MANNA ISSUE 70 Discerning the Truth

The Truth That We Have Received • Care More, Pray More, Serve More • I Grieve with You in Pain The goal of Manna is to inspire MANNA believers“ to live an active faith through ISSUE 70 Vol 37 No. 2 mutual encouragement and the study of Publication date: October 2013 biblical truths.” Discerning the Truth The Prophetic Word Confirmed by Peter Shee EDITORIAL

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which placing Pauline writings on the same level of inspiration you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, as “the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Pet 3:15–16). Paul’s until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your teachings were not new inventions, but truth received hearts.” (2 Pet 1:19) from the Lord (1 Cor 11:23). Speaking of the truth that we have received, a theme The line between truth and error seems to obscure with writer emphasizes the inseparability between God and His time, but only because human understanding changes word—because God Himself is the truth—leading to the over time. Post-modernism seeks to demolish the very logical conclusion that truth is eternal and unchanging. foundation of knowledge—the recognition that absolute The progressive nature of revelation (Heb 1:1–2) cannot truth exists—and is thus incompatible with theistic belief be seen as change in truth as we transition from the and the self-revelation of God. Old to the New Testament, for God and His word are immutable (Heb 6:13–18). Another contributor to the When faith in any of the sixty-six books of the Bible theme warns that false prophets will arise within the true is undermined, man cannot arrive at an accurate church, who will first misrepresent our traditional beliefs, understanding of God. Even though God is revealed in then attack the twisted version thus presented, paving the physical creation (Rom 1:20), without the Holy Scriptures, way to subvert what we truly teach. These are matters that no one can be “wise for salvation through faith which is concern every member of the church. Doctrines regarding in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 3:15). Historically, deviant sects the Holy Spirit, inspiration and finality of the Bible, and like the Montanists denied the Old Testament as inspired, the unchanging nature of truth are but some of the things while the New Testament, especially Pauline writings, was currently under attack. rejected by Judaistic Christians and certain Gnostics. In recent times, Bart Ehrman, an American New Testament Satan’s old trick of causing disharmony and the nature scholar and author of “Misquoting Jesus,” refreshes of Satan himself as a fallen creature are examined in the some of the ancient objections to the New Testament and exhortation section. While the first article posits that love continues with his own disparagement. is indispensable in ensuring harmony, it observes that the love between Adam and Eve was broken as a result of In his second epistle, Peter defended the inspired nature disobedience to God’s word and that fellowship amongst of the New Testament, still in the process of writing workers is based on commonality of faith. The second and compilation, linking it to the inspiration of the Old article, on the fall of Satan, affirms the absoluteness of Testament: because Old Testament Scriptures are inspired, God, expounding on the meaning of the tetragrammaton— they must never be interpreted according to personal YHWH—that God is the only self-existing Being. The age- whim but in light of the revelation given to the apostles old issue of theodicy—reconciling the justice and mercy through Christ. Hence, New Testament teachings are of the Almighty with the existence of evil—cannot be not “cunningly devised fables” but “prophetic word resolved by appealing to the idea of a self-existing devil. confirmed” (2 Pet 1:16–21). In the same spirit, Peter vindicated his fellow apostle Paul at the end of the epistle,

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Khoo MANAGING EDITOR: Tzu-Ann Chen REVIEW BOARD: Andrew Chu, Phillip Kong (Australia), K.C. Tsai (Canada), Joel Chong (Malaysia), Lemuel Leong (Sabah), Chung Ling Chin, Simon Chin, Anna Khoo, Peter Shee (Singapore), Philip Shee (UAE), Michael Chan, TK Chin, FF Chong, Vincent Yeung (UK), Stephen Ku (US)

Manna (ISSN1528-8617) is published quarterly by the True Jesus Church, IA Department of Literary Ministry, 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Copyright © 2013 True Jesus Church. All rights reserved. U.S. Postmaster: send change-of-address forms to 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. THEME SECTION

3 8 11 The Truth That We Have Every Good Tree Bears Good Steadfast in the Truth Received Fruit What it takes to be steadfast in Definition, consistency, purpose, How to discern. the truth. TABLE OF by Lin Yung-Ji and defense of the truth. by K.C. Tsai CONTENTS by Jonathan Chou

EXHORTATION DOCTRINAL STUDY BIBLE STUDY Beware Satan’s Old Trick— 25 Sowing Discord 15 19 22 The Only Church That Is Why We Can and Should The Fall of Satan: A Biblical Saved—True Jesus Church (II) Baptize Our Infants Investigation (I) The true church is always one. God’s promise belongs to you I AM but not I AM? by H.H. Ko and your children. by Luo Ci Yi by Samuel Kuo

Articles of Faith 46 TESTIMONY

29 32 34 Care More, Pray More, Serve In the Sweet By and By Journey to the Truth: A More Reassured of a far better place. Chronicle of God’s Abundant Lessons learned from a campus by Lee Chor Sian Grace and Love fellowship. A protestant theological student by Nathanael Kuo converts to TJC. by Li Gai Gai

COLUMNS

38 41 43 International Assembly Youths Love@Home

A Brief Introduction to the UK So We May Boldly Say: “The I Grieve with You in Pain Churches Lord Is my Helper” How do we sensibly reach out to A faith and zeal rekindled. Relying on God while in the army. people in grief? by Patricia Chen by UKGA by Brian Lee Discerning the Truth

Manna 2 THEME SECTION nin tms Gd a a various at has God times, ancient since why is This 2:4). the Tim (1 of truth knowledge the to come to and saved be to men all desires God GOD TRUTH THE AS REVEALED BY (Gal 1:6–9). accursed” be him let received, have you what than you to gospel other any the preaches anyone “If told Galatians: he Moreover, 1:13–14). Tim (2 us” in dwells who Spirit Holy the by keep you, to committed was in Christ Jesus. That good thing which are which love and faith in me, from heard have you which words sound of pattern the fast “Hold Timothy: charged Paul truth. the upholding to Jesus diedprotecting thetruth. the of truth hears My voice” (Jn 18:37–38). is who Everyone truth. the to witness bear should I that world, the into come have I cause this for a king. For this cause I was born, and you have am I that “Youanswered,rightly say Jesus then?” “What king a You Are done? Him, asked Pilate tried, being was Jesus When TRUTH THE DEFENDING and ever”(Ps119:43–44). forever continually, law Your keep I shall So ordinances. Your in hoped have I for mouth, my of out utterly also said: “Take not He the word of truth 86:11). (Ps truth” Your in walk will I Lord; O way,Your me “Teach For example, the psalmist proclaimed: truth. the adored saints ancient The 2:13). Tim 2 1:18–20; Cor (2 eternal and unchanging absolute, is Truth The apostles were also committed also were apostles The Received The Truth That We Have Jonathan Chou—Hillsborough, New Jersey, USA chosen ones, because of their belief, their of because ones, chosen However,the 3:12). (Heb God living the from departed and heart unbelief evil of an harbored who those were There 1:1). (Heb ways various in and times various at prophets, the by fathers the to past the in spoke (Heb 1:2–3). power His of word the by things all upholds He Furthermore, 9). (Ps 33:6, fast stood it and commanded, He done; was it and spoke, He For weremade. heavens Lord,the the of word the by and Word, the is God 119:89). (Ps truth unchanging and everlasting the is it eternity; for lasts and heaven in settled is word God’s God’s WordTruth 17:17) Is (Jn 1:14, 16–17). (Jn Christ” Jesus through came truth and grace but Moses, through given was law the For grace. for grace and received, all have we fullness His of And truth. and grace of full Father, the the of glory,begotten only the of His as glory beheld we and us, Word became flesh and dwelt among (Tit 2:11;Col1:6). fruit forth bringing is and world the to come has gospel this and men, all God appearedto has salvation brings that of grace the For 3:5–6). (Eph gospel the through Christ in promise the His of partake similarly and Jews, the that with ages: heirs fellow be should Gentiles other in not was known which that prophets and (Rom prophets apostles His revealedto also He 3:2). the to oracles His times and in various ways committed s rvosy etoe, God mentioned, previously As As Apostle John testified: “And the Manna 3 THEME THEME

would be able to understand the Holy Bible in-depth. Little do they know God’s word is settled in heaven and lasts for eternity; it is the that God often hides these things everlasting and unchanging truth (Ps 119:89). from those who think themselves wise and prudent, such that “they always go astray in their heart,” and they do not know God’s ways (Heb obtained a good testimony through through Me” (Jn 14:6). 3:10). They may see, but they do not their faith. As a result, God has Remember that we were once understand; God only reveals these prepared a city for them—a better, Gentiles in the flesh and strangers things to those who are humble like heavenly country (Heb 11:16). from the covenants of promise, babes (Mt 11:25–26; Mt 13:13–15). The Holy Bible is the word of God; it having no hope and without God in is a lamp to our feet and a light to our the world. But now in Christ Jesus “The whole vision has become to path (Ps 119:105). It is food for our we have been brought near by the you like the words of a book that spirit (Ps 19:7–10). Paul told Timothy blood of Christ on the cross and is sealed, which men deliver to one that the Holy Scriptures were able to have become His children, receiving who is literate, saying, ‘Read this, make him wise for salvation through the abundance of life, partaking and please.’ And he says, ‘I cannot, faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim enjoying the grace of the kingdom of for it is sealed.’ Then the book is 3:15). The Lord Jesus said, “You heaven (Eph 2:11–13; Rom 5:11). delivered to one who is illiterate, search the Scriptures, for in them In the past, the chosen people did saying, ‘Read this, please.’ And he you think you have eternal life; and not receive the Word with faith, so says, ‘I am not literate.’” these are they which testify of Me” they could not enter His rest. Today, (Isa 29:11–12) (Jn 5:39). if we neglect so great a salvation, we We should not forget that whatever will surely drift away. This salvation Although Paul was knowledgeable, things were written before were was first spoken of by the Lord, and he did not dare to declare the great written for our learning (Rom 15:4). was confirmed to us by the apostles mystery of God with excellence of The word spoken through angels was and prophets. God also bore witness speech or of wisdom. Instead, Paul steadfast, and every transgression to this, both with signs and wonders, spoke in words that the Holy Spirit and disobedience received a just with various miracles, and gifts of the taught, explaining and comparing reward (Heb 2:2). Therefore, as the Holy Spirit (Heb 2:1–4; 4:1-2). spiritual things with spiritual (1 Cor Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will 2:1–2, 11–13). He clearly understood hear His voice, do not harden your The Spirit Is Also the Truth (1 Jn that no man “knows the things of hearts as in the rebellion, in the day 5:6–7) a man except the spirit of the man of trial in the wilderness” (Heb 3:7– The truth and the Spirit are one, which is in him. Even so no one 8). Paul reminds us that the Israelites and the word of God is the sword knows the things of God except the were punished for their evil deeds, of the Spirit. Only the word that is Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:10–11). and that they serve as examples and in line with the truth enables one warnings for us (1 Cor 10:11). to receive the Holy Spirit; the Spirit The Consistency of the Truth can also help one to understand the Truth transcends space and time and The Lord Jesus Is the Truth (Jn truth (Eph 6:17; 1:13; Jn 14:16–17). is always consistent. For example, 14:6–14) The Lord Jesus told His disciples: “I after Adam was created, he was “In the beginning was the Word, still have many things to say to you, tempted and sinned. However, and the Word was with God, and but you cannot bear them now. because of the saving grace that was the Word was God” (Jn 1:1–2). We However, when He, the Spirit of accomplished through Jesus on the know that the Word became flesh truth, has come, He will guide you cross, all mankind were redeemed and dwelt among us; this was Jesus into all truth” (Jn 16:13). from sin, and regained their glorious Himself (Jn 1:14, 18). This is indeed Paul also said: “In Him you also hope and identity as God’s children. a great mystery (1 Tim 3:16; Heb trusted, after you heard the word of The Old Testament accounts of 2:2–3). How great our God is, that truth, the gospel of your salvation; God clothing Adam with the skin of He became flesh and dwelt among in whom also, having believed, you animals, Abel offering the firstborn us! From a human perspective, He were sealed with the Holy Spirit of of the flock and its fat, Noah offering looked like a mere man, yet He had promise, who is the guarantee of our clean animals as a burnt offering, the authority and power of God. He inheritance” (Eph 1:13–14). Moses offering sacrifices to God on came in order to save man and to be Some people think that as long Mount Sinai and using the blood of the only Savior of mankind (Jn 20:30– as they possess good academic cattle and sheep to make a covenant 31; Acts 4:12). As the Lord Jesus said, qualifications, have a wealth of with God’s people are consistent with “I am the way, the truth, and the life. knowledge, or are proficient in the the truth that points to the cross of No one comes to the Father except original Biblical languages, they Christ’s salvation. In addition, the

