JURONG OUTREACH - August 06

WHERE IN THE CHRISTIAN WALK ARE YOU?
3 DECEMBER 06

The Holy Scriptures are replete with lessons concerning the way of Christian living, and many are drawn from the analogy of walking. On one occasion Jesus pronounced, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). 

Those who have put to death the "old man" having been crucified with Christ, then buried together with him in the water of baptism are risen together with Christ to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The word of Christ teaches us to "walk after the Spirit" and to "walk by faith." We're not to walk as the Gentiles walk "in the vanity of their mind" but rather to "walk worthy" of our calling and as "children of light." We are to "walk in love," just as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).

There are men, women and young people at various stages of development in their Christian walk. There are some walking at a brisk pace. They're out in front and swiftly approaching the finish line. These are leaders, strong and mature. They have cultivated the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7), “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. and still continue to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)  “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  They will not let up until they have drawn their last breath and are ushered into "Abraham's bosom."

There are some who are just beginning their Christian walk. They have been "born again" and are feeding upon the "milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2). They're growing by leaps and bounds. They are taking small steps, but they are developing and are so beautiful in Jesus' eyes. Jesus knows their potential. He knows what they can become if they always put their trust in him and obey his voice. There are Christians in between these two stages. They are staggered somewhere between the start and finish line. They continue to mature as they receive nourishment from the meat of the Word (Hebrews 5:14) “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” They radiate the love and light of Jesus in their disposition of heart in all they say and do.

Then, there are those who are motivators and encouragers, "cheering on" those who are struggling with their faith or some form of trial or temptation. These are ones who have experienced many of the trials and disappointments life sometimes brings. But, they know the joy of getting back up on their feet, leaning on Jesus and the power of God's grace. They have learned that the joy, hope and assurance within the Christian's heart is worth living for, and that God and the eternal crown are worth dying for (Revelation 2:10). Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Where are you positioned in the long train of Christians who are marching to Zion, the beautiful city of God? Have you taken the first step by becoming a Christian? Don't lose heart, faint and fall out. Jesus overcame and all of us can be victorious through him (John 16:33). These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:

Isn't God Lucky That He's Got Me!

I have missed only a handful of services in my whole life,
Isn't God lucky that he's got me!
I've never smoked, never drank, never cheated on my wife
Isn't God Lucky that he's got me!

I've studied my Bible - many verses I know
Isn't God lucky that he's got me!
Around the world preaching I've been willing to go
Isn't God lucky that he's got me!

No cuss words from me have ever been heard,
Isn't God lucky that he's got me!
I am constantly lifting my prayers heavenward,
Isn't God lucky that he's got me!

No, he is not "lucky," I'm the one blessed so much
Because of his grace that through Jesus I find,
The blood that was shed to heal my soul with its touch,
I am not worthy of his love, I must keep that in mind.

Oh, yes, he expects me to obey his commands,
To serve him, and worship him with all of my heart,
To faithfully overcome all that this life demands,
And from his ways to never waver, never depart.

I have to live a life before him that is pure and good,
Aren't I blessed by having him in my life!
So that when life ends, with him I will have stood,
Aren't I blessed by having him in my life!

No matter how good I am, how hard I labour here,
I will never deserve the blessings he is offering me,
I hope one day he will say, when to his throne I draw near,
"Enter in faithful servant, for eternity."

By E. Dean Kelly

FOUR THIEVES OF THE CRUCIFIXION
10 DECEMBER 06

The thief who regretted (John 12:6)

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Oh the advantages Judas had! He had been selected by Jesus to be an apostle, was entrusted by his peers with the position of treasurer, and observed many of the Lord’s miracles (Matthew 11:5) The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. It was this Judas who betrayed the Lord for money. His betrayal turned to regret (Matthew 27:3) Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, but rather than look forward to forgiveness, he only looked back and hanged himself. True repentance means more than feeling sorry for a wrong. It is the desire to change and do better (2 Corinthians 7:10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

The thief who was replaced. It was customary to release a prisoner at the Passover. Thus Pilate offered the crowd either Jesus or Barabbas. They requested the notorious murderer and robber released rather than Jesus (Matthew 27:15–16) Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Barabbas had someone else (Jesus) take his punishment for him. Barabbas could say that Jesus died in his place. Of course, we can say it, too!  (2 Corinthians 5:20–21).Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

3) The thief who rebelled. At first both thieves crucified with Christ spoke against Him (Matthew 27:41–44), Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. but only one kept on doing it (Luke 23:39). And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.This thief remained impenitent because he forgot God, ignored death at hand, and justly deserved what he was receiving (Luke 23:40–41). But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. This man died in a state of rebellion in spite of the rebuke and repentance of the other thief and a Saviour close at hand.

(4) The thief who repented. This thief had a change of heart (Luke 23:40–43) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. In his agony he looked to the Saviour and admitted his sinfulness and Jesus’ innocence (Luke 23:41–42). His repentance did not bring escape from death but did bring relief and fellowship with  Jesus in the next life (Luke 23:43) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. He did what the Lord asked him to do, and in that sense he is an example to us. All of us are represented by one of these thieves. Have you let Jesus down? Have you allowed Jesus to take your place? Are you rebellious? Have you repented? Which are you?

