Missionary Work

MANNA ISSUE 65 Missionary Work

The Heart of Africa • Whom Do I Serve? • Contradictions in the Book of Jonah The goal of Manna is to inspire MANNA believers“ to live an active faith through ISSUE 65 Vol 36 No. 1 mutual encouragement and the study of Publication date: February 2012 biblical truths.” Missionary Work The Great Commission By Derren Liang EDITORIAL “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. … For we are God’s must collaborate. This ensures that the pattern of sound words is fellow workers.” (1 Cor 3:6,9) passed on (2 Tim 1:13). Like Paul, we are God’s fellow workers for He has entrusted Work of the Holy Spirit us with the great commission to preach the gospel to the world. As with all other work, we may encounter hiccups and In order to work with God as effective evangelists, we must first hindrances while evangelizing. At such times, we must not lose be fully remolded spiritually (1 Thess 1:5). What does this mean? heart. Instead, critically remember that evangelism is the work Walking and Working with God of the Holy Spirit. By the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Firstly, the foundation for fulfilling the Lord’s great commission gospel can smash through racial and geographical boundaries is to know, imitate and follow Him. Jesus’ disciples hailed from (Acts 10, 16). We just need to work with the Lord by rendering widely-varying backgrounds. The Lord spent three years training our support through prayer and participation. and remolding them. He used the Old Testament to teach His The World and Work Await Us disciples about Himself (Lk 24:44); and asked them to deny “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will themselves, bear the cross, and follow Him. In return, He promised be condemned” (Mk 16:16). they would receive a hundredfold in this life and eternal life in the Today, there are still many places in this world that have not age to come (Mk 10:30). Indeed, after Jesus ascended to heaven, yet received the complete gospel of salvation. Christians are called the disciples put the teachings and their knowledge of Jesus to to love and serve. Fulfilling the great commission is the most good use. They preached the gospel everywhere. In return, the fundamental way to love others. The gospel helps man to solve his Lord worked with them and confirmed the good news of salvation greatest problem—death; and brings the greatest blessing to the through accompanying miracles. world—eternal life. Moreover, through the gospel, the kingdom During his conversion, Paul asked two questions: “Who are you, of God has come with righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom 14:17). Lord?” and “What shall I do, Lord?” These questions reflected his When we proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, God will heal intense desire to know Jesus and his conviction to follow Him. the brokenhearted, liberate the captives, and give sight to the blind Paul served faithfully, even giving up his life to complete the (Lk 4:18). ministry that God had entrusted to him. As God’s fellow worker, In short, evangelism brings God’s grace to others, makes the he fulfilled the Lord’s great commission, preaching the gospel to church grow, and enables us to live a dynamic and meaningful life. the Gentiles in three missionary trips. The writers of this issue’s theme section share about the blessings, Working with Brethren joy and grace as well as the pains and obstacles encountered while Secondly, effective evangelism hinges on close teamwork at preaching the gospel and pastoring the flock in various pioneering various levels. Paul famously wrote - “I planted, Apollos watered” areas around the world. They also share what motivated them – reminding us that there must be collaboration between workers to join missionary work and how it has helped them to grow in with different gifts (1 Cor 3:5). Next, workers with different faith. Last but not least, they give us a glimpse into the church’s cultural backgrounds must collaborate to share the gospel in situation in various pioneering regions and point to the need for different communities (Gal 2:8). This is clearly God’s will since He more volunteers in the mission field. who worked effectively in Peter as the apostle to the circumcised The Lord is waiting in the field to work with us to grow the also worked effectively in Paul toward the Gentiles. Last but not seeds of His gospel. Are we ready to plant and water? least, workers of different generations – e.g. Paul and Timothy –

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Khoo MANAGING EDITOR: Tzu-Ann Chen ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Chuny Chin, Daniel Lim, Shuhong Lin, Lydia Tan REVIEW BOARD: James Vun (Australia), KC Tsai, Timothy Yeung (Canada), Ezra Chong, Stephen Hee (Malaysia), Jonah Yapp (Sabah), Chung Ling Chin, Simon Chin, Peter Shee (Singapore), Michael Chan, FF Chong, Simon Hsu, (UK), Shawn Chou, Stephen Ku, Richard Solgot, James Wu, W.C. Yeh (US)

Manna (ISSN1528-8617) is published quarterly by the True Jesus Church, IA Department of Literary Ministry, 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Copyright © 2012 True Jesus Church. All rights reserved. U.S. Postmaster: send change-of-address forms to 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA.

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The Heart of Africa Overseas Missionary Trip Growing through Servitude— Touched by the Zambians’ heart of Journal—Myanmar/ Philippines My Dominican Republic Trip TABLE OF worship, humbled by God’s lessons. Seizing the opportunity to learn From doubts and fears to serving by Daniel Young from overseas brethren. God with a willing heart. CONTENTS by Derence Voo by Grady Low

DOCTRINAL STUDY

EXHORTATION

The Church and Evangelism 28

Know Your Challenges (I): 32 12 14 16 False Prophets Spiritual Experiences in the The Joy and Grace of Serving Why the True Jesus Church Philippines the Lord Explaining our church’s name. Call for Articles 44 Overcoming Satan’s wiles to A sister shares the joys and grace Adapted from Words of Life 10 hinder church growth. of serving in the India mission. Articles of Faith 45 by Lemuel Leong by Grace F.L. Ho

BIBLE STUDY SERIES BIBLE STUDY TESTIMONY

19 21 24 The Christ in the Book of Contradictions in the Book of All Things Are Possible with Numbers—Part 3: Aaron’s Rod Jonah God Jesus, our eternal High Priest and Do our actions match our faith? Relying on God to preach to our author of eternal life. by Vincent Yeung loved ones. by Shen Chuan Chen by Sew Chan Lee

COLUMNS

36 38 40 42 International Assembly Youths Ministry Peniel

Eastern Hemisphere I in the Sky Whom Do I Serve? Peniel: Seeing the Invisible Department of World Mission Can we really have it all? Learning to serve God with the God Interview with Elder Joshua by ANON right attitude. A personal encounter with God Phoong on missionary work in by AC leaves Jacob a different man. the Eastern hemisphere. by Peter Shee Missionary Work

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The Heart of Africa Daniel Young—Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA THEME SECTION

“Welcome to Zambia—the heart of pm. After another prayer and a light Africa!” exclaimed a brother as he dinner, the brothers would ask for more energetically shook my hand. Little did biblical teachings, jotting notes at every I know how much that phrase would opportunity. When I was physically mean to me over the next four weeks. I exhausted, they would still be working on had come to Zambia for missionary work. their assignments, comparing notes and I came to preach and teach, but I feel that scribbling down questions for the next I learned more from the Zambians than day. I was impressed at their diligence, they did from me. Time and again, I was but that was just the beginning. touched by their heart of worship and In the days to come, I witnessed what humbled by the lessons God had in store Jeremiah experienced: “Your word was for me. to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” In June 2010, Preacher Jung, Preacher (Jer 15:16). There were times I could Choong and I spent a month in Zambia feel the joy as soon as I entered into the training workers and preaching to other room, seeing their faces light up with churches. Zambia is a pioneer mission excitement as the preacher explained a field as True Jesus Church (TJC) has passage to them. On several occasions, I only been there since 2008. The country saw one or two of them leap out of their itself is landlocked within Africa, hence chairs in astonishment! the moniker “heart of Africa.” During Their hearts had been set ablaze by the our time there, we visited four towns, word of God. There was one sister who traveling from Kitwe to Solwezi and back. did not have a Bible, so as we taught, she simply memorized all the verses used CHIMWEMWE—HEART OF to prove our doctrines. It was as the LEARNING Bible describes in Proverbs 7:1–3, “My The first town we visited was son, keep my words, and treasure my Chimwemwe, which means “joy.” It was commands within you… Write them on there during a two-week Bible seminar the tablet of your heart.” that many of us experienced the true joy Their passion was contagious and of learning the word of God. extended beyond the classes. I never There was not a moment wasted thought it was possible to talk about during the seminar. The day began at the Bible for two entire weeks. Even at 6:00 am with an hour of prayer. Classes National Youth Theological Seminars, we began soon after and lasted until 5:00 chat about school, work, and summer

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Wearing her best clothes, a sister jumps across a I learned not to judge others based on large ditch in the path their appearances and to preach the truth One of the sisters would freely to all. stop every person we met on the way and ask if they SOLWEZI—HEART OF PERSEVERANCE would like to hear about the truth. The third town we visited was in a very poor, rural region. Solwezi was the only place where we stayed in a motel, the verse brought back memories of the simply because none of the members commitment I saw in the members in could afford to host Preacher Jung and Solwezi. me. While the other churches we visited “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is had roughly seventy to one hundred steadfast; I will sing and give praise.” members, Solwezi had only seven adults plans. Yet for those two weeks, every and eight children. SAINT DOROTHY—HEART OF break and mealtime conversation Remarkably, there was a church WORSHIP revolved around the Bible. building at this place for a congregation At the next town, we were greeted by of three families. When I asked how they the sound of hymn singing long before CHAMBOLI—HEART OF could afford the building, I discovered arriving at the church. Saint Dorothy was PREACHING that it was actually donated by a brother. a few hours from Solwezi by bus, and During the second week, I had the He originally planned to use the building the sun had already set by the time we opportunity to preach and go on pastoral as a general store for his business, but arrived. Expecting most of the members visits in Chamboli. The members led after converting to the True Jesus Church, to have returned home already, I was me around the town and throughout he decided to dedicate it to the church. surprised to hear the sound of hymns the neighboring regions, sometimes The members met every single Sabbath from half a mile away while walking to walking more than an hour just to reach for worship in spite of their few numbers church. I would later find out that they a member’s home. I remember traversing and distance from our other churches. had been waiting seven hours for us to shabby rope bridges and crossing ravines When they sang hymns, their voices arrive and had been singing hymns to to reach the next destination. would fill the entire room. It was a stark pass the time. Although walking miles and miles to contrast to some situations in the United The church at Saint Dorothy was built reach one individual seems inefficient, States where praise sessions sound like by a brother who used to be a pastor of the members compensated by preaching whispers in the wind despite the large another denomination. When he heard to every person along the way. It was in congregation. that TJC missionaries were coming, he Chamboli that I learned to be unashamed The members there had service every informed the surrounding areas. The and unbiased when preaching. week even without having a preacher. news spread like wildfire, and the people One of the sisters would stop every The same two brothers led Sabbath came en masse. person we met on the way and ask if services—including praise sessions, Bible Over the next two days, I was they would like to hear about the truth. studies and sermons—throughout the continually amazed at the members’ She would ask the children playing in the year. After witnessing their dedication determination to worship God. I learned dirt, adults on their way to work, and to serving, I realized how silly I was to of two young brothers who shared a bike even a group of youths smoking on the complain to God about being assigned and spent thirteen hours traveling to side of the road. Amazingly, it was those “so much holy work” back at home. church. To join us for those three days, youths who showed the most interest. When I later came across Psalms 57:7, many youths had traveled long distances

Inside the donated chapel Congregation photo in front of the building

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by themselves because their parents The youths at St. Dorothy, ready and eager to learn needed to work. It struck me how much they were willing to sacrifice in order to attend services, when in the U.S., the parents often need to push their children to attend church events. It was clear that God saw their heart of worship and blessed them. As it says in Psalm 84:5, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.” One of the two brothers mentioned above received the Holy Spirit on the first night of the event; the other brother had already received it and had been encouraging his younger brother. Both of them went home exceedingly the word of God. I needed to overcome complacent and take our blessings for joyful! my own fears and prejudices and imitate granted. We have no lack when it comes their zeal in preaching. I told myself to to church services, Bibles, Manna articles, HEART TO HEART stop complaining about holy work and or online devotionals. God has given Over the course of a month in Zambia, rise up to the challenge, knowing now us everything we need to seek and to the heart of Africa, I had witnessed the that tough times call for more action worship Him. members’ heart of worship. I realized my rather than a defeatist mentality. Lastly, Perhaps the only thing we lack is the many shortcomings and determined to I made sure that I would treasure every heart. learn from their heart of worship. opportunity to worship God. I resolved to take advantage of the fact Living in industrialized countries such that I have a Bible and cultivate my love for as the United States, we may grow

I learned of two young brothers who shared a bike and spent thirteen hours traveling to church. It struck me how much they were willing to sacrifice in order to attend services, when in the U.S., the parents often need to push their children to attend church events.

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Overseas Missionary Trip Journal— Myanmar (2010) and Philippines (2011) Derence Voo—Singapore

By God’s grace, brother Derence Voo had heart-warming to see. I was particularly when my work gets very busy. the opportunity to participate in various touched by two new choir members who overseas missionary trips in the past two were also willing to strive, learn and grow Kalay years. Since 2010, he has been regularly together with us. Besides Yangon, we also visited Kalay teaching Religious Education (RE) classes at December 2010 finally came, and in the northern part of Myanmar. The Batam, Indonesia. End of 2010, he visited we embarked on our missionary trip. In infrastructure of this town is even Myanmar (formerly Burma) together with total, we spent ten days in Myanmar. less developed compared to Yangon, six choir members from Singapore, riding During our trip, we visited churches at although the people are generally richer. on a missionary trip of the Myanmar two locations and learned many precious During a spiritual convocation that Mission Committee (MMC). Mid 2011, he lessons. we attended at Sanmyo church in Kalay, had the opportunity to join the Voluntary I saw how believers offered vegetables, Missionary Team (VMT) from Sabah to Yangon cows and pigs for consumption. Brethren serve in Manila, Philippines. Following are In Yangon, one of the largest cities in who came from other rural churches some of his reflections on these trips for the South of Myanmar, we saw many brought their own mattresses and mutual encouragement. brethren who love the Lord, despite stayed overnight at church. Their spirit in their difficult lives. Among them was an attending the spiritual convocation really MYANMAR elderly brother in his seventies. One of his amazed me. In August 2010, Preacher Timothy sons contracted Polio and his daughter- Apart from attending the spiritual from Myanmar visited Singapore and in-law’s leg was amputated due to a convocation, we also visited some local invited local church members to visit misdiagnosis. His whole family of ten church members’ houses. During one the churches in Myanmar. Seven choir depends totally on this elderly brother’s of these visits, I met an elderly sister members, including myself, took up his income. Every day he cycles two to three who left a deep impression on me. In a invitation and decided to visit two places kilometers to his students’ houses to tutor time of crisis, when many members in in Myanmar in December 2010. English. Although his life is difficult, he Sanmyo joined other denominations, she Before the trip, we spent two months told me, “There isn’t much furniture in had encouraged the brethren with the preparing ourselves; we learned the my house; it’s just a simple house, but as following words: “If the bottle does not phonetics of the native language Mizo long as I have Jesus Christ, that’s enough contain wine, it doesn’t matter whether and some basic phrases so we could carry for me.” or not the word “wine” was written on out basic conversations with our brethren I had heard many similar testimonies the bottle, because it’s still an empty there. More importantly, we wanted before but when I saw these believers bottle. Likewise, if the church has lost the to be able to sing simple hymns in this with my own eyes, I was really touched. truth, then that church is not a church.” language. Hence, we practiced almost In spite of their tough life, they preserve Back then, only five families remained every evening until late into the night. their faith. This has encouraged me to be faithful. Undeterred by such setback, Yet nobody was murmuring, which was contented and to draw near to God, even these faithful brethren congregated at