Manna 4 THEME sprinkling of the blood of cattle and the kingdom of God if we accept himself, telling himself that he was sheep onto the bodies of the people, His word. As the apostle Peter has to warn every man and teach every Noah’s flood, and the Israelites’ said: “Having been born again, not man in all wisdom, that every man crossing of the Red Sea, all prefigure of corruptible seed but incorruptible, might be presented perfect in Christ the receiving of the forgiveness of through the word of God which lives Jesus (Col 1:25, 28). sins through baptism by immersion and abides forever, because all flesh (1 Pet 3:21; 1 Cor 10:1–2). is as grass, and all the glory of man To Sanctify Man and Set Him Free Before the priest administered at as the flower of the grass. The grass (Jn 17:17) the altar, he had to first wash himself withers, and its flower falls away, but Paul spoke of his diligence and with water, anoint himself with oil the word of the Lord endures forever. blamelessness in observing the law and change into a new robe. This Now this is the word which by the before he received the grace of tells us that one who wishes to draw gospel was preached to you (1 Pet salvation. Yet his conscience always near to God must first accept water 1:23–25). pricked him: “For what I will to do, baptism, receive the Holy Spirit, and that I do not practice; but what I be born again before he is eligible to hate, that I do. … I know that in me serve the Lord and offer himself as (that is, in my flesh) nothing good a living sacrifice (Lev 8:6–13; Acts dwells; for to will is present with me, 2:37–39). but how to perform what is good I The Old Testament laws, including do not find. For the good that I will the sacrificial rituals, the dietary rules, to do, I do not do; but the evil I will health regulations, rules for cleansing, not to do, that I practice.” This was feasts of the New Moon, and so on, because he was “carnal, sold under are a shadow of the good things to sin” (Rom 7:14–19). But he thanked come, not the realities themselves. God that through Jesus Christ our The New Testament is the ultimate Lord he was able to escape from reality, of which Jesus Christ Himself sin, for the law of the Spirit of life in is the embodiment (Rom 10:4; Heb Christ Jesus had made him free from 10:1; Col 2:17; Mt 5:17–18). the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2). Hence, we can see that the chosen Those who commit sin are slaves to people of the Old Testament and the sin. The whole world lies under the disciples of the New Testament were God has revealed the truth to us sway of the wicked one; all who live all looking forward to the salvation of through His Son, our Lord Jesus in the world sin and are slaves to sin Jesus Christ (Jn 8:56). “The first man Christ. “For God so loved the world (1 Jn 5:19). But the Lord Jesus said Adam became a living being. The last that He gave His only begotten Son, to the Jews who believed in Him: “If Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1 that whoever believes in Him should you abide in My word, you are My Cor 15:21–22, 45). not perish but have everlasting life” disciples indeed. And you shall know The author of Hebrews enumerated (Jn 3:16). Blessed be the God and the truth, and the truth shall make the heroes of faith of the past and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who you free” (Jn 8:31–32). came to the following conclusion: according to His abundant mercy We have been called by the Lord “And all these, having obtained a has begotten us again through the and live under His grace; sin shall no good testimony through faith, did resurrection of Jesus Christ from the longer have dominion over us. As not receive the promise, God having dead, giving us an abundant and long as we set our minds on the things provided something better for us, beautiful life and a living hope. And of the Spirit and act in obedience that they should not be made perfect the end of our faith is the salvation of to the Spirit, presenting our bodies apart from us” (Heb 11:39–40). our souls (1 Pet 1:3–4, 9). as instruments of righteousness to As the Lord Jesus Himself has said, God, we will surely triumph over GOD’S PURPOSE IN REVEALING “I am the door. If anyone enters by evil, lust and the world. Our lives will THE TRUTH Me, he will be saved, and will go be transformed and renewed; we in and out and find pasture. … I shall bear the fruit of the Spirit and To Lead Man to Salvation (Ps 25:5) have come that they may have life, gradually become sanctified (Rom Moses said: “The days of our lives and that they may have it more 7:18–25, 6:11–14; Gal 5:22–23). are seventy years; and if by reason abundantly” (Jn 10:9–10). of strength they are eighty years, yet Paul understood the role to which To Set the Standard of Judgment their boast is only labor and sorrow; God had called him—he was to be (Rom 2:2, 8) for it is soon cut off, and we fly a minister to the Gentiles according The truth is God’s standard of away” (Ps 90:10). Our life on earth to the stewardship from God, and to judgment (Rom 2:6), and there is is indeed short and filled with sorrow. preach the whole truth as revealed no partiality with Him. He will surely Yet God promises us eternal life in by God. Therefore, he encouraged render to each one according to his

Manna 5 THEME

it you shall surely die” (Gen 2:17). But the serpent said, “You will not surely Those who commit sin are slaves to sin.…But the Lord Jesus die” (Gen 3:4) and added, “For God said…: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. knows that in the day you eat of it And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” your eyes will be opened, and you (Jn 8:31–32). will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:5). Satan, on the one hand, changed God’s words, and on deeds, and will grant eternal life to on the foundation of the apostles and the other, deliberately sowed discord those who, by patient continuance prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being between man and God. This caused in doing good, seek for glory, honor, the chief cornerstone (Eph 2:19–20). Eve to lose faith in the words of God and immortality (Rom 2:7), while The True Jesus Church was and led her to fall into temptation. those who do not believe the truth established by the Holy Spirit Himself, This is the ploy Satan usually uses to but have pleasure in unrighteousness which shows that the doctrines of deceive people. will be condemned (2 Thess 2:12). our church have their origins in God’s During the last days of the The Lord Jesus affirmed that we revelation. This is similar to the case apostolic church, the devil seized the shall be judged by His words. He said: of Paul: the gospel preached by him opportunity to sow tares among the “I did not come to judge the world also came through the revelation of wheat through false teachers and but to save the world. He who rejects Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11–12). false apostles, who preached heresies Me, and does not receive My words, The True Jesus Church has always and adulterated the word of God. For has that which judges him—the adopted a very cautious attitude in example, they taught that Gentile word that I have spoken will judge examining the truth and has always believers had to be circumcised and him in the last day” (Jn 12:47–48). judged matters based on the Bible. keep the law, forbade marriage and Jesus also said, “Not everyone who In the history of the church, there commanded people to abstain from says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter have been disagreements with our certain foods. They also preached the kingdom of heaven, but he who church doctrines, resulting in strong many other heretical teachings that does the will of My Father in heaven. challenges and even contradictory appeared to be true but were not … Therefore whoever hears these claims, but those that lacked biblical (cf. Acts 15:1; 1 Tim 4:1–3; 2 Tim sayings of Mine, and does them, I support or were inconsistent with the 2:18). Paul encouraged the elders will liken him to a wise man who built truth have disappeared into oblivion at Ephesus, “Therefore take heed to his house on the rock: and the rain like a gust of wind. yourselves and to all the flock… [for] descended, the floods came, and the savage wolves will come in among winds blew and beat on that house; GUARDING AGAINST FALSE you, not sparing the flock. Also from and it did not fall, for it was founded TEACHINGS AND DEFENDING THE among yourselves men will rise up, on the rock” (Mt 7:21, 24–25). TRUTH speaking perverse things, to draw In addition, James tells us that it away the disciples after themselves” is not enough to simply listen to the Recognizing the Ploys of the Devil (Acts 20:28–30). word; we ought to put what we hear The Bible says: “The devil…was a into practice: “But be doers of the murderer from the beginning, and Distinguishing Between True and word, and not hearers only”, for such does not stand in the truth, because False Teachings “will be blessed” in what they do. there is no truth in him. When he Our Lord Jesus repeatedly reminded God’s word is like a mirror, reflecting speaks a lie, he speaks from his own the disciples that in the end times, our imperfections. We need to look resources, for he is a liar and the false christs and false prophets into this mirror and change ourselves, father of it” (Jn 8:44). would rise and show great signs gradually becoming holy and In ancient times, Satan used the and wonders to deceive, if possible, complete, without spot and blemish, serpent to deceive Eve, deliberately even the elect (Mt 24:4–5, 24). The so that we will be able to face our twisting and changing God’s words. apostles also repeatedly warned: Lord in peace (Jas 1:21–25; 2 Pet God told Adam, “…of the tree of the “… that Day will not come unless 3:14). knowledge of good and evil you shall the falling away comes first, and the not eat, for in the day that you eat of man of sin is revealed, the son of THE TRUTH AS RECEIVED BY THE TRUE JESUS CHURCH Paul tells us that the church is the The truth is God’s standard of judgment (Rom 2:6), and there house of the living God, the pillar and is no partiality with Him. He will surely render to each one ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). He according to his deeds. has also said that the church is the household of God, having been built

Manna 6 THEME perdition” (2 Thess 2:3). Moreover, God hears us; he who is not of God the Spirit has expressly said “that in does not hear us” (1 Jn 4:6). latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving (3) Redeeming the lost sheep with spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 love Tim 4:1). In times when heretical teachings “And a servant of the Lord must not prevail, the saints must weigh quarrel but be gentle to all, able to carefully what is said so that they teach, patient, in humility correcting themselves are not confused. Apostle those who are in opposition, if God John encourages us, “Beloved, do perhaps will grant them repentance, not believe every spirit, but test the so that they may know the truth, spirits, whether they are of God; and that they may come to their because many false prophets have senses and escape the snare of the gone out into the world” (1 Jn 4:1). devil, having been taken captive by Below are some basic principles we him to do his will.” (2 Tim 2:24–26) can use to distinguish between truth and heresy. The church applies certain procedures and principles in dealing (1) Is it in accordance with the with teachings that are contrary Bible? to the truth. There is no room for The Bible is the word of God and is compromise when distinguishing the only standard by which to judge right from wrong. However, we right from wrong. Any gospel other should admonish and exhort in love than the gospel that was preached those who have wandered from the by the apostles is heresy (Gal 1:6– truth, pray for them and try to restore 9). Men should seek the law and them. Moreover, we should consider the testimony; if they do not speak ourselves lest we too be affected. according to God’s word, it is because Judas betrayed the Lord out of his there is no light in them (Isa 8:20). greed for money, yet the Lord Jesus never ceased to warn and exhort him; “Whoever transgresses and does He even washed his feet and tried not abide in the doctrine of Christ His best to turn him back. But Judas does not have God. … If anyone refused to turn back and in the end, comes to you and does not bring Jesus could only say to him, “What this doctrine, do not receive him you do, do quickly” (Jn 13:27). We into your house nor greet him; for also ought to play our part and try he who greets him shares in his evil to restore the lost ones, then entrust deeds.” (2 Jn 9–11) them to God and pray for the Lord’s mercy. For we cannot do anything (2) How does it view the true against the truth, but only for the church? truth (2 Cor 13:8). The true church was established by the Holy Spirit. It possesses the full gospel of salvation and is the ark of Let us, therefore, build up the last days. This is an indisputable ourselves on our most holy faith, truth, as explained earlier. If what pray in the Holy Spirit, keep ourselves is preached is truth, it will surely be in the love of God, and look for the at one with the beliefs of the true mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto church, and will surely be at one with eternal life (Jude 20–21). Amen. us in spirit (Jn 10:16). Even in Satan’s kingdom, there is no division and dispute (Mt 12:25–26); what more, then, for truth which originates from the same Holy Spirit? Can truth be at odds with itself? (Eph 4:3–4; 1 Jn 2:19; 1 Cor 14:32–33). Apostle John said, “We are of God. He who knows

Manna 7 THEME

Every Good Tree Bears Good Fruit K.C. Tsai—Toronto, Canada

THE DECEPTION exaggerated quotation of God’s of incomplete quotations from the command revealed her discontent. Bible to deceive us. The difference “Has God indeed said, ‘You She seemed to be yearning for is that he may not do so personally, shall not eat of every tree of the something she could not have. but through other people. A true garden’?” (Gen 3:1) Provoked by Satan’s question, she Christian, therefore, needs to be eventually fell into his trap and sinned well equipped with the word of “Are you sure that God said against God. righteousness, discerning both good something like this?” We see another ploy of Satan and evil (Heb 5:13-14). Satan’s deceiving words are cunning when he tempted Jesus to jump off Sometimes people say, “Our and often well-packaged. He does the pinnacle of the temple. Satan church always says… but is it so?” not need to oppose God’s decree quoted Psalms and said: “…for it Quite often, the quotation is not directly. That would be too easy is written: ‘He shall give His Angels exactly what the church generally for us to ward off. Instead, he asks charge over you,’ and, ‘in their says. Questioning any unconfirmed questions to successfully disguise a hands they shall bear you up, Lest statement of the church may elevate complete heresy or a misquotation. you dash your foot against a stone’ the authority of the speaker. This In Eve’s case, Satan knew exactly ” (Mt 4:6). However, he omitted the method is a cunning way for the what God had said but simply asked following phrase between the two speaker to establish credibility. Such a question to cause confusion and sentences: “to keep you in all your scenarios were long prophesied by subtly twist God’s word. ways” (Ps 91:11). Inspired by the Apostle Peter: “We may eat the fruit of the trees Spirit, the psalmist assures those who of the garden; but of the fruit of are determined to walk in God’s way “[T]here were also false prophets the tree which is in the midst of the of His complete protection. If we are among the people, even as there garden, God has said, ‘You shall not willing to trust God in all our ways, will be false teachers among eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you He will look after us day by day. The you, who will secretly bring in die’ “ Eve replied (Gen 3:2–3). Bible does not suggest that we should destructive heresies, even denying God did not forbid Adam and Eve tempt God by exposing ourselves to the Lord who bought them, to touch any fruit. When we fail to danger. Unlike Eve, Jesus resisted this and bring on themselves swift listen attentively to God’s word, temptation with the word of God destruction. And many will follow we will easily misunderstand His and the sword of the Spirit, which is their destructive ways, because commandments. God only said, “… the perfect weapon to ward off the of whom the way of truth will be for in the day that you eat of it you evil one (Eph 6:17). blasphemed.” (2 Pet 2:1,2) shall surely die” (Gen 2:17). Eve’s Even today Satan often makes use This biblical prophecy was fulfilled

Manna 8 THEME during the apostolic time and will be fulfilled in the end times. For this reason, believers must both fend A true servant of God does not stir up disharmony or off false teachings and constantly dissension in the church. He possesses the wisdom from above, examine their own understanding pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good through biblical truth. Believers must fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. rely on the Holy Sprit to prevent deception, and be diligent in learning true knowledge from the Scriptures, This is comprehensible, as the Jesus alerted His disciples, “Beware lest becoming a false prophet. apostles repeatedly warned of such of false prophets, who come to you deception. A December 31, 19471 in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they FALSE PROPHETS ARE NOT NEW special edition publication of the are ravenous wolves” (Mt 7:15). So Throughout the Bible, we see false True Jesus Church lists fourteen how do we identify these wolves in prophets emerging. Before the events where false prophets arose sheep’s clothing? Israelites set foot in the promised land, to disturb the church and led away a Moses warned them at the east bank few members, in numbers of tens to OBSERVE THE FRUIT of the River Jordan: false prophets about four hundred. The publication and dreamer of dreams would arise also recorded their whereabouts after “Every good tree bears good fruit, to entice the chosen people, even they left the church. Two groups but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A through signs or wonders, away from withered while the rest disassembled. good tree cannot bear bad fruit, the way God commanded them to These events were like sudden nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. walk (Deut 13:1–5). violent storms in otherwise peaceful Therefore by their fruits you will During the apostolic time, Satan days. They could collapse houses and know them.” (Mt 7:17-20) deceived some believers by disturbing uproot trees. However, no matter the faith of those who did not receive how devastating the storms were, Jesus teaches us to identify false the love of the truth and did not they always passed, and the flooding prophets by their deeds and the pursue after and follow the truth (2 rains ceased. effects of their behavior. A true Thess 2:10). These people took more When the disciples asked Jesus servant of God does not stir up pleasure in unrighteousness than in about the signs of His second coming disharmony or dissension in the the truth. They were subsequently and of the end-time, Jesus answered, church. He possesses the wisdom given over to strong delusion, leading “Take heed that no one deceives from above, pure, peaceable, gentle, them to believe in lies. By following you” (Mt 24:3-4). He depicted the willing to yield, full of mercy and good the deception, they perished. signs in visible wars and disasters, but fruits, without partiality and without Peter warns us of “false teachers reminded them that these would be hypocrisy. As James remarked, “the among you … who will secretly bring merely the beginning of sorrows. The fruit of righteousness is sown in in destructive heresies…” If we do worse is yet to come. peace by those who make peace” not discern what we hear by using Jesus said, “many will be offended (Jas 3:17-18). On the other hand, the word of God and the Spirit of (stumbled2), will betray one another, bitter envy and self-seeking in one’s Truth as a measure, we could believe and will hate one another…many heart causes disputes and divisions in in falsehood and be deceived. false prophets will rise up and deceive the church. If a servant of God stirs many, and because lawlessness will up unquenchable disharmony in the “The coming of the lawless one abound, the love of many will grow church, he is a false servant. (false prophet within the church) is cold” (Mt 24:10-11). The most Paul was perfectly aware of this according to the working of Satan, frightening part before the second matter. In his parting words, he with all power, signs, and lying coming of Jesus is neither tribulation warned the elders of the Ephesian wonders.” (2 Thess 2:9) nor the impending hatred, but that church, “after my departure savage many will stumble, and forsake wolves will come in among you, not The history of the True Jesus the faith. This is the disaster Jesus sparing the flock. Also from among Church reveals records of false foretold. He desires that His loved yourselves men will rise up, speaking prophets arising from time to time. ones prepare well and be victorious. perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29). Paul knew that his ministry A true Christian, therefore, needs to be well equipped with of the gospel was not out of harm’s the word of righteousness, discerning both good and evil way. Satan will never let go of any (Heb 5:13-14). opportunity to seize some of the elect away with him. He walks about like a roaring lion, seeking those whom he

Manna 9 THEME

may devour. The Bible repeatedly warns that false prophets and false believers will come from both outside of and within the church. As true believers, we must always be sober and vigilant. We need to continually familiarize and equip ourselves with the Bible, relying on God’s word for wisdom to discern the truth.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)

While we observe the fruits of God’s workers, we must also consider our own fruits. An upright believer of Jesus would quiet his heart and examine himself. Have I caused any harm and dishonor within the body of Christ? Do my words and deeds edify the church and fellow believers? Every good tree bears good fruit and every bad tree bears bad fruit. This is a measure given by the Lord Jesus to examine ourselves and identify false prophets. Today, let us abide in the Lord to bear good fruits, for without Him we cannot do anything.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. By Five Loaves and Two Fish this My Father is glorified, that you is the True Jesus Church weblog where you can share bear much fruit; so you will be My God-given inspirations and reflections with others for disciples.” (Jn 15:5,8) mutual edification and God’s glory.

