Pentecost • 3

Introduction to Pentecost Season

The Season of Pentecost, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, marks a pivotal moment for Christians worldwide. Pentecost, originally a Jewish feast known as Shavuot, celebrated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It occurs fifty days after Passover, symbolizing the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot, which highlights both agricultural and spiritual harvests in Jewish life.

Just as God gave the Law at Sinai to His ancient Israelite people at Pentecost back then, after Christ’s ascension, God poured out His Holy Spirit to empower a new people of God, to obey the Law of Christ, and to continue His work in the world. Hence, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2), not only fulfilled Jesus' promise to send a helper and comforter after His ascension, it also signified the birth of the Church and the beginning of its mission to spread the Gospel. The Presence and Power of Christ through the baptism and the filling of Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the message of Jesus Christ with boldness, crossing language and cultural barriers, and uniting diverse peoples (both Jews and non-Jews) under the lordship of Christ.

Particularly for the members of the Centre of New Life, as we enter the Season of Pentecost, we enter a new season with a call to “Grow Stronger”, to live out the Gospel in our daily lives, exercising the gifts He has given us, as members of Christ's mystical Body, the Church, and particularly within our Kampongs and Life Groups. It is a time to embrace the Holy Spirit's power, continue the mission of the early Church, and embody the teachings of Christ in our interactions and service to Him, at home, work and play. This Pentecost season, let us step-up to be active participants in God's ongoing work in the world, so that as God’s serving sons and daughters, we might grow in friendship and together, we continue to spread His love, grace, and truth in all that we do.

reading for: Tuesday Night, 4 Jun

mark 3:20-35

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    Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35

    20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” 31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

    Commentary

    Jesus went home and the crowd gathered again so that they could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to seize him for they were saying that Jesus was out of his mind.

    The scribes who came down from Jerusalem though they had saw the miracles that Jesus had done, did not believe Jesus and instead believe that Jesus casted out demons by the prince of demons. Though they studied the law, they did not recognise the Lord in front of them.  Jesus called them to him and told them how can Satan cast out Satan? And if a house is divided against himself. The house will not stand. No, the one that can cast out Satan must be divine because only then can he bind Satan. Jesus warns them that whoever blasphemies against the Holy Spirit does not have forgiveness for they said that Jesus has an unclean spirit. What Jesus was saying to them is that he did this by the Spirit of God and to fail to recognise the work of the Spirit and to call it demonic is to be guilty of an eternal sin.

    Finally, his mother and brothers came, sent to him and called him. A crowd called to Jesus and told him that his mother and brothers were seeking him. Jesus answered them that the one that does the will of God is his mother, brother and sister. Jesus was not being cheeky or disrespectful, but he was telling them that obedience to the will of God was what mattered.  Just as he obeyed the work of God, his mother and brothers had to also obey the word of God.

    Jesus is telling his hearers to recognise the work of God that is happening around them, they were not to call it satanic. They were instead to obey the voice of God and perform the work of God. Those who did the will of God are the brother, sister and mother of God.

  • REFLECT

Jesus taught his hearers the importance of recognising the work of God and obeying the word and work of God. He warned the scribes and his family of the consequences of disobedience.

Reflect on the following questions:

1.    Are we hearing the words of God regularly? Do we recognise the activity of God around us?

2.      What is one thing that the Lord is calling you to obey him in or what is one activity that you sense that God is doing around you that you can obey him in by recognising and acknowledging him and participating with him in it?

reading for: Wednesday Night, 5 Jun

1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15

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Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking for a king from him. 11 He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and to run before his chariots. 12 And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants. 15 He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. 16 He will take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17 He will take the tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. 18 And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”

19 But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

1 Samuel 11:14-15

14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Commentary

In 1 Samuel 8:4-20, the Israelites come to Samuel with a big demand: they want a king to rule over them, just like all the other nations around them. This moment is a game-changer, marking a shift from being led directly by God through judges to having a human king. The reasons behind their request can teach us a lot about ourselves and our relationship with God.

First, the Israelites wanted strong military leadership and stability. They saw other nations with kings leading their armies and thought a king would protect them better. Today, we might look to political leaders, systems, or even popular figures for a sense of security. Here’s something to think about: Real security comes from God, not people or systems (Psalm 20:7). On a more personal level, when you’re feeling insecure, ask yourself, “Am I trusting God with this?”

Second, the Israelites were tired of the disorganized period of the judges and longed for unity. They believed a king could bring everyone together and provide consistent leadership. Similarly, we might seek unity and order through worldly means instead of through Jesus. Remember, true unity in our community should come from our shared faith and mission (Ephesians 4:3). How are you helping to build unity in your Kampong or Life Group?

