11 Sept 2014 by Lim Poh Ann-

When believers study the Word, they are guided into the truth by the Holy Spirit who is our Teacher. If that is so, do they still need to depend on teachers or other members in the body?

The Bible is the only book whose author, the Holy Spirit, is always at our disposal, helping us understand its contents. Each time we study God’s Word—besides meditating on it and keeping it—we should be able to receive fresh revelations.

The condition is that, if we want to be taught by the Author, we must abide in Christ and be pure in heart.

Ref: setonmagazine

If we merely use our intellect to study this book, we will not get very far. We need the Author to illumine our understanding because the contents are meant for the spiritually discerning:

These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you (John 14:26).

When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on his own authority, but whatever He hears he will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come  (John 16:13).

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him (1 John 2:27).

What a glorious privilege that we can always consult the Author of this book whenever we study it.

Ref: prairieviewchristian

If that is so, does it mean we can do away with teachers?

No, we need to recognise the place of teachers in the church (Ephesians 4:11-14) and accord to them due respect (1 Timothy 5:17).

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes (Ephesians 4:11-14).

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17).

Teachers are specially gifted in the study and exposition of scriptures. Consider the role played by Ezra, the scribe, who “had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). They are the specialists, if you may, in the area of studying and understanding God’s laws, ways and requirements for His people.

Ref: shoutitforlife

Now let’s consider another teacher, this time from the New Testament.

Apollos, a Jew, was a learned man, well-instructed in scriptures. He fervently preached in the synagogue. However his message was incomplete. He knew only the baptism of John—nothing about Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection or the power of the Holy Spirit that fell on believers at Pentecost. When tentmakers Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach, “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:24-28).

Though Apollos was a teacher, he was humble enough to be corrected by the unassuming tentmaker couple. Surely there was little evidence of this attitude: Who do you think you are to point out my weaknesses?

Now we can see the corollary. Apollos was a great teacher but he too needed instruction. Not from great scholarly theologians but the most unlikely people—humble tentmakers.

Jesus as a humble carpenter | Ref: fastcompany

Undoubtedly, each member of the body can also teach, edify and encourage one another.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

This is the essence of ‘body life’. Every believer who recognises the enabling or empowerment of the Holy Spirit is able to minister and impart life to others within the body (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). 

This does not imply that teachers have no role to play in church. It means that believers are able to receive gems ‘first-hand’ from God’s Word; we do not always have to get them ‘second-hand’ from teachers.    

A baby bird swallows food masticated earlier by the mother. But when it grows up, it should be able to feed itself. So too we should be able to feed ourselves spiritually. For we have the anointing within.

Ref: lifeteen

Let’s not only aspire to be self-sufficient but advance towards maturity:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).

In fact, we are told to emulate the wise and discerning Berean believers who were diligent in examining the teacher’s message against the Word.

It is this universal anointing upon believers—as opposed to the special anointing on those called to be teachers—which will enable the church to stem the tide of false teaching (destructive heresies) which is threatening to destroy the church today.

Ref: bplolinenews

To recap:

• Every believer can study and understand what the Bible says because he has the help of the ultimate Guide, the Holy Spirit. He should not feel completely helpless that he cannot feed himself spiritually. 

• Having said that, it does not mean he cannot benefit from the ministry of renownedteachers such as A. W. Tozer or Derek Prince. The distinctive role of teachers in the church is not undermined by the foregoing.

• Neither does it mean a believer cannot benefit from instruction, sharing and encouragement from fellow believers—the activation of body life—as we are all part of His body and none can claim he has the monopoly of truth.

RELATED POSTS

CULTIVATING SELF-SUFFICIENCY

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EIGHT WAYS TO FIGHT FALSE TEACHING

How to develop discernment and escape the clutches of destructive heresies

OVERCOMING DECEPTION

Understanding the wiles of satan is the first step towards winning the battle against deception.

WHAT BEING OPEN-MINDED MEANS

What’s so noble about the Bereans?

SWORD DRAWN, READY FOR BATTLE

When satan puts negative, discouraging or destructive thoughts in our minds, it’s time to declare God’s word to counter his lies. Be prepared. Be equipped.

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ABOUT Author: Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner. He was the former editor of Asian Beacon magazine (December 2008 – October 2011). He can be reached at his blog, Porridge for the Soul 

The post Self-Taught versus Being Taught appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

11 September by Bernice Kok -

There’s no doubt that learning is a huge and essential aspect of our daily lives. In my opinion, “A life without learning is not a life worth living.” It doesn’t matter whether you’re learning new stuff at school, work or even by yourself; learning should always be a part of your daily life, even when you’re old and wrinkly. That’s why old people are so wise because of their years of learning from their own mistakes and life experiences.

With one of the children at the EduCenter

I have always admired the many people who pursue the noble career of teaching. While there may be many teachers who only perform the bare minimum, there are still those out there who carry the passion for teaching and raising up the next generation of world citizens. They are like precious gems, scattered across the globe, with hearts of gold, even though they can be pushy and tough sometimes. 

These teachers spend extra hours helping students who are falling behind in their studies. They are the ones who will forever be imprinted in our memories because of both the academic and life lessons they have taught us.

Bernice with tNCC EduCenter

So when my mother first approached me to be a temporary assistant teacher at the Educenter in tNCC, I was honoured, thrilled … and afraid. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to live up to the standards that my previous teachers had set before me. I didn’t want to teach for the sake of earning some extra money for my laptop fund or filling my free time before I started college. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to be able to impact the lives of the children and students under me for the better.

As the school grew larger, my responsibilities increased. Even though I’m not the most patient person in the world, I tried my best to help my students with their studies and to develop relationships and bonds with them. I believe that in order to lead and guide someone, you must first have a relationship with them first so that they will trust you and your advice.

Bernice Kok

Even though I was the teacher and, technically, the students were the ones who should be learning from me, I, too, learned a lot from observing and talking to them. During the five months that I had with them, it was like watching a live TV series every day. I had forgotten how dramatic everything could be when you are a kid.

As I watched them, I continually reflected upon my own life and realised that true friendship is something that is extremely rare. There are many people out there who can pretend to be your friend, but those who stick with you — through thick and thin, highs and lows and even the loopy loops that life may throw your way — are the ones whom you should cherish and hold dear to your heart.

Bernice serving in the worship team.

Another thing I learned from my time teaching is that potential exists in every single person. It’s so easy these days to label people as mentally challenged or “troubled”, but what we fail to realise is that there’s potential inside them too. I’ve personally watched the growth of one girl who was placed under my care for a couple of months.

Initially, she was a handful and I was doubtful that she would ever be able to improve, but she proved me wrong. Through all the obstacles we faced together, the roller coaster ride of emotions, the times I lost my temper and scolded her, she has since changed and grown tremendously.

Bernice Kok with CG Members

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching a kid grow and mature and improve in every aspect of their life and being a part of it. I’m 17 this year, but I believe I have already experienced a part of what it feels like to be a parent, thanks to the girl. I hope that she will never forget the impact, no matter how big or small it may be, that I tried my best to make on her life. I guess this is how all parents feel; after all, they are the very first teachers we encounter in our lives.

NOTE : Bernice Kok is a Student of Communications, Taylor University, Subang, and currently serving as an assistant teacher at the tNCC EduCenter.  

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The post “Potential in every person” – Bernice Kok, tNCC EduCenter appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

11 Sept 2014 - 

蒂姆牧師跟妻子艾琳(Aileen)結婚已有15年了。他最近整理寫出了與妻子一起做過的、自己永遠也不會後悔的18件事情：

1，與她一起禱告。我們兩個人經過了很長一段時間才真的開始一起禱告，即便是現在，我們還有很長的一段路要走。但我們已經了解了一起禱告的重要性，我永遠也不會為我們一起在神面前的時間而後悔。

2，跟她約會。我們已經聽過數千遍，保持約會有多麼地重要，即便是在結婚之後。當孩子還小、還好帶的時候，這做起來還比較容易的，但我們發現當孩子們長大一點時就難多了。我從來沒有後悔花時間跟她單獨在一起。

3，跟她一起服侍。我跟艾琳大部分時間都是面對面的，我們在工作上也一直合作得很好。我們過去一起計劃和經管着各種活動和項目，這樣我們就不可避免地越來越密切。我從來沒有後悔我們在一起服侍的時間。

4，跟她一起回顧過去。我們最甜蜜的一些時間都花在看過去的紀念物上：我們約會時保留下來的期刊、我們結婚時的照片、還有孩子們小時候的照片。回收過去是真正的樂趣，我們從來沒有為我們回顧過去一起做過的事情而後悔，也沒有為回顧主為我們所作的事情、他對我們的帶領而後悔。

5，在愛中帶領她。我深信神已經呼召我親切地帶領我的妻子。這種領導對我來說並不容易，但我知道拒絕的話成本會更高。我從來沒有為帶領艾琳而後悔，我以基督為我的榜樣來帶領她。

6，給她買花。我結婚15年了，仍然為在停車場抱着一束花而感到害羞。但花仍然是特別的，她仍然愛花，我也就繼續享受着給她禮物。我永遠也不後悔以這種方式表達愛。

7，請求她的原諒。這好像是一個奇怪而醜陋的現實，我最喜歡的人也是我最經常得罪的人。我從來沒有浪費請求她的原諒的機會。雖然它要我放下我的驕傲，我知道我永遠不會為請求她原諒而後悔。

8，原諒她。當然，她也會得罪我。像我一樣，她也可能在請求原諒上有所掙扎，所以當她真的請求饒恕時，我從來沒有為立即真誠地原諒她，並把她的錯放到腦後而後悔。

9，牽着她的手。很容易讓過去被認為是特別的事成為不起眼的、被遺忘的。牽手就是這些甜蜜的習慣之一，也很容易失去。伸出手牽她、跟她手拉手走到街上，我從來也不會後悔。

10，給她的愛好留出時間。艾琳為這個家和家人們奉獻了她自己大部分時間，但當她在自己的愛好上投入時間和精力時，才是她最好的時候。列出計劃，給她的愛好留出時間，我從來沒有為此後悔過。

继续阅读

References for pictures:

http://plussizebridetobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Spending-More-Time-With-Your-Spouse.jpg

http://traveldealsjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Marriage.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/20/article-0-116142F1000005DC-251_468x301.jpg

http://neuething.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/marriage.jpg

