The Great Joy of Learning Truth
Once again, i'm humbled into elation (coining phrases) by God's revelation through His Word, faithfully taught and proclaimed by the TSCF staff, engaging, challenging and spurring me on to godliness, evangelism, and Christ-centred ministry.
The week of 13-19 Nov was spent learning and being challenged from the book of 2 Tim from Nigel Pollock, hearing Andy and Emily (in her mesmerisingly posh British accent) take us through the Bible in an exciting overview, having Mark Grace challenge and comfort us with evangelism tools and techniques and also Andy taking us through 16 tools of reading the Bible in context and as intended by the Holy Spirit. I learnt so much, i'm kinda brimful of truth and joy and challenge all rolled into one. The fellowship was simply sublime. The Fellowship of the Loo was reconciled, but our area of ops was different, and i had great chats with each member individually. I had a wicked chat with Scott at the bookshop about relationships and ministry, a beautiful, almost tearful chat with Jonny about missionaries, ministry and joy in learning God's truth, and a raw, honest, but immensely encouraging DnM with Mike beneath the toilet window about godliness, purity and women. What an indescribably wonderful week.
Here's what i learnt, if you'll bear with me. Keep me accountable to the Lord - He has blessed me so much by revealing His truth to me, the least i can do is to cling to it and to practise it in my life. Chances are that i will fail and fall, but you can help me on :) Ask me about it when you see me (and for those who haven't seen me for awhile, it will be soon!!)
From the evangelism workshops and the 'fieldtrip' we had going out for a few hours in the mall to chat with people, i learnt that evangelism isn't about me at all!! Lately, as i learn more about Christ and understand better the Christian faith, i've been thinking to myself that i could actually package the Gospel so well that the recipient would be able to swallow it whole, easy as, without choking on issues like predestination and homosexuality etc. I think i've landed; the more i mature in the Gospel, the higher the chances of me saving the world with my wonderful pitch. What a pile of manure! On the contrary, I learnt that i need to proclaim the truth and give glory to God for who He is and what He's done for us in its entirety, without worrying about the consequences, leaving the converting and the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
The fieldtrip was cool; we were just supposed to go around the mall and chat with people and to listen to whatever stories they wanted to share. I had 2 conversations, the 2nd one being 3hrs long with an old geezer named Ian who was part maori part chinese! We talked about everything from his divorce to asian girls to ghosts to bread to his mum's passing to ESP and 6th sense... he bought me lunch which was cool too! :) I managed to sneak in a little about the Gospel, but he was still clinging to his idea that being in touch with the spiritual world (ESP and seeing ghosts) made him in favour with God. Still, i was liberated knowing i shared what i could, and left the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
I learnt lots from the 2 Tim talks. Nigel speaks clearly and faithfully from the Word and always litters his application points with neat illustrations which drive home the point; his dry Brit humour aiding the cause.
Here are some verses in 2 Tim that were encouraging/challenging to me over this week:
2 Tim 1:12
But i am not ashamed, for i know whom i have believed, and i am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
It's so encouraging to see Paul's unswerving faith in Christ, even in the face of death. His use of definitive words such as "know" and "convinced" are a real reminder that our faith isn't based on emotions or the changing tides of this world, but a firm foundation and certainty in God's character through His revelation to us.
2 Tim 2:8-9
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which i am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
Paul encourages Tim to remember the centrality of the risen Christ who fulfils all prophecies, and to see that he can still see the big picture despite his suffering. Indeed, the Word of God will march on in spite of our failings, and despite the enemy's best efforts!!
2 Tim 2:15-16
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
I guess this one's a big one for me, and especially the way in which i handle God's truth. I know the context is of false teachers preaching false doctrine about the resurrection having already taken place, and Paul is saying to be wary of them. What do we do with the false teachers of today though, prevalent in many churches, whether well intentioned or otherwise? I guess i need to keep a check on myself, that God would approve of my ministry and that i can stand unashamed before Him as having rightly handled His Word.
