the Learner's Blog

Things I remember about Stephen

2012-01-27T22:28:00.001+08:00

In Dec 2007, we completed the dry run of Project Timothy in CBC SEA Park. I approached Stephen Choi, the head tutor to express my desire to be a tutor. Kathleen and I were the only ones from the Chinese church. He smiled and said ok. I have been with PT-Asia since. I have gone through 1 complete cycle of PT and I am now in the 2 of 6 semesters of the 2nd round.

Here are some of the things I remember about this friend, mentor, sifu of mine.

His smile
His trademark moustache
His love of God
His love for the Word of God
His love for the people of God
His humour

I always enjoy the PT tutors meeting where Stephen would wait for the others tutors to share their thoughts, and then with a smile, bring up some of the things he observed from the Bible. This is usually followed by dumbfounded silence and a few daring attempts to answer his questions. He'd then share his suggestions. I always enjoy learning from my fellow tutors but Stephen made learning a very interesting and enjoyable experience.

I am very inspired by his faith in God especially during his times of trial. He really kept his eyes on the author and finisher of his faith.

Stephen is now back to be with Jesus. I will miss him very much.

On the 4th day of Chinese New Year ...

2012-01-26T22:29:00.000+08:00

Today is the 4th day of Chinese New Year.

I have with me the cough that had been bugging me since 1 week before Chinese New Year. I will go see Dr. Chau (my own doctor) if necessary. The panel clinic doesn't work for me.

I am very thankful for the following:

Son, Jesse is doing his A-levels in the Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. I hope he gets back his motivation. He can be unstoppable when he is in form. He got 7 As in his UPSR. Perhaps too much success to early. I never really recovered from my 8 A1s in SRP. I got arrogant. I hope he doesn't.
My dad is free from tube and urine bag. The medicine worked well. He could pass urine just fine. To quote Wei Lymn, the new standard is no long being able to eat and sleep, but also to be able to take in and discharge.
SOL 1 and SOL 2. Jesse and Kathleen both finished their SOL 1 and they are waiting for me. Due to a mistake in my schedule, I missed out one class for SOL 1 last year. I am going to take it on 11/02/2012 and I can graduate together with them. We have a few group studies to do for SOL 2. All in good time.
Family - we love and care for one another. Being the eldest, I should go home more often. I will do just that.
The wonderful people God put in my life. I have said it once, and I will say it again (plagiarized from Eric Bischoff from one episode of Monday Nitro) - you people put a smile on my face and a teas in my eye. Thank you for the hugs too. Wife thinks physical touch is my language of love.

During the few days away, I have been constantly praying for 2 friends in particular. I have regular people I pray for but I pray for these 2 in particular. One has cancer. One has a delayed dust mite allergy.

I am looking forward to a year of promotion as Pastor Daniel said. No, not just in terms of position but in terms of responsibilities. If we are faithful with the little things, God will give us bigger things. At this age, I am really learning to come back to God and no longer think I am very clever. I have been 'clever' for many years and the last few years of 'doing nothing' has humbled me a lot.

I am glad we are in DUMC. I think my dreams will come alive. And my shattered dreams will live again. With so many brothers and sisters to look after me, I will make it. I am counting the blessings of God everyday and I am looking forward to the end of 2012 when I will look back at a great year.

All glory to Jesus.

S2T1: Challenge to Faithful Discipleship #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2012-01-08T11:43:00.001+08:00

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, 08/01/2012
This is the Anniversary Gift Weekend and we are trusting God for RM4 million.

The sermon is the first in the S2T1 series or Study in Studies in 2 Timothy (S2T): Paul’s Last Words (Discipleship & Leadership Development)

2Ti 2:1-8 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2) And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (3) Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. (5) Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. (6) The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. (7) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (8) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

2011 has gone so fast. It’s like a toilet roll, the faster we use the faster it goes away. (There’s a new roll once the 2011 roll is gone. ~Loong.) Pastor Daniel said every year is better than the last and the best is yet to come. (I remember one camp speaker during a CBC camp said, 好戏在后头.)

Last year, we lay foundation, we built depth. In 2012, we build distance. There are 3 elements – making disciples, multiply leaders and in a certain kind of culture.

“All of us in DUMC are serious disciples of Christ.” ~Pastor Daniel.

(Continuation from the sermon last week)

Commission of Christ

To make disciples of all nations (nations in Greek here is ethne or people groups.)

1. Status of the Great Commission

There are 16,700 people groups in the world. Considering people group less than 2% committed to Christ as unreached, then 90% of them are unreached.
The most unreached people groups are in the 10/40 window (latitude 10 to 40 degree North.)

2. The Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

The Coca-cola vision

“A bottle of Coca-cola in every hand.”

How can we do this?

Bible Translation – the Bible is the book translated into the most number of languages.
Movies – the movie translated into most languages is the Jesus movie. 6.5 million people have seen it.
Radio broadcasting

Is Christianity growing / declining or stagnant? Evangelical Christianity is growing 2 times faster than other religions. People are hungry for truth.

3. Dramatic Recent Progress

Philippines – 3000 churches in 1975 and 55000 in 2005. Expected 10,000 cross cultural workers in 2010.
China – less than 1 million believers in 1048. 125 million in 2010. There are more Christians in China that in North America. Over 12,000 new Chinese believers every day! There is a great need for pastoral training.
多一个基督徒在中国，多一个好人在中国！

Developing world missions initiatives

21000 in Latin America, Nigeria 15,000, China 50,000, South Korea 30,000, Philippines 10,000.

4. Challenges of the Unfinished Task

Spiritual Challenge
Population Challenge – so many people!
People Group Challenge – language, traditional beliefs.
Political / national Challenge – closed country, physical and spiritual starvation of 23 million in North Korea alone.
Resource Challenge – only 1 our of 10 missionaries are found in unreached people group. Of every $1 donated, only $0.01 goes to unreached people groups.

No one should be denied the opportunity to hear the good news. Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice when there are still some who have not heard it at all.
Rev 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.

(I thought Pastor Daniel has finished. He has not.)

The Command to multiply leaders

To multiple leaders effectively (2 Tim 2:2)

We must always think 2 generations of leaders, at a span of 50 to 60 years. Leadership is vital in any organizations.

Here in DUMC, we want to make sure everything is done with a spirit of excellence. The CEO of Microsoft Singapore commented that the Dream Centre is well designed even down to the most minute details, including the toilets.

Characteristics of a leader

People with endurance (2 Tim 2:3)
To guard against entangement (2 Tim 2:4)

What can distract us?

Relationship - if you are married, don't fool around with a colleague of the opposite sex.

Addiction - computer games or pornography. The latter is no respecter of man. Addictions can include smoking.

Greed - Watch out for get rich quick schemes. Guard against our heart. If we want a lot of money, work hard and work honestly.

Play by the rules (v5)
Hardworking (v6)

To make disciples and multiply leaders In a Certain Kind of Culture

A culture is

the glue that binds the body / organizations together.
the sum total of all behaviours, attitudes and styles of people, programmes and services.
what people see and experience.

The culture DUMC seeks to cultivate

Humility. We don't throw our weight around. It is developed and grown by serving other people, especially those who are deemed lower to us in the society.
Holiness. We cannot live powerful lives when we don't live a holy life.
Authenticity. Be real. Genuine. No pretence. When there is authenticity, we have authority.
Generosity. It is God who enables us to give. A generous person is never grumpy and grouchy.
Faith. A real strong faith in God to believe in the impossible and sometimes even improbable. We want to build a faithful atmosphere.
Courage. Challenges are great. We are not fighting against flesh and blood but the principalities.
Servanthood. We seek to build up authentic servants who help others. When DUMC is made up of servants, it will be not just a good church but a great church, a fantastic church. See a need, fill it, see a hurt, heal it.

I'm in the office before 0700

2012-01-03T07:11:00.001+08:00

Dad's appointment with the urologist is rescheduled to Thursday. The urologist's dad passed away (God be with them.) I spoke to boss and move my leave to Thursday.

I dropped Jesse at the Kelana Jaya LRT station (well, technically, I dropped him opposite the LDP). I didn't accompany him. Now that I am in the office, I am thinking I should have gone with him.

He should be ok. I perhaps worry too much. He dressed up so smart today.

I am so early in the office. I will get something done in the quietness of the morning.

Torn ... in many directions

2012-01-02T22:13:00.001+08:00

Tomorrow, I am accompanying my dad to see a specialist for his prostrate issue. The appointment is scheduled to be very early to make it for the appointment in Klang. It's 0730! What kind of doctor is so hardworking? A urologist no less. He's a classmate of my sister. That's how. I hope we can find out how to fix it and my dad can be at ease again.

Due to time clash, I cannot accompany Jesse to his first day in college. The first two days will be orientation but still ... I wanted to much to go with him.

At another front, Kathleen has hated me more because I think helping her in her assignment is cheating. I think she is right. If others (read 'other female friends') ask me to help them with their school assignments, would I decline? Even Jesse think I should help.

The one that really tugs at my heart is the year end closing in the company. For the record, my colleagues are more than capable of doing their work on their own - even without me standing by and cheering them on. I was in the office on Saturday and today. But I won't be there on the first official working day of the year with my COMrades. I wonder how many will miss me. I know one may. The others I don't know. To make up for it, I have done what I could. I churned up some data when I came home from dinner plus last minute shopping for Jesse. The lunch arrangement today was a disaster. We have to each went our own way because one particular sandwich joint did not get our order ready and did not remember to call us to tell us.

In DUMC, we are told 2011 was a BETTER year. and 2012 is a year of PROMOTION. I don't care about the title I am given at work. I think I am being promoted to do more. I wish I can do just as much as I was doing 1 decade ago. I don't want to think I am already pass my prime or over the hill.

The best is yet to come! I am a work in progress.

Vision Weekend 2012 - Make disciples … multiply leaders #dumcMY #sermon #fb

2012-01-01T12:53:00.001+08:00

Pastor Dr Daniel Ho, New Year 2012
Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
2Ti 2:1-7 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2) And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (3) Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. (5) Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. (6) The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. (7) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
This New Year is going to be a great year. It is going to be better than the year before. Tiap-tiap hari, God is good. God is good, tiap-tiap hari.
2011 is about building depth and lay strong foundation to prepare for what is to come. The Word of God continues to be crucial in the foundation.
Forecasts around the world do not paint a pretty picture. We don’t know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. Pastor Daniel challenged us to fast 1 meal a day for the next 14 days. Malaysia badly needs prayer.
2012 is to build distance and to build a structure that lasts.

Making disciples
Developing leaders
Serving a certain kind of culture

The call to make disciples

Character of a disciples

A learner, pupil, a follower

Mar 1:16-18 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (17) Come, follow me, Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (18) At once they left their nets and followed him.
The word disciple and the word discipline came from the same root word. A disciple is a discipline person. To this end, DUMC has designed a few things for us.

Firstly, the CG. Over 200 leaders have been raised up throughout the years. Secondly, the SOL, to train us up as strong follower of Jesus Christ. We also have many conferences, the first being the Miracle Rally with Rev. Dr. Colton in Jan. This year, the ASOL (the Advanced School of Leadership) begins. This is done in partnership with the Malaysian Theological Seminary.

“When Christ calls a man He bids him come and die.” ~ The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

The Greek for disciple is μαθητής (mathetes or martyr). For those who want to follow Christ, there is a price to pay.

In the 20th century, there are more Christian martyrs than the past centuries.
Pastor Daniel mentioned a Chinese martyr, Wang Zhi Ming, who is commemorated together with Bonhoeffer.

Cost of bring Jesus’ disciples

“Full blooded”
Luk 9:57-58 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." (58) Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Jesus told those who wanted to follow him that there are uncertainties. But following the creator of the universe is better than anything else.

Luk 9:59-60 He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." (60) Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

Jesus was not saying we should not take care of our loved ones but rather to impress upon his disciples the urgency of preaching the Gospel.

Luk 9:61-62 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." (62) Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Jesus was not suggesting we abandon our families without saying goodbye. He wanted us to focus.

Pastor Daniel then told the story of Sun Yat Sen.
Luk 14:25-26 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: (26) If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple.
Jesus was not telling us to hate our family. The Bible is very clear that we are to love our parents, in fact we need to honour them. However, sometimes our parents can get in the way because they oppose our faith.

How can one’s belief be legislated by law? Faith is something real, genuine to an individual. What a tragedy it is to have the government or parents infringe on our belief?
When it comes to the crunch, our love and devotion to Jesus must be supreme to anything else. It’s like a love-hate relationship.

Consequence of such discipleship

It is critical – the stakes are high and hence the cost is high. Human souls are eternal.

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Are we living the live we should be living? Our life has been corrupted and Jesus can restore it. The enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy. The enemy tries to break relationships.

An American communist wrote the following letter to break up with his love interest.

We Communists have a philosophy of life which no amount of money could buy. We have a cause to fight for, a definite purpose in life. We subordinate our petty, personal selves into a great movement of humanity, and if our personal lives seem hard, or our egos appear to suffer through subordination to the party, then we are adequately compensated by the thought that each of us in his small way is contributing to something new and true and better for mankind.
There is one thing in which I am in dead earnest and that is the Communist cause. It is my life, my business, my religion, my hobby, my sweetheart, my wife and mistress, my bread and meat. I work at it in the daytime and dream of it at night. Its hold on me grows, not lessens as time goes on.
Therefore, I cannot carry on a friendship, a love affair, or even a conversation without relating it to this force which both drives and guides my life. I evaluate people, books, ideas, and actions according to how they affect the Communist cause and by their attitude toward it. I’ve already been in jail because of my ideas and if necessary, I’m ready to go before a firing squad.

If a communist can be so committed and dedicated to his cause, how about us as Christians?

It is the only way to save the world

1Ti 2:5-6 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
We should be doing it unashamedly. Having Jesus in our life should be the best thing that has happened in our lives. How then can we not reach out to our family, friends and colleagues?

The only way to transform the world

Php 2:14-16 Do everything without complaining or arguing, (15) so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (16) as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

Pastor Daniel shared another quote, taken from Paiz Et Liberte, a French Communist publication.

The Gospel is a much more powerful weapon for the renewal of society than is our Marxist philosophy. All the same, it is we who will finally beat you. We are only a handful, and you Christians are numbered by the millions. But if you remember the story of Gideon and his three hundred companions, you will understand why I am right. We Communists do not play with words. We are realists, and seeing that we are determined to achieve our object, we know how to handle the means. Of our salaries and wages we keep only what is strictly necessary; we give up the rest for propaganda purposes; to this propaganda we also consecrate “all our free time and part of our holidays.”
You, however, give only a little time and hardly any money for the spreading of the Gospel of Christ. How can anyone believe in the supreme value of this Gospel if you do not practice it, if you do not spread it, and if you sacrifice neither time nor money for it?
Believe me, it is we who will win, for we believe in our Communist message and we are ready to sacrifice everything, even our life, in order that the social justice shall triumph. But you people are afraid to soil your hands.

We are each given a rubber band. (We have not gotten ours. We will get one at home if we don’t get one.)
We will put it on our left hand. We will apply the honesty policy. We start the year with a clean slate. Every time over the next 7 days, every time we make a complain or argue, we transfer it to the next hand. If for the whole day, we don’t complain, we transfer it back to the left hand. There is redemption. Next weekend, we will look at one another’s wrist.

If you and I at home, at our workplace do not complain, mumble nor argue but seek to shine for Jesus, and not just for 7 days, we will shine like stars and make a great impact.

2012

2012-01-01T02:09:00.002+08:00

I just got back from the Watch Night Service at the Dream Centre. This is what I posted on Facebook.

"Just came back from the Watch Night Celebration. It was good. It sent a clear message how everyone can get involved in discipleship, CG and missions. I felt that God reminded me to trust in Him, to count on Him, to live by faith and not by sight. And that's something I want to do in 2012."

It was Søren Kierkegard who said that life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. I have heard this during sermons in DUMC at least twice. Once by Pastor Daniel on Boxing Day, 2010.

So, before I think about what lies ahead, I am going to look back to the year that was 2011.

I cemented my status as a member emeritus of CBC by becoming a member of DUMC. I also attended the CLIP (Cell Leader Intern Program) and became an intern. All these after years of 'hiding', slumbering and warming the pew (well, chairs.) All three of us attended the SOL (School of Leadership). Kathleen and Jesse are way ahead of me. Due to my mistake, I missed one SOL 1 class. I have to take it before I can graduate.

We joined a CG and we loved it there because of the love given to us. I am supposed to lead a new CG after multiplication planned for early 2012. I remember the Sunday I first stepped into CBC, I was asked to open my house (I was staying with my parents then) and serve as a CL.

I am still a Project Timothy tutor. I learn from my fellow tutors and the PTers.

At home, there is no sign of any new members. There are still three of us. Kathleen is doing a Childhood Education Degree at SEGI. Jesse has finished his SPM and he will start his A-Levels in MCKL on Tuesday. He aspires to be a doctor. (The 2nd paragraph of this blog post is slightly related to this.)

This year, a visit to the clinic confirmed that I have high blood pressure. I went because my right arm had been numb for 2 days. Some friends told be it could be a sign of stroke. I didn't get a stroke but I need to start eating less meat, taking less salt and start doing exercises if I want to stay healthy.

My last McDonald's meal was taken on 13/10/2011. As of today, I am 80 days 'sober'. Give me some encouragement if you can. In the past, my KPY (praise the Lord, she gave birth to a baby girl on 15 Nov, same birthday as my dear boss) would watch over me. Then Yeng Yeng took over the tasks. I'd get permission from her before I could have McD for lunch. Now that they are both no longer in the company, I rely on my adik. But she would just tell me I should not and she doesn't keep an eye on me.

Dad had a little prostrate problem. We will take him to see a urologist on Tuesday (the same day Jesse is starting school!)

Work has been challenging. I failed miserably at a project - it took a long while and it was still not complete. I was given another chance to fix it. Headcount for my department increased by 50%. So far, the team was doing its job fine. A few projects are being planned. It can only get more exciting this year.

I am very glad and happy to make a few new acquaintances in the office. I have always been in the habit of getting 'sisters'. I have now 2 'sisters' - one acknowledged and one yet to acknowledge. Despite my arms-length approach, I somehow still managed to get embroiled in 'office romance.' Look, I am happily married with one son. And I believe a man and a women can be good friends.

I sold my Perodua Rusa and got a MyVi. I love it. In recent months, I switch it with Kathleen's Exora. It is of course more steady and stable. But it's a lot bigger. It can be challenging threading the narrow streets of SS2 (narrow because of double parked cars.)

I have volunteered to help with the DUMC Writing team, not to write but to help with administration and publicity. I may also be contributing to a local Christian magazine. I will tell more once I have a clearer picture.

The Learner's Blog has been serving as a sermon note repository for a very long time. I hope I could use it as it is meant to be.

All in all, I would agree that 2011 was a 'better' year. Those in DUMC will understand what I say this.

And oh, I hugged / embraced 7 colleagues this year. All 7 of them are females.

Year End Reminiscence #fb

2011-12-29T02:09:00.001+08:00

It's 0201 in the morning. In the past week, I have either slept very late or dozed off.

I am normally very careful with my glasses. And I am adamant that Jesse puts his glasses in the case before he sleeps. But after I got this new and very costly pair of glasses, I have been sleeping while wearing it almost everyday. This is not right.

My company does reviews regularly. I think it will do me good to do my own review on my life (spiritual life, family, health, etc.)

There are 3 more days before we usher in a new year. For a colleague / friend (whom I refer to as my GM, i.e. gan mei or 干妹), it's another 16 days to her ROM (registration of marriage.)

I am bringing my department to a good lunch tomorrow. There are many things to do before the year is over.

I think I have done something right. I also think there are many things I could have done better.

I still sorely miss serving God and His people like I used to. Then again, perhaps it's just a matter of switching the focus from the church to the workplace. Either way, I don't want to waste my life away. I can most certainly do more (hey, I used to do more.)

Let's see what comes to mind in the next few days.

With Luv
Loong

Scandal in the Kampung #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2011-12-25T10:02:00.001+08:00

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, Christmas morning

Scandals are outrageous and utterly shocking.

In 1995, a young man created a huge scandal. The young man, Nick Leeson, 28 then brought Barings down with the loss he caused. He was sent to 6.5 years in prison.

Another scandal involves a young girl who had an encounter with an angel.

Luk 1:28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Our God is a good God, He wants to release blessings to all of us. His presence is with us. When we are in God’s presence, we have the pleasure, the providence and protection of God.

An outrageous announcement

The angel gave Mary an outrageous announcement.

Luk 1:30-33 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. (31) You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. (32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, (33) and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Mary who was young and not married then. It sounds illogical and biological impossible for her as a virgin to have a child. In the song Hark the Herald Angels Sing, we sing about “Offspring of the virgin’s womb.”

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The virgin birth was prophesied 700 years beforehand.

Pastor Daniel said there are 700 prophesies in the Bible and most of them have been fulfilled. Some have yet to be fulfilled, e.g. the return of Jesus Christ, when every knee shall bow.
But when Jesus came the first time, he came as a servant, not as a conqueror.

At the time, Mary was engaged to Joseph. When Joseph found out that Mary has conceived, he was trouble for he was a just man. God has to intervene again by sending his angel to Joseph.

Mat 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

The angel of God came to ensure Joseph that it is ok and the child is special. Jesus is born sinless, not from one man and one woman. Only through a sinless man can forgiveness be given to the sinned.
Imagine a pure and upright girl bearing a child and her good and righteous fiancé facing this reality. Bethlehem is a small town. Every one knows everything about everyone. What would the community think? It’s a disgrace. They would be driven away.

God mercifully intervened. Today, we can sing and celebrate about this. God provided a way out. God did this for us. A scandal can be turned around to be something wonderful and beautiful. God can do the impossible.

