JURONG OUTREACH - APR 08

THE CHRISTIAN PLATFORM
6th April 08

Ephesians 4:1-6 has been called the "Christian's platform." In verse 1 Paul discusses the Christian's vocation (which is living for Christ, Galatians 2:20). In verses 2 and 3 he presents to us the attitude which must characterize this vocation, or the attitude necessary to the maintenance of the unity of the Spirit. Then, in verses 4-6, he lists for us the "seven ones," the indispensable basics or fundamental principles, upon which the unity of God's people rests. Let us note them: 

ONE... "One body," UNITY OF ORGANIZATION. Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:13, 20; Ephesians 4:15; and Colossians 3:15 are other passages asserting the singularity of the body. Then, Ephesians 1:22,23 and Colossians 1:18,24 tell us this body is the church. Of this one body, Christ is the head (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:15; Colossians 1:18). Within the body one enjoys the blessings of connection with the head (Ephesians 1:22,23), reconciliation (Ephesians 2:16), and being called of God (Colossians 3:15). One enters this body by being baptized (1 Corinthians 12:13). Therein each member is to function, is to function EFFECTIVELY, and is to function effectively COOPERATIVELY (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:13-27). 

TWO... "One Spirit," UNITY OF GUIDANCE. This is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3,30). He is the third person of the Godhead (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:29). He was active in creation (Genesis 1:2; Psalms 104:30), and in redemption (John 14:26; 16:13). As our spirit guides, animates, and governs our bodies, so the Holy Spirit guides through the word (2 Timothy 3:16,17). 

THREE... "One hope," UNITY OF ASPIRATION. This is the hope of heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Such serves as an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:18-20). This hope is in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:19). Outside of Christ there is no hope (Ephesians 2:12). 

FOUR... "One Lord," UNITY OF AUTHORITY. See 1 Corinthians 8:6; Matthew 23:10, and Romans 10:12. Jesus is this Lord (Acts 2:36; 10:36; Romans 10:9). In Him all authority has been invested, whether it be executive, legislative, or judicial (Matthew 18:18; John 5:22,23; 1 Peter 3:22). His kingdom is an absolute monarchy, not a democracy. Consequently, we must do what He says and refrain from what He forbids.  

FIVE... "One faith," UNITY OF MESSAGE. Other texts asserting the singularity of the faith are Jude 3, Titus 1:4; Galatians 1:23; Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 1:2; 4:1; 5:8; 6:10,21, and 2 Timothy 3:8. Accordingly, "one faith is as good as another" and "there are many faiths so one may have the faith of his choice" are unscriptural and anti-scriptural concepts. Too, since there is but one faith we can logically deduct that we must all believe alike (Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 14:33). 

SIX... "One baptism," UNITY OF PRACTICE. The Bible speaks of several baptisms:
1) John's baptism, Acts 19:3;

2) The baptism of suffering, Matthew 20:22,23;

3) The baptism of fire, Matthew 3:11;

4) The baptism of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:11;

5) Water baptism, the baptism of the Great Commission,

    Matt 28:18-20, Acts 10:47,48. 

However, there is only one of these baptisms valid--thus, only one baptism. But, which? It is not John's baptism (Acts 19:1-7). Nor is it the baptism of suffering, such being fulfilled at Calvary and in the subsequent persecutions endured by the Lord's disciples. Nor is it the baptism of fire, since it is yet to be (Revelation 20:15). Thus, we must ask which of the two remaining baptisms--Holy Spirit and water--is now valid and binding? Matthew 28:18-20 teaches us that the baptism that is to last until the end of the world is the baptism which men can administer. However, men cannot administer the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11). But they can baptize in water (Acts 8:26-38). Thus, the baptism now valid is water baptism. This one baptism is just that--a baptism, an immersion (Acts 8:36-38; Romans 6:4). This baptism is to save (Mark 16:16), to remit sin (Acts 2:38), to wash away sin (Acts 22:16), to obey the command of the Lord (Acts 10:47,48), to come in contact with the blood of Christ (Romans 6:3; John 19:34), to get into Christ (Galatians 3:27), to get into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), and to make one a Christian (Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16). 

