Sera speaks: "Go" until God says "Stop"

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!

Bought this book recently, it's call "Never Blink in a Hailstorm." It's a book on leadership, leading in any way possible. Being leader to your own life for example. =) Already the title says a lot. 

We as campus students, first and foremost, should aspire to be great leaders of our own lives. Never Blink in a Hailstorm: It's a lesson in itself. Unexpected things will always come our way, be prepared so you won't do something that will get you into a deeper hole. Building a knowledge to overcome obstacles. 

Other analogies apart from "Never Blink in a Hailstorm" are, "Never Swallow Perfume", "Never Hide behind a Gas Mask", "Never Die from Failure." You may think how silly. But if we look into our lives, many times we have done these things (not literally) through and through and not know that we're doing something that will hurt us and stop our growth. 

What are some of our resolutions for the coming year?

"Go" until God says "Stop"

When I work for God, what state is my heart in? Do I have a heart that says, "I'm gonna Go until God says Stop". I get extremely inspired to be something like that, but I sometimes do not see myself trying at all. In many situations I forget, and that tells me I'm leading solely with my heart. When I feel good about something, I'm all inspired to be like that and go go go. Then I wake up the next morning not feeling inspired anymore. 

Being able to lead my own life, takes a little less heart and little more mind. Finding a conviction and a purpose for doing something that my heart feels right doing. Many times our gut feelings are accurate, but we need to back them up with solid conviction and what the bible says we must do. 

My top priority this year was to be secured and surrendered. And I think I've achieved that to a certain extent. I push myself just a little closer to the edge just to get a sense of how it would feel to jump off and have someone catch me. When I actually jumped off, I realized I had gained enough security to be surrendered. Somehow God worked it all out for me. =)

My top priority next year would be to take my security higher and to build in my Faith. I want to "Go" until God says "Stop". When God gives us so much freedom to do something, God will also give us boundaries. Like what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 9,"Take nothing for the journey, no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." Jesus had given the Twelve full power and authority but also boundaries. Boundaries to guard their heart and to be Christ-Like. 

We've been given freedom because Jesus has died for our sins and has set us free. If we believe in that, then we must also believe in the bible which gives us many boundaries so that when we follow them we might be like Christ. =)

As much as I want to "Go" until God says "Stop", I need to know when to Go fast and when to Go slow. God didn't say, "You need to zoom zoom through your life." He said to "make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Making an effort to keep putting one foot in front of the other is all God wants us to do. But what drives that is, the mercy He has shown us. 

In order to lead our lives, we need to understand the basis of what has been given to us. And how to use it to Glorify God. 

Keeping God number one, loving the people He puts around us and planting the seed in those we see but do not know. =)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Silvia speaks: "Ephesians 5:1-7"

Here is something Silvia shared in our small group QT on Ephesians, it totally cut me as I read. Enjoy.

Silvia is a freshman from NTU, newly added to our campus ministry! She's vibrant and adds a deep thought into everything she sees and reads. She brings a smile to all our faces.

5:1-2 says that '...Jesus gave himself up as a fragrant offering...' He willingly went and died. How often is it that I take this so lightly and forget his heart to give himself up for me! There wasn't a hint of regret in him. 
 
5:3-7 talks more about areas we have to be distinctly different from those in the world. Everything we do, say or think has to be something that builds up! We have to be THAT clear minded and led by the spirit so that we do things that please God.
 
The sentence 'God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient' reminds me of an insight I got from the book that Marliyn gave me - '3:16' by Max Lucado. In it, he concludes that God DOES let people go to hell, despite how much He loves them. But it's simply because He has already given them a lifetime to repent, but they refuse to listen! Sometimes hell doesn't quite scare us, especially when people tend to use it without any meaning. Lucado writes this chapter very well, but the part that hit me the most was the story of Lazarus the beggar that Jesus spoke about. Lazarus had gone to heaven with nothing to lack anymore, while the rich man was suffering in hell. Remember what the rich man asked for? That Lazarus dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. Why not beg to go to heaven instead?! Lucado writes," Contrary to the idea that hell prompts remorse, it doesn't. It intensifies blasphemy". In hell, people don't want to get out. They don't regret being in hell. That scares me. Imagine loving hell, bitterness, and everything at its worst. 
 
