JURONG OUTREACH - July 06

WHAT CAN THE CHRISTIAN DO ABOUT RACIAL PREJUDICE?
2 JULY 06

One of the truly tragic problems in our society today is the problem of racial prejudice. It is such a tragic problem because Christ came to defeat it! Jesus was born into a very prejudiced society, but He worked to break down the barriers of prejudice. To the first century Jew, there was nothing worse than a Gentile, except a Samaritan. Jesus, however, showed the brotherhood of all mankind with his parable of the “Good Samaritan,” in which the hated Samaritan showed himself to be the good neighbour to the Jew who had been beaten and robbed on the road to Jericho (Luke 10). 

Racial prejudice should have no place in the heart of the Christian. “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). This means that all men are created in the image of God. Paul wrote, “there is no respect of persons with God” (KJV), or “God does not show favouritism” (NIV) (Romans 2:11). God does not respect or show favouritism for one person or one race more than another, but all are equal in His sight. Jesus died for all people, and came to unite the world in Himself. “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). He died for people of all nations and races.

 Dealing with prejudice concerning the poor, James wrote, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:8-9). The example to follow is to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” The “golden rule” of Christ is “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). We must treat people of other races as we wish to be treated. 

Conquest of prejudice begins in the home. Parents must bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). This includes teaching children the brotherhood of man, and the necessity of respecting all people, including people of other races. Christians should be concerned for the feelings and problems of those who are

victims of racial prejudice, and strive to insure that all people are treated as equals. 

Paul wrote to the Galatians: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Paul was not saying that there are no differences between the Jew and the Gentile, between the free man and the slave, or between the male and the female.  

What he was saying is that all are equal in God’s sight, and deserving of honour and respect. In every area of our lives, Christians should be diligent to foster the spirit of brotherly love among the races. As the children’s song reminds us, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).

Before We Judge Others 

Heavenly Father,

Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry, and spend a few precious moments with her children.

 Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.  

Remind us, Lord that the scary looking bum begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.  

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.  

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.  

Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, showing patience, empathy, and love.  

“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them . . . ”                            

                                                                                                                                            —Matthew 7:12

IS YOUR MARRIAGE GOING BROKE?
9 JULY 06

Have you noticed that newspapers report that personal debt is at an all-time high and so are divorces? Do you think there might be a connection? In marital surveys, money and sex usually come up as the top two reasons for major discord between a husband and wife. Not only are there more divorces, couples are also calling it quits much earlier in their marriage than ever before.  

One of the biggest problems facing couples today is the huge amount of debt they bring into their marriage. One sure-fire way to ensure a rocky start for a marriage is to have tens of thousands of dollars in debt (from student loans, credit cards, or other bills). Even a thousand dollars in debt can cast a dark cloud over your relationship if you don’t have the means to repay it quickly.  

Consider the rate of suicide during the Great Depression. The stresses of mounting debt have pushed people to take their own lives and have been a major cause in the death of many, many marriages. If you want to have a blissful relationship, you will need to get your debt under control (or at least make a plan to do so). Otherwise, your debt will physically and psychologically control you. Here are some tips for getting and staying out of debt: 

When you get a paycheck, the first thing you do is set aside money for God. Doesn’t seem logical but it works (Proverbs 3:9-10). Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And    your vats will overflow with new wine.

Sit down with your partner and discuss all aspects of your family budget. Only when you analyze your spending habits will you fully realize where you are wasting money. It’s a great opportunity to talk about your goals and dreams
(1 Peter 3:7). Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be  hindered.
Realize that frivolously spending money can be a sign of disrespect for your marriage and mate      
(cf. Proverbs 21:5).The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

If you would like a bigger diamond ring or a fancier car, ask yourself why
(Proverbs 21:17). He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Take a quick inventory of all the items you own but could really live without. Consider how much you paid for them. What if you didn’t buy those items and had all that money in savings        instead? Would it make a difference in how you view your job, your family, and your future?

