The Beautiful Book Series with Dr. Paul Choo: Recent Episodes
Asia Forum for Leaders
The Beautiful Book Series by Dr. Paul Choo challenges us to re-think our assumptions about The Bible. This series aims to turn the discipline of reading the Bible into a delight. We need God's word to be transformed not just be informed. We need to read the Bible because it's the most important thing we can ever do.
AFL: A Live Conversation with Paul Choo
đź24 Nov 2020 @ 7:30pm - 9:00pm Philippines | Singapore via Facebook Live Â
đźHosted by: Pastor Nazario Sinon - GLCC Singapore  Pastor Leo Decinal - Goducate Laguna Â
Thank you for joining us. And see you 8th Dec 2020! Be encouraged. Be enlightened. Be equipped.
đ©10 November @ 7:30pm-9:00pm Philippines | Singapore via Facebook Live. Â
đ©Key Highlights: Crisis Leadership vs. Church Administration  Are you LEADING or MISSING? Â
đ©Hosted by: Pastor Nazario Sinon - GLCC Singapore &Â Pastor Leo Decinal - Goducate Laguna.
đ©The Vital 7CâS for Effective Pastoral Leadership in #COVID: A Live Stream Conversation with Paul Choo.
đ©Hosted by: Pastor Nazario Sinon - GLCC Singapore  Pastor Leo Decinal - Goducate Laguna .
đ©10 November @ 7:30pm-9:00pm Philippines | Singapore via Facebook Live.
đ©Key Highlights: Crisis Leadership vs. Church Administration  Are you LEADING or MISSING?
We now come to chapter 22, the last of the Book with the purpose of motivating men to make the right choice. Especially to whom John wrote who were debating. Fearful. Do I bow to say Caesar is God & forget about God? Or would you prefer eternity? Make something else your god? Or make God your God?Â
Make sure you donât miss it. Prepare for it! Unless you plan to go to hell, so you better because itâs totally dark there just the Lake of Fire. What can we learn about bucket list?
The main goal: No need to argue with things, start preparing for eternity. Welcoming & leading others by your life, testimony, ministry, & preaching. As you look forward to put the tears, sorrow, & pain of this sinful world behind forever.Â
Hope you can say this is the greatest love story you've ever read. God Loves You! Plans for you! And finally, the Bride (us) is prepared for our Creator. It took a long time. The Beautiful Book was written by a wonderful God. He loved His Son so much that many sons in the New Heaven & New Earth all bearing the image of His Son, who bears the image of the Farther. And in all eternity, enjoying & worshiping our God.Â
May this Book bless you! May the last Book of the Bible bless you most of all!
Chapter 21 describes the New Heaven & the New Earth. This is a very little description of this perfect eternal place that we all yearn for. Itâs just the end of a love Story, âAnd they live happily ever after.â Period. Itâs placed in our hearts. You & I already have this idea of heaven, but has been damaged by the great thinking that it would be spiritual. Then I saw a new heaven & new earth (21:1) sounds like Gen1:1, In the beginning, God created the heaven & the earth. The new here simply means perfectly Renovated.
The most amazing of these 2 chapters is that God comes to be with us. Heaven comes to us. What is heaven? Heaven is a place where God is. Heaven is a realm. He is not a passive God. It's much more about a person than a place. Itâs always about the Creator, Jesus. The world will come to an end. Thatâs true. The End is to be with a Person. Who is this world coming to? Is the better question. Itâs coming back to its Creator who was separated. The end of the world is the beginning of eternal time with a Person, my Creator, my Lover, Jesus Christ.
Make sure your name is in the Lambs Book of Life, inscribed on the heart of Jesus. May you say in your heart I want to be with this Amazing God in this amazing place for all eternity where my heart will be filled with the River of Life if you trust the one who conquered your sins on the cross.
In Rev. 21 & 22, the New Heaven & the New Earth is described. There's a yearning in every human heart for what we have lost, The Garden of Eden. Instinctively, men go everywhere looking for paradise. Making the tourist industry, a multi-billion-dollar industry. Satan destroyed the Garden of Eden, God will make one much more beautiful, The New Earth. God wins mightily!
Including the so-called âagnosticsâ, unbelievers or atheists believe & yearn that when they die, they go somewhere some nice place. God made our soul Immortal. God made man in His image. God put eternity in manâs heart.Â
But there's a void of understanding about the New Heaven & the New Earth. In the church, itâs rarely being preached. In the Bible, discover the 3 dimensions of heaven. Heaven is more than we know! This is about a union. Christ came to unite everything together, to reconcile man to God. Man to man.Â
Earth is where we prepare for heaven. Heaven is the fulfillment of what we have prepared for, a place where you will reign/rule. Jesus was God incarnate in the flesh walking among men. I hope you spend your life being  faithful in doing things that you'll be faithful much in heaven & be full like a lake, filled with perfect Satisfaction forever & ever & ever!
The White Throne Judgment is mentioned in Rev 20, there are no other references in any part of the Bible. The judgment of everyone who died without Knowing & trusting Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. To those who denied God's existence, the One who made & loves them. He asked them to believe in Him for thousands of years but insistently denied Him.
Jesus Christ, the Great Creator of the World, the Son of Man, the Perfect Man will be sitting on the Great White Throne. White is holiness. He will judge by His Holy Standards. Are you pure white on that day? Have you received the righteousness of Christ?
This is the 2nd resurrection. Dead, small, & great stand before God. All those who thought they were moral, religious will stand before God. Books were opened which accounts every single deed man has done. It's of Christâs infinite wisdom, everything will be judged on that day. For the believers of Christ, all will be judged according to what Christ has done.
Another book is opened, The Book of Life. Those names not found therein are thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is The  Final Judgment of God! Very precise. Most people didnât want to know God even seeing His creation. If you have nothing to do with God, your wish will be granted in full measure. Everything God has seen, God will judge fairly.
Adam was given the role to tend the Garden of Eden but made wrong choices. Jesus, the second Adam, the Son of God, the Perfect Man, the Righteous Ruler will reign in the millennial kingdom... someone we never ever had, perfect righteous ruler. No selfishness. No War. The curse is removed. No sickness. Life will be much longer.Â
What's the point here? Even after having a perfect environment, the human heart if given a choice, still has rebellion & says, âSatan made me do it.â But Satan is bound. God wants us to know that there is rebellion in our hearts. We donât blame anyone else. We just thank & praise God that we are saved. When we get to heaven, we just say for all eternity, Thank You, God, for Your amazing grace.
Learn about the Millennial Kingdom. Believe the prophecies. Itâs true! Donât spiritualize everything away. TheBible is real. Hope this helps us to prepare for the Millennium, to be eternally thankful for The New heaven & New Earth. May you know God's amazing plans for you, so that you'll be totally satisfied forever & ever. God bless you!
We continue with the millennial kingdom, Christians have different views, it can be very divisive. May this encourage you to be humble, there are many things in the Bible we can agree to disagree with. Contend for the faith graciously & with humility. What are the 3 views on the Millennial Kingdom?Â
If you read the whole Bible, you'll realize this rule (Millennium) is very special to God. When God makes a promise, He keeps it. When Jesus came the 1st time, Jews rejected Him even if they saw His life. Jesus conquered the world by dying for us on the cross, He gained to sit on the Throne. Thatâs Godâs way. God is Holy! God is Love! If you know one day you'll reign with Christ in the Millennial Kingdom & rule over people, preparation for life is needed.
This life is not an intermission but a critical preparation for the Millennial Kingdom & eternity. 90% of Christians donât know the end (Rev 20-22). So, prepare now for your position there. The Millennial Kingdom is not an academic subject. Itâs so true! May this help us see the whole Beautiful Book & most of all the one true God.
Chapter 20 speaks of the millennial kingdom, this has caused more controversy in the church than any other topics. Though it's the last 3 chapters of the Bible, it's most critical to know what's the whole ending about.
John sees an angel coming with the key to the bottomless pit & a massive chain. The Angel binds Satan & thrown to the bottomless pit so he cannot deceive the nations for a thousand years. Satan is TOTALLY helpless. All sources of power come from God. How does Satan deceive the nations? And we all have fallen into this trap.
Then John sees people seated on the thrones & a group of resurrected martyrs who didn't worship the mark of the beast. The first resurrection, saints who trusted Christ resurrected & martyrs from the great tribulation are resurrected to be part of this ruling authority in the millennial kingdom. Those who didn't trust Christ were not resurrected yet.
After 1,000 years Satan is released, manages to deceive a huge number of people like the sands of the sea. Who are these survivors? Satan gathers these forces for the last battle against the restored Jerusalem. Fire comes down from heaven. Satan is sent to the lake of fire to be tormented forever & ever with the Anti-Christ & false prophets.
