"This Easter I'm going to get baptised"

I was thinking of the time when I got baptised...

every1 said to me "good on you"

but there were 4 people that sticks out in my mind when I told them

I was getting baptised..

These four people challenged me to why I was getting baptised..

They all asked, why do you need to get baptised, what's your purpose & what is baptism for ?

Man the first time, I kinda didn't have a direct response..I answered was getting baptised because Jesus has saved my sins.. it was kinda like a certainty of change.

Second time, I thought I could add more to show self-assurance, so it was like giving a short testimony =P

I guess gradually, I started saying that I wanted to come out & publicly announce that I was a Christian & I wanted all the glory to be given back to God, especially when I was serving in front of my Christian peers.

Not only that, but I was challenged to let my non Christian friends know I was getting baptised..

*Hey I'm taking one more step into my Christian faith.. why not take another.. & if I wanted to publicly announce I was a Christian to Christians, shouldn't I also announce to my non-Christian friends too" ? Luke 19:10 says
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost"

Shouldn't we follow Jesus & follow by his example of what he came to do?

Matt 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

I'm not sure what your view is about baptism, maybe you're looking for a change in your life & baptism is the answer, maybe you want to take the nxt step in your walk with God, maybe you think it's the symbolic act & that's important, & maybe you just believe Jesus is Lord and want to share it with the whole world!

I pray for all the upcoming baptisms to be fruitful & a wonderful celebration =] & for them to continue to grow in fruit for our Heavenly Father.. to pray to him in spirit & in Truth

To mature in Faith, Hope & Love =] & a yearn to desire to be like our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Live it out, Keep Shining & Don't hold back! He's given you everything you ever needed

& He will give you soo much more

You thought that was it?- prt. 2

1. What sort of message should be silenced (v10-14) ? Why does it need to be silenced? What role should an elder take in this regard?

V10 picks up from v9 (obviously…) and it becomes clear as to the reason why Paul has emphasized Biblical knowledge as a requirement to become an elder. The ‘things they ought not to teach’ apparently covers many deviations from biblical truths, but it is possible to take some clues from v10 from the identity of the people teaching what those mistakes was. The particular mention of the ‘circumcision group’ points towards the Jews who still regarded salvation as something to be earned through the merit of individual effort, rather than divine grace (Rom 3:24).

The mistake that salvation required circumcision and obedience to a legalistic obedience preached by the ‘teachers’ mentioned in v10 clearly denies acceptance of God’s grace as the singular requirement. It is evident however in v11 that entire communities (‘households’) were listening to this flawed message, and suffering because of it.

Because of the damage that can be done when such a mistaken message is taught- for the selfish gain of the teacher in some instances (v11)- Elders are to come down ‘sharply’ on such people, a call for a stern course of action to be taken.

2. What is “Jewish myths” (v14)? See 1 Timothy 1:4. Why should we “pay no attention” to them?

The Jewish myths Paul is referring to are Jewish legends and stories attached to old testament figures i.e. Moses and Adam. Because these were taken from sources that fell outside God’s Word (now gathered for us in the Bible), this prompted efforts to be places somewhere other than the divine message of God. 1 Tim 1:4 seems also to allude to the fact that they may have steered believers away from the truth of salvation through faith, and not works.

3. What are the “commands of those who reject the truth” (v14)? Why should we also “pay no attention” to them?

Again, these ‘commands’ often dealt with unnecessary legalities that false teachers insisted were necessary to gain salvation. Here however, it could be included into these ‘commands’ not just the claims of Jewish tradition of the circumcised group, but also those who might turn communion or baptism into a necessary component of being a Christian, rather their place as a mere expression or remembrance of God’s grace.

4.

a) How can everything be pure to the pure and nothing be pure to the corrupt?

Paul’s emphasis here is on an individual’s attitude. His first section ‘that to the pure, everything is pure’ (v15)- is not asking that people view everything as good and godly (which would contradict a large part of what Paul is trying to achieve here in Titus…), but that there is nothing that will enter an individual which of its own nature corrupt that person. While everything (1 Tim 4:4), that which comes out of a person may be unclean (Mark 7:15-16).