—adapted  www.50secrets.com

Celebrate Your Mate

Do you struggle to suppress a yawn when your spouse crows about a hole in one? Here’s a reason to summon up some

enthusiasm: Reacting positively to your spouse’s good news strengthens your relationship. Researchers at UCLA found that when spouses respond supportively to their partner’s happy news, husbands and wives are significantly more likely to feel that their marriage is satisfying, intimate, and fun. According to author Shelly Gable, an appreciative response “allows the one celebrating to relive the experience.” That ego boost creates tender feelings toward the supportive partner.  

“But it isn’t enough to listen passively,” adds Gable. Even if you aren’t a golf fan, show you’re happy—hug your mate or give a high five. Then everyone scores.

Kid's View of Love

“I think you’re supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn’t supposed to be so painful.” —Manuel, age 8

“It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.” —Brian, age 7

Can a Person Know He/She is Saved?
16 JULY 06

Although it may sound arrogant to say, “I know I am saved,” the Bible teaches that one can be confident of salvation. The Christian can know that heaven awaits. John wrote, “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:11-13). Christians can know that they have eternal life.

Having confidence in salvation results from learning and submitting to God’s will. John wrote, “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).

Thus a Christian can be sure that he has salvation—that he “knows” the Father—if he obeys Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus asked him, “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5).

One is “born again”—“born of water and Spirit”—when he is baptized into Christ. His sins are washed away, and he is a new creature in Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Thus begins a life-long journey of the “babe in Christ” growing into a mature Christian (1 Peter 2:2; Galatians 5:22-23). No Christian is perfect. We still sin, but God forgives these mistakes as we confess and forsake them (1 John 1:8-10). God requires a forgiving attitude of Christians (Matthew 6:12-15); He is a forgiving Father for His children.

Many Christians have doubts because they are moving backward instead of maturing. This often happens when a person does not give his whole heart to Christ. Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24). The person who tries to live as a Christian while not fully surrendering his life to Christ must have doubts because he is walking partly in the light and partly in the dark.

Salvation does not depend on how few sins or mistakes we make, but upon whether we accept God’s grace and are obedient to Christ. As we continue to serve Christ, the Lord continues to forgive us. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

If we walk in the light, following the Gospel, His blood continues to cleanse us of sin. Let us continue to encourage one another to press on to the high calling of God. (Phi 3:13-14)

My name is in the Book of Life 

My name is in the Book of Life,

O bless the name of Jesus.

I rise above all doubt and strife,

And read my title clear. 

My name once stood with sinners, lost,

And bore a painful record

But by His blood the Saviour crossed

And placed it on His roll. 

Yet inward trouble often cast,

A shadow over my title,

But now with full salvation blest,

Praise God! It’s ever clear. 

While others climb thru’ worldly strife,

To carve a name of honour,

High up in heaven’s Book of Life,

My name is written there. 

I know, Oh I know, my name is there

I know, Oh I know, my name is written there!

What does the Bible say about astrology?
23 JULY 06

Astrology is a practice based upon the belief that the pattern of the stars in the sky at the time of a person’s birth greatly influence, if not determine his destiny. Millions of people consult their daily horoscopes (predictions based on astrology) to plan their activities. Although popular, astrology is not based on scientific, rational, or biblical principles. It is simply pagan superstition, which has its roots in the practices of the Babylonians of 4,000 years ago. Sometimes confused with astronomy, which is the scientific study of the stars and celestial bodies, astrology has absolutely no scientific basis, and has no place in a modern society. 

Astrology has no basis in reality. The astrologer determines the horoscope according to the position of the twelve signs of the zodiac at the time of the subject’s birth. When astrologers made up the signs of the zodiac, however, men thought that the earth was the center of the universe, and all the stars and planets revolved around the earth. We now know that the earth revolves around the sun, and not even our solar system is the center of the universe. In reality, there are no such things as the signs of the zodiac. They are complete fabrications. 

