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"Now faithis being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
-Hebrews 11:1,6
THE STORY THAT CHANGES LIVES:
1: GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO KNOW HIM
HOW CAN YOU KNOW GOD LOVES YOU? 'God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.' John 3:16
WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE? 'Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.' John 17:3
Why is it that most people do not know God in this way?...
2: WE CHOOSE TO GO OUR OWN WAY, CUTTING OURSELVES OFF FROM GOD
WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE We prefer to go our own way instead of God's; we may openly disobey God who made us, or simply ignore him. It's this self-centred attitude that the Bible calls 'sin'.
WE ARE ALL THE SAME 'All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.' Romans 3:23
WE EACH SUFFER THE EFFECTS 'That way of living leads to certain spiritual death.' Romans 8:13
God is perfect, we are sinful, so there is a great gap between us. We may try to feel better through work, relationships, sport or religion. But all our attempts fail, because we have ignored the real problem - turning our back on God.
The third point gives us the only answer to this problem...
3: BY GIVING HIS LIFE FOR US, JESUS CHRIST OPENED UP THE ONLY WAY TO FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
JESUS IS UNIQUE 'I am the way, the truth and the life!' Jesus answered. 'Without me no-one can go to the Father.' John 14:6
JESUS HAS THE POWER TO PUT THINGS RIGHT 'While we were his enemies, Christ reconciled us to God by dying for us.' Colossians 1:21,22
JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATH 'For forty days after Jesus has suffered and died, he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death. He appeared to his apostles and spoke to them about God's kingdom.' Acts 1:3
Jesus took the consequences of our self-centredness by giving up his life on the cross. He proved he had broken sin's destructive power by rising from the dead. Jesus offers us freedom from guilt and a bridge back to God.
It's not enough just to know all this...
4: WE NEED TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST, SO WE CAN KNOW GOD'S FORGIVENESS AND FRIENDSHIP
WE NEED TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST 'Some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be children of God' John 1:12
ACCEPTING JESUS CHRIST INVOLVES 1 Agreeing with God that we are to blame for turning our back on him 2 Trusting God to forgive us completely because Jesus has paid the price for our self-centredness 3 Choosing to follow Jesus
JESUS GIVES THIS PICTURE 'Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.' Revelation 3:20
It's not enough just to know or feel that these things are true. We have a choice to make...
These illustrations describe two kinds of people
Self-centred person
Self in the driving seat.
Jesus Christ outside.
Interests centred on self, often resulting in discord and frustration.
Christ-centred person
Jesus Christ in the driving seat.
Self following Jesus Christ, drawing on his life and power.
Interests centred on Christ, resulting in growing harmony with God's purpose.
Which illustration better describes you? Which illustration would you like to describe you?
TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST, YOU MUST PUT YOUR LIFE IN HIS HANDS. GOD IS NOT SO CONCERNED WITH YOUR WORDS AS HE IS WITH YOUR ATTITUDE. HERE IS SOMETHING YOU COULD SAY TO HIM:
'Lord Jesus, I am sorry that I have been going my own way. Thank you for paying the price of my self-centredness by dying on the cross. Please come and take first place in my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.'
COULD YOU SAY THIS TO GOD AND MEAN IT?
Why not say this to God now? Jesus Christ will come into your life as he promised
Gospel outline taken from everystudent.com.
If you have decided to trust in Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sin, and follow Him as your Master, do let us know. You can email faith.factor@hotmail.com or kuoyung@kpchurch.org.sg, or sms Pastor Kuoyung at 93891474.
If you have questions or want to find out more, visit our "answers & reasons" section, or email/sms the abovementioned addresses/number.
Does God exist? The following offers honest, straight-forward reasons to believe in God...
By Marilyn Adamson
Just once wouldn't you love for someone to simply show you the evidence for God's existence? No arm-twisting. No statements of, "You just have to believe." Well, here is an attempt to offer some of the reasons which suggest that God exists.
But first consider this. If a person opposes even the possibility of there being a God, then any evidence can be rationalised or explained away. It is like if someone refuses to believe that people have walked on the moon, then no amount of information is going to change their thinking. Photographs of astronauts walking on the moon, interviews with the astronauts, moon rocks...all the evidence would be worthless, because the person has already concluded that people cannot go to the moon.
When it comes to the possibility of God's existence, the Bible says that there are people who have seen sufficient evidence, but they have suppressed the truth about God. On the other hand, for those who want to know God if he is there, he says, "You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you." Before you look at the facts surrounding God's existence, ask yourself, If God does exist, would I want to know him? Here then, are some reasons to consider...