If we're disobedient and refuse to listen to what God says, he takes away even the longing for God himself. With that, I pray so much that we'll continue to lead our lives always longing for more of God's love and mercy. 
 
Love,
Silvia

Reliability & Credibility of the Bible!

Do join us for this event which will be held at SMU this coming wednesday 20th Aug! Hope to see you there. =)

Sera speaks: "God's Mystery"

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!
  In Ephesians 3:6 it says, "This mystery is that through the gospel the gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ."

When I read the word 'heirs' I pondered, we're heirs to a throne? We will inherit something when someone dies? I mean these are just first thoughts la. haha... Then I read in different translations for a better picture to visualize.

In NLT it says, And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe in the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Jesus Christ."

In the Message Bible is says, "Outsiders and insiders standing on the same ground...they get the same help, same promise in Jesus Christ. The message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board."

I got a much better picture after reading from my 2 favorite translations. Especially the Message bible. It becomes so personal, like different people can come to God and receive the same love, same help, the same Jesus we all learn and feel inspired and broken from. =)

Myster = Secret Plan of God
- to reach out to gentiles, that His word is for everyone and not just the Jews and the 'promised God's people in the old testament. 
- When is is awkward to reach out to a particular person, remember that the word needs to go out to everyone.

In verse 7-8 is says, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."

- We were and still are being shown grace, at our least God made us the most important.
- We, inturn, from the outflow of our gratitude should show this grace to others.

Reflection:

Are we grateful for what's been given to us?
- Only you will know.
- When we don't love, it's either we don't feel loved or we don't make the effort to feel the love that God gives.

In verse 15 is says, "...from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives it's name."

From God, I was created.
From God, I am called Sera.
From God, I can walk and talk.
From God, I can create friendships.
From God, I can have a heart.
From God, I can love. =)

Is God the one who makes our life full?

Only when we reflect and understand the love that comes into us and flows through our veins, then we can show this love to someone else and they can feel the same. =)

Love <3

Alfred speaks: "Hard Workers"

Alfred is our very cheerful, zealous and fired up brother. He loves children and is always inspiring others with his soft heart towards the word of God.

Proverbs 30:24-28

^{PR 30:24} "Four things on earth are small,

    yet they are extremely wise:

 

  ^{PR 30:25} Ants are creatures of little strength,

    yet they store up their food in the summer;

 

  ^{PR 30:26} coneys are creatures of little power,

    yet they make their home in the crags;

 

  ^{PR 30:27} locusts have no king,

    yet they advance together in ranks;

 

  ^{PR 30:28} a lizard can be caught with the hand,

yet it is found in kings' palaces.

 

The bible mentions about the four creatures that are small but yet extremely wise. They are Ants, Coneys, Locusts & Lizards. Though all may seem small and harmless, there are areas that the Lord wants us to learn from them. Today, we shall take a closer look of each of this creature. To begin I shall share specifically on Ants.

�The queen ant lays all the eggs in the anthill. 
�Wood ants squirt acid from the end of their abdomens.
�Wood ant workers live seven to ten years.
�Wood ants make anthills out of twigs, leaves and soil.
�The queen ant lives up to ten or twenty years.
�The wood ant can threaten the enemy with open jaws.
�There are thirty-five thousand kinds of ants in the world.
�The queen ant has wings.
�The army ant bites and stings any bug that comes toward it.
�The army ant can even bite a huge snake.
�Ants have two stomachs one for them and one to feed others.
�Some ants sleep seven hours a day.
�The queen licks the eggs to make them hatch.
�The queen feeds her eggs her own saliva. 
�Some ants can have up to three queens.

