by Pastor lee MENG cham
Big idea:
God desires us to take the next step in disciple making
Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mature believers should image God in the disciple making
3 moves we need to follow through:
1. We need to move closer to Christ
- in Christlikeness until disciples become disciple makers
- Commit more and more of our lives to the lordship of christ
Matthew 28:19A
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
2. We need to move deeper
Matthew 28:20A
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you
- "disciple is the process of becoming like Christ in every area of one's being"
*Know
- core beliefs
- how are we growing in God's word?
*Walk
- spiritual practices
- how is our walk with God?
*Relate
- relational discipleship
- how is our love for people?
*Serve
- stewardship
- how are we contributing to the body of Christ?
*Share
- outreach
- how are we sharing God's love with others?
3. We need to move together as a team
- Disciple making is a team event
- be intentional
- in a small group
Matthew 28:19B
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Exploring christ
- Curious about God
- See evidence of authentic Christ followers
- have not made decision to follow jesus
Growing in Christ
- new believers
- need to be nurtured
- cultivating spirit filled life
Close to Christ
- Self feeders
- Know where to find help
- Self motivated
- Contribute gifts to god's ministry
Christ centred
- Fully committed to actively represent God
- Not ashamed of gospel
- Are Christ work force
- Willing to advance God's kingdom to fulfil their calling
"When we cease to grow we become old"
Growth is expected to every living being
Jesus move them from disciples to disciple makers
Matthew 28:16-19
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
- Disciples
- Make disciples
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
MOVE : The Great Omission
by Pastor Wilson
Big idea:
Jesus commands us to be disciple makers
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
During the more than 3 years of Jesus time spending of Jesus to the 12 disciples, From Prebelievers of Christ to believers of Christ to martyrs of christ
Disciples knew it was a command, a mandate. They were not blur or unaware
# The essence of Christ command was to raise disciple makers who produce disciples makers
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
"And what you have heard from me"
(2 generation of Disciple Makers from Paul to Timothy)
Entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also
(3rd generation) + (4th generation)
The early church disciple did not stop among themselves but continue with the replication process of disciple making
# We want to see continuity of life from one gen to next. The same applies to the great commission, disciples who will raise and reproduce other disciple makers for the kingdom
We exist to fulfil the lord's commission and nothing else
3 areas help us not to be great omision:
1. Christ
Raise disciple who are Christlike, Christ centred
- One who is following christ (disciple following Matthew 4:19-20)
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
- is being changed by Christ (transformed to become like Christ in value and inner being, able to reflect image of Christ externally 2 Corinthians 3:18 )
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
- and is committed to the Christ mission (Matthew 28:19-20)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
How do we know that we are indeed growing since it's a lifelong journey?
Solution:
The spiritual continuum
1. Exploring christ
2. Growing in Christ
3. Close to Christ
4. Christ centred
2. Community
Christ started ministry of earth by started a small community. 12 is symbolic of the true Israel that will come to those who will express their faith to Jesus Christ
This intentional life on life community with disciples also provided christ with emotional and spiritual support during his time on earth
Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Christ goes deep into the 12 disciples lives forming strength
The deeper transformation of the disciples...
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
You can enjoy God in your time of solitude but God's word clearly teaches us that we're never meant to live alone without a faith community. How do you become a disciple maker and fulfil Christ command.
Differentiate and decide between our preference of being alone and Christ command
Every unpleasant encounter in your previous small group or experience .. only strengthen you to face difficult situation in future. Everyone is growing to be more like Jesus. Your faith journey with Christ is meant to live with faith believer in christ.
3. Commitment
Do all we can to fulfil Christ commission to us
Where do I find more time for disciple making?
