Issue 85 Vol. 42 No.1 The goal of Manna is to inspire believers to live an Publication date: March 2018 active faith through mutual encouragement and TJC at 100: Towards the Triumphant Church the study of biblical truths. 2 8 12 18 Peter Shee The Alpha and Singapore THEME the Omega, the Beginning The True Jesus Church A Century of Grace and Where Is the House that Our Story Shall Prosper Spirituality You Will Build Me? by Vincent Yeung by Steven Shek and the End by Shun Dao Hsieh by HH Ko Realizing the promise that The story of God’s church The future triumph of the Reflecting on a hundred the glory of the latter temple told through biblical church, and God’s plan to years of God’s blessings shall be greater than the hundred years is a significant milestone, and The inaugurated status of the kingdom coincided with bring the gospel to Israel. within the true church. former. prophecy is now unfolding. milestones are important if we are serious about the birth of the church (Acts 2:17; 1 Cor 10:11). As priests Aour goal. and kings, we should follow our Master in fierce battle to win the world for Him (2 Tim 2:3–4; Rev 11:15). As one The end of a thing is better than its beginning (Eccl 7:8a) 21 27 30 34 writer in this issue warns, the fallacious view of “realized “Declaring the end from the beginning, eschatology” has led some within the True Jesus Church to And from ancient times things that are not yet done, lose focus on Christ’s second coming, thus impeding our In Search of the True The Heritage of the True Revive the True Church Complete the Construction Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, growth into the glorious church. The exile of Judah and Church Church: A Message to the (Part 2) of the True Church (Part 2) And I will do all My pleasure.’ ” (Isa 46:10) destruction of the temple in 586 B.C.E. and again in 70 C.E. Youths by Philip Shee by Barnabas Chong by Aun Quek Chin give us the clear message that hearts matter more to by Timothy Yeung “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the God than buildings. As God’s people, we cannot but find Discerning the truth amid Cherishing and passing on How to ensure that we are The central role of the End, the First and the Last.” (Rev 22:13) our spiritual heritage of the part of the perfected church church in God’s salvation glory in God alone, just as He is glorified through us the plethora of Christian denominations and beliefs. truth. on the last day. plan. This second centennial issue looks towards the (Isa 60:19, 21). triumphant church—conceived in eternity and declared Apostasy plagued the church soon after the apostolic at the very beginning—when the promised Savior will foundation was laid. In “Our Story,” we are reminded crush Satan under His feet and ours (Gen 3:15; Rom 16:20). 38 42 46 49 to continue the story of the church as the truly revived Christ is called the Son of David because the Davidic apostolic church. The self-questioning in another theme BIBLE STUDY EXHORTATION TESTIMONY kingdom was God’s prophetic model of His eternal article is timely: “Is it possible that after a century on Parables of the Heavenly Where Do We Go From A Letter to Our Youths: the Following God’s Calling kingdom (Ps 89:20; Ezek 37:24; 2 Sam 7:12–16; Lk 1:32–33). earth, the True Jesus Church today has retained the Kingdom (Part 1) Here? Next Twenty Years by Derren Liang, Sam Kuo and After the captivity, no successor ever sat on David’s by KC Tsai by Aun Quek Chin by Nathaniel Chin En Ping Liu form but not the soul of God’s true church?” throne. But James explained that David’s tabernacle The mysteries of the Continue to walk in the old If we were given another How God calls His servants The significance of century—let it be a blessing, not and walks with them on had been restored, and he added: “Known to God from heavenly kingdom and the paths of the saints and twenty years of youth, how bane. We know whom we have believed, and that we are opening of salvation’s door rely on the Holy Spirit’s would we use them? their journeys of service. eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:15–18). indeed His elect community—both an assurance and a for all. guidance. Paul linked Christ’s kingship to His priesthood—at His great responsibility. resurrection, Jesus brought forgiveness of sins (Acts 13:23–24, 37–39) and established God’s kingdom as David’s 61 66 71 74 ultimate successor (Acts 13:33–34; Ps 2:6–12)! COLUMN COLUMN IA PENIEL

God Protects His Church The Power of Zealous Utilizing the Internet to I Know Whom I Have Throughout the Storm Prayers in the African Spread the Everlasting Believed Ministry Gospel by KC Tsai by Robinson Bini and Michael by AMC Volunteers EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Khoo Chan by Shawn Chou MANAGING EDITOR: Marian Shek Testimonies of God’s Paul’s unfailing faith that REVIEW BOARD: Andrew Chu (Australia), KC Tsai (Canada), Ezra Chong, Joel Chong (Malaysia), Lemuel Leong (Sabah), EG Tay, Simon Chin (Singapore), Unlocking the potential of a Testimonies of how God’s amazing grace and the God would revive the church FF Chong, Michael Chan, Simon Hsu (UK), Richard Solgot, Stephen Ku, WC Yeh (USA) strong internet ministry in grace sustained and revived power of prayers in the world evangelism. and complete His work. His church in Nigeria. ministry. Manna (ISSN1528-8617) is published quarterly by the True Jesus Church, IA Department of Literary Ministry, 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Copyright © 2017 True Jesus Church. All rights reserved. U.S. Postmaster: send change-of-address forms to 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Back issues of Manna can be downloaded at: www.mannamagazine.com REFLECTION Call for Articles 76 God’s Chosen Temple 80 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the New King James Version. by Barnabas Chong Articles of Faith Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 81 1 THEME SECTION Theme

Proclaims the Words of Christ Shun Dao Hsieh The second requirement is that the True believers live according to the words The Taichung, Taiwan church must proclaim the words of of Jesus as recorded in the Bible. Such fidelity Christ. Her beliefs and her teachings to God’s word characterizes the teachings of must be in full accordance with the the true church. True Jesus Church teachings of the Bible. She must correctly explain the word of God. Shall I find that the beliefs of the True Jesus And the whole multitude sought to Knowing that the imparted truth Church are more aligned to early touch Him, for power went out from Prosper might be lost over time, the Lord Christian theology than to today’s Him and healed them all. (Lk 6:19) Jesus commanded His disciples, wider Christianity. Clearly, over before His ascension, to: “[teach] time, biblical exegesis has evolved Jesus was full of power. Those who them to observe all things that I and been twisted to the extent that were sick needed only to touch Editor’s note: On March 25, 2017, Elder church; the gospel preached by the His Spirit fills the church. Thus, the have commanded you; and lo, I am the Christian world today generally Him, and they would be healed Hsieh, a veteran worker who started his True Jesus Church; and the gospel first requirement of the true church full-time ministry in 1955, delivered an with you always, even to the end does not abide by Jesus’ words. by His power. But since Jesus has to be preached to Israel. insightful and stirring message on the is that she must be filled with the of the age” (Mt 28:20). The truth They embellish and re-interpret ascended to heaven, how can we future of the True Jesus Church during Spirit of Christ. The abidance of taught by the Lord Jesus had to be the Bible’s teachings to suit their touch His body today? a Sabbath service at the Centennial CRITERIA OF THE TRUE Commemoration and World Delegates’ His Spirit testifies that the church passed down from generation to own agendas. Many changes The church is the body of Christ. Conference held by the Taiwan General CHURCH belongs to Christ. generation; only then would He occurred after the fourth century, A century ago, the True Jesus Assembly. Below is an excerpt. First, let us review the three biblical abide with the church until the end when Emperor Constantine I Church was established through requirements that define the true But you are not in the flesh but of time. decriminalized Catholicism and church. the power of the Holy Spirit. Within InTRODUCTION in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit made it the official religion of the True believers live according to the church, we have seen His power ince my conversion in 1947, of God dwells in you. Now if Roman Empire. After the sixteenth- manifested in signs and miracles. I have heard the declaration Filled with the Spirit of Christ the words of Jesus as recorded in century Reformation, the range of anyone does not have the Spirit of Many from different parts of the “the True Jesus Church shall And He put all things under the Bible. Such fidelity to God’s Christian beliefs multiplied and S Christ, he is not His. (Rom 8:9) world have come to believe through prosper” repeated by many workers [Christ’s] feet, and gave Him to be word characterizes the teachings deviated even further from the Bible experiencing miracles in the True of the preceding generations. Do we head over all things to the church, of the true church. We must never as the number of denominations One who does not have the Spirit of Jesus Church. When these believers continue to hold this same belief? which is His body, the fullness of Him equate our own opinions to biblical increased. Christ does not belong to Him. This are filled with the Holy Spirit, after who fills all in all. (Eph 1:22–23) principles. Nor should we accept Let us consider this topic from three is true for both individual members teachings that are based solely There is only one Jesus Christ hearing and believing the true perspectives: the criteria of the true The church is Christ’s body, and as well as the church as a whole. on human rationale. This is the and one Bible. If every church is gospel, they willingly forsake their attitude that the True Jesus Church observing the Scriptures faithfully— former beliefs and religions to join has held from her establishment. If without alteration or additions— the true church. God’s power is in the teachings of Jesus are altered, why are there so many different the True Jesus Church. the Holy Spirit will leave the church. denominations? The interpretation Some believers in developed of the Bible must have changed countries lament that there Over the last year or so, I have significantly for this to happen. undertaken doctrinal comparisons are fewer miracles in the True of the True Jesus Church and Jesus Church today compared to Manifests the Power of Christ other Christian denominations.1 yesteryear. But let us not overlook The third requirement of the body the different contexts. Many of 1 Published by the True Jesus Church in the Chinese- of Christ is that she must manifest our early believers did not have language publication Holy Spirit Monthly, issues 464 (May 2016) to 484 (Jan 2018). the power of Christ. the advantages we now enjoy. For example, before Taiwan established its national health insurance There is only one Jesus Christ and system, seeing the doctor was one Bible. If every church is observing the expensive for our impoverished Scriptures faithfully—without alteration or members. So they sought healing from the all-powerful Physician, the additions—why are there so many different Lord Jesus. In His grace and mercy, True Jesus Church in Irvine, California, USA. denominations? He heeded their supplications, so

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can see that the end is drawing near. can come to understand our and preaches the gospel of truth There are two parts to Paul’s Before the end comes, the gospel doctrines. In fact, quite a few truth- and salvation—the gospel of the statement. First, the number of of the kingdom will be preached seekers have contacted our church kingdom of heaven. Importantly, Gentiles must be fulfilled—i.e., throughout the world. through the internet. If the church the Lord Jesus has entrusted the God’s chosen Gentiles will come can become even more active in this work of global evangelism to us in into the true church. Second, the The Gospel will Spread Rapidly ministry, she will indeed be like an the True Jesus Church. We must house of Israel will then be saved. As the end of days approaches, the angel flying through the air, quickly recognize and take up this noble gospel will be spread more quickly. spreading the gospel throughout and sacred commission. The Number of Gentiles will be the world “to every nation, tribe, Full Then I saw another angel flying tongue, and people” (Rev 14:6). THE GOSPEL WILL BE Now when the Gentiles heard [that in the midst of heaven, having PREACHED TO ISRAEL salvation had been sent to them], Why does the gospel have to be the everlasting gospel to preach to For I do not desire, brethren, that you they were glad and glorified the preached with such urgency? those who dwell on the earth—to should be ignorant of this mystery, word of the Lord. And as many Because “the hour of His judgment every nation, tribe, tongue, and lest you should be wise in your own as had been appointed to eternal has come.” At the age of eighty-nine, people— saying with a loud voice, opinion, that blindness in part has life believed. (Acts 13:48) I may not live to see the day that the “Fear God and give glory to Him, happened to Israel until the fullness gospel reaches every corner of the for the hour of His judgment has of the Gentiles has come in. And When Paul and Barnabas preached world, but I have every conviction come; and worship Him who made so all Israel will be saved, as it is at Antioch, the Jews rejected the True Jesus Church in Eden, Mindanao, Philippines. that the True Jesus Church will heaven and earth, the sea and written: gospel because they were hard- prosper and fulfill this commission. springs of water.” (Rev 14:6–7) “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, hearted. This opened the way for signs and miracles abounded. Now, and interdependent factors that And He will turn away ungodliness the Gentiles to receive salvation. In a vision, John saw an angel The Gospel of the Kingdom we turn to medical doctors instead together distinguish the true from Jacob.” (Rom 11:25–26) From this point onwards, Paul preaching the everlasting gospel. An of our Lord Jesus Christ for healing. church. The True Jesus Church Preached by the True Jesus continued to preach the gospel to angel is a messenger of God, so this not only has miracles, but also Church This is a profound prophecy: not the Gentiles, establishing churches angel refers to the servants of God It is not contradictory to the truth the presence of the Holy Spirit, as Many Christians suggest that the only will the gospel be preached in Europe and Asia Minor. Every who preach the gospel—preachers, to seek medical help from a doctor; proven by her believers’ speaking gospel has already reached the to the ends of the earth, it will also Gentile who was “appointed to elders, deacons, brothers and after all, Jesus Himself said, “Those in tongues in prayer (Acts 2), and whole world, as the Bible has been reach the whole of Israel. As Paul eternal life” believed, meaning sisters. The Holy Spirit is upon the who are well have no need of a faithfulness towards the gospel of translated into more than a hundred writes, this was a mystery to the that none was left behind. This will church, and we are the messengers physician, but those who are sick” Christ. And it is this gospel of the languages and Christianity can be believers at the time. But just as continue “until the fullness of the sent by the Holy Spirit. The angel’s (Mk 2:17b). However, there are some kingdom that must be preached. found in the remotest places. But an open box hides no secret, the Gentiles has come in” (Rom 11:25). believers who choose not to see a flight through the air indicates the that is not what the Bible means. revealed mystery cannot be denied. We who are believers today have doctor when they are sick. They rapid speed at which the gospel is PREACHING THE GOSPEL TO Jesus said that the gospel of the believe that Jesus’ power to heal preached. THE ENDS OF THE EARTH kingdom is the gospel that leads surpasses any earthly doctor. In fact, Today, the reach of the internet is man to heaven (Mt 24:14). Only the in seemingly hopeless situations And this gospel of the kingdom will worldwide. Hence the True Jesus pure and unadulterated gospel that where medicine cannot heal or may be preached in all the world as a Church has put in much effort to the True Jesus Church preaches can even harm, Jesus is the only answer. witness to all the nations, and then develop the internet ministry. This lead man to heaven. The evidence Such willingness to rely on Jesus the end will come. (Mt 24:14) allows us to share the gospel online of this is the abidance of the Holy is a gift; it cannot be forced upon According to biblical prophecy, we so that those who visit our websites Spirit with the church. a person. Seeing a doctor does not automatically signal a lack of faith. In Him you also trusted, after you But we should also acknowledge Manifesting Christ’s power through heard the word of truth, the gospel of that the Lord Jesus still performs your salvation; in whom also, having miracles—big and small—in the miracles is one factor that proves a church believed, you were sealed with the true church today. is Christ’s body. But this cannot be taken in Holy Spirit of promise. (Eph 1:13) Manifesting Christ’s power through Members of the True Jesus Church miracles is one factor that proves isolation—it is only one of three interconnected have received the promised Holy a church is Christ’s body. But this and interdependent factors that together Spirit, evidenced by speaking in cannot be taken in isolation—it is tongues. This seal of the Holy Spirit only one of three interconnected distinguish the true church. testifies that the church believes True Jesus Church in Rheinland, Germany and Janghang Seobu, South Korea.

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also been appointed on account of Jesus Church enables humankind to separate the holy from the unholy; needs to be rebuilt. A city without heart brings forth good things, and In conclusion, the True Jesus our faith in the Lord Jesus. receive God’s promised Holy Spirit and to exercise control over our walls needs to construct its walls; an evil man out of the evil treasure Church shall surely prosper, with as the seal (Eph 1:13). Just like at own spirits. otherwise, this city is open to attack. brings forth evil things” (Mt 12:35). the gospel reaching Israel in God’s The House of Israel will be Saved Pentecost, when a simple message Spiritually speaking, our enemy We must rule over our own hearts time. Meanwhile, we must embark Romans 11 records that when the led three thousand to be saved, the Separate Holy from Unholy is the devil, and the city we must if we want to step up our spiritual on our own journey of building the He measured it on the four sides; it full number of Gentiles has been Holy Spirit will descend mightily. protect is our heart. “Keep your cultivation. If we do not bring our walls of the church, through living Hearers will be filled with the Holy had a wall all around, five hundred a life of holiness and persistent reached, the house of Israel will be heart with all diligence, for out of it spirit under control and spiritually Spirit and their sufferings will be cubits long and five hundred wide, spiritual cultivation. saved. This house of Israel is not spring the issues of life” (Prov 4:23). cultivate ourselves, then we leave the same Israel that existed at the healed. They will repent and be to separate the holy areas from the The Lord Jesus also said, “A good room for the devil to tempt and time of the apostles. Nor does it baptized for the remission of sins. common. (Ezek 42:20) man out of the good treasure of his deceive. refer to the modern nation of Israel. As God promised, “They will call on Ezekiel, in his vision, saw a man It refers to the remnant of Israel My name, and I will answer them. measuring the temple’s walls with remaining after the great war (Rev I will say, ‘This is My people’; And a measuring rod. Each wall was 16:12–14; 20:1–10). When the time each one will say, ‘The LORD is my Appointed to Eternal Life five hundred rods in length. One comes, only a remnant will be saved God’ ” (Zech 13:9). rod is a cubit, equivalent to 1.5 feet. God appoints His believers to the faith in two ways. The first is when a person is born into (Rom 9:27, 29). This salvation of the house of The walls were long, thick and a believing family; he or she has the opportunity to be baptized from young and brought up in the faith. We cannot choose which family we are born into; it is God who chooses. A careful reading of biblical Israel will be the outcome of our impenetrable. Their purpose was evangelism. to separate the holy areas from the prophecy suggests that, in the Ephesians 1:4–5 tells us that we have been chosen to be children of God before the foundation of the common. That which is within the future, Israel will be involved in world. Humans experience time as past, present and future, but for God there is only the eternal present. BUILDING THE WALLS OF THE walls is holy, that which is outside a great war, where two-thirds of In the eternal past, before the heavens, earth, and humankind existed, God had foreordained us as His TRUE JESUS CHURCH is common. Israel will perish (Zech 13:7–9). The chosen in Christ. Great indeed is this grace of election which has been conferred on us from so long ago. This conviction of our status as the prophecy speaks of a great conflict true church must motivate us to The height and length of the walls among the nations of the Middle The second way that God elects a believer is by giving him an opportunity to hear the gospel, preach the gospel of the kingdom illustrate the importance God East. The small state of Israel is opening his heart to understand the mystery of the gospel and accept baptism. of heaven to all nations. However, places on holiness. The message surrounded by much larger Arab besides evangelism, we must also for us is clear: we must maintain In Acts 16, we read that Paul and his companions went to the riverside in Philippi to pray on nations, all of whom have strong guard against complacency over our holiness and sanctify ourselves the Sabbath. A group of Gentile women who worshipped the God of heaven was there. Of all military forces and are developing the state of walls of the church. As from the world. There is even a the women, the Bible only mentions one who believed in Paul’s words: Lydia. This was because advanced weapons programs. Micah prophesies: distinction between ourselves and God opened her heart and allowed her to understand the gospel. Lydia and her household were any unbelieving family members— Future warfare will likely baptized, which was the beginning of the church in Philippi, the first church in Europe. In the day when your walls are to be while they are still family, we are involve biological, nuclear and built, different. Some values and activities In other words, Lydia was foreordained because she not only had the faith to accept the gospel, but she technologically advanced weapons. In that day the decree shall go far which are acceptable in the world also had the opportunity to hear and understand it. Some people will hear, but not understand. Some This is how two-thirds will be and wide. (Mic 7:11) must be rejected because they are may never even have the opportunity to hear the true gospel. Does that mean God is unfair? Not at all. killed. The remaining third, the anathema to our faith. We must surviving remnant, will undergo An alternative translation to the For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. (1 Cor 15:22) vigilantly stay away from these and great suffering and, through this second line of this verse, offered in remain sanctified. According to this verse, the entire human race, descended from Adam, is already dead from birth. difficult process, be refined as silver the footnotes of the NKJV Holy Bible, We are born spiritually dead from our mother’s womb—we do not have the life of God in us. We are and tested as gold (Zech 13:9). is “the boundary shall be extended.” Rule over our own Spirit conceived in sin, i.e., original sin (Ps 51), and the result of sin is death (Rom 5:12). But all shall be made This speaks of the nation of Israel By that time, the True Jesus Church The second function of the wall is alive in Christ. These refer to the souls who have been pulled out of Adam and placed in Christ, being expanding her territory. Her would have preached to every to teach us to rule over our own born again through baptism. This is grace. Those who are not chosen simply remain in their prior state. preparation for this expansion is to nation, including Israel. During spirits. build her walls. Both Israel and the One analogy of this is if a wealthy philanthropist visits an orphanage to adopt some children. He this tribulation, the gospel of Christ true church are the nation of God. Whoever has no rule over his own has enough money to adopt all the orphans, but only chooses one or two. To be adopted is to will be shared with them, and This is why the Bible often uses spirit receive a generous act of charity. But the orphans left behind cannot argue that this is unjust— they will believe with conviction Israel to represent the true church. Is like a city broken down, without the philanthropist does not owe them anything. He has the right to adopt whom he chooses. that the Messiah for whom their God’s command to Israel to rebuild walls. (Prov 25:28) forefathers had waited is indeed In Adam, we were once spiritually dead in sin. Now, by God’s grace, we have been chosen the walls is also a reminder for us in Jesus Christ. They will understand “[Having] no rule over his own and placed in Christ. Whether we were born into a Christian family or were converted, God’s the true church. that the “word of truth, the gospel spirit” implies the lack of spiritual grace put us in these circumstances and gave us the faith and opportunity to believe. of…salvation” preached by the True The walls have two functions: to discipline. “A city broken down”

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church as a whole. In terms of God’s HH Ko One hundred years does not suggest ageing redemptive plan, the sprouting of A Century of Heidelberg, Germany or decline. Human beings may age, but God seed and crop production was the apostolic era. The apostolic era Grace and does not age. The church has a bright future. started off perfect. After the first downpour of the Holy Spirit, three thousand people were baptized, AMAZING GRACE: CHOSEN What is the significance of this to and another five thousand shortly BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF Spirituality us, as individuals? We have been after. The New Testament writings THE WORLD chosen in Christ. Then after we had not yet been completed and [J]ust as He chose us in Him before are baptized into Christ, we must canonized, alongside the Old THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A year-old men are rare.2 Indeed, a century of life on earth is the foundation of the world, that we remain in Christ. To this end, the Testament, into the Bible we know CENTURY: BOON OR BANE? often filled with despair. However, should be holy and without blame Bible urges us to marry in the Lord. today. So the believers listened to King Solomon was famed for his before Him in love. (Eph 1:4) Finally, those who die in Christ n English, “a century” is a for the True Jesus Church, the the teachings and the doctrines wisdom. But he realized that, are blessed. In other words, God’s neutral term, bringing to mind century milestone is neither about of the apostles (Acts 2:42). The despite his great achievements, no [God] has saved us and called us with a entire redemption began with a long period of time. However, the brevity of life nor about the latter had been directly taught I accomplishment under the sun can holy calling, not according to our works, Christ and, if we remain in Christ, the Chinese idiom “a century inevitability of death. In her early by the Lord Jesus for three years, stave off death. On one’s deathbed, but according to His own purpose and we will eventually return to Christ. later”1 carries somewhat negative years, there were skeptics who and thus conveyed His teachings wealth and wisdom are completely grace which was given to us in Christ connotations. For one thing, the did not think this small church, to the believers. This in itself was Jesus before time began. (2 Tim 1:9) As a church, what does this process useless. When Solomon was close a miracle. Even without modern crossing of the centennial mark established in China, would last of redemption mean? to death, he summarized his life in recording devices, they were able evokes uncertainty. For another, beyond fifty years. However, the [I]n hope of eternal life which God, frustration and grief: to teach accurately by holding on to “after a century” or “after a hundred church has now enjoyed one who cannot lie, promised before time The Truth Shall Prevail Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit years of age” is a euphemism Therefore I hated life because the hundred years of spirituality began. (Tit 1:2) Another parable He put forth to would bring to remembrance all for death—it is an inauspicious work that was done under the sun and grace—a century of God’s them, saying: “The kingdom of that He had spoken to them ( Jn phrase, according to Chinese was distressing to me, for all is vanity spiritual grace encapsulated in His The first aspect that we must heaven is like a man who sowed good 14:26). tradition. This century metaphor redemptive plan. treasure is the amazing grace of our and grasping for the wind.(Eccl 2:17) seed in his field. (Mt 13:24) is used in a Chinese proverb to election by God. Nothing existed As the apostolic church grew, the highlight the reality of death: In the Therefore I turned my heart and before the foundation of the world. As heirs to this blessed heritage, In this parable of the kingdom of apostles had to grapple with the mountains there are thousand-year- despaired of all the labor in which I But God already knew us and had there are important aspects to heaven, the man who sowed good challenge of tares. For example, old trees; but in the world, hundred- had toiled under the sun. (Eccl 2:20) already chosen us in Christ. His these one hundred years of grace seed represents Jesus, who came the apostle Paul established the redemption plan began even before 1 百年之后. 2 山中虽有千年树，世上难逢百岁人. that we must always cherish. to plant His word in the hearts of church in Galatia during his first the foundation of the world; His man. However, while the people missionary trip. But by the time grace was given to us even before were unaware or not vigilant (Mt of his second missionary trip, the the beginning of the world. He 13:25), Satan sowed tares—a weed Galatian church was already full of promised us eternal life even before that looks similar to wheat—and tares: life began. went on his way. The grain sprouted and produced a crop (Mt 13:26), a I marvel that you are turning away THE TRUE CHURCH IS reference to the establishment of so soon from Him who called you ESTABLISHED: ABIDING the apostolic church after Jesus in the grace of Christ, to a different IN CHRIST SINCE THE Christ’s ascension. The apostles gospel. (Gal 1:6) FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD knew that there were tares, and [T]hat in the dispensation of the that they had to be pulled out. But Paul was extremely puzzled by how fullness of the times He might gather the Lord Jesus, their Master, had quickly the Galatians were turning together in one all things in Christ, told them not to, for they might also away. We often think the apostolic both which are in heaven and which uproot the wheat (Mt 13:29). So the church was a glorious church, are on earth—in Him. (Eph 1:10) tares had to remain till the time of but that is only half the truth. The harvest, at the end of the age. apostolic church certainly began The second aspect is that the entire with perfection, but when they execution of God’s plan occurs in This parable is not directed at began their missionary work, tares Christ. individuals, but applies to the were also sown along with the good