One of the main jobs of ants is to look for food. They are scavengers and are one of nature's best clean up crews. Believe it or not, ants are responsible for "cleaning up" much of the environment all around the world. When creatures die, ants will pick at whatever remains until all the edible parts are gone. Once food is found, an ant lays down a scent as it returns to the nest. Other ants will pick up this scent and follow the trail to the food.

Some ants actually care for and "farm" other insects! Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs suck the sap of plants. These insects can't use all the sugar that they get from the plants, so they excrete "honeydew", which the ants collect to feed the colony. Ants will transport aphids from plant to plant and take the eggs into their colony for the winter. Ants will also defend aphids from insect predators, such as lady beetles and lacewings, by attacking them in large numbers.

Ants have set a good example for humans for their hard work and cooperation. 

Ø      Hard working

Hard working is always the word to use to describe the ants. In the internet, we can easily find stories about the hard working ants. Here are some interesting facts about the hardworking ants:

The ants cut, collect, and scavenge about 200 kg (dry weight) of plant materials each year. Each colony has a foraging range as large as the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

That’s Amazing! In a year, a colony of ants can collect food up to the size of an aircraft carrier. The ant is indeed a very hard working creature. Let’s us imitate this diligent creature and never give up in doing what is good.

Sera speaks: "Watch Out! High Voltage! Letter from God...continued...."

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!

Hi brothers and Sisters,

I'm here to share about the second point from the first lesson Steven shared with us!

I'm in Action..."that He gave His one and only son..."

There was this analogy that Steven shared:

"One day a man fell into a pit and wasn't able to climb out. Many different people came by and this is what they each had to say.......

The Optimist said, "Hey buddy, looks like you're gonna be alright! I'm sure you'll make it out."

The Pessimist said, "Gosh, all the best man. Looks like it's gonna be tough."

The Civil Engineer said, "If you put one foot into that part of the soil and the other in another part then put your hands here, the weight from your foot should push your weight on to....... blah blah blah...."

The emotional person said, "Waaaa! I feel for you..... it must be so lonely down there!!!!"

The logical person said, "You just gotta get outta there! or else.... you'll starve"

Jesus says, "Give me your hand."

 

Love that does not serve is totally empty. =)

This point truly hit me and really convicted me so much. There was something I had to learn from, from this point. Putting my love into action and not always standing in the back and be judgmental over things that aren't done. If they're not done, why don't I be the one ho initiates... =)

God's greatest act of love was giving up His son to the merciless cross. Jesus wasn't willing but he was obedient and He loved God enough to know that He is real and to trust Him. The love that God shows us here is something we cannot replicate. Seriously. If you ever do something out of love that is more mind blowing than what God did? Please give me a call...

That was the greatest act of love in all of mankind!! And a whole lot of us including me take that for granted! 

Jesus did die on the cross!

God did do that to show His love!

Our sins are forgiven from that act of love!

And we're not grateful!

Those are just 4 facts that have reigned this earth. Let it not be us to not be grateful. =) We know what we read, and we know what we believe. As much as we say we're imperfect, as long as we're aware that we are not grateful, we need to do something because it WILL be held against us when our time comes... 

Steven asked this question that kinda shook me a little.... "Am I convinced that God has given His best?"

I think if I can tell myself "YES" I can be totally grateful. Let's all be saying yes to that question... =)

His action speaks so much louder than all the things anyone has to say. Let that be said for us too.. Let us find the security to act out our christian lives. People have eyes, they have ears.. They will see and they will hear.... =)

Amen,

Love and Cheers,

Sera

Sera speaks: "Watch Out! High Voltage! Letter from God."

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!

Dearest Brothers and Sisters,

Didn't we have the greatest time during the retreat!?!?!

I personally feel very grateful to have had the KL campus do so much for us! There was so much warmth and so many awesome prayer times with the different brothers and sisters from the campus over there. I really loved every single lesson shared, every devotional and every d-grp. I felt totally re-charged when I was there. There was definately some high voltage going on there! 