So while a believer may look at the Bible and see God’s perfect truth, a teacher out for dishonest gain or without the guiding principles that Paul lays down in Titus can input his own intentions into verses and books, using them out of context and corrupting its meaning.

b) Now read verse 16. Does it make sense now? Explain why or why not

5. Back to v11, what would “destroy households” and is it related to the “Jewish myths”, “commands of those who reject the truth” and verse 15-16

6. Looking at all of this, why would it be so important to have an elder or a senior member of the church that carries the traits mention by Paul?

Application and reflection

1. Do you think the Paul’s characteristics only apply to elders and senior members of the church? Do you think maybe we should strive to follow them as well?

2. What areas of your life need more work? What characteristics do you need to cultivate?

Alright guys, this weeks study is up- apologies for the incompleteness, I've been caught a bit short on time and wasn't able to do the job quite that I wanted to- however, here you go. Hopefully the formatting goes down better than last time...

TITUS : STUDY 2

Titus 1:5-16

One of Titus’ task was to appoint elders for the church of Crete. Elders and Pastors are responsible for the growth of the church. If their thinking isn’t aligned with God’s will, trouble will brew. Read Titus 1:5-16

What do you think are essential traits that an Elder, Deacon or Pastor should have? Why do you think it’s important that they have these traits?

1. List the characteristics of an Elder according to Paul and discuss why each is important. Compare with your ideas. Make sure you reference verses.

Just quickly- one way of thinking about these qualifications is by dividing them into negative (things elders should not have) and positive (things elders should have) characteristics. More specifically, the characteristics that Paul sets out can further divided into general, domestic and personal and doctrinal qualifications.

General

Blameless; No brainer this one. This general criteria qualifies the rest of Paul’s points, with an elder being blameless in the areas that he mentions but also (in my opinion) serves to catch everything else that is relevant to the position but not mentioned by Paul. Considering that the Bible warns for us not to do something even if it is ‘permitted’ where it causes a weaker brother to stumble (1 Cor8:9-11), given an elder’s position in overseeing the Church and tending to the congregation, it would seem the need to be blameless should be a fairly broad one for the sake of people under an elder’s care.

Domestic

Husband of one wife; The importance here being at that time polygamy was considered abnormal and digusting by pagan cultures, it would be completely unacceptable for leaders of the Church to be in a relationship involving anything more than one man and woman (Gen 2:24). Interestingly (at least to me) is the amount of scrutiny and argument that this qualification has lead to- whether this bars men who were widowed and married, or were divorced under extremely extenuating circumstances. I’m not sure what our churches stance on this is, but I’ll explain later briefly how none of these qualifications are absolute, per se.

Children must be obedient; Yes- our bad behaviour can disqualify parents from being an elder (please don’t try this)! Actually, here the responsibility is on the elder to have ensured as best as possible that their children are straight shooting, bible bashing Jesus freaks. With the amount of references to Christians being children in a spiritual sense (1Cor 3:1, 1 Tim3:5), an elder’s success at home with their children can offer deep insight into their ability to do likewise in Church.

Again, this would not seem to disqualify parents who have done everything humanely possible to keep their kids on the right track, but whose children have just turned out bad (I’m looking at you here…yes, you). In the end, it is an effort of God which sees the conversion of an unbeliever to a Christian (John 15:16). Again, I’ll explain why I don’t think that these qualifications should be thought of as absolutes…

Personal

Not be overbearing; Importantly, earlier in Titus 1:5 Paul asks not for one elder, but for a plural (also in the Japanese version too!). An elder who always imposes what they perceive to be the ‘right’ way of doing things and only begrudgingly surrenders ground to his fellow elders hampers the decision-making process and can create division within the church.

Not quick-tempered; This is probably why I wouldn’t make a good elder… this compliments the next criteria of self control nicely. This isn’t asking an elder to remain placid in the face of indignity suffered by the church- but at the same time, angry people seldom make good decisions (just look at how well George plays SC after losing a couple of matches before…)

No Drunkeness; Again, I think it’s fairly obvious why installing Barney from the Simpsons into this role would be a bad idea.

Not be Violent; It’s pretty hard to obey Jesus’ greatest commandment if you’re punching the guy’s face in.

Not pursuing dishonest gain; It’s mentioned numerous times in the Bible how hard it can be be for a person who single-mindedly values material possessions to appreciate God’s promises and to focus instead on building up heavenly possessions (Mark 10:17-25).

