Wednesday, March 23, 2011

REFLECTION ON ROMANS

The book of Romans was written by Paul around 56 C.E. to the Christians in Rome. The letter consists the message of the Gospel, as what to believe and how to behave as a believer of Christ. There is much to learn from the book of Romans, as God wants His children to know and do according to His ways.

There are 26 students in this class and we are divided into 3 groups. Our lecturer, Rev Casey specially designed his lectures into various interactive ways so that we can build up relationship, learn from one another and to put into practice what we have learned in class.

It is so amazing we learn much from Rev Casey and from one another within the 2-week module. We had a good time and enjoyed the presentations from the 3 groups on 21 March.

Community of Sharing
We had several group discussions, reflections on some Scripture passages of Romans, prayer and Holy Communion too! We specially ordered nasi lemak, chicken rice and cha siew rice for lunch together in the class so that we had more time to interact with one another. Some of us brought Coke, fruit, fish balls, soup with yao tau foo and salad. We also had cheesecake made by Sis. Davina, our lecturer’s wife. “Yummy!” She came to teach chapters 12 and 13 of Romans to us on 22 March. What a bonus! 1 + 1 = 2.

I like the small group discussion of 2 to 4 persons that we also shared of our needs in class. There was a sense of community in the body of Christ as we prayed together for Japan of the recent earthquake, for one another and to partake the Holy Communion. These helped to bond us together as a community and be aware of the needs around me and to keep others in prayer. In unity we stand and encourage one another.

Spiritual Exercise
The questions for the passage given for the exercises made me reflected of my past, present and as to communicate with God what am I going to do and to change to be more like Jesus Christ. In Romans 14:7-8 reminds me that everything I have including my life belongs to God. It challenges me to be a good steward for God, not to waste my life in doing things that I please but to follow His ways as to please Him.

Group Presentation
Our group “Roam Rome” of 9 students discussed and communicated by wiki NT Encounter and email. Our group leader, Olivia delegated tasks to each of us and we came together for further discussion. It was challenging to work together in a group of 9 people where we had different ideas for the presentation in the beginning. It was possible through Christ that in mutual acceptance with one another that our group worked out the completion of the presentation within a short time frame. God has given us different gifts and we compliment our strengths and weaknesses in the group. Indeed the passage Romans 14:1-12 is so relevant to us. It changes my perspective of working together in big group in future as we accept one another in love.

Interesting and Concrete Ideas from Romans 14:1-15:13
The 3 groups did their presentations with much creativity. There were contemporary skits, recorded testimonies in video, participants and judges setting and hi-tech powerpoint slides etc. The message of gracious living is clear to all. In Christ we have the freedom but we must not stumble those who are weak in faith. Therefore we respond in love and accept one another and not to judge others. This message of gracious living challenges me to put others first before me and to love them as myself.

The different cultures of the Indian, Chinese, Muslim and Western presented by the 2nd group in 4 skit settings and in paper gave me a better understanding to these groups of Christian. I will show my respect to them if I encounter such incidents in future.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Reflection on Corinthians Adventures

It is interesting to study the books of first and second Corinthians at AGBC. Our lecturer Rev Casey Ng uses various creative methods in his teaching that we can learn God’s Word in depth to affirm, challenge and change our perspectives.

Paul had written these letters to the Corinth church and believers about A.D. 55-57 from Macedonia to address many problems and issues faced by them. The Christians in Corinth were struggling with their environment. Surrounded by corruption and every conceivable sin, they felt the pressure to adapt. They knew they were free in Christ, but what did this freedom mean? How should they view idols or sexuality? What should they do about marriage, women in the church, and the gifts of the Spirit? These were more than theoretical questions – the church was being undermined by immorality and spiritual immaturity. The believers’ faith was being tried in the crucible of immoral Corinth, and some of them were failing the test. Paul was also challenged of his apostolic authority. There were false teacher who denied his authority and slandered him. Paul had to write the 2 Corinthians to defend his position and to denounce those who were twisting the truth.