Sometimes we get offers are too good to be true. But we have to be careful, once we gone in, we may never go out.

Human lives and relationship are given to us to appreciate and celebrate.

Pastor Daniel told the story of Jimmy Tang, a gambler who is now a pastor. The video testimony can be found here. Jimmy’s story has been made in a movie in 2003.

The sad part in the midst of the glitter of commercialized world that we live in, Jesus is hidden.

Jesus is real. Do we allow Him, the Prince of Peace, the king of the whole universe into our lives?

This Year in Review: 3 Crucial Lessons for 2011 #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2011-12-24T19:01:00.001+08:00

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, Christmas Eve

Act 4:18-31 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. (20) For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (21) After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. (22) For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. (23) On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. (24) When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. (25) You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? (26) The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' (27) Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. (28) They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. (29) Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (30) Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (31) After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Sep 11 2011 is a defining moment in human history. On that day, a few people brought one of the strongest nations to its knees. Defining moments / turning points / watershed may not be publicly known. Sometimes it comes quietly.

Gal 4:4-5 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, (5) to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

The birth of Christ could be the greatest turning point in the human history.

What are the turning points in our life?

A video clip of Turning Point is shown. It tells the story of Frank Thomas.
Turning points don’t have to be startling or known all over the world. They can be something small in life which give us meaning and bring about immense change and transformation.

What is the turning point for DUMC? It’s the Aug 3 incident. It affected the nations and attracted attention from all over the world.

DUMC is no longer the same. The churches in Malaysia are no longer the same. We did not seek this publicity. God has his purpose. In doing this, God wants to teach us 3 lessons.

Three Lessons

1. It is about Authority

A clash of authority (Act 4:18-21) The highest religious authority told Peter and John not to preach anymore. They humbly asked who to obey, God or man? The bottom line is where is the truth? Who do we submit to? We obey the King of kings and Lord of lords.

2. It is about Clarity

A clarity of response (Act 4:23-30) The apostles were anointed (v27) and Every thing we do in DUMC is in line with the will of God.

3. It is about Consequences

Acts 4:31. We are awed by all that God has done. Whatever we do has a consequence. Aug 3 shook the nation, the incident rocked the nation. Pastor Daniel said we don’t want this kind of rocking, we want to see the nation changed and transformed. We want to see a corruption-free nation. To God, everything is possible. We will fight with moral courage and the truth. The apostles rocked the nation then. We need to know who is in charge.

Three Consequences

1. It builds faith

If something puts fear is us then there is something wrong with us and we need to ask God for forgiveness. This is where the rubber touched the road. There should be no fear whatsoever. God is raising us up. We must be ready to pay the price. We press on knowing that nothing is too difficult for God. No church will reel in fear. We should all rise up to the challenge.

Pastor Daniel attended 2 service during a weekend in Australia because he found himself ‘backslidden.’

2. It enhances vision

DUMC is to build a church without walls – all are welcomed. We engage with the community. The church is also a place we go out, bringing with us the love of Jesus. A church for the community and in the community.

DUMC is also to be a magnet to the society. It draws people in when the see the love of God and when they see a different set of values. They are touched wonderfully. The church ought to be a community where people trust one another / love one another and also where everybody feels secured. That’s the kind of church that is worth investing in, that is worth sacrificing for.

DUMC is a church like a station. Firstly, like a police station. When we have problems, we go to the police station. When we think we are followed, we drive straight to the police station. When we feel unsafe, we go to the police station. That is the place where everyone can get help. Secondly, a petrol station where we can get a top up / fill up so we get excited and go out to do wonderful things. We don’t stay in the petrol station forever. It is also like a bus or a train station. If we don’t get on the bus or a station that doesn’t move. We get on a bus or a train that take us away to our destination. The church should always be on the move. It should not be stagnant. We cannot rest on our laurels.

3. It produces courage

We want to be in the thick of the action. We want to be smooth some of the time. We don’t want to be smooth all the time – there will be no challenges.

In Malaysia, the traffic jam makes the journey unpredictable as compared to some nations where the journey can be estimated rather accurately. But the unpredictability makes it more fun and more challenging.

When a leader shows fear, the fear is multiplied many times in the followers. They will pick up the fear and it will grow in them.

In the work of God, there will always be challenges. Prayer meetings are crucial to us. They are indication of our dependence on God.

Kingdoms come and go and nations rise and fall but the church of Jesus Christ will press on.

The Shakings of God #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2011-12-18T12:02:00.001+08:00

Pastor Chew Weng Chee18/12/2011

Heb 12:25-29 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? (26) At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." (27) The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, (29) for our "God is a consuming fire."

The word ‘warn’ was used on 2 occasions (v25) – on the earth and from the heaven.

There are 4 things about alarm:

To detect an abnormal event
The measure the severity of the problem/
Guides the user to diagnose the problem
Allows sufficient time to correct the situation

What kind of alarm did God provide to us? Is it an alarm clock that wakes us up from our slumber or an alarm bell to warn us of danger? Both.

God is going to shake 7 things, and all at the same time.

1 and 2 - Earth and Heavens

To wake us up and to warn us about the impending danger. As recently as the last 5 years, things have changed – natural disasters mount, global environment talks flounder, earthquake in Christchurch, Fukushima nuclear disaster, flood in Thailand. God is – according to Pastor Chew – speaking to us with a megaphone and yet we don’t care, still being busy with our life. Are we listening?

Pastor Chew showed this graph and noticed its resemblance to

We read the news from CNN, Al Jazeera with jaundiced lenses. We go about our own business.
After Christchurch and Fukushima, both on the Andreas Fault, the next big earthquake is expected in San Francisco. Read this for more info.

Isa 24:1-2 See, the LORD is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; he will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants-- (2) it will be the same for priest as for people, for master as for servant, for mistress as for maid, for seller as for buyer, for borrower as for lender, for debtor as for creditor.

We need to look behind (beyond?) the tangible and visible and to discern what God is telling us.

Isa 24:4-5 The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. (5) The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.

We have violated God’s laws for the earth. The forests are being cut down at reckless speed.

Isa 24:7 The new wine dries up and the vine withers; all the merrymakers groan.

3. Created Things

v27. Anything created by man can and will be shaken.

There is nothing wrong working hard for money but we need a proper perspective of wealth. Everything we have we received from God. We don’t own anything. Anything we have is a blessing from God. We are but stewards.

God give us many things, mind, etc. If they become more important than God, they become our idols. Tim Keller in his book Counterfeit God defined idols as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
Pastor Chew believed Jonah died and rose again. He referred to Mt 12:40. (I don’t think that scripture supports that claim.) Jonah’s ‘final words’ are about idols.

Jon 2:8 Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

4. Financial System

It is more obvious today. Don’t think the crisis in Europe won’t affect us in Malaysia. The riot in London is a glimpse of lawlessness.

PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain) may fall. Italy is the 3rd largest economic body in Europe. Read The PIIGS Won’t Fly.

5. Spiritual forces of the heavenly realms

Today, over a period of more than a hundred years since the circles of John Ruskin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Friedrich Nietzsche popularized the satanic Age of Aquarius, Western European civilization has undergone an experience which parallels in essential features the process of degeneration of Europe leading into the fourteenth century's New Dark Age. The spread of explicit Satanism, through aid of agencies such as Adorno's Frankfurt School, and its dogma of "the authoritarian personality," has now entered a phase of large scale mass organizing.
~ Lyndon J. LaRouche: The Throry of the Satanist Personality.

Pastor Chew mentioned Woodstock. “Do you remember Woodstock?” (I know about Woodstock. I cannot remember Woodstock because it’s before my time.) The age of relativism is here. People don’t want absolute truth.

The bad news is the rise of such trends.

The good news? From Ralph Winter, the Centre for World Missions, Pasadena, Lausanne Task Force in Evangelism.

No of evangelical Christians is growing 3.5 times faster than the population of the world
Worldwide Islam’s growth is 3.2% annually. Worldwide faith in Jesus Christ is 6.9% annually.
As much as 20% of Indonesia’s population is now Christian.
1897: 3% Africans considered themselves Christians, today 50%

6. Israel

Pastor Chew mentioned 2 books - The Elijah Legacy by David Davis, The Coming Israel Awakening by James W. Goll. He believes what happens in Israel are signs of things to come.

Rabbis pray at the Western Wall that the Davidic throne is restored. King David is the benchmark which all kings are measured. These are the prayers of the Revisionist Zionist (like Benjamin Netanyahu.)

Is the war of God and Magog the Armegeddon? Kevin Conner (?) in his seminar on Ezekiel listed 7 reasons why it is not.

7. The Church

1Pe 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Pastor Chew thought 2012 will be very difficult. He suggested 3 things:

Only 2 things last forever, the Word of God and the souls of man. Don’t be foolish to go after temporal things. Invest our life and time on the eternal things.
Our response:

Invert our mindset. Think.
Invest your time and resources in things that matter. Some parties and social functions we don’t have to go. Spend time in church and things of God. We cannot live life they way we did 10 years ago.
Involve ourselves “hands-on”. Don’t be detached. Don’t distant ourselves from the church. There is something we can do. Engage. Don’t disengage.

The Pitfalls of Partial Obedience #sermon #dumcMY

2011-12-17T18:56:00.001+08:00

Pastor Chew Weng Chee, 17/12/2011

2Ch 17:1-6 Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel. (2) He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. (3) The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals (4) but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. (5) The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. (6) His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.

Pastor Chew mentioned his book Is Life Worth Living?

Pastor Chew told us this is the 10 time God sent him to talk to us in DUMC.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. It’s absolutely fine to give to God. However, one thing the enemy will tempt us not to do is to be obedient. Even partial obedience (which is partial disobedience) is not acceptable to God.

The Life of Jehoshaphat

1. The Early Years

Total obedience (2 Chron 17:1-9)
He followed the LORD (v3.) As a result, God gave him great wealth and honour (v5.)
He sent the Levites to teach the LORD’s Words.

2Ch 17:7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben- Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah.

2Ch 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.
v18 is the turning point – Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab, an evil king. Why did he join forces with Ahab? Perhaps to become more powerful and more influential. Was it necessary? Such desires and alliances will make them lost focus on God.

It’s not how we start, ultimately, it’s how we end. Sometimes we rationalize obedience, putting grand and altruistic reasons behind what we are doing.

First principle – in our success, never forget it was God who blessed us. In the midst of our success, it is so easy to forget and start to think we are the reason we made it.

2Ch 18:4 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the LORD."
Jehoshaphat was not totally disobedient. He spoke like a follower of God. He wanted to seek God’s counsel.

“Can DUMC take my message?” Pastor Chew. “Can, then are a mature audience.” His wife.
We need to remember that anything we do must honour God.

Pastor Chew said as a senior pastor, he stands for absolute. He will not call grey white.

Pastor Chew said the biggest fight he has is against success, against hubris. Many people started speaking for God but later they speak as God.

“I’d rather be a fool for God rather than to be successful without Him.”

Principl 2 – never stifle the ‘Good of God’ (tub dabar) on the inside of us.

2Ch 20:9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'

2. The Middle Years

Partial obedience ( 2 Chron 18:1-34)

3. The Later Years

Total obedience (2 Chron 19:1 to 20:30)

4. Next generation

Partial obedience

Principle 3 – our partial obedience will cause us not to end well and may even have a negative impact on our children.

2Ch 21:1,6 Then Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And Jehoram his son succeeded him as king. … (6) He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.
Jehoram again aligned himself with the house of Ahab. Where did he get it from? His father Jehoshaphat.
2Ch 21:16-20 The LORD aroused against Jehoram the hostility of the Philistines and of the Arabs who lived near the Cushites. (17) They attacked Judah, invaded it and carried off all the goods found in the king's palace, together with his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, the youngest. (18) After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. (19) In the course of time, at the end of the second year, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain. His people made no fire in his honor, as they had for his fathers. (20) Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

We want to go beyond finishing well and crossing the finishing line – we want to leave a good legacy. We want the next generation to be blessed because they obey God.

The High Call to Jesus’ Disciples #sermon #dumcMY

2011-12-10T18:21:00.001+08:00

Pastor Dennis Belcombe, 10/12/2011

(The PowerPoint background showing possible Jesus and his disciples really kicked posterior.)

Rom 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-- (2) the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures

Rev 5:9-10 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. (10) You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

The theme today is the High Call to Jesus’ Disciples – Present yourself as living sacrifice and preach the Gospel.

Are you willing to be a “Living Sacrifice”?

“I love the Word of God. I love to read the Bible and I love to preach from the Bible.” Pastor Dennis Belcombe.

Paul calls this (living sacrifice) an act of worship. It is in every aspect of our lives. If we pray in tongues for 30 min every day, we will love the things of God. We will not love the things of the world, we will pray for others. As we pray, we will hear the call of Jesus.

Producing Fruit

We are called to produce fruit. The longer we follow Jesus, the more fruit we bear.

Joh 15:15-17 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (17) This is my command: Love each other.

Lift up your eyes and look at the fields!

Joh 4:35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

It has been a time of planting seeds. It is now the time for harvest! Yet, 80% of the people in China have not heard of the Gospel.

How beautiful upon the mountains!

Isa 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Mountains speak of kingdoms and nations. Pastor Dennis said we should not preach about the end time but instead preach about the Gospel. We don’t know what will happen in the future.

Evangelism is the key to unity.

Isa 52:8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.

There is a collaboration between the house church and the 3-self church in ChungQing.

The challenge of Missions in Asia.

Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
Am I going to give my life to making money? Or am I going to give my life to the preaching of the Gospel?

Pastor Dennis prayed 3 hours a day and overnight on Fridays from 1961 to 1969.

The bottom line of the covenant: You will b e a blessing to other nations!

Gen 12:2-3 I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. (3) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Pastor Dennis doesn’t believe the church has replaced Israel as the source of blessings in Gen 12:2. I am not taking anymore notes.

SoP119 VII – God’s Word in Challenging Times #dumcMY #sermon

2011-12-03T18:39:00.001+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 03/12/2011

This is the 6^th in the Studies on Psalm 119 Series.

The Word of God, prayer and involvement in ministry are three things we need to do to grow. We want to be one stop closer to God and one step more open to the Lord.

We face all kinds of challenges. How should our responses be?

For the righteous in challenging times:

1. They obey and keep God’s laws in spite of challenges (v 145, 146, 153)

Psa 119:145-146,153 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. (146) I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. (153) Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.

Job is a man who sought to walk with God. He even offered sacrifices for his children in case they committed any sin. His wife asked him to curse God and die. Job, however acknowledged that we received both good and bad things from God. We need to respond correctly so we remain useful to God.

2. They meditate on God’s promises

Psa 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

When we cannot sleep, turn to the Word of God instead of forcing ourselves to sleep. Read the Word of God and talk to Him.

Pastor Daniel paid LGE a courtesy call during his visit to Penang recently and had a chance to talk to him and pray for him. It was during his detention that God’s promises became so real to him.

3. They put their hope in God’s Word (v147, cf. Ps 19:7-11)

Psa 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

Psa 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (8) The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. (10) They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. (11) By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Kim Dae Jung is a former Prime Minister of South Korea who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000. During a Nobel exhibition in Malaysia, Pastor Daniel noticed a Bible among Kim Dae Jung’s paraphernalia.

For the unrighteous:

1. They often concoct evil (v 150)

Psa 119:150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.
They concoct evil or distort things to cause confusion. That’s why we must understand the need to live upright in line with the Word of God.

Rev Joe Wright said this prayer to open the Kansas State Senate in 1996.
“Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to ask Your Forgiveness and seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ''Woe to those who call evil good,'' but that's exactly what we have done. We have lost our Spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values. We confess that; we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism; We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism; We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle; We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery; We have neglected the needy and called it self preservation; We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare; We have killed our unborn and called it choice; We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable; We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem; We have abused power and called it political savvy; We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition; We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression; We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of this state and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state of Kansas. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your Will.
I ask in in the name of your Son, The Living Savior, Jesus Christ” (http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/k/kansasprayer.htm)

An Internal Herald Tribune article suggested that the Greek financial issue was known much earlier. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. The people in power covered it up. Malaysia can be a great nation if we walk right, do right and talk right.

2. They are faithless and disobedient to God’s Word (v158)

Psa 119:158 I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.
If we don’t have a common set of ethics that we agree on, there will be absolute confusion – our right may be their wrong and vice-versa.

3. Salvation is far from them. (v155)

Psa 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.

They have no heart and no desire to know God. We must continue to pray for them. We must be open to accept them. DUMC should be a church that reaches out in love, not in judgement. We pray that God will touch them in a wonderful way and salvation will be near to them.
Sometimes we are persecuting by these people. We must still pray for them. Jesus died for them and they need to experience Jesus in their life. They have been blinded and give problems to the people of God.

The assurance of the righteous:

1. God’s Word is true and everlasting (v152, 160; cf 1 Pet 1:24, 25a, Mt 24:35)

Psa 119:155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.

Psa 119:160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

1Pe 1:24-25 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers
and the flowers fall, (25) but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.

Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
If we are smart investors, we should invest in the Word of God which is eternal.

2. The Lord is near (v151, cf Ps 145:18}

Psa 119:151 Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.

Psa 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
As God’s people, we have enormous privilege. We tend to come to God when we are in a crisis, in serious problems. Do ourselves a service, look for him.

3. God’s compassion is great (v 156; cf Ps 51:1)

Psa 119:156 Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws.

Psa 51:1b … Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

When we still have time and strength and energy, we need to make good use of them. Do not waste the opportunity to serve God with what we have.

Mission Weekend #sermon #dumcMY #missions

2011-10-15T19:10:00.001+08:00

Elder Wee Tiong Howe
We are all missiological people because mission is the heartbeat of God.

Lake Baikal is the largest fresh water lake in the world. Elder Wee worked with the Mongolian people there.The Omul fish is found there.

Joh 4:34 My food, said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
The true currency of heaven are souls. As kingdom people, we must invest into the kingdom of God.

Elder Wee recognized the Dream Centre as a world class facility of powerful preaching, worship, prayer and healing.

Jesus died for the whole world.

Joh 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

The Kingdom of God is all inclusive. Everyone can come into the Kingdom of God. We just have to say yet to God and no the the devil. Christ came to save us, only the blood of Jesus can save us.

8 miraculous signs of Jesus

His miraculous birth – virgin birth,
Sinless.
His miraculous life – the miracles he performed. He healed every disease and sickness. He is the perfect God-man. He came to tell us about the Father. He told us the precepts of the Kingdom. He prepared His disciples for the Holy Spirit.
His miraculous death – he did nothing wrong. He was crucified for the sins of the world. the Cross represents death, pain, suffering, condemnation and punishment for the worst criminals. When Jesus went on the Cross, it represents love, life and forgiveness.
His miraculous burial. He was buried in a rich man’s grave.
His miraculous resurrection. He appeared to the disciples in many places. He gave them the Great Commission. The price of salvation has been paid. There can be reconciliation with God.
His miraculous ascension.
His miraculous return – Jesus is coming back again!

We have the greatest call to preach the life of Jesus.

God is our Father – we are children of God. We have privilege. We can live a miraculous life based on the promises of God.

Elder Wee accepted Jesus at the age of 13. He became very successful in his business at the age of 30 but he had no joy. He found no success in his evangelistic attempts. God called him to mission works. He received the power of the Holy Spirit and he started to share the Gospel with power.

God is not a respecter of people. His disciples were ordinary people. Yet, they were trained by Jesus and when they received the power of the Holy Spirit and they preached with power.

Smith Wigglesworth was a plumber and he stuttered but his wife spoke good English. D.L. Moody started with Sunday School. He has compassion for the children but his English was limited. His wife was an English teacher.

We are qualified because we have the Word of God with us. We need to obey. We need to be FAT (faithful, available an teachable) in the Kingdom of God.

William Carrey smuggled his family in to India under great risk. His wife almost went crazy. They ran out of money. He was a person of faith and passion. He translated the Bible into 3 major Indian languages and 27 other oriental languages. He started 280 mission schools. He helped abolished the sati and also infant sacrifice. “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” ~William Carrey

Jim Elliot convinced 5 friends to go to a mission in Ecuador. All of them were killed. His journal recorded this famous quote “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Hell appeared in the Bible 300+ times.

Rev 20:10-15 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (11) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. (13) The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. (14) Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. (15) If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Because heaven and hell is real, we need to preach the Gospel. Heaven is a beautiful. The foundation is diamond. There are plenty of precious stones. There is no night.

On 23/12/2003, tsunami devastated Aceh. On 11/03/2011, 25000 perished in the tsunami in Japan. Where do they go?

If we do not know the eternal God, we do not have an eternal destiny. If we can answer the question of life after death, we know how to go to heaven. Jesus promised to prepare a place before us. Christianity answers the question of identity, creation, who God is and destiny.

We preach the Gospel because of God’s promises and blessings. Kingdom life is a supernatural life. When we come into the Kingdom, we come in to a supernatural life. Jesus said the work that he did we could do and we could do more. Through Christ, we are heirs to the Abrahamic covenant.

We cannot say we love God and then do not love him.

The greatest life we can have is to serve God. God is a rewarder.

Mission involves three things, Commitment, Going and Prayer

Rom 1:14-16 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. (15) That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. (16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Half a billion people speak Russian. It’s an important language. God loves the Russians. They have suffered much under communism. “In Russia I saw there will come a general all-encompassing, national spiritual awakening, so great that there could never be another like it. From Russia, I saw the awakening spread to many European countries. Then I saw an all-out awakening followed by the second coming of Christ.” ~Hudson Taylor

FiCT V–Nehemiah’s Response to Opposition #dumcMY #sermon #fb

2011-09-11T01:11:00.001+08:00

Pastor Datuk Kee Sue Sing, 10/09/2011

This is the fifth installment of the Faith in Challenging Times series.

