23 March 2016 - BSF

Seven letters to seven churches in Revelation two and three we do see

They represent all the churches in the past, present, and what will be

Jesus rebukes and warns; He makes promises and encourages with love

Churches are to faithfully proclaim His gospel until He returns from above

Too much integration with non-believers can lead to doctrinal deviation

If churches are not acting as the salt and light they face condemnation

The Ephesian church was commended for their deeds and perseverance

But that along the way they had lost their “first love” was Jesus’ stance

Howe Lai said that having truth without love leads to mere cold power

While love without truth ceases to be genuine, seemingly by the hour

The advice given was to remember, repent, and return to our true love

Which of course means turning to God, Jesus, and the Spirit from above

The loftiest preference of one person for another is how love can be termed  

Giving us life as we overcome is an indication of how God’s love is affirmed

The church in Smyrna was reminded that Jesus triumphed over death

So as believers, we should expect eternal victory after our last breath

While Satan is behind all persecution, God puts limits on what we endure

So we know that we will all face attacks on our spiritual life, that is for sure

But faith that perseveres through suffering reveals Jesus to a world broken

Love and grace, not conquest, changes hearts was the truth well spoken

The journey of life is in that way more important than our eternal goal

We can walk in assured victory because Jesus is well and truly in control

24 February 2016 - BSF

At BSF we are starting the study of John's book of Revelation

“God is in control and wins” was Clarence’s strong proclamation

Howe Lai’s lecture centred on the core concept of prophecy

What it is, its characteristics, and its purpose quite clearly

“Prophecy is God confiding in His people” was the first summary

For it is a foretelling of future events that have or will come to be

In Revelation, God unveils worlds both physical and spiritual

General and specific revelations that are so clearly veritable

God does this so that believers do not feel clueless or alone

He provides God-centred confidence for tomorrow’s unknown

“Prophecy proves that God is in charge of yesterday, today, tomorrow”

Helping us deal even in times that are challenging or filled with sorrow

God will not act without revealing through a prophet His plan

Prophecy can be both foretelling and forth telling for all man

As it contains truths about both the present and the future

With warnings, there is time to repent and change for sure

One-quarter of the Bible is prophecy, half has been fulfilled

Those are facts on which our faith and actions can build

“Fulfilled prophecy gives God’s people assurance of future fulfilment”

Changing our heart and actions is one reason prophets were sent

In terms of the Bible, fulfilled prophecy shows its accuracy

And reveals God’s power and wisdom, for everyone to see

God’s plan and purpose through Jesus Christ is also revealed

The overarching purpose is faith to be produced and sealed

In conclusion John received visions and wrote them down

We should take them to heart and obey God with crown

We cannot create our own future but must heed the warning

Allowing this study to transform our lives from each morning

1 November 2011 - Isaiah (BSF Grand Sharing)

My name is Nels Friets, the guy who serves as a host
Also called the big guy, the one who laughs the most
And for those of you who may not know it
On my blog, I am known as the unknown poet
So here is a poem I wrote for tonight
I sure hope that it turned out alright

I started BSF eight and half years ago
I didn't know how much I didn't know
From the first pilot class until today
Making lots of friends along the way
Challenging questions and an odd personal one
Were all valuable even if not always that fun
There were DLs nine and TLs two
All helped me learn what I should do
I thank you all for somehow putting up with me
Especially when my ignorance was plain to see
And all my absences that you did overlook
You've all been a blessing in my book

We looked through Philippians in the pilot class
Then through Minor Prophets and Acts we did pass
Colossians, Ruth, Philippians in the stub half year
Then about Genesis and Romans we did hear
We studied Matthew, Moses, and then John
And now Isaiah - the cycle is done

Isaiah was a prophet from whom a lot I did learn
It makes be very glad that to BSF I did return
Isaiah's name and message are "The Lord is Salvation"
His message was for the world and Israel the nation
The sixty six chapters cover past, present, and future
He was a prophet of God - of that I am very sure