In chapter 19, we see the 1st Hallelujah for the Great Babylon has fallen. The average manâs life is: Birth is painful. Life is hard. Death is certain. The present system since Adamâs fall. Another Hallelujah is noted for the marriage supper of the Lamb. When we trusted Christ, our sins became His at the cross & when we received Him we receive His righteousness. Will you be there at the banquet??
John saw Heaven opened, a white horse (symbol of the Conqueror) came out. The one sitting on it is called Faithful & True, Jesus is Faithful & True. His eyes are like a flame of fire. Many profess Christ but never received Him. His eyes of fire will prove impurity. They will be shocked!Â
We see the culmination. Christ won the war by shedding His own blood. AGAPE love of God not by violence. Satan is defeated totally. Hope you can see this Book as one amazing story about our wonderful God & His wonderful plan for you & me.
In chapter 15, John saw a sea of glass with fire. Fire speaks of judgment. He saw those who resisted worshiping the beast sang the song of liberation. And saw 7 angels in heaven, each was given a bowl by one of the 4 living creatures & smoke filled the place. Smoke speaks of Godâs glory.Â
In chapter 16, a voice was heard telling the 7 angels to pour out the bowls of judgment, God's wrath. Discover what these plagues are. We read Revelation so that we'll be awake. Certainly, these will come. âBehold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake.â Be aware! This tells us that man, reaches the point that they cannot repent, God showed warnings for thousands of years yet insists on rejecting God. God will wipe them out.
In chapter 17, Babylon is revealed & identified as a city that controls the world economically powerful. The god of this world, as we come to the last days is the idol called âmoney.â But money is not power, might is right (military power).Â
Chapter 18 is about the Fall of Babylon. God is telling us, Christians we're much sucked on this earth. The minds of sinful men lifting himself up. Babylonish ideas. There's only one Kingdom that will last. Be a part of Godâs Kingdom, lay treasures in heaven, doing things in God's name that people may know Christ & experience AGAPE love, "Come into the Kingdom of God where there is true peace, joy, satisfaction, & true riches.â
In chapter 12, John sees a pregnant woman clothed with the sun, the moon underneath her feet, with a crown of 12 stars. Something to do with Godâs people. The red great dragon appears with 7 heads 7 horns 7 crowns identifies as Satan. There's war in heaven. The devil wants to persecute Godâs people greatly & must be prepared. Ultimately, Victory is on our side. Thereâs Hope. Endure
In chapter 13, we can see 2 characters. The Anti-Christ & the False Prophet. What do all these signify? The Antichrist will blaspheme God & persecute Christians. This false prophet is given power by Satan to encourage the world to worship the Anti-Christ & do miracles. The false prophet's power is not in worship but in the mark of the beast, economic power. Â If there's a Holy Trinity, there's an unholy trinity.
In chapter 14 we see encouragement. We see The Lamb, standing in Mt. Zion with 144,000 of his people with the name of God written in their foreheads. 3 angels coming out proclaiming âEternal Gospel,â Babylon is fallen.â A warning concerning the mark of the beast. Martyrdom is a mark of honor in the eyes of God, forever & ever. The Son of Man coming down on a white cloud. We can see the Mercy of God, still sending angels to warn people to repent. This is the Love of God. Be faithful to God. Donât ever put allegiance to a false god. Only worship the one True God!
We see here the supernatural torments that our brain cannot conceptualize. How do you think a Holy God looks to all that? He says, ENOUGH! But thank God, Heâll replace it with something better.
In chapter 9, The 5th trumpet is blown, the 1st woe is released on earth. John sees a star being given, a key to the bottomless pit. The 6th trumpet is blown, the release of 4 angels bound up in River Euphrates & horrendous release of 200M army troops.
In chapter 10, we see an interesting break. John says a mighty angel came out from heaven having a rainbow about him & was holding a little scroll.
I hope when you study Revelation, don't get in too much speculation of too many things, but get the idea of who God is. A merciful God! Despite people refusing to repent, for a long time, He refuses to give up, pleading to them to return to Him. As Christians we dream, even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Revelation Chapter 6 shows the beginning of the massive end of the world destruction caused by the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Â There's a war that we haven't seen before, many would die. We can see God allows martyrdom. Itâs not that God canât control it. God is giving Christians the opportunity to be martyrs, to die for our faith for sharing the gospel. Today, we fight for honor/sacrifice to be somebody, but the Bible tells us of another high accolade for the new earth like never before. The martyrs crown.
In Chapter 8, the 7th seal is opened. The first 4 Trumpet judgments revealed into massive catastrophes. Unbelievable! God is getting rid of the evil world of people, as they keep hardening. Been given thousands of years to repent & acknowledge the Creator, but they wonât. So, God allows wars in the midst of it. God is not only removing evil people, Heâs removing the messed-up world.
Nothing is new in Revelation, we see it in the Bible. We always see it in life, itâs just the scale of it. It intensifies. Revelation is understandable, not complicated. Itâs not a big mystery.
In chapters 4 & 5, we see one of the clearest descriptions by John of the almighty throne of God in Heaven. Brilliance and majesty. We are introduced to symbols, flames of fire representing the Holy Spirit, elders & living creatures.
John describes Christ appearing. He saw in the right hand of the One sitting on the Throne, a scroll sealed with 7 seals. This scroll represents all programs to take place very soon to terminate sinful & degraded world as we know it & begin the eternal new heaven & new earth. âWho is worthy to open the scroll & to loose its seals?â
Many thought that God would conquer the world (like every conqueror) with violence/power but God conquered this evil world we live in with LOVE. The Lion of the tribe of Judah conquered this world by being a Lamb for this sinful world. He showed a New Way. Wow! This conqueror conquered by ransoming People. By dying for people & these people will be part of His kingdom & will reign with Him. Now, we see who's to be honored forever & ever? God the Father & God the Son.
âI am the Alpha and the Omega.â (1:8) Jesus is the beginning & the end. This letter opened with encouragement.
When John, the Beloved saw the vision, he saw Jesus in His glory, he falls at His feet. This is to help persecuted Christian realize that this is not the Jesus in the manger anymore. The Jesus on the cross is over. The carpenterâs son is over. This is the JESUS. His glory is like the shining of the sun. Christ walks in the midst of the church.
Discover more beautiful & great truths on how God Sees Us. How are you in the eyes of the wise & HolyGod who will rule for all eternity? How are you preparing for the new earth? God bless you!
Revelation means apocalypse in Greek. The Book of Revelation ties up everything the Old Testament says about the end of the World & unveils what the eternal world would look like. This book is considered a mystery. For many Christians, it's the most difficult to read or even fear reading it through. This is a circuit letter sent to the 7 churches having problems respectively, helping them get right.
Revelation is the most important book. It completes the Holy Bible. Gives us the right view that JESUS is KING. He rules over an eternal Kingdom where you & I will be citizens there. God wins in the end.
Hope this book helps us to get right in many counts & will not only prepare us for the persecution  we may face but prepare us to live right now for the New Earth that you & I will live in for all Eternity. Are you ready? Are you preparing? May Revelation bless you!
Jude wrote this letter much later after Christâs resurrection. Intended to Jewish believers, 2nd generation Christians, the wonderful faith & amazing salvation they have in Christ. But Jude felt & sensed a crisis in churches, to âcontend for the faithâ.
This Book is about behavior. Today, we judge people by their creed. But look at their behavior & know if they have the seed of Christ mentioned in 1 John.
Please donât neglect the Book of Jude as itâs necessary for the last days. Be careful. Christâs name is shamed by wicked men, contaminating churches & peopleâs minds that Christians got a license to sin - hyper grace, youâre saved, no need to confess sins, sins are settled. Men are shaming God.Â
May God help you to strenuously fight to preserve this simple faith & the name of God, once for all. God bless you!
2nd & 3rd John were written to particular individuals regarding their behavior in dealing with churches & the travelling teachers, for many deceivers have gone out. Christians were travelling around the Roman empire. John wrote this 60 yrs after the resurrection of Christ, as an elder in truth & love, a perfect balance like the love & mercy of God.
This reflects 2 types of churches we have these days, churches who accept anybody as long as they're "Christians" bringing in all kinds of doctrines. The true simple Gospel is lost. Another group of churches that exists today, just a one man-hero. Everybody else is not good enough, every other church has a problem, except him. Â
What is the lesson? Be Careful, don't welcome those who come to shame God's name & to destroy God's work. We have a God of balance, perfect holiness & perfect love. That's what we should be too. May God grant us this simple balance! When people don't read these letters they have churches like these. May we see our selves in the word of God. All Holy, all loving.Â
First John is more of a fatherly sermon like a warning written by Apostle John to his people. He was in Ephesus when he wrote this & supervising churches facing crisis. A group denied that Jesus came as a 100% human which is influenced by Greek-beliefs (a great separation between God & man; spiritual & secular). They thought if Jesus claims to be God then how can He be man? Itâs impossible! God cannot die.The power of the cross is that Jesus is 100% God & 100% man. This cannot be grasped by the human mind. The whole cross had zero effect. After writing this, John was exiled to Patmos & wrote the Book of Revelation.
