[danielcheo]

Day 40- 18th March 2016 (Revelation 17-22) Congratulations! You have fought the good fight and ran the race. We have come to the end of Revelations as we finished Xtreme Workout 2016. Let us look at the last message that God speaks through Revelations. From chapter 17 to 20, John’s visions describe and celebrate the triumph of God in the world. John was shown both the judgement of the wicked and the reward of the righteous. God is sovereign and He would be on the throne to receive worship. As we read these end chapters, the life application is to see beyond our earthly circumstances and then turn to the Lord of heaven and earth. Only God is ultimately worthy of our devotion and praise. The Cross represents the sacrificial death in the crucifixion of Christ. The powerful rider on that white horse is none other than the lamb that was slain. When we know how history would end, it helps us to understand how we are to fit into this earth and during this period of “last days”. There will be a reality of God’s judgement. It will be a day when His wrath would be poured out and then that would be the time when all sins would have to be accounted for. During that time, the end of the individual would depend on whether his or her name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. In the last two chapters in Revelations, there is a beautiful picture of a new heaven and a new earth. God would then be residing with His people. The righteous would be separated from the wicked. And John saw in his vision the bride (the Church) who is the wife of the Lamb. There would be no need for temple or sun or moon in this city…there will be no wickedness (21:22-22:5) Every stain of sin and every trace of evil will be destroyed! And all that would be left is our souls and our spiritual investments that are stored up for us. One of the most precious experiences we will have in heaven is being approached by someone who says, I got saved because of your witness, your testimony, your missions giving and your prayers! How beautiful that would be! Revelations 22:4-5 stated that there would be no more crying, sighing, or dying! There would be no hospitals and no graves! Satan has no chance to mess with us because he will be in the bottomless pit. All the fallen angels would be chained up. John’s visions at this point are a great source of comfort for those suffering and persecuted believers in all ages. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and we get all perplexed and confused. Take heart that Heaven is a place of relief. God has rewards in store for those who kept the faith in endurance and stood up to the devil and persecutions even till the point of losing one’s life. “I am Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Just as there is judgement, there are also rewards! Jesus is coming back again and in that we place our hope and perseverance!

[danielcheo]

Day 39- 17th March 2016 (Revelations 10- 16)

It is very exciting to read Revelations. This book has both drawn dread for the persecutions that Christians are predicted to suffer from and yet at the same time, it offers hope with the coming of Christ and a new heaven and earth. It can get confusing, so here is a general outline of Revelations.

Concerning Christ – the things which you have seen (chapter 1) Concerning the churches – the things which are (chapter 2 and 3) Concerning the kingdom – the things which shall be (chapter 4 to 22)

In the third part of Revelations, the Seven Seals were the beginning of a series of future events that John saw. They are followed by the Seven Trumpets, Seven Significant Signs and then the Seven Bowls.

There was a silence after opening the last Seal. What does it mean?

Look at Revelations 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

This is significant because it shows that our prayers matter and they go onto an altar before his throne. Then when the time is right God does something with these prayers. Revelations 8:4 showed that worship ascends before the Lord: "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand."

Revelations 8:5 And the angel took the censer; and he filled it with the fire of the altar [that is, with the burning prayers of the saints] and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

The thunder, sounds, lightening and earthquake simply represent the action of God from heaven on the world as the scroll of the end of the age begins to open. The point is clear that the prayers of the saints would be the case of great historical upheavals. The prayers of God's people play a necessary part in bringing in the judgments of God.

What are the practical implications for us? None of our prayers are ever wasted or pointless. Jesus said in Luke 18:1, "We ought to always pray and not to lose heart." The truth is that prayers are received on the altar of God. They are the power for great divine judgements and redemption in time to come. We should not think that it is pointless to pray again and again for our families, our friends, our nation and the rest of the world. At the right time, God would bring His Kingdom back to earth again and that is the substance of our hope.

[danielcheo]

Day 38- 16th March 2016 (Revelation 4-9)

Yesterday’s post was by sister Wanping. It was well written. Today let me intro the book of Revelation again as we enter into our last 3 days of our Xtreme Workout.