Let the blessings of God flow through you to our site visitors so they can be encouraged to draw closer to God.

Don’t hesitate to offer your loaves and fish to the Lord today.

1 Commemoration of the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the True Jesus Church, December 31, Visit http://blog.tjc.org and start reading 1947. Chapter 10, entitled “Winds of Heresies” and contributing! 2 G4624 σκανδαλίζω to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

Manna 10 THEME

Steadfast in the Truth Adapted from a sermon by Lin Yung-Ji—Taichung, Taiwan

Our faith is precious because we have source of truth: “…which at the first our eyes, which we have looked the immutable truth. This truth is the began to be spoken by the Lord, and upon, and our hands have handled, word of God which guides us through was confirmed to us by those who concerning the Word of life − the life our lives. Following the truth keeps heard Him” (Heb 1:1–2, 2:3). was manifested, and we have seen, us from getting lost in our journey and bear witness, and declare to you through life and will eventually lead The Truth Comes from the Lord’s that eternal life which was with the us into the heavenly kingdom. Teachings Father and was manifested to us − In contrast, the devil is a liar and the Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, that which we have seen and heard world’s greatest swindler who wants and the life. No one comes to the we declare to you, that you also may to lure man into corruption. He is Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). have fellowship with us; and truly our relentless and tireless in his attempts Everything that Jesus taught while fellowship is with the Father and with to deceive mankind. He alters the He was in the world is from God. His His Son Jesus Christ” (1 Jn 1:1-3). gospel of salvation, thus causing man words are immutable truth and carry The apostles’ words carried to lose their faith in the church that life; no wonder Peter said to the spiritual authority and power; the belongs to God. Lord: “Lord, to whom shall we go? truth that we have received was once It is thus imperative for us to have a You have the words of eternal life. for all delivered to the apostles (Jude deep and clear understanding of the Also we have come to believe and 3). Paul boldly declared: “Therefore, truth we preach, both for ourselves know that You are the Christ, the brethren, stand fast and hold the as well as for the sake of those Son of the living God” (Jn 6:68–69). traditions which you were taught, whom we teach. Without the right Through the cross, the Lord opened whether by word or our epistle” (2 understanding, we will lead others up a new and living way for us; those Thess 2:15). There is thus no need for astray. who trust in Him will overcome sin further revelations. In this modern age where both and death. information and misinformation REMAIN STEADFAST IN THE abound, believers of the true church The Truth Comes from the Disciples’ TRUTH THAT WE WERE TAUGHT must undertake the following in Teachings order to remain steadfast in the truth: Having been taught personally by Interpret the Word of God Correctly the Lord, Jesus’ disciples went on The Bible is the truth. However, KNOW WHERE THE TRUTH to faithfully teach others. Thus, exegesis is needed so that others can COMES FROM Apostle John said, “That which was understand it. When we explain the First, we need to understand where from the beginning, which we have truth, we need to interpret the word the truth comes from. The author of heard, which we have seen with correctly, i.e., look at the intended the book of Hebrews indicates the meaning, which is what God intended

Manna 11 THEME

to reveal (2 Tim 2:15). We ought to For this reason, we must “rightly such people go astray because they rely on the guidance and inspiration [divide] the word of truth” (2 Tim have taken the (erroneous) concept of the Holy Spirit, rather than the 2:15) and hold fast to the truth. We taught to them to be the truth, and wisdom of man, to understand should not alter the truth for the have rejected the Bible passage that the Scriptures (1 Cor 2:4–13). We sake of pleasing man, for if we do, contradicted their understanding. ought not rely solely on our own the church will be divided and those The right approach should be to experiences to interpret the Bible. who preach a different gospel will be always choose to believe in the word Also, it is important to understand cursed (Gal 1:6–10). of God; we must choose instead to the background of that biblical event, reject human or traditional concepts the situational circumstances and the Sources of Misinterpretation if these are contrary to the truth in intended meaning. A thorough knowledge of the Bible, the Scriptures. The intended meaning of the Bible which allows us to correctly apply is based on God’s will and not man’s the word of God, is a prerequisite Misuse of Exegetical Principles will. God’s will is true. As such, God’s for being steadfast in the truth. Usually, parables or symbolism cannot word will never contradict itself. If Knowledge of the Scriptures, in be interpreted literally. For example, there is any contradiction, it must be turn, requires diligent study of the David said, “But I am a worm, and man’s will, as God does not cause Bible. This will help us to avoid no man” (Ps 22:6). Does that mean confusion (1 Cor 14:33). misinterpreting the word of God. that he really was not human, but a Occasionally, in a Bible study The most common reasons for the worm? If we read the latter part of session where we share our views, misinterpretation of the Bible are as this verse, we will see that David was a random thought may occur to follows: “[a] reproach of men, and despised us, which we may mistake for the by the people.” The humiliation from inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Some Misconception others had caused David to feel and may even compound this error by Misconceptions arise when believers say that he was a worm and not a insisting that they had been inspired are unclear whether the source of man. by the Holy Spirit when their views their belief is scriptural or tradition. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 1:4 is a are questioned. Relying on their For example, a common traditional metaphor: “One generation passes limited Bible knowledge, their narrow misconception among many Christian away, and another generation theological concepts, or by taking a denominations is that believers comes; [b]ut the earth abides Bible passage out of context, they receive the Holy Spirit when they forever.” When we compare one defend their views even up to the believe; there is no need to pray for human generation with the earth, point of strife, thinking they are the Holy Spirit. However, a passage the earth seems to abide forever. It right. Such behavior should set alarm in John tells of some people who would be wrong to use this verse bells ringing. If we are truly resolved had believed in Jesus but had not yet to prove that the world will not to interpret the Bible based on the received the Holy Spirit: be destroyed. Moreover, 2 Peter intended meaning, we will continue 3:10 states that the earth will be to study in greater depth with humble “But this He spoke concerning the destroyed, and given that the Bible and honest hearts, sincerely relying Spirit, whom those believing in Him does not contradict itself, Ecclesiastes on the Holy Spirit to open our minds would receive; for the Holy Spirit 1:4 should thus not be taken literally. and increase our understanding. In was not yet given, because Jesus this way, our hearts will naturally be was not yet glorified.” (Jn 7:39) Over-emphasis on Reason, Neglecting renewed and transformed and we Faith shall receive the assurance of the So some of these Christians who During the time of Noah, God told spiritual truth. had been traditionally taught that him: “The end of all flesh has come they had received the Holy Spirit before Me, for the earth is filled with The Importance of Interpreting the when they believed begin to doubt violence through them; and behold, Bible Correctly the passage in John 7:39; they I will destroy them with the earth” The truth leads people unto Christ, conclude that it is impossible for (Gen 6:13). In the Great Flood, Noah’s repentance, forgiveness of sins, the disciples not to have the Holy family of eight were the only people rebirth, righteousness, and holiness. Spirit at that time. Clearly then, saved because “[b]y faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, A thorough knowledge of the Bible, which allows us to correctly prepared an ark for the saving of his apply the word of God, is a prerequisite for being steadfast in household” (Heb 11:7). Although the truth. Knowledge of the Scriptures, in turn, requires diligent some may find it inexplicable how study of the Bible. out of the many people who had lived back then, only such a small number of people were saved. But the author

Manna 12 THEME of Hebrews tells us why—only these “impurities” creep in, we have to to the common faith, it must be eight believed God’s warning, and remove them from within our midst. discussed in the Truth Research they were saved by their faith! Members promoting these teachings Committee and should not be made Today, some question how the ought to be counseled firmly, yet in public until there is a common True Jesus Church can be the only a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). As consensus. church that is saved since the church Jude 22–23 advises, “on some have • If the issue is not directly has a relatively small membership. compassion, making a distinction, related to our common faith but To human reasoning, this appears but others save with fear, pulling affects the understanding of the unacceptable. But we must not them out of the fire, hating even the truth, it should be sent to the Truth apply only human reason; instead we garment defiled by the flesh.” Research Committee. In this case, should accept God’s teachings with Finally, “[h]e who hears, let him it is acceptable to raise the issue faith. hear; and he who refuses, let him at discussion platforms such as refuse” (Ezek 3:27). the theological seminary, workers’ “Not everyone who says to Me, seminars, or other such special ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom Three Principles of Protecting the gatherings. However, it must be of heaven, but he who does the will Truth made clear that this new finding is of My Father in heaven.” (Mt 7:21) In order to protect the truth, workers purely the personal opinion of one individual; and that the issue has yet Matthew 7:13–14 also reminds to be studied in depth. us to enter by the narrow gate: Deadly • If the matter concerns only “because narrow is the gate textual research or assumptions, and difficult is the way which Deception it can be discussed or leads to life, and there are mentioned in discussion few who find it.” It is with There was once a widow who missed platforms, but it must be faith that we accept such her deceased husband very much. Wanting declared as one’s personal teachings and remain to see him again badly, she went along with opinion or finding. steadfast in the truth. a friend to consult a medium. To her delight, We need to interpret REFUTE THOSE WHO the truth correctly, so she did “see” her husband. But she did not know that this was purely the work of an evil ARGUE AGAINST THE that we may know TRUTH spirit. Worse, the demonic spirit continued to God, experience Him, In every era, distortions and live out His life. torment her and eventually drove her to suicide. of the truth exist. This This story shows the consequences of not is not surprising because USE THE PURE TRUTH having a deep knowledge of the truth and Satan is always waiting for TO ADMONISH not knowing what secular practices an opportunity to destroy are abominable to our God. the work of God. Therefore, as The Importance of God’s children, we need to fight to Admonishing Others Using the pure truth to admonish protect the truth. The following are is key in correcting those who have key strategies for the robust defense deviated from the faith. Erroneous should uphold the principles agreed of the truth. concepts could happen. For example, within the church that apply to the church in Thessalonica did not situations where workers hold a Rely on the Guidance of the Holy have the correct concept about different view about the truth. This is Spirit where man would go after death; similar to the apostolic church. When A consistent and earnest emphasis on many grieved like those without differences arose (Acts 15:1–32; 16: praying in the Spirit is of paramount hope (1 Thess 4:16–18; Rom 15:14). 4–5), these were brought before importance. Not only will the Holy Similarly, the church in Crete was the elders in the Jerusalem council. Spirit’s guidance enable us to receive influenced by false teachers; their Thereafter, when an agreement spiritual wisdom to understand and lives were corrupt. Therefore, Paul had been reached through the Holy interpret the word of God correctly, reminded Titus to instruct the Spirit’s guidance, the final position He will also give us spiritual power to shepherds in Crete to teach the pure was sent to the churches in other live out and defend the truth. truth to the local believers (Tit 1:11). locations and everyone submitted to Church history will give us a glimpse the agreement. of the flaws of various exegetes and Likewise, today, the church has serve as ample warning to us: some Method of Admonition prescribed principles of protecting of them were extremely subjective Pure teachings are correct teachings the truth that we have to follow: and biased; some others were too that promote spiritual health. When • If the issue is directly related conservative, stressing tradition and

Manna 13 THEME

A consistent and earnest emphasis on praying in the Spirit is of paramount importance. Not only will the Holy Spirit’s guidance enable us to receive spiritual wisdom to understand and interpret the word of God correctly, He will also give us spiritual power to live out and defend the truth.

convention. Today, we have the In the past few years, the church’s help of the Holy Spirit and therefore, growth has benefited from the should defend the truth with humility publication of written material. In and courage. this way, the true gospel can be preached throughout the world; Take up the Commission to Lead literary resources have become very Other Churches onto the Right Path important tools of evangelism. We of Salvation must therefore encourage more While we have to prevent savage members with literary talent to write wolves from entering the flock, we for the gospel. must also fulfill our mission to lead other churches onto the right path of CONCLUSION salvation. We must not think highly Over the years the True Jesus Church of ourselves, but instead humbly has often been misunderstood and train up more workers to fulfill the attacked as being heretical. This is commission that Jesus has entrusted part of Satan’s work to oppose the to us. truth of salvation and to make us waver in our faith. As members of the Raise the Quality of All Church Workers true church, we must always have a Good teachers will naturally be able clear understanding of the truth that to provide more solid training and we have received. We must know train up even better students (2 Tim where the truth comes from and how 2:2). to interpret it correctly. Only then will Today, if we want to fight against we be able to remain steadfast in the the evil one, we have to equip truth, defend it and lead others onto ourselves with the truth. We need the true path of salvation. to increase the emphasis on raising the quality of our workers. If the theological seminary has a group of good teachers, they will in turn produce workers who are also good teachers of the truth. Over time, the quality of the entire church’s spiritual life can be raised by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Strengthen the Literary Ministry The gospel that the church preaches today is limited by its four walls; people outside the church building cannot hear the gospel—what a pity! The writers of the four gospels that describe Jesus’ entire life knew very well that while the church was persecuted, the oral transmission of the gospel could only be a short-term plan. In order to preserve the four gospels, it was only logical to write them down.