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seed, and the tares could not be tears when he wrote the following: 13, six started with the phrase: “The had sprouted and produced a crop.” century of spirituality and grace. workers. Some denominations uprooted. Paul was well aware of kingdom of heaven is like…” These The apostles realized that there Based on Revelation, we believe have to invest many resources to this; he was very blunt about these At my first defense no one stood with six parables pertain to the kingdom were tares and wanted to destroy that we will receive the coming of send missionary teams to expand me, but all forsook me. May it not be false teachers (see Gal 6:12–13). of heaven. Of these six, the first them but, according to Jesus’ the Lord Jesus. their churches. But for us, such as charged against them. (2 Tim 4:16) three prophesied the development salvation plan, these tares were to in Uganda, there are people waiting What do you want? Shall I come to remain until “the harvest [at] the CONCLUSION: A CENTURY OF The letters to Timothy and Titus and degeneration of the apostolic for us. In fact, they have already put you with a rod, or in love and a spirit end of the age” (Mt 13:39). BLESSING reveal how many individuals church, the infiltration of heresies up a signboard proclaiming “True of gentleness? (1 Cor 4:21) Our church has reached her first deserted Paul. He could not hold and the ultimate downfall of the Jesus Church,” before the church apostolic church. The present state In short, the tares sown by the devil centennial milestone. The one The same thing happened in the them back. Everyone in Asia left has even sent workers there. We are of the True Jesus Church is captured in Jesus’ parable do not refer to hundred years of the True Jesus church at Corinth. The Corinthians him. This was how the apostolic different. God is at work. by the sixth parable—the parable of specific individuals, because none Church is different from the were not little children, but Paul church declined. We may think this the dragnet (Mt 13:47–50). of the “sons” of the wicked one pessimistic “one hundred years sternly demanded, “Do you want an inglorious end to a church that Individually, we are indescribably from the apostolic era are still alive. later” concept of the Chinese. “One me to come with a rod of discipline had begun so perfectly. But this blessed. Our membership in the iii. It is the time of harvest However, the tares the apostles hundred years” does not suggest or with a heart of love?” was God’s plan, and beyond human church is not pure chance. We were warned against still exist, and we ageing or decline. Human beings control. His thoughts are higher (Rev 14:14–20) purposefully chosen before the have to wait until the end of the age may age, but God does not age. The Such a tone of rebuke would not than ours (Isa 55:8–9). We can only The Book of Revelation describes foundation of the world. If we do for the Lord Jesus to send His angels church has a bright future. In fact, be well received in the modern accept things as they are, according the True Jesus Church today. We not cherish this blessing and leave to pull them out. Therefore, the I am very touched and encouraged church. However, if we read all to God’s plan. The apostles were well are at the time of harvest. A century the church on a whim, we will not tares refer collectively to heresies to observe that some of our the epistles, we would find very aware of this. They could not uproot ago, the True Jesus Church was be able to return. and sons of the wicked one. youths have surpassed our former few which are free of rebuke. In all the tares; the apostolic church was established in Beijing, China. In the these epistolary books, we may find generations in knowledge and zeal. eventually overwhelmed by these beginning, the church grew towards From Revelation chapter 14, we And anyone not found written in the pleasant greetings at the beginning tares. Yet, Professor Stark estimated increasing perfection. However, see that the time of the harvest is God’s grace will continue, and the Book of Life was cast into the lake of and warm farewells at the end, but that beyond 300 C.E., the Christian in the last ten to fifteen years, during the time of the True Jesus gospel will continue to be preached. fire. (Rev 20:15) there are also many words of rebuke population had reached thirty there appears to have been a lot of Church. Overall, the 144,000 people When we look back, we may be in between. million. This is closely related to confusion and chaos in the church. in verses 1 to 5 refer to the ark of the surprised at how this church was In the world, we are taught to take what Jesus said in Matthew 13:31–32. Yet, when we carefully consider the In general, it is believed that the last days, the True Jesus Church; able to expand. But we must not charge of our destiny, to work hard, statistics, the church has actually the six angels thereafter refer to the be complacent. We have members and put in every effort for success. apostolic age did not last more The apostolic church declined, the expanded the fastest in the past process of harvesting. in some countries where we have than a hundred years. Rodney apostolic age ended, and the true We are told to have a world-changing fifteen years. Almost every year, we been unable to establish churches, Stark, a professor of Sociology and church was revived in the last days; dream, and then exert every sinew hear of the gospel reaching a new In this end time, the True Jesus because we do not have enough Comparative Religion, estimated these three different stages are to make that dream come true. But country. Today, we have churches Church will preach the complete that by the end of the first century, outlined in the Scriptures. when it comes to salvation, the Bible in more than sixty countries. In gospel to the ends of the earth, as the total Christian population was tells us that we were chosen by God the first fifteen years of the church, witnesses to all nations; then the 7,530.3 How can this be possible i. People will be hard of before the foundation of the world. she certainly did not grow this Lord Jesus will come again. By that when the apostolic church—in the hearing (Isa 6:9–10) If our name is found in the Book fast. Importantly, throughout this time, the gospel will be thoroughly early years of her establishment— of Life, it is not because we have The prophet Isaiah foretold the expansion, the church has never pure. According to Revelation, in had baptized thousands? Even if the written it in ourselves. The grace state of the late apostolic church. wavered from her articles of faith. the process of church growth, there members of the apostolic church of salvation is truly grace; it is not The Lord Jesus made a similar With better exposition of her will be much confusion and chaos. did not preach, their offspring given to us because of something prophecy by citing the passage from beliefs, the truth of the True Jesus In Revelation 16:13, we read of three alone would have swelled their we have done. But having received Isaiah chapter 6. At the end of the Church remains pure. mouths: the mouths of the dragon, numbers beyond ten thousand. So, apostolic age, Paul stated the same the beast, and the false prophet. this divine and amazing grace, we it can only be that, although many truth (Acts 28:26–27)—the hearts of From Jesus’ description and This reminds us of the power of the must ensure our names remain people believed, many also left. the people had grown dull and their explanation of the parable of the internet and mass media. But the in the Book of Life. Otherwise, we ears were hard of hearing. Paul tares, the “tares” do not refer to chaos cannot, and will not, hinder will be cast into the lake of fire. The Do Not Be Discouraged by repeated this warning to Timothy (2 individual believers. Right after the development of the true church. Holy City, the New Jerusalem, the Desertion Tim 4:3–4). Jesus scattered the good seeds, at From Revelation chapter 14, as soon church, will be perfected. Do not be The last years of Paul’s life were a the beginning of the apostolic era, as Jesus thrusts in the sickle, the distracted by the minority who has sad time for him. He was probably in ii. There will be confusion (Mt 13) when no one took notice, the devil harvest will be complete. Therefore, been cast aside because of pride 3 Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Among the series of parables sowed tares among the wheat, the century that the True Jesus and sin. Let us treasure our status Reconsiders History (New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1996), 7. spoken by Jesus in Matthew chapter which appeared when “the grain Church has come through was a True Jesus Church in Edinburgh, UK. and boldly preach the truth.

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When God’s nation prospers and the Jesus for good works (Eph 2:8–10). rain, and is the restored apostolic Vincent Yeung borders of His land expand, He is When Jesus accomplished His church. Cambridge, UK Where is the glorified (Isa 26:15). But is this purely work of salvation on earth, He was a numbers game, represented by an glorified and God was glorified in However, by no stretch of the increase in believers and churches, Him (Jn 13:31; 17:4). In the same vein, imagination could we describe House that You Will or is there more to it? Ultimately, in those who belong to Jesus bring the present church as having what ways should the church grow glory to Him through their actions surpassed the glory of the apostolic to bring glory to God? ( Jn 17:10; 2 Thess 1:11–12). If we live church. During a recent spiritual a Christ-like life by demonstrating convocation, a preacher cited the Build Me? AN UNREALIZED PROMISE: good works and godly nature, we example of an exemplary church THE GLORY OF THE LATTER showcase the glory of God. We are where brethren and truth-seekers TEMPLE SHALL BE GREATER glorified in Him, and He in us. gathered for a week to study the When the exiled Jews returned truth from morning to midnight. He newly engaged couple “Heaven is My throne, sign of growth and an expression to Jerusalem from Babylon, they Does the glory of the latter temple also testified of a third-generation discuss where they will And earth is My footstool. of the members’ devotion and endured much hardship and had refer to the apostolic church? True Jesus Church member who Alive after they are married. Where is the house that you will build commitment. However, the meager resources with which Without a doubt, the apostolic rejuvenated his faith by joining a The bride-to-be asks her fiancé, Me? splendor of a church building to rebuild the temple. On its church started with a bang when the missionary trip to Africa. Witnessing “What sort of house are you going And where is the place of My rest?” does not directly correlate to the completion, God asked those Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost God’s work firsthand inspired this to buy me?” This is not an unusual (Isa 66:1) spirituality of its occupants. What who had survived the destruction (Acts 2). As Jesus had prophesied, brother to truly believe in God for question. But what if the bride- matters to God are the hearts of the in 586 B.C.E. to compare the new the kingdom of God was established the first time. We view these two to-be is wealthy and already has God has everything in His believers: temple with Solomon’s temple. His with power (Mk 9:1). However, examples as rare occurrences everything she could want or need? possession; what more can we offer question was rhetorical because the the church gradually became today, but such experiences were This changes the context of the Him? “For all those things My hand has second temple obviously paled in institutionalized and deviated from commonplace in the apostolic time. question completely; the house is made, comparison to the original (Hag 2:3). the truth as heresies crept in. The no longer a necessity but serves as In recent years, the True Jesus And all those things exist,” But it set the scene for a prophecy: Holy Spirit eventually departed A cursory look at the early apostolic a token of love. Church has seen many places Says the LORD. the glory of the latter temple would and no longer dwelled with the church, the model church, reveals of worship spring up across the “But on this one will I look: be greater than the former. This secularized church. Nevertheless, what the glory of God looks like globe, as more congregations On him who is poor and of a contrite When God posed this question to was the promise of the Almighty God’s will cannot be thwarted. (Acts 2:40–47). The members were have acquired buildings for their spirit, steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine; His chosen people, there was a God who would fill the temple with worship and evangelism needs. And who trembles at My word.” The prophets Isaiah and Micah they continued daily with one accord similar implication: glory (Hag 2:5–8). Many see a newly built church as a (Isa 66:2) spoke of how the mountain of God’s and had everything in common so As we know, the physical temple house would be established and that no one lacked anything; they was eventually destroyed by the exalted above the hills (Isa 2:2–4; feared God and possessed gladness Romans in 70 C.E., without God’s Mic 4:1–3). These prophecies point and simplicity of heart. As a result, prophecy coming to pass. Instead, to the glory of the future church, to God blessed them with wonders this prophecy was to be fulfilled which all true believers will stream. and signs, adding to their numbers spiritually in the coming of the This is realized in the True Jesus daily. church (1 Cor 3:16–17; Eph 2:20–22). Church, which was established by But how would the latter temple be the Lord Jesus through the Holy Many in the West, including True greater than the first, and to which Spirit in the time of the latter Jesus Church members, have never epoch of church history does the prophecy refer? Many see a newly built church as a sign As mentioned above, Isaiah 66:1–2 shows that our hearts matter more of growth and an expression of the members’ to God than physical buildings. The devotion and commitment. However, the people of God cannot find glory by splendor of a church building does not directly their own means; God is their glory, correlate to the spirituality of its occupants. just as He is glorified through His people (Isa 60:19, 21). They are the What matters to God are the hearts of the work of His hands, created in Christ believers. True Jesus Church in Taungzalat, Kalay, Myanmar.

12 13 Theme Theme experienced events like those If we live a Christ-like life by and exhibitionism, rewarding the mentioned in the Book of Acts. To individual’s pride and vanity. Paul them, God is remote, only to be demonstrating good works and godly nature, called these people of the end time discovered in the distant past or we showcase the glory of God. We are glorified “lovers of themselves” and “lovers in a far-off land. In the prophet in Him, and He in us. of money” (2 Tim 3:2). Jeremiah’s time, he had to convince his countrymen that God was not Though such extreme behavior just the God of Israel, but also the discussing the last days do not refer in ruins (Hag 1:4). Paul reminded is rare in the church, an insidious all-powerful God of the universe to the future, but to the rebirth the members to set their minds on sense of apathy towards the needs ( Jer 23:23). Today, it is the reverse: of the world, instituted by Jesus’ things above (Col 3:2), knowing that of others and the common good we need to persuade our members ministry, and His lasting legacy. those with families would always of the community can creep into that God is not just the ruler of the This line of thinking is attractive to put the latter before God (1 Cor 7:33). the congregation. This is one of heavens far away, but is also nearby liberal Christians who focus only on John likewise exhorted believers, the greatest dangers in the end and personal. We can experience the love and goodness of God while “Do not love the world” (1 Jn 2:15). time—the growing apathy and Him right here and now without disregarding His judgment. Such a We need to reset our life’s direction disinterest towards our brethren. the need to go abroad. So what is view is contradictory to the Bible and reignite our zeal for the Some members are only interested and the beliefs of the true church. coming kingdom. Paul’s heavenly in their own matters, doing the bare stopping us from knowing God True Jesus Church in Adam Road, Singapore. intimately and being inspired to However, some True Jesus Church hope enabled him to experience minimum for the church and leaving glorify Him through our actions? believers behave as though they the power of renewal (2 Cor 4:16). the “heavy lifting” to the ministers we love and serve because Jesus did trusting that the Lord will provide agree with this type of theology, The early church was devoted to and church board members. the same. If we manifest His love and will multiply the seeds we sow going about their lives as though God’s teaching and fellowship to others, then He is glorified (Mk and the fruits of our righteousness A LACK OF URGENCY Self-centeredness is the complete Jesus’ second coming will never (Acts 2:42, 46). Luke used the term 10:45; 1 Pet 4:8–11). (2 Cor 9:10). opposite to Jesus’ nature. He took The disciples truly believed that happen. For them, now is the time προσκαρτερέω (proskartereó), which the form of a bondservant, the the second coming of Jesus would to be rooted in the world. God can is translated as “devote, continuing, The early apostolic church was A LACK OF PURITY occur in their lifetime. Before Jesus’ likeness of man, humbling Himself wait; the church can wait; spiritual steadfast, persevere and be constantly blessed by God. He increased their The half-hearted efforts of ascension to heaven, they asked and becoming obedient to the point cultivation can wait; and Christ’s diligent.” If we reawaken this desire to number daily and gave them signs God’s people did not produce a Him, “Lord, will You at this time of death (Phil 2:7–9). He became second coming can wait. Such draw near to God ( Jas 4:8), then God and wonders because they knew magnificent second temple (Hag restore the kingdom to Israel?” poor so that we could become rich believers feel no sense of urgency will manifest Himself to us, just as He how to love, share and give (Acts 2:3). But God did not associate (Acts 1:6). The imminence of God’s (2 Cor 8:9). We should emulate this whatsoever. did in the apostolic church. 2:44–45). Today, we encounter many their failure with a lack of material kingdom was never far from the self-sacrifice. We need to progress obstacles to our growth, but often, resources; after all, gold and silver apostles’ minds. Jesus preached What about ourselves? We often from being unlike Christ to “Christ- A LACK OF LOVE: SELF- we set up our own roadblocks. belong to Him. The disappointing that the kingdom of God was at prioritize our life and work, and lite,” and, eventually, to Christ- CENTEREDNESS We have insufficient manpower, outcome was a product of their hand and that some of the apostles allocate any remaining time and like. Paul exhorted the Ephesian insufficient funds for church uncleanness (Hag 2:13). As a result, would witness its arrival (Mk 1:15; energy to church. When our Jesus prophesied that the love members to transition from buildings, and insufficient numbers fifty measures became twenty, and 9:1). Paul wrote, “The night is far personal schedule clashes with the of many would grow cold in the learning the theoretical aspects of volunteers dedicating themselves twenty became ten (Hag 2:16). Their spent, the day is at hand” (Rom church timetable, it is usually our last days because of deception, of being like Christ to actually to full-time ministry. These result effort was ineffective because they 13:12a), and even encouraged those service to God that suffers. How betrayal, hate and the increase of becoming like Him, by putting on from self-centeredness, because we did not turn to God and set their who had wives to be “as though many times have we skipped church lawlessness (Mt 24:4–12). Today, we the new man in true righteousness care for ourselves and our families heart on Him (Hag 2:17–18). constantly hear news of terrorist and holiness (Eph 4:20–24). True they had none” because time was services or rushed off early because more than we do for the body of attacks, scams, social injustice, righteousness is not accomplished short (1 Cor 7:29). Luke notes, before of private or work engagements? Christ. We need to learn from the We can clearly see how God and allegations of misinformation. through word alone, but also action. sharing the parable of the minas, Church projects are delayed and early church’s spirit of offering, responded to Israel’s uncleanness that his contemporaries thought deadlines missed. Yet, we defend We simply do not know what or And even when we carry out acts of the kingdom of God would appear our actions by stating that we are whom to trust. Individuals take righteousness and love, we do not immediately (Lk 19:11). In hindsight, mostly volunteers, after all. Surely, a defensive stance to safeguard do it to gain admiration (1 Jn 3:18; An insidious sense of apathy towards the we know that their thinking was such delays are inevitable. their own interests, as well as Rom 12:9). God is love; hence, we needs of others and the common good of the incorrect. But today, the pendulum to protect themselves and their should abide in His love (1 Jn 4:16). has swung the other way. This complacency is not new. When families from harm. In the last two We imitate His love by loving our community can creep into the congregation. the exiles returned to Jerusalem, decades, society has been trending brethren and serving the church, This is one of the greatest dangers in the end A branch of eschatology known they busied themselves with towards self-centeredness. Reality both of which require self-sacrifice time—the growing apathy and disinterest as “realized eschatology” holds building their own homes and television and social media sway (1 Jn 4:20–21). While doing such acts, that the New Testament passages livelihoods, while God’s house lay the public towards narcissism we do not expect repayment; rather, towards our brethren.

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HOW CAN WE BECOME A and half-heartedness. During as an example for others to follow where do we get the motivation to We simply need to open our hearts those times, the Israelites suffered (1 Thess 1:8). The three greatest GLORIOUS CHURCH? transform? We are motivated by much loss. When the people turned Christian attributes are faith, love, When we reflect on our spiritual God’s love. and allow God’s love to be poured in and to from God, Moses warned them and hope (1 Cor 13:13); and these state and that of the church, it overflow. The Holy Spirit has not only allowed not to fight the Amalekites and intangible attributes are manifested can seem a long way off from the Paul was deeply touched by God’s us to imbibe God’s love, but His transforming glorious latter temple that God love, as he viewed Christ’s death the Canaanites because God was in the form of work, labor, and power has also set us free from sin not with them. They did not listen patience (1 Thess 1:3). foresaw. We want to dedicate from a personal perspective: and suffered defeat (Num 14:43, 45). our life to God, but we are easily “[Christ] loved me and gave Himself Later, they would again be defeated The author of Hebrews exhorts the distracted. We want to believe, but for me” (Gal 2:20). Again, he writes: purity and sincerity, then Jesus will glorified in all things (Acts 2:46; 2 by the men of Ai because of the sin believers to regain their spiritual our faith is insufficient. We want to be glorified in us, and us in Him. Cor 9:13; 1 Pet 4:11). For the love of Christ compels us, be- of one person, Achan ( Josh 7:5, 11–13). vitality and “strengthen the hands love, but we only love those who love cause we judge thus: that if One died which hang down, and the feeble us (Mt 5:46). We proclaim that we CONCLUSION Jesus promised His believers that for all, then all died; and He died for When a church is not progressing, knees” (Heb 12:12–13). The way to uphold the truth, but we tread the they would go on to do greater works all, that those who live should live no When the first temple was same path as the Jews, who prided than He has done (Jn 14:12). The her members should reflect on do this is to pursue holiness (Heb completed, God made His presence themselves on knowing the Law but longer for themselves, but for Him why that might be. The church 12:14). God is holy, so He expects felt by filling the temple with His prophecy of the Bible is not a futile failed to instruct themselves in it who died for them and rose again. could be lukewarm, neither hot nor His people to be holy (1 Pet 1:15–17); glory (1 Kgs 8:11). In the apostolic hope; the glory of the latter temple (Rom 2:20–24). Love, hope, faith and (2 Cor 5:14–15) cold, like the church in Laodicea. but when His children are stiff- church, God’s glory was manifested will surely surpass that of the first purity are the key building blocks of God described the Laodiceans as necked and corrupt, He will not Paul’s love for God is demonstrated inwardly in the unity of the temple, but only when we revive the our belief. But the greatest danger poor, blind and naked (Rev 3:16–17): dwell with them, lest He consume by his “earnest desire” and believers, their fellowship, gladness, zeal for God’s coming. We should for believers today is not practicing poor because they were spiritually them (Ex 33:3–5; 32:7–9). To become “groan[ing]” to be with Christ (Phil simplicity of heart, and their “groan within ourselves, eagerly what they preach, and know, to impoverished; blind because they holy, we need to control our minds 1:23; 2 Cor 5:2; Rom 8:23). We need to steadfast adherence to the apostles’ waiting” for it, with perseverance be the truth. Belief is tainted with could not see their faults (Rev 3:18); and be obedient (1 Pet 1:13–14). have this same desire in order to be teachings. Outwardly, God’s glory (Rom 8:23, 25). With this renewed disbelief (Mk 9:24), actions are and naked because they lacked He who sanctifies himself will be transformed by the love of Christ. was manifested in selfless sacrifice, focus and transformed mind and inhibited by procrastination, and good deeds and righteousness considered a “vessel for honor, signs and miracles, praises to God, heart, we shall willingly dedicate our desire to draw near to God is (Rev 16:15; 19:8). The prosperity of sanctified and useful for the Master, Can we experience the same love and the steady increase of believers our life to God (Rom 12:1–2). If we hindered by our love of this world a church does not depend on her prepared for every good work” (2 that transformed Paul? Absolutely! (Acts 2:40–47). can lead this holy and selfless life, (Mt 13:22). material wealth and the grandeur Tim 2:20–21). A sanctified church God has given us His Holy Spirit, steadfast in the teaching of the Bible, God will manifest His glory in of the building, but on her spiritual will be blessed with God’s abidance We need to overcome this inertia by the same Spirit who transformed When many accept the grace of vitality. A spiritually vibrant church and power, which bring forth fruits not just knowing or doing God’s will, Paul. By this Spirit, the love of God the gospel, their thanksgiving our life and in the church. is able to project her faith within of righteousness, to the glory and but by transforming and renewing has been poured out in our hearts abounds to the glory of God (2 Cor her four walls and beyond, serving praise of God (Phil 1:11). our minds (Rom 12:2). Knowing the (Rom 5:5). We simply need to open 4:15). If we wish to see Haggai’s truth is important, but we focus our hearts and allow God’s love to prophecy realized, then we need more on knowledge at the expense be poured in and to overflow. The to have the same conviction as of action. Doing good is important, Holy Spirit has not only allowed Paul, who, quoting Psalm 116:10, but we do it inconsistently, us to imbibe God’s love, but His writes: “I believed and therefore sometimes reluctantly. This attitude transforming power has also set us I spoke” (2 Cor 4:13). The early can only get us so far. free from sin (Rom 8:1–2). The word church flourished not because of God can sanctify us, but we need the members were eloquent or The Bible prophesied that in God’s power to carry out the word well-versed in the Scriptures, but God’s holy mountain, the church, and to obey the truth by which our because they played their part in there would be no pain. The souls are purified ( Jn 17:17; 1 Pet propagating the gospel. Ordinary wolf, bear, lion and leopard will 1:22). With this transformation, believers took the initiative to become harmless—not because God’s law is imprinted on our spread the word without waiting they are tamed, but because they hearts and minds ( Jer 31:33). With for instruction. They took up the are transformed (Isa 11:6–10). In our fleshly heart sensitive to ministry to preach to the Greeks the same vein, Paul exhorts the God’s love, we will be saved from and the hand of God was with them, believers to be renewed in spirit, to defilement (Ezek 36:26–27, 29). If we bringing many to believe (Acts put off the old man and put on the fulfill His goodness and the work 11:19–21). Their devotion, obedience, new man created in righteousness of faith with power (2 Thess 1:11– liberal sharing and selfless service True Jesus Church youths manning an evangelism stall in Newcastle, UK. and true holiness (Eph 4:22–24). But 12), practicing brotherly love with did not go unnoticed, so God was