The Only God that can love is a Trinitarian God. When we say âGod is love,â itâs unique to other religions. Unthinkable! A God who chose to come down to earth, the Son of God eternally in the heavens, Infinite God chose to be limited as a man, lived among us, so He could die for our sins & rise from the dead. He chose to be God-Man, forever. Divine Infinity.Â
I hope as you read 1 John, itâs not just about our relationship with God, but His wanting to have this close relationship with us. God became man that He could be with man. May God bless you with this thought. May you love this God!
Peter wrote the second letter 3 yrs. later encountering the danger of false teachers. The word knowledge in the Bible is âexperiential knowledgeâ not just head knowledge. Many people know things, but Never Experience it. Reminds us that we are born again, the Holy Spirit is in you. To live a Christ-like life we also need to work on virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, loyalty, godliness, brotherly affection, & love.Â
This letter warns us how to identify false teachers. They tell people what they like to hear. More people come, more offerings/tithes. Itâs called "marketing in modern terms". We see heresies & persecutions everywhere, it has become normal in Christianity. But God will deal with them. He will rescue His own.Â
God is giving time to people to repent & be saved. We don't need to worry about what's happening on this earth. God wins always. âBy me, all things consist.â (Col 1:17). His plans are always higher than ours. This is a temporary place, we are headed to the New heaven & New earth to enjoy eternity in a real place. A living hope. God bless you!
Peter wrote this epistle near the end of his life before he was martyred in Rome. Written for a group of churches in Northwest Turkey. The church was growing at an amazing rate but alarming for the Roman authorities. Regarded as a competition, as the church grew bigger, the greater the persecution. This competition was about "WHO is KING?" Caesar or Jesus? Â Â Peter is best known of all the Apostles by far. Peter & his brother Andrew were fishermen, living by the shores of Galilee. The first Apostles appointed by Jesus. Peter became the lead Apostle in Jerusalem & went to other parts of the world. Petrus Cephas. This epistle warns of persecutions & sufferings in various forms. Generally, persecution makes the church stronger, not weaker. It refines the church from all the weight of false teachers & believers. Persecution tests the genuineness of your faith. Â How should we face persecution? We can discover more as we listen & study this Letter of Peter.
One of the easiest epistles to understand because it's not doctrinal. But probably the hardest epistle to accept as it's a practical book, difficult to do. We are far more inclined in the comfort of a classroom as students/spectators rather than to be laborers. This practical aspect is the 24/7 part of our lives. James or Jacob, is the half-brother of Jesus, real child of Joseph & Mary. He didnât believe in Jesus in his early life but later became a firm believer & martyr for Jesus. Â It's called a letter but in a sense seems to be a bunch of advice from James to The 12 Tribes scattered. A lot of wisdom came from Proverbs & The Sermon on the Mount, Jesusâ practical teachings. Â Â May these bless you & hope that your Christianity is not all doctrines but doctrines that work. Be a man of faith, humble, going out helping the helpless. James is not a book liked, but a book ignored by most churches. This shows you your God who works, Christ who served the poor & went out day by day. What a wonderful world this would be if we all reflected this God.
We continue in Hebrews about the perfect saviour above all angels, all heroes of faith, priests, & promises we get. Remember, there's some one far far more superior better than anything - the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. He writes His law in our hearts, we have been blessed with a total heart transplant. We are New Creatures because of Jesus Christ. One sacrifice, sufficient (10:12). What a Saviour!Â
We hope today, The Book of Hebrews will make us look forward to love & honor Jesus. To place the Son of God at the forefront of our minds. The book is only beautiful because it shines the spotlight on Jesus. The radiance & the Glory of God, the expressed image of the Invincible God, the Beautiful God seen in the Beautiful Son, revealed in the Beautiful book. Jesus is amazing! May God bless you.
For many Christians Hebrews is the most difficult book in the New Testament. Much Old Testament knowledge is needed to understand this book. Itâs so culturally Jewish that it talks about angels, sacrifices, urgently pleading the Jews not to return to their old faith for there is something so much better in the New Covenant. âDonât sell it for convenience & safety.â A combination of exposition of truth & exhortation alternately arranged throughout. Â So, what is it to us? âThe New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed. The Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.â We have the benefit of seeing Jesus Christ, the Messiah in a complete sense like the final picture of the jigsaw puzzle presented in bits & pieces. Who is Jesus Christ? We have seen the radiance of God the Father in Jesus Christ. What makes Him superior to all? We rest in His work, not our work. The only Hope Is Jesus. If you reject Him, thereâs no hope for you. JESUS IS SUPERIOR, DONâT TURN BACK.
By far the shortest epistle & the only letter written by Paul to one single individual. Philemon was a rich Roman citizen of the City of Colosse. The church in Colosse was started by Epaphras who reached out to Philemon & was saved. Philemon used his house as a house-church. Paul wrote this epistle, an appeal to Philemon concerning Onisemus, his runaway slave who reached Rome, met Paul who was on a house arrest & shared the Gospel with him.
Paul wanted him to get right with his past as a slave & as a fugitive to demonstrate internal revolution of the heart. He sent him back to Philemon with a letter to receive Onisemus as a beloved brother in the Lord. That's something quite amazing, a Slave could never be a brother. Paul didn't promote rebellion of slaves. Christianity is never about outward rebellion but internal lasting change.Â
We are slaves of sin, ran away from God. Christ calls us back & paid the debt of our sin. Now, we return back to our Master & be useful. This is a challenge to churches, to receive others whom we despised & avoided, PLEASE don't look down to those criminals before, terribly poor, uneducated because we are one in-Christ. The church is one. May God bless you & your church.
Titus was was a contemporary of Timothy, mentored by Paul. He was a Greek Gentile, from a pagan background. Paul tasked Titus to fix some problems, to put things in order, & to appoint church leaders in Crete Island. Cretans were well-known for violent behaviors, mostly influenced by their Greek gods. Many were mercenary soldiers. The problem of legalism was rampant in the early churches, so Paul repeatedly emphasizes the right way to be saved. Sanctification is a process, it takes time.
What's the goal of having a good behaviour? Practical behavior outside is actually the best testimony of the truth taught inside the church. The best teacher/lesson we can see is LIFE. JESUS CHRIST in his teachings & preachings demonstrated the greatest gift of all, He saved us with the great sacrificial love of good works, the perfect work on the cross of calvary. May God help us to live the real Christian life. Sanctified to be like Christ. May Jesus be our Model.
This could be the last epistle by Paul while awaiting his execution, abandoned by all except Luke his faithful follower. He wanted to see his son in the faith, Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy not to be fearful & was made bold by the Holy Spirit (1:7). Paul says, âTimothy, youâve seen my teachings, conduct, my life, faith, patience, my love, steadfastness, persecution, & my suffering.â See how Paul teaches Timothy?? Classroom? NO! He taught him his real life. Timothy saw all these as trained by Paul. WOW, that's the discipleship goal we need today, Life on Life discipleship!
Finally, Paul says, âI have fought a good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.â(4:7) Hope we could all finish the race God has given us. Your race is not my race. We all run a different race & track. We never compete with one another but keep the faith & experience the real presence of God. I hope today, when you see Paul's sufferings in this letter, you'll see the God who loves us with His sacrificial-love through Jesus Christ. May God bless you!
In the First Epistle to Timothy we are taught some practical ways on how to live by working & serving others. The Epistles to Timothy & to Titus are called "Pastoral Epistles" written to people who pastored the church & Apostolic representatives sent out to help plant churches, once established, they ordain leaders & move on. Paul was very old when he wrote this to Timothy, his son in the faith & protege, leading a church at Ephesus. All of us are to lead some way or the other to influence the world with our lives, keep a close watch on yourself first & on the teaching (4:16).
God cares for everything in our lives & God is a God who is very practical as shown in Timothy. Every part of our lives should be touched to be a blessing. Jesus is the perfect example of touching lives. There are so many Christians today who are so spiritually minded & so practically useless. May you enjoy life to its fullest in all the blessings God has given you. Impact lives. Be Christ-like.Â
These two letters were thought to be some of Paulâs earliest epistles to address the Church in Thessalonica, a Greek City of culture & religion. Silas & Timothy visited Thessalonica during Paulâs 2nd missionary journey. It was said that those who trusted the Lord were not Jews, but Gentiles, called âGod-fearersâ realising that the God of the Jews was the True & Living God. Amazingly the church surfaced very strong in spite of heavy persecution. Persecution has a way of building up real Christians . What easy conditions have a way of attracting all kinds of people at church & make the church generally very weak and diluted?