The post 與妻子一起做這18件事才不會後悔 appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

12 August 2014 by 林文强 –

刚过去的8月30日至9月1日对许多人而言，或许只不过是一个再也平凡不过的假日周末；但是对于472位的年轻人而言，却是他们生命里不平凡的三天！除了让超过290位的年轻人，认识了生命中一位非常重要的朋友——耶稣基督，更让其中将近240位年轻人决志信主，在基督里得着真正的自由，生命得着改变！感谢神，让此为期三天的Young & Free 营会，不单是年轻（Young），更是真正地经历自由（Free）！

“你们必定认识真理，真理必定使你们自由… 所以，神的儿子若使你们自由，你们就真的得自由了。”（约翰福音 8:32-36）

Young & Free营会

由吉隆坡非拉铁非教会的青少年事工，梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)，所举办为期三天的Young & Free 营会，于2014年8月30日至9月1日在吉隆坡非拉铁非教会圆满举行。

黄志明牧师分享信息

尽管三天的营会，面临场地设备不足，甚至遭遇水供短缺的挑战，但是对于一班疯狂爱耶稣、跟随耶稣、服事耶稣的年轻人而言，却没有任何的投诉与埋怨，毅然沉浸在圣灵的喜乐与爱当中！

眼看营会日子逼近，报名参加人数却只有百多名，确实让筹备团队的信心面临极大的挑战。然而，“神为爱他的人所预备的，是眼睛未曾见过，耳朵未曾听过，人心也未曾想到的。”（哥林多前书 2:9）。在短短的两个多星期，报名参加人数竟然暴增至接近500人，甚至还有许多迟报名的被迫拒于门外，无法参与。这一切都是神的恩典！

“愿荣耀归给神，就是归给那能照着运行在我们里面的大能，充充足足地成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。”（以弗所书 3:20）

Young & Free，才真正开始！

刚过去的Young & Free Camp，是神所赐给梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)的另一次“收割”。梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)接下来的目标，是要看见每周青少年聚会人数达到400人，为耶稣赢取年轻的世代！为了更有效地牧养神所赐的羊群，目前以20个小组，每个小组由4个组长带领的模式，积极地进行跟进、牧养与门训的工作。同时，除了保留每周的团队游戏与创意的元素，更设立了一个独立事工以负责策划与执行每周的活动。

青少年事工是如此地重要！一个敬虔的年轻人，将来就是一个敬虔的家庭。许多敬虔的家庭，就形成一个属神的城市，国家！透过这三天的营会，神的心意更清楚地向我们显明，就是要得着这个世代的年轻人！因为他们与生俱来的干劲、忠心、创意和许多的恩赐才干，将为教会注入崭新的动力，为神国的复兴加添生力军！ 感谢赞美神！

注脚：吉隆坡非拉铁非教会（PCKL）于2010年起，在黄志明牧师的带领下，开始了青少年事工，命名为梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)，为的就是要转化与改变这个城市的年轻人。整个团队的核心领袖皆为大学生与中学生，负责接触，牧养与门训的工作。打破过往千篇一律的聚会模式，每周都加入了适合年轻人的团队游戏与创意元素，让每周青少年聚会的平均出席人数增长至200人。借着聚会当中，黄牧师充满恩膏的信息分享，建立了许多愿意为神献上一切所有的勇士，为耶稣赢得自己的学校、转化青少年的生命。

注脚： 更多有关吉隆坡非拉铁非教会梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)的更新与详情，欢迎浏览 https://www.facebook.com/DF.PCKL

 Deric Lim 林文强， 吉隆坡非拉铁非教会 （PCKL）青少年事工同工，工商管理硕士。林文强加入全职事奉之前是一位大学讲师, 全职事奉至今已有三年。目前在教会带领多个青少年小组, 也是教会社区服务补习中心的老师。

 注脚：此文章由 Joycelyn Loh CM整理。

注脚： 所有照片源自吉隆坡非拉铁非教会梦の工厂 (Dream Factory)。

The post 吉隆坡非拉铁非教会梦の工厂 (Dream Factory) Young & Free 营会：自由，不再是说说而已！ appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

 12 Sept 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-

On Sept 7^th, Vicar Rev Joshua Ong in St Paul’s Anglican Church in Petaling Jaya shared a message that convicted me to seek to understand the purpose of God’s commandment in the Bible, instead of blindly following them.

He shared about a passage of Jesus healing a man with shriveled hands on Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6), a crime that calls for capital punishment! (Exo 31:14-16; Num 15:32-36)

Yet, Jesus turned to the Pharisees and asked this question, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” (Mark 3:4)

Ref: freebibleimages

What Jesus asked are the reasons for God to ordain the Sabbath day. Is the reason to ‘permit good deeds’ and ‘save life’ or to ‘do evil’ and ‘destroy life’?

While the Pharisees were more interested on whether Jesus executed the commandment, Jesus was more interested on its purpose. The irony is when the Pharisees’ sheep fell into the pit, they had no problem lifting it up. (Matt 12:11-12)

He (Jesus) said to them (the Pharisees), “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath?” (Matt 12:11-12)

Like the Pharisees, sometimes, we are so focused on executing the commandments of God that we forget to examine the purpose behind them. We lost the beauty and essence of God’s Ways. And we fail to give the reasons for our faith.

God is not angry when we seek to know the reasons of His commandments from a humble and sincere heart. To question is not a crime.

Perhaps, we can understand more the importance of knowing the purpose of a commandment instead of just the commandment, from the passage of Jesus healing the man with shriveled hands.

Why did God ordain the Sabbath day?

Ref: lwfyouth

The first purpose God appointed Sabbath day for all the Israelites and their livestock is to commemorate it as the day He rested after six days of making heaven and earth, thus setting the seventh day apart or making it holy. (Gen 2:3; Exo 20:8-11)

The other purpose God appointed Sabbath day is more of a functional purpose—which to provide rest for the Israelites, their servants, and livestock. Like how the Israelites were slaves in Egypt before God redeemed them, the Lord reminded them to give rest to their servants on the Sabbath day. That is why Jesus said in Mark 3:4 that it is a day to permit good deeds and save lives.

To sum it up, God created Sabbath to firstly, commemorate Him resting on the seventh day, thus making it holy; and secondly, to provide rest for all men and livestock.

What does the Law of Sabbath mean?

Ref: history

The Lord defined resting as not doing work or laboring. (Deut 5:12-15) But what defines working? We can see how ‘work’ playing out in two levels, namely the household level and economic level.

In the household level, work is defined as the kindling of fire in the dwelling place, possibly for cooking. (Exo 35:2-3). Hence, to prevent kindling of fire on the Sabbath day, the Israelites were required to bake and boil the manna for food on the day before, to store for consumption on the Sabbath. (Exo 16:23-29) In Jeremiah, work meant carrying a load out of the house or bringing it through the gates of Jerusalem. (Jer 17:21-27)

As for ‘work’ in the economic level, work meant treading winepresses and loading goods (i.e. grain, wine, grapes, figs, etc) on donkeys to trade on Sabbath day. (Neh 13:15-22)

To sum it up, work is the physical exertion to perform household duties and work obligations.

How did the Pharisees see Sabbath day?

Ref: friendsofart

Rev Joshua shared that the Pharisees were a group of people who are deeply devoted to all the laws. Unfortunately, the law becomes the end to itself. Instead of achieving its purpose, they built fences or several other laws around the original law—fences that nullified the original purpose of Sabbath day, which is to permit good deeds and save lives.

In this instance, we can see how we lose sight of God’s heart when we don’t understand the purpose of His Commandments.

What can we learn from this?

#1 You can observe the law but not know Jesus

Although the Pharisees observed the law, they did not know Jesus Christ, the Lawgiver. They did not know that Jesus is the Lord of Sabbath. (Matt 12:8)

Likewise, some of us act a certain way because it is ‘the Christian way’ to do things or ‘the Christian thing’ to say. But deep down, we never had an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ in our lives.

#2 Self-righteousness causes a critical spirit

The Pharisees’ self-worth is based on how well they followed the law, which also fueled their self-righteousness. In fact, their hearts were so stubborn that instead of listening to Jesus (telling them about the purpose of Sabbath), they immediately plotted to kill Him after He healed the man. (Mark 3:6)

Ref: freebibleimages

Some of us may be role models of ‘Good Christians.’ But that does not give us the right to be self-righteous and to be critical of our brothers and sisters-in-Christ who are in different faith journeys than us.

#3 The heart of every Commandment is love

The Pharisees were more concerned with fulfilling the law than understanding the essential purpose of setting the Law.

While God is pleased when we obey his commandments, take time to think the purpose God made the commandments, because it would shed light on the ends of the Law. What are we trying to achieve here?

The book of Matthew gives us the answer. When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt 22:36)

Jesus replied, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt 22:37-40)

Ref: comfortinthemidstofchaos

In other words, the verse—all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments—meant that the heart of all commandments is in loving God and others. To put it simply, God’s commandments cannot be separated from these two elements.

The purpose of God’s commandments is therefore, based on love!

But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2:16-17)

Ref: graceunveiledblog

So, the next time you carry out God’s commandments without love, think again. Jesus always acted with a heart of love. May your heart be filled with the love of God and the love for others.

Ref: winkal

The article above is written based on the principles shared by Vicar Rev Joshua Ong, which sparked the commentary of this sermon. It is an expanded version of his sharing with elaboration by the writer.

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The post Commentary: Understanding the Purpose behind God’s Commandment—St Paul’s Anglican Church appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

13 September 2014 by Jason Law CM -

It often strikes me how closely-knitted the smaller churches are, and how deeply they realize the importance of a healthy relationship in all areas of life. One such church is the Radiant Life Assembly in Taman Cheras Perdana, Kajang, overflowing with a simple and humble love for God and people.

Radiant Life takes the Fellowship and Care Cell model very intentionally. People come to church early, gathering together for friendship. Fellowship sessions are held after each Sunday Celebration service, and the service itself has an atmosphere of a home fellowship. On the 7^th of September, Pastor Faith Kam of Radiant Life shared about the impact of a united and relational church. 

The Radiant Life Assembly in Taman Cheras Perdana, Kajang.

