Settling Disagreement in Church - Php 4:2-9

In the name of love, disagreements in Church are usually ignored or covered-up and hence the
problem remains and relationships become superficial. Paul shows us how to resolve them in
Phillippians 4:2-9.
The Disagreement in Church

Php 4:2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Here we have two prominent ladies of the church that are in disagreement. The disagreement
has come to the attention of Paul. Did Paul tell them to just agree in the Lord? No. Paul gave us
the way to resolve the conflict. He gave the reason why they need to resolve it --- because of
the Lord. They are to work together in harmony because they all belonged to the same Lord and
working for the same gospel. There is this basis for harmony.

1. Get A Mediator:
Php 4:3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women...

Paul requested a true companion, someone who had known the women, and who worked side
by side with Paul and Clement. And most importantly, someone who had the respect and good
relationships with the women.

We do not know who he was. Looking up Wikipedia, we found some suggestions: Peter Toon,
in his commentary, wrote: "His identity is not known, but he was probably a respected and
influential member of the church whose word would be heeded".[9] William Barclay, after
discussing various possible identities, states "Maybe the best suggestion is that the reference is
to Epaphroditus, the bearer of the letter."[10]

2. Have the Right Emotion: Calm, Peace, Joy, Gratefulness(In Christ)

Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Most people might think that v3 is the end of the topic of resolving conflict and Paul had moved
on to another topic. However, v5 tell us otherwise and we shall see later.

People in an emotionally charged-up state could not listen and reason. It is important to calm
the emotions first before proper discussion can take place. It is best if both parties prepare
themselves and have the attitude to want to resolve the issue rather than trying to blame one
another. So Paul wanted them to calm down and better still in an emotional state of
gratefulness and joy and wanting to resolve issues amicably. So, they must recall the joy and
gratefulness in Christ. The Chinese wisdom teaches us to address the emotion first, then
reason out and then agree on the settlement. (以情入理而后立法). Starts with relationships,
giving and saving face, and then address the mindset and then the ways to go forward.

3. Right Thinking - Reasonableness

Php 4:5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Paul wanted them to be reasonable. How reasonable should they be? Should be able to show
to all and all people agree that it was reasonable! In fact, the reasonings should be used as an
example for all to follow in the future.
Paul restated the purpose, in the Lord, and the urgency to settle it because the Lord is at hand.

The standards of reasoning should be based on pleasing the Lord. Discuss the issues as if the
Lord is physically present.

4. Bring the Issues to the Lord - Get His Wisdom and Power

Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.

Many will be worried about the settlement. Will I lose out? How would it be better for me? What
were be the better ways out? You see, when we worry, our focus will be on ourselves. Paul
reminded us that there is a higher force at work. There is the greater help at hand. We just need
to present them to God. Come to God, and list down all your concerns and needs and entrust
them to God. Focus now on God and see how God lead you. When we understand God will
help us, we shall calm down because the Power of Christs will guard and keep our minds in
Jesus and with His wisdom.

5. What are the Biblical Principles to apply?

What and how will make a good settlement? How shall we think and behave? What are good or
bad. Paul list down eight things to consider:

Php 4:8 Finally, brothers, think about these things:

1. whatever is true,
2. whatever is honorable,
3. whatever is just,
4. whatever is pure,
5. whatever is lovely,
6. whatever is commendable,
7. if there is any excellence,
8. if there is anything worthy of praise,

6. Follow the Good Examples of Paul/Worthy Leaders and Practices:

Php 4:9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these
things, and the God of peace will be with you.

If we are still blur about what and how to do, Paul said to follow his examples and practices.

Next time if there be any disagreement, don't just ignore it, but maybe can put Paul's advice into
practice and have a church with authentic relationships.
The Purpose & Power for Living - The Best Benediction
The best benediction is Hebrew 13:20-21. It gives us the purpose and the power of living. It
shows us what God is like, the accomplishment of Jesus Christ, and how we can live a God-
pleasing life.
The best benediction is Hebrew 13:20-21 [ESV]

Now may the God of peace

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
equip you
with everything good
that you may do his will,
working in us
that which is pleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Keys

That is a long sentence. So we strip it to very least to get the meaning clear, we shall have:

God equips you to do His will through Jesus Christ.

We can find the answers for purpose and the how-to of living this life.

What is our purpose in life?

Ans: To do God's will - which is pleasing in His sight.

How can we do that?

God equips us with everything good

AND through Jesus Christ working in us.

What else do we need?

Nothing, except our belief and obedience to His leading.

Who is Christ?

Christ is the great shepherd of the sheep - we are the sheep led by Jesus Christ. We recall then
Ps 23 where God is our shepherd and we lack nothing.

Christ is the one who gave his blood on the cross to seal the eternal covenant reconciling men
to God and enabling us to children of God.

Christ is resurrected by God the Father and now seat at the right hand of God. (Esp 1:20, Heb
1:3, 8:1,10:12)
Who is God?
He is the God of peace - who sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and resurrected Him
for our justification and thereby established the eternal covenant between men and God.
(John3:16)

To us, because of Jesus, God is no longer a God of judgment but of Peace.

Conclusion:

We don't have to strive to look for and work for God through our own efforts.
We just have to rest in the assurance that our loving God of peace has equipped us and
enables us to do things that please Him through Jesus Christ living in us. (Philippians 2:13
(NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.)