What's the purpose of 2nd Thessalonians? You & I know the Lord is coming, & I hope He finds you working not idle or busy-body. I hope the 2nd coming of the Lord encourages us not to waste time. Neither just speculate about when & how He will come. But focus on your life for there's work to be done. May the 2nd coming of Christ be at the forefront of your mind serving, encouraging, & building up one another, right now. God bless you!
This is one of the four Pauline Prison Epistles, written by Paul to Christians in Colossae, western part of Turkey. Also a trade route to Europe that time, with Asian & European influence. People in Colossae didnât realize they were influenced by religious superstitions. Paul wrote this letter to address problems of the Church in Colossae which was started by Epaphras, one of his disciples. In a sense, Colossae is much like modern cities today as we get influence from everywhere. There's a new religion pervading everywhere, it's a NewAge religion/movement & we don't realize it. What Paul was addressing is that, Christ is ALL we need. This is about us, we may know all the doctrines but hard for us to grasp the transcendence of God, yet this amazing God has chosen to dwell with us. If you believe Jesus as your Saviour, Jesus has bridged the gap between you & God. Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Family is where we express our faith & be ambassadors to the world so others may experience the eminence of God. There is no God like our God!
Lesson 20: A Holy Facebook | Conclusion.
God has not given us another religion but has restored His relationship with us through Jesus Christ. A relationship is characterized by communication. Christ lives in us. We can have constant communication with Him all the time. God invented instant communication long before Facebook but few of His children know how to use this Holy FB. Treasure your relationship with God. The greatest thing in this life and in the next life is to know God and to enjoy Him forever. John 17:3 âAnd this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou have sent. Enjoy this & enjoy your journey with Jesus! Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
This is one of the Epistles called Pauline Prison Epistles, written to the Christians in Philippi. Paul was sent by God to this major city (of Roman colony), a strategic foothold for the first church as far as we know on European soil. The Church in Philippi went through many persecutions but emerged a very strong church. This Epistle is mostly relational, teaching us about our relationships with one another & our walk with the Lord. What does it mean to have a servantâs attitude? How to be truly happy & satisfied? Paul has learned the secret of being content in any situation.
What have we learned in Philippians? It's about the mind of Christ quietly serving, that's the God I have! He serves me everyday, in the littlest things & I don't even know He is serving me. What an amazing God, not just the Agape love of God, the humble, silent ever serving God who I often don't recognize. I hope I can be a little bit more like Jesus, whom I serve. God bless you!
One of the Epistles called Pauline Prison Epistles, written along with Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon while Paul was imprisoned. This Epistle balanced between doctrine & duty, but more of a general letter intended to educate & understand better Christian identity & duty. What is the blessedness of a life being IN CHRIST? The richness of our salvation, the inheritance of God has given us, UNBELIEVABLE! When you're filled with this love of God, it flows out, unless you're like a Dead sea. We have "DeadSea Christians" today who never gave out the love of God. God's amazing Agape Love has been given to us & we the church are the body of Christ to demonstrate our life in Christ to the world. Do you know the AGAPE love of God? What are you going to do with it?
Lesson 18: Holy ATM | Lesson 19: A Personal Love Letter.Â
The victorious Christian is one who realizes that the way to success is not to try harder but to trust more. The victorious Christian is not exhausted from trying to imitate Jesus but excited by watching what Jesus is doing through him. Jesus meets me as I step forward in faith. Have you learned to use the Holy ATM of Jesus? There is no book like the Bible. It is God's personal love letter to each of his children. It is alive & strong (Heb. 4:12 âthe word of God is living & powerfulâ). Set aside time read & re-read your personal love-letter from God. He has a new message for you today!
Enjoy this & enjoy your journey with Jesus! Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
In this Epistle we can see doctrinal problems & practices in the church. Apostle Paul established churches in Galatia district built on the foundation of the Gospel of Christ & justification by faith alone. But doubts infiltrated the believers as false teachers questions the authenticity of Paulâs teachings & as a tent-maker. He boldly answered such accusations defending the truth of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation. How can you be saved? How do you live your Christian life? What's the purpose of the law? I hope this reminds us that the life which I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me & gave himself for me (2:20). May Christ be seen in you. May the agape love of God be seen in your life.
In the 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians, we can see the practicality & reality of life on earth. Sanctification is a long process & almost like the tough journey of Jesus Christ. This tells much of Paulâs life & authenticity as a follower of Christ. He reflected the love of Christ in the midst of rejection & rebellion of believers in Corinth. This letter encourages our faith, walk, & character as Christians towards the challenges & realities in this world in light of the character of Christ. Examine yourself. How do you know you're a Christian? Do you know where you are in the faith? Are you willing to sacrifice your comforts?
Lessons 16: It's impossible to be alone | Lessons 17: Super Partnership.Â
We have a very intimate relationship with God! He has chosen to live in us so that He can be our constant Partner as we go through life on this earth. Are you enjoying your relationship with Jesus who lives in you? Christians trust Jesus to pay for the sins on the Cross. But many of these same Christians do not trust Jesus to help them to overcome their sins as they live their daily lives. Â Are you living a lonely losing life? You should be living a victorious Christian life with Jesus. Enjoy this & enjoy your journey with Jesus! Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
Lesson 14: Jesus' DNA | Lesson 15: Many Taufik Hidayats
God commands all Christians to âwork out their salvationâ (Phil 1:12). Many misunderstand this verse to mean that we have to âwork for our salvation. â This is impossible because no one can work for his salvation because âall have sinned and come short of the glory of Godâ (Rom 3:23). Furthermore, if we could work for our salvation then there was no need for God to give His only begotten Son.
Jesus on the Cross said âIt is finished.â The work of salvation is complete. It has been earned by Jesus on the Cross. Our job is not to earn our salvation but to âwork outâ our salvation.
Enjoy this and enjoy your journey with Jesus!Â
Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
Lesson 12: Can my sin cause me to lose everlasting life | Lesson 13: Licensed to Sin?
Blessed Holy Trinity! Blessed God the Father â who loves us and gave us His only Son. Blessed God the Son â who sacrificed His life for us on the Cross. Blessed God the Holy Spirit â who lives in our hearts to be our daily Partner.
Can any other âgod,â other than the Holy Trinity ever do this amazing work of salvation?
Enjoy this & enjoy your journey with Jesus!Â
Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
Lesson 10: No computer can calculate these numbers! | Lesson 10: Sudah Selesai!
Indeed, all who have received Jesus as their personal Saviour will have everlasting life â the first part on earth and the next part in Heaven. There will be no interval between the 2 parts. Our salvation is not based on how good we are. Our salvation is based on the perfect work of a perfect Saviour. Are you sure that you will not perish?
Enjoy this and enjoy your journey with Jesus!Â
Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
What is the purpose of 1 Corinthians? It's about Agape love, about the God who served us, but we don't recognize it. Doing things for others, reaching out. So when you say God is love, what do you mean? God is a servant, God chose to be a servant, to serve us. CHRIST our Lord lived a sinless life & chose to SERVE us on the CROSS. The Holy Spirit chose to live in us & serves us as our partner. What about you? What's your idea, about love? Serving? Is it even in your thinking? So I hope today, you see God who loves the nation of Israel as it needed love, who loves me as I needed love. There's a lot of people out there you can express God's love, in your church. Agape Love, reaching out, reaching down, serving with your gifts & resources God has blessed you with, because God is Love. May God make you an outflow of Agape Love to others. God bless you!
Lesson 8: It's a Gift | Lesson 9: If a King became an Ant
There are many religions to follow.
But there is only ONE SAVIOR to receive.
Are you following a religion? Or have you received a Saviour?
Enjoy this  and enjoy your journey with Jesus!Â
Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
John, described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the Son of God(20:31). He traces Jesus, in the beginning was the word-He is eternal(1:1). This is a very spiritual Gospel, a struggle sometimes of what John was trying to declare, to grasp the understanding of the Incarnation of Jesus: He is 100% God & 100% Man. Even today, it's one of the mysteries of Theology. John accounts the 7 "I am" statements of Jesus on 7 occasions & the last hours of Jesus' life. Through the washing of the disciples' feet what does Jesus encapsulate in this act? What's our ministry as believers? I hope this teaches you to grow in maturity, now you're ready to wash feet -"see needs aroundâ. Meet needs: spiritual, physical, mental, & family. An opportunity to help buildbridges so you can give out the Gospel of love(3:16) in the power of the Holy Spirit under the guidance of Jesus Christ-The Lord of the harvest & you'll see amazing things. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you. May God bless you with this Gospel of John.
