Doctrines of the Bible Module 1 - The Power of God’s Word: Authority Lesson 5

Lesson 5 The Power of God’s Word: Authority    

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16)

“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor 2:14)

Firstly, Revelation is God’s communication of his truth to particular persons at a particular time. Secondly, Inspiration is the preservation of that communication so that it can be known to others. Inspiration guarantees that what the Bible says is the same as what God says.

Thirdly, the Bible therefore has an infallible Authority. However, as we read the Bible we need to be convinced that it is indeed inspired by God and to be able to understand its meaning before we can hear God speaking to us through it. For this to happen we need the internal working of the Holy Spirit illumining our hearts(Illumination)

Definition of Authority

The authority of the Bible means that it defines for us what we are to believe and how we are to live our lives by virtue of it being the Word of God.

Components of Authority

The objective word, the written Scripture, together with the subjective word, the inner illumination and conviction of the Holy Spirit, constitutes the authority for the Christian.

Illumination of the Holy Spirit

The illumination of the Holy Spirit is needed for us to understand and be certain of the meaning of the Bible because of human finiteness and human sinfulness. We are finite beings while God is infinite. Therefore we are necessarily limited in our ability to fully comprehend revelation on our own. The problem of human finiteness is compounded by human sinfulness. Because of sin, our spiritual discernment is affected. Sin limits our ability to comprehend Scripture. Therefore we need the working of the Holy Spirit to enable us to hear God through the Scriptures.

Human sinfulness prevents people from having spiritual understanding
(Mat 13: 13-15) Jesus speaks about people who see without perceiving and hear without understanding. Their hearts have grown dull and they cannot really hear or see.
(Rom 1:21) Paul writes of people who did not honor God. Their thinking had become futile while their hearts were darkened.
(2 Cor 4:4) The minds of unbelievers have been blinded by the devil

The need for the Holy Spirit
(1 Cor 2:14) Without the help of the Holy Spirit people cannot have spiritual discernment.
(1 Cor 2:11) Only the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God.

The work of the Holy Spirit
(Eph 1: 17-18) The Holy Spirit imparts wisdom and revelation and enlightens our hearts
(2 Cor 3:16-18) The Holy Spirit removes the veil over our minds to enable us to behold the glory of God
(Rom 2:29) The circumcision of the heart is done by the Holy Spirit.
(John 14:26) The Holy Spirit will teach believers all things and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had taught them
(John 15:26-27) The Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus and He will enable the disciples to be witnesses too.
(John 16:8) The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin bringing a sense of guilt upon them
(John 16:13-14) The Holy Spirit will guide all believers into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears. In the process , he will also glorify Jesus.
(John 14:17) The Holy Spirit is designated as the Spirit of truth.
(1 Thess 1:5) The Thessalonians accepted the message as from God with conviction that was a result of the work of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

God himself is the ultimate authority over our lives. Since the Bible expresses his will to us, the Bible therefore carries the same authority over us. To disbelieve or to disobey any word of the Bible is to disbelieve or disobey God. This biblical authority has two components. The written word, correctly interpreted, is the objective basis of authority. The inner illuminating work of the Holy Spirit helping us to understand the meaning of the written word is the subjective basis of authority.

Review questions

1. “If you have the Bible without the Spirit, you will dry up. If you have the Spirit without the Bible, you will blow up. But if you have both the Bible and the Spirit together, you will grow up.” Discuss the statement.
2. What do we mean by the objective and subjective components of biblical authority?
3. What is the difference between illumination and revelation?
4. What is the place of the church, the preacher, human reason or tradition in the context of the interpretation of the Bible?

Doctrines of the Bible Module 1 - The Preservation of the Revelation: Inerrancy Lesson 4

Lesson 4 The Preservation of the Revelation: Inerrancy

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Mat 5:17-18)

The Inerrancy of Scripture is a logical deduction that follows from our belief in the verbal Inspiration of Scripture.

Definition of Inerrancy

Inerrancy is the doctrine that the Bible is fully truthful in all its teachings.

Affirmation of Inerrancy from the teachings of Christ

(Mat 4:1-11) Jesus affirms that man shall live on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
In using the phrase “It is written” Jesus affirms the truth of propositional statements in the Bible.

(Mat 5:17-18) The Law and the Prophets included the whole Old Testament. Here Jesus indicates His understanding that the OT promises will be fulfilled down to the smallest letter and smallest punctuation mark.