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for circumcision and the extension Steven Shek of salvation grace to the Gentiles), Edinburgh, UK the Holy Spirit guided the apostolic church to understand fully Amos’ Our prophecy: “On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has Story fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, INTRODUCTION And rebuild it as in the days of old; That they may possess the remnant raise the Lord Jesus Christ When the Bible mentions Zion, Jerusalem or of Edom, that we have been born within the city, it often refers, in a spiritual sense, to the And all the Gentiles who are called by the century of the True Jesus P church. God repeatedly prophesied that He would My name,” Church’s establishment in 1917. This establish His church (His kingdom) on earth Says the LORD who does this thing. is, indeed, God’s grace and mercy. (Amos 9:11–12) Not only that, it is God’s grace that through the downpour of the Holy Spirit. being preached and practiced, false two time-periods. How would this we can read the Scriptures to see It is also God’s plan to save the humility and corruption reigned. restoration come about? According the next phase of God’s plan for His Gentiles. When the entire church occurred for the first time during Jews; however, through the grace to Isaiah, God will reveal the church. believed and accepted God’s Pentecost, as recorded in Acts. of Jesus’ death, it is now open to RESTORING THE APOSTOLIC unfaithful, the unrepentant, and inclusion of the Gentiles, the gospel all. After the fulfillment of Joel’s CHURCH: A FAITHFUL CITY those who create divisions in the THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH: A However, before the apostolic prospered even further: “the word prophecy, that God would “pour Despite the decline of the apostolic church (Isa 1:24–31). He will then RUINED CITY church was established, Jesus of the Lord grew mightily and out [His] Spirit on all flesh.…That church, God’s foreknowledge and send true disciples to strengthen When the Bible mentions Zion, explained how He, the Savior, had prevailed” (Acts 19:20). whoever calls on the name of the enduring mercy give us, True vulnerable and weak members: Jerusalem or the city, it often refers, come to fulfill the Law and the Jesus Church members in the God’s work is not just in the in a spiritual sense, to the church. Prophets, which foreshadowed His LORD shall be saved” ( Joel 2:28–32), Yet, God had already foreseen that end time, hope and strength. The cleansing but also the strengthening God repeatedly prophesied that He coming and sacrifice. Thus, He the gospel converted Jews and the apostolic church would become Scriptures prophesied not only of His church. Micah prophesies would establish His church (His revealed to us His divinity and the Gentiles alike. Despite the early unfaithful (Isa 1:21). Paul’s numerous the establishment of the apostolic that many will hear God’s words, kingdom) on earth through the direction of the church. Previously, confusion and challenges that this warnings to guard against false church, but also the true church but some will refuse to listen and downpour of the Holy Spirit, which salvation was granted only to the created (e.g., debates over the need teachings indicate that the church suffered serious spiritual attacks. today: will continue in their own ways or Heresies infiltrated believers’ worship gods of their own making. I will restore your judges as at the hearts through “persuasive words” first, based on “philosophy and empty However, God’s foreknowledge And your counselors as at the deceit,” causing believers to be brings comfort: there will be those beginning. hooked by worldly concepts rather whose faith, while initially weak, is Afterward you shall be called the city than the teachings of Christ (Col genuine and will be strengthened of righteousness, the faithful city. 2:4, 8). The church deteriorated by allowing God to rule in their (Isa 1:26) further when some began to teach lives, “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” so-called doctrines based on “fables It shall come to pass in that day (2 Cor 10:4–5). Zechariah prophesies and endless genealogies” (1 Tim 1:3– That the Lord shall set His hand 4). Leaders and ordinary members again the second time. (Isa 11:11a) that, in the latter days, the weak will resisted the truth. The situation become strong: became so bad that Jude fought for These verses outline the restoration the truth to save members from of the apostolic church as a faithful [O]ne who is feeble among them in godless deceivers, who served only city, and align with the scriptural that day shall be like David, and the themselves (Jude 12–13). Before Paul pattern of prophecies regarding house of David shall be like God, like died, believers had left the church the former and latter rain—the the Angel of the LORD before them. in droves and, instead of Jesus’ truth downpour of the Holy Spirit in (Zech 12:8)

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continue the story of God’s church: How would this restoration come about? Philip Shee According to Isaiah, God will reveal the Go into all the world and preach the Singapore unfaithful, the unrepentant, and those who gospel to every creature. (Mk 16:15) In Search create divisions in the church (Isa 1:24–31). Finally, we must revive the spirit of He will then send true disciples to strengthen the apostolic church in our hearts, of the according to the mercy of Jesus True Church vulnerable and weak members: God’s work Christ: is not just in the cleansing but also the To them God willed to make known strengthening of His church. what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is he Christian world comprises of that body, being many, are one Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Today, we have the privilege of with pure water. Let us hold fast Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him diverse denominations that body, so also is Christ.…But now Spirit. Likewise, on baptism, some seeing this wonderful prophecy the confession of our hope without we preach, warning every man and Thave emerged or evolved indeed there are many members, advocate immersion, while others being fulfilled, as we continue to wavering, for He who promised is teaching every man in all wisdom, because of historical, political and yet one body” (1 Cor 12:12, 20). The endorse alternative modes; some build up the church. faithful. (Heb 10:22–23) that we may present every man doctrinal developments. Whilst question is, can different Christian perform infant baptism, while perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I modern ecumenical movements denominations be reckoned as others oppose the practice. The also labour, striving according to His THE STORY CONTINUES WITH Second, as we work together to may seek to bring these groups members of the same body? diverse characteristics of various working which works in me mightily. US build up the church, we must together in a bid for commonality, denominations mean that they (Col 1:27–29) it remains undeniable that some of From the Scriptures, we have seen encourage each other: In expanding on the teaching of do not uphold a common faith. the differences are fundamental. the story of God’s church, our We ask the Lord to pour His Spirit the one body, Paul highlighted In light of this, it is incorrect to And let us consider one another in Indeed, the diversity of belief among own story, unfold. The following on us in the time of the latter rain, its link to “one Spirit, one hope, conclude that all denominations are order to stir up love and good works, the denominations is at odds with passages eloquently sum up what so that “according to the power that one Lord, one faith, one baptism, members of the same body. Against not forsaking the assembling of our- the biblical concept of the church. remains for us to do. works in us…[God may be glorified] one God and Father” (Eph 4:4–6a). this backdrop, it is important for us selves together, as is the manner of in the church by Christ Jesus to The Bible’s stance is that the church It leads us to reflect that, while to understand the attributes of the First, we must draw closer to God: some, but exhorting one another, and all generations, forever and ever. is the body of Christ (Eph 1:23; Col different denominations may claim church from a biblical perspective, so much the more as you see the Day Amen” (Eph 3:20a–21). 1:18) and that there is but “one body” to uphold one hope, one Lord, one in order to determine the true [L]et us draw near with a true heart approaching. (Heb 10:24–25) God and Father, it is debatable church of God. in full assurance of faith, having (Eph 4:4). This concept is reinforced whether they have the same Spirit our hearts sprinkled from an evil Third, as believers in the end time, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: and baptism. These churches have The church established in the conscience and our bodies washed we must also prepare ourselves to “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members differing views about receiving the apostolic era is clearly the model we

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should use as a benchmark as we it is the Spirit who bears witness, the old man is crucified with Him, give you the keys of the kingdom of navigate the plethora of Christian The diverse characteristics of various because the Spirit is truth. For so that the body of sin may be done heaven, and whatever you bind on groups that exist today. After all, the denominations mean that they do not uphold a there are three that bear witness in away with (Rom 6:6–7). earth will be bound in heaven, and apostolic church was established common faith. In light of this, it is incorrect to heaven: the Father, the Word, and whatever you loose on earth will be But how can the blood of Jesus as one integrated organization conclude that all denominations are members the Holy Spirit; and these three loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:18b–19) with a common set of beliefs, even are one. And there are three that be in the water during baptism? though she gradually branched out of the same body. Against this backdrop, it is bear witness on earth: the Spirit, The passage above states the The keys of heaven have been given geographically. In contrast, the important for us to understand the attributes water, and the blood; and these three entities on earth that bear to the church and, with them, the denominations we see today have of the church from a biblical perspective, in three agree as one. (1 Jn 5:6–8) witness: “the Spirit, water, and the authority to bind or loosen on earth, emerged as a result of complex blood.” While a human minister triggering corresponding results in social, political and religious order to determine the true church of God. The gospels tell us that John the on earth physically administers heaven. Hence, the church plays a developments over the course of Baptist came only by “water,” water baptism, the Holy Spirit is at key role in facilitating our entry history. of them was the great commission BAPTISM: A PREREQUISITE meaning that the baptism he work to enable the blood of Jesus into the kingdom of heaven through to go into the entire world to preach FOR SALVATION performed did not have the efficacy to be present in the water. For this the removal of sins. This is further ESTABLISHED AND SENT BY the gospel and to baptize (Mt 28:19; 1. The Remission of Sin of blood. In contrast, Jesus came reason, water baptism is effective reinforced in the message of Jesus, for the remission of sins. Hence, THE HOLY SPIRIT Mk 16:15–16). But interestingly, When Jesus commanded His by “water and blood.” Not only did when He appeared to His disciples He institute baptism and command Paul says, it is “by one Spirit [that] The apostolic church was instead of hastening their despatch disciples, “Go into all the world to after His resurrection: His disciples to administer it, He we were all baptized into one body” established when the Holy Spirit into the world, He instructed them preach the gospel to every creature” also shed His blood for remission (1 Cor 12:13a). So Jesus said to them again, “Peace was poured down on the day of not to depart from Jerusalem, but (Mk 16:15), He followed with the to first wait for the promised Holy of sins. Without this sacrifice, the to you! As the Father has sent Me, Pentecost, according to the plan teaching, “He who believes and is The next question is, what role has Spirit (Acts 1:4–5). He added that remission of sin cannot happen. I also send you.” And when He had and promise of the Lord. Heeding baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16a). the church in all of this? But with it, baptism is the avenue said this, He breathed on them, Jesus’ instruction, the apostles and when the Holy Spirit came upon From these words we understand by which one’s sins are cleansed by and said to them, “Receive the Holy early believers, about 120 in total, them, they would “be witnesses to that, after believing in Christ, we THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE His blood. Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, were gathered with one accord Me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, have to receive baptism to be saved. CHURCH they are forgiven them; if you retain in Jerusalem, waiting for the Holy and to the end of the earth” (Acts Peter explained why on the day of This is supported by Paul’s 1. The Keys to the Kingdom of the sins of any, they are retained.” Spirit (Acts 1:4–5). After the Holy 1:8). Since the commission to Pentecost. When the people, cut to explanation to the Romans that Heaven (Jn 20:21–23) Spirit was poured down (Acts preach the gospel was undeniably the heart by Peter’s message, asked through baptism one dies with “[A]nd on this rock I will build My 2:1–4), Peter stood up to testify for urgent, why did the Lord hold them what they should do, he responded, Christ, and is buried and raised with church, and the gates of Hades shall This aligns the authority of the the Lord. Three thousand were back until the downpour of the Holy “Repent, and let every one of you Him (Rom 6:3–4). In the process, not prevail against it. And I will church “to bind” with that of converted, and the apostolic church Spirit? be baptized in the name of Jesus was established. Thereafter, the Christ for the remission of sins; “For whoever calls on the name of the believers gathered regularly for and you shall receive the gift of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall worship and preached the gospel Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). These verses they call on Him in whom they have actively, resulting in the Lord highlight that baptism is for the not believed? And how shall they adding souls to the church daily remission of sins, and is necessary believe in Him of whom they have (Acts 2:38–47). for salvation. not heard? And how shall they hear This entire sequence of events, without a preacher? And how shall 2. The Blood of Christ from the resurrection of Christ, His they preach unless they are sent?” Baptism is a clear instruction appearance and instructions to His (Rom 10:13–15) from Christ, which we need to disciples, to the downpour of the fulfill for the remission of sins. But This passage states that only those Holy Spirit at Pentecost, reinforces how do we reconcile this with the who are sent shall preach. And this the indispensable role of the Holy understanding that it is ultimately is the reason why the Lord held the Spirit in the commission of the the blood of Christ that has the disciples back. They had to receive church. power to wash sins away (1 Jn 1:7)? the Holy Spirit in order to be “sent.” After Jesus’ resurrection, He Likewise, only the church with the This is He who came by water and appeared to His disciples and gave Holy Spirit is “sent” to preach the blood—Jesus Christ; not only by them a series of instructions. One gospel. water, but by water and blood. And

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retaining one’s sins, and “to loose” mature “in the unity of the faith… From these passages, we know that them and confirming the word with the forgiveness of sins. This to the measure of the stature of the the Holy Spirit plays a key role in through the accompanying signs” authority is given through the Holy fullness of Christ…[where they are helping us understand the complete (Mk 16: 20). Spirit. When the church administers no longer] children, tossed to and truth as taught by Jesus. This is water baptism, the church releases fro and carried about with every illustrated by how it was only after While the manifestation of the or loosens the recipient from sin. wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:13–14). He His resurrection that the disciples Holy Spirit in signs, wonders and Likewise, when the church decides exhorted the Philippians to “[hold] remembered and understood what miracles is another key attribute of against administering baptism, fast the word of life” (Phil 2:16). Jesus really meant about the temple the true church, we must also be or exercises church discipline He told the Colossians, “Beware being raised in three days ( Jn 2:19– discerning. Not all manifestations in the world are necessarily of the through the ex-communication of lest anyone cheat you through 22). Subsequently, when John wrote Holy Spirit, and neither do they erring believers, the church binds philosophy and empty deceit… his first epistle and discussed the necessarily point to the true church. or retains the sins of believers (Mt according to the basic principles discernment of spirits, one practice As Jesus Himself warned: 18:15–18). of the world, and not according to he advocated was to test if the spirit Christ” (Col 2:8). And he reflected is of truth or of error. To do so, one In short, we can see that having “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, to the Thessalonians on how God has to compare the teachings being the abidance of the Holy Spirit is Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of espoused with the teachings of the an indispensable attribute of the had “[chosen them] for salvation heaven….Many will say to Me in that true church. This is the reason through sanctification by the Spirit apostles (1 Jn 4:1–6). This aligns with day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not proph- that Jesus instructed His disciples and belief in the truth” (2 Thess 2:13). Paul’s warning that one should not esied in Your name, cast out demons believe any other gospel besides to wait for the Holy Spirit before God has revealed them to us through preach a diverse range of doctrines in Your name, and done many won- As we recognize the complete that which was originally delivered, setting forth to preach and baptize. His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all and practices, begs the question of ders in Your name?’ And then I will truth as an indispensable attribute not even if Paul himself or an angel It is only through the Holy Spirit things, yes, the deep things of God. whether they are all aligned with declare to them, ‘I never knew you; in the church, we should further from heaven should happen to be that the church has the authority For what man knows the things of the original teachings of Jesus and depart from Me, you who practice appreciate the significant role of the bearer of the message (Gal 1:6– to carry out this commission in His a man except the spirit of the man the apostolic church. The Bible is lawlessness!’ ” (Mt 7:21–23) the Holy Spirit. When Jesus assured 9). name. Without the Holy Spirit, the which is in him? Even so no one clear that the truth must not be His disciples that He would not Signs, wonders and miracles administration of baptism is not knows the things of God except by the changed through time: there should leave them as orphans after His Paul also pointed out that when are not the main focus in God’s effective for the forgiveness of sins. Spirit of God. Now we have received, be nothing added, subtracted or departure, He revealed that they he and the apostles preached, ministry. Rather, they go hand in not the spirit of the world, but the altered. The truth is “the faith would be given another Helper—the they did so “not with persuasive hand with the gospel that is taught 2. The Holy Spirit and the Truth Spirit who is from God, that we might which was once for all delivered to Holy Spirit—who is also the Spirit of words of human wisdom, but in by the church; their purpose is to Another indispensable attribute of know the things that have been freely the saints” ( Jude 3b). This links to demonstration of the Spirit and “confirm the word” and to “bear the church is the complete truth truth. The Holy Spirit would teach given to us by God. These things we Paul’s encouragement to Timothy: of power” (1 Cor 2:4). He further witness” of the genuine gospel. For that leads to salvation. As Paul says, them all things and bring to their also speak, not in words which man’s “Take heed to yourself and to the one to determine the true church, the church is the “pillar and ground remembrance the words spoken by mentioned that the content of his wisdom teaches, but which the Holy doctrine. Continue in them, for one has to discern the evidence of of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15), which the Lord Jesus (Jn 14:16–18, 24). Jesus preaching was the “wisdom of God Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual in doing this you will save both both. means that the role of the church is further reiterated, “I still have many in a mystery, the hidden wisdom things with spiritual. (1 Cor 2:10–13) yourself and those who hear you” to uphold the truth. things to say to you, but you cannot which God ordained before the (1 Tim 4:16). In summary, we must preach the bear them now. However, when He, ages...which none of the rulers Given the intention of the Lord that The importance of upholding truth first and then signs will the Spirit of truth, has come, He will of this age knew” (1 Cor 2:7–8a). “the manifold wisdom of God might or continuing in the truth was a 3. The Holy Spirit and Signs, follow; it is not the other way guide you into all truth” (Jn 16:12– He explained why he was able to be made known by the church” constant theme in Paul’s epistles Wonders and Miracles round. For this reason, a common 13a). expound God’s message: (Eph 3:10a), and the role of the Holy to the church and her leaders. He Spirit in revealing the mysteries of As the true church of God sets forth Christian practice of leveraging warned the Galatians on the severity God, teaching and guiding us into to preach the gospel and fulfill her “miracle rallies” as the main of deviating from the gospel that Having the abidance of the Holy Spirit is an all truth, we can further appreciate ministry on earth, God is “bearing appeal of Christianity is clearly was first delivered to them by the indispensable attribute of the true church. This why it is so important for the witness both with signs and misaligned with the Bible. While apostles (Gal 1:6–9). He reminded church to be filled with the Holy wonders, with various miracles, and the true church will be the conduit the Ephesians that the church is the reason that Jesus instructed His disciples Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, we gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to through which the power of the had been “built on the foundation to wait for the Holy Spirit before setting forth cannot understand the complete His own will” (Heb 2:4). This was Holy Spirit is manifested in signs, of the apostles and prophets, to preach and baptize. It is only through the truth relating to salvation. indeed the case in the early church, wonders and miracles, we must Jesus Christ Himself being the as evidenced by the words of Mark: also understand that these will only chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:20). He Holy Spirit that the church has the authority The existence of so many different “And they went out and preached happen according to God’s will and added that the church was to be to carry out this commission in His name. denominations, which embrace and everywhere, the Lord working with mercy; they cannot be dictated by

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man through miracle rallies. And Based on a sermon by We must also recognize that only the Timothy Yeung while we should certainly believe The Heritage of the True Church: Vancouver, Canada in miracles, we must be watchful True Jesus Church is sent by the Holy Spirit and remember the Lord’s prophecy to preach the complete gospel of salvation that, in the last days, “false christs in these last days. This belief does not stem and false prophets will rise and A Message show great signs and wonders to from arrogance, but from a thankful heart deceive, if possible, even the elect” that God has restored the true church for to the (Mt 24:24). humankind through His grace and love. Youths THE TRUE JESUS CHURCH Holy Spirit (Acts 8:5–17), and likewise that only the True Jesus Church is aving received so much From a biblical perspective, we can the Ephesians (Acts 19:1–6). In both sent by the Holy Spirit to preach grace from God, the youths Prior generations of youths have done and conclude that the true church must cases, they had accepted Christ, the complete gospel of salvation in of the True Jesus Church given so much over the past century; yet, what is have three key attributes: H and the Samaritans had even been these last days. This belief does not must now ask themselves what they certain is the pivotal importance of youths in the baptized, but the Holy Spirit had not stem from arrogance, but from a 1. The true church must be ought to give in return. Today, the yet been given to them; receiving thankful heart that God has restored century to come. What awaits them? established by and have the youths are heirs to the fruits of a the Spirit was a subsequent event. the true church for humankind indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as in century of God’s grace and their Also, in the True Jesus Church, as through His grace and love. the case of the apostolic church. predecessors’ perseverance. Prior has given His true church. We must others. Therefore, the possibility of in the apostolic church, the belief ask ourselves, are we well rooted in conflicts and disagreements often Importantly, as members of the generations of youths have done 2. The true church must embrace is that receiving the Holy Spirit is the truth? True Jesus Church, this conviction and given so much over the past arise. The more some youths serve, and preach the complete truth evidenced by speaking in tongues should motivate and remind us century; yet, what is certain is the the more challenges they face and (Acts 2:1– 4; 10:44–48; 19:1–6). The significance of being securely concerning salvation, as preached pivotal importance of youths in the the more dissatisfied they may to shoulder our responsibility to rooted in the truth of the gospel by Jesus Christ and the apostles. century to come. What awaits them? become. This is the crucial point. Another difference between the continue the commission of the is well known. What happens to apostolic church—to preach the If, at this moment, youths can learn 3. The true church will have True Jesus Church and other those with an insecure foundation? gospel to the ends of the earth. to separate the social problems accompanying signs, wonders and Christian denominations concerns FOUNDATION Take church work: many well- After all, “how shall they preach miracles to confirm the word of the remission of sins. While Before looking at what True Jesus intentioned youths enter zealously of service from the value of their unless they are sent” (Rom 10:15a)? God. most Christians argue that it Church youths can do for the church into the ministry, hoping to practice faith and its practice, they will be occurs automatically upon one’s in this new era, we ought to remind their faith. Yet, as in any community safe. But if interpersonal challenges As we apply these criteria to the acceptance of Christ, and that ourselves of our foundation. Truth service activity, doing church convince them that church work Christian world today and examine baptism is merely an outward is the most important heritage God work involves collaborating with is not worth doing, or worse, that the beliefs and the practices of expression of the faith within, the various denominations, there are True Jesus Church disagrees. The obvious gaps when compared Bible is clear that baptism is crucial to the apostolic church. This is for salvation (Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21), particularly evident in the different for it is through baptism that our beliefs surrounding the Holy sins are washed away (Acts 2:38; Spirit. For example, while most 22:16; Rom 6:3–8). Christian groups advocate that one receives the Holy Spirit at the Besides the beliefs relating to the point of accepting Christ, the True Holy Spirit and baptism, there are Jesus Church upholds the original other areas in which the True Jesus teaching of the apostolic church. Church aligns with the apostolic While accepting Christ is the first church and the Bible. As we reflect step in one’s journey of faith, the upon these attributes, we ought to Bible clearly records that receiving have the strengthened conviction the Holy Spirit is a completely that the True Jesus Church is indeed separate matter. This is shown in the revival of the apostolic church the Bible’s accounts of how the and the only true church of the Samaritan believers received the end time. We must also recognize

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this faith is not worth believing in, they are governed by their passions. to draw souls away from God. What of your calling; one Lord, one faith, conviction and loving, selfless faith. over our career, marriage, or daily then they come dangerously close Second, they are especially is more menacing is the threat from one baptism; one God and Father of Any youth who grows up in the cares. Our spiritual inheritance is to losing their spiritual life. influenced by their environment. A within, as the devil works to confuse all, who is above all, and through all, religious education system of the God’s word in our hearts, so we rely mature Christian does not allow his the truth and deceive the believers and in you all. (Eph 4:4) church, receives the sacraments, on His guidance. This is why a firm foundation in frustrations with fellow brothers of the true church. We cannot pray and worships beside his fellow Just as the fractures between As we usher the True Jesus Church the truth is critical. First, we must and sisters to defeat his faith, and that this will not happen, for the brothers and sisters in Christ, will the world and God’s church are into the next era, and we make be deeply rooted in our faith and will not permit his conviction in the Bible has warned us that it will. We undoubtedly experience the power inevitable, so the Bible warns us our plans for church growth and know why we serve—to express truth to be thrown into confusion can only pray that we will not be of of God’s grace and love upon His of impending divisions within personal development, let us always our love and gratitude for God, by the secular forces around him. the one-third who will fall from the church. This heritage of truth is the church. God has promised to remember that one Man died so and to share His love with others. As the youths of the True Jesus skies. In order to be safe, knowing ours to possess and ours to protect. carry His church through to the that many would take up His truth Next, we need to understand the Church prepare to take over the and upholding the truth is vital. As last days. By God’s grace, the True and pass it on to the generations to immutability of our faith. However reins, they should bear these marks the apostle Paul exhorts: CONCLUSION Jesus Church has made it through a come. It is now in your hands—what we may be dissatisfied with people, of maturity in mind. Your testimonies I have taken as a God does not dissatisfy, and He [S]peaking the truth in love, may tumultuous century with one accord. will you do? heritage forever, can help. Knowing and believing PERSECUTIONS [we] grow up in all things into Him Even before our basic beliefs were For they are the rejoicing of my this will minimize the risk that True Jesus Church youths must who is the head—Christ—from officially itemized during the first heart. (Ps 119:111) disagreements and strife will lead be prepared for persecution of a whom the whole body, joined and two World Delegates’ Conference us to give up our faith. variety more intense than ever seen knit together by what every joint (WDC), the True Jesus Church has Our heritage from the Lord is the before, as darkly prophesied in supplies, according to the effective never wavered in the truth she 1 testimony and law that He has given The same applies to secular Revelation: working by which every part does its received from the beginning. This us. This heritage keeps us going, trends beyond the church. Having share, causes growth of the body for momentous achievement is the with hearts full of joy. No matter experienced their thrills, youths And another sign appeared in the edifying of itself in love. fruit of a complete unity—a group of what, we must keep God’s word in may be eager to adopt similar heaven: behold, a great, fiery red (Eph 4:15–16) believers in one God, united by the our hearts. Let us not be anxious features in their spiritual lives and dragon having seven heads and mission to preserve and promote in church. They may question why ten horns, and seven diadems on As members of the true church, the only gospel that saves. the church does not incorporate his heads. His tail drew a third of the inevitability of an increasingly We are now heirs to a rich secular methods in doing church the stars of heaven and threw them challenging Christian life forces us No matter what, we must keep God’s word tradition of sincere, single-minded work. They may ask why the church to the earth. And the dragon stood to confront some basic questions: in our hearts. Let us not be anxious over our before the woman who was ready to Do we truly know what we believe does not adopt approaches used 1 Six proposals were passed at the first WDC in 1967, career, marriage, or daily cares. Our spiritual by other Christian denominations give birth, to devour her Child as in? And if we do, are we willing to regarding the one true God, water baptism, footwashing, stand up for these beliefs? Holy Communion, Holy Spirit and Sabbath. Proposals for gospel outreach. However, if we soon as it was born. (Rev 12:3–4) on the true church, the Holy Bible, salvation and the inheritance is God’s word in our hearts, so we understand that the power of the Lord’s second coming were passed at the second WDC This is a menacing picture that is in 1975. rely on His guidance. gospel is spiritual and God-led, it UNITY OF FAITH already forming before our eyes. will be apparent that dressing up Lastly, the youths must persist in the The tenor of public discourse today the truth to make it more palatable unity of their faith and commission. is increasingly one of religious is a senseless thing to do. What As Paul declares: intolerance. This only heightens in matters most is the sincerity of our pitch as we continue to make our There is one body and one Spirit, gospel, not how pleasing it is. stand against those forces that strive just as you were called in one hope Paul reminds us of the value of remaining steadfast in our faith amid the turbulence of worldly A mature Christian does not allow his ways, “that we should no longer frustrations with fellow brothers and sisters be children, tossed to and fro and to defeat his faith, and will not permit his carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in conviction in the truth to be thrown into the cunning craftiness of deceitful confusion by the secular forces around plotting” (Eph 4:14). him. As the youths of the True Jesus Church

Children are particularly vulnerable prepare to take over the reins, they should in the two senses given above. First, bear these marks of maturity in mind.

