B.A.Y - Bukit Arang Youths

darkness + light: after thoughts.

2012-02-13T18:49:00.001+08:00

'you are in the world, but not of the world'

how many times have we heard that quoted before? :)

our first series of the year, 'darkness + light' was intended to encourage us to think about current issues, and how do we live as a christian, facing different challenges to our faith and our walk with God.

how does a youth deal with issues like contentment, when everyone and everything around us, keeps telling us 'you need this' 'you're not complete without this' , just like iphone apps, there are endless updates/upgrades.

in a world that's instant, quick and spontaneous, how does one think about endurance and living for God's Kingdom and have eternity in mind? 'live for the moment! you only live once' or even 'life is short, play hard!'

it kind makes sense, but does it make gospel sense?

so, we've been using the material from this book:

and this is what one of the book reviewers had to say:

"In a fresh and readable style, Vaughan Roberts, issues a challenging call to Christians to live out their faith. We should be different from the world around us - Christians distinctives should set us apart in how we live, think, act and speak.

Targeting difficult but crucial areas such as money and possessions, sexuality, contentment, relativism and service, Roberts helps us to consider how to respond biblically to the temptations and pitfalls surrounding us - giving what we cannot keep to gain what we cannot lose. "

for the leaders who led the series, let's see what they have to say about their experience in sharing the material.

"Which topic did you do, and what was the one take away for u?"

lydia: "I took a topic with Wei Loong about contentment in a discontented world.

I thought this topic was really applicable to all of us especially students as we often face many demands from people around us to keep doing better and better. So i felt that this topic taught me a lot as was preparing for it. I have learnt that being contented is not about something you do, it is not a matter of principle but it is a matter of attitude. It is a attitude or perspective in life that we need to change our mindset in order for this distinctive to be in our lives.

Colossians 2:12 tells us that we have been buried with him and we also were raised together with him. This gives us reason to continue to work towards growing in Christ, and a sustaining hope, that as our heart desires Go; He can and will transform us.
In a nutshell: To learn to live as a contented citizen under King Jesus' rule, and pray that the Holy Spirit in His transforming power can change my heart and my mind to love what is not in this world, but to love the things that matter to Him. "

wei-loong: "Lydia and myself did the topic on contentment. My take away? To be more contented la. Hahaha, kidding kidding.

I think among others, one of my biggest take always is that the Bible exhaustively lays down all the reasons for which we should be contented.

That being the case, to continue living in discontentment is nothing short of utter foolishness.

rachael: "I help led the topic about 'Purity in a sex-crazed world' with Cherie. Often, we tend to think of "purity" as abstaining from pornography and sexual immorality, which is what the world also condemns.

So what makes the Christian distinct?

Preparing the session allowed me to realise that God's view of purity does not just apply to sexuality, but also to dressing and relationships with the opposite sex."

timo: "i was involved in leading a workshop with Yvonne, we were sharing about 'service in a world that looks out only for self'. if u think about it, being kiasu is self centred. the whole 'oh-man, i can lose out to to others' mentality is basically self serving. The world around us tells to 'follow our hearts' and live for your own dreams. While preparing for the series, we were struck that it was not just about being others-centered or looking out less for self, but it's about being Christ centered, and following Jesus's example of service + sacrifice for God's purposes. being others centred, minus the gospel, just leads others to see that we're kind / moral. it doesn't show Christ and His purposes. John 3:30"

'what do u think about the whole series, how has it encouraged you to live for Christ in this world?'

rachael: "The series addressed a range of issues like contentment, self-centredness and instantaneity, which bombard Christians and non-Christians alike. It contextualises the Bible's teachings to today's society, and helps us to see how God's word practically works out in many, thought-to-be-trivial, areas of our lives (e.g. what we wear, the songs we hear, the beauty tips we buy into, etc.).

God's standard is so much higher, so haha, it doesn't seem very encouraging right? BUT knowing what Christ has accomplished for us gives us hope and courage to live for Him instead of worldly pleasures - because this world is only temporal, while His kingdom will last forever!"

lydia: "I think this series has challenged me to see and evaluate how I have been living my life. I always proclaim to people around that I am Christian. But what makes me distinct as a christian? It is because of the verses that I can quote? It has caused me to pray for my own spiritual walk that God continue to open my eyes to the sins that I have been making unintentionally (e.g. like living for the moments) and slowly change me to often think about the kingdom perspective.