Mark Sometimes called John Mark, was an assistant to Paul & Barnabas and later on became Peter's assistant. The Gospel of Mark showed Jesus as a Servant King, and was written for unbelievers (like tracts) as Matthew was for the (Jewish) believers. Mark focuses on the miracles, what Jesus did during His ministry as the Son of God (8:29). What can we learn from the turning point of a Roman centurion when he heard the victory cry of Jesus on the cross? The response was to evoke a lesson for unbelievers to realize they've been doubting & ignoring Jesus all these years. Till one day something shocks you, God allows you to go through a crisis -then the turning point comes. Until you're afraid you're going to hell -you cry out for help. Until you're broke- you'll be fixed. May you help unbelievers read this book in the right way & let God work in their hearts. God bless you!
This is an epistle written by God the Father through Apostle Paul to a church in Rome & in the process of addressing it, he has left us with the greatest gem of all, The Theology of Justification by Faith (1:16) & that's critical as the 1st epistle. It's all about The Gospel, the power of God unto salvation for the Jews & Gentiles. When you receive Jesus, you receive a power over sin in your life, a partner, the Holy Spirit to help you overcome this "grip of sin". That day by day in the process of sanctification you can be more & more like Christ. So we are not "hyper-grace", we are saved from hell to Christ-likeness through the power of sanctification to prepare us for the day of glorification.
May you step back and say the wisdom, mercy, & the love of God-Amazing! He never forgot His people Israel & through Israel the doors were opened for the gentiles like us & one day every race comes together into this great family reunion like never before. May God bless you!
I hope you'll realize when you go to The Book of Epistles they are personal letters, and I hope you'll know your God who wrote these letters to you is a personal God. He is your Heavenly Father - don't forget that. God is very personal to you and to me, because epistles address personal problems. God is a very practical God, I hope you'll know that. Christianity is not just about studying Bible studies forever, but how we live and God is just as concerned as how we live as to how we know about Him. Too many Christians know all kinds of verses but their lives & their knowledge don't seem to be in sync.
As we look at The Book of Epistles remember, the personal Father wants you to live a practical life before men. God bless you!
Lesson 6: One Solution Only. | Lesson 7: The Deadliest Traffic Jam.
On that day 35 years ago, I realized that though I had known and memorized John 3:16, I had never believed it. But the Bible tells us that merely knowing the promise in John 3:16 is useless. What is important is believing John 3:16.
Enjoy this and enjoy your journey with Jesus!Â
Author: Dr. Paul Choo | Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
The Book of Acts shows us how God has chosen the church as His missionary to invite the world to know Him through Jesus Christ. Tells us that God is the God of love. How do I know He loves me? God tells me He lives in me. Now can any other faith tell you that? Only the Holy Trinity -the God we believe. God in heaven sent God-His Son to die on the cross, The Son rises & ascends back to heaven, sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts. Â Are you in love with this Triune God? I am, because I experience it everyday -He walks with me & guides me. He loves me supremely and makes His home in me. May you love this God! When you read this book, may you not just see Paul & Peter- but see God, planning to work in you.
Luke records the progress from the foundation laid in the Gospels, to "the conversion experience" process, and the building of churches. The Book of Acts serves as the bridge between The 4 Gospels & The Epistles. Tells us how Paul, faithfully carried out his missionary journeys. Shows us the blueprint of a model church & missionary based on the Word of God. For us today, this book has a lot of importance, this is about God, Jesus Christ, & the Holy Spirit.
Lesson 4: Humans need 2 Births. | Lesson 5: Blind leading the Blind.
Have you asked yourself this question: âHow can I be born again?â This is the most important question you can ever ask in your life. Ignorance of the answer is a sure way to go to hell!
Enjoy this and enjoy your journey with Jesus!
Author: Dr. Paul Choo
Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
This book is written for 21st Century Asian Christians who live in the fast-paced progress and excitement of this age but find themselves in a faith that seems stuck in the past. This book is not written to promote any church or denomination but to help us to know & love Jesus more.
About the Author: Dr. Paul Choo was born in Singapore in 1947. He graduated as a Medical Doctor from the University of Singapore (now renamed National University of Singapore) in 1971. He received his Doctor of Divinity from Bob Jones University (USA) . Dr. Paul Choo is the founding Pastor of Gospel Light Christian Church in 1987, and was the Senior Pastor for the first 18 years. He currently chairs the Missions Board, and is actively pouring his life into overseas missions. A man of wisdom, faithfulness and compassion, he is also well-loved for how he genuinely âwalks the talk.â He has preached in hundreds of churches and Christian conferences in Asia, USA, Europe, Australia and Africa. For his services to the poor in Asia, he was selected by Channel News Asia in 2012 as one of the âAsians of the Yearâ.
Enjoy this and enjoy your journey with Jesus!
Read by: Nehemiah Paul U. Gaas
We come to the Gospel according to Luke, a physician & a co-traveler of Paul. Luke was the only gentile author in the Bible, documents how Christianity started with Jesus in Jerusalem. Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour of the World (2:8-13) to see the gospel spread through all nations that Jesus came to save all. This stretches our mission field to all levels of people, particularly to the outcasts, oppressed, the sick, those mostly neglected by society & religion as highlighted in this book. Only in Luke we can read about the childhood of Jesus, Parables of The Good Samaritan & The Prodigal Son. I hope you see the beautiful way God puts in all these, from Matthew, Mark, and now in Luke -Jesus, Saviour of the world. Are you bringing that message? As you expand your ministry & go beyond your circle of friends, living a simple life, a generous life- may you bring this message to the whole world.
The Beautiful Book - Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew accounts #Jesus as #King, He came to fulfill the law. "Immanuel" God with us (1:23). And Presents the ministry of Jesus, including His 5 major sermons recorded in the Bible.
What is the goal of Matthew, as a #believer what is the struggle? The Great Commission. The King commanded "to make disciples"(28:18) but many of us have #ignored this, we'll never know the reality of God's presence till we do so, that you may know He is with you. All authority in Heaven & on Earth is given to me, only King Jesus can say this.
We hope this book helps you to connect the OT with the NT & see the #life of Jesus - to be like Him. We're not #saved just to escape hell- we're saved & escaped #hell -To Be Like Christ. And to help others make others be like Christ.
TheBeautifulBook online series with Dr. Paul Choo.
Thank God for our Journey of the Old Testament, it laid down the foundation for us Christians and keeps pointing to the day when God will build its glorious kingdom with Jesus as King. Son of God. Savior of Man. Â Today, we move to the New Testament. Of the 27 Books, we have 4 Gospels (biographies of Jesus) the declaration of the good news that The Messiah, The Lamb of God has come. It focuses on the passion, death, & resurrection of Jesus Christ. The love of God. The judgement of God. The rest are 23 epistles, written for people who believe in Jesus, how to live out their lives into Christ-likeness, to make disciples for all nations.
Malachi was a contemporary of Haggai & Zecharia, the last Post-Exilic Prophets. This period was 100 yrs after they returned from Babylon & the situation while rebuilding their lives & the City of David was not as they had anticipated- discouraging, oppressing, & tithing was neglected. God was telling them to return to Him through Malachi.
"In the Old Testament, the Jews were commanded to pay 10% of tithes (sometimes taken totally out of context). In the New Testament we are not commanded to Tithe but to "GIVE OUR WHOLE LIVES! YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE, therefore, GLORIFY GOD with your body, spirit & mind -which are Godâs. It's not 10% -everything I own is Godâs, I'm a steward. If you understand that His son died & suffered for you- you were Redeemed by God. We are not tithers but willing givers-what an amazing privilege to serve God."
Malachi revealed the coming of both John the Baptist & Jesus(4:5). God fulfilled His promise (Matt:17:11-19).
"I hope as we end Malachi, we learned a lot about God, His judgements are sure. Despite we can't see the hand of God in our myopic eyes: Remember He is God, respect Him, give Him your best, NOT 10% - YOUR ALL IN ALL! He wants you! Now as we end the Old Testament, we enter a new phase, it's 400 yrs. later in God's time frame.â
Zechariah was a priest whom God used in post-exiled Jerusalem after Haggai. There's a lot of apocalyptic visions in Zechariah that show mysteries we humanly will not understand, unless God reveals it to us, show us the future, the eternal kingdom we have never seen. Godâs hand is truly at work, guiding history towards Jerusalemâs future glory.
This book revealed the first coming of Jesus Christ as a humble servant King & the second time as a conquering King to be described more in Revelation. What can we learn? We may seem to be confused, we canât tell exactly how the last days will come to be. God purposely wrote it this way, He doesn't want us to spend all our time being experts on the future. "GOD WANTS US TO BE FAITHFUL IN THE PRESENT."
"I hope that every day you will live a life more like Christ. I'm not saved FOR heaven, Iâm saved TO BE Christ-like. That's the goal of my salvation- To be more like Christ, shine for Him on this earth & the future. I am very confident, it's in the hands of a good God. Every day of the future is in His hands. Every moment of the present is in my hands, to be responsible. I hope you get it. Our mind, our time, just doesn't allow us to do too many things. I have enough problems for today, to be faithful for today. Enough of the future to give you peace, not to make you proud."