We all know that Christianity is more than a set of rules and rituals, and we often hear about the importance of the area of relationship; that our faith is not a religion but a way of life. It goes without saying that we need to have a strong relationship with God. But when Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He also indicated the true heart of God.

‘One of the known keys of church growth is building relationship. The church is all about relationships. When we come together, when we work together, there is power,’ Pastor Faith encouraged. ‘As a church, the first desire we must have is for God, rooted in His Word. This speaks about building a personal relationship with God’.

Pastor Faith Kam.

‘We build our relationship with God through our devotional time with Him. Are we still doing our devotion? Do we still listen from Him every morning? Additionally, we also want to experience the powerful and loving presence of God through extraordinary worship and fervent prayer. But we also want to impact the community, because as Christians, we have been given a mission; connecting to impact.’

Pastor Faith shared that in order to impact the community, the care cells of a church has to be vibrant. To be a vibrant care cell means that it is consisted of people who are excited about God and looking forward eagerly every week to fellowship about Him. The care cells of a church also cannot stand alone; every care cell has to come together as a united element of the church.

United in prayer.

‘The care cells has to see themselves as a singular apostolic community, set apart by God to impact the people around them through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Why are we meeting together? It is not because of your spouse. It is not because of your friends. It is not because of the air-cond. It is because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

‘Christians are called to set out as agents of change. That is what we are. We are different, we are special, because we have been set apart by God for a high calling. And that high calling, our Great Commission, is to make disciples, not to convert believers,’ Pastor Faith teased.

Coming together in the House of God.

‘Each one of us will be sent out; it is not just the leaders. Each one of us can make a difference in our workplace, in our schools, in our society and community, and especially in our families.’ Just like the billions or trillion of cells that make up one body, each Christian has a part to play in the Body of God, coming together to build the Kingdom of God. The care cells are where we meet to encourage one another to build each other up.    

‘The care cells are all about building stronger relationships. We want to pray with you, we want to know what you’re going through in life, so that we can move together. We want to stand together, and help one another. Because we’re all aboard on the same boat with the same vision that God has given us’. 

Building relationships up in love.

The purposes of a care cell must be about building people up in the ways of God, and also as a person. Their primary aim is about evangelizing and nurturing, with an ultimate aim of community transformation through the process of multiplication within the community.

In order to realize its purposes, the members of the care cell must break certain mindsets. Each member can be a spiritual parent and nurture others. The care cells are not one of the programmes of the church but the life and heartbeat of the church. They belong to the local church and cannot function independently of the church. What happens in the church should be expressed and reflected in the care cells, and each must know what the other is doing.

Worship at Radiant Life Church.

The ultimate aim of care cells is to build an apostolic community where people are edified and build up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). It must be a releasing community where its members are released to fulfill the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). And thirdly, it must be a transforming community where its members are able to serve as agents of change that impact the communities (Matt 5:16).       

Effective care cells are a place of New Creation, where people learn to stop looking at the past and develop the 9 fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is the place where people learn the basics of being a Christian. And it is a place where each of its members has a personal life that reflects the person and values of Christ.  

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Many of God’s commandments (2/3 of the ones handed through Moses) are practical ones about our relationship with people. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus taught us about the greatest commandment in the Law and that it is equally important to love and build our neighbor up as it is to love God. A simple truth that many sometimes forget is that God places just as much importance in the horizontal relationship among us and the rest of mankind as in the vertical one. 

Matthew 22:37-40

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

NOTE: All pictures of Radiant Life Church property of Radiant Life Church. They are located at No 29, Lorong CP 4/36A, Taman Cheras Perdana, 43200 Kajang, Selangor. Their Sunday Services is at :

9.00 am – Chinese
11.00 am – English
2.30 pm – Youth

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The post Taking The Relationship Model Intentionally: Radiant Life Church, Kajang appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

13 Sept 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-

On Sept 7, Pastor Daniel Tan of SIB KL preached about love, hope, and dignity. Based on Luke 10, he asked one pertinent question for us to ponder, “Who is my neighbor?”

“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

 

Ref: theclipartwizard

 

“By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

 

Ref: rosarubicondior

 

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.””

(Luke 10:25-37 NLT)

A law expert came to Jesus to ask how he can inherit eternal life. Although he answered Jesus correctly for what the Law of Moses says, which is to love God and others, the law expert followed by asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Pr Daniel shared that the law expert probably thought that he already loved God with all his heart, all his soul, all his strength, and his entire mind. Thus, skipping that part of the answer, he wanted to clarify who is considered to be his neighbor.

Jesus Christ answered him with an interesting twist. Although He could have used three general personas in His parable without mentioning of status and race, He intentionally used the Priest, the temple assistant (or Levite), and the Samaritan in his parable, personas the Israelites were familiar with.

During those days, the Priests are considered holy among the Israelites because they sacrificed before God in the temple, likened to the pastors and bishops today.

Ref: oneclimbs

As for the Levites, they were the chosen people of God who carried the Ark of the Covenant and worshiped God in the Temple day and night. Pr Daniel likened them to Christians today. (1 Pet 2:9)

Samaritans, on the other hand, were ‘despised.’ Although they were of Jewish lineage, the Samaritans had mixed marriages with other pagan races and also worshiped pagan gods alongside the God of Israel. The Jews considered them as “half-breeds”.

Why the Priest and the Levite would pass the man by? Pr Daniel shared there could be many legitimate reasons—reasons we could identify today. The reasons could include concern of one’s safety, busyness, or simply the trouble of handling a bleeding man. They had no obligations to help the man, because they did not know him and their good deed may not be returned.

Ref: nigun

The Priest and Levite saw all the reasons to pass the man by. But the Samaritan, on the other hand, saw the man with eyes of compassion. (Luke 10:33) The Samaritan exemplified Jesus’ compassion that was shown to all kinds of people, including healing the blind, feeding the 5000 people, healing the paralytic, healing the sick, cleansing ten lepers, and many more.

Pr Daniel shared that compassion is not only a feeling but a deep emotion that propels us to do something. Known as ‘splagchnion’ (and also me’ah, me’im, rechem, rachamim) in Hebrew, the literal meaning of these words are intestines, then the abdomen, and the womb. Figuratively, these words connote a stirring and deep-seated emotion of various kinds that ‘move in your insides’ that cause you into action.

Ref: artofdharma

Jesus is showing us that love is not only merely an emotion, but an act of compassion. That is why in the parable of describing the Samaritan; He used seven action verbs explaining what compassion means. The Samaritan went over to the man, soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine, bandaged his wounds, placed the man on his donkey, brought him to an inn, took care of him for the night, and gave money to the innkeeper.

Can you see how troublesome and time-consuming it is to help this man? The Samaritan could have stop at bandaging the man but he did not. Pr Daniel shared that compassion always goes the extra mile and brings hope to the hopeless. And when love turns into action, it produces hope and dignity. Taken into our context today, would we think twice in placing a bleeding man in need of help on our leathered-seat BMW?

Ref: memphisflyer

In encouraging the church to show compassion, He shared about several community programs SIB KL is engaging.

One of the programs is a coaching program through a basketball game for the children in the community. Held twice a month, they started with four children, which have grown to 29 children today. While playing basketball, the children would be taught good values in life. Pr Daniel shared how a youth who was about to drop out from school decided to stay in school. Another 18-year-old boy also found a new motivation in life after he was coached to become the ‘big brother’ of the children; he later found his life direction and decided to continue his studies in Taiwan.

Another initiative SIB KL is doing is the Golden Club that was started last year. Bringing hope to the senior citizens, the church spent time with them through activities such as singing karaoke and playing board games.

Ref: nursinghomemalaysia

With a heart for school children as well, SIB KL is also working with Generasi Gemilang in holding character-building programs for the students in SMK Tropicana. After one year of labor, Pr Daniel was encouraged to see the improvements among the students in terms of their behavior and academic results. In fact, their improvements were so apparent that the school won the Bai’ah award—an award given to schools that have shown overall point-achievements beyond 300 positions. From a reputation of notoriety, the school is now seeing an increased number of parents enrolling their children into the school!

Ref: generasigemilang

Their heart for the school children also extended to the poor children in the nearby community as well. Some of the children he met personally could not even utter the alphabets. He shared about a heart-warming story of how a form-one boy named Vicky could not speak English. But after receiving tuition from their program for two years, he is now coaching primary school students, with an ambition to become a school teacher.

Pr Daniel shared that many people who need our help are unable to pay back our deeds. That is why he believed that Jesus has His reason of ending the story half-way, at where the Samaritan left the injured man. The intention of helping them is to show them the compassion of Christ, not to garner any reward.

Ref: beggarlybeloved

Hence, like the law expert, we may ask the same question, “Who is my neighbor?” Perhaps, the answer lies in what kind of neighbor are you? Are you a Pharisee, a Levite, or a Samaritan? Do the people around you see you as their neighbor?

Jesus’ last words to the law expert was, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37)

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

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The post Who is My Neighbor?—Pr Daniel Tan of SIB KL appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

14 September 2014 by Jason Law CM -

On the 6^th of September 2014, the church of Kajang Assembly of God celebrated its Golden Jubilee, another historic milestone in its remarkable history. Since its inception in 1964, Kajang Assembly of God has been playing the role of guiding light for Christians and the community of Kajang at large.

Cake cutting by KAOG senior pastors and guests of honor.

The momentous event was celebrated with the presence and sharing from all of its pastors, from the birth of the church to the present time. A total of 5 men of God have served as senior pastors of the church, many of whom are quite well-known, and the church is no stranger to many Christians.

Among the guests of honor were Reverend Ong Sek Leang, Reverend Vincent Leoh, and Reverend Christopher Pak. Reverend Vincent Leoh pointed out the significant fact that KAOG was one of the earliest Assemblies of God church in Malaysia and that it has been a blessing to the movement.     

Timeline of Kajang Assembly of God

Decade of Pioneering (1964-1973) and Growth (1974-1983)

In its 50 years of history, God has continually guided the church in its growth. Kajang Assembly of God was pioneered by Reverend Jameson Yeo who served as its senior pastor from 1964-1968. In 1969, the late Reverend Arthur Yoong took over the leadership of the church and the church grew steadily, birthing both the Tamil service (1973) and outreaches in Semenyih and Serdang during his tenure (1969-1977).  

