numbers 14:24                                 Numbers 14:6-9                   
                  Numbers 13:26-30               Numbers 34:19                                 Numbers 14:38                                  
                  Joshua 14:7-10                      Judges 1:12-20                                 

  First Impression and Observations

•  Caleb was 38 years old at the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt

•  Caleb is a Judahite who spied our Canaan together with Joshua and the rest of the 12 spies
•  He followed the Lord wholeheartedly.

•  He was an appointed leader of the tribe of Judah

• He claimed the promised inheritance when he was 85 years old

  General Insights

           Caleb's faith was in the Lord, not himself
           He was confident they could take the land - Num 13:30
      But that was because he knew the Lord would be with them - Num 14:6-9

        Outline of His Life

1.  Birth  (son of  Jephunneh, Tribe of Judah)- Numbers 13:

2.     At 40, he was sent by Moses to spy promise land  (Moses is 80) - Numbers 13:17: Joshua 14:7

3.      Gave good report of promise land (along w/Joshua)  - Numbers 13:30

4.      God promises him entrance into Canaan -  Numbers 14:24,30,38; 26:65, 32:12, 34:19; Deuteronomy 1:36

5.      At age 85, Caleb asked Joshua for Mount Hebron- Joshua 14:10-14

6.      Caleb drove the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. -Joshua 15:14-16

7.      Caleb possessed the land - Joshua 21:12

Questions for reflections

1.      Why did the Lord choose Caleb from among the Judahites to be one of the 12 spies?

2.      How did Caleb report to the people after they spied Canaan?

3.      How did Caleb claimed his promise?

     Character Quality

a.       Caleb pursues his conviction

In Numbers 14:6-9, we read that Caleb and Joshua "rent their clothes." They urged the people, "Do not rebel against the LORD. Do not be afraid of the people of the land. We will swallow them up. The LORD is with us."

Nor did Caleb’s boundless faith deter him from exerting his physical prowess when waging war against Jehovah’s enemies.

b.      Caleb lived a life of discipline and self-control.

He never permitted himself to become soft. He maintained his assurance in the presence and power of Yahweh; this perspective prevented him from frittering away his physical well-being through tension and stress. The sterling faith which characterized his life remains a beacon light, shining for the encouragement of all lovers of God forever.

c.       He has a different spirit

God said, "No one who has treated me with contempt will see [the Promised Land]. But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me whole-heartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it" (Num. 14: 23,24).

          

            Bible Truths

1.      Following the Lord wholeheartedly in our Christian walk will bring us to be useful in the service to the Lord and to live a fulfilled life that is blessed by the Lord. (Numbers 14:23, 24; Hebrews 11:6; Joshua 14:6; Numbers 14:36)

2.      There are always opposition when we stand in faith but we can always confront them with Godly conviction. (Numbers 13)

Summary of Lessons Learned

A.      Consider how God was able to use Caleb:

a.       As a leader in Israel - cf. Num 13:2,6; 34:18,19

b.      As a servant of God, first to spy out the land, then to divide it - cf. Num 14:24a

c.       As an example of faith and courage - Num 13:30; 14:8,9

d.      As a reminder of God's justice - Num 14:29-30

e.       As an inspiration of service, even in old age - Josh 14:6-12

B.      Consider how Caleb was fulfilled in life:

a.       Only he and Joshua were blessed to enter Canaan - Deut 1:35-36

b.      He received the land around Hebron as an inheritance - Josh 14:6-14; 21:12

C.      Caleb was noted for a having a different spirit - Num 14:24

a.        Different than the spirit in the other ten spies, who were defeatists - Num 13:31
b.      Different than the spirit in the rest of Israel, who complained - cf. Num 14:1-2

          Personal Application

I need to consider how God will use me as a leader, as a servant, as an example of faith and courage, as a reminder of God’s justice, and as inspiration of service. Therefore, I must commit myself to having a daily time reading and meditating on God’s Word for at least 20 minutes per day. I should look for opportunities where I can be used by the Lord.

I need to be like Caleb who is a person who responded to opposition and bad report with Godly conviction and continue to trust God despite dangers.

          Transferable Concepts

The importance and necessity to follow the Lord fully in in our lives must be the aim of every believer. I must follow Jesus all the days of my life with all my heart and despite hazards. I need to pray that God will continually strengthen me and teach me to live this kind of life.

