For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God – I Peter 1:23
Recently, I have been teaching an English Bible class at Takhmau FM Church, and 7 young people are attending.Definitely, teaching Bible is one of my most favorite ministries because it helps develop close relationships and fosters dialog with the local people.During the lessons, I've observed a variety of perspectives that are very different from ours.
The story of Zacchaeus
Some young people think that if we were rich, we would have lots of friends.Even though they know some friends just come to take advantage, they still feel happy about having lots of friends and being popular.Thus, they don’t understand much about the loneliness of Zacchaeus and how he earnestly needed a ‘true’ friend.
The story of Daniel, who refused to take King’s food and drink
Some may have the perception that Daniel had strong faith in God in all that he did.However, the fact was that Daniel was willing to follow the official’s decision after trying a different diet for 10 days.Would it be a stronger faith if he did not take the food and made no compromises?When we see faith, is it so simple and heroic to say ‘no,’ or a process of seeing how God works?
The story of the lost son
Some may think the son was lucky that his father was so kind.It may difficult for them to understand the struggles or cost to the father to restore his son, his desire for his son to come back, the shock that he came back a total failure, the fact that the apple of his eye had become dirty, stinky and messy, the open declaration of his son’s restored status…. In the same way, we may think God’s forgiveness is superficial, instead of a huge ransom to restore the relationship
The story of Elijah and the widow
Some may know that Elijah was a great prophet and could perform BIG miracles.However, would it be easy for this GREAT MAN to be fed by a poor widow (and before that he was fed by a crow)? He struck so hard to fight against the enemy Jezebel in Sidon, and then he sought ‘pity’ from the Sidonian widow.The hope of survival for both Elijah and the widow depends not on their backgrounds (they come from two extremes), but their humility and obedience.
The story of Jeremiah
Some may think Jeremiah was chosen by God because of his faithfulness and bravery.However, the calling of God totally relied on His sovereignty.Sometimes, we are proud of our gifts or talents and think we deserve to serve in some position in the church.God’s calling is not a competition to see who will win the preference of God, but the Will of God in the life of each of His children.
We can never completely comprehend the exact meaning and interpretation of the Bible.However, God grants us the precious gift of the Bible to explain our lives and show His character and love for us.Fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Lord through Bible learning is really a ‘delicious feast’ to fill our hearts.
Prayer points
1. Thank the Lord that we have hired Minea, one of our dorm students, to work part time with us, taking over Isaac’s position.Thank you for praying for this.
2.Pray for the communication and unity of our mission team, which consists of missionaries from different cultures
3. The piglet scheme at Coconut village now has only 12 piglets left out of an original total of 27.The scheme will end in February next year. Please pray for the leaders there that God will grant them strength and compassion to help their members
4. Pray for the preparation work for the cross cultural studies trip from Spring Arbor University in January 2008
5. My Khmer tutor found a job and I need to find another tutor
John 5:39Davis Lam()
Cambodia Mail Address: P.O Box 602, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Davis Lam