Neh 4:1-23 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, (2) and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, "What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble--burned as they are?" (3) Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, "What they are building--if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" (4) Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. (5) Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. (6) So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. (7) But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. (8) They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. (9) But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. (10) Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall." (11) Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work." (12) Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us." (13) Therefore I tationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. (14) After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (15) When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. (16) From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah (17) who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, (18) and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. (19) Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. (20) Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!" (21) So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. (22) At that time I also said to the people, "Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and workmen by day." (23)
Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.

We are living in exciting and challenging times.

At the age of 12, Igor Sarkovsky was told flight is impossible. He made the first helicopter. According to recognized aero technical tests, the bumble bee cannot fly. The bumble bee doesn’t know that and it goes on the fly.

In our marketplace, we face opposition. We are told things cannot be done. We have opposition even before we start. Aristotle said we can avoid opposition by saying nothing and doing nothing.

As long as we live with one foot in the world, the enemy doesn’t bother with us. The minute we commit ourselves with commitment to do God’s work, the enemy will oppose us. Satan doesn’t mind when the church just gather for worship and perhaps a soothing sermon

When the church tries to be true to Jesus Christ, it can expect opposition. When the church reaches out to the unreached group, watch out.

The Kinds of Oppositions

The Anger of others against you (v1a, 7) – Sanbalat was an official in Samaria. He probably was threatened by a possible independent Israel. He threatened to stop the rebuilding the wall with violence if necessarily.
Ridicule and sarcasm (v2) – they called the Jews feeble. Sanbalat might have spoken some half-truths. Tobiah’s mockery. He criticized Gods’s war.
Threats and intimidation.
Discouragement and fatigues
Negativism
Fear

Nehemiah took nothing of that. Do not fear. Nehemiah refused to be intimidated. He encouraged them not to be afraid.
The apostles were warned not to preach.

The Response to Opposition

The options:

run from it
dodge it
work out a compromise
work through it

The 4th option is a Christian’s reaction.

“You can do more the pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” John Bunyan.

Nehemiah’s response

He prays

This is not a prayer for personal vengeance
There is a place for righteous anger. “When God is mocked, it ought to make us angry. There should be things that make us hot and bothered!” ~C. S. Lewis. Prayer should be our first response to oppositions

They put their hearts into the work

Refuse to be distracted (tv show that must be watched, emails that must be replied, tweets and blog / FB posts that must be read.) These may not necessarily be bad but they may not be the best for us.
Don’t spend time with critics. The Panama Canal is one of the most complex engineering project undertaken in human history. It connects the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. 20 to 30 thousands died of malaria. The engineer was resolute and work on. He was asked whether he was going to answer his critics. He said in time, with the canal. Since it was ready, more than 1 million vessels have passed through the canal. Albert Einstein’s doctorate dissertation was turned down by the University of Burn as irrelevant.

They kept their eyes on the enemies in vigilance

Pastor Kee called this sanctified common sense. He was alert and vigilant. He armed the workers. He didn’t just pray and let it be. He knew that God would protect them but he set up watch anyway. Not only that, he also set up a monitoring system.

When there is an area of concerned in our Christian walk, we need to post guards and watch it until we can walk in victory in that area consistently. The guards kept their clothes on so they are always prepared. This is the level of vigilance we need to have. Set up a defense mechanism. Block opportunities for unhealthy activities. Have an accountability group. To be oblivious to the enemies is to be vulnerable and to ask for trouble.

They kept their mind focused on the Lord

When opposition hits, it’s easier for us to get our focus of God and on to our problems.

When our problems seem big, we need to remember our God is great. Our God is greater than any challenges we can face in our lives. Our God is bigger than our problems. He is bigger than our critics. He is bigger than our enemies.

What seems to be an impossible task in the beginning became very possible when the people depended on God.

Faith in Challenging Times III–Daniel’s Response in Government Service #dumcMY #sermon #fb #dumcMPconf

2011-09-03T20:35:00.002+08:00

Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, 03/09/2011

This is session 3 of the Marketplace Conference, featuring Datuk Seri Michael Yam, Dato Paul Low and Dato Seri Idris Jala, together with our senior pastor.

It is wrong to called those who work in the government sector government servants. They are not there to serve the government but the public. They should be called civil servants or public servants.

Dan 6:1-28 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, (2) with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. (3) Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (4) At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. (5) Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." (6) So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: "O King Darius, live forever! (7) The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den. (8) Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered-- in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." (9) So King Darius put the decree in writing. (10) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. (11) Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. (12) So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The decree stands--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." (13) Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." (14) When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. (15) Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed." (16) So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (17) A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. (18) Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. (19) At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. (20) When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" (21) Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! (22) My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (23) The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. (24) At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. (25) Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: "May you prosper greatly! (26) I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. (27) He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." (28) So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Daniel and his three friends serve in the government. Daniel served 4 kings.

Daniel’s Track Record

A highly responsible person (v2)

Being accountable is a very important quality.

There is a spirit of excellence in him (v3)

The king planned to set him over the kingdom. Whatever he did, he did it well. Do we just hand in our job half-heartedly?
5 descriptions of people in the workplace

Happy Henry – happy go-lucky. Takes things easy. Takes extra time to lunch / toilet, etc. Stops and chat with everyone.
Frustrated Franklin – always moaning and complaining.
Escapist Erwin – always marking time, always trying to run away from work.
Surviving Steward – struggling to survive
Enthusiastic Edward – not just TGIF because of CG but also TGIM – cannot wait to start a new work week.

He is corruption-free (v4)

Those who wanted to find fault could not find anything against him. DSIJ told us we need to operate in the white zone, not the grey zone (wondering can or not) where we will drift towards the black zone. When we are in the white zone, any strands of grey are obvious, we are sensitive to them.
Some may think it is hard to be corruption-free in the Malaysia society. It is. It is not easy but it is possible. This is where we need to bring whatever we do to God, praying for His intervention. Turn to God.

He is hardworking (v4)

Daniel was not negligent. This is very important for all of us. We must work hard in whatever place God put us in. Students must study hard. We all need to work hard to excel in our workplace.
We need to carry these four things if we want to be good witness of Christ.
We need to ace it in our workplace – we must have

great Attitude
Character – consistency and integrity
Excellence – our work must stand out.

Daniel’s life exemplifies good qualities, he still faced challenged.

Daniel’s Challenge

People bother him even when he is good (v4). Why?

It shows the character of these people – they are jealous, power-hungry, they want control. Daniel just wanted to do a good job.
It shows the quality of these people – they are irrational and shallow and unreasonable.
It exposes these people – the reality is that when we do work well, it shows the poor performance of the others.

Corruption kills the nation. Good leaders go after corruption first. If it is not dealt with, it bleeds the country dry. Corruption is a great evil in many countries.

People try to find a way to trap him v5-9, cf Jer 17:9)

Not only people try to find fault, they also try to trap Daniel. This shows the heart of the human being.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. If the heart is not at the right place, any changes will only be superficial.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has power to change man inside out. Christians ministers can do something politicians cannot do – equipped with the Word of God, we can change hearts.

Daniel’s Response

He is courageous (v10)

Daniel remained courageous and faithful despite the edict being passed to ban him for worshipping his God. He prayed not to show off but that was what he normally did.
Here in DUMC, we are all colour-blind. There is one colour blind that is good – that is being blind to the colour of the skin. I the life of DUMC, we press on no matter what. It is the Word of God that we bow to. It is the Word of God that is our authority.

He is unwavering (V10)

He refused to buckle under tremendous pressure. He knew he walked in faith.

He trusts in God’s intervention (v11; cf Dan 3:16-18)

Daniel asked God for help. There is a steadiness in Daniel’s life because he had a steadiness in his faith in God. So did his three friends who refused to pay homage to the statue. They depended totally on God. They emerged unscathed from the furnace. They were committed to stand firm even if God didn’t intervene.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
In our workplace, when all our colleagues are doing things in a way which is wrong, what do we do?

He believes in God’s vindication (v21-23; cf Jer 17:10)

Daniel believed God will vindicate him. Daniel trusted in God. Is our trust the same? It’s normal to want vindication in this life but it doesn’t happen that way all the time. Do we trust God even when vindication doesn’t come?
Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.
God sees our heart.
William Wilburforce stood against mighty British establishment in his fight against the slave trade. Many MPs had interests in slave trade. He fought 40 years before it was abolished. He and the group prayed and sought God. Today, we remember them.

Question for discussion

Like Daniel, in what ways are you excelling in your place of responsibility? What do people think about you and how you bearing witness to Christ?
Share one challenge you faced in your area of responsibility and what is your responses and the outcome.

Facing Challenging Times #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2011-08-20T18:51:00.002+08:00

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, 20/08/2011

When we are doing something right we will face challenges.

1Pe 4:12-19 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (14) If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (15) If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. (16) However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (17) For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (18) And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (19) So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Peter’s responses in challenging times

1. Don’t be surprised (v12)

Challenging times bring uncertainty and anxiety. Peter told us not to be surprised.

The church of Jesus Christ is always a blessings in any country. Any nation that doesn’t have the Church of Jesus Christ is deprived of the blessings and goodness. All of us Christians should be providing something good in wherever God has placed us.

There are 2 things God wants to pass into our lives – trust and faith. It is when we grow in faith, our anxiety goes away. Jesus told us not to be anxious about tomorrow. We need to learn to trust God and have faith in Him. He is in control.

2. To rejoice (v13)

Even as we go through hardship and sufferings, we rejoice. This is where we are different from the world. The world sees hardship negatively. As Christians, we shouldn’t be looking for sufferings. But when we have to suffer, we are not afraid. Scripture looks at suffering positively, IF we suffer correctly. (v15) Peter told us we should not suffer for our own sins. He said that when we are suffering for the name of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice.

Rom 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (4) perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Suffering develops perseverance, character and hope. Life is not just about here and now, it’s about the life eternal Our suffering will end one day.

A prophet came into town and said it will be good for Malaysia in the next 3 years but the 1st 14 years (i.e. ending Dec 2012) would be tough.

Peter told us to rejoin, so did Paul. James too.

Suffering is good. We don’t like it. Pastor Daniel guaranteed that those who have suffered have more patience, they are more kind. It is ok for children to suffer a little.

A person who has suffered pain and suffering is usually more mature, more thoughtful, more kind, more considerate and doesn’t take things for granted. Suffering when taken rightly will always be good for us.

3. Do not be ashamed but praise God (v16)

Some Christian leaders were arrested during Operation Lalang. Some churches felt ashamed. Pastor Daniel was in the thick of it. His mother heard a rumour that he was arrested. Peter told us there is no shame when we suffer for Jesus – when we stand in truth amidst lies.

We must come to a place of security and safety in Christ.

4. Commit yourselves to your faithful Creator (v19)

Peter said when we are going through heartache, we commit ourselves to a faithful creator. Peter acknowledged that he himself was not faithful

Peter’s Galilean accent gave him away before. But he knew God is faithful.

God will always be faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That’s the faith we have.
Psa 66:12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

God is preparing the Church of Jesus Christ for a great breakthrough.

5. Continue to do good (v19)

DUMC has contributed to many good cause.

Peter’s conclusion to challenging times.

1. Know that there is joy (v13)

The demeanor of posture of a Christian is to have one with joy. Joy is independent of happiness; Happiness depends on circumstances

At the end of it all, God will see us through. God is developing in us two elements that will defeat fear – faith and love.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

2 Know that one is blessed (v14)

“There is no better church for this to happen than DUMC. There is no better man for this to happen than Daniel Ho.” ~ Pastor Edmund Chan

We will not stop doing what we do just because of the false accusations.

It is unbelievable what some people said about the Marketplace Conference.

3. Know that there is judgement and therefore vindication (v 17, 18)

Judgement begins with us. That’s why we must live lives of integrity, transparency and honesty. We can then walk strong and tall.

God will show at the end who is right and who is wrong. There is no need for us to try to prove ourselves. We can rest assured in the purpose of God. We will remain humble but live a life of integrity. We will have no fear of judgement.

SJG XVI – The Master’s Resurrection #dumcMY #fb #sermon

2011-08-06T18:57:00.002+08:00

Pastor Chris Kam, 06/08/2011

Introduction

“I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, OR it is the most fantastic fact of history.”
~Josh McDowell (Evidence that Demands a Verdict)

1Co 15:3-8 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (4) And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (5) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (6) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (7) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (8) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Seeing is believing. What you see is what you get. There is none so blind as those who will not see. Seeing is believing! ~ Puctuation

John 20 began in a somber mode. The disciples wanted to embalm Jesus quickly because it was almost Sabbath, The balm is 34 KG!

John saw the linen without the body he concluded that Jesus has risen. Jesus appeared to many others and even spoke to them. Thomas touched his wound.

When we talk about Jesus, we are not talking about a dead person who did good things but a living savior.

Peter and John preached in Acts. Paul in Acts 17. They preached 6 weeks with so much power after the resurrection and the world was never the same again.

What is resurrection?
Many people do not believe Elvis Priestly did not die. This is not resurrection/
Resurrection is also not resuscitation – to become alive to die again.
Resurrection is coming back from the death and lives on.

1. The Past

The resurrection assures us of God’ forgiveness.

Forgiveness is God’s greatest gifts to us. A psychiatrist said he can dismissed half of his patients if they can be assured of forgiveness.

“Man is the only creature that blushes and should.” ~ Mark Twain

How do we know our sins are really forgiven? Our guilt and condemnation are passed on to Jesus when he died for us on the Cross.

2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!.

This forgiveness of sin is demonstrated in the water baptism.

Heb 10:11-14 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. (12) But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (13) Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, (14) because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

If Jesus has not come and die for us, we have to keep on sacrificing animals for the forgiveness of sins. Thank God we do not have to do this anymore.

1Co 11:17-20 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. (18) In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. (19) No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval. (20) When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat,

When Jesus rose up from the death, He validated the forgiveness of our sins.

That’s why we all must be convinced of Christ’s resurrection.

2. The Present

The resurrection assures us of God’s power.

God can change us. Selfish people can be made unselfish. Immoral people self-control, cruel people made kind.

Pastor Chris has recognize that victory over self is not by self but by the power of Jesus Christ. Willpower doesn’t work because we can fail on the next day.

Eph 1:18-20 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (19) and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, (20) which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms

Because of what Jesus has done on the Cross and rose again, we have hope that we can change. We can make a 180° change (I respect Pastor Chris for getting the degree correct. I have heard many people who talked about 360° change.)

3. Future

The Resurrection assures us of God’s ultimate triumph.

Fearful people do not understand the resurrection power.

Sometimes we plan so well we leave God out. We need to recognize that God is in control.

“When I die, I believe that I shall not, and that is the end.” Then he went on, “All the labours of the ages – the inspiration, the noonday brightness of human genius – are destined to extinction. The whole temple of man’s achievement must inevitably be buried in the debris of a universe in ruins.”
~ Bertrand Russell, British philosopher, mathematician

Pastor Chris made his funeral plans at the age of 34. “When we know how to die we know how to live.”

Story of Joni Eareckson.
She was an athletic youth. She broke her neck at the age of 17 and became a quadriplegic. She got married. She has written 48 books. She has recorded 6 music albums. She has done one movie and many TV shows. She was diagnosed with 3rd stage breast cancer.

“I have hope in the future. The Bible speaks about bodies being glorified. I know the meaning of that now. It's the time after my death here when I, the quadriplegic, will be on my feet dancing” ~ Joni Eareckson
Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

Questions for discussion

1. Is there any new revelation or understanding for you about the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ through this sermon?
2. Are there areas of your life God brought to your mind in the following? What can you do about them?
a. True freedom of forgiveness.
b. Resurrection power to have victory over them.
c. Future hope for things that are discouraging at the moment.
3. Describe what you know from the Bible about your future after the present life?

SJG 14a: The First Betrayal #dumcMY #sermon #fb

2011-07-23T18:37:00.000+08:00

Dato’ Dr Kim Tan, 23/07/2011

This is the 14^th installment of the Study in John’s Gospel series. The sermon tomorrow is on the second betrayal but it will still be considered as #14.

Joh 18:1-27 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. (2) Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. (3) So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. (4) Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" (5) Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) (6) When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. (7) Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." (8) I told you that I am he, Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." (9) This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me." (10) Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) (11) Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (12) Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him (13) and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. (14) Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people. (15) Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, (16) but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. (17) You are not one of his disciples, are you? the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." (18) It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. (19) Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. (20) I have spoken openly to the world, Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. (21) Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." (22) When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. (23) If I said something wrong, Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" (24) Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. (25) As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." (26) One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" (27) Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

The book of John is a great witness of the life of Jesus. The first 7 chapters recorded his 3 ½ years of ministry and the other 2/3 of the book is about the last 6 months of his life. Half of the book deals with the last 7 days of Jesus’ life. Mark set the scene of Jesus’ last days with the anointing in Bethany. The authority wanted to arrest Jesus without causing a riot. It was Passover, Jesuralem was full of Jews.

They planned to do it at night and they needed an insider to identify him. Judas Iscariot was the one. A group of soldiers believed to be 600 went to arrest this peaceful and non-violent man.

Jesus had his last meal, a Pat assover meal in somebody’s house. He then led his disciples to the Kidron Valley. John’s Gospel is a book about 7 witnesses, 7 miracles and 7 sayings (“I am” sayings.) When Moses asked God his name at the burning bush, God told him “I am.” When Jesus told the soldiers “I am”, the solders fell down. The majesty of Jesus was demonstrated even during the time the soldiers came to arrest him.

Peter has a hidden sword. Jesus seems to like people who worked with their hands and not their brain. Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear of a servant. It is interesting that John mentioned his name. He probably became a Christian later. Having his ear cut off and restored had a great impact on him.

Jesus told Peter to put his sword away. Justice and righteousness will not come by the sword or through violence. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God will come through peace.

Judas’ betrayal should send a shiver down our spine. We should examine what kind of a Christian we are. Dr. Kim said he is a failed again Christian. A Christian is not someone who is perfect and know-it-all. A Christian is someone who realizes he is not perfect and needs Christ to make him better. Dr. Kim acknowledges that he is a failed Christian, a traitor and a hypocrite. He recognizes he needed Jesus to help him change day by day.

Judas followed Jesus, knew his teachings and was made the treasurer. Nothing is more painful that to be betrayed by a friend. To be betrayed by someone by the Jesus’ inner circles is particularly hurtful.

What led Jesus to fail and to betray Jesus? Dr. Kim offered 3 reasons.

Greed

We read that Judas accepted the price of 30 silver pieces for a big betrayal. 30 silver pieces was the price of a slave. It was not a lot. That’s the price Judas asked to identify Jesus. The love of money is a dangerous thing, it can blind us from loyalty, honesty and integrity. We don’t have to look very far. How can a person who is elected by the people leave the party for money? Judas was a treasurer but he was also a thief. He used to help himself to the money in the purse.

“Never lend a book to a Christian, you will never get it back.” ~ Dato Dr. Kim Tan

Ambition

While Judas was made a disciple, he was not a part of the inner circle. Beware of those within the organization / church that are over ambitious. We see this between Tony Blair and his finance ministry Gordon Brown. Brown was too eager to backstab Blair. He didn’t last very long as a PM himself. The original Greek word for ambition means canvassing for votes and vying for popularity. Beware those who are using the organization for his own interest.

Disillusioned

Judas is a Zealot. The zealots were the Taliban of that day. They were the violent revolutionary. They were the true patriots who wanted to get rid of the Roman soldiers to they can be freed of foreign control. The zealots wanted to bring on change via violence. Jesus wanted to bring changes (via a new kingdom) in a peaceful manner. Towards the end, Judas might have become disillusioned. Jesus began talking about his own death 6 months before he was crucified. Judas must have found that it didn’t make sense. He didn’t want his leader to be caught and put to death. Perhaps this was Judas’ attempt to force Jesus to use his power to defend himself.

30 silver pieces was a very small price to pay to betray Jesus. Perhaps it has more to do with Jesus’ way being different from Judas’ way.

When Jesus was arrested, he threw the solver prices back to the high priests and hang himself. 300 years ago, Zechariah prophesied that 30 silver pieces would be used to betray Jesus. The high priests did not want to use the blood money and they bought a piece of land to be used as a burial ground for foreigners. Does this foreshadow that Jesus paid the price for the gentiles?

Judas wanted to use Jesus for his own end and purposes. He became a disciple of Jesus not to follow him. A sinner does what he wanted and not what Jesus wants. When we do what we want in our heart, we are a sinner.

We may not be like Judas but we may betray Jesus in our words and deeds. We betray Jesus by the things we say or the things we don’t say. We betray Jesus by the sins of commission and the since of omission.

As Dr. Kim went through this passage in preparation for the sermon, he recalled an incident. He was in a conversation about abortion a few weeks ago. Dr. Kim did not speak up. A Catholic colleague named Pete spoke up about the right of a baby to be born, in front of 2 professors. That is one way we can betray our Lord.

5 months ago, Dr. Kim was having lunch in the Goldman Sachs office. The former UBS president was there and asked about his motives to spend so much time and effort in Africa. Dr. Kim said he had 2 motivations. One is his background. His father was a migrant from China at the age of 18. The 2^nd is that he is a Christian. His colleague, Steven also said the same thing about being a Christian. Another one said it was the right thing to do. A day later he got a call from the UBS president and made a lunch appointment. He said he was impressed about how Dr. Kim shared his Christian faith. He admitted he was a Christian but he didn’t have the courage to share his faith but Dr. Kim’s sharing encouraged him.

When we fail Jesus in the things we do or things we don’t do, we are no different from Judas. If we think we are different from Judas, we are wrong.

Sadly, for Judas, there was no way back. There was no restoration for him.

Conclusion:

We are fail again Christians. We are not perfect. There is a God of mercy who longs to reach out to us and restore us.