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keep the Sabbath. “If the bottle does not contain wine, it doesn’t matter whether or not the There is another family, whose word “wine” was written on the bottle, because it’s still an empty bottle. members, from old to young, serve the Likewise, if the church has lost the truth, then that church is not a church.” Lord. The older members are the church ministers and the younger ones follow the adults to serve in church. I like this a member’s house for family services. etc. For this reason, the VMT’s focus has family’s spirit in serving the Lord, as it is a Thank God, they have kept their faith shifted towards training local members very good example of a family altar. until today; now the MMC has given in the area of planning and execution. In Another member who touches me is them another piece of land to build a new other words, Manila church has grown an elderly sister who has been serving place of worship. From their testimony, up. Thank God! the Lord faithfully and fervently ever we can see God’s care for His church, During this missionary trip, we since she was baptized. Despite her age, despite internal conflicts and other visited church members, assisted in the she is still very keen to learn the word of difficulties. Children’s and Youths’ Day program God. We spent one whole morning with Next on our missionary agenda and held a hymnal evangelistic service. her to clarify her queries on the Bible. If was conducting evangelistic services, On Children’s Day, the kids were very only more of us shared this thirst for the at Pr. Timothy’s hometown church in precious word of God! Natkyikong. At another village, we even During this trip, I also achieved a preached at the premises of a Presbyterian Our churches in Myanmar breakthrough, which is to interpret church! We also held an evangelistic need workers to help with sermons from Chinese into English. service at the house of an observer from various types of church work, Normally, I do not interpret into English another denomination near Sanmyo. such as evangelism, pastoral but the usual interpreters were not He invited some of his church council work, religious education, available. Therefore I had to step in. In members to attend the service. After the sacred music etc. terms of interpreting, I could be described service, one church council member told as the servant who has only received five happy. After hymn singing and prayer, all us that the sermon had really touched hundred talents—not even one thousand fifty to sixty children sat down quietly to him; he could experience that the sermon talents. Yet, by God’s grace, I was able to listen to Bible stories. Among them were was filled with hope and life. help with this work. Later on a preacher nursery class students who are too young encouraged me with the following verse, Thoughts on Myanmar to understand the stories, yet all of them which indeed rang true for me: Our churches in Myanmar need workers sat there quietly and obediently; listening “For if there is first a willing mind, it is to help with various types of church intently. No one was running around. It accepted according to what one has, and work, such as evangelism, pastoral was such a joy to teach them. not according to what he does not have” (2 work, religious education, sacred music During weekdays we visited members, Cor 8:12). etc. God willing, the choir members will among whom there are many faithful go to Myanmar again to assist in the families. I remember a family who lives Thoughts on Manila work. Through this trip we have grown far away from church. Every Sabbath, Although Manila church was established spiritually, and have learned to be content they would take a taxi to church. The more than twenty years ago and local with what we have. More importantly, monthly taxi fare would use up almost church members have gradually taken we realized how many blessings we half of their income yet, by faith, they are over much of the holy work, many areas have received from the Lord, which has willing to spend this amount of money to of church work are still in their infancy. inspired us to serve the Lord more.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES In the past, I had heard much about the love of Sabah General Assembly’s VMT for God’s work in the Philippines. I was told that many working youths take leave every year to help with the work in the Philippines. They had also formed a VMT choir to assist hymnal evangelistic services in that area. For this reason, I was eagerly looking forward to my July 2011 trip to Manila. However, when I realized that there were only four workers joining this trip, I was quite disappointed. I learned that the Manila church had taken over most of the holy work such as religious education, hymnal evangelistic service Group photo taken with Kalay members

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encouragement to them. What they need We don’t need to be very gifted in order to serve in the missionary field. is our love and care. Our overseas brethren may not need tangible assistance; just a pastoral I hope that this sharing will encourage visit, could already be a form of encouragement to them. What they need more youths to serve and to participate is our love and care. willingly in the overseas missionary ministry. Our busy work schedule often does not allow us to leave work for For this reason, we need to pray for too long; therefore, I would encourage them, and ask that God will raise more SERVICE OF LOVE working brethren who would like to local workers to pastor the church. Visiting churches abroad, especially participate in missionary trips to prioritize This missionary trip has shown me the in pioneering areas, is also a great and to plan their annual leave as early as beauty of serving God wholeheartedly, opportunity to hear many precious possible. May the love of God compel us away from the pressures of the secular testimonies from our brethren, which will continually to serve the Lord in this area. world, where work demands have often encourage us in our faith. We don’t need May all glory, honor and praises be hindered me from offering the best to to be very gifted in order to serve in the given to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. my Lord. I have learned that we will missionary field. Our overseas brethren Amen. experience God’s presence and guidance, may not need tangible assistance; just a when we focus fully in our service to God. pastoral visit, could already be a form of

Group photo with Manila church choir Family service with Deaconess Anna’s family (Manila)

MILESTONES OF THE TRUE JESUS CHURCH @ THE PHILIPPINES 1983: o The first seed of the true church was planted in Bacolod City in the Central Philippines. Brother Ernesto Torres, formerly a pastor of the United Pentecostal Church, received two issues of Words of Life from the True Jesus Church International Assembly. o First church was established in Bacolod City. 1990: o The Holy Spirit began to work in Manila, capital of the Philippines. A local group of devout Christians had been gathering frequently to fast and to study the Bible. When they heard of the True Jesus Church doctrines they were greatly moved. Eventually, forty-three were baptized. 1995: o International Assembly appointed the General Assembly of Sabah to take care of the work in the Philippines. o The Philippines Mission Committee was formed and started to work towards developing the local churches into independent, self-sustaining and evangelistic churches. 2004: o The first five deacons and three deaconesses were ordained. o Theological seminary officially started its classes. o The first national short-term students’ theological course was conducted.

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Growing Through Servitude— My Dominican Republic Trip Grady Low—Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA

I had the opportunity to accompany Pr. Since I attended some classes on the Western Hemisphere Africa Voluntary Raymond Chou on a pastoral trip to the Spanish ministry during NYTS and have Missionary Workers’ Training Seminar Dominican Republic from June 24th to studied Spanish as a second language in 2010 in London to learn more in-depth July 4th, 2010. I was there to provide high school, I decided to sign up for the about God and servitude. It was inspiring Spanish translation for the members, in 2009 Ministry Volunteer Program (MVP) to see brothers and sisters at the seminar particular at the San Pedro Church where and its Spanish ministry project. Soon full of zeal and fervor to serve. This the congregation is almost exclusively after MVP, I was asked to serve in the motivated me not only to serve God, Spanish speaking. Through this trip I Dominican Republic. but also to emphasize more on daily learned a lot about my servitude, my cultivation. By then, I knew without God, and my self. DEALING WITH DOUBTS AND doubt that I wanted to volunteer for the FEARS Dominican Republic trip in June 2010 DECIDING TO SERVE IN SPANISH However, despite my enrolment in the with Pr. Raymond Chou. MINISTRY MVP, I underwent periods of fears and Just a few years ago, I never expected uncertainties. For this reason, I didn’t PREPARING FOR THE TRIP that I would be doing anything in church immediately agree to serve in the For the next six months, I prepared myself except attending Sabbath services; Dominican Republic. Instead, I attended spiritually and physically for the trip: I neither did I ever think of joining any the 2009 College Youth Convocation prayed a lot and asked God for help, and overseas missionary trip. (CYC), where I meditated on how I might I also invested time and effort to improve However, my attitude started to prepare myself to be useful for the Master my Spanish skills. change during the 2008 National Youth (2 Tim 2: 20–21). With the help of brothers and sisters Theological Seminar (NYTS) when I During CYC I learned that I would be at Rutgers University Campus Fellowship realized what my faith meant to me. As useful to God, despite my limited Spanish we organized a few interpretation participants, we were asked to ponder skills, as long as I kept myself clean and fellowships, where we practiced whether we understood the debt that holy, always striving to be close to God. interpreting by using sermon recordings we owe God, and what we were going From the Book of Joshua, I learned that from our church in Argentina that were to do with our life. I recalled how many I needed to overcome my fears of serving in Chinese and translated to Spanish. I times in my life I had experienced God’s God and should simply “be strong and was also a part of a Spanish Bible Study love and how I have the hope of salvation courageous”. God led Joshua and in team that conducted weekly Bible study through the blood of Jesus. I realized that the same way, I knew that God was sessions in Spanish through webcam. We as a Christian, I needed to serve God to leading me—all I had to do was trust in would practice speaking, listening, and repay the debt. His strength. Through all the classes and learning new vocabulary in Spanish. This For this reason, I invested much time prayers I truly felt God assuring me of His was not only spiritually edifying but it in prayer during the seminar, trying guidance. also improved my Spanish skills. to understand how I could serve God. Immediately after CYC I attended the I also tried to read at least one chapter

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Group picture with RE students and Bro. Floro’s wife I experienced, the brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic left the deepest impression on me. I dislike traveling, and sightseeing typically doesn’t appeal to me. But every time I visit another True Jesus Church, I absolutely love how we are all part of the same body of Christ. The love of God knows no boundaries. The members I met have set wonderful examples for me. Seeing their effort and sacrifice reminded me of how much more I need to improve in showing love to others: Brother Rafael always came to church an hour earlier to clean the church. of the Bible in Spanish every day and often visits. Although he’s advanced in age, he always looked up rules of Spanish grammar. I was Aside from these duties, I had a lot swept and mopped the floor, swept the determined to prepare myself thoroughly of quiet time free of distractions that backyard, and made sure that everything to serve God dutifully. allowed me to really reflect on my faith, was presentable for Sabbath service. Yet despite my determination to serve pray and read the Bible. It was quite an Brother Borges had a problem with his God, I still struggled with many doubts experience to wake up and know that for eyes and therefore couldn’t read very and fears. the next several hours I would be able to well. Yet he still had a great desire to learn I thank God for the many brothers and draw closer to God. and read the Bible. sisters who offered encouragement and Brother Floro went around his support. From testimonies about how A HEART TO SERVE AND SUBMIT neighborhood and preached about how they had been in similar situations before I realized early on that my Spanish skills good it is to believe in Jesus and how his to a simple “I’ll pray for you,” everything meant that I would not be able to do well life was so much better after believing in helped me to prepare myself to serve on my own; the question was whether Jesus. He even traveled one and a half God in the Dominican Republic. or not God would supplement. From my hours to pick us up at the airport. He had experiences on the trip, one Bible verse to wait two hours for our delayed flight, DURING THE TRIP in particular rang true for me: “For if yet he still took us back to church and set During my time in the Dominican there is first a willing mind, it is accepted everything up for us. Republic I had to interpret for nightly according to what one has, and not Brother Huang showed an immense classes, Sabbath services, and Bible according to what he does not have” (2 amount of hospitality: we stayed at his studies during visits. I also had to prepare Cor 8:12). house in Santo Domingo where we spent three religious education (RE) lessons the last four days of our trip. He provided that were each roughly an hour long. Pr. so much food for the two of us and made As long as we have a willing Raymond wanted to emphasize that I our stay very pleasant. heart to serve and to submit to was not only going there to interpret, but I was simply stunned by what all the God, our service will be fruitful. that I was there to serve. members were willing to do, just so that Although life during the trip wasn’t Pr. Raymond and I would be a little bit strenuous for me, I still had to overcome God will provide—it’s as simple as that. more comfortable. some difficulties: not all of the food Going into the trip I had constant doubts agreed with me, there was no working and fears that God would not help me COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS audiovisual system (which meant I needed because I fell short of God’s glory in so Many of the members there have so little, to shout a lot whenever I interpreted), many ways. Yet His grace is sufficient (2 yet they thank God for it. They sing of there was no warm water, and there were Cor 12:9). their blessings, pray hard, and study the occasional water and electricity outages, I learned that, once we have done Bible diligently. which meant skipping showers and using the necessary preparation to serve God, flashlights for Bible study. we need to entrust the rest to God. He Moreover, my poor command of manifests His strength by providing for Spanish meant that at times I could not us when we are lacking, so we should communicate effectively with the local not worry so much about our abilities. As brethren. However, I could see the love long as we have a willing heart to serve and care that the members had for each and to submit to God, our service will be other, and how earnestly they were trying fruitful. to bring back lost sheep or convince others of the necessity of salvation. All THE LOVE OF GOD KNOWS NO this encouraged me to learn from them BOUNDARIES and to better prepare myself for future Without a doubt, out of everything that Hymn singing before service

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The favorite hymn of the members in the Dominican Republic is “Count Your Blessings.” We sang this hymn multiple times each Sabbath, and every time I would be touched by how passionately they sang the refrain (translated literally from the Spanish version): “Blessings, Religious Education in India how many you have already! Blessings, God will send you more! Blessings, it will Prior to 1999, most of the Indian churches did not have any Religious surprise when you see what God has Education (RE) classes. Only two bigger churches held Bible classes for done for you!” children on an impromptu basis. Thank God for His guidance, today we After service, a few members would go have a RE system established in every church in India. up to the front of the chapel and share how they received God’s grace. They However, we are facing a shortage of RE teachers. Many of the teachers would share about how God made the are working in factories and offices, as the country is moving towards bus ride a little bit smoother, how God industrialization and its economy has made strides in recent years. The made their finger hurt a little less, and church in India has only a total membership of about 1,300 and as such, how happy and blessed they are to have there are not many youths who can help out with RE work. This is a setback found the true church. that needs our constant prayers.

I was unexpectedly blessed By the grace of God, IA set up the Eastern Hemisphere Volunteer Mission by learning so much from the Training Program in 2002. Today we have a team of seven volunteers helping brothers and sisters in the with India mission work—they assist the local children and youth ministry as Dominican Republic. They well as gospel outreach missions. Yet we need more volunteers to help with taught me how to always be Bible camps, youth seminars, youth spiritual convocations, youth training ready to thank God and share and RE teacher training programs. We hope that the Lord will inspire more God’s grace with others, and to volunteers to assist in this ministry. Has anyone heard the Lord’s call, “Feed never take the love of God for my lambs, tend my sheep”? granted.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

I liked these verses in elementary school because they were really short and easy to remember. But during my trip, I really saw how the members in the Dominican Republic lived out these verses. They were constantly joyful, they enjoyed prayer, and in everything they gave thanks. I was unexpectedly blessed by learning so much from the brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic. They taught me how to always be ready to thank God and share God’s grace with others, and to never take the love of God for granted. Although I had been so terrified of everything going wrong during the trip, God granted me peace in my heart and converted my ineptitude into a testimony of His power. I thank God for the chance to go to the Dominican Republic. From preparing myself to everything that touched me during the trip, it was a truly blessed and memorable experience.

Manna 11 THEME

Spiritual Experiences in the Philippines Lemuel Leong—Sabah, Malaysia

It is the experience of the True Jesus Church tip of the main island. As we were waiting left the church with great disappointment in many places that, as the church grows, to cross the strait to Laoang, both of us because the believers had been forced to Satan will use every wile to hinder and suddenly felt an urge to visit newly- use the name Yehoshua instead of Jesus. destroy the work of the church. Between baptized Sister A. Since she lived in a On the first Sabbath after she stopped 2005 and 2008, a series of spiritual battles nearby village, we thought she would be attending church, the evil spirit began to took place in the True Jesus Church of the able to shed some light on the events in disturb her daughter. Philippines. Preacher Lemuel Leong from Samar Island. So this was the breach that had allowed Sabah recounts a personal experience of one Satan’s invasion! Leaving the church— of these, which took place in July 2005. BATTLE INTENSIFIES: DEMON- God’s fold—is tantamount to leaving the POSSESSION scope of God’s grace. We then become BATTLE BEGINS: HERESY Sister A had once been a pastor in another highly vulnerable to the devil’s wiles and My fellow preacher and I were on a church. We knew her to be diligent in fiery arrows. So we admonished the sister pastoral trip to Manila, the capital of studying the Bible as well as zealous in to defend the truth courageously instead the Philippines located in Northern serving God and receiving guests. But on of leaving the church in times of crisis. We Philippines when we received very that occasion, when we arrived at her then encouraged her to repent in prayer. disturbing news. Influenced by churches house, we found her uncharacteristically of other denominations, one of the burdened, gloomy and extremely weary. Devil’s Foothold #2: Sorcery Filipino church workers of our church in Entering her house, we saw a young During the second prayer, both my co- Samar Island in the Eastern Philippines lady—Sister A’s daughter—pinned to worker and I inexplicably opened our eyes had started teaching the believers that the the ground by three men; screaming, at the same time. To our astonishment, name of God was the Hebrew Yehoshua. struggling and glaring balefully at us. This we saw the father of the possessed girl He expressly forbade the use of Jesus as had been going on for about a month, surreptitiously take some unknown he claimed that all translations of God’s leaving the family extremely distressed objects from her and pass them to his name were ineffective. and exhausted. wife. Immediately, I stopped the prayer We were extremely concerned about again to find out what they were trying to this heresy and the deep unease it was Devil’s Foothold #1: Leaving the Fold hide. It turned out to be amulets that the causing the members, so we made a last- of God non-believer father had obtained to try minute change to our original pastoral We knelt down to pray and cast out the to cure his daughter. Sister A was aware visit plan to include a detour to Samar. evil spirit in Jesus’ name. But why did of his actions but had—in her despair— We also asked God to personally guide us the devil possess this young believer? consented to such use of sorcery. in addressing this heresy effectively. Realizing that it was critical for us to get So we sternly told the family that Our first stop, Laoang church, was in to the root of the problem, I stopped the light has no communion with darkness, the north of Samar Island, located on a prayer and questioned the family. Sister A Christ has no accord with Belial and that small island just across the northeastern confessed that she had lost faith and had believers must keep themselves holy.

Manna 12 THEME

Consequently, we burnt all these charms on another trishaw. evil one and lost. in Jesus’ name. When they finally arrived at the church, The Bible tells us that, “all things work the whole congregation interceded for together for good to those who love Devil’s Foothold #3: Impurity the possessed sister with one accord. God” (Rom 8:28). In fact, God often After our third prayer, we inquired about Subsequently, a group of believers went turns Satan’s attacks into a testimony of the identity of the man who had been to the baptismal site, while another group His power and glory. The Holy Spirit led standing next to the possessed lady all the remained in church to pray earnestly for us to this family to show them His timely time. Sister A introduced him as her son- the sister, relying on the Holy Spirit to care and concern. He then restored their in-law; she added that the couple had fight this battle. faith and also strengthened the faith of yet to register their marriage but it was Our God is a faithful God. He soon the whole congregation on Samar Island. evident that they were already cohabiting. personally stepped in. As the believers At the same time, the events were We had found yet another loophole for prayed, the possessed sister saw a vision an effective refutation of the heresy the devil to enter because such impurity of a river. The river water was foul and regarding the name of Jesus. The fact that before marriage constituted disrespect fetid; an evil spirit dressed completely in we had cast out the evil spirit in Jesus’ towards God and His commandments. black and covered with maggots stood name proved to the factious worker that We exhorted this family with biblical on the other bank beckoning her to join there is power in the name Jesus. There is principles on marriage and asked them him. Then, a man in a shining white no added power from using the Hebrew to repent. We also instructed the young garment called out to her to stop her from rendition! After all, Revelation 14:6 tells couple to register their marriage as soon following the evil spirit. He also informed us that the everlasting gospel will be as possible. her that there were still charms in their preached to every nation, tribe, tongue and people. It stands to reason then that God would definitely allow nations all Defend the truth courageously instead of leaving the church in times of crisis. over the world to call on His name and worship Him in their local language.