1. Does God exist? The complexity of our planet points to a deliberate Designer who not only created our universe, but sustains it today.
2. Does God exist? The human brain's complexity shows a higher intelligence behind it.
3. Does God exist? "Chance" or "natural causes" are insufficient explanations.
4. Does God exist? To state with certainty that there is no God, a person has to ignore the passion of an enormously vast number of people who are convinced that there is a God.
5. Does God exist? We know God exists because he pursues us. He is constantly initiating and seeking for us to come to him.
6. Does God exist? Unlike any other revelation of God, Jesus Christ is the clearest, most specific picture of God pursuing us.
Who is Jesus? A quick summary on the life of Jesus Christ - and reasons to believe in him...
By Paul E. Little
It is impossible for us to know conclusively whether God exists and what He is like unless He takes the initiative and reveals Himself. We must know what He is like and His attitude toward us. Suppose we knew He existed, but that He was like Adolf Hitler--capricious, vicious, prejudiced, and cruel. What a horrible realisation that would be!
We must scan the horizon of history to see if there is any clue to God's revelation. There is one clear clue. In an obscure village in Palestine, almost 2,000 years ago, a Child was born in a stable. Today the entire world is still celebrating the birth of Jesus.
He lived in obscurity until He was thirty, and then began a public ministry that lasted three years. It was destined to change the course of history. He was a kindly person and we're told that "the common people heard Him gladly." And, "He taught as One who had authority, and not as their teachers of the Law" (Matthew 7:29).
It soon became apparent, however, that He was making shocking and startling statements about Himself. He began to identify Himself as far more than a remarkable teacher or prophet. He began to say clearly that He was God. ...
Jesus Christ - the Son of God?
As we face the claims of Christ, there are only four possibilities. He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend, or the Truth. If we say He is not the Truth, we are automatically affirming one of the other three alternatives, whether we realise it or not.
(1) One possibility is that Jesus lied when He said He was God--that He knew He was not God, but deliberately deceived His hearers to lend authority to His teaching. Few, if any, seriously hold this position. Even those who deny His deity affirm that He was a great moral teacher. They fail to realise those two statements are a contradiction. Jesus could hardly be a great moral teacher if, on the most crucial point of His teaching--His identity--He was a deliberate liar.
(2) A kinder, though no less shocking possibility, is that He was sincere but self-deceived. We have a name for a person today who thinks he is God. That name is lunatic, and it certainly would apply to Christ if He were deceived on this all-important issue. But as we look at the life of Christ, we see no evidence of the abnormality and imbalance we find in a deranged person. Rather, we find the greatest composure under pressure.
(3) The third alternative is that all of the talk about His claiming to be God is a legend--that what actually happened was that His enthusiastic followers, in the third and fourth centuries, put words into His mouth He would have been shocked to hear. Were He to return, He would immediately repudiate them.
The legend theory has been significantly refuted by many discoveries of modern archaeology. These have conclusively shown that the four biographies of Christ were written within the lifetime of contemporaries of Christ. Some time ago Dr. William F. Albright, world-famous archaeologist now retired from Johns Hopkins University, said that there was no reason to believe that any of the Gospels were written later than A.D. 70. For a mere legend about Christ, in the form of the Gospel, to have gained the circulation and to have had the impact it had, without one shred of basis in fact, is incredible.
For this to have happened would be as fantastic as for someone in our own time to write a biography of the late John F. Kennedy and in it say he claimed to be God, to forgive people's sins, and to have risen from the dead. Such a story is so wild it would never get off the ground because there are still too many people around who knew Kennedy. The legend theory does not hold water in the light of the early date of the Gospel manuscripts.
(4) The only other alternative is that Jesus spoke the truth. From one point of view, however, claims don't mean much. Talk is cheap. Anyone can make claims. ...
Evidence from the Life of Jesus
First, His moral character coincided with His claims.
Second, Christ demonstrated a power over natural forces which could belong only to God, the Maker of these forces.
Third, Jesus demonstrated the Creator's power over sickness and disease.
Fourth, Jesus' supreme credential to authenticate His claim to deity was His resurrection from the dead.
Why do I need God to be happy? "I have found happiness in my life. Why do I need to derive a sense of purpose and happiness from the concept of a 'divine being'?"
space for your regular dose of rubbish.
all posts that are deemed too nonsensical for the main blog will be transferred here.
if you want to contribute directly to this section, send your jokes/conversations/silly stories/things to pass the time/whatever to faith.factor@hotmail.com!
