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