BATTLE WON The Bible tells us that, “all things work together for good to those who love The fourth prayer was an earnest prayer God” (Rom 8:28). In fact, God often turns Satan’s attacks into a testimony of repentance by the whole family. We of His power and glory. entreated the heavenly Father to set the possessed girl free from her bondage to family home, which had to be destroyed In addition, although the vigorous the evil spirit. Amazingly, after this prayer, before she could be completely healed. spiritual battles were disquieting she got up from the ground where she The sister’s family quickly returned experiences, there is much to be thankful had been writhing on; she cleaned herself home and followed the directions of the to God for. and was even able to go into the kitchen man dressed in white. Another amulet First, His wondrous guidance and to prepare a light meal for us. was found and brought back to church to protection: the Holy Spirit guided and God’s compassion is truly great, be burnt by the preachers. Consequently, protected our workers through this, and especially when we humbly turn back to the sister was completely freed. many other, trials. Him. Very importantly, the entire incident Still Satan did not give up. Days later, Second, the members themselves allowed the unbelieving father in this the evil spirit returned to try to convince gained precious spiritual experiences and family to experience God for himself. the family that he would leave them if received warnings to enhance their faith. He personally witnessed how the demon they offered a chicken to him. My co- In all, “He restores my soul; He leads was cast out through the wondrous worker encouraged them to resist the me in the paths of righteousness for His power of Jesus’ name. Hence, when we devil with steadfast faith, as well as to name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through went back to visit the family the next watch and pray (1 Pet 5:9). Moreover, the valley of the shadow of death, I will day, he requested to be baptized into the he told them emphatically not to fear the fear no evil; For You are with me; Your true church. So we decided to conduct devil’s threats and never to compromise rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Ps baptism on the following Sabbath day. with him. 23:3–4). Thank God, the series of spiritual May the Lord, our God, continue Satan’s Final Attempts battles finally came to a close after these to guide and build up His flock in the However, Satan is a patient and persistent events. Philippines, and may all glory, honor and foe. On the Sabbath morning of the praise be given to Him. Amen! baptism, just as Sister A and family were ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER setting off for church, the evil spirit started FOR GOOD to work again. But the family persevered. In retrospect, it is clear that church And it was an amazing effort: a group of growth in the Philippines had drawn people carried the possessed girl all the Satan’s attention, and inevitably, his way through the paddy fields, took the attacks. Unfortunately, some of the trishaw to the jetty, took the ferry to the members were hurt and a considerable other shore and finally sent her to church number were even taken captive by the

Manna 13 THEME

The Joy and Grace of Serving the Lord Grace F.L. Ho—Malaysia

“The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He and comfort when you know God is with joy is complete when, upon returning, I grows …”1 you in your work. In fact this is all that can share with them on how the Lord has Serving the Lord certainly grows matters. We are sent to do His work, not worked through their intercessions. sweeter as years go by, although we may ours. meet with difficulties along the way. In In 2001, I was tasked to plan and LEARNING TO WORK WITH fact, these hardships help us to see the execute all Religious Education and Youth OTHERS Lord’s guiding hand and strengthen our programs in India. While planning for the Serving the Lord is indeed full of challenges. trust in Him. Therefore, whenever we first Intermediate Youth Bible Camp in We know that a servant of God should are weak and unsure of the next step, 2002, I was unsure whether our plans have certain qualities such as faithfulness, we need to rely on the Lord—we will be were suitable. Thank God, the Lord knew sincerity, integrity, honesty, gentleness, awe-stricken at how the Lord solves our my concerns and allayed my fears. During kindness, patience, understanding etc. problems and leads us on. Such is the the Bible camp, a young sister saw a This is fairly easy to achieve when we are unspeakable joy that I have experienced vision of several shepherds with a flock of not faced with opposition or divergent in serving the Lord, especially since I sheep and lambs in a jungle. Among the opinions. However, when we encounter joined the missionary work in India. shepherds was a man in a radiant white difficult and self-centered people, By the guidance and mercy of God, robe whose face she could not see. Yet, living up to those qualities turns into a I have been helping with Youth and she knew that He was Jesus Christ. Praise challenge. During these times, human Children Ministry in southern India since the Lord, we were strengthened with the relations become a thorn in our flesh. 1999. In recent years, I also joined in knowledge that the Chief Shepherd was Nevertheless, we need to be faithful to the gospel outreach work in Chennai with us in our mission. our work, do the necessary and yet not city (Tamil Nadu, South India), and in hurt our co-workers. As I carefully tread Darjeeling (Calcutta area, in the north- IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER this delicate path, I learn to trust God for eastern part of West Bengal). Preparing for a mission trip usually calls wisdom to do the right thing. for many hours and days of knee work. In one particular case a co-worker WORKING FOR AND WITH GOD We need to pray to understand what God wanted to change a program that had My greatest fear in serving the Lord is to wants us to do and to ask for His guidance. already been pre-arranged. Remembering work against God’s will. I have a phobia I would usually ask some close church Paul’s exhortation to serve God and not about working by my own inclination. friends at home and abroad to pray for man, I eventually decided to abide by the Doing so would be disastrous as it the work we are sent to do whenever we given plan. Looking back, I truly thank would be a waste of time, effort, human embark on a missionary trip. Quite often, God that He guided me without affecting resources and money; nobody would be when I see God’s blessings and guidance the working relationship with others edified and God could not be glorified. in the midst of our assignment, I can only and the Lord’s work was not hampered. There is, however, a deep satisfaction sigh with thankfulness for the prayers of As we serve we learn the intricate skills these concerned brothers and sisters. My 1 Hymns of Praise No. 414 of working along with others. This is a

Manna 14 THEME

Religious Education lesson in Bangalore church OVERCOMING PHYSICAL SOURCE OF INSPIRATION CHALLENGES A life of service to the Lord would have its Serving in India is not without physical source of inspiration to start with. As for difficulties. The long tedious journey, the me, my first inspiration came from God’s back-breaking terrain up mountains, the love, which has so very often touched me dust, the grime and the polluted air of to tears and has motivated me to serve choking carbon dioxide in the unending Him. traffic jams in a chaotic city are some I began to be interested in missionary of the physical discomforts we have to work in my late teens, when I read about compromise with. various Christian missionaries. In addition, Sometimes, we may still be traveling I received much spiritual inspiration from in the middle of the night, reaching our our church’s elders when I was assisting destination well after midnight. By the in theological seminars in Singapore in time we climb into bed it may already the seventies and eighties. These full- be 2 am or later. Yet, we have to be time ministers made an indelible impact bonus grace for me. up by 6 am the next morning to pray on me with their dedication, humility, The intricacies of getting things done for strength and guidance in our work. love and wisdom. In addition, I could see among people with a different cultural Tiring indeed and I often wonder how how much beauty and meaning serving background and work attitude can I “survived” given my frail physique. the Lord brought into their lives. sometimes be very trying and tiring too. But as I reminisce, my heart overflows Although I have been in India so many with praise and thanksgiving for God’s UNTOLD JOY times, I still find it difficult to understand abundant grace. Indeed, serving the Lord deepens their culture and mindset. Once, an Indian and broadens our perspective of life. minister of our church told me frankly Personally, I feel untold joy and inner that it takes an Indian to understand the Personally, I feel untold joy and peace to know that the time, money Indian mind. inner peace to know that the and effort spent will never go to waste, Thank God, over the years I have time, money and effort spent despite difficulties and hardships. We learned to work with our beloved spiritual will never go to waste, despite can rest assured that serving the Lord family in India despite the cultural difficulties and hardships. will bring an unfading and imperishable differences. As missionary workers, we reward from the Master on the day we need to understand that we are sent to meet Him, along with the joy and grace help; for this reason we are expected we receive now on earth. to show greater patience and love, and Once, after coming home from a So dear readers-in-Christ, do you to correct with gentleness and humility mission trip, a minister in my local church sometimes feel a void in your life although when necessary (2 Tim 2:24–26). approached me and held both my hands you attend church, pray and read the in his. As he praised God for bringing me Bible? That’s because the Lord has a task LIKE-MINDED CO-WORKERS home in good health, tears welled up in for you. He’s waiting to give you the joy Working with a team of like-minded co- his eyes. I was touched beyond words. and grace of serving Him! workers is a crucial factor in the joy of Thank God, over the years and with each serving the Lord. It is a blessing that we missionary trip I have become healthier. have a team of dedicated, optimistic and This is a fact that local church members passionately mission-oriented workers and my friends attest to. Indeed, I am for the India missionary work. We share humbled by God’s grace and mercy for the same goal and passion for the Lord’s me, an unworthy maid in His service. flock. Along the way, there may perhaps be an argument or two as we confer, discuss and plan, but we know why we are there. Every worker knows his mission and his call to serve the Lord’s young flock. At the end of each mission trip, I always have this feeling: thank God we had each other to complete His work! As we part for home after every mission, we hug and shake hands, thanking God for another completed assignment. We are filled with the joy of having shared the fruit of labor. Such is the joy and spirit of comrades-in-Christ! Meal time for the Bible Camp students at Dymock church, Kerala

Manna 15 Why the True Jesus Church? Adapted from Words of Life 10

The name True Jesus Church nearly means an assembly of people. In the DOCTRINAL & BIBLE STUDIES always causes uneasiness in people who biblical context it refers to the people come across it. They reason, “Are there whom God gathers out of the world to such things as true and false churches? If be consecrated to Him (Acts 20:28; Rev they are true, we must be false”. This is 5:9–10). The church is thus different from something which they cannot tolerate as an ordinary secular organization since it is they deem it to be sheer arrogance. a people holy to God chosen out of all the Not long after the Lord Jesus was born, peoples on earth. His parents brought Him to Jerusalem Although the term “church” was not where He was presented to the Lord as specifically used in the Old Testament, prescribed in the Law, “Every male who God separated the Israelites from other opens the womb shall be called holy races. God’s election of Israel in the to the LORD” (Lk 2:23). A man called Old Testament is a pre-figuration of Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit said, the church in the period of the New “Behold, this child is set up for the fall Testament. By his own precious blood, and rising of many in Israel” (Lk 2:34). the Lord Jesus has redeemed a multitude Similarly, the appearing of the True of believers, a holy nation, separated Jesus Church in the world has caused from the people of the world to become many in Christendom to fall. They have children of God (1 Pet 2:9–10). It follows despised her and looked upon her with then, that the church is a congregation contempt. But she has caused many to and not a building. rise too. For some were humble enough We examine next why God builds the to make an in-depth study and came church on earth. Since Adam and Eve to know her as the true church, despite disobeyed the commandment of God, the fact that the name of the True Jesus they were driven out of paradise. While Church is still rejected by the majority. they did not have total communion with Since misgivings revolve around the God, they existed under the clutches of name of the church, it is necessary to Satan, living a sinful life and heading explain the scriptural impetus for calling toward destruction. ourselves the True Jesus Church. God in His mercy would not allow such an end to be the lot of the very creatures I. WHAT IS THE CHURCH? that He had carefully molded in His image. The word “church” is the English form He intervened. He chose Abraham as the of the Greek word “ekklesia” which father of an elect out of many races and

Manna 16 DOCTRINAL STUDY promised him that every family on the 2. “Jesus” is the precious name by earth would be blessed on account of which men are saved from their sins 4. The church is the bride of Jesus him (Gen 12:3). From Abraham’s seed, When the angel of God announced and must bear the name of Jesus God chose the descendants of Jacob to to Joseph that his fiancée Mary had Paul compared the intimate relationship be His chosen nation, the Israelites. But conceived through the Holy Spirit, he between Jesus and the church to that the Israelites sinned against God, were added, “she will bring forth a Son, and between husband and wife. punished by Him, and a remnant returned you shall call His name Jesus, for He will For the husband is head of the wife, as also to Judea. save His people from their sins” (Mt Christ is head of the church; and He is the In His time, God sent His only Son, 1:21). Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. As we can see from the book of Acts, church is subject to Christ, so let the wives Those whose sins are cleansed by the the apostles clearly understood that the be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ precious blood of Christ would receive name “Jesus” saves people from sins. also loved the church and gave Himself for the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of their Hence they conducted baptism in this her. heavenly possession. Such are blessed name (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5). (Eph 5:23–25) people who form the body of Christ and Peter, their usual spokesman, exerted, the household of God, and are citizens “There is no other name under heaven ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father of the heavenly kingdom. They are to given among men by which we must be and mother and be joined to his wife, and glorify God and to preach salvation to saved” (Acts 4:12). the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a the people while on earth. The church great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ henceforth would be from all who would and the church. be children of Abraham through baptism Obviously it is the will of God (Eph 5:31) in Jesus’ name (Gal 3:27–29). for His chosen people to come under His name. The name of Usually, when a woman marries a II. WHY MUST THE CHURCH Jesus is God’s own name (Jn man, she adopts her husband’s surname. BEAR THE NAME OF JESUS? 17:11,26). Thus, the church For instance, if June gets married to Mr. Brown, she would be known as Mrs. We have already established that the is called Jesus(’) Church (the Brown. This coincides with the biblical church is a congregation of chosen people church of God). teaching that the wife belongs to her redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. husband. The church is the bride of Jesus This fact provides the focal point as we Christ and belongs to Him. The Lord examine the reason why the church must In this connection, the word “Christ” refers to her during His earthly ministry bear the name of Jesus. needs further explanation. Christ is not a person’s name but a Greek word as “My church”. Shouldn’t she bear the 1. The church is the body of Jesus translated from the Hebrew “Messiah” name of Jesus? and should bear His name meaning “the anointed”. It is a title and One of the expressions which best not a personal name. Since Jesus is the III. WHY DO WE USE THE WORD describes the peculiar nature and name of the only Savior, and the church is “TRUE”? distinctness of the elect assembly is found a congregation saved from sin, she should It may be acceptable if a church calls in the Bible: “The church ... is His (Jesus’) bear the name of Jesus as indication that herself by the name of Jesus, but why body, the fullness of Him who fills all in she is saved by the same. True Jesus Church? Would it not suffice all” (Eph 1:22–23). A body is a mass of to simply call it Jesus’ Church or Church integrated members joined to the head. 3. God will only bless the church of Jesus? The Bible testifies, “He (Christ) is the which bears His name head of the body, the church” (Col 1:18). The Lord said to Moses, 1. The word “true” signifies the nature of God Therefore the chosen people, being His An altar of earth you shall make for Me, The Bible repeatedly stresses that God is body, must be identified with His name. and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt true (Jn 3:33; 7:28; 8:26; 17:3; Jer 10:10). Moreover it is written, offerings and your peace offerings, your After this I will return, and I will rebuild the sheep and oxen. In every place where I If the name of the church is prefixed by tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; record My name I will come to you, and I the word “true” we uphold God and at I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; will bless you. the same time proclaim that we “know so that the rest of mankind may seek the (Ex 20:24) Him who is true; and we are in Him who LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called is true ... the true God and eternal life” The Lord God also told Moses that by My name, says the LORD who does all (1 Jn 5:20). We express our identity as whenever he wanted to ask God of these things. Known to God from eternity the church of God, a name widely used anything or make sacrifices, he must go are all His works. in the apostolic period (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor (Acts 15:16–18) to the place where the name of the Lord 1:2; 10:32). Incidentally, it also conforms dwells (Deut 12:5,11). The church that is to the teaching that God is the head of Obviously it is the will of God for His blessed, and whose offerings God accepts Christ (1 Cor 11:3). chosen people to come under His name. is the church that bears the name of God The name of Jesus is God’s own name (Jesus). Paul says, “To Him be glory in the 2. The significance of the word “true” (Jn 17:11,26). Thus, the church is called church by Christ Jesus to all generations, in relation to Jesus Jesus(’) Church (the church of God). forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:21). Jesus Himself said, “I am … the truth” (Jn