Most of what was shared during the retreat revolved around God's love for us and how we saw ourselves through God's eyes. And I just thought that was really amazing, because we're always thinking about who God is and how awesome God is and how much He works in our lives. But, we never really talked about how He views us?

How precious am I to God?

What's so special about me that He made me?

Why does He want to see me do well?

Why does He love me?

These were just some of the questions asked, and to be honest, I found it difficult to answer them. =) I really need to be thinking about those questions as I'm back home now and getting ready to start school again.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is what Steven shared with us on our first night at Dusun Eco!

1. Don't miss out!

2. I'm in action!

3. You're my target!

4. Don't lose it!

These were the points that he used to guide us through the lesson.

Don't miss out... "for God so loved the world..."

- God doesn't want us to miss out on the love that He gives to us so freely. All He wants is to love us and for us to respond to that love. He cannot love us less. =)

- We're so imperfect, living in a world so corrupt. We're constantly falling into the hands of satan. But God said, "for I so loved you...." How does that make us feel? He loves us despite of our iniquities. =)

Do you feel God's love? Kinda reminds me of one of the team's cheer. They asked each other if they felt God's love and the question was past on, when one person said, "I feel God's love." it was then passed back to the rest of the group. God's love is so powerful, it works through people. Amen!

Steve shared Hosea 11 (which is my favorite chapter in the entire bible, because it was a turning point in my christian life. )

Hosea 11 talks about God's love for Israel. How God saw Israel from a child, growing up and growing apart from God. How God had overflowing compassion that He could not bear to punish the people. =) I took the word Israel and replaced it with my own name. 

That's how God feels about me. He's willing to stoop down sooo low to feed me, to place his cheek against mine, to hold my hand and walk with me through this journey. But all I do is run away from Him because there are so many things that seem more important or attractive than the love He had to give. 

Sometimes I look back and think, "what can be so much more important and attractive than God's love???? What am I thinking???" 

=)

God loves us not because we strive to be perfect, He loves us because we ARE perfect, because we are made in His image. Because he carefully put the pieces together. 

a finger nail to a finger, a finger to a hand, a hand to an arm, an arm to a shoulder, a shoulder to another's cheek.

That's how God works. If we can just understand this. Wow, imagine what He's really like in life size? You can never imagine the immaculate love that He has to give... =)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's what I learnt from the first point. =) And it's rekindled my love for God.

Stay tuned for my thoughts on the rest of the points. =)

Love and Cheers,

Sera

Watch Out! High Voltage!!!!

CAMPUS!!!!!!

We all did a great job for our Passage to Patmos!!! I really want to commend the young christians who chose option 2 and did a great job!! Amen guys! 

We had such an awesome prayer night at Wee Keong and Joyce's on wednesday. There was so much warmth and welcoming. I think the retreat did all of us some good!

Please Please Please write something you learnt from the retreat so I can post it here. We want to impact people in anyway possible even people we may not know who might drip by here.. =)

Do send it to me in an email, if not you can directly post in this blog if you've got the username and password...

I'm really looking forward what you guys have to share, it will really help some of us in our quiet times, so pls have a heart for everyone.. =)

Love and Cheers,

Sera

Duminda speaks: 'Kindness Pays'

Duminda is our brother from the beautiful Sri Lanka, he's quiet but full 

of wisdom and gratitude for God's creations. He enjoys praising God for the little things in life. 

Duminda has been an inspiration to the Campus Ministry! 

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his

way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was
hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost
his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal
he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought
him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How
much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied

"Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." He
said..."Then I thank you from my heart."

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt; stronger
physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been
ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors
were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called
in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called
in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came
from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went
down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's
gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to
the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From
that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the
business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked
at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her
room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest
of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something
caught ; her attention on the side as She read these words.....