Manna 14 DOCTRINAL STUDY

The Only Church That Is Saved—True Jesus Church (II) H.H. Ko—Heidelberg, Germany

In the previous issue, we discussed the definition of “church” and the true DOCTRINAL & BIBLE STUDIES church’s spiritual essence. Historically, we can view the church within time and space; spiritually, we can look at the church in heaven. The Bible tells us that, in the spiritual realm, the church has been a reality even before God created the world; she is the mystery hidden in Christ, through whom all who believe can be reconciled to God. At Pentecost, the church became a historical reality through the downpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. Part II of this series continues to examine the true church from a spiritual angle. Based on her spiritual essence, we will discuss what makes the church unique. In addition, we will look at biblical analogies that support the concept of the one and only church of God.

UNIQUENESS OF THE CHURCH not lie nor relent. The unchanging FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HER will of the only and unchanging God SPIRITUAL ESSENCE is the most fundamental source of the church’s uniqueness. The One True God Had in Mind the Apostle Paul, having the Only Church Before Time Began mind of Christ, gained in-depth Our God is the only true God; this understanding of God’s will; in the truth is an indisputable axiom. Time following Scriptures, he expounds and again, God has proclaimed His how God manifested His will and His oneness to His people in simple and foreknowledge that preceded time unambiguous ways (Deut 6:4; Zech itself through the church in Jesus 14:9; Mk 12:29; Jn 5:44, 17:3; Rom Christ: 16:27; 1 Tim 1:17, 6:16; Jude 25). Because of His omnipotence and “[W]ho has saved us and called us omniscience, God has an immutable with a holy calling, not according to will unfathomable by human beings, our works, but according to His own who are limited by time and space. purpose and grace which was given Hence, He proclaimed through to us in Christ Jesus before time prophet Malachi: “For I am the LORD, began.” (2 Tim 1:9) I do not change” (Mal 3:6); He will

Manna 15 DOCTRINAL STUDY

“[I]n hope of eternal life which God, paved the way for the realization church and gave Himself for her, that who cannot lie, promised before of the church among men, for He might sanctify and cleanse her time began.” (Tit 1:2) Revelation 5:9–10 tells us that those with the washing of water by the whom Christ has redeemed with His word” (Eph 5:25–26). Hence, Christ’s “[B]ut has in due time manifested blood were made a kingdom and relationship with the church is that of His word through preaching, which priests to God. a husband and wife—an absolutely was committed to me according Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior monogamous relationship where the to the commandment of God our (cf. Lk 2:11; Acts 5:31; Rom 11:26; two become one flesh (cf. Jn 19:34– Savior.” (Tit 1:3) Phil 3:20; 1 Tim 1:1; Tit 1:4, 2:13). 35; Eph 5:25–26; Gen 2:21–25). Moreover, He is the only Lord (Jude From the discussion above, we Peter too had a clear understanding 4) and the only God (Jude 25); He is understand that there is only one of this truth: also the living God, who is the Savior church that has her origin in the ”[E]lect according to the of all men, especially of those who precious blood that flowed from the foreknowledge of God the Father, believe (1 Tim 4:10). The precious side of the only Lord and Savior Jesus in sanctification of the Spirit, for blood that flowed from His side when Christ. obedience and sprinkling of the He was hung on the cross became blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you the fountain of redemption for God’s The Only Promised Holy Spirit and peace be multiplied.” (1 Pet people. Guides the Only Church into All 1:2) Just as Jesus’ side was pierced, Truth from which blood flowed for the In God’s salvation plan, the descent God’s unchanging will has church’s redemption, Adam’s side of the promised Holy Spirit on the day predetermined that the elect, “in the was opened when God took one of of Pentecost marks the beginning of dispensation of the fullness of the his ribs to form the first woman. As the church era. Through the church, times,” might be gathered together Paul writes: “Husbands, love your God declares His manifold wisdom with “all things in Christ, both which wives, just as Christ also loved the to the principalities and powers in are in heaven and which are on earth” (Eph 1:10). The “oneness in Christ” refers to the realized church Principles of Apology and Spirit Discernment in God’s salvation plan, comprising redeemed believers gathered as Principle of Apology Christ’s one body. a. Paul’s absolute principle: “What we have preached to you” Principle of discernment: Is it in accordance with the apostles’ The Only Savior Jesus Redeemed teachings? (Gal 1:6–9) the Only Church with His Own Blood b. Jude’s principle: “Once for all” In the Old Testament, whenever Principle of discernment: Is it in accordance with the faith that was God’s people met with affliction, once for all delivered to the saints? (Jude 3) they would call upon God with one heart, addressing Him as Savior (Ps c. The Bible’s final absolute standard 18:2, 22:19, 121:2; Isa 43:3, 45:15, Principle of discernment: Is the truth discussed or told, whether 60:16; Jer 14:8). At the same time, deduced or inspired by the Spirit, based on the Bible as the ultimate God would declare to them “even I, absolute standard? am the LORD (the self-existing); [a] nd besides Me there is no savior” (Isa Testing the Spirits 43:11; cf. Isa 45:21; Hos 13:4). a. Peter’s principle: experience/spiritual tradition Today, the Lord Jesus Christ, Principle of discernment: Have they received the Holy Spirit “just foreordained before the foundation as we have?” (Acts 10:44–48; 11:15–18) of the world but manifested in these end times (cf. 1 Pet 1:20), continues b. John's principle #1: truth/tradition of the word the salvation work, which was started Principle of discernment: Does the spirit listen to us? Does it believe in ancient times. The scope of His in the same truth as we do? (1 Jn 4:1–6) work has become deeper and wider. Not only does He save His people c. John's principle #2: unity/one body/orthodox church organization from physical and mental affliction, Principle of discernment: Did they “go out from us?” (1 Jn 2:18–22) He even uses “His own blood” to Do they submit themselves to the church? Do they promote redeem the mankind from their sins harmony, unity, and a spirit of being one body among members? (Mt 1:21; Acts 20:28). Thus, He (cf. 1 Cor 3:1–5; Jas 3:13–18)

Manna 16 DOCTRINAL STUDY the heavenly places (Eph 3:10). Moreover, He is to receive glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all God’s unchanging will has predetermined that the elect, “in the generations, forever and ever (Eph dispensation of the fullness of the times,” might be gathered 3:21). Paul was deeply moved by this together with “all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and revelation and exclaimed “amen.” which are on earth” (Eph 1:10). The “oneness in Christ” refers to In the New Testament era, the the realized church in God’s salvation plan, comprising redeemed church was established under the believers gathered as Christ’s one body. guidance of the Holy Spirit and built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. The Holy Spirit The Church Is the Body of Christ time, God already referred to the established only one church, for “[t] Apostle Paul once stated that Israelites, His chosen people, as His here is one body and one Spirit” (Eph Christ’s body is the church (Col bride (Isa 54:5–8, 62:5; Jer 2:2). 4:4). Since the church has received 1:24). Afterwards, he proceeded to In the book of Hosea, God likened the only promised Holy Spirit, she is expound that “the church…is His those chosen people who rebelled able to enter into all truth and uphold body, the fullness of Him who fills all against God’s commands to an the faith that was once and for all in all” (Eph 1:23). These two Bible unfaithful wife; in fact, the Israelites entrusted to her. verses show that Christ is the head of brought unparalleled tragedy upon During the apostolic church era, the church: themselves through their relentless some heeded the spirit of error and “And He is before all things, and in unfaithfulness (Jer 3; Ezek 16). became false disciples. They became Him all things consist. And He is the In the New Testament time, the the servants of Satan and started head of the body, the church, who is Lord Jesus, the Word incarnate, to spread heresies in the church (1 the beginning, the firstborn from the continued to use the symbolism Jn 4:6; 2 Cor 11:12–15; 1 Tim 1:3). dead, that in all things He may have that described the relationship Their message spread like cancer, the preeminence.” (Col 1:17–18) between God and His people in the they strayed concerning the truth, Old Testament time, He too likened and they overthrew the faith of some Since Christ is the head of the Himself to a bridegroom (Mk 2:18– (2 Tim 2:17–18). church (Eph 5:23), the entire body 20). In Ephesians 5:22–33, Paul, However, the promised Holy is led by Him. Believers are members who had a profound understanding Spirit guided the apostles to specify of this body, and although there are of the mystery of Christ, expounded principles of apology and spirit many members, there is only one the deeper teaching of the husband– discernment in order to uphold the body (1 Cor 12:12–13). Moreover, wife relationship between Christ truth and preserve the only true there is only one faith within the body and His church after describing the church. of Christ (Eph 4:5). Today, there are relationship between spouses. He many different denominations under spelled out the expectations of the In summary, the church may be the “Christian” umbrella. They are church as the bride, which is her diversified and multiple when we not of the same faith. For instance, faithfulness towards Christ, the look at her from a social perspective. a church that baptizes in the name husband to whom she is betrothed (2 However, if we look at the church’s of the Father, the Son and the Holy Cor 11:2–3). spiritual essence, she is always one. Ghost does not have the same faith The book of Revelation, in which as the church that practices baptism God prophesies about the last days, BIBLICAL EVIDENCE OF “ONE AND in Jesus’ name. Therefore, the also draws the analogy that the True ONLY” CHURCH IN THE FORM OF body of Christ, which has only one Jesus Church, the ark of the last days, ANALOGY faith, can never include all Christian is the Lord’s “wife” (Rev 19:7, 21:9). Based on the above discussion, denominations. Monogamy is the only principle there is only one church from the Since Christ is the head of the when God instituted marriage. The spiritual perspective. Not only is this church and the church is the body of Lord Jesus Christ is the husband important truth positively proven Christ, their relationship is always a of the church and the church is His in the Bible, God has also given one-to-one relationship. For there is bride; the Lord Jesus Christ is the one us many parables/metaphors and only one head and one body. Christ is and only, therefore, there is only one analogies through which this truth always one and His body, the church, church—this truth is self-evident. is made more distinctive. We will is always one as well. How would only mention four out of the many you react if you saw someone with Noah’s Ark evidences: the church is the body one head but two bodies? In Noah’s time, “[t]he earth was of Christ, the church is the bride corrupt before God, the earth was of Christ, Noah’s ark, and the only The Church Is the Bride of Christ filled with violence” and “[t]he end promised son of Abraham amongst As far back as the Old Testament of all flesh has come before God,” his many sons.

Manna 17 DOCTRINAL STUDY

“[b]ut Noah found grace in the and evaluated differently. If we look only one son—Isaac, whom he had eyes of God” (Gen 6:11, 13, 8). The at the sons of Abraham who came received through promise. New Testament refers to Noah’s ark through Keturah, the wife he took in Isaac was born of Sarah, the as a prefiguration of the true God’s his old age after Sarah had died, the freewoman, symbolizing the salvation: message we gather from the Bible is Jerusalem above, the kingdom of as follows: God (Gal 4:23–26). To be part of “…[W]ho formerly were God’s kingdom, we must be born disobedient, when once the Divine “Abraham again took a wife, and “from above1”—of water and the long-suffering waited in the days her name was Keturah. And she Spirit (Jn 3:3,5). Those who are born of Noah, while the ark was being bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, of water through baptism in Jesus’ prepared, in which a few, that is, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. … All name will receive the promised Holy eight souls, were saved through these were the children of Keturah.” Spirit. The Holy Spirit testifies that we water. There is also an antitype (Gen 25:1–4) are children of God and His heirs (cf. which now saves us—baptism Joel 2:28–29; Acts 1:5, 11:15–16; (not the removal of the filth of the Although these six men originated Rom 8:15–17; Eph 1:13–14); we flesh, but the answer of a good from Abraham, they were called “the must be baptized in the name of Jesus conscience toward God), through children of Keturah” (Gen 25:4; 1 to wash away our sins and be reborn the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” Chr 1:33) instead of “the children of as the sons of God (cf. Acts 2:37–39; (1 Pet 3:20–21) Abraham”; indicating that they did Gal 3:26–29). The True Jesus Church not have a part in God’s promised preaches and practices in accordance This prefiguration tells us there was blessings. They were excluded from with this, and is thus the “Jerusalem only one ark that was built according God’s salvation plan that was to be above” and “mother of us all.” to the specifications of God, only one accomplished through Abraham. Other churches with differing family that was saved by entering We see that in the end, “Abraham beliefs and practices are symbolized into the ark, and that this one ark gave all that he had to Isaac. But by Hagar, whose children are not was the only way to salvation during Abraham gave gifts to the sons of numbered amongst the children of the great destruction in the ancient the concubines which Abraham had; promise. times. Therefore, there is only one and while he was still living he sent church through which salvation is them eastward, away from Isaac his [To be continued…] guaranteed before the day of God’s son, to the country of the east” (Gen great wrath. 25:5–6). If we were to examine the sons The One and Only Promised Son of of Abraham from the viewpoint of Abraham Amongst His Many Sons those under the law, we would see Based on biblical genealogy, a family that “Abraham has two sons,” just as tree always starts with the father, i.e., Paul said: “Tell me, you who desire to “the son of XX (father’s name),” for be under the law, do you not hear the example, “the son of Adam,” “the law? For it is written that Abraham son of Noah,” “the son of Shem,” had two sons: one by a bondwoman, etc. Family ethics gives eight men the the other by a freewoman” (Gal rightful claim to Abraham as father; 4:21–22). these eight sons were Abraham’s Yet, God told Abraham directly: physical descendants (Gen 25:1–6; “Take now your son, your only son 1 Chr 1:28–34). Yet, from a spiritual Isaac, whom you love” (Gen 22:2). perspective, they are categorized In the eyes of God, Abraham had

Analogies That Illustrate The Unique Nature Of The Church: • the church is the house of Christ (Heb 3:6), • the church is the house of God (1 Tim 3:15; Heb 10:21), • the church is the household of God (Eph 2:19–22; 1 Pet 2:4–5), • the church is the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16–17), • the church is the kingdom of God (Rom 14:17; Col 1:13), • the church is God’s flock (Ps 80:1; Ezek 14:15; Jn 10:1–30), 1 The Greek text of Jn 3:3 uses “γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν” • the church is God’s vineyard (Isa 5:1–2,7; Mk 12:1–12; Jn 15:1–8). (gennithí anōthen) for “born again.” The term “ἄνωθεν” (anōthen) actually means “from above, from a higher place.”

