Revolution: In The Firing Line - Christianity n Faith
1 Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.
6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. ”Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
~ Hos 4: 1,6 ~
How do we pray in tongues?
1. Jas 1:2 - Ask the Lord for Holy Spirit.
2. Your desire from the heart to speak in tongues
3. Just open your mouth
How do we receive this as a gift from God?
1. By the grace of God
2. Hearing of God’s word (Act 10:44; Act 11:15)
3. Laying of Hands (Pray for) as in the example of Saul (Act 8:17; 9:17-19), Act 19:6
4. Ask for it
What are the benefits of in praying in tongues?
1. Rom 8:24-28
1. Lightens the burden
2. The Spirit intercedes for us; especially in times we are not able to express the prayers into words or language.
3. Prays according to the will of God by searching for the heart of God
2. 1Co 14:2-4
1. Pray for unknown or inexpressible; speaks mysteries
2. Builds or exhort one’s self
3. 1Co 14:14
We don’t always understand what the words we pray but there is an understanding of the meaning
Why do we give tithes and offerings?
1. Commandment of God – Deu 12:11
2. Demonstration of faith and trust in God for provisions (First Fruits) – Gen 14:18-20, Heb 7:5-9
3. Honour and worship of God – Lev 27:30-34, Deu 12:6; 26:12
4. Portion God sets aside for the work of the priesthood – Num 18:23-30
5. Provision for the church – Neh 10:37
6. Renders our hearts soft as we acknowledge and act on the faith of His provisions. - KK
How do we know whether our plans are part of God's will?
We know that our plans are part of God’s will because we need to trust in His Goodness and Faithfulness in our lives. Once a decision is made and action taken by us, it becomes the will for our lives. For our plans to line up to God’s will, the only really ways are through His Words, Prayer and listening to His Voice, That’s why Jesus said in John 10 that his sheep will know his voice. We need to learn to know our God and His desires and delights, and it is only then we start to walk in the way He has plan for us, because it is then we start to understand and delight in who our God is. So the question then is not “how do we know whether our plans are part of God’s will” or “do we get what we want?” Rather it is “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
What does it mean when God lets us choose everything we want? Is it true that we get what we want just as long we put him first? For example as choosing our job, future partner, where to live etc.. How do we know when our desires are align with this purpose for us or not?
What it means by God lets us choose everything we want is that we have ‘free-will’. God do not stop us for choosing what we want even if it is something bad. He does not take control of our bodies against our will. For example, if you are getting drunk from drinking too much alcohol, God do not stop you. That is the choice we made to do but also realise that we also reap the consequences such as hangover or even worse. In the words of Paul the apostle in [1Co 6:12] “’Everything is permissible for me’ – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything” and again in [1Co 10:23] “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive.”
No, it is not true that we get what we want just as long we put God first. If that was the case, God would be a genie. For example, we can put God first but still be addicted to pornography. If we live our lives to the principles that God has laid out and hold onto His Words, we will prosper and He will bless us. What is important is not just putting God first, but putting Him in the centre of our lives. That we learn to delight in Him and His ways. He has plans for us at He talked about in Jer 29 though those plans may not match what we think them to be.
The only real sure thing to know that our desires are aligned with His purpose is the benefit of hind-sight. Though there is not certainties, there are some sure guides:- Does our desire line up with the Word of God?- Have we prayed and/or heard from God? There should be wisdom in this area especially when we are young Christians and seek counsel.
- What does the circumstances and hindsight of other situations teach us?
- Seek counsel from leaders. The bigger the decision the bigger the counsel.
- Motivate, heart and humility
Why does the number “7” appear so many times?
1. For some reason, God uses patterns and associate certain symbols with certain things or events.
2. The number “seven” is often associated with “completeness” and because of it, God often blessed the seventh. Here are some examples:
Gen 2:2 – By the seventh day, God finished His Work and rest, so He blessed the seventh day
Jer 29:10 – Seventy years of exile is complete. Israel is returned home and blessings followed.