Haggai was a post-exilic prophet, during the time of King Cyrus (Persian King) who conquered Babylon. Haggai's prophetic ministry narrates the Jewsâ journey when they were allowed to return from exile (70 yrs in Babylon) to rebuild Jerusalem & the House of the Lord. He warned the Jews who neglected the building of the temple when they got discouraged with results, distracted with their own interests, & led unclean lives. At the same time, God promised to exalt Zerubbabel, the last descendant of the royal line of David through whom the promised Messiah would be fulfilled.
The Book of Haggai helps us set our priorities to put God first, and âall these things shall be added unto you.â To be watchful & be not just concerned in doing holy projects. God is more concerned about us, having holy lives. Do you realize that all your hard work always falls short? Something's always missing in your life? You're not satisfied in every area of your life because -God has put a âdroughtâ on it. Consider your ways. As we apply the principles taught in this little book, may our lives be changed. May we respond properly & become pleasing before God who loves us and wants the best for us.
There was 70 yrs. of silence from God since the martyrdom of Isaiah by King Manasseh. Zephaniah was the last chance prophet who warned that the day of the Lord is near(1:7) to the Southern Kingdom during King Josiah's time. It may seem as a repetition, but the truth is, the sins that the Jews committed after countless warnings, have become a part of us, woven into our lives, thinking it's all but normal. Sounds very familiar.
God poured out His indignation & anger on Jerusalem and surrounding nations (3:8) using the Babylonians. After destruction came the purification, a new generation of people who shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord (3:12) Israel's restoration and joy.
What is God's justice for? To destroy us? No, but to cleanse us, have mercy on us through Jesus Christ our Savior. As we hear God's judgement to the "people" who carry his name, it's for us "Christians" to repeatedly examine & correct ourselves. God judges His people because He's preparing us for a time of great rejoicing in that beautiful kingdom (3:17-20). May God bless you!
A unique prophecy book, the Prophet Habakkuk complains to God, getting God's attention why Judah was suffering under the Assyrians & how God would use Babylon (Chaldea) to punish Judah & Assyria. The struggle of Habakkuk- Why God is not doing something about the sufferings around us is a question asked, over and over again.
Most of us have this in mind, we are too polite to ask God & feel it's not right to question Him. But when we read Habakkuk, we realize, God allows this- God put it down, just like Lamentations. God wants us to process our feelings & emotions not suppress it. If you have questions-check your Bible, youâll find the reasons, but if you can't - ask God directly. That's the beauty of us as Christians. We have a personal relationship with God, when we don't understand why, we can come humbly, reverently, & boldly to our Abba Father - that's the balance.
What do we learn? Kingdoms come & go but God delivers His people. If we look back on how God has been good to us-in the midst of fear, even if everything was taken from us, when you just have enough to stand for 1 leg & you thought you'll die - you know that God is on the throne -God has a plan. He remembers His own, Rest in Him.
Nahum prophesied the fullness of Godâs final judgement & anger towards the Assyrian empire, 150yrs after Jonah warned Nineveh bringing about initial repentance. But reverted back to plundering & brutal treatment of God's people and other nations. Nineveh's destruction & annihilation came about 50 yrs. later.
Remember the Town of Capernaum in the New Testament? Caper-Nahum. âCaperâ means village, Village of Nahum. Nahum is a well-respected prophet even among the Muslims. His tomb is somewhere in Mesopotamia, revered by the Muslims.
The perpetual cycle of human oppression, violence, & suffering has been replicated down through centuries. We have considered it a normal part of life. God is very grieved by this. Do you care? Are you willing to lift a finger for the oppressed?
One day, God will avenge but today, do something. May the Book of Nahum be a guidebook for you.
Micah was a contemporary of the prophet Isaiah. Both of them ministered to the people of Judah, Southern kingdom at a time of prosperity. Micah spent time caring for the poor, victims of injustice & gave warnings of the coming destruction. Isaiah dealt mostly with the King's courts, rebuking immorality & idolatry. So there was religion but there's no righteous living. There was ritualistic religion, but no righteous living.
But there's always a promise of restoration, hope, & peace. Micah wrote of Nations shall not lift up swords against nations, neither shall there be war anymore (4:3). And the prophecy in (5:2) about the ruler in Israel that will come forth, the everlasting Kingdom is Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem.
May we learn to remember and help the poor, do it quietly. God requires us to do justice, to love mercy, & to walk humbly with Him. That's Christianity. May you know your God. Be like Him, reflect Him.
Jonah was sent by God to preach to the city of Nineveh (capital of Assyria) but he ran away. Though it's a familiar story, the truth is very few Christians believe & really understand this. It's more than just the story of a great fish swallowing a man- itâs about you and me & our enemies, about how narrow our love is. How we cannot stand that God loves our enemies, to pray for them that persecute us, though we are taught as Christians to do so. How often have we done that? And if God really is merciful to save our enemies, are we even rejoicing?
God is using Jonah to change us, to understand the love of God - so big, like the heavens, forgiveness -so free. "For I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and relenting from disaster"(4:2). Hard to imagine & worse than that, hard to accept. May these truths give you a beautiful glimpse of the greatness of God's love, mercy, & forgiveness. May we love this God of great mercy. May you know your God!
Obadiah, meaning servant of Yahweh. During this era, the Edomites (descendants of Esau) rivalry against the Israelites (Jacob) lasted for 2,000 years. They took advantage of God's people whenever they were in distress (1:10).
This 1-chapter Bible book is very important for national leaders to read, this is the theology for all nations-how they deal with God's people (Israelites & Christians) or face Godâs wrath as Edom did. For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done it, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head (1:15).
We see significant lessons unfolding throughout history, nations who protect Israel & nations who persecute Christians. God is fulfilling a promise He made to Abraham (Gen 12:3). A great warning even to all Christians, to take care of the least of God's people & you will be blessed.
Amos, meaning a burden bearer, he was a herdsman from the South and was sent to the Northern Kingdom to rebuke social injustice, idolatry, oppression, corruption among Godâs chosen people. Amos & Hosea were the last chance prophets for the Northern Kingdom of Israel to âseek the Lordâ (5:4) before judgment befalls them. But oftentimes, Israelites conform to sinful patterns & worthless worship of others. Amosâs warnings do not only proclaim disasters but also repentance.
Right now, we're going through a COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis like never before. When something happens, step back. Ask God for wisdom. Christians today must remember to heed Godâs warnings, what can I do to respond? Demonstrate a transformed life in repentance to Yahweh. May this Book of Amos, looking very quaint & ancient, be very relevant. May God be very real to you, the God of justice & righteousness.
Joelâs message transcends itâs time, to expound the very nature of God and the expectation upon His chosen people. In these (3) chapters, Joel laments on the just judgment of God against His rebellious people, sin is rebellion against God. But the wonderful truth goes on to reveal the heart of the Father that desires genuine repentance - a change of mind, wholeheartedly only to bestow restoration (2:25), & blessings towards His people. God will protect His own forever and will avenge them their enemies.
We hope today if we ponder about the terrible past that haunts us, remember: God, not just forgives, forgets but restores. May we check our hearts & see our lives in the truth of this book. May you know God through this little book, know Him a little better
The Book of Hosea is the beginning of the 12 books of the minor prophets (shorter books), a collection of Hosea's prophecies for 25 yrs in Hebrew poetry. Amos & Hosea were the last 2 prophets who gave last warnings to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the King of Jeroboam II (before the fall to Assyrians). That period, the Israelites were prosperous but turned to worshiping golden idols, prosperity gods - forsaking Jehovah God. Sadly, this sounds familiar today just like ours.
Hosea was asked by God to marry a "wife of whoredom", Gomer (1:2). Her unfaithfulness to her husband parallels the unfaithfulness of Israel to God. The covenant between God and Israel, His love for Israel demonstrates who God is. "Chesedâ, a Hebrew word meaning, steadfast love & righteous love is the theme all throughout. God's love is steadfast despite Israel's rejection of Him. Hosea lived that life of compassion so we can grasp & respond to the call, to experience God intimately.
We now come to The Prophetic part of The Book of Daniel. What can we learn from Daniel's vision and the interpretation of the vision about the Four Beasts; the Ram and the Goat?
May God bless you with peace in the midst of troubled nations and despite the turmoil in this world. But go your way till the end, and you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of days (12:13). May you make disciples of all nations and lead thousands of people into the eternal kingdom of God. Go your way Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed, until the time of the end (12:9).
