Is God the Commander of your life or do you only see Him as your help in times of need? In this message, Rev. Jeremiah Cheung urges us to learn from Joshua and grow in our relationship with God. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
Joshua 5:13-15

Discussion Questions

1. What is your personal takeaway from today’s message?

2. The commander of the Lord’s army is the Lord Jesus Christ. Has there been a time when God is your friend? Your enemy? Your commander? Reflect: Are you on God’s side?

3. The Lord Jesus is completely holy. What is your understanding of ‘holiness’ (refer to Isaiah 6 and Luke 5)? What is the difference between the theology of cats and dogs? Reflect: Is Jesus the Lord and Commander of your life?

4. Read Joshua 5:10. The Lord Jesus’ sword was already drawn. Why was Joshua not slain?

5. Reflect on the year that has passed. With a time of silence, a humble heart, and a God, how have you encountered Jesus? How would you like to respond to your encounter/s?

The post Encounters with God (13) | Joshua and the Commander appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

The birth of Jesus Christ was revealed to different people through various signs – each signifying an aspect of God’s salvation plan for mankind. In this Christmas message, Rev. Jeremiah Cheung shares a holistic interpretation of our Savior’s birth.. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
Matt 1:18-23, 2:1-12, Luke 2:11-12

Discussion Questions

1. What is your personal takeaway from today’s message?

2. How is the virgin conception and birth a sign that a Savior has been born for us? Read 1 Timothy 1:15 and Isaiah 7:14.

3. How is the bright star a sign that a King was born for us? Read Matt 2:10-11 and Psalm 16:4. What do gold, frankincense, and myrrh represent?

4. How is being born in a manger a sign that a poor and humble Son of Man was born for us?

5. With these signs, is there anything hindering you to come to Jesus? Has there been a time when you doubted Jesus as your Savior? Do you struggle with embracing the fact that He has saved you from ALL your sins? How would you like to respond to today’s message?

The post Encounters with God (12) | The Savior’s Birth and Its Signs appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

When we love Jesus above all else, we can’t help but offer Him our best. In this message, Ptr. Genesis Tan helps us understand the significance of Mary’s lavish offering to Jesus. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
John 12:1-8

Discussion Questions

1. Read the passage. What word or verse struck you the most?

2. According to verses 1 to 3, in what ways did Mary show her lavish love to Jesus?

• What does her act of honoring Jesus with a lavish gift imply?
• Why did Mary anoint and wipe Jesus’ feet? How do you see “sitting at Jesus’ feet”? Share your reflections.
• Why would Mary use her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet? In what ways do you value what others think more than what God thinks of you?

3. In verses 4 to 6, how did Judas respond to Mary’s devotion to Jesus? Heart check: What is my motive in following Christ? Has there been a time that I felt it’s a waste to love and follow Jesus?

4. In verses 7 to 8, how did Jesus respond to Mary’s devotion to Him (read Mark 14:6 and 9)?

5. In this passage, Mary showed her lavish love for Jesus. How did Jesus show His lavish love for you? How did God speak to you through this message? How would you like to respond to it?

The post Encounters with God (11) | Mary and the Perfume appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed or depressed? Take heart, because even a prophet like Elijah had his share of difficult times. The Lord knew what Elijah needed then and he knows exactly what we need now. We just have to listen and follow His still small voice. In this message, Rev. Jeremiah Cheung shows us how. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
1 Kings 19:9-18

Discussion Questions

1. Read the passage. What word or verse struck you the most?

2. Why did Elijah suffer from depression? Is psychological warfare real? What effect did being too tired have on Elijah? What are the results of comparing oneself with others? In what way can you relate with Elijah’s experience?

3. Why did God want Elijah to get up and eat?

• Why did God ask him, “What are you doing here?”
• Why did God ask Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord?
• Why did God say to him, “Go back…”?

4. How did Elijah stand up again despite his weakness? In where you are now, how can you stand up again?

5. Personally, what is your learning from Elijah’s encounter with God?

The post Encounters with God (10) | Elijah and the Gentle Whisper appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

Isaiah’s life changed when he encountered the holy Lord in a vision. In this message by Rev. Jeremiah Cheung, let us learn how to focus our worship and ministry on God through Isaiah’s example. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
Isaiah 6:1-8

Discussion Questions

1. Read the passage. What is your understanding of the passage? What is your greatest takeaway from this message?

2. Read v. 1. What did Isaiah see in the vision? This vision changed his life. During your worship time, what is your focus? Reflect: Who do you want to meet? Who/What is your “King Uzziah”? What preparations should we do so that we will be able to truly see God during our times of worship?

3. Read v. 5. What was Isaiah’s cry after he saw the vision of worship in heaven? Why did he do so? How about you, how do you see yourself? Read vv. 6-7 and share your thoughts and reflections on these.

4. Read v. 8. After Isaiah was cleansed, he heard the call of God. How did he respond? What are the 3 stages of serving God? In which stage are you presently? Read 1Cor. 15:9 and 1Tim.1:15 and share what can you learn from Paul’s example?

5. What hinders you from serving the Lord or what are the challenges in serving the Lord? Read vv. 8 and 11. What do you want to see, hear, and do?

The post Encounters with God (9) | Isaiah and the Throne appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

God calls us to restore our broken family relationships as we deepen our faith in Him. In this message, Rev. Jeremiah Cheung shows us how an encounter with God led Abraham and Sarah to strengthen their faith and re-establish their marriage. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
Genesis 18:9-15

Discussion Questions

1. What is your greatest takeaway from this message?

2. Read vv. 10-12. God wanted to re-establish their marriage relationship. What problems did their marriage have? Read Genesis 13-16 for the state of their marriage. Marriage problems often stem from small issues that got accumulated. What do you think is the real problem? How can it be resolved?