"Paid in full with one glass of milk."
(Signed) Dr. Howard
Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You,
GOD, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

Overall History of the New Testament (According to the book of Acts)

Overall History of the New Testament 

(According to the book of Acts)

In 63BC, Pompey, the Roman general captured Jerusalem 

(ever since, the whole of Israel territory is under Roman Empire)

1. Birth of Christ (4BC), during the ruling period of:

 

- Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, 27BC-AD14 (Luke 2:1)

- King of Judah Herod the Great, the Palestine region divided into 3 provinces between his sons:

Archelaus (4BC-AD6), recorded in Matthew 2:22

Herod Antipas (4BC-AD39) --> beheaded John the baptist, questioning Jesus after Pilate

Philip (4BC-AD33) --> whose wife was taken by Herod Antipas

2. Baptism of Jesus, the starting of Jesus' Ministry (AD26-27):

Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar, AD 14-37

Governor of Judea Pontius Pilate, AD2-36

Herod Antipas tetrach of Galilee, 4BC-AD39

3. Cruxifiction, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus (AD29-30):

After appearance before His disciples for 40 days, Jesus ascended in the vicinity of bethany (Luke 24:50-51) in the region of the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12)

4. The establishment of the early church (started AD30-100)

Centered in Jerusalem, mainly led by Peter and John (Acts 1-7)

Cornelius and his family was the first converted gentile (Acts 10)

The ruling Roman Emperors after Tiberius Caesar were: Caligula (AD37-41), Claudius (AD41-54), Nero (AD54-68), Galba (AD68-69), Vespatian (AD69-79), Titus (AD79-81), Domitian (AD81-96)

The Palestine region was oerall riled by Herod Agrippa I (AD39-44) after the death of Herod Antipas.

5. Conversion of Saul in AD32, as in Acts 9.

He was converted near Damascus.

After his conversion he first preached there, then went to Arabia (Gal 1:17) and then returned to Damascus till driven out by the Jews. Next, he went to Jerusalem, meeting Peter and James (Gal 1:18). There was a plot to kill him, so he left for Tarsus, his home town.

6. Beginning of the foreign missionary

As the church sprouted in Jerusalem, persecution from the Jews and King Herod Agrippa I kept escalating, so that many disciples and apostles scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, Antioch in Syria while spreading the Gospel. During this persecution period, the church in Antioch established (Acts 11:19-26), with Barnabas and Saul leading them.

7. The death of Herod Agrippa I, (AD44) as in Acts 12:23

Persecuted disciples; killed James the apostle (Acts12:2); arrested Peter (Acts 12:3-4)

8. Famine in Roman Empire (AD45) as in Acts 11:28.

During this time, Saul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to send the gift from the church in Antioch (Acts 11:29-30 & Gal 2:1)

9. Paul's FIRST missionary journey (AD46-48) as in Acts 13:2 - 14:28)

Upon returning from Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul sent off to the region of Galatia (together with John Mark who also came from Jerusalem).

Route: Antioch - Seleucia - Cyprus (met Elymus the sorcerer) - Perga (John left for Jerusalem) - Pisdian Antioch - Iconium - Lystra (Paul and Barnabas were perceived as gods, then they were stoned) - Derbe - returned to Lystra - Iconia - Pisidian Antioch - Perga - Attalia - back to Antioch.

10. Jerusalem Council (around AD49) as in Acts 15:1-35)

To address the issue about circumcision for converted gentiles. After the counsel, Paul returned to Antioch, and he wrote a letter to the church in Galatia as they faced the same problem (AD49-50)

11. Paul's SECOND missionary journey (AD49-52) as in Acts 15:36 - 18:22)

Paul parted with Barnabas who took John Mark with him. Paul chose Silas who came with him from Jerusalem after Jerusalem council.