EXAMPLE:
hello.
here i am to contribute to the nonsensical nonsense section.
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
hmmmmmmm
what nonsense can i contribute.
hmmmmmmmm
i also dunno.
but i hope this email is nonsensical enough. (:
goodbye
-Jueying, 26 Dec 2008.
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3 July 2009
Evidence of underage drinking.
Tsk tsk Li Sen..
18 June 2009
Justin posted:
Riding on the success and popularity of martial arts instructor Wang Fei something aka Bobby at Playmax, Kim and i have opened a martial arts school just opposite Katong Mall.
If you can reach the black belt, Kim will teach you how to kill someone using only your eyes.
24 Mar 2009
We knew all along that this guy was a closet High School Musical fan...
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28 Jan 2009
Jueying posted:
this is an excerpt from an msn conversation.
fyi out of order is desiree.
she was [edited]trying to complain [/edit] to andrew about something.
out of order. says:
andrew tells me not to complain
out of order. says:
stupid boy
out of order. says:
go away
JUEYING says:
HAHAHA
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17 Jan 2009
Marilyn posted:
NATALIE SAYS HI.
BYE.
FROM MARILYN.
HAHAHHAHAH.
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29 Dec 2008
Jueying posted: I FORGOT. matthew came up with a joke.let me tell you a lame joke:yaoqi
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the blog does say something about regular doses of rubbish. so here i am contributing again.
has the bell gone muthu?
no sir, its still there!
thats marilyn's favourite joke
here's a joke from benjamin goh's super old blog.
HI!!!!! GUESS WAD I'M DOIN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHILE I'M BLOGGIN I'M EATIN ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!! YUM YUM!!!!!!!!!!! HAHA!!!!!!!!!!! EAT!!!! YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEE WAD DO U THINK I;M GOIN 2 TALK BOUT? U DUN NOE YA!!! HAHAHA!!!!!!!!! ANYWAY I'LL TELL YOU BOUT THIS CHRISTIAN STORY. ITS DAM FUNNY!!!!!!!!!!! HAHA!!!!! OK. THERE'S THIS GUY WHO DOES NOT BELEIVE IN GOD. HE TRIES TO TEACH PPL NOT TO BE;EIVE IN GOD.ONE DAY HE IS HIKIN IN THE WOODS.HE WAS ADMIRING NATURE.THE SOUND OF THE RUSHIN RIVER, THE SOUNDS OF THE ANIMALS!!!!! THEN SUDDENLY, A GAINT GRIZZLY BEAR CAME CHARGIN DOWN THE HILL AND ATTACK HIM!!!! I'M THE TIME OF DISTRESS HE CALLED UPON THE LORD. "LORD HELP ME!!!!!!"HE SHOUTED. THEN SUDDENLY EVERYTHING FROZE AND ALL OF THE FOREST WENT SILENT. THEN A BRIGHT LIGHT APPEARED AND THE LORD SPOKE. "WHY DO U CALL ON ME WHEN U TEACH OTHERS NOT TO BELIEVE IN ME?" THE MAN SAID "TO ASK U TO SAVE ME WOULD BE VERY HYPOCRITIC. BUT COULD U MAKE THE BEAR A CHRISTIAN?" "VERY WELL" GOD REPLIED. THEN TIME WAS UNFROZED. THE BEAR STOPPED. IT PUT ITS HANDS TOGETHER AND SUDDENLY SPOKE "DEAR LORD PLS BLESS THE FOOD THAT I'M ABOUT TO PA-TAKE. A-MEN." U NOE WAD HAPPENED NEXT!!! HAHA!!! FUNNY RIGHT!!!! NO? WHO CARES!!! LAUGH!!!!!!! HAHA!!!!! FUNNY!!!TAG ON THE TAG BOARD
i decided to copy the whole post. (:
ok how about another joke.
let me give you a joke medley! with jokes of everykind!
1. lame joke
once a girl fell down and became lame.
2. dirty joke
once a boy walked and fell down dirt.
3. a corny and dirty joke
once corn flew into marilyn's eye
4. a super cool joke
refriegerator
5. a funny joke
HAHA
6. a horny joke
a goat has horns!
yay ok. thats all for today. i'm scared i run out of jokes. lalala
oh ok 1 more.
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU KEEP AN IDIOT IN SUSPENSE?
