#xtremeworkout2016 newtestament

[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.