Just as the first book of the Bible Genesis, open with God’s redemptive programme, the last book Revelation gives the conclusion of that whole redemptive programme, with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth….a new beginning. 

Revelation portray Jesus as both victorious king and righteous judge. John the Beloved who wrote this book, writes it while being on exile on the island of Patmos. He uses series of symbolic picture words to show us the awesome holiness of the Lamb of God and how He judges the world with perfect righteousness and the inevitable defeat of Satan.

In Revelation 7:14, “I said to him, “My lord you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

There will be a great tribulation but every generation has it’s own tribulations. We Singaporeans live in relative peace and safety and find it difficult to understand the many Christians who are living under severe persecutions today…yes today! In fact what is shocking is that there are more martyrs in the past 10 years than all the martyrs in all past centuries combined. Imagine that. We got to pray for our brothers and sisters in these countries. 

John’s vision paints a beautiful picture of God’s love and care for all martyrs past, present and future- their ultimate reward “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and HE who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (verse 15-16) Wow. Isn’t that a beautiful picture for those who willingly lay their lives for the Name of Jesus?

We are to hold fast to the truth no matter what it will cost for your faith. Keep the faith no matter what for one day, God will wipe every tear from your eyes (He will do it personally…wow)You will be washed as white as snow in the precious blood of the Lamb! So keep the faith!

[danielcheo]

Day 37- 15th March 2016 (1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation 1-3) 

Today, we conclude the three epistles of John and start on Jude and Revelations. I John was the longest among the three and did not look like the usual ancient letter. It was more like an essay. II & III John were constructed as letters and are very short. 

In I John, John is writing to combat the false doctrine of Gnosticism that is parallel to the New Age movement today. Thus, John is declaring that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and the Son of Man. II John was a letter to “the chosen lady and her children”,warning against entertaining false teachers, some of whom are “deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. The purpose of III John was to commend Gaius for entertaining those Christian workers who were entirely dependent on the hospitality of believers. John also brought attention to a so-called Christian, Diotrephes, who were gossiping about the apostles. 

Jude was listed along with James, Joseph, and Simon as a brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). It was most probably written between AD70 -80. He addressed “to those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ”. Therefore, it most probably applied generally to all Christians. 

Jude’s purpose of writing the letter was to warn readers against apostates, who though having denied and renounced their faith, were still allowed to remain in the church. He condemned the practices of such ungodly people who were infesting and corrupting Christians. He urged the readers to stand firm, grow in their faith and also to contend for their faith. 

As we can see, both John and Jude wrote openly against false teachings. It is vital too that as Christians, we are aware of what and who we allow to speak into our minds and hearts. Both John and Jude were not against the people, but they were upset with the fact that the church were influenced by the wrong doctrines and practices brought in from outside the church and from within the church. We ought to do what Jude encouraged his readers at the end – that is to present ourselves faithful and without fault before God. We must be careful that we do not lose our salvation at the end of our race.

[danielcheo]

Day 36- 14th March 2016 (2 Peter 1-3, 1 John 1-4) 

After completing today’s reading, you would have finished 90%. You are entering the last lap! Keep going…the finishing line is within sight now! 

Peter’s first letter encouraged the Jewish believers to persevere through difficult persecution and trials with hope. His second letter was written to the same audience and this time teaches them to oppose internal spiritual struggles and attacks from the evil one with the knowledge of truth. Peter warns the Christians against moral perversions that tempt on every side, and the denial of Christ’s return that are taught by the false teachers. He also encourages these Christians to grow in grace and knowledge that come through Jesus Christ. 

Your spiritual life is like planting a seed. In order for the seed to grow, you got to provide the kind of environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and avoid hindrances that will stunt the growth. If you are serious about causing the seed to grow, Peter says you got to add to your faith in Christ (1;5-7): Virtue, knowledge, temperance (self control), patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (love). Peter promises: “For these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1:8) On the other hand Peter warned…Ignoring God’s Word will ultimately lead to destruction. 

