Profiles in Courage - Phillip Jensen

Heb 10:32-12:2 / 1 Cor 16:13

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."

Courage:

- Facing opposition, enduring pain for the sake of some greater good.

- Often physical consequences, though of spiritual value.

- Is NOT the absence of fear.

- Change >> Opposition to Change >> Suffering

"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions." Heb 10:32-34

- Conversion - change in thoughts, actions, attitudes and life.

- Opposition to this change ie persecution v34 these Christians lost their property and possessions

- Now the temptation is to slacken off; to lose the enthusiasm; to return to the way of the World ... it's so hard to always be the 'odd one out'

- The answer:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Heb 12:1

- This takes courage.

- Previous chapter Heb 11 - profiles of Courage/Faith - hero after hero have faith in common

- Faith is the key to courageous living

- What faith does: gives us assurance of the future, convinces us of the outcome, commends us to God (v1-2)

- It's not your faith that matters: it's the object of that faith. (What's holding you up? The chair or your faith in the chair? Not sure? Try sitting on your faith.)

- In Heb 11, they trusted, relied and depended on God: his promise of eternal life, and they lived their life according to His promise. eg Abraham

- Living by faith: we look forward to receiving our promise; thus we can "joyfully accept the confiscation of our property, because we know that we ourselves have better and lasting possessions"

- The testimony and witness of all the heroes of faith who didn't receive eternal life, didn't receive the Kingdom of God - use their example and inspiration and encouragement 'surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses'

- 'let us run the race marked out for us.' - God has laid the race out for us; no shortcuts; no turning back.

* throw off everything that hinders - deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Christ

* throw off the sin that so easily tangles - the thorns in the Parable of the Sower

* run with perseverance and endurance - long distance marathon; this is why we need courage and faith

* let us fix our eyes on Jesus - keep our eye on our Leader, model of living by faith, model of courage 'who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'

+ The shame: being cursed/rejected by his Father. He, who knew no sin became sin, bore the sin of the world, bore the Father's wrath, God turned his back on Jesus and left him to die.

+ And yet ... 'not my will, but your will be done'

+ Jesus trusted God that thru the Cross - Jesus would triumph in victory; that somehow thru his death, he would rise to glory.

+ The race/path laid out for Christ was the Cross- he ran it with endurance, resolutely setting his face towards Jerusalem

+ All for the joy set before him: joy of conquering Satan, joy of rescuing humanity, joy of glory and triumph, joy of obeying God

- Men of Courage = Men of Faith

- Life is about dying in this fallen world; about opposition, about persecution

- Suffering >> Glory

- We may suffer ... but we are not defeated!

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,

'If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?'

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Pet 4:12-19

do not be discouraged ...

Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 2 Thess 1:4-7

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:10

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 1 Tim 3:12

hsc study conference!!

Dates: Saturday 1st - Friday 7th July 2006 (Specifically for Asians)
Location: Crosslands Conference Centre, Galston
Cost: $350 ($330 if application and payment received before May 26)
Director: Chris Lung

HSC Study Conferences are week long study programs to help students get into good routines of studying for their exams. Conferences are residential and are held at quality venues throughout the state. All meals and accommodation are provided so students can focus on their work.

Ultimately the supervised study sessions are the major benefit of these conferences, removing distractions and allowing good routines to be established.

Tutors are available to ensure students are working towards their goals and to provide assistance in many subjects.

The conferences also involve a daily presentation from the Bible along with discussion groups to allow students to examine the claims of Jesus Christ. The conferences are open to all students currently in year 12, to study, become motivated and to consider that there's more to life than the HSC. (RICE, anyone?)

>> Supervised Study Sessions
There's six hours of supervised study a day. More than you would do at home.
+ Tuition
We offer tuition in English, Maths & Science plus other subjects depending on tutors. There's a high tutor to student ratio and last year over 180 tutors were involved in helping people just like you achieve their full potential.
- Distractions
You won't be tempted to check what's in the fridge, surf the net or even clean you room!
+ Motivation
With many other students just like you studying, the motivation is there and it's so much easier.
+ Guilt free relaxation
There's plenty of free time and social activities to break up the day and get to know new people.
+ Been thinking there's more to life than the HSC
All conferences include a daily quality presentation from the Bible and interactive discussion of Christianity where you can ask the questions you want. You definitely don't need to be a Christian, many people who've come in the past haven't been Christians, but you will participate in these relevant discussions.
= A great opportunity to achieve to your potential