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Why We Can and Should Baptize Our Infants Samuel Kuo—Cerritos, California, USA

Many members of the True Jesus the patristic centuries, especially infant baptism started to become Church know that they can baptize in the western church, the period a divisive issue. Factions arose their children, but often they find it saw no significant disagreement that completely opposed infant difficult to articulate why. Recently, about the acceptability of baptizing baptism and considered it an invalid this topic came up in a conversation babies. There is no precedent institution. A division arose between and I heard a long-time member in the era of the Fathers for the those who supported paedobaptism, speculate, “Isn’t it because the baptismal divide of the sixteenth the baptism of children, and those faith of the parent is imparted onto and subsequent centuries.1 who supported credobaptism, only his infant?” This answer sounds baptizing those who could confess attractive, and may also be the first The only controversial views of belief. reason that surfaces in our minds. note in the early Christian centuries The most significant group to However, taken verbatim, this is were those of the Latin Church arise during this time was called completely unscriptural; there is no Father, Tertullian (c.160 – c.225 AD), the “Swiss Brethren,” who later biblical example of anyone’s faith who wrote in his De Baptismo, “And came to be called the Anabaptists being counted as another’s. So the so, according to the circumstances by their opponents. The movement question remains: why do we baptize and disposition, and even age, of started in Switzerland, spread almost our infants even though they cannot each individual, the delay of baptism instantaneously over many countries, believe and repent? And why should is preferable; principally, however, and ran as a side current to the main we, if we can? in the case of little children2.” stream of the Reformation. Before we address these questions, In summary, he advocated the Conrad Grebel is known as the it is beneficial to first look at this issue deferment of baptism because he father of the Swiss Brethren. He had from a historical perspective. thought it to be more profitable.3 been led to the evangelical faith by However, it must be understood that the Swiss Reformer Huldrych Zwingli, INFANT BAPTISM IN CHURCH he was not an outright opponent of and became a prominent member of HISTORY infant baptism. To him, it was still the church in Zurich. However, he was When we examine the history of acceptable to baptize young children. soon disappointed with both Zwingli the Christian church, we should There were other contentions and Martin Luther. Grebel and others remember that the baptism of infants with baptism, but on the whole, the felt that these reformers were not was practiced in the early church church continued to baptize young moving fast enough in purifying the without significant controversy. As children for centuries. church and applying the principles one scholar wrote, It was only in the 16th century, taught in the Scriptures. (Luther Although Christian baptism was during the Reformation, that and Zwingli often cooperated and often surrounded by contention in

Manna 19 DOCTRINAL STUDY

waited on the State before instituting To begin, we must understand confirm that God desires to save religious reforms.)4 They detested that the spirit of God’s covenant entire households as a unit, not just how many members who converted with His chosen people is “to you individuals.7 More importantly, in to Protestantism in mass conversions and your descendants after you in these two cases, we see the direct did not change their lives, but their generations in an everlasting connection between the individual’s continued to use the doctrine of covenant” (Gen 17:7; cf. Deut household and the sacrament of salvation by faith only, without 29:10–13; Josh 8:35). God extends baptism. In other words, water good works, as an excuse for loose His covenant to the entire household. baptism is allowed to be administered living. Seeing the low quality of the Yes, the Anabaptists’ concern was to the family members of a believer, converts, the Swiss Brethren insisted valid: every individual and every including their children. that membership in the church be generation must build their personal All of these biblical examples limited to those who consciously relationship with God (cf. Isa 54:13; confirm Peter’s proclamation on the committed themselves to Christ. They Jer 31:31–34). Nevertheless, God’s day of Pentecost, “Repent, and let objected to easy memberships in the grace and God’s covenant are given every one of you be baptized in the church by way of the State.5 Because freely to everybody within the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of these views, they vehemently household of faith. Therefore, we of sins; and you shall receive the gift opposed infant baptism. They saw it do not baptize just any infants. We of the Holy Spirit. For the promise as an invalid practice. Those baptized baptize infants in the household of is to you and to your children” without professing faith needed to God. (Acts 2:38–39a, emphasis added). be baptized again. These criticisms culminated in January 1525, when an ex-priest named George Blaurock, who had To begin, we must understand that the spirit of God’s covenant been baptized in his infancy, asked with His chosen people is “to you and your descendants after you Conrad Grebel to rebaptize him. After in their generations in an everlasting covenant”…every individual Grebel complied, Blaurock baptized and every generation must build their personal relationship with fifteen others.6 This event marked God….Nevertheless, God’s grace and God’s covenant are given the birth of Swiss Anabaptism. The freely to everybody within the household of faith. opponents of this movement called its members Anabaptists, which literally means, “one who baptizes Another principle we see in the So, can an infant believe, repent, again.” The movement quickly Bible is that one adult believer can confess sins, and integrate into the spread to other parts of Switzerland, represent his or her entire family. holy community? Certainly not. But to southern Germany, and Monrovia. In the Old Testament, we see that we cannot forbid their baptism for Given this history, it should be it was through Noah’s faith that these reasons. Since they are part no surprise that the orthodox his entire household was saved of the household of a believer, they Christian denominations (i.e., Roman (Heb 11:7). In the Gospels, when are accorded the covenant promises. Catholic, Greek Orthodox) and Zacchaeus accepted Jesus Christ Grace has come to the entire house. the denominations stemming from in faith, Jesus told him, “Today The Anabaptists’ concern of weak the Magisterial Reformation (i.e., salvation has come to this house” Christians and loose living is still valid Lutherans, Calvinists, Reformed (Lk 19:9, emphasis added). During though. But we must remember that: tradition) continue to practice infant Paul’s second missionary journey, the baptism today. The denominations Lord opened Lydia’s heart to heed The baptism of the entire household that have been directly or indirectly the things spoken by Paul, following does not guarantee that every influenced by the Anabaptists (i.e., which, she and her household were member will be saved in the end. Mennonites, Amish, Baptists) practice baptized (Acts 16:14–15). Similarly, Even though the entire household, a strict credobaptism. Pentecostal the Philippian jailer believed and including the children, enters into denominations typically practice his whole family was baptized (Acts God’s covenant of salvation through credobaptism as well. 16:30–33). Lydia and the jailer baptism, it is still essential that serve as two specific cases of how every member establish their own WHY WE CAN: GOD AND THE individual believers could represent faith and relationship with God. The HOUSEHOLD their entire household. Like Noah’s heads of the household who have As with many doctrinal controversies, and Zacchaeus’ families, grace and brought their children to baptism we need not choose sides too salvation came to these households need to take up the responsibility quickly, lest we jump into ideological through one person’s faith. In of also teaching them and guiding traps. We must have a clear biblical both incidences, not a word was them in the faith.8 understanding of why we can and mentioned about the faith of the should baptize our young children. other household members. They

Manna 20 DOCTRINAL STUDY

This is related to the next issue of never hear of parents delaying until Footnotes: why we should baptize our young their children are adults so they can children, knowing now that we can. decide for themselves if they want 1 Infant Baptism in Historical Perspective, 2007, David Wright, p.22 to be vaccinated and go to primary WHY WE SHOULD: FAITH AND school. That would seem absurd! 2 Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume III: Latin Christianity: Its DUTY But if we are so magnanimous Founder, Tertullian, 1885, On Baptism, Chapter 18, p.678. Some members hesitate to baptize with earthly things like health and 3 Infant Baptism in Historical Perspective, 2007, David their children in fear of them sinning education, should we not be even Wright, p.25-26 greatly against God, and leaving more eager to give the best gift to 4 For this reason Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin are often the faith when they are older. They our children—to baptize them and known as the “Magisterial Reformers” since they argued for the interdependence of the church and state. In think that it may be better for their allow them a chance to enter the contrast, the Anabaptists were known as the “Radical children to make their own personal heavenly kingdom (cf. Jn 3:5)? Reformers.” choice as an adult. So they may hold Finally, as parents, we know that 5 The Church in History, 1965, B. K. Kuiper, p.205 similar views to that of Tertullian, raising godly children is our God- who advocated the postponement 6 A History of the Christian Church, 1986, Williston given duty (cf. Mal 2:15; Deut 6:4–9). Walker, p.449 of baptism. Though raising children The very act of baptizing our young who eventually commit apostasy is a children serves as a great driving 7 Other examples include Crispus’ household (cf. Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 1:14), and Stephanas’ household (1 Cor 1:16). natural fear in Christian parenthood, force in fulfilling this duty. Since For more information please reference The Doctrine of the best course of action is still to baptism ushers them to the Lord (cf. Baptism, USGA, 2011, Chapter 9. baptize our infants. There are several Gal 3:26–29), this fact alone drives us 8 The Doctrine of Baptism, USGA, 2011, Chapter 9. reasons we should consider: to make every effort to ensure that 9 Not that delaying baptism serves as any “safety net” at The first reason is that although they can remain in the Lord. After all, for there is no guarantee that our unbaptized children young children may be innocent all, in any discipline, wouldn’t we would even choose the faith in their adulthood. from conscious sins, the Bible tells us strive so much harder knowing there that all are sinners (Rom 5:12–14), is no turning back over knowing including infants (cf. Ps 51:5). Thus, there is a “safety net” underneath young children need to be baptized us?9 This is similar to approaching a for the forgiveness of sins—especially marriage with or without a prenuptial since it is impossible to predict if they agreement. The first choice presumes will be able to live until they can failure and allows for divorce, while make their own decision. Who can the other completely commits to the know the future? If misfortune were marriage, knowing that there is no to strike, wouldn’t the decision not return. Similarly, we must approach to baptize our children become the the baptism and upbringing of our greatest regret? infants with the same no-holds- Secondly, as parents, we barred mentality. instinctively seek to give the best to our children. When they are As we have seen, baptizing our only a few weeks old, we have children is not only acceptable, them vaccinated because we desire but is encouraged. May the Lord for them to live healthy lives free continue to give us wisdom not only of preventable diseases. Similarly, in defending infant baptism, but also without a second thought we enroll in the upbringing of our precious our children in formal schooling, children. even as young as three years old, because we know that education is essential for a productive life. We

Finally, as parents, we know that raising godly children is our God-given duty (cf. Mal 2:15; Deut 6:4–9). The very act of baptizing our young children serves as a great driving force in fulfilling this duty. Since baptism ushers them to the Lord (cf. Gal 3:26–29), this fact alone drives us to make every effort to ensure that they can remain in the Lord.

Manna 21 BIBLE STUDY

The Fall of Satan: A Biblical Investigation (I) Luo Ci Yi—Taiwan Translated from Holy Spirit Monthly—Issue 422

INTRODUCTION translated from the Greek word God Himself has revealed to man that He is the one and only God. The origin of evil is an age-old (diabolos) and this This supreme and absolute message philosophical problem, which has Greek word is derived from the verb attracted many scholars and has led is not only a proclamation but is also to a plethora of diverse theories. The (diaballein) in the a command that we must believe human mind by itself, constrained same lexical family. These two words in. Therefore, the people of God in by the limits of space and time (Acts have an inseparable etymological the Old Testament time built their 17:26), can never grasp the truth relationship. The Greek word faith on the foundation of God’s about the spiritual realm. Therefore, (diaballein) is a “oneness1”: we should not apply philosophical compound word from the preposition speculation or human precepts in (dia) and the verb “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, discussing the truth concerning (ballein), which is literally translated the LORD is one!” (Deut 6:4) Satan’s fall. Instead, we ask the as “to cast across” or “to hurl.” Holy Spirit to personally guide us It also connotes actions such as “The Lord is one, [a]nd His name to understand the truth that God “slander,” “oppose,” “accuse,” or one.” (Zech 14:9) reveals to us through the Bible. “malign”; thus, the devil is called “the accuser” (Greek: Jesus also testified to the oneness ORIGIN OF THE NAME “SATAN” - kategoros) in Revelation 12:10. of God: Nowadays, the New Testament term Comparing the Old Testament term “devil” is commonly used to refer to with the New Testament term shows “The first of all the commandments the representation of evil. In Hebrew, that the “devil” is undoubtedly the is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our the word for “devil’ is (shed) epitome of evil and the leader of God, the LORD is one.’” (Mk 12:29) and only appears twice in the Old demons (Mt 9:34). Testament (Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37), “How can you believe, who receive THE GOD WE WORSHIP IS THE honor from one another, and do not whereas “Satan” is (satan), ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD seek the honor that comes from the meaning adversary or opponent; one Before delving into the fall of Satan, only God?“ (Jn 5:44) who opposes the will of God. The our understanding of God in whom Septuagint translates the Hebrew we believe must be correct. We “And this is eternal life, that they word (satan) as must obey His revelation given to us may know You, the only true God, (satanas). through the Bible and use it as the and Jesus Christ whom You have The term traditionally used basis of our study. sent.” (Jn 17:3) among Christians—“devil”—is

Manna 22 BIBLE STUDY

In addition, the apostles made asked God who He was, and God Readers of the Chinese Bible may unequivocal declarations of their answered by saying “I AM WHO thus make the mistake of dividing faith in the one true God (Jude I AM.” This was the first time God the whole term of “I am, I am” into 4, 25); particularly Apostle Paul, directly proclaimed the mystery of two conditions—“self-existing” and who understood God profoundly. His self-existing nature to man (Ex “everlasting.” After separating this Whenever he mentioned God’s 3:13–14). characteristic that belongs to God oneness, he would conclude with a alone, some may go even further votive and proclamatory “amen”: INSEPARABILITY OF ‘’I AM WHO and apply human reasoning to I AM’ (SELF-EXISTING AND conclude that God is self-existing “…to God, alone wise, be glory EVERLASTING) and everlasting, while Satan is self- through Jesus Christ forever. In Exodus 3:14, God told Moses, existing but not everlasting. Amen.” (Rom 16:27) “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, In order to see the truth behind “Thus you shall say to the children of God’s proclamation of “I am, I am,” “Now to the King eternal, immortal, Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” we need to return to the original invisible, to God who alone is wise, In the Hebrew Scriptures, God uses Hebrew text. In this way, we will see be honor and glory forever and ever. two repeated verbs – (’eh·yeh - that the two “I am” are inseparable. Amen.” (1 Tim 1:17) I AM) to introduce Himself and joins We cannot claim that God is “I am” and “I am,” while Satan is “I am” the repeated verb with (’ă·šer “…who alone has immortality, - who, that). Therefore, the literal but not “I am.” Moreover, God dwelling in unapproachable light, English translation is “I AM WHO proclaimed in the same verse that He whom no man has seen or can see, is the self-existing and everlasting one I AM” ( ). In the to whom be honor and everlasting who does not require the emphasis second part of the same verse, God power. Amen.” (1 Tim 6:16) of a repeated verb—the “I AM.” refers to Himself as “I AM” – a THE GOD WE WORSHIP IS THE single verb. THE GOD WE WORSHIP IS THE SELF-EXISTING TRUE GOD Whether it is the repeated “I AM” ONLY SELF-EXISTING TRUE GOD for emphasis or a single “I AM,” We know the attributes of God from The God we worship is not only self- God’s intent was to proclaim His the Bible. With regard to essence, He existing, He is also the ONLY self- self-existing and everlasting nature. is immutable (Jas 1:17; Heb 13:8). existing true God. There is nothing In the Septuagint, the Greek Bible With regard to time, He is eternal else in existence that is like God or used during the time of Jesus and (Ps 90:2; Rev 1:8). Moreover, He is that has His absolute self-existing Paul, the same expression is rendered omnipresent (Eph 4:6; Jer 23:23– nature. In Isaiah 43:12, God makes 24), omniscient (Ps 139:1–4), and (Ego eimi o un), His chosen people His witnesses that omnipotent (Jer 32:17). He has which literally means “I, I am, the there was no foreign god among absolute sovereignty over all things one who is” (cf. Rev 1:8). When the them. Henceforth, God declares: “I (Eph 1:4–5). These attributes of God Lord Jesus was on earth, He was also am the LORD, and there is no other; are absolute and are reserved for God the true God in heaven in spiritual there is no God besides Me” (Isa alone. terms. Hence, He used 45:5; cf. Isa 45:14, 18, 21, 22; Dan Furthermore, God is self-existing. Greek: Ego eimi - I, I am) to reveal the 3:29). As Jesus testified, “For as the Father uniqueness of His spiritual existence God is the only absolute being; has life in Himself, so He has granted (cf. Jn 8:24, 28, 58). an unequalled being whose self- the Son to have life in Himself” Although the Union Version of existence is without comparison. The (Jn 5:26). God does not derive His the Chinese Bible translates the self- Bible portrays this truth as follows: existence from any other source; revelation of God, “I, I am,” into “LORD God of Israel, there is no neither does His life depend on any “self-existing and everlasting,” the God in heaven above or on earth external force. This supreme truth is term cannot be divided because it below like You” (1 Kgs 8:23). We something that man, the creature, refers to only one condition. The also see how “there is no one like the can never understand; we can only true meaning of “self-existing and God of Jeshurun” from the blessing accept. When Moses was called, he everlasting” is actually “I am, I am.” of Moses, the man of God (Deut 33:26). David too conveys the truth concerning the inimitable nature of God: “Therefore You are great, O Before delving into the fall of Satan, our understanding of God in LORD GOD. For there is none like whom we believe must be correct. We must obey His revelation You, nor is there any God besides given to us through the Bible and use it as the basis of our study. You, according to all that we have God Himself has revealed to man that He is the one and only God. heard with our ears” (2 Sam 7:22; cf. Ps 86:8).

