Geylang Evangelical Free Church

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Numbers 36: 1-13

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How can we live lives that are impactful to those around us, especially our families?

How can we live lives that are impactful to those around us, especially our families?

Synopsis: Following up from the episode whereby the Midianites, who together with Balaam, instigated a plan to induce Israel towards idolatry and adulterous living (Num 25), we see God’s justice in His judgment upon them (Num 31). Additionally, God’s justice and also His fairness can be seen through the distribution of the booty. Since our God is just and fair, how should we live our lives?

In times of crises, people often call out to God and sometimes their prayers take the form of a vow. If God would help them, they would give something to God or abstain from something. Our text addresses various cases on women binding themselves with an oath. What about for Christians today? Did Jesus forbid His disciples from making vows?

Chapters 28 & 29 is an entire calendar of priestly sacrifices. Daily. Weekly. Monthly. Yearly. These sacrifices are cumulative, and there is not a day when an offering is not made to God. Old Testament laws about sacrifices rest on the promise of land. That was then. What about today? What do they mean for Christians today?

We use calendars to remind us what's important and what needs to be done. In God's calendar, besides reminding people to spend time with God at various times and in various ways, we'll also discover that the list of offerings variously describe the majestic theme of God's unchanging nature and attributes.

I don't think "Leader" is a valid biblical title for those who exercise authority in the Church.  Because, simply, God is our Leader.  In the Old Testament, the word of choice is "Shepherd" for those humans we tend to label as leaders.  In the New Testament, the most frequent reference to the disciples is "Servant". Whenever "leader" is used of people, it is almost always negative. Numbers 27 is all about transfer from one generation to the next.  The first half of the chapter is of land to the daughters of Zelophehad, then of authority from Moses to Joshua in the second half of the chapter.  But what is the nature of that authority? And why is "Shepherd" the preferred title? We explore that a bit in this message.

Why are the daughters of Zelophehad listed in the census that counts only fighting men? This disclosure foreshadows the legal issues pertaining to land inheritance found in chapters 27 and 36. The inheritance concerns the land, which results in a precedent-setting decision. What about the inheritance of the saints today? What does it consist of?

The first generation that came out of Egypt has died in the wilderness. A new generation now stands at the threshold of the Promised Land. A second census is conducted, and like the first it heads the block of material associated with each generation. There are three things each generation must remember, regardless of their theatre of operation, even for our present times.

The Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land but they fell prey to the reality of the catchphrase "Two steps forward, one step back". Be warned! When Satan fails at one strategy he will use another like he did with the Israelites and succeed! Is your Christian life also like a "yo-yo"? Guard yourself!

Much of the book of Numbers is one bad news after another. Starting chapter 21, we see the beginning of good news. Now, through a pagan prophet-diviner, there is even more good news. God’s promise to Abraham cannot be broken. He is determined to bless His people despite their faithlessness and the schemes of their enemies. Truly, if God is for us, who can be against us?

After the many bad news of judgment and terrible consequences, Israel finally sees a turning point in their history. Numbers 21 marks the starting of many more good news to come as God grants them success and victory.

Numbers 20 highlights the failure of the leaders. More bad news is to follow. There is the rejection of Israel by Edom when they seek permission to pass through their territory. It closes with the death of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. Sin and rebellion lead to denial and discipline. Who can rescue us from all these hardships?

The forty years of wandering are almost completed. Only two of the generation that came out of Egypt will live to enter the land. Shockingly, numbered with the transgressors were Miriam, Moses and Aaron. Numbers 20 highlights the failures of the leaders, even the poignant episode of Moses’ rebellion. What can we learn from this?

Fathers are called to be the spiritual heads of their families.

With Job as a model for observation, inspiration and application, we see how Job lives out his spiritual headship over his family

by praying regularly for his family, living righteously before God and relating compassionately to his children.

Death will be a reality to the Israelites as they wander in the wilderness. When one comes into contact with the dead, one will be deemed unclean. This uncleanness will separate them from entering the camp. The provision from the sacrifice of the red heifer, the pointing to Jesus Christ, offers them the solution.

Are you discouraged even as you seek to serve the Lord faithfully? Both Moses and Aaron must have felt the same way when their leadership was challenged. They needed the Lord's encouragement and it was not denied. Being so encouraged, they pressed on. If you're feeling discouraged, there's nothing like an encouraging word from the Lord.

Despite Israel’s faithlessness in the episode of the spies, God has shown himself faithful, when the promise to enter the land still stands (Numbers 15:2). But Korah took matters into his own hands, seeking the priesthood. What Korah sought by force comes by grace through Jesus Christ. Hence, there is no cause for rebellion.