Gen 29:18 – Jacob had to complete seven years of labour for Laban for Rachel, only to be deceived when he found out it was Leah.
Gen 29:20 – Jacob worked another seven years for Rachel
Gen 41:1-30 – Sevens of feasting and famine in Egypt. A completion of blessings and famine throughout the land.
Lev – Throughout Levities, we see how God uses seven of things to complete the offerings, cleansings and other matters.
Exo 23:11 – Worked the land for 6 years and let it rest on the seventh.
Where the word “trinity” does comes from since it is never mention in the Bible? Possibly derived from the Greek, trias, which was first used by Theophilus (A.D.168-183) or from the Latin, trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 22) to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons – A Triune God. This means that there is one God and God is one [Due 6:4]
The three Godheads are equal in divinity, which means there is no ranking but they have a different working or function. The three Persons of God cannot be divided in character, nature or thought.
Examples where the Trinity are seen:
Mat 3:14-17 – When Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Spirit descend upon him and the Father spoke
2Co 13:14 – One of Paul’s many greetings, showing the presence of the three Godheads
How do you explain the fact that Jesus always pray to God? If that is the case, how can he also be God?
1. Php 2 – Jesus laid aside his glory to be a servant, taking the form of man. If he came as God, He would not be “qualified” to die for us. Blood of innocent needed to be shed for the forgiveness of sin. – Heb 9:19-23
2. How can he be associated and teach us how to live when he himself can’t do it – Heb 10:34
Though Jesus is God but he was also wholly man therefore he needs to be communicating with the Father and Spirit just like us. This even further establishes the doctrine of the Trinity.
3. The covenant made was between God and man, if Jesus came as God, how would he be able to the Mediator of new covenant for man? – Heb 12:24
How do you explain the age of the earth?
The age of the earth is a difficult one to answer. There are several arguments to this questions and I ask it depends on which tack you take. In general there are some of the thinking points:
1. Most of the age estimation to update has been achieved by carbon dating. The issue with this is that Carbon is one of the most common elements in the world. I know it looks for a specific carbon type but that type is not unique and can be formed. So if a coal miner who has worked the mine all of his life maybe dated to 1100 B.C. because of the amount of carbon he has breathed over his lifetime.
2. Most scientists including the secular (if there are any) believe there is a theory of intelligent designs, which suggested there was something or someone who brought all the pieces together. The question is E.T. or God?
3. The chances of a big explosion happening and all the piece falling into pieces are so great that you have a better chance of getting a bucket of sand, throwing that into the air and forming a picture of a pig.
4. For Christians, I guess the question comes, is it seven literal days or a figurative? The arguments for seven literal days is that, in Genesis, there is a phrase used "evening and morning" suggesting a day has been completed. But there is a couple of arguments for the figurative day too? The revolution of the earth may not be a literal day as we know it at this time. Also in Psalm, it's written "To the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and thousand years is like a day". So there are arguments for both sides.
I believe what is important is that the conclude should help us understand who our God is and draw us together the LORD. It is not knowledge for the sake of it. Rather, it is knowledge what we come to know who He is.
How did the Bible come about? Didn’t some guys just put the Bible together?
There are several answers to this question depending which way you are going to tackle the question.
1. The original scriptures especially those in Old Testament has been around for hundred of years before Christ and is accepted as coming from God by the Jewish people. The books of the New Testament were written about 60 A.D. where most of the people who witness Jesus’ works would still be around to contest any false allegations. The current form of the Bible (66 books) wasn’t just pick by Caesar Constantine. Rather it went through a process of canonization.
2. The canon of the OT came from the Hebrew Bible which consist of 34 books which is divided into three parts: the Law, the Prophets and the Writings.
1. The Law (Torah or Pentateuch) – first five books from Genesis to Deuteronomy
2. The Prophets – Divided into 3 parts
* Early Prophets – Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings
* Later Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel
* 12 books of Minor Prophets
3. The Writings – 11 books in total including 3 poetic (Psalms, Proverbs and Job); 5 scrolls (Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther); apocalyptic work (Daniel), Ezra/Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles
In the current Bible, OT is arranged differently; The Law, historical books, poetical or wisdom then the prophetic. Also the book of Kings, Samuel, Chronicles and Erza/Nehemiah were separated into two books.