ANSWER: I'LL TELL YOU LATER!
-Jueying, 27 Dec 2008.
youths' testimonies.
to contribute your story on how Jesus Christ changed your life, send it in to faith.factor@hotmail.com!
Ben Goh:
I grew up in a Christian family so the Gospel was not new to me. I attended Sunday School from young. So I knew all the stories like Noah's Ark and Adam and Eve. However at that point of time God was just some powerful guy up there to me.
It was only when I attended the Youth Leadership Training Camp in church that God really spoke to me. I remembered how I was just listening to the message in which there was a challenge. The Holy Spirit just melted my heart and I could just hear God speak to me. That was when I first realize how close a relationship I could have with God.
However of course there were sufferings, it was definitely difficult to maintain a Godly character in school and outside church. However God's hand has been slowly moulding me and as I looked back I was truly amazed at how God has made me into a better person. I now have a purpose in my life! To Glorify him in everything I do, to appreciate the many blessings he has showered on me like a loving family and incredible friends. All this in anticipation that little by little he will reveal his perfect will installed for my life.
Indeed I am so grateful for the people who have helped me with my walk with Christ – from my wonderful parents to my knowledgeable Grandmother and all the way to my pastors and all my fellow kias who have truly been a blessing to me! So as I open a new chapter in my life after the O-levels, I am extremely honoured to begin it by being confirmed as a Christian, to continue to enjoy and cherish my walk with God forever.
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Joel:
Being born into a Christian family, I knew all about God, Jesus and the common biblical stories. But I never knew God personally. My mother would read me stories about God. At the age of 8 or 9, I accepted God into my life. However, my life was still not dedicated to Him yet. I could barely feel His presence. The only reason for me to keep remembering Him was my family. Whenever trouble arose within or outside my family, I would pray to God for a miracle.
Most of the time, He would answer my little cries for help. But when he didn’t, I would just think that He was already planning or had already planned my next part in life. To me, life itself is a miracle. Everything was planned by God and not by fate or chance. Eventually when things seemed bad, I would remember that things always turn out good, exactly the way God would’ve wanted it to be. Even if I cannot see it for a few years, always remembering that God is there helps me through the difficult times.
I may not be able to see God directly, but I can see His works in my life. Everything that He has done for me has an impact on making me who I am today. God gave me an outgoing brother to strengthen me up and make me more “manly-like”, a sister who cares for me, a father to look up to and a mother who shares with me her faith.
My reason for deciding to be confirmed? I just want to see myself continue to grow the way God wants me to. But the reason I choose to be confirmed now is that I want to rededicate my life once again to Him.
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Marianne Hui:
Growing up in a Christian home, I’ve always known who Jesus is. I found it easy to believe in God because I was happy as a child, I loved going to church, and I was loved by those around me. But when I was 10, I remembered some people giving a presentation at Sunday school and when the leader prayed at the end, I broke down, overwhelmed by his grace and love. And that very day, in my heart, I accepted Jesus as my Saviour.
6 years have passed now, and it is my desire to continue seeking the Lord and delighting in his presence. There was a period of time when I was filled with doubts about God, and the emptiness and turmoil within was unbearable. As I called up to God in desperation, He once again filled me with His peace.
I can’t imagine living this life without God leading the way. So I have given my life to Him, trusting in His perfect plan for me, letting Him use me for His glory.
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Melissa:
I was born into a Christian family, thus I grew up going to Sunday School and was taught about the Christian faith and what it meant to be a Christian. As with all children, I accepted what was told to me and believed it to be true. The faith I had was merely the faith that other children had that fairytales were true, and no more than that. I grew up with that kind of faith, and throughout the years of Sunday School I was able to give “model answers” and “correct answers” to Biblical questions.
But as I entered my teen years at the age of thirteen in the year 2004, I started to question the faith I had grown up to believe in. I began to have questions and sought a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, while also praying about the questions I had. I continued going to church regularly, mostly out of duty rather than a passion to hear God’s Word. I felt that I never seemed to receive answers to my questions, so I stopped praying about those questions I had.
In June 2005, I decided to attend my annual school camp organised by the church affiliated to my school, All Saints’ Church. During the last worship service of the camp, I truly felt touched by God as I prayed and worshipped Him, and in that moment, all my questions were answered with this assurance from God through His presence, which nearly felt tangible. For the first time, the Bible knowledge I had known since young seemed so real and I was left in awe of God’s love. As I left the camp that day, I knew my life had changed in a major way and for the better.