2 Tim 2:21
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
This one was big for me - i've been taking my sin waaay too lightly over the past year. It's sucked real bad and i've just been bad all round and chosen to sweep it all under the carpet and to put a closet on top of it. I was humbled knowing that my godliness would make me a more useful vessel to God, the Creator of the universe. Mike and I had a real good chat beneath the toilet window about guy stuff - and i was very challenged to keep my purity paramount.
2 Tim: 22-25
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lords' servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth...
The only thing i've fled this year is a backtracking defender, and the only thing i've pursued is a football. Not quarrelsome, kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, gentle... are traits i'd attribute to Mother Teresa. Little did i know they're expected of me as well. It is comforting that it is God who grants people repentance and the knowledge of the truth, and not sinful fallen me.
2 Tim 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
eek. Have i been dodging this one?
2 Tim 3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Then why i have i been taking it so lightly?!?
2 Tim 4:2,5
Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching... always be soberminded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I've been preaching the Word twice a week tops. And that's definitely 'in season' time because i'm faced with 5-10 other Christians keen on responding to God's Word. Fraid i haven't preached the Word much elsewhere, definitely not been doing the work of an evangelist either. But i've been inspired and encouraged to over the past week!! Bring it on, Singapore, and 2007 :)
2 Tim 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Have i longed for Jesus' appearing? Or have i loved the world and its effects so much that i cling on to it so tightly that i resist the ultimate reconciliation of God and man? Have i longed for the crown of righteousness by striving towards godliness and purity?
2 Tim in its entirety was a real encouragement to cling and hold fast to the truth of God's Word, to preach the Word (not necessarily in a preachy way), to share it lovingly with people, to entrust it to faithful men and women of the faith. Some of the terms/phrases he uses are encouraging in an urgent way. "Do not be ashamed... share in suffering... guard the good deposit... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also... remember Jesus Christ... the word of God is not bound!! Rightly handle the word of truth... pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace...continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed...i charge you, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season...always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry..."
Let's persevere on in ministry, rejoicing in the hope to which He has called us, knowing that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to us. To Him be all glory!
See you guys soon :) Sorry this was a long one! Hope it's been encouraging though. :)
The week of 13-19 Nov was spent learning and being challenged from the book of 2 Tim from Nigel Pollock, hearing Andy and Emily (in her mesmerisingly posh British accent) take us through the Bible in an exciting overview, having Mark Grace challenge and comfort us with evangelism tools and techniques and also Andy taking us through 16 tools of reading the Bible in context and as intended by the Holy Spirit. I learnt so much, i'm kinda brimful of truth and joy and challenge all rolled into one. The fellowship was simply sublime. The Fellowship of the Loo was reconciled, but our area of ops was different, and i had great chats with each member individually. I had a wicked chat with Scott at the bookshop about relationships and ministry, a beautiful, almost tearful chat with Jonny about missionaries, ministry and joy in learning God's truth, and a raw, honest, but immensely encouraging DnM with Mike beneath the toilet window about godliness, purity and women. What an indescribably wonderful week.
Here's what i learnt, if you'll bear with me. Keep me accountable to the Lord - He has blessed me so much by revealing His truth to me, the least i can do is to cling to it and to practise it in my life. Chances are that i will fail and fall, but you can help me on :) Ask me about it when you see me (and for those who haven't seen me for awhile, it will be soon!!)
From the evangelism workshops and the 'fieldtrip' we had going out for a few hours in the mall to chat with people, i learnt that evangelism isn't about me at all!! Lately, as i learn more about Christ and understand better the Christian faith, i've been thinking to myself that i could actually package the Gospel so well that the recipient would be able to swallow it whole, easy as, without choking on issues like predestination and homosexuality etc. I think i've landed; the more i mature in the Gospel, the higher the chances of me saving the world with my wonderful pitch. What a pile of manure! On the contrary, I learnt that i need to proclaim the truth and give glory to God for who He is and what He's done for us in its entirety, without worrying about the consequences, leaving the converting and the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
The fieldtrip was cool; we were just supposed to go around the mall and chat with people and to listen to whatever stories they wanted to share. I had 2 conversations, the 2nd one being 3hrs long with an old geezer named Ian who was part maori part chinese! We talked about everything from his divorce to asian girls to ghosts to bread to his mum's passing to ESP and 6th sense... he bought me lunch which was cool too! :) I managed to sneak in a little about the Gospel, but he was still clinging to his idea that being in touch with the spiritual world (ESP and seeing ghosts) made him in favour with God. Still, i was liberated knowing i shared what i could, and left the convicting to the Holy Spirit.