Manna 23 BIBLE STUDY

The description of God’s unique existence, “I AM WHO I AM” (self-existing and everlasting), cannot be separated and is reserved for Him alone.

With these clear revelations visible and invisible. Paul follows on from God and proclamations from by making specific mention of four witnesses of faith, we can declare distinct creations: thrones, dominions, with conviction that only the true principalities, and powers. God we worship is self-existing and everlasting—the only I AM. The [To be continued…] description of God’s unique existence, “I AM WHO I AM” (self-existing and everlasting), cannot be separated and In the next issue, part two of this is reserved for Him alone. article will explore the downfall of God’s creation in the spiritual realm. THE ONE TRUE GOD AND THE CREATION OF ALL THINGS Everything that exists is either created or not created. Nothing in creation originated from itself but from the LORD who created everything. The God whom we worship is not only an unparalleled being but also the source of all things. He is the Creator who created all that exist apart from Him. In other words, He is the only self-existing being and the only Creator; everything else is created. This is exactly what the Bible records: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (Jn 1:3). Hence, Paul took great pains to introduce God as the “God who created all things” (Eph 3:9)—a fact that is supported by many references in the Bible (cf. Heb 3:4; Neh 9:6; Isa 44, 45; Jer 10:12; Rev 4:11). In addition, Paul received a revelation from God regarding His creation:

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Col 1:16)

Here, Paul categorizes God’s entire creation into two levels, based on locality: heaven and earth. These two levels also include things that are 1 “Oneness” as used in this article refers to God’s uniqueness, i.e., that there is only one God.

Manna 24 EXHORTATION

Beware Satan’s Old Trick—Sowing Discord Philip Shee—Dubai, UAE

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, and sow discord within the family. very nature of love would have been that kingdom cannot stand. And if a The story of Adam and Eve is manifested in man. house is divided against itself, that frequently quoted during Christian Unfortunately, this bond of love did house cannot stand” (Mk 3:24–25). wedding services to depict the pure not last very long as Satan promptly While Jesus made this remark in and deep love between spouses. started his work to taint the love defense against the accusations of the “This is the bone of my bones and between Adam and Eve. When they scribes, it reflects an underlying truth: flesh of my flesh” (Gen 3:23). fell to sin through their disobedience “Though one may be overpowered Adam’s spontaneous remark when to God’s instruction, selfless love gave by another, two can withstand him. Eve was first brought before him is way to selfishness. When questioned And a threefold cord is not quickly probably one of the most touching by God, Adam did not shoulder broken” (Eccl 4:12). The importance descriptions a man could make to the responsibility but was quick to of unity amongst God’s people is easy express his feeling for his wife. His deflect the blame to Eve. Eve’s status to comprehend. However, as much love for Eve was way beyond just as “bone of my bones and flesh of as we appreciate this and strive to skin deep. If his entire physical being my flesh” was promptly relegated to unite in faith and service to the Lord, constituted the collection of his an impersonal and debased status of building on the foundation of love, bones wrapped beneath his flesh, “the woman whom You gave to be Satan often seeks to weaken this then he certainly did not see Eve as with me” (Gen 3:12). foundation of love, sowing discord to just an ordinary part of himself. But When Christian couples first destroy the unity among us. as bone of all his bones, and flesh of exchange marriage vows in all his flesh, he loved her as the most church, the bond between them is GUARD THE UNITY AND LOVE IN precious and an indispensable part undoubtedly similar to that between OUR FAMILIES of himself. As bone of his bones and Adam and Eve when she was first A Christian family united in love flesh of his flesh, there was no way brought before him. Nevertheless, can accomplish much for the Lord he could have loved himself without it is not uncommon to see even and bring much encouragement first loving her even more. Such love Christian couples’ relationships to others. Such family units are the was selfless, as he deemed his spouse wane over time. This is often due building blocks of a strong, united more precious than himself. This to differences that surface with time and glorious church. Consequently, union was instituted by God with the or intolerance over character flaws as we build up our families in the intention for man to be fruitful and that were previously camouflaged Lord and serve Him as family units, multiply and fill the earth with godly or conveniently overlooked. we must exercise extra vigilance and people (Gen 1:28; Mal 2:15). By this, While they may physically remain guard against Satan’s attempts to God was to be glorified, and His together out of basic fear for God, taint the love among family members

Manna 25 EXHORTATION

Though Peter was a well-respected apostle, he did not operate alone It is not uncommon to see even Christian couples’ relation- but frequently worked together ships wane over time. … This provides an important reminder to with John. They prayed together, Christian couples to make special effort to nurture their relation- and, together, they performed the ships, to endeavor to have God remain as the foundation of their miracle at the gate called Beautiful relationship and not to give Satan any opportunity to plant any (Acts 3:1–11). They continued to seed of discord between them. preach to the people and were taken into custody together (Acts 4:1–3). Both of them then faced the council Satan successfully blemished the Moses’ innocence, which thankfully, together and jointly responded to love between them. Undoubtedly, triggered Aaron and Miriam’s their threats (Acts 4:18–20). Even Christian couples ending in this state repentance. when the people in Samaria had are negatively affected in both their The incident further reminds us already believed and were baptized faith and their service to God. This that we are vulnerable to dissension. by Philip, the apostles in Jerusalem provides an important reminder to Although Aaron and Miriam were not sent Peter and John together to work Christian couples to make special evil, unfaithful to God or unloving with Philip, to help the new believers effort to nurture their relationships, to to Moses, they were senselessly pray for the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:5–17). endeavor to have God remain as the caught up in initiating the dispute. Such integration and unity in service foundation of their relationship and Christian families fervent in serving among co-workers contributed to the not to give Satan any opportunity to God together must pay even more continued growth of the apostolic plant any seed of discord between attention to this. Satan attacked the church. them. family of Moses, of David and many Paul’s conversion marked the next By the wonderful arrangement of others. It is not unlikely for the same phase of growth in the early church. God, the siblings, Aaron, Miriam, trick to be applied to us. He was an important apostle who and Moses were blessed with the Therefore, as we serve God was personally called by the Lord opportunity of serving God together, together as a family, we must be to minister to the Gentiles (Acts playing the critical role of leading His constantly on our guard against 9:4–18). Unlike many believers in people in the journey through the Satan, who will likely attempt to sow the early church, Paul’s training in wilderness. While they had worked the seeds of discord to compromise the word was not on account of well together for some time and our service. After all, squabbling the apostles’ teaching but from the undoubtedly loved and cared for one families don’t bring any glory to abundance of direct revelations from another, strangely, there came a time God and the unhappiness will likely the Lord (2 Cor 12:7; 1 Cor 11:23; 2 when Aaron and Miriam partnered distract members from their service. Cor 12:1–4). to turn against Moses. They spoke Notwithstanding, Paul did not get against Moses and were quick to find EXTEND THE RIGHT HAND OF carried away to initiate a separate faults with him. They criticized His FELLOWSHIP TO CO-WORKERS line of ministry divided from the marriage with the Ethiopian woman. other apostles or the wider church. They questioned his authority, and “After these things the Lord On the contrary, Paul humbled reasoned that God had also spoken appointed seventy others also, and himself and took the initiative to through them and not just through sent them two by two before His go to Jerusalem to see Peter, with a Moses (Num 12:1–2). face into every city and place where clear intention to join the disciples It is not obvious what wrong Moses He Himself was about to go.” (Lk 10:1) (Gal 1:18–19; Acts 9:26–28). He had done to trigger such adverse maintained that integration with the change and senseless hostility from By sending His disciples out two by apostles in Jerusalem throughout his his siblings given that “he was very two, the Lord showed that the work ministry, visiting them again fourteen humble, more than all men who of God is not the exclusive privilege years later together with Barnabas were on the face of the earth” of any individual hero. He wanted (Gal 2:1). (Num 12:3). However, this discord His disciples to support one another Paul and Barnabas also did not between the siblings threatened and work together. This remained the make their individual conclusion the work of God, as it could have approach in the early church. As the over the dispute that arose around compromised the great partnership church grew following the downpour the necessity of circumcision for among them. It would weaken their of the Holy Spirit on the Day of salvation. Instead, they consulted ability to stand before the people as Pentecost, the apostles continued to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem positive examples of a godly family. work as an integrated team of co- and participated in the Jerusalem It could also have created confusion workers, teaching the new believers council (Acts 15:1–29). In response, and triggered a division among the as “they continued steadfastly in the Peter and the other apostles gladly people. God’s reaction reinforced apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). accepted Paul, appreciated his

Manna 26 EXHORTATION calling, and gave Paul and Barnabas Thankfully, the church continued to not be too quick to judge that to be “the right hand of fellowship” (Gal be strengthened and to increase in an incorrigible character flaw and 2:9). With no rivalry or personality number daily (Acts 15:41, 16:4–5). thereby completely lose our trust and conflicts among the co-workers, While it was not ideal, on the surface, respect, writing the co-worker off. such unity in service triggered further for Paul and Barnabas to part ways, While we may very well point out the growth within the church. both were spiritual workers who errors of our co-workers, let us do so While the apostles enjoyed such remained integrated into the wider with the intention of turning them unity in service, Satan started church. around rather than writing them off. to strike. Peter gave way to his More importantly, while they had Secondly, we must accept that weakness and displayed his hypocrisy different opinions, they respected upright, sincere, and spiritual when he visited Antioch. Before each other’s opinion and did not workers may have good intentions, certain men from James arrived, he undermine each other’s work. In which trigger different views. In such would eat with the Gentile believers, reality, both had valid reasons for situations, it is critical to prevent but he withdrew himself when they the different stand they took. Paul different views from developing arrived. Such inconsistency was regarded the work of God very into animosity and suspicion of each unacceptable, as he not only failed seriously and did not feel that Mark other’s intention, goodness, and to uphold the truth courageously, but was ready for it as he did indeed leave sincerity. Like Paul and Barnabas, also set a bad example for Barnabas the ministry midway in Pamphylia we need to remain respectful of the and the other Jews. He also risked (Acts 13:13). Barnabas, on the other differences and not undermine or hurting the Gentile believers by his hand, was true to his name as “Son discredit our co-workers. We need to double standard. of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36), and resist the temptation of devoting our This led to Paul confronting Peter he wanted to give Mark another efforts thereafter to proving our view (Gal 2:11–14), which was a dangerous chance. This was consistent with his to be right and our co-workers’ to be development, as two very important very nature, just as he trusted Paul wrong, which is counter-productive. workers could have fallen out and and sought him out in Tarsus when We should, rather, learn from Paul compromised the ministry of the others were still wary of him (Acts and Barnabas in moving forward, Lord. It would have been disastrous 9:26–28, 11:25–26). Over time, focussing on progressing the work of if Peter had let his ego surface and both Paul and Barnabas were proven God. reacted negatively to Paul’s rebuke. It right as God blessed their work. Paul would have been equally disastrous continued to strengthen the church ENDEAVOR TO KEEP THE UNITY if Paul had regarded this one-off while Mark was turned around, such OF THE SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH weakness in Peter as his inherent that even Paul finally acknowledged The early church started united, as nature and lost his trust and respect Mark to be useful for the ministry (2 they “continu[ed] daily with one for Peter. Thankfully, both Peter Tim 4:11). This also points to the fact accord in the temple, and breaking and Paul were spiritual workers who that Paul and Barnabas must have bread from house to house, they did not fall into the trap of Satan to remained integrated through the ate their food with gladness and allow this incident to drive a wedge church. simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). The between them. This was evident As these developments in the early believers were so united and selfless in Peter’s second epistle, in which church provide a glimpse of Satan’s that they had all things in common, he addressed Paul as “our beloved work in the church, we can learn and even sold their possessions and brother,” recognizing his wisdom and several important lessons. Firstly, goods and divided them among all also endorsing the epistles that Paul we must recognize that even good, (Acts 2:44–45). For this reason, the had written (2 Pet 3:15–16). sincere, and spiritual workers, like Lord added to the church daily those Another incident also threatened Peter, can have their moments of who were being saved (Acts 2:47). the unity between two co-workers, weakness. Hence, even if we observe However as the church grew Paul and Barnabas, who had differing a mistake in a co-worker, we must bigger, Satan also started sowing views over John Mark. Barnabas was determined to bring Mark along for their missionary journey, but Paul Paul’s conversion marked the next phase of growth in the early was adamantly against the idea. The church. He was an important apostle who was personally called contention became so sharp that by the Lord to minister to the Gentiles (Acts 9:4–18). … both actually decided to part with Notwithstanding, … Paul humbled himself and took the initiative each other. Paul then started working to go to Jerusalem to see Peter, with a clear intention to join the with Silas while Barnabas continued disciples (Gal 1:18–19; Acts 9:26–28). He maintained that integration with Mark (Acts 15:36–40). with the apostles in Jerusalem throughout his ministry. This was another dangerous development, as the work of God could have been hindered.