Getting Your Healing - The Bartimaeus' Way

The steps that blind Bartimaeus got his healing are the exercise of faith that will also help us get
the answers that we need for the problems that we face. Let find out the details...
Bartimaeus' Way

Mar 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a
great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side
begging.

 face up with his problem - blindness

 does the things he could to be independent - begging. No worry of pride.
 go to the place where people will pass by - go to where the opportunities are.

Mar 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth,

 Be opened to see, hear, and learn. Learn as much as you can about your problem and
possible solutions
 He heard of Jesus, especially of the miracles Jesus did from the crowd.

he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

 he took action, immediately, to get hold of the opportunity.

 Opportunity is for those that are ready and seeking it.
 Don't just dream, talk and plan. Take action. Do it.

Mar 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace:

 discouragements, criticisms, and obstacles will appear when you start to act.
 be not discouraged.
but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
 Stoicism will tell you that your obstacle is the direction that you should move to
overcome it.
 P.U.S.H Pray until something happen.

Mar 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man,
saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

 initial success occurred.

 Don't stop because of some success. Persist on.
 "A journey of thousands of miles begins with your first step" is often quoted. But Lao Zi in
Dao De Jing 64 has an additional verse to tell us to continue on and to finish the journey. He
said that many have given up on the way.

Mar 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

 He gets rid of any load (garment) that will slow him down.
 Good is often the enemy to greatness.
 Act speedily to not lose the opportunity.

Mar 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?

 God does not overrule you. God is awaiting your request to fulfill it.

The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

 Bartimaeus is very clear about what he wants - his eyesight.

 He could ask for other things like lots of wealth so that he needs not beg for it.
 He just wants to see so that he can be free and independent to live and earn a living by
his effort.

Mar 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

 Bartimaeus' faith is seen through the actions he has taken.

 Do our actions reveal our faith? Or are we just believers in our my mind and not in our
heart? Does our believe cause us to act?

And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

 Real faith brings forth the desired result.

 Most people after receiving what they want from God will go away to do their own things.
 However, Bartimaeus spiritual eyes and physical eyes (now healed) see things clearly.
He follows Jesus - the healer. Many are spiritually blind. They want the gifts and not the giver.
They are still self-centered. God could be just their means to satisfy their desires.
 Many commentators believe that we know this particular healed blind man's name is
because he became an evangelist for Jesus. Many blind men were healed by Jesus. But we
don't know their names.
Reflections:
Are we spiritually blind?

The Laodiceans did not think so. But Jesus said so.

Rev 3:17-19 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white
raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Lessons Learned:
1. Get Our Desires Right - Spiritually and Physically.
2. Get our foundations for our faith - Where are the Promises of the Bible.
3. Act on our faith.
4. Continue till completion.
5. Seek After the Giver and not just His gifts.

he Effective Way to Change Another's Behavior - 2Tim 2:24-26

Most of us try to change others by 'lecturing' or 'nagging' which usually ends in a quarrel and
defeat the original intention. The Bible in 2Tim 2:14-26 shows us a better way. The ways are
establishing your good testimony, then the show of love, follow by discovery of the lies and truth
and patient. The love and the testimony trigger a reflection in the others' heart and a willingness
to change.
Quarrels Change Nothing but Bring Harms
2Ti 2:14 ... charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but
only ruins the hearers.
When we quarrel, we are both hearers and speakers. Quarrels just spoil the relationships and
making any further discussions and changes impossible.

A Good Testimony First

2Ti 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need
to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. ....
2:19 ... “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with
those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Before we intent to correct another, we must make sure ourselves are approved by God and
others can see that. We need to earn the right to speak and be heard first by our testimony of
good work and behavior. That is the necessary foundation step but it is still insufficient.

Add in Love
2Ti 2:24-26 And the Lord's servant
 must not be quarrelsome --- do not lecture nor nag.
 but kind to everyone, --- be loving and kind.
 able to teach, --- have the wisdom and knowledge to guide others.
 patiently enduring evil, --- be willing to go through the tough times in councilling.
 correcting his opponents with gentleness. --- always with gentleness and not judging nor
condemning.
 God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, --- it takes
time for them to reflect and be touched by the Holy Spirit.
The Success - Repentance & Freedom
 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being
captured by him to do his will. --- The Success - Freedom from the enslavement.

They are trapped and deceived by the devil in believing in the wrong things - the lies. Only when
they see the truth that they may change and be free.
Lessons to take-away:
 Be upright yourself and live a good testimony earning the respect from others.
 Have the wisdom to show what's wrong and point out the right ways.
Discovering the lies and the truth.
 Be loving, kind and gentle towards the other person.
 Be patient and be ready for a long run in some cases.
Lim Liat (c) 25 Jun 2018

The Greatest Commandment and Its Meaning

The Greatest Commandment is about how we love God by being faithful to Him first and only,
and with our whole life and understanding of Him and do our best with varied and creative
methods to bring glory to Him.
Last Saturday Ps John Liu's Sermon on "Deeper Relationships" shared on "The Greatest
Commandment". Some of his key points are captured here with my further meditations on the
Word.

Mark 12:29-31 NIV

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the
Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

In the very short form, Love God and then Love Others.

1. The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

There is only One true God who we should worship and love. There are no other gods. Our
source is only one and He should be our focus and attention. There shall no others idols or
others that will distract us. One is so simple and easy to follow. But men like choices. If we have
many choices, then we have to decide and we actually become our own God. That is the sin of
Adam, wanting to be his own judge of right and wrong. But we are not self-existence, God is.
We are created by God and we are to worship our one and only Creator God. In Him, shall be
our trust and no one nor anything else. Not people nor money nor power etc.