(Mat 22:32) Jesus quotes from Ex 3:6. His argument for life after death rest in the use of the present tense “I am”. In use of the present tense the verse shows that when Moses spoke with God at the burning bush, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still existed even though they had died. This demonstrates that there is life after death in answer to the Sadducees’ wrong belief that there is no resurrection. Jesus use of Ex 3:6 to ground his argument implies his belief in the historicity of the Moses’ encounter with God and the authenticity of the propositional statements describing the encounter.

(John 10:35) When Jesus says Scripture cannot be broken, He affirms a full inerrant view of Scripture.

In many other instances Jesus used the historical incidents of the OT with full belief in the record as factual and true. These events include the creation account, the Flood and major miracles performed by God through the prophets.

Context of Inerrancy

Inerrancy in a direct sense refers to the original manuscripts of Scripture which are already lost. In a derived sense it refers to the copies of the original manuscripts which are with us. For practical purposes, the current texts of the Hebrew OT and the Greek NT are the same as the original manuscripts. Therefore inerrancy can be applied to our present texts of the Bible.

Scope of Inerrancy

Inerrancy covers all aspects dealt with in the Bible. This means that the Bible is without error in its record of religious/theological/spiritual matters and historical/scientific data. In its record of historical incidents and scientific assertions it is inerrant with reference to the culture and purpose for which it was written. Especially the record pertaining to scientific data is reported the way they appear to the human eye.

Conclusion

The doctrine of inerrancy states that the Bible is fully truthful in all the statements that it makes provided that they are interpreted in the context of the cultural setting of the time and the purpose for which they were written.

Review questions

1. What do you think are the possible implications of denying biblical inerrancy?
2. Are there any problem passages you have encountered in your study of the Bible? What steps can you take to better understand those passages?
3. If someone comes to you and tells you that the Bible contains errors and contradictions, how would you respond?

Doctrines of the Bible Module 1 - The Preservation of Revelation: Inspiration Lesson 3

Lesson 3 The Preservation of Revelation: Inspiration

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  (2 Peter 1:21)

The inspiration of Scripture is the necessary means through which the revelation of God can be accurately preserved. Revelation can be viewed as a vertical action in that God reveals himself to man. Inspiration on the other hand has a horizontal focus in that the revelation of God to specific people during specific periods can be made available to people of all time.

Definition of Inspiration

The supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit upon the writers of Scripture that results in their writings being a true and accurate record of revelation.

Biblical affirmation of Inspiration

(a) View of New Testament writers regarding Scripture
(2 Peter 1:21) The word prophecy refers to the prophetic words of the Old testament prophets that later came to be written down as Scripture. The source of Scripture is not human in nature, rather men were being used by God (carried along by the Holy Spirit) as they wrote Scripture. The content of Scripture therefore came from God. The prophecy referred to is also what is meant by the word of the prophets mentioned in 2 Pet 1:19. Referring to Mat 13:35 what was spoken through the prophet was attributed to a quote from Psalm 78:2. The word prophecy therefore appears to refer to the whole range of writings of the Old Testament.
(2 Tim 3:16) This affirms that all Scripture is inspired by God. Just as God breathed the breath of life into Adam, He breathed out Scripture. He was actively involved with the writing of Scripture. Inspiration covers both the whole Old and New Testament.
(2 Pet 3:16) Peter equates the writings of Paul with Scripture.
(1 John 4:6 ) John affirms divine origin for his words.

(b) Preaching of the early church regarding the Old Testament
(Acts 1:16) Peter regards David’s words as authoritative. He affirms that God spoke by the mouth of David.
(Acts 3:18) God spoke by the mouth of the prophets

c) Testimony of the Old Testament prophetsThe Old Testament prophets declare that what they speak constitute the words of God Himself.
(Micah 4:4) (Jeremiah 30:4) (Isaiah 8:1) (Amos 3:1) (2 Sam 23:2)

(d) View of our LORD concerning the Old TestamentThroughout all his interactions with the Pharisees, Jesus consistently used the OT scriptures and regarded them as authoritative. He only questioned and corrected their wrong interpretations of the OT but not the OT itself.
(Matt 5:18) Jesus here upholds the authority of the OT Scriptures right down to its individual letters. His is the highest possible view of the OT.
(John 10:35) Jesus affirms the inspiration of Scripture.

Model of Inspiration

When we say that the biblical writers were inspired by God while writing Scripture, we mean that the Holy Spirit guided and influenced them not only to write down the thoughts of God but also to choose the exact words that would accurately represent those thoughts. This is what we call verbal inspiration.