Hospitable; For Christians, welcoming and caring for the needy is like caring for Jesus (Mathew 25:31-46). Interestingly, at the time when Titus was written persecution of the early Christians could often make it impossible to stay at an inn, and made hospitality of fellow believers especially necessary.

Loves what is good;

Self controlled;

Upright;

Holy;

Disciplined;

Doctrinal

Sound doctrine to encourage others; Paul outlines 2 particular (though not exclusive) uses of the Bible for elders. In using the Bible as a means of encouraging and nurturing elders are able to divinely inspired advice to those under their care, so much superior to any human equivalent. The foundation for encouragement and refutation on SOUND doctrine underscores how important Paul (and humble I) thought it was to have elders well versed in scripture.

Sound doctrine to refute those who oppose it; Our elders should be on the front line when it comes to defending the church. In order to do this, a well equipped elder needs have a sound knowledge of the basis of their own and the church’s beliefs. Gods own Word is to be used as a means of piercing human deception (Heb 4:12). As part of their responsibilities to lead the church, it is only natural to ask for an elder to continue that responsibility in the face of world criticism and offence.

And finally! The reason why I think that the points laid by Paul for the selection of leaders should be treated as absolute criteria is that such a perspective would pretty much bar anyone but Jesus from being an elder… which is good and all, except it leaves the Church with a bit of a leadership deficit. Everyone has sinned (Rom3:23) and no one can be blameless in all areas of their life. What Paul does give is a comprehensive blueprint for the selection of elders, who should be scrutinised closely in the areas that he has mentioned.

Phew! Yes, that was question 1…

2. Compare your list with that given in 1 Timothy 1-7. Discuss the differences.

This place is so dead, I even forgot my password for this =.=

Just been surfing like a pro (5 stars for play on words)

& came up with a few sites, 2 of which I ripped off from twitter =]

http://myhillsong.com/servolution this because I love the fact that churches come together under one head no matter what denomination

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/facebook-cant-live-without-it

I found this interesting because most of us use it.. & it's recent

& this next one your in for a treat =]

The Rebelution Blog by Alex and Brett Harris

I first came to know these two brothers on our local Christian Radio Station 1WayFm

listening to Focus on the Family. I thought what they were doing, ministering to our generation was

Just Awesome.

this last one I remember,

George & Daniel were joking about being a bum/homeless dude, wouldn't be that bad & it would be something to try out.. well two dudes in America did it.. Mike & Sam.

Under the Overpass ; youtube

In 2005, college students Mike Yankoski and Sam Purvis voluntarily became homeless in order to experience what life is like for the poor in America. For five months, both men travelled through five different cities with bare essentials and two acoustic guitars. Singing worship songs while panhandling. (they were around 21 early 20s)

These sites are pretty cool for procrastinating =]

enjoy ;)

peace.

Good things happen to those who wait Dorothea...

I'll be putting up my own study for the university group to take a look at, hopefully it'll stimulate the conversation beyond the latest movies and/or build orders for SC (usually my fault, I confess). Don't use this as an excuse to slack off, I'm watching you.

Tehillah Bible Study:?Titus Overview

Pre-study Question:

What do you want to get out of Tehillah in particular the Bible studies?

Background/Context:

1. Where is Titus situated in the Bible and the salvation time line?

2. Who wrote Titus and what gives him authority?

Here's a tip guys... whenever asked who the human author of a book of the New Testament is, go with Paul- He's kind of like c) in a multiple choice quiz. Paul wrote the Letter to Ttitus, as well as the other 12 epistles in the New Testament. Of these, 6 of the Epistles have had their authorship by Paul questioned; the general consensus though remains that Paul wrote this letter. For me, v1 seems to be a fairly strong indicator that Paul did write Titus...

Paul's authority comes from the highest power available- As an 'apostle of Jesus Christ'(v1.), Paul uses the word 'apostle' in its narrowest sense to denote his position as one of the seminal figures in the Early Church as a missionary and leader. That this office came from Jesus (Acts9:15) provides the foundation/basis for Paul's authority, and ultimately should decide similar positions in our own church.