>> A typical day at study conference looks like this:
06:00 - 07:30 Optional study session (1.5 hrs)
08:15 - 10:30 Morning study session (2.25 hrs)
11:00 - 12:30 Bible talk and discussion
13:30 - 16:00 Free time and afternoon tea
16:00 - 18:00 Afternoon study session (2 hrs)
19:15 - 21:00 Evening study session (1.75 hrs)
21:00 - 22:30 Free time or activity

*

Sounds almost too good to be true!! [find out more]

spiritual hunger

This post has been a long time coming you could say. What I mean by this is that these thoughts have been flitting in and out of my mind since the beginning of this year; though I've had chances to reflect upon them... it's taken me so long to be able to string them together in coherent sentences simply because I keep putting it off until I have "time" which is ironic really as I don't have time and even when I do; there are many other things I'd rather do than analyse my thoughts.

I've been feeling spiritually low ever since KYLC. There are many reasons for this, including pressure of year 12, loss of friends, rapid changes in environment, and other problems. It's like I'm thirsty beyond compare and everytime I go to EYF or church I am given one drop of water to drink. It is so refreshing but only for a little while- and it makes me more thirsty afterwards.

One of the worst things about it is that it is ongoing. It is not like a problem where all I need to do is talk to someone, get some advice, and lo and behold! My problem's gone. No- they're just bandaid solutions. So what can I do? Nothing. I am a weak, sinful human being with neither the wisdom nor the strength to help myself. I can only trust in God who I know is faithful and sovereign.

He's taught me a few fair things over the past months; though I do ask myself sometimes why they have to be such hard lessons. One is not to take things given by God for granted, for the Lord gives and He also takes away. Yet who am I to question Him? For in all things He works for my good- to make me more like Christ. Though I am blind and cannot see how, since I've been most unChristlike and been floundering in my faith all year... but I put my trust in Him because that's all I've got sustaining me.

Life is in itself; an immense struggle, it seems to me. And I have no right to be happy, to be safe, to be loved. Everything that I am and I have is a gift from our merciful God. So I pray that He would teach me how to be content, and that even if everything I hold dear in my life is taken from me, I would still have hope. Hope that one day all sorrow and loss and pain and death will be taken away and we will be His people and He will be our God.

assessment antics

we had our geography assessment this morning: mid year exam, 2 and 1/2 hours, worth 25%... i've been studying for a week now on our two topics... and needless to say, everyone was feeling quite stressed!

though once i started getting into the paper, my nerves vanished... i just had to be careful with time management in order to leave enough time to finish two essays at the end.

the funniest thing happened during the exam though... silly juniors were outside having recess and making the biggest racket ie screaming and laughing (why they have to do that outside the canteen is beyond me!) anyway, two girls were outside our door, and one of them had their back to the door, and i don't think she realised it was open. so she leaned against it, and half fell through. both of them were quite loud, and our supervising teacher was so annoyed at them, he growled "GET OUT!" and pushed them outside! when i was in year 7, i was petrified of this teacher (even now i'm still slightly nervous around him...) but anyway, most of us were laughing after this happened =P

mother's day!

tomorrow is the one day of the year that it is cool to be seen with your mum... haha nah my mum is very cool- she's the one who got me into watching cricket and rugby can u believe it?

i always wonder what sort of things people get for their mums on mother's day. most of the time it's flowers or chocolate... but who's to say what's the perfect gift that really says "I love you"?

me and my sister are going to wake up extra early tomorrow morning and make pancakes for breakfast as our gift. hopefully we can do it quietly so that she comes to the kitchen tomorrow and gets a nice surprise!

in case ur suddenly panicking because u forgot it was mother's day (although there have been ads everywhere for the past 3 weeks) i shall graciously allow you to borrow my idea!