"God's Indictment of Judah" is covered in chapters 1 to 6
7-12 talk of "God's Promise of Immanuel", the world He will fix
"Judgment of the Nations' is seen in 13 to 23
Chapters 24-27, "A Little Revelation" we did see
"Woes" are the topic of chapters 28 to 35
Then into "Historical Interlude", 36 to 39 did dive
"Deliverance of God's People" in chapters 40 to 48
49 to 57 spoke of "The Suffering Servant" that some did hate
The last nine chapters talk about "Future Glory"
For eternal life with God is the right end to our life's story

In today's world, Isaiah still has relevance and application
The lessons and lectures serve as both warning and motivation
About Israel and the rest of the world were Isaiah's predictions
Imploring us to live a consistent lifestyle with strong convictions
For although God is patient, merciful, and kind
He also demands retribution, as Isaiah did oft remind
When I hear the phrase "new heavens and a new earth"
It reminds me of what God's love is really worth

This has been a life changing time for me
Hopefully this is evident for others to see
Through the poems I try to regularly write
Perhaps my heart is also just a bit more right
And while I will miss being a BSF host
I know what I will really miss the most
It is the discipline and all the fellowship
Thank you all for helping me on this trip
I hope that our paths continue to cross
If not, it will surely be my immense loss
But it is now time for these lessons to apply
For I know where I want to go when I die
And now the BSF slogan no longer makes me nervous
"A season of training and a lifetime of service"

I need to finish this before my two minutes runs out
Or before I break down and tears flow out
So now as I complete this rambling poem
Our leaders and admin team, you all know 'em
Can everyone out there please arise and stand
And join me in giving them a great big hand

29 October 2011 : Isaiah 65-66

We completed the BSF year, looking at Isaiah 65 and 66
TL reminded us that on God's Word we should our hearts fix
For unlike our bodies, our spiritual beings will never die
Our eternal destiny - life or death - it is no lie
About "New Heavens and New Earth", TL did speak
We will share our experiences and thoughts next week

Starting with Isaiah 65 verses one to sixteen
"The eternal seriousness of sin" is clearly seen
God is always there even when we try to hide
And when we make religions and habits out of pride
For when we focus on ourselves and things of this world
We are creating idols that take the place of our Lord
How to detect an idol, TL told us five different ways
Questions we should ask of ourselves all of our days
For man-led religions dishonor God and mistreat people
Leading to self-righteousness, even under a steeple
God will punish false worshippers, for He is just
We should beware hypocrisy, only in God's word trust
Principle 1:"to reject God is an infinitely outrageous crime"
For when we sin, we are rejecting God's love at the time

Moving on to Isaiah 65 : 17-25, we can clearly gauge
That he talks of "the enduring delights of the Messianic Age"
A message of hope, words can not describe the immense delight
The new earth will have no death or sorrow, all be be right
TL also pointed us to Revelations chapters 20, 21, and 22
Even during the Millennium, there will be pockets of resistance few
But the transformation of the natural world and all the rest
Will result in our descendants leading lives truly blessed
Principle 2: "to receive God is to inherit an infinitely glorious future"
The opposite of principle 1, even if we are receiving a suture

Isaiah sixty six is about "the enduring justice of God"
Remember that He knows our hearts, inside our bod
A mere outward form of worship is dangerous, even during Lent
God wants us to be humble and contrite - so we truly repent
As He forgives us, so should we others forgive
Obeying his word is how we really must live
Glorifying God is something that can happen very quickly
Just like His return, whether we are ready or sinful and sickly
Principle 3: "Isaiah's uncompromising message of judgement and grace"
"Must still be maintained"; we must spread the Word with pace

The new heavens and the new earth will endure and so will we
In all we do, remember the blessings and punishment of eternity

24 October 2011 - Isaiah 61-64

About Isaiah 61-64 was BSF lesson twenty eight
TL started by asking us how well upon God do we wait
He asked what we conclude about God's silence
Can we conclude anything with confidence?
For "God's promises are certain", if He says so it will be
"But their fulfillment may not be immediate" for us to see