Perseverance: Jesus be the Centre

2011-07-16T18:46:00.000+08:00

Perseverance: Jesus be the Centre

The Power of Worship #fb #dumcMY #sermon

2011-07-16T18:39:00.001+08:00

The Power of Worship #fb #dumcMY #sermon

Pastor Sidney Mohede, 16/07/2011

Joh 4:21-24 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. (22) You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. (23) Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (24) God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Pastor Sidney is preaching with an iPad. Cool.

The Samaritan woman in the above passage had a different belief system compared to Jesus. Worship is always about relationship. God is not seeking the worship (not what we do) but the worshipers.

We are created in our heart to worship Him. We are all worshipers but we may be worshipping the wrong thing. By definition, worship is attributing worth to a person or an object. In this manner, we all worship something.

Every time World Cup is here, there is a soccer mania. To some, we hold someone special dearly. When we speak about praise and worship, we don’t think about the presence of God or the thanksgiving. That may be something we say. If we are honest, we will say praise and worship are fast songs and slow songs. We have this idea of what worship is and we forget.

Jesus knows the power of worship. Pastor Sidney said no matter he is leading worship in front of 20,000 in Hillsongs church or 3,000 in DUMC or 5 in his family, there is power in it. There is power, healing in Jesus’ name.

The job of a worshipper is not on stage. Some people think it is the responsibility of the worship team to worship. We seem to think we can ask others to worship on our behalf. We may say, let those guys on stage worship God.

Who is worship for? It’s for God. We hear people saying the worship doesn’t lift them up. If it’s for God, why do we complain? When we come to the presence of God, there is only an audience of one.

How much is God worth to you?

When people own something that is very valuable, they normally treat them with care. When we have a luxury car or an iPhone, we take good care of them.

If we come to church to worship God in spirit and in truth, why do we cross our arms and treat worship as a Christian karaoke? Jesus is at the centre of our life and our church. It’s not about what we do on stage but what we do during worship.

Pastor Sidney said he doesn’t have a good picture of him on stage. He said when he worships God, he could not care less how he looks. He reminded that we should not be so self-conscious during worship.

Worship is not a noun but a verb. When we say we worship God, what do we do to show He means so much to us?

Pastor Sidney just came back from Australia, rested 2 days before coming to Malaysia and he will be headed to Taiwan after this. His body and voice are both exhausted but he wanted to give his all to God.

Everything we have is from Him. He wrote a song semuanya dariMu and semuanya untukMu.

Consider this. If a non-believer comes into the church and sit beside us when we worship God, what would they think of our God. Do we project a God that is a nobody? Or do we project an awesome God?

Pastor Sidney hopes DUMC can be a barometer of worship and it starts not from the church but from everyone.

The Power of Understanding

We are to worship God in spirit and in truth. Truth will forever be truth regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or knowledge. Truth is absolute. For example, gravity.

Part of truth is understanding. We don’t have to understand truth for it to be truth. We can sing and belief in the song “I believe I can fly” and we will still not be able to fly. (This speaks volume about the misapplication of positive thinking.)

Our God is greater, our God is strongerOur God is Healer, awesome and power

Those words are truth because they are based on the Word of God. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. When we speak it, there is power. When we understand what we sing / speak, there is power.

We sing “How great is our God” but do we understand the meaning of great. We use the word great loosely. When we sing about the greatness of God, the word great should be different from when we use it to describe a movie or a car. We cannot sing the song with the same understanding of a great movie / car / friend.

When we have that kind of understanding, knowledge and truth, we can come into His presence to sing. He is way too worthy for us to just sing. We are here to worship God.

A few years ago, Pastor Sidney saw a man on the street wearing a black and white t-shirt with a silhouette of Jesus on the Cross with a iPod. His first reaction is to laugh. Then he felt sad that Jesus has been reduced into a pop icon. In our life, is Jesus the centre of it all or has He been relegated to a symbol.

SJG 13: The Master’s Intimacy with the Father #sermon #dumcMY #fb

2011-07-09T18:48:00.005+08:00

(Post #400)

Pastor Daniel Ho, 09/07/2011

Prayer is a reflection of 2 things in our lives – the posture of our heart (when there is a desire to pray, our hearts are directed towards heaven) and the priorities in life (when we find prayer important, we will find way.) Sadly, many people only pray when they are in desperate situations.

Joh 17:1-26 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. (2) For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. (3) Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (4) I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. (5) And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (6) I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. (7) Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. (8) For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. (9) I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. (10) All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. (11) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. (12) While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. (13) I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. (14) I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. (15) My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. (17) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (18) As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (19) For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (20) My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, (21) that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (22) I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: (23) I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (24) Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. (25) Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. (26) I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

The Person in intercession

1. That Jesus in intercession shows His relationship with the Father (v1-5)

· Father and Son in Mutual Glorification Society.

· Jesus brings glory to the Father by imparting life to men (v 2-4, Jn 1:4)

Joh 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

· The Father brings glory to Jesus by making known the glory Jesus originally had.

Joh 8:54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.

When we come to church, our concern is always to glorify God.

2. That Jesus in intercession shows His relationship with His own disciples (v 6-19)

· He taught clearly to them the Father (v 6-8a)

We must thank God for the privileged to have good pulpit ministry. When people are transformed by the message from the pulpit, they will in turn help to transform the people around them. The pulpit is to touch hearts and change lives.

· They knew increasingly His uniqueness (v8 cf Jn 16:29,30)

Joh 16:29-30 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. (30) Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."

Jesus reveals himself gradually to his disciples.

· He prays for their protection. (v11,12, 15)

There are many forces at work to cause us to fall. We do not compromise. Jesus knows we are not fighting against flesh and blood.

· He prays for their sanctification. (v17)

It is important to read the Word of God on a daily basis. Journal daily (Scripture, Observation, Application, Response.)

· He comes to offer fullness of joy (v13)

Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy does not.

3. That Jesus in intercession shows His relationship with believers to come (v20-26)

· His concern for unity in the body (v21-23)

The unity of the Church reflects the unity between the Father and the Son and shows that Jesus is sent by the Father. The best way to show unity in the church is to gather together for prayer. Above anything else, prayer will draw people together. When we are concerned about prayer, we are concerned about unity in the body of Christ.

· That believers will increasingly see Christ’s glory (v24)

· That Jesus’ revelation , presence and love will continue in them (v26)

The power of intercession

· There is increasing unity in the body of Christ worldwide

This not a structural or organizational unity but an organic one. There is no other movement like the church where we can have fellowship wherever we gp in the world.

The privilege of intercession

· The privilege of participation (Eze 22:30)

Eze 22:30 I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

This month (Jul 2011) has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. (That means 5 cell meetings and 5 celebrations.)

There are also many 1’s this year. 01/01/11, 11/01/11, 11/01/11 and 11/11/11.

Age this year + last digit of birth year = 111. If we add that, everyone in the auditorium will end up with 111. Everyone in the whole world will get 111 too.

We participate in the history of the world when we gather to pray. Prayer is participation.

· The opportunity to exercise faith (Heb 11:6)

Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

· The expectancy of answers to come (2 Chron 7:14)

2Ch 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

· The joy of celebration ahead.

You and I have a serious mission. We need to stand in the gap for the land. We need to lay hold of the gates of heaven and rattle it.

Prayer is important. Prayer is central. We stand confident no matter what happens.

Questions for discussion

1. Jesus says, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.” (Jn 17:17). In what ways have you found the truth of god’s word vital, relevant and cutting? How have you been sanctified by the truth of God’s word and what consequence does it have on the people and environment around you?

2. Jesus prays for unity in the body of Christ (Jn 17:21-23). Why is this unity in the body so important and in what ways have you contributed towards it? How is this unity in the body best expressed?

Four ways Google+ will end up in your workplace | TechRepublic

2011-07-06T12:17:00.000+08:00

Four ways Google+ will end up in your workplace | TechRepublic

SJG 12: The Master Promises the Holy Spirit #fb #dumcMY #sermon

2011-07-02T19:01:00.000+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 02/07/2011

On 08/04/1994, an electrician found a dead body. A shotgun was found beside a body. The face of the body was blown beyond recognition. He had died several days before. He was Kurt Kobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, one of the most talented guitarists in his time. His wife, Courtney Love had before this had asked the police to remove his weapons lest he hurt himself or others. The band released the Nevermind album in 1991 and it topped the chart, exceeding Michael Jackson’s Dangerous in 1992. The title of the album suggested an attitude of it doesn’t matter. It’s a reflection of the generation that has lost its anchor. There is a world of difference between truth and taste.

Joh 14:15-31 If you love me, you will obey what I command. (16) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- (17) the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (18) I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (19) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (20) On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. (21) Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (22) Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" (23) Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (24) He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. (25) All this I have spoken while still with you. (26) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (28) You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. (29) I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. (30) I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, (31) but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.

The person of the Holy Spirit is a person of truth. As people of God, we need to stand on the truth and propagate the truth and even to the point of paying the price.

The Person of the Holy Spirit

· The Trinitarion God of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are united in purpose and operation. (v. 16, 20) They always work in unison. They never work against one another. (A volitional unity ~Dr. Ron Choong.) This is not a discovery but rather a revelation of God. God doesn’t contradict His own Word.

· The Holy Spirit is “He” and not “it” like a force.

· Because the Holy Spirit is a Person

o He can be known (v17)

§ The Christian faith is a faith that is personal

o He can be grieved (Eph 4:30)

Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

As a human being, we can be grieved when someone hurt us. The Holy Spirit is always concern about us so when we do something that hurt ourselves, He is grieved.

o He can be quenched (1 Thess 5:19)

1Th 5:19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire

Sometimes we are more concerned about our own reputation than God’s plan.

· He is the Spirit of truth

o He embodies the truth. In Kung Fu Panda, Oogway refused to let Tai Long become a leader of the community because he saw darkness in his heart.

o He speaks the truth (Jn 16:13)

Joh 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

§ He guides us into all truth

§ He speaks present truth

§ He speaks prophetic truth (Amos 3:7)

Amo 3:7 Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

Those who tells us to stock up food at home these few days are false prophets.

o He teachers and reminds because He is the Counselor (v26)

Sometimes we are so lazy we want the Word of God from others. We should read it and talk to the Holy Spirit ourselves.

o He also convicts (Jn 16:8-11)

Joh 16:8-11 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: (9) in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; (10) in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; (11) and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t come to accuse us but to show us truthfully what is wrong with us to convict us. He will say anything that is baseless. He convicts us based on facts. When we don’t walk right, we will feel the Holy Spirit convicting us.

The Presence of the Holy Spirit

· He indwells us (v17 cf Rom 8:9)

Rom 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

The moment one believes the Holy Spirit is in one. However, having the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean being full of the Holy Spirit.

· He will begin to transform us to become Christ-like (e.g. Gal 5:22,23)

Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law.

It is not 9 fruits but 1 fruit manifesting in 9 facets.

· He will also begin to manifest His fullness increasingly in us (cf. Acts 6:3)

Act 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.

o How does this come about?

§ Through our obedience to Christ’s commands (v21; Jn 5:3; Heb 12:10)

1Jn 5:3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.

Heb 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

· The Holy Spirit is given for our good (Jn 16:7)

Joh 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

· He enables us to overcome evil because Jesus has defeated Satan (v30; Jn 16:11; cf Col 2:15; 1 Jn 4:4)

Joh 16:11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Col 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

1Jn 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

We don’t have to wear a cross or bring a Bible to feel safe. Our security is not in objects but in God – in the Holy Spirit who is in us.

“Everyone here in DUMC is a Ghostbuster.” We have the power of the Holy Spirit.

· He empowers us to bear witness (Act 1:8; Jn 15:26,27)

Act 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Joh 15:26-27 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. (27) And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

6 steps to sharing Jesus Christ

Pray (1 Pet 3:8,9). Pray that God will bring us to divine appointment.
Turn every occasion to an opportunity to talk about Jesus. (Col 4:5)
Take initiative. Be the first one to start the conversation. Wait one hour and we are already in our comfort zone and we don’t want to talk anymore.
Give a fair exchange – don’t withhold information when we are asking questions. If we don’t do that it may be seen as an interrogation,
Find connecting points. Talk about work, sports, hobbies or family.
Go for the kill. Time is precious.

Questions for discussion

1. In what ways have the Holy Spirit been teaching, guiding, revealing and / or convicting you about the truth and what is right and good for your life? Share a significant area of transformation in your life. Allow your cell members also to point out one area they have seen a positive change in your life.

2. Share an experience where you encounter the power of the Holy Spirit. How has that helped you to overcome fear and evil, bear witness for Christ and live a victoriously Christian life?

SJG 11: The Master as the Vine #dumcMY #fb #sermon

2011-06-25T18:50:00.003+08:00

Pastor Tan Moy How, 25/06/2011

Joh 15:1-17 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (3) You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (6) If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (7) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (8) This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (9) As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (10) If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. (11) I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (12) My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (13) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (14) You are my friends if you do what I command. (15) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (16) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (17) This is my command: Love each other.

181 or more than 50% of the Nobel Prize winner are Jews. 42% of them are experts in economy. They are good in number and business, having been grounded in the Torah since young.

The CALL

1. To do exactly

Joh 14:31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.

2. To do greater things

Joh 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

The CAUSE

Becoming a genuine disciple and bearing fruit for the glory of the Father.

1. The Person of the True Vine

a. Jesus, the True Vine

Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

i. The source of life to all (Jn 6:51)

ii. The source of abundant life (Jn.10:10)

iii. The source of xx life (Jn 11:25, 14:6, Jn 11:12)

b. God the Father, the Gardener of the of the True Vine

i. The responsibilities of the Gardener

ii. He protects up the branches

iii. He prunes the branches.

1. Like a mirror the Word of God reveals problem (Jas 1:22-25)

2. Like a xx the Word of God cuts to the heart (Heb 4:32)

iv. He picked up and throws away the useless branches into the fire

Joh 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

2. The Purpose of the True Vine

a. A single purpose

i. The vine has but one purpose: to produce. (2 Tim 2:6; Jas 5:7)

b. A distinguished purpose

i. The glorifying of the Father

Joh 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

ii. “Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify and to enjoy Him for forever. #1 Westminster Short Catechism.

c. A delegated purpose

i. The vine supplies life to the branches.

ii. The branches take that life and use it to bear fruits.

3. The promise of the True vine

a. An abundance of food (Jn 15:5, 8)

i. Apart from Christ, zero fruit, attached to Christ, much fruit.

ii. The kind of fruit-bearing which glorifies the Father:

1. In winning of the lost (Rom 1:13)

2. In social justice (Isa 5:7)

3. In character development (Gal 5:22-23)

4. In praise giving to God Heb 13:15)

5. In financial giving (Rom 15:27-28, Phil 4:17, KJV)

b. An astonishing prayer life (Jn 15:7, 16)

1Jn 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

c. An agape love (Jn 15:12-13)

i. A sacrificial love

d. An absolute joy (Jn 15:10-11)

i. Definition of joy:

“The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord.”

I love you by John Nuttall #dumcMY #fb

2011-06-18T19:05:00.000+08:00

This is the song Pastor Chris shared at the end of the sermon.

SJG 10: The Master washes His disciples’ feet #dumcMY #fb #sermon

2011-06-18T18:55:00.002+08:00

Pastor Chris Kam, 18/06/2011

(When Pastor Chris prayed for the fathers, Jesse ran over to me. Kathleen commented that he didn’t do that for her. Heh.)

Pastor gave an illustration about missing the point.

What is the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ? What is at the heart of gospel of Jesus Christ? It is the mandate to love.

Mat 22:36-40 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? (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."

Everything hangs on these 2 commandments to love God and to love man.

Mar 12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Those 2 commandments are more important than the others.

Common understanding suggests that the heart of Gospel is believing Christ / accepting Christ. Accepting God reconciles us to God but it is just the means but not the end. We miss the point if we don’t think about this – reconcile to God for what? The salvation we received from God is a means to an end – which is to love God with all our mind / heart / soul and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It transformed a self-centred person into one that is Christ-centred and others-centred.

Joh 13:1-17 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. (2) The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. (3) Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; (4) so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (5) After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (6) He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" (7) Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (8) No, said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." (9) Then, Lord, Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" (10) Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." (11) For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. (12) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. (13) You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. (14) Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. (15) I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (16) I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (17) Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

It was the final night before Jesus left them. Jesus gave an object lesson on what it’s like to be a servant of God to his disciples who did no get it. He mentioned love many times.

1. The Affirmation of the Mind

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus, Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.

We need to understand our position in God. Jesus answered two questions we need answers to.

· Who AM I? (identity)
Jesus knew exactly where he is going. He knew he is going home. He is very clear who he is and where is is headed.

· What AM I DOING HERE? (Destiny) · Why AM I HERE?
If we cannot answer this question, we are like a headless chicken. Our lives here on earth is full of confusion.

Jesus did not cling on to life. In John 12, he prayed to the Father. His heart was troubled as he knew the kind of death he was going to experience. He said “it is done.” Jesus died at the age of 33. He was in active ministry for only 3 years. Everything God wanted Him to do is done. In those short years, he knew His purpose and he was very close with the Father.

Do we know the purpose God has for us on earth?

2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Scriptures can help us know.

First I was dying to finish my high school and start college.
And then i was dying to finish college and start working.
Then I was dying to get married and have children.
And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could go back to work.
But then I was dying to retire.
And now I’m dying suddenly I realized I forgot to live
Don’t let this happen to you
Appreciate your present situation
Enjoy each day

2. The Action of the Body

Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus wanted to show the disciples through the washing of their feet the full extend of His love.
Feet washing was a menial task. It has to be done. People walked on dusty paths (or muddy grounds when it rained.) They wore sandals. The slave would wash the feet of the guests.

Jesus didn’t do it for hygienic reasons. He was probably waited for someone to do it but no one did it.

Perhaps the disciples didn’t think they were servants. And he did it in the middle of a meal.

If anyone during that evening that needed to be served, it would be Jesus, who was going to die in a matters of hours and also because he was their master.

It is very humbling to be served. Peter was probably humiliated to be served by his master.

As people of God, if we do not know how to receive, we cannot give.

We may have union with God but if we do not obey Him, we do not have communion with God – we do not have fellowship with God.

Today, Christ is cleansing His church through the water of the Word (Eph 5:25-25, John 15:3). As we daily read the Word, allow the Spirit to search our hearts (Heb 4:12), and then confess our sins, we keep our feet clean and walk in the light. (See Ps 119:9). It is this daily cleansing that keeps the believer in communion with Christ.

Eph 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (26) to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word

Joh 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

We are already washed once and for all when we are born again. We do not need our body to be washed over and over again – just our feet. There are a lot of symbolism in the Christian faith. We can make right with God when we wash our feet before we sleep.

Pride forbids us from receiving. Only until we learn to receive can we give.

3. The Attitude of the Heart

Php 2:5-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, (7) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (8) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

Joh 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

It’s very humbling to have our feet washed. Pride may come in the way. It is also very humbling to wash other people’s feet because we have to kneel.

A courting couple look at each other when they eat. But love begins when they get married – when they quarrel, they cannot go home and don’t see each other. Like <> love.

Some practical tips:

a. We are commanded to love and not necessarily like.
Agape love Is acting in someone else’s interest
- Unconditionally (no matter who they are)
- Willfully (no matter how you feel)
- Sacrificially (no matter what it costs)

b. Loving each other in the Body.
Joh 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
… not ‘like’ another.

c. Loving those outside the Body who are not like us. Radical righteousness (Sermon on the Mount)

Take away the prejudices in our lives and replace them with the love of Christ which we learn through fellowship with Christ.

Radical is not new. Revolutionary is new. Radical = back to the basics.

Mat 5:43-44 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (44) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Exo 23:4-5 If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. (5) If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.

The best thing a father can do is to raise godly children who are servants of God, energy givers and not energy takers. How? Be a servant ourselves.

Application Questions

1. In your spiritual life, who is one person who has demonstrated what it means to “wash feet”? What did he or she do?
2. What one thing will you do at home, schoo, work, cell group or church this week to follow Jesus’ example of serving? Report back to the cell group what you have done and how that has affected you.

15th MCCC #9 Challenge 2 – The Challenges Facing the Church in Malaysia #dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-12T12:00:00.002+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 12/06/2011

It's exciting to live in Malaysia. When we are caught in a traffic jam, God could be telling us to slow down and to pray.

Many times we don't speak well of Malaysia. We need to be reminded that Malaysia is a great country.

Malaysians are people with short memories and we need to be reminded about what is good and wonderful about Malaysia.

What are the good things here in Malaysia?

The rich diversity – we are a kaleidoscope of cultures and ethnic groups.

The natural beauty – it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Tourists come to Malaysia. We also have a 2^nd Home program for foreigners. We have seas and islands and the hills. We often hear the slogan Malaysia Truly Asia.

The good infrastructure – our road system is world class. Pastor Daniel has spoken in 20+ countries in 6 continents and when he comes back, he is always impressed with our road system. Many buildings and hotels are first class. Malaysia is suitable to hold international conferences because many good facilities are available at a reasonable rate.

The fairly reasonable law and order. It is reasonable safe to stay in Malaysia. It's the same everywhere in the world, perhaps with the exception of Singapore where the leaves need permission to fall. (ha ha) We can work late and go home and not feel worry.

The amazing food. The food is good and inexpensive (not cheap!) One Singaporean church ordered 1500 scones from the Dream Café. When we go overseas, we miss our food back home.

What are some major challenges facing the nation?

Leaders of character and moral courage needed
Pro 16:10,12-14 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. …
(12) Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness. (13) Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth. (14) A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

Where do we find these people? Some of us must consider stepping up and taking positive actions in the affairs of the nation. Don't just complain. When good men don't arise, bad men take over. Who is to blame when we have a corrupted society? Us.

