Hi Jelita Cell Family members, KT's idea of having someplace in the Web space to put up our Memory verse led me to try my hand at blogging. So I will start by putting up the Beatitudes as memory verse for May 2010.
Yes you are absolutely right, memorise them word for word, alphabet for alphabet, if you succeed, it is likely that your random access memory(RAM) has expanded, then those few verses will be chicken feed.
But frankly,thank you for pointing out the flaws in this learning method, otherwise I would stll be stuck trying to remember the story and has yet to begin with the verses, must declare the RAM has reaches its limit.).
Wow, just a lot of responses from the cell family ...grrreat! Sorry I did'nt know that there was a previous blog, no wonder I could'nt get the name "Jelita Cell"! Anyway TK says to continue with this unless and until it withers away, like with the previous blog. I hope that, with you guys' effort, interest, determination and the 8 beatitudes that we are memorizing, learning,understanding, internalizing and then applying, we can keep this family blog thingy going. In fact I hope that, like the mustard seed, it cam grow into a BIG space where we can help and encourage each other to seek glory for the Lord.
I think the cell passed the memory test this evening creditably, being our first test. And at the SG (small group) session, discussion was lively, interesting and edifying. ST, pls keep it up. We need your probing insights. And Wilfred can help keep us on the narrow, with TK moderating of course and steering the ship. I feel that the cell had gone up quite a few notches!! Well done everyone.
Thanks all in the SG for your patience, and CL, thanks for kind words of encouragement. My incomprehensible probing may have caused some concerns that I was arguing the needs to participate in spreading the good news. Actually, what I was trying to clarify is the need to be certified competent. (- Not sure if this is the right word.), and commissioned, or authorized (by recognized authority) before going out to make disciple.
When discussing (Mat 28:16) I was just pondering why Jesus needs to impose his authority when commissioning the eleven disciples to go and make disciple of all nation. My thought was that he was either making a statement of ownership right or giving assurance that under his command they are protected (or ‘shared’ his authority). Also, these eleven were ‘hand pick’ and ‘trained’ or 'developed' by Jesus Himself. Hence, based on my shallow understanding, I had sort of interpreted that to go and make disciple, ones need to be competent (i.e. adequately trained or ‘proven’ spiritually matured), be commissioned and/or authorized by a “recognized authority.”
My inarticulate used of differing denominations of Christian groups and cults as examples of deviation caused by incompetent discipling could have sounded disparaging. But honestly, it’s just my thought that without control or competency check, there will be over zealous, half-baked but articulate and eloquent Christians (or their disciple) who would assume responsibilities of making decisions for others and determining their relationship with God and the world based on their personal agenda, understanding or interpretation or selective emphasis of the Bible context. (Add in a strong personality, it might result in the creation of a new branch).
I am not defending an argument, but just airing my half baked and unproven imagination. If it doesn’t make sense, hope it’s not offensive either, and that at least it provide some amusement, and help to keep this thread growing and the blog alive.
So much for my whining, have a nice day and be ever blessed.
Swee Thiam, I have the same reservations as you have ie one has to be "qualified" to bring the good news to others (the non believers. But since attending Jelita cell (and having the benefit of many discussions), done a bit more bible study: I feel convicted that to tell the good news is for everyone whether new or matured. As TK often says, while we are the vessel that makes the noise (ie tell the message), it is the HS that actually does the conversion.
But you are right to say that there are other scenarios: 1) there will be over zealous, half-baked but articulate and eloquent Christians ..the modern Pharisees and scribes, and they may set up cults 2)if we are not "trained" we may say the wrong thing and frightened people away.
But I believe that true and sincere follower of Christ, though not "trained" theologically, but if sincere spiritually, will probably do more good than harm. And if we continue to spread the word (not just by words, more importantly by deeds/behaviour) we get better through daily practise. The last time the teaching and conversion was left ONLY to the "trained or certified" was the dark ages where common people have no access to bible and have to listen (and obey) the priests who wield enormous power. The muslims are currently still at that stage, no one is allowed to talk about the religion unless you are "educated" ie an imam.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all whom you know and glorified the Lord. We can start by inviting them to Alpha. Blessings.
ST, Jesus commissioned all believers, not some. The disciples were not theology students but had first hand encounter/personal relationship with Jesus, the woman at the well ran and told everyone her 'conversion experience'(friends are usually interested in our conversion experience). Others give testimony of God's goodness, faithfulness and healings. We have to start praying for God to bring to our mind or path, people to invite to Alpha. Before inviting, pray for the person to say 'yes', then invite. No bible knowledge required. Some plant, others water...