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Adapted from sermons by have come to the kingdom for such Barnabas Chong a time as this?” (Est 4:14). We are all We cannot truly worship and love God, Singapore in Esther’s position today. There whether in public or in solitude, if we do not is no question that the True Jesus first recognize the importance of being honest Revive the Church will prosper. What remains with Him. Honesty means addressing any to be seen is whether we will be counted among those who helped negative emotions and thoughts we might be (Part 2) her prosper. This is a question only harboring inside us, asking God to pardon and True Church you can answer for yourself. give us the strength to overcome these evils.

If we are willing, then there is much Editor’s note: In part 1 of this article work to be done. What should we In the verse above, it is clear that show adequate fear, or love, of the series, we learned how, as the revived Is it possible that after a century on earth, work on? “walking in the fear of the Lord” Lord. apostolic church, the True Jesus Church the True Jesus Church today has retained the is one of the main reasons why the church population “multiplied.” God wants us to fear Him, but not should follow in the same spirit of form but not the soul of God’s true church? THE GOD-FEARING CHURCH Why is it so important to fear the because He needs to be reminded faithfulness towards God’s word, His Then the churches throughout all Lord? of His power. Instead, God wants us Holy Spirit and our commission. In this after a century on earth, the True true church, the True Jesus Church Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had to be honest with Him because He final instalment, the author shares three Jesus Church today has retained the seems secure. Unfortunately, some peace and were edified. And walking Firstly, God wants us to fear Him wants to form loving relationships more areas in which we should emulate form but not the soul of God’s true have been lulled into believing that in the fear of the Lord and in the because He wants us to truly love with His chosen people. The the early apostolic church, as we strive church? they need not serve God and His comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were Him. When we come to church to meteoric success of the early towards perfection. church, for the True Jesus Church multiplied. (Acts 9:31) worship, or when we pray alone church, as well as the tragedy of It is clear to many of us in the True will always thrive regardless. at home, we intuitively adopt Ananias and Sapphira, teaches us hat does it mean to Jesus Church that we belong to At a wedding banquet I once the mannerisms of reverence. just how important it is to fear God, be God’s true church? something special. God’s guidance These individuals are not entirely attended, several True Jesus Church Outwardly, we are all pictures of and to love Him in faith and truth. WCertain things come to and concern for His church are wrong. There was a time when youths went on stage to present piety—standing solemnly as we sing mind: to have the truth that saves, evident in the way we have pulled Mordecai reminded Esther that even some songs for the newlyweds. hymns or nodding attentively as we A COURAGEOUS FAITH the presence of the Holy Spirit, through decades of challenges if she did not lend her help to God’s Soon after, the wedding emcee said listen to sermons—no one doubts “[T]hey will take up serpents; and if and the commission to preach the to establish ourselves across the people, “relief and deliverance will in his speech, “We would like to our worship. But all too often, our they drink anything deadly, it will true gospel. While we may bear all world. Coupled with the biblical arise for the Jews from another thank the True Jesus Church youths hearts are filled with impurities of by no means hurt them; they will these hallmarks, is it possible that promise that God will preserve His place. …Yet who knows whether you for putting on a performance for all stripes: greed, jealously, spite, lay hands on the sick, and they will us.” anger…the list continues. We cannot recover.” (Mk 16:18) truly worship and love God, whether An elderly sister sitting at a table in public or in solitude, if we do not The faith of the early apostolic with me and several deacons first recognize the importance of church was very special by today’s looked at us, appalled, and asked being honest with Him. Honesty standards. incredulously, “Can we use the means addressing any negative The Acts of the Apostles records name of the True Jesus Church like emotions and thoughts we might be the fascinating story of Tabitha, a this?” After having reassured her harboring inside us, asking God to disciple of Jesus who had passed that this was no severe misuse of the pardon and give us the strength to away. Instead of immediately church’s name, my fellow ministers overcome these evils so that we may arranging her burial, the believers and I marveled at this sister’s God- worship Him with greater sincerity. turned to the apostle Peter, so fearing faith. So reverent was she The importance of this is clear in that he might bring a dear friend that a passing remark most of us the well-known story of Ananias back to life through God’s grace. would have ignored brought out and Sapphira, whom God punished As expected, Peter came at their in her a fierce protectiveness over for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts request and, after a prayer, God the sanctity of God’s affairs. This 5:1–10). When we deceive ourselves raised Tabitha from the dead (Acts sister embodies one of the defining in this way, hoping to go through 9:36–42). features of the apostolic church the motions of worship or do the that we would do well to emulate: a minimum, we doubt God’s ability to We may read such biblical Members walking to a baptism in Newcastle, 1976. Do we still have the same zeal and spirit of revival today? God-fearing faith. see through our facades; we do not accounts of miracles and marvel

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might perceive it to be. We live the things that were sold, and laid in an age of solutions. Advances them at the apostles’ feet; and they We need only put aside our worldly in medicine and technology have distributed to each as anyone had concerns to devote ourselves fully to each improved our lives immeasurably. need. (Acts 4:34–35) service we attend, and sincerely care for the The role of prayer, and to some wellbeing—spiritual, emotional, physical, extent, of God, is reserved for Of the three areas in need of revival, those problems whose solutions following the economic example of material or otherwise—of our brethren. we cannot find in the pharmacy or the early apostolic church might the app store. We may, for instance, appear to be the most drastic. The Today, we are not asked to sell our service we attend, and sincerely pray for the general blessings of a truth is, this example of the early possessions and share them with care for the wellbeing—spiritual, safe and secure future. We may even church is more necessary than the people we call brothers and emotional, physical, material or pray for healing when medicine we think. It is difficult to imagine sisters. Instead, we keep what we otherwise—of our brethren. Then, does not work. But most of us would successfully convincing a twenty- have earned and offer tithes to God, we will truly be united as the body likely depend more on the pill and first-century congregation to sell retaining a comfortable measure of Christ. the syrup than on a fifteen-minute all their possessions and to pool of personal freedom and security. prayer. “God helps those who help the proceeds for everyone to share. What is worrying, however, is how CONCLUSION themselves,” we say. When we justify I do not believe, however, that the these possessions have come to As a church, on the whole, there are our lack of faith with seemingly early apostolic church was setting reflect an investment in, and a bond many areas of service that can be innocent, even biblical, reasons, communitarianism as an ideal to, the world outside the church, of improved. What is paramount amid at our forefathers’ faith and ruinous for our credibility as Spirit- we allow cowardice to creep into model in the economic sense. As which we are unwilling to let go. Yet, all this talk of growth and revival power. Even as we encourage one filled Christians. So we comfort other parts of our Christian lives. difficult as forming such a self- when our eternal life could be lost, is an honest examination of our another to emulate them, these ourselves with the unspoken, A faith unwilling to proclaim a sacrificial economic community we ought to reassess our priorities. individual, personal faith. By having encouragements remain in the underlying belief that past miracles beloved brother or sister healed is may seem, forming a self- As Jesus succinctly said: “You a better understanding of where we realm of the hypothetical. We never were exceptional cases involving also a faith afraid of proclaiming sacrificial spiritual community is cannot serve God and mammon” stand before God, what we lack, and much harder, but also much more literally believe in, or promote, exceptional men. We tell ourselves the gospel to the world. Like the (Mt 6:24b). what we have done to please him, having the faith to perform miracles. that the ordinary believer has no apostles and believers in the early important. we can better strengthen those who The story above is short and simple, ability and, therefore, no obligation church, we ought to develop a more The first step to coming together as fight the same spiritual battles by By selling all they had and but it says so much about what true to have such a courageous, powerful courageous faith, that by the grace a community, to establish a heaven our side. Only then can we be more sharing in the proceeds, the early faith is. The God of Peter is the God faith. of God, we may be proof of His on earth, is to cultivate the habit of like the early church of old, and Christians were not simply giving of the True Jesus Church today; the kingdom on earth. attending church services and being establish our heaven on earth. Another common obstruction to up money, privacy or financial Holy Spirit is one and the same; our fully present during our worship. I true faith is telling ourselves that security and freedom. They were truth is one and the same. What has HEAVEN ON EARTH have fond memories of when I was a we are in no position to force our giving up something much more changed between then and now youth, spending time in fellowship will upon God. Although this is true, Now all who believed were together, significant: their old ways of living. is how courageous we are in our with brothers and sisters who have it does not mean we cannot have and had all things in common, and The early believer, having sold faith. There is a difference between grown up with me and are still hope in our faith. It is not humility sold their possessions and goods, and everything he had and offering having a faith that is aware of worshipping God by my side today. that prevents us from bringing our divided them among all, as anyone it to God, was offering himself to miracles as a possibility, and a faith Even outside of service times, we entreaties to our heavenly Father, had need. (Acts 2:44–45) be part of a spiritual community that knows a miracle is but a sincere would gather in church to study the and expecting Him to act for us with fellow followers of Jesus. By prayer away. Our forebears in the Bible and spend time together. As according to His will; rather, it is Nor was there anyone among relinquishing their possessions and early apostolic church knew that our lack of courage. them who lacked; for all who were their wealth, they were renouncing we drew closer in fellowship with they needed only to ask, and they possessors of lands or houses sold what remained of their ties to the one another, we relinquished our would see God’s active presence in This is a larger problem than we them, and brought the proceeds of world; though individually they had ties to the world and strengthened their lives. nothing left, together, as a church, our bond with God. Today, we do they lacked nothing. It is easy to not need to be carefree youths, Today, what holds us back from Our forebears in the early apostolic see how the early apostolic church with spare time for impromptu being a church filled with power is a Bible studies, in order to embody church knew that they needed only to ask, had established God’s kingdom on lack of courage. We fear the dreaded earth. the same spirit of wholehearted uncertainty of possible failure. The and they would see God’s active presence in worship and self-sacrifice. We need embarrassment of a failed public Reviving this sacrificial spirit only put aside our worldly concerns healing is too overwhelming, too their lives. would demand the most from us. to devote ourselves fully to each

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faith in God alone. What does Jesus Aun Quek Chin say? This authority to “loose on earth” is the Complete the Singapore power of the church to perform water baptism. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build When the church conducts baptism, men’s sins Construction of the My church, and the gates of Hades are washed away, and they enter salvation and shall not prevail against it. And I will freedom from the bond of sin. give you the keys of the kingdom of True Church (Part 2) heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and that Christians should still be more importantly, the work of whatever you loose on earth will be preaching. forgiving sins. So He commanded Editor’s note: The first article in this series, loosed in heaven. (Mt 16:18–19) His disciples: Today, there are many who proclaim published in Manna 84, discussed how to Jesus said that those who believe in the a variation of the gospel, saying that “All authority has been given to Me build the church on the solid foundation of gospel and are baptized will be saved; but Jesus makes three key points: firstly, we need only believe in the Lord in heaven and on earth. Go therefore truth, to ensure that she will overcome any He will personally build His church; those who disbelieve will be condemned. In to enter the kingdom of God. They and make disciples of all the nations, storms that may come. In this concluding secondly, He will build it on “this other words, repentance and belief go hand in cite Paul’s teaching: that we should baptizing them in the name of the article, the author outlines the central role rock”; and thirdly, He will grant this confess with our lips and believe in Father and of the Son and of the of the church in God’s salvation plan, and hand with water baptism. church the authority to bind and our heart to be saved (Rom 10:10). Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe the need to attain perfection through the to loosen. We can use these three They argue that it is not necessary all things that I have commanded cleansing of God’s word and the renewal avoid being misled. it is critical we remain vigilant, to principles to determine whether we to undergo baptism. But did you; and lo, I am with you always, of the Holy Spirit. distinguish between false churches have found the church belonging to Jesus not teach us how we should even to the end of the age.” Amen. And Jesus answered and said and the one true church belonging the Lord. demonstrate our repentance and (Mt 28:18–20) to them: “Take heed that no one to Jesus. belief? here does the concept deceives you. For many will come in “I will build My church” of the true church and It is clear from Jesus’ words that He My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ God established His church to And He said to them, “Go into all false churches come RELEVANCE OF THE CHURCH established His church for a distinct W and will deceive many.” (Mt 24:4–5) proclaim the gospel message: the world and preach the gospel to from? Is it from the Bible, or is it Within Christendom, people hold purpose—to not only preach the every creature. He who believes and gospel, but also to baptize and save mere fabrication? If we care about Here Jesus warns that there will be different views about the relevance Now after John was put in prison, is baptized will be saved; but he who those who believe. Therefore, the our salvation, we need to carefully many false christs. It follows that of the church. Some argue that the Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the does not believe will be condemned. church established by the Lord is study this matter to identify the the churches they establish will be church plays a vital role, and that gospel of the kingdom of God, and (Mk 16:15–16) the only one qualified to perform biblical truths of God’s church and false, and if we put our faith in them, we should anchor our faith therein; saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the baptism. how to enter it. Only then can we we will forfeit our salvation. Hence, others say that we should place our kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, While instructing His disciples to and believe in the gospel.” preach the gospel, Jesus said that In this present time, many churches (Mk 1:14–15) those who believe in the gospel and preach and implement the word of are baptized will be saved; but those God partially and selectively. Yet Jesus’ proclamation forms the crux who disbelieve will be condemned. the Bible is clear that the full gospel of the gospel. The purpose of His In other words, repentance and entails the following: ministry was not to heal illnesses belief go hand in hand with water or deliver souls from demon baptism. The effect of the latter is to • Baptism should be performed possession. These were miracles wash away sins (Acts 22:16), so that in the name of Jesus for the He performed out of compassion, we can enter into God’s kingdom forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). to confer physical peace and and be saved. wellbeing; but physical healing was • Foot washing should be not the message Jesus preached. So So now we arrive at a very important performed to enable believers to what is the key gospel message? It is point: since baptism is critical for have a part with the Lord ( Jn 13:8). that the kingdom of God is at hand. the forgiveness of sins and entry This kingdom refers to the church to the kingdom of God, who should • Holy Communion should be of God. We have to enter the church perform the baptism? Once Jesus undertaken to enable believers to of God and, in order to enter, we had accomplished His work of partake of Jesus’ flesh and blood, have to repent and believe in the salvation on earth, He needed to so that they may receive eternal life gospel. This is the gospel message pass on His gospel ministry and, (Mt 26:26–29; Jn 6:53–58).

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• The workers of God should lay on the rock. But he who heard and of the heavenly kingdom to the This authority to “loose on earth” is hands on the believers, praying for did nothing is like a man who built church, which means the church the power of the church to perform them so that they may receive the a house on the earth without a has the authority to open the doors water baptism. When the church Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; 19:6). foundation, against which the stream to the heavenly kingdom. Those conducts baptism, men’s sins beat vehemently; and immediately it who believe in the complete gospel, are washed away, and they enter • The church should observe the fell. And the ruin of that house was as preached by the true church, salvation and freedom from the Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh great.” (Lk 6:46–49) will be able to enter the kingdom of bond of sin. The church also has day of the week, as this is one of the heaven and escape the clutches of the authority to “bind on earth,” Ten Commandments (Ex 20:8–11; Many believe in Jesus and call Him Hades. meaning that she has the mandate Mk 2:27; Mt 5:19; 19:17). “Lord,” but does it mean they are to pass judgment, such as removing all established upon the rock? Jesus What are the keys to the kingdom of a person from office or carrying out These five teachings are those of says no. If we believe in Him, we heaven? excommunication. the Lord Jesus and His apostles, and ought to obey His words completely, are hallmarks of God’s church. They which Jesus likens to building our On one level, it is the word of God, We need to realize that the church have been carefully documented in house upon the rock. But if we only entrusted to the apostles. This word will not pass judgment on a whim; the Bible for those who care to study selectively obey His words, this is has the authority to open the gates her duty is to judge according to its word objectively. like building on the sand. On the of heaven. The apostles passed this God’s word. The criteria she uses is day of judgement, our house will word of God, the complete truth, to whether a person has transgressed “I will build My church on this collapse. The Lord will ask, “Why do the saints, and they, in turn, have the word of God. This being the rock” you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do passed it to subsequent generations. case, the church has both the adorned and prepared to meet the blemish means being untainted by The Lord Jesus established His the things I command?” To be the This word carries the power to save, responsibility and authority to pass Lord Jesus. the outside world. To be without church to proclaim and implement true church established by God, the but it also brings judgment, closing judgment. No distinction is made wrinkle means not losing strength His teachings. If we heed the word church must preach the complete the door of heaven. Therefore, the between a regular believer, a worker Let us be glad and rejoice and give and vigour. As time progresses, the of our Lord, and preach the word gospel proclaimed by Jesus and the church preaching this complete or an ordained minister—everyone Him glory, for the marriage of the church may grow old and weary, so according to His teaching, then apostles. truth has been given the power and is treated in an equal manner. In Lamb has come, and His wife has we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to we will truly belong to the church authority to judge, so that those this way, the church affirms what made herself ready. (Rev 19:7) renew our strength and use God’s established by the Lord. But if we do is right and wrong according to “Keys to the kingdom of heaven” who believe can enter the kingdom We rejoice because we are betrothed word to cleanse us. We should heed not completely carry out the word God’s standard in the Bible, and the “And I also say to you that you are of heaven, and those who go against to the Lord, and we know that one Paul’s message to be renewed in of the Lord, then we do not belong congregation knows the boundaries Peter, and on this rock I will build the truth will be denied entry. day He will come to receive us. So our spirit day by day (2 Cor 4:16), to the church of the Lord. of appropriate behavior. My church, and the gates of Hades have we prepared ourselves, and for this principle applies not only to shall not prevail against it. And I will On another level, the keys to the our physical bodies, but also to the Why are we so sure and confident of Is the church or the Lord Jesus are we suitably adorned? give you the keys of the kingdom of kingdom of heaven refers to water church as a whole. this? Jesus said, “And on this rock, overly strict? We know that the heaven, and whatever you bind on baptism. Jesus explains, saying, Indeed, as we encourage or correct I will build My church”—the “rock” Lord died for us and established the The true church has long been earth will be bound in heaven, and “And I will give you the keys of the one another, as the need arises, are being Himself. How is the church church through His blood to bring established, but her construction is whatever you loose on earth will be kingdom of heaven, and whatever we not preparing the church for the established on Jesus? Does it only salvation to humankind. From this, an ongoing process. As members, loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:18–19) you bind on earth will be bound in Lord’s second coming? require a community of believers we understand the great love of we need to draw on the power of the heaven, and whatever you loose on to proclaim their faith in Jesus? On Jesus. He established the church Holy Spirit to pursue holiness, so The Lord Jesus has given the keys earth will be loosed in heaven.” [T]hat He might sanctify and cleanse the surface, this sounds logical, but on the rock, which is Himself, her with the washing of water by that we can remove our blemishes what does Jesus say? and has given her His authority to the word, that He might present her and wrinkles. In doing so, we can pass judgment, so that those who to Himself a glorious church, not uphold our faith to the end, and “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ A glorious church is one that is without believe can be saved, and those blemish or wrinkle. To be without blemish having spot or wrinkle or any such present ourselves to the Lord as and not do the things which I say? who go against the truth shall be thing, but that she should be holy and a glorious church—a beautifully Whoever comes to Me, and hears My means being untainted by the outside world. condemned. It follows, then, that if without blemish. (Eph 5:26–27) adorned bride. sayings and does them, I will show To be without wrinkle means not losing we believe in Jesus, we should also you whom he is like: He is like a man respect His church. The Bible speaks of cleansing the building a house, who dug deep and strength and vigour. As time progresses, church by the word of God, so laid the foundation on the rock. And the church may grow old and weary, so we HOLY AND UNBLEMISHED that she can be holy and glorious. when the flood arose, the stream beat need to rely on the Holy Spirit to renew our Aside from preaching and By Paul’s definition, a glorious vehemently against that house, and safeguarding the gospel of salvation, church is one that is without could not shake it, for it was founded strength and use God’s word to cleanse us. the believers must also strive to be blemish or wrinkle. To be without

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are part of the over-arching KC Tsai Parables of the Heavenly Kingdom (Part 1): mystery (singular) that belonged This mystery was that, in Christ Jesus, Toronto, Canada to the Creator. That mystery is of the Gentiles would become fellow heirs with Christ (Col 2:2). When the time was right, this mystery was revealed to the Jewish believers, of the same body, and Salvation the saints—after Jesus ascended partakers of God’s promise in Christ through to heaven and the Holy Spirit was for poured down (Col 1:26; Acts 1:4, the gospel. All 9; 2:1–4). The Holy Spirit not only established the church on earth, He In short, through the parables the kingdom that the Lord Jesus has also gave revelations to the apostles recorded in Matthew 13, the Lord called out from the world ( Jn 17:16– Editor’s note: In Matthew 13, Jesus used and the New Testament prophets The Lord Jesus used parables to utter Jesus expounded the mystery of 21). Such believers may be in the parables to define the kingdom of God, so that they could understand the Christ hidden since the beginning world, but they are not of the world; explaining the rules for entering this (i.e., speak out) “things kept secret from the mystery that had been hidden in of the ages—namely, the church, they are of His saved true church. kingdom and painting a picture of life God from the beginning of the ages foundation of the world.” According to Jesus, and her journey from beginning to inside and outside the kingdom. This is (Eph 3:3–4). these things kept secret are “the mysteries of end. Of the parables in Matthew 13, only the first in a series of articles on these two were explained by Jesus: the parables. the kingdom of heaven.” This mystery was that, in Christ THE KINGDOM OF GOD parables of the sower and the tares. Jesus, the Gentiles would become ll these things Jesus While Matthew and Luke refer to The parable of the sower highlights Quoting the psalm of Asaph (Ps series of articles will discuss, these fellow heirs with the Jewish spoke to the multitude in “the mysteries of the kingdom of the reality that people respond 78:2), Matthew notes that the Lord parables speak of the establishment believers, of the same body, and parables; and without a heaven” (Mt 13:11; Lk 8:10), Mark differently to the same word sown A Jesus used parables to utter (i.e., and development of the church on partakers of God’s promise in into their hearts. The parable of parable He did not speak to them, earth, the challenges she will face, refers to “the mystery [singular] of speak out) “things kept secret Christ through the gospel (Eph the tares focuses on the origin of that it might be fulfilled which was and judgment in the end time— the kingdom of God” (Mk 4:11). But from the foundation of the world.” 3:5–6). This mystery of Christ is the church, the situations she will spoken by the prophet, saying: how the righteous shall live and what and where is the kingdom of According to Jesus, these things the church: through the church, encounter, and how she will have “I will open My mouth in parables; the wicked shall suffer eternal God? kept secret are “the mysteries of all people shall receive the gospel to endure trials till the end of the I will utter things kept secret from punishment. the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 13:11). of salvation; through the church, the foundation of the world.” Heart of Man world. the principalities and powers in (Mt 13:34–35) In other words, the parables in When the Pharisees asked the Lord MYSTERIES the heavenly places (all created When expounding these two Matthew 13 collectively reveal Jesus when the kingdom of God beings of the spiritual realm) will parables, the Lord Jesus said, This verse is the key to the parables mysteries concerning the heavenly The “things [plural] kept secret would come, Jesus replied, “The know the manifold wisdom of God, “He who has ears to hear, let him recorded in Matthew chapter 13. kingdom—the church. As this from the foundation of the world” kingdom of God does not come with and receive the revelation of the hear!” (cf. Mt 13:9, Mk 4:9, Lk 8:8). observation, nor will they say, ‘See mystery that was hidden in God He uttered this phrase once before here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the (Eph 3:8–11). explaining the parable of the sower, kingdom of God is within you [ESV: and a second time after explaining in the midst of you1]” (Lk 17:20–21). The Book of Colossians reiterates the parable of the tares. This phrase What the Lord meant was that He the universality of the gospel. Paul is significant for two reasons. First, had already brought the kingdom of says that for the sake of Christ’s “He who has ears” reveals the God into their midst. But they were body, the church, he would rejoice in target audience of these parables: still full of curiosity and doubts, and sufferings and minister, according all humans have ears, so these two did not have the faith to accept it. to the stewardship of God, to fulfill parables are relevant to everyone, the word of God—to fulfill “the The kingdom of God is a spiritual throughout all time. They explicitly mystery which has been hidden kingdom in which the Lord Jesus state that if anyone wishes to from ages and from generations, reigns (Jn 18:36–37). It can thus refer receive the grace of salvation and but now has been revealed to His to the hearts of believers. If one enter into eternal life, he must saints” (Col 1:24–26). For the sake of enthrones Christ Jesus as the Lord change his thoughts and behavior the church, Paul preached the love within one’s heart, then this heart is in accordance with the teachings of God, initially the sole possession of these parables. Not only does he of the Old Testament elect (Deut 1 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text need to listen to the words, and put Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a 7:6–11), to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. these words into practice (Mt 13:23),