There is one thing Christians can do that the politicians cannot do – a change of heart as a result of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Every time a flight touches down in Malaysia, there is an announcement warning against drug trafficking. Stringent law cannot deter it. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.

When there is unrighteousness in the land, there is problem. When righteous people walk the land, the land is exalted.

Myopic vision

Eze 34:1-4 The word of the LORD came to me: (2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? (3) You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. (4) You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.

Eze 34:20-22 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. (21) Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, (22) I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another.

There are some who think / see here and now. They could not care less about others and the future of the country. What a tragedy it is. When people or even leaders do not care anymore, the country is headed towards disaster. We have seen how this happens in many places in the world. It breaks the heart of the people. God is concerned about the people. God has intervened on behalf of the people in many instances. One example is how President Ferdinand Marcos was dethroned without civil war. Nuns holding hands stopped the tanks rolling in to the streets. We need people who knows right and wrong and not just follow orders and do things blindly. Another example is President Mugabe in Zimbabwe. It's tragic when those who followed orders didn't know what was happening.

Ungodly polarization

Joh 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. )

The churches in Russia and Sri Lanka are persecuted and sidelined. Human beings can treat other human beings like this.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

We are called to be peacemakers. There are some who speak to harm the relationship among the peoples. Some have a subsidy mentality. We all must work for what we need.

Unhealthy Control
We want to see a nation with greater interaction and more freedom for open discussion. Sweeping things under the carpet doesn't help to advance the country.

Losing the edge

We are no longer competitive. We have lost out to Singapore a long time ago. We have even lost the edge to Indonesia, China and Vietnam. Foreign investments are going to all these countries in favour of Malaysia. Our soccer was once at the top of Asia with people like Mokhtar Dahari, Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun. We beat South Korea and Japan regularly. Now, they are playing in the World Cup and we scraped through the Suzuki Cup.

There are good and great Malaysians. The key helpers of Pastor Mike Conner (CityView Church, Australia) are Malaysians. COO of IHOP is a Malaysian. All over the world, we see Malaysians taking up important roles.

Yet, since we don't take efforts to keep them, many left.

The Response of the Church in Malaysia

Be persuaded that Malaysia is still a good country to live in
Act 17:26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

God has designed exactly where and when we live. Some have no choice. Like the Myanmar people who had to flee their country. If a nation is going to be good and great, we need to do our part

Be standard-bearer and lead the way forward

Eph 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

It is through the church that the wisdom of God is made known to the nations. We must be convinced of this. If the society is to be changed and transformed, the church must be the centre of it all. The church is not peripheral of the society, it is the central point of the society.

Rediscover the immense power of the pulpit ministry

Heb 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (13) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

When the Word of God is preached well and handled well from the pulpit, people will be transformed and the transformed people will be the best people to transform the society. The preaching of the Word of God is so crucial.

"You all have the gift of suffering", said Pastor Daniel to those who answered in the affirmative to his question of whether he could preach more than 1 hour. (Not at all, I say.)

Pastor Daniel appreciates people commending him for a great message but it's more important to him to know what we are going to do about it.

Be courageous advocates

Pro 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. (9) Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

The Church of Jesus Christ has been offering services to the community. The time has come for it to speak for those who are marginalized, abused and exploited. When we do that, it can be costly. There will be people who do not like that. There are people in the Church who has paid the price for doing this. One of them is William Wilberforce who fought against slavery.

Cry for revival

Isa 64:1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!

Isa 62:6-7 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, (7) and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

We need to cry for God's mercy and grace. During the Welsh Revival, the coal miners changed their language so much so that the donkeys could not understand them. "There was even a slowdown in the mines, for so many Welsh coal miners were converted and stopped using bad language that the horses that dragged the coal trucks in the mines could not understand what was being said to them" Read more here.

There have been 2 revivals in Malaysia, including the Bario Revival among the Kelabits and the Bekalalan Revival among the Muruds (formerly known as Lun Bawangs.)

We sometimes forget what God has done.

God want to be with us.

15rh MCCC #8 Challenge I - Transformation of Society #dumcMy #MCCC #fb

2011-06-11T18:54:00.002+08:00

Pastor Dr Philip Lyn, 11/06/2011

A. Introduction

Luk 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (NIV)

Luk 19:10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (NKJV)

Zacchaeus was short. He also was seen as a traitor because he collected taxes for the Romans, thereby filling up their coffers. He had to climb a tree to see Jesus not just because he was short but because he was despised and he wasn’t allowed to see Jesus. Jesus saw him and told him he would go to have dinner at his place. Zacchaeus repented and promised to return 4 times what he gained by cheating. Jesus said salvation came and that He came to seek and save that which was lost.

What does “that” include? t cannot just be Zacchaeus or his family. This took place in the marketplace. It refers to the whole domain of the marketplace and the society.

All sectors of life: 8 domains of society: Government, Family, Religion, Education, Media, Arts, Business and Politics.

Even sphere of domains can be changed. Pastor Philip suggested we can summarize the book of Revelation as Jesus wins.

In Malaysia, we don’t hold politicians in high regards.

God wants us to be equipped to seek and save the Lord, i.e. to engage, influence and transform the marketplace, to bring salvation. He did’t just came to save us, He save us so we can help to save others.

B. How do we transform? Three Biblical Ways

1. Diffusion (Mt 5:13-16 Salt and Light):

Change by Influence

Mat 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (14) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1.1 Diffusion
Mat 5:13-14 Salt

Salt: Preserves, sterilizes, gives life, gives taste

Picture is one of diffusion and penetration

It penetrates the fish and we get salted fish. In penetrates the wound and sterilized it. It penetrates our tongue that get taste.

If the Kingdom of God or the power of the Holy Spirit is within us, we have salt our lives.

1.2 Diffuse Society together
Christians must change values, ethics, productivity, meaning of work through our Love, Lives, Legacies in the workplace.

Obama’s clarion call during his campaign was ‘yes, we can!’

John Maxwell’s Law of Significance stated that one is too small a number to achieve greatness.
One grain of salt doesn’t make a difference.

Pastor Philip brought up the examples of Rosa Parks , who triggered the abolishment of racial segregation.

Pastor Philip also mentioned the example of Mohamad Bouazizi. His death triggered the Jasmine revolution. It started with one person, but many rallied to support him.

Even if we don’t want to take to the streets, at least don’t criticize.

Three things we must do in our workplace to gain leverage and influence: Prayer, Integrity and Excellence. We can then have the 2nd level of influence, Boldness, Righteousness, Kindness.

1.3 Diffuse Society through pressure.
Christians need to change ethics and stop evil through standing up, speaking out, meeting up.
Pastor Philip drinks RO water back in Sabah. The water is purified as it went through pressure.
Flatfish is found in Mariana Trench, over 11 km deep and 10750 psi. We can apply political pressure through letters to the MSM, alternative news blog, etc.

Hannah Teoh spoke in Skyline SIB when she was 8 months in her pregnancy. She walk righteously and did not have money to deliver her baby in a private hospital. Pastor Philip felt led to take an offering for Hannah and the amount collected is what Hannah needed to deliver a baby in a private hospital.

1.4 Diffuse Society to – gather.
Christians need to change lives through witness, fellowship, blessing, ministry and preaching.
We must be salt and light with a view to harvest. We must be prepared to reap the harvest in every domain. We must permeate all the domains. As we do it, God will give us wisdom.

Salt and light permeate everything. We want to gather souls. We want to gather just laws, just enforcement of laws, transparency (in election and business opportunities), freedom of worship.
God called us to diffuse and the time is now.

2. Dominion : (2 Cor 10:3-6, Deut 28:13)

Change by Taking Authority

2.1 Dominion (2 Cor 10:3-6, Deut 28:13)

2Co 10:3-6 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (5) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (6) And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

Deu 28:13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

Taking spiritual authority over society. The context of Deut 28 is about land, marketplace and the fruits of our hands.

2.2. Take Authority over Society by Prayer
Rise up spiritually, do warfare, take spiritual authority over darkness in city and nation.
Declaring = affirm what God has done (e.g. Jesus has died for us.)
Decree = speak prophetically what God will do as a result of what we declared. (e.g. justice and righteousness will come to the nation.)

2.3 Take Authority over Society through Marketplace Leadership

Rise up in any 8 domains: Rule by authority.

Results: capturing market share, leadership in pressure groups / professional bodies, low turnover.

Take moral and economical authority.

2.4 Take Authority in Society through Change in Legislation

Lobby parliament to change bad laws and enact good laws
e.g. Slavery, Wilberforce

Put your trust in God and believe it can happen. Slave trade is abolished one month after William Wilberforce died.

3. Divine Intervention (Joel 2:28-32)

Change by Supernatural Outpouring

Joe 2:28-32 And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (29) Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (30) I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. (31) The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. (32) And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

3.1 Divine Intervention : (Can nation be changed in one day?)

Revival! e.g. Jerusalem, Welsh Revival (1904), Indonesia (1960s), Korea, Bario Revival, Bakalalan Revival.

Judgment

15th MCCC #7 Developing Younger Leaders #dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-11T13:15:00.003+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, Pastor Chew Weng Chee, Pastor Philip Lyn, 11/06/2011

From Pastor Daniel Ho.

One bishop visited his diocese. He decided to stay in the house of a church member instead of the hotel. The church member was overjoyed. The wife and the children were also happy. In UK, a bishop is addressed as ‘My Lord.” They decided to offer him breakfast in bed. The mother wanted to give an opportunity for the son to serve the bishop in the morning. He was trained to say “My Lord, Sir. Your boy here, breakfast is served.”

In the morning, the mother drilled him some more and he said the right thing. At 0730, he went up, knocked. The bishop shouted “Who’s there?” The boy knocked again the bishop shouted again. This happened another time. “Your boy, Sir. My Lord, here. Breakfast is served.”

Sometimes we train so much and the next generation may still make mistakes.

Why do we do it?

It’s about the future of the church. In many churches in the west, young leaders are not developed and most of the leaders are old.
It’s about long-lasting influence and impact, e.g. the marketplace. Billy Graham predicted that that marketplace people will be the next to shake the world.
It’s about taking leadership. The Christian education program or equipping track in DUMC is called the School of Leadership. Even thought not all will become leaders, that’s our ethos / emphasis / push. We are out to raise leaders.

If we are worried about our children getting bad influence, then we are raising followers and not leaders. Our children should influence instead of being influenced. What is a test when our School of Leadership has kicked off? When our children tell us they want to go to Chow Kit to mix with the gangsters? What if our children tell us they know we are worried but they assure us in 2 years, all the gangsters will end up in our church?

The Biblical Basis

1Jn 2:12-14 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. (13) I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. (14) I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

We read about children, young men and fathers. We grow from children to young men and then fathers. It’s about spiritual fathering.

How do we do it in DUMC?

The Kind of People

Very helpful people comelah.

V – Vision – Sow a vision / dream
H – Heart – tuned in and aligned to the purpose of God, recognize the values of God
P – Passion – be excited and enthusiastic about the things of God
C – Challenge – tell them the can do better than us.

People are ready to rise up in their passion and challenged when we give them a vision.

What do young people need?

Guidance – not control.
Modeling – Pastor Daniel thinks the young new leaders he sees augurs well for the future of Malaysia. We must be willing to live a sacrificial lifestyle to serve as models.
Encouragement – when we instill the desire to serve from young and encourage them along the day, it helps them to serve.

Pastor Chew was made the medical director of Tong Shin Hospital when he came back from Sabah. He received the call to serve God and decided to resign. He was offered to work one week and everything remained the same.

2. The emphasis in DUMC

A two-generational leadership – mentoring and accountability group (MAG) in DUMC. There is no guarantee anyone will become a leaders. But if we remain humble, teachable, broken and submissive, God can do His work in us. The worship team in the children church are made up of children themselves. Everyone must be thinking 2 generations ahead. We need to think long term and invest in our future.

3. The Outworking

In all areas of ministry – youths and children have their own CGs. Youth themselves server as leaders, no just the young working adults. The adults stand alongside them.
At every level of leadership

Fathering the Next Generation

From Pastor Chew Weng Chee.

The broad / big picture

5 big pictures how we look at fathering leaders or developing young leaders.

1. Cinemascope
Pastor Chew spent 2 years dong his M. Div in the Regent University. He remembered taking a ride to the Grand Canyon and got a 360 cinemascope picture.
Vision:: To build a strong excellent and dynamic church to influence the nation and also to impact

2. Telescope
We bring the future to the present situation Allow young leaders to make mistakes. Don’t stifle them.

3. Periscope
Not every young people can be mentored to become a leader. We need discerning eyes to select potential leaders.

4. Microscope
We examine them and test them – not to find flaws.

5. Kaleidoscope
The old and the young working together.

What is the best practices

Believe in them.
Be a role model for them. Young people love role models.
Build strong foundations. Make sure their Bible knowledge is sound. Make sure they read broadly.
Befriend them.
Brag about them. Pastor Chew did not get a hug from his dad and he doesn’t remember his dad ever praising him. Encouraging the young people does wonders.

Pastor Chew said he unapologetically support Manchester United. I will not let that change my view of him.

From Pastor Daniel Tan (who has an iPad with him.)

The Blessed Prototype

Generasi Gemilang is the Persatuan Kebajikan Generasi Gemilang, fully funded by SIBKL (love transforms lives.) It’s a neutral and non-religious NGO. The vision is Influencing the Nation, Impacting the Generations. Mat 5:16 is the underlying idea of serving in GG.

Touching lives through loving & serving (with no strings attached!)
Transforming communities & families (hand outs do not transform.)
Reaching out the the next generation (hopefully influencing policies eventually)

They reach out the to the urban poor and orphanages. It’s non-regilious so they can reach out to the spiritual cousins. The church has sometimes become a wall to enter certain places. God has open doors for them to gain access to a prominent orphanage (200 including 80 babies) to become the one active NGO working with them.

The Community Transformation includes Kidz Services and family services, They also offer life skills and cyber wellness, leadership & mentoring and service learning (recruiting universities and colleges students to the process of learning and serving.) There is also a care and counseling service centre in Sunway Mas.

How is it developing the young generation?

Many of them have caught this vision of something bigger than their own lives. They see greater things they can really do. Service is no longer confined within the four walls of the church. Many who otherwise won’t serve have seen opportunities to serve and they are serving.

GG is officially registered last year. There are now 9 fulltime staff and 5 part time staff. There are as many as 500 SIB members going out to serve. There are 300 college students and there are 1800 college students who have committed to join.

How Barca beat Manchester United? The midfield of Barcelona are all from the La Masia Academy. They train the players since young. They have been playing like that since young.

From Pastor Philip Lyn

Family

One potential blindside for a pastor is the family. Pastor Philip has 3 children, 23, 21 and 13.
Pastor Philip realized he must do the following for his family.

Pray
Play
Pass the truth (when children reach teen, it’s not your time, it’s their time.)
Pick – pick areas that will grow them.

Mentoring

If Paul passed on the wrong things to Timothy, then Timothy will do the same to the others.
Paul wanted to build up Timothy as a leader who can

Endurance
Engaged
Excellence
Envision (the farmer sees the crops, not the seed.)

You can only reproduce your own kind.

15th MCCC #6 Challenge to the Ministry–Every Person Ministry #dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-11T10:44:00.002+08:00

Pastor Dr Philip Lyn, 11/06/2011

Overarching Truth: “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” ~J. Maxwell

In 1973, Nobel price winner for Medicine, Karl von Frisch deciphered how honeybees dance / communicate. All the honeybees are mobilized that the queen survived, the colony is in order and to ensure the reproduction of the next generation. The honeybees communicated where the honey is in what is called the honeybee dance.

First, we need to hear. Secondly, we need to see. Thirdly, once we know the direction, we need to do it. Fourthly, we need to grow it (reproduce it.) That’s mobilization for a purpose.

The Pareto’s principle suggests that 20% of the people in the church do 80% of the work. In a healthy church, the percentage of people who work could be higher. There is no church that is 100% mobilized like a honeybee colony. The main reason to mobilize the whole church is not a feel good factor but because it is God’s will.

The church is central to the world, it is not peripheral to the world.

Eph 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The challenge: not everyone is ready to be mobilized. Some are self-centred (not die to self yet), self-preserving (hurt before) or self-limited (felt inadequate, not enough faith).

How do we get from self to faith? Membership, events, programs may not work all the time.
In the corporate world, we apply the stick (demotion, salary cut, etc.) and carrot (promotion, increment, etc.) method. We don’t have a stick nor a carrot in the church. The church is the largest voluntary organization in the world. When people serve, it’s because they see God in your, integrity, love for the people, etc.

A. Hardware

Hardware is fundamental. We need to rewire our mind and spirit.

1. Hear “it”!

a. The Priesthood of all believers

1Pe 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

I am a priest. I am part of the royal priesthood. I am part of God’s living priesthood. It doesn’t mean everybody is a leader in the church. Everyone has access to God but the pastor is called to provide pastoral care and to lead the church.

An Anglican said the most effective way to pray is to kneel and clasp the hands. The Baptist said he could just stand / sit where he was and it’s more important to have faith. The Pentecostal said one must speak in tongues. A cleaner overheard and said she was outside cleaning windows and slipped and was hanging upside down and she discovered that was the best position to pray. Every one cleric or otherwise can pray to God.

b. That Ministry of all believers

Luk 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." (18) He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (20) However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

I am a minister. There are ministers, cabinet ministers and prime minister. I am a minister of the King of kings.

Our portfolio is to heal the sick and to cast our demons. We are given the authority.

Bi-vocational pastors and leaders are the best. They know the ministry of all believers. They do struggle with time though.

c. The Calling and Gifting of all believers

Refer to Rom 12, 1 Cor 12 and Eph 4.

We can take the DISC or Rick Warren’s SHAPE tests. We can start in the CG. We have fulfillment by serving. We can continue to activate our gifts in the workplace. We only meet once in a week in the CG – there is not enough time to use our gifts. When we look at the moon, we don’t say it’s a crescent, a half-moon or a 3/4 moon or a full moon. We just say it’s a moon. The same with the church. We don’t see how imperfect it is. We see Jesus. It’s the church. Our gifting goes out to the marketplace and the nation.
d. This Surrender of all believers

Eph 3:10-11 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, (11) according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are consecrated and given to Jesus to serve him. How do we surrender to Jesus?

When God calls us to Himself, He is calling us into His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God while invisible, is manifested in the church. And in this visible part of the Kingdom, there is a structure of spiritual authority.

When we surrender ourselves to the service of God’s Kingdom, we max our priesthood, ministry and calling and giftings.

2. “See” it!

a. Clear Vision

Without vision, the people parish. We must have vision and mission to mobilize the people. Without that, the people will go everywhere and the church will go no where.

If you can see it, you can seize it. John. Maxwell.

Without vision, the church would just be doing things – there are events and activities but there is no growth.

There were two guys working for the city. One would dig a hole -- he would dig, dig, dig. The other would come behind him and fill the hole -- fill, fill, fill. These two men worked furiously; one digging a hole, the other filling it up again.A man was watching from the sidewalk and couldn't believe how hard these men were working, but couldn't understand what they were doing. Finally he had to ask them.He said to the hole digger, "I appreciate how hard you work, but what are you doing? You dig a hole and your partner comes behind you and fills it up again!" The hole digger replied, "Oh yeah, must look funny, but the guy who plants the trees is sick today."

b. Clear Goal

We must have clear goals so we know whether we are winning or on the way there.

Pastor Philip said nobody told Manchester United are not winners because they are winning. (Well, they are not winners of the Champions League.)

c. Clear Vehicles & clear Processes

We must choose the vehicles we want AFTER asking God. If we choose the wrong vehicles, we waste time and energy.

B. Software

1. Do “it”! – Grow leaders and team

2 frogs on a lily pad. 1 decided to jump into the pond. How many frogs are left on the lily pad? 2.
Execution beats decision every time. The one who makes 2 decision and execute 1 beats the one who makes 10 decisions without executing any.

a. Encourage, Equip, Ensure Resonance of all leaders

Everybody agrees what to do.
Canadian geese fly long distances without losing their formation. The leader took the air resistance.

b. Enable, Empower leaders
We have to take a risk. Some of them may fail. But if we don’t’ execute, we will never know.

c. Enhance Leaders’ Spiritual Profiles
When a leader is recognized, it’s easier for him to serve.

d. Extend their influence to Recruit
It’s easier for the leader to recruit others when he is recognized.

2. Grow “it”! – Grow great culture
a. Influence and Recruit Culture
When we give leverage to the leaders, it increases their influences and makes it easier for them to recruit.

b. Macro versus Micro Culture

c. Share and Celebrate Culture
This creates high morale.
In no morale, the leader does everything.
In low morale, the leader does productive things.
In moderate morale, the leader does difficult things.
In high morale, the leader does the little things.

d. Re-Evaluate and Re-align Culture

Undergirding Truth: “Without Him we cannot, without us He will not.” Prayer is the Key: J Hayford

15th MCCC #4 EPCC Cell Journey - Making Jesus the Absolute Reality in a Virtual World#dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-10T13:06:00.002+08:00

Pastor Sam Surendran, 10/06/2011

Pastor Sam mentioned Lionel Messi and immediately became a pastor I like.

He asked all of us to close our eyes and point to north. We each point to our own directions. If we don’t know the direction, how do we lead?

Cell Church is like Justin Bieber. (Hmm …) Pastor Sam said Justin Bieber’s Baby has 2.8 million dislikes. At first glance, we may want to turn away. Keep listening and we may fall in love.
Excel Point Community Church is a Baptist church and it is not a merger of Excel and PowerPoint?

When Federal Express merge with UPS, will they be named Fed UP?

EPCC is a point of excelling for Jesus – walking and living an excellent life for Jesus.

There are both English, Bahasa, Chinese, Nepali, Vietnamese Congregations. There was a series of of evangelism events during Christmas last year, a total of 1,500 Vietnamese received Jesus. They are so hungry and passionate for Jesus.