Manna 27 EXHORTATION

discord in the church to distract the like Apollos, was merely a minister church and disrupt the ministry of through whom they had believed, God. As the number of disciples that they were complementary co- multiplied, there arose a complaint workers planting and watering, with against the Hebrews by the Hellenists God being the one who gives the because their widows were neglected increase (1 Cor 1:12–13; 3:4–7). in the daily distribution (Acts 6:1). If As we reflect on these challenges this was not handled appropriately, faced in the early church, we must it could have resulted in unhealthy recognize that Satan will try various factions within the church, with means to stir up differences between growing mistrust and sensitivities members in the church. It may be between the factions. one nationality against another, or It is interesting to note how people one age group against another, or so readily and naturally gravitate people who speak one language towards a common grouping and against another. There is no end to start to take sides. Thankfully, the the differences we can find. We must apostles exercised their wisdom and remember that we are one after we addressed this issue effectively by have been baptized into Christ, with having the disciples elect seven men no more distinction between Jew or to assist in the work. This resolved Greek, slave or free, male or female the issue, and furthered the growth in (Gal 3:27–28). If we were to be less the number of disciples in Jerusalem sensitive and suspicious, we would (Acts 6:5–7). not be easily stirred up, like the Taking reference from the solution, Hellenists, to believe that we are being it would suggest that the original systemically victimized and hence, issue was not necessarily triggered have the need to band together with by a deliberate, systemic neglect “fellow victims” to create a faction of the Hellenist widows by the in church. Similarly, we must exercise Hebrews. Rather, it was the lack of extra caution not to fall into the trap more dedicated resources to share of “hero-worshipping” any church the workload with the apostles. workers. The additional resources provided capacity to exercise more care and diligence in doing a fair and better As we observe how Satan has job at serving the tables. However, it worked within families, among co- is interesting to note the sensitivities workers, and within the church, let of the Hellenists in banding together us stay vigilant and endeavor to keep and concluding wrongfully that they the unity of the Spirit in the bond of had been victimized. peace (Eph 4:3). Satan’s attack intensified over time as the church spread to other cities. In Corinth, the division in the church was among clusters of believers who separately deemed themselves to be of Paul, Apollos, Peter, or of Christ (1 Cor 1:11–12). This was strange as the workers, Paul, Apollos, and Peter themselves were united as one and also, Christ is not divided (1 Cor 1:13). Hence, it was senseless for the believers to use Christ or any worker as an excuse or the basis to be divided. Thankfully, Paul did not allow himself be flattered by his fans. Instead he corrected them by pointing out directly that they were not baptized in his name and that he,

Manna 28 TESTIMONY TESTIMONIES Care More, Pray More, Serve More Nathanael Kuo—Washington, D.C., USA

In the name of Jesus Christ, I testify of school and a brother who had God’s grace to our campus fellowship recently believed. during my senior year in college. However, at the end of my third year, both roommates graduated THE FELLOWSHIP AT UIUC and left. I suddenly realized there I was born and raised in New Jersey, were only three of us remaining, USA, but in 2003, I moved away to barely enough to have Bible study attend college at the University of together. Although the other two Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). members were good members, they UIUC is a remote area about two and were not yet in the serving stage of a half hours drive from the nearest their faith. The sister only attended church in Chicago, but it had a True services on Friday evenings, since Jesus Church (TJC) campus fellowship she spent her time on Saturdays of about ten believers. Every Sabbath studying. The brother, a new believer, we had service, comprising Bible had just begun to attend services studies on Friday evenings and regularly. So when my last year at Saturday afternoons, and sermon university came around, I harbored recordings on Saturday mornings. By many negative feelings. I was scared God’s grace, the fellowship continued because I thought I would be alone. from my first year (freshman) to my I was under pressure because I felt last year (senior) in college, although that the responsibility of keeping the the number fluctuated as members fellowship together rested upon me. came and went. I also resented God because there By my third year, we were down to were no new undergraduate church five members. Yet the fellowship was members. I knew all along that it still strong. I stayed with two other could happen, but I had always brothers, both of whom zealously thought that God would provide; yet served God. We would take turns in the end, no one came. to lead the Bible studies, and every Wednesday evening, we would pray THE STORY OF THE FIRST TRUTH- together. Besides us, there were also SEEKER two other members—an older sister In August 2006, three of us from Taiwan studying in graduate congregated for our first Friday

Manna 29 TESTIMONY

evening meeting since term started. had already found a sublessee! I was but God gave us three truth-seekers. Although we knew it would be really surprised that God answered I was also very touched to see God difficult with only three members, our prayer so promptly. abiding with us, and yet we had done we were determined to continue. nothing to deserve such grace. However, because we lacked THE STORY OF THE SECOND When we were about to pray to manpower, we decided to have just TRUTH-SEEKER conclude that Bible study service, one Bible study service per week on Several months later, in November, we like the two previous times, this third Friday evenings. had a Thanksgiving dinner together truth-seeker also shared her problem. Around the same time, I also and the truth-seeker brought one of After being in the graduate program received the contact information of her friends along. We did not think for a semester, she was beginning to a potential truth-seeker. A friend’s much about it at the time, but after experience anxiety simply from being friend from Taiwan had come to study the Thanksgiving break, this friend on campus. Again, her situation was at UIUC, and I was asked to contact also joined our Bible study service. difficult, and we had no idea what to her because she might be interested As the Bible study was ending, the do, but we decided we would pray to learn more about God. I had never second truth-seeker also shared her about it. In the end, this third truth- invited a stranger to church before, problem with us. The university had seeker did not stay long because the but thank God, she readily accepted unfairly charged her an extra 3500 US answer to her prayer was to return my invitation to attend the Friday dollars in tuition fees when she opted home to Taiwan. Even so, during the night Bible study service. out of two classes and registered for two months that she stayed with us, The following Friday, the truth- another class. Despite her petition she seemed to have peace whenever seeker joined us for Bible studies. It to the university’s financial services, she joined us for Bible studies. was a little awkward at first, because nothing had happened for two there were only four of us and we months; moreover, she incurred a THE STORY OF THE SISTER were studying Matthew 1, on the late fee charge for not paying the Besides the truth-seekers, God also genealogy of Jesus Christ. It did original fee. Like we did with the first showered much grace upon the not seem to be a good first topic truth-seeker, we could only tell her other two members and me. One for a truth-seeker, but thank God, it that we would pray for her. night in October of that senior turned out well, almost like a truth- The following Monday, she went year, I could not sleep because I seeker class, because we could ask to the financial services office and was thinking about the older sister her which names from the genealogy asked me to accompany her. When in the fellowship. Since she was she recognized and introduced to her we met with financial services staff, nearly old enough to be my mother, those characters she didn’t know. they realized the additional charge I thought, if I saw my own mother Before we concluded to pray, was actually due to a computer working so hard and not attending she shared with us that she was error. Therefore, this second truth- services on Saturdays, would I not desperately looking for a sublessee. seeker was not responsible for the say something? She had rented one apartment, extra charge or the accompanying While I was thinking about it, this but had to move out as she was late fee. Once again, I was amazed sister called and asked me if I could given a cat as a gift, and pets were that God answered these prayers so come by the following day to help not allowed in this apartment. She promptly. From then on, this second her with a few things. The next day, rented another apartment, only to truth-seeker also started to join us after helping her, I blurted, “It would realize that she could not break her consistently on Friday evenings. be really great if you could join us contract with the first apartment on Saturdays also.” Although she and ended up having to pay rentals THE STORY OF THE THIRD felt bad about it, she told me she for both apartments. As UIUC is a TRUTH-SEEKER really needed her Saturdays to study. campus town, very few move into One Friday evening in January I thought I had tried my best, and I town after the semester starts. We 2007, the first truth-seeker brought would leave it at that, since in the were not really sure what to tell her; another friend. I then realized that end, it was her choice. all we could say was that we would our fellowship had doubled! When I After I left UIUC, a preacher pray for her. The following week, pondered over this later, I was moved visited her. Although I do not know when we picked her for Bible study, to tears. All this time, I had thought I the details, from that day forth, she we were amazed to discover that she was just there to survive this one year, started to attend Saturday morning services every week. The sister remembered that day I talked to her about joining Saturday services The purpose of the fellowship was fulfilled from its beginning to and how it was a turning point for its end because it helped us to draw closer to God. her. Thank God, this sister’s faith continued to grow while she was in the fellowship.

Manna 30 TESTIMONY

THE STORY OF THE BROTHER I also saw how the faith of the other Throughout my senior year, I was burdened with many cares brother grew in our fellowships. He for myself, but also for the fellowship, and these made me pray was baptized for only two years and more. Every day I would pray for each fellowship member, to the had not yet been actively serving. But point I found it easy to fast and pray too. Because I prayed, I during my senior year, this brother also found the wisdom and strength to do what I could to serve. became a real comfort to me by not just being a brother, but also a co- worker and friend. He opened his greatest blessing is that each of us Today, after many years, I still apartment for our fellowships, drove grew so much spiritually. The purpose vividly remember the events during his car to pick truth-seekers, and of the fellowship was fulfilled from that senior year at UIUC and the even offered to help with leading its beginning to its end because it lessons that I have learned. I still do Bible studies. However, since he did helped us to draw closer to God. not completely understand why God not have the Holy Spirit at that time allowed us to experience Him so and had little experience leading Bible MY STORY—LESSONS LEARNED deeply that year, but I thank God for studies, we decided that I would lead As for me, I have learned lessons from His incredible and amazing grace. the Bible studies whenever I could. the fellowship that year that will stay May all glory be given to God. After my graduation in May 2007, with me for my entire life. For one, Amen. this brother was left with the sister I now understand that no situation and the two truth-seekers. I was is hopeless. Ephesians 3:20 tells us worried because I wondered what that God can do beyond what we would become of the fellowship after ask or think. Second, “where two or I left. That summer, he decided to three are gathered together in [His] attend the National Youth Theological name, [He will be] there in the midst Seminar (NYTS), and I also went as a of them” (Mt 18:20). Although we counselor. We prayed earnestly that were few in numbers, every session of he would receive the Holy Spirit, the Bible studies was filled with God’s because we knew that he would righteousness, peace and joy. Third, I need the Holy Spirit in the year to saw that evangelism is actually easy come. Thank God, our prayers were when God is working. Sometimes, answered. It was such perfect timing, we worry about preaching, but it is for God gave him the Holy Spirit just really God who calls His people, not in time to enable him to lead the us. Fourth, to quote a hymn, “In Jesus campus fellowship. From then on, I Christ, we are all family.” Indeed, we felt relieved because I knew that God should be treating the believers like would take care of the fellowship our own family members, since we through this brother. are all connected by the blood of Christ. THE END OF THE FELLOWSHIP But I think the most important A year after I graduated, I returned lesson I learned was to care more, pray to visit and attend the graduation more, and serve more. Throughout ceremonies of the two truth-seekers. my senior year, I was burdened with It turned out that the fellowship came many cares for myself, but also for to a perfect end, as everyone else left the fellowship, and these made me at roughly the same time. The two pray more. Every day I would pray truth-seekers graduated on the same for each fellowship member, to the day and the sister completed her point I found it easy to fast and pray degree a couple of weeks afterwards. too. Because I prayed, I also found The brother who had taken up the the wisdom and strength to do what fellowship also left that summer, I could to serve. As Deuteronomy 6:5 deciding to transfer to a school closer says, “You shall love the LORD your to church. God with all your heart (caring), with Although the truth-seekers are all your soul (praying), with all your not yet baptized, and the campus strength (serving).” So all along, God fellowship came to an end, God has was teaching me to care, to pray, and blessed each fellowship member then to serve, but caring comes first. abundantly. However, I think the

Manna 31 TESTIMONY

In the Sweet By and By Lee Chor Sian—Singapore

Sister Lee Chor Sian hails from Alor Star, a town in northern Malaysia. She moved to Singapore in 2001 to live with her children after her late husband Bro Lew Sey Lou rested in the Lord in 2000. In this testimony, Sis Lee recounts the two dreams she had when her late husband fell seriously ill and shortly before he passed away.

Hallelujah, in the holy name of Jesus face as I cried out, “Lord! Save him visit him, he was already awake. All I bear testimony. from his affliction.” After I prayed, I thanks to the grace of the Lord. In July1989, my fifty-nine-year- got into bed and before I knew it, I Besides my family, the brethren old husband suffered a heart attack had fallen asleep. I then had a dream in Alor Star and Singapore had also that left him in a coma. Sent to where I saw myself holding hands been praying with one heart to ask the hospital, he was immediately with my husband, happily walking for God’s mercy, protection, and, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. and singing the hymn “Praise Ye the by His will, the extension of my The suddenness of the heart attack Lord of Hosts” together. It was such husband’s life, as life is in the hands caught us completely off-guard. Up a joy to sing. All of a sudden, I heard of God. The Lord knows our needs till then, he had always been very the sound of a choir and saw a very and He heard our cries. By the Lord’s healthy, with no complaint of any bright light illuminating the path, grace, my husband was allowed to sickness or pain. So it pained us leading us to a very large, beautiful live peacefully for another eleven to see him lying motionless in the and bright garden. Inside the garden, years, to keep his faith and be blessed Intensive Care Unit. But our resident there were many people wearing with health and happiness. God gave preacher constantly encouraged me, garments of pure white, and all of him three filial children and allowed “Rely on the Lord! Rely on the Lord!” them were also singing the hymn we him to see each of them grow up, Indeed, there was little we could do, had been singing. However, when establish a career and set up their so we entrusted everything to the my husband and I were about to step own families. He became a father Lord, asking for His mercy and help into the garden, a voice suddenly and also a grandfather. Indeed, God through prayer. said, “It is not time!” I shouted, gave him bountiful blessings in his “Hallelujah!” and awoke, realizing extra time! THE FIRST DREAM that it was a dream. My heart was After returning home from the filled with inexpressible joy! I knelt THE SECOND DREAM hospital that night, I was unable to down to pray and was filled with the I had my second dream on the fall asleep, so I knelt down to pray. I Holy Spirit, and I thought to myself, night of November 1, 2000. That asked God to protect and to preserve “Sey Lou, there’s hope for you. The day was our forty-second wedding my husband’s life, as I really could not Lord Jesus has saved you!” The next anniversary. While chatting during bear him leaving us. Tears covered my day when I went to the hospital to the day, we talked about many