Since that incident, my life has changed, by knowing God, loving and trusting in Him. I have faced many challenges since then, especially in my role as a student. My faith has been tested many times, through peers, as well as situations where I had only God to depend on. I am, among countless others, a testament to God’s love, grace and strength.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
My God - Provider - Miracle Worker
Chevrolet Optra Estate
You know God. He is the all powerful One. Yet, when He moves His powerful hand, we cannot but marvel afresh.
This is a testimony of how God supplied.
My current Toyota is coming closer and closer to the end of its useful life. A few months ago, I started telling God that if it is His will, I would like to change to another vehicle. But since I cannot afford a new car, I'll need someone to sell me his old vehicle.
A few weeks back, during a pastoral meeting, Ps Tim shared that one of our church members is migrating and therefore selling his 1 year old Nissan at quite a cheap price. In my mind, I went, "Wow, God. Thanks!"
But then it occured to me that in the same meeting, also sat my beloved associate pastor Joshua - who also needs a vehicle for the family. So feeling strange that God would prepare a car for me and then give it away to someone else, I fought my inner desire to say, "I want the car", and instead told Joshua he should have the car. He replied he is indeed interested in buying one.
In my mind, I went something like, "God, it just seems right that I pass this car to Joshua. So I'll trust you to answer my prayer another way."
That evening, I went home and told Sau Wan (my wife) what happened in office. Immediately, she went, "You know Alvin [one of our old church friend]? His family is also migrating to Australia soon! Why don't we ask him whether his car is for sale?" I said, "Why not? Let's give him a call."
It turned out that he wanted to sell his car and he just sent in a newspaper advertisement that day! And the car he is selling is a spacious station wagon - in my opinion better than the Nissan (ha ha).
I went, "WOW! This is called TIMING!"
The story is not over.
So I went to view the vehicle. It was ok. But I could not make up my mind whether I should buy it. Yet, I owe my friend a decision.
So I asked my friend for one day to think over it. Then I prayed and asked God for an answer before the day is over.
During the day, I looked out for "signs". But nothing came that whole day.
The day was coming to an end. And I was watching a final TV program before retiring. I remembered telling myself then, "Nevermind, some times, silence is God's answer."
My mom was beside me watching the TV program too. Suddenly, without prompting, she said to me, "Oh, you are thinking of getting a car right?..." I was taken by surprise! Then from there, she gave me some advice.
That was how God provided for me.
I haven't buy the car yet - but a verbal agreement was made between that old church friend and me. Will any more "strange" things happen with regard to this "car episode"? Will there be things to prevent me from buying this car even?
I don't know. But one thing I know. He who saves me is Good. And that's enough. I'll trust His arrangements.
What do you think of my God?
PS: I now have to trust God for helping me to sell my Toyota soon...
Starting this Saturday 7 weeks of pure focus on Jesus @ Faith Factor
Jesus the Anticipated Savior Jesus the Hater of Evil Jesus the Lover of Sinners Jesus the Sacrifice Jesus the Resurrected Savior Jesus the Message Jesus the Lord
What this world needs Is not another one hit wonder with another ax to grind Another two bit politician peddling lies Another three ring circus society What this world needs Is not another sign-waving super saint who's better than you Another ear-pleasing candy man afraid of the truth Another prophet in an Armani suit
What this world needs Is a Savior who will rescue A Spirit who will lead A Father who will love them In their time of need A Savior who will rescue A Spirit who will lead A Father who will love That's what this world needs
What this world needs Is for us to care more about the inside, than the outside If we become so blind that we can't see God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt What this world needs Is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance Blending in so well That people can't see the difference And it's the difference that sets the world free
People aren't confused by the Gospel They are confused by us Jesus is the only way to God But we are not the only way to Jesus This world doesn't need my tie, my hoodie, My denomination or my translation of the Bible They just need Jesus We can be passionate about what we believe But we can't strap ourselves to the Gospel Because we are slowing it down Jesus is going to save the world But maybe the best thing we can do Is just get out of the way
This is my usual experience on a Monday morning - on my mountain bike, with mp3 plugged into ears, and racing down East Coast beach. Very rehabilitating! (This video is taken with exactly the same song plugged into my ears - so you are getting as close to the real things as it could be). ps... something wrong with the original clip. hope this one's ok.