But even as I type this my heart is heavy because I know I still fall short in so many ways =( So like everyone else, continue to pray for me and lets keep praying for each other that we will grow together as a church to live for Christ because his kingdom has come, it is not something in the future and God calls as his people now."

wei-loong: " I didnt attend the series so i'm not sure what I think about it. From the workshop on contentment, I think i've been encouraged to look towards Christ and turn away from 'earthly' pursuits.

Matt 6:19-33 gives us 2 reasons why we need not turn to earthly pursuits and hence need not be discontented or worry any further.

First, he tells us that we have an inheritance which is 'heavenly' and which cannot be destroyed by rust or vermin, with this promise, we therefore have every reason to abandon our pursuit of the 'earthly' treasure because the 'earthly' treasure has a limited life span and we shall find that any pursuit of it leads to futility.

Second, he tells us that God provides. If God cares for the birds in the air and the lilies in the field, then all the more will he care for us. Because God is sovereign and he gives to us providence, we need not worry about accumulating earthly things."

timo: "the series takes its key verse from 1 peter 2:9, it shows us that we i) belong to God, ii) we are to declare God's excellent praises, iii) we've been called out of darkness into His wonderful light. In contrast, the world then, i) doesnt acknowledge God, ii) usually quick to slam christian faith and thought to be 'old fashioned' or 'rigid set of rules' iii) is still in darkness.

As Christ's redeemed people, we are to grow and develop a christian worldview based on His Word, and i've been really struck by that! may we not be blind to how the world is shaping our worldview and attitudes.

'..one encouragement for our readers?'

wei-loong: "Most of the time when we learn something in the Bible, resonation within our internal clockwork is a matter of much time and much struggle.

For e.g: when we first learnt that God hates sin and wants us to live a righteous life, did we immediately become become flawless in conduct or didnt we continue to struggle time and over with falling to sin?

Or when we learnt that God wants us to care for other Christians and to lead them into spiritual maturity, did we immediately start loving all our brothers and sisters or didnt we not continue to be concerned mainly for our own interest? The point is that of course we would find that we naturally continue to be worried and discontented and that is because naturally we are all evil and depraved. But it being natural has never been and should never be excuse for us to not strive towards the standard that God wants of us.

No matter what you have learnt in the series, whether it be about contentment or something else, I think we have to realize that if we want to see change in that area, then it would come with a tremendous amount of struggle and difficulty. Internalize God's word, repent, pray, struggle and allow the spirit to transform you."

timo: "hmm. one of the verses in a praise/worship song goes: 'Jesus, your all this heart is living for.' To even begin/start to look at whether culture is shaping our faith and understanding, or is our faith and understanding shaping the culture we live in? yup. that would be good start to think about how we live for Him."

rachael: "Continue to live for God's eternal kingdom, not those fleeting earthly pleasures! :)"

lydia: "One encouragement that I have is God's has immeasurable grace =)

So even though I fail countless of times, I know that God forgives. And I pray that he changes me to be more like him. So for everyone, my greatest hope and treasure that is that God has saved me through faith by His grace.

Something I find baffling but yet so amazing because whenever I reflect and see my sins and unworthiness, I see how great my God is to be able to save me. Sometimes we as humans tend to forget what it means to be saved, but I pray that we will always come back to the knowledge of how we have been saved. i.e the Gospel."

BAY V-Day 2012!

2012-02-02T10:05:00.004+08:00

world gospel

2012-01-18T12:54:00.000+08:00

darkness & light

2012-01-14T13:58:00.000+08:00

1 life publicity videos:

2011-06-28T11:09:00.001+08:00

Treasuring Christ

Clayton's story

christianity explored: 1 life

2011-06-28T10:56:00.001+08:00

ask anything: honest questions about God, the Bible, who Jesus is

eat anything: food!!

talk about anything: real discussions + new friends :D

2nd july - 3rd sept

saturday afternoons: 3pm - 630pm :D

gospel of Mark:1 life. Who was Jesus? Why did he come? How is he relevant to me?

• You don't need to know anything about the Bible.
• You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or sing.
• You can ask any question you want.

10 weeks:

2 July - worth exploring?
9 July - Jesus: who is he?
16 July - Jesus: He came.
23 July - Jesus: He died.
30 July - God accepts us.
6 Aug - Jesus: He lives!