The problems and issues addressed by Paul to the church and believers in Corinth are very relevant to the present church and Christians face today. God’s Word is ever powerful and applicable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteous, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

I would like to share of my learning experiences with you of the following:

Reflection
God revealed and reminded me through His Word as I read the book of first Corinthians in reflection of the assignment prior to submit on the first day of class. In my busy daily schedule, this exercise helped me to quiet my spirit before God to seek His face as I read and meditated on His Word. God is always faithful and just, reminded me of many things that I did in the past and how I were changed by the power the Holy Spirit. May God continue to help me to live faithfully and steadfast for Him.
There were many proud Corinthian believers in the church. One precious lesson is never thinks highly of myself to overcome temptations. Everyday I am exposed to media, people around me and engage in conversations with others. It could easily pull me to fall into sins. Thank God for His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that He watches over me. Though the years of walk with God, I am still learning to “die” daily. Pride can easily arise in me if I left it uncheck. It could be denying God of His glory who has helped me to achieve or grant me favors to get things done and in relationships with people. The Corinthians reminded me that there are many things I can do since I am free in Christ, but not all are beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). As a Christian, I have to aware of not stumbling others by my words and actions. Example food that are sacrificed to idols, I will not eat them in consideration of stumbling others of weaker faith in God (1 Corinthians 8:1-13). It is through the conviction of the Holy Spirit that I stopped being arrogant of my knowledge in Christ that I can eat the food offered to idols as my God is greater and the food are created by Him.

Spiritual Exercises
The four spiritual exercises in this module have helped to strength my faith in God and also made me pondered deeper into the truth of His Word. Each exercise consisted of a passage of Scripture from first Corinthians with a few questions related to it.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 mentioned about the warnings from Israel’s history for idolatry worship. In the present time, idolatry can be very subtle that Christians can easily fall into them without consciously knowing that they have taken roots in their life which affecting their spirituality. Some could not live without their mobile phone, computer or television. I have previously put my work prior God that it became an idol without I knowing it. I worked long hours and I loved my job. I enjoyed my work and by the time I reached home after work, it was quite late at night and I was exhausted. I spent little time with God daily. I am thankful to God that He revealed of my idolatry and I repented. I am careful not to fall into idolatry again. I have become more conscious of God and spend time with him daily. I hope from this blog, you could search your heart of any idolatry in your life and ask God to help you cast it away or change your attitude towards it.

Interesting and Concrete Ideas from 2 Corinthians 10:1-11
The first group of 3 “Master” students presented an impressive and concrete teaching of the passage with powerpoint slides. It has a very clear theme statement: The battle of minds. They started with a game which later we realized that the team who won played it with strategy. They provided a detailed historical background and purpose of the letter. Paul faced his opponents and engaged in spiritual battles where he fought them with authority and power came from God. He knew he was engaged in the spiritual battle of the minds. He was clothed with the spiritual weapons of meekness and gentleness of Christ. I am convinced that these characteristics of Christ are powerful to demolish strongholds. Paul had set a good example for me to follow. It changes my perspective of not using human methods to win in spiritual arguments.

The Concept of 2 Corinthians 10:12-18
Our group of 5 students did a presentation of the passage in class. We did the structural diagramming, researched from study Bibles, commentaries and internet, did word study, written scripts for skits, rehearsals and powerpoint slides. Each of us contributed the inputs in one way or other that in the process of putting the parts together; we learned and built up one another. Praise God we have fun acting in the ancient and modern contexts to present a clear and understanding concept of the passage. Grace did the explanation with the powerpoint slides.
In reflection of the work done together by the team, this passage is so real to us as it is telling the church (body of Christ) to stop boasting and comparing their work in Christ. It also mentions about the false apostles but it reminds the Christians of the following 3 questions:

1. Am I where God wants me to be?
2. Is God glorified by my ministry?
3. Can the Lord commend my work?

So ultimately it is the Lord who commends our work and there is nothing we could boast or to take credit for the work done. I pray for those who labor for the Lord, they will be edified and rewarded abundantly for their hard work. May the Lord find me faithful to His call. Amen.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

PASTORAL EPISTLES at AGBC

The Pastoral Epistles consists of the books first and second of Timothy and Titus. Apostle Paul wrote them to Timothy and Titus respectively.