2. How do we love God? Love God with Our All

Ps Liu gave very good answers for the four components of how to love God.

1. Our Heart - Our Intention and Desire to be devoted to Him alone

Pro 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
The core of our being is our heart - the center of love and desire. So we must guard it
carefully and only be devoted to God, loving Him and no others.
How do we love someone? We must find out and know His desires. His likes and dislikes.
And then we do above His expectation to please and satisfy Him. God does that for us in
Ephesians 3:20 ... to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or
think, according to the power that works within us...
How much love is there? Mary shows us in John 12:3 pouring a pint of pure nard that cost a
year wage on Jesus vs Judas who thought it should be sold rather than waste on Jesus.
2. Our Soul - Breath & Life
The word for Soul is G5590 which is also breath. We all need to breathe to live. So it
actually represents our life. We are warned in Mark 8:35 For whoever would save his life
will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. We are to
offer our lives as a living sacrifice Rom 12:2.
3. Our Mind - Be creative. Think of various ways and methods to love God. Have
understanding and knowledge of God's character and mind. 1 Jn 5:20 God had given us the
understanding to know Him. Luke 5:18-25 shows the men using their brain overcome the
obstacles to bring the paralytic to Jesus for healing.
4. Our Strength - Do it with Excellence to Glorify God. Our Time, Efforts and Money.
1Pet 4:11 We serve with the power that God has given us to bring glory to Him.
Philippians 3:8 ... I(Paul) consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
Mark 12:41-44 The Widow gave all that she had whereas the rich gave out of their
excesses.
We begin with our heart with the full intention to love God and full commitment of our life and
using our mind to think of the best ways and using our full strength to do with excellence to
glorify God. There is only the right response to His creation and love of us. We love God by
being faithful to Him first and only, and with our whole life and understanding of Him and do our
best with varied and creative methods to bring glory to Him.

3. Loving God is Seen in Loving Others as Ourselves

'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ has two lessons for us.

1. Who is our neighbor? The parable of the Good Samaritan tells us clearly it is anyone in
needs that we meet or know of.
2. As of ourselves? Isn't it selfish? It is extending our boundary to include the others in us.
It is removing the dividing boundary between others and us. It is about becoming one, close
to husband and wife. It is like Christ in us and we in Him. Hence, we have the golden rule
of Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this
sums up the Law and the Prophets. (This verse assume that others and you share the
same values and likes). The passive form is a good guide too "Don’t do unto others what
you don’t want others to do unto you.".
3. Other related verses include Rom 13:8, Gal 5:13-14, James 2:8
4. The Branding of Believers - Loving One Another like How Jesus Love
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you,
a. that you love one another:
b. just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

The Branding: Joh 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have the
love for one another.”

We can work backward to the Greatest Commandments:

1. loving one another as Jesus.
2. because we are 'loving our neighbor as ourselves'
3. doing and serving with excellence,
4. using our creative mind and understanding of God and people needs
5. giving our whole life in His service
6. devoted and faithful to our One and only Source, God.

Lim Liat (c) 28 May 2018

Posted by Liat Lim at 9:51 am

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2018-05-23

The Right Balance = Power, Love and Self-Control - 2 Timothy 1:7

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we find the three attributes of the Spirit is described together. This is how we should
always do in balance. Love gives the motivation, Power gives the ability and Self-control enables to do
the right thing in the right time and circumstances and in the right amount. Either of them alone leads
to problems.
(2Ti 1:7) for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.

The Context:

The interpretation of any verse in the Bible should be done in context. Paul was encouraging
Timothy not to hide his gift but to boldly exercise it. He reminded Timothy that the Spirit gave us
three attributes of power, love, and self-control. Subsequent verses showed us what Timothy was
worry or fearful about. He was ashamed of Paul's imprisonment, afraid of the possible persecutions,
and unsure of the power of salvation. We can see that one aspect of Power is to overcome the fear
that Timothy had. Paul gave his own testimony and conviction that it was all God's grace and
power to enable him to accomplish the tasks God has given him. Our trust is in God and not in our
own ability. He also gave the examples of his co-workers like Onesiphorus. Despite the
abandonment of Phygelus and Hermogenes, they continued in their task. All these demonstrated
the love, power, and self-control of the Spirit are being exercised by Paul and his co-workers.

The Fruit of the Spirit

The attributes of the Spirit is also described in Gal 5:22-23 as the fruit of the Spirit. There are nine
attributes described which can be grouped and matched with the three described here.
 LOVE: love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
POWER: joy, peace, forbearance
SELF CONTROL self-control.

We can see that love is the motivation, power is the ability, self-control is the management of
such to stay the course, or wait for the right time, circumstances and exercising the right amount
of love and power.

Lesson:
Good things did irrespective of the time, situation and people will bring forth bad results. We
need self-control to manage our good intentions of love and the exercise of our abilities.