Although the Holy Spirit was actively influencing them only at the point of writing, there was a process of providential working upon the writers through the years to prepare them for the task.

Fulfilled prophecies as a support for Inspiration

(a) Messianic prophecies
(Gen 3:15) Christ is mentioned as the seed of the woman
(Is 7:14) His mother was to be a virgin
(Is 9:6) Deity and humanity are united in the Messiah
(Is 53) Jesus as the Suffering Servant
(Ps 22) The sufferings and death of Jesus is predicted in detail
(Ps 110 :1) Jesus will occupy the place at the right hand of God.

(b) Prophecies concerning the Jewish people
In Deuteronomy 28 we find pre-written the sad history of Israel. The Spirit of God through Moses outlined thousands of years ago the history of the scattered nation, their suffering and tribulation.

(c) Prophecies of other nations
Daniel 7 predicts the succession of 4 major empires which have been fulfilled. Daniel made the predictions around 530 B.C. The four empires are dated Babylonia (626 – 539 B.C.) Medo-Persia (539-330 B.C.) Greece (330-63 B.C.) and Rome (63 BC - )

Other evidence as a support for Inspiration

Apart from fulfilled prophecies, other evidence that support the inspiration of Scripture include its historical accuracy, its consistency, its power to transform lives and its exclusive salvation message.

However it must be noted that the only confirmation that we can have that Scripture is indeed the inspired infallible Word of God is through the inward work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Conclusion

Inspiration involves both the writer and the writings. The writers were carried along by the Holy Spirit while writing (2 Pet 1:21) to ensure that the writings themselves are God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16)

Review questions

1. What is the difference between verbal inspiration and dictation ?
2. How does this understanding that the Bible is completely inspired by God affect the way you perceive the Bible ?
3. What spiritual insight can you draw from 2 Pet 1:21 which can help you in your effort to study Scripture ?

Doctrines of the Bible Module 1 - God's Special Revelation Lesson 2

Lesson 2     God’s Special Revelation

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Heb 1:1-2)

The special revelation of God is primarily to enable man to relate with him. God reveals himself in order that man can come to know him in an intimate manner. There are two aspects of special revelation : propositional truth and personal encounter. Both of these aspects must come together to result in a saving relationship with God. Understanding of propositional truth(“knowledge about God”) must merge with a personal encounter(“knowledge of God”). Special revelation is necessary for man to know God because of human finiteness and human sinfulness.

Definition of Special Revelation

God’s manifestation of himself to particular persons at definite times and places.

Style of Special Revelation

Special revelation is propositional. All Scripture is propositional in nature. Within the narrative of God’s dealings with man is the objective factual truth of his person, his acts and his will. This factual truth is real, objective rational information communicated from God to man.

(John 20:30-31) Faith has content. Factual information about the miracles done by Jesus will enable people to believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ.

Rom 10:9) Saving faith presupposes some genuine knowledge about God, that indeed Jesus is resurrected from the dead.

Special revelation is personal. All Scripture is personal in nature. What we find is not a set of universal truths but a narrative of a personal encounter with God. This personal encounter is a subjective experience

(Ex 3:14) God reveals himself to Moses and tells him his name. He tells Moses that he is ‘I AM WHO I AM’-the name by which God wished to be known and worshiped in Israel.

(Num 6:24-26) God reveals himself to the Israelites as a God of blessing and grace. God’s intention for his people is their good; he will preserve them to enjoy that good. As his glory had caused Moses’ face to shine, so the Lord desires to make his presence known to all his people. The peace that God gives is the positive state of rightness and the fullness of well-being.

(Phil 3:8) Paul wants to know Christ in an intimate manner, not just a knowledge about him but a personal relationship with Christ. It was an intimate communion with Christ that began at his conversion and had been his experience all the years since then. It was a growing relationship in which there was blessed enjoyment in the present and the challenge and excitement of increasing comprehension of Christ in personal fellowship.

Modes of Special Revelation 

a) God’s special revelation is effected through his personal action in history or his “mighty deeds” (divine historical events).
(Deut 26:5-9) The miracles and wonders bring to mind the opening of the Red Sea and the provision of manna from heaven. The ‘great terror ‘ refers to the plagues brought about by God upon the nation of Egypt.
(Acts 13:16-41). This passage begins with the acts of God mentioned in
Deut 26:5-9 and continues with his acts until the coming of Jesus, his death and resurrection. The common element uniting the two testaments is the one history of the acts of God.

b) God’s special revelation is found in God’s speech.
(Jer 18:1) God spoke directly to Jeremiah with a message of repentance to the nation of Israel
(Ezek 12:1) God spoke directly to Ezekiel telling him to warn the Israelites of the impending judgment.
(1Cor 11:23) God spoke directly to Paul concerning the significance of the Lord’s Supper.

