As Bro Isaac brought us through Corinthians 1 & 2, I managed to have a glimpse into the culture of the people in Corinth. When they became a believer of Christ, they brought their culture into the Church and conceptualised the Words of God into it resulting in distorted teaching and unwanted behaviour. With their ignorance, they opposed Apostle Paul’s teaching, challenged his apostolic authority, conflicts among the family of Christ and wrong interpretation of God’s Words. I see that the new wine into old wineskins parable found at Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2 and Luke 5 tells us that old wineskins will not be able to contain new wine. It is due to the lack of flexibility. We too may have problem taking in new teaching and idea, applying newly taught skill will therefore never happen, even if it does, it will be distorted. Our College 2018 theme calling us to “be smart and be open” using Bible verse Luke 5:1-7. Be smart to let Jesus into our ministry and study in order to be transformed and to be His follower, we need to be opened to do. Just as Peter cast the net as told though his experience told him that it will logically not work. For this, I pray that I have the courage and boldness to depart from my old mindset in order to perceive new ones. Pray that I will be weak enough to just purely depend on my own old logic, so needed newly taught styles and skills to overtake the old. I need the strength from God to walk me through.
Next, I must take this opportunity to praise the Masters Group for their presentation style. They have showed me how to make explanation simple. They brought in some example of our distorted thought and belief and corrected it by affirmation of God’s word. I was ministered to and convicted by their explanation too. It is indeed impacting and I will try applying it whenever there is an opportunity.
Last but not least, Bro Casey has brought us through the teaching of the Lord’s Supper. His explanations changed my view towards the purpose of taking Holy Communion. The true value of taking Holy Communion is in remembrance of Jesus’s work in my life. I am to live a life to honour His name. In the past, Holy Communion is a time for me to unload my sins onto Jesus. With a heart of thanksgiving, I murmured a few words to thank Him for being forgiving and merciful to my weakness and I consumed it. This teaching dawned on me that we not only need to understand the word correctly, we also need to know the true value and the purpose of its teaching. It can help correct my belief and my commitment will flow along.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team Sis Charmaine, Bro Shawn and Peter for this teamwork, it is an awesome experience to work in this team. To Bro Casey & Bro Isaac, your extended care and love for the students are indeed felt by me. Give thanks!
Hi classmate:) Great to have such an ever young cheerful happily married club partner in class. yeah hey! It is true it is not easy to accept new ideas and be open to new thinking, esp for those who have been many years in the ministry. It must have been humbling for the Corinthian church to be corrected, but truly it is so important to be open to new and right thinking. Thanks for showing a super positive and humble attitude always and being so affirming. You lead the way! Be blessed always!
ReplyDeleteThis is Grace Cabusao by the way.
DeleteThank you for your comment, my honey bee!
DeleteThanks sis serene for sharing. We constantly need to renew this wineskin of ours. Yes, be open, smart and being flexible especially in ministry. Me too!
ReplyDeleteHi Serene, thank you for your sharing! Indeed, it is essential that we be open to teaching and correction, and never feel that we have "arrived." Just like how you mentioned about the Lord's Supper. I never really saw it as honoring the Body of Christ till I took the module. May we press on to know Jesus more and more! :) ~ ben
ReplyDeleteThank you Benjamin for your assurance and support.
DeleteThank you Sis Charmaine, you are number 1. Number 1 Smart. Number 1 mischievous. Number 1 lovely. Number 1 hardworking. Number 1 energized. And you are 1 of the most supportive classmate. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank You Sis Serene for the sharing.
ReplyDeleteI do share the thought as you about fully receiving the meaning of the Holy communion. Otherwise, it defeats its own purpose .
Thank you for the reminder to live a life into reflect that grace God has given us . A heavy price he paid to grant us this grace .
Thanks for being a wonderful, caring and hospitable teammate !
Thanks sis Serene for your sharing. Indeed, the Masters' presentation brought about good impact and triggered me on how to explain God's words to others in a clear and relevant manner. Thanks for your hospitality and i'm truly humbled by your willingness to learn and accomodate to our hectic schedule. May the Lord continue to inspire us at Acts college!
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