St Andrew's Church, Brunei

In order to understand this passage, we are to remind ourselves that people of the Old Testament often offer sacrifices to temporarily atone for their sins, they were not perfect. They did not purify anything and never truly dealt with sin and judgment.  Hebrews 9:23-28 tells us that Jesus’ sacrifice was perfect. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice In the Old Testament, every year the high priest had to return year after year into the Holy of Holies to represent the people before God with the blood of the sacrificial animals on Yom Kippur. The blood of animals was never going to permanently atone for sin which is why the high priest had to repeat it year after year. Jesus’s sacrifice did not need to be repeated. He did not have to suffer and die over again. On the cross, judgment for our sins was taken away. Legally, this means that our sins were annulled or cancelled. It was a perfect sacrifice because it took away judgment for all those who placed their faith in Him once and for all. We have be

Nowadays, youthfulness is a relative word. Today's sermon touches on the credibility of a person. How can we be credible? ----------------------------------------- Stay connected: Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/st.andrews.parish.bsb/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/standrewschurchbsb Website: sacbrunei.org YouTube Channel: St. Andrew's Church BSB WhatsApp: +673 820 6850

 July 24th Devotion Hebrews 7:20-28 Jesus, our High priest   In the old testament we learn and see that there is a barrier between God and man. A barrier that separates them from having a one on one relationship and conversation with God. However, this was not always the case. When God first created man, He was able to walk alongside Adam, and to talk with Him and to have a conversation as if He was right next to you. But because Adam and Eve disobeyed, that one on one relationship with God that once existed is now gone. No longer were the people of the old testament able to freely talk to God or listen to Him.   Thus came the roles of the High priest to become an intercessor to the believers. They were able to communicate with God, and to give instructions, and teachings, guiding believers and helping them with their growth to God. These high priests however were not perfect, just like other people, they were also sinful and as verse 17 shows that high priests have to still offer sacr

Have you met people who refuse to grow up? There are some adults who prefer to remain as children because they do not want to take on adult responsibilities. Not only is immature behaviour unpleasant to observe or deal with, the consequences are often destructive. In Hebrews 5:11-14, the writer expresses his frustration that some members of the church were refusing to grow into spiritual maturity. They were no longer trying to understand God’s word (v 11). Instead of taking on the responsibility of teaching others as they themselves had been taught, they needed to be taught the basics all over again (v12). Therefore, they were unable to take on “solid food” which is for mature Christians, and they were not able to distinguish good from evil (v14) or to understand teaching about righteousness (v13). Spiritual maturity is a necessary part of our walk with God. Remaining as a spiritual infant means that you are not good at discerning right from wrong and you will have a hard time maintain

The sermon series on Equip The Saint continues. This topic will covers on a i. Self-love that depends on external voices ii. Self-love that depends on self iii. Self-love that depends on God Have a blessed Sunday and stay safe. God bless. --- Stay connected: Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/st.andrews.p ... Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/standrewschu ...

July 24th Devotion Hebrews 7:20-28 Jesus, our High priest   In the old testament we learn and see that there is a barrier between God and man. A barrier that separates them from having a one on one relationship and conversation with God. However, this was not always the case. When God first created man, He was able to walk alongside Adam, and to talk with Him and to have a conversation as if He was right next to you. But because Adam and Eve disobeyed, that one on one relationship with God that once existed is now gone. No longer were the people of the old testament able to freely talk to God or listen to Him.   Thus came the roles of the High priest to become an intercessor to the believers. They were able to communicate with God, and to give instructions, and teachings, guiding believers and helping them with their growth to God. These high priests however were not perfect, just like other people, they were also sinful and as verse 17 shows that high priests have to still offer sacri

Psalm 116:1-2 says, “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live." In this Psalm David didn’t say that he loved the Lord because he got everything he ever asked for or because things were going really smoothly in life – no, he said he loved the Lord because he trusted and believed that the Lord was listening and in that, the Lord would work in his sovereignty to protect and provide for him. David then goes on to say these words: “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Our God is merciful. The lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116: 5-7 David is calling back to mind who the Lord is, what He has done and reminding his soul that the Lord is still trustworthy. David isn’t waiting for the feeling or the sign that his problems are over, instead, he is choosing to rest i

 Tuesday Devotion Made Perfect Through Suffering  Today’s passage is Hebrews 2:10-18 In verse 9 we read that, Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a little while, and in doing so, he became subject to death. He suffered death so that he might taste death for everyone! Jesus suffered the pain of death because he needed to experience death for us, in our place. And so, the author continues in verse 10 saying: “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” Let us meditate this morning in this verse, in which the author tells us many things.  First, He tells us that in order for God to bring us to glory— in order for God to save us, God had to perfect Jesus— who is the Pioneer of our salvation— and he had to subject him to suffering. And  “it was fitting that God” should do so. I was pondering why “it was fitting that God” should do so. It simply means

[11.07.21]  We are honored to have Ps Palan to share with us this Sunday on The Parable of the Talents. Are you fearful or joyful of Christ's return? God has created you with talents, there are no chances in the world that God didnt give you a talent. We apologize for the delay. Thank you and have a blessed day ahead!  

