Christmas Baptism 2007!

8 of our brothers & sisters were baptised on 23 Dec 2007 =) Praise the Lord!

Look at our joyful smiles~ =)

Sharing Testimonies~

And all this is possible... Because Our Lord Lives. =)

God's forgiveness and the big fisherman--(Part2: Cracks in the Rock of Faith)

BY JONATHAN LIAU

Greetings to you all, readers.. ('v')


Remember where we last stopped in the first entry, on God and the big fisherman? That's the moment when Jesus called his disciples and asked who they thought He was. After a few random guesses that the disciples made, it was Peter who spoke up for them, confidently proclaiming Jesus as the 'Son of the living God', a testament of his belief in the Messiah that was standing in front of him.


If the story had just ended there it would seem, well, a happy conclusion wouldn't it? Well, not really. As the Bible goes on to reveal, Peter sometimes puts his zeal for following God into his own complacent belief that he alone knows what God is doing. Let's find out what happened, shall we? Hees..


It all happens in the same chapter in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16; the fateful shadow of the Cross fell across the disciples as Jesus began to reveal His impending sacrifice for the remission of the sins of mankind. Peter would hear none of it... much to the extent of denying God's plan of salvation by taking Jesus aside and started to "rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, LORD; this shall not happen to You!""(Matthew 16:22). Woah. That's some talk to God! Peter didn't hold the fact that he, a mere human who receives and understands facts, has boasted his confident assumption to the One who knows anything and everything!! Probably the reason why Jesus didn't take Peter's big talk lightly: "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."(v.23) WOAH. That's some reply.(*Do take note of this, readers)


We know that, as Jesus's close friend, the last thing Peter wanted to be was a hypocrite, or even a betrayer of his actions or words. He really did not wish for ANYTHING to happen to his best Friend. At the same time, we can safely say that it certainly is scary proclaiming to God how we can prevent things from happening, with our own knowledge and strength which, ironically, is God-given. Who are we to do so? It's self-righteousness, something God frowns upon. And unfortunately for the big fisherman, he would soon learn that, the hard way.


Towards the final hours of Jesus's life on Earth at the Last Supper, He wanted to comfort His disciples for He knew how hard it would be for them when He was gone, being sheep without a Shepherd. What a picture we have in John 13:1-11! The Son of God, girded with a towel, a basin of water in His hands, washing His disciples' feet! He wanted them to serve in the same spirit, that greatness is always measured by service. A pity indeed, that the big fisherman failed to see servant-hood in Christ; he attempted to deny Jesus from washing his feet (for those taking Literature, this is what one calls foreshadowing- the big denial... which will be discussed in the next entry). Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you will have no part with Me."(v.8)


Those words certainly affected Peter, for he gulped and mumbled, "LORD, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"(v.9), quite comically(if you could imagine it, of course):







At the Mount of Olives, Jesus emphasised the moment He was about to be arrested and tried, in Matthew 26:31: "..I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.." We can see the continued impulse in Peter as he confidently boasts of his loyalty, to the extent of putting himself above the others: "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble."(v.33) Let's double check that scene in Luke 22; Peter further presses his self-righteous confidence, that he was ready to be arrested and killed with Jesus(v.33). But Jesus knew otherwise, and made a jaw-dropping conclusion: "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day before you will deny Me three times that you know Me."

It's certainly a wonder: won't that scare the pants off Peter? I'd probably would. The prophecy that Peter will deny Jesus in the 4 Gospels is a stark contrast to Peter's apparent penchant of boasting that nothing will happen to Jesus, or even dying for His life. Even though Jesus's words came as a shock to the apostles (with the -ahem- exception of Judas Iscariot), it was the big fisherman who spoke up for their confidence that they would never forsake their Lord. However, God knew what Judas and Peter would do. (Judas knew of his actions and consequence; Peter didn't.)

Tensions aside, let us reflect on the cracks that appeared in Peter's faith to the Lord- Jesus knows likewise of the rising and falling of spirituality. He Himself has been tempted in the desert. He knows what we do or think even before we were born, even for Peter!