Thanks for the clarification, now it seems clearer, seems like I had made a fool of myself again. I was confused by the term ‘disciple.’ Based on literal Chinese translation, (especially through 武侠culture), disciple refers to 徒弟, student or apprentice. Making disciple （授徒） in this context required a master. To be a master you need to be proficient,if not excel in that particular subject matter.
So if I get it right, the 'making disciple' in Christianity context includes “marketing”, i.e. witnessing, introducing Jesus through various means...
What you said is very true, "making disciple" includes "marketing" or as Rennis put it, "branding".
In the wild west, branding means putting a hot iron to the cattle's skin in order to brand the cattle to show its owner "brand". If we are to be branded Christians, we ought to show the owner's (Christ') characteristics. And it include telling others of the Gospel.
If you accept in your heart that you would tell others about the gospel, the HS will find you the settings and/or circumstances where you will have the chance and courage and the words to spread the gospel, even if it is a small beginning and we may not succeed at first. The Lord will do it His way.
And no, you are not making a fool of yourself: we are all fools in His eyes, but He still love us and want us to follow Him. Seeking answers and clarification is better than NOT seeking and thinking that we are always right and we do not need help, that we are self sufficient.
Let's pray that we do not backslide to the point that we lose the interest to ask and seek His face and feel contented that we have "made" it and that we are mature and successful Christians guaranteed of a place in heaven and salvation while those "poor" things are still struggling, that we are "holier' than them.
There are many roles and we progress as we grow in the faith and knowledge. Witnessing or telling others about our God is the first step, no deep bible knowledge required.There is however, a way to share the gospel and lead someone to pray The Sinner's Prayer, which we can share at cell one day if there is interest.
Making disciples involves fellowship and walking alongside to encourage a person in his spiritual walk.
Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity is necessary for the teaching, correcting aspect of discipleship. So ST, you are right in that aspect.
Our Lord's command is that every believer grow over time, through knowing the Word and prayer, to ultimately do all aspects of discipleship.
Wow what interesting exchanges - must really put in more effort to read the blog!
ST - if you are looking for a job in PR, you can join my company and help to write news releases - you are Good!
TK breaking us into small groups is really a good move. Our level of participation has increased within our own SG discussions.
Now, we must try and engage more cell members to "blog". This is also one way of cutting down "forward emails" - maybe instead of forwarding email, just write in the blog the website and give a gist of what this site is about so that those interested can check out the site. Think this is a good idea?????
Jojo, you are getting the idea! We also need and value your thoughts and input, even if it is a question/query on the faith that we are supposedly pursuing this side of eternity.
Maybe someone should put up a summary of each week's sermons (sermon notes) for the cell family member's benefit (only those who access the cell blog that is!)
And announcements can be made through this blog too!
Someone needs to help me figure out how to notify members of new posts and/or comments: either at the blog homepage or through email notification. Anyone knows how?
I am flattered by your complement, I am not as computer savvy as you thought, maybe just happened to know a thing or two that you don't. I am also a novice in blogging, however, if you are looking for solution to enhance the blog, I suggest try searching in the help menu, or do a search in google search engine. I found the below thread, thought it could be of some help.
Below is a suggestion on how to get group email notification of blog entry - anybody know how to follow-up?
How to get comment and post notification email sent to all team member In Blogger, there is provision for email to be sent to you whenever someone leaves a comment on your blog. To set this, in the Dashboard, go to SETTINGS > COMMENTS and fill in the email address at the box for COMMENT NOTIFICATION ADDRESS. There is also a provision for an email to be sent whenever a post is published. Go to SETTINGS > EMAIL and fill in the email address at the box for BLOGSEND ADDRESS. However, only 1 email address can be filled in for either post or comment, so if you have a team blog, and each team member want to be notified, you have a problem. Here is a workaround.
Set up a Yahoo group specially for the blog. When setting up the group, there is a provision for entering your group email address. This email address is for your group. When you send a message to this address, all members of your group will receive a copy. For example, I may set the group email address as blogger-tricks@yahoogroups.com. Configure the group so that posts are sent to all members. Then fill in this address for the Blogger COMMENT NOTIFICATION ADDRESS and BLOGSEND ADDRESS. Now, whenever someone makes a comment or publish a post, an email will be sent to blogger-tricks@yahoogroups.com and Yahoo group will in turn send an email to all members of the group.
18 comments:
CL, thanks for setting this up. Will now have to make it a habit to blog.
Betty, thanks for guiding and giving us useful tips! Hope this get to "sink" in to our brain, if not, need to run round your estate!
Have a great day in Christ!
Jojo
The stories are amusing but I would have to be able to remember them too.