ECPP people visited a construction site and gave them blankets. Four Vietnamese came and asked the name of ECPP’s god. They received Jesus on their 2nd visit.

EPCC started in Jun 1997 with 3. There was no problem managing the church. Pastor Sam lectured in a private college. They met in a 26 storey apartment with no musical instruments. There are no chairs and only bean bags. There were 5 offers for Pastor Sam to go to bigger churches in the city. Pastor Sam said he was told by God to go back to Penang to start a church for the young adults. He used to ask for pastors to pray that God would not ask him to be a pastor. He wanted to be an evangelist.

Introduction to Church with Cell Group

The main purpose of cell group then was for

Fellowship
Member care
Bible study

It was very tiring because everyone depended on the pastor.

By the time the members have increased to 140, including one English and one Bahasa congregations. Peter Wagner said no matter how good a pastor is, when the church grew to 200, he will not be able to remember all their names and manage them well and meet their needs well. Pastor Sam realized the need for help.

The Need for Cell Church

The concerns

How to pastor / shepherd all members effectively/
Managing new visitors
Discipleship
Evangelism
Church Growth
Developing Leaders
Managing Pastoral Duties

Peter Wagner observed that the pastors’ role in the 60’s and 70’s are different from today.

ECPP set up an Evangelism Committee. When this Committee were not working, evangelism stopped and everyone pointed his fingers to the Committee. It is unfair to put the burden of evangelism to a small group of people.

Pastor Lawrence Kong remembered that it was so tiring and demanding to keep up to expectation, during the transition from a church with cells into a cell church.

There are not many funerals in ECPP. At one point, 97% of the members are students.

The pastor has to come to a place that he is secured to release some jobs to the others. Relinquishing / delegating the jobs is a paradigm shift. There is no retirement nor pension scheme in the Kingdom.
At the tail end of John the Baptist’s ministry, a man came to John and told him the man he baptised is now baptising many people and people are all going to him. John is known as the Baptist. John said a man cannot receive anything except it is given to him from heaven. John also said he must decrease and he (Jesus) must increase. (Jesse said there will be competition to decrease.)

How can a pastor do everything?

Looking for a structure – a framework for shepherding and growth

2Sa 5:12 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

David learned the secret very early – that there is no leader without followers. A leader cannot keep all duties within his control. David is established as king for the sake of the people. A leader must love his people.

Pastor Sam attended a 17-day conference in FCBC, Singapore,. It was overwhelming to see what a 10,000 strong church is doing and try to map it to a church of 100+ people.

At the 3rd cell church conference in Shah Alam, Pastor Sam started to understand how to internalize what he learned.

The Journey – Stories of Implementation

It started out of desperation. ECPP transformed into a cell church when it had 100+ members. Out of excitement, Pastor Sam launched the cell church before any proper buy-in and vision casting. They handled the problems along the way.
Proportional Percentages or Roles

	Shepherd	Manager	Leader
CL	60%	25%	15%
ZS	40%	35%	23%
ZP	30%	40%	30%
DP	25%	25%	40%
SP	15%	25%	60%

Stories of Resistance

“Why must I join a cell?” If the pastor is not around, can the church continue to run?

Accountability. It is a place to ensure consistency for everyone to receive spiritual food. It’s provides opportunities for fellowship.

There was resistance for multiplication – some even talk CL now to work hard to avoid multiplication.

ECPP came up with 8 blessings of multiplications and this is incorporated into the CL training. 2 months before multiplication, the CL shared it with the cell members.
Baptism, baby dedication,etc. can now be done a the cell level. Cell members began to look at their Cell Leaders as people they can trust.

There are 4 levels in the School of Discipleship. All promotions and monitoring are done via cells.

Stories of Success

Staff are selected from among CLs. Evangelism is no longer dependent on Evangelism Committee. Each cell is given RM200 to multiply it to carry our Dream Projects. One cell consisted mostly of Indonesian workers multiplied that RM200 and bought 48 hampers to give out during Christmas. A Bahasa cell cleaned up and painted a leprosy hospital. One creative cell from the campus group (USM) did a “blessed” draw in the gas station (with prizes of RM3, RM5, RM10) with guides on safe riding. The riders are also given a vest and tracts. Yet another cell offered ‘free money for bus ride.’ Another one walk around and insert coins for parking and left a small note on the cars.

The vision is no longer on the church level but at the cell levels.

USO (Urban Street Outreach) is a ministry that goes out once every 2 weeks to give clothes and food and there are salvations every time they go out.

The most important things that God put into our hearts when we move into the cell church is to win souls.

In ECPP, there is a fulltime clown. He earns a 5-figure salary. He trained many clowns and they visited children in hospital.

There is the Kids Club.

Stories of Failures & Struggles

“Why are there no solid teaching?” The members need to understand the concepts of evangelism and edification.

After a while, the cells became very comfortable or they have exhausted all their oikos. They could not develop new leaders.

Story of Restructuring

There was a break of 8 weeks – no cell meetings, for retooling.
6 Ps

Play = Welcome
Praise – Worship
Process – Evangelism (record names in Book of Life and pray every Friday.)
Preaching – Word
Parenting – Discipleship
Proclaim – Works

Evangelism and discipleship were built into the cell intentionally to address the lack of emphasis on these 2 areas.
When we grow bigger, we grow smaller.
Feeding of 100 – 20 loaves (2 Kings 4:42)
Feeding of 4,000 – 7 loaves (Mt 14:34)
Feeding of 5,000 – 5 loaves (Mk 5:30)

Assimilation Rate

_{Mandarin – 80%}
_{Bahasa – 60%}
_{English – 65%}

15th MCCC #3 –The Cell Church History–Skyline SIB #dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-10T11:07:00.002+08:00

Pastor Dr Philip Lyn, 10/06/2011

A. The Background to Skyline

Skyline is located in the beautiful in Kota Kinabalu in 2001. The mother church, SIB LIkas wanted to plant a church in the city. They located a resort hotel called Sutera Harbour. But the rental is too expensive even with a 50% discount. The hotel later contacted them and offered a small room.
It grew from 60 to approximately 650 in 10 years. There are 5 elders (policy), 3 executive pastors (operations), associate pastors (regional / national ministry.) The associate pastors were former senior pastors. They and their families are integrated in the church.

All the pastors are not paid, they are bi-vocational. This is not planned.

The hotel offered the church a 18,000 sqft space on an permanent lease.
Vision:

Love God
Make Disciples
Transform Communities

Every member knows about it. It is also a process statements. Pastor Philip advised senior pastors to make vision statements simple, clear and directional.

Pastor Philip described Skyline SIB a simple church, (they don’t do what they are not called to do.

They don’t stretch themselves unnecessarily) a disciple-making church and a community transformational church.

The church is using cells as a means to an end. At the core, they are a cell church, their life is in the cell, if the cell dies, the church dies. In the journey, they are not always so, a few important things are NOT done through cells.

The greatest asset: sacrificial leaders and people.

The greatest challenge is time.

Their philosophy of approach: aim for wins. If they can achieve 80% using 50% of the time, it’s counted as a win. It’s not perfection, it’s something ranging from good, very good and excellent.
4 Stages

Growth – 2001 to 2006
Grind – 2007
Gambit – 2008
Germination – 2009 onwards

It is now how you start but how you end. Watch out for the New Restaurant Syndrome.
1. Rapid Growth
2. “Central” (Sunday) Growth
3. Capped Cell Growth
i. Cell basics were good but “f”
ii. Cell journey was comfortable but “non-r”
4. Cap on Time
i. Bi-vocational Time Cap
ii. Bi-vocational Time Map
Pastor Philip admitted he was naïve to think that being a pastor all about preaching good sermons. He now realized it has a lot more to do with being at the grass root level.

B. The Early Skyline Share of Cells (2001 to 2006)

Passive in Posture – they expect the church to grow the cells.
Organic in growth – not intentional.
Relational in dynamics - cliques
Ad-hoc in leaders’ emergence
Minimalist in training
Variable in multiplication timeline – “take your time”

They were “Amoeba Cells.”

C. Problems of Old Cells (2007 to 2008)

However good the Sunday celebration is, if the cell groups are not doing well, there is a backdoor for people to leak out and the church loses its momentum.

It’s hard to get people to serve in the cell groups. When there is a momentum, we just need to give it a gentle push and it will roll in to correct direction.

Skyline is a pure English church. They started with 2 services in 2006. It stretched the bi-vocational people even more. Some Sunday people started to go on Saturday. The numbers did not grow too much. Some people attended both services and hence the small growth may not reflect actual growth in numbers.

No cells are eternal in existence.

1. Cell Life Crisis

In a cell, the members feel comfortable and they do not want to do anything anymore – ‘been there, done that.”

2. Leadership Crisis

Not enough new cell leaders. The exiting cell leaders are not keen to multiply and hence new leaders cannot be raised up. Or the leaders are complacent and this is contagious. Or the cell leader may have served a few years and it’s time to move on but because he / she is so emotionally connected he / she refused to let go.

3. Cell Morale Crisis

No new salvations. No excitement.

4. Church Growth Crisis

Affected by the lack of growth in cells.

5. Bottle-neck Crisis

The growth is stagnant. The momentum is lost.
It’s normal to feel tired. But we need to recognize that we can be tired both spiritually and physically.

D. The Transition to New (Finite) Cells

Asked God for fresh vision / vehicles and drivers.
Vision (2001 to 2008):
To proclaim God’s grace and reflect His Glory.
That’s changed into the new one in 2009. The new vision statement which doubles as a succinct mission statement changed the face of Skyline. The church became by calling a church with a declared passionate love for God, a disciple-making church and a community-transforming church.
Pastor Philip shared a quotation from John Maxwell, “Anybody can steer a ship but it takes a leader to navigate the course.”
How do they love God?

Punctual on Sundays (KPI)
Passionate in Worship
Participate in Cell / Church (KPI)
Purity in Life
Prayer Life (KPI)
People (Marriage, Parents).

The KPIs are there to help them know where they are, to compare to where they are going so they know what they need to do.
How do they make disciples?
Disciple-making is a certain kind of Person (ABC mentor), radically committed to a certain kind of Purpose (disciple making), who through a certain kind of Process (mentoring), reproduces a certain kind of Product (ABC Disciple). (Edmund Chan.)
ABC

Authentic – transparent and readl – Word-based life
Broken – Christ-centred Humility – prayer-filled life
Courageous – faith and boldness – Spirit-empowered life

Mentoring is a finite relational journey with an agreed process of disciple-making (modeling, tutoring, empowering and guiding) between mentor and mentee so that the mentee becomes a Christ-mastered follower.
Disciple Convert > Disciple Learner > Disciple Servant (mentor a few) > Disciple Mentor
The Cell is a good place to start dssciple-making but it is not enough. Mentoring it required.
Mentor-Mentee paring (time frame is 18 to 24 months)
Word and Prayer (12 months) > Authenticity and Brokenness

Choose a book of the Bible each (60 days) – any book!
Read daily, journal, prepare Bible study, prepare sermon, memorize verses, apply.
Meet monthly. mentor / mentee share discoveries, application
Mentor shares pointers gives feedback encouragement.
Meet to pray, pray over phone, pray for each other, journal prayers and answers.
Attend prayer meeting regularly

Spirit and Faith (9 to 12 months) > Courage
If you want to grow a church, raise leaders. If you want to explode a church, multiply leaders.
With the new vision, Skyline also realize they need to resurrect the cells.
1. Why?

Brought Freshness
Brought Outward focus
Brought Mobilization
Brought in New Leaders
Brought in Finite Vibrant Cells
Brought in Aligned Cells

2. What is a Finite Cell? Definition
A cell with

a clearly define lifespan (10 months)
A gathering of critical number of committed people
Under committed leader(s)
called to do new things

3. When?
By end 2008: Thought through new vision
4. How? Time frame (6 months)

Sep	SPO team discussed
Oct	Getting the “Buy-In” Basic tacks to convince the unconvinced
Nov	Let go some old leaders, invite New and interview
Dec	Zones / Cells, ZLs and CLs list finalized
Jan	Cell sign-up begins second week Jan to end Jan (4 weeks). Draw coded lots during service to determine times of registration. (Min 7, max 12. Cells are hungry to get members.)
Feb	Training of CLs / ZLs – not mechanical, emphasis is on cell life
Mar	Cell Life Begins
Dec	Cell Life Ends

5. How does it work?

i	Finite Lifespan	Months
ii	Leaders	S and invited
iii	Members	V Sign-ups
iv	Starting No	7-12. No r List
v	Dynamics	4
vi	Word	Sermon-based. Sermon notes on website

A. Momentum of the New Cells (2010)

Primed for big uptake
Primed to succeed
Primed to grow
Primed to relate
Primed to server
Primed to raise new leaders
Primed for momentum

B. The Future of Finite Cells

Number of Cells 2011 -
Types of cells: Worship, Workplace (June)
Number of new leaders raised
Percentage of Skyliners in Cells: 2010 87% 2011 93%
Percentage of Skyliners in Community 46% (2010)
Number of Visitors @ Easter Oikos
Ratio of Visitors / Skyliners @ Easter Oikos
Number of Decisions @ Easter 2011

1. Easier and smoother once implemented: Exciting!
2. Options still open:

Keep doing the same way
Extend life span
Return to infinite cells later

3. Workplace Open Cells
There are 12 zones.

Community Work in SIB

4-fold strategy in the Sabah Interior Bumiputra

Next Generation
Education
Nutrition
Documentation

Core reasons for doing the project:

Strategic
Viable
Template-able
Transferable
In the four areas mentioned above

Take home points:

Cell s will work if Vision is clear and is SP-driven
Cells are people and people get tired, don’t be afraid of making changes – do it earlier rather than later.
Cells can’t do everything but it can do many things well: SP has to decide which things. (Disciple-making is partial. Deep counseling is not possible.)
If your cells are healthy & happy almost nothing hurts!

15th MCCC #2 Leading a Successful Cell Church–the SIBKL Journey #dumcMY #fb #MCCC

2011-06-09T13:03:00.002+08:00

Pastor Chew Weng Chee, 09/06/2011

Pastor Chew acknowledged that much of SIBKL’s success is due to what they have learned from DUMC.

5 Ingredients

My leadership must be visionary.
My leadership must be vital.
My leadership must be viable.
My leadership must be visible.
My leadership must be victorious.

A. Visionary

We must be able to contextualize what we hear and learn fast.
2 types of vision:

Specific vision.
Strategic vision.

The vision statement of SIBKL contains the elements of both types of vision.
Specific vision: To build a strong, excellent, dynamic church. (This has to do with the church. Anything that’s worth doing is worth doing well!)
“The best scones in Malaysia is found here (Dream Café)” ~Pastor Chew.
“I used to do delivery (of babies), now I do deliverance.” ~Pastor Chew.
When we do things excellently, we glorify God. If we don’t want to give our best shot, why bother?
Strategic vision: To influence the nation(s) & to impact generations. (This goes beyond the church.)
(a) Big is not strong.
Small is not strong.
Strong is strong.
It’s not about the size. We can grow but we can grow fat. Fat people are not strong. There are small churches that are weak.
There are big churches that are weak and small churches that are strong. It’s about the strength.
(b) Do not be intimidated by size, nor be Intoxicated with it.

Growing your church alone is a vision too small for God. ~ Pastor Dr Daniel Ho

Focus on the health and not the size, and the church will grow.
The cell church concept is introduced in SIBKL in 1999. There are now about 2300+ in attendance, excluding the Chinese congregation (200+), children and the other congregations. In total, there are about 3000 members.
Always have a kingdom mindset.
4 Sabah Strategies:

Training of Evangelists – Melangkap School of Evangelism
Training of Pastors – Namaus Bible School, Long Muaya Dev Centre. 20 pastors are trained every year. The goal is 100 per year.
Next Generation – Buidling “Asrama” and connecting with KL City
Kawawsan Mendulong (14 churches) – 3 GO 101 Mission Trips, 2 Pastoral Retreats and 1 youth conference

SIBKL supports 132 pastors financially every month. Talk is cheap. We have to take actions. Pastor Chew believes the future of Malaysia lies with the East Malaysia. SIBKL is instrumental in setting up 5 of the 21 taskas there.

B. Vital

What are the vital signs?

Love for God.
Love for God’s church.
Love for God’s people.

Pastor Chew always asked himself after preaching whether he loves God and whether what he did is what God wanted.
We have to believe the church is the hope of the world. The church must be the benchmark of the community.
Eph 1:23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

C. Viable

FLY HIGH, LAST LONG

The capacity if the leader.
The care for the leader.
The camaraderie of the leader.

Capacity is the ability to deal with complex and trying situations.
Mentoring groups – Roots and Wings, CLAP 1 & 2 and Timothy Program.
Viable = workable. In Malay, pemampanan.

Camaraderie

Camaraderie
Ownership
Responsibility
Empowering

The CORE team of a cell as a rule of thumb is 1/3 of the cell. They help the cell leaders to run the cell. The core can give the cell leaders a break (for as long as 1 year!). Cell groups with CORE can multiply very well.
Friendship before function.

D. Visible

I must meet with my leaders frequently.
I must mingle with my sheep.

Pastor Chew said he did a stupid thing in 2008 – he offered to visit every cell within the year. He visited cell groups every Wednesday and Friday. He got to shake hands with 76% of this church.
Not only must they feel my xx they must also feel my xx.

E. Victorious

It’s your history of doing the right thing over and over again with good results that will earn the forgiveness of your congregation for the times you occasionally make the wrong decision.
3 results – Eze 47:1-12
Eze 47:1-12 The man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. (2) He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was flowing from the south side. (3) As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. (4) He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. (5) He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in--a river that no one could cross. (6) He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river. (7) When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. (8) He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Sea. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. (9) Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. (10) Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds--like the fish of the Great Sea. (11) But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. (12) Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."
Pastor Chew observed a progressive revival.

There is freshness. Do we have the river of life running in us?
There are fishes. There has to be conversions.
There is fruits. Bear fruit. The Son of Man came to serve and not to be served.

a. Having souls saved is the best victory for Jesus.
b. Seeing souls saved generates momentum and lifts morale.

In SIBKL, there are a total of 178 salvations (33 in cells, 72 in events and 73 service) with a 65% assimilation rate and 134 baptism.
Pastor Chew shared from his obstetrician experience that it’s criminal to deliver a baby and throw it out and leave it to the elements. Same goes with salvations. We don’t just get someone to say the sinner’s prayer and let them be. Follow up is very important.

15th MCCC #1 - The Malaysian Dream Church–the Dream Story #dumcMY #MCCC #fb

2011-06-09T11:06:00.002+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 09/06/2011
This is the story and strategy of the cell church.

I. The History of DUMC

The beginnings – 1980 to 1988

DUMC started with 20+ members. There were no air-cond. It grew to about 100 including 20 children.
The distinctive:

The encounters with the Holy Spirit beginning in 1986. People were healed and started to speak in tongues. Pastor Daniel thought he was losing control of the church but he realized God was in charge.

The Early Years: 1988 to 1993

They rented 3 shop lots, 2 of them formed the sanctuary and 1 Sunday school. It was hard, as they had to walk 3 stories. Pastor Daniel told the members going to heaven is slightly more difficult.
The distinctive:

A strong family church where everyone knows everyone. There were many doctors and medical students. The bond is still there.

The Transition Years: 1993 to 1998

A v-shaped shop lots were bought. The Chinese believed anything with an edge is bad but Pastor Daniel did not believe that.
The distintives:

The adoption and implementation of the cell church concept. They came out from SS Methodist and they had care groups. They converted the care groups into cell groups.
The renewal meetings where they invited the Holy Spirit to be with them. (Unnecessary and unwanted elements omitted here.) Pastor Daniel warned against the danger of ‘helping’ the Holy Spirit, e.g. pushing down. He told us the ministry people are not allowed to push people and they are told not to keep praying for people until they go down. They are to pray softly and gently. Pastor Daniel advised us to recognize the work of God even when it’s not according to our pattern.

The church grew to 1000 strong and it needed 3 services, 0800, 1000 and 1200. They needed to look for a bigger place.
Pastor Daniel heard the Ruby cinema was for sale. He drove there to check it out and prayed to claim it.

The Developing Years: 1998 to 2007

The distinctive:

A strong outward focus on evangelism and missions
A strong outward focus on the community

The Dream Centre Years: 2007 to present

The distinctive:

A church without walls
A church touching hearts and changing lives

We want to make every visitor welcomed. There are no cross. Dream Centre is a place where dreams come alive and shattered dreams live again. Dream Café is a place where food comes alive. The food is inexpensive and the car park is free. The Dream Café is open to the public everyday except Mondays.
How can the church grow and continue to grow? This is where the power and the strategy of the cell church is all about.

II. The strategy of the Cell Church

The cell is the microcosm of the church.
Everyone in the church is to be in a cell. In DUMC, 70% of the members belong to a cell. How to get members to join a cell? Baptism, membership, ministry, wedding and burial (!) all require cell membership / attendance. Pastor Daniel told about a man who approached him after worship and offered to improve the team further. Pastor Daniel ask him his name and his cell. He did not attend any. Pastor Daniel asked him to join a cell group first. He asked me the same thing when brother Kevin Suit recommended me to him.
The cell is the central focus of the church. No activities in the church must clash with the cell.
The church grows larger by growing smaller (cell multiplication).
Leaders are raised up through the cell. Members are closely watched before they are put into leadership positions. His / her attitudes, characteristics and maturity are observed.