After viewing the above clip, how do you feel? Overwhelmed? Read what Jesus said to those who are overwhelmed... "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." My friends, are you carrying the cross of Jesus, or are you in fact carrying the "cross of the world"? If you have learned from Jesus who is gentle and humble in heart, you'll discover that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Maybe its time to stop talking about "better time management" to solve our "busyness problem". Maybe its time to talk about setting our priorities right. So that the right things get done first in our life. Know what I'm talking about?
During the Singapore Bay Run/Army Half Marathon about two weeks ago, I was running behind a group of runners wearing T-shirts with the words "Fight the fight, Finish the race, Keep the Faith". In the quest to finish the twenty-one kilometres in under two hours (we did it in an hour and fifty minutes or so), my friend and I eventually overtook them, but well, that's not the point.
The message on the back of their yellow T-shirts serves to remind us of our Christian faith. After a quick search on Bible.com, I came across a passage that compares our lives to running races. In 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul talks about giving up our freedoms and rights for the advancement of the Gospel (v.12, 15, 19 to 22). He also encourages us to run the race "in such a way as to get the prize." because "we do it to get a crown that will last forever".
An excerpt from 1 Corinthians 9:24 -27 (NIV)
"24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.ll not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Our life as a Christian isn't a 100-metre sprint or even a 2.4 kilometre run. It's an ultra-long distance marathon. As such, one requires the suitable running shoes, proper hydration and progressive and thorough training beforehand, in order to complete the run safely, and within a respectable time. Similarly, we need to prepare and equip ourselves with the necessary biblical knowledge and understanding in order to run our Christian race effectively. In both areas, this certainly calls for the willingness to humble ourselves for "coaches" or running partners to teach and train with us, and a considerable amount of effort and discipline in order for stamina and the endurance levels to improve.
Running marathons need certain requirements, and here're just some of them to consider:
It isn't just about short bursts of speed, or that impulsive but ill-considered pledge to a certain cause (e.g. coming for Faith Factor on time), which fizzles out after a while.
It isn't about winning medals for one's glory, or serving to bring credit or recognition to yourself (e.g. only volunteering for roles that put you in the limelight i.e. worship leader, programme planner etc, and not those unseen, sometimes seemingly thankless jobs like cleaning up after the fun's over).
It isn't about giving up when muscle cramps bring you down, or giving up when faced with immense persecution (e.g. when studying for exams/CCA commitments) for your faith or service to God.
It's about consistency, long-term commitment, endurance, perseverance and the correction motivation in running the race for Him. And we can have the ultimate assurance, despite the pain and suffering we face while running, that we will receive the crown that will last forever. =)
In the race of life, do we live to be the best for God? Can we be like Paul, who confidently wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."?
hey kias! im currently in cairns, australia. some internet cafe. i actually wanted to write back again from brunei like 1.5 weeks ago, but couldnt find a bloody post office there, hahahaha... its really beautiful here in cairns, cept for the fact we cant go diving at the great barrier reef, which is really quite wasted cuz its like the highlight of cairns. been having as little sleep as possible recently, with the amount of stuff we have to do. but anyway, this is our last port, and soon we'll be sailing home! so i'll probably see u kias in like 2 weeks time! time actually felt like it flew, only this last 1/3 leg to go... been a great experience so far sailing, really used to the shipboard life really, and i've gotten to learn a lot here... praise must be given to God... been finding it hard to find time to do my QT, and i must pray with my eyes open cuz if i close them i'll definitely go into dreamland. but im going strong, and very thankful for what He's been providing me with, in terms of very basic provisions, to the very much needed sanity, health and energy. really missing going to church, and im hoping ill be able to attend a church service on sunday, should be quite an eye opener if i do get to do so. thanks to everyone who sent me the birthday card! i received it when we reached brunei and it juz made my day totally! thanks very much, very very touched by it. probably one of the best cards i will ever receive. so do take care peeps! i''ll be back soon, and hope to cya all then! God bless! Jon Ma From Cairns
You've arrived at KPC Youth Blog. If there is anything we can say, it's this - God brought us together in a happy and rowdy family called KPC Youth Ministry! Join in ! More about us! Why Faith Factor?
(after clicking this, click on the "blog posts" section to view the explanation.)
The story is not over.
God is perfect, we are sinful, so there is a great gap between us. We may try to feel better through work, relationships, sport or religion. But all our attempts fail, because we have ignored the real problem - turning our back on God.
Jesus took the consequences of our self-centredness by giving up his life on the cross. He proved he had broken sin's destructive power by rising from the dead. Jesus offers us freedom from guilt and a bridge back to God.
