Reading the Bible in a Year

My church has started a very good communal practice: sign up to read Scripture together as a church. 

We have four tracks to choose to take part in:

1. The Old Testament and New Testament in One Year with D.A. Carson's For the Love of God via the YouVersion Bible app.

2. The New Testament in One Year with The Bible Project via the YouVersion Bible app.

3. Table Talk by Martin Luther printed or online. 

4. I can't remember what the fourth plan is. It's a light version of an introduction to the Bible and a reading of Galatians in 6 days. 

My hubby and I both chose Option 2. I was contemplating to choose Option 1 but I thought I had better not over commit myself. Reading 4 long passages and one D.A. Carson devotional per day is no joke. 

So I am glad I picked NT in a Year by The Bible Project. And their videos are very well done. I am very impressed with their introduction video to the New Testament.

Check it out here.

pearlie

The “truth” of Job’s three friends?

We had a long break since our last CG bible study and we met for our fifth session today. 

We studied the first round of debate between Job and his three friends from Job 4-14. Oh yes, it was a long eleven chapters worth of passage that we tackled bit by bit using the questions in our workbook. 

We couldn’t complete the lesson because in the midst of studying and asking questions, we also spent time reflecting on other matters that arose based on the reading of Job and stories we share. And it was valuable. 

One takeaway for me was an answer to something that had bugged me for a long, long time. 

I find Job a difficult book to figure out. When I read the arguments given by the three friends, I always found that they were not wrong in what they said. But in the end though, the final verdict from God is that they were wrong. 

It was also brought up that the book of Psalms says about the same things and so why do we quote and pray the Psalms and not Job?

The conclusion I got was that what the three friends said wasn’t entirely wrong, though at times they were depending on context, but that their version of the truth was not complete. 

Their basis was in the retribution theology, with no understanding or knowledge of the grace of God, that God can forgive through the work of his Son even if we are the greatest of sinners. 

So in reflection, if we look at the book of Job, Psalms and the New Testament chronologically, Job was at the outset of the revelation of God, and so they only knew so much. 

Moving onto Psalms, the psalters knew more from further revelation from the prophets of the time, and by the time we get to the New Testament, God was revealed perfectly in the person and work of Jesus, his Son. 

But even that is not fully revealed to us yet. We will definitely see a fuller picture the day we come to see our Lord face to face. 

And with that, what can we learn from Job’s three friends?

For me it’s this: we only know so much and so we should not behave like we know it all, even though we are confident in the truth that we have come to believe. (This may swerve us to the other side of the pole where all truth is relative and this is not desireable. But this another story altogether.)

Therefore when we counsel someone or when we are with someone who is suffering a great pain, watch what we say, or say nothing at all but just be there with them. Our presence would serve as a better albeit inadequate comfort. 

pearlie

We began a 12-week study on the book of Job

Knowing the Bible: Job, A 12-Week Study

by Eric Ortlund 

We started our Covenant Group first meeting today doing a study on the book of Job. 

What I find intriguing about covenant groups in my church is that (1) these groups have a lifetime - it has a beginning and an end. Ours will last for 12 weeks and (2) the attendance is 100%. If anyone is not able to make it, we will need to regroup on another day where all are able to attend. With that, serious commitment is expected. And I find that a good thing. 

Our first meeting today went along very well with an introduction to what is the most difficult book in the Bible.

We also identified for ourselves what is one thing we would like to have clarified by the end of the study. For me, I would want to get into the heart and soul of Job as he suffered through the pain. What went on in his mind and heart? How did he accept what God has done? 

There will be much deep searching in each and everyone of us. 

pearlie

Why didn't Jesus calm the waves first before walking on it?

I was reading Matthew 14 and something struck me when I read this popular passage about Jesus walking on water. 

Matthew 14:24-33 (NLT)

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. 

In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" 

But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" 

Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." 

"Yes, come," Jesus said. 

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.

"Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 

"You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" 

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. 

"You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.

I never thought of it before but it suddenly dawned on me why didn't Jesus still the waves first before walking on water towards to disciples on the tossing boat? It may not be a full storm yet since Jesus and the disciples were having a conversion, albeit a frantic one on the disciples's side. 

An obvious answer will be to say that he wanted to teach the disciples a lesson and show them he is the Son of God. He has already calmed a storm before (Matt 8:23-27), and now on top of that walking on water would show more how the world is really in his hands.

But I thought maybe Jesus also has a fun streak in him. Hey, a storm? Wouldn't walking through it be fun too? 