III. The Power of the Cell Strategy

People genuinely share and care for one another. When people are served and received care and concern, they want to reciprocate. In this dog eat god world, it’s rare to see people who are genuinely concerned about us.
Discipleship and growth of every member can be monitored.
An accountability of lives and relationships takes place. Pastor Daniel wanted glass doors all around in the office. Accountability should be seen more positively than negatively. We want to be accountable / open / transparent. We want to be talked about in the best possible manner. We have nothing to hide / proof / lose / fear. When we live our lives like this, we will be an encouragement to others.
It is an every member ministry. Each of use has gifts which we can use to minister and to bless.
Growth of the church is unlimited. It a cell doesn’t multiply when it goes beyond 15, not everyone will attend faithfully. And it limits the growth of the church. It denies the opportunity of the members to be leaders.
The church can be kept personal and warm. We don’t want to be a statistic / a number. We want to be addressed by our names. It makes us feel significant, belonged and secured. The cell allows us to know one another.

IV. The Problems of the Cell Strategy

The constant need for focus and emphasis. It’s hard work. If we don’t focus, the church will go back to a program-based church.
The constant need for alignment. Everybody has an idea how to run the church and everybody idea is the best idea! We need to constantly ensure everyone is aligned and pushed in the same direction.
Finding the right people for cell leadership.
Intermingling church-wide becomes limited. It gets harder to mingle at a church-wide basis. Life moves on and we must live in the future.

The Dream Church Coming Alive!

DUMC – a church touching the nation and nations.

We start as a family church and grow into a community church. In DUMC, the major portion of the budget goes out to the community. Pastor Daniel believes one of the reasons the church is blessed is because it helps the down of out people, the rejects, the refugees.
Pastor Daniel called the Street Ministry meeting place (the 1st floor of the former Klang Bus Station) the Jesus Station. He told the people that they can choose whether they want to go to the Jesus station or the police station.

A church impacting the community, city and nation.

A concert was recently held for the Myanmar people. Some top Myanmar artists were flew in. Many of them were touched. One commented that this was the first time he was served by the Malaysians. He said before that, he only met Malaysians who wanted to take advantage of them and to exploit them.

Pastor Daniel reminder us that we are the embodiment of everything good. We are to capture God's heart for the nation and the nations. We are to impact our community.

SJG 9: The Master as the Good Shepherd #fb #dumcMY

2011-06-04T18:48:00.004+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 04/06/2011

The text is John 10:1-18.

In the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, we see three characteristics of the Good Shepherd.

Characteristics of the Good Shepherd:

1. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep (v14)

He knows them by name (v3b)

Names are so important. We are so happy and thrilled when people called us by our names. Jesus knows our names and He knows exactly who we are.

He know their joys and victories.

He knows the pleasure and joy we share in life. Pastor Daniel said it’s a blessings for us to be able to sit down and listen to the sermon. It shows that the chemicals in our body is in perfect balance so we don’t have to rush to the toilet. He doesn’t know how true this is for me.

He knows their fears and pain.

He knows the wound, the hurt and the frustrations we have in life. We are confused and we don’t know how to move forward. We have been backstabbed. We have been victimized. We want to take it out on anything and everything. Jesus knows. He wants to meet us at every point of our needs and change our lives.

“Know”: Gk, ginosko – connotes more than just knowing mere facts about them but having a relationship of trust and intimacy.

Jesus enters into an intimate relationship with us in trust. This is the kind of God we have. This is the kind of burden that he carries as the Good Shepherd. Each and every one of us is precious to Him.

The Good Shepherd gives His sleep significance.

Every human being looks for significance in life. We all want to feel important / of value in life. We are not just a number or a statistic. We all look to be treated as a person of value. Every one of us, child and elderly alike wants to be respected. That’s intrinsic / natural in us.

2. The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep (v9, 10)

He leads His sheep (Ps 23:1-3)

Psa 23:1-3 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, (3) he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Jesus wants to lead us to fulfill the purpose in our lives. Wherever Jesus went, people follow. Human being are in general followers. We all want to be led. We need to be led.
Mat 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
We run after one thing after another. Although it’s nothing wrong with chasing fashion and trends, we cannot be enslaved. We should not buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people who don’t care.

He feeds His sheep

The Bible is the best book. We need to spend time to read / understand the Bible. We need to journal. Sometimes we spend more time reading the newspapers than the Bible. All that we read in the newspaper is just an extension of Matthew 24. We should be spending more time reading the Bible that gives us perspective in life. Pastor Daniel hopes that week after week we come, we are fed in some ways. We also learn from SOL and MCCC. A group of 70+ youths are away in a camp (Jesse included.)

He protects His sheep (Ps 23:5)

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When our life is threatened, the last thing in our mind is food. When we are in fear, we have no appetite. We think about our safety and wonder if we can come out alive. Yet, in the midst of it all, Jesus tells us to have no fear.

He gives His sheep security (Ps 23:4)

Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
In all that we go through, our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ is with us to protect us. Even when we go through deep crisis or the darkest moment of our lives, Jesus is there with us.
Security is not found in position or possession. Positions can go. People retire no matter how powerful they are. Possession can be lost. Security is found in Jesus Christ. We are safe and secure in Jesus Christ regardless of what we have.

3. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep (v11)

He makes sacrifices for His sheep

When people make sacrifices for us, our hearts are touch. Consider the mother who tells the children she likes bones when they visits KFC.

He pays the ultimate price for His sheep by dying on the cross

He risked all. He was willing to give all.

He does this to give His sheep identity.

In this world that we live in, everyone looks for significance, to feel important, to have self-respect. Secondly, they look for security. We all want to feel safe. Significance and security is found in Jesus. Everyone is also looking for an identity. These are the struggles of the human being.

People need to know who they are. We have someone we look up to. We imitate them. We try to be like our idols. We are all looking for identity in life. Who am I? Many people are having identity crisis. Jesus Christ says to you and I that we are important, secured and we belong to Him. Identity is the sense of belonging. Jesus receives / accepts us just as we are. We don't have to try to be somebody / have something. Who we are is found in Jesus.

Pastor Daniel shared the story of Joshua Bell playing in a subway station getting no attention. He played in the wrong context. He belongs to symphony halls.
Read more here - http://www.snopes.com/music/artists/bell.asp

Likewise, you and I ultimately belong to Jesus Christ. The thief came to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus can to give life and life abundantly. We are children of the living God. We are part of His community of faith. We seek to build a community that will shake this world. We want to build a community that will move on to rock the nations of the world. Together with Jesus, we can do something.

Questions for discussion

What did you learn about Jesus being the Good Shepherd? Share one area that has challenged and inspired you. How are you modeling this in your life and what results have you seen?
What is one area of Jesus’ example that you feel can really touch many people’s lives? How can you and your cell group practise this?

Joh 10:1-18 I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. (2) The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. (3) The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (4) When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (5) But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." (6) Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. (7) Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. (8) All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. (9) I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. (10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (12) The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. (13) The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (14) I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- (15) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. (16) I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (17) The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. (18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

SJG 8–The Master Raises the Dead #dumcMY #fb

2011-05-21T18:50:00.003+08:00

Pastor Mike Ngui, 21/05/2011

The text is taken from John 11:1-48.

In 1983, a Jewish rabbi Harold Kushner wrote a book called When Bad Things Happened to Good People. We may find it easier to see bad things happen to bad people but to good people?

John 11 tells of such a story. Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha died. Mary’s devotion and her act of worship must be so well known that John made a reference to it. This is a story that happened among people who loved Jesus and whom Jesus loved.

One of Satan’s most favourite putdown line is that when something is wrong, then we have not been waling with God.

We have a bird’s eyes view of the whole story. But let’s try to put our shoes into the people there and then – imagine the mind of Mary or Martha then. Bad things do happen to good people.
Lazarus was so sick that Martha sent a desperate message to Jesus. In fact, Jesus was a day’s walk away. When the messenger finally got to Jesus, He sent word that Lazarus won’t die. By the time the message got back to Bethany where Mary and Martha were (the round trip took 2 days.) We can deduced that Lazarus died soon after the messenger left for Jesus. Imagine, imagine the irony when Jesus’ message was passed on to Mary and Martha AFTER Lazarus was buried.

When the Lord’s timing is off, we need to trust in His goodness. (v 5&6)

Jesus loved them and yet he didn’t go immediately to see Lazarus. The delay to go to Bethany was not to the immediate benefit of the disciples and Mary and Martha. But it was definitely not because he was callous or he did not love them. On the contrary, he did it precisely because he loved them.

When we are in a tough situation, we pray and don’t see any improvements, we may have negative thoughts and think that Jesus doesn’t care. Do not make assumption of Jesus. The love of Jesus should never be questioned.

We don’t understand when God is ‘late.’ God has our best interest in mind. We may have to wait many years or we may find God answers our prayers in His own way. He has His special timing.

In God’s timing, He indicates to us His purpose and invites us to join Him. (v11)

In John 10, the Jews almost stoned Jesus and his disciples. Now, Jesus wanted to go to Bethany to see Lazarus who, according to Him was asleep. Jesus gave a seemingly cryptic message about walking in the light.

To get God’s purpose, we have to lose our puny ideas (v12)

God’s ways are not just simply different from the disciples’ ways, it’s completely our of the universe of the disciples’ thoughts. In fact, it is also different from ours. The disciples could not fathom what Jesus intended to do.

The disciples ‘reminded’ Jesus that Lazarus died. Jesus told them he was glad he did not prevent Lazarus from dying because this would help grow their faith. They have seen Jesus raised people from the death before but this did not entered their universe of thoughts.

God’s ideas are bigger than our wildest imaginations (v12-15)

Most of the time we try all possibilities along with seeking Jesus and hope one of the possibilities will work. God doesn’t work within our limitations.

Who’d imagine Jesus would live 30 inconsequential years, had 3 years of ministry before he was killed?

Who’d imagine Joseph who were sold as slaves would become Pharaoh’s right hand man? Who could have imagine that Joseph would be the delivered of his brothers who sold him?

Ultimately God calls us to “trust and obey” (v16)

Thankfully, God doesn’t need us to imagine what he could do to do it. All the Lord asked of us it to trust and obey.

Sometimes we worried that we missed our one possibility that God wanted to use and that it would prevent God from using that method to help us.

Pastor Mike shared this “email from God”

Good morning. I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it, or attempt to remove it. Holding on, or removal, will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep, nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.

The word believe appeared 85 times in John (9 in chapter 11, and a total of 200+ times in the Bible.)
John Piper has this illustration. See complete article here.

Your daddy is standing in a swimming pool out a little bit from the edge. You are, let’s say, three years old and standing on the edge of the pool. Daddy holds out his arms to you and says, “Jump, I’ll catch you. I promise.” Now, how do you make your daddy look good at that moment? Answer: trust him and jump. Have faith in him and jump. That makes him look strong and wise and loving. But if you won’t jump, if you shake your head and run away from the edge, you make your daddy look bad. It looks like you are saying, “he can’t catch me” or “he won’t catch me” or “it’s not a good idea to do what he tells me to do.” And all three of those make your dad look bad.

The harder it seems for God to fulfill his words, the better it makes Him look.

Faith gives glory to God.

God wants us to grow and mature. Praying for a parking space is like training wheels of faith. It’s ok when we start with that but we cannot stop there because we cannot live on that.

Sometimes God draws out out faith in words (v 21-27)

As parents, we rejoice when we see our children progress through crawling and taking the first steps. God draws out faith in us.

From the dialog with Martha, Jesus allowed Martha to affirm her own faith for her to hear it herself. She might not understand what she was saying but she believed it.

Sometimes God draws out our faith in wordless worship (v 28-35)

Sometimes God draws out our faith by reading His words and sometimes with wordless worship. consider what happened to Mary. She ran to Jesus and wept as His feet.

Sometimes we make a mistake and we have nothing to say. We only have remorse. We cannot even say we trust the Lord because we are in great pain and distress. Just run to Jesus. Bring our tears, pains, shattered dreams and despair to Jesus. The very act of running to Jesus is an act of faith. That’s a declaration that we have no where else to turn to and that God cares.

John 11:35 was often quoted as the shortest verse in the Bible. There is no problem / hardship / pain that Jesus would not sit with you and cry with you.

Other times, God draws out our faith in acts of sheet obedience (v 38-41)

We often have objection to God, which we think are sensible and practical. Martha told Jesus Lazarus’ body would stink. But when they obeyed, they saw Lazarus were alive.

God delights to reveal His glory in response to our obedience (v 40-44)

The choice to believe and trust Jesus is in us. God will still be glorified even when we do not obey him but we will not see it and we cannot share it.

We can see and choose to put our faith in Jesus (v45)

Many who saw believed.

Or we can choose something else as more important than Jesus (v 46-48)

The Jewish leaders considered their positions and national security more important than Jesus.
Bad things do happen to good people. When things don’t make sense, we need to trust God. We need to let go of our puny ideas. God’s ideas are always better even though sometimes it takes longer. He wants us to grow in our trust in Him. The choice is with us.

CWS I–Worldviews & the Christian Faith #dumcMY #db

2011-05-15T11:56:00.002+08:00

Pastor Daniel Ho, 15/05/2011

A farmer brought a strong into town and offer it to anyone who could get the cow to do three things – make it laugh, cry and run.

A pastor whispered into the cow’s ears and made it laugh, cry and later run. The farmer gave the cow to the pastor. He asked what did the pastor said.

The pastor said, he first told the cow how much he earned, how hard he worked then whether it wanted to be a pastor.

Even the cow has a certain perspective about the pastoral ministry. And perspective is all about worldview.

Col 1:16-18 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (17) He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Luk 12:16-20 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. (17) He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' (18) Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. (19) And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' (20) But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

What is a worldview?

A worldview is the way we look at the world; how we think it operates, why things happen the way they do and what is our purpose in it.
Fundamentally, this perspective of the world is determined by our belief system / ideology.

For example, some people believe in one god, some believe in many gods and yet some do not believe in any god. It is a tragedy that communism has deprived the people from knowing God. When human being sits in judgement in place of God, we got a problem.

What is a Christian worldview?

The Christian worldview is the way we look at the world shaped by Scripture (Col 1:16-18)
It is having God at the centre of our belief system.

The Bible is very clear that Jesus Christ is the centre of everything. He is the true king, the Lord and Master. God must be at the heart of it all, i.e. theocentric. Jesus is the king de jure (by right) but he is not de facto (in reality) king. Many do not recognize Him.

1Co 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Why is an understanding of worldview important?

Because out of our belief system / ideology we carry with us a set of ideas / presuppositions about what we believe to be truth and error, justice and perversion.

We believe every one is made in the image of God and therefore we have respect of one another. If we do not believe in God, the world becomes a jungle where it’s the survival of the fittest.

Our worldview determines our values (cf Jn 4:9; Mk 10:48-52)

Jesus is the epitome of a sinless man. He is the best example of how sinless man should live.
Joh 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. )
Mar 10:48-52 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (49) Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." (50) Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. (51) What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." (52) Go, said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Consider how Jesus treated women. As far as Jesus is concerned, the gender / ethnic group, rich or poor, full sight or blind, healthy or handicapped, etc. matters not. Everyone is made in the image of God and we need to treat everyone with dignity, honour and respect. Jesus’ concern and respect for the down and out and the marginalized. He is the perfect model for all of us.

Our worldview dictates our practices and lifestyle (Lk 12:16-20; 1 Sam 17:45-47)

Everyone has a worldview whether educated or otherwise.

In Luke 12:16-20, we read about a man who lived only for his own indulgence and pleasure. Jesus commented that he was a fool.

A man called Fantastic Ong Ah Fook didn’t like his name and asked his wife not to include “Fantastic” on his tombstone. After he dies, his wife put on his tombstone “Here lies a man who has never looked at another woman after he married me.” People looked it and exclaimed “Fantastic!” When we are fantastic, we remain fantastic.

1Sa 17:45-47 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. (46) This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. (47) All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

David’s worldview inspired him to do what he did. He would go up against anyone who threatens him or the people of Israel.

Looking at the way a person lives his live we can tell his worldview.

Worldview and dominant culture

Our worldview may be influenced by the dominant culture of the day where we live (e.g. Mt. 19:3-8)

If we are not strong and firm and we do not have a clear understanding of our worldview, we will be affected by the dominant culture.

Mat 19:3-8 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?" (4) Haven't you read, he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' (5) and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? (6) So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (7) Why then, they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" (8) Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.

Divorce was not God’s design at all. This is an area where Christians are tragically influenced by the world. The divorce rate of Christians are no different from non-Christians in US and Italian. The Australian churches are infiltrated by the common view of taking marriage lightly.

All human cultures are tainted by sin (cf Mt 5:13-16)

A right worldview

A right worldview is a biblical worldview (Ecc 12:12,14)

It should be centred on God and not on human.

Ecc 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (14) For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Solomon lived a life of abundance and yet abandoned. During a talk, a Filipina told Ravi Zacharias everything is meaningless. Ravi told him life is meaningless when there is no Jesus. Solomon wised up only towards the end of his life.

We must think Christianity and act biblically
A biblical or Christian worldview enables us to live in freedom, peace and joy (Jn 10:10)

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The implications of a Christian worldview

It helps us to live integrated lives.

Not just a balanced life but also an integrated life.

It must have impact on every area of our life and society.

It must touch every aspect of our lives, business, sports, etc.

“If you don’t read newspapers, you are ill-informed. If you read newspapers, you are misinformed.” ~ Mark Twain

Questions for discussion

Why is an understanding of worldview important and is your own worldview biblical? What areas of your worldview, personal lifestyle and ethics need to change to be more in line with Scripture and the gospel of Jesus Christ?
What kind of worldviews and therefore personal lifestyle and practices do you discern in the world and among your friends? What are the positive and negative elements you see? In what ways are they unbiblical and how can you be counter-cultural and be involved in influencing and transforming it?

SLC VI–Servanthood and REST

2011-05-08T15:04:00.002+08:00

Rev. Dr. Tan Siang Yang, 07/05/2011

Mat 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Rev. Dr. Tan felt the pain of those who long to be mothers or married. He reminded them that God loves them.

The goal of the church is not growth but the God that gives the growth.

The ministry of fatherhood and motherhood is a very important ministry.

The original Greek in the Great Commission suggest ‘as you go’ instead of a command to ‘go’. It is a call to share the Gospel wherever we are.

Our life is the message. People do not believe due to reasonable arguments. Many people are turned off by the lives of Christians that have no contentment. Many Americans go after Eastern mysticism that seems deeper. Many Christians are presenting an inaccurate Gospel.

Someone once said, every non-believe a mission field and every believer a missionary.

The Great Commandment has to be tied to the Great Commission for it to make sense. They are both for every Christian. The calling of God is first and foremost to believe in Jesus and follow Him. Instead of bring people to the church, we are also to bring the church to the people.

Harvest Business School now talks about 3-year plan instead of 5 because the world is so uncertain, e.g. Aceh or Japan.

We are so obsessed / pre-occupied / get so involved with the work of the Lord that we forget the Lord of the work. ~A. W. Tozer

When that happens, we are no longer doing the work of the Lord.

Jesus has always care about us. Servants who follow Jesus serve Jesus first. True servants of Jesus takes orders from the Master Himself. Jesus tells us what he wants us to do and what he doesn’t want us to do. Servanthood <> servitude. Biblical servanthood brings joy.

Mat 11:28-30 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. (29) Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. (30) Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Jesus was talking about the yoke of communion / fellowship with God.

When we get a plan from God, hold it loosely because God can change ir.

a. Shepherd-centredness

Psa 23:1-6 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. (2) He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, (3) he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (6) Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Still water implies rest. The Lord is my shepherd – this is personal. The question is whether the Lord is my shepherd.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

The biggest problem of man is sin.

b. Spirit-filled surrender

Eph 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

The original Greek suggest to be “continually filled with the Spirit.”

When we share the Gospel, obey and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

When we submit to God, we will submit our time, money, etc. A control freak is not only an illusion but also delusional! God is the one in control.

c. Solitude and silence

We must not enter into this legalistically. It will then be a mere ritual.

Doing it devotionally will allow us to be intimate with God.

GRACE is an acronym for God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

We cannot earn God’s grace.

Solitude is to withdraw from people and to spend time alone with God. It also requires silence. Silence is not just the absence of words but the absence of noise / music. Worship music is not the same as worship, it cannot substitute worship. God often speaks in a still small voice or a gentle whisper.

David Banner wrote a book about worshipping God with no words.

We need to be quiet so we can hear God.

Have a periodic retreat. Three things will happen, we will fall asleep, get restless and hungry.

d. Simplicity

Live relatively free from greed and covetousness and materialism.

Commercials want us to believe we need more than we want.

“I live simply that others may simply live.” said a colleague of Rev. Dr. Tan.

Randy Alcorn in his book Treasure Principle said we cannot bring our money with us to heaven but we can send it ahead.

e. Sabbath

The Sabbath is meant for man and not the other way around. In Exodus, we read that it is a command and not a suggestion. During Sabbath, we are not to do anything for gain. Relaxing with the Word of God will do wonders to our souls.

f. Sleep

Sleep is a spiritual discipline. Research has consistently show that we need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Studies show that people who sleep less than 5 hours or more than 9 hours (except those with health conditions) die younger.

We cannot get away by abusing our bodies. We need to take good care of our bodies, it’s the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Sleep is a gift from God. We need to really let go to sleep. It’s an act of letting go and trusting God.

g. Spiritual Community

We need relationship rest. We need to serve Sabbath to one another. Be the Sabbath for one another.

We need to know how to resolve conflicts.

h. Servanthood

Serve humbly and loving and following Jesus, not caring too much what others think and we have lots of rest.

If we care too much about what people think, we may get a lot of emotional damages.

i. Stress management

… from a biblical perspective (e.g. biblical thinking, regular exercise, adequate sleep and rest, and play / humour.)

Trusting the Lord is better than worrying about KPIs.

Be careful how we think. We need to be transformed by the renewal of our mind.

Rom 8:28 is a beautiful verse but we must use it appropriately.