Rev Sinnadurai (3rd row from front, 4th from right) with Desa Amal Jireh, an orphanage founded by him. ref : bukitkiara.com/

In 1978, Reverend K.K Sinnadurai started his ministry as its longest-serving senior pastor, tenure of 23 years, and the church expanded rapidly. It became the first AG church to organize a Junior Inter-school Christ Ambassador service in 1978, started its Chinese service in 1979, and its BM service in 1985.

Decade of Expanding (1984-1993) and Maturing (1994-2003)

The years of 1984-1993 were eventful years, and Desa Amal Jireh, Faith Eagle’s Nest, and the Musicians’ Fellowship that has since then produced many well-known local bands, were founded.  In 1992, KAOG started its first Easter March which has played a remarkable role in uniting the churches of Kajang in praying for the town.

Easter March still going strong; 2009

All the ministries of the church continued to grow and when Pastor Chan Nam Chen took over leadership of the church in 2001, the time was ripe for the church to transition to the cell church model and an increase in cell attendance was reported. KAOG started its first youth service, R.A.G.E, in 2003. Missions continued to be a main thrust of the church, and the Nepali ministry was started in 2003.

Decade of Strengthening & Reaching Out (2004-2013)

Over the next decade, many individuals were burdened to reach out to the community, and many ministries and outreaches were birthed, including a Kindergarden (Tadika Anak Seri Cahaya), an Agape ministry, a dance ministry (Xpresyve), a Christian learning centre (Hosanna Learning Place), a Tuition Club (Enrich Tuition Club), and a campus and young adults ministry known as the Conquerors’ Zone.

The Present Day pastors reminiscing about the church’s history. (Pastor Calvin Lee, senior pastor (left); Pastor Julian, BM section (center), Pastor Peter Lai, Chinese section (right).

Pastor Calvin Lee took over leadership of a strong church in 2011, and today, the church has a total of 11 ministries; missions in China, Cambodia, Medan, Phillipines, and with the Temuan in Kampung Tekir; as well as outreaches in Bangi Lama, Cheras, Semenyih, and Seri Kembangan.        

The Jubilee Celebration

KAOG’s Golden Jubilee celebrated the growth of the church in 7 special presentations by its various sections, each of which highlighted central themes and visions of the church. Guests filled close to 100 tables during the celebration. Reverend Calvin Lee shared that reflecting back on the years of God’s faithfulness, amazement and praises well up from the hearts of the church.

One of the presentations in the jubilee celebration.

He gave thanks to the God that has guided the church’s growth until today, where it has 6 language services under one roof, many outreaches planted, and numerous pastors who have been raised and sent into the harvest field throughout Malaysia and other parts of the world. The growth of these ministries that have touched countless lives shows that with God, nothing is impossible (Matt 19:26).

‘It is with this absolute faith in God and empowered dedication that the church is carried into the future. We have celebrated 50 years but we cannot rest on our laurels. As long as the Lord tarries, the work of the church is not finished. We have not reached our destination, and an even more exciting journey to embark on than the previous 50 years,’ shared Pastor Calvin Lee in his message to the church.

Fellowshipping at the KAOG Golden Jubilee.

‘The older generation of pioneers and builders will be there and there will be a new generation of pioneers and builders to come. Together we will chart the future. I absolutely believe that Kajang and Kajang Assembly of God is poised for greater things to come in the plan of God for Malaysia and beyond’.  

Kajang Assembly of God is a prominent church in Kajang, and it has played an influential role in the lives of the town’s Christian community. More information about the church can be found either on their FaceBook page (https://www.facebook.com/kajangaog?ref=br_rs) or on their website (http://www.kaog.org.my/)

NOTE : All pictures of Kajang Assembly of God property of Kajang Assembly of God.

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The post Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness, History, and Kingdom Extension : Kajang Assembly of God’s Golden Jubilee Celebration appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

15 Sept 2014 – 

多年前，當我為了我想要的一些東西禱告時，神向我的心說了一個改變我生命的真理。他說：“喬伊斯，尋求我的面而不是我的手。如果你尋求我的面，我的手將總是敞開的。”

正如我所說，這是改變我生命的時刻。我開始意識到，從某種程度上說，這都是關於我和我所想要的。我開始發現我是多麼膚淺……該是我走得更深刻的時候了。

在與神建立關係的初期，我認為我和大部分的基督徒一樣。通常都是希望神賜給我們一些東西，或是為我們做事情。我們帶着我們的慾望單或問題單來到神面前，希望神來解決一切的問題。但最終是我們自己該長大成熟的時候了。

先尋求

神讓我尋求他的面。尋求是一個強烈的詞，它意味着，“去渴望、追求，去做出犧牲，用盡你所有力氣和全部心血追隨他。我相信神向我說的一切就是跟隨神，與神建立關係，因為這才是一切。”

我們與神的關係是最重要的。但有時我們要花很長時間才能明白這個道理。我記得我生命中的有段時候，我有很多事情做，但我意識到我仍然不開心。在我向神禱告問神出了什麼問題時，神向我的心說，“喬伊斯，你太膚淺了，該是走入得更深的時候了。”

你看，神更感興趣的是在我裏面所發生的一切，而不是我的事情。羅馬書14章17節說，“神的國不在乎吃喝，只在乎公義、和平並聖靈中的喜樂。”雖然神在乎我們生命中的每個細節，但他更關心我們內在的生命，而不是我們外面的生活。我相信那是因為神知道，當我們內心靈命剛強的時候，我們能妥當地處理好外面發生的事情。

當我們更多地關注神而不是我們自己的時候，我們不僅會開始經歷更多的滿足和喜樂，還會有我們的意願與神的計劃相一致的經歷。詩篇37章4節這樣說：“又要以耶和華為樂，他就將你心裏所求的賜給你。”

大自然有方法證明神話語的深刻道理。以賽亞書37章31節說，“往下紮根，向上結果。”枝幹厚重豐滿的大樹有着巨大的地下根系，蔓延得又深又廣。沒有這個支持系統，樹就不能經歷風雨。

同樣，在我們能真正享受神定意要給予我們的豐盛生命之前，我們一定要建立更深的屬靈根基。這意味着培養與神的關係，在神話語中找出神對我們所說的，在神的愛中逐漸有根有基。

继续阅读

References for pictures:

http://becominglydia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hands-folded-in-prayer.jpg

http://www.straight2theheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Girl-Praying-11.jpg

http://specialgathering.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/joyful-people.jpg

http://soundinthefaith.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hands-istock-infant-holding-mothers-hand-bw.jpg

The post 與神的關係如何變得更深？ appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

15 September 2014 by Rev Dr Jai Kumar -

THE FRUIT WILL REPLICATE THE SEED

Then God said,” Let the earth bring forth …….that yields seed and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth” it was so. (Gen. 1: 11)

THE LAW OF LIFE

ref : hdwallpapersos.com

In Genesis chapter One there is a law of God that is stated at least ten times that everything God has created will produce after its own kind. Everything produces, increases and multiplies after its own kind. If you plant rice you are going to get rice. If you plant mangoes you are going to get mangoes. A human will produce a human. A dog will produce a dog. Nowhere in the history of this planet this law has ever been challenged or changed because it is the law of God which states that everything will produce after its own kind. It’s God’s ordered system, instituted and established by Him in creation. It’s a law of life that everything produces after its own kind!

EVERYTHING REPLICATES AFTER ITS OWN KIND

The scientific world has only been recently discovering several breakthroughs in DNA transfer. But you know what? It’s amazing to note that God has already ordered this system of transfer from one seed to another in the very beginning of creation.

ref : wikimedia.org

You are created in the image of God. You are created to function in His divine environment. You and I are the highest form of God’s creation on the face of this earth. We are not only a mass of flesh!  We are SPIRIT, SOUL and BODY. We are a powerful creation of God. We therefore have the faculty to THINK, BELIEVE and PRODUCE. Because of these 3 intellectual faculties we have superseded and advanced unthinkably and unimaginably because of a God created mind in us. Therefore, we can think, believe and produce in the physical as well as in the spiritual. We carry spiritual DNA in us!!

ref : careerfutura.com

Therefore, Faith will produce Faith! Hope will produce Hope! Love will produce Love! Success will produce Success!

Likewise it must also be real and true that Fear produces Fear! Hate produces Hate! Unbelief will produce Unbelief!  Bitterness will produce bitterness! Revenge will produce Revenge! 

Because God’s law says that everything will produce and multiply after its own kind. You carry it from one level to another, and pass it over to the next generation.

 YOUR FRUIT WILL REFLECT WHO YOU ARE

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit…..a good man produces good things stored up in his heart, similarly the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart (Luke 6:44-45) When you plant a seed it breaks forth into a shoot and becomes a tree and produces fruits. Inside the fruit is the seed to produce more harvest after its own kind.

ref : wallpaperscristaos.com.br

We are spirit soul and flesh. Spirit is that area of your believing. Soul is the area of your thinking and flesh is that area of your feeling.

Prov 23:7,

“As a man thinketh in his heart so is he” God has declared a law which states, What I think is what I believe and it will ultimately produce after its own kind.

IT’S NOT WHAT OTHERS SAY TO YOU BUT IT’S ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY TO YOURSELF

No matter what others talk about you, that can’t defeat you, neither can it alter your life but it’s what you say to yourself that can kill you or make you successful and victorious.

I am in absolute control of my thinking faculty. I can either think negative or I can think positive. I have the choice to say good things about me or I can choose to say bad things about me. And each of the things I say will replicate and produce after its own kind. (Pro. 19:21). Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

ref : 99hdwallpaper.com

YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.

Here is a key. If I change my thinking I can change my life. No matter what others think about me it’s not going to affect me a bit. It’s not going to change my life.  But my thinking and believing can radically change my life because I am a powerful human creation of God and what I think and believe is what I will produce.

WHY ARE YOU STILL DWELLING IN A CURSED SEED?

But the question I like to pose to you today is that how long have you been struggling year in and year out dwelling in “a thinking  seed” that has been passed down to you from generation to generation? Fear of failure! Fear of sickness! Fear of untimely death! Fear of disaster! Fear of moving forward! Fear of low self-esteem! You have literally become a paranoid so to speak! You know what’s the problem there? There is a bad seed planted in you that keeps producing after its own kind and you have taken it for granted.  You have been accommodating it helplessly.