Pause and determine your life now
God, Open my eyes to see those who are in need
Big idea:
Jesus commands us to be disciple makers
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
During the more than 3 years of Jesus time spending of Jesus to the 12 disciples, From Prebelievers of Christ to believers of Christ to martyrs of christ
Disciples knew it was a command, a mandate. They were not blur or unaware
# The essence of Christ command was to raise disciple makers who produce disciples makers
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
"And what you have heard from me"
(2 generation of Disciple Makers from Paul to Timothy)
Entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also
(3rd generation) + (4th generation)
The early church disciple did not stop among themselves but continue with the replication process of disciple making
# We want to see continuity of life from one gen to next. The same applies to the great commission, disciples who will raise and reproduce other disciple makers for the kingdom
We exist to fulfil the lord's commission and nothing else
3 areas help us not to be great omision:
1. Christ
Raise disciple who are Christlike, Christ centred
- One who is following christ (disciple following Matthew 4:19-20)
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
- is being changed by Christ (transformed to become like Christ in value and inner being, able to reflect image of Christ externally 2 Corinthians 3:18 )
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
- and is committed to the Christ mission (Matthew 28:19-20)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
How do we know that we are indeed growing since it's a lifelong journey?
Solution:
The spiritual continuum
1. Exploring christ
2. Growing in Christ
3. Close to Christ
4. Christ centred
2. Community
Christ started ministry of earth by started a small community. 12 is symbolic of the true Israel that will come to those who will express their faith to Jesus Christ
This intentional life on life community with disciples also provided christ with emotional and spiritual support during his time on earth
Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
Christ goes deep into the 12 disciples lives forming strength
The deeper transformation of the disciples...
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
You can enjoy God in your time of solitude but God's word clearly teaches us that we're never meant to live alone without a faith community. How do you become a disciple maker and fulfil Christ command.
Differentiate and decide between our preference of being alone and Christ command
Every unpleasant encounter in your previous small group or experience .. only strengthen you to face difficult situation in future. Everyone is growing to be more like Jesus. Your faith journey with Christ is meant to live with faith believer in christ.
3. Commitment
Do all we can to fulfil Christ commission to us
Where do I find more time for disciple making?
Pause and determine your life now
God, Open my eyes to see those who are in need
Patience in Prayer
by Pastor Peter
Big idea:
We need to Pray expectedly and Wait patiently
MEET -
More
Encounter
Empowerment
Thirst
What is your assignment from God in 2024?
What is your purpose in God?
Waiting is a part of our experience in prayer.
Psalms 25:1-3
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. 2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
This psalm is a prayer, David was talking to God. It's special because it's an acrostic psalm. It was written as a song for easy memorising. David was in danger, overwhelm by his circumstances and needed God's strength
Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord,[a] is in you.
David adopted the posture of "waiting"
Last verse is "Redeem Israel out of its trouble"
* David's prayer is marked by patient waiting
"Wait" is a Strong theological and practical of waiting on God
The Hebrew word for "wait" in psalms 25 means hopeful expectation
Psalm 130:5-6
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
* Pray expectantly
Psalm 25:8-10
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. 10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.
Psalm 25:18
Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
David knew he was sinful and need forgiveness
David appealed to God's goodness, faithfulness and steadfast love despite his own merits and righteousness
#1 Pray expectantly based on God's character
Psalm 25:12-13
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.[a] 13 They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
God will instruct the person who fears Him based on His love and grace upon you
* Declare God's attributes
There will be a period of waiting
* Wait patiently
Psalm 25:16-19
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. 18 Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. 19 See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me!
1 Samuel 13
Saul was thirty[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-[b] two years. 2 Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Mikmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. The rest of the men he sent back to their homes. 3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul had the trumpet blown throughout the land and said, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4 So all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel has become obnoxious to the Philistines.” And the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5 The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand[c] chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. 6 When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 15 Then Samuel left Gilgal[d] and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with him. They numbered about six hundred. Israel Without Weapons 16 Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah[e] in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Mikmash. 17 Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual, 18 another toward Beth Horon, and the third toward the borderland overlooking the Valley of Zeboyim facing the wilderness. 19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles[f] sharpened. 21 The price was two-thirds of a shekel[g] for sharpening plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel[h] for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads. 22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. Jonathan Attacks the Philistines 23 Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass at Mikmash.
