When life is shaken - Nelson Tjiunardi Facebook post on 21/12/2019

A few days ago, my wife broke down after receiving the news from the gynaecologist, “Your baby didn’t grow in size in 2 weeks and I can’t detect any heart beat”. With that sentence, we had to prepare for the worst: another miscarriage after we had one about a year ago. At about the same time, my dad had 2 major health crisis that almost claimed his life. We can choose to remember all the pain and complain about life when life gives us some good shaking, but I remember that when the shaking comes, it doesn't change who we are, it only reveals what is within us. Due to the carbonation within, a bottle of coke will burst of you give it a rigorous shaking. However, that will never happen to a bottle of water, shake it all you like and it remains calm and collected. I am reminded that I should be like water instead of coke, because my sense of peace and security does not lie on my circumstance or what happens to me. The greatest peace and true joy in life is the one that you can have with Jesus in the midst of all your raging life crisis and challenges. I remain secure and peaceful no matter how bad the storm of life can shake our little family, because Jesus is in the boat with us throughout it all. He is the One who calms the storm within, so the storm outside can do us no harm. I choose not to remain focused on my problems and be a victim of all the mishaps, I would rather choose to take responsibility about life and keep responding positively to life's challenges for in there lies our strength. My friend, I wish I have the time to sit down with you one by one and listen to your list of mishap and downturn in life too, for I know that everyone of us is fighting a silent battle that no one knows anything about. Be encouraged knowing that your identity in Christ is secure no matter what the world might do to shake you. You are deeply loved, you are chosen and you are fearfully and wonderfully made even when you were still in your mother's womb (Ps 139).

Anointing - 5 ingredients

Meekness and submission
Humility
Stand for Him, hold to his promises
Inner cleansing
Holy spirit anointing fresh oil

Acts lesson 12 - 6/12/19 The First church council meeting at Jerusalem (Acts 15

Acts lesson 12 - 6/12/19

The First church council meeting at Jerusalem (Acts 15)

Aim : God’s gospel plan unites all believers. 

Div 1

Gospel Question

Acts 15:1-11

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According to Abraham law, male circumcision.

Previously Jews and gentiles practise trade separation. 

Romans 

“Gospel reveal righteousness by faith in grace, thru Christ

Ephesians 2:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Salvation is...something 

Not achieve by received.

Circumcision 

Outward sign 

Shows u belong to God covenant ppl

Judaism spoke to follow circumcision law. 

Paul rebuke Peter. For truth and unity.

The Old Testament law is like mirror. Shows u but cannot save u.

We believe that it’s ***by grace thru faith in Christ*** that we are saved.

Principle 1 

God’s gospel plan is the grace of Jesus, plus nothing.

If we add anything tu grace then it’s no longer grace. 

We are made right with God in Jesus.

Div 2

Gospel unity

Acts 15:12-35

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JAMES (Jesus brother) believer after resurrection. 

God ppl are one ppl even upon cultural differences.

Ephesians 4:2-3

Gospel unity is based on biblical truth

And not compromising For unity 

Application: love our brother and sisters

Principle 2

God’s gospel plan include intentional love for others 

Any barrier for u in the community of Christ?

CHp 15 starting w dispute but ending with clarity of gospel.