Now we proceed to 1 John. The writer of this letter is John the Beloved. He writes this letter to help his spiritual brothers in their walk with the Lord. John who was enjoying wonderful fellowship with the Lord, tells us that God earnestly wants all His children to enjoy the same fellowship also. John then goes on to tell us how…. He tells us that God is light and to be in fellowship with Him means walking in the light of His commandments. He then says, “God is love” and because of that, His children must walk in love too. Those who do not love, do not really know God, for that is His character. Then declares that God is also life. Those who desire to have fellowship with Him must have life-spiritual life that is birthed through faith in Jesus Christ. 

John wants to see in each Christian knowing the assurance of salvation, experiencing victory over sin and the full joys of Christian living.

[danielcheo]

Day 35- 11th March 2016 (James 4-5, 1 Peter 1-5)

Peter writes to Jewish Christians scattered everywhere who are undergoing intense persecution because of their faith. Peter reminds them that they have the privilege of being born again (one that the prophets spoke about-1 Peter 1:10) and because of that, they should not be surprised when sufferings do come their way. In fact, Peter tells them that they should expect suffering and should prepare themselves for it so that they can respond to it correctly when it does come. 

1 Peter 1:13, Peter tells us to “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

What Peter is saying here is that we got to be prepared mentally (sufferings will come) and to put our hope fully (completely) on Jesus! He then goes on and tell them not to put their hope on things that are so fragile. He says, “All flesh are like grass…the glory of man like flowers of the grass…they wither and fade away but God’s Word endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:24) 

Are you putting your hope on things or even on people? Peter warns us that anything that is earthly in nature is so fragile…one moment here, next moment gone…only one thing stands through time…the Word of God! 

Peter also encourages them to imitate Christ by having a submissive spirit toward one another. In doing so, God will richly reward them when the trials of life is over. ​

[danielcheo]

Day 34- 10th March 2016 (Hebrews 11-13, James 1-3) 

You are almost 85% done. Another 6 days and you would have completed the Xtreme Workout New Testament. Today we read the last part of Hebrews and also start on a new book….James. 

I love reading Hebrews 12:1-3. The author of Hebrews uses the picture of someone who is in a race and asks each one of us to run the race that’s been marked out for us. He also draws this amazing picture of past “athletes” (12:1) who have run this race and completed it and now cheers us on. He goes on and tells us not to allow anything (hurts, regrets, discouragement, unforgiveness… anything!) that hinders and sin that easily entangles. There will be times where we are weary. There are times when we are tempted to lose heart. The writer of Hebrews gives us the solution…put our focus on Jesus. 

This is not a competition against others but is a race set before us as individuals. Once we fix out eyes on what He has done and endured on the cross, we find our weariness and tired spirit being strengthened and renewed once again. What is entangling you in your race? What is hindering your spiritual life? Where is your eyes fixed? Fix your eyes to the finishing line where Jesus is standing, waiting to receive you! Don’t give up….keep on going…keep on running. 

James. Like Hebrews, James is an epistle written to the Jewish believers. This is a very practical book. James shows how faith integrates with everyday practical examples by stressing that true faith produces people who live out the Word. Application is everything! For James, faith that produces no change in a person is not real faith! This is in contrary to many “grace” teachings in our modern world today, where everything is hidden behind grace. People are taught you don’t have to do anything. It’s just grace. Yet for James, true faith always bear fruit of action and of deed! (this is probably the reason why all “grace” preachers don’t ever teach from James). True faith and good works cannot be divorced! 

James then offers many tests of genuine faith. True faith endures trials; obeys the Word; has no prejudice; demonstrating concern for the poor, controls the tongue; is not worldly (separated from the world) and resists the devil and his work. If you think you have faith but there is no living demonstration of that faith in your life, James declares your faith is worthless! Dead faith! 

I read this wonderful one liner that perfectly describes the book of James. It goes like this….

 “If you say you believe as you should, why do you behave as you shouldn’t?”