The Book of Daniel was often said to be the key to biblical prophecy. Only The Book of Ezra and Daniel were written in 2 languages, Aramic & Hebrew. Daniel was among the young men exiled in Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. God gave Daniel favor, was given a high position in the king's court, served 2 different empires: Babylonian Kings & Persian Kings. And because of his faithfulness, Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. We will also be reminded how God protected Daniel from the Lion's den and his friends from the fiery furnace. The theme of this book revolves around Kingdoms, God allows kingdoms to rise and fall. Ultimately, all human kingdoms come and go and they are going to fail us, but at the end of time, there will only be 1 kingdom - God's Kingdom. I hope you will see the big picture? That God has set up a plan for us, an everlasting kingdom.
Ezekiel was given the difficult task of being a watchman over the Jews while in exile (Babylon), to warn them: Jerusalem & The Temple will be destroyed. God used signs or actions through Ezekiel to get the message across. In the Bible, God teaches most of his truths through stories and Jesus, through the parables.
What can we learn about God's character? God is a holy judge and God judges those who take advantage of His people (Chapter 8, 24). God restores, He never rejects His children.
As we go through the COVID-19 crisis, God is there. In any moment of silence that we may know, He is the Lord, He is in control, and He watches over us. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, "The Lord is There" (48:35).
Ezekiel, the prophet and priest during the time of Jews exiled in Babylon. They lived along the Chebar canal, called Tel-abib (3:15). Ezekiel means âGod strengthensâ, referred to as Son of Man in this Book. He is commissioned to warn and plead to the people of Israel to turn away from wicked ways as the full judgement of God awaits them. The Book of Ezekiel & Daniel are full of "Apocalyptic"(Revelation) literature, reveals God's Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence, a mystery, unless God reveals them, no human can grasp it.
What do we learn from this journey?
We learn about The incomprehensible Glory of God. The Sinfulness of men, how we chose to ignore God. The Holy God, he judge sin. God wants us to be molded into Christlikeness. The Mercy & Love of God, though the Jews rejects Him, He never gives up on them - What kind of love is that? And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit. And they shall be my people and I will be their God (11:19-20).
We hope this gives you a better idea of the true living God, may you know Him. And if you really know Him, you love Him, and love this beautiful book. God bless you!
Lamentations, is Jeremiahâs passionate outcry in grief and anguish over the unimaginable Fall of Jerusalem. The glorious City of God, the Fall of the Temple, the Exile of the Kings, the Line of David, all wasting away in utter desolation is unthinkable. Jeremiahâs lament for pain also echo's the heartbreak of a loving Father towards a broken covenant between Him and His wayward son. A reflection of God's cry when He punished his people. God griefs.
Do you see the heart behind the words when you read the Word of God? May you in Lamentations, not only see Jeremiah's cry when he saw destruction. There's a far greater cry, a pain in the heart of a loving Father who loves us more than anyone on earth. May God bless you.
Jeremiah holds the longest book in the Bible sharing God's heart towards the people of Israel until sometime after the temple was destroyed. The prophecies of Jeremiah was written by a scribe, Baruch.
Jeremiah, is called the "weeping prophet" his ministry deeply covered warnings for the people of Israel from impeding judgement, destruction, and the hope of restoration - God will never forsake Israel. To build and to plant (1:10). This laid down the foundation of a Synagogue, gathering together, worshiping God without the temple as God is more interested about your heart.
We hope that as you read the Book of Jeremiah, youâll see the love of God, the feelings of God - How he loves you! Please, know-the-heart-of-God, if you don't - you'll miss it all!
As we continue into the Book of Isaiah, we see Isaiahâs vision of God in His temple (6) and witnessed the holiness of God (6:3). He learned that the God of heavens lives in us through the Holy Spirit (7), having an intimate relationship with Him by sending His son, Jesus Christ. God continues to reveal more truths through Isaiah, the Triune God (11). We also see the detailed prophecy of Christâs sufferings for our sins (50-53). And the whole Gospel â The Passion of Christ, revealed in this passage.
We hope you understand God better at the end of Isaiah. Gives us hope for the magnificent plan God has. He's prepared an amazing place for us to enjoy Him, even on this Earth, today. Itâs not about the great things we can do but the comprehension that He is our everything, we are nothing without Him - the true mark as followers of Jesus. God looks to a contrite and humble heart.
Let us look at the genre of books which we call the Prophetic Books which makes up about 1/3 of the Bible divided into The 5 Major Prophets-Isaiah to Daniel & The 12 Minor Prophets. The Old Testament prophets had great responsibility of hearing Yahwehâs words, boldly delivering messages or warnings to Kings & men of influence. They faced persecutions, demanding extreme obedience and exemplary faith.
The common use of poetry is used to appreciate the heart of God, not just His commands. Christianity has become like that. We don't know how to love God as we don't know how much God loves us. These books help us see the emotional side of God, He gets sad when His children reject Him and brings judgement. He controls every detail of the future. He is holy and righteous. What a wonderful God He is.
Solomonâs Song of Songs, is a collection of love oems the greatest love song, regarded as highly sacred for it symbolizes God's intimate love to Israel. And God expecting Israel to love him back intimately. It's an analogy of Christ's love to the church. As God established marriage, the Intimate love of husband and wife is an analogy of Christ and the Church (Eph 5:32).
What do we learn about God in this book? The focus must be about God. God is emotional, God cares about us in a very personal way. This is about the heart of men and the center of our relationship with God. May you enjoy the poetry and hopefully make you love God with all your heart, express it in church every time you sing, express to others how much you love God.
Ecclesiastesâ, a known Hebrew word as âKoheletâ, a man that attracts people to come and listen to him, usually a Teacher or a Preacher related to the Church. Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, "the Preacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem.â(1:1) â a man who had wisdom, wealth, success, and pleasures but found all is vanity or meaningless. King Solomon was filled with everything in his hands but was not fulfilled in his heart.
So what is King Solomonâs advice to his son, the younger generations? Fear God! He is the One that can satisfy our soul. Anything done apart from God is meaningless. Learn from King Solomon: Only God, truly, can fill to the full, your heart now and for all eternity.
Proverbs provides practical wisdom on how to live in Godâs will by following the wise rules of our Creator. Proverbs is about our life and life expressions to those around us, so we may have wisdom. We learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (1:7, 9:10).
In Hebrew, the word wisdom is "Chokmah" which means practical wisdom or what we call "life skills" in God's perspective. A proverb is a general truth, we cannot take it as a promise of God. The book is the accumulated wisdom of mankind through the ages put together by King Solomon (About 1000 BC).
We hope everyday, as we look around nature, may we say, what wisdom, what a wise God!
The Hebrew name (Tehillim) of The Book of Psalms, means songs of praise. The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems, written over a span of 1000 years. The Jews use this as their songs of praise offered to God and about God. That's why it's placed centrally in the Bible as worship is central to our relationship to God. King David wrote about half of all the Psalms about 1500 BC ~500 BC.
All our spectrum of emotions, our struggles, our joys, our fears, faith, and sorrow are all expressed in this book. The whole idea of these Psalms is for us to delight in the Lord. This also reveals God's power and plan to redeem and restore us when we put our trust in Him. May God bless you with this Beautiful Book, keep your eyes on these wonderful truths.
Today we begin, what in the English Bible is called The Poetical Books, Poems. The Book of Job is 1st of the 5 Poetical Books in The Bible. Job explores the answer to a central theme that is pursued to this day; Why does an Almighty, Good and Powerful God, allow innocent people to suffer? Godâs response reveals His Supremacy over all creation. Suffering is a very real part of our lives. And in each case, God has a different reason. His Justice, His vast creation â is beyond human understanding.
God saw Job through all that, everything was #restored to him & doubled his blessings at the end of it all. God bless you!
The Book of Esther is one of (3) Books written outside the promised land: Daniel, Ezekiel, and Esther. God is never mentioned in this book, but Godâs presence is evident all throughout, watching over Esther.
This is a story of a Jewish community in the Persian Empire, Esther as one of the exiles became the Queen. We get to see Haman's plot to kill all the Jews. How God placed Esther "for such a time as this" to protect the Jews. As decreed by Mordecai, till today, the Jews celebrates "Purim" commemorating Israel's survival. God elects and God is faithful.
We hope you enjoyed this study and see the hand of a Wonderful God, and this is a Beautiful book about Him!
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah were all under the Persian Kings- about 500 BC ~Christ. Ezra was an Aaronite scribe. Jewish tradition says he led a council who compiled the Old Testament. Zerubbabel, of the royal Davidic line of Messiah, brings the 1st wave of 42,000 Jewish returnees to rebuild the temple. Ezra brings the 2nd wave of 1,800 returnees to revive the spiritual temple worship. This laid the foundation for the synagogue. *Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian King, the most trusted man in the empire, brings the 3rd wave to rebuild Jerusalemâs walls in 52 days. We see God's providence and favor working behind the scenes. How the men of God face oppositions time after time. God allows that. This is different from the theology we see now. Many religious leaders tell you that when you serve God everything will be well. I hope and pray this truth helps you understand this and see that beautiful God who is still on the throne. May God bless you!