Read Gen 23:1-3. What does marriage represent for you? How’s your relationship with God?

3. God wanted to rebuild their faith in Him. How did God renew Abraham’s faith? (Read Genesis 17.) How did God renew Sarah’s faith? How is Sarah’s secret laughter different from her laughter after Isaac was born?

4. In this passage, how have Abraham and Sarah encountered God?

5. How has God been building/rebuilding your faith? How would you like to respond to God’s message?

The post Encounters with God (8) | Sarah and her Secret Laughter appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

If we are in Jesus Christ, we know that our troubles will ultimately work for good and that God will use our testimonies to reveal Himself to others. In this message by Ptr. Mike Cariño, let us learn from the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
Daniel 3

Discussion Questions

1. What is your main takeaway from this message?

2. What were Daniel and his 3 friends going through?

3. Read vv. 1-18. The power of God is our confidence when we have troubles. Has there been a time when your faith or conviction was challenged? Please share. Read Ps 27:1-2, Isa 26:3-4, Jer 15:20. How has knowing God’s power helped you in times of troubles and hardships?

4. Read vv. 19-27. The presence of God is our comfort when we need trust. Do you struggle with knowing that God’s presence is with you? Please share. When was the last time you experienced God’s presence?

5. Read vv. 28-30. The praise for God is our cause when we achieve triumph. What was King Nebuchadnezzar’s response to the testimony for the 3 men? Does your testimony also cause people to praise God?

6. When we endure trials to stand for God, our testimonies help others know our God. Are you in a ‘flaming furnace’ right now? In what areas of your life is God speaking to you through this message?

The post Encounters with God (7) | Daniel’s Three Friends and the Fiery Furnace appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

God’s power is revealed in our weaknesses. In this message by Rev. Jeremiah Cheung, let us learn from Paul and the thorn in his flesh to understand God’s sufficient grace. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Discussion Questions

1. What is your greatest takeaway from this message? Please share.

2. Read v. 10. Paul had a thorn in his flesh. What do you think it was? How did this thorn help Paul understand himself? Do you have a thorn in your life? How has that thorn helped you understand yourself? Why didn’t Paul boast about his experience with 3rd heaven (vv. 6-7)? How is his experience similar to Moses’? Reflect: What are you boasting about?

3. Read vv. 8-9. The thorn helped Paul understand that God’s grace is sufficient for him. How is ‘thorn’ different from ‘cross’? What are the 2 principles? How do you identify with these two principles? Compare ‘sufficiency’ and ‘thorn’. In your experience, how is God’s grace sufficient?

4. Read vv. 9-10. The thorn helped Paul understand God’s power. Peter also understands this through his weaknesses. Have you experienced God’s power in your weaknesses? Please share. What were the 3 responses of Paul? What is your response when faced with a thorn?

5. How is the so-called ‘Prosperity Gospel’ of today different from the ‘Gospel of Weakness’ Paul talked about? What are your thoughts on these two theological theories?

The post Encounters with God (6) | Paul and the Thorn appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

Only God can satisfy the thirst in our souls. In this message by Rev. Jeremiah Cheung, discover the Living Water through the Samaritan woman’s conversation with Jesus. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
John 4:1-30

Discussion Questions

1. What is your greatest takeaway from this message? Please share.

2. The Living Water amazes people (vv. 9 and 27). Why were the disciples amazed? Describe Jesus’ ways and compare to the thinking of the disciples. In what ways has God amazed you? How is the Living Water the grace of God?

3. The Living Water satisfies people (vv. 13-14). What are the 2 kinds of water and 2 kinds of thirst? What are the things the Samaritan woman pursued to seek satisfaction? Read Luke 16:24. What are the things you consider as important in your life right now? How do these bring you satisfaction?

4. The Living Water makes people know themselves and the Savior. Read vv. 7-8, 15, 25-26. How did Jesus lead the Samaritan into knowing herself (4 points)? What did she learn about herself? What is Jesus leading you to know about yourself? Who/What is your “husband” that you go to for satisfaction in place of Jesus?

5. The Living Water transforms people’s lives. Read vv. 28-29, 39. In what ways was the Samaritan transformed?

6. In what way can Jesus satisfy your thirst? How would you like to respond to Jesus’ leading in your life now? Do you resonate with the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus? Please share.

The post Encounters with God (5) | The Samaritan Woman and the Living Water appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

God’s gift of salvation is available to all who will accept it and believe. In this message by Rev. Jeremiah Cheung, let us learn through Naaman’s experience how humility is the key to receiving the grace of God. Audio and video for this message are now available.

Scripture Passage
2 Kings 5:1-15

Discussion Questions

1. What is your greatest takeaway from this message? Please share.

2. Leprosy is used in the Bible to symbolize sin. How are the two similar? How is sin destructive? Humans have 6 desires. What are these? Compare before and after sin came. Do you struggle with any of these now?

3. How are leprosy and sin dreadful (Rom. 3:23 and Heb. 9:27)? Naaman, King of Aram, and King of Israel all were helpless. Is there anything you feel helpless in? What are the 3 desires in the OT (Gen. 3:16, Song 7:10, & Gen. 4:7).

4. In those days, there was no cure for leprosy, the same with sin. Why did Naaman bring so many gifts? What was Naaman’s response to Elisha (v.11-12)? God gave the gospel as sin’s only solution, but how come the world refuse to accept the gospel? How can we accept the gospel?

5. How did Naaman encounter God in this passage? In what ways have you tried to solve your own sins? For you, what is being ‘born again’? What does the Bible say about it?

The post Encounters with God (4) | Naaman and His Leprosy appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.