Yesterday was "Bible Giants" by Patrick and Caroline :D *claps*
The topic they were speaking on was the meaning of the Lord's Prayer.
We have 3 main points to remember for this session, that was,
to ASK for CHANGE and GUIDANCE.
Notice the prayer says "Our Father in heaven"... and not "my Father"... Why is this so?
It is to signify the brotherhood of all Christians, and that we should pray for all our brothers and not only for ourselves. In, "Hallowed be Thy Name", Hallowed means holy and the nature of God is perfect.
"Thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven" implies our duty as Chrstians to establish the kingdom of God on earth. "Give us this day our daily bread..." means God will provide in abundance, all we have to do is ask.
"Forgive us our tresspassers, as we forgive those who trespass against us". Sin separates us from God as it is rooted in selfishness. However, when we forgive others first, only will God forgive us. In 1 John 4:20-21, it states : "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
For when we don't love, we can't enter the kingdom of God as God is love.
"Lead us not into temptations, but deliver us from evil..." wants us to seek everyday guidance from the Holy Spirit as we can be easily tempted by worldly desires. The last verse "For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen." sums up God's power and presence as His power alone can change everything.
Some questions for you to ponder on...
1. What does the Lord's prayer mean to you now?
2. Why do we end our prayers "In Jesus name" ?
[ Hint : John 14:13-14, And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. ]
3. What do you think "Amen" means?
Psalms 119:105
"Thy word is a lamp onto my feet and a light onto my path."
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Monday, 13 July 2009
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
The Reason for Everything - 26th Apr
This week after a long absence from Purpose Driven Life, we watched the last video entitled "the reason for everything" by Pastor Rick Warren. And what a fantastic video to summarise the entire series on "why are we here on earth?".
"God made it all for his glory. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God.
As humans created by God we are commanded to recognise God’s glory, honour his glory, praise his glory, reflect his glory, and live for his glory. Why? Because God deserves it!
In the entire universe, only two of God’s creations fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels (demons) and us (people). Not giving God his due glory is called “sin.” All sin, at its
root, is failing to give God the glory he deserves"
Just like birds, who chirp, fly, nest - they fulfill God's purpose for creating them. As God's creation, we too are asked to fulfill God's purpose for us, which is to glorify Him.
The video talked about 5 purposes we have on earth that will glorify God.
1) we bring glory to God when we Worship Him
do we just do this in church every Sunday?
2) we bring glory to God when we Love others
have we showed love to our family, our friends, fellow believers?
3) we bring glory to God when we become Like Christ
what characteristics of Jesus do you admire? His compassion? Patience?
4) we bring glory to God when we Serve others
can we think of ways this can be done every week in MHI?
5) we bring glory to God when we Tell others about Him
when was the last time we shared something about God to others?
none of the above is easy or may come naturally to all of us. As we discussed on Sunday, let us try to practice one of the above to glorify God. I will personally come and ask how you did :)
See you soon.
*excerpts from Purpose Driven Life pg 49-59. Cartoon from Joyful'toons.
"God made it all for his glory. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God.
As humans created by God we are commanded to recognise God’s glory, honour his glory, praise his glory, reflect his glory, and live for his glory. Why? Because God deserves it!
In the entire universe, only two of God’s creations fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels (demons) and us (people). Not giving God his due glory is called “sin.” All sin, at its
root, is failing to give God the glory he deserves"
"everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."
~ Isaiah 43:7
Just like birds, who chirp, fly, nest - they fulfill God's purpose for creating them. As God's creation, we too are asked to fulfill God's purpose for us, which is to glorify Him.
The video talked about 5 purposes we have on earth that will glorify God.
1) we bring glory to God when we Worship Him
do we just do this in church every Sunday?
2) we bring glory to God when we Love others
have we showed love to our family, our friends, fellow believers?
3) we bring glory to God when we become Like Christ
what characteristics of Jesus do you admire? His compassion? Patience?
4) we bring glory to God when we Serve others
can we think of ways this can be done every week in MHI?
5) we bring glory to God when we Tell others about Him
when was the last time we shared something about God to others?
none of the above is easy or may come naturally to all of us. As we discussed on Sunday, let us try to practice one of the above to glorify God. I will personally come and ask how you did :)
See you soon.
*excerpts from Purpose Driven Life pg 49-59. Cartoon from Joyful'toons.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Seeing Life from God's View
Last SUNDAY, we welcomed PengPeng, Jasmine, Anthony, Alan and Shifeng to SF . It was good to see friends from MHI's past and our fellowship was definitely enriched with their presence. We all look forward to having fellowship with them again on the 22nd March.