Astrology is popular today because as people become further and further removed from God, they seek answers to their fears and anxieties. Astrology supplies mysterious answers to fill the void in their lives. Thoughtful examination of horoscopes reveals that the predictions and advice are couched in carefully worded vagueness. There is usually more than one outcome possible, and the person who believes in the horoscope makes its

promises or warnings “come true.” The horoscope “comes true” because the reader rearranges his life to align with what he thinks the horoscope is saying, not because the planets have any actual influence on life. Different people, including identical twins, who have the same “signs” supposedly have the same horoscope, even though their life circumstances are completely different. 

The Bible condemns astrology as nothing more than idolatry. Isaiah foretold the fall of Babylon, and spoke of the powerlessness of astrology: “Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame” (Isaiah 47:13-14).  

Jeremiah warned Israel, “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them” (Jeremiah 10:2). God commended good king Josiah for destroying the places of worship to “Baal and to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven” (2 Kings 23:5). Paul condemned sorcery, idolatry and witchcraft, which includes astrology, warning that those who practice these things “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21). Astrology is not harmless fun. It is idolatry of the worst sort, and should be avoided by all. 

Bob Prichard

Words that hurt
30 JULY 06

Words are powerful. Positive words can build up character. Negative words tear at our self-esteem. Encouraging words motivate us to accomplish great things—even beyond our expectations. Discouraging words stop us dead in our tracks. Discouragement could mean we will never challenge ourselves again. Mean people use mean words. Mean unhappy people usually dislike themselves. People like this use words that are not positive or helpful to anyone.  

Cruel words penetrate to our bones and wound us internally. In the early years of school I (producer of this program) suffered a learning disability. I could not read and I was not very coordinated. My first grade teacher called me “stupid” when I couldn’t tie my shoes. Fifty-six years later, the word stupid still rings in my ear. However, becoming a Christian in 1980, has taught me many things, one of which is forgiveness. I “forgave” my teacher. But I will never “forget” the word she used to describe me. That one word has been the motivation to drive me to do great things, now in Christ. Words like stupid, shut-up, and I hate you can damage our self-image for life if we allow them to. Some people in the world cast self-fulfilling prophecies on us to carry out their negative outcomes in our lives. 

For the Christian however, there are very stern warnings for those who don’t tame their tongue. (See James 3:5-12) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?   Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 

We need to become more sensitive to others emotional needs by selecting words that communicate love. God’s word is love. And God’s word encourages us to live a fuller richer life by fearing Him and obeying His commands. The Ten Commandments are some of the most important words we have to live by. (See Exodus 20:1-17) However, the people of this world do not live by God’s commandments. For example, in some circles of the corporate world it is fashionable to demean and step on others who compete with us for better high paying positions. TV comedians constantly slander and curse other people today.  Movies are also filled with negative verbal messages and images. Hate, jealousy, and revenge are popular themes in films. 

Some people use demeaning words to elevate themselves, having others become scapegoats for their failed dreams and misfortunes. Our lives are shaped by the words we use and hear. Perhaps, we need to remind ourselves that other people judge us by our words and actions. Our word choices define our level of maturity. Mature people in Christ desire to encourage. Example of encouraging words might be: commend, reassure, compliment, and satisfy. The negative trend to bury people with destructive words must be reversed. Christians must lead the way and communicate God’s loving message to the world as never before. For example, instead of agreeing with the world when someone is put down, we can correct the situation by lifting the person up. By using scripture to inspire and teach, we can encourage worldly people to find a better way to accomplish their hopes and dreams. For example, one of my favourite verses in the Bible is (Philippians 4:13) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” In this verse, we can show people what God can do for them if they accept His word implanted in them..  

We must encourage others to think about their words before they utter them. And encourage people to set positive examples by using wholesome words. Wholesome words strengthen character. (See Ephesians 4:29) By using the words of God, God’s love and the love we have for each other will be displayed in the people around us. We want to encourage others with our words, so that they will listen. When they listen, they will learn. And when they have learned the truth they will speak the truth. Then the lying words of the world will remain where they belong—in the sewer of the world.