Devotions
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Points for Perseverance in Pain
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12 In the course of life in the church, service for the Lord and living in this world, there will always be times of troubles and trials. A ship at sea must be ready for storms ahead and likewise, a believer in Christ on the sea of life must be ready for the setbacks and situations that will confront him. Exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 A Christian must never be taken by surprise that trials will come Beloved, think it not strange…
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Being Servants of the Lord
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11 Since the fall of Adam, work has been a curse. Our reward based on our efforts is always less than what we expect. ‘Overworked, underpaid” is a phrase tossed around to illustrate this truth. However, Singaporeans are still always busy, and most are always occupied with something to do. Many use Ipads, smartphones and diaries to ensure they keep up with the appointments and schedules. They are busy, they are motivated in their worldly engagements. Similarly, with the Roman people, who are a doing people, they believe in action and activity. But what is the aim of…
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Biblical Love in the Church
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:10 The Lord Jesus in John 13:34,35 have taught his disciples to unconditionally love one another according to the will of GOD. Paul, in writing to the church in Romans, expands with specific details as to how we need to live this life in the local church. Love binds brethren together; it is the spiritual glue that fuses the church together; the fire that warms the heart of every member. Without the type of love God refers to, we are doomed to a loveless and meaningless existence within the local church. What does Paul teach…
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When Loving Means to Hate
…Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:9 Apostle Paul is exhorting the believers in Rome to have love without pretence. To the Romans love means lusting, and thinking of oneself. It refers to a commitment to self and selfish needs and never considering others, unless it benefit ourselves. What a contrast to the principles of the bible and the heart of GOD, who loved the world so much that He gave His Son to die for the sins of this world. May we never forget that love is the badge of the new believer, the symbol of the new life in Christ, and the…
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The Practice of Charity (Love)
Let love be without dissimulation. Romans 12:9 After the apostle Paul’s discussion on spiritual gifts, he moves on to instructing the church on how they ought to live together and serve the Lord together, which was a needful thing for the Roman Christians. He expounds the very foundation of all interactions within the Christian church, the very key ingredient that glues the local church together in their lives together. The foundation is unconditional love (agape translated love). There are three Greek words for love; Eros – love between husband and wife, Philo – friendship love, and Agape – unconditional love. Paul was not referring to the first two in this.…
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Spiritual Gifts: Compassion
…he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8 What is the gift of mercy? Mercy is defined as active compassion by word or deed. It is the ability to assist to alleviate someone else’s pain and suffering through words and actions that are genuine and empathetic. It is said that the percentage number of people given this gift among God’s are altogether 7 gifts and if such a large percentage is given to mercy, it must mean that the Lord knows we need it in the local church. In a world battered by the cruelty and loveless relationships, the Lord Jesus instructs His church to be a place where unconditional…
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Spiritual Gifts: Ruling — Administration
…he that ruleth, with diligence… Romans 12:8 There are some people that God has given special talent and gifting and ability to manage the affairs of the local church administration. The little details which are important to the smooth running of the church, the minute details that sometimes that can get missed in the entire process of ensuring a well-oiled and effective ministry for the glory of GOD. It is a fallacy that we focus on the heart and relationship issues which are important, but there are the ‘tables’ that needs to be served and the practical needs of the local church that needs to be addressed. The biblical injunction…
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Spiritual Gifts: Giving
… he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; … Romans 12:8 There is the spiritual gift of giving. Giving in the bible is defined as transferring goods to another, to impart. Because of our sinfulness, we tend towards being selfish. But genuine love gives. It gives to others in need, to the Lord in the church and to their own family to care for them. But the one with the spiritual gift of giving gives more than is required, more than the need and more than what they have. Yet the Lord still continues to bless the GIVER so that they can continue to give. The spiritual gift…
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Spiritual Gifts: Exhortation
He that exhorteth, on exhortation: … Romans 12:8 God has given the gift of encouragement to the church. In this world of sin, trials,troubles, temptation and discouragement, God, knowing the heart of men, sends this important gift to the church so that it may build the church and the people therein. The Christian who have the gift of encouragement has a deep desire for every believer to grow in Christ and to reach their maximum potential as a Christian (Colossians 1:9-12). He is constantly thinking and planning how to assist in the growth and development of another brethren in Christ. The encourager values each individual and sees the potential of…
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Spiritual Gifts: Teaching
…Or he that teacheth, on teaching; Romans 12:7 Teaching is a very important gift in the life of the church because all believers must come to a unity of truth of Christ. The Lord knows this and therefore disburses the gift of teaching to the church. It helps the believers know the counsel of God, and facilitates the teaching of all things whatsoever the Lord Jesus has commanded us (Matt 28:20). It provides the necessary food for the soul and seed for growth. What are some of the characteristic features of a church member with the gift of teaching? The Christian with the gift of teaching needs to ensure the…