Regular exercise with 30 minutes a time, 3 times a week will do us a lot of good. The body releases endorphins, which is the body’s own painkillers.

Good nutrition helps. “You are what you eat!”

“We take ourselves way too seriously. Joy is the serious business of heaven.” ~ C. S. Lewis

Laugh a lot but not at the expense of others.

As we rest in the Lord, the world will see Jesus in us.

SLC V–Servanthood and Humility

2011-05-07T19:05:00.002+08:00

Rev. Dr. Tan Siang Yang 07/05/2011
Jesus Christ has first and foremost called us to be servants, not leaders. That’s secondary. We are called to serve and love one another. Some are called to lead.
Suffering produces humility. Jesus, the suffering servant as Isaiah called him humbled himself for us even unto death.

Php 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

1Pe 5:5-6 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Mat 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Peter Wagner considered this to be the foundation scripture to the understanding humility.

a. Pride: Deadliest of the Seven Deadly Sins

Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law.

In Gal 5 we read about the fruit of the spirit. There is only one fruit with different aspects. Gentleness, sometimes translated as meekness means humility.

Pride leads to every other vice. ~C. S. Lewis

Pride is spiritual cancer that eats common sense.

G. K. Chesterton said if he could preach only once, it would be a sermon against pride

Pro 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is listed as the first of the seven deadly sins. It is the worst of them and the most deadly. In contrast, humility is the most foundational virtue.

b. Characteristics of Pride

Some characteristics of pride:

Being blind, unable to see our own pride
Unthankful
Brag
Seeking independence
Monopolizing conversation, rigid, headstrong
Being consumed with what people think
Being devastated by criticism
Rejoicing in the failures of others
Obsession with self

Peter Wagner listed 5 signposts to watch against pride.

Yearning for praise and human accolades.
Cultivating a creator complex.
Keeping score
Rejoicing in others' failures and resenting others' successes.
Compulsively defending yourself against criticism

This is a serious issue in the America. The American culture fans pride and ego. The chief / ultimate sin we commit is the sin of pride.

c. Obsession with Self

God has to deal with pride in us.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jesus said without Him we can do nothing. Why such a radical statement from Jesus? Because He is the Son of God. He is the integration point that holds the universe together. If we understand this better, we will have less problems with pride.

We must always remember that the way to run a church is not the CEO model, it should be the shepherd model after the example set by Jesus, it must be personal.

God is the one that increases the number in the church. If we try to manufacture a growth, the increase will be temporary and it will not last.

d. Humility: The Most Foundational Virtue

We can choose humility. We can choose the way of the Cross. What is humility all about?

e. Characteristics of Humility

Focus on Jesus as the author and perfector of our faith
Overwhelmed by God’s goodness.
commune with God
Serve others
Obey God’s will
Learn from others
Encourage others
Pursue integrity in private and pu
Living unto Jesus
think rightly and soberly about ourselves – to bow low before God

Peter Wagner listed 10 hallmarks of humility.

1. Adhering to the biblical rules for submission.
It is a sad fact that in today's society, submission has almost become a countercultural notion. The Bible teaches that every one of us has a duty to be submissive. Humble people willingly submit to those whom God has put in authority over them.

2. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in your daily life.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit should be a continuous condition, not an occasional experience. When your life is characterized by love, joy, peace, longsuffering, meekness (humility), self-control or the like, God gets the credit, not you.

3. Discovering your spiritual gifts.
In Romans 12:3, the Bible instructs us to think soberly of ourselves, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. We are all members of the body of Christ and that we all have our own God-given spiritual gifts. Other saints might not be as good at something as you are, but they might evangelize better, be more hospitable or preach more.

4. Knowing your place in the body.
It is just as important to know what spiritual gifts you don't have as it is to know what spiritual gifts you do have. You must be humble enough to admit that you cannot do it all and that you are incomplete without others.

5. Knowing your weaknesses.
If you are humble, you will readily admit there are many things you do not know. You must be very free to admit your weaknesses, lack of knowledge, inexperience and shortcomings. Always make others feel that they are teaching you new things, and get excited about it.

6. Daring to be realistic about your successes and failures.
Some Christians imagine that if they claim resounding success at any task, it would be seen as pride. On the other hand, they fear that if they admit they truly bombed on some other task, it would be questioning the power of God. Both of these extremes should be avoided. Bottom line: You win some, and you lose some.

7. Taking risks.
Deep within the nature of a risk is the possibility of failure. Humble people are willing to take risks because they are willing to lose. They know there is a crucial difference between losing and being a loser.

8. Accepting praise but rejecting flattery.
If you truly accomplish something significant in life and are praised for it, you should receive the praise with dignity. Refusing to accept legitimate praise is not a sign of humility; it is a sign of insecurity. But be aware of self-serving, insincere flattery. It is deceptive. Humble people will politely reject such flattery.

9. Avoiding living in the achievements of the past.
Learn a lesson from the 1930s radio show character, the Lone Ranger. He illustrated that it is not too important who knows your name or who associates it with accomplishments of the past, no matter how heroic. After the successful event, the most important thing was to focus on helping the next person in trouble.

10. Having the ability to pass on your glory to others.
Esteeming others better than yourself is not easy, even if you decide that you want to do it. It is an essential step, however, if you are on the road to humility and if you want to arrive. You must give credit when credit is due. If you err, it is better to err on the side of giving too much credit to others, as long as it is not phony. Never resent others getting public acclaim for something in which you might have had a part in making happen. If you feel you have been slighted, keep your feelings to yourself.

f. Practicing and Growing in Humility

In the face of the celebrity culture, we are threatened with Impression Management.

Richard Foster suggested four methods to practice humility:

Look for one substantive act we can do this month and do it without telling anyone.
Don’t do it out of pride. Just be mindful and observe. Die daily.
Intentionally look at your colleagues in a positive light even hoping that they can do better than us. We cannot say this prayer if we do not have humility.
Learn to receive praises and criticism. Don’t try to have false modesty and then greater pride later.

1Co 9:24-25 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Vince Lombardi, coach of the Greenbay Packers once said winning is not everything, it’s the only thing.

Some read v24 and encourage all to run to win the race. But in v25 Paul dropped the analogy. He told us not to run the race for something that is corruptible. Competition is not the name of the game.

Competition should not exist in the house of God. Competition is based on pride and pride is one of the deadliest of the seven deadly sins. A better analogy for Christians is the Special Olympics. When a church has a ministry for special people, then it is on the right track because it is concerned with what God cares.

In a Special Olympics race, a down syndrome athlete was about to cross the finishing line when the athlete behind him fell. Instead of running ahead, he turned back to help his friend up and walked him to the finished line.

Collaboration, cooperation and love are core elements of a Christian life.

Ways to be humble.

Altering a posture through prayer
Yielding amidst our mistakes
Hanging out with those of no account

Hospitality is closely connected to humility.

The book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas suggested that the trails of a marriage make a couple holy. God doesn’t give us marriage to make us happy but to make us holy. Sacred Parenting suggested God give us children not for us to influence them but for them to influence us!

g. Humility: Faith to Face Failure

Vernon Grounds wrote Faith to Face Failures, Or What’s So Great About Success.

Each of us must have the faith to keep on serving even when we are not recognized. Failure is often success in the eyes of God.

Brennan Manning, a recovered alcoholic shared this benediction.

May all your expectations be frustrated.
May all your plans be thwarted.
May all your desires be withered into nothingness.
That you may experience the powerlessness and the poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God the Father, the Son and the Spirit.

SLC IV–Servanthood and Suffering #dumcMy #fb

2011-05-07T12:45:00.002+08:00

Rev. Dr. Tan Siang Yang 07/05/2011

In many American churches, Satisfaction and Self-esteem are emphasized. In what Rev. Dr. Tan referred to as ‘purer’ churches, Suffering and Sacrifices are found.
Pentecostal and charismatic churches major in healing and miracles. However, a theology of healing without grace and suffering is not balanced.

There are extreme imbalances we must avoid. On one end, following Jesus prevents suffering. One the other end, following Jesus will put us under constant suffering – the more suffering the better.

a. Suffering: Becoming more like Jesus

Nobody likes suffering and God knows that. We live in a fallen, sinful and broken world. For fallen, sinful and broken people like us, we suffer – only when necessary. If we suffer constantly, we probably brought some of them upon ourselves by our bad decisions.

Joy is the serious business of heaven. ~ C. S. Lewis

Randy Alcorn, author of the Treasure Principle wrote a book called Heaven. There are many mentions of heaven in the Bible but not everything. Randy is an avid scuba diver and he wondered there is scuba diving in heaven. He speculated there is and he doesn’t need any oxygen tank. He also speculated that there is still time and space in heaven (it’s just that it has no end) and we would see our friends. Are there pets in heaven? Randy guessed our favourite pets would be there.

Hell is the best that God can do for people who do not want him.

Suffering is temporary. The consummation of heaven is not here yet.

Joh 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Scott Pack who wrote the Road Less Traveled said life is difficult. Patients who insist life must be easy makes it even more difficult. Patients who recovered are normally those who accept that life is difficult.

b. God’s purposes in Our Suffering

Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Notice the comprehensiveness of this verse … “in all things”. The purpose is for us to be conformed to the likeness of the Son. (v29)

Rev. Dr. Tan advised us not to misquote this verse.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Rom 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (4) perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

1Pe 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

All our suffering must go through the hands of God before they reach us.

Joni Eareckson Tada mentioned some results of suffering in her book When God Wept.

To refine / perfect and strengthen us
Make us more dependent on God
Teachers us humility
Teaches us that God is more concerned about character
Can sometimes be for discipline
Obedience can be learned through suffering

c. Suffering and Shattered Dreams

Larry Crabb wrote Shattered Dreams: Unexpected Pathway to Joy. He based his book on Ruth. He drew three points we can learn when things go wrong:

God wants to bless us
The deepest pleasure we can experience is an encounter with God
Our shattered dreams are never random or accidental. It’s always a piece in a bigger puzzle. Pain is a necessary part of a journey with Christ.

God is most gloried in me when I am most satisfied in Him. John Piper

d. The Dark Night of the Soul

The good news is that God will not remove pain but it will make it better.
When God seems most absent from us He is doing the most important and deepest thing in us. We like to be in the presence of God with music and jumping. But we need to walk by faith and not by sight. Do not go by feelings. (refer to the story of the Footprint.) Do not let the enemy deceive us that God has abandoned us.
Bad times provides an opportunity to know God more deeply that positive experiences and blessings can never bring.

Php 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

We tend to ignore the suffering part.

To do His supreme work of grace within you He will take from your heart everything you love most. Everything you trust in will go from you. Piles of ashes will lie where your most precious treasures used to be. ~A. W. Tozer

The Dark Night of the Soul is similar to the Shattered Dreams but not entirely the same. St. John of the Cross wrote about it.

e. Suffering and Brokenness

Psa 51:16-18 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. (17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (18) In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Brokenness is essential to us and precious to God. It can be voluntary and involuntary according to Alan Nelson.

Voluntary brokenness is when we choose to enter into brokenness. It is a spiritual discipline. A good synonym for brokenness is humbleness.

Involuntary brokenness is not by choice. We lose our jobs / some one dear to us. Waiting is very painful but it is the only want to develop trust and faith.

SLC III–True Service vs. Self-righteous Service #dumcMY #fb

2011-05-07T11:42:00.002+08:00

Rev. Dr. Tan Siang Yang, 07/05.2011
This session refers to the Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
Spiritual discipline is not only available in Christianity. For us, it is about being intimate with God.
In his book, Richard Foster listed the Discipline of Service as one of the spiritual discipline.

a. Characteristics of True Service

1. It comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside (i.e. deep friendship with Jesus)

Servanthood is serving our Best Friend. It is a joy. Bill Hybel suggested we look for 3 Cs when we select a leader

Character (is the person filled with the Spirit? Character cannot be compromised. It takes years to form)
Competency (skillsets, talents, ability, spiritual gifts, theological training, credentials. There is a tendency to over-emphasize this C.)
Chemistry – church ministry is a team ministry

The most important C is the Character.

2. It finds it impossible to distinguish the small from the large service

A true servant of Jesus doesn’t care about doing great things for God but rather doing things for a Great God. He (God) will transform the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Everything in the Kingdom of God counts.

We must be always like little children, be childlike in front of Jesus. Our spiritual life should be childlike but not childish. Growing up in Christ is to become more childlike – trusting, helpless, dependent, relaxed.

We focus on what counts but God is looking at what counts in eternity.

3. It rests contented in hiddenness.

A true servant of Christ who engage in true service doesn’t need to tell. Share with the spouse or the prayer partners. If we share it with a lot of people, what we do doesn’t count anymore. Hiddenness, anonymity and secrecy is the key.

4. It is free of the need to calculate results

When we get too quantitative, we are off true service. Rev. Dr. Tan’s church has a Chinese congregation with 150 members every year. Some 20 to 25 of them are students. Every year, about 20 to 25 of them graduating and about the same number of new students. We should not be misled by statistics. We have to look at some numbers to be accountable but do not be bounded by numbers. The numbers must be interpreted accurately.

5. It is indiscriminate in its ministry (i.e. it serves one and all equally)

Don’t pick and choose who to serve.

6. It ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need (i.e. regardless of feelings.)

We are s servant first before we can serve in a ministry. If it is not our lifestyle, we cannot serve without whining and complaining.

7. It is a lifestyle (i.e. servanthood for life in all of life)

8. It can withhold the service as freely as it performs it.

We are under no obligation or compulsion to do something. Do not use the world’s criteria, use God’s, i.e. his will.

9. It builds community.

True service comes from gentle love for others. It always builds up community. If we are doing what Jesus wants us to do, we will build up one another.

b. Characteristics of Self-righteous Service

1. It comes through human efforts (i.e. usually with much planning and programming and little or no prayer.)

It comes from the ego. The purpose is to show off.

2. It is impressed with the “big deal” (because it is ultimately self-centred or ego-focused.)

Do not be pre-occupied with big deals and bigger deals. Don’t get so impressed with the big things.

Don’t ignore the smaller things. When God calls us to do big things, do it humbly. The real big deal is God. The others don’t matter.

3. It required external rewards.

If we stop serving when we don’t get the reward (recognition, etc), we are serving with the wrong motives.

4. It is highly concerned with results (and statistics!)

Do no the concerned with results. Don’t fish for compliments.

5. It picks and chooses whom to serve.

We serve whoever God calls us to serve.

6. It is affected by mood and whims (i.e. feelings rule the service rather than service rules the feelings.)

Do we care whether anyone thank us?

7. It is temporary.

It doesn’t last long. Gives up easily.

8. It is insensitive.

It is sensitive only to the ego and pride. It is insensitive to the community.

9. It fractures community.

It is not based on team spirit.

“Ultimately, self-righteous service centres in the glorification of the individual” (Tan, Full Service, 2006. p 69)

c. The SHAPE of True Service (from rick Warren, The Purpose-Drive Life)

Rev. Dr. Tan said Rick Warren really meant Purpose-directed.

Spiritual Gifts

Heart

Abilities

Availability could be more important than abilities.

Personality

Experience

Rick Warren thinks the best things we can do comes from the most painful experience in our lives.
We need to examine ourselves to see if we are providing true service or serving self-righteously or a mixture of both.

The church needs us to come up and serve. There are many lost souls out there. Let’s put our hands on the plough and do not look back.

SLC II–Servanthood vs. Servant Leadership #dumcMY #fb

2011-05-07T10:09:00.004+08:00

Rev. Dr. Tan Siang Yang, 07/05/2011
Leadership or Servant Leadership without Servanthood as the foundation can be problematic.

a. Servant Leadership

There are many books on leadership in Christian bookstores. Everyone in the church wants to be a leader. Some even broadly said that everyone is a leader. If leadership is about influence, then everyone is a leader because everyone affects the lives of others. Rev. Dr. Tan thinks that if everyone is a leader then there is no point to have leadership. Servanthood and discipleship is for everyone.

Rom 12 listed leadership as a gift.

Rom 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

To distinguish Christian leadership from secular leadership, we refer to servant leadership. Rev. Dr.

Tan doesn’t believe it is the Biblical leadership. It is in fact borrowed from secular leadership.
Rev. Dr. Tan prefers to think that some servants are called to leadership.
One definition of Servant Leadership is to be a servant in order to influence others to achieve their goals. Servanthood then is just a means to an end (which is leadership.) Servanthood is not a way of life but a way to make the leadership more effective.

Many leadership books use Jesus as a model. He is referred to as the Master Servant Leader. But the verses quoted are normally discussing servanthood, not servant leadership. Jesus was the suffering servant. Jesus said he came to serve and not to be serve. In Philippians, we read that Jesus emptied himself to be a servant. Servanthood is a way of life. It is very much a part and parcel of being a disciple of Jesus,

Many of churches have imported the leadership concept from management schools. Rev. Dr. Tan admires churches that has saving souls in mind. But he doesn’t agree with pastors who just look at the growth in numbers.

The average size of a church in America is 100.

If the goal of pastors is to have big churches, who will take care of the smaller churches in the villages?

There is a myth in America which Rev. Dr. Tan sees as a nightmare – if we work hard enough, we can achieve anything / be whatever you want. That’s one version of the American Dream.
Paul argued that not everyone is a hand, eye, etc.

Another issue in America is getting lost (before the time of GPS.) Men would go round and round before they admit they are lost and ask for directions.

We don’t want to be what we want to be but rather what God wants us to be.

The American Dream also suggests that bigger / faster / newer is better.

If we read our Bible, slower is better, older is better and smaller is better. If we as slower and following the ancient spiritual teaching and if we are smaller, we can be personal. God is personal. God died for the whole world and you and me.

The Bible is God’s eternal Word and it is often counter-culture. That which is highly esteemed by men is an abomination to God. God can grow the church. We need to focus on God. Servanthood simply focuses on doing things obediently for God. Following Jesus is not about doing great things for God because if we do that, we emphasize the great things but not God.

Jesus told his disciples to come apart with him to rest awhile in Mark 6:31. One Canadian pastor said we better come apart and rest with Jesus or we will come apart.

Often God will ask us to do small things. We should do it without telling anyone.
Sometimes God will ask us to do great things. But that’s not for everyone. Most of us are called to do things that are ‘tedious mediocrity.’

One day, we will meet Jesus and greet us as ‘faithful servants’, not ‘faithful leaders.’ There are many unsung heroes. The Bible said the first shall be the last and the last shall be the first.

We are living in the Kingdom of God which is an upside down kingdom. What is valued in the sight of God is often an abomination to the world.

In American Christianity, there are 2 Ses – Satisfaction and Self-esteem. The underground churches on the other hand, understand Suffering and Sacrifices. They have self-esteem and satisfaction because they know Christ. In Bible, we read about those who counted it a privilege to be persecuted for God. They don’t glorify suffering.

Robert Greenleaf first coined the terms Servant Leadership. His book was often quoted out of context. In his book, he discussed extensively how we should be servants before we are called to be leaders.

We are servants before we become leaders. But unfortunately the idea has been distorted into using servanthood as a leader.

Some suggested the terms Leading Servants, with an emphasis on Servanthood. But even that is not acceptable.

Rev. Dr. Tan prefers to refer to them as Servants who Lead.

A colleague of Rev. Dr. Tan thought every book in the Bible is a book is a text book of the leadership. A UK professor disagreed. He thought there is little on leadership in the Bible. He wrote a tongue-in-cheek article called Leadership is Sin with 10 reasons.

b. Servanthood vs. Servant Leadership

(see above)

c. Servanthood and Leadership

(see above)

d. Leadership

A leader is someone who leads with the vision and a goal, motivating a group of followers to achieve the goal.

e. Christian Leadership

Dr. Jeffrey Greenman who was installed as the chairman of the Bernado Leadership in Tyndale Seminary (formerly Ontario Theological Seminary) wrote the following in his book, The Three Tasks of Leadership: Worldy Wisdom for Pastoral Leaders.

One of the most powerful biblical texts about the shape of Christian leadership is Mark 10:32-45 – Jesus teachers that the cross determines the nature of authentic leadership. Throughout the New Testament, leadership is cruciform – literally, “cross-shaped.” Leadership is defined as suffering servanthood precesly because Jesus’ cross defined the meaning of service … The cross-shaped pattern of Christn leadership is every but as radical today as it was 2,000 years ago. Still today our culture gravitates toward patterns of leadership oriented by dominance, control and power … When Christians become “squeezed into the world’s mold” of leadership, or even deliberately adopt the world’s leadership pattern, we abandon the way of the Cross and thereby compromise our distinctiveness …

Everything that is true of a disciple is also true of a Christian leader. The necessity of discipleship is intensified dramatically for those giving leadership to God’s work in the world. Leaders are first and foremost disciples, people whose identity is found in the crucified Jesus …

f. When the Laws of Leadership and Discipleship Collide

Bill Hybels said sooner or later the above would happen in our lives. He observed that Jesus broke the Law of Momentum in Mark 1:35.

The church is not about building or parking space. We have different models – mega churches or church planting. Never ever assume prayer. The flesh doesn’t like to pray – it likes to show off. When we pray, we humble ourselves and we depend on God.

In Mk 10, Jesus broke the law of leveraging with key people. Jesus chose to spend time with children, who were seen as people who could not help make the church stronger.

Mk 14:32, Jesus showed his vulnerability and anguish. Three times he asked of the Father to take away the cup and yet He submitted to the will of the Father. Here, he broke the law of being strong for the team. Vulnerability is not sin.

Bill Hybels was so busy with leadership in the church that he forgot about a meeting with some 200 mentally-challenged young people. He almost wanted to skip it. God reminded him how he was losing focus. He met them.

Bill Hybel learned that there are no laws of leadership that are irrefutable. He understood he needed to depend on the Holy Spirit.