Yes you are absolutely right, memorise them word for word, alphabet for alphabet, if you succeed, it is likely that your random access memory(RAM) has expanded, then those few verses will be chicken feed.
But frankly,thank you for pointing out the flaws in this learning method, otherwise I would stll be stuck trying to remember the story and has yet to begin with the verses, must declare the RAM has reaches its limit.).
Wow, just a lot of responses from the cell family ...grrreat! Sorry I did'nt know that there was a previous blog, no wonder I could'nt get the name "Jelita Cell"! Anyway TK says to continue with this unless and until it withers away, like with the previous blog. I hope that, with you guys' effort, interest, determination and the 8 beatitudes that we are memorizing, learning,understanding, internalizing and then applying, we can keep this family blog thingy going. In fact I hope that, like the mustard seed, it cam grow into a BIG space where we can help and encourage each other to seek glory for the Lord.
I think the cell passed the memory test this evening creditably, being our first test. And at the SG (small group) session, discussion was lively, interesting and edifying. ST, pls keep it up. We need your probing insights. And Wilfred can help keep us on the narrow, with TK moderating of course and steering the ship. I feel that the cell had gone up quite a few notches!! Well done everyone.
Thanks all in the SG for your patience, and CL, thanks for kind words of encouragement. My incomprehensible probing may have caused some concerns that I was arguing the needs to participate in spreading the good news. Actually, what I was trying to clarify is the need to be certified competent. (- Not sure if this is the right word.), and commissioned, or authorized (by recognized authority) before going out to make disciple.
When discussing (Mat 28:16) I was just pondering why Jesus needs to impose his authority when commissioning the eleven disciples to go and make disciple of all nation. My thought was that he was either making a statement of ownership right or giving assurance that under his command they are protected (or ‘shared’ his authority). Also, these eleven were ‘hand pick’ and ‘trained’ or 'developed' by Jesus Himself. Hence, based on my shallow understanding, I had sort of interpreted that to go and make disciple, ones need to be competent (i.e. adequately trained or ‘proven’ spiritually matured), be commissioned and/or authorized by a “recognized authority.”
My inarticulate used of differing denominations of Christian groups and cults as examples of deviation caused by incompetent discipling could have sounded disparaging. But honestly, it’s just my thought that without control or competency check, there will be over zealous, half-baked but articulate and eloquent Christians (or their disciple) who would assume responsibilities of making decisions for others and determining their relationship with God and the world based on their personal agenda, understanding or interpretation or selective emphasis of the Bible context. (Add in a strong personality, it might result in the creation of a new branch).
I am not defending an argument, but just airing my half baked and unproven imagination. If it doesn’t make sense, hope it’s not offensive either, and that at least it provide some amusement, and help to keep this thread growing and the blog alive.
So much for my whining, have a nice day and be ever blessed.
Swee Thiam, I have the same reservations as you have ie one has to be "qualified" to bring the good news to others (the non believers. But since attending Jelita cell (and having the benefit of many discussions), done a bit more bible study: I feel convicted that to tell the good news is for everyone whether new or matured. As TK often says, while we are the vessel that makes the noise (ie tell the
message), it is the HS that actually does the conversion.
But you are right to say that there are other scenarios:
1) there will be over zealous, half-baked but articulate and eloquent Christians ..the modern Pharisees and scribes, and they may set up cults
2)if we are not "trained" we may say the wrong thing and frightened people away.
But I believe that true and sincere follower of Christ, though not "trained" theologically, but if sincere spiritually, will probably do more good than harm. And if we continue to spread the word (not just by words, more importantly by deeds/behaviour) we get better through daily practise. The last time the teaching and conversion was left ONLY to the "trained or certified" was the dark ages where common people have no access to bible and have to listen (and obey) the priests who wield enormous power. The muslims are currently still at that stage, no one is allowed to talk about the religion unless you are "educated" ie an imam.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all whom you know and glorified the Lord. We can start by inviting them to Alpha. Blessings.
ST, Jesus commissioned all believers, not some. The disciples were not theology students but had first hand encounter/personal relationship with Jesus, the woman at the well ran and told everyone her 'conversion experience'(friends are usually interested in our conversion experience). Others give testimony of God's goodness, faithfulness and healings.
We have to start praying for God to bring to our mind or path, people to invite to Alpha. Before inviting, pray for the person to say 'yes', then invite. No bible knowledge required. Some plant, others water...
Thanks for the clarification, now it seems clearer, seems like I had made a fool of myself again. I was confused by the term ‘disciple.’ Based on literal Chinese translation, (especially through 武侠culture), disciple refers to 徒弟, student or apprentice. Making disciple （授徒） in this context required a master. To be a master you need to be proficient,if not excel in that particular subject matter.