Route: Antioch - Derbe - Lystra (Timothy joined) - Iconium - Pisidian Antioch - Troas - Neapolis - Philippi (for several days; conversion of Lydia and Paul's imprisonment) - Thessalonica (for 3 weeks; Jews mob assaults Jason) - Berea - Athens (Paul preached in Areopagus) - Corinth (for 1.5 years; met Aquila and Priscilla who were expelled from Rome; Paul was brought to proconsul Gallio; books 1&2 Thess written in AD 50-51) - Cenchrea - Ephesus - Caesarea - back to Antioch.

12. Expulsion of the Jews from Rome, by order of Claudius (AD49) as in Acts 18:2

13. Appointment of Gallio as proconsul of Achaia in AD51-52

Paul brought to Gallio by Jews who attacked him in Corinth (Acts 18:12)

14. Paul's third missionary journey (AD53-57) s in Acts 18:23 - 21:17

Route: Antioch - Derbe - Lystra - Iconium - Pisidian Antioch - Ephesus (for 3 months Pauls taught in the Synagogue and for 2 years, Paul taught in the hall of Tyrannus; mass conversions, sorcerers repented by burning their scrolls; riot led by silersmith Demetrius who made shrines for Artemis; book of 1 Corinthians written in AD55) - Troas Macedonia (books of 1Timothy and 2 Corinthians were written in AD 56) - Corinth (3 months; books of Romans and Titus were written in AD57) - returned to Philippi, Macedonia (on the way back to Syria) - Troas (Eutychus fell off the window) - Assos - Miletus (farewell to Ephesian elders) - Cos - Rhodes - Patara - Tyre (stayed for 7 days) - Ptolemais - Caesarea (prophet Agabus came from Judea and predicted Paul's arrest in Jerusalem) - Jerusalem

15. The arrest of Paul in Jerusalem (AD57) as in Acts 21:27 - 22:29

Reason: The Jews provoked the people that Paul's teaching was against the law and had defiled the temple by bringing the gentiles in.

Trials before the Sanhedrin, then transferred to Caesarea fro trials before Governor Felix, Governor Festus, King Agrippa II. That took 2 years (Acts 22:30 - 26:32). During this time, books of Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon were written (AD58).

Paul then appealed to Caesar (the reason for the journey to Rome.)

16. Paul's Journey to Rome. (AD59-60) as in Acts 27:1 - 28:31.

The whole journey to Rome took about 4 months after leaving Caesarea.

Route: Caesarea - Sidon - Myra (change ship to an Alexandrian ship) - Fair Havens in Crete - Driven across the sea, shipwreck before reaching Malta - Malta (Paul bitten by a snake but nothing happened to him; healing the official's father and the sick) - Syracuse in Sicily - Rhegium - Puteoli (stayed for one week; visited by disciples from Three Tavern and Forum of Appius) - Rome.

Upon arrival in AD60, Paul was under house arrest while preaching the gospel and writing letters to various churches and individuals (Philippians in AD60-62 and 2 Timothy in AD64)

17. Rome was set ablaze by Nero in AD64

Christians were blamed for setting the city on fire. The persecution from the Roman Emperor was then more and more severe.

18. Jerusalem was destroyed by Roman Empire in AD 70 during the rule of Vespatian

19. The 4 gospels and the book of Acts were written in the span of AD 60-70

20. The last book : Revelation (in AD95-96)

Written by John the apostle during his exile in Patmos island; John died around AD100.

His last letter: 2 Timothy, written in AD64. He was executed in Rome around AD64 by Nero's order after Rome was set on Fire by Nero.

Sera speaks: "Can you lay your life down, so a stranger can live."

Sera is a theatre production student from LaSalle, she never fails to inspire others around her with her deep convictions and carefree expression of God's love. She's blessed with a beautiful singing voice too!

Hi Guys!
Was watching this movie just today, it's called The Guardian. It's about the United States Coast Guard and what they go through physically, mentally and emotionally.