The prophets had a consciousness that their message was not of their own creation but was from God. God does not merely demonstrate through his actions what he is like; he also speaks, telling us about himself, his plans, his will.

c) God’s special revelation is found in God-given dreams
(Gen 20:3) Abimelech , an unbeliever, is told in a dream that Sarah is Abraham’s wife
(Gen 37:5-9) Joseph dreamed that his brothers would one day bow down to him in submission to his authority.
(Joel 2:28) When the Holy Spirit is poured out on all people old men will dream dreams.

d) God’s special revelation can be effected through God-given visions.
(Isa 1:1) Isaiah receives a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
(Eze 1:3) Ezekiel sees a vision of God’s glory.

e) God’s special revelation can be effected through theophanies
Before the Incarnation , theophanies were associated with the appearance of the Angel of the Lord who communicated the divine message to people.
(Gen 16:7-14) The angel of the Lord speaks to Hagar and gives her a promise that her descendants will be too numerous to count.
(Ex 3:2) The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses from the burning bush to commission him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

Review questions

1. What is the difference between special revelation and general revelation ? 
2. Why does God reveal himself to us ? Based on your answer ,what do you think is the primary purpose of a Christian in this life ?
3. Have you had a personal encounter with God through any of the modes of special revelation that we have discussed ?
4. What do you think is meant by this statement “Special revelation includes both a personal encounter with God and propositional truth”

God’s Special Revelation (Heb 1:1-2)

The Incarnation as the supreme revelation of God The pinnacle of God’s acts is to be found in the life of Jesus. His miracles, death and resurrection are redemptive history in its most condensed and concentrated form.

Jesus is revealed as the fulfillment of OT prophecies (Matt 5:17). He fulfilled the Law in the sense that he gave it its full meaning. He emphasized its deep underlying principles and total commitment to it rather than mere external acknowledgement and obedience.
(Mat 16:16) Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah

Revelation took place in the very perfection of Jesus’ character. (Heb 4:15) Jesus is acknowledged as sinless.
(Luke 5:8) The holiness and sinless-ness of Jesus is portrayed in this statement. The nearer one comes to God, the more he feels his own sinfulness and unworthiness
(John 14:9) Jesus identifies himself as the complete revelation of the person of God.

The fullness of God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. (Heb 1:1-3) The fragmentary revelation of the OT era is contrasted with the complete revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is himself God manifested in flesh. He is not merely a reflection of God. He is the absolutely authentic representation of God’s being.
(John 1:1) Jesus is identified as the Word of God in person.
(1 John 1:1) Refers back to John 1:1 where Jesus is identified as the Word of God. In him the Word of life becomes incarnated, manifested and hence can be seen, touched and even handled.

Among the members of the Trinity it is especially God the Son who in his person as well as in his words has the role of communicating the character of God to us and of expressing the will of God for us.

Scripture as revelation.

a) Scripture is a written record of the original revelation and is revelation itself. If revelation is propositional then it can be preserved. Scripture is the preservation of revelation and is indeed the Word of God.
(Ex 32:16) The tablets bearing the Ten Commandments were written by God and constitutes part of Scripture that we have today.
(Jos 24:26) Joshua recorded the revelation of God and this record becomes what we have in the book of Joshua.
(Jer 30:2) Jeremiah was instructed by God to write in a book all that God had revealed to him.
(1 Cor 14:37) Paul’s writings were at the command of God. 

b) This revelation is progressive. Later revelation builds on earlier revelation, complementing and supplementing, rather than contradicting it.

Examples of progressive revelation:

(i) In the OT atonement for sins was effected by the blood of animals. Finally in the NT atonement for sins is now effected through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
(Lev 16:15-16) Atonement is effected through a blood sacrifice of an animal (OT)
(Heb 9:12) The death of Jesus Christ and his blood sacrifice has won for his people an effective salvation and that this has nothing to do with earthly sacrifices.(NT)

(ii) The external requirements of holiness in the OT has progressed into the internal (heart) condition of holiness in the NT. Circumcision of the flesh has progressed to the circumcision of the heart.
(Lev 11:44-45) Holiness was set in the context of clean and unclean food(OT).
(1 Pet 1:13-16) Holiness is now in relation to desires of the heart(NT).

