7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
Paul- a true disciple, dying to self but alive in Christ. his worry doesn't lie in being out of shape or not being able to gain favour from the people he meets, not about having the jackets and watches of his favourite brands, not about impressing girls or becoming rich, not about visiting his favourite holiday places. His mind is set on pleasing Christ and Christ alone, no matter how smooth sailing or rocky the journey turns out to be.
with regards to his ministry in Thessalonica: (1Thess 2)
2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
as what people call "second generation Christians", there is a danger of thinking we are Christians just because we attend church every Sunday. do we really believe in Christ as our Saviour who died for our sins and reconciling us to God our Father? what does being a Christian mean?
Luke 9
23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."
Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
do we even know who Jesus Christ is?
are we even TRYING to know who He is?
or are we just treating Him as our "divine Santa Claus" whom we just go to request for whatever we want or need, whenever we want?
welcome to the first week of 2010. the todo list is already neverending but now's the time to get working! no more bumming around!
SELF: regular QT catch up with people muay thai classes? jogging swimming call mrs toh buy presents/make cards burn sermons to cd summarise discipleship 1-2-1
OCF: read up on alpha reflection from convy prepare for LC meet think of returnees officer contact list for predep seminars ocf guild rego form
CURTIN: return to good standing template register for classes
ISAIAH 9
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.