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parables, because seeing they do will believe in [the Lord] through not see, and hearing they do not their word” refer to those who will The sign of Jonah—Jesus’ death and hear, nor do they understand. And subsequently believe based on the resurrection—reminds us not to take these in them, the prophecy of Isaiah is teachings of the disciples. They will blessings for granted. Instead, we should fulfilled.” (Mt 13:12–14a) become one in the truth and one in the Lord, making up the true persevere in our faith and strive to freely share It is not that the Lord typecasts church in the spirit. the grace that we have freely received. people as those who understand and those who never will. A good The Lord Jesus said, “[A]ssuredly, I shepherd knows His sheep ( Jn say to you that many prophets and sign that Jesus would give them the great mystery that had been 10:14), and, in turn, His sheep will righteous men desired to see what was the sign of Jonah, who spent hidden since creation, and was not know and follow His voice (Jn 10:27). you see, and did not see it, and to three days in the belly of the great even known by the ancient saints. Some may not understand initially, hear what you hear, and did not fish—signifying that the Lord Jesus Second, this mystery pertains to but can grow to understand by being hear it” (Mt 13:17). Indeed, those Himself would die for the sins of the the universality of the grace of willing to search humbly. What is prophets and righteous men who world, be buried, and resurrect on salvation, which our Lord Jesus most important is a person’s heart lived during the Old Testament era the third day. This is the only sign accomplished through His death; when he receives God’s word. As feared and served God all their life. that the Lord would give to an “evil it is freely offered to us. We, as long as one is willing to open his But they did not see God manifested and adulterous generation” because Gentiles—the wild olive shoots— heart, and “has the heart” to seek in the flesh (1 Tim 3:16) or nailed on He was willing to save sinners. can now be grafted onto and made he must endure to the end (Mt 13:43). in parables?” He answered and said and follow the Lord, he will become the tree to redeem sinners from Without this sign, humankind part of God’s household through to them, “Because it has been given “he who has,” and will understand the curse of the law (Gal 3:13). They would be without hope. Later His grace and our faith (Rom Second, “let him hear” signifies that to you to know the mysteries of the the mysteries spoken by the Lord. did not see Jesus Christ—God the same day, Jesus spoke these 11:17). Third, the Lord does not the Lord Jesus wants us to constantly kingdom of heaven, but to them it incarnate—redeem men through parables to illustrate the mysteries discriminate against us if we do examine ourselves to see whether has not been given.” (Mt 13:10–11) Before His arrest, the Lord Jesus His blood (Eph 1:7), or the church of the kingdom of God, revealing not initially understand His word. we are receiving the teachings of prayed for the disciples. He said: that was established on earth the effects of that sign. Through If we seek and thirst for Him with heaven with a sincere and truthful Through the parables, the Lord as a result. Through the church, His church, bought by His blood a sincere heart, we will find Him. heart (Lk 8:15). It also tells us that we Jesus divided the people around “I do not pray for these alone, but He bestowed salvation grace, to (Acts 20:28), He brings humankind Finally, the sign of Jonah—Jesus’ should endure and bear fruit. At the Him into two categories: those who also for those who will believe in Me overcome the authority of the gates from the world of darkness into the death and resurrection—reminds same time, we must also examine understood and those who did not. through their word; that they all may of Hades (Mt 16:18). All these were glorious kingdom. us not to take these blessings whether our present state of faith This was an important division, be one, as You, Father, are in Me, mysteries hidden in God, which is for granted. Instead, we should makes us wheat or tare. We must because Jesus said: and I in You; that they also may be why the ancient saints neither saw The Lord once told Paul “to open persevere in our faith and strive to constantly rely on the power of the one in Us, that the world may believe nor heard what was witnessed by their eyes, in order to turn them freely share the grace that we have Holy Spirit to cleanse and purify “For whoever has, to him more will that You sent Me.” (Jn 17:20–21) the disciples. from darkness to light, and from freely received. ourselves through the word of the be given and he will have abundance; the power of Satan to God, that they Lord in order to remain (or become) but whoever does not have, even Those who understood in Jesus’ THE SIGN OF JONAH may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who wheat. what he has will be taken away from time (“these,” in the above verse) Then some of the scribes and are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts him. Therefore I speak to them in were the disciples, and “those who Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, 26:18). All who believe in Jesus, and The Church we want to see a sign from You.” But are washed and sanctified (1 Cor In totality, this set of parables He answered and said to them, “An 6:11), will receive the everlasting provides a complete picture of Some may not understand initially, but evil and adulterous generation seeks inheritance. Cleansed, they become how the kingdom of heaven was after a sign, and no sign will be given can grow to understand by being willing God’s blameless children in this established on earth. It outlines to it except the sign of the prophet crooked and perverse generation, the origin of the church, as well as to search with a humble heart. What is Jonah. For as Jonah was three days shining as lights in the world. her development over the history most important is a person’s heart when he and three nights in the belly of the of humankind, from sowing, to receives God’s word. As long as one is willing great fish, so will the Son of Man be growing, to degradation, to revival, three days and three nights in the CONCLUSION and to future salvation. to open his heart, and “has the heart” to heart of the earth.” (Mt 12:38–40) Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 seek and follow the Lord, he will become “he highlight several important TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE who has,” and will understand the mysteries Just before Jesus spoke of the blessings that we, His believers, The disciples came and said to parables, the scribes and Pharisees receive. First, we are indeed greatly [Jesus], “Why do you speak to them spoken by the Lord. asked Him to give them a sign. The blessed because we now know

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Adapted from a sermon by Jesus Church seem stuck in our fulfilled His promise to Abraham, is not on the apostles’ endeavors; Aun Quek Chin old ways. In this age, it is indeed bringing his descendants out of rather, from the first chapter to Singapore not a bad thing to be creative and Egypt and into Canaan as a great the last, the book focuses on the innovative. In various fields, such nation. God’s promises have never, establishment and development of Where Do We Go as industry and education, society and will never, change. If we follow the church. is pushing for new and better ways in the footsteps of the saints, we of thinking and doing things. In a will see these promises unfold as “The former account I made, O church setting, we could adopt this they did in times past. The question Theophilus, of all that Jesus began From Here? approach by delivering sermons in is, can we hold fast to the old paths? both to do and teach, until the day a more engaging way, ensuring the in which He was taken up, after He message is relevant to members In today’s context, to what do the old through the Holy Spirit had given paths refer? They refer to the truth he year 2017 was the Although we know it is God’s will for living in this modern age. But this commandments to the apostles whom centenary of the True Jesus mindset of innovation should only that was once and for all committed He had chosen, to whom He also TChurch. In 1917, through the the True Jesus Church to be victorious, it is go so far. Let us examine what God to the saints by the Lord Jesus; the presented Himself alive after His downpour of the Holy Spirit, God our duty to self-reflect and consider how said through the prophet Jeremiah: truth comprises His teachings and suffering by many infallible proofs, established the True Jesus Church the ways of the apostles that have being seen by them during forty days we should proceed as a church beyond our Thus says the ORDL : in China. Very quickly, the gospel been clearly recorded in the Bible. and speaking of the things pertaining centenary. “Stand in the ways and see, was preached throughout China, to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:1–3) And ask for the old paths, where the As the world changes, so will our as well as to Taiwan, Malaysia, good way is, approach and methods within Singapore and other countries. THE NEXT STEPS things we should do that will serve Luke begins the Book of Acts by And walk in it; church work. For example, the recounting how, for forty days, the Today, though the growth and Although we know it is God’s will us well in our journey as a church, Then you will find rest for your souls. church has made leaps and bounds Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples development of our churches vary for the True Jesus Church to be until we reach our destination. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ using the internet ministry for and spoke about the kingdom of from country to country, we are victorious, it is our duty to self- Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, evangelism and pastoral purposes. God. He ends his account with Paul thankful that the True Jesus Church reflect and consider how we should Keep to the Old Ways ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ However, those who seek novel “preaching the kingdom of God and is now planted in more than sixty- proceed as a church beyond our Some members may think that But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ concepts and new biblical teaching the things which concern five countries across six continents. centenary. Which direction should the church should change with Therefore hear, you nations, interpretations may have already the Lord Jesus Christ with all We firmly believe that despite the we move towards? Which way is the the times. They observe that other And know, O congregation, what is started upon a new path; on closer confidence, no one forbidding him” obstructions and difficulties we right way? How do we break through churches are always teaching new among them. examination of their beliefs, they (Acts 28:31). face, God will guide us through the all these challenges in our path? messages and revising their stances Hear, O earth! may have already strayed far away stormy waters and give us victory at How do we renew ourselves and on topical issues in order to stay Behold, I will certainly bring from the one true God. Even after At this point, Paul was under house the end. rejuvenate our faith? Here are five relevant, whereas we in the True calamity on this people— one hundred years, we must keep to arrest in Rome, with a soldier for The fruit of their thoughts, the old paths that our predecessors protection. Yet, miraculously, he Because they have not heeded My walked. was allowed to receive guests in his words rented house, and thus continue Nor My law, but rejected it.” Learn from the Acts of the the work of preaching. Roman law (Jer 6:16–19) Apostles permitted such an arrangement, How do we know in which direction so Paul’s opponents could not Though people nowadays desire the church should proceed? We must hinder him from spreading the novelty and new ideas, God use the Acts of the Apostles, also gospel. Through these amazing instructs His people to ask for the known as the Acts of the Church, circumstances, the church in Rome old paths, where the good way is. as our compass. The focus of Acts was established. How do we know that the old path is truly the good way? Because our predecessors and the saints walked it before us and emerged victorious. God’s promises have never, and will never, Abraham is a prime example; he change. If we follow in the footsteps of the and his descendants believed in saints, we will see these promises unfold as God’s word and walked in the tried they did in times past. The question is, can we and tested paths, according to God’s commands. In the end, God hold fast to the old paths?

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should follow the instructions of talented bunch; yet, because they the stubborn Jews to open the door prayers to be a form of service. the Lord Jesus as the apostles did. were faithful to God, the Holy for the Gentiles? Paul emphasized the importance We should emulate the apostles, Spirit worked mightily through of supporting the workers through who sacrificed their all for the word them. Though the ability to speak is Today, many doors are difficult to prayer, noting to the Corinthians: of God and contended earnestly necessary, the presence of the Holy open. One of the toughest doors [You also helped] together in prayer for the faith. When opposed by the Spirit is even more essential if the to open is the hearts of men. Some for us, that thanks may be given by rulers and elders of Israel, they workers are to touch the hearts of open their hearts and then shut many persons on our behalf for the boldly declared: “Whether it is right listeners. them again. They repent, then gift granted to us through many. in the sight of God to listen to you return to sin. They believe and then (2 Cor 1:11) more than to God, you judge. For Before the events recorded in Acts they leave. Though these are hard 10, the Jews had been unable to doors to pry open, we can only do we cannot but speak the things How can we help the church and accept that Gentiles could become our best to preach the gospel, and which we have seen and heard” aid the church workers? Apart from the children of Abraham and receive the Holy Spirit will lead us in our (Acts 4:19b–20). In addition, they offering our services and strength, God’s inheritance. The apostles efforts. were very faithful in teaching the we must also offer our prayers. word of God, devoting themselves understood, theoretically, that Acts 15 records an incident of When we pray with all our heart, continually to prayer and to the they were Abraham’s children not another nature—one concerning it represents our total reliance on ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). through circumcision but through the truth. Some Jewish believers God’s guidance in the development Finally, they were willing to suffer belief in Jesus and baptism. But they still insisted on circumcising of the church. Prayer can be for His ministry. Enduring physical did not have the courage to confirm Gentile believers, causing a divide accomplished by any believer and is Though the worker of God was early apostolic church—the image violence, imprisonment, and the their belief through action and in the apostolic church. Under the a service we must not neglect. bound in chains, the word of God of the ideal church—as presented threat of death, they did not waver bring the message to the Gentiles. guidance of the Holy Spirit, this could never be bound; this is the in the Book of Acts. in their faith and held fast to Jesus’ However, in Acts 10, the Holy problem was given a final resolution CONCLUSION conclusion that the Acts of the teachings. God has led us thus far over the Today, some may argue that times Spirit led a breakthrough by (Acts 15:28–29). Apostles imprints on our minds. past century, and will continue to have changed and the apostolic Today, in which direction should inspiring Peter to go to the house An entire book concerning the The church today will likewise be do so in the next if we play our part church is an outdated model. the church proceed? All we must do of Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile. church of God was written so that required to handle tricky questions well. While having faith that God Indeed, methods of church is follow in the direction set by the Peter himself was still doubtful, but we in this current generation can and dilemmas when it comes to will cause His church to flourish, administration will necessarily Acts of the Apostles. as he preached to Cornelius and his understand how the church was practicing the truth. When such we must continue to walk in the old adapt to changing times, but the family, he was reassured when God formed, and how she progressed situations occur, we must learn paths of the saints and rely on the founding principles of the apostolic Be Led by the Holy Spirit bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the despite tribulation. The church was from the example of the incident guidance of the Holy Spirit. More church remain timeless. The truth The Acts of the Apostles is also Gentile listeners. challenged by heresies creeping in Acts 15 and wholly rely on the importantly, we should pray that in, members turning apostate, and preached by the apostles cannot known as the Acts of the Holy Spirit Later, when Peter was criticized for guidance of the Holy Spirit. God preserves our own faith, so that persecution from all sides. But be altered by changing societal because it records how the Holy having gone to Cornelius’ house, we, as individuals, will not waver reading this history, one lesson attitudes. After all, the apostles did Spirit personally led the church. he testified that these Gentiles had Treat Prayer as a Service in our beliefs and can lead future is clear for the church today: we not invent this truth, so it is not a In Acts 2, we read how the Holy received the same gift that they Last but not least, in order for us to generations to hold fast to the need not worry; the Holy Spirit product of their era. The apostles’ Spirit pricked the hearts of the had at the beginning: they spoke in progress after our centenary, let us truth. The Holy Spirit will assuredly Himself will comfort us and help message is the faith that was once for Jews listening to Peter’s message, tongues. There was no way Peter not be ambivalent towards prayer. complete His work of perfecting the us to flourish. All we must do is rely all committed to them by the Lord resulting in the baptism of about could prevent them from being Some of us may be ill or elderly and true church. wholeheartedly on His guidance. Jesus; it is the unchanging truth three thousand people. In Acts 3, baptized. If it were not for the work unable to do much church work, that remains relevant throughout because the Holy Spirit worked of the Holy Spirit, how could there but at the very least, we can pray. the ages. The instruction of Jesus through Peter and John to heal Hold Fast to Pure Teachings have been such a breakthrough? Then there are those who do much in Matthew 28:20, “[teach] them a lame beggar, more than five How could Peter have persuaded church work, but do not consider There is an important question we to observe all things which I have thousand came to believe. This was should consider. Can the church commanded you—and lo, I am how the church in Jerusalem was today continue to hold fast to with you always, even to the end established. the pure teachings and the truth of age,” was not just directed to the Apart from offering our services and originally preached? The stance of disciples of that time, but also to all Some wonder how the apostolic strength, we must also offer our prayers. When the True Jesus Church has always future believers. church could have flourished with we pray with all our heart, it represents our total been that we must be completely just twelve apostles and seven aligned with the Bible; we should If we are indeed believers of Christ deacons. Even by the standards reliance on God’s guidance in the development of seek to follow the blueprint of the and of the true church, then we of the time, they were not a very the church.

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and kindness (Rom 1:28–29). Living inability to discern the wickedness many hidden traps that are difficult Nathaniel Chin A Letter to Our Youths: in such a society, some youths in man’s heart, to distinguish to guard against (Ps 18:5). These traps Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia become so indifferent toward their between the wolf and the shepherd include fornication, homosexuality, life of faith that they cannot discern (Isa 11:6), and to identify the false computer games, ubiquitous The Next when they are heading for danger, teachers, who Peter calls “natural advertising, prostitution, gang even when they have already fallen brute beasts” (2 Pet 2:12). In this violence, gambling, alcoholism, into captivity (Rom 3:11–12). Seeing unpredictable world, some youths and drug abuse. Youths who fall Twenty Years this happen to certain youths is act without considering the into these snares find it hard to greatly distressing. consequences and dangers ahead. free themselves (Prov 1:17). The But those with such an easygoing sad conclusion to this is not only Unfortunately, youths who are attitude may eventually find loss and shame in this life, but also reetings of peace to our to others in their respective 2:19). If such youths fail to turn back, trapped on this downward spiral themselves in a hopeless situation, rejection at the heavenly gate. youths. generations. they will eventually defile their holy get into the habit of not attending where it is too late for regrets, and status and lose their blessings (Heb services (Heb 10:25). They alienate there no longer remains a sacrifice If youths caught up in such snares GHave you ever considered themselves from the church, So what role do youths play in the 12:16–17). Judgement is the ultimate for sins (Heb 10:26). continue on the same path, what your role as a youth in the True eventually departing from God and True Jesus Church, now that we consequence (Heb 10:26–27). Sadly, good would another twenty years Jesus Church? losing the ability to discern. They have passed our centennial? In countless youths have fallen into Today, there are also youths who do them? How do we, as shepherds, are no longer able to differentiate this end time, Satan will not accept this horrendous state. If we have think they are knowledgeable and feel when we see individuals in such In the eyes of God, youths occupy between right and wrong, good and failure without a fight; he will do another twenty years, how should have no need for guidance. In the a wretched state? a particularly important position. bad, just like one who is unable to all he can to disrupt God’s plan of we, as shepherds, help the youths end, they will fall into the power From the Bible, we can see how discern the face of the sky and the of darkness, blinded by the god of salvation for man. And he will have escape these snares to enter into Listen to the Bible’s God continually selected, delivered, earth (Lk 12:54–56). At the same this age (2 Cor 4:4). They become the vulnerable youths in his sights. the everlasting life of God? Warnings and employed youths as important time, false teachers who have disorientated and unable to find the He will take advantage of their naïve, vessels for His work. When seventy- crept in unnoticed (Gal 2:4; Jude right path. Yet, because they do not Nowadays, society promotes the stubborn and curious natures to Recognize Crises Faced by five-year-old Abram was called by 4) have replaced sound doctrine want to feel the shame of correction, idea that poverty is shameful, while inflict great destruction, tempting Youths God to depart from Haran, he was with human philosophy, and they continue to stumble about in wealth represents the pinnacle of them with wealth, fame, status and accompanied by a youthful Lot (Gen The twenty-first century is an age even substituted biblical truth for the valley of darkness (Job 12:25). success and virtue. But Jesus said, sex (Rom 1:24; 2 Pet 2:10–18). Some 12:4). From Joseph and Daniel and of ever-increasing knowledge (Dan erroneous teachings. Youths who They charge ahead on paths that “For what profit is it to a man if he youths will depart from safety and his friends in the Old Testament, 12:4), materialism (Gal 5:17), evil are distanced from God are unable they think are bright and hopeful, gains the whole world, and loses step blindly into the “danger zone,” to Timothy and Titus in the New and sin (Rom 1:21–24). Men deceive to identify these false teachers. To but end up becoming even more his own soul? Or what will a man Testament, the young servants where prowling lions seek to bring and try to outwit one another, such youths, trusting in God can lost. give in exchange for his soul?” raised by God became blessings them into the bondage of sin (2 Pet abandoning virtues like honesty seem like an act of superstition. (Mt 16:26). Jesus also said, “Take They put their faith in science Youths in this end time face heed and beware of covetousness, rather than the true God. Some have unprecedented temptations and for one’s life does not consist in even acknowledged the devil as danger. Because Satan knows his the abundance of the things he their father (1 Jn 4:2–3), embarking end is drawing near (Rev 12:12), he possesses” (Lk 12:15). Alas, some on a self-righteousness path that is wildly pouncing on this weak, youths fail to use the words of Jesus eventually leads to destruction. ill-equipped flock. By employing as a compass in their life. Instead, deception and the lure of wealth, they live their lives according to Furthermore, because young beauty and glory—i.e., the lust of worldly values, and become caught people tend to be more affected by the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the in harmful desires. Such youths find strong emotions, they can be misled pride of life (1 Jn 2:16)—Satan sets up it hard to resist the allure of riches. by their feelings. This is something they must be vigilant to guard against. Youth is a golden stage of Youths are in their golden stage of life, but life, but it is also a dangerous time. Their immature minds, coupled it is also a dangerous time. Their immature with a lack of life experience, can minds, coupled with a lack of life experience, cause some youths to drift with can cause some youths to drift with the tide the tide (Heb 2:1) and fall into and fall into temptation easily. temptation. This can lead to the

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The rich young ruler who once territory. In this stage of life, youths become more and more evident. talked with Jesus had kept the law should aim to reach as much sky For this reason, the heavenly Father since he was young. He had wealth, and conquer as much territory as groans and weeps for them, while status and honor, but all these they can. They must reach their the Holy Spirit toils for their souls. Following could not fill the emptiness in his pinnacle—by becoming soldiers of Should we not also be concerned heart. That was why he sought after Christ—and put in another twenty for them? eternal life (Mk 10:17–22). When years to proclaim the gospel of the In the next twenty years, today’s he was instructed by Jesus to sell heavenly kingdom to the ends of the God’s Calling youths will become central to the all he had to give to the poor, and earth! development of the gospel work. to follow Him, the young man’s They are the ones who can best countenance changed and he Obey, Obey and Obey understand the requirements of the departed sorrowfully. His reaction We often sing the hymn Trust and Editor’s note: The Scriptures tell us that work ahead of them. We must work the true church will eventually reach Derren Liang was enough to show that he was Obey, with the lyrics: Trust and obey, Irvine, California, USA alongside and pray earnestly for the someone who had reached the gate for there’s no other way to be happy perfection and be glorified by God. But youths. In the meantime, they must of the heavenly kingdom; yet he in Jesus, but to trust and obey.1 There as we strive to reach this goal, we need learn to rely on the Lord to bring allowed eternal life to slip away, and is truly only one way to be happy in workers to dedicate themselves to serve Choices: My Family’s and Mine Satan into bondage and free their turned towards the palace of death. life: to obey God! in the ministry. In fact, since this process hearts from his sway, so that they Why did he do this? Because he of perfection is God’s work, God Himself It is indeed true that the Bible has can return to Jesus. This is how we will raise up workers. Many are called, but could not let go of his riches. How ur lives are defined by the MY FATHER’S CHOICE TO set the most difficult benchmark should nurture our successors in few are chosen. Who are the chosen ones? pitiable indeed! For us, the blessing choices we make. For me, BELIEVE for us—obedience. I earnestly faith to ensure that the work and the Those who boldly accept God’s calling. In of twenty more years is neither a the greatest decision I have hope that all youths will accept this blessings continue. If we can work the following testimonies, three writers O In 1951, while my father and his platform nor an opportunity to gain made in my life was to dedicate benchmark. The greater our ideals, together in this way, heaven and share their personal journeys towards brother were on a shopping trip the whole world. myself to be a full-time minister. the more people will ridicule us earth will rejoice when we receive full-time ministry, how God called them in Taipei, they came across a sign However, the roots of this choice for setting such high standards. If the second coming of Jesus. And if and continues to guide and walk with that read “True Jesus Church.” My Read More, Reflect More, were not planted by me: I did not we fail to live up to worldly ideals, we are given another twenty years, them, every step of the way. Pray More choose this faith. As a second- father, a Presbyterian at the time, nothing severe will happen and it would not be a day too many! generation believer, I received my was very indignant. He thought to If given another twenty years of our life will go on. However, if we faith from my parents. The choices himself, Why do they call themselves life, youths ought to make use of fall short of God’s ideals by not they made changed their lives (and “true,” suggesting other churches their time to read more Christian submitting to Him, that would be those of their children) eternally. are not? So he marched into the publications, especially those the greatest mistake of our lives published by the church. A habit of (Gen 32:9–13)! Bible reading must be cultivated. Moreover, youths must live by the Some Final Words teachings of the Bible and put them As time passes, the difficulties into practice ( Jas 1:25). Only with faced by this generation of youths more Bible reading will we be able to understand the heart of God; only 1 By John H Sammis (1846–1919). with more reflection will we be able to internalize the words of God; only with more prayers will we be able Youth is like the infinite sky and to fulfill the work of God. We should uncharted territory. In this stage of life, heed the apostle Paul’s message to Timothy: “Meditate on these things; youths should aim to reach as much sky and give yourself entirely to them, that conquer as much territory as they can. They your progress may be evident to all” (1 Tim 4:15). With the limited time must reach their pinnacle—by becoming they have, youths ought to put in soldiers of Christ—and put in another twenty more effort in matters concerning years to proclaim the gospel of the heavenly the salvation of souls. Youth is like the infinite sky and uncharted kingdom to the ends of the earth!