Manna 17 DOCTRINAL STUDY

14:6); “I am the true vine” (Jn 15:1). The with Christ Jesus as the corner stone (Eph false prophets are prevalent, God has Bible also calls Him the “true light” (Jn 2:19–20). Man’s preaching must never established His true church as a beacon 1:9). The need to differentiate the true supersede the teachings of Christ (2 Jn of truth to guide the hitherto misled ones from the false existed even then because 9–11; 1 Cor 4:6). into the true grace of God and to stand our Lord Himself warned of “false Nevertheless, the word of God has fast in it (1 Pet 5:12). christs” (Mt 24:24), and Paul discovered suffered atrocious adulteration according the preaching of “another Jesus” (2 to man’s own fancies. Baptism by CONCLUSION Cor 11:4). So, is it an unwarranted and immersion (Mt 3:16; Jn 3:23; Acts 8:38– The Lord mentioned “My church” in Mt altogether foreign practice to place the 39) has been substituted with sprinkling 16:18. The apostles used the terms “the word “true” before Jesus; i.e. “True and pouring. To many, tongue speaking church of God” (Acts 20:28) and “the Jesus”? is forced into the past by a deliberate churches of Christ” (Rom 16:16; 1 Thess misinterpretation of the Scriptures. Actual 2:14). Such a prized possession of God 3. The significance of the word “true” occurrences of tongues are deemed to be has to be stamped with His divine name, in relation to the church gibberish and products of heightened i.e. True Jesus Church. By placing the word “true” before the ecstasy. Some are so blindly convicted of This name not only manifests church it carries the meaning of true their censure that they are emboldened Jesus’ truthfulness, it also portrays the church. Such a denotation is necessary to call it barbaric or even demoniac. The relationship between God, Christ and the because false prophets have existed distinct audible (tongue speaking) and church. The church is the body of Christ since the apostolic days and are even visual (bodily vibration) manifestation and Christ is her head (Eph 1:23; Col more active in this end-time. They would (Acts 2:33; 10:44–46; 19:6–7) has 1:18). God is in turn the head of Christ show great signs and wonders so as to unfortunately been either ignored or (1 Cor 11:3). Hence, the sequence True lead astray, if possible, even the elect (Mt twisted. Jesus Church. 24:23–26). A careful comparison between Moreover, since Jesus is the true vine the apostolic church and churches in our and we are the branches (Jn 15:1,5), it time would reveal that thousands have is not inappropriate for the church that is deviated from the gospel preached by God is true. attached to Christ to be known as the True the apostles. What qualifies a church to If the name of the church is prefixed Jesus Church. Did not John also say, “Yet be true? The true church must meet the by the word “true” we uphold God I am writing you a new commandment, following criteria: and at the same time proclaim that we “know Him who is true; and we which is true in Him (Jesus) and in you, a. She must have the presence of the are in Him who is true ... the true ...”? Holy Spirit. God and eternal life” (1 Jn 5:20). The name of Jesus placed in between The Bible says anyone who does not have “True” (God) and “Church” also signifies the Spirit of Christ does not belong to the mediatory function of Jesus between Him. The church as Christ’s body should God and men (1 Tim 2:5). In addition, be in-dwelt by God’s Spirit. Any church It has been a popular belief that one it indicates that the church belongs to devoid of the Spirit does not belong to is in-dwelt by the Spirit silently and Christ and Christ to God (1 Cor 3:23). Christ. The Scriptures also teach that immediately at conversion. However, The truth of this name has been hidden the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our in this end time, the deception is strong from the wise and understanding and inheritance of the heavenly kingdom as tongue speaking is a common revealed to the innocent (Mt 11:25–26). (Eph 1:14). Can a church without the phenomenon in many churches—even As such, it has caused many to fall and Holy Spirit, uncertain of salvation, be in the traditional Roman Catholic and to rise. It is thus hoped that the faithful called the true church of God? Anglican churches! Here, we need to would be enlightened and united with us stress that as the Holy Spirit is the spirit of as one flock under one shepherd (Acts b. She must be accompanied by signs truth (Jn 14:17; 16:13), we must discern 16:15; Eph 4:13; Jn 10:16). Then we will and miracles. whether a church that has the Spirit also be able to bear much fruit as from the The presence of signs and miracles in the teaches according to the truth from the one true vine to glorify God. church testifies that she is commissioned Bible. by God. The church set up by God must Some place tradition and church “To Him be glory in the church by Christ be accompanied by signs and wonders authority over the word of God by Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. to confirm the message preached (Mk maintaining that they have every right Amen” (Eph 3:21). 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4). A church to transfer the solemnity of the Sabbath without miracles does not have the rest from Saturday to Sunday, which they confirming witness of God. She might call “Lord’s Day” (Rev 1:10). They even be only a human organization preaching introduced a pagan festival by christening precepts of men instead of a true church. it “Christmas”. They fail to wonder why the Bible should be silent about the birth- c. She must conform to the teachings date of Christ if it were God’s will for us of the Bible. to celebrate Christmas. The church must be built on the In this present age of confusion foundation of the apostles and prophets and falsehood, when false christs and

Manna 18 BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Christ in the Book of Numbers–Part 3: Aaron’s Rod A Bible Study Series adapted from “The Christ in the Book of Numbers” by Shen Chuan Chen

INTRODUCTION that matter, but to the Lord Himself. As it to Aaron. This action re-affirmed Aaron’s After the Israelites sinned by making a transpired, God exercised that authority status as high priest. golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai, to deal with Korah and his company in However, what was not evident to Moses rallied God’s faithful to his side, a most severe manner (Num 16:31–33). the people at the time was that the rod and the sons of Levi duly responded (Ex After this incident, God made Aaron’s also revealed important truths about 32:26). As a result, the tribe was later rod come to life: it sprouted, budded, the coming Messiah. Like Aaron’s rod, consecrated to the Lord, in place of the blossomed and yielded ripe almonds Jesus Christ would resurrect; He would firstborn of the Israelites (Num 8:16, 18). overnight. This confirmed the leadership have the power of life (Heb 8:1) and be They were given the responsibility to of Moses and Aaron, and halted the acknowledged as the most honorable, assist the sons of Aaron to serve in the rebellion and the people’s murmurings glorious and everlasting High Priest (Heb tabernacle (Num 3:6–13; 8:14–15, 19, (Num 17: 1–11). 7:20–25). 22–26). This grace was a reward for their loyalty. It was unfortunate, then, that 1 PREFIGURATION OF CHRIST 2 AARON’S ROD members of this tribe later led the people The Book of Exodus portrays the rod as 2.1 Resurrection to sin against God. a symbol of power and authority. For According to the law of nature, all After the Amalekites and Canaanites example, we learn of God enabling Moses living things have a beginning and an had driven the Israelites back to Hormah to turn his rod into a snake, to prove to end. However, this was not the case (Num 14:45), a group emerged to the Israelites that he had been chosen with Aaron’s rod, for God gave it a new challenge the authority of Moses and by God to lead them (Ex 4:1–8); Aaron lease of life. This miracle hinted at the Aaron. It comprised Korah, the son of transforming his rod into a snake before resurrection of Jesus Christ: Izhar and the great-grandson of Levi; Pharaoh and his magicians, to show that Even though death came to the world Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, God had sent them (Ex 7:8–11); Pharaoh because of the actions of the first man, and On, the son of Peleth, from the and his magicians’ counter-attempting Adam, resurrection would come about on tribe of Reuben; and 250 leaders of the to demonstrate their power with their account of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:17–22). congregation (Num 16:1–2). enchanted rods (Ex 7: 11–13); Aaron Hence, when Jesus was about to raise The rebellion gave rise to one of the using his rod to bring about the plagues Lazarus from the dead, He told Martha, most painful and arduous tests for Moses of blood, frogs and lice on Egypt (Ex “I am the resurrection and the life. He and Aaron in the course of their forty-year 7:19–20; 8:5–6, 16–17 ); Moses lifting who believes in Me, though he may die, leadership. It was an explosive conflict, his rod to part the Red Sea (Ex 14:16, 21). he shall live” (Jn 11:25). with Korah and his supporters forming During Korah’s rebellion, God made the majority. As such, it was a situation use of Aaron’s rod to manifest His power. 2.2 Affirmation of Priesthood that only God could resolve and showed The outcome was not only the cessation They gathered together against Moses that the true authority belonged not to of the conflict, but also visual proof to the and Aaron, and said to them, “You take Moses or Aaron, or to anyone else for Israelites that God had given His authority too much upon yourselves, for all the

Manna 19 BIBLE STUDY SERIES

congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the As Christians, we should trust in the leadership and guidance of this assembly of the LORD?” (Num 16:3) everlasting High Priest with a submissive and humble heart. The Levites had been given the privilege of ministering before God in the tabernacle, yet they were not satisfied. the Jews did not give Him any glory or Instead, they were jealous of Moses honor, and many failed to believe in Him. 2.4 Blossoms of Hope and Aaron and sought to usurp their Nevertheless, the Lord resurrected from The almond tree is native to Egypt and leadership. In doing so, they also rejected the dead and manifested His status as the Israel. It flowers ahead of other trees, Aaron as high priest. everlasting High Priest (Heb 7:23–25). usually in the first or second month of the A biblical proverb says, “A sound heart year, and announces the coming of spring. is life to the body, but envy is rottenness 2.3 Chosen Man of God It has lush green foliage, grey branches, to the bones” (Prov 14:30). Jealousy is The Bible records that “the rod of Aaron fragrant white (or pink) blossoms, and often invoked in those who are capable was among their rods” (Num 17:6). In green fruits that turn brown when ripe, and upright. It is a destructive force and this way, God wanted to show to the splitting open to reveal an edible nut. is often the Achilles’ heel of many in Israelites that Moses did not manipulate We can imagine that the sight of Aaron’s authority. We learn, for example, how the rods, but that the ensuing result would rod blossoming and bearing fruit in the jealousy made King Saul loose his glory, be God’s own decision. When the rods inhospitable wilderness would have (cf. 1 Sam), and prompted the chief were retrieved the next day, all of them created quite a stir. But most importantly, priests to nail Jesus to the cross (Mk were in their original state except Aaron’s the flowering rod served to quell Korah’s 15:10). Where jealousy exists, Satan will rod. The latter had miraculously budded, rebellion and re-affirmed Aaron’s position work further to corrupt the heart of man. flowered and borne fruit overnight. as high priest. Furthermore, this wondrous In the wilderness journey, Korah What happened to the rod reflected sign hinted at the future Messiah and His and the other rebels would have to some extent what Aaron had status as the firstfruits of resurrection (1 witnessed the miracles performed by experienced. Like his rod, Aaron had Cor 15:20). the two leaders—evidence that God had been indistinguishable from any other When Jesus came to the world, He appointed the latter to their roles. Yet person before God chose him for service: made it His mission to teach, heal and jealousy made them disregard Moses and he had no obvious merits and no special proclaim the gospel of the heavenly Aaron and put aside their reverence for status. But when he received his calling, kingdom. He showed compassion on God and their own holy status in order the Lord empowered him to overcome the people who were, in His eyes, like to stir up dissension among the people. the schemes of Pharaoh; gave him sheep without a shepherd (Mt 9:35–36). In the end, God executed judgment by the privilege to stand before the ark of Through His work, the hearts of men opening the earth to swallow up Korah covenant; and appointed him to the came to life. Therefore, Jesus was like and his company. He also sent a plague office of high priest to serve the most the almond blossoms, bringing hope by that killed 14,700 Israelites (Num 16:49). holy God. signaling the end of the harsh winter and Such was the outcome of their jealous Aaron’s blossoming rod reinforced the the arrival of spring. ambition. point that Aaron was able to minister Immediately after Korah’s rebellion, and bear fruit on account of God’s divine God performed a miracle: He made grace and power. For that reason, no one In response to Korah’s rebellion, Aaron’s rod come to life. This miracle gave had the right to reject him as high priest. God gave a sign to the Israelites: He the stiff-necked congregation another The miracle of Aaron’s rod also reminds made Aaron’s rod sprout, blossom and opportunity to reflect on their behavior. us that we, as Christians, were once bear ripe almonds. By doing so, He put In truth, God did not need not to do this, sinners—indistinguishable from others in an end to their doubts and re-affirmed for He had personally appointed Aaron to the world. However, when God chose us, Aaron’s position as high priest. However, his office and had already confirmed his He bestowed us with power and honor, the miracle also pointed forward to calling through many miraculous signs. and the privilege to partake in His holy the coming Messiah, specifically His Yet He chose to perform one more miracle work. Apostle Paul understood this truth, resurrection, which established Him as to re-affirm the status of His servant and for he said, “But we have this treasure in the everlasting High Priest. As Christians, to let the people know that they owed earthen vessels, that the excellence of the we should trust in the leadership and him due honor. power may be of God and not of us” (2 guidance of this everlasting High Priest Aaron’s plight could mirror the Cor 4:7). Our achievements are like the with a submissive and humble heart. experience of our Lord Jesus. Despite budding of Aaron’s rod: they are only coming to the world as the Messiah, possible because of God.

Like Aaron’s rod, Jesus Christ would resurrect; He would have the power of life (Heb 8:1) and be acknowledged as the most honorable, glorious and everlasting High Priest (Heb 7:20–25).

Manna 20 BIBLE STUDY

Contradictions in the Book of Jonah Vincent Yeung—Cambridge, UK

Jonah’s story has been told and retold, and reality; one’s action and intent. All disposition towards the Chaldeans, a and yet familiarity obscures unfamiliarity. these clashes must have dug deep into nation who were seen as violent, wicked When we scan quickly through the Bible, the prophet’s psyche. and prosperous (Hab 1:6–17). Also, we we often overlook the subtlety of its see the contempt of the self-righteous messages. Like the well-trodden path of Deserving and undeserving Pharisee for the tax collector praying in a journey home, the surroundings and sinners: the demarcation in the temple (Lk 18:10–11). Jonah was no landscape appear familiar; we profess to our heart different. To him, it was inconceivable know all there is to know, but our busy It is clear why Jonah ran away from God that Israel’s oppressor could receive God’s minds have long filtered out the details. (Jon 4:2). His action was motivated by grace. For this reason, Jonah’s personality prejudice: he deemed the people of Do we hold the same type of prejudice remains foreign and remote. The readers Nineveh unworthy of God’s salvation. deep inside of us? Do we, from time to should ask themselves the question: is the Such behavior reveals our instinctive time, possess a self-centered attitude? book simply the story of a failed prophet, tendency to compare: to envy those who And do we see the story counteracting or is it a challenge to examine our own appear better, and to look down on those a prejudice that some of God’s chosen psyche? whom we consider inferior. people believe they have a monopoly In the parable of the prodigal son, the on human virtue and view the rest of Contradictions older brother toiled day and night, and the world with such suspicion that they Jonah’s life was full of contradictions. was angry and upset when his father refuse to share their experiences and He was God’s spokesman, but he did held a sumptuous feast to welcome his knowledge? not want to preach (Jon 1:3). Instead of wayward sibling back (Lk 15:28–29). He The dividing lines were clearly drawn: responding promptly to the divine call, he could not comprehend how his life of the prophet Jonah versus the depraved set out to escape as far away as possible. servitude appeared less worthy than that city of Nineveh; the hardworking older Finally, when he did preach, he did not of his brother who had chosen an errant son versus the prodigal son; the righteous wish to save (Jon 3:1–3; cf. 4:2). Indeed, lifestyle, and had made a split-second Pharisee versus the sinful tax collector. his message was so negative (Jon 3:4) that decision to turn back only when in dire The contrasts were startling, and yet the we marvel at the positive response. Jonah straits. outcomes were so unexpected. Who predicted Nineveh’s condemnation, and Sometimes, we may feel that some were more righteous in God’s eyes? that there would be no way of escape. people are so sinful that it is not possible In the book, we see plenty of contrasts for them to receive God’s grace, and the Soeeking t be forgiven, yet –the prophet’s noble office and his prejudice may be heightened when we unforgiving unwillingness to serve; the gracious feel that they have benefited from their Jonah pleaded for God’s mercy deep in intention of God versus the harsh words sinful behavior (Ps 37:7–8). the belly of the fish (Jon 2:9). In truth, and intention of the messenger; the stark It was for this reason that the prophet he had no choice. His prayer revealed mismatch between man’s understanding Habakkuk questioned God’s favorable his thinking on how man should receive