1 and 2 Chronicles was written by Ezra for the Jews returning from the Babylonian exile for them to understand their roots and to reassure them of Godâs faithfulness. Chronicles only includes the Southern Kings, only the line of Judah.
In 1 Chronicles, the first nine chapters are all genealogies with all Hebrew names. Chapters 22 to 29 was dedicated to the temple â which reflects our worship of God.
2 Chronicles focuses on David's royal ancestry, as a glorious king, the ancestor of the coming Messianic King, to encourage them of the glorious hope for the future. And Solomon, his son who built Godâs temple and fixed worship in Judah.
Thank God we have a complete, beautiful book.
The Book of 2 Kings describes the disobedience and degeneration into idolatry of both the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Kings were very important and absolute monarchs in those days. Leadership is so critical just like a good father-blessed family, good pastor-strong church.
Godâs prophets were raised up to speak and warn the kings. Kings after kings and the people continued to sin. King Manasseh led his people so deep into sin, the last straw for God to destroy Judah. God raised (2) enemy nations-Assyria and Babylon to bring judgment upon Israel and Judah.
But Godâs forgiveness and grace to King Manasseh depicts genuine repentance, unlocked Godâs mercy. And the kingly line of Judah, David's royal line was preserved. 500 years after this, Joseph and Mary from the same line produce our King Jesus.
First Kings is a book about the holy history of the Israelites, the spiritual and moral part of the kings, and the impact of two prophets, Elijah and Elisha. A history from God's viewpoint, things that are of spiritual value and of moral value, good or bad, are highly recorded.
And finally, God tells us the only king that will ever satisfy you and will ever fulfill his kingly role of protecting and providing for you is Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of Lords.
2 Samuel provides lessons about Godâs character through King Davidâs reign. The time frame that God works took 1,000 years when God pledged the Promised Land to Abraham, to David taking control of it. How Davidâs downfall and burnt offerings in repentance to God is a foreshadowing of Christâs crucifixion 1,000 years later.
We hope you'll see 2 Samuel as God's beautiful redemption story. The beautiful book-a love story of how God loves us, patiently hangs in with us, leading us to have that eternal relationship, with God for all eternity. God bless you!
We are moving on from the Era of the Prophets. This book introduces the new Era of the Kings (About 1000 BC-500BC). Samuel was the prophet used by God to anoint the 1st (2) Kings of Israel: Saul and David. But ultimately reinforces the most important Truth: God is the absolute power and sovereign.
The whole purpose of the "The Beautiful Book" is to see the beautiful God who wrote this masterpiece. "Who is this amazing God?!"
We come to the study of a very little book called Ruth. A history of one family over one generation as Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of King David the Royal line through whom the Messiah would come.
The foreshadowing of the kinsman redeemer and the gentile bride of the coming Messianic King. A perfect ending in contrast to the tragic ending of Judges, when there was no king.
Judges is a narrative on the afflictions of a life without Yahweh and about His divine interventions for His people who neglected and disobeyed Him repeatedly. These resulted in a recurring cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and rescue by the judges-leaders anointed by God.
Today, we study the Book of Joshua. The name Joshua means "Jehovah saves". Joshua is now in the section called Historical Books. Biblical history is not just about a person but the history of God and what He did for the Israelites as they entered and conquered The Promised Land.
Begin to see the parallel between what the Israelites went through and what we as Christians go through.
The word Deuteronomy means second law, Deutero: second, nomy: law.
As a new generation of Israelites prepares to seize the Promised Land, Moses reminds them of their Past journey, Present responsibility to live by Godâs Law, and expectant Future reward. Ultimately, Godâs Law is borne of love, designed to save man and help him lead a life that glorifies God.
The Laws, just legislation and their significance:
*The Laws point to carefulness, cleanliness, and costliness which Godâs Holy presence required.
*This benediction is a beautiful encapsulation of the gospel, the good news: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee and give you grace. The Lord lift his countenance upon thee and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Lessons from Leviticus:
*Jesusâ expensive sacrifice so we can approach Godâs throne and discernment of sin through the Holy Spirit.
*Symbolism of burnt offerings.
*Seven Jewish feasts reflect what Christ has done and what He will do at the second coming.
*Symbolism of The Tabernacle
*What God expects from His presence: bringing offerings and bearing in mind His past and future deeds.
*How God dealt with Pharaoh reveals His character.
*Parallels between Passover lamb and Jesusâ crucifixion â unblemished, sacrificial blood that saves.
*Types (foreshadowing) of our salvation in Christ: Pillar of cloud and fire; bitter water made sweet; manna from heaven, and water from the rock. spring of water
*The 10 Commandments...the Book of the Covenant.
*The Golden Calf
- Building The Tabernacle.
*The 1st half is a narration of events of what God did to deliver these people, God's grace to men. The 2nd half is a record of laws that God gave, man's responsibility to God's grace.
*Types (foreshadowing) of our salvation in Christ and our life in Christ: The Passover, The Promised Land, The Tabernacle, and The Laver
-The Passover happened on the 14th day of the first month of the Jewish calendar. 1500 years later, on the same day, Christ was crucified at 3pm. Christ said it is finished, sins settled. 3 days after the Passover Lamb, they escaped from Egypt. 3 days after Christ died for our sins, He rose from the dead. So that we too can rise from the dead.
*The Exodus Journey. Why Israel stayed over 400 years in Egypt? What did the Israelites learn about God?
*Lessons from Mosesâ life: extensive secular training balanced with years in the wilderness.
Era of Patriarchs. Case study of three lives, two of them are patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob. The third one is Joseph.
Lessons from Isaacâs life:
-To guard against favoritism towards our children
-Jacobâs life: persistence in pleading with God in prayer.
Lessons you and I must take away from this case study of Jacob:
-Always be careful to love all my kids , show equality to all my kids.
-We must plead with God. You must beg God in prayer for His blessings.
Jacob became literally the name of not a person but of a nation - Israelites.
-Jacob had 12 sons, these twelve sons became the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Why did God let Joseph and the Isrealites come under Egyptian slavery? Â
-Josephâs life of purity that embodied serving and forgiveness.
Despite their imperfections, God chose the (3) Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because of their faith â dependence on Godâs promise.
*Reasons behind Godâs selection of the Promised Land.
*Time Frame:
2000 BC: Abraham. Age of the Patriarchs
1500 BC: Samuel. Age of the Prophets
1000 BC: King Saul & King David. Age of the Kings.The Princes
500 BC: Age of The Priests
0 BC: Christ comes.
*Lessons from Abrahamâs life:
-His covenant with God;
-How he went through hardship despite this covenant;
-How he worshipped God by building an altar;
-How his sin of faithlessness led to Ishmaelâs birth and the 4,000-year conflict between Ishmael and Isaacâs offspring
-How his lack of persistence in prayer contributed to Sodom and Gomorrahâs destruction; and
-His unwavering faith even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac.
-How Abraham giving Isaac as a sacrifice is a foreshadowing of Christ.
How evil and sin spread from the garden of Eden and throughout the whole world. How violence, immorality, corruption spread throughout the whole world.
Sin spread with the beginning of murder and polygamy. To guard against envy and sibling rivalry. Music invented. Creation of metalwork escalated violence.
Listing of the generations since Adam shows God remembers all. Enoch sent to warn about Godâs impending judgment for manâs pervasive sin.
Noahâs righteousness and faith in building an ark to prepare for the flood. Five frequently asked questions about the flood and the ark.
Post-flood: God changed the rules of the man-animal relationship and how Noahâs sons came to the people who were scattered over the earth.
The fall of Man: How man messed up Godâs beautiful world and how Satan works through things around us to corrupt our minds.
Godâs blueprint for life: six days of work, one day of rest. God gives us His personal name, Yahweh, reflecting His eternal, unchanging nature.
Godâs purpose for man: To work in tandem with Him, with Godâs breath in us, to maximize the amazing potential God has originally designed.
The sacramental truths behind the two trees in the Garden of Eden: God makes the rules and He knows whatâs truly good and evil.
Godâs creation of woman shows how a husband should relate to his wife. Godâs leaving and cleaving principle for marriage.
Genesis Chapter 1 Speaks of how God created the universe and how God intends to fill His world. In the book of Genesis God lays out the foundation of the Christian faith and seed truths are found here too. Listen and be blessed.
The Beautiful Book Series is where Pastor Paul Choo challenges us to re-think our assumptions about The Bible. This series aims to turn the discipline of reading the Bible into a delight. We need God's word to be transformed not just be informed. We need to read the Bible because it's the most important thing we can ever do.
The Beautiful Book Series is an helicopter overview of the great Masterpiece God has given to us - The Bible.