Numbers 14 closes with Israel defeated, ejected out of the land, which they rejected when the ten spies brought a bad report of the land. The entire enterprise hangs in the balance. Numbers 15 opens with laws on various offerings. Huh? What an abrupt transition. Or is this there actually a message of hope within?

After receiving the reports from the 12 spies (Num 13), the people reacted negatively towards the entry to the Promised Land. They were so near to enter in, yet they forfeited the opportunity because of unbelief and disobedience. The lesson reminds us to constantly guard our hearts in our journey with God.

“Numbers 11-12 paints a disappointing picture of the people of Israel. They have now reached the edge of the land of Canaan. The spies are sent to explore it. What will they see? What will they say about what they see? “Is the land good or bad?” Behind this question, however, is another far more important question that confronts us even today.”

“Life goes on” is often used after something bad happened, and though you are troubled by it, yet you must carry on living normally. Something bad did happen one Passover. One man, Jesus, died on the cross. But on the third day, something wondrous happened and the old saying takes on fresh meaning.

• We continue reading of the sin of complaining and its consequences.
• Behind the complaints is a dissatisfaction that may or may not be right in its motivation.
• We shouldn’t voice dissatisfactions indiscriminately like the people of Num 11. But suppressing because “it’s the right thing to do” runs the risk of one day exploding like Miriam and Aaron in Num 12 incurring the greater wrath of God,
• So cannot complain and cannot not complain, how?
• What does an authentic faith look like when I have genuine concerns and dissatisfactions in my heart?
• The key is honesty with self and honesty with God.

The complaints of the Jews as they were on their way to the Promised Land in Numbers 11 with its dire consequences of driving their leader Moses to despair and incurring God's wrath calls for confession and repentance because that spirit of negativism is a human deadly disposition.

From Cambridge to Kolkata to Geylang
Reaching the Unreached and the Marginalized in the Cities of the World
As we look to the City of God

The people of Israel were counted. The camps were organised. The order of march has been determined. The preparations are all in place. The people of Israel have spent almost a year at Sinai. They are now ready to depart. How is the journey to the Promised Land to be undertaken? How does the Lord lead His people today?

God commanded a 2nd Passover to be observed in the wilderness of Sinai. This would mark another phase of the Israelites’ journey. The Passover is an important observance to remind them of God’s faithfulness before and His faithfulness going forward.

The lampstand is a unique tabernacle furniture. Its seven lamps shed light in front of it. Next is the installation of the Levites. They were cleansed, offered as a wave offering and given to the priests for the service at the tent of meeting. Lamps and Levites. What is their connection to the Church today?

As with earlier and later lists/chapters in Numbers, some key themes are presented with unmistakable clarity and giving being an essential part of worship is one such biblical theme in Numbers 7. We don't talk about money every week but if you're tuning in, this could be something God wants to say to you especially!

The Blessing pronounced by the priests reveals the God that the Israelites served and worshipped. Today, we can have much encouragement because we have the same God who is the Source of our blessings.

Imagine an Israelite asking, “I have kept all that is required of me (see Numbers 5). What more can I do for God?” God replies, “You can become a Nazirite.” What is a Nazirite? What does it entail? According to Gordon Wenham, “They are the monks and nuns of ancient Israel.” What does this mean for the Church today?

The Holy Work, assigned to the Priests and Levites, is important and critical for the whole camp’s survival and victory. They need to prepare and coordinate well to ensure the Holy Presence of God is being hosted in His Way.

The arrangement of the tribes around the Tent of Meeting is given by God. Understanding the reasons behind such an arrangement will enable us to know more about God and to live according to His ways.

“In the wilderness” is the more appropriate title for the book of Numbers. Moses is organising the people for their soon departure from Mt Sinai. A census is taken. The wilderness lies before them. What is needed for survival in the wilderness? This sermon pinpoints three things every Christian needs to take with them.

“Our pulpit series for 2022 will cover the book of Numbers. In this overview, you will learn that the book is not about accounting nor a book for accountants, despite its English title. You will also discover the two key transitions in the book that plays an important part in its message.”

Outreach is Spreading God's Love by the Light of our Walk, Words and Works.

In the Vision towards Christlikeness, recalling the purpose of discipleship and the function of community in the light of Scriptures will be necessary for us to rethink how discipleship and community can be carried out in the ever-changing world.

Is worship a lifestyle (ie each day and everyday) or an event (eg at Sunday Service)? Is worship primarily directed towards God (in which case can't I just worship from home alone)?  Or is it necessary to physically gather at Church together?  If we can worship over Facebook Live during the lockdown, why can't we continue this going forward? Please think with me and we'll have a chat on this Sunday.