Third, the Israelites wanted to fit-in with the nations around them. They thought being like others would bring them success and stability. This desire to conform is something we all face, especially in a world that constantly tells us to fit in. But as sons and daughters and servants of God, we’re called to stand out and be different (Romans 12:2). Where in your life are you trying too hard to fit in? How can you embrace your unique identity in Christ?

When God told Samuel to listen to the people's request for a king, despite it being a rejection of His direct rule, it was a powerful moment. It showed that God respects our free will, even when our choices aren’t the best. This moment is a reminder that our decisions, often driven by fear or the desire to conform, can lead us away from God’s best. But it also shows that God can work through our decisions, guiding us back to His plan.

  • REFLECT

    As we meditate on this passage, let us consider these questions:

    1.     Have there been times in your life where God has used your choices, even the ones made out of fear or conformity, to bring you closer to Him?

    2.     Are there areas in your life where you trust leaders or systems more than you trust God?

    3.     In what ways are you trying to fit in with the world instead of living out your unique identity as a follower of Christ?

    4. How can you take advantage of the upcoming Family Camp to build a sense of unity and community in your Kampong or Life Group?

reading for: THURSDAY Night, 6 Jun

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

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    Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1

    13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

    Commentary

    Paul is writing in this passage to the Church of Corinth from a place of affliction. Paul was facing numerous sufferings and persecutions for the sake of the gospel. He makes it clear that he and his companions with him have the same spirit of faith. They believe that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise them and bring all of them along with the Church of Corinth into his presence. Paul makes it clear that this is for the sake of his hearers so that the grace of God may extend to more people and thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God. He is concerned that the gospel that he preaches takes centre stage, that all of them would be in the presence of God and that thanksgiving would arise to God.

    Because of this confidence, Paul and his companions have hope and do not lose heart even though they are facing persecution and suffering. Though their outer self is wasting away, their inner self is being renewed by the power of the Spirit. More than that, God is preparing an eternal weight of glory for them as they endure suffering for the sake of the gospel. Even though they may die for the sake of the gospel, they would have an eternal house in the heavens.

  • REFLECT

    Paul reminds us that the gospel is central in his life, and it needs to be central in ours. Paul was willing to sacrifice all for the sake of the gospel to gain an eternal weight of glory. In short, Paul was living out Jesus words in Matthew 16:24 to deny himself, take up the cross and follow Jesus and he is exhorting us to do the same.

    Reflect on the following questions:

    1.      What is the gospel? For Paul, the gospel was central. Do we know what the gospel is?

    2.      Paul sacrificed all for the sake of the gospel. He denied himself, took up his cross and followed Jesus. Are we willing to do the same? Would we endure suffering for the sake of the gospel so that he can prepare us for this eternal weight of glory?

reading for: FRIDAY Night, 7 jun

PSALM 138

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    Scripture Reading: Psalm 138

    138:1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

    138:2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

    138:3 On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

    138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

    138:5 They shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.

    138:6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.

    138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.

    138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

    Commentary

    Psalm 138 is Psalm of thanksgiving and praise to the LORD. Considering Psalm 137 is a Psalm that lamented the Psalmist’s inability to sing and praise, Psalm 138 contrasts this with Kings who not just give thanks but sing the ways of the LORD (v. 4-5).

    How are we to give thanks to God our Father and praise Him? How do we sing before other gods and give Him our whole heart at all times and circumstances? (V.1)

    Through the meeting and hearing of the LORD’s voice in times of crisis. By being strengthened in times of weakness (v. 3).

    Being preserved in the midst of troubles and seeing the deliverance of the LORD (v. 7).

    Praise, thanksgiving and song isn't just reserved for the high mountain moments in life. Even in the darkness, even in troubles, the presence and continuing steadfast love of the LORD reigns and stands out (v. 2).

    That continued trust anchored in none other than the LORD Himself and what He will surely do (v. 8) can only bring us to our knees in worship and thanksgiving (v. 2).

  • REFLECT

    If we are going through trials and troubles, we can start by acknowledging how we’re feeling with the Lord. For He accepts and embraces us as we are.

    The second thing we can do is to remember and acknowledge the character of the LORD - He who answers, He who is steadfast love, He who is faithful.

    He who regards the lowly even though He is high. The LORD’s character never changes and is consistent at all times.

    The third thing we can do is to remember how He met us before. How He answered our prayers. How He was faithful to His promises to us.

    Finally, we can then choose to sing praises to Him, giving thanks to Him. The “Goodness of God” is an great song,

    “I love You, Lord

    For Your mercy never fails me

    All my days, I've been held in Your hands

    From the moment that I wake up

    Until I lay my head

    Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God”

Season of LentCNL