Wouldn't it be like our version of a roller coaster, whizzing up and down, twirling and curling in loops in the safety of the carriage and laws of physics? 

Later in the evening, I led a short devotion at the beginning of our Grace Notes practice from Jack Coleman's Crescendos and Diminuendos, Meditations for Musicians and Music Lovers. I have chosen the chapter on legato for the devotion. 

Legato is to play music or sing a song in a smooth, sustained, and connected manner without any perceptible interruption between the notes. And if applied to life, we all want a smooth sailing life with minimum problems or issues, basically no storms in our lives. 

But wouldn't you think that would be a very boring life to live, as much as a full length of music in legato would be a boring piece to listen to, and actually quite difficult to play or sing and still make it interesting. 

We need to have some storms in our lives, some ups and downs. Sure, it will be difficult but don't forget, Jesus walks with us in it and we will in the safety of the carriage and the laws of physics. 

pearlie

A true elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son?

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

by Timothy Keller

We are using this book in our Covenant Group bible study, studying the Prodigal Son parable in Luke 15:11-32. This book by a Timothy Keller is quite good but there is one interpretation of this passage we have not encountered before. 

In my previous studies, I remember moving from a focus on the younger son to the elder son, a focus on the homecoming of the wayward to the selfish and unforgiving elder brother. 

But Keller brings it even further. He posits a view that in this parable, there is an implied lesson on Jesus being the true elder brother, someone who woulf go all out to search and bring back the younger brother back to the father, back to the family. 

While it is not unreasonable to have such a reading of the passage, can we go that way in proper exegesis of the passage?

I want to try to get to the bottom of this. 

pearlie 

What I finally learnt from the parable of the lost sons

I attended the covenant group meeting in church yesterday and it was a very good session.

We watched a video by Timothy Keller and it was a very well done video. In telling the story, he used the metaphor of  dinner table with two chairs on each end, one representing the younger son and the other the older son. It was very effective.




The session lasted quite long, but we weren't able to discuss all the questions in the workbook. But when we were asked what new things we learnt while watching the video, it was this for me:

I have been trained to read passages in the bible contextually, to read them in context with the entire passage, the entire section, the entire book.

I did not see it then but when Keller brought the three parables of Jesus together, it was a new lesson I learnt. He highlighted that in the first two parables, when the shepherd lost a sheep and the woman lost a coin, they both actively went out to search for them and when they found their lost item, they celebrated and rejoiced.

But when the younger son was lost, no one went looking for him. The person who were suppose to go was the elder brother. That elder brother, who represented the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law in Jesus's audience, and probably most of us, only cared for the things he was entitled to, not the heart of the father.

But we have one true Elder Brother, Jesus, who not only went out to look for us, the younger brothers, he gave up everything including his life to come for us.

Now, isn't that amazing grace?

pearlie

Christianity Explored

My church is having its second run of Christianity Explored and I have invited someone to attend it. With his acceptance of the invitation, I'm committed to also attend its 7 sessions, starting today.

I have not attended CE before and I can't say much yet from its first session. I am looking forward to the following weeks ahead.

pearlie

Introduction to 1 Corinthians

I will be leading bible study tomorrow in CG and since we are beginning on 1 Corinthians, I thought it will be useful for me to spend some time with an introduction to the letter especially on its historical background.

I got this deck done, though I must later add in sources of info and photos I included in there, and maybe even notes and references for more information.

Will update this post when I get it done.

pearlie

The World of 1 Corinthians

Our church will be looking at 1 Corinthians both in our sermons and CG bible study materials.

I have done 1 Corinthians before in my classes but I have forgotten most of it and it will be good to get into it again. With that, I went searching for the commentaries I have which I can read and refer to.

Too bad the Preaching the Word series do not have a volume on 1 Corinthians yet.

But I have these in electronic form:
- 1 Corinthians, Tyndale New Testament Commentary by Leon Morris
- 1 Corinthians, Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament by Roy A Harrisville
- 1 Corinthians, Anchor Yale Bible Commentary by Joseph A Fitzmyer

And these in print form:
- The First Epistle to the Corinthians, New International Greek Testament Commentary
- 1 Corinthians, Crossway Classic Commentary by Charles Hodge

As much as I needed those books in class back then, I'm feeling it's an overkill for the context I'm in right now.

But as a true bibliophile, I went looking for more! And I found this book which I remember Rev Dr Kim Kar Yong, my lecturer was using during class:


The World of 1 Corinthians: An Exegetical Source Book of Literary and Visual Backgrounds
by Matthew R. Malcolm

I have enjoyed the historical background study in all my biblical study classes, and this book should be a gem to have. What more, Malcolm states that, "In recent decades, 1 Corinthians has perhaps received more investigation and speculation regarding historical backgrounds than any other biblical book."