3. When was Titus written?

The Letter to Titus is regarded as being written in between 1and 2 Timothy- This came at a time when Paul had Crete after setting up the church/es there. Tentatively, this puts the Letter of Titus

written between 62-67AD http://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-letter-titus

4. Who are Titus and the Cretans?

From the Bible, we learn that Titus was a gentile (Gal 2:3), and one of Paul's closest workers. From Titus 1:4, the relationship between Paul and Titus seems similar to the relationship between a father and son, likely because of Paul's role in bring Titus to Christ.

The Cretans were the inhabitants of the island of Crete( Duh...), the center of the Minoan civilisation. It is likely that Spain's bullfighting tradition also originated in Crete, its antecedent found in a Minoan festival that involved young Cretans somersaulting onto the back of a Bull (useful for Trival pursuit). By Paul's time, the Cretans were already known to have less than admirable qualities (Titus 1:12), to which Titus was to continue tending to the needs of the Cretan church planted there by Paul.

5. What kind of book is Titus and?what is?the purpose of the book?

Together with 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul's Letter to Titus have collectively become known as the 'Pastoral Epistles'. Despite Paul addressing Titus individually during the opening address, the Letter to Titus really sets out the importance of Doctrine within the Church, and how this should accordingly affect the church members. In this respect, Titus contains important advice on how our own church should look today.

Read Titus 1:1 – 3:15

Titus 1:1-3:15:

6. What is the main message of Titus as a whole and in topics?

What may be an apparently boring duty to memorise the Bible in agonising detail, is shown in the Letter to Titus to be central to the gift of Gods Grace to Mankind. V14 states that Jesus Christ `gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness himself and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do good.`

For a Christian to show no ouward change in their behavior after having been admitted the Grace of God denies the purifying nature this gift is supposed to have upon us. While this in no way endorses a view that we are saved through our own good efforts and actions, if a person who proclaims their `Christianity` shows no outward renunciation of their old worldly ways, it is hard to see whether they really have accepted Christ into their life.

The emphasis on doctrine in Titus that is indispensable to the process of purification brought on by God`s Grace. While every man/woman is gifted with the ability to discern right from wrong (Rom 2:14-16), no one always has the right answer, all the time. Furthermore, the particular problem dealt in Titus of people teaching incorrect doctrine has the ability to undo entire communities, particularly when the source of incorrect doctrine is an elder in the Church. To sum up, Titus helps us understand how sound knowledge of the Bible is necessary in leading godly lives, having the promise of salvation through His Grace.

7. What similarities are there from the Cretans and the Corinthians?

Both the Cretans and the Corinthians at the time of Paul writing his

letters to each respective congregation were young churches. at first

notice, a big similarity between the two churches is the problems they have

with their preaching. While the Corinthians were more impressed with the

lopgic and charisma of their speakers than whether the content was

centered on Jesus and the cross, the Cretans seem to have simply just

been preached wrong doctrine.

Titus 1:1-4:

8. What is the importance of?this?passage?

3 main points to that I want to emphasize in the passage here;

1. The connection between faith and knowledge; V1 clearly lays out Paul's objective to 'further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth'. It's important to realise that an important part in the process of becoming of strong Christian involves equal parts introspection on the relationship between you and Jesus, and a sound knowledge of Biblical knowledge. Acknowledging Christ as Lord is a personal conviction based on an individual faith in His promise of salvation. To rely on Jesus daily requires and even develops a a deepening trust between you and Him. At the same time, no one has within themselves all the answers, to which God has provided the Bible to guide us through this life- being 'godly' does not call for an attitude ignorant of the advice God has already provided in the Bible!

2. The eternity of God's promise; V2-3 talks about God's eternal design to have us saved through Jesus Christ- it wasn't something thrown together at the last minute, a contingency plan for a scenario that might never happen... God's intention and actions have always been to lead us to eternal life through the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

3.Grace and peace!; Before finishing off the introduction, Paul acknowledges where everything stems from- the Grace of God that we have all been saved by, and the peace which arises of knowing that our place in eternity has been secured by Jesus.

Further Questions:

9. Is Titus still applicable for modern Christians? If so how is it still applicable?

wah why so quiet??? no one excited that yf has already started?!?!??! pfffttttt

WELL I AM!! JEYEAHH FIGHTING!