This is the first message preached by the speaker during the spiritual retreat camp in the seminary. The message was taken out from Daniel 3:8-18 when King Nebuchadnezzar was going to persecute Daniel's 3 friends; Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego for not obeying his command to bow down at the idol he made for himself. There are 3 lessons to be learnt here.
The 3 friends showed faith without compromise. During that moment, they were like eggs against a big solid rock. If an egg were to be thrown over at a rock, it will surely break. However, although the eggs are weak, but if God is there, it will be able to shatter the rock. The speaker told us that it is not by our power and ability that we change lives, it is only through the power of God. When we are most satisfied in ourselves, it gives us an opportunity to be boastful in our comfort zone therefore God won't be able to use us. It is only through the weak that God manifests His power.
The second one was absolute faith in the Almighty power of God. They do not have any doubt at all that God can save them. No matter how tough the road may be or how painful the persecution is, they still have faith in God. Faith is the most important thing that a Christian should have. It is the fuel that keeps us going. It is the strength in the Almighty God. It is something we can't see but we believe in completely wiht our heart. When you are not afraid of this world, the world shall be afraid of you.
The third lesson was faith ready to sacrifice. With the life you have, whom shall you sacrifice it to? If we can give our lives to the Lord just like our 3 friends, wouldn't it be a great honour? The life of Jesus Christ was given to save us and we should model that example. When we meet our Lord Jesus, our lives should be blessed with the love for lost souls. Should not our prayers be like this, "Our Lord, you have shamefully die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. If we can offer our lives to you, what greater glory than that?". It is not possible to follow Christ without sufferings.
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About Me
- Matthew Wong
- Believing that dining on the table is a sacrament as people come together to enjoy a simple meal; not differentiating culture and nation.
Half-Hearted Creatures
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.
- C.S Lewis
All gracious affections that are a sweet odor to Christ, and that fill the soul of a Christian with a heavenly sweetness and fragrancy, are broken hearted affections. A truly Christian love, either to God or men, is a humble broken hearted love. The desires of the saints, however earnest, are humble desires. Their hope is a humble hope; and their joy, even when it is unspeakable, and full of glory, is a humble broken hearted joy, and leaves the Christian more poor in spirit; and more like a little child, and more disposed to a universal lowliness of behavior.
- Jonathan Edwards
- C.S Lewis
All gracious affections that are a sweet odor to Christ, and that fill the soul of a Christian with a heavenly sweetness and fragrancy, are broken hearted affections. A truly Christian love, either to God or men, is a humble broken hearted love. The desires of the saints, however earnest, are humble desires. Their hope is a humble hope; and their joy, even when it is unspeakable, and full of glory, is a humble broken hearted joy, and leaves the Christian more poor in spirit; and more like a little child, and more disposed to a universal lowliness of behavior.
- Jonathan Edwards
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