Rooted Built Up and Overflowing

[아브라함]

[Introduction]

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

-       Rooted_Foundation(Internalization)

-       Built up_Fruit(Externalization)

-       Overflowing_Fruit

[The Law of Life]

InternalizationàExternalization

How does the rain water become living water?

<A video footage>

1litre of Evian the natural spring mineral rich water costs Rs.1000 about 100 times more expensive than other mineral waters.

Each drop of evian? Natural Mineral Water starts off as rain or snow high up on the pristine peaks of the French Alps, travelling through a vast mineral *aquifer deep within the mountains before emerging at last at the spring in Evian-Les-Bains. This amazing journey is the secret to evian?’s purity and it takes over 15 years.

*aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted 

The law of spiritual life

InternalizationàExternalization

Paul

Acts 9:8-9 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. ¹¹The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying

Galatians 1:15-21 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

The Pharisee and the tax-collector

Luke 18:11-14 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Self-righteousness without internalization is dangerous

I.              Rooted in Christ[Foundation]

-       Repentance & Rebirth through Jesus

-       Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord

-       Remaining in Jesus Christ

<Video footage>

Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest man-made structure in the world built in 2010

It took 5 years to construct it. 829.8m high. 50m deep

Pintu’s house

1.     Repentance & Rebirth(Conversion to Christ)

Not the change of your religious identity(A Hindu-a Christian), community(A Bengali to a Jew) or culture

But the change of heart

 ‘Sin’(hamartia)-Missing the mark(target)

The state of Man’s heart which is supposed to aim at God but astray from God.

If the arrow is not properly aimed at, the result is of no question.

Genesis 3:8-10 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."

“Where are you?”-a question about the heart, not the place

* Changes

Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

From darkness to light; from sinful life to righteous life

From Satan to God; from idols to Jesus; from astrology to the Bible

From everlasting destruction to everlasting life

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power

Are you born again?

John 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

<Evidences of Salvation>

a.     Enjoy SALVATION

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people

News of liberation and freedom

Ill) Refugees from ISIS

The jailor

Acts 16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family

1Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy

Sharing the TESTIMONY

The Samaritan woman

John 4:28-29 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" ³⁹Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did."

b.     Enjoy the WORD of God

1Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:129-131 Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.

The Bereans

Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Ill) Mary Jones and the Bible Society

The story of Mary Jones and her Bible inspired the founding of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Mary Jones (16 December 1784 – 28 December 1864) was a Welsh Protestant Christian girl who, at the age of fifteen, walked twenty-six miles(41.8km) barefoot across the countryside to buy a copy of the Welsh Bible from Thomas Charles because she did not have one.  Charles then used her story in proposing to the Religious Tract Society that it set up a new organisation to supply Wales with Bibles. The account was first set out in print in 1882 by the British and Foreign Bible Society

c.     Enjoy Christian FELLOWSHIP

Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Ill) Soumick/Juju

유유상종 Birds of a feather flock together.

학창시절 회고

2.     Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord(Lordship of Christ)

Why do you believe in Jesus?

To manipulate him to get what you want?

James and John

Mark 10:35-37 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory."

Peter rebuked Jesus

Mark 8:31-32 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

I-centred words

Sin Crime Guilt Evil Vice

Christ as Lord

1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

Christ lives in me

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Do what I say

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 

Our questions to the Lord:

-       “What shall I do, Lord?”

Acts 22:10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.

-       What is your will, Lord?”

James 4:13-15 ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

-       “How can I please you, Lord?”

2Corinthians 5:9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

<Blessings of the Christ-centred Life>

a.     Rest of Soul

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

예수 그리스도를 따라가는 삶은 결코 힘든 것이 아닙니다. 주님을 온전히 따르지 않음으로 인하여 지불해야 할 인생들의 수고와 고통과 절망과 분노와 좌절과 시련의 대가는 훨씬 무거울 수밖에 없습니다. 우리가 내 마음대로, 내 욕망대로 살아간다고 하여서 결코 자유로운 것이 아닙니다. 그것은 인생의 파탄일 수 있습니다. 주님께서 메워주신 멍에를 메고 따를 때 거기에 참된 평안과 기쁨과 만족과 안식이 있습니다

Ill) The lost son

b.     Security of Life

Can survive whatever may happen

Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Ill) Joseph: from a slave to a premier

c.     Abundant and Best life

Best life for you

John 10:9-10 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isaiah 48:17-18 This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

The rich young man and Peter

Mark 10:17-22

The man                                                            Peter

-       A ruler(Luke 18:18)                                        - A fisherman

-       Wealthy                                                       - Poor

-       Religiously perfect                                          -

-       Well-mannered                                              - Rough

-       But called Jesus a good teacher                        - Called Jesus Master

Peter

Mark 10:28-30 Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.