 Saturday Devotion: 10 July 2021- Jeremiah 2 In this chapter, God told Jeremiah to tell His people to submit themselves to the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. The prophets from the nation of Israel resisted and instead prophesy against God’s instructions to come under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. God instructed Jeremiah to make bonds and yokes, devices placed upon the neck of an ox or other beasts to bring them under control. This was a visual illustration to God’s people that they are to submit to God’s instructions however surprising it sounds. The prophets of Judah encouraged the people by telling them what they want to hear by rebelling against Babylon. Submission to God This was a difficult command for the people of God to accept. The idea of submission to someone else’s idea or plan which does not correspond with your ways is difficult to accept. We all want control of our lives and control over situations which we think we can handle. Just think about how d

 Thursday Devotion, 8/7/21 Today’s passage: Philemon1:1-16 Philemon is Paul’s shortest and most personal letter, written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome. Philemon, the main recipient of the letter, was possibly a wealthy man from Colossae. Doubtless, one of Philemon’s slaves was named Onesimus. He was a runaway, had stolen from his master, Philemon and under a capital offense. So, Paul made a request. He wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus, to accept the slave as a brother in Christ, and to consider sending Onesimus back to Paul, as the apostle found him useful in God’s service (1:11–14). Paul did not minimize Onesimus’s sin. His letter to Philemon presents in full color the beautiful and majestic transition from slavery to kinship that comes as a result of Christian love and forgiveness. He wanted Onesimus, to be accepted not as a second-class citizen, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Vs 8, 10). PUT ON THE NEW MAN IN CHRIST Do you remember what was Paul before He met Jesus

 Tuesday Devotion: Titus 3:3-7 Personal Surrender Paul’s letter to Titus emphasizes that we all need a Savior; for we ourselves were once foolish and disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another (Titus 3:3), and a Savior is exactly what God provided. But God’s acceptance of us is based not on our works but on faith in Christ’s work. When we first become a Christian, we consider the question, “will you invite Jesus into your life?”. But years later, we come to a realization that actually, we were the ones saved and He has invited us into His house. Often times, during our walk with God, we think that Jesus did his part on the cross, now we are supposed to do our part. He died for us, now we should live for Him. Our call can be so much greater than that. Jesus did not only die for us, but he also rose again. His resurrection life and power is now in and available to all who trust in Him. Jes

So Far Joseph, son of Jacob sold into slavery served at Potiphar’s home now serving at Pharoah’s court became the Saviour of Egypt, and Canaan was re-united with his brothers now to be re-united with his father, Jacob Genesis 46: 31 to 47: 31 Family in Egypt Jacob sends Judah ahead The family has arrived in Egypt Jacob sends Judah ahead Joseph meets his father at Goshen Joseph instructs his brothers on what to say when they meet Pharoah Joseph went to Pharoah, bringing along 5 brothers and his father Jacob blesses Pharoah twice Famine worsens People came to Joseph for grain They bought grain with money, livestock and with their lives Joseph re-located the people He instituted a grain policy of 80-20 Joseph A Great example of God's providence A wonderful testament of God being in charge Integrity and Character An example of great leadership But what about Jacob? son of Isaac & Rebekah, brother of Esau deceiver/supplanter Traded for his brother’s bi

When we grow spiritually, sins become less and less attractive; more and more disgusting. The sermon series on Equip The Saint continues.  Have a blessed Sunday and stay safe. God bless.  ---  Stay connected:  Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/st.andrews.parish.bsb/  Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/standrewschurchbsb YouTube Channel: St. Andrew's Church BSB ---

What does it mean to be a Christian? To some it may mean praying before you eat, to others it may mean attending church on Sundays and singing songs followed by a sermon, and again others may only be Christians not by choice but because their parents are Christians. But what does it really mean to be a Christian? To be a Christian means to be a follower of Jesus, or in other words, a disciple of Jesus. It doesn’t just mean going to church on Sundays and doing nothing else on other days, but it means to journey with Christ daily, to build a relationship with Him, through prayer, through reading the Bible, through fellowship with other people, and helping each other to grow in the word and grow in Christ.  But we also have a duty as Christians.  We are called to make disciples. We are called to lead people to Christ. We are put here to be disciples of Christ, and that means to make disciples of Christ. Our life on earth is a “mission trip” because our true home is up in heaven. We don’t

List down some characteristics of leadership that you would expect of leaders: --- Then compare your list with Paul's list.  "...if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. ... must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."  (Titus 1:6‭-‬9) Which of these characteristics caught your attention and why? Consider these then. Today it is common to look up to successful leaders that are super rich or super smart and creative or communicate well or charismatic. It is 90% on the outward and 10% on the inward.  The lists from Titus is so different. Recently I read in a Christian article of what God