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Lesson of Faith 1: Test Every The God we worship is the source of living was upset. He said to my mother, crops and those of our neighbors. six years of age, my mother had to Spirit “I have offered myself to serve the Even the non-believers could see shoulder the burden of feeding and water. If we do what is pleasing in His eyes, My relatives’ experience shows that Lord full time. Why do you create how much more fertile our fields caring for the whole family. Yet, she we cannot believe every spirit (1 Jn another burden for yourself?” What were compared to their own. They did not allow this to affect her life of we need not worry, for God will sustain us 4:1). Even after believing in Jesus an irony—the evangelist objecting did not understand how this could prayer. Despite her intense sorrow Christ, it is possible to receive a to his wife making an offering to happen, but we knew that it was the at my father’s demise, she was spirit that is not from God. We must God! blessing of God. True Jesus Church to demand an which would not. If my relatives able to rely on God. Whenever she thus be vigilant and build up our explanation. During that session, heeded the spirit’s forecast and sang spiritual songs in prayer, her ability to discern. When my father returned to the My father often encouraged us to a minister explained the doctrines took those vegetables to market, sorrows were lifted. The Holy Spirit church he was pastoring, his body serve the Lord throughout our lives. of the church to my father, who everything would be sold quickly. If comforted her. MY FATHER’S CHOICE TO started to itch. He tried applying Do not put off service until you are realized that they all made sense. they ignored the spirit’s prediction, ENTER THE MINISTRY topical creams, and even prayed for advanced in age; give God your best He could see that their basic their vegetables would be left My mother’s prayerfulness had My father was a teacher, but after healing, but to no avail. He reflected while you are still young. beliefs were from the Bible. After unsold, even up until noon. wide and long-lasting impact. My his baptism, he aspired to serve the on his behavior: Is this happening the discussion, as my father was parents had five children; all five Lord. One night, he dreamed of a to me because I opposed my wife’s MY MOTHER’S CHOICES IN leaving, the minister told him that Later on, these relatives became of us married in the Lord and are train that was destined for heaven. offering? He then prayed to God, “If SPIRITUAL NURTURE AND he could pray and receive the Holy more fervent. They started to fast preserved in the Lord to this day. He opened his suitcase to look for I am suffering for my wrongdoing, DIVINE SERVICE Spirit. and pray, even skipping work to Apart from God’s grace, I have his ticket, but he found that there I repent.” After this prayer, the always felt that the most important do so, saying that the Lord Jesus itch disappeared. Amazingly, the Lesson of Faith 3: Pray My father took the invitation to were just too many things packed would come soon. At one point, a amount of money he had spent on Unceasingly factor was my mother’s unceasing pray for the Holy Spirit to heart. He inside. By the time he found his few of them saw an aeroplane flying the medicine was the same amount Besides her spirit of offering, my prayers. fervently prayed at home, and was boarding pass, the train had left. backwards in the sky. They were that my mother had intended to mother was also a sterling exemplar overjoyed when he received the Holy The message was clear: he was puzzled but, in their inexperience, offer! It was a timely reminder that in prayer. She loved to pray, waking Lesson of Faith 4: Serve with Spirit. Not only did he understand tied down by many secular tasks, did not understand what was going the ability to offer is indeed grace up at 5 a.m. to pray until 7 a.m.; Diligence the truth, he was able to experience and if he continued to be bound by on. They just knew that a powerful from God. and she would always have a long the precious Holy Spirit. Eventually, these, he would find it difficult to Another of my mother’s virtues spirit was involved. Besides making prayer before bed, even if she was he brought his five siblings and enter heaven. Hence, he decided to was her diligence. She got up early, predictions, this spirit could also Notwithstanding my father’s exhausted. When filled with the their families to be baptized into enroll in the church’s theological slept late, and worked tirelessly reveal what wrongs had been repentance, we still had a problem: Holy Spirit, she would sing spiritual the True Jesus Church. seminary, and was accepted into the throughout the day. She also applied committed by other people. It was where would we find the money songs; at times, she was so joyful first cohort of full-time theological so accurate that others started to that my mother had pledged to the that she would wake us up to pray this attitude to serving the Lord, training program students. MY RELATIVES’ CHOICE TO fear them. church building fund? My father with her. In our prayers, we always particularly in her determination to BELIEVE: DISTURBANCE FROM After my father joined the ministry, decided we should raise piglets. felt God guiding our family. Though complete every task she undertook. THE DEVIL The church came to know of these my mother had to raise the family Miraculously, the pigs thrived our lives were simple, joy filled our This is an enduring example to Thirsting for the truth, my extended happenings when workers made on her own. Although we were poor, and, within six months, we had days. her children. When my mother family willingly converted to the a routine visit for newly baptized my mother loved to offer to God. sold them and offered the pledged was given the opportunity to live True Jesus Church. However, as families. Through prayer, these On one occasion, the local church amount to church. My father passed away after serving in the church to serve God, she new believers, they neither fully workers discerned that the spirit requested contributions to help the Lord for ten years. At forty- was thankful to be able to fulfill understood the Bible nor had was an evil one. When the workers fund the construction of a church Lesson of Faith 2: God’s Grace is full discernment when it came to helped my relatives realize this, the building. My mother promised Sufficient spiritual matters. After praying spirit fled. By God’s grace, when my to donate a sum that was equal to The God we worship is the source of for the Holy Spirit, they seemed relatives knelt down to pray again, half of my father’s living expenses. living water. If we do what is pleasing Materially Poor, Spiritually Rich to have received Him. However, they truly received the Holy Spirit When my father returned home and in His eyes, we need not worry, for they soon felt that something was and were filled with joy. heard what my mother had done, he God will sustain us. For instance, My life as a child was a stark contrast to life today. Up until I left amiss, although they were unsure in the countryside where we lived, elementary school, I had never worn shoes. Unlike the youth of what. The spirit they had received there was only a line dividing my today, who grow up in front of screens and are sheltered from could predict certain things. These My father often encouraged us to serve family’s fields from those belonging nature, we climbed trees, chased birds, caught fish in the canal, relatives were vegetable farmers to our non-believing neighbors. and swam in rural ponds. Prayer was a source of great joy to us. who sold their produce at the the Lord throughout our lives. Do not put off We sowed the same seeds and Despite our poverty, we led fulfilling lives. Most importantly, we market. The spirit in them could used the same water to irrigate drew nearer to God and enjoyed His presence in our lives. prophesy which kind of vegetables service until you are advanced in age; give God our fields. However, there was a would sell well the next day, and your best while you are still young. noticeable difference between our

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CONCLUSION: RIGHT CHOICES her desire to serve. She would The thought of serving God still moved army barracks for the paratroopers. the US. Elder John Yang informed ensure that every floor was This meant that I had regular me that I was one of the chosen BRING ABUNDANT BLESSING thoroughly cleaned, and every me to tears. I shared my uncertainty with working hours, and no longer ministers. Thus, the idea of serving In retrospect, I can clearly see how blanket was properly washed and needed to undertake such extreme the Lord in the US was indeed from a preacher, who advised me to watch and God has guided my every step. I odor-free. Her belief was, Not only physical training. The barracks the Lord. Truly, if we seek the Lord, came to the US with little, but with must I finish the work of God, but I wait. If God were the source of this thought, it were not built in the end. But, He will reveal His will for us. God’s guidance, I have everything must do it properly. I answer not to indeed, we can cast all our cares— I started preparing to go to the US. I need today. My three daughters man, but to God. would surely happen. no matter how big or small—on our were able to complete their tertiary Lord who truly cares for us. First, I applied for a theological program at a seminary run by educations without taking any MY CHOICES loans, which seems impossible supplication. On one occasion, use me there. I was puzzled why As the end of my army service drew another Christian denomination, Staying in Church and on a preacher’s salary. By God’s while I was deep in prayer, a thought such a thought would pop into my near, I had no idea what my next step with the purpose of improving my Experiencing God’s Guidance grace and miraculous ways, it was was carved deeply on my heart: God mind. I wondered whether I had should be. On a train home from English. As part of the application, I indeed possible. He provided for When I was in high school, my wants me to serve Him. After that imagined it, or whether it was truly the army camp, I thought about my had to take the Test of English as a all our needs. Many believers who brothers enlisted in the army and prayer, every time I thought about God’s will. I pondered on this for choices. Some of my classmates had Foreign Language (TOEFL). Despite came to the US empty-handed have my mother moved to the city. Left serving the Lord, I would be moved a long time, but I had no answer. entered the workforce, some had not having taken a test since had the same experience of God’s to live alone, I decided to move into to tears. This could happen when I Yet, the thought of serving God still continued their studies, and others university and having only a short providence. the church. The three years I lived was at school, when I was riding my moved me to tears. I shared my had moved overseas. What should timeframe to study for it, I attained in church changed my life. I had bicycle, or when I was lying down uncertainty with a preacher, who I do? As I reflected, the Holy Spirit the score required by the school. My mother used to say, “If you do no family living nearby, so after to sleep. Even though I was still in advised me to watch and wait. If moved me to tears. The person This was yet another one of God’s not have something to do each day, school I would head straight back high school, God had let me know God were the source of this thought, sitting next to me kept staring at me mighty works. to church and spend between thirty what He wanted me to do. This it would surely happen. So I decided in puzzlement. His confusion was then what is the point of your life?” The next problem soon popped up. minutes to an hour in prayer. I was thought, imprinted on my heart, to let things fall into place naturally. a counterpoint to my clarity and This motivated her to serve the I did not realize that, back then, the often filled with the Holy Spirit and would eventually lead me to enter certainty—I had to serve the Lord. Lord every single day, giving her Taiwan government only granted with joy. Indeed, that was one of the the full-time ministry. After university, I enlisted in the Therefore, I joined the theological life value and meaning. This is why most joyful periods of my life. army. For six months, I attended seminary in Taichung and entered Taiwanese students permission I have always thought the best way an infantry academy as part of the ministry. to travel to America if they were to live my life is to serve God. Even In my second year of high school, From University to Ministry the basic infantry training that all accepted into certain universities; though we may lead simple lives my prayers became particularly In my third year of university, university graduates were required Coming to America Taiwanese were restricted from with few possessions, we can be earnest. “Lord, I do not have my another thought was planted in my to undergo. After this, I was posted In 1981, at the World Delegates’ leaving the country for religious filled with peace and joy. parents here to guide me. Oh Lord, mind during prayer. It was that God to the paratroopers unit. Soon Conference held in Taiwan, the purposes. What was I to do? I please guide me!” was my constant wanted to lead me to America and after, I realized that I was not suited United States General Assembly suddenly remembered that I had I often ask myself, If I were to live to this role. Paratrooper cadets submitted a proposal: to help church also applied for other university my life again, would I make the same were selected specifically for their workers go to the United States (US) research programs. One of these decisions? Indeed, I am certain that, physical strength and stamina. They to learn English. When I saw that universities had accepted my if the Lord were to move me, I would were expected to run with machine proposal, I knew that my time had application and had sent me an take the same path. Like others, I guns—something I found difficult come and that God had opened admission letter. Better yet, this have experienced the pain of seeing to do. On one occasion, while the way. However, I did not put university was on the Taiwanese co-workers depart from the truth, crawling on the ground during an myself forward to the International government’s approved list of but this is a useful reminder to exercise, I told God that I really Assembly (IA), as I wanted to see universities. Therefore, I used this all of us who serve, to be vigilant could not handle this. If I could not how God would guide. Indeed, the letter to obtain a passport from and watchful. Only then can we live up to the physical demands of IA passed the proposal, and decided the Taiwanese government, before complete this path of service, and training, how would I be able to lead they would send two candidates to applying for a US visa. be able to give a joyful account to a platoon of thirty men? As I prayed, the Lord when we see Him on the the moving of the Spirit within my last day. heart told me God had heard my If I were to live my life again, would I make prayer. the same decisions? Indeed, I am certain that, May all glory and praise be unto His holy name! Amen. Not long after, I was chosen, as a if the Lord were to move me, I would take the civil engineering and construction same path. graduate, to oversee the building of

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Samuel Kuo wanted to call me, He would make were suited to this ministry. There As I drove home, tears welled up in my Flushing, New York, USA it very clear. was a struggle within my heart. After five to ten minutes of internal eyes. I wondered, Is God calling me to be a A few days later, our campus wrestling, I finally realized that I preacher? However, I quieted those thoughts, fellowship group visited members We Are God’s Workmanship could not deny God. In my heart, I rationalizing that if God wanted to call me, He in Philadelphia and Washington, finally said, “Okay.” At that moment, DC. That Friday evening, we lodged God’s tremendous love poured into would make it very clear. at the church in Philadelphia. As I my heart. I could resume praying or we are His workmanship, years, I had become more involved was assigned interpretation duties in tongues, and I concluded my created in Christ Jesus in the church’s literary and internet for me to examine the substance of seemed like I had entered into a for Sabbath services the following prayer about ten minutes later. for good works, which ministry, so serving in this area was my faith and my service. spiritual dimension, where I spoke F day, I stayed up late to read the As I was walking upstairs to bed, I God prepared beforehand that we also a possibility. directly to God. I asked Him many Bible and pray in the church hall. realized that God had not answered should walk in them. (Eph 2:10) My Second Calling questions, expressing my doubts Preacher Liang advised me to my specific questions about my My prayer started liked any other. After I moved to Illinois in August and worries about full-time service. Every creation has a purpose. Take consider applying for the full- future. But He had given me a clear Soon, as I shifted my focus to pray 2004, the initial period was fresh “What about my introverted a look at the things around you—the time theological training program, direction to work towards. about my future, I reflected on my and exciting. It was the first time I personality? What about my lack of roof over your head, the clothes explaining that a sound theological recent conversation with Preacher had lived away from my home state. eloquence? Will a sister be willing to on your body, even the typeface of foundation was necessary for In the weeks that followed, I came Liang. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit But after one month, I realized I marry me? What about finances? I this text—they have been made for writing edifying works. Before I to understand that God was not moved me with great intensity. It was not as strong as I had thought. have not been able to convert any of specific purposes. left, he added, “Right now, we really telling me to apply for theological was like nothing I had experienced My faith was declining, as were my my friends—would I be any good as lack English-speaking preachers.” training immediately. Besides, I Our existence is no exception. before, or since. It reached the academic grades. I started to doubt: a preacher?” This statement stayed with me, as was only twenty-one years old, Jesus Christ created and called us point where I could no longer pray Does God really want to use me? If I had always thought that my birth and the minimum age requirement for His purpose. As Paul wrote in in tongues because I was weeping I change, does God’s will change? Yet, to every question I asked, it in the United States, with English set by the United States General Ephesians, we were created in Him so much. Doubts crept into my mind over seemed God simply responded, being my strongest language, was Assembly (USGA) was twenty-three. for good works—works that have the next year or so. I was unsure of “Don’t worry about it.” After that no accident. In my spirit, I knew that Jesus was God was telling me that, while this been prepared long beforehand for where I stood in God’s presence. prayer, I sensed God’s gracious telling me, “Serve me as a preacher.” was the path I would tread, I needed us to accomplish. Fulfilling these affirmation. It was a second calling. After that session, as I drove to prepare myself first. works means we are living out In January 2006, during the winter home, tears welled up in my eyes. I However, my immediate reaction our Creator’s purpose for us—the break, I attended a church seminar wondered, Is God calling me to be a was, “No, it can’t be me, it can’t be Growing up, I had always attended My Third Calling epitome of a successful life. for Africa ministry volunteers. preacher? However, I quieted those me!” I felt unworthy, and did not churches with large congregations, During the first evening prayer, I graduated with a master’s thoughts, rationalizing that if God think my personality or my gifts so my faith was bolstered by a stable My First Calling encouraged by the preceding degree in May 2006. Thank God, spiritual environment. But this I promptly secured a job in Texas. The first half of 2004 was my final message, I prayed diligently. I told made me question my motivations Before starting work, I attended the semester at university. Throughout God, “God, I do not know where I for serving God. Was I doing it National Youth Theological Seminar that school year, I had prayed over stand before You.” I realized how because of reputation—because it (NYTS). Within the first two days, what I should do after graduation. unworthy I was in His presence. I was expected? To impress people? Preacher Vuthy Nol-Mantia, who I was interning at Motorola at the continued, “God, You knew me even Therefore, I decided to take up was a theological student and NYTS time, and they had offered me a full- before I was in my mother’s womb. graduate studies at the University counsellor at the time, approached time position. Therefore, I prayed All of my ugliness, You know. But of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, me. Knowing that I had graduated to see if it was God’s will for me to if You are willing to use me, I will which was two-and-a-half hours’ and found a job, he was interested take this job, or to do something serve You.” drive from the nearest True Jesus in my next steps, since I had else. All this while, I pondered over Church. As I prayed, God seemed to I was so moved during that prayer previously shared with him my first my calling in life. What was my life’s be telling me that it would be good that I continued to fast and pray calling. purpose? spiritual training: an opportunity during dinnertime. In prayer, it During spring break that year, I Preacher Vuthy asked, “Have you met with my resident preacher, been thinking about marriage?” Preacher Derren Liang, to discuss In my heart, I finally said, “Okay.” At that Without disclosing her name, I told some local church matters. I took Preacher Vuthy that I had a sister this opportunity to seek his advice moment, God’s tremendous love poured into in mind, but did not know if it was on my future. During my university my heart. God’s time for me to approach her. Preacher Samuel Kuo and family.

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He advised me to tell the sister so Things were often unclear. However, God En-Ping Liu money-related discussions would that, if she accepts the possibility of Tamsui, Taiwan lead to arguments. Experiencing being a preacher’s wife, she could is my Creator, and He graciously revealed such pressure at home, I prayed to prepare herself. I kept this matter His purpose for me—a purpose that I shall God that I could enroll at a college in prayer for the rest of the seminar. Feed My Sheep far away. continually strive to fulfill. For many years, I had thought God indeed answered my prayer: I Joyce was a good sister. She was e said to him the third TURNING AWAY FROM GOD ended up at a college in Kaohsiung, also Preacher Liang’s daughter, another seminar. I was distracted calling was confirmed through time, “Simon, son of I grew up as a True Jesus Church in southern Taiwan, about five and I was not sure how he would the whole time. Finally, on the last a third party. All my lingering Jonah, do you love Me?” member in Tamsui, northern hour’s drive from Tamsui. This react to his daughter entering a day, I found an opportunity to have a doubts dissolved and I completely H Peter was grieved because He said Taiwan. My childhood was carefree, provided the perfect excuse for not relationship, since she was only private conversation with her. After surrendered to Jesus. I just told God, to him the third time, “Do you love and attending church services was visiting my family so often. Deep twenty-one. At that time, Joyce and sharing with her about my calling, “You’ve convinced me. Although I Me?” And he said to Him, Lord, a normal part of my routine—this, down, I just wanted to escape. I were just friends. We did not really I asked her if she could pray about do not know what will happen in the You know all things; You know to me, was how simple it was to live talk much and I had not made an two matters: first was my future future, I trust You.” that I love You.” Jesus said to a faithful life. When I was in senior In an attempt to put family troubles effort to stay in touch while I was ministry, and second, whether she After her stint in Taiwan, Joyce him, Feed My sheep. (Jn 21:17) year of high school, my carefree behind me, I dedicated most of my at graduate school. I was also very would be willing to join me on this returned to the States and days were suddenly cut short—my time to extra-curricular activities shy around her. I was worried about journey. As believers in the true church of family met with a financial crisis at college. Although I knew that making things awkward between us completed her master’s program. God, we have been purchased by and almost went bankrupt. At the church was important, I only if I approached her and the timing I expected her to ask for a couple of A week after her graduation, we the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28), and time, my family members began to attended when I had spare time; turned out to be wrong. weeks to pray before giving me her were married. Later that same year, answer, as becoming a minister’s I was accepted into the theological were chosen in Christ before the lose their pure faith in God. We no college activities always came Therefore, I decided to speak wife is no small decision. Yet, she training program. In November foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). longer had time for church, and any first. As I indulged in these worldly with Preacher Liang, who was an gave an immediate response: “My 2014, I was ordained as a full-time Have you ever wondered why God instructor at the NYTS. If he said, answer is yes.” preacher. chose you? The answer is simply “No, we cannot accept you,” then that He loves you. If we can see how If we can see how tirelessly God calls us I was surprised. “Wow, how come Looking back, I cannot but I would just let it go. If he said, tirelessly God calls us back when we you are so certain?” humbly thank God for His mercy back when we start to stray, we would never “Wait,” then I would wait. To avoid start to stray, we would never leave and guidance every step of the making her feel uncomfortable, His church. For me, this redeeming leave His church. For me, this redeeming love She told me that two years earlier, way. Things were often unclear. Joyce did not even have to know love has compelled me to present in April and May of 2004, she felt However, God is my Creator, and has compelled me to present my body as a about this conversation. During the my body as a living sacrifice to God. that God was repeatedly telling her He graciously revealed His purpose chat, I plucked up the courage and This is my story. living sacrifice to God the same message in her prayers: for me—a purpose that I shall confessed, “I like your daughter, “You will serve Me all your life. You continually strive to fulfill. and I wondered what your thoughts will be a preacher’s wife.” So, with are about me starting a relationship me approaching her two years later, Society’s definition of success with her.” it seemed a perfect match. It was typically revolves around fulfilling something she had been quietly dreams, self-actualization, attaining Honestly, I thought he would say, anticipating. I did not realize that wealth, or some variation of these. “It’s too early.” Thankfully, he said, God would even call a preacher’s Unfortunately, we Christians often “Why don’t you sit down with Joyce wife! become engrossed in pursuing this and talk to her before she goes to definition of success too. While Taiwan?” She was going to Taiwan a Later that day, I flew to Texas to start worldly success is not forbidden, our few weeks later to study Chinese for my new job. Throughout that entire primary concern should be to fulfill a year. “We’d be happy to see what flight, I was in a state of awe; I felt the intents of our Maker. The call to God’s will is.” I was very surprised so humbled. I could not understand full-time ministry does not happen that he gave me the green light. I why God would do this for someone to everyone, but the principle immediately called my parents and like me. remains. We are His workmanship, spoke with them too. created to accomplish good works. To me, it was a third calling. The One week later, straight after the first two were during my personal Are you fulfilling your Creator’s NYTS, Joyce and I were attending prayers with God, but this third purpose?

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God’s mercy was like a rope that kept to cultivate myself spiritually. I I knew in my spirit that this was also began to wake up early to pray God’s voice, so I shouted from my drawing me back. Time and again, different before lessons started. heart, “Lord, of course I love You! brethren conveyed the same message to me: That’s why I’m here!” In my third year of YTTP, I was God is more important than anything in this elected to be class leader, much to Then the gentle voice spoke three world. Whenever my faith was low, their care my surprise. I asked God why He words: “Feed My sheep.” lifted me up. would choose me—how could I lead On hearing this, I started to cry. the whole class when I had once I finally realized that the action of strayed so far in my faith? But the loving God is to feed His sheep. pursuits, my values gradually words. I was inspired to dedicate phrase “the Lord has need of you” Once again, the idea of becoming changed, and I even had a non- the rest of my life to God. A thought kept coming to mind. I felt that God a preacher came into my mind. I believing girlfriend for a time. formed in my mind: I want to be a wanted to train me so that I could knew I was not worthy of taking up preacher. In one class, a deacon stand firm before Him. Therefore, I His ministry, but I told God, “If You By the mercy of God, the members shared an English hymn with us, prayed earnestly to prepare myself need me, I am willing.” of my church varsity fellowship and asked if anyone could provide before the event started, but I did never gave up on me. They prayed Mandarin interpretation for the not foresee the challenges that I that I would return to the love of God class. “Is there anyone who majors would face. GOD CONFIRMS HIS CALLING and to church, and endeavoured to in English?” he asked. “The Lord I felt that I had received God’s Brother En-Ping Liu and family. keep in touch. On one occasion, has need of you!” There was one particular incident calling to become a preacher, but my family refused to take my preacher began to introduce the I met three of them for dinner. I during my time as class leader where I could not be completely sure. If it advice, but as they listened to my members of the congregation. thought they would scold me for I was shocked. I was an English God exposed my shortcomings and was indeed God’s will, I would apply encouragements, God gradually When he reached me, the preacher not attending church services, but student—was the Lord calling spoke to me. I was informed that for the theological training program changed their hearts. One summer said, “I saw this brother praying instead, they just asked about my me so soon? My fellow students some students had been blatantly (TTP) as soon as possible. The night in 2014, I caught sight of my very hard, so when I laid hands on studies. Even though they did not pointed me out to the deacon, so sleeping during lessons, so during minimum age for TTP applicants family praying together. I knew that him, I prayed for him—that he could mention church, I knew deep in my I had no choice but to stand up to one of my sharing sessions I spoke in Taiwan is twenty-five years old, this was the green light for me to become a preacher one day.” heart that they wanted me to return, interpret. However, I buckled under sternly to the class. As anger rose so I had to wait. In the meantime, apply for the TTP. the pressure—I could not translate and I knew that God had sent them within me, I rebuked them: “If you I asked God to confirm His will to I was shocked and excited by his a single word. Sitting down, I told to me. Because of their sincere love, don’t want to learn the words of God, me. words. Afterwards, I eagerly asked myself, God has need of me, but I am 2. His Servant Prays for Me I broke up with my girlfriend and just get out of here!” Afterwards, I how he knew what I was praying not yet prepared. In September 2014, I was conscripted started attending church services was upset with myself for speaking 1. My Family Returns for, even though I had never met into military service. At the again. so harshly, so I went to the prayer I could have stayed near my college him before. He just smiled and said, beginning, I had to attend training FEED MY SHEEP room to pray, repenting before God after graduation, but I chose to “Thank God, it was the movement God’s mercy was like a rope that for three months straight. But Half a year later, I attended the for scolding His sheep. move back home instead. Since my of the Spirit. Keep praying! He will kept drawing me back. Time and luckily, I could still take weekends Youth Theological Training family had departed from church, I lead you.” again, different brethren conveyed Program (YTTP). I was so moved by To my astonishment, a gentle thought it would be difficult for me off. Many spiritual convocations the same message to me: God is the words of God that I decided to thought—not quite a voice—came to become a preacher. Therefore, were happening around that time, more important than anything in 3. A Message on a Card return over the next two years to from the depths of my heart. It said, before I spoke to my family about so I looked for one taking place this world. Whenever my faith was By God’s grace, in October 2014, complete the three-year-program, “En-Ping, do you love Me?” God or any faith-related matter, I nearby. There was a prayer house low, their care lifted me up. In the I was given an alternative option would pray earnestly, sometimes holding convocation on a day that end, God’s love compelled me to in the military service. Instead with fasting. I would then share I was free—I believe that this was devote myself to attending church of training at the barracks, I only A gentle thought came from the depths with my family what I had learned God’s arrangement for me. services and to studying His words. needed to teach at a school for high at church, and encourage them to of my heart. It said, “En-Ping, do you love school dropouts. Near this school have faith in God. I prayed to God: During the services, I listened THE LORD HAS NEED OF YOU was the small church at Beipu, Me?” I knew in my spirit that this was God’s “If it is indeed Your will for me to carefully to the preacher’s message. so I could attend church services In 2012, during my third year apply for the theological seminary, When it was time to pray, I walked voice, so I shouted from my heart, “Lord, of and even undertake holy work. of college, I attended a student please bring my family back to to the front for the laying of hands. My relationship with the church spiritual convocation. Listening course I love You! That’s why I’m here!” Then church.” I earnestly prayed for confirmation to the many teachings, I realized that I should become a preacher and brethren gradually deepened, to the it was God’s mercy that I was able the gentle voice spoke three words: “Feed My It was a long process but God for guidance in my preparations. extent that some members treated to attend the event and study His sheep.” answered my prayers. At first, After we finished praying, the me like a son.