So if I get it right, the 'making disciple' in Christianity context includes “marketing”, i.e. witnessing, introducing Jesus through various means...
What you said is very true, "making disciple" includes "marketing" or as Rennis put it, "branding".
In the wild west, branding means putting a hot iron to the cattle's skin in order to brand the cattle to show its owner "brand". If we are to be branded Christians, we ought to show the owner's (Christ') characteristics. And it include telling others of the Gospel.
If you accept in your heart that you would tell others about the gospel, the HS will find you the settings and/or circumstances where you will have the chance and courage and the words to spread the gospel, even if it is a small beginning and we may not succeed at first. The Lord will do it His way.
And no, you are not making a fool of yourself: we are all fools in His eyes, but He still love us and want us to follow Him. Seeking answers and clarification is better than NOT seeking and thinking that we are always right and we do not need help, that we are self sufficient.
Let's pray that we do not backslide to the point that we lose the interest to ask and seek His face and feel contented that we have "made" it and that we are mature and successful Christians guaranteed of a place in heaven and salvation while those "poor" things are still struggling, that we are "holier' than them.
There are many roles and we progress as we grow in the faith and knowledge.
Witnessing or telling others about our God is the first step, no deep bible knowledge required.There is however, a way to share the gospel and lead someone to pray The Sinner's Prayer, which we can share at cell one day if there is interest.
Making disciples involves fellowship and walking alongside to encourage a person in his spiritual walk.
Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity is necessary for the teaching, correcting aspect of discipleship. So ST, you are right in that aspect.
Our Lord's command is that every believer grow over time, through knowing the Word and prayer, to ultimately do all aspects of discipleship.
ST, keep up your participation.
Wow what interesting exchanges - must really put in more effort to read the blog!
ST - if you are looking for a job in PR, you can join my company and help to write news releases - you are Good!
TK breaking us into small groups is really a good move. Our level of participation has increased within our own SG discussions.
Now, we must try and engage more cell members to "blog". This is also one way of cutting down "forward emails" - maybe instead of forwarding email, just write in the blog the website and give a gist of what this site is about so that those interested can check out the site. Think this is a good idea?????
See you all this Friday.
Jojo, you are getting the idea! We also need and value your thoughts and input, even if it is a question/query on the faith that we are supposedly pursuing this side of eternity.
Maybe someone should put up a summary of each week's sermons (sermon notes) for the cell family member's benefit (only those who access the cell blog that is!)
And announcements can be made through this blog too!
Someone needs to help me figure out how to notify members of new posts and/or comments: either at the blog homepage or through email notification. Anyone knows how?
ST you are usually very computer savy, can we have your input on how to notify members of new posts and comments?
BTW, understand Margaret has problem getting into this blog. I think she is not the only one.
This Friday, I shall go round and check with the ladies beside Betty and YL why aren't they "blogging"!
Guys side - can one of you please check?
Cheers!
Hi Jo,
I am flattered by your complement, I am not as computer savvy as you thought, maybe just happened to know a thing or two that you don't. I am also a novice in blogging, however, if you are looking for solution to enhance the blog, I suggest try searching in the help menu, or do a search in google search engine. I found the below thread, thought it could be of some help.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/thread?tid=0bcc952965673416&hl=en
and
http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/2006/05/how-to-get-comment-and-post.html
Warm regards.
Below is a suggestion on how to get group email notification of blog entry - anybody know how to follow-up?
How to get comment and post notification email sent to all team member
In Blogger, there is provision for email to be sent to you whenever someone leaves a comment on your blog. To set this, in the Dashboard, go to SETTINGS > COMMENTS and fill in the email address at the box for COMMENT NOTIFICATION ADDRESS. There is also a provision for an email to be sent whenever a post is published. Go to SETTINGS > EMAIL and fill in the email address at the box for BLOGSEND ADDRESS. However, only 1 email address can be filled in for either post or comment, so if you have a team blog, and each team member want to be notified, you have a problem. Here is a workaround.
Set up a Yahoo group specially for the blog. When setting up the group, there is a provision for entering your group email address. This email address is for your group. When you send a message to this address, all members of your group will receive a copy. For example, I may set the group email address as blogger-tricks@yahoogroups.com. Configure the group so that posts are sent to all members. Then fill in this address for the Blogger COMMENT NOTIFICATION ADDRESS and BLOGSEND ADDRESS. Now, whenever someone makes a comment or publish a post, an email will be sent to blogger-tricks@yahoogroups.com and Yahoo group will in turn send an email to all members of the group.
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