—Gary Puryear 

“Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.” —Colossians 1:20

TOO MUCH MONEY?
17 DECEMBER 06

You think we’re kidding? Not at all. Having too much money has gotten a lot of God’s people into trouble. Once we couldn’t afford the things which sometimes gets us into spiritual trouble. But because we can afford more luxuries (bigger house, more expensive car) we have made the commitment to purchase such. Because we can afford a second/vacation home we go for it. Because we can afford trips out of town for the weekend (after weekend) we go. More/finer clothes, better golf/fishing equipment are now within our reach so why hold back? You get the picture. 

Strangely the solution is not to make less money. Money can be such a blessing both to us and to others. Rather the solution is to learn to control ourselves and think about how we can be good stewards and use our financial blessings to help others. Paul urged new Christians to “… labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28). Jesus told his disciples, “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). There is no finer cause to which to give than the Lord’s work. As we receive let us determine that we will generously give that the Gospel may be preached, the poor may be helped, and the saved may be edified. There never has been a scriptural injunction against making as much as we can honestly make. There are, however, many passages that teach us to be responsible with what we receive from God’s generous hand.

—James F. Wyers

 Ten Times Your Contribution

I don’t want to beat around the bush, so let me get to the point: What if God gave you every week ten times the amount that you give on Sundays? You know, we often hear preachers talk about “giving a tenth” (although the New Testament doesn’t specify that amount, cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2). But let’s just turn it around. What if, every week, God gave you ten times the amount that you give—would you rejoice? Would you be satisfied with your income?

Notice the figures below. First, find the amount that you are currently giving. Then check and see what your income would be. 

$1        $10

$5        $50

$10     $100

$15     $150

$20     $200

$25     $250

$35     $350

$50     $500

$75     $750

$95     $950

$125   $1,250

$150   $1,500

Get the point? Should God bless you ten times what you are currently giving—could you live on it? Would you want to try? God doesn’t need our money. Giving is just like baptism and prayer. Baptism is a test of faith for the unsaved (Galatians 3:26-27)  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. and prayer is a test of faith for the saved (James 1:5, 6) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. So it is with giving. It’s just a test. God says, “How much do you believe in me?” And every time we give we’re saying, “This much, God, this much.” God wants us to put Him to the test: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). Test God. Put Him on trial. Take Him to court. He said it, not me. I dare you. God dares you. How much do you believe?  

—Keith Parker

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
24 DECEMBER 06

The English poet Alexander Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” But where does man turn when the situation seems hopeless? The director of a medical clinic told of a terminally ill young man who came in for his usual treatment. A new doctor who was on duty said to him casually and cruelly, “You know, don’t you, that you won’t live out the year?” As the young man left, he stopped by the director’s desk and wept. “That man took away my hope,” he blurted out.....

“I guess he did,” replied the director. “Maybe it’s time to find a NEW one.” 

Commenting on this incident, Lewis Smedes wrote, “Is there a hope when hope is taken away? Is there hope when the situation is hopeless? That question leads us to Christian hope, for in the Bible, hope is no longer a passion for the possible. It becomes a passion for the promise.” About a month before he died, the famous atheist Jean-Paul Sartre declared that he so strongly resisted feelings of despair that he would say to himself, “I know I shall die in hope.” Then in profound sadness, he would add, “But hope needs a foundation.”

Only the Christian hope the TRUE, ETERNAL hope has a rock-solid foundation. That foundation is the Word of God. God’s Word reveals that IN OUR SIN, there is NO HOPE (see Ephesians 2:12). That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

But God’s Word also reveals in IN CHRIST, there is hope - ETERNAL HOPE!  

In Christ there is hope because Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins making our forgiveness available. We access that HOPE by believing in Him (Acts 16:30-31), And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,
repenting of our sins (Acts 17:30-31), And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. and then following Him faithfully (Revelation 2:10) Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 

The Apostle Peter reassured some suffering Christians when he wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

The truth is, we are ALL "terminal cases." Is there ANY hope? Yes, and it is found in Christ!

Do YOU have that ETERNAL HOPE?
                                                                                                                               David A. Sargent,

WHAT IS GOD TELLING ME?
31 DECEMBER 06

What is God telling me with the problems He permits in my life? The problems we face will either defeat us or develop us, depending on how we respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in our lives: 

1.   God uses problems to DIRECT us. Sometimes God must light a fire under us to get us moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change our ways (Proverbs 20:30).

2. God uses problems to INSPECT us. People are like tea bags. If you want to know
     what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a     problem? What do problems reveal about you? “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall 
    into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience”
    (James 1:2-3).
3. God uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and
     failure. It’s likely that as a child our parents told us not to touch a hot stove, but we
     probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something like
     health, money, or a relationship by losing it. “My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast
     taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are
     righteousness” (Psalm 119:71-72).
4. God uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it
    prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired
    for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His
    unemployment was a problem—but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison
   a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. “. . . ye thought evil
   against me; but God meant it unto good ….(Genesis 50:20). 

5. God uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are
    character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your    
    relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with
    you into eternity. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation     worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). 

Here’s the point: God is at work in our lives—even when you do not recognize it or understand it. However, it is much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.
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