How to Conduct Personal Bible Study

How to study the bible from Allan Canonigo

Bible Study Method: The Process of Interpretation

Interpretation

What is it that you are looking for in the process of interpretation? What does it mean? The more you learn to see the more understand. Some of us see but we do not understand. Ask the right questions and bombard the text with questions.

1.      How do you discover the right answer?

2.      How to uncover the big picture?

     Five Keys to Interpretation

    1.   Content

     The more time you spend in observation the less time you will spend on interpretation, the more accurate is your application. This is absolutely crucial to the process of bible study. We need to do continued reading and perceptive meditation.

    2.  Context

       Context gives the meaning. This has to do with the verses before and the verses after. Every verse has a relation to every other verse. No verse in the Scriptures stands in isolation.

       Look for important clues in the sentences and paragraphs that come before and after the verse in question.

    3.      Comparison

        Use a concordance.

    4.      Culture

        Remember the cultures are different.

    5.      Consultation

           Bible atlas, Bible commentary, Bible Helps, Bible Customs and Manners

Illustration: Romans 12: 1-2

            1.      Content

                 Relate this passage to the book.

               Chapters          1-8 Doctrinal

                                      9-11- Dispensational                                             

                                   12- 16 – Practical

a.      Why does he use the term, “I urge you”?

b.      What does the word mean “present”?

Remember Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the temple.

c.       What does Paul wants us to present?

Body – so we must be careful with the body.

d.      If it is a sacrifice, how could it be living?

            2.      Context

                  What about the content? It started with Therefore… The first 11 chapters become the basis.

            3.      Comparison

Negative

V2.  Don’t be conformed to this world

Chapter 8, we have been conformed to the image of Christ.

Positive

V2 – Be transformed… metamorphosis….

            4.      Culture

                  What is prominent of this passage?

                   OT – They presented an animal to God

                   NT – Now they are presenting their bodies as sacrifice.

            5.      Consultation

                  Read the text first before the secondary sources.

October 5 is World Teachers’ Day

October 5 is World Teachers’ Day

Bible Study Method

The Process of Observation

Process of Bible Study

      A.     OBSERVATION

       Six questions that we need to answer in the process of  

         observation

       1.      WHO?

a. Who are these people?

b. What do others tell about these people?

c. What do they say? Write it down. Underline them.

d. What do you understand about a person in the passage you can relate to what you already knew?

WHO is...

...Paul talking about?

...accomplishing the action?

...benefiting from it?

        2.      WHAT?

What is taking place? Is it a parable? Is it a miracle?

Is it a command? Is it an explanation?

         3.      WHERE? 

                   What is the location?;

                   Where did it   happen? Where is this taking place?

      4.      WHEN?

What time when the event happened?

Example: Mark 1:35” And in the morning…What morning?

          5.      WHY? 

                   Why did God include this in the bible?

          6.      Wherefore? So What?

How does it relate to my life?

What difference it could make if I apply this?

How does it work in the financial area of my life?

How to Study the Bible: An Overview

Observation

This is the process of tearing the bondages from our eyes so that we might see the insights of the truth of God’s Word. Every time we study the Bible, the first thing to ask is, “What do I see?” Thisis the crucial skill of observation, and it lays the groundwork for the rest of our study.

                1. Learn to Read

                2. Learn what to look for. The key that you are going to discover is to know what to look for.

Interpretation

What is it that you are looking for in the process of interpretation? What does it mean? The more you learn to see the more understand. Some of us see but we do not understand. Ask the right questions and bombard the text with questions.

              1. How do you discover the right answer?

                          The answer comes from the process of observation.

              2.      How to uncover the big picture?

Application

This is asking the question “How does it work?” Not“Does it work?” This is God’s answer to the problem.

The goal is not information but transformation. God’s Word is not written to make us a smarter sinner but it is written to make us like the Son. [2 Cor. 5:17]. The Word of God is designed to invade every area of our lives.

                   1.      How does it work for me?

                      This is what I need. If I discover how the truth works for me, then I am best equipped to           

                   share in the life of others.

                   

                   2.      How does it work for others?

                     We should share it on the basis of authenticity not as a perfect person but someone who 

                    is in the process of becoming like the Son.

Why Study the Bible?