Isaiah 61 is about "The Lord's Mission" TL did say
God will transform Israel, for that is His way
And despite all of their sins, shame, and messings
He will give them an inheritance of double blessings
God will keep His covenant, as He always has done
"The Lord's transforming grace delight in praise to God" (Principle 1)
Early Christians felt tremendous joy, nothing less
As it replaced their despair and helplessness
We should have joy no matter what the circumstances be
For God's grace can overcome any adversity we may see

Isaiah 62:1-63:6 is all about "The Lord's Salvation"
A new relationship with God, leading to transformation
This relationship forever can last
For it is not rooted in the past
A new identity comes from getting a new name
For God's redemptive powers are always the same
"The Lord's redemption of His people is also the day"
"Of the Lord's vengeance", Principle 2 did say
If the Lamb is angry, it reflects our rejection of love
But if we've been aggrieved, let justice come from above

TL then spoke about Isaiah 63:7-64:12
Into "The Lord's mercy" he did delve
Isaiah prayed for all the people of the Jerusalem town
He asked God to look and then come down
From His people, God seemed to be withholding compassion
But this often happens when wandering from Him is the fashion
For if we end up with a hardened heart
From God we will eternally be apart
Sin is power beyond our control
Without prayer, it takes a huge toll
When we pray, we should keep nothing in reserve
Asking God not to discipline as we rightly deserve
"Intercessory prayer glorifies God because it admits"
"Total dependence on Him", Principle 3 really fits

We must pray for God's will, not ours, to be done
And for His presence when circumstances are not fun

17 October 2011 - Isaiah 60

Isaiah 60 was the focus of BSF this past week
Telling us that it is God's light we should seek
About 'The Coming of The Glory of the Lord' in heaven
This is rather apt, as we are now on lesson 27

"God's Light Attracts", per verses one to nine
In this dark world, only God's light can really shine
We should also shine so that others can readily see
The Lord's glory that is available for free
His glory can serve to reunite the human race
If only to God everyone's heart doth face
Principle 1 : "The glory of the Lord shines on his people"
"And turns darkness into light" like a lit steeple
So remember to let our light shine to others
Which results in a growing number of Christian brothers

"God's Light Transforms", per verses ten through eighteen
His compassion throughout history has so often been seen
Israel will be saved, open always will be its gate
For it will be permanently safe, with no threat from hate
Those who believe should worship and serve, don't be coy
Those who do not worship and serve God, he will destroy
God is transforming Jerusalem to reflect His glory
Everlasting peace and righteousness will be the story
A long term enemy can be turned into a friend
If God is in our midst, from start to end
Principle 2 : "The glory of the Lord transforms individuals and nations"
This should be true whether we are at work or on vacations
And then to conclude the section, TL did ask instead of say
'What hope does God's transforming power give us today?"

"God's Light is Everlasting", per verses nineteen to twenty two
There is no need for sun or moon, as God's light will clearly do
As a result, in time, there will be no more night
If we display His splendour, we bring him much delight
Principle 3 : "God's people are for the everlasting display"
"Of this splendour", TL did repeatedly say

He then referred to verse 5 of 1 Peter 2
Being living stones in a spiritual house is what we should do
TL did conclude the lesson in a loud voice
"Having seen the future, we need to make a choice"

Isaiah 46-48

In BSF we heard about Isaiah 46 though 48
Which reminded us that only God is great
God's people in Israel, Isaiah kept warning
But to idols instead they kept turning
For even if idols are made from pure gold
The future they cannot tell, let alone mold
Our only hope is from God's salvation
That is free for Israel and every nation

As TL spoke of the thirteen verses in Isaiah 46
On "God's Patience" he asked us to transfix
Unlike our God, other idols need to be made
But that is why God's power will never fade
Everyone has faith in something or someone
"The object of one's faith is critical", it's not for fun
Do we criticise or pray, speak in anger or with love?
We should have patience with others, as does God above

TL then spoke of Isaiah 47, verses one to fifteen
Babylon went from the highest of nations to unseen
The title os the section was appropriately "God's power"
For He will discipline all, when He decides the hour
People often go too far, usually due to pride
They will suffer unless God is on their side
"The content of one's faith is critical", TL did say
For what we believe has consequences every day
We are free to think what we want to think
But cannot dictate the results, swim or sink
Consequences are both temporal and eternal in nature
God is the right content and object for our faith, to be sure
We should ask ourselves how we spend our time
For that our 'idol', per the topic of this rhyme