3. Definition of “Canon” means “a straight rod” or “measuring stick”
4. Test of Canonicity of the New Testament:
1. Authorship – A book had to be written by an apostle or a close associate of an apostle. For example, Mark was not an apostle but was closely associated with the Apostle Peter
2. Nature of the Book – Does the message of the book agree with the content of divine revelation in the Old Testament? Does the book reflect the character of the person and work of Jesus Christ and agree with the existing apostolic writing?
3. Universality – Is the book being read and practised in the churches throughout the Body of Christ? This criterion address the degree to which the people of God recognised and accept the authority of the book under consideration
4. Inspiration – The word inspiration literally means “God-breathed.” Does the book have a spiritual character that agrees with the Holy Spirit who indwells all believers?
4. Three major reasons for the official recognition of the Canon:
1. The spread of false doctrine – The very existence of the church was seriously threatened by Gnosticism.
2. The development of false writings – A major motivation for the canon was false writings. These came out of a desire to know more about the childhood of Jesus and to have more information about New Testament personalities. Such books like “Gospel to Thomas”
3. Persecution – In A.D. 303, the Edict of Diocletian declared that all Christian books must be destroyed. This forced the Church to determine which books were of real value and which books could be cast into the fire.
5. Process of Canonisation – Here is how the church came to recognised and endorse the authoritative books of the NT. This process occurred over a period of time through general church councils. Here are the list of the major councils:
1. The Council of Laodicea (A.D. 363) – accepted all the books of the N.T. except for the Book of Revelation.
2. The Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) – Chaired by early church father and theologian, Augustine, it accepted all 27 N.T. books.
3. The Council of Hippo (A.D. 419) – Reaffirmed the Council of Carthage’s decision.
6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. ”Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
~ Hos 4: 1,6 ~
How do we pray in tongues?
1. Jas 1:2 - Ask the Lord for Holy Spirit.
2. Your desire from the heart to speak in tongues
3. Just open your mouth
How do we receive this as a gift from God?
1. By the grace of God
2. Hearing of God’s word (Act 10:44; Act 11:15)
3. Laying of Hands (Pray for) as in the example of Saul (Act 8:17; 9:17-19), Act 19:6
4. Ask for it
What are the benefits of in praying in tongues?
1. Rom 8:24-28
1. Lightens the burden
2. The Spirit intercedes for us; especially in times we are not able to express the prayers into words or language.
3. Prays according to the will of God by searching for the heart of God
2. 1Co 14:2-4
1. Pray for unknown or inexpressible; speaks mysteries
2. Builds or exhort one’s self
3. 1Co 14:14
We don’t always understand what the words we pray but there is an understanding of the meaning
Why do we give tithes and offerings?
1. Commandment of God – Deu 12:11
2. Demonstration of faith and trust in God for provisions (First Fruits) – Gen 14:18-20, Heb 7:5-9
3. Honour and worship of God – Lev 27:30-34, Deu 12:6; 26:12
4. Portion God sets aside for the work of the priesthood – Num 18:23-30
5. Provision for the church – Neh 10:37
6. Renders our hearts soft as we acknowledge and act on the faith of His provisions. - KK
How do we know whether our plans are part of God's will?
We know that our plans are part of God’s will because we need to trust in His Goodness and Faithfulness in our lives. Once a decision is made and action taken by us, it becomes the will for our lives. For our plans to line up to God’s will, the only really ways are through His Words, Prayer and listening to His Voice, That’s why Jesus said in John 10 that his sheep will know his voice. We need to learn to know our God and His desires and delights, and it is only then we start to walk in the way He has plan for us, because it is then we start to understand and delight in who our God is. So the question then is not “how do we know whether our plans are part of God’s will” or “do we get what we want?” Rather it is “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
What does it mean when God lets us choose everything we want? Is it true that we get what we want just as long we put him first? For example as choosing our job, future partner, where to live etc.. How do we know when our desires are align with this purpose for us or not?