[danielcheo]

Day 33- 9th March 2016 (Hebrews 4-10)

Today as we continue on Hebrews, before we find out why this letter was written, let’s find out who wrote it first of all. Unlike other epistles, this letter was not signed off and as such we don’t really know who the author is. Some older versions of the King James translation have indicated that Paul is the author and even called it “the epistle of Paul to the Hebrews”, however it is just mere guess work. Till date, most scholars would agree that because of the style and the language used in this epistle, Paul could not have possibly written it.

Some have suggested that perhaps Barnabas is the writer, due to the large amounts of encouraging content in the letter. Others have suggested that perhaps Priscilla was the author and the choice to be anonymous is to conceal the fact that it was a woman who wrote it.

The fact is we still don’t know who wrote it and as someone once called Hebrews “the riddle of the New Testament”, it will continue to be a riddle with no solution in sight.    

Why was it written? Christians were being persecuted everywhere and many Jewish believers were tempted to renounce their newfound faith and return back to Judaism, to escape persecution. The anonymous author of Hebrews writes to them and appeals to them to instead pursue maturity based on Christ’s superiority over the Jewish religious system. Christ is better than Moses; for Moses was created by Him. Christ is better than Aaron; for His sacrifice is once and for all. Christ is better than even the Law, for He comes with a better covenant.

Hebrews begin with this words, “God…. spoken to us by His Son” (Heb. 1:1,2). This is the heart and foundation of Christianity. The reason Christianity is superior to Judaism is because it centres around a person (Christ) whereas Judaism centres around precepts. The old was just a shadow but the new is the substance.

In Hebrews 10:24-25 it says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

This was written in a time of great persecution and discouragement and yet the author says “not neglecting to meet…and “meet” all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is a reminder of how important it is for brethren to meet. That no matter what happens, no matter how inconvenient, no matter how dangerous (You can’t beat persecution), we should never fall out of the habit of meeting together….to stir one another to love; to stir one another to good works; to encourage one another: We need each other.

[danielcheo]

Day 32- 8th March 2016 (Titus 2-3, Philemon, Hebrews 1-3)

Titus lived on Crete and worked amongst a people group of bad repute. Like Timothy, Titus was left on the island and tasked to organise new converts into congregations and oversee the growth of the church. This brief letter to Titus is a practical guide for church administration and organisation. In order to promote sound biblical teachings and fend off false doctrines that was on the rise, Paul instructs Titus to train and appoint spiritual leaders, and that these leaders must be chosen on the basis of proven character and conduct. Paul also declare that false teachers must be quickly detected and removed. Paul also encourages all church members to live lives worthy of the gospel they claim to believe and to demonstrate the reality of their faith by maintaining good works!

Philemon is a letter that is written to a person called Philemon. This is unlike the other letters that were written to pastors/leaders like Timothy or Titus. Philemon seems like a regular Christian that is a slave owner. His slave Onesimus had stolen from his master and had run away. If he (Onesimus) is caught, he will probably be punished severely or even put to death.

During his escape, Onesimus the slave crosses path with Apostle Paul (who was under house arrest. Acts 28:16, 30) and puts his faith in Jesus Christ. After his conversion, Onesimus shows his gratitude by serving Paul but he must still return to his master. Paul writes this letter and asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus and tells him that he had left as a bond servant but return now as a brother in Christ. This short epistle reminds believers of the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.

Now what happened to Onesimus? Was he punished or did Philemon accept Paul’s plea and forgave his slave? The Bible does not tell us. However according to church tradition, there is a possibility that Philemon freed his slave and sent him back to assist Paul (verse 13-14). Ignatius; an early church father (2nd Century), states that Onesimus later became a minister in Ephesus.

[danielcheo]

Day 31- 7th March 2016 (1 Timothy 6, 2 Timothy 1-4, Titus 1)

Paul’s life is drawing to a lonely close in the Roman prison where he is held as a prisoner. Death is imminent (4:6) and he is lonely (4:9, 11). Yet the focus of Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy; his spiritual son, is not his problem but the needs and problems of young Timothy.  Timothy had ministered alongside the great apostle during one of Paul’s missionary journey but now he faces new challenges as pastor of the church in Ephesus.  