TL went on to talk of Isaiah 48, verses 1 to 22
Why is God so patient and caring in what He does do?
"God's perseverance" means that He never gives up
Even when we are stubbron, rejecting his cup
We need to pay close attention to His word
He loves us for the sake of His name, our Lord
God treats us all far better than we really deserve
Blessings are withheld from stiff-necked He doth observe
"True faith begins and ends with the one true God", TL said
Knowing God is a two way relationship, for He is not dead
We must submit all our thoughts, wordsm and actions
He expects our praise and worship without distractions

Isaiah 40:12-31

Howe Lai spoke of "The Incomparable God" at BSF this week
Per Isaiah 40, through His eyes God we must seek
Looking more deeply at verses twelve to seventeen
God's Incomparable Power and Wisdom are seen
Ten rhetorical questions Isaiah did rapidly ask
Even though ridiculous, the answer can not mask
Remember that God transcends all creation
This is a message we should not shun
"Nothing that God created is worthy of worship"
With God we should have eternal fellowship
Having no relationship with God is a tragedy
So having one, our life's objective should be

TL then asked who we could compare God to
But since God is unique, none of our ideas will do
Remember that God sits above the earth
Life without Him has no value or worth
"Nothing that man creates is worthy of man's worship"
Over our ungodly hobbies don't let us trip
We should not limit God due to our finiteness
During worship, focus on God- nothing less

We should look to heaven for the answer
A septillion stars is a lot, that's for sure
God puts them in order and knows each one's name
For us, He will of course be able to do the same
God's strength holds all the stars in place
So we should not doubt when trouble we face
For God, time is not a limitation we sense
We should have hope, waiting with patience
Looking to God, we will never weary grow
For the line to God is always open, don't you know?
The last principle was that "doubting God's care
Makes one an idolater" - so we must beware!

19 May 2011 - Isaiah 25-27

At BSF, TL spoke of a cause for celebration
Isaiah 25-27 : Rejoicing in the Lord’s Salvation
For pronouncements of judgement can bring joy to the heart
As God will make things right for His people, TL did impart

Isaiah 25 talks of “God’s Perfect Salvation”
Praise God for His attributes, actions, and dedication
Earthly cities may crumble and be destroyed
But for God’s eternal city we should be overjoyed
The banquet He will prepare for us will be great
But that will be overshadowed by the shroud’s fate
His salvation message is meant for everyone
For only He can save us from the wicked one
“Perfect salvation frees one to enjoy God and His marvellous deeds”
In other words, being reconciled with God fulfils all our needs
For separation from God leads to death eternal
Without God, the punishment for our sins will be infernal
What we do today prepares us for a future celebration
Praising God and enjoying His presence should not be an aberration

Isaiah 26 talks of “God’s Perfect Peace”
It is a song of praise that should not cease
The anticipation of deliverance and a steadfast mind
A relationship with God who is trusting and kind
Those who disregard His word face a dire circumstance
‘Tis better to be in tune with God, leaving nothing to chance
The wicked do not learn, for the nature of self is still present
They need a change of heart is what Isaiah and TL meant
Judah’s history is reviewed in verses sixteen to nineteen
(The first fifteen spoke of things that had yet to be seen)
By His people, God’s wrath will once again pass
But for the wicked, there will be punishment – alas!
“Peace is the fruit of a mind fixed on trust in God”
TL also gave Philippians chapter 4 verse 6-7 a nod
For peace is the presence of wholeness of spirit, body, and mind
Even if much turmoil is present, TL did us remind

Isaiah 27 talks of “God’s Perfect Hope”
The phrase ‘in days to come’ helps us to cope
Evil will be destroyed and Israel will be restored
A vineyard bearing much fruit will be the reward
The trumpet is important throughout the ages
Heralding good things on many Biblical pages
“God’s people live hope for the future” TL said
Biblical hope is actually confident assurance instead
That good will triumph over evil we can be sure
Is our relationship with God intimate, vibrant, and pure?