Jesus often begins with a teaching in the OT (within the Old Covenant), interprets it and expands upon it to reveal its significance in the NT(within New Covenant).
(Mat 5:21-22) Jesus begins with “You have heard that it was said long ago….” and later adds “But I will tell you….”

Conclusion

Special revelation includes both the personal presence of God and propositional truth. We are therefore able to identify God, understand something about him and point others to him. The primary result of special revelation is knowledge of God. By this we mean knowledge not only of the person of God, but also what he has done, of his creation, of the nature and situation of humans, of the relationship between God and humans. It is through special revelation that man can come to a saving relationship with God.

Review questions

1. How does the understanding of Scripture as progressive revelation affect the way you perceive the OT and the NT ? In your personal opinion, between the OT and the NT, which testament takes priority? 
2. What spiritual insight can you learn from “2 Pet 3:18”? 
3. What is one main spiritual insight that you can personally draw from reading Heb 1:1-2? 
4. How does an understanding of the doctrine of special revelation affect your approach to evangelism?

Doctrines of the Bible Module 1 - The Word of God Lesson 1

Please note that these are posted online with permission from the writer for the benefit of those who attended the Bible Study class. However, please do not re-post or copy content without prior permission from Bro Koay Kheng Hin.

Note: These are the actual Lesson Notes that were used for the Bible Study. Transcribed notes from the lesson proper was not done at that point of time. Sorry.

MODULE 1 - THE WORD OF GOD

An overview of biblical fundamentals

The aim of this overview of biblical fundamentals is for us to grow in the knowledge of God. This knowledge of God encompasses his person and purposes as well as his will and works. The focus will be less upon the intellectual discourse concerning how the teachings of the Bible can fit into a rational framework. It will instead focus upon the exposition of biblical teachings per se. In such an overview two basic truths need to be emphasized. The first truth is that God is infinite while we are finite beings. Therefore, as much as we try to understand and decipher his thoughts there will always remain mysteries that belong to him alone. The second truth is that the Bible is taken as the sole infallible authority in our study of biblical fundamentals. It is pertinent to note that knowledge about God is a prerequisite for knowledge of God while, at the same time, emphasizing that it is ultimately the knowledge of God that we seek.

“One can know about God without knowing Him but one cannot really know Him without knowing about Him”.

KNOWING GOD

1. God’s General Revelation 
2. God’s Special Revelation 
3. The Preservation of the Revelation: Inspiration 
4. The Preservation of the Revelation: Inerrancy 
5. The Power of God’s Word: Authority 
6. The Canon of Scripture 
7. The Interpretation of the Bible 

Lesson 1 God’s General Revelation

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
The skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Ps 19:1)

1. God’s General Revelation (Ps 19:1)

The general revelation of God is grounded upon the fact that He is the Creator of the universe. In his act of creation he has left his imprint upon nature and man. Human history is necessarily also His Story. He is in total control of world events and influencing them for His purpose and glory.

Definition

General revelation is God’s communication of himself to all persons at all times and in all places. It refers to God’s manifestation through nature, the inner being of man and history.

God’s manifestation through nature

(Ps 19:1-4) The glory and wisdom of God are evident in the vastness of space. 

The universe is a revelation of God’s creation of the magnificent heavenly bodies, which are characterized by radiance and regularity.

(Rom 1:19-20) The creation bears clear witness to its Maker, and the evidence is plain to the people. This natural revelation is a clear testimony of the eternal power and divine nature of God. However it is at the same time a limited testimony in that it does not disclose his love and his grace especially God’s revelation in His Son. Natural revelation is sufficient to make human beings responsible but is not by itself sufficient to accomplish their salvation.

God’s manifestation through the inner being of man

(Rom 2:14-16) The basic requirements of the law are stamped on human hearts. Human beings are made in the image of God and are therefore moral beings. All people, for example, when they quarrel, instinctively try to determine who is in the right and who is in the wrong. Similarly, despite the differences in laws and customs among peoples around the world, what unites them in a common humanity is the recognition that some things are right and some things are wrong.

(Acts 17:22-23) The Greeks were religious, prone to worship. Human beings possess this innate desire to worship a divine being.

God’s manifestation through history

(Job 12:23) God actively acts in the history of the human race. He humbles great people and nations, showing himself to be the only true sovereign being.