SEVEN... "One God," UNITY OF WORSHIP. See also Deuteronomy 6:4 and 1 Corinthians 8:6. This statement is in direct opposition to atheism, agnosticism, polytheism, and idolatry. This one God is our Creator (Genesis 1:1,26,27), Sustainer (Acts 17:28), and Judge (Hebrews 13:4). He is the Father of all in that He is the Father of our spirits (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Zechariah 12:1; Hebrews 12:9). However, through the new birth we can be His children in a special, singular, and spiritual sense (John 3:1-7; Galatians 3:26,27). He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), just (Isaiah 41:21), merciful (Exodus 20:5-6), loving (1 John 4:8), and a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). He is omniscient (Acts 15:18), omnipotent (Genesis 17:1), and omnipresent (Psalms 139:7-10). He is unchangeable (James 1:17) and eternal (1 Timothy 1:17). Concerning our worship of Him, John 4:24 reads, "God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Worthy Of Praise
13th April 08

The preacher may make us laugh and the songs may make us weep. The fellowship may warm our souls and the communion may give us chill bumps. But if God does not enjoy the hour, the service failed. The goal of worship is to make God “high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour” (Deuteronomy 26:19). ). “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely” (Psalm 147:1). 

If we had the tongues of angels, we could not praise God as He deserves to be praised. If we were born speaking praises and had breath to never cease, we could never adequately exalt His name in this life. If every rock could speak, it would praise God. If the stars could sing, their song would be in His honor. If the animals could write, their words would form new praises for their Creator. The very stones would praise Him if the need arose, and a thousand legions of angels would leap to do His will. “Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein” (Psalm 69:34)  

A hymn that was likely composed in the Talmudic period expresses our sentiment: 

If my lips could sing as many songs
as there are waves in the sea;
If my tongue could sing as many hymns
as there are ocean billows;
If my mouth filled the whole firmament with praise;
If my face shone like the sun and moon together;
If my hands were to hover in the sky like powerful eagles
And my feet ran across mountains as swiftly as the deer;
All that would not be enough to pay you fitting tribute,
O Lord my God.

What does the Bible say about praising God?
The word praise (in various forms) is used 268 times in Scripture. In Old Testament times, God’s people took praising Him seriously. Leah rejoiced at the birth of a son and cried, “Now will I praise the Lord” (Genesis 29:35). So she named the boy, “Praise” (Judah) David organized a whole section of the Levites “to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel” (1 Chronicles 16:4). Hezekiah appointed courses of priests and Levites “to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord.” (2 Chor 31:2) 

After nine silent months, when Zacharias’ tongue was finally loosed his first words were praise to God (Luke 1:64) “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” We long for the time when it may literally be said, “His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise” (Habakkuk 3:3). So much praise went up, that God was said to inhabit “the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3) 

When Jesus was born, both exalted angels and lowly shepherds praised His Father (Luke 2:13, 20). “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,”  When He died, the very sky above Him bowed its head in reverent submission. Wherever Jesus went between these events, it seems that men were led to praise Jehovah (e.g., Luke 18:43). “And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God” It seems no accident, therefore, that Jesus came from Judah, the tribe whose very name means “praise” (Genesis 49:10) 

Ever since Jesus ascended to the Father, His followers have been “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God” (Luke 24:53; cf. Ephesians 3:20–21).”Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”  The early church praised God and had favor with the people (Acts 2:47). In a beautiful prophecy, the church is said to have walls called, “Salvation,” and gates, “Praise” (Isaiah 60:18) 

Christians are to “think on” praise (Philippians 4:8),”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” 

Let us praise the Lord and exalt His holy name when we next come together in worship!

Praise The Lord All Ye Nations
20th April

Since we have been adopted “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Ephesians 1:5–6; cf. Jeremiah 13:11). Our very purpose in life is to show forth the praises of God (1 Peter 2:9; cf. Isaiah 43:21). God clothes His people with the “the garment of praise” (Isaiah 61:3) God deserves to be praised every day (Psalm 145:2). “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” One praised him twice a day—in the morning and in the evening (1 Chronicles 23:30). “And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;” Another praised him seven times a day (Psalm 119:164). “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.” 