Please understand that is absolutely not a seed from God!!! ” I CAME TO GIVE LIFE AND ABUNDANT LIFE” (John 10:10) It is a stronghold from the evil one that has crippled, paralyzed and imprisoned you . You have been mesmerised and blinded into thinking and believing in this seed that keeps producing after its own kind.

ref : mrwallpaper.com

You know what? Obviously this is a kind of thought that does not help you to grow: A thought pattern which holds you in bondage and captivity to yesterday (unregenerated life) and prevents you from moving to the next level. Such thinking makes you to have an antagonistic attitude towards others. A cynical thought pattern can make you a prisoner in your own body and it can become an enemy of your progress and transformation.

Jesus said in Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

You want God to change your life! You need to shift your thinking and believing pattern.

What you think and believe will produce after its own kind because God has already established this law in creation that everything will produce after its own kind. (Gen.1)

I wonder if you are aware that God can uproot that seed that has been destroying you all your life and plant a new seed in you. Jesus Christ paid the price for you on the cross to break and uproot this defective seed of curse that you are struggling with all this while. But you need to take a step of faith forward and allowing Him to help you.

ref : scenicreflections.com

He came to set the captives free. He came to heal your broken heart. He came to give sight to you so that you may be delivered and set free to walk in the light as He is in the light. You can stop this bad seed that keeps replicating in your life and grow a new branch by understanding what actually was exchanged for you on the cross and stepping into a deeper relationship with Him.

A seed after God’s likeness and image. A seed that was purchased for you by the blood of Jesus. This seed is the seed that will produce after its own  kind into your future generation.

Rev erend Jai Kumar

Note: Rev Dr Jai Kumar is an ordained & licensed minister of Covenant Ministries International N.J. USA. He is also the representative of Faith International Bible School for Malaysia & Singapore. He is the founder and senior pastor of Full Gospel Outreach Ministry KL, a member of ECCM, Spiritual Adviser & overseer of  Capstone Ministries/Capstone Community Church -C3 (Bangalore); Co-founder and adviser of Kingdom Christian Fellowship, Subang Jaya, he is also the author of a book entitled, ‘God’s Time Clock.’

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The post The Word This Week – YOUR SEED WILL PRODUCE AFTER ITS OWN KIND appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

16 Sept 2014 by Natasha Kim CM-

Pastor Johan Van Westhuysen, from South Africa, graced Faith Oasis Fellowship on the 6^th of September 2014.

“If your Christian life is not what it should be, if you always struggle, and you’re always in trouble, get back to foundations. If you cannot solve your problems, get back to foundations! I’ve been a pastor for a long time. Many people, they sit on their cactuses and they like it! They say ‘Ouch, ouch, ouch!’ But they don’t move because their foundation is not right. Being Christian, is a goal to live a victorious life,” he shared.

We are not supposed to be like the world, because we have been raised up by Christ, who makes everything new.

Ref: pinimg

He then began to recite the scripture in the Bible according to Matthew 24:4-14; this is one of the many prophecies that was given by the Lord.

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:4-14)

“We and the whole world are witnessing the fulfilment of the prophecies of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Wars, famine, and natural disasters happen in every corner of the earth.

“Things are happening globally, it is not isolated to a nation or just a couple of nations. We see these things and we witness the end times coming; I hope you do too!” he said.

Ref: favim

Johan however shared that he is not particularly concerned about the end times because of the fact that it remains a grey area.

There are many instances in history where people believed that it is the end of the world. Many of us including our ancestors have witnessed prophecies of the end of the world, from long ago but never came to pass.

“But we know one thing; that Jesus is returning and we know another thing, that what we are witnessing are the beginning of sorrows,” he shared.

The love of many will grow cold and we have been given guidelines of how to persevere, ensure, and overcome these times right to the end! No matter what happens, we can be assured that God has His divine plan that will persevere through it all.

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:10-11)

Ref: blogspot

Many things of this world worry us; however, remember the Word of God that has been put on this earth to give us comfort. It’s telling us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1).

“We know the end of the story, we know the prophecies and we know that it must happen. We cannot pray for it not to happen because it must and we know that we are on the winning side because of Christ Jesus, so we need not fear even if very terrible things are happening,” said Johan.

The Blood of Jesus Christ

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)

No matter the type of life you live now, remember that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin and renews our being that we may be born again.

“There are many scriptures and songs about ‘the blood’, but we have to understand that ‘the blood’ is the power that will get us over and through the accusation of satan! It is only the blood of the lamb that can save us from the wrath of God. When God looks at you and He looks at me, all He wants to see is the righteousness of Christ and the blood of His son; that safeguards us against the wrath of God and from the accusations of the devil” shared Johan.

Ref: stjconnect

These are spiritual things that will not put money in your pocket but it will make you endure until the end of time.

It’s important that we say the Sinner’s Prayer from our heart and have close encounters of the highest kind so that we are able to be changed by them, and share our testimonies to many others.

“The moment you experience His presence, you and I will fall to the ground and we will cry out for forgiveness because we are growing cold in our hearts,” he shared.

Ref: jcsio

Your true testimony of being a Christian is your proof of being a Christian.

“To everyone who has a close relationship with Jesus Christ, this life means nothing because of the glory that is to come. Death cannot touch me and if it does, I’m promoted to glory, is it not true?” shared Johan.

Though Johan and his wife lost their 23 year old son to an accident, they know that they are victorious because their son had a close relationship with Jesus Christ who died a long time ago for all of us.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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The post Our Hope Cannot be Taken Away appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

16 September 2014 -

As a popular song goes, “It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry’. While this rings true in all relationships, “sorry” is indeed one of the toughest words to utter particularly in marriage. Asking for forgiveness from our spouse can be incredibly daunting and certainly furthest from our minds when in the middle of a conflict with him or her. However, as difficult as it can be to offer a sincere apology, it is one of the most helpful things that you can do to keep your marriage strong.

ref : nookienotes.com

So how can you communicate your deep regret for having hurt or offended your spouse? How do you take responsibility for how you have contributed to a conflict or the harm you have done to your marriage, yet not take responsibility for what you have not done? Here are some tips on how to reach out to your spouse with an apology when conflicts arise.

Choose the right time to apologize.

ref : huffpost.com

We have heard this said many times – Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. However, sometimes forgiveness cannot be a hurried affair. If your spouse is still reeling from anger or hurt and is not ready to receive an apology, rushing to say you are sorry will not bring much healing to your relationship. In such situations, sincerely communicate your intention to talk more about the issue after he or she has had some time to calm down and emotions are no longer running high.

Be clear about what you are apologizing for.

ref : ourtime.com

Resist the urge to apologize flippantly just so you can end the conflict quickly. Your spouse will be able to sense the superficiality of your apology. Instead, make the effort to understand what you have done that has resulted in your spouse feeling hurt. If you are unsure of the reason, take the time to ask your spouse. Exercise self-control so you do not get into another argument trying to explain away or justify your actions. Your goal should be to understand your spouse’s point of view because you value your marriage and want to work towards strengthening it.

Focus on taking responsibility for your own behavior.

ref : ytimg.com

When you are asking for your spouse’s forgiveness, remain focused on taking responsibility for your contribution to the conflict. Resist the temptation to pick on your spouse’s faults and how you think he or she has also been responsible for the conflict. When you choose not to be defensive, your spouse might similarly be more open to acknowledging his or her part in causing the conflict. Having said that, the focus should continue to remain on how you will first work on your own shortcomings to minimize potential strains on the relationship.

Focus on the positive effects of what an apology can bring into your marriage.
There is no denying that apologizing is a very difficult thing to do, but choosing to focus on maintaining a healthy and loving relationship with your spouse might help. Without a doubt, having to say you are sorry to your spouse can be embarrassing and might make you feel both vulnerable and even foolish in front of your spouse. At times, you could also possibly not feel like you are at fault or be sufficiently convicted to take the first step in initiating reconciliation, even if you are indeed the offending party.

ref : splatter.com

However, should you choose to focus on maintaining a healthy and loving relationship with your spouse, the sacrificial move of offering a sincere and well-timed apology to your spouse can do wonders for your marital relationship. For starters, the sheer display of humility in acknowledging your part in a conflict will show your spouse how much you truly love and cherish him or her. Asking for forgiveness from your spouse can be a freeing experience for the both of you.

ref : blogspot.com

Remember that sincerely saying “sorry” to your spouse, although difficult to do, can actually make it easier for both you and your spouse to have that progressively more intimate and loving relationship that you have always longed for.

This article was published with permission from Focus on the Family Malaysia. For more information, please visit or contact us.