I would like to share of my learning experience with you of the following:

Simple Daily Exercise

Prior to the first day of class, I did an assignment that was required to hand in on the first day of lesson. I read these books in two different versions and write down at least one thing that God spoke to me in each chapter. It was a simple and interesting exercise to let God speak to me through each chapter daily for two weeks. During these times, I slowly read and reflected in His Word. From His Word, there were reminders, instructions and encouragement. His Word is always so rich in grace, mercy and peace.

I think the lecturer wanted his students to come prepare for this module and also to let God speak to us pertaining to these three books in the Bible.

Through the exercise, I learnt that there were so many things that I could thank God for. There were things that He reminded me to be faithful and steadfast especially in relationships. There are many people watching me (my attitude, speech and conduct) that either I can draw them closer to God or draw them away from God. In my daily devotion with God, it is one way to let Him speaks and reminds me of His ways.

Provoking Spiritual Exercises

I like the four spiritual exercises. They were practical with provoking questions.

1. Read 1 Tim 3:1-7 (the core qualities that every Christian leader should exhibit).

2. Read 1 Tim 4:11-15 (the effective Christian leader is characterized by an exemplary Christian lifestyle (4:11-12), a God-centred worship (4:13), and the faithful exercise of spiritual gifts (4:14).

3. Read 2 Tim 1:3-7 (Timothy was influenced spiritually by his grandmother, mother and Paul).

4. Read 2 Tim 4:1-8 (Paul’s legacy to the church and challenge to us so that we would not have any regrets at the end of our lives).

I have not seriously pondered on these issues as I were too busy in the past or had taken them for granted. As I did these spiritual exercises, the questions provoked me to reflect and think deep to act and change now and not to procrastinate further. What I can do now will affect others and I am responsible to influence others for the glory of God who richly bestowed spiritual gifts and blessings to me.

The Concept of Thesis of Titus 2:1-10

The thesis consists of the form, structure, setting, exegesis of text and theological implication. There are four groups in the class that at times the lecturer wants us to interact and discuss some issues pertaining to the lesson. I like the teamwork in my group as each of us contributed to do our part of the thesis and the leader collated and put them together. Each of us also wrote our part for theological implication (for older men, older women, young men, younger women, slaves) and within a week the paper was done.

I learnt that it is important for the pastors and Christian leaders to give proper instructions to these five various groups of people and dealing with other issues.

From the Pastoral Epistles, character criteria of electing leaders, deacons and overseers are more important than papers qualification. Leaders have the responsibilities to teach and set good example. This is very practical as a leader in the church, to set priority to character building to our charges through the Word of God and by my example in Christ. I must diligently study the Word of God in order to impart the truth and character to my charges.

The Presentation (Titus 2:1-10)

In discussion of the presentation for this Saturday, our group has come out with creative ideas to present the passage to our class. We want to teach God’s Word clearly and enjoyable where everyone in the class can participate and learn to be a doer of His Word.

God has held me responsibility to teach His Word. In obedience I will follow His instructions and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

I have benefited in depth of the teaching in this module. Being a leader and teacher in the church, I must be disciplined in my walk with God, in prayer and studying of His Word diligently. Also building up relationships with others will help them to know God and draw them to a closer relationship with God.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
at AGBC

It is my desire to know more of God’s Word. I have attended many Christian conferences, seminars, teaching sessions, services and Bible study groups which had helped me in my walk with the Lord. There are always new things and discoveries when I read the Bible or in my devotion.