A third topped them all: “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). But another’s ambition was even greater: “I . . . will yet praise thee more and more” (Psalm 71:14).  

Paul and Silas sang praises unto God “at midnight” (Acts 16:25). More to the point of this study, He deserves to be praised on the Lord’s day—Sunday (Acts 20:7)—in public worship: “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12). We should not forsake His worship (Hebrews 10:25) 

Why should we praise God? We should praise God for who He is. 

Young people sing a song that goes: “I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (2 Samuel 22:4). Those who have learned of Jehovah agree: “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods” (1 Chronicles 16:25). A wise man wondered, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). We praise God for His power (Psalm 21:13). We praise the Lord for the beauty of His holiness (2 Chronicles 20:21) and for His goodness and mercy (Ezra 3:11; Jeremiah 33) 

We should praise God for what He has done. 

“Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness” (Psalm 150:2) 

He has made us: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14) 

He has delivered us (Exodus 15:1–11; 2 Samuel 22:49–50; Jeremiah 20:13). When Israel’s children learned that God had heard their cry and had sent a deliverer (Moses), they “bowed their heads and worshipped” (Exodus 4:31). When Moses learned that God kept “mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and

transgression and sin,” he “made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped” (Exodus 34:7–8). Worship, distilled, is thanksgiving for salvation (Psalm 69:30–32; 71:8, 14; 86:5, 15; 92:1–8; 95:1–7; 100:4; 150:6) 

He has blessed us. When we take time to count our blessings (James 1:17), it makes us worshipful. It is an unthankful heart that shuns worship. When the eldest servant of Abraham’s house played matchmaker for young Isaac, he devised a plan to determine which girl the Lord approved. When the sign was given, with a thankful heart he “bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord” (Gen. 24:26, 48, 52) 

He has given us His truth (Psalm 138:2). “In God I will praise his word” (Psalm 56:4). “I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1) 

He has answered our prayers (Psalm 118:21)
So, “praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people” (Romans 15:11). Yea, “let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). “Therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually” (Hebrews 13:15) 

Join us Sunday as we exalt the name of the Lord

An Every Day Religion
27th April 08

Monday—Wash Day: Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead (1 Peter 5:6)“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 

Tuesday—Ironing Day: Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others (James 2:1-3) “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;  And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:” 

Wednesday—Mending Day: O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others (Matthew 5:14-16)“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 

Thursday—Cleaning Day: Dear Lord, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart (Psalm 19:14) “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” 

Friday—Shopping Day: O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love (1 Corinthians 13) “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal and now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 

Saturday—Cooking Day: Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness (Ephesians 4:32) “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” 

Sunday—The Lord’s Day: O God, help me to worship Thee this day in spirit and in truth recognizing thy greatness and my weakness (John 4:24) “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”; remembering thy Son’s death in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11); giving generously as thou hast been good to me (2 Corinthians 9:7,8); singing enthusiastically praise to thy name (1 Corinthians 15:14); praying reverently (Hebrews 4:16); and studying carefully from thy Word (Luke 8:18; Mark 4:24) 
 

Help me Lord to live daily my life for Thee.

God's Ten Most Wanted Men

1.         The man who puts God’s business above any other business (Matthew 6:33)

2.         The man who brings his wife and children to worship rather than sending them (Hebrews 10:25)

3.          The man who is willing to be the right example to every person he meets (1 Corinthians 11:1)

4.          The man who thinks more of Sunday school than of Sunday sleep (1 Peter 2:2)

5.          The man who gives what he should to the Lord’s work and  lives on what is left (2 Corinthians 9:6,7)

6.         The man who goes to church for Christ’s sake rather than for himself or someone else (John 4:24)

7.         The man who has a passion to help others rather than to be helped himself (Philippians 2:4)

8.         The man who has a willing mind rather than a brilliant one (2 Corinthians 8:12)

9.         The man who can see his own faults before he sees the faults of others (Matthew 7:1)

10.       The man who is more concerned about winning persons to Christ than about winning worldly honours (Proverbs 11:30)