**12-13 Aug - Weekend away (St John's Island)**
- it's tough to follow Christ.
- who is the Holy Spirit.
- the church.
- it's good to talk.

20 Aug - should we believe?
27 Aug - continuing as a christian.
3 Sep - choices.

see u all! saturday 3pm. jio everyone u know!

the Gospel according to BAY?

2011-05-20T11:44:00.003+08:00

The Gospel according to BAY?

21 May - Building God's church thru the Gospel

**28 May - OUTING. girls/guys only outing.
(see your DG leader for more details!)

4 June - the Gospel for everyone: christian/non-christian

11 June - what we do @BAY: how does the Gospel shape us?

1 john 'whoever'

2011-04-09T02:14:00.002+08:00

JUSTIN TAYLOR|11:30 AM CT

“Whoever”: In 1 John

Last week I posted some notes on the “if . . . then” clauses in 1 John. John uses a similar formula with a construction translated in English as “whoever”: whoever does or does not do X, then Y is true or commanded of him. Here is a breakdown along these lines (using the ESV).

Whoever: Righteousness

2:5	Whoever	keeps [Christ's] word	in him truly the love of God is perfected
2:6	Whoever	says he abides in [Christ]	ought to walk in the same way in which he walked
2:10	Whoever	loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.	abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling
2:17	Whoever	does the will of God	abides forever
2:23	Whoever	confesses the Son	has the Father also
3:7	Whoever	practices righteousness	is righteous, as he is righteous
3:24	Whoever	keep[God's] commandments	abides in God, and God in him
4:6	Whoever	knows God	listens to us
4:7	Whoever	loves	has been born of God and knows God
4:15	Whoever	confesses that Jesus is the Son of God	God abides in him, and he in God.
4:16	Whoever	abides in love	abides in God, and God abides in him
4:18	Whoever	fears	has not been perfected in love
4:21	Whoever	loves God	must also love his brother
5:12	Whoever	has the Son	has life

Whoever: Unrighteousness

2:4	Whoever	says “I know [Christ]” but does not keep his commandments	is a liar, and the truth is not in him
2:11	Whoever	hates his brother	is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going
3:8	Whoever	makes a practice of sinning	is of the devil
3:10	Whoever	does not practice righteousness	is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother
3:14	Whoever	does not love	abides in death
4:6	Whoever	is not from God	does not listen to us
5:10	Whoever	does not believe God	has made [God] a liar
5:12	Whoever	does not has the Son	does not has life

1 john

2011-04-01T11:57:00.000+08:00

via http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/

Justin Taylor|12:00 pm CT

“If . . Then” in 1 John

	IF . . .	THEN . . .
1:6	we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness	we lie and do not practice the truth
1:7	we walk in the light, as he is in the light	we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin
1:8	we say we have no sin	we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
1:9	we confess our sins,	he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
1:10	we say we have not sinned	we make him a liar, and his word is not in us
2:1	anyone does sin	we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous
2:3	we keep his commandments	by this we know that we have come to know him
2:15	anyone loves the world	the love of the Father is not in him
2:19	they had been of us	they would have continued with us
2:24	what you heard from the beginning abides in you	you too will abide in the Son and in the Father
2:29	you know that he is righteous	you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
3:17	anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him	how does God’s love abide in him?
3:21	our heart does not condemn us	we have confidence before God
4:11	God so loved us	we also ought to love one another
4:12	if we love one another	God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
4:20	anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother	he is a liar
5:9	If we receive the testimony of men	the testimony of God is greater
5:14	if we ask anything according to his will	he hears us
5:15	if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask	we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
5:16	If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death	he shall ask, and God will give him life

JAI HO! :)

2011-03-31T10:20:00.002+08:00

thank God for the amazing weather, and the friends that came :D

out first combined BAY + BATs outing for 2011!

we started out with icebreakers, led by Gid, and our lovely dance ppl. Val, Gaby, Jesslyn who led and taught the Jai Ho in small groups.

thanks to the groups who bought down the yummy food; Rach's group brought kacang putih, (with authentic paper cones from magazines) Matt's mom prepared curry with bread, some groups brought chips with the Tositos dip, muruku etc .

we played a few games of frisbee, soccer and just chilled at the park.