11 May 2011 - Isaiah 24

TL went through Isaiah 24 without haste
The lecture was titled “The Earth Laid Waste”
Chapters 24-27 are called the “Little Book of Revelation”
For evil will be conquered by good from heaven

The first part was Isaiah 24 verses one through twelve
Into “God’s Pervasive Judgement” we did delve
The destruction will affect all regardless of hierarchy
To God, class distinctions are pure malarkey
All have defiled the earth and will pay the price
The result of God’s actions will not be nice
As a result of sin, away the Noahic covenant went
“Everything polluted by sin will be desolated by God’s judgement”
Sin is an outrage, turning away from God
It brings eternal consequences, like an iron rod
Of God’s standards we all fall short
To His word do we listen or just retort?

TL then moved on to verses thirteen to sixteen a
About “God’s Majesty” he had a bit to say
In praise and joy, the remnant’s voices will be raised
For all wrongs will be righted, don’t be amazed
“God’s people praise God for His grace even in dire circumstances”
Even if that leads others to give strange and curious glances
For in 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul said without a sign
Of God, don’t be ashamed – just testify
We must follow Jesus in good times and bad
As a result, we should be happy not sad
In our faith, we must always persevere
Our relationship with Christ, intimate and dear
If changes in our lives, we allow the Spirit to make
Like Job, our relationship and faith will be far from fake

Talking of “God’s Glory” in verses sixteen to twenty three
In the New Millenium, a New Jerusalem we will see
God’s judgement for sinners is inescapable
For evil pursues sinners who are culpable
God will throw Satan into the abyss
For 1000 years there will be bliss
Then Satan will once and for ever be defeated
His final destruction God will have meted
Without sin or moon, New Jerusalem will be bright
For God’s glory will provide more than ample light
“Heavenly and earthly powers are no match for the Lord Almighty”
Was the third and final principle for the night that we did see

God is showing us the future
We must be prepared for sure
In our faith, will we stand firm?
Or will we hide like a worm?
Whose strength do we depend on when challenges we face?
Do we praise God and experience His grace?
In conclusion, TL read from 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen
“Death has been swallowed” and its sting will not be seen

5 May 2011 - Isaiah 15-23

Through Isaiah chapters fifteen to twenty three TL ran
“God moves human history forward to accomplish his plan”

In the first of the evening’s three applications
TL talked about “God’s authority over the nations”
He spoke about chapters fifteen to seventeen
And the destruction Moab will have seen
Pride and false gods got in their way
Even alliances could not help on that day
For as TL said in a voice quite loud
“God will bring down the proud”
He asked what stops us from giving to God our heart
For not doing so is really not very smart
Remember that God’s warnings are intended
To bring people back to Him before life is ended

As TL moved on to chapters eighteen to twenty
About “God’s grace to the nations”, there is plenty
To hear that Egypt and Assyria will be linked
Indicates that God’s enemies will be extinct
And TL reminded us that even if the outlook appears dim
“God’s grace brings alienated people together to worship Him”
No individual or nation is beyond His sovereign grace
But it comes in different ways and at God’s own pace

TL then covered chapters twenty one to twenty three
“God’s triumph in the nations” we did see
For God’s grace nothing here on earth can hold back
Nations will be destroyed if a relationship with Him they lack
Look what happened to Assyria, Edom, and Babylon
All so powerful but very quickly all were gone
For if God’s grace is repeatedly rejected
There is no atonement or hope to be expected
“God’s gracious removal of false hope makes way”
“For His triumph” on a very glorious day
Remember that failure is not the end of hope
For repentance leads to a new chapter and scope

In summary, it is foolish to conspire against God
For over earthly rulers He can run roughshod

21 April 2011 - Isaiah 13-14

These chapters in Isaiah were compared to the game of chess
Who the white King is, ‘tis not very hard to guess
These chapters begin the “Judgement of the Nations”
A lot of time is spent talking about Babylon’s condemnations
Babylon symbolises all of God’s enemies
For into everyone’s hearts He always sees
“No nation that sets itself against God will prevail”
For without Him, even strong nations will surely fail
Our God is faithful and just
In Him we must always trust
And since vengeance only comes from our God above
Remember that our enemies He wants us to love