I will certainly be planning to buy a copy of this book real soon.

pearlie

Not so sure anymore

I led bible study today on Daniel 7 in CG and it was quite interesting for someone who have not really studied much on prophetic passages in Scripture. I don't avoid it, but I don't delve in it either.

And in preparation for Daniel 7, Rodney Stortz's Preaching the Word Commentary on Daniel interpreted chapter 7 with the premillennialism stance.

I used to be an amillenial. Now I'm not so sure. And so is take it as undecided as I would need to relook into all the passages and details before deciding.

pearlie

Simplistic Worldview?

I was thinking about the different kinds of worldview we have even in a small group like my CG.

In reference to Wikipedia, "a comprehensive worldview is the fundamental cognitive orientation of an individual or society encompassing the entirety of the individual or society's knowledge and point of view. A world view can include natural philosophy; fundamental, existential, and normative postulates; or themes, values, emotions, and ethics."

In Norman Geisler's Worlds Apart, A Handbook on Worldviews, he said a worldview "is the framework through which you see and the basis on which you decide."

I am not sure if worldview is too large a word to describe the differences we have. But it is sure difficult to proceed on with our bible study sometimes because we get stuck discussing different views and thinking.

In Geisler's book he discussed these worldviews:

1. Theism: A World Plus an Infinite God
2. Atheism: A World Without God
3. Pantheism: A World That Is God
4. Panentheism: A World in God
5. Deism: A World on Its Own Made by God
6. Finite Godism: A World with a Finite God
7. Polytheism: A World with More Than One God

Are these all the worldviews we have? The differences in thought in my CG was within one worldview, the first one. Sub-views then? And what do you call a simplistic worldview?

pearlie

What is the state of our faith?

I led the bible study this evening in CG on Daniel 2:31-49, where Daniel upon God's revelation, revealed Nebuchadnezzar's dream and interpretation of the dream. The overall theme of the bible study lesson is God's sovereignty and control of the world. No matter what has happened in the past and no matter what will happen in the future, God is.

The interesting question that was asked during the study which made me think was this: what does this chapter teach you about God's activity in the unfolding of human history?

If you look at human history, we see that life has been getting from bad to worse and from that to an even much worse state. In terms of strength of nations--like the feet of iron in Nebuchadnezzar's dream--we are indeed been getting more advanced, more successful and more forward in our thinking and our achievements. We are gaining and achieving more and more.

But--and this is a very big but--the core of what we are is broken. Humankind is more and more broken than ever before, and it will continue to be more broken, unless we let Jesus take hold of our lives.

With groups like ISIS beheading their fellow men like they mean nothing, what has life on earth comes to? And if we are being beaten and thrown into the desert, and about to be beheaded, will we trust and depend on our sovereign LORD? Will we be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, who made no excuses but walked into the furnace of fire. No excuses like how we will make: "I'll do it this time, God will forgive me", "I'll bow down but only on the outside, I still belong to God on the inside". No, they said instead, "we trust in God to protect, but if we die, we die. We still trust and worship Him."

What then is the state of our faith? Your faith? My faith?

May God indeed give us the strength to say this: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

pearlie

Book on Daniel and the Kingdom of God

My CG is currently studying the book of Daniel and it will be my turn this Friday to lead the study. And I usually get the tough topics and chapters. The chapter I'm tackling this Friday is on Daniel 2, the portion on Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream. Sigh...prophecy...tough one.

I quickly picked up the book I have on Daniel in the Preaching the Word series edited by Kent Hughes.


Daniel: The Triumph of God's Kingdom
by Rodney Stortz

I have loved all the Preaching the Word volumes I have read so far (except for maybe Exodus which I can't seem to sustain in my reading) and I liked how this Daniel edition began.

But I find that (1) there are too many anecdotes than I would prefer in a commentary, albeit a preaching one and (2) whilst references to the other portions of Scripture is preferred, there are too many here, as if the book of Daniel is not capable of standing on its own.

Well, I know I have just read till Chapter 3. I will surely give an update if it is otherwise when I finish reading it.

But what I find interesting though is my recent "coincidental" topic of the Kingdom of God which I find I keep getting myself into without much of a plan to. And I'm learning a lot from what I read so far. I'm amazed at what I have been missing.