3.     Remaining in Christ

-       In Fellowship

-       In His grace

-       In Fear of God

John 15:4-5 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

a.     In the body of Christ (Fellowship)

Church the body of Christ

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

Ill) 숯불의 원리, 콩나물의 원리

b.     In the grace of Christ

Be strong in his grace

2Timothy 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Heart strengthened by grace

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.

Ephesians 3:7-8 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 all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

<Two areas of grace>

-       Grace of salvation

-       Grace of ministership

<How to be strong in God’s grace>

Luke 15:1-32

ü  Know you are a forgiven SINNER

Luke 15:21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

Song 5) Lord I come to you

ü  Know you are his unworthy SERVANT

Luke 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.

Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Matthew 20 Parable of the Vineyard Owner

6AM 9AM 12 noon 3PM 5PM

ü  Know you are his beloved SON

Rejoice in God and in what God has given you

Luke 15:31-32 My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

c.     In fear of the Lord

Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

2Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Joseph

Genesis 39:9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

No fear of God the beginning of evil

Romans 3:11-18 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."  "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

II.             Built Up

-       Basic life

-       Belief in God

-       Being like Jesus Christ

1.     Basic Life(The Wheel Life)

A wheel is often related to our life

James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole *course[wheel] of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

* Trochos-wheel or course

*Chakras

Throughout our body we have main energy centres, which are connected to major organs or glands that govern other body parts. Each of these main energy centres are referred to as chakra–chakra is a Sanskrit word which means wheel. This term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. A chakra is a wheel-like spinning vortex that whirls in a circular motion forming a vacuum in the centre that draws in anything it encounters on its particular vibratory level. The 7 main Chakras are the energy centres in our body in which energy flows through. Blocked energy in our 7 Chakras can often lead to illness so it's important to understand what each Chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely

*Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (July 8, 1926 – August 24, 2004) was a Swiss-American psychiatrist, a pioneer in near-death studies and the author of the groundbreaking book On Death and Dying (1969) Her autobiography The Wheel of Life

<Picture-The Wheel>

Enlarge your wheel

Compare a car wheel with a tractor wheel.

a.     Vertical relationship

-       Word of God

-       Prayer

b.     Horizontal relationship

-       Fellowship

-       Witnessing

2.     Belief[Faith] in God

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Enlarge you Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

<Arrows of the Evil One>

a.     Doubt of His faithfulness

Genesis 3:2-4 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' ""You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.

2Peter 3:3-4 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."

God cannot lie

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

b.     Doubt of His goodness

Genesis 3:5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

c.     Love of the world

1John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.

Remember Lot’s wife

Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife!

Genesis 19:14  So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.

16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them.

26 But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Demas

2Timothy 4:10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

d.     Opposition/Oppression

Acts 4:21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Matthew 10:34-37 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

Please God first

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

<Conviction of the Faith-ful>

Maturity-Enlarging the view

The frog in the well

1Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me

2Corinthians 5:16-17 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

a.     Life and death

Peter

Acts 12:2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance 7 He struck Peter on the side.

Compare with Peter in Matthew 26:69~

Dave Benton

An American news anchor, a born-again Christian

He revealed live-on-air that he was suffering a brain cancer and has only 4-6 months to live.

He died on 26 May 2015

Her colleague said, “He isn’t praying for a cure. He is praying for the strength to get to the end.”

Jimmy Carter(91), 39^th president of the USA

Nobel peace prize in 2002

Now I feel it’s in the hands of God, whom I worship, and I’ll be prepared for anything that comes,” Carter said at a press conference

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Carter said.

