Monday, February 05, 2007
Yesterday I asked a brother if he read the last week's sermon on the blog. He said he thought it was for those who didn't come. I replied saying that it is for everyone. Please read.
Yesterday's sermon: Doing wrongly what is right. From 1 Chronicles 13.
The sermon was about the ark of the covenant and 3 lessons we can draw from it.
Background: the ark contains the 10 commandments, Aaron's rod and manna. It was a reminder of God's
providence, presence, covenant and instruction. In Exodus 25:22, the ark is a mercy seat between holy God and sinful men, that God speaks from.
1. The ark represented victory and protection. Numbers 10:35-36 shows that God is a warrior who arises and defeats His enemies, and surrounds his people with his presence. The ark led the people across the Jordan River, and to the conquering of Jericho.
Today, we as God's people can be assured of God's victory and protection too. God doesn't want you to be defeated by the world, nor to fear the unknown, nor to be afraid of darkness, not anxious about your future. Read Psalm 91:1-6.
2. The ark took the place of God in the hearts of the people. The ark became a source of superstition and a tool for Israel's confidence. Because of their trust in the ark, it becames an excuse for their compromise. 1 Samuel 4-6 was an account of the concequences of people having a form of religion, but yet their heart was not religious. the ark was taken from them.
Are we people who want God's power without a relationship with God? Do we put faith in activities rather than God? And place spiritual responsibilities ahead of God?
3. The account of the ark in 1 Chronicles 13 was a warning against partial obedience. It is not about a God who faulted a seemingly helpful man.
David had consulted with human leaders before seeking the counsel of God. The ark was carried in the WRONG way. Instead of priests carrying the ark with the rods, they transported it with a cart (the same way the Philistines moved it!). Although David and the Israelites sang with exuberance and high praise, yet fundamentally they were far from total obedience.
Ask yourself: Is your heart GETTING COLD? perhaps you are too familiar with church, that you lost your focus from God and just being in autopilot. Perhaps your pride says you've been there, done that and you start to have confidence in your own flesh. Perhaps you do not want to consult God first, and rely on people's opinions or what you think best.
Partial obedience is no obedience at all. God desires that you give your heart fully and trust Him wholeheartedly.
lastly, Chi Shyan keeps saying this: God will not stand in the way of your requests, yet He will also not stop you from experiencing the consequences of your choices.
Is there something that God brought to mind when you read this? Stop and pray now. Other things can wait. For what does a man gain if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.
love,
jac
jac wrote.
x7:21 PM
Monday, February 05, 2007
Yesterday I asked a brother if he read the last week's sermon on the blog. He said he thought it was for those who didn't come. I replied saying that it is for everyone. Please read.
Yesterday's sermon: Doing wrongly what is right. From 1 Chronicles 13.
The sermon was about the ark of the covenant and 3 lessons we can draw from it.
Background: the ark contains the 10 commandments, Aaron's rod and manna. It was a reminder of God's
providence, presence, covenant and instruction. In Exodus 25:22, the ark is a mercy seat between holy God and sinful men, that God speaks from.
1. The ark represented victory and protection. Numbers 10:35-36 shows that God is a warrior who arises and defeats His enemies, and surrounds his people with his presence. The ark led the people across the Jordan River, and to the conquering of Jericho.
Today, we as God's people can be assured of God's victory and protection too. God doesn't want you to be defeated by the world, nor to fear the unknown, nor to be afraid of darkness, not anxious about your future. Read Psalm 91:1-6.
2. The ark took the place of God in the hearts of the people. The ark became a source of superstition and a tool for Israel's confidence. Because of their trust in the ark, it becames an excuse for their compromise. 1 Samuel 4-6 was an account of the concequences of people having a form of religion, but yet their heart was not religious. the ark was taken from them.
Are we people who want God's power without a relationship with God? Do we put faith in activities rather than God? And place spiritual responsibilities ahead of God?
3. The account of the ark in 1 Chronicles 13 was a warning against partial obedience. It is not about a God who faulted a seemingly helpful man.
David had consulted with human leaders before seeking the counsel of God. The ark was carried in the WRONG way. Instead of priests carrying the ark with the rods, they transported it with a cart (the same way the Philistines moved it!). Although David and the Israelites sang with exuberance and high praise, yet fundamentally they were far from total obedience.
Ask yourself: Is your heart GETTING COLD? perhaps you are too familiar with church, that you lost your focus from God and just being in autopilot. Perhaps your pride says you've been there, done that and you start to have confidence in your own flesh. Perhaps you do not want to consult God first, and rely on people's opinions or what you think best.
Partial obedience is no obedience at all. God desires that you give your heart fully and trust Him wholeheartedly.
lastly, Chi Shyan keeps saying this: God will not stand in the way of your requests, yet He will also not stop you from experiencing the consequences of your choices.
Is there something that God brought to mind when you read this? Stop and pray now. Other things can wait. For what does a man gain if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.
love,
jac
jac wrote.
x7:21 PM
