The universal and the local church

https://odb.org/2023/08/22/gods-eternal-church We know that we are all a part of the universal church of Christ that, although we are separate branches, we all reach out and worship God together and collectively. Thus, as believers, we are a part of this universal body of Christ that is like many candles of lights illuminating the whole worldContinue reading “The universal and the local church”

Jonathan, David’s encourager and friend

https://odb.org/2023/08/21/the-gift-of-encouragement-2 Unlike the Ziphites (a tribe in Israel) who betrayed David to Saul, Saul’s son Jonathan made a covenant with David before God. Jonathan encouraged David that God would not allow Saul to take David and that David would be King and Jonathan would be his second in Israel. In a subsequent encounter with Saul,Continue reading “Jonathan, David’s encourager and friend”

Open spaces

https://odb.org/2023/08/20/finding-open-spaces We hear this expression, “give him some space,” which literally can be translated to, “cut him some slack.” Work-wise, we say give him some breathing space, meaning, don’t keep on loading him, he needs time to recover, to catch his breadth. In our spiritual life, we also need to have some space, some openContinue reading “Open spaces”

The congregation of believers

https://odb.org/2023/08/18/festivals-of-worship Our Jewish brothers back in the day would travel three times a year to Jerusalem to attend 3 festivals, namely, the Festival of the Unleavened Bread (the Passover), the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles. It’s a treacherous journey filled with danger and harm from bandits. Thus, the Jewish pilgrims will singContinue reading “The congregation of believers”

Persistence and perseverance

https://odb.org/2023/08/16/the-power-of-persistence In our faith, the qualities that are expounded are often contrary to that of the world. In terms of Christian living, it is “right side up living,” an expression that is inverse to upside down. So, selflessness is valued as opposed to selfishness. Humility is admired compared to pride. Servant leadership is emphasised. ItContinue reading “Persistence and perseverance”

Jesus as our brother

https://odb.org/2023/08/15/jesus-our-brother Theologically, we know that we are children of the most high God, the Great I Am, the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul used the term “co-heirs” with Christ in Romans 8:17, and thus Jesus is our elder brother. While all that is true, Christ is also our Master and Saviour. HeContinue reading “Jesus as our brother”

Living in the shadow

https://odb.org/2023/08/11/who-am-i-5 Honestly, I don’t understand the fuss about having a famous father or mother. If your dad or mum is well-known, surely that will open doors and you get instant recognition as so and so’s son or daughter. How can that be a bad thing? Sure, you live in the shadow of your famous parent,Continue reading “Living in the shadow”