Lim Liat (c) 23 May 20

ransformation - From Death to Life - Ezekiel 47:1-12

How do you transform any dying or death to life? Ezekiel 47:1-12 gives us the secrets and the
process. First, find the source of the life-giving power, the living water. Secondly, follow and live
in the life-giving water. Thirdly, increase your commitment. Fourthly, be totally immerged in the
water. Fourthly, measure the progresses all through the stages. Fifthly, reflect and see the
results of the living river. Sixthly, provides varieties without ceasing. Seventhly, not all old things
are bad. Keep the good salts.
Ezekiel 47:1-12 Mindmap:

Lessons
1. Find the Source of Life: God is the life-giver - giving out the living water
2. The Purpose: To transform the lifeless desert to an abundance of lives.
3. Results:
1. Fruit Trees of different kinds.
2. Fishes of different kinds
3. Keeping the Salt - not getting rids of all old things. Keep the good.
4. Continual Enjoyable Varieties of Provisions without Stoppages
1. Different Fruits for Each Month
2. Leaves for Healing
 3. All Kinds of Fishes
5. A small stream transforming the desert into a living place filled people and all
kind of lives.
4. Life is a Journey & a Process
1. Measurements:
1. Must have a set of measurements to measure and understand the
progress.
2. Doing the real measurement and learn and to know what to do. We need
to change the method, from wading into swimming, when the streams
become a deep river.
2. Stages of Progress:
1. Progress comes in stages.
2. Know the stage and the right thing to do.
3. Maintain a Balance - Keep the Good Salt. Transformation is not about changing
everything.
4. After some years, a quick review will show you the impact that you made. See
the case study at the end of this post.

Take Away:

Our lives are to connect to the source of life and to bring his life, like the living water, to
transform death to life, increasing our commitment, and progressing in stages, from near to far
and wide, giving glory to God.

A Case Study:
Lighthouse Evangelism started by Ps Rony Tan celebrating its 40 years anniversary. It is a good
testimony of how a little group of people creates such an impact over the years. See Ps Rony
Tan LE40 Invitation which gave a short history of the church.

Lim Liat (c) 17-4-2018

Posted by Liat Lim at 11:37 am

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2018-04-11

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom Revealed - Part 2 The Seven Spirits of God
Isaiah 11:2-3 describing the seven spirits of God gives us the additional clues as to what the
seven pillars of wisdom mentioned in Proverb 9. Putting them together helps in our
understanding.
The post The Seven Pillars of Wisdom Revealed gives an exhaustive list of what the seven
pillars of wisdom could be. Combining that with Isaiah 11:2-3, we can be assured of our
understanding of what the seven pillars of wisdom are.

Below is the mind-map:

Some have combined the Seven Spirits of the Lord with the Lampstand, see here.

Lim Liat (c) 11 Apr 18

Posted by Liat Lim at 11:53 am

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2018-04-01

"Good Friday" vs "Easter" Churches - The Secret for Victorious Living

Who are Christians? "They are sinners saved by grace.", said the traditional churches that
celebrate Good Friday. "They are the new creation of grace.", said the grace-based churches
that celebrate the Easter resurrection throughout the years. Grace only churches run the risks of
becoming like the prodigal son of the parable whereas the sinners centric churches are like the
elder son of the parable that work to achieve favor. The victorious churches are the ones with
right balance, who appreciate the consequences of sins and also appreciate the new status and
authority obtained for us, for which Christ had paid the heavy price. Grace is not just forgiveness
for sins but also the power for us to live the righteous life that we should.
 Today is Good Friday when we remember the suffering of Jesus Christ on Cross to redeem us
from our sins. Most churches will have services to tell the story of Jesus' triumphant entrance to
the cross and the resurrection. Just like the famous movie, "The Passion of Christ", a major part
will be about the betrayer and the suffering and ending with a very short resurrection. It is as if
the major thing in life is the suffering of the cross and salvation is the sole purpose of Christ and
Christianity. We have forgotten that "Salvation through the Cross" is the necessary but
beginning step of the total purpose of God which is making disciples of all nations that they will
follow the teaching of Jesus and become like Him (Matthew 28:19-20).

Paul puts it clearly and strongly in Romans 8:29-30 (NIV)

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he
also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

He told the Galatians, in Gal 4:19 NIV

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

The purpose of God for men is that through Jesus, we all can become like little Jesuses, his
brothers, and sisters, sharing the same image and attributes. His suffering on the cross is a
needed, though a very painful step, to enable us to become children of God. But we are not to
remain as babes but to grow up to mature men in Christ.

Who are you, Christians?

Your answer will determine your mindset and behavior and hence the outcome.
1. We are sinners saved by grace. Eph 2:8
2. We are the new creation of grace in Christ. 2Cor 5:17

The Traditional Good Friday Churches

If your answer is 1- sinners saved by grace, then which part of the verse do you focus your mind
on?

Most people focus on "sinners" and unconsciously live like one without the empowering of
grace. While they will confess that they are indeed saved by grace, they act as though they
must, by their own effort, live righteously to earn the favor with God. They are already so
grateful that Christ has saved them and now they want to repay His kindness with their work.
They got trapped again into performance for acceptance just like the elder son of the "Parable
of the Prodigal Son".
 Luke 15:29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you
and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate
with my friends.
 The elder son had no idea of his sonship and authority at all. He lived and worked a
servant!
See his father shocking answer in verse 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and
everything I have is yours.
The traditional Good Friday churches forgot about the Easter resurrection new creation,
authority, and power. They did not make use of this new status and power that Christ had gone
through the suffering of the cross to obtain for us.