Paul who served and was faithful to the Lord throughout his life, now challenges Timothy to do the same. Paul tells Timothy that there is no need to fear persecution or pain or prison or even death, when you serve the Lord of the universe and endure hardship for His sake.

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul warns Timothy of the last days and list 19 characteristics of it. People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, lovers of pleasure instead of lovers of God and of goodness. Paul is afraid that Timothy will be swept away by this self centredness and he urges him to stand firm and stand against the pressures of the prevailing culture.

In 3:10 and 14, Paul addresses Timothy twice with this word “but as for you”. Paul was telling Timothy contrary to contemporary culture, be different…even if it means to stand alone! I believe this is true for us in our world too. To be faithful to God sometimes require us to stand against current culture and sometimes even to the point where we are the only one standing against it. To fight the good fight of faith!  

2 Timothy 4, probably contains the last words of Paul before he was executed (according to tradition, he was beheaded). His famous words that rings in my head always is, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” I pray that we, like Paul, will be able to say these words when we approach the last hours of our lives.

[danielcheo]

Day 30- 4th March 2016 (2 Thess. 3, 1 Timothy 1-5)

Timothy is a young man that is Paul’s disciple. Timothy was discovered by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1) and enjoyed a unique relationship with apostle Paul. In fact on a few occasions, Paul refers to Timothy  as his “son in the faith”. 

Timothy had ministered alongside Paul during his second missionary journey and was later assigned by Paul to pastor the rather challenging Ephesian church. As such, the first letter to Timothy is almost like a manual on how to lead a church (church leadership).

Paul instructs Timothy with words like, “But you, man of God flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you are called. ” (1 Tim. 6:11-12) Paul is calling to Timothy not to drift like the prevailing culture, but to go against the flow. He tells him to flee and instead pursue godly stuff like godliness, faith, love etc. Then Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith…Finally Paul tells Timothy to “take hold of the eternal life”. Timothy was already a believer. So why did Paul instruct him to “take hold of the eternal life”? Didn’t Timothy already possess that already? The answer is that it is possible to possess something, without enjoying it to the full. 

Besides 1st Timothy being a manual on Christian leadership, it can generally be seen as a manual of principles for anyone who wants to make a spiritual impact on the lives of others.

[danielcheo]

Day 29- 3rd March 2016 (1 Thess. 1-5, 2 Thess. 1-2)

1 Thessalonians The seaport city of Thessalonica is prosperous, prominent and completely pagan! A church was planted there during Paul’s second missionary journey. A wonderful fellowship of believers develops there. Paul has many pleasant memories spent with this church. Their faith, hope, love and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. This brings great joy to Paul.

He writes the first letter to the Thessalonians, to encourage them to persevere on despite the ongoing persecution they face. Their city is full of sensual temptations; Paul exhorts them to hold on to their Christian standards and not give in to their world. Finally he also corrects some of the misunderstanding about the return of Christ and he encourages them to excel in their faith and increase in their love and rejoice always, as they wait for His return.

2 Thessalonians As the believers in Thessalonica face growing persecution, Paul writes the second letter to encourage them that in the midst of present persecution, they will be repaid in future glory. That despite persecution, they can have hopeful expectations! 

Paul also dispel the rumour that they were living in the last days and were living in the tribulation period. As such, many had quit their jobs. Some viewed Christ‘s return as a reason to relax; to withdraw from society, to relax and wait. But Paul responded sternly to such misguided laziness. Paul exhorts them to return back to work and not be a burden to the church. Paul tells them instead to take advantage of the time they have and “don’t be weary in doing good”(3:13) before Christ returns.