What cut me the most about the show was the song at the credits. Just writing about it now I can feel like crying. Because it's so close to what we go through as christians. =)

There's one part in the show where 2 of the guys from the coast guard training school went to a bar that's meant for only Navy people. And they were talking about how the Navy only appreciates the coast guards when they're in need of rescue. And during other times, they're just not needed.

I guess that's how we feel sometimes as disciples, unsung heros. =) I know I feel that way.

The song is really meaningful and it totally depicts the life that we need to have as disciples.

It's called Never Let Go. In the movie, the main character Senior Chief Randall, has it as his moto to never let go. No matter how much he's hurting he will never let go of you. =) At the end of the movie they called him the Fisher of Man..... (go watch it, won't spoil it for you.)

Here's the song lyrics 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Never Let Go - Brian Adams

Can you lay your life down, so a stranger can live?
Can you take what you need, but take less than you give?
Could you close every day, without the glory and fame?
Could you hold your head high, when no one knows your name?
That's how legends are made, at least that's what they say.

We say goodbye, but never let go.
We live, we die, cause you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to, show that you're the kinda man who;
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

Can you lose everything, you ever had planned?
Can you sit down again, and play another hand?
Could you risk everything, for the chance of being alone?
Under pressure find the grace, or would you come undone?
That's how legends are made, at least that's what they say?

We say goodbye, but never let go.
We live, we die, cause you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to, show that you're the kinda man who;
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

Never let go, Never let go, Never let go

Gotta take every chance to, show that you're the kinda man who;
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

We say goodbye, but never let go.
We live, we die, 'but you can't save every soul.
Gotta take every chance to, show that you're the kinda man who;
Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

Will never look back, never look down,
and never let go.

Never let go, Never let go, Never let go

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Love you guys,

Sera =)

Alfred Speaks: "Improve your Quiet Times"

Alfred is our very cheerful, zealous and fired up brother. He loves children and is always inspiring others with his soft heart towards the word of God.

    

My dear Campus,

Today, I will share to you on how I usually do my Quiet Time and I hope this may help you in your daily bible studies. I learnt about this Bloom’s Taxonomy Theory in NIE and it really helps me in classifying and practicing the different Higher order thinking skills.

Bloom Taxonomy

In the late 1940s, Benjamin Bloom headed a group of cognitive psychologists at the University of Chicago to develop a taxonomic hierarchy of cognitive-driven behavior deemed important to learning and to measurable capability. Bloom’s taxonomy in theory helps teachers better prepare objectives and, from there, derive appropriate measures of learned capability and Higher order thinking skills. An awareness of these levels can help one determine how well the students really know their course content. There are six major categories, which are listed in order below, starting from the simplest behavior to the most complex. The categories can be thought of as degrees of difficulties. That is, the first one must be mastered before the next one can take place.

Bloom's levels are:

 

1.       1)  Knowledge

2.        2) Comprehension

3.        3) Application

4.        4) Analysis

5.        5) Synthesis

6.        6) Evaluation

 

Knowledge & Comprehension

During my young Christian days, I was very new to the bible. Back then, my quiet time was all on knowledge and comprehension. For example:  

Matthew 1: Joseph was the father of Jesus (Knowledge) 

Matthew 4: Temptation of Jesus _ Story (Comprehension)

 

Application

After a few months as a Disciple, my QT was more on application. For example:

 

Matthew 5: 29 “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

 

I must not treat sin lightly. I must try my best not to fall into sin. (Application)

 

Analysis

As years went by, my bible study became more in depth. I learnt to put myself in the shoe of the bible characters and started to empathize them during their difficult times. At this stage, I am practicing more on Analysis. For example:

 

Matthew 27: 27 – 31 “ Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. ³⁰ They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹ After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

 

The pain that Jesus had gone through was unbearable. Jesus was innocent and yet he had to go through so much humiliation and beating. I know that I won’t be able to go through the similar painful treatment. Lord, I really want to thank you so much for your sacrifice. (Analysis)

 

Synthesis

After becoming a disciple for a few years, I was given the opportunity to share lessons for devotions & bible talks. Usually in a lesson, we have a few points of different concepts. Hence when preparing a lesson, we are actually combining many concepts into one lesson. At this stage, we are practicing Synthesis of the higher order thinking skill.  For example in a bible talk lesson: 

John 2 (Title: Jesus changes water to wine)

1.      Jesus can surprise us with his miracles.

John 2: 6 “Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.”