(Is 10:5-13) God uses the nation of Assyria to bring judgment upon a wayward Israel.

(Rom 11:5) The preservation of the people of Israel through all the apostasy, persecutions and hardships is a testimony of God’s working in history.

Conclusion

God has revealed himself through nature, man and history. However, it is not sufficient for man in his finiteness and sinfulness to come to a saving knowledge of him if such general revelation is not accompanied by special revelation.


Review questions

1. When you think about the beauty of nature and the immensity of the stars and that God created and designed them to show us his power and glory, how does it make you feel about the person of God? 
2. How does an understanding of the doctrine of general revelation affect your approach to evangelism? 
3. Does an awareness that God is actively influencing events in the world to fulfill his purpose bring assurance to you in the midst of the present economic and political turmoil? 
4. Can a person who has not heard the gospel say that it is unfair for him to be judged for not knowing God?

You Are Not Alone

Rev Gideon Lee

Luke 24:13-35

On the Road to Emmaus

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

19 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

These two followers of Jesus have witness the crucifixion and was on the way back. Jesus walked along with them but they did not recognise him. They were discussing on what had happened the week before. And they talked about how Jesus was given to the rulers and was crucified and how the women couldn't find Jesus's body. 

Jesus asked why are they so slow in believing scriptures, concerning prophecies about Jesus, his death and resurrection. 

How many of you know this person name Karl Barth? He was a famous theologian. He resided in Basil, Switzerland. He was in a streetcar and a couple of tourist sat beside him and he asked if they are there for the first time. So he asked what they wanted to see and what was in their heart. And they said they were hoping to meet Karl Barth. And he said he know the person. And he said he was the one who shaved him every morning. When the tourist got down, they were so excited they met Karl Barth's barber. 

Can you imagine you are with a famous person and you didn't even know that. That's what happened to these two men. They didn't know it was Jesus. They said they thought he was going to be the saviour of Israel. They sounded downcast and a little disappointed. Like some of the disciples who went back to their occupation, like fishing. 

Sometimes in our disappointment it can cloud us and we fail to realise who is with us. Just like Mary when she was so consumed in grief she mistaken Jesus for a gardener. If it can happen to Mary it can happen to us. 

We can sometimes be so consumed by our grief that we fail to see Jesus. We need to put on the glasses of faith. Don't let temporary disappointments blind you to the good that God is doing in your life. We can get so caught up with the defeat in our life that we fail to see something amazing that God is doing in our lives. 

They were kept from recognising Jesus and they were so downcast. Jesus ask why they are so slow to trust or believe in the scriptures. And Jesus began to tell them the prophecies concerning himself. The bible is like a pair of glasses. 

It is not an encyclopaedia of all the answers we seek. It may give you a glimpse of the answers but often we cannot find all the answers. Like the other day in the young adult cells they asked about creation and how it lines up with science. 

Understanding is not the key to life. Faith is. Trust in God is. The bible assures us of what the future holds. The one that holds the future will not fail us. The world says I believe what I see but the bible tells us that blessed are those that believe but have not seen. 

Jesus appeared to all his believers. You have to believe to see and not just see to believe. Believe in the one that holds your tomorrow. Those that believed saw him. We need to have faith to see. 

How did Jesus revealed himself? When he broke bread and gave thanks. A light bulb just light up and they realised it's Jesus. They recognised their master immediately. 

Sometimes we just have to come to a point where we realise God is with us. 

How many of you have been to Disneyland? In Disneyland they added what they call hidden Mickeys. It's three circles placed in a specific manner. If you did not look carefully you will miss the hidden Mickey. 

God is like a hidden Mickey. If you know where to look you will find him everywhere. It's just that we do not realise it. While I was worshipping this morning, I am reminded by God "do not waiver". Fix your eyes on God. 

When Peter got out of the boat he was doing fine for the first few steps. He was able to do it as he was trusting in God. He is the one other man apart from Jesus to have walked on water. It was until he saw the waves then he began to sink. 

Sometimes in our life we see the wave and started sinking. Jesus calls Peter a man of little faith. Even in that situation God didn't let him drown. Jesus immediately reached out and grab him. He must be nearby and at arms length. God is there in the picture. He is the hidden Mickey that you need to look for. 

This morning may I encourage you as you take that step of faith to know that you don't have to go back to Emmaus but go to Jerusalem. There he appeared to those who believe. 

Do you need God in your situation? I want to end with this story. 