I will soon blog more about it when I get it more crystallized though.

pearlie

Explaining Sin in a Chinese Context

We discussed about our conversion experience in CG today, but I didn't say much because (1) I wasn't feeling well and quite soon into the study, I felt feverish and (2) being a "third generation" Christian, my conversion story is rather boring, but I must admit I'm indeed very, very blessed.

Being born in a Christian family, I was brought up in the faith and I became very active in church, which contributed to my growth in Christ. I was uncomfortable in one phase of my life for not having a specific date of conversion like most of my friends. But I remember the very moment when I finally became convinced and settled in my heart and mind that my conversation is a journey, and that I am saved by the grace of God.

My faith journey started right when I was exposed to the faith by my parents to Sunday School to Youth Fellowship to the undertaking of my Masters Degree in Christian Studies right up to that moment of realisation where I finally felt confirmed I belong to Christ.

Interestingly, as much as Wesley's moment of warmth in the heart was in 1738 when he "experienced confirmation of his salvation by the grace of God" in a meeting room in Aldersgate Street, London, mine was when I was thinking and walking to Pustaka Sufes Book, a Christian bookshop! However, isn't it sad that I don't remember when that happened.

Anyway, during CG, some were sharing moments before their conversion where they were in conflict and most have said it was difficult for them to take it when they were told they were sinners.

In my understanding, it all has to do with the difference in the Western and Eastern culture. The mindset and worldview is so different that methods of evangelism that work well in the Western world do not work as well in the Eastern.

I have this article entitled "Explaining Sin in a Chinese Context" written by Mark Strand in the journal Missiology: An International Review (Oct 2000). He wrote it because he read "an intriguing paper by a Chinese Singaporean who argued that the key to Chinese converts remaining faithful to Christianity over the long haul was that at conversion they understood clearly the doctrine of sin". And inspired by the author, he "arrived at a method of how to teach the doctrine of sin to Chinese people."

He began by stating the fact that our understanding is very much dependant on our language. He gave a summary of the history of the Chinese translation of the Bible followed by why zui is not a very good translation of sin for the Chinese based on these three points:

1. With the group mentality of the Chinese people, wrong is determined primarily by consequent negative social implications rather than by failure to live up to some fixed standard.

2. Culturally, Chinese people believe in the original goodness of humankind.

3. To Chinese readers, zui is equivalent to breaking the laws of society or committing a crime and being a criminal.

On point #2 and #3, it's common to hear us say, "I did not kill anyone, nor have I burned [your house], I have not sinned."

His method involves teaching the biblical concept of sin accurately in two ways:

1. Talk to the Chinese about sin as missing the mark (Rom 3:23), as in the Greek word hamartia used in the New Testament, translated as sin.

2. Use the traditional Chinese concept of filial piety, where they are obligated to honour their fathers and how much more they are obligated to honour their heavenly Father, who has given them life and breath, and all things (Acts 17:25).

If you are interested to read the article, leave me a comment and I will send it to you. I am not able to post it here publicly but within the rights given, I'm allowed to send it to you for individual use.

pearlie

Led by the Spirit

We complete one bible study chapter in one sitting in CG today, which is something that has not happened before! So everyone was quite amused and glad. We are moving quite slowly but steadily in our bible study, and so it was a good experience to complete one lesson in one sitting.

The take home from the lesson for me was this: the phrase "led by God" and "led by the Spirit", whilst it usually means God leading me to make a decision has a more holistic meaning in Scripture.

Being "led by the Spirit" means living a Christian life. It means putting to death the desires of the flesh, living in Christ, being sons of God, being heirs and co-heirs with Christ and suffering with Christ in order to be glorified with him. (Rom 8:13-17)

That is what it means to be led by the Spirit, not so much being led to say something, or take this job, or marry this person. I'm not saying it is not, it's just that these are a smaller part of a whole.

Let us be led by the Spirit everyday of our lives.

Oh yes, one more thing. As it always happen, I have friends who asked me why they have landed themselves in problems and bad situations when they felt they had been led by God into it in the first place. Well, it will be interesting to note that the phrase "led by God" and "led by the Spirit" almost always refers to both the leading of Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness and leading of Jesus into the wilderness. So don't be surprised if you have been led into the wilderness too.

pearlie

Salvation in Christ through the Holy Spirit

We were studying on the Holy Spirit in CG lately, in line with the Holy Spirit sermon series by Pastor Marvin, and I discovered something interesting this evening.

I have studied the book of Acts in TEE before, but I never saw this till now.

It was stated in our bible study materials that the phrase of being baptized in the Spirit was only mentioned in Acts in two places: 1:5 and 11:16.