[danielcheo]

Day 28- 2nd March 2016 (Philippians 3-4, Colossians 1-4)

I did not introduce Philippians in yesterday’s post, so let me do it today. Philippians is a joyful letter written by Paul, to the Philippian church (which he founded during his 2nd missionary journey-Acts 16), when he was a prisoner in Rome. In spite of his difficult circumstances and persecution, Paul remains joyful (in 4:4 Paul makes this famous statement: Rejoice in the Lord always. This is something we all must learn) and writes to commend the Philippians for their faithfulness and to challenge them to make Christ the centre of their lives.

In 2:6-11, Paul describes Jesus’ life and ministry.  Here Paul tells us that this is the example we all must follow, so that our faith maybe evident to others. Your children, parents, colleagues, friends and even strangers will notice whether the quality of your life is different.  

Paul also acknowledges that divisions sometimes exist among believers but he is confident that unity can be restored, as believers practice and imitate the servanthood of Christ.

We will also read Colossians today. Paul is imprisoned in Rome when he receives word that heretical doctrines (combination of eastern mysticism and Jewish legalism that taught Jesus is not supreme) are threatening the church in Colosse.Paul in his letter refutes such false teachings and reestablishes the truth of the Gospel and demonstrates that Christ is supreme! 

As Lord of all, Jesus Christ is the giver of salvation and sufficient for every need  as such, no rituals or legalistic practices needed. Since “Christ is all in all” (all you need)…. Paul encourages the Colossian church therefore to pursue a godly lifestyle befitting of all who are risen with Christ!  

Colossians 1:27 is one of the most amazing verse in the Bible. It makes this claim, “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Wow. This statement is not merely hypothetical or psychological. For the Christian, it is factual!

The false teachers were teaching that spiritual perfection was a secret and hidden plan that only few privileged people could discover. Their plan was to make it exclusive. Paul however said he was proclaiming the Word of God in its fullness, not just part of the plan. Paul also called God’s plan a “mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations, not in the sense that only few could understand but because it was hidden till Christ came!

Through Christ, all was made known. God’s secret plan is “Christ in you, the hope of glory”! God’s plan is to have His Son live in the hearts of all who believed in Him, through the Holy Spirit.

[danielcheo]

Day 27- 1st March 2016 (Ephesians 2-6, Philippians 1-2)

In Ephesians 6:10-12 it says “Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”

I love this passage. It reminds us that there is a war that is being waged against us in the heavenlies. Often we go about our lives through what we see (Physical) but it is what we don’t see (spiritual world) that has greater implications on our live. Often when we face obstacles (maybe in our sharing of the Good News to our loved ones), we think its because of him or her...some person that is creating that obstacle. Yet Paul here says it has nothing to do with people (flesh and blood) or their doings but the workings of demonic forces that is controlling people or places.

Paul also remind us that while the devil has schemes against us and wages this war against us, God has provided protection and weaponry against Satan’s attacks. It is through the armour of God. The Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. Each part of the armour is a way we signify our complete trust and dependence upon God.

Paul says the Sword of the Spirit is God’s Word. Notice all other parts of the armour is meant for protection and only the Sword of the Spirit (The Word) is intended as a weapon! In Hebrews, Paul tells us that God’s Word is alive and sharper than a double edged sword.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us always carry this Sword of Truth. Let us practice with that Sword consistently and be familiar with it. Let us keep that Sword sharpen and be always ready to wield it when the devil shows up! The devil may act like he’s not afraid, but watch him keep his distance when he sees you wield that lethal weapon.

Jesus used that Sword in His battle against the devil. Each time He was tested, Jesus attacked and pushed back the devil with the sure Word of God; our ultimate authority!

[danielcheo]

Day 26- 29th February 2016 (Galatians 2-6, Ephesians 1)

Paul’s letter to the Galatians doesn’t open with his usual praise or prayer for the believers. There is an emergency at hand. The Galatian believers have listened to false teachers (Jewish legalists)  who have penetrated into the church. Their teaching is that salvation is a mixture of both works (work for your salvation) and grace.

Paul writes to refute their false gospel of works and demonstrate the superiority of justification by faith. Paul warns the believers about the bondage of this kind of deceptive teachings and tells them to the priceless freedom that is already theirs in Christ Jesus. He tells them that it is in the Spirit, not the flesh, that the Christian life is lived successfully.