What it means by God lets us choose everything we want is that we have ‘free-will’. God do not stop us for choosing what we want even if it is something bad. He does not take control of our bodies against our will. For example, if you are getting drunk from drinking too much alcohol, God do not stop you. That is the choice we made to do but also realise that we also reap the consequences such as hangover or even worse. In the words of Paul the apostle in [1Co 6:12] “’Everything is permissible for me’ – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything” and again in [1Co 10:23] “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive.”
No, it is not true that we get what we want just as long we put God first. If that was the case, God would be a genie. For example, we can put God first but still be addicted to pornography. If we live our lives to the principles that God has laid out and hold onto His Words, we will prosper and He will bless us. What is important is not just putting God first, but putting Him in the centre of our lives. That we learn to delight in Him and His ways. He has plans for us at He talked about in Jer 29 though those plans may not match what we think them to be.
The only real sure thing to know that our desires are aligned with His purpose is the benefit of hind-sight. Though there is not certainties, there are some sure guides:- Does our desire line up with the Word of God?- Have we prayed and/or heard from God? There should be wisdom in this area especially when we are young Christians and seek counsel.
- What does the circumstances and hindsight of other situations teach us?
- Seek counsel from leaders. The bigger the decision the bigger the counsel.
- Motivate, heart and humility
Why does the number “7” appear so many times?
1. For some reason, God uses patterns and associate certain symbols with certain things or events.
2. The number “seven” is often associated with “completeness” and because of it, God often blessed the seventh. Here are some examples:
Gen 2:2 – By the seventh day, God finished His Work and rest, so He blessed the seventh day
Jer 29:10 – Seventy years of exile is complete. Israel is returned home and blessings followed.
Gen 29:18 – Jacob had to complete seven years of labour for Laban for Rachel, only to be deceived when he found out it was Leah.
Gen 29:20 – Jacob worked another seven years for Rachel
Gen 41:1-30 – Sevens of feasting and famine in Egypt. A completion of blessings and famine throughout the land.
Lev – Throughout Levities, we see how God uses seven of things to complete the offerings, cleansings and other matters.
Exo 23:11 – Worked the land for 6 years and let it rest on the seventh.
Where the word “trinity” does comes from since it is never mention in the Bible? Possibly derived from the Greek, trias, which was first used by Theophilus (A.D.168-183) or from the Latin, trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 22) to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons – A Triune God. This means that there is one God and God is one [Due 6:4]
The three Godheads are equal in divinity, which means there is no ranking but they have a different working or function. The three Persons of God cannot be divided in character, nature or thought.
Examples where the Trinity are seen:
Mat 3:14-17 – When Jesus came out of the water, the Holy Spirit descend upon him and the Father spoke
2Co 13:14 – One of Paul’s many greetings, showing the presence of the three Godheads
How do you explain the fact that Jesus always pray to God? If that is the case, how can he also be God?
1. Php 2 – Jesus laid aside his glory to be a servant, taking the form of man. If he came as God, He would not be “qualified” to die for us. Blood of innocent needed to be shed for the forgiveness of sin. – Heb 9:19-23
2. How can he be associated and teach us how to live when he himself can’t do it – Heb 10:34
Though Jesus is God but he was also wholly man therefore he needs to be communicating with the Father and Spirit just like us. This even further establishes the doctrine of the Trinity.
3. The covenant made was between God and man, if Jesus came as God, how would he be able to the Mediator of new covenant for man? – Heb 12:24
How do you explain the age of the earth?
The age of the earth is a difficult one to answer. There are several arguments to this questions and I ask it depends on which tack you take. In general there are some of the thinking points:
1. Most of the age estimation to update has been achieved by carbon dating. The issue with this is that Carbon is one of the most common elements in the world. I know it looks for a specific carbon type but that type is not unique and can be formed. So if a coal miner who has worked the mine all of his life maybe dated to 1100 B.C. because of the amount of carbon he has breathed over his lifetime.