(photos and vid from Alcina)

and of course, for the finale:

BAY-LY-WOOD

2011-03-23T13:11:00.004+08:00

26TH MARCH 2011
230 @ SGOON MRT (NEL)

JAI HO!

hymns

2010-11-04T09:44:00.001+08:00

http://blog.pagecxvi.com/

Page CXVI (pronounced "Page One Hundred Sixteen)—a group devoted to modern arrangements of some of the very best hymns and traditional Christian music.

Page CXVI is a project started with the idea of making Hymns accessible and known again. They are some of the richest, most meaningful, and moving pieces of music ever written.

behind the scenes - CY

2010-09-21T20:00:00.000+08:00

BAY Sports Day 2010

2010-05-31T15:57:00.002+08:00

photos by Ian Ong :D

and much thanks to Mark, Chris and Jeff from Yishun Christian Church~!

praise God for the fellowship and the fine weather!! let's grow in Him together!

heb 10:25

SPORTS DAY! SPORTS BAYYYYYYY!

2010-05-19T11:09:00.001+08:00

"Bang!" There goes the shot of the gun, and the racers are off! Most of us who have gone through the rigors of the holistic singapore education would have known a thing or two about sports day! A day where all sports enthusiasts would feed their competitive spirits; a day for all others to participate in bean-bag telematches, or even for others to crowd around milo-vans as though they never drank milo in their entire lives...Even for those who aren't really physically "sporty" people would find something about sports day to be enthusiastic about (as i said... milo-vans... or maybe cheerleaders?) Anyway...

BAY IS ORGANIZING SPORTS DAY 2010 THIS YEAR!!!!!! (WAVES POMPOMS!) heh, trust me! it's an event to be superduper excited about!!! there are pretty PRETTY trophies to be won!!!! and... (sorry no cheerleaders) milo to be enjoyed!!!! HAHHA, MORE IMPTLY, THERE'S GOOD FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!!! (CUES: WAVE POMPOMS AGAIN!)

*bring ur friends!!

note:

1) All dg leaders please do msg all your members to:
a) inform them of our sports day event, and ask them to invite friends!
b) wear bay teeshirt/ white teeshirt
c) wear running shoes/ proper footwear

*We need a bit of manpower, so those who can help in any area, please msg cheryl or timo or just feel free to update the document or reply to this email :) we prob need help for set up on saturday morning, so pple who are free... can come come come!!!

yea.. i do think ultimately, this contact prog is not just SPORTS day you know... not just competition, in fact its not competition la... but it's about connecting with people...our bay members, their friends, and even amongst ourselves when we come together to set-up stuff or plan stuff... and i guess, connecting with people may be tiring sometimes, but it may most definitely serve to build each other up! you know, the verse about all of us being part of the body of christ, the church... i realise that all of us have a role to play in His kingdom... in this leadership team too...and i know sometimes some of us, myself included, we feel like we are dispensable, or sometimes "not crucial" in playing any role on the team, or maybe sometimes we lose track of our purpose... but HEY, i learnt that God puts us in certain positions, certain places, even for certain periods of time for a reason. so, i guess i want to encourage all of us, to keep persevering in our ministries, keep allowing God to work in our lives, keep praying :)

looking forward to a great day of fellowship!

BAY Vday 2010

2010-02-21T00:01:00.002+08:00

NYC: BAY Edition

facebook: 9 dont's & 6 dos

2009-12-13T17:37:00.002+08:00

http://www.gospelandculture.org/2008/12/redeeming-social-life-online/

How many of our lives and relationships would radically change if we didn’t have a cell phone, email, and access to the Internet? How many of us are unable to be fully present with the people we’re with, because we’re distracted by our cell phones, iPods, Blackberries, or iPhones?

© Justin Buzzard, All rights reserved.

Over the last few decades, we’ve experienced greater technological development than in any previous generation. These technologies have radically affected how we participate in community, how we operate as families, and how we work.

Technology is usually created with the intention of making life better. However, it always carries the possibility of blessing or curse because it exists as a tool used by fallen people in a fallen world. If we use tools without understanding their power, we stand a good chance of harming others or failing to exploit the tremendous good they can do.

Enter Facebook.

Like most other new things, Christians tend to either embrace Facebook uncritically, or retreat from it and condemn its use. Embracing technology uncritically—the “bear hug,” as I call it—means using a technology without thinking through its impact on yourself and others. The “cold shoulder”—ignoring/retreating from/condemning a technology—is often driven by misguided fears and shallow biblical interpretation. While the problems with embracing uncritically are more easily discerned, giving a technology like Facebook the cold shoulder also has its problems.