 

1 gallon ≈ 3.7 liters

1 stone water jar contains 20 to 30 gallons. (75 to 115 liters)

6 stone water jars contain 120 to 180 gallons. (450 to 690 liters)

 

A stone water jar can contain 75 to 115 liters of water. That is really amazing. I went to the internet and found the information about the stone water jar. I am astonished by it! It is really big!!!

http://www.bibleplaces.com/newsletter/december04.htm

 

6 stone water jars of water can fill ¼ of the Olympic size swimming pool. Imagine Jesus had turned that much of water into wine. Amazing!!! Jesus can surprise us with his miracles. Jesus can do miracles in our life!

  

2.      Jesus was a humble man.

Jesus didn’t show off his power. He did that miracle because his mum asked him to do so. Imagine if we have the same power as Jesus, would we use that power for our own benefit or for others? Would we show off or be humble like Jesus?

 

From the above lesson, I am combining the concepts of “Jesus can do miracles on our life” & “Jesus’ humility” into a lesson. By doing this, I am demonstrating the higher order thinking skill of Synthesis.

 

Evaluation

When I am doing my QT now, I am trying to practice this stage of higher order thinking skill of Evaluation. This is the highest stage of high order thinking skill. This is the stage where we study the bible with much more in depth. For example:

Mark 7:8 “You have let go of commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”

In this verse, God doesn’t want us to follow the tradition of men but want us to follow the commands of God. I found this verse very useful when I am studying bible with people especially for the study on “Baptism” & “Speaking in Tongues” I would go to the internet and find the origin of the different kind baptisms & speaking tongues and show to them that all these practices are traditions of men. Basically, for any practices and if I can prove that they are traditions of men, I can back it up with this verse. (Evaluation)

 

The table below is the detailed explanation of the different level of high order thinking skills.

Table 1 : Blooms Taxonomy of Learning

 

Level	Learner Action	Question Cues	Example
Knowledge	Recall content in the exact form that it was presented. Memorisation of definitions, formulas, or procedures are examples of knowledge-level  functioning	List, define, label, identify, name	Mat 1: Joseph was the father of Jesus (Knowledge)
Comprehension	Restate material in their own words, or can recognise previously unseen examples of a concept.	Describe, associate, categorise, summarise	Mat 4: Temptation of Jesus _ Story (Comprehension)
Application	Apply rules to a problem, without being given the rule or formula for solving the problem.	Apply, calculate, illustrate, solve	Mat 5: I must not treat sin lightly. I must try my best not to fall into sin. (Application)
Analysis	Break complex concepts or situations down into their component parts, and analyse how the parts are related to one another.	Analyse, compare, separate, order, explain	Mat 27: The pain that Jesus had gone through was unbearable. Jesus was innocent and yet he had to go through so much humiliation and beating. I know that I won’t be able to go through the similar painful treatment. Lord, I really want to thank you so much for your sacrifice. (Analysis)
Synthesis	Rearrange component parts to form a new whole.	Combine, modify, rearrange, "what-if"	Combining the concepts of “Jesus can do miracles on our life” & “Jesus’ humility” into a lesson.
Evaluation	Evaluate or make judgments on the worth of a concept, object, etc. for a purpose	Assess, decide, grade, recommend, explain, judge	Basically, for any practices and if I can prove that they are traditions of men, I can back it up with Mark 7.

 

I hope there is something that you can learn from this. Please share about your thoughts. I really want to grow in  my bible studies, hence please give me your valuable feed backs.

 

Thanks!

Alfred