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In September 2015, after a year of told me, “God has given you clear Robinson Bini evidence of His will: your fiancée’s military service, it was time for me Delta State, Nigeria to leave. Two days before I departed, willingness. Not many sisters would God Protects His Church the church held a farewell gathering want to be a preacher’s wife.” At that for me. This touched me deeply. moment, I realized how God had They gave me an MRT railcard with led me through this whole process. Throughout a message written on the back: Since my wife and I had agreed that I would apply for the TTP when I Jesus said to En-Ping, “En-Ping, do turned twenty-five the following the you love Me?” year, I had no reason to hesitate any Storm En-Ping said, “Lord, yes, You know I longer. By God’s grace, I passed the love You.” TTP entrance exam in August 2016. n the name of our Lord Jesus had departed and, tempted by overseas church workers to support Jesus said to En-Ping, God chose me, an unworthy man, to Christ, I testify of the past twenty material gain, led other members our spiritual cultivation. We were “Feed My sheep.” be His full-time servant. Iyears of God’s grace upon the away to form their own churches. greatly discouraged, as the hearts True Jesus Church (TJC) in Nigeria. Others even sold the church of many ministers and workers had These words were based on John REFLECTIONS grounds and church property. In been darkened by fear, pride, greed, 21:17—the same passage that had Now, as a TTP student, I still have The TJC in Nigeria is celebrating her short, many members wavered or the lust of the flesh, and so on. come to me in prayer during my much to improve. This verse is a thirty-ninth anniversary this year. strayed in their faith. final year of YTTP. I had not shared source of strength for me whenever Between 1979 and 1992, the church THE LORD PRESERVED that experience, or what I had been my faith is low: membership grew to approximately During this time, the church HIS CHURCH praying for, with anyone. I was so ten thousand members. However, administration was inefficient, “But I have prayed for you, that The church suffered much loss moved that God had called me a a wild storm then swept a vast perhaps because the members your faith should not fail; and during this period of spiritual third time. number of members off the ship, were not adequately trained, when you have returned to Me, decline. However, our Lord, in His leaving a remnant of only a couple spiritually, to hold key offices in strengthen your brethren.” (Lk 22:32) infinite compassion, restored her. 4. Blessings in Marriage hundred souls. It was as though the the church. After we petitioned Permit me to share my testimony. Although I had felt God’s calling, I was once a lost son who pursued glory of God had left His church. the International Assembly (IA) I was not confident enough to worldly pleasure, but God called me of the TJC in 1995, Preacher HH In 1993, a year after I finished my proceed with my application. When to return. In my heart, I know that The Lord brought me into the Ko visited us the following year. secondary school education, I I first aspired to become a preacher, I am undeserving of such amazing ministry in 1993, while His church However, as far as I am aware, entered the ministry as a part-time I prayed that God would provide grace. God’s love has compelled me was still weathering the storm. Few between the period of 1997 and worker—the youngest worker at the me a prayerful spouse who would to dedicate my life to strengthen my faithful workers remained; many 2002, we received no visits from time. After six months, I became be willing to be a preacher’s wife. brothers and sisters, and to serve Indeed, God granted my prayer and, God with all my heart, all my mind, on November 1, 2015, He blessed me and all my soul. May all glory be and my wife in holy matrimony. given to Him. Amen.

Before the marriage, I still had my doubts about the way ahead. One sister who was married to a preacher

I was once a lost son who pursued worldly pleasure, but God called me to return. In my heart, I know that I am undeserving of such amazing grace. God’s love has compelled me to dedicate my life to strengthen my brothers and sisters, and to serve God with all my heart.

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members testified. In 2014, we houses in Rivers State and one in The Upcoming Generation former value. The property The Lord spoke to me in a dream, saying, replaced this annual event with Lagos State, all set up in members’ When the church in Nigeria was re- needs continual maintenance, to “You have all sinned, particularly the workers, twice-yearly seminars at Port homes. establishing herself after the storm, minimize the possibility that larger Harcourt. From this year, we are the majority of the congregation and more costly repairs will be In previous decades, the church planning to hold seminars in both were young families. God be required down the line. Thank the the board members, of the church.” lacked dedicated workers, and the Port Harcourt and Delta State. praised, eighty-five percent of Lord, a few members were able to church organization was informal the youths in church today were contribute financially to support Port Harcourt now holds Bible and inadequate. Thank the Lord, a full-time worker. I was moved Times were hard and I found it baptized as infants. Nurtured by the work, since the majority work studies every Monday and the Nigeria Church Board Council to embark on a full day of prayer, difficult to pay for food and rent. But the church, they have learned the in low-income jobs. We pray that Saturday, and a fasting prayer each (NCBC) has now been established, alone and with no human contact. thank God, some church workers, church doctrines since they were in God will empower more members, Wednesday. Every summer holiday, comprising a chairperson, an That night, the Lord spoke to me such as the late Deacon AA Chuku kindergarten. especially the youths, to be able to we hold a children’s seminar, in IA advisor to the chairperson, a in a dream, saying, “You have all and Brother Obadiah Francis, stood offer more in future. sinned, particularly the workers, by me and supported me financially which many devoted children, as secretary, an assistant secretary, a The few members who joined the the board members, of the church.” during those stormy days. young as five years old, receive treasurer and a financial secretary. community of faith as youths are Manpower He revealed to me three names. the Holy Spirit. A youth seminar is currently undergoing RE classes on Currently, the TJC has five churches In 1995, we wrote to the IA to also held in summer, and has been Religious Education the basic beliefs and doctrines of and three prayer houses in Nigeria, Thereafter, I spent seven days recommend that the national Similarly, the religious education running for about four years. Youths the church. Thank God, the majority with a membership of between 400 in fasting prayer, pleading for church board be dissolved. (RE) system was not clearly defined from across Nigeria gather to learn of these youths accept the truth and and 450. However, there are only the restoration of the church in Preacher Ko came the following in the past, because we lacked RE about the word of God from His are willing to forsake the doctrines one ordained full-time minister, Nigeria. On the eighth night, I year to fulfill our request, which teachers and teaching materials. servants; to know and understand of their previous churches. one deacon and one deaconess to had a vision of the heavenly hosts helped to manage the situation. But since the Lord has brought many each other better in the peace and pastor all the members across the descending, and the phrase “666 souls into the fold, we saw the need In November 2016, a youth forum, love of God; to learn about their country. now in the West.” God had revealed THE MEMBERS HELD roles and responsibilities in the for a better system. Around 2012, based mainly in Port Harcourt, was to me that false prophets were FIRM TO THE FAITH community of faith; and to study the NCBC started giving RE teacher formed to unite the youths and Nigeria has thirty-six states, and working in the Western world. Initially, the remaining church the doctrines of the church, in training to some devoted and God- facilitate their participation in holy numerous local government areas Hence, with great zeal, I began to members were not entirely order to be rooted and established fearing members, especially youths work. Activities include monthly in each state. Of these, the TJC evangelize concerning our sins and devoted. However, the Lord in the truth. of good reputation. In 2016, the spiritual revivals, evangelism, and has reached only four states. Just weaknesses, and rebuked the three preserved us through a program of organization was formalized, with visits to orphanages, prisons and as it is written: “The harvest truly board members God had named. spiritual cultivation organized by Many students have testified of classes for toddlers (kindergarten hospitals. This forum is still fresh, is plentiful, but the laborers are One repented, but the other two the church. From 1999, we began to spiritual experiences during these class), children (junior class), so we welcome guidance from the few” (Mt 9:37). We pray that the refused to heed and turned against hold an annual interstate combined youth seminars. In 1997, a brother teenagers (youth junior class), IA on how to actively encourage and Lord grant us an increase in order me, even attempting blackmail. spiritual convocation. This usually from the church in Delta State young adults (youth senior class, involve youths in religious activities to spread the gospel of salvation took place at the end of the year, and witnessed a vision in prayer: an ark 20–35 years), adults (36+ years), and beyond routine worship. within our country, and beyond to During this period, God’s grace would last for three days. Members was sinking in the waters, but as he truth-seekers. our neighboring countries. led me through many trials. The from various states would gather prayed, it was gradually lifted up to POTENTIAL FUTURE first was a serious illness—a lump in the church at Port Harcourt, stand on the sea. In 2016, a sister Evangelism CHALLENGES Most importantly, we pray that was discovered in my stomach. Rivers State, and feed on the manna named Jennifer saw, during prayer, Lately, the church in Nigeria has God’s power, His Holy Spirit, Although an operation was Financial Capacity of God’s word day and night. We writing on the altar: “Christ will stepped up in her evangelism continues to abide with us as we scheduled, the doctor told me that In 2017, the church in Elimgbu sought to increase our faith in God come soon. Baptize those who are efforts. The third Sabbath of continue in faith. May our Lord be the chances of success were slim. (Port Harcourt, Rivers State) and the true church, and learn the due for baptism.” each month is now devoted for blessed for preserving the church A few hours before the operation, I demolished its church building and importance of earnest and regular evangelistic services. Thank God, in Nigeria through the stream of prayed earnestly within my heart to remodeled the church compound, prayers. CURRENT CHURCH the faithful prayers of the members time. Amen. the Lord. When the doctor came to at an expense three-times its ORGANIZATION have empowered our works and prepare for the procedure, he found After my ordination as a minister Currently, we have about 400 to made them fruitful. On October that, miraculously, the lump was in 2012, this combined spiritual 450 members in Nigeria. There are 23, 2017, thirty-five truth-seekers gone. The members who had visited convocation also served as a five churches: two churches in Port were baptized into the fold, and six We pray that God’s Holy Spirit, continues me in hospital were doubtful that I ground for baptism. During each Harcourt, Rivers State (Elimbgu and received the Holy Spirit. to abide with us as we continue in faith. May would be able to attend church after convocation, we would witness Aluu), two churches in Akwa Ibom the operation, so they were shocked the power of God bringing love, State (Iwukem and Omumunyam), our Lord be blessed for preserving the church and praised God that I was able to peace and, most importantly, and one in Delta State. We have strengthened faith, as many in Nigeria through the stream of time worship with them that Sabbath. three prayer houses: two prayer

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easy life, but he showed no signs of On top of this, the local members Reflections on Michael Chan quitting. funded the expenses of the seminar Leicester, UK I conducted in 2017. Such financial My fellow overseas worker and I independence has yet to be seen Our Church hired a taxi and visited the churches in other countries on the African in the Port Harcourt region. The trip continent. Nigerian workers are in Nigeria was challenging and we suffered also sent to pastor the churches from dehydration and diarrhea, in neighboring countries—such as which disheartened us further. We Liberia and Ghana—and assist the first visited the True Jesus hall. The sound of the praying was wondered if there was any hope work there. Church (TJC) in Nigeria in 2002, like that of blowing wind; I was for the churches in Nigeria. Would Itogether with a fellow worker. amazed—Jesus’ description of the God continue to care for His church May God continue to bless the Holy Spirit as the sound of blowing here? Were there any true believers churches and all the faithful Since the late-1970s, I have heard wind came to mind (Jn 3:8). That left? But God knows the heart workers in Nigeria, so that more much about our church in Nigeria was my first experience of such of man, and truly cherishes His wonderful and good work may be from ministers who had served in prayers. church. We visited the church in the done for the glory of Jesus Christ. pioneering work there. Nigeria was home of the aforementioned young Amen. the first African country to receive The Period of Decline worker and, to my surprise, the the truth, as preached by the TJC, Although the churches in Nigeria faith of the members was strong. and the first in which the TJC was had witnessed God’s grace, sad The way they prayed and listened for the Nigerian and Ghanaian believers. This shows that faithful established. Many ministers from news reached us in the 1990s: many to the word of God, and their warm workers. I was not quite sure what members have firmly held on to the overseas have testified of the signs unfaithful workers and members reception, reassured us that there to expect this time. When I arrived, truth. Over the last fifteen years, and miracles they witnessed in the had fallen away from the truth. was still a faithful remnant in the a few workers greeted me; among the International Assembly (IA) has early days of the church in Nigeria. Over a tumultuous period, those Nigerian church. them was the young worker whom I been unable to send many workers God had blessed the Nigerian without a genuine heart for the Whenever I think of my time in first met fifteen years ago. I noticed to pastor the local members, brethren with much grace, and they truth departed, and influenced Nigeria, one incident comes to a great change in the atmosphere— because of difficulties in securing showed great yearning for the truth. others to turn away too. Some even mind. We went to visit a certain it was not the same as when I first travel visas. Yet, God has trained the led groups of members away to sister, whose father had forced her visited. Although I did not have members and strengthened them In the mid-1980s, I had the form their own churches. by His grace during their decade in opportunity to meet several to leave her husband because of a the opportunity to visit churches the wilderness. He led and taught Nigerian workers when they came My first visit to Nigeria was in 2002, dispute over the dowry. The father in other areas, I was able to have them in His own way. The true for training in the United Kingdom when the church was recovering was a non-believer, so he forbade fellowship and discussions with church is thriving in Nigeria! (UK). The seminar was held in from her lowest spiritual ebb. Only a her from going to church, which members from across the country, Edinburgh, UK, at the church now handful of churches remained, with was far from where they lived. and I felt they were now stronger, A Bright Future known as Gifford Park. I remember a couple hundred members. There We informed her that we would more faithful and more zealous, The church in Nigeria is preparing arriving to church early that day, was only one full-time worker for visit her during this trip. When we especially in the prayers they for the future with plans to build after a long overnight journey. As I the whole country. But thank God, arrived at her village, she saw us offered to God. new churches, and a training center was resting in one of the classrooms, this young worker had grown up in coming from a distance, and came in Port Harcourt. Although these the Nigerian workers were having the church, and had a strong faith out of her house. She ran to greet Now there are around 400 to 450 projects are costly, the Nigerian their morning prayers in the church in the truth. He did not have an us, like a young girl welcoming her members in Nigeria—not only first- father home. Her affection towards generation believers, some of whom members have not asked for a the workers touched me deeply. I recognized from my first visit, but single penny of financial assistance Many ministers from overseas have After we encouraged her to remain second- and even third-generation from the IA or overseas churches. strong and not to give up amidst testified of the signs and miracles they these troubles, she sent us off with witnessed in the early days of the church many tears. God has trained the members and strengthened them by His grace during their in Nigeria. God had blessed the Nigerian Witnessing God’s Revival decade in the wilderness. He led and taught brethren with much grace, and they showed Early in 2017, fifteen years after my first visit, I returned to Port them in His own way. The true church is great yearning for the truth Harcourt to conduct a seminar thriving in Nigeria!

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to-seventeen-year-olds in my local We should have the same enthusiastic The Power of church, I tailored my NSSC lessons towards this age group. On the first heart towards preaching Christ to others. The day, I realized that nearly eighty power and goodness of the truth remain the percent of the students were in Zealous Prayers their early teens. Understandably, same no matter where we are. they became extremely restless in in the that first lesson; my lesson plans and bring to your remembrance all many testimonies of how different African Ministry were designed for the wrong age things that I said to you.” (Jn 14:26) brothers and sisters came to group! In the short ten-minute the church. Some members had break between lessons, I had to We only need to rely on the Holy been faithful believers in other Editor’s note: As we reflect on how far Charmian Chong two local brothers (one of whom has rethink my whole approach. I Spirit, and He will guide us in denominations. Some had even God has brought us over the past century, London, UK now been ordained as a full-time remember feeling useless and out our service. God will work in and previously founded their own we are compelled to look at how far we minister) and another preacher. of my depth—I did not know how to through us in His own way. churches. One brother, who was still have to go. The True Jesus Church Date of trip: December 2016 teach my students. How would I get the founder of a Sabbath-keeping is firmly established in many countries Countries visited: Ghana and Togo Impossible without Prayer through to them? I had no choice The Spirit of Evangelism church, shared how he came to across the world, but we must continue Without prayer, we would not have but to pray and completely rely on in the Local Brethren know the true gospel. Having heard The local members’ hearts were very to push forward to preach to the ends truly thank God for the been able to carry out any holy God. that there were missionaries from simple when it came to preaching of the earth. Just as in the early days of opportunity to visit the churches work. One of our tasks was to help the True Jesus Church, he was eager the gospel. During one of our long the church, the ministers and volunteers Iin Ghana and Togo. Our time with the National Student Spiritual I truly thank God. He not only helped to meet them, knowing that we also drives, we needed to buy some undertaking this pioneering work are in Ghana was primarily spent Convocation (NSSC). A few weeks the students to miraculously settle keep the Sabbath. Unfortunately, charcoal on the roadside. One of the blessed with God’s abiding grace and helping with the student spiritual before the trip, I was assigned two down, but He also put His words he was unable to that time. Later, brothers took out an evangelistic power in their ministry. Through prayer, convocation and other pastoral topics to teach the thirteen-to- into my heart to share with them. he had another opportunity to leaflet and started preaching to the the workers are able to preach boldly, work. In Togo, we also evangelized seventeen-year-olds across twelve Teachings I had learned long ago, meet some True Jesus Church charcoal seller with enthusiasm labor tirelessly, and rely wholeheartedly and participated in visitations. lessons. It usually takes me one from personal experiences, Bible brethren, who then preached the and conviction. It was evident he on God in all things. And those who hear From these experiences, I could to two weeks to prepare just one studies, fellowships and sermons truth to him. He realized that the truly believed in the doctrines given accept the truth with joy and simplicity truly appreciate the truth that God religious education (RE) lesson, came to mind, as though planted by doctrines he had been following to the church by God. Because these of heart. Here, three Africa ministry has given to His church. so this assignment was daunting. God. I could no longer fully follow were incomplete. He knew that the members really had the heart to volunteers share their experiences. Thank God, through my prayers, He my lesson plans, but I could fully truth was found in the True Jesus I travelled with a sister from my local preach about Jesus, they took every guided me in my preparations. rely on God. It was as though God Church. Because of this, he left his church and a UK preacher. Most of opportunity to share the gospel of had been preparing me all along previous church and was baptized the time, we were accompanied by Because I typically teach sixteen- Christ with others. so that I could teach His children. into the true church of God. All glory to God, this truly was His Many of the people we met were mercy. There are many other testimonies of eager to hear what was being how brethren forsook their former shared. We had many in-depth When we carry out holy work, it is beliefs and came to accept the conversations about the biblical important to prepare. However, truth entrusted to the True Jesus doctrines of the church. On hearing there is more to it than just practical Church. Making such a decision is such things, members in more preparation. God wants us to lead a not easy. It means acknowledging developed countries may perceive life where we are always ready to do that the teachings they once found it to be more difficult to preach at the work. God prepares us through security in were incorrect. It means home. Nevertheless, we should our daily communication with Him believing that the gospel preached have the same enthusiastic heart as we pray, read the Bible, attend by the True Jesus Church is true, towards preaching Christ to others. worship services and fellowships, and that the truth has been given to The power and goodness of the and sing hymns, reflecting upon this church alone. the teachings within them. Jesus truth remain the same no matter promises us: where we are. When Jesus called the disciples, He told them: “Do not be afraid” and, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, Complete Heart “Follow Me” (Lk 5:10, 27). When the whom the Father will send in My of Devotion disciples heard this, they forsook name, He will teach you all things, Thank God, I was able to hear all and followed Jesus. This was the

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gain, but the truth of God. Praise This spirit and fervency in prayer transforming power of the Holy God, after being baptized for only Spirit. We pray, but we may not about eight years, this brother has transformed the church there. We could see fully believe or allow the Holy Spirit dedicated himself as a full-time the members’ zeal and thirst for the word of to transform us. We can learn an minister for the church in Ghana. important lesson from this church. He has truly experienced the God. Frequent and sincere prayers are goodness of the truth in the church transformative. of God. This brother is one of many Rivers of Living Water devoted to prayer. There is a very who shared their testimonies of Thank God for this missionary Every day during the trip, we distinct difference in the spiritual how they simply believed in the trip and the bountiful teachings I prayed an hour each morning strength of this church. truth. received. Taking inspiration from and evening. In Zambia, two local the spirit of our African brothers We were staying in a brother’s brothers joined us to assist with and sisters, let us strive to be The apostle Paul writes: “For I am house. On the first morning, he the holy work. One of them later diligent in our prayers. If we do, we not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, arose at 4 a.m. to pray. Initially, I testified that, through these twice- will experience God’s transforming for it is the power of God to salvation did not think much of it, as many daily prayers, he finally learned power as well. For our God who for everyone who believes” (Rom African brethren wake up in the what it means to pray in tongues. works in Africa will surely work in 1:16a). My time in Africa allowed me early hours of the day. But he prayed During one prayer, fully submitting our hearts and in each local church. to witness members living out this continuously, and only stopped to God, he told Him, “Lord, I cannot verse in their lives—forsaking their after an hour. Most of us would not do this on my own. Please take full old ways and coming to the truth, wake up that early to pray, much control.” Then the Holy Spirit filled and using the truth as a sword to less pray for that long. Aimee Lin him and he felt much power and cast down incorrect beliefs. London, UK joy, as if there were sweetness in He was not the only member with his mouth! Previously, he would this zeal, as the whole church Date of trip: September 15 to only pray for the sake of praying, was fervent in prayer. During our October 1, 2016 heart of some of the members we as a sword to bring others to Christ. Barry Chiang but now, he finally understood the hour-long morning prayers, some Country visited: Kenya met. They completely submitted The preachers and workers fought Vancouver, Canada importance of praying in the Spirit. members, including youths, would their hearts to God. By humbly against the incorrect teachings Even after an hour of prayer, he did come into the house to pray with The Holy Spirit Transforms removing their pride, they let go of of other denominations, rightly Date of trip: June 15 to July 16, 2017 not want to stop. us voluntarily. During our last a Person’s Heart their prior beliefs, and opened their dividing the word of truth. Africa Countries visited: evening prayer of the trip, many e often feel that certain hearts to allow the truth of God to Often, we take praying in tongues is not the only place where we Malawi and Zambia members prayed with us. Even people are so stuck in enter their lives. Whether we have for granted. We may not always can experience this. We can also young children joined! I was so their ways that it would believed in Jesus for many years or feel peace and joy in our prayers. It W experience the power of the word n the name of the Lord Jesus touched, as even though they could be difficult for them to change. In have only just started our journey of would be unfortunate to receive the in our daily lives. All we need is faith Christ, I testify of the grace not stay awake for the entire prayer these situations, we can only rely faith, God wants us to humbly yield Holy Spirit, but fail to experience and the power of the Holy Spirit to II received during the Africa they were willing to join us to pray. on the power of the Holy Spirit to our hearts to Him, to allow the truth the promise of “rivers of living boldly use the word of truth! missionary trip I joined last Adults, youths and children alike, move hearts, so that they can return of God to guide us. water” flowing from our hearts year. From June to July 2017, I all had the heart to pray. to the Lord. One brother told me: “The True accompanied Preacher FF Chong ( Jn 7:38–39). We definitely can Personal Faith Lessons Jesus Church does not give me and Preacher Tony Kuo to Malawi experience this joy today. We just Transforming During the missionary trip to Kenya One of the most important anything, except the truth. And that and Zambia. God taught and need to remember the joy of first Power of Prayer in 2016, we visited many churches. receiving the Holy Spirit, and yield teachings reinforced by my Africa is why I’m still here.” This brother inspired me in many ways on this This spirit and fervency in prayer One day, we visited a sister in entirely to God, allowing Him to do ministry experience is that the True is not very well-off financially. What trip, particularly with regards to transformed the church there. the Siaya area who had not come His wonders. Jesus Church is the true church he sought after was not material prayer. We could see the members’ zeal to church for about six months. of God. Witnessing the gospel and thirst for the word of God. When we first prayed—standing up Fervent Prayers of being preached to both individuals During lessons, even sisters, who because of limited space—the sister the Brethren and groups every day, I came to Africa is not the only place where we can usually had chores to do, would was praying so quietly that we could One thing that I witnessed was our appreciate how simple and pure the experience this. We can also experience the sit and listen. We were astonished not hear her voice. After the prayer, African brethren’s fervent spirit of gospel is. For longtime believers, by the local workers’ in-depth the preacher asked her if she power of the word in our daily lives. All we prayer. We visited a certain church it can be easy to take the truth for understanding of the Bible. had received the Holy Spirit. She granted. On this trip, I saw the need is faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to assist with the holy work, and answered yes, but the local worker word of God in action, being used the brothers and sisters there were Sometimes we underestimate the said otherwise. From the moment to boldly use the word of truth!

68 69 TESTIMONY COLUMN SECTION—IA­ we had arrived, this sister was cold and unresponsive. We could Utilizing the Internet in Shawn Chou San Jose, California, USA see her pride and unwillingness to receive encouragement. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit, her attitude gradually softened as she Spreading the became more willing to listen.