The Easter New Creation Churches

 New Creation focuses on what has done for the believers. Their new life, new status as children
of God, and new authorities as Sons of God. Paul did not end "the salvation is by grace" at
Ephesian 2:8. He continued with verse 10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. So salvation is the first and
needed step to achieve the goal which God had prepared long ago, the good work that reflects
the glory of God. God is glorified through the good work of His sons. Matthew 5:16 NIV In the
same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify
your Father in heaven.

However, if they forgot about their sins, and take lightly the sins paid for, privileges of grace
becomes a license to sin. They become like the prodigal son who knew his rights and privileges,
and did, Luke 15:12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the
estate.’ So he divided his property between them. But he wasted the resources given
him, 15:13b and there squandered his wealth in wild living. The grace based gospel run the
risks of becoming a prosperity gospel that God becomes the genie to give us whatever we
wanted to spend on ourselves.

The Right Balance Victorious Living

The remembrance of Christ's Good Friday suffering on the cross for our sins put us in vigilance
for the strong temptation and evil consequences of sins. The Easter resurrection of Christ let us
know for sure, and for our present living, the new creation and righteous power that Christ had
obtained for us. We are saved for God glorify good work. We are blessed as means to testify of
God's goodness and to bless others and not for just ourselves only. We are to forget the past,
no longer as sinners, but focus at present, new creation sons of God, toward the goals of
eternal glory, waiting for the return of Christ.
 Philippians 3:12-14 Living Bible (TLB)
12 I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working
toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be.
13b ... Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of
the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ
Jesus did for us.
Cross and Resurrection are both sides of the same coin. Looking back, Christ died for our sins.
Looking at the front, Christ in You. Looking back, we are freed from our sins.Looking forward,
we are joyful in doing what He wants best for us.

Don't stay on Good Friday but start living from Easter Sunday to the second coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ.

Lim Liat (c) 30 Mar 2018

For a detailed discussion, please read True Conversion and Wholehearted Commitment:
Foundations of Discipleship.

Related:
 "Grace is Unmerited Favor" - This Common Definition is Wrong
 The BIG Difference: Righteousness by the Law or Relationship
e Power & Benefits of Confession of Sins - Psalm 32
Since Jesus Christ has redeemed us from our past, present and future sins, why then bother
with confessions and repentance of our sins? A study of Psalm 32 will tell us why - Confession
brings forgiveness and a teachable spirit for us to live blessedly.
Today is Palm Sunday - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The scene quickly changed,
before the end of the week, into the rejection and death on the cross by Jesus to pay for our
sins. When Jesus died for us, we are yet to be borne. He death paid for the future sins of many
generations to come. The OT saints, look forward to that day when Jesus death sealed their
salvation too. So all will agree that Jesus paid for our past, present and future sins. Some may
then argue, if our present and future sins are forgiven, then why to bother to confess and repent
of our sins? Let's just live freely and happily. However, the grace of God is not a license for us
to sin freely. It is rather to save us from our bondage in sin and to empower us to live rightly and
victoriously. The reality is shown in Psalm 32.

A Mind-map of Psalm 32:

Take-Away:
The devil's method is to tempt you to sin and then accuse you of your sins. He wants to keep
you suffering in bondage. The only solution out is to face your sins, approach the Throne of
Grace and Mercy of God (Heb 4:16) to confess and to ask for forgiveness. It is the way to break
through to a life of victory and blessedness. Listen now to the guidance of God and follow
therein. If there by any violation, quickly come back for restoration. Keep the relationships alive
and well.

Lim Liat (c) 25 March 2018

Posted by Liat Lim at 10:51 am

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 2018-03-07

A Message for the Aging and Sick - Psalm 103

Life is brief. Almost suddenly, we have live passed fifty, sixty and seventy years and more. Our
bodies tell us that. Psalm 103 put our life in good perspective and offer us comfort and hope for
now and evermore. Read and meditate on it and share your thoughts with us too.
Psalm 103 Mind-map with comments:

A Message for the Aging & Sick Ps 103

 1 Of David.
 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
 & forget not all his benefits,Counting His Blessings helps our faith in God
 3a who forgives all your iniquity,Present tense. God has, is and will continue to
do
 3b who heals all your diseases,
 4a who redeems your life from the pit,
 4b who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
 5a who satisfies you with good
 5b so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.So speak to your body every
day. Get renewal.
 The Lord
 Deliver the Bullied
 6 The LORD works righteousness & justice for all who are oppressed.
 Revealed His Way
 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.His ways
are not secretive. They are obvious in the creation - the universe, nature, living things all around us.
 Is Merciful
 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast
love.Don't run away from God because of your sins, failures, betrayals etc. Run towards Him, He is like the
prodigal son's father, waiting for your return with opened arms,
 Is Forgiving
 9 He will not keep his anger forever.His discipline is for our good and is only
temporary.
 10 He does not repay us according to our sins & iniquities.He did not because we
had Jesus who paid for our sins.
 Is Love
 11 His steadfast love is as high as the heavens above the earth.
 toward those who fear him;Not everyone but those who receive Him will
get to taste His love.
 12 he remove our transgressions as far as the east is from the west,
 Is Compassion
 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows
compassion
 to those who fear him.
 Man is
 Dust
 14 For he knows our frame;he remembers that we are dust.We need a rebirth by
the Holy Spirit with an external new body
 Brief
 15 As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the
field;"Flower" - Man will shine for a while.
 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.We
will return to dust.
 So
 make every moment count
 Take good care of your health to stay alive longer
 use now to invest in the eternal future
 God is
 Eternally Loving
 17 But the steadfast love of the LORD
 Forever
 His righteousness to children's childrenHis blessings pass unto the next
generation
 Who?
 who fear him,
 18 who keep his covenant & do his commandments.
 In Charge
 19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules
over all.So worry not. Cast all your cares upon Him 2Pet5:7 because He cares and He is able.
 His Angels
 20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!The Lord commands His angels to great work to bless you too because He
loves you.
 Praise Him
 21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!His created beings
 22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion.His created things
 Bless the LORD, O my soul!And Me too! Especially Me!
 Take Away
 Praise God all the time because He is Great & Loving
 He has, is, and will continue to heal, renew and give us life
 His love and forgiveness are greater than our sins. So repent and come to Him quickly to
receive forgiveness and restoration.
 Our life is brief. Make it count for God and for external. Know, Fear and Obey God in this
life.
 Praise Him all the time.
Lim Liat (c) 7 Mar 2018
Posted by Liat Lim at 11:17 am