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The post It’s Hard for Me to Say I’m Sorry appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

17 Sept 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-

大学生涯无非是我们生命中一个非常兴奋的阶段，是我们生命里很多“第一次”的经验以及开始尝试独立的经历。

请允许我与大家分享6种让我们能够变成很棒的大学生的一些想法吧！

#1 跟上节奏，不是歌词

我喜欢主流的流行曲！当我跟着节奏摇摆时，却发现有些歌词一直反映出同样的信息：性关系，没问题、嗑药、喝酒、翘课、跟女孩接吻、让我喝醉、欺骗，没关系、失去自我等，怎么说呢？毕竟，我们只能活一次？！当你跟着节奏跳舞时，要记得保守你的心。别让歌词占据你的心，却要让神的话语来充满你的心。这样，你也会变得越来越有智慧。

#2 找一份兼职工作

如果你认为年龄是一种成熟的记号，那么，可能要三思，因为年龄的增长与成熟度并不是画上等号的。有些年纪较轻的人，行事为人是成熟的；有些年纪较大的人，行事为人却没有想象中的成熟。但是，若你想在心志和思维上变得更成熟，那你可以考虑开始找一份兼职工作或是职场实习，经历职青所承担的责任。当你有了这样的体验后，你就能学会如何珍惜你在大学生涯所拥有的零用钱和时间。

#3 好的品格永不褪色

很多时候，现代文化告诉我们，懒惰、没有方向地活着、或是傻乎乎地活着就是一种让人可以过兴奋和冒险生活的方法，其实这些个性只不过会让我们过一个不健全的生活而已。一些传统的个性，譬如勤奋、保持诚信、守时、有目标地生活（基本上都是圣经中好的品格），都能为我们带来聪明和成功的生活。鼓励你花一些时间阅读；多阅读，多益处。

#4 发掘自己喜欢什么，不喜欢什么

用你额外的时间去发掘自己喜欢什么，不喜欢什么；什么事你原本就能做的很好，什么是你觉得很难做得好的事。充分地去享受自己喜欢和在行的事，不要等到开始踏入职场的时候才开始发掘，因为到那时候，你会发现自己其实有的时间是有限的。若发现自己有兴趣继续考取另一个学位，那么在你做决定之前，先去询问那些已经完成了那个学位的职青意见。若是能够，寻找一位与你同行业的导师。

#5 认识不同性格的人

不要只将自己圈在基督徒的朋友或是非基督徒的朋友圈子里而已。我们需要拥有更广的的社交圈子，认识更多不同类型的人。藉着你与朋友相处的时间，能够决定他们对你的影响有多深。从他们的生命经历中学习，建立真正的友谊。

#6 你可以谈恋爱，但不要有性关系

你可以谈恋爱，但是站稳不要有性关系的立场。你的身体是神的殿，神的灵住在你的里面。祂爱你，而这份爱是不需要我们做什么事情去证明自己配得的。从谈恋爱的经验中去发掘真实的自己。但是，若你想更大限度享受自己的大学生涯，当然可以将谈恋爱延后，因为你所欣赏的特质或品格会随着你的年龄增长而慢慢改变。再者，你是为了将来的婚姻而保守自己。

祝你有很棒的大学生涯！

Note: This article was translated by Joycelyn Loh in Christianity Malaysia (CM).Amen.

References for pictures:

http://www.cannice.hk/Files/UploadFiles/_DSC9262_179(1).jpg

http://www.wallcoo.net/photography/collage_life_1600x1200/images/%5Bwallcoo_com%5D_collage_life_HG082_350A.jpg

http://www.thoughtpursuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/o-SMART-GIRL-facebook.jpg

http://www.vnews.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=wZsL8UrL$fcCm5CBtNAIMM$daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYscaJ9kqr1AuHYqlO21QlDoWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF$9l$4uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image.jpeg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS_l2DOeEWI/ULIk2-2qUrI/AAAAAAAAF6E/n92BuPWTIa0/s1600/Asian_group-3.jpg

http://spotonlists.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/To_live_with_the_person_you_love.jpg

The post 6种让你有很棒大学生涯的方法 appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

17 September 2014 by Donna Uning CM -

“What does it mean to know God’s presence in our midst?” asked Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung at the leaders’ retreat at Barbara Mendu Bay Auditorium, Kuching here recently. He was speaking at the two-day retreat on ‘Let your light shine.’

“Let your light shine on others,” he said adding, “Jesus began with ‘you are the salt of the earth’.” He explained, in the Asian context, how salt gives taste to food. We are to give taste to society, to be useful, blissful, and joyful. Salt is also used to preserve food. “You and I are to live in such a way to stop moral rot in society,” he said.

“We live in the times when things are not the best. How can we live in this world and make it more beautiful and prevent it from rotting morally?” he asked. How can saltiness be restored? The remnants of an impure salt are usually left as rubbish, he explained.

Jesus said we are to be light of the world. “We are to bring the gospel truth into the world that needs to know right or wrong,” he said. We are in a city or town, not to be hidden but to give light to all.

Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung.

“You and I are light so others may see our good works,” he continued saying, “And give glory to our Father in heaven.”

“If we are to shine God’s light, you must know God first,” he said. “When there is no presence of God, you can’t shine. We need to know God personally in our lives.” Without God’s presence, there is no genuine work of God. When a church is dead or half dead; whenever the spirit of God comes, He brings new life. Nations can transform, there are signs and wonders.

“But without God’s presence, nothing will happen,” he said. It is ninety percent possible for the church to go on merrily without the Holy Spirit; just like a nice plot with activities and more activities. “But where is God? Where is the fruit? Where is the transformation?”

“Unless God builds the house, the builders build the house in vain, however impressive it is,” he said. He talked about some of the beautiful churches built in the 70s to the 90s which have since closed down.

Exodus 33: 1-3,

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’  I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”

Hebrews 12:14,

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

“If you want God to be with us, we must strive to live holy,” he said. He will not fight us; He will just leave. In Exodus 33, God delivered His people miracle after miracle. At Mount Sinai, the people rebel and asked Aaron to make them a God. The way they worship their new god, it was a wild party. But because of Moses’ appeal, God relented.

Exodus 33:5,

“For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’”

“God says He cannot go with you,” he explained telling, “If you sin again, My Holiness will burst.” God’s holiness in relation to sin is like fire to petrol. It will burst forth to flame.

Exodus 33:11,

“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”

“The presence of God was absolutely essential. Moses speaks with God face to face. It was not something that is denied to you,” he said. The Bible says you have the right to go into God’s presence in Jesus’ name.

“Each person who tries to seek God will be able to see Him face to face,” he said. “It is possible for us to speak to God face to face, not just Moses.” Spend time in prayer. “You will find God meeting you in an intimate way. You will find yourself transformed and meeting God, using you in ways you can’t imagine,” he said.

Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung speaking at the auditorium.

“What is the point of going to church without meeting the King of kings and Lord of lords?” he asked, referring to the saying, what’s the point of going to London without meeting the queen?

Moses was used to speaking with God face to face and he would not go if God was not with him. He pleaded, ‘if these are your people, You must come with us. Without You, we are not saved.’

Exodus 33:12-15,

“Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’  If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.

 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Do you argue with God, telling Him how much you want Him? “Do church activities still go forth when we are sure God is with us?” he asked. Is God in our midst tonight, in our church services? “Our spiritual life can dry out and become empty when we sin or neglect God,” he said. Samson had a powerful anointing and through carelessness and sin, he lost it. Saul rejected God and God rejected him.

1 Samuel 10:6,

“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.”

“In each case, when God left, they did not realize it,” he added telling, “Individuals and nations can lose the presence of God. It can happen to individuals and to our church.” The center of gravity of God’s church has moved out of the US and Europe to Africa, Asia and South America, to the non-Western world.

In the 50s, the Anglicans, Methodists were the big players. In the 70s to the 90s, other churches grew much faster. “We lost our people because we allow the presence of God to leave. Don’t let it happen to you; don’t let it happen to the church,” he said.

The bishop continued the talk in a 2-day seminar covering topics which include what is holy living, repentance in our lives and revival in the Malaysian context.

Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung retired as the fourth bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia. He served as pastor of the Grace Methodist Church, Kuala Lumpur and was appointed a Lecturer in Christian Theology at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) in 1982. He was the Principal of STM from July 1986 to June 2001. In July 2001, he was appointed the first Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity in Asia (CSCA), Trinity Theological College, Singapore.

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17 Sept 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-

On 6^th of September, Malaysian CARE had its first 35^th Anniversary celebration at the Wesley Methodist Church in Kuala Lumpur with more than 500 people. 

Dr David Wong, Chairman of Malaysian CARE, gave a welcoming speech, thanking all staff, partners, donors, and volunteers of CARE over the years.

“The work of looking after the poor is huge because there are still pockets of people who are really in need. God has commissioned us to share the good news and to encourage the poor and needy,” said Dr David.

A video highlighting their milestones over the 35 years was shown, before Rev Pax Tan, former director of Prison, Drugs, and AIDS of CARE read a speech written by Rev Wong Kim Kong, founding chairman of Malaysian CARE, who was unable to come to the event.

Rev Pax Tan

“Malaysian CARE will leave behind a legacy of social concern of the church. It is the most honorable and exemplary ministry of the holistic mission of the Church,” said Wong, elaborating on CARE’s ethos that include indigenous in entity, evangelical in theology, ecumenical in involvement, holistic in approach, integrated in service, and partnership in caring.

Like the Word of God that came to prophet Joel, Wong shared that the rich testimonies of people whose lives are changed through CARE, are memorial stones of God’s practical and tangible love for them. (Joel 1:1-3)

Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in our days or in the days of your ancestors? Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:1-3)

The attendees for the 35th Anniversary celebration

Alex Low Siew Meng, former drug addict and death-sentenced prisoner, shared how his life was changed after accepting Christ at a Christmas celebration in prison. He prayed to God for a second chance, to which God answered by changing the sentence to nine years imprisonment and 20 whips. By then he had already served more than nine years. So, he was released after the whipping. Upon release, he was introduced to Petros Residential, a halfway home that helps discharged prisoners and ex-drug dependents find their way back into the society.

“I saw the efforts of the staff in Petros. Their love really touched me and made me curious. I am not their friend or relative. I don’t have any money. They even took me to see the doctor. How they offered themselves is what the Bible teaches,” said Alex.

After staying in Petros Residential for two years, Alex has learned how to read the Bible, having known little English. Today, Alex runs a chicken rice shop having learned the ropes from a brother-in-Christ. The Lord has also blessed him with a beautiful wife and a child.

“This is my experience. Like God says, ‘It’s not possible for human, but it is possible with Me.’ I believe I will continue to live a life that will glorify God and benefit other people,” said Alex.

Worship team for Malaysian CARE

Chong Tat Shan, a mother of a son with special needs, came on-stage next to thank CARE for walking with her in raising her child. Since her son joined the work-base centre in CARE last year, she has seen her son improving in his social skills.

Wong Young Soon, Executive Director of CARE, followed by presenting their visions and future efforts. 

For the next few years, CARE will be emphasizing their efforts more on the indigenous people of East Malaysia who are mostly poor people. The efforts include helping them to set up financial cooperatives of their own and run sustainable agricultural projects to advance their rural development. With a base of four staff in Sabah currently, they will also be working with the local churches to provide services for children and adults with special needs, which were lacking.

Wong Young Soon, Executive Director of CARE

Another area CARE will be focusing on is youth development, specifically for the youths in the poor community area and in the juvenile prisons. In the poor community areas, CARE is holding community sports program to engage children with good values, which they hope to protect them from the influence of criminal gangs. In the juvenile prisons, CARE is coaching the youths there through character-building sessions, followed by counseling facilities to assist the youths who are released from prison.