Saul need guidance but he couldnt wait for prophet Samuel to come. He disobeyed God, didn't trust
* Waiting patiently means trusting in God perfect time and wisdom
David waited more than 20 years for his ascension from the time of prophet Samuel anointing. In fact, David was a fugitive running away from Saul during the time of waiting
#2 Surrender to God's time
Grabbing from God
Leads to pain and destruction sooner or later:
- career promotion before time
- lust of flesh B4 marriage
- covetousness whether is God's will or not
Psalm 25:14-15
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. 15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
* The essence of the friendship of the lord is sharing of true desires, intimate thoughts and even secrets of the heart
#3 Expect God to speak (wait for His voice)
Exodus 33:11
The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
God speaks to Moses As a man speaks to his friend
Big idea:
We need to Pray expectedly and Wait patiently
MEET -
More
Encounter
Empowerment
Thirst
What is your assignment from God in 2024?
What is your purpose in God?
Waiting is a part of our experience in prayer.
Psalms 25:1-3
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. 2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
This psalm is a prayer, David was talking to God. It's special because it's an acrostic psalm. It was written as a song for easy memorising. David was in danger, overwhelm by his circumstances and needed God's strength
Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord,[a] is in you.
David adopted the posture of "waiting"
Last verse is "Redeem Israel out of its trouble"
* David's prayer is marked by patient waiting
"Wait" is a Strong theological and practical of waiting on God
The Hebrew word for "wait" in psalms 25 means hopeful expectation
Psalm 130:5-6
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
* Pray expectantly
Psalm 25:8-10
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. 10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.
Psalm 25:18
Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
David knew he was sinful and need forgiveness
David appealed to God's goodness, faithfulness and steadfast love despite his own merits and righteousness
#1 Pray expectantly based on God's character
Psalm 25:12-13
Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.[a] 13 They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
God will instruct the person who fears Him based on His love and grace upon you
* Declare God's attributes
There will be a period of waiting
* Wait patiently
Psalm 25:16-19
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. 18 Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. 19 See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me!
1 Samuel 13
Saul was thirty[a] years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-[b] two years. 2 Saul chose three thousand men from Israel; two thousand were with him at Mikmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah in Benjamin. The rest of the men he sent back to their homes. 3 Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul had the trumpet blown throughout the land and said, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4 So all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel has become obnoxious to the Philistines.” And the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5 The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand[c] chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. 6 When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. 7 Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 15 Then Samuel left Gilgal[d] and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with him. They numbered about six hundred. Israel Without Weapons 16 Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah[e] in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Mikmash. 17 Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual, 18 another toward Beth Horon, and the third toward the borderland overlooking the Valley of Zeboyim facing the wilderness. 19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles[f] sharpened. 21 The price was two-thirds of a shekel[g] for sharpening plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel[h] for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads. 22 So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them. Jonathan Attacks the Philistines 23 Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass at Mikmash.
Saul need guidance but he couldnt wait for prophet Samuel to come. He disobeyed God, didn't trust
* Waiting patiently means trusting in God perfect time and wisdom
David waited more than 20 years for his ascension from the time of prophet Samuel anointing. In fact, David was a fugitive running away from Saul during the time of waiting
#2 Surrender to God's time
Grabbing from God
Leads to pain and destruction sooner or later:
- career promotion before time
- lust of flesh B4 marriage
- covetousness whether is God's will or not
Psalm 25:14-15
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. 15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
* The essence of the friendship of the lord is sharing of true desires, intimate thoughts and even secrets of the heart
#3 Expect God to speak (wait for His voice)
Exodus 33:11
The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.