We now progress into a new book…The Letters to the Ephesians. This letter was written about the same time as Colossians. The themes of Ephesians are similar  to Colossians. The main idea of Ephesians is simply: What you believe affects the way you behave...walk the walk that’s worthy of your calling…You are rich in Christ, so live that way!

A spiritual war rages that our physical eyes cannot see. Only those who learn to use the full armour of God will be able to withstand the wiles of the enemy

[danielcheo]

Day 25- 26th February 2016 (2 Cor. 8-13, Galatians 1)

In chapters 8 and 9, Paul gives the most comprehensive treatment of Christian stewardship found anywhere in the New Testament. He appeals to the Corinthians to follow the example set by the churches in Macedonia in generous giving- a reasonable response to God’s indescribable gift in the person of His Son.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 is a part of scripture that gets to me every time I read it. It is a great example of Christian generosity and the concern we ought to have for our brethren. Paul shares with the Macedonian Christians what was happening in Jerusalem…that many were suffering from lack. What is significant is that Macedonia was also an economically depressed area. Basically it would be like asking people on welfare to give to others on welfare. 

But the most remarkable thing was these financially deprived Macedonian believers did give. These Macedonian believers who did not have sufficient money to even make ends meet, were so concerned about their brothers and sisters (of whom they have never met) in Jerusalem and their plight, that they really gave! They gave not out their extras but out of their need! They gave beyond what they could (2 Cor. 8:3). They really considered others more important than themselves! Their giving dripped with sacrificial generosity! What a true demonstration of what Jesus taught. (In essence what Jesus taught was, “Be a servant, give to others”) 

In verse 4, Paul tells us not only did they give, they literally begged “for the privilege of participating in the service(some versions says relief) for the saints.” Wow…they saw this act of great generosity (something they could ill afford) as a privilege….

Firstly, these Macedonian believers know something most Christians don’t. That to be a follower of Jesus, it is not just talk but to really live out what He says. They followed the Words of Jesus quite literally (they denied themselves and carried the cross). Secondly, the Macedonian believers also know this truth…that when we give; we look like our heavenly Father the most…for He is the greatest giver!  

Do you look like your heavenly Father?

[danielcheo]

Day 24- 25 February 2016 (2 Cor. 2-7)

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

Has it crossed your mind that not every thought that crosses your mind comes from you? We are constantly being lied to all the time and yet rarely do we stop and think, “Wait a minute…who else could be speaking here? Whose idea could this be? Where are these feelings coming from?” Often we operate by sight; a more common sense approach to things. We look for a logical explanation for every trouble we encounter. Paul tells the Corinthians, I have forgiven you even though you have done this grave thing toward me….I forgive because I know Satan wants to outwit us…to use this to destroy us…There is something more going behind what we can’t see…that which is more dangerous!

Who kept the poor woman bent for 18 years, and Jesus healed her on sabbath? Satan. (Luke 13:16) Who moved Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the apostles and to the Holy Spirit? Satan. (Acts 5:3). Yet in our lives, do we see his hand behind the headache or sleepiness when we are about to read the Word of God? Do we see his hand behind a fallout in our lifegroups or ministry?  

Who was behind that attack on your strength and those wounds you have endured? There is a lot more behind the scenes that we are led to see or believe…

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Smell is a very individual thing. One man’s perfume might be another person’s poison fumes (bad smell). In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul declares that Christians ought to give off an inviting fragrance to those around them. But rather than referring to the mere hygiene or wearing the right kind of perfume or cologne, Paul speaks of the quality of our lives. 

Perfume attracts; “poison” fumes repels! Will others smell the fragrance of Jesus radiating from your life?  Or is your Christian life so bland, others have trouble detecting anything attractive about your conversation or conduct? Or worse, is there “poison fumes” or bad odour coming out of you, thereby turning people away? Let the fragrance of Jesus radiate to all those around you.