Acts 1:5 is the precursor to the Pentecost in-filling of the Holy Spirit for the Jews and 11:16 the interpretation of the in-filling of the Holy Spirit for the Gentiles.

As such, I see that the significance of the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" as the salvation of Christ and for both the Jews and the Gentiles: not as an emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit as much as it is to mark the salvation for all mankind in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Peter underlines this with his truth in his sermon in Acts 2, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (2:38, ESV)

That is, the whole theme of salvation is encapsulated in the unity of all these things: repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins and receiving of the Holy Spirit, all in one salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

pearlie

Always read in context

I missed cell group last week because I fell sick and so I missed the first portion of the studying of Matthew 17:13-20.

When we got to verse 17-19, it got a few of us a bit worried.

"So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

None of us if any, would ever meet these criteria, we thought, and what about it not being a gospel of works but grace? The verses are clear in that good trees will only bear good fruits, not bad fruits and we know that we sometimes do bear imperfect fruits. We are then destined to the fire?

In the midst of the discussion, I opened up my TNT commentary on Matthew by RT France in my iPad (this is the very reason going ebook make sense!) and France addressed v.16-18 together, which made me realize a very important point and with that I shared it with the group.

We must read these verses in context. Matt 7:15-20 is about false prophets and Jesus gave the criteria to recognise false prophets, in that they are the ones who bear bad fruits, never good ones.

"Thus you will recognise them by their fruits." (v.20)

This brought understanding to all of us as we can now reconcile these verses to the gospel as we know it.

The lesson here is to always read Scripture in context.

pearlie

The good eye, the evil eye

We had bible study on Matthew 6:19-34 this evening during CG and the verses that caught my attention were these two:

22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (ESV)

It may seem unusual in our modern understanding for these two verses to appear in a passage about not laying treasure on earth but in heaven, and not serving two masters but one.

However, seen from an exegetical context, it actually make perfect sense. The meaning of a bad eye or in some translations evil eye is being stingy and set on wealth and material things. Having a healthy eye means being generous. And it is notable and interesting that the eye is in the singular and not plural, pointing to the person who sees.

In that context, when a person whose eye is bad is a person who wants everything that he sees, whereas a person with a good eye wants to give to others what he has.

It strikes me because I notice myself having an evil eye lately, and this is a good and timely reminder and commandment for me to guard my eye and focus it on Jesus and Jesus alone.

pearlie

What is Eternal Life?

We have been studying John 17 in our Friday bible class for the last 2 weeks. I was looking forward to it because it is one of the most amazing passages in the Bible – it is the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus.

And what again got me focused was v.3: Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. And also the fact that even though Jesus was one with the Father, he spent countless times alone in prayer with Him. Which really says something: the life which we have because we believe in the Lord is not just a “life” but it is a relationship, and until and unless the relationship is being kept, nurtured and built upon, there will not be any relationship, hence no eternal life. Think of it this way: what and how are you going to say or behave when you finally meet God? Eternally unsure and distant like how unsure and distant you are now about Him? Or with an assurance that you know him and are close to Him that you more or less know what is in His heart? I won’t say that we will know all of God but at least we should have this eternal life that know him for who He is, through Jesus whom he has revealed Himself to us.

I know this sounds duh -- it is almost basic, but think again ... what have you been doing with this relationship?

pearlie

The world in devastation

Ah! I have been missing for 10 days as far as this blog is concerned.

And a lot has happened in the past week or so - a harbinger to the kind of year ahead? The major ones being the attack on several Malaysian churches over the court's decision in allowing the use of "Allah" by a Catholic newsletter to refer to God, and more devastatingly, the massive earthquake in Haiti that has brought much destruction to the lives of the people there.

I was preparing for bible study this evening and reading Leon Morris's NICNT commentary to the Gospel of John. This section on John 16:33 spoke very loudly:

"The world will infallibly bring them 'trouble'. That is its characteristic. But he can bid them 'take heart!' He had overcome the world, the perfect tense denoting an abiding victory. This statement, spoken as it is in the shadow of the cross, is audacious. The cross would seem to be Jesus' total defeat. He sees it as his complete victory over all that the world is and can do to him. He goes to the cross not in fear or in gloom, but as a conqueror." (Eerdmans, 1995, p.633)

It makes no sense to be joyful and yet we are called to rejoice in God. We can only do so if we look at our lives and live our lives through the cross of Christ. Without the work of Christ on the cross, we have nothing.

Therefore, rejoice! Take heart! He has overcome the world.

pearlie