The King of Babylon suffered along with his nation
This must have caused the proud king much consternation
For he had lots and lots of power
But it all disappeared in one hour
For he did not acknowledge the true Lord
Even though he was warned by Isaiah’s word
Earthly success went to the king’s head
He should have had humility instead
And if like the king, we are filled with pride
Then we will not be playing on God’s side
We must trust Jesus in order to avoid the same fate
For pride and arrogance God really does hate
To exalt ourselves is to steal God’s glory
Leading to eternal judgement that is rather gory
TL said that “God will not share His glory with another”
I guess you could say that competition He will smother
Our actions make it very clear
What things we really hold dear

His people God will always protect
This truth the Bible does reflect
Israel should take much solace in the prophecies
For God’s plans are effectively kingly decrees
“God’s plans will not be thwarted”
This was the last principle TL exhorted

So we must ask ourselves each and every day
Are we living in a biblically-consistent way?
Do we spend our time reading the Bible and praying
Or on the internet googling and playing?
There is one thing for which God will continually chide
That is of course the ever-present human pride
As often stated, God knows what is within our heart
We should show more humility on our part

13 April 2011 - Isaiah 11-12

At BSF last night we did delve
Into Isaiah chapters 11 and 12
Hopeless the situation must have seemed to be
But good news would come from the stump of Jesse
For from Isaiah 11:1-9 we read the good word
That Messiah would appear with the Spirit of the Lord
Throughout the OT, the Holy Spirit did exist
Its power so strong, not even evil could resist
More than ourselves, ‘trust Messiah’ we did hear
For in His perfect world, we have nothing to fear
TL said that “the righteous rule of Messiah brings peace”
And this peace (with self, others, and God) will never cease

To people all over the world, Jesus will act as a banner
Only He can unite and bring joy in this manner
A remnant of Israel God will always save
The path for reconciliation He will pave
Hostility between Israel and Judah will exist no more
They will work together and defeat enemies in war
As a result, peace will return to the earth
This is clearly something of great worth
“The redemptive rule of Messiah brings unity” TL said
So we should not lose heart; turn to Jesus instead

In Isaiah 12, he repeated “in that day” twice
Saying to be joyful even if not all is nice
For salvation is the reason for individual praise
His living water will refresh us all of our days
This water is accessible to everyone on earth
The more we drink, the more we praise His worth
This Spirit can flow from us to many others
Sharing the joy with sisters and brothers
And when believers do congregate together
They should sing praises no matter what the weather
“When Messiah rules, the joy of His people overflows”
“In thanksgiving and testimony”, for His love shows

In conclusion, the message is clear
We really do have nothing to fear
Peace, unity, and joy will arrive
If in God’s ways we do strive

Dear God, please let me walk your talk
And in the face of challenges, do not balk
For I want peace, unity, and joy
For every man, woman, girl, and boy

30 March 2011 - Darkness and light

Two topics were discussed in BSF just last night
The multi-faceted concepts of darkness and light
The text was from Isaiah chapters eight through ten
From TL to three hundred interested men

Darkness is the absence of light but also a void
It’s also a state of ignorance that should be destroyed
And per John chapter three verse nineteen
Man’s preference for darkness has long been seen
But with God’s word this void needs to be filled
If the enemy’s advances are to be stilled
For “darkness is not the remedy for darkness”, TL said
Per Philippians 4:8, look at godly things instead

But no matter what, a light will appear
So we really have nothing to fear
The child will be more powerful than anything
Including of course, death’s supposed sting
He will be called four names (and lots more)
Starting with Mighty God, Wonderful Counsellor
Plus Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Praises to Him should never cease
We then heard that “light is the remedy for darkness”
“And the light of the world is Jesus”, TL did profess

The people of Israel faced consequences for all their sin
God even removed leaders from positions they were in
But remember that entirely justified was His wrath
For the people strayed very far from His path
For “darkness earns God’s wrath” and is a disgrace
But TL concluded that “light is a gift of God’s grace”

So dear God, let me live in (and with) the light
Choosing every moment and day to do what is right