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, stirred or sifted before measuring
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation:
1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine egg and milk; add to flour mixture, stirring only until smooth.
3. Blend in melted butter.
4. Cook on a hot, greased griddle, using about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
5. Cook until brown on one side, flip and cook till brown on the other side.
6. Serves 4

athletics carnival

yesterday we went to Homebush for our last Athletics Carnival... it was sad to think that it would be our last time to compete with 1000 other students for the prized seats on the train... ahh good memories...

the tug-of-war was especially fun.. everyone starts screaming into the faces of those pulling the ropes as if screaming louder helps them to pull harder! there'd be a bunch of people chanting "Pull! Pull!" while random others shout out advice like "dig your feet in!!" and absolute mayhem when our side wins- such craziness and high spirits... i will surely miss it...

hsc timetable is out!!!!!

ohh man...

http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/events/hsc_06_info.html

i'm sooo annoyed! they're all quite close together =( my only solace is that i finish 2 weeks before the last exam so that means i have 3 weeks before formal...

this year it's from Thursday 19th October till Wednesday 15th November... normally it's meant to be over a course of a month isn't it? why did they have to squish all the exams together?!

My exams:
Friday 20th Oct- English Paper 1
(weekend)

Monday 23rd Oct- English Paper 2
Tuesday 24th Oct- Geography
(gap of about a week)

Monday 30th Oct- Maths Ext 2
Tuesday 31st Oct- Software
Wednesday 1st Nov- Maths Ext 1
(gap of half a week)

Monday 6th Nov- Biology

*

ohh i'm going to be sooo stressed out at the end of October- three exams in three days!! at least i don't have 2 exams on the one day... and all my exams except for Software are in the morning, which i prefer.

set to launch

Finally, the unveiling of the brand new EYF site! A joint project by me and Doug, me in charge of designing it, and him in charge of everything else! haha



http://www.cabc-wr.org/eyf

There's profiles of individual leaders, the calendar/roster for the coming year, resources such as EYF music and library list plus great links if you're in the mood for procrastination!

how well do u know me?

We did this at EYF last night. Lots of fun and very interesting!

Of the following statements about me, 1 is false and 3 are true. Pick which one is false!

--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Auntie Anna is my aunt; literally. As in, I'm her niece!
2. I have moved houses more times than I've changed cars.
3. My sister was born in Singapore.
4. I own half a dog as a pet.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Hehe me and bea had so much fun making these up on the way home =P

girl stuff

we've been talking a lot about formals at school lately. mostly about whether or not we'll bring anyone, and how and when we would ask them... which brings me to a question: is it harder for guys to ask girls out, or girls to ask guys out?

because the thought of asking a guy to the formal is almost equivalent to asking him out... i'm talking about the level of nervousness. and some of us even have "strategies" like asking him over messenger or just casually raising the issue by saying "hmm... i don't have anyone to bring to my formal ..." and coz for us, formal is a big deal!

but it sort of feels weird to be asking a guy, instead of the other way around. though for me personally, if they don't want to go i don't feel crushingly rejected... coz i'm perfectly happy to go by myself anyway because i hear from a lot of older girls that they had a better time just with their bunch of friends.

oh and another question.. if a girl asks a guy to her formal, should he offer to pay? and should he pay or should the girl pay for him?

haha after watching Yellow Fever i think that it's harder for guys to ask girls out!! only because they usually don't have the guts! (sorry i know i'm generalising! hehe)

welcome back to school...

holidays was definitely better. today was, by normal accounts, quite a bad day.

the biggest thing was that the server on which all our major projects for software were on - crashed - and all our work is gone. three of us had backup copies, but for the others; there's only a small hope that it will be recovered.

which is really really bad news because it means the teachers have to find a way to make sure no one has an advantage over anyone else; probably end up re-structuring our whole assessment schedule... maybe even scrap the entire major project! and i did a LOT of work on software during the holidays; now it feels like it's completely wasted.

oh, and my software assessment from last term i didn't do as well as i'd hoped. i hate questions where i get them wrong because i mis-interpret information. it's something i don't do often, but it's so hard when i do because i don't know how i'm supposed to improve on it! 4 marks... just down the drain pretty much..

finally, today i realised i've lost my jumper. *tears* i LOVE my black jumper and i don't think i'll ever see it again. it's especially bad because winter is almost upon us and now is the time when i'll really really really need it =(

i've been searching all over my house for it... mum and dad have helped too; but i can't find it anywhere. i keep trying to remember back to the last day of last term... i'm 100% sure i had it in my bag; and bea tells me i didn't leave it at pennant hills library; so by process of elimination, it should be at home?! sigh...