As these two was going back Jesus asked them what happened the week before. Sometimes as we come to church we need to ask what has happened the past week. As you recount the week before, you may have some difficulties, know that God is with you. Just as they broke bread, they realised it was Jesus. If you know how to look out for him he is there. Don't look at your disappointments and say it's bad. See that God is with you in your disappointments. 

When the native Indians' boys grow up to be a man, he has to spend a night alone in the forest. That is his rite of passage. There are bears and wolves in the forest that can make a meal of a 12 year old boy. The father will bring the boy to the forest. Unknown to the son, the father makes a u-turn and hide from view to protect the boy, fully armed. The next morning the father will come and the boy will think that he has spent the night on his own. That is like our Heavenly Father. He will not let any harm come to us. He is ready to protect us from every harm. 

Let's now get ready for the Lord's table. 

Duplicate Yourself

Rev Gideon Lee

I have actually prepared a message on what happened after resurrection Sunday. But I also prepared a short devotion for our AGM. But I felt I want to switch it around. So I am going to share my devotion for the AGM this morning. I will keep today's message for another day. 

Exodus 18

Jethro Visits Moses

1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father- in- law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.

2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father- in- law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have become an alien in a foreign land”; 4 and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

5 Jethro, Moses’ father- in- law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the desert, where he was camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent word to him, “I, your father- in- law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”

7 So Moses went out to meet his father- in- law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent. 8 Moses told his father- in- law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them.

9 Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 He said, “Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father- in- law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father- in- law in the presence of God.

13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father- in- law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and laws.”

17 Moses’ father- in- law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. 21 But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

24 Moses listened to his father- in- law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

27 Then Moses sent his father- in- law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.

Sometimes I insist that we read the whole chapter instead of a few lines. We need to get the proper context of the verses and not just pick one verse. We see here Jethro Moses's father-in-law, saw what was happening to Moses. 

He was sitting as a judge from morning to evening. The people will bring their disputes to him. All kinds were being brought to him. Some were quite serious but some were very simple disputes. I don't know how we classify them but Jethro was telling Moses he cannot go on like that. That he will wear himself out. 

In this passage there is a lot of principles we can garner for ministry. He gave Moses some advice. 

He told Moses he can still be the leader and teach them decrees and laws but he should also appoint capable and godly men. Let them be in charge of thousands, hundreds and tens. Jethro was trying to find a very simple structure to help Moses so that he will not wear himself out. 

There are probably two reasons. One is so that Moses won't wear out serving from morning till evening. He also say so that the people will be satisfied with him. Moses was hearing all the problem and it is impossible for one man to hear all the problems. So some people will be left out and be dissatisfied. 

The first thing you need to know is that one person can't do everything. But that doesn't mean one person don't do anything. No matter how talented or gifted you are, you cannot do everything. Look at Moses, who was mightily used by God, will also burn out. 

Those leaders here, cell leaders, ministry leaders I want you to know you cannot do everything. We need to learnt the art of delegation. Delegation is not something the world or corporate sectors teach us. It's already in the bible. But Jethro told Moses he still do his job as representative to God but he needs to equip the people. Duplicate himself. 

What is the fruit of a durian tree? Durian? Wrong. The fruit is another durian tree. The reason why the durian produce fruit is what? For us to eat is it? The reason is to reproduce itself. The fruit fall to the grown and dies and until the seed dies and begin to bear fruit by sprouting another durian tree that produces fruit, it will not serve its purpose. 

What is the fruit of a Christian? Love, joy, peace? Another Christian! You're suppose to duplicate yourself. You are suppose to bear another Christian. I use the word Christian not a convert ya. That is the fruit of a Christian. 

For me what I want to do is to duplicate myself. How I do that? I teach and equip the people the decrees and the law. I cannot do everything also. That is the secret. I cannot do everything. 

That is why we have board members. ministry leaders. If the guitar string broke and you ask me to fix the strings, you won't hear anything on Sunday. I don't know everything. We have put into place a structure where if there is anything you can see them. We have cell leaders and assistant cell leaders. 

We already have leaders over thousands, hundreds and tens. But it is not enough. We need more to rise up and take their position in church. 

Moses was advised to do this and he put up the structure and it worked. We want to do this in our church. But we need you all to rise up. To say pastor here am I. Ready to serve. 

Recently I read an article where a pastor took over a church. The church was quite big with a lot of members and facilities but only a small percentage was serving. Statistically it is found that 20% is serving while the rest is not. The pastor was frustrated seeing this. He decided to write a letter to all members of the church. 