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2018-03-05

The 5C's of Marriage - The Keys to A Lasting & Joyful Life

I used to a be solemnizer for weddings and have given many exhortations to young couples.
Last Saturday 3 March 18 was my daughter wedding. What could I tell my daughter and son-in-
law about having a good and fulfilling marriage? The exhortations that I gave to others are
equally applicable to my daughter and her spouse. This 5C's of Marriage is a key one to be
shared with her as I have shared it with others.

Introduction:
Marriage is a blessing ordained by God. Gen 2:24,Mat 19:6.
It is for building each other up and for glorifying God. Here are 5 keys for a successful,
satisfying, joyful marriage.

1. Christ first:
Love each other as Christ’s love and with His love. This love is unconditional and unchanging.
Not on romance, feeling, economics, other reasons. Such things changes with time. People
grow old.
So, we need to draw from Him, especially His Love given to and is in us, and to Give to each
other.
Follow His teachings & ask for His wisdom in times of needs and indecisions.
 2. Covenantal Commitment of 100%-100%:
Covenant is 100%-100%, not 50%-50% contract. It is not breakable.
It is giving 100% even when you feel the other side is not giving. Not I give only when you give.
We commit to work it out no matter what. Not to give up. No back door or Exit. Encourage each
other to go on.
Not depend on feeling. Feelings, security, and joy come from unchanging commitment.

3. Communication & Compliment More:

Know your spouse' love language. Speak to her or him in his language, not yours.
The languages are word, touch, time, service, gift. Always clarify rather than jump to conclusion.
A key part of communication is Compliment – giving of praise & appreciation. Complimenting
each other is the glue that holds the relationship together. Saying “Yes”s.

4. Companionship & Caring

Treat your relationship with your spouse more important than with your children.
Spouse is for our keep till the end of this life. Children are to be under our care for their
development and to let go later. Parents' relationship affects their children. When a father
abuses mother., the son will hate the father & be depressed because he can't protect his
mother. The best thing you can for your children is to love each other all the time.

5. Co-operation or Co-labor together

A good relationship is about drawing out & building on each other strengths. It is not to destroy
each other. Always encourage and never tear down the each other. Anyone winning is actually
a loss to the relationship. All negative remarks can be made positive, such as, instead of "Why
are you so late and complaints....", says, "It will be great if you are here earlier …". Do it. Treat
each other with Respect - Give benefits of doubt … e.g. late, did not do, … there are good
reasons behind. Don't jump to conclusion that he/she does not care or love anymore.

The Final Question:

Five years from now, if you I ask you how much you love her, what will you say?

If you answered "as much as today, the wedding day." then it is wrong.
The right answer should be "More than today."
Love increases with time of investing in the relationship.
Invest in your this precious relationship from now onwards.
Do the five C's of Christ-centered, Commitment, Communication, Companionship & Co-
laboring.

Some Testimonies from Books:

A story of Alzheimer wife & professor husband.

Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin - president of Columbia Bible College; Wife, Muriel suffered
Alzheimer's disease for the last twenty years. He gave up his presidency and numerous other
responsibilities to care for her and to love her. An incident is recorded in his book “A Promise
Kept”
(See https://matttroupe.net/tag/ravi-zacharias/ )
 Once our flight was delayed in Atlanta, and we had to wait a couple of hours. Now that's
a challenge. Every few minutes, the same questions, the same answers about what we're doing
here, when are we going home? And every few minutes we'd take a fast-paced walk down the
terminal in earnest search of what? Muriel had always been a speed walker. I had to jog to keep up
with her!
 An attractive woman sat across from us, working diligently on her computer. Once, when
we returned from an excursion, she said something, without looking up from her papers. Since no
one spoke to me or at least mumbled in protest of our constant activity, "Pardon?" I asked."Oh,"
she said, I was just asking myself, 'Will I ever find a man to love me like that?'“
Andy Stanley's mother? 92 years old.
She married a man 19 years older. The man loved her much. When she was about 70, unable
to take care of her sick husband, she sent him to an old age home to be cared for. She walked,
every day, for 2 years, to and fro, for 2.5 miles to the old-age home to care for her husband until
his pass away. She said that was the toughest but yet the most joyful life. She wished God
would allow her a few more years to care for him!