There was once in my life that the Lord had impressed upon me to learn His Word at His feet and stop attending Christian seminars or classes. The Bible is like an ocean where there are vast treasures and promises. There is no short cut nor quick ways to know His Word when we do not spend time studying His Word. God wants to reveal the deep things to His children and I never seem to get enough of His Word. Lets diligently seek after His Word and obey them. Studying God’s Word at His feet (alone with God) is tremendously rewarding (Psalm 1:1-3).

Amazingly He led me to the Bible school this year to learn the right methods of biblical interpretation. I believe God will keep unfolding His plan for His children as they dig deep into His Word.

In this module, I have read the textbook “Grasping God’s Word” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. It is easy to read and provides very practical approaches of interpreting the Scriptures.

In the Biblical Interpretation class, our lecturer Rev Casey Ng taught us the methods with illustrations and also gave us exercises to work out as a group. In the process we learned and familiarized with the methods as we did our group assignments. In this aspect we learnt the theory and practical of BI which the final step is to apply the theological implication into our life. It is important in regard to either it is personal or preparing to preach or teach, we should seek the Holy Spirit to help us as we study His Word.

Rev Casey had set up the “New Testament Encounter” in the Internet for his students to interact for class assignments. My blog is created as part of the module assignment to share my learning experiences. It is something new to me and I slowly adapted to this technology. Previously I did not understand why people like to write about themselves in the blog where others who do not know them can read it. I was skeptical to create my blog but now I am convinced by my lecturer that Christians should blog and share their learning experiences and testimonies that are edifying to the body of Christ or as an encouragement to others. It is also another mean to share the Gospel of Christ to friends and others.

Here are some of the things that I have learnt in this module and hope they are beneficial to you or stir an interest in you to dig deep into God’s Word.

1. Importance of Historial Context
There are areas that need to look out when interpreting the Scriptures. Knowing the historical and culture background would reveal more accurate information that relates to the passage read/study. Bible tools like the commentaries and dictionaries are helpful to provide more details and explanation.

2. Importance of Literary Context
The language and words written in the Bible could also give different meaning at that time in comparison to the present time. How the words related to one another provides the flow of thought, meaning of the words and relationships among units. Therefore it is important to analyze the content by tracing the author’s general flow of thought, then to the specific flow of thought of the passage by doing structural diagramming.

The work out of an annotated outline of the chapter or book in the Bible will also help to see the flow of thought clearer.

3. Word Study
This procedure is very helpful to determine the original form of the word by using concordances. Recommended following:

a. The NIV Exhaustive Concordance (English)
b. The Hebrew-English Concordance to the Old Testament with the NIV
c. The Greek-English Concordance to the New Testament with the NIV

In the passage (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) we did in one of the assignment, we chosen a few words to analyze the content. Usually one word it has various meanings (from the dictionary). Example: holiness; with the help of the concordances (a + c), we could determine the original form of the word in verse 7, thus the passage could be interpreted correctly. Scripture references that are related to the same word are also listed.

4. Theological Implication
We did one exercise in class regarding “The Good Samaritan” in Luke 10:30-37. Very interestingly as we listed the plot, setting, characters and steps of the passage which led to conclusion of the theological implication. It surprised all of us that it was not “Love your neighbor” but in short “In the kingdom mercy is always a surprise”. Further explanation to this theological implication is that in the Kingdom of God, mercy comes only to those who have no right to expect it and who cannot resist it when it comes. Mercy always comes from the quarter from which one does not and cannot expect it.

Are you surprise too or you cannot accept this truth? Well, you are encouraged to sign up for this module and find it out yourself :-). I believe there are many Scriptures that we might have interpreted wrongly in the past and taught to others. If we are “teachers” of His Word, lets us take responsibility to interpret the Scriptures correctly.

Personally I have benefited a lot after attended this module. It will lead me to read and study the Bible in a different perspective with the understanding of what are the things to look out, to use the right Bible tools and methods to interpret the Scriptures. It will also help me to share and teach God’s Word confidently to others. Not least to mention also the precious lesson of interacting with my fellow mates during group assignments and in class, I am grateful to God who put us together to learn and minister to one another. Always have fond memories of the “makan” sessions :-).