Another initiative they are engaging in is the Financial Literacy Program (FLP), which targets on low-cost flat and squatter communities to reduce poverty. Today, they have seen more than 800 people who went through FLP with 15 churches and Christian NGO partners. CARE is also working with government agencies such as Bank Negara and PEMANDU to provide more economic resources for the poor community to start a business. They hope to contextualize this program for the people in East Malaysia.

Seeing the success of FLP, CARE has also produced a book called Kursus Kewangan Komuniti for the participants of FLP. And on this day of CARE’s 35^th Anniversary, the book is officiated by Amelia Leong representing World Vision Malaysia, KL Lum representing Network for Economic Transformation, and Dr David Wong representing Malaysian CARE.

Wong Young Soon presenting Kursus Kewangan Komuniti to Amelia Leong from World Vision Malaysia

An attendee reading the Kursus Kewangan Komuniti

As a voice for the poor and marginalized as well, CARE is also at the forefront of running a campaign against corruption, called the EXPOSED campaign, which impacts the poor the most. They are also passionate in defending the rights of Orang Asli on their lands.

Lastly, Young Soon shared CARE’s milestone of having partnered with a Christian university in Australia to provide a Master’s degree in Aids and Development. They have currently 22 students studying for this program, coming from across the region of Southeast Asia.

The celebration service ended with the presentation of long-service awards to the staffs of CARE, including the 5-year-award for Bah Junjong, community worker in Ladang MCare, and Samuel Lim, Leader in the Prison, Drugs, and AIDS Services; 10-year-award for Leong Hap Choy, Acting Assistant Director for Rural and Development Services; 20-year-award for Yap Khen Siong, Receptionist for CARE Headquarters; 25-year-award for Rev Wong Kheang Wook, a Board member General-Secretary; and finally, 30-year-award for Rev Pax Tan.

Dr David Wong, Chairman of Malaysian CARE, handing Yap Khen Siong a 20-year-award

The guests adjourned for a scrumptious dinner and a lively carnival with merchandize and food stalls by clients and partners of CARE. The stalls were held in partnership with Friendship Club KL, Bloomers Training Centre, Siloam House, Community Clients, Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak, Tanma Federation, and Peace Charis Rehabilitation Centre.

In conjunction of their 35^th anniversary, look out for CARE’s testimony every week for the next 35 weeks on their website and Facebook!

The guests enjoying a scrumptious dinner by CARE

The magic show at the carnival

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All pictures are credited to Stanley Wo

The post Celebrating God’s Goodness!—Malaysian CARE 35th Anniversary and Thanksgiving appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

18 September 2014 by Jason Law CM -

Recently, the prophet Cindy Jacobs gave a prophecy over Malaysia. ‘There is a Great Awakening coming to Malaysia. “My glory is going to wash Malaysia from the North to the South, from the East to the West,” says the Lord. The Lord God said, “I am going to pour out My Spirit, the former and the latter rain; together I am going to raise up a generation of miracle workers. This anointing is going to hit schools; even in the primary schools. Look particularly to the coast lines of Malaysia.’

Cindy Jacobs was speaking in the United To Transform Prayer Conference held in Glad Tidings PJ from the 10^th-13^th of September 2014. ‘”I am coming,” says the Lord, “to visit the coast. And it’s not going to stay because I am coming like a mighty tsunami of glory.””And I am coming in such a way that you cannot imagine,” says the Lord.   

Prophetess Cindy Jacobs

‘The Lord is saying that He is concerned with what is going on in the nations today. He is never asleep, and the time is coming soon when He will pour out His wrath on those who are stubborn in their wicked ways. He is displeased with the corruption that is going on in many parts of the world. God is calling for those who are corrupted and power abusing to repent or be shaken to their foundations. Give up your wicked ways or find your corruption exposed for what they are,’ warned Jacobs.

Already, there are ripples giving sign of the Spiritual tsunami that is to come. The battles in the spiritual realms are intensifying each day, Cindy Jacobs shared, but there are also many things she has seen that gives her great encouragement. In many parts of the world, people are returning to the Lord in great numbers, and their prayer lives have increased dynamically, often transforming the impossible into the miraculous.

Cindy Jacobs at the United to Transform Prayer Conference

We must position ourselves so that when the great tsunami hits, we are ready to ride on the crest of its waves, Cindy Jacobs imparted. Every later generation stands upon the shoulders of the work done by giants in the previous generations. One such example is John Sung. It is well-known that John Sung’s determination to redeem the souls of people for God was such that he gave up every qualification he had earned as a young man.

‘He only kept his doctorate out of a promise he made to his father, and that doctorate he gave to his father’s hands. It was said that John Sung prayed for the souls of people with such intensity that you could wring the sweat out of his clothes after every prayer session. He worked so hard for the souls of the people around him that it affected his health. That was how much the souls of people mattered to him,’ Cindy Jacobs shared.

John Sung

‘Today, we’re standing upon the hills left through the legacies of people like John Sung. It is an exciting time for Christians. We mustn’t give up and let the work of people like them go to waste and end up for nothing. We must be faithful unto the Lord, we must continue to push on and keep the momentum. We must hold on to what the Lord has said, that there is going to be a great revival in the latter days, and that His glory is going to be manifested like never before.’     

The conference was also graced by the sharing of Pastor Julius Suubi. He shared about the requirements for transformation. ‘If we look in to the Bible, we can see that for every character in it, there is a favorite word. If you ask Abraham, the word would be faith. If you ask Jacob, it will be fighting for his inheritance. For Joseph; dreams and visions. For Moses; deliverance. For Solomon; wisdom. For David, that word is seeking after the heart of God.

Pastor Julius Suubi

‘Transformation can only come when we are in the presence of God. We must hunger for His presence with the same intensity that David hungered for that presence. We often ask God to transform situations, but in order for transformation to come, there must first be revival. And for revival to take place, we cannot be lackadaisical. Everything must begin with desire after God; that is the most important thing of all.  

‘To seek after God is not to perform an action. It is a lifestyle that needs to be developed, when we learn to focus on God instead of the problem. What is it that motivates us? It cannot be our problems because then once the problem goes away, we will drift away from Him. It must be our love for God. God is often more interested in transforming us than the situations around us. Seeking is a place of transformation, and where we learn to change our priorities from the answers to the one who provides the answer.’

Pastor Julius Suubi at the United to Transform Prayer Conference

The three-day conference was an anointed time in which people prayed and worshipped prophetically, and the thing that filled hearts with hope was the fact that many of the attendees were from the young generation.   

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The post United To Transform Prayer Conference, Glad Tidings PJ appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

19 Sept 2014 by 张微微 -

耶稣基督，垂听祷告的神

 “身为家中第三代基督徒的我，从母亲那里得知原来外公那一代是敬奉鬼神的。那时，外公对基督徒非常抗拒。他认为基督徒整天都无所事事，游手好闲，没事就常常来烦他。那个时候的外公，也认为只有没有能力的人才需要神的帮助。”微微分享到当时村里来向外公传福音的传道人，都被她的外公赶出门外。

她继续分享外公信主的经历，“有一天，外公跟一群朋友出去砍树。在村庄里，有一颗大榕树，每逢过年过节，村里的人都杀鸡、杀猪，来供奉那看棵榕树。因为听说那颗树的鬼很厉害。外公很大胆地跟朋友说，“我们去砍那颗树。” 他的朋友们也很放胆地同意去砍了。结果，一回到家就开始不停地吐血、拉血。后来，外公的朋友三天内都过世了。我们家也请了巫师来，可惜那巫师治不了附在外公身上的鬼。巫师当时也说，外公最多只能活七天。”

张微微

逼于无奈之下，外公要求妈妈去请传道人来家里，因为他要信耶稣。他说，“既然我所拜的神不能救我，这样，若我死的话，也要信耶稣而死。”当晚，外公就在传道人的带领下，决志接受耶稣成为他个人的救主。过后，外公还活了十七年才回到天父的怀中。就这样，救恩临到了微微的家族。

“唯有我是耶和华；除我以外，并没有拯救者。”（以赛亚书 43：11）

至于微微的母亲，在信主后，之前的一些坏习惯，例如抽烟、喝酒等，都完全放下了。 常常祷告的母亲，从小就对微微说耶稣爱她，“在妈妈的一生中，令她最痛苦的事，就是在我大姐过世后，就接著有了患上小儿麻痹症的我。妈妈也说，如果不是因为有耶稣，她早就疯了。”

不愿只风闻有你，但愿亲眼看见你

从五岁开始就患上了小儿麻痹症的微微，模糊的印象中记得，当时母亲一直在一旁哭泣。她分享到，“让我最难忘的，是妈妈按手在我的头上，为我祷告。”

由于家里经济状况不允许，让没有能力看医生的微微，病情每况愈下。“所以，除了祷告之外，我们真的做不了什么。很多人都说我是没有办法活下来了。甚至，连我的爸爸都放弃了我，跟妈妈说不要再给我喂药。因为他实在是看不下去我那不死不活的样子。或许我死了会更好，因为至少我不再需要痛苦地活着。”

尽管周遭有许多患上小儿麻痹症的孩童都一一离世，但是母亲深信那位让外公活下来的神，必定能够救活微微。

病情一直没有任何的起色，再加上家乡炎热的天气，让微微患上了癫痫病。痛不欲生的微微在母亲的鼓励下，一直坚持不放弃，相信耶稣能拯救和医治她。 “那时候我对耶稣并没有很深的认识，可我就是紧紧地地抓住祂。当我痛的时候，当我无助的时候，我都会喊耶稣。每次当我看到妈妈的脸，我都有活下来的勇气”微微说。

“所有信靠他的人，必不致失望。”（罗马书 10:11）

新的开始从来不易

在一次母亲四处寻医的经历中，发现其实微微无法适应家乡的气候，便与微微的父亲商议要搬迁。然而，想到要离乡背井、没有工作、陌生的环境等因素，让微微的父亲却步。意想不到的是，母亲的坚持让全家人都同意搬迁到城市里生活，父亲最后也一同搬迁。