“This is a new series of four sermons on Rethinking Church. COVID has clearly impacted the world. The Church isn’t spared as well. How are we to be Church and do Church today? In a fast-changing and uncertain world, how is the Church to respond? What must change? What must not change?”

Purim is more than a celebration of the dramatic upheaval of wicked Haman's plan to destroy God's people but a commemoration of God's promise to deliver His people. Similarly, Christians today commemorate the victory of Jesus over Satan and sin by His death on the Cross! If you have never come to Jesus for your salvation, today could be the day of your celebration!

“The fateful day finally approaches. Both Haman’s edict and Mordecai’s counter-edict sprang into action. But it was the Jews who gained the upper hand over their enemies. Likewise, Christians can take heart from Jesus’ victory over sin and death. They can fight the good fight of the faith.”

“Is holy war still valid today? Is it justified? Some nations and groups still subscribe to it. In the book of Esther, the edict of Mordecai was responsible for the death of many people. How are Christians to battle today? How are Christians to fight the good fight of the faith?”

"Today is Reformation Sunday. Exactly 500 years ago today, God used Martin Luther to help restore a Biblical understanding of salvation. This is summarized in the "Five Solas" which motivated many reformers of the 16th C. to put their lives and livelihoods on the line for the truth."

In examining Esther 7:1-10, 2 persons were pleading for life. Who gets to live? God be the judge as one reaps what one sows. Therefore let's be reminded to live in a manner worthy of His Calling and Purpose.

Have you ever wondered about your life? How did you come to know Christ? How did you get to where you are today? Was it through a chain of miraculous events? Most will say, “Through ordinary events.” But through the ordinary God works “miracles” to accomplish His desired outcome.

Banquets are places whereby key decisions and events take place. Esther 5:1-14 provides us insights and lessons on the effects of banquets and how we ought to conduct ourselves in these setting.

“Esther faces a defining moment in her life. Her people face the threat of imminent destruction, and she is in the “unenviable” position to do something about it. What will she do? Will she remain silent? Or will she reveal her identity and face the possible threat of extinction?”

If you are lost and confused, the providential story in Esther 2:19-3:15 is God's Word for you. Providentially, God delivered Mordecai and the Jews from the threat of annihilation. That ought to comfort our hearts today. Our lives are secured in Him. So if you are troubled, never forget Who's in charge!

God allowed ‘heroes’ to rise to the occasion. They are heroes that we may not know of or they may even be the ‘heroes’ near us or in us. This chapter explores the introduction and promotion of these casts in God’s drama.

“The first chapter of Esther takes place entirely in the Persian royal court. It witnesses to the political intrigues played out there that impact the rest of the empire. Queen Vashti is deposed and another is sought to replace her. Royal power is visible here. But is this where real power truly lies?”

“This begins our sermon series on the book of Esther. Now, more than ever, this book is appropriate to our historical situation, as it was for the original readers. What is its theology when God isn’t even mentioned once in Esther? What lessons does this book have for Christians today?”

Acts 4:23-31

How can we, the Church, proclaim a relevant and life-changing gospel in the midst of pain and suffering around us? Hear why Jesus is the ultimate answer for our troubled world, and how we can boldly bring his holistic gospel to others in need.

Jesus says, “You are witnesses of these things.” He has opened the Scriptures to His disciples on the walk to Emmaus and in Jerusalem. The Scriptures testify of Him. This gospel is to be preached to all nations. In this sermon, we will look at four characteristics of this gospel and their implications.

“He is risen! He is alive! We can talk about Jesus in the present tense, not the past tense. We can talk not just about Jesus but to Jesus and meet Him daily, as the two disciples discovered on the road to Emmaus. Be ready to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures.”

Jesus' resurrection provided not only the foundation of the Christian faith but also blessings for Christian living.
It establishes the truth about God's Son, it ensures our immortality, we enjoy His presence and we experience His power.
Many people still look for Jesus among the dead. But Jesus is alive! Because He lives, you too can live also!

Globally, over four million people have died from the pandemic. Some countries have also resorted to mass burials. Then, there are the events surrounding Jesus’ death and burial. What implications do they have on our walk and life? What encouragements can we take away?

Along the route of suffering, there will be surprises of God's redemptive grace and sovereignty. Through the characters, we will realize that He is in control and that He gives grace along this route. This understanding should bring us assurance, comfort and encouragement in our walk with Him.

According to Jesus, we will be brought before kings and governors. He too was made to stand before a governor and a king. Witness how Jesus faced them and how his example and words become model for ours, as we face affliction for His sake. 

The youth season is a season of establishing a positive pattern for life. By playing a part in the intergenerational community, we can provide a good environment for the youths to arise as champions for God.