He wrote and said that he wants them to serve in this church. If they are not serving in this church they are free to attend another church. It was a radical letter and after the letter was sent, some people left. But some of them who read, God convicted them and the church became alive. People began to start serving and he saw a change in church. But of course I am not doing this here but I want to challenge you. We need people to rise up. I want to tell you your cell leaders are tired. Some of the head of ministry can get tired serving Sunday after Sunday. 

Some cell leaders have tried their best and given their best but they are tired. I'll tell them I have a model for my ministry. I want to train people up and duplicate themselves. Delegate I told them. They don't have to do everything. Do you know what's the reply? Pastor we want to delegate but delegate to who? There is nobody. Nobody wants to rise up. If we all rise up and take a little bit of the load it makes everything lighter. 

If you are serving in this capacity, I want you to see where else you can serve. Some of us can worship lead. Start in the cell. Everything can be learned. We can help and train you but you must be willing. You will never know the hidden talent until you dig for it. 

There are many diamonds and talented people in the church. You look rough on the outside but shining on the inside. 

One reason why people don't want to serve is that they are afraid. They are afraid of making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. We just learn from them. Some people are afraid of the commitment. We need to rise up and step out for God. We can't do everything ourselves. We need people to rise up and stand with us. 

I am glad the board members who served in the previous term have agreed to stand this term. It tells me a lot about these people and what is happening in the church. Serve for two years and still willing to serve again. I am thankful for them. But what's better? More new people will stand up and accept their nomination. I long for the day when I send out the nomination and more people will say they will serve. 

The fact of the matter is we need to step out. Our church is going somewhere. We are not here just to fill the seats and hi and bye. We are going somewhere. There is a direction that God is leading the church. 

We have already started the outreach at Teluk Kumbar. It is in my heart that our church plant churches. I cannot do everything so I pray God will send people. And in God's timing he brought pastor Pauline. We are already doing the renovation now. 

I want to plant churches. Come on church. We need to plant more churches. God is coming back soon. Where there is no lighthouse let us plant a lighthouse. But we need people. Already pastor Pauline is asking for helpers to help her. She needs people to help her run the service. Am I making sense to you church? We need more hands. 

You may say I don't know anything. I do not believe you are good for nothing. I believe if you avail yourself God can use you. We want to send a team to help her for service. I thank God he is sending people along our way. Now is the time we need to move. Because I believe when God provides the manpower we need to move. 

Bro John here is going to join us first of May. He resigned from his job because  he has a heart for ministry. Before this he was working in a security firm. He comes from KL and was helping his pastor to run a drug rehab ministry. He came to see me and said he did not feel fulfilled and he wants to do ministry. So he is coming in to be like our admin assistant. He will be like the church custodian. He will learn to do everything and to help pastor Pauline I the church. He will also help us in the maintain if the building. I told bro Wilbur to take him under his wings. Also the security of the church and also in ministry. We need more people. 

I have good news for you. You know how long we have been looking for an administrator for our church. Since I was here, my fourth year to find someone is a unique situation. What more an administrator. In charge of the office. We have to find someone from within our church. The person must be a Christian. I cannot advertise in the newspaper must be Christian. Or look for the person from other churches. Cannot because the administrator must be our church member. Because there are P&C information. How can our administrator attend another church. We have been praying for this person. Someone who is a person in good standing in the church. Must have the right qualification. How many of you want to work in the church? There had to be a call of God. What can we offer you? You want big title, huge benefit we cannot offer though we will be fair. You will also be dealing with the members of the church, not easy. 

But I feel this is a kairos time for our church. We have our administrator but I cannot tell you now as we need to do all the paper work. Now we need to look for more pastors. Are you ready? I need your help. I cannot do everything alone. Cannot do big do small. Cannot do small do smaller. 

We need more worship leaders and musician. Tell your neighbour Pastor say no retirement. The second floor is available to us. MayBank is surrendering their keys. I asked God if it's time and God said in his time God will make all things beautiful. 

We compare with other churches. Praise God for the other churches but the fact that God planted you here says something. We always say the grass is greener on the other side so why don't we water our grass to make it greener? Every church God has called for a specific reason so let's just run our race. Water the grass on our side and serve in the church. In no time our grass will be greener. 

So this morning can we do that? How far the church will go will depend on us. I am not saying God is not in the picture but you need to give your five loaves and two fishes. Can we do that church? I can't do everything.