张微微 （左）与马圣同学

微微说，“来到城市后，我的病情慢慢好转。手开始能动，也可以用拐杖走路。除此之外，我也可以去学校念书。记得小时候，我们全家人星期天都一定要上教会。如果不去，回来就会被妈妈打。所以，我从小就在教会长大，在主日学听圣经故事，可以说我在神的爱中成长。”

尽管微微在教会中长大，却对神的救恩毫无头绪。“过去，我一直活在律法之下，自己其实不确定能不能上天堂，一直都活在恐惧中。”

上帝的慈绳爱索能打破一切恐惧的捆锁

1994年的受浸，让微微心中的恐惧和不安更加地巨大。“我一直没有办法胜过试探，一直活在罪中，心里常想我都受洗了，怎么可以这样软弱呢？甚至有的时候会想，如果我真的死了，一定会下地狱。所以，我就跟耶稣说，‘除了你，还有谁能救我呢？求你帮助我，也告诉我应该要怎样做才能得救。’”

张微微

“因为‘凡求告主名的，都必得救。’”（罗马书 10:13）

感谢神，祂不只垂听了微微的祷告，更应允她的呼求，特别预备了一位外来的牧师，来更肯定地回答微微心中的疑问。“我记得我们在街上遇到，他问了我的名字、住在哪里、还问我是不是基督徒。我回答他说，我是基督徒。更奇妙的是，他继续问我是否确定自己得救。我当时笑笑地对他说，自己其实还没有确定。后来，他就邀请我出席一场培灵会。在那培灵会中，我才知道，只要我口里承认耶稣为主，心里相信就必得救。”

“因为心里相信就必称义，用口承认就必得救。”（罗马书 10:10）

微微说，“就是这么简单！从那天开始，我就让耶稣成为我个人的救主，让主掌管我的生命。”

张微微，现为马来西亚圣经神学院（马圣）的神学生。

注脚：此文章由 Joycelyn Loh CM整理。

The post 信心，让一切都变为可能… 爱，使凡事都有来盼望！ appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

19 September 2014 by Mindy Oon CM -

‘916 Let the Nation Pray’ was held on Malaysia Day at Tower Regency, Ipoh. Around 1000 Christians from the churches in Perak gathered to pray for Malaysia on the day that it was created. Every race was represented, and together it was declared that Perak, and Malaysia, is serious about God, and that we are bringing this country into the hand of God.

916 let the nation pray

A short word was brought by Pastor David Goh from Banner of Love, Kota Damansara. Pastor David started off by saying that he is excited about what God is doing in the East and West Malaysia. It is exciting when churches come together to rebuild the altars of the Lord. God has a plan or the church in Malaysia, as well as for every individual. Most of us are aware that we are living in the end times, and we know that Jesus is coming soon, bringing God’s redemption plan for mankind to a closure.

However, the word of God says that He will one more time shake the heavens and the earth. He will shake His church, and He will shake Malaysia and the nations of the world. We have seen the shakings – and these shakings will get more violent as the days go by. While times may be hard, this is the call of God for His people to return to him wholeheartedly. We must start to seek after the things that cannot be shaken. We must seek Him, His heart, and His kingdom. We must seek God’s righteousness and His holiness so that we can fulfill His will and purposes in these last days. We need to do this so that we can be true witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Greeting one another as a body of Christ

Isaiah 60:2 says ‘See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you’. This darkness will cover Malaysia and the whole earth. This means there will be misery and that lawlessness that will take place, affecting everyone on earth. Truly, we can see that there is a darkness covering Malaysia, with rampant crime, corruption and lawlessness happening around us.

It is in the midst of such darkness, God will reveal himself. He will reveal His glory through us – his church. He will reveal His glory to all mankind and everyone will know that Christ is the one and only true living God. And every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

What is our response?

Arise and Shine for the glory of the Lord is upon us! In the midst of darkness the church should shine because His glory is upon us. We can’t pray away the darkness – this darkness must take place in the last days.

Representatives from each community in Perak

However, we have been called to be the light in the midst of the darkness. When the light and glory of God is upon us, nations will come to God’s light. Revival will come, and nation, individuals and even kings will come to God’s people. Imagine if we are all in a dark room, and a person lights a candle. All of us will be attracted to the light. As God’s people, we are that light. Signs, wonders and miracles will follow us. Jesus will empower us with His spiritual authority, and He will give us the accuracy of His word. When we speak His word, the heart of men will be drawn to Him. God is poising His church for a great revival.

Our country has 30 million people and there are still 27 million who does not know Christ. While God will reveal Himself to those that do not know Him, 1 Peter 1:14-16 says ‘As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Worship at ‘916 Let The Nation Pray’

We need to be holy because our God is holy. If we are to make a real impact in this nation, we need to deal with the sin that is in our lives because this will ensure that the presence of God will be with us all the days of our lives. Without holiness, we will not be able to see God, and all our proclamations of how great God is will come to nothing. Holiness is required for God’s presence to be with us. Thus, we must repent of the sin that is in our lives so that the light of Christ will come down upon us.

Rebuilding the Altar

Rebuilding The Altar

The prophetic act of building the altar of prayer was carried out. This solemn moment represented the rebuilding the altar of prayer and commitment so that the name of Jesus would be lifted up. Each community was represented and each representative placed a stone at the altar to symbolize the rebuilding of the altar. This altar was transported to YMCA Ipoh as a reminder that there is a need for us to continually come to God in prayer.

Come together in Prayer

Praying for unity

Even as the prophetic act has been carried out, there is the need for us to put our words into action. Thus, YMCA Ipoh will be opening their doors for Christians to pray together as a community of believers once a month. All are welcome to join this prayer meet that will be held every 3^rd Tuesday of the month from 8 to 9.30 pm. The first meeting will be on the 21^st of October 2014.

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The post 9-16 Let the Nation Pray! appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

20 Sept 2014 by Lim Poh Ann-

Tolerance is often regarded as a positive trait. Sometimes we think that maturity means we must always be tolerant—even to the extent of condoning false teaching.

But that is not the stance adopted by apostles Paul, Peter and John. They made sure they took a strong stand against destructive heresies (2 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1).

Love alone without truth is compromise.

“The early Christians condemned false doctrine in a way that sounds almost unchristian today.” -Vance Havner

Ref: tumblr

We must be careful, however, not to be overly dogmatic on relatively minor issues such as the method of baptism—whether it is by sprinkling or immersion.  **

Truth is not just about morality—integrity in thought, word and action. The oft neglected aspect of truth is doctrine, to which we must hold fast.

Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22).

Contending against false doctrine (heresies) will stop believers from slipping down the path of destruction and damnation (2 Peter 2:1).

Fighting the good fight of faith is not just about keeping our personal faith and finishing the race.

It is also about contending for the faith, keeping believers safe from enticing words of man’s wisdom that delude many and send them to destruction.

Ref: cm

Preaching the truth, the Word of God, irrespective of the season, is of paramount importance. The flock needs to be fed the solid Word, especially when there is false teaching (heresy) that is so enticing; it tickles and soothes “itching ears”. People are naturally drawn away from truth to distorted versions of truth (lies) because the latter give them the “feel good” feeling.  There is a great need not only to teach and encourage (positive) but also to correct and rebuke (negative).

The success of any minister lies not only in his ability to impact lives when he is around. He must be able to pass the baton to chosen ones so that lives continue to be impacted when he is no longer around. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Ref: deviantart

Before he left the elders of the church at Ephesus to go to Jerusalem, Paul shared with them a poignant farewell message:

So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.  I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

(Acts 20: 28-30, 32).

 

It is imperative for leaders to confront false teaching during these perilous end times. If they can identify with Paul the seriousness of the task they have been entrusted with—to feed the flock with solid teaching from the whole Word of God (Acts 20:27) as well as to correct and rebuke heresy (2 Timothy 4:2)—then people will not be so easily led astray from the faith. 

Ref: tumblr

So when does tolerance become compromise?

When we fail to teach sound doctrine and stand up for truth.

FALSE DOCTRINES IDENTIFIED

1. DID JESUS SET ASIDE HIS DIVINITY?

A prominent leader, Bill Johnson, teaches that Jesus operated only as a man and not God during His earthly ministry. But did Jesus set aside His divinity while He was on earth?

2. WILL TRUE GRACE PLEASE STAND UP?

False grace exposed.

RELATED POSTS

EIGHT WAYS TO FIGHT FALSE TEACHING

UNITY versus TRUTH

CULTIVATING A SHEPHERD’S HEART

FINISHING WELL

PARTING WORDS

What was the main thrust of Paul’s farewell message to the church at Ephesus and his last words to young Timothy?

  **    FOOTNOTES:

SCHISMS: DISAGREEING ON MINOR TRUTHS

“People who were agreed about the centralities of the faith dividing and separating from one another over matters that were not essential to salvation, not absolutely vital. This is always one of the dangers afflicting us as evangelicals. We can be so rigid, so over-strict, and so narrow that we become guilty of schism.”

-Martyn Lloyd-Jones

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The post When Does Tolerance Become Compromise? appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.

20 Sept 2014-

How do you connect with your daughter?

Earlier this year, some research came out of Baylor University with some powerful insights for fathers. The researchers found that the best bonding times for dads and daughters—and what often become positive turning points in those relationships—are shared activities.

Take note, dad. When asked about moments when they really felt connected to their dads, daughters commonly mentioned the time when they began to play a sport. Their dads quickly jumped in and became the primary practice partner. And it’s natural for dads to stay involved to help their daughters develop skills and learn lessons about competition, taking risks, and standing up for themselves.

Ref: huffpost

Most of all, when dads made the effort to help coach or work on the skill with them, it made the daughters feel important—the center of their dad’s attention.

To be clear, this isn’t all about sports. Other shared activities daughters mentioned include working on a project and taking a trip together. Those experiences helped them feel connected to their dads. And often, spending that time together led to great conversations about all kinds of subjects.

Now, here’s what I believe is even more interesting about this. The professor at Baylor noted that these shared activities tap into the masculine style of building closeness. Guys often relate more easily while doing things together (side-by-side), where the feminine approach is more about connecting by talking, (face-to-face).

Read more

The post Dad, What Is a Good Way to Connect With Your Daughter? appeared first on Malaysia’s most comprehensive Christian news website and was launched in September 2012, incorporated with the vision of delivering up-to-date news, information, and commentaries relevant to Christians across denominational lines.