In the video by Pastor Rick Warren, he asked us what is our life's metaphor (image/symbol/analogy)? What is yours? A pack of cards? A roller coaster? A puzzle? A party? We are reminded the metaphor we have of our lives will reflect the way we live our lives. If we think of life like a party, then all we aim to do is to have fun. If we think of life as a competition, our life will be just about winning. Is your life metaphor based on the world's metaphor of success?
The bible mentions 3 metaphors that teach us about God's view on life.
Our life is also a trust. The "energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts that God has entrusted to our care and management." We were reminded that God has placed us as stewards and guardians for these things. One item which the video specifically highlighted is money. Are we good managers of our money? Does the manner in which we manage money prevents God from doing more in our lives?
Indeed life is a test and a trust. What are YOU going to do about it? Let us all reflect on these points. Here is a quick summary from Lynette on pdf.
In the video by Pastor Rick Warren, he asked us what is our life's metaphor (image/symbol/analogy)? What is yours? A pack of cards? A roller coaster? A puzzle? A party? We are reminded the metaphor we have of our lives will reflect the way we live our lives. If we think of life like a party, then all we aim to do is to have fun. If we think of life as a competition, our life will be just about winning. Is your life metaphor based on the world's metaphor of success?
- Life is a test
- Life is a trust
- Life is a temporary assignment (next session)
Our life is also a trust. The "energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts that God has entrusted to our care and management." We were reminded that God has placed us as stewards and guardians for these things. One item which the video specifically highlighted is money. Are we good managers of our money? Does the manner in which we manage money prevents God from doing more in our lives?
Indeed life is a test and a trust. What are YOU going to do about it? Let us all reflect on these points. Here is a quick summary from Lynette on pdf.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Bible as the Word of God - 12th Dec 2008
A couple of weeks back, we looked at the Bible a little more closely.
Indeed many of us own a bible, some even more than one (like me)
But have we asked ourselves,
The bible is more than just a book of our christian history. Many shared during our discussion that the bible is a book where we discover God intimately and His will for us, a source of comfort in times of distress and a guide in our life.
Owning a bible is simple. Reading the bible daily and engaging God is where all the fun and joy begins. As we start 2009, let us try and make it a point to engage God and read the bible as often as we can.
I have attached a link where you can read God's work and do some personal quiet time.
OUR DAILY BREAD
See you all on SUNDAY :)
Indeed many of us own a bible, some even more than one (like me)
But have we asked ourselves,
How did the bible come about?
Who decided what books goes into the bible?
Is the bible just a book on history?
Who decided what books goes into the bible?
Is the bible just a book on history?
The bible is more than just a book of our christian history. Many shared during our discussion that the bible is a book where we discover God intimately and His will for us, a source of comfort in times of distress and a guide in our life.
Owning a bible is simple. Reading the bible daily and engaging God is where all the fun and joy begins. As we start 2009, let us try and make it a point to engage God and read the bible as often as we can.
I have attached a link where you can read God's work and do some personal quiet time.
OUR DAILY BREAD
See you all on SUNDAY :)
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Thursday, 20 November 2008
Jesus Will Come Again - 23rd Nov 2008
Last Sunday we were reminded that Jesus will return again to bring us all to be with Him. Some people ask..., when will Jesus return? why is Jesus returning? how will He return?
These are all very valid questions and we should take time to learn and discover the answers. Have a look through the presentation...to find your answers.
If you have any questions or doubts...you can speak to any of your discussion leaders in SF. Have a blessed week ahead.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am
These are all very valid questions and we should take time to learn and discover the answers. Have a look through the presentation...to find your answers.
If you have any questions or doubts...you can speak to any of your discussion leaders in SF. Have a blessed week ahead.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Church as a body of Christ - 9th Nov 2008
Yesterday, Lynette led us in our study and discussion on the "Church as a body of Christ."
All of us must feel honoured that we make up the Church. It is not the buildings we congregate each Sunday or during Easter/Christmas. The church is made up of the people, you and I.
We are the church!!!!
Knowing the fact that we make up the church gives each of us a responsibility to uphold. Read the preso below and see some suggestions on how we can work together and build each other in growing our "church".
All of us must feel honoured that we make up the Church. It is not the buildings we congregate each Sunday or during Easter/Christmas. The church is made up of the people, you and I.
We are the church!!!!
Knowing the fact that we make up the church gives each of us a responsibility to uphold. Read the preso below and see some suggestions on how we can work together and build each other in growing our "church".
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