I learnt lots from the 2 Tim talks. Nigel speaks clearly and faithfully from the Word and always litters his application points with neat illustrations which drive home the point; his dry Brit humour aiding the cause.
Here are some verses in 2 Tim that were encouraging/challenging to me over this week:
2 Tim 1:12
But i am not ashamed, for i know whom i have believed, and i am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
It's so encouraging to see Paul's unswerving faith in Christ, even in the face of death. His use of definitive words such as "know" and "convinced" are a real reminder that our faith isn't based on emotions or the changing tides of this world, but a firm foundation and certainty in God's character through His revelation to us.
2 Tim 2:8-9
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which i am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
Paul encourages Tim to remember the centrality of the risen Christ who fulfils all prophecies, and to see that he can still see the big picture despite his suffering. Indeed, the Word of God will march on in spite of our failings, and despite the enemy's best efforts!!
2 Tim 2:15-16
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
I guess this one's a big one for me, and especially the way in which i handle God's truth. I know the context is of false teachers preaching false doctrine about the resurrection having already taken place, and Paul is saying to be wary of them. What do we do with the false teachers of today though, prevalent in many churches, whether well intentioned or otherwise? I guess i need to keep a check on myself, that God would approve of my ministry and that i can stand unashamed before Him as having rightly handled His Word.
2 Tim 2:21
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
This one was big for me - i've been taking my sin waaay too lightly over the past year. It's sucked real bad and i've just been bad all round and chosen to sweep it all under the carpet and to put a closet on top of it. I was humbled knowing that my godliness would make me a more useful vessel to God, the Creator of the universe. Mike and I had a real good chat beneath the toilet window about guy stuff - and i was very challenged to keep my purity paramount.
2 Tim: 22-25
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lords' servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth...
The only thing i've fled this year is a backtracking defender, and the only thing i've pursued is a football. Not quarrelsome, kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, gentle... are traits i'd attribute to Mother Teresa. Little did i know they're expected of me as well. It is comforting that it is God who grants people repentance and the knowledge of the truth, and not sinful fallen me.
2 Tim 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
eek. Have i been dodging this one?
2 Tim 3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Then why i have i been taking it so lightly?!?
2 Tim 4:2,5
Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching... always be soberminded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
I've been preaching the Word twice a week tops. And that's definitely 'in season' time because i'm faced with 5-10 other Christians keen on responding to God's Word. Fraid i haven't preached the Word much elsewhere, definitely not been doing the work of an evangelist either. But i've been inspired and encouraged to over the past week!! Bring it on, Singapore, and 2007 :)
2 Tim 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Have i longed for Jesus' appearing? Or have i loved the world and its effects so much that i cling on to it so tightly that i resist the ultimate reconciliation of God and man? Have i longed for the crown of righteousness by striving towards godliness and purity?
2 Tim in its entirety was a real encouragement to cling and hold fast to the truth of God's Word, to preach the Word (not necessarily in a preachy way), to share it lovingly with people, to entrust it to faithful men and women of the faith. Some of the terms/phrases he uses are encouraging in an urgent way. "Do not be ashamed... share in suffering... guard the good deposit... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also... remember Jesus Christ... the word of God is not bound!! Rightly handle the word of truth... pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace...continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed...i charge you, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season...always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry..."
Let's persevere on in ministry, rejoicing in the hope to which He has called us, knowing that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to us. To Him be all glory!
See you guys soon :) Sorry this was a long one! Hope it's been encouraging though. :)
posted by elliot at 6:32 PM
3 Comments:
yup its a long one! but its encouraging too :] so when r u back? looking forward to catch up with u :]
amen, brother! see you in Singapore maybe!
Whatdya mean "dry british humour" :)
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