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The series "Living in the In-Between"
Talk 9 “Living in the world, but not being of the world” (John 17:14-18) (MP4) We are here for a reason. God placed us here for his purpose. But, if we are absent-minded, we will forget why we are here. If we remember only halfway, the result will be also only halfway. Then where can we know it for sure? In the Bible. Read more... For Lifenet groups and personal reflection 1) Tell your story how hard it was to “Live in the world but not to be of the world.” 2) Why is it necessary for us to be sanctified by the truth, though we have already been saved? What is our part in the process of being sanctified by the truth? 3) Read 1 Peter 4:1-4. Why do we have to arm ourselves? How can we arm ourselves? 4) Why is the Sabbath a precious gift? -Tell how you are practicing the Sabbath rest. How is it working in your life? -Why is it difficult to practice the Sabbath rest? What will you do about it? NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service. Series “Living in the In-Between”
Talk 8 “Embracing Grief and Loss” (Psalm 42:1-3) (MP4) Do you know what is the common experience for everyone? All people on this earth will die one day. The death is a part of being human. Denying death makes us less-human. And the other common experience is suffering losses, and it's a very part of normal life. Today our topic is “Embracing Grief and Loss.” First, grief is a gift from God. Second, grief is where we can meet God. Third, grief is a mark of a wounded healer. Read more… For LifeNet groups and personal reflection: 1) Briefly share one loss you have experienced in the last one year. How has this loss impacted you? 2) How do you tend to react to loss or painful incidents? Where did you learn it? 3) How can grief be a place where we can meet God? How important is it for our spiritual maturity? 4) “The wounds of Jesus are a part of his identity. They tell us who he is. (John 20:27)” What kind of message may our experiences of loss, pain, grief speak to others? 5) Read Psalm 43:1-3. How does this Psalm express your feeling or your situation? What does this Psalm speak to you? NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service. The series "Living in the in-between"
Talk 7 “For the Recovery of Abundant Life” (2 Corinthians 8:9) (MP4) Today, we will first look at the destruction of relationships and poverty. And Christ will recover our dignity as humans, image of God and give us abundant life. Read more... For Lifenet groups and personal reflection 1. How do you describe poverty? According to your description of poverty, what may be the solution? 2. How is poverty related to the destruction of our relationship with God? 3. Do you know of any cases in which help hurt people and made their situation worse, and any cases in which the one who helps was hurt by the one whom he helped? 4. Do you know of any cases in which the poor are excluded from opportunities to become richer because of social system or culture? 5. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)” What does this mean for you? NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service. The series "Living in the In-Between"
Talk 6 “Restoring Broken Relationships” (2 Corinthians 5:18) (MP4) In the reality, evil things are going on, people are suffering in the world. Today we will study about our role and our mission in order for the world to be restored, or for the kingdom of God to be recognized in the broken society. It’s about living in the in-between. Read more... For Lifenet groups and personal reflection 1. Read Psalm 23. How does this psalm describe the person’s life in his relationship with God? How his life would be like if he didn’t have the relationship with God, or if he didn’t trust God? 2. “Once our relationship with someone was damaged, the damage can be carried over to other relationships.” Talk about a case if you know of any. 3. “A greedy humanity will lead to a suffering earth – and a suffering earth will lead to a suffering humanity.” Do you agree or not? Why? 4. “The ministry of Reconciliation is becoming like Christ. It’s about the characters of Christ, which flow out from us, and people may experience the kingdom of God there.” Pray and ask how the Lord will use you. What will you do this week? NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Everyone everywhere recognize the reality of the problems and pain in humanity. We do recognize God gives comfort in and despite our situations. A. God as the Comforter
• Your comfort comes from God, so lean not on flesh and the world. • Don’t be afraid, for God will never leave you alone. • Pray without ceasing, your present help and comfort comes from the Lord. He hears the prayers of the righteous. • You are a disciple and a comforter. • Whatsoever you do to one another you do to the Lord. Come join our English service of this international congregation in Yangon. Hosea 11:8
Hosea was a prophet to the House of Israel, the northern kingdom, during the time of a great material prosperity. But it was the very time of a great spiritual/moral poverty. REFLECTION – Responses to prosperity • Thankfulness • Generosity – bless others as you have been blessed Or • Increase in the illusion of self sufficiency (look what I have done/achieved) • Seeking after self-indulgence • Turning from God – "we don’t need him anymore." • Turing to other “gods” – other objects of worship • In Israel’s case it was worship of Baal – WHY! Because… RESULT in Israel – as described in Hosea Social Injustice Hosea 2:7 • Violent Crime Hosea 4:2, 6:9, 12:1 • Religious Hypocrisy Hosea 6:6 • Political Rebellion Hosea 7:3-7 • Foreign alliances Hosea 7:11, 8:9 • Selfish arrogance Hosea13:6 • Spiritual ingratitude Hosea 7:15 Hosea – the STORY to teach the less GOD is extremely hurt and angry What is it that is described here? •Worship of other gods (false gods) •Ascribing to others what God alone provides •No thankfulness to our God •Betrayal of promises Hosea – the STORY Continues – Correction and RESTORATION Hosea 2:14-23 • What appears to be retributive punishment – taking away the daily blessings • Note this is being done to the beloved!! • This is to show that others CANNOT provide her needs, and to restore proper relationship • God’s desire is to restore, because of His love and for OUR good Hosea –Gomer Backslides Hosea 3 • Despite the fact that Gomer is now in a relationship with a Godly man she goes back to her old ways • She effectively become a slave • Talks about another man loving her – but what person who really loves someone (1 Cor 13) is willing to sell them She is in an abusive and manipulative relationship – with the lover only seeking HIS gratification Hosea – WE Backslide – MORE REFELCTION Despite the fact that we are now in a relationship with God – we return to OUR old ways – to destructive practices • We have all we need and walk away from it (prodigal sons and daughters) • We willing become slave to sin and to the flesh Why? o Trust other things for our security o Patterns of old behaviours and old excitements even when we know they CANNOT satisfy Hosea – DEMOLISHED MYTHS •God is a long way off and does care – isn’t emotionally invested at all (Deism) •God will not forgive my sins •The God of the old testament is full of wrath and punishment, but Jesus is fully of love and compassion •True believers – true Christians do not sin •God would not want a relationship with me because of my sins. •God is about punishment •Follow God and commit to him and you life will be perfect without any troubles •If you as a Christian HAVE trouble in your life is because of sin/lack of faith •You should only choose safe and socially acceptable options as a believer •Christian language has always to be sanctified. Hosea – THE TAKE AWAY The one true God – YHVH – loves us ALWAYS and wants to restore fellowship with us. That process may be painful, but the end RESULT with far outweigh any cost. Come join our English congregation of this International Church in Yangon! |
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