The study of the Scripture is not an option but essential. However, we need to take certain steps in a certain order to guarantees certain results.

• It is essential for Spiritual Growth ( 2 Peter 2:2)

a.  Attitude for the Word of God (Our attitude should like that of a new born baby)

b.  Appetite for the Word of God (We must develop an appetite for the Word of God like new born baby.)

c.  Aim of the Word – ('you may grow thereby..’) In order TO GROW NOT TO KNOW

• It is essential to Spiritual Maturity [Heb. 5:1-14 ]
• It is essential for Spiritual Effectiveness [1 Tim 3:16 -17]

It does not only tell how to correct us but how to continue to live according to God’s purpose for our lives

·  There is no growth apart from the Word of God.

·  For us to becoming receptive and reproductive.

·   It always by means of first hand appointment.

a. It will enable you to think.

b. It will enable to evaluate the thoughts of others.

c.  It will give you the personal joy of discovery.

d.  It will enable you to fall in love with the Word of God

Lessons from Peter's Walk on Water

This miracle is recorded in the Gospels of John (6:16 -24), of Matthew (14:22-33) and of Mark 6:45-52. —According to Matthew and of Mark, this miracle occurred directly after “feeding the five thousand” miracle took place. —John narrates that this occurred in the evening after the feeding of the five thousand people.


—This story is in three of the four gospels, but Matthew is the only one who includes this episode of Peter jumping out of the boat. —Each of our own experiences is important in understanding the impact of the story. But Matthew especially wants us to connect with Peter. To learn more about this narrative, I have outline few questions for us to think about.

1. —Why did the Lord call Peter out of the boat, and not the other disciples?

—The bible gives no other reason for the Lord’s call to ‘come’ other than Peter asked. —In his asking, Peter demonstrated a quality of faith that the scriptures repeatedly exhort us to:“keep on asking”(Mat.7:7)

Peter was the one who was willing to do when nobody was not willing. Maybe they were looking at their capabilities that they could never walk on water. —We should not be looking to the flesh – taking stock of our strengths, weaknesses, abilities and limitations – and not trusting on His Word. —We should not be saying ‘I can’t’ , instead of realizing that whether our can or can’t has nothing to do with it. Christ will give us the strength and ability we need to obey Him. The only way we will ever be able to take great steps of faith is to believe what the Word of God says.

2. —What did Peter ask for?

—He asked for Christ’s Word: “if it’s you…tell me…” He sought the Lord’s will first, before getting out of the boat. —The goal must always be obedience to the will of our Lord. —Peter must have still had some doubts as to who it really was, because he said, “if it be you Jesus”. —Without prayer, there will be no power, no life from God to reach loftier heights. We will only grow spiritually as we seek Him in prayer and feast on His word.—We need to have faith that prays and keeps on praying.  —We need to look to Christ for His will, not our own. When Jesus said “come”, Peter put all his trust in God and went. His confidence was based solely on Christ’s word, not in his own strength.

3. What was it About Peter?

—It wasn’t being right that made Peter the one Jesus chose to carry on after Him. —It wasn’t his careful, diplomatic use of words, he blurted out some of the most foolish things. —Peter had to leave the boat and risk his life on the sea, in order to learn both his own weakness and the power of his God. If Peter had never taken the risk, he would never have learned the meaning of faith.

4. What is it About Us Today?

—Peter was willing to get out of the boat. Willing to speak. Willing to act. —Are we willing? Will we do what He’s called us to do? Will we speak when He prompts us? Are we willing to take the risks, trying to follow Him? —Let’s not be frozen in fear, but in faith, act.

—Peter’s walk on the water was not dependent on him ignoring the wind and the waves, but upon his trusting and obeying Jesus Christ despite the wind and the waves. —We need to learn to trust in Jesus and his way completely. We need to use the ability and strength that he provides - Ephesians 6:10-18

Conclusion

—Faith is not a passive trusting that God will come to us when we are down and out. —Faith is an active process of living a vital, full life – going places we would never go, loving people we would never love, living life to the fullest because we have met the Master. —We all have times we are afraid. And we all have times when we get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus.  —Relationships are not possible without taking risks. We need to get out and reach out those who need a relationship with Jesus. In the moment of doubt, we should not forgot which is more powerful – the wind and the waves, or the Creator of all things?