Humankind has been given the work of mastering the earth, which involves the tasks of creating and cultivating (Gen. 1:28). Ultimately, this mandate is to be carried out in service of the two great commandments—love of God (which involves honoring his creation) and love of neighbor (Mat. 22:36-40). As we participate with integrity in technologies that provide avenues for loving God and other people, we are doing something deeply human and honorable.

Scripture calls us to thoughtfully create and cultivate. As this relates to technology, it involves taking a third way, what I call the “side hug:” thinking through how a technology such as Facebook can cause harm or help in our pursuit of loving God and others.

After an initial 30-day experiment with Facebook, I’m now several months into being a regular, almost daily, user. Along the way, I’ve detected many ways in which Facebook can hinder our pursuit of the great commandments, and many ways participation in it can be leveraged as a means of blessing.

read on.

camp RRR msgs

2009-12-13T02:17:00.010+08:00

session 2: God's will in marriage

download session2

session 3: ways of the world

download session3 pt1

download session3 pt2

session 5: presenting our bodies

download session5 pt 1

download session5 pt2

CAMP RRR 7th - 11th Dec 2009

2009-11-20T12:29:00.002+08:00

get ur registration forms here!

look for Lois or Gaby for registration! :D

playmax updates

2009-04-23T11:04:00.003+08:00

uploaded the playmax.sg powerpoint

download it here

or click on the box.net widget on the right to view it :)

power of the cross

2009-04-22T10:21:00.002+08:00

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

Chorus:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

Chorus 2:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Playmax.sg!

2009-04-20T16:13:00.006+08:00

*click for bigger image

register with mike/ your DG leaders :)

*impt: only registered participants only~ so remember to sign up!!

our slot for june:

12th June 2 pm

more details coming your way!

meanwhile, check out playmax.sg :D

gd friday photos!

2009-04-19T02:05:00.001+08:00

thank God for all our friends and guests who came on that day :)

hope you guys had a meaningful time, playing, eating~ and listening to the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ :)

capt's ball

2009-04-14T00:13:00.002+08:00

that Friday

2009-04-10T22:36:00.000+08:00

Easter Publicity

2009-04-08T11:38:00.003+08:00

The guru and his gifts to the one who was looking...

easter special

2009-03-31T09:26:00.007+08:00

The UP and COMING BAY EVENT; What In The World Are You Looking For!?

There'll be games and food. But best of all..... WE'RE GONNA HAVE AN EASTER TREASURE HUNT!! NO NOT JUST ANY EASTER HUNT, NOR TREASURE HUNT, BUT AN EASTER TREASURE HUNT!! :D :D :D
(And the difference isnt just in the name btw.)

Location: Bethesda Church Bukit Arang, Bethesda Centre level 5. 114, Serangoon Ave 3.
Date: 11th April '09
Time: 3-6pm

a night under the stars!

2009-03-30T10:26:00.002+08:00

BBQ + movie screening 20 march 2009

2009-03-15T13:24:00.003+08:00

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3971/tix2.jpg

BAY vday 2009!

2009-03-02T11:59:00.003+08:00

hi folks!

indeed, the Lord is good~ and has blessed BAY so far with His presence and His grace.

how time flies. it's already march!

here below are our vday photos! enjoy!

those who brought friends, do send them the link the our BAY blog!

2009 BAY Awards

2009-01-11T03:33:00.014+08:00

happy 2009 everyone!

the bay awards powerpoint file is located below

download

presenting Abel Sherman Stanley. . . the ASS boys!

and the best cleaner award: Joel!!

and our very own. lifetime achievement award recipient - KEL!

bay camp publicity 2

2008-11-26T10:46:00.003+08:00

food games!

2008-11-25T10:28:00.000+08:00

food for thought & yam-seng-pong!

camp forms! CAMP PLUNGE!

2008-11-14T15:33:00.000+08:00

camp registration form

parents' indemnity form

youtube acct

2008-11-14T11:11:00.002+08:00

photos

2008-08-04T17:17:00.000+08:00

v day 2008

BAY alpha 2008

BAY alpha bbq 2008

bay camp 2007

2007-12-31T10:46:00.000+08:00