22 Principles for A Good & Successful Person from Proverbs 22

The wisdom of Proverbs 22 is distilled into 22 principles for making a good and successful person. It is
re-organized into 8 keys for ease of memory and application. Learn them well for your success.
Getting Wisdom from Proverbs 22
The first step is to rephrase each verse with a few keywords. Then we try to group them and give a higher
level title. The end result is shown in the mind-map:

The Summary Map:

The Detailed Map showing how the summary map is derived.
 The 22 Principles
 #0 Foundational Truth- Priority of Life
 Your identity & relationship are more important than wealth.
 What you are is more important than what you own.
 Life is What you do with What you are born with.
 Hence do and live well.
 1 God is 1st - Worship & Trust Him -Fear God and develop Humility
 #2 Fear of God & Humility brings Success
 #16 Trust the Lord
 2 Be Righteous & Just
 #17 Know Right & True
 #3 Being Straight brings Life
 #6 Be Just - Injustice brings calamity -Abuses of Power brings disaster
 #14 Exploit or Bully Others Not
 #18 Do Not Exploit the Weak
 #21 Don't Cheat
 3 Prudence
 #1 Be Prudent - Escape Danger -36计 走为上计！e.g. Joseph running away from his
master's wife approaches
 #12 Watch out for Temptations
 #20 Don't Make Pledges nor Put up Security when You are Unable
 4 Learning & Training
 #4 Training from Young brings Lasting Result
 #10 Learning Always.
 #13 Discipline is needed
 #15 Internalize Knowledge to be able to use it anytime.
 5 Be Generously Kind - The Key to Master Wealth
 #5 Wealth has Power & Influence - Use it Well
 #7 Be Kind & Generous
 6 Away from Bad Influences
 #8 Get Rid of, Or Stay Away from, Trouble Makers - e.g. Mocking Others, Complaints,
Proud, Gossipers
 #19 Stay Away from Angry Influence
 7 Grace & Truth
 #9 Promotion Comes from Purity & Gracefulness
 8 Work Hard
 #11 Be Diligent
 #22 Be Skillful - Excel in Your Work
In the Chinese Calendar, today is Chinese New Year day 7, which is known as Men's Day 人日. It is the
birthday of all men. So, it is good that we learn to be a good man today 人日学做人。

For another perspective, see also, How to Get Wealth and Go for Something Even Better...

If you are wondering whether this teaching is still applicable today, see Billionaire's Wisdom for Life
Matches with Bible Proverbs 22

Lim Liat (c) 22 Feb 2018

Posted by Liat Lim at 1:11 pm

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2018-02-09
 Discovering the Deeper Meaning of Bible Verses - Luke 10:17,20
There are methods which we can learn and apply that we may one day be as good as the best of the Bible
commentators for our growth and sharing in the knowledge of the Bible.
Good preachers are able to see things that we don't see in our reading of the Bible. What secrets do they
have that we don't? Consider Tim Keller's "Messengers" sermon on Luke 10:1-21, we will discover many
revelations that we failed to see though we have read it through many times. For a short post like this one,
we just consider

 Luk 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us
in your name!” ...
 Luk 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that
your names are written in heaven.”
What was the seventy-two rejoicing about?

They were rejoicing that they had power over the demons.

There is nothing wrong with that. If I were them, I would do the same too!

But there is something very wrong here that I failed to see in my many readings of Luke until Tim Keller
pointed it out.

They were not rejoicing about the people who were set free from the bondage of demons!

So, we now can see that the Seventy-Two were very self-centered and also their desires were "Power" or
"Influence" over others. They were celebrating their power and success. They did not rejoice with the
people set free.

A better answer will be "Lord, many people are healed and set free from demons in Your Name!". That
answer will show that the focus is on Jesus and on the others. We should rejoice with those who rejoice,
mourn with those who mourn (Rom 12:15) as with Paul.

The Secret of Deeper Understanding:

1. Consider the wider context, the total situation.

In the situation, the people involved were Jesus, Seventy-Two, Cities, People - who receive, People who
reject, sickness, demons, etc. Then the instructions were given to them etc.

2. Consider What are said and What is not said.

We understand from reading what is reported. We must also ask what and why were not reported.
In the above example, they were excited about their power but not about the people healed and freed.

3. Make the Right Interpretations and Get Support from the Context of the Passage.

Any interpretation is subject to our own biasedness and could be wrong. It is always good to check again
especially using other text from the same context of the passage.

We find 10:22 that Jesus told them something else is more important than having power over the demons.
 Luk 10:20 Nevertheless,
 do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you,
 but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
We can see that "My Names in Heaven" is BETTER than "My Power over Demons"

Why?

Names in Heaven is about a community of people with God externally,

My Power is a self-centered dominating over others desire. It easily will lead to using God as our means
to do the things we want. God could become our Genie and we become god the very reason for Eve's
deception and the fall of Satan.

So we see Jesus' words endorsing our earlier interpretations that the Seventy-Two were not rejoicing
rightly.

As we try to learn and understand from the good preachers, we hope one day we could also see the
deeper, more meaningful truths that we could grow and share with others too.