Manna 21 BIBLE STUDY

ourselves on a true knowledge of God—a knowledge that is manifested in sermons, The contradiction between knowledge and practice in Jonah’s story Bible studies, theological seminars and reminds us to reconsider our own belief. Do we possess an unspoken spiritual convocations. prejudice and disbelief that clouds our judgment? However, knowledge remains theoretical and non-beneficial, unless we actualize it in our daily living. Jonah might well have been able to find a plethora of mercy from God: “Those who regard he actually believed and practiced. He examples and teachings in the Scriptures worthless idols forsake their own Mercy” claimed to fear the God of heaven (Jon to justify his stance, but he failed to see (Jon 2:8). 1:9), and yet he dared to challenge Him the pathos of God. Job’s friends had All sins can be defined as rebellion by running away from His presence to exhausted their arsenal of arguments against God’s commandments (Jas Tarshish. How could anyone run away to defend God’s righteousness, yet they 2:9–10). In this respect, Jonah was no from the LORD, the God of heaven? He were off the mark in God’s eyes (Job different from the people of Nineveh: described God as gracious, merciful and 42:7; cf. Jon 4:10–11). both were rebellious and fell short of kind (Jon 4:2; cf. 3:9), but he himself It would be a pity if we possessed the the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Yet, when expected swift judgment and retribution knowledge of God, but denied it through Jonah spoke of his own rebellion, he only on Nineveh. Knowledge does not help our actions—much like the Pharisees who mentioned its consequence, and not the unless it is augmented by faith (Heb 4:2). knew the Scriptures, but failed to come to cause: “For You cast me into the deep…” The Bible states that even the demons Jesus (Jn 5:40). To come to Jesus is more (Jon 2:3). He appeared to be tolerant of believe in God (Jas 2:19–20), but their than knowing and subscribing to the ten his own failing and was happy to accept knowledge does not benefit them. For basic beliefs and our common faith; we God’s mercy, but he could not accept believers, it translates into a discrepancy also need to have the compassion of God’s mercy towards other sinners (Jon between belief and behavior, meaning Jesus (Phil 1:8) and to actualize God’s 4:2). we fail to do what we know or preach, kindness, longsuffering and forbearance The message of deliverance in the or we try to rationalize God’s word to (Jon 4:2; cf. Joel 2:13; Rom 2:4). In this book of Jonah evinced God’s forgiveness, disguise our unbelief. way, we fulfill the law of Christ (Gal but Jonah’s own prejudice remained. At 6:1–2)—the commandment to love one the end, we see how he showed pity for another that Jesus gave to His disciples a plant that died after giving him shade before His departure (Jn 13:34). from the sun, but not the people of Nineveh (Jon 4:10). Ignorance and religiosity Today, many Christians make the same versus knowledge and mistake. They desire God’s forgiveness blindness for themselves, but are not willing to Jonah, God’s chosen vessel, preached show pity on others (Mt 18:32–33) and God’s message, thereby saving many are even happy to condemn those who lives. Nevertheless, he did not see eye to have wronged them. eye with God. In contrast, the Gentiles God wants us to show love (Mt 5:23– exhibited far more positive behavior: the 24; 1 Jn 4:19–20) and requires us to love When Jesus challenged Martha’s faith sailors sought God with a simple heart in our enemies as ourselves (Mt 5:38–48). by stating that her brother would rise the midst of difficulty (Jon 1:6, 10); they The Bible teaches that if God so loved us, again, Martha interpreted His meaning to wanted to save Jonah’s life by putting we ought to love one another (1 Jn 4:11). be that he would rise on the last day (Jn their own on the line (Jon 1:13, 14); they It is unfortunate, then, that our love is 11:24). And when challenged again, she showed gratitude to the Lord by making often limited, and we choose to love our sidelined the question by affirming Jesus sacrifices and vows after He stilled the own brothers and sisters only. Perhaps as the Son of God (Jn 11:26–27). But all storm (Jon 1:16). we should consider Jesus’ answer to the the while, her grief remained (Jn 11:31). Similarly, the people of Nineveh were question, “Who is my neighbor?” (Lk The contradiction between knowledge receptive to God’s word (Jon 3:5) and 10:29). and practice in Jonah’s story reminds believed that He would change His mind The city of Nineveh was saved (Jon us to reconsider our own belief. Do we (Jon 3:9). Their belief was translated into 3:10), for God showed pity on the people possess an unspoken prejudice and action, and God saw their works and (Jon 4:10–11). He had expected Jonah disbelief that clouds our judgment? As responded accordingly (Jon 3:10). to empathize and to show his love. It True Jesus Church members, we pride The people who were supposedly is disappointing, then, to see Jonah’s recalcitrance.

Mismatch between faith and We should take time out from our busy church schedules in order to knowledge re-examine our faith. We should also take our focus off others and look There was an evident mismatch between at ourselves, to ask, “Are we really doing God’s will?” what Jonah claimed to know and what

Manna 22 ignorant and unenlightened appeared to know God better than Jonah. The Gentiles At searched for God, but the prophet was Subscribe now! www.tjc.org slumbering; the Gentiles wanted to save, but the prophet wanted to condemn. The Gentiles perceived God’s kindness and forbearance, yet Jonah wanted judgment. It is often said that the longer politicians are in office, the further removed they are from the people. They become so accustomed to being in power that they stop listening. Here lies a warning for God’s people: we may have knowledge of the truth, but we should not lose sight of the needs of the people of the land. The Pharisees despised the people, saying “But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed” (Jn 7:49). They claimed to see, but were really blind (Jn 9:39). In contrast, the unlearned blind man was able to see (Jn 9:25). Jonah could not see his own faults, God’s will, or what was important. The moral for believers today is that we should take time out from our busy church schedules in order to re-examine our faith. We should also take our focus off others and look at ourselves, to ask, “Are we really doing God’s will?” (Mt 7:21; 1 Cor 9:27). In reality, we may be sleeping in the hold of the ship, or cosseted in the belly of the big fish. The problem is, we may be so accustomed to our situation that we do not feel any discomfort. If so, it is time to wake up and pray to the Lord!

A story without ending The book of Jonah ends abruptly with a rhetorical question, and we can only speculate at what happened to the prophet. Nevertheless, his adventure and folly remain for our benefit and warning—teaching us never to ignore or rebel against God’s will. As in the case of Jonah, our own chapters remain open. May we take the opportunity to search deep within ourselves.

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Manna 23 TESTIMONIES All Things Are Possible with God Sew Chan Lee–Singapore

LIVING IN DARKNESS precious opportunity to come to church, It all seems so far away now, almost an I must pay attention with all my heart, unbelievable bad dream. My eyesight to know the truth and to understand started to deteriorate when I was in my the Bible better.” In this way, I prepared mid-twenties, and by 2006, I was totally myself to go to church every Wednesday, dependent on other people’s assistance in Friday and Saturday. I was determined to my daily life. I chafed at my helplessness. learn God’s word in order to change and Enveloped by a despair that I could truly become a new creation. By listening not shake off, I often felt that life was attentively to sermons and through the meaningless. Worse, I became demon- guidance of the Holy Spirit, I came to possessed. It was truly and literally a time understand the Bible better. The word of darkness. of God was like a light—shining and Pained by my suffering, one of my bringing joy into my heart. Moreover, I brothers suggested that I seek the help of learned to trust in God and rely on Him the church he attended—the True Jesus in my life. I tell Him all my sorrows in my Church—to drive out the demon from daily prayer and ask Him to lead me in me. I was so tired of living in my shell of all things. a life that I was willing to try anything. About one year after my baptism, I But when I came to church, I came with realized that the sorrow and emptiness sorrow in my heart. I also felt so useless in my heart had been replaced with because I needed the assistance of our happiness, peace and contentment! My brothers and sisters to bring me to church. bad dream had turned into a marvelous new life in Christ. When my other brother FINDING THE LIGHT saw the miracle that had happened to me Miraculously, through all the prayers in the True Jesus Church, he left his old of brothers and sisters in Christ, as well church and came to the true church to as the laying of hands of preachers and “have a look”. After careful observation, deacons, the devil left my body just two he was convinced that the truth and the weeks after I came to church in August works of God abided in our church; and, 2006. Approximately two months later, after a year, he was baptized into the True God granted me the precious Holy Spirit. Jesus Church. Thank God, I was baptized into the The downpour of the Lord’s abundant church on November 26, 2006. grace did not just stop at me and my I resolved to myself: “Since I have this brothers. It was soon my son’s turn to see

Manna 24 TESTIMONY

there is indeed a living God in the True trust. All things are possible with our Jesus Church. This incident motivated my Almighty God. He changes a nightmare of The word of God was like a brother and me to intensify our preaching existence into a beautiful and meaningful light—shining and bringing joy to our mother. However, she was a life. into my heart. tougher nut to crack—she firmly refused Moreover, our loving heavenly Father to give up Buddhism. is not willing for anyone to perish—so One day in August 2011, my father even the most stubborn of our loved ones was driving his motorcycle along a can come to believe in Jesus Christ if we very narrow road that could only persistently rely on God and ask for His the light. Given my poor eyesight, my son accommodate one vehicle at a time. guidance. Praise Him for all His goodness. took it upon himself to pick me up after So when he saw a car coming towards Amen! service and take me home. Since he had him, my father immediately swerved to to come to church anyway, he decided to the left to avoid the car. To his horror, come earlier and listen to the sermons. he suddenly realized that he was about Convinced that there was truly a living to roll down a very deep ravine. At that God in the True Jesus Church, he was moment, he felt a strong force pushing baptized in 2010. his right arm, which caused him to swerve the motorcycle back onto the road, thus BRINGING THE LIGHT TO OTHERS saving his life. When he returned home, Having tasted such wondrous joy and he told my mother about his close shave contentment, and seeing the grace on with death. my family, I then resolved to redouble my After that incident, my brother and efforts to pray for my parents and their I continued to share many testimonies salvation. with our mother. Finally, in September

In January 2011, I began to fast and pray for my family every Monday morning.

My mother was a Buddhist and my 2011, my mother suddenly announced that father an atheist. One day, I was talking she wanted to go to church. Seeing the to one of my brothers about how to grace of God upon my father and hearing preach to our parents. But my brother us continually share God’s word had finally was skeptical, “How can you preach to changed my mother’s mind and motivated an atheist? You will never convince him! her to believe in Christ. You’d probably have to wait for the By October 2011, all the idols in my day that he has an incurable disease.” parents’ house were taken away. When Despite his words, I was not deterred and my father asked to be baptized, the church decided to put in more effort to pray for persuaded my mother to be baptized at the our father. So, in January 2011, I began same time. Thank God, in November 2011, to fast and pray for my family every both my parents were baptized into Christ. Monday morning. I am now continuing to pray for my parents In June 2011, I returned to Malaysia to receive the Lord’s promised Holy Spirit. to attend my mother-in-law’s funeral service. During the funeral, I preached NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH to my father. My father’s response was GOD unbelievable—he told the rest of my Through this personal experience, I have family that he wanted to go to church. learned precious lessons of patience and The whole family just couldn’t believe their ears. When I heard his words, I literally jumped for joy! Our loving heavenly Father I informed the local church and very is not willing for anyone soon after my conversation with him, to perish—so even the various Malaysian preachers began most stubborn of our loved visiting my father. In July 2011, he finally ones can come to believe in stepped into the True Jesus Church. Jesus Christ if we persistently On just his second visit to our church, rely on God and ask for His my father saw a vision of Jesus Christ guidance. in a bright robe. When he went home that day, he joyfully told my mother that

Manna 25 EXHORTATION

The Church and Evangelism Recall the Past. Measure the Present. Take Action for the Future. Adapted sermon from Singapore

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the held up as an ideal that the true church a breadwinner and living off a bequest. world and preach the gospel to every today should strive for, and invest effort The parents may be very frugal but the creature’” (Mk 16:15). to sustain. But Jesus’ intention is also inherited money is still being used up; so Evangelism is the command of the for us to take concrete action, “Go and if nothing else is done to bring in ‘new Lord Jesus Christ—we have heard, read make disciples of all nations”. This is the income’, this family cannot survive. and said this countless times. We know explicit command for evangelism. In fact, In the context of the church, new all the evangelism-related passages by to make disciples is the very reason the babies born and baptized may not be heart, perhaps even in English, Chinese, church exists. sufficient to replace old members who Greek and more. But more importantly, There are some who say that we are die. So without evangelism, there may be what have we done about it? “only a pastoral church”. There are at no-one left to pastor in the end. This article considers evangelism from least two erroneous concepts in this three aspects: sentence. Firstly, this statement implies The Apostolic Spirit • Where did we come from? that pastoral work – loving and tending The apostolic church started with only • Where are we now? the sheep and lambs – is all that the church 120 people in Jerusalem. Many were • Where should we go? needs to do. For such people, evangelism women, some were uneducated people is nothing more than maintaining a and most had never traveled outside I. THE SPIRIT OF EVANGELISM presence or a prominent profile in their Palestine. Yet, within a few decades, the PAST current community. But Jesus ‘statement gospel was preached throughout the Go therefore and make disciples of all the here is more unequivocally active—He Roman Empire. What underpinned this nations, baptizing them in the name of want us to “Go”. extraordinary growth? In a nutshell, it the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Secondly, there aren’t any ‘pastoral was passion in responding to the Lord Spirit, teaching them to observe all things only’ churches. What is the ultimate Jesus’ command. that I have commanded you; and lo, I am goal of pastoral work? It is to make More specifically, there were several with you always, even to the end of the disciples, teaching them all (emphasis salient growth factors. age. added) that Jesus has commanded. So (Mt 28:19–20) every person who calls himself or herself EVERYONE PREACHED a disciple of Jesus Christ must keep all The apostles preached, the deacons This mandate of Christ to the church of the commandments, which includes preached and the believers preached is commonly known as the ‘great the commandment to “Go and make wherever they went. They preached to commission’. It starts with a powerful disciples”. In short, pastoral work and the masses; to their family members; to command—“Go!” Fellowship in the Lord evangelism must go hand in hand. their friends; in fact, they preached to is a blessing. After all, the warm, fraternal The church that “only pastors” is just about anyone who was willing to and godly atmosphere of the apostolic a moribund organization which will listen. They preached in good times, they church summarized in Acts 2:42 is often eventually die. Consider a family without preached when they were persecuted,

Manna 28 EXHORTATION

Fellowship in the Lord is a blessing. But Jesus’ intention is also for us to II. THE SPIRIT OF EVANGELISM take concrete action, “Go and make disciples of all nations”. This is the PRESENT explicit command for evangelism. In fact, to make disciples is the very The next important question is “Where reason the church exists. are we now?” Every church has an ‘evangelistic temperature’, which is the sum of our individual evangelistic they preached when they were in prison. However, many of us today are temperatures. Are we hot, cold, or Evangelism was the very essence of the worried over many things—we are somewhere in between? Check your apostolic spirit; almost as if they lived to caught up with our studies, our jobs and temperature against Chart 1. Being hot preach! the world. Service attendance is relegated means that our thoughts are always about It was no different for the early True to a leisure activity—something to do our Father’s business of saving lives. On Jesus Church. as and when we are free. How then do the other hand, being cold means that we expect others to be convinced when we are too busy with our own personal THE HOLY SPIRIT WORKED MIGHTILY we declare to them that life on earth is business. We do not feel any urgency to After the first downpour of the Holy Spirit transient, and there is an eternal, more preach. Many of us invest considerable on the day of Pentecost, the church grew precious life to come? time in a variety of divine work, but check from 120 to 3000 members; and then These same three factors were ourselves: from 3000 to more than 5000. Miracles indispensable to the evangelical efforts of • Do we spend an hour each week abounded—the shadow of Peter could the apostolic church. Paul confirms this: preaching to our friends? heal the sick; a mere handkerchief from “For our gospel did not come to you in • Do we spend just half an hour word only, but also in power, and in the Paul could cast out demons! each week, thinking about whom Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you Today, wonders and miracles continue to preach to, when to preach and know what kind of men we were among to occur but, compared to the early how to preach to? you for your sake” (1 Thess 1:5). church, they are far fewer. This is • If we do not do the above, do we correlated to the reduced frequency of feel guilty? our preaching. First is the ‘Word’. We must open our mouths to preach. Second is the ‘power Miracles are a sign for unbelievers Obstacles to Evangelism of the Holy Spirit’ because it is not our so if we do not preach, why would Why do we lag behind the apostolic eloquence that moves the hearts of men God perform a miracle? The apostolic church and early TJC in evangelistic toward God. Third, the ‘kind of man we church understood this; so BEFORE fervor? Let us focus on two key reasons. they asked God to perform miracles, were amongst you for your sake’. The they first prayed for boldness to speak preacher’s conduct must match his faith. LOST IMPACT ON US: RESURRECTION OF the Word (Acts 4:29–30). The direction All three factors were present in the CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT of causality is clear. We do not wait for apostolic church as well as the early True The apostolic church’s evangelistic God to first perform miracles before Jesus Church. zeal was fuelled by two factors—one going out to preach. The apostolic church preached, and then God performed miracles. Similarly, the early True Jesus In the Apostolic Pattern: The Early True Jesus Church Church workers preached, and then God Personal evangelism: In China, the early workers traveled thousands performed miracles. In short, God works of miles on foot or by ship. Occasionally, they went without food and/ miracles only when we preach. or shelter. Yet wherever they went, they would preach, baptize, and then Consistency between believers’ quickly set up a new church. Church growth was phenomenal. In 1920, lives and their faith within a mere nine months, these workers had set up forty-two new There are many aspects we can learn churches; an average of five churches per month! Moreover, these new from the apostolic church but one stands believers would then take the gospel back to their hometowns, sharing out as “uniquely TJC”. with even more friends and family. “So continuing daily with one accord in the Holy Spirit: The evangelistic services were simple but effective. Believers temple, and breaking bread from house to went out to the streets, sounding gongs to attract public attention. They house, they ate their food with gladness distributed pamphlets that boldly declared: "The lame walk, the blind and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). see, and the dumb speak". Many miracles were performed, many received the Holy Spirit, and many were baptized. Such a depiction of the first church On one occasion, at the end of a spiritual and evangelistic meeting mirrors the early church in Taiwan. The where they had discussed doctrines and prayed for the Holy Spirit, people received the gospel with gladness, almost the entire congregation of a Presbyterian church believed in the led very simple lives and attended services doctrines of the true church. So all they needed to do was to return to every single day. In fact such a life is itself their chapel and change the signboard of the Presbyterian church to the a powerful witness to the gospel because True Jesus Church! it shows that we actually practice what we believe.