2. Most scientists including the secular (if there are any) believe there is a theory of intelligent designs, which suggested there was something or someone who brought all the pieces together. The question is E.T. or God?
3. The chances of a big explosion happening and all the piece falling into pieces are so great that you have a better chance of getting a bucket of sand, throwing that into the air and forming a picture of a pig.
4. For Christians, I guess the question comes, is it seven literal days or a figurative? The arguments for seven literal days is that, in Genesis, there is a phrase used "evening and morning" suggesting a day has been completed. But there is a couple of arguments for the figurative day too? The revolution of the earth may not be a literal day as we know it at this time. Also in Psalm, it's written "To the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and thousand years is like a day". So there are arguments for both sides.
I believe what is important is that the conclude should help us understand who our God is and draw us together the LORD. It is not knowledge for the sake of it. Rather, it is knowledge what we come to know who He is.
How did the Bible come about? Didn’t some guys just put the Bible together?
There are several answers to this question depending which way you are going to tackle the question.
1. The original scriptures especially those in Old Testament has been around for hundred of years before Christ and is accepted as coming from God by the Jewish people. The books of the New Testament were written about 60 A.D. where most of the people who witness Jesus’ works would still be around to contest any false allegations. The current form of the Bible (66 books) wasn’t just pick by Caesar Constantine. Rather it went through a process of canonization.
2. The canon of the OT came from the Hebrew Bible which consist of 34 books which is divided into three parts: the Law, the Prophets and the Writings.
1. The Law (Torah or Pentateuch) – first five books from Genesis to Deuteronomy
2. The Prophets – Divided into 3 parts
* Early Prophets – Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings
* Later Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel
* 12 books of Minor Prophets
3. The Writings – 11 books in total including 3 poetic (Psalms, Proverbs and Job); 5 scrolls (Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther); apocalyptic work (Daniel), Ezra/Nehemiah, 1 and 2 Chronicles
In the current Bible, OT is arranged differently; The Law, historical books, poetical or wisdom then the prophetic. Also the book of Kings, Samuel, Chronicles and Erza/Nehemiah were separated into two books.
3. Definition of “Canon” means “a straight rod” or “measuring stick”
4. Test of Canonicity of the New Testament:
1. Authorship – A book had to be written by an apostle or a close associate of an apostle. For example, Mark was not an apostle but was closely associated with the Apostle Peter
2. Nature of the Book – Does the message of the book agree with the content of divine revelation in the Old Testament? Does the book reflect the character of the person and work of Jesus Christ and agree with the existing apostolic writing?
3. Universality – Is the book being read and practised in the churches throughout the Body of Christ? This criterion address the degree to which the people of God recognised and accept the authority of the book under consideration
4. Inspiration – The word inspiration literally means “God-breathed.” Does the book have a spiritual character that agrees with the Holy Spirit who indwells all believers?
4. Three major reasons for the official recognition of the Canon:
1. The spread of false doctrine – The very existence of the church was seriously threatened by Gnosticism.
2. The development of false writings – A major motivation for the canon was false writings. These came out of a desire to know more about the childhood of Jesus and to have more information about New Testament personalities. Such books like “Gospel to Thomas”
3. Persecution – In A.D. 303, the Edict of Diocletian declared that all Christian books must be destroyed. This forced the Church to determine which books were of real value and which books could be cast into the fire.
5. Process of Canonisation – Here is how the church came to recognised and endorse the authoritative books of the NT. This process occurred over a period of time through general church councils. Here are the list of the major councils:
1. The Council of Laodicea (A.D. 363) – accepted all the books of the N.T. except for the Book of Revelation.
2. The Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) – Chaired by early church father and theologian, Augustine, it accepted all 27 N.T. books.
3. The Council of Hippo (A.D. 419) – Reaffirmed the Council of Carthage’s decision.
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