Lim Liat (c) 9 Feb 2018

Posted by Liat Lim at 11:56 am

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2018-02-06

How Good is Our God to Us? Psalm 84

God empowers us to succeed in life - receiving favor and honor.
Psalm 84 tells us how good is our God to us. We should read the whole psalm to see and enjoy
it. But in particular, I want to point out verses 11 & 12:

 11a For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

 Sun: our guide. God leads us and shows us the ways we should walk.
 Shield: our protection. As we walk in the righteous paths, there evil and wicked
will want to attack us. God foresees and protects us from them.
 11b the LORD bestows favor and honor.
 favor: we are given all the grace and power, wisdom, and abilities to do the
things that He leads us to do.
 honor: We achieved and become successful. We receive honors. God's glory is
revealed through our honor and success. Can you see it? He gives us the abilities so that we
become successful and He is happy for us.
 11c No good thing does he withhold
 God withholds nothing good. If we have not received anything; then the thing
must not have been good for us or it is not the right time for us to have it yet.
 The devil, however, wants us to think that God keeps the best and don't want us
to have the best. He told Eve, "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened,
and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve fell for it. Will we?
 11d from those who walk uprightly.
 God is a just God. There is a condition for the blessings of honor and favor. We
must walk in His righteous ways.
 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
 The Key issue has always been, "Do we trust God?"
Prayer:

May we put our full trust in God and we always walk in His Ways. We believe that He does not
withhold the best from us. He guides us and as we walk in His ways, his protection shields us
from the attack of the enemies. He gives us grace and abilities to accomplish great tasks and
receive honors that His name may be glorified through us. May we always remember that it was
His grace that empowers us to succeed. May we always are grateful and never be proud
thinking that we did it by ourselves.

8-01-30

The Distortion of Bible Translations - A Study on Proverbs 17:8

A reading of Proverbs 17:8 on different translations give different answers. Which one is right? It
is a good illustration of how our biases or corrupted minds, even with a group of experts, could
get the translation wrong. It is important that we read different translations of the Bible carefully.
Proverbs 17:8

(ESV) A bribe (H7810) is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he
turns he prospers.
(ISV) A bribe works wonders in the eyes of its giver; wherever he turns he prospers.
(NASB) A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

Some translations find it odds, and hence translate as:

(GNB) Some people think a bribe works like magic; they believe it can do anything.

(KJV) A gift(H7810) is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it
turneth, it prospereth.

So, some translators translated H7810 as bribes and some as gifts. The following translated it
as wages.

(ABP+) wage G3408 is a favorable Instruction to the ones employing it; and wherever it shall
turn, the way shall be prosperous.

The Issue - The Meaning of H7810

The Strong's Concordance gives:

H7810 ‫ ַׁשחַׁ ד‬shachad shakh'-ad

 From H7809; a donation (venal or redemptive): - bribe (-ry), gift, present, reward.

Total KJV Occurrences: 23

 reward, 7 : Deu_10:17, Deu_27:25, Psa_15:5, Pro_21:14, Isa_5:23, Isa_45:13, Mic_3:11
 gift, 6:Exo_23:8 (2), Deu_16:19 (2), Pro_17:8, Pro_17:23
 gifts, 4:2Ch_19:7, Pro_6:35, Isa_1:23, Eze_22:12
 bribes, 3:1Sa_8:3, Psa_26:10, Isa_33:15
 present, 2:1Ki_15:19, 2Ki_16:8
 bribery, 1: Job_15:34
We can see of the 23 occurrences, bribes only occur 4 times where as gifts occur 12 times
(including present 2 times) and rewards 7 times.

The Differences of Gifts, Bribes, and Rewards:

Gifts have a neutral or positive meaning. It may be just a show one appreciation for some work
or help or just for nothing but being there.

Rewards are repayments for work done. It is like wages or incentives.

Bribes, however, is negative and considered bad.

Which One is Right?

We should go by the context of the verse. In the whole of Proverb 17, H7809 appeared twice.
The first in verse 8 and then the second one is many verses later in verse 23.

Pro 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

If I am the writer, I will make sure that my readers do not misunderstand me. I would not write
something odd and then explain it many verses later.

So, I would say that the KJV is right in using Gifts or even Rewards in verse 8 but not Bribe. It is
very misleading to use bribe as if the author endorses the behavior.

Verse 23 is fact tells us the true definition of a bribe - a gift with the wrong use of distorting the
truth. That is clearly to be condemned. The use of 'wicked' makes it very clear.

The Best Interpretation:

Ironside (Ironside's Notes on Selected Books) interpreted 17:8 as:

A gift presented as a token of pure affection and respect will be highly valued by its possessor.
It will pave the way for a deeper relationship. He who would find love should be a giver, not just
a receiver. Jonathan’s gifts to David cemented their friendship by expressing the love that was
in his heart (1 Samuel 18:3-4).

The BKC Bible Knowledge Commentary:

The commentators know that translating 17:8 as bribe gives rise to problems and so added
much explanation:
 This verse does not encourage bribery, which is condemned in Pro_17:23; Pro_15:27;
Exo_23:8; Deu_16:19; Deu_27:25 (see comments on Pro_6:35). Pro_17:8 of Pro_17:1-28 is
simply speaking from the giver’s perspective; a bribe “works like a charm.” To say bribes are
effective (cf. Pro_18:16; Pro_21:14) is not to approve them; it simply states the way things are.
All these extra explanations are actually unnecessary if the verse has been translated rightly in
the first place.

Modern Day Meaning:

17:8 in modern context actually means use rewards and incentives to motivate people to work
for you! Nothing about using bribery to smooth your path. Using 'money' to distort the truth to
gain an advantage is called bribery and it is wrong. Using 'money' as incentives and motivations
to get people to the right thing well is wisdom.

How our corrupted mind could distort our understanding is clearly seen here. (Titus 1:15-16).

Lim Liat (c) 30 Jan 2018