Manna 29 EXHORTATION

CHART 1: THE EVANGELISTIC THERMOMETER—ARE YOU HOT OR COLD? and engage with you as if they are very interested in the gospel, but they are actually more interested in the debate itself. • Jewish multitudes: They are indifferent to whatever you say; they cannot be bothered (Luke 7:32). • Hardcore Jews: They take time and effort to tear down your arguments; and to put every obstacle in the way of your preaching. Different countries will have varying proportions of these five types of people. But for many of us living in developed urban societies, an additional drawback is that the pace of life is too fast and everyone is busy. Not only are we too external, and the other, internal. The trite to us. But to someone who has busy to preach to our friends, many of external factor is the tremendous miracle just been convicted of the gospel, it is our friends are too busy to listen to us. But of Christ’s resurrection. Today, we have everything in the world. They are like the this fact is no reason to stop preaching; heard this fact repeated so often—Christ man who had just discovered a pearl in we just need to work harder than others. is resurrected from the dead—that we the field. Overjoyed, he sold everything Paul felt that he had to work harder than have been inured to its great significance. to buy that field. the rest of the other apostles because he But in the apostolic church, Jesus’ It is therefore critical for us to realign had to make up for all the time in the resurrection was a very powerful push our priorities in our lives. If we have lost past that he had wasted on persecuting factor. This fact showed that He was God that love of preaching, we must return Christians. in the flesh. to our first love—to that very moment Some people blame everything and The deaths of globally renowned names when we first came into contact with the everyone else for the lack they suffer. such as Steve Jobs or Michael Jackson gospel; or the time when we first received But there are others—like Paul—who make the news for days if not weeks. the Holy Spirit; or even the time when we just work harder to overcome their People who first heard it could not wait to first came into contact with God. Without disadvantage. How will we respond put the information on Twitter, Facebook these two push factors, evangelistic to the difficulty of evangelism? Do we etc. Many who did not even know them fervor cannot be sustained. excuse ourselves with, “That is why I personally left condolence messages— don’t preach, they do not believe.”? Or “R.I.P., Steve or Michael”. Such behavior FEAR OF FAILURE do we resolve “I must work harder to gives us a glimpse of how impactful Undeniably, the rate of successful preach, to try to make them believe.”? the resurrection was to the apostolic conversion is extremely low. The amount Do not worry; there will always be believers, and an understanding of what of time invested and the response obtained people for us to convert. Jesus clearly motivated them to run around to their frequently do not commensurate. Our told us to “make disciples”. By inference, family and friends, crying, “He lives! He ideal scenario is that people quickly accept there must be disciples for us to make. lives!” The disciples never expected Him whatever we proclaim and believe the So let us hold on to the implicit promise to rise so when He did and reappeared message we preach. We want to be like in the Lord’s command and persist in to them, it was so life-changing that they Peter at Pentecost—one single sermon preaching. just had to tell everyone the message. pierces the people’s hearts so that they The second powerful and internal crowd around, eager to know, “What is III. THE SPIRIT OF EVANGELISM push factor is the Holy Spirit. When this that is happening?” Occasionally, this FUTURE they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they happens but it is rare. What are the key areas to work on for were compelled to preach. Peter told the Oftentimes, in order to convert anyone, the future? Sanhedrin, “We cannot but speak of the we have to work very hard to convince things we have seen and heard.” Rightly, them to change their worldview. Doing Personal Evangelism we have no choice but to speak. But this takes a very long time but we need to From the Bible we see that the scope of unfortunately, today many of us long- learn from Paul at the school of Tyrannus. God’s plan moves like a ripple outwards, time believers choose not to speak. He reasoned daily with the people who i.e. always from near to far. This means New converts, on the other hand, were there. that we should first preach to our are often very zealous about preaching Besides the first two, these are three family members, then to friends, then the gospel. Asked why, their answer is other groups of people we shall meet to strangers. For this reason Jesus told simple—because the gospel saves. This when we preach. a formerly demon-possessed man, “Go is yet another message that has become • Athenians: They will talk, reason home to your friends, and tell them what

Manna 30 EXHORTATION

“For God so loved the world that He First is the ‘Word’. We must open our mouths to preach. Second is the gave His only begotten Son, that whoever ‘power of the Holy Spirit’ because it is not our eloquence that moves the believes in Him should not perish but have hearts of men toward God. Third, the ‘kind of man we were amongst you everlasting life”. for your sake’. The preacher’s conduct must match his faith. This is the precious central message of the gospel. But have we grown dull to it? Are we just happy that we are great things the Lord has done for you” them after service, and make them feel saved, unconcerned that millions of (Mk 5:19). at home. Befrienders should also keep people have not yet heard of the deep These close and loved ones should a lookout for truth-seekers who have love of Christ? Believers of the apostolic have priority in our evangelistic efforts. stopped coming. Give them a call just to church and the early True Jesus Church Otherwise, why would God have placed see how they are. All these contribute to may not have had all our advantages of them in our midst? Preaching to the that sense of familial warmth so prevalent education and access to knowledge. But nearest and dearest is both easy and in the apostolic and early church. this they knew—God so loved the world difficult. It is easy because we already that He gave His only begotten Son. God have a connection with them, unlike a Prayer Group so loved them. So they urgently sought stranger whom we are meeting for the Sometimes, truth-seekers may fall to tell their friends and relatives of this first time. The latter does not need to seriously ill or face huge problems. At wonderful love. What about the True listen to us. such times, not only do we need to just Jesus Church today? Notwithstanding, personal evangelism tell them to pray, we should actually go can also be very difficult because those as a group to their homes to pray for who are close to us have seen us at our and with them. Such prayer groups can worst. This is a timely reminder that our also bring back long-lost sheep to God’s behavior among friends and relatives is fold because we help to build bridges crucial to personal evangelism. between them and God through prayer.

Door-to-door Evangelism LET GOD’S LOVE INSPIRE YOU Personal evangelism is our priority, and Evangelism is a command of Christ and door-to-door is a bonus. It allows us so we have no choice but to preach. to expand the scope of our networks. Yet even more importantly, evangelism Having our more mature-aged members reflects the very nature of God—love. We participate in door-to-door preaching preach because we reflect the very nature can be an advantage: people generally of God, best captured in John 3:16: respond more politely to them and are more prepared to listen. We need not know reams of Scripture. Just be prepared with one or two personal testimonies that we can share with the homeowners.

Evangelism reflects the very nature of God—love.

Befrienders Many of us enjoy catching up with brethren after service. Happily chatting away in our own groups before or after services, we fail to notice that truth- seekers are left alone to find their way around church, or to just sit quietly in a pew waiting for service to start. Little wonder then that some stop coming because they lack a sense of warmth and belonging. We need more people to join this group to look out for truth-seekers who are alone, befriend them, talk to

Manna 31 EXHORTATION

Know Your Challenges (I): False Prophets Based on a sermon by Aun Quek Chin—Singapore

Beware of false prophets, who come to the moment he left, they would appear, instance, Satan quoted the Scriptures you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they some entering the church, and some accurately in his attempt to tempt Jesus. are ravenous wolves. You will know them arising from within. However, while he understands the by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from The prospect of this grieved him so Scriptures perfectly, he does not interpret thornbushes or figs from thistles? much that he unceasingly reminded it accurately. Let us thus be on our (Mt 7:15–16) everyone night and day with tears. guard against false prophets’ deliberate Unfortunately, after Paul’s departure, misinterpretations of the Bible. Jesus has long warned us to be vigilant heresies indeed crept in and many souls At the same time, all workers of the against false prophets. But false prophets were lost. Lord must be careful in their exposition are not just found in the world, outside Hence Paul emphasized that overseers of God’s word. Besides the preachers, the church. Jesus’ warning was of of the church must be even more vigilant Religious Education teachers and parents false prophets who have come into our for themselves besides watching out for have to explain the word of God as well. midst, those who have entered the fold the entire flock. Obviously, if the leaders As we explain the word of God, are we of the true church. These are the most are deceived, the effect on the church is rightly dividing the truth? If our personal dangerous. greater. interpretation is not in line with the actual Coming in with sheep’s clothing, they meaning of the Scriptures, then our convince many that they are the sheep RECOGNIZE THE CLOTHING explanation has deviated from the truth. of God. But inwardly, they are ravenous As we look around us, we can clearly wolves. They hide amidst the fold just like identify three types of “sheep’s clothing” Be diligent to present yourself approved a Trojan horse. The story of the fall of assumed by these false prophets: to God, a worker who does not need to be Troy is a reminder that, while our strength ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. enables us to fend off external attacks, 1. Bible knowledge But shun profane and idle babblings, for we are very vulnerable when the enemy The first sheepskin oft-used by false they will increase to more ungodliness. hails from within. prophets is the Bible. Their familiarity (2 Tim 2:15–16) Paul sounded a similar warning to the with the Bible is impressive and their Ephesian believers (Acts 20:28–31). After “explanations” of the Bible appear In the same epistle, Paul also tells his departure, savage wolves clothed in convincing. Naïve sheep are taken in, Timothy and us to deal with false sheep’s clothing would arise amongst erroneously equating these wolves’ prophets: believers. Sparing none, they would mastery of the Bible with sincerity of And their message will spread like cancer. deceive and draw away disciples after faith. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, them! Paul had good reason to worry. In fact, several biblical events have who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; He knew these false prophets existed shown us that the devil is even more and they overthrow the faith of some. and only his presence deterred them familiar with the Bible than us and can (2 Tim 2:17–18) from wreaking havoc. He also knew that quote the Bible very precisely. For

Manna 32 EXHORTATION

that other believers can recognize and hypocrites, and their godliness, false. be vigilant against their heresies. If no Thus, do not judge by outward godliness. The Trojan Horse is a tale from the names are mentioned, the congregation Instead question whether the message war between the Trojans and the may assume that the situation is not that preached is consistent with the doctrine Greeks. After a 10-year siege, the serious. Hence, as believers, we must which accords with godliness. Would the Greeks still could not conquer the understand why the church today takes sound doctrine lead to pride, envy and city of Troy. One day, the Greeks seemingly harsh steps, just as Paul did in strife? suddenly retreated but left behind a the past. Today, we shall also encounter eloquent gigantic wooden horse. Rejoicing, and clever false prophets who are 2. Godliness “obsessed with disputes and arguments the Trojans pulled the horse into If anyone teaches otherwise and does not their city as a victory trophy. Little over words”. When we voice doubt over consent to wholesome words, even the their teachings, they will debate us into did they know that a select Greek words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the speechlessness; and challenge us until we force was hiding inside the hollow doctrine which accords with godliness, he are at a loss for words. Verbal victory is horse. In the quiet of the night, as the is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed their yardstick of truth: If I am wrong, Trojans slept, the Greeks crept out of with disputes and arguments over words, why can’t you prove that I am wrong? the horse and opened the gates for from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil Human wisdom and our eloquence the rest of the Greek army which had suspicions, useless wranglings of men of have their limits, and cannot be the basis sailed back under cover of night. The corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, Greeks entered and destroyed the city who suppose that godliness is a means of for discussion or debate. Instead, we must of Troy, decisively ending the war. gain. From such withdraw yourself. always use the Bible as validation: is the (1 Tim 6:3–5) teaching according to the “wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ”? Does it Another misconception that we may have a basis in the Scriptures? If it does, have is that fierce and ravenous wolves is this basis correct? Do the passages that Paul specially names the two men would actually look fierce and ravenous. have been cited or one’s understanding whose wrong explanation of the truth had Paul reminds us that false prophets often of these passages contradict other parts affected the faith of many: Hymenaeus don godliness as a means of gain. These of the Bible? Is the basis that has been and Philetus. “godly sheepskins” enable them to cited only applicable for a very specific Unused to this concept of highlighting deceive many. When we see a person scenario? wrongdoers, some believers may think who is God-fearing, active in church The truth is not skewed. Instead, it is Paul’s actions harsh. Why did he have work, filled with wisdom and eloquence, wholesome. The truth is not contradictory. to mention their specific names? In our humble and full of love, it is easy to Instead, it is unified and continuous context today, why are the names of conclude: “How can such a person be a because it is the word of God. Therefore, wrongdoers specifically mentioned in false prophet? Did Jesus not say that that do not just look at outward godliness. sermons? Surely they were not the only we can tell a person from his fruits? Since Instead, look at the person to see if his two who preached heresies? It is, after good fruits abound in him, it must mean very nature is according to the word of all, human weakness to occasionally that he is good and thus cannot be a false God. Listen and see whether he speaks in teach the wrong thing. In fact, when prophet!” accord with all the teachings of the Bible. Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus But consider the Pharisees. In the eyes Does he speak the wholesome word of “in order to charge some that they teach of men, they were godly people - they God, or has he already gone astray? no other doctrine” (1 Tim 1:3), he did not were faultless in the law; they faithfully mention any specific names. kept the laws of God, and they taught 3. Miracles So why were Hymenaeus and Philetus God’s commandments zealously. They Occasionally, the teachings of false singled out? frequently fasted and prayed for long prophets make us feel uncomfortable. The key difference between Hymenaeus durations, always tithed, and always However, the moment we see this and Philetus and the others was that participated in a lot of work. person perform miracles, our fears are the latter could still turn back. All they Yet, in the eyes of Jesus, they were allayed. Seeing him perform healing and needed was encouragement or advice. In contrast, the message of Hymenaeus and Philetus was set to spread like cancer. Not only could they no longer turn back, Excising the Cancer of Heresy they were continually influencing and destroying others. Just like a malignant 1. Establish whether the person has been preaching heresies. tumor, they had to be clearly identified and excised lest the cancer spread. 2. Determine whether the heretical content has been spreading Excommunication is an agonizing quickly and causing harm to the community of believers. step because every soul is precious to us. But recalcitrant false prophets must 3. Take quick and stern action so that believers will not continue be stopped and removed. Critically, to be deceived and drawn away. their names must be highlighted so

Manna 33 EXHORTATION

casting out demons, we are convinced I will give you all of these.” Undeniably, world or from personal interpretations that his prayers are really effective and Satan has the power to heal you of your of the Scriptures. Some false teachers conclude that this person must definitely sicknesses, and give you women, position defend their teachings as “logical and be from God. We ignore the tinge of and status…if you worship him; if you sell rational”. But these two characteristics discomfort we feel at the contents of his your soul to him. are not good enough—a “logical and preaching. Choose wisely. Be wary of the wolves rational” teaching cannot save us; only a But the Lord Jesus has warned us. that come in like sheep, even if they biblical truth can. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here perform miracles, signs and wonders. If we love the truth, we will know how is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do Although we often need a greater power to use this checklist to measure the “new not believe it. For false Christs and false to help us, we must not be deceived by teachings” we hear: prophets will rise and show signs and the power of Satan. • The teaching may be reasonable wonders to deceive, if possible, even the and logical, but does it contradict the elect. But take heed; see, I have told you all LOVE THE TRUTH OF GOD, NOT Bible? Or is it consistent with the Bible? things beforehand. THE TEACHING OF MAN • Is the teaching from the Bible? (Mk 13:21–23) Why are devout Christians deceived by Or is it developed by man and/or adapted from the world’s beliefs? False prophets performing signs and false christs and false prophets? Paul says wonders have deceived many of the it is because they do not receive the love Lord’s sheep— not just the little lambs, of the truth (2 Thess 2:9–12). They love ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF but even the experienced older sheep. CHRIST They are amazed at the “power” of these Humbly accept God’s word false prophets and conclude that such “Whoever transgresses and does not abide signs and wonders can only be from God. The Dangerous Beast (Rev 13:11-14) in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. However, the Lord Jesus warns us He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has that the power may not be from God both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn 9). but the devil (Rev 13:11–14). The beast He is able to perform miracles and mentioned in the book of Revelation signs to deceive many. However, To transgress means to supersede the represents false prophets and false christs. this person’s power comes from the boundaries of the doctrines of Christ. In If we do not listen carefully, we may dragon. other words, if what we say and teach erroneously conclude that this person is a He looks like a lamb, but speaks like has no biblical basis and has even gone true Christ or prophet. a dragon. Not every word he speaks beyond biblical teachings, we are no Many are deluded because seeing is is from the dragon because it would longer keeping the truth. We shall thus easier than listening. Very often, when be too easy to prove that he is false. not have God’s abidance even if we we listen to something, we don’t listen Rather, his speech is mixed with the purport to worship Him. to it in entirety. On the other hand, words of Christ and the words of In this case, we no longer have God when we see something, it is very clear the dragon. because we have elevated our personal and obvious. Hence, when we see great teachings and thoughts to the level signs and miracles, we don’t doubt what of God’s. We are in fact applying our we have heard. This is the way the false own way of thinking and explanations prophets and false christs use their power and esteem the teachings of men over to supplement God’s ways and God’s from Satan to deceive many. the teachings of God. Hence God allows thoughts! When a person reaches There are moments in our lives when them to believe in the lie. And since a stage where he considers his ideas we really want a supernatural power to they do not believe the truth but take equivalent to God’s level, and acceptable heal us of our terminal illnesses, help pleasure in unrighteousness, they will be as God’s teachings, imagine how great a solve relationship or financial issues, or to condemned. transgression that is. This is a person who gain us fame in society. No human can There is only one truth, and that is Jesus no longer has God for he is adding to and achieve this for us, so will you then rely Christ. And if we love the truth, then it removing from God’s teaching at will! on evil powers? Will you disregard the will not matter to us who the speaker This is extremely and terribly wrong. truth in order to achieve your goals? is. As long as he teaches us according God’s commandments are not for us to The late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping to the truth, we are willing to submit to debate. To debate over or take a vote once said, “Black cat, or white cat, as this teaching. However, if we choose to on His commandments in the name of long as it catches the mouse, it is a good only listen to what speaker X says, and “democracy” lowers our almighty God cat.” Can this be extended to spiritual reject speaker Y, then our love is for the to our level; reducing Him to being matters, i.e. Holy Spirit or evil spirit, as teachings of men, not for God’s word. “one of us”! God is our Creator and long as the spirit can help me, it is a good Peter also reminds us that in the future source of life. The whole duty of man is spirit? Are we prepared to disregard the there will be “false teachers among [us] to keep His commands. We are in NO consequences and forgo eternity for the who will bring in destructive heresies” position to discuss and debate whether sake of temporary happiness, glory and (2 Pet 2:1). These are teachings without we should keep His commandments, or power? biblical basis, which are adapted instead vote on which one we ought to keep. If Satan once told Jesus, “Worship me and from the philosophies and religions of the and when we do that, we are no longer