Life is feeble and short but death is not the end

Forever with the Lord

1Thessalonians 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Paul

Philippians 1:22-23 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

Ill) Farewell to Yeolee “See you in heaven!”

b.     Prayer(Matthew 6:7-11)

God knows everything

Matthew 6:7-8 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

The Lord’s prayer

Not for our sinful desires

Prayer is not meant to change God for my interests but to change myself for his interests.

Matthew 6:9-10 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Jesus’ prayer

Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Peter’s prayer

Acts 4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Dave Benton’s prayer “Give me the strength to get to the end.”

Prayer is a conversation with God. So listen to God

Psalms 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love[KJV Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning], for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Peter listened to God

Acts 10:9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ¹³ Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” ²⁰ So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

c.     Wealth

1Chronicles 29:12 Wealth and honour come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Our prayer

Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.

Prayer of Agur

Proverbs 30:8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Learn to be content

Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

God is our wealth

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

3.     Being Like Jesus Christ(Character Building)

a.     Fellowship with the Lord

2Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

b.     Fellowship with brothers and sisters

Ill) American brothers and sisters: what helped them start growing.

Mentors

Galatians 4:19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you

Learn from their teachings

Learn from their examples

Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Peers- Pursue a holy life together

2Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Be moulded by each other

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

c.     Suffering and Patience

Hebrews 5:8-9  Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 Moses through the wilderness

Was a violent man- a man of blood

Exodus 2:11-12 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labour. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

Became a man of character A man of humility

Numbers 12:3 Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth

*Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

 “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

III.           Overflowing[Ministry]

-       God’s work

-       Qualifications

-       Reward

God’s work, ministry is the result of overflowing

Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

2Timothy 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

1.     God’s Work

Need of the hour in God’s view

Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

God is looking for his fellow workers

1Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

a.     Evangelizing: Helping understand the gospel

Mark 16:15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

ð  A convert

b.     Establishing: Helping grow in the basic life

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

ð  A disciple

c.     Equipping: Helping reproduce[make disciples]

2Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

ð  A worker

2.     God’s Worker’s Qualifications

a.     Thankful HEART(Grace-ful heart)

Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Jesus

John 17:23-26 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Paul

1Corinthians 15:9-10 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Peter

John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

b.     Different EYES: different interests

Acts 3:4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!"

What are your eyes reflecting now?

What are your eyes on? What are your interests?

Look at the buildings

Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. ² “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

Philippians 2:19-22 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

c.     Helping HANDS

Acts 3:6-8 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Not only by mouth but also by hand

Living for his sinful desires is a foolish thing which destroys his own life.

Things to do with hands

-       Protection & Security

John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.

-       Guidance

Acts 22:11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.

-       Healing

Mark 9:26-27 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

Dawson

The Time Magazine July 2 1956 issue about Dawson Trotman: Always Holding Someone Up

d.     Burden-bearing BACK

Acts 3:8-11 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade.

Hold on to ‘krateo’ – hold on or embrace from behind or hand on the shoulders

Implies that I am healed because of this person

God bears our burdens

Psalms 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

Jesus bore the cross for us and bears our burdens

<Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary>

Days are filled with sorrow and care
Hearts are lonely and drear
Burdens are Lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near 
Chorus:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Calvary Calvary
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near 

Cast your care on Jesus today
Leave your worry and fear
Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary
Jesus is very near 

Troubled soul, the Savior can see
Every heartache and tear
Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary
Jesus is very near

We are His stewards

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

<Burdens>

-      Financial

The poor

1Timothy 5:16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

The worker

2Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

-       Worries

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

-       Work

-       Wrongdoings

Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Jesus defends his disciples

Matthew 12:1-4 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." He answered, Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests.

Paul defends his disciple

Philemon 1:18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

e.     Christ-glorifying TONGUE

Cursing tongue

Matthew 26:74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.

Acts 3:11-13 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.

Unworthy servants

Luke 17:10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

3.     God’s Reward

Your labour is not in vain

1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Fishers of men

Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Crown of glory

1Peter 5:2-4 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Glory in the presence of our Lord

1Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

[Peter’s Conclusion]

1Peter 4:1-5 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

-       Sexual sins

-       Alcoholic sins

-       Spiritual sin

AOS 2015.doc

MHCH 2015.docx

Motto 2015.doc

PUR 2015.doc

QTT 2015.doc

Room arrangement for the Digha Conference.docx

Rooted Built up & Overflowing in Christ_2015Conference.docx

Workbook 2015.xls