Yes you might say, but what's the problem with Peter's boasting? Didn't he mean well for his best Friend?

Well, with my best usage of knowledge (which is unkindly pounded upon by orientation prep and revision.. Arrgggh) I can say that even though it is commonplace for us humans to fall in this sinful world, one thing we ought to remember is to confess our failings to God, and to accept what God has planned for our lives.

peter pushed his 'own' beliefs over the edge, and the price he had to pay.. was, literally, a self fulfilling prophecy (Pun intended here..) But that's another entry.. Haha. Keep in faith.


God bless.

God's forgiveness and the big fisherman--(Part1: Before the Storm)

BY JONATHAN LIAU

Here's a really special entry I want to share with all readers.. A special gift that God bestows on us, in the highs and lows of our lives. And it is through the life of one of the most notable characters in the Bible, that we see: No matter how Man has been led astray in sinning against the LORD, He never fails to forgive. He wants us, like the big fisherman I will be sharing about, to lay our faith in Him... and be Fishers of Men, to spread forth the Gospel to the World:

Simon Peter was just like any other ordinary chap. He wasn't any great King like David, nor a reputed prophet like Isaiah. However, God has His way of choosing His people. He certainly has plans for every single person on this planet; probably the reason why Peter, the big fisherman, came to be one of the twelve apostles, twelve special friends whom Jesus personally chose at the time of His ministry.

We don't know much about Simon Peter's early years, but what we do know is that he was in the fishing business with his brother Andrew, toiling on the seas for days on end with only a meagre catch. (Just imagine if you were in that situation one day, and Someone who took a ride in your boat asks you to try catching again in another location... and lo, instead of 8 puny fish you get 8000 of 'em.. cool, eh?) With Jesus's miraculous instructions, Peter knew how amazing it was to be following Him.

Unfortunately, he knew in his heart of his past actions; how unworthy was he to follow the LORD, as he cried in Luke 5:8,

"Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O LORD!"

At Luke 5:10, however, we see the forgiveness of Jesus already, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." God had a special role for Peter, the big fisherman: not to catch fish, but to spread forth God's wondrous message to the masses. Like Peter, God dosen't hold us on account that we are not perfect to follow Him, or that He is too good for us. He has a role for us likewise, to put down what we have and follow His Word.

Peter certainly was true to the LORD, much more to be His close friend. For instance, when Jesus asked in Matthew 16:15, "But who do you say that I am?" (For details, do check out my earlier entry: Who do you say that I am?) He was testing the aim of all His training of the chosen twelve. The climax of His ministry was reached. "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!"(v.16) exclaimed the impulsive, fervent Peter. It grasps Christ as the Messiah, and the big fisherman knew. Peter's answer gave Him all the assurance that His goal had been attained. This confession is great because it exalts Christ as the Son of God and lifts Him above humanity and crowns Him as Deity. He said to the big fisherman and the disciples after concerning who He was, "..on this rock I will build my church.." (v.18) Bestowing upon Peter, among the other apostles, as the 'rock' (Peter's translated name Cephas means Rock), Jesus was paving the way for the big fisherman to live out His aim. It is the strong belief Peter proclaims in Jesus, and the Latter's love for Peter at the same time.

However, all things on this Earth are infallible. Even Peter.

Look out for the next entry on how a few words of impulsive confidence, and pride, robbed the big fisherman... of his best Friend.

God bless.

Welcome our new blog writer!

BY MARCUS MOK

Welcome our new blog writer, Jonathan Liau! You can check out his blog at http://panzerboy89.blogspot.com/. We will periodically post quality posts from his site over here.

We're stil recruiting good blog writers! If you are interested to post in TBC YPF blogsite, just drop us a tag and/or email Marcus at mww@pacific.net.sg .

Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement

-Focus Passage- Acts 11:19-24

19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

There's something about Barnabas! His name means "encouragement", and here's one who's truly true to his name! From the passage, you can tell that this man was evidently one of pure and good heart, who witnesses the hand of God at work and responded in praise and gladness, then immediately join in the fun! What a spontaneous, excited and exciting man of God! As we look at this short but insightful account of Barnabas, let us see how the gift of encouragement operates in a man of God:

1. The verse says that Barnabas "saw" the evidence of the grace of God. What we actually "see" is very important. Imagine if Barnabas was a narrow minded man. What would he see? An unclean alliance of Jews and 'dirty' Gentiles? An offshoot of the church needy of submitting to the Jerusalem church's authority?
   But not Barnabas. He was different, because deep in his heart he has given himself to the Lord, to rejoice over the things that God rejoices, to be broken over the things that breaks the heart of God.
   

   You might note that this was the same Barnabas who saw the genuine change in Saul (Acts 9:26-28) when the rest of the church was terrified by the ex-persecutor of all things Christian. That showed what kind of a broad heart he has.
   

2. "When he saw…he was glad"
   Sometimes what we see really reflect the state of heart we're in. Are you walking so closely with God that your desires and interests reflect His own? Are you actively looking for evidence of God's grace working in people's lives?
   

   If your answer is 'yes', think about this: when was the last time you heard about someone being saved? Some good thing happening in your brother/sister's life?
   

   What was your immediate response?
   

3. "He was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." That's a long sentence, but it speaks volumes. What do you encourage a new Christian? A brother or sister in Christ who's in distress? Do you religiously 'encourage' the person to 'do' his/her Quiet Time (as if it's something to be done?) Or do you get to the heart of the matter?
   

   The heart of the matter is the heart. We can do all the external things, but for the wrong reasons, if we do it not for Christ. Barnabas knew that, and it's the first priority in his mind when he got to encourage them.
   

   How is your heart today? Are you true to Christ? Can you honestly say that you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength?
   

4. Have you noticed how often the great men of God were described in Acts as "full of the Holy Spirit"? Remember Stephen (Acts 6)? Barnabas was also a Spirit-filled man. He gave his life to love God and serve Him wholeheartedly, and because of his love for God, the Holy Spirit was pleased to fill him.
   

   I believe it means that Barnabas was constantly walking in the Spirit. It wasn't like, when we need to share the gospel, or make a public sharing, and we pay, "Please, Holy Spirit, I need You now!" then after the whole thing lived as if nothing had changed.
   

   I believe it's something constant, something regular in Barnabas' life, such that people could see that the Spirit of God was evidently with him.
   

   Question: Does God expect any lesser from us? Than to walk in the Spirit, that you do not gratify the desires of your sinful nature (Gal 5:16)?
   

   There's a hymn that goes,
   

   Fill me now, fill me now
   Spirit come and fill me now
   Fill me with Thy hallowed presence
   Come, O come, and fill me now!
   

   May we desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit at all times…not just when we think we need Him!
   

5. "A great number of people were brought to the Lord." The evidence of true, fruit-bearing disciple of Christ. Barnabas' life was so attractive that he brought another wave of people to the Lord.
   A good tree bears good fruit. A bad tree bears bad fruit. Out of the fullness of the heart a man speaks. And when Barnabas' heart is deeply in love and thoroughly immersed in the Person of God, out of his heart flows springs of living waters.
   

   When Christ is lifted up in a person's life, He will draw others to Himself, naturally (and supernaturally!). Imagine the impact of our lives if we're fully surrendered to the Spirit of God!
   

   Today many Christians are living their lives devoid of the Holy Spirit's filling and presence, and yet they're too lukewarm to think it a shame. As you look back on the opportunities you've lost in life, what are your thoughts? Will you take the Lord on His promise, that He will not turn away those who turn to Him (John 6:37)? Will you learn from Barnabas' example, and be an encouragement to others?
   

   Your life can only make a difference if the Spirit of God reigns in you. Let it be today.
   

   Let it be now.