Romans 12:17-21
(Audio MP3)
 
Following Christ is easier when we yield to the Holy Spirit's leading, but harder when things get out of our control.

What is a natural response to evil in the world?
We live in a place of challenges and dangers of evil/risks/stakes. As mature Christians we want to see the world of the Holy Spirit and see ourselves in the will of God beyond idealism.
A better way – overcome evil with Good (Rom. 12:21)

Brutal news are here and there, then and now; so how do we respond?
James 1:20 – Anger or hatred is not a right response.
A Christian response is Jesus' way: Overcome evil with good.
Many ways are there for us to be overcome by evil. Strength is not enough, but the path the Holy Spirit wants us to take will do.

Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:9-10 (What is the good you can do?)
What is possible? What can be done in the here and now?
Ask God in that situation; there is always something you can do.
Visit them – to be just present with those suffering around us
Pray for enemy – how to love them

I can't do with the great risks/evils in the world, but I can do something about certain relationships.

When we can't help those we want to help:
Romans 12:5-9, 21 – Various gifts
How can we be contributors? Know what you do well.
Need to connect my gift and my calling. Be secure in it.

Conclusion: Move toward the suffering
What can I do?
Channel your emotion into empathy, love and action.


Come join us at our English service of the International Church in Yangon!

“Moving Through Walls”
(James 1:2-4)

​The new year has begun. We look forward the great works of our great Lord. At the same time, we may face unexpected incidents, difficulties or walls. But they will be opportunities for us to grow. In his book “Saying Yes to God” Tim says “Hitting a wall is actually a positive sign that you are growing… The wall prepares you to experience God and to develop in new ways, previously unavailable to you.”
              Our topic for today is “Moving Through Walls.” It’s a very simple message. You’ll face walls, I’ll face walls. And we can go through them. “Hitting wall is a sign of hope, because it means you are now ready to listen to God in a new way and at a new depth.” It is our spiritual journey.
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For Lifenet groups or personal reflection
 
1) What was your view of a Christian life like before this session? How did this session change your view, especially about hitting walls?
 
2) What are some possible reasons why we have a hard time accepting and moving through walls?
 
3) - Read John 21:2-3. What kind of situation were they in? Imagine the thoughts and feelings they might have had. Can you think where was Jesus while Peter and others were fishing in the night?
- Read John 21:17-19. Rephrase Peter’s words on v.17, reflecting your thoughts and feelings in your current situation.
- While Peter was struggling to answer Jesus’ question “Do you love me?” where was Jesus? Where was Jesus taking Peter in his journey with him?
- What did God speak to you? How would you respond?
 
4) If you have been through a wall, briefly share one way it impacted you and your view of God.
 
NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

2 Samuel 23:8-23; 1 Chronicles 11:10ff
 
These men of David were real heroes and legends. The historical record of Israel's kingdom expansion and victory is not just about David only, but also about some great men in his team.
David made them into a team, like any great leaders. Then, he extended the borders of Israel. He placed who did well into positions to lead some large portions of his troops.

Let us sign up for God's SEAL/Squad team, never retrieving, never regretting.
 
About the 3 mighty men and David:
 
1)  Jashobeam – he beat 800 enemy soldiers in a single combat.
2)  Eleazar – he risks his life fighting in the combat field even while his fellow men were retrieving.
3)  The 3 men risked their lives to fetch water for David from Bethlehem by breaking through the enemy line.
> What a loyalty is shown! We see a leader's strength in a core team of those who are loyal to him. We also see a great display of loyalty and mutual trust among people in the early church (Acts 2).
4)  David's response – not drink it or reject it, but pour it as an offering to God. We see a good-hearted leader who does not manipulate his men but honor them and God.  
 
 
Come join us in our English service at Yangon International Church.