After the concluding prayer, the sister cried. She confessed that she Everlasting Gospel was not walking according to the will of God, and had repented in prayer. century ago, God opened in the midst of heaven, having the commission to preach this gospel She had asked God to help her and the door of salvation of the everlasting gospel to preach to those to the world in the last days. The remove the burden in her heart. She end time and entrusted His who dwell on the earth—to every Lord is “not willing that any should then requested we pray again, this A gospel to the early workers of the nation, tribe, tongue, and people— perish but that all should come to time kneeling down. Struggling to True Jesus Church (TJC). He guided saying with a loud voice, “Fear God repentance” (2 Pet 3:9b). find space to kneel, we squeezed them by the Holy Spirit, enabling and give glory to Him, for the hour of close together and prayed again. them to propagate the gospel from His judgment has come; and worship The ways we live, work, and Thank God that this sister received True Jesus Church in Chiringa, Malawi. generation to generation. Despite Him who made heaven and earth, the communicate have been the Holy Spirit and started to speak the many social, environmental, and sea and springs of water.” transformed by technology in tongues during this prayer. minutes from Chamboli, but it to the hills—from whence comes ideological changes that transpired (Rev 14:6–7) since the advent of the twenty- my help? My help comes from the I was really touched by this miracle. was illegal for the coach to operate throughout the past century, first century. The experience of LORD If not by the power of the Holy Spirit, after this hour. For the entire day, , who made heaven and earth” the gospel preached by the True Before our Lord Jesus returns to growing up as a post-millennial, (Ps 121:1–2). I was encouraged by it is nearly impossible for a person the five of us had only one packet Jesus Church has remained intact. judge the world, God will send an digital native—at a time in which this passage. Yes, I was tired, but to change. In the short space of one of biscuits to share between us. Indeed, it is the same unchanging angel to spread the everlasting an infinite amount of information There were no toilet facilities on the God is my Helper. Yes, I was weak, hour, this sister transformed from message taught by Jesus and His gospel once more. This angel refers is ever at our fingertips—is a coach, so we tried not to drink too but God’s strength is made perfect a proud person, far from God, to a apostles. to the true church, because only world away from the formative much water. The coach was packed, in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9). humble, repentant soul yearning to she has the everlasting gospel, years of older generations. The but we could not open the window draw near to Him. After the sharing, we knelt down to Elder John witnessed this vision: predetermined by God even before advancement of digital technology as it was raining outside. Tired, pray. The students were so zealous creation. Out of His abundant grace has many advantages but one thing Date of trip: November 11, 2017 to hungry, thirsty, hot, and bothered in their prayers and the sound was Then I saw another angel flying and mercy, God sent us with the that it cannot do is fill the innate January 1, 2018 by mosquitoes, we waited another so powerful. I asked God for help Country visited: Zambia eight hours before the coach was and strength, saying, “Lord, I can’t allowed to move again, at around do this by myself, as I’m so tired. I Can Do All Things 5 a.m. through Christ But I know You are almighty; only through Your help will I be able to One of the most important things We had travelled for nearly twenty- do this.” Then I felt the Holy Spirit I learned in Africa is that I am only four hours without much food, able to serve God by His power. empower me. water or sleep. Yet, as soon as we On December 10, 2017, we left Kaoma arrived, we had to conduct morning Thank God, I was able to deliver (western province of Zambia) and prayers and commence our NSSC three lessons before lunch travelled to Chamboli, Kitwe for lessons. I was assigned to teach the without feeling tired that day. This the National Student Spiritual under-eighteen class for the entire experience reminded me that when Convocation (NSSC). There was day. I felt so tired that morning. I we serve God, we rely not on our no direct coach, so we had to wished I could somehow get out own power or strength, but on travel for seven hours to Lusaka of teaching the class. Knowing it that of God. We may face various before catching another coach to was my duty, I struggled internally difficulties and suffering in our Chamboli. The final eight-hour until the morning prayer session, service, but we “can do all things leg of our journey was interrupted when I shared Psalm 121 with the through Christ who strengthens at 9 p.m. We were only forty-five students: “I will lift up my eyes [us]” (Phil 4:13).

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emptiness of man’s heart. In fact, church to build their own microsite, willingly knelt to pray with us and be, without God’s direction, our we will be able to branch out into on a full-time basis, and purchase it could even hasten the corruption where they can upload and embed studied our ten basic beliefs. We efforts will be ineffective. producing multimedia materials the necessary computer software of our hearts—the devil certainly engaging content for evangelism do not know whether these truth- in a wider range of languages and equipment, funding is also makes use of the internet’s reach, and pastoral purposes. The IA seekers will ultimately accept We are also in need of more to broaden our target audience. essential. with its ubiquity and inherent Literary Department will supply the truth. But God will be with manpower. In order to attract In addition, we hope to develop anonymity to spread immorality, all technological information and our workers and grant a fruitful visitors to our websites in this fast- interactive religious education tools May God move more brothers and idle distractions, and heresies to support so that every general outcome, as long as we are faithful paced and overcrowded online that will help bring Bible stories to sisters to support the internet and draw souls away from God. assembly can actively participate in and diligently follow up on the world, our content requires regular life for our children. multimedia ministries through this important holy work. truth-seekers’ needs. enhancement and updates. For offering continuous prayers, However, the internet is, in and example, in the last few years, we To accomplish the above, we need faithful service, or even financial Since the launch of the new of itself, neither good nor bad; have focused on producing videos in gifted workers—translators, web contributions. In this way, the website, we have received queries HOW CAN WE CONTRIBUTE TO it is a neutral platform, where both Chinese and English, covering developers, app designers, web internet ministry will become a from around the world regarding THE INTERNET MINISTRY? diverse views and voices flourish. content such as short expositions content managers, photographers, fundamental part of spreading the our teachings. With churches in We live in a world where society Therefore, as the true church, we on the gospel, basic belief courses video and music producers, just everlasting gospel to the ends of the sixty countries spread across six is becoming more individualistic, have an obligation to enter the for truth-seekers, and testimonies. to name a few. As we would have earth. continents, we are able to effectively where people do not feel the need melee and bring God’s message to It is hoped that in the near future, to employ some of these workers the masses. When members start mobilize the local workers whenever to seek God, never mind humbling using the internet as a tool for we receive a query. For example, themselves to accept the truth. evangelism rather than a means of when we received an email query Hence, the internet ministry from a non-TJC church in Nigeria must be guided by the Holy Spirit. entertainment—much of which is If you are a True Jesus Church member who is interested in dedicating your gifts or expertise to detrimental to our spiritual lives— in October 2017, our local church We need the members’ constant help the internet ministry in any way, please contact us at [email protected] for more information. we will make great progress. If workers promptly contacted them. prayers to make sure the internet we use the internet positively and In that same week, three truth- ministry aligns with God’s will and If you are moved to contribute financially towards this ministry, please send your wisely, taking full advantage of its seekers from that church joined has God’s abidance. No matter how check or wire transfer to the IA office in Taiwan or in the US (bank account details speed and spread, we will become us for our Sabbath worship. They attractive our digital content may below), specifying that it is a donation to the Internet Ministry Fund. like the flying angel preaching the gospel to the whole world. IA office in Taiwan IA office in the United States: PURPOSE OF THE INTERNET THE TWIN MISSIONS OF THE INTERNET MINISTRY (Foreign Currency Account): MINISTRY: INCREASE THE Our web content can be split into two categories. The first Bank name: Bank of America NATION, EXPAND THE category aims to achieve our primary goal of spreading the Bank name: First Commercial Bank Pei Tun Bank address: 9591 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, BORDERS gospel by systematically introducing our ten basic beliefs. Branch California 92841, USA As mentioned, the internet is widely Bank address: No. 696, Sec. 4, Wei Hsin Road, Bank telephone: +1 (714) 973-8495 accessible and unconstrained by The second category focuses on our pastoral ministry. To help Taichung, Taiwan (ROC) Bank routing no.: 121000358 (for paper geographical limits. Hence, the members spiritually nurture themselves in the comfort of their Bank telephone: +886-4-22366111 and electronic) / 026009593 (for wires) homes and have access to church literature on the go, we set gospel can now reach any corner of CABLE ADD: “FIRSTBANK” TAICHUNG the earth that has internet access up an electronic library (e-Library) containing digitized copies TELEX: 51172 FIRST TAICHUNG and anyone searching for the truth of church publications. The e-Library is also regularly updated Name of account: International Assembly of the S.W.I.F.T. ADD: FCBKTWTP 401 may discover it. We thank God that with recordings of sermons, seminars, and testimony sessions True Jesus Church the International Assembly (IA) has from churches worldwide, as well as online theological courses Address: 21217 Bloomfield Ave, Lakewood, Name of account: General Assembly of the recognized this potential impact as part of the e-Learning component. Furthermore, the IA is California 90715, USA and has worked to strengthen and True Jesus Church in Taiwan currently developing an online study Bible (bible.tjc.org) as Account no.: 04647-03542 expand the internet ministry over Account no.: 40540002051 a tool for members preparing Bible studies and sermons. Swift code: BOFAUS3N the past four years. In June 2017— Address: No. 180, Sec. 2, Songjhu Road, Beitun Tel: +1 (714) 533-8889 during the centennial year of the We have been blessed with digital resources containing District, Taichung City 40673, Taiwan (ROC) Fax: +1 (562) 402-3190 True Jesus Church—the IA launched a wealth of information. Let us make full use of them so Tel: +886-4-22436960 Email: [email protected] its newly revamped website, tjc.org. that we may work with God in increasing the nation and Fax: +886-4-22437046 With this improved platform, it is expanding the borders of the true church (Isa 26:15). Email: [email protected] easier for each general assembly, coordination center, and local

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behind Paul’s words, and why he campaign. It was very difficult to 4:16), and even despite his own KC Tsai encouraged Timothy not to fear or justify the act of preaching at the impending death, Paul boldly held Toronto, Canada be ashamed, we need to understand time. Witnessing for Jesus and on to his faith. The church might that, at that time, being identified as proclaiming one’s faith would have appeared to be at the brink I Know a Christian was a life-threatening expose oneself to grave danger. of crisis and destruction, yet Paul situation. Paul had preached the gospel acknowledged that the God he with fervency and faithfulness, believed is the only Potentate (1 Tim Whom I Have In 64 C.E., a devastating fire broke yet the result was imprisonment 6:15), the Absolute Ruler, the Author Believed out in Rome; it raged for days and and impending execution—how and Master of the beginning, the destroyed ten of the fourteen city could the Almighty God allow this process and the end of all things. quarters. Gaius Cornelius Tacitus to happen, and how could Paul (56–120 C.E.), a Roman senator and n what was probably his last second imprisonment in Rome, 4:16, 6). Perhaps he knew this continue pressing forward? A But I am not ashamed, for I know historian who was a child at the epistle, Paul encouraged shortly before he was martyred. epistle would be his final testimony. person of insufficient faith would whom I have believed, and I am time, later wrote: I Timothy not to be ashamed This second imprisonment was To Paul, preaching the gospel and be overcome by such challenges and convinced that he is able to guard of the testimony of the Lord, nor very different from the first, where bringing as many people as possible Therefore, to stop the rumor [that give up witnessing for the Lord. This until that day what has been of him, Paul, a prisoner. He asked he was under house arrest in Rome. to salvation was his life’s sacrifice. he had set Rome on fire], [Emperor is why Paul encouraged Timothy entrusted to me. (2 Tim 1:12b, ESV)3 Timothy, by the power of God, to Though he had been confined Knowing his life was ending, he Nero] falsely charged with guilt, not to be ashamed of testifying join him in his suffering for the to a rented house, he could still willingly gave it to the servitude of and punished with the most fearful for the gospel, nor of he who was The Lord had entrusted to Paul gospel (2 Tim 1:8). receive guests and preach the God, like a drink offering, with no tortures, the persons commonly imprisoned. Paul’s martyrdom the truth of salvation and the gospel of Christ freely. However, regrets (Phil 2:17): called Christians, who were would testify to the world that the ministry to preach to the Gentile in this second imprisonment, [generally] hated for their enormities. gospel he preached was worth the world. As Paul wrote his final But why would the power of God [For the gospel,] I was appointed a the conditions were not as good. Christus, the founder of that name, sacrifice of one’s life. letter to Timothy, he knew he had cause Timothy to suffer? How could preacher, an apostle, and a teacher Onesiphorus, a co-worker, was put to death as a criminal by completed his race; it was time to Timothy be ashamed of witnessing of the Gentiles. For this reason I also searched for him and eventually Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, Faith Overcomes Fear bid the world farewell. The ministry for the Lord? If Paul were suffer these things; nevertheless I am found him in a dungeon (2 Tim 1:17), in the reign of Tiberius, but the handed to him would never die. He imprisoned for the Lord’s sake, not ashamed, for I know whom I have God does not give His loved ones where preaching opportunities pernicious superstition—repressed harbored no regrets over his life; why would Timothy be ashamed of believed and am persuaded that He a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). If the were sparse. for a time, broke out yet again, not he had done his utmost to serve his him? Without understanding Paul’s is able to keep what I have committed purpose of our faith were only only through Judea—where the Master and wholeheartedly trusted experiences, it is difficult to answer to Him until that Day. so that we can have a smooth and Furthermore, after presenting mischief originated, but through the in Him, the ultimate owner of the these questions. (2 Tim 1:11–12) easy life, we would simply give up his first defense in court, Paul city of Rome also, whither all things at the first sign of trouble. As life ministry. Paul knew that even if Paul wrote 2 Timothy during his anticipated his own death (2 Tim To appreciate the meaning horrible and disgraceful flow from all is always filled with challenges, a the church were diminished in quarters, as to a common receptacle, person pressing forward without his time, it would not be a failure, and where they are encouraged. being rooted in the faith or without because at a pre-determined Accordingly first those were arrested holding on to the hope of salvation time, God would rekindle the who confessed they were Christians; (2 Tim 1:10) will inevitably succumb true church. This true church next on their information, a vast to a spirit of fear. However, God of the end time would continue multitude were convicted, not so gives His loved ones a spirit of the work Paul had left behind, much on the charge of burning the power, love and self-control. With and preach the complete truth of city, as of “hating the human race.” 12 these qualities, one is empowered salvation to the ends of the earth. to endure hardships beyond what Paul’s second letter to Timothy 3 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text man can endure (Heb 11:35–38) Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a was probably written in 66–67 C.E., and beyond what the world deems publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. when Christians were severely tolerable. persecuted following Nero’s smear

1 “Nero Persecutes The Christians, 64 A.D.,” Paul proclaimed: “I know whom I EyeWitness to History, accessed January 30, 2018, have believed.” Despite the severe www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/christians.htm. 2 On July 19–27, 64, Rome was destroyed by a great persecution of believers, despite fire: only four of its fourteen quarters remained intact. The emperor Nero was blamed by the Roman populace, heresies disrupting the church’s and in turn, he blamed the Christians. The Roman core beliefs (2 Tim 2:16–18), despite historian Tacitus explains what happened. The translator of Annals, 15.44 is not known. many deserting him (2 Tim 1:15;

74 75 REFLECTION REFLECTION

From a sermon by very important reminder of a very Barnabas Chong important lesson: the church, God’s The church, God’s church, is not made Singapore church, is not made by the hands by the hands of men, but built and sustained God’s of men, but built and sustained by by the grace of God. And so it has been these the grace of God. And so it has been past hundred years, where God’s presence is Chosen these past hundred years, where God’s presence is undeniable in undeniable in explaining how we have come Temple explaining how we have come so far so far with so little. God has accepted the True with so little. God has accepted the True Jesus Church, and now dwells Jesus Church, and now dwells with us. with us, and we give thanks. ACCEPTED BY GOD will be open and My ears attentive to sacrifice he had put into building This is encouraging news for the beliefs to the next, much more so ong ago, Solomon built a prayer made in this place. For now the temple could have easily been AN EVERLASTING COVENANT grand temple dedicated True Jesus Church: God will always for a belief that requires as much I have chosen and sanctified this for nothing if God had rejected it, AND IMMEASURABLE GRACE to God. Soon after, God guide and take care of us. God’s devotion as Christianity. But, as L house, that My name may be there as was His prerogative. But God appeared to Solomon with some There is more to be thankful for. promises will always be fulfilled. promised, God watches over us. forever; and My eyes and My heart accepted the efforts of His people weighty words: God’s acceptance of the temple The True Jesus Church, having been Through His grace, the church will be there perpetually.” and the dedication of the temple. was not lightly done; it was also accepted by God, will always be community has been effective in (2 Chr 7:12–16) a promise. The temple was His Then the ORDL appeared to Solomon God’s chosen church. The promise creating an environment of love The True Jesus Church is that same house, and Israel His people—both by night, and said to him: “I have These magisterial words were goes further: with Jesus, we know and dedication within which our spiritual temple today. Over many of which He would watch over and heard your prayer, and have chosen God’s reply to Solomon’s prayer that as long as we are willing young can grow in their faith. centuries, thousands of churches protect. What did God mean when this place for Myself as a house of in chapter 6, a plea for God to to believe, God will give us His have sprung into existence and He said, “My eyes will be open and Just as the members in apostolic sacrifice. When I shut up heaven and remember His people and to be salvation grace. God has prepared prominence in every corner of the My ears attentive to prayer made in times, we are vulnerable to the there is no rain, or command the with them no matter what. Solomon it all for us. Now, therefore, we earth. Yet, of all these churches, this place. … My eyes and My heart temptations and pressures of the locusts to devour the land, or send was asking God to dwell with the have more to be thankful for: God arrayed in architectural splendor, will be there perpetually”? It meant world. In the face of such forces, pestilence among My people, if My children of Israel, with the temple has prepared for us immeasurable historical richness, and financial that when the Israelites eventually we are often left feeling confused people who are called by My name as a symbol of this union. In a grace, and as long as we persist in and social capital, God chose strayed, when Solomon himself and alone. It is in these times that will humble themselves, and pray handful of powerful sentences, God our faith, He will be with us for all the humble True Jesus Church strayed, and when the temple was we must give thanks. For it is when and seek My face, and turn from accepted Solomon’s invitation. time. we are brought low that we are their wicked ways, then I will hear in which to dwell. We alone have destroyed by the Babylonians, truly reminded of the value of our from heaven, and will forgive their Imagine what was going through been blessed with the Holy Spirit God did not forsake His covenant PASSED ON TO THE NEXT faith. Our defeats are the precious sin and heal their land. Now My eyes Solomon’s mind. All that effort and and the complete truth. This is a with His beloved. Even though the entire nation was conquered GENERATION moments in which we rely on God in punishment, and the symbol Elder John wrote: “I rejoiced greatly once more, to see for ourselves what of Israel’s holy zeal—their grand that I have found some of your His promise—to the great kings and temple—was brought to ruins, God children walking in truth, as we prophets of antiquity—looks like in would always watch over them. He received commandment from the our own lives. would lead them, and work with Father” (2 Jn 4). Just as he rejoiced, The church, then, must become His people to restore things to their grateful for the continuation of the a refuge for the young. For the former glory. Thus the temple was faith across generations, we also temple where God dwells is also to rebuilt and the Israelites brought have good reason to rejoice today. be a sanctuary for the weary, for the back to their holy land, and God’s Today, it requires herculean effort bereft and bewildered. The young, covenant with His beloved endured. for one generation to pass on its in their turn, must learn to seek the church as this promised refuge. The temple where God dwells is also to be That God works to preserve the gospel in the hearts of His chosen a sanctuary for the weary, for the bereft and is also His gift to us, and for that we bewildered. The young, in their turn, must are grateful. learn to seek the church as this promised refuge.

76 77 and occasional “thank God.” Our gratitude to God must prompt us to pass on the love, grace and strength we have received. We are so filled Explore the True Jesus Church website with God’s love that we cannot help but share all we have been blessed with—the gospel, a helping hand, a heartfelt prayer, a listening ear. Freely we have received, and freely, tjc.org gratefully, we give.

THE FRUITS OF THANKSGIVING yes, but then what? As Jesus reminds As we count our blessings and give us in the parable of the fig tree, no thanks, we must also remember matter how deeply rooted we are those whose names have long been within the vineyard, to refuse to missing from the ledger. There are bear fruit is to be contemptuous many who have abandoned their of God’s grace; and that warrants faith in weakness, for whom God’s being cut down and discarded. grace is an unimaginable privilege. Vital to our lives as Christians We must never forget these is the humility to accept God’s members. In the famous parable of reminders. All thanksgiving begins the lost sheep, it is striking that the with remembrance—of good things shepherd, at the climactic moment that have happened in our lives. of discovering his missing sheep, We marvel at the miraculous; “lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing” we rejoice. Yet greater still is a (Lk 15:5). This is the true love of thanksgiving that is inspired from a the shepherd. The shepherd, who deeper level of understanding. That leaves all behind in search of the The new public website of the TJC is a place where is, when we suffer, when things do lost one, lovingly holds on to his not go our way, we remember that truth-seekers can discover if their understanding of the sheep and is unwilling to ever let go God is speaking to us through these of it again. This is the love that Jesus experiences. He is asking us to gospel is complete, seek answers to misconceptions has for us—all of us. Those who are remember our faith and covenant strong and firm in faith must assist with Him. Praise God for such about Christian beliefs, grow by studying the Bible, and in this hunt for the lost and, like the humbling opportunities to grow watch video testimonies by people whose lives have been shepherd, take our fellow brothers and shine for Him. and sisters upon our shoulders. We changed. have all been redeemed by the same A century of God’s abidance is a lot blood, and it is our duty to gather to be thankful for indeed. We must, the straying ones home. in our prayers and in our mutual encouragements, remember His Thanksgiving prompts us to look grace and give God the glory. But it Share the gospel today! ahead. We have received so much, cannot end with a muttered prayer

78 Articles due: Call for Articles Articles of Faith June 29, 2018

Issue #87: Feed My Lambs, Tend My Sheep Jesus the True God Holy Bible

In this fourth and final issue of our centennial series, we The church is “a house of prayer for all nations” (Mk 11:17), Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, died on The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New will focus on our commission to pastor the flock. so how should we love one another in a multi-ethnic and the cross for the redemption of sinners, resurrected Testaments, is inspired by God, the only scriptual multicultural church? How can we show compassion for on the third day, and ascended to heaven. He is the truth, and the standard for Christian living. Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you members suffering the psychological stresses of twenty- only Savior of mankind, the Creator of the heavens love Me more than these?” first century life, and reach out to those facing challenges and earth, and the only true God. He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” ranging from depression and substance abuse to LGBTQ He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (Jn 21:15b) issues? How can we help those who are struggling to Baptism In John 21:15–17, Jesus’ dialogue with Peter reveals the resist the tides of wider society, or have even become Holy Spirit Water baptism is the sacrament for the remission continual care required to preserve the Lord’s sheep. like lost sheep in the world? of sins for regeneration. The baptism must take We need to feed the lambs, meaning, we must tenderly Though we have been sanctified from the people of the Receving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in place in natural living water, such as a river, sea, teach and care for the newly baptized believers until they world, the Lord sends the sun and rain on both evil and tongues, is the guarantee of our inheritence of the or spring. The baptist, who already has received reach spiritual maturity. But the task does not end there. good. This means we will all face problems in our lives, kingdom of heaven. baptisms of water and the Holy Spirit, conducts We must continue to tend and feed the mature sheep— even as the blessed and favored children of God. How the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. to nurture them with the word of God, so that they do can we wisely counsel one another through these trials, And the person receiving the baptism must be not become complacent in their faith and allow heresies, and be bold to reach out to those in need, whatever those completely immersed in water with head bowed sorrows and doubts corrupt their belief, even after many needs may be? And, ultimately, what is our role as human Footwashing and face down. years of believing in the truth. shepherds in leading and nurturing the flock? The sacrament of footwashing enables one to have a part with the Lord Jesus. It also serves as a constant reminder that one should have love, holiness, humility, forgiveness, and service. Every Church Manna only accepts submissions written by True Jesus Church members. person who has received water baptism must have General If you are planning to write an article (regardless of topic), please try to his/her feet washed in the name of Jesus Christ. The True Jesus Church, established by our Lord adhere to one of the genres below. Mutual footwashing may be practiced whenever it Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit during the time of the “latter rain,” is the restored true church Writing Guidelines Christian Living is appropriate. of the apostolic time. A Christian Living article gives practical biblical guidance on real-life Content issues and how to use Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. Article length: 1500–2000 words. • Content should be biblically sound and adhere to biblical principles. • The article should be organized and have a logical flow of thought. Bible Study Holy Communion • The main point or teaching of the article should be clear to the reader. A Bible Study explores a passage or character from the Bible and draws Sabbath Day • Readers should be able to apply what they have read to their daily lives. out the teachings for readers to apply to their lives. The Holy Communion is the sacrament to • Do not plagiarize the work of other writers or institutions, published either in print Article length: 2500–3000 words. commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. or online. Any quotations, ideas, or concepts taken from other sources must be The Sabbath Day, the seventh day of the week properly referenced. Doctrinal Study It enables us to partake of the flesh and blood of (Saturday), is a holy day, blessed and sanctified by A Doctrinal Study examines an aspect of True Jesus Church beliefs and our Lord and to be in communion in Him so that we Grammar/Style God. It is to be observed under the Lord’s grace may present it in comparison to other beliefs. can have eternal life and be raised on the last day. • Use active instead of passive voice. Article length: 2500–3000 words. for the commemoration of God’s creation and This sacrament shall be held as often as possible. • Write concisely. salvation, and with the hope of eternal rest in the • Use concrete words and ideas instead of abstract concepts. Exhortation Only one unleavened bread and grape juice shall life to come. • Use “plain English” instead of obscure, academic language. An Exhortation encourages and admonishes the reader in different be used. • Use the NKJV version when quoting Bible verses. aspects of the Christian faith. • Use American spelling, if possible. in print or online. Article length: 2000–2500 words. Testimony A Testimony recounts an experience in the Lord that will encourage and Last Day SUBMISSION INFORMATION edify the reader. Article length: 1500–2000 words. Salvation Please email articles as Microsoft Word documents to [email protected] The Lord’s Second Coming will take place on the Creative Writing last day when He descends from heaven to judge Please direct any questions to [email protected] or Fax: +1-562-402-3190 Salvation is given by the grace of God through faith. Creative Writing pieces include poems, parables, or short stories that the world: the rightous will receive eternal life, illustrate a biblical teaching or idea. Keep in mind as you’re writing: how Believers must rely on the Holy Spirit to pursue In your submission, please include your name, mailing address, email while the wicked will be eternally condemned. address, and telephone number even if you wish to remain anonymous. will this edify the reader? holiness, to honor God, and to love humanity.

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