God speaks to Moses As a man speaks to his friend
Monday, January 8, 2024
Partner with God in prayer
by Pastor Wilson Teo
Come to him before crisis happen and before planning our plans through prayer
Big idea:
God allows us to participate his purpose on earth through prayer
Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
* Approach God as Abba Father
Prayer is about having a conversation with God, our Abba Father
Prayer is not a one way street that we download all our prayers to God
Prayer is not a monologue with God
Matthew 6:10
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
* This verse emphasize the need to first seek God's mind and Will before we present our laundry list to God
know God's heart and mind over that matter in my life
Intimacy with God enable to know what's on God's heart and mind, over the issue that I bring to Him instead of insisting my desire and my way in that matter
When my prayers are not answered the way I want and desire，I begin to see things in God's perspective
Old Testament example of God spare the righteous from Abraham's plea:
Genesis 18:16-32
When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.[a] 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.[b] 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare[c] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” 29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
Abraham is an example of biblical ancient figure praying to God
Abraham understood that Sodom deserved to be punished and also God's character of righteous and justic and His heart always ready to be merciful to the righteous
We can learn like Abraham To take time to understand God's character and steer out prayer towards God's heart and mind
Ask for God's heart, purpose and mind for .... Then wait
Because of this prayer and waiting, We will not be reacting out of fear and anxiety
How do you want me to steward my finances?
The issue of God's will in prayer:
- what's the point of praying when God's will has already decided on the outcome?
Sodom and Gomorrah
- God can change His mind
Also there are incident that God did not change His mind even with petition and prayer such as Jesus prayer below
Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Only through seeking His heart and mind will we know whether Is this matter settled in the heart of God or not?
1 Samuel 23:7-13
Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. 9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10 David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. 11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will.” 12 Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will.” 13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.
God's foreknowledge about a future event does not always mean that he will always predestine it to occur. However, This does not mean God cannot predestine an event if He wants to. Look at the example below:
1. David fled keilah upon receiving God's answer
2. Saul stop pursuing
A. God invites us to seek his heart and mind through prayer
B. God involves us by aligning our prayers to his will and purpose on earth
Come to him before crisis happen and before planning our plans through prayer
Big idea:
God allows us to participate his purpose on earth through prayer
Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
* Approach God as Abba Father
Prayer is about having a conversation with God, our Abba Father
Prayer is not a one way street that we download all our prayers to God
Prayer is not a monologue with God
Matthew 6:10
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
* This verse emphasize the need to first seek God's mind and Will before we present our laundry list to God
know God's heart and mind over that matter in my life
Intimacy with God enable to know what's on God's heart and mind, over the issue that I bring to Him instead of insisting my desire and my way in that matter
When my prayers are not answered the way I want and desire，I begin to see things in God's perspective
Old Testament example of God spare the righteous from Abraham's plea:
Genesis 18:16-32
When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.[a] 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.[b] 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare[c] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” 29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”
Abraham is an example of biblical ancient figure praying to God
Abraham understood that Sodom deserved to be punished and also God's character of righteous and justic and His heart always ready to be merciful to the righteous
We can learn like Abraham To take time to understand God's character and steer out prayer towards God's heart and mind
Ask for God's heart, purpose and mind for .... Then wait
Because of this prayer and waiting, We will not be reacting out of fear and anxiety
How do you want me to steward my finances?
The issue of God's will in prayer:
- what's the point of praying when God's will has already decided on the outcome?
Sodom and Gomorrah
- God can change His mind
Also there are incident that God did not change His mind even with petition and prayer such as Jesus prayer below
Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:42
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Only through seeking His heart and mind will we know whether Is this matter settled in the heart of God or not?
1 Samuel 23:7-13
Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, “God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.” 8 And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. 9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10 David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. 11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will.” 12 Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will.” 13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.
God's foreknowledge about a future event does not always mean that he will always predestine it to occur. However, This does not mean God cannot predestine an event if He wants to. Look at the example below:
1. David fled keilah upon receiving God's answer
2. Saul stop pursuing
A. God invites us to seek his heart and mind through prayer
B. God involves us by aligning our prayers to his will and purpose on earth
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