Manna 34 EXHORTATION regarding Him as Lord. And what else false prophets both in the world as well would that be if not a transgression? as in the true church. Let us no longer The Lord Jesus has said, “Can a servant be paralyzed by alarm but rise to equip be greater than his master? Can he who ourselves. Let us recognize the signs and is sent be greater than he who sends know the challenges to our faith in the him? I am your Master, so do as I have 21st century from the ravenous wolves commanded you.” in sheep’s clothing. Let us love only the truth of God and resolve to abide in and O Timothy! Guard what was committed to only teach the doctrine of Christ. your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-- by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. (1 Tim 6:20–21)

Guard what has been committed to us Besides being careful never to use our own wisdom to add to or take away from God’s teachings, or to apply our personal interpretation without biblical basis, we must also be careful to “guard what [has been] committed to us”. Paul warned of people who had strayed from the truth; teaching “idle babblings, contradictions and what is falsely called knowledge”. When did they start to deviate? Deviation often starts from a small issue. People often take slight deviations lightly. However, left uncorrected, slight deviations will eventually lead us off course as we proceed farther. By the time we realize that we have gone a little too far or that the impact of that slight deviation was greater than we expected, we have already deviated too far off course. Sometimes we might not even know that we have deviated. For example, we know our car has drifted slightly from the lane we are driving in. We earn a honk from the car behind us but we continue driving, thinking that we are safe. Before we know it, we have deviated into the next lane and caused an accident! It is then too late for regret. Our unwillingness to heed the warnings of others and correct our deviation brings harm not just to ourselves, but to all those around us.

BE PREPARED Some people are alarmed that false prophets can arise in the true church that has both the Holy Spirit and the truth. Such alarm is truly alarming because it means that such people have not yet prepared for the end-time. Our Lord Jesus has long warned us of

Manna 35 INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Interview with Elder Joshua Phoong, Director of the Eastern Hemisphere Department of World Missions (EHDWM)

The Department of World Missions work in the two hemispheres. Splitting Malaysia GA India (DWM) was established in 1975 as one of the DWM in this way would allow better Indonesia GA Pioneering areas in the departments under the International utilization and mobilization of resources Indonesia Assembly’s Executive Council. Its aim in both hemispheres. It was thought was to plan, coordinate, execute and that this would be a more effective and Singapore CB Myanmar supervise tasks for world evangelism. It efficient way of pioneering new areas in Australia CB Fiji & Papua New was subsequently divided into Eastern the two hemispheres. Guinea Hemisphere (EH) and Western Hemisphere New Zealand Tonga (WH) departments. For this issue, Manna How is the EHDWM structured churches magazine had the opportunity to interview and which countries are taking EHDWM Vietnam, Cambodia, Elder Joshua Phoong about the missionary care of which areas? Samoa, other new work in the Eastern hemisphere. He areas shared with us how the work began, what The EHDWM has the support and the current developments are, and the participation of all the General Assemblies challenges that lie ahead. (GAs) and Coordination Boards (CBs) in To which countries in the Eastern the Eastern hemisphere. Each GA or CB Hemisphere has the gospel been Elder Phoong, when and why appoints a Mission Committee (MC) that preached since the EHDWM was was the DWM split into Eastern coordinates the divine work in a country established? Hemisphere and Western allocated to it. They send personnel from Which countries were the first to Hemisphere departments? their own countries first. When further accept the gospel? assistance is needed, they may request it The DWM was divided into the EHDWM After the establishment of the EHDWM, from the EHDWM. and WHDWM during the World we began to strengthen the divine work Every year, the chairmen of the GAs Delegates Conference in 1997. in existing pioneering areas like India, and CBs, together with the coordinators There were several reasons for this. The Philippines, Thailand, Fiji and Myanmar of the MCs, meet to discuss, plan and workload of the DWM was getting too by allocating them to different GAs and support the divine work in the EH. heavy. There were too many pioneering CBs. areas for the DWM to take care of— Evangelism to new areas began in other than the seven countries with Members of Areas under their the same year. In 1997, evangelistic General Assemblies, all the other areas EHDWM care work began in Vietnam and Cambodia. were considered to be pioneering areas. Korea GA North-eastern China In two years, a total of about fifteen It was not possible for the DWM to care Taiwan GA Thailand, Hong were baptized. However, because of for all these countries. Kong/ Kowloon, unfavorable conditions, the work stopped We also wanted to strengthen efforts Japan, China two years later. In the year 2005, we re- established the work in Vietnam and and increase the focus on pioneering Sabah GA Philippines

Manna 36 INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Cambodia. A visit was made to Nepal in 2003 What do you expect from this through a contact from the Internet, but ministry? EHDWM has just started there were no further developments here. As the world becomes a global village, its own website: eh.tjc.org. The work in Tonga started in 2005 accessibility to different countries is It serves to create greater when we realized that we had some getting easier. Many of our members are awareness of pioneering areas China members there. We have now moving to new countries to work. The and to encourage members to registered the church in Tonga. political situation is changing to favor pray for, contribute to and We went to Papua New Guinea in greater religious freedom. We expect join in the work. 2006 to contact some China members. the pace of evangelism to accelerate in However, due to security reasons, we the coming years. In preparation for this, only returned to continue the work in we must have our resources in place to 2010. This year, 2011, we started the face the challenges ahead. Greater efforts to different GAs, which promotes work in Samoa, where we have ten should be made towards producing greater participation of the various GAs China members and some truth-seekers. evangelistic literature in different in the pioneering work. Moreover, the We have also explored the possibility of languages and towards effectively Voluntary Mission Team gives members preaching in Laos and Bangladesh. mobilizing our voluntary workers. in general the opportunity to participate in pioneering work according to their What are the objectives of the In your view, what are the major availability. We also have a Voluntary EHDWM? challenges in this ministry and Ministers Course that prepares ministers Our primary missions are to pastor and how can the church overcome to make a greater contribution towards to evangelize. This involves caring for the them? pioneering work. existing pioneering areas in the EH and Language is one of the major problems Apart from that, the EHDWM has bringing them to maturity. that we are facing. We cannot be sure just started its own website: eh.tjc.org. In addition, we strive to further extend how accurate the interpretation of local It serves to create greater awareness the evangelistic work in newly pioneered interpreters is. We also need literature to of pioneering areas and to encourage areas, to preach the complete gospel to support the work of evangelism; we are members to pray for, contribute to and areas that it has not yet reached, and to translating these from existing languages, join in the work. assist in the evangelistic work in countries but progress is very slow. which request our assistance. In addition, cultural and behavioral How can TJC members support differences can cause misunderstandings. this ministry? What is the current scope of Some of these behavioral patterns are Since all GAs and CBs are responsible work of the EHDWM? created by the long-time presence of for at least one new pioneering country, Firstly, the EHDWM seeks to actively other denominations. For example, individuals can refer to the Mission identify potential pioneering areas. We many truth-seekers have come to expect Committee in their own countries to do this by following up on contacts we financial aid from us, as other religious join in the work. Those who wish to have received through the Internet and organizations in their countries provide participate in the work in other countries also by starting pastoral and evangelistic such aid. Furthermore, many Christian can contact the EHDWM. They can also work in new areas to which our members denominations compromise with the join the Voluntary Mission Team Training have moved. local traditions. Drinking, smoking, and the Voluntary Ministers Training. We Secondly, we are trying to step up ancestral worship, idol-worshipping and will then make arrangements for these evangelistic efforts in existing pioneering superstitious practices are commonplace volunteers to join upcoming missionary areas, and finally, we are continuing in and therefore accepted. It is not easy to trips. our efforts to develop a pool of voluntary change such well-entrenched practices. Thank you very much for this resources. Finally, our ministry is mainly supported interview, Elder Phoong. by volunteers. The lack of a full-time presence in these pioneering areas is a As we can see, the church faces many problem. A constant change of workers challenges in this work, not least of which We expect the pace of evangelism is also unhealthy. is a shortage of workers. We hope this to accelerate in the coming years. interview has encouraged you to contribute In preparation for this, we must How does the work of the in whatever way you can, be it through have our resources in place to face EHDWM relate to the believers prayer, financial support or by joining a the challenges ahead. in general? (We may sometimes Volunteer Mission Team in your area. All Greater efforts should be made consider missionary work to be the we need is a willing heart to do our part to support the work of global evangelism that towards producing evangelistic lit- preacher’s job only.) has been entrusted to us! erature in different languages and Soon after the EHDWM was set up, towards effectively mobilizing our it embarked on efforts to mobilize voluntary workers. believers in general to work for God. We began to entrust pioneering countries

Manna 37 YOUTHS

I in the Sky ANON—West Malaysia

LIFE OF DREAMS? unfortunately part of the lives of many Solomon’s problem, which is also the root Veni, Vidi, Vici. This often quoted Christians: they are living to be gratified, of all the troubles for those of us who Latin phrase, purportedly coined by the ever seeking, grasping, fighting and have inherited the problems of the old great Emperor Julius Caesar, succinctly striving after; dreaming. Solomon? describes an overwhelming victory over The problem lies in the “I”: “I set my yet another hapless city state standing in THE “I” WITHIN heart”, “I built for myself”, “I acquired”, the path of his quest for eternal glory and Poor souls, indeed. Just like Solomon “I made”, “I planted”, “I this”, “I that”, recognition. In English, “I came, I saw who wrote Ecclesiastes, the king who had “I, I, I”!! and I conquered”, the phrase resonates it all and lived it all, and yet discovered The insistence of the first person in the life of many of us today. This was it was simply not enough. Palaces, singular is striking. It is reiterated, time the brief but telling report sent back by gardens, power, influence, wives, wealth and time again, and it is out of sync, the emperor’s messengers to an adoring and wisdom, all promised happiness and discordant and in conflict with the will Roman senate craving for news of the contentment, all represented the life of of the Lord. There is no other book battle. dreams, a quest to achieve the illustrious in the Bible that uses the word “I” so Yet this, unfortunately, is also the battle state of “Veni, Vidi, Vici”. many times than Ecclesiastes in its earlier cry adopted by many Christians in the Yet none of these delivered. The chapters. TJC, especially the younger generation, more wealth, the more worry; the more The problem with the Solomon of old, who are caught up in the whirlwind pace knowledge and wisdom, the more the and us, who would be the new Solomon, of the 21st century. We seek to live up spirit grows tired and weary … and the is that we keep thinking only of ourselves, the life of dreams, a life of “having it all”, list goes on. At the end of it all, if left the reiterative and recalcitrant, “I”. We of grappling with the world and all of its unchecked, if we cannot break free from are unable to say “NO” to “I”. As for glories and pleasures, through the toil and the numbing influence of Satan, ours is a happiness, purpose and contentment, we labor of our own hands. We plunder what life which is meaningless, meaningless, all ought to know better as Christians. We we desire of this hedonistic life which we is meaningless. were taught that these dwell in a very exhibit as trophies, treasured pieces to King Solomon of old is embodied in the different world … the world devoid of serve as memories of our conquests and life of many of us today, always seeking, “I”. a motivation to grab even more. always searching and yet always empty But we choose to refuse and reject our Perhaps this is an overdramatized and unfulfilled. The route to happiness, lessons from the Bible. We scribe more painting, a bleaker picture than the purpose and contentment for a Christian and more in cyberspace our thoughts, true state of play. But if one were to seems an impossibility. If Solomon, having our desires, our pleasurable moments, take a stroll into the digital realm of it all, still failed to find the answer to this our acquisitions, our purchases, our cyberspace—Facebook comes to mind— question, as seen in the earlier chapters grandiose plans, our extravagant meals. we can see from the postings that, of Ecclesiastes, what hope do we have? We scribe more and more of this great to a large extent, this state of affairs is What, then, was the cause of old King “I” in the sky in the world of the clouded

Manna 38 YOUTHS dreams. Does this not ring a bell and Vidi, Vici” sounds out loudly, please leave Lord and Savior, and He will lead us ever sound familiar? Is this not just as old King the battlefield of the world to those who onward. Solomon was in Ecclesiastes chapter two? continue to strive for this meaningless Less of self, but More of Thee, Lord. What of this “I” … can it be tamed? Will and fruitless life. Flee from the life of it be saved? service to “I”; the “I” in pursuit of the wind, an empty and unfulfilled life. SAYING “NO” TO “I” It can, and it will, if only we muster REMEMBERING OUR CREATOR enough courage and strength to say the For those filled with youthful vitality hardest word of all to “I”; that of “NO”. and vigour, seeking to carve a path for If we lack the ability and the desire ourselves, remember now your Creator to say “NO” to the self serving, self in the days of your youth, before the selfish “I”, we lose the ability to say difficult days come and when you take no “YES” to a better life, a life of purpose, pleasure in them (Ecc 12:1). Fear the Lord, happiness and contentment that which keep His word and stay on His pathway was intended by our Lord Jesus. When to salvation, so that, when the day of the we say “NO” to “I”, we are committing Lord comes as He surely will, each and ourselves to a higher and greater purpose. every one of us will be counted as worthy We must reject and stay far away from to wear the crown of righteousness. this unrepentant and domineering “I”, Perhaps, through the divine mercies bound and bolted on tightly to this dying of our Lord Jesus, this “I” will be saved, world of man and remember, instead, and will not be one of those hapless to seek the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who wants us free from these shackles. Unless we can say “NO” to this We are unable to say “NO” to “I”. As for happiness, purpose and “I”, we will never be able to break free contentment, we ought to know better as Christians. We were taught from this plague which afflicted old King that these dwell in a very different world … the world devoid of “I”. Solomon and which continues to afflict so many of us wannabes.

We must reject and stay far away from this unrepentant and domineering “I”, and remember, instead, to seek the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who wants us free from these shackles.

To many still in their youth and at the peak of life, the rallying call of this age For those filled with youthful vitality and vigour, seeking to carve a path continues to be “Have it all”. With this for ourselves, remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, battle cry stems the cause of the problem before the difficult days come and when you take no pleasure in them that “I” can do it all, and “I” can be (Ecc 12:1). Fear the Lord, keep His word and stay on His pathway to and have everything, even if not all at salvation. once, but if “I” can work for it, “I” will eventually attain it. “I” must have it. We billions of souls vanquished by Satan, continue to serve the “I” as we shy away in the nefarious scheme to bring all of from making the hard and right choice humanity with him, the fallen angel, into of saying “NO” to “I”. We fail to see damnation. or choose to ignore the irreconcilable What will become of our “I” … the conflict and dilemma, that to say “YES” chapter is left open, the journey is not to “I”, is an affirmation of the self but finished. Many are in grave danger of a rejection and refusal to accept the falling. That is the honest truth. Can we pathway of the Lord. pull ourselves back from the brink of this We must instead say “NO” to “I” everlasting pit? Do we have the courage, which translates to “No way” to a strength and the moral fortitude to hundred desires, “No Thank You” to a overcome these trials of life? thousand temptations, and “BE GONE Let us stern ourselves and resolve to Satan”, as your riches in millions and the overcome this “I” and succeed where our height of the glory and fame promised ancestors, Adam and Eve, failed. Bring on are but nothing to me … NOTHING. this new battle cry of “Jesus Christ”, our As the horn and trumpet of “Veni,

Manna 39 MINISTRY

Whom Do I Serve? AC

About this column...

The Ministry Column gives Bible-based guidance regarding the correct attitude in serving God as well as practical advice for our servitude.

WHOM DO I SERVE? our Master and we are His servants. The when we come before God. This is the The answer to this question is apostles had this kind of understanding right footing in starting our relationship straightforward to us Christians: we serve when they introduced themselves with Him. It also forms the basis for a the living and true God, the Creator, the at the beginning of their epistles as growing relationship. Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, apart from serving bondservants of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1; Many Christians today emphasize God, many of us serve another master, Jas 1:1; 2 Pet 1:1; Jude 1). on an equal love relationship with God. whether it is mammon (Mt 6:23; Lk In fact, the Lord often used parables The danger of which is, without godly 15:13) or our own belly (Rom 16:17– that describe the relationship between fear, one would easily end up being 18; Jude 12–13)—our various lusts and master and servant to illustrate His disobedient. This usually begins with pleasures (Tit 3:3). For this reason, the expectations towards His followers. complaining about God’s ways of doing question “Whom do I serve?”, gives So, what is the attitude expected things and eventually rejecting God’s room for self-reflection, and reminds from a bondservant in his service to the authority. Moreover, godly fear will us that we belong to God alone (Act master? enable us to be submissive until the end, 27:23), and should serve the Lord with “Bondservants, be obedient to those who even if we face situations beyond our all our heart, through our worship and are your masters according to the flesh, understanding that may create doubts in participation in His business. with fear and trembling, in sincerity of us. The willingness of Jesus to submit to Once we have ensured that we heart, as to Christ” (Eph 6:5). the will of the Father best illustrates the worship and serve God only, what are importance of godly fear. The author of the attitudes that we should have in our Obedience to the master is the Hebrews quoted that it is this godly fear worship and service to Him? fundamental quality expected from which enabled Jesus’ prayer to be heard The Bible uses different human a bondservant or slave. Obedience is (Heb 5:7). relationships to describe the relationship also expected from children to their Therefore, my beloved, as you have always we have with God and our attitude parents (Eph 6:1) and wives to their obeyed, not as in my presence only, but towards Him. Let us narrow our scope husbands (Eph 5:22). Yet the unique now much more in my absence, work out and look at three of them. characteristic of the obedience shown in your own salvation with fear and trembling; a master-slave relationship is “fear and for it is God who works in you both to will HE IS OUR MASTER, WE ARE THE trembling”. A slave who has recognized and to do for His good pleasure. (Phil 2:12–13) BONDSERVANTS his unworthiness and lowliness will always respect his master, and rightly so! Previously we were slaves of sin, The better we understand the majesty “Fear and trembling” is the attitude we uncleanness and lawlessness. Yet, of our holy, glorious and almighty God should maintain in our journey of faith, through baptism, we have become slaves (Isa 6:1–5), the more we will respect Him for it rectifies our hearts and gives us no of righteousness (Rom 6:22). Since Jesus with fear and trembling. room for pride or arrogance, knowing has purchased us with His own blood We should have a God-fearing heart that it is God who is working in us. (Act 20:28), we belong to Him—He is

Manna 40 MINISTRY

HE IS OUR FATHER, WE ARE HIS great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ God by serving our brethren. By the will FIRSTBORN and the church. of God, David served his own generation God created man in His own image and (Eph 5:31–32) (Acts 13:36). Similarly, the will of God is Adam had the status of God’s child. for us to serve one another through love Husband and wife can never be Although Adam later fell short of the (Gal 5:13). separated because they have become glory of God, our sonship is restored “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one. Likewise Christ and the church are today through the Lord’s salvation grace. one another, as good stewards of God’s one and thus inseparable. The love of In the eyes of God, we are precious and varied grace” (1 Pet 4:10). Christ is the foundation of this oneness. beloved as a firstborn in a family (Heb What hinders this perfect unification is 12:23), and as such we have the promise MAINTAINING A LIFE-LONG our lack of unreserved love towards Him. of a heavenly inheritance. SERVICE “I drew them with gentle cords, with bands With privilege come responsibilities, in In our life of service, we will inevitably of love, and I was to them as those who that we, as firstborn sons, must be about face setbacks that will discourage us even take the yoke from their neck. I stooped our Father’s business (Lk 2:49). Contrary to the point of giving up, for serving and fed them” (Hos 11:4). to what is being practiced in many our brethren means that we are serving modern-day families, where parents serve imperfect men. In addition, we are “Do not stir up nor awaken love until it imperfect as well. their children even when they are able to pleases” (Song 2:7b). take care of themselves, God expects us Although Moses was indeed a faithful servant (Heb 3:5) in God’s to serve Him. For this reason, He told Does He still need to ask us, “Do you entire household, he could not bear it Pharaoh, “So I say to you, let My son go love me?” (Jn 21:15–17), before we when the meat-craving people wept that he may serve Me” (Ex 4:22–23). respond to His unreserved love for us? and complained to him (Num 11:1–15). As we serve our heavenly Father, what “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the Subsequently, Moses turned to the Lord should be our attitude? LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your who chose seventy men to help him manage the people, opening a way so he How beautiful and different will our service be, if it is motivated by true could continue serving. love for God! While we humbly serve the Lord, we must also be prepared to face trials and “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, God with all your heart, with all your soul, sufferings. In fact, Paul told the saints for this is right. ‘Honor your father and your and with all your strength” (Deut 6:4). in Philippi that it is a grace and special mother,’ which is the first commandment privilege, not only to believe in Christ but with promise” (Eph 6:1–2). “For love is as strong as death” (Song 8:6). also to suffer for His sake (Phil 1:29–30).

Again the Bible mentions obedience. However, in a father-son relationship, We serve God by serving our brethren. honor or respect is introduced and In our service to God, we should Paul’s secret to maintaining his life-long, emphasized. For this reason, we should not only focus on the outward act of diligent and fervent service to the Lord can consider whether we are bringing obedience, for such actions can come be summed up in the following actions: honor or disrepute to the holy name of from someone with a heart of reluctance “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, our heavenly Father as we serve Him. and a mouth of murmurings. Instead, we continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom The other equally important concern is should say, “I am my beloved’s, and his 12:11–12). whether we are bringing honor to Him desire is toward me” (Song 7:10). How Therefore, following Paul’s footsteps, let or to ourselves. The importance of both beautiful and different will our service be, us always remember that we can take joy in aspects is best illustrated in the Lord’s if it is motivated by true love for God! serving our Lord. We can find joy in serving Prayer. Jesus taught us to begin with God together with our fellow brethren and “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your WHOM DO I SERVE? DO IT TO have the confidence that He will accomplish name” and to end it with “For Yours is His own good work. When putting this into the kingdom and the power and the glory THE LEAST AMONG YOU When we say we serve God, it does not practice, it means that we remain focused forever. Amen” (Mt 6:9–13). mean that He needs anything from us, on our ultimate heavenly objective, and HE IS OUR HUSBAND, TO WHOM for He is our Creator and provider (Acts always remember that our Master and our prize await us above (cf. Phil 1:3–5; 3:1,3; WE HAVE BEEN BETROTHED 17:24–25). So even before we think about what we can do to serve Him, 1:6; 1:18,16; 3:20–21; 3:12–14). No other human relationship is more we should firstly glorify and thank Him Finally, when we should require it, intimate than that between a husband through our daily lives and worship. indeed, the joy of the Lord is our strength and a wife. Paul used this to describe So what can we do to serve God (Neh 8:10)! the mystery concerning Christ and the although He does not need anything May we all imitate the many servants of church. from us? Based on the principle “if we the living God, to serve God continually, For this reason a man shall leave his father did it to one of the least of these, we day and night, for God who sits on the and mother and be joined to his wife, and did it to our Lord” (Mt 25:40), we serve throne is dwelling among us (Rev 7:5)! the two shall become one flesh. This is a

Manna 41 PENIEL

Peniel: Seeing the Invisible God Peter Shee—Singapore

In the stars His handiwork I see, encounter with God left him physically as Job would put it, like a complete On the wind He speaks with majesty, crippled but spiritually, he was enabled. adversary: Though He ruleth over land and sea, With renewed faith, the patriarch, “Why do You hide Your face, and regard What is that to me? newly re-named Israel, limped his way me as Your enemy?” (Job 13:24) out of darkness into the rays of the rising …Till by faith I met Him face to face sun, marveling that he had “seen God “He tears me in His wrath, and hates And I felt the wonder of His grace, face to face” (Gen 32:30–31). Up until me; He gnashes at me with His teeth; my Then I knew that He was more than just a his deathbed he still acknowledged “the adversary sharpens His gaze on me” (Job God who didn’t care, God who has fed [him] all [his] life long 16:9). That lived away out there to this day” (Gen 48:15). And now He walks beside me day by day, As for the place of his nightlong Job mistook the reason for his suffering Ever watching o’er me lest I stray, struggle with the divine, Jacob named as God’s attack. In Jacob’s case, the attack Helping me to find the narrow way, it Peniel, literally “face of God” (Gen was actually objectified. He’s everything to me.1 32:30). Job’s realization of God’s doings at the end of the trials—“I have heard of You Great things happen when one meets DEUS ABSCONDITUS: THE by the hearing of the ear, but now my God face to face. A personal encounter HIDDEN GOD eye sees You” (Job 42:5)—bears much with God left Jacob a different man. resemblance to Jacob’s response at At Peniel, the same heavenly Being who Years before, he had vividly dreamed of Peniel. This coincidence is remarkable as declared Himself to be God of Abraham the God of his fathers, standing distantly we see in both incidences that God does and Isaac obscured His identity and acted above a heavenly ladder. Despite its sometimes inflict His people for greater contrarily towards His own, physically awesomeness, the vision only drew from good. wrestling Jacob. This goes beyond him faith that was conditional: “IF God For Jacob, irony presented itself more mere “hiddenness” of God in Christ’s will be with me … and give me bread than once. First, he asked a blessing incarnation, suffering and death. to eat and clothing to put on, so that I from an Opponent who had just injured Few in Jesus’ time understood Him to come back to my father’s house in peace, him. Then his name was changed by the be God incarnated in flesh. He would not THEN the LORD shall be my God” (Gen One who withheld His own name. And have been crucified if the people of His 28:20–21). finally, he understood the identity of the age had known Him to be God (1 Cor Two decades later at the ford of Jabbok, Stranger who refused to reveal His name. 2:6–10). This is what Paul meant when Jacob held on to God till the break of day, Jacob’s recognition of his Opponent he talked about the “foolishness of the saying, “I will not let you go unless You whom he wrestled against was an cross” (1 Cor 1:18–25). bless me!” (Gen 32:23–26). This close enlightening lesson. Through his Towards Jacob, God as the wrestling sojourning years, he had learned that God angel did not appear to possess any 1 From the hymn “He’s Everything to Me” by Ralph who appeared to Abraham continued Carmichael (1964) recognizable kindness. He behaved,

Manna 42 PENIEL to be present with the chosen lineage 17). The hearts of two disciples on the to provide and protect them against road to Emmaus were ignited when they adversity (Gen 28:13–15). heard the Scriptures expounded by the Faith transforms our Now, he saw God’s face in actual risen Christ (Lk 24:16, 32). They realized experience with a hidden adversity itself and even sought His who Christ was at the moment when God, Deus Absconditus (cf. blessing (Gen 32: 26–29). God had Jesus disappeared from their presence (Lk Is 45:15), into a “Peniel” become his personal God. 24:31). moment, when we see the Adding on, there is the dying thief face of God revealed. BELIEVING IS SEEING who stopped his mocking the moment What opened Jacob’s eyes but faith? Since his faith gave him a glimpse of the kingly faith is “conviction of unseen realities” profile of the man crucified next to (Heb 11:1, NBV), God’s hiddenness is him (Lk 23:40–42; cf. Mt 27:44). Mary compatible with faith. It is a blessing to Magdalene had her eureka moment by Moses veiled his face to hide the glory see and hear and believe (Mt 13:16–17). the empty tomb in the darkness, when of God from the people when he came But ultimate faith is to believe without the true identity of the gardener dawned down from Sinai (Ex 34:29–33). But we seeing (Jn 20:29), for the ultimate object on her (Jn 20:14–16). New Testament saints can behold with of faith, God, is unapproachable and can And, most famously, there’s Paul the unveiled face as in a mirror the glory never be seen (1 Tim 1:17). apostle, one of the best expositors of of the Lord, and be transformed into Faith then is as good as sight, and the Hebrew Scriptures. Formerly Saul the the same image from glory to glory (2 believing is seeing. persecutor, his spiritual enlightenment Cor 3:13, 18). The Holy Spirit not only “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 came the moment he became blind enlightens our minds to understand the Cor 5:7). Faith transforms our experience physically (Acts 9:3–9). Scriptures, but transforms our lives to with a hidden God, Deus Absconditus conform to its standards. (cf. Is 45:15), into a “Peniel” moment, For this reason, when Christ comes when we see the face of God revealed, again, we who are in constant communion Deus Revelatus. Thus we are no longer with God through prayer and obedience hindered by the things we cannot fathom, to His word shall be like Him, and we to accept and obey the things revealed to shall see Him as He is (1 Jn 3:2). us (Deut 29:29). When faith and revelation are fully played out in a person’s experience with the divine, he arrives at his own “Peniel”. As the words of Christ generated faith in the Samaritan woman, she progressed through her prejudice, doubt and ignorance to finally recognize her Savior (Jn 4:9, 11, 15). The men of her city upgraded their faith from second-hand SEEING HIM AS HE IS “As for me, I will see Your face in to first-hand after meeting the Lord face- righteousness, I shall be satisfied when I to-face (Jn 4:42). awake in Your likeness” (Ps 17:15). Then there are examples of faith transcending physical sighting. In contrast “For it is God who commanded light to to Philip’s request to see the Father (Jn shine out of darkness who has shone in our 14:8, 9), Peter’s recognition of Jesus as hearts to give the light of the knowledge of “Christ, son of the living God” stemmed the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” from the Father’s revelation (Mt 16: 16, (2 Cor 4:6).

Moses, who gave us the Law, saw only the form of God, but was not permitted to see His face. God hid him in the cleft of As for the place of his a rock, and he was shown only the back nightlong struggle with of God, posteriori Dei (Ex 33:20–23). the divine, Jacob named it Christians today enter the Holy of About this column... Peniel, literally “face of Holies through the blood of Christ (Heb God” (Gen 32:30). 10:19); thus we can approach the throne Peniel aims to encourage readers to have of grace without fear (Heb 4:16) to a personal encounter with God. gaze upon the beauty of the LORD as expressed in one of the Davidic psalms (Ps 27:4).

Manna 43 Manna is looking for certain types of articles, or article genres. Each genre constitutes a CALL FOR different subject matter and writing approach. If you are planning to write an article (regardless ARTICLES of topic), please try to adhere to one of the genres below. Author Guidelines and Editorial Calendar Christian Living A Christian Living article gives practical biblical guidance on real-life issues and how to use Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. Issue #68: Article length: 1500-2000 words. Topic: Succession—Generation Next

Bible Study Articles due: May 15, 2012 A Bible Study explores a passage or character from the Our youths are the future pillars of the church. For this reason, it is crucial Bible and draws out the teachings for readers to apply to cultivate and train them to become faithful servants. But the world is to their lives. Article length: 2000 words. also competing for them—how can we help them to withstand the tide of secularism? What are the major challenges to our next generation’s Doctrinal Study faith? How can we help them to overcome these challenges, inspire them A Doctrinal Study examines an aspect of True Jesus to love God and train them to serve God faithfully? Church beliefs and may present it in comparison to other beliefs. Article length: 2000 words. In your submission, please include your name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number. Exhortation An Exhortation encourages and admonishes the reader in different aspects of the Christian faith. Article length: 1500-2000 words.

Testimony GENERAL WRITING GUIDELINES A Testimony recounts an experience in the Lord that CONTENT will encourage and edify the reader. Article length: 1000-1500 words. • Content should be biblically sound and adhere to biblical principles. • Article should be organized and have a logical flow of thought. Creative Writing • The main point or teaching of the article should be clear to the reader. Creative Writing pieces include poems, parables, or short stories that illustrate a biblical teaching or idea. • Readers should be able to apply what they have read to their daily lives. Keep in mind as you’re writing: how will this edify the reader? GRAMMAR/STYLE • Use active instead of passive voice. • Write concisely. • Use concrete words and ideas instead of abstract concepts. SUBMISSION INFORMATION • Use “plain old English” instead of obscure, academic language. Please email electronic files of articles (Microsoft Word) • Use the NKJV version when quoting Bible verses. to [email protected]. • Use American spelling, if possible. Please direct any questions to [email protected] or Fax: +1-562-402-3190 • Adhere to the IA Style Guide in its latest edition.

In your submission, please include your name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number even if you wish to remain anonymous.

Manna 44 Phone: +1-714-533-8889 Fax: +1-562-402-3190 [email protected] http://www.tjc.org May 06 - 11, 2012 Singapore

1st Eastern Hemisphere English Writers Retreat 2012 Writing for God is... a way to share the truth, a way to remember His grace, a way to shape our spirituality. Come join us at the 1st Eastern Hemisphere EWR! During this week-long retreat you will be able to withdraw from your busy day-to-day life and focus on writing for God. Delve into the word of God and draw inspiration through prayer as well as through discussions with fellow writers.

Take this opportunity to see how God can inspire the writer in you, and you’ll leave with a renewed sense of appreciation, wonder, and awe toward His word.