Manna 32 TESTIMONY things, including church, family, week to spend time with him). At and all the other important things slightly past 4 p.m., he complained of As humans, we would try to in our life. My husband’s heart was discomfort in his stomach so I got him keep our loved ones by our side as full of thanksgiving to the Lord for to lie down. He did not eat anything long as possible. But the Lord knows His guidance, peace, and blessing, but only took some medicine and better. In fact, the Lord knows the and for our three filial children and drank a cup of water. I suggested best time. Although I may have their spouses. He said, “I am really going to consult the doctor later but wanted my husband to tarry a while contented. I have already reached his only answer to that was to ask me longer in this world with me, the a ripe old age of seventy. Now all I to pray. So we prayed together and Almighty Omniscient God decided want is for the Lord Jesus to preserve that it was best to give him rest in a my spiritual life so that I may enjoy far better place. my latter years in Him. I want to Our God is a faithful God. He have a good rest.” I told him that we makes many promises to us through were both old and indeed the most His word; we can say “amen” to all important thing was to keep our faith these—for they will all be fulfilled. and look forward to the kingdom of Importantly, I know that there is a heaven. beautiful place awaiting us if we That night, I had another dream preserve our faith till the very end. in which my husband and I were Our God is a loving and holding hands as we walked along. compassionate God. Like a good But when we arrived at our doorstep, father, He will grant our request, if he was suddenly missing. A very something is good for us and we ask bright light shone on our house and for it with faith. After my husband’s the whole house lit up! I shouted first heart attack, God hearkened to aloud, “Hallelujah!” and woke up. Sis. Lee Chor Sian and her late husband our request to sustain his life. Later, Immediately, I knelt down to pray. Bro. Lew Sey Lou (November 1999) He fulfilled my husband’s simple Tears covered my face and I was filled request of rest in Him. As for me, I am with the Holy Spirit. I understood I heard him pray very loudly, filled especially grateful for God’s special what the will of God was. God with the Holy Spirit. After shouting gifts to me: He had prepared and was preparing to take my husband Hallelujah thrice—the last shout being comforted me through two special home. God had heard his prayer the loudest—he was silent. I quickly dreams, as well as the full motivation and was going to answer it, allowing rose from prayer, looked at him and of the Holy Spirit as I prayed. He had him to have a good rest in the best called out to him. He opened his provided a wonderful time for me to circumstances so that he would be eyes, looked at me whilst still holding have a good talk with my husband free of any pain or worry. my hands, closed his eyes and, just and to witness my husband in his On the morning of November like that, departed peacefully. At final prayer, being greatly filled by 3, 2000, my husband appeared his that moment, I understood the will the Holy Spirit. Our God is indeed a usual healthy self. He went with me of God. It was time for him to return wonderful merciful Savior. to the market; we met some friends to the Lord. But God had taken him May the grace and peace of God and had a good chat and laugh home so quickly! While I accepted be with everyone. May all the glory together. When we reached home, God’s wonderful will, being human, and honor be given to our God in he helped me to clean the house; my heart was still filled with longing heaven. then he read the newspaper, listened for him! I will always remember and to some music, and chatted joyfully miss him—a good husband, a good with our son, daughter-in-law and father, a good helper and brother in granddaughter who had come from church. Penang (they returned home every

As humans, we would try to keep our loved ones by our side as long as possible. But the Lord knows better. In fact, the Lord knows the best time. Although I may have wanted my husband to tarry a while longer in this world with me, the Almighty Omniscient God decided that it was best to give him rest in a far better place.

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Journey to the Truth: A Chronicle of God’s Abundant Grace and Love Li Gai Gai—Xiamen, China. Abridged from a testimony first published on the website www.tjccn.com

Sister Li Gai Gai was one of the theological students from the government-sanctioned Nanjing Union Theological Seminary who changed their church affiliation to the True Jesus Church while they were studying at the seminary in the 1990s. Here, she relates her journey to the truth.

FAITH NURTURED FROM YOUNG NANJING: INTRODUCTION TO them, heatedly debating with her. I was born in 1971 into a Christian TONGUES-SPEAKING Whenever she talked about TJC’s five family who valued and emphasized During my first year in the seminary, doctrines, I would try to refute them religious education. Grandmother a dormitory mate from Northeast one by one. taught my siblings and me to sing China and I went to the seminary’s As our winter break drew near, hymns, read us Bible stories and devotional room to pray. As we Hong Mei invited me to join her and prayed with us. Since we lived far prayed, I heard my friend articulating several other college mates on a trip away from a church, our house unintelligible sounds; I could not to the Sanshan TJC. Eager to find out became a worship center for the understand a single word! Afterwards, more about TJC, I agreed. So during family and believers who lived she told me she was speaking in the winter break, ten people—my nearby. Through my grandmother’s tongues, but when I curiously asked classmates, two other Christians from guidance, my participation in the her how to do it, she did not tell me. a Nanjing Christian worship point gatherings, and personal reading In 1992, my second year at the and I—traveled south to Fuqing. of the Bible and other Christian seminary, I discovered that one of literature, I built a strong Christian my classmates, Ji Hong Mei, had FUQING: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE faith, culminating in a desire to visited the Sanshan1 True Jesus OF THE SANSHAN TJC dedicate my life to the Lord’s service. Church in Fuqing, a city in China’s After dinner on the day of our arrival During my junior high school years, Fujian province. Realizing that the at Sanshan, most of us went back to Grandmother prayed often for me, teachings of the True Jesus Church our rooms to sleep. However, one of beseeching the Lord to choose me as (TJC) were the biblical truth, she my classmates, Liu Yao Yao, went to His vessel. Thus, when I was admitted had subsequently gone on to accept the second floor of the hall to pray to the government-sanctioned baptism in living water and become as he was suffering from a cold. Nanjing Union Theological Seminary a TJC member. Hong Mei and I were Unexpectedly, he received the Holy in 1991, I saw that as God’s grace often together. She would share TJC Spirit and started to speak in tongues! and plan for my life. doctrines with me, but I rejected When I heard about this, I muttered

Manna 34 TESTIMONY to myself: “How could Liu Yao Yao only one way—I knelt and beseeched me speak in tongues and shouted be so weak? He has just arrived at God to allow me to receive the Holy excitedly, “She’s got it, she’s got it!” Sanshan. Without completing his due Spirit if the beliefs of the true church Elder Wang then ended the prayer. diligence to debate with TJC on their were correct. I also told Him, “Dear Everyone rejoiced to see that the doctrines, he has been pulled over so Lord, if I do not have the Holy Spirit, most stubborn skeptic had received easily!” please grant me the Holy Spirit; if I the Holy Spirit! During the sixth On the following day, Elder Wang already have the Holy Spirit, then prayer session, I was truly filled with Qin Ru studied the Bible with us. please lead me more clearly to serve the Holy Spirit. Joyful and at peace, I Although he provided supporting You.” decided to accept water baptism the biblical evidence for each of the My classmates who had accepted following day. TJC’s five essential doctrines and the truth of the true church and answered all our questions, I felt received the Holy Spirit were also RECEIVING WATER BAPTISM unconvinced by some of his answers. interceding for me. One of them, Lin The next day—the twenty-eighth In between our Bible study sessions, Fang, would always kneel beside me day of the twelfth lunar month— we had sessions to pray for the Holy and occasionally pause in his prayer Elder Wang, my classmates and I Spirit. We were taught to clasp our to listen to my prayer, hoping to hear as well as a dozen other believers hands, begin our prayer in the holy that I had received the Holy Spirit. drove to Gaoshan town seaside. name of the Lord Jesus, and then However, though I was kneeling, I The weather was cold and the winds say “Hallelujah.” When the prayer was not fully focused on my prayer. gusty. Seeing our group of young started, I stole a glance and to my The turning point was the eve of people that included several thin and surprise, the TJC members were the water baptism. On that evening, fragile-looking ladies willing to brave articulating unintelligible sounds I gathered with a few believers who the cold weather to receive water as their bodies and hands shook. had not received the Holy Spirit to baptism, the local TJC members gave I found their movements quite pray. I prayed very earnestly, telling praise to God. God took good care awkward. When Elder Wang came to the Lord, “If I receive the Holy Spirit of us because not a single one of lay hands on me, I quickly closed my tonight, I shall request to be baptized us caught a cold although we were eyes and pretended to pray earnestly. tomorrow.” That particular prayer completely immersed in the chilly But I was actually not concentrating was a long one, comprising six prayer water. and hence, had no special experience sessions of more than half an hour After baptism, we spent about ten when Elder Wang laid hands on me. each, so it ended at about 2 a.m. the days visiting several other True Jesus Over the many sessions of prayer next day. After the fourth session, Churches in the province of Fujian. for the Holy Spirit in the next few days, everyone, except myself and another These visits left me with the general all my classmates either received the lady, had received the Holy Spirit or impression of a vibrant church— Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, or had been moved by the Holy Spirit. the brethren loved God and one had been moved by the Holy Spirit. Then, during the fifth prayer session another, were spiritually strong, and I was the only one who did not feel where everyone was interceding for fervent in prayer. In addition, the TJC anything at all. As our visit neared me, my arms began to tingle from the congregations had so many young its end, those who had received the wrist to the elbow and soon began to believers including children who Holy Spirit requested water baptism. shake on their own accord. Terrified, participated enthusiastically in church Elder Wang then scheduled their I clasped my hands tightly in order activities. baptism for the twenty-eighth day of to prevent the vigorous movement, the twelfth lunar month 1992. When but to no avail. I had been uttering NANJING: ESTABLISHING THE I was asked whether I wanted to be “Hallelujah” but then my tongue NANJING TJC baptized too, I replied that I would began to roll, and I was making On our return to Nanjing, the not accept baptism until the issue of sounds similar to someone who had group of us who had visited Fuqing the Holy Spirit was resolved. received the Holy Spirit. Lin Fang, immediately changed our church who was kneeling beside me, heard affiliation to True Jesus Church, RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT The days of searching through the Scriptures and praying for the Holy I was still in a dilemma: the truth held by TJC was good, but Spirit had reduced my psychological I believed that my former faith was not wrong! Several of my rejection of the true church, but I was still in a dilemma: the truth held by classmates had already received the Holy Spirit, so how could TJC was good, but I believed that I continue to doubt TJC? There was only one way—I knelt and my former faith was not wrong! beseeched God to allow me to receive the Holy Spirit if the beliefs Several of my classmates had already of the true church were correct. received the Holy Spirit, so how could I continue to doubt TJC? There was

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triggering a storm in the seminary. As the college enrolment was slightly more than a hundred, our group of In the afternoon, I expounded on the Holy Spirit, and explained around ten actually accounted for the relationship between the Holy Spirit and salvation as well nearly ten percent of the community, as the signs and evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit. After this and we also had a certain amount sharing, we had a session to pray for the Holy Spirit. I prayed, of influence in the college. Nervous “Dear Lord, please allow at least one person to receive the Holy about this development, the college Spirit today as a sign that the True Jesus Church that you have administrators organized many established is indeed the true church, so that everyone can lectures, addressing topics such as believe and obey.” That afternoon, a total of five ladies received sectarian issues, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues! and speaking in tongues. The lecturers were also actively initiating conversations with us. As Nanjing the beginning of the Nanjing TJC. One month later, in April, I Union Theological Seminary was Every week our group of theological returned to my hometown in Hebei known as a Christian human resource students would take turns to deliver province to visit family and relatives. base, any sign of trouble would sermons to this congregation. Requested to deliver a sermon on immediately attract the attention of the first Sunday morning, I talked the China Christian Council (CCC) XIAMEN: ASSIGNED TO WORK about the Sabbath, recounting how, and the National Committee of the In my fourth year at the seminary, historically, the Catholic Church Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the I changed rooms. One of my new had changed the observance of Protestant Churches in China (TSPM), roommates was Kou Ke Hua2 who Sabbath day to Sunday. Hearing the two Chinese government- had also converted to TJC. One this, the Christians gathering at my sanctioned Protestant organizations. day, while chatting about our post- home church immediately decided Our conversion to TJC was soon graduation plans, Ke Hua remarked to observe the Sabbath from the reported in the Chinese Protestant that it would be great if we could both following week. In the afternoon, I Churches’ flagship magazine “Tian work for the True Jesus Church. I was expounded on the Holy Spirit, and Feng,” and subsequent issues considering returning to Hebei, but explained the relationship between discussed topics related to the Holy there was no TJC there. On enquiry, the Holy Spirit and salvation as well Spirit and tongues-speaking. however, it turned out that Xiamen as the signs and evidence of receiving However, this external pressure TJC did indeed need a preacher. I the Holy Spirit. After this sharing, we actually drew us even closer, and prayed to God for guidance before I had a session to pray for the Holy we made it a point to meet at the decided. By His will, everything went Spirit. I prayed, “Dear Lord, please seminary’s chapel every Wednesday smoothly, and I arrived in Xiamen TJC allow at least one person to receive at 9 p.m. to pray together to beseech in October 1995. Later, God also led the Holy Spirit today as a sign that the Lord to increase our faith and Ke Hua to work in Xiamen TJC. the True Jesus Church that you have strengthen our belief. We also made established is indeed the true church, a concerted effort not to partake of HEBEI: GUIDING HOMETOWN so that everyone can believe and the Holy Communion at the seminary FOLKS TO THE TRUTH obey.” That afternoon, a total of and not to attend the Sunday services, After serving nearly two years in the five ladies received the Holy Spirit, but to keep the Sabbath instead. ministry of Xiamen TJC, I felt the speaking in tongues! My mother was With God’s guidance and protection, need to preach TJC, the ark of the the first to receive the Holy Spirit. and seeing our determination and last days, to my family and the others Over the next few Sabbath unity, the seminary did not take who attended the worship center services, I went on to explain the any action against us. Our fellow- at my home. Due to my earlier lack truth of salvation concerning water students were sympathetic towards of knowledge and understanding baptism, Holy Communion, foot us; they understood and respected regarding the true church, I had only washing, etc. After listening to these our decision to change. In fact, some shared the truth that TJC preached doctrines, about twenty to thirty were even interested in finding out with my father and prayed with him people immediately voiced their more about TJC from us. to receive the Holy Spirit; I had not desire to receive water baptism in Mdm Luo Xiao Xia was a Christian emphasized the need for him to be the true church. After I contacted in charge of one of the Nanjing converted to TJC. With this thought Preacher Chen Jianlin, he and Deacon worship centers. She had visited the of converting all who attended my Chen Huai Zhong (from Zhangpu Fujian TJC churches together with home church to TJC, I began to fast Church) took the long journey to us. After she received the truth, and pray every morning, asking God our Handan Town Mining District in she immediately preached to all to open the way and help me achieve Hebei Province to baptize these truth the believers at this worship center. that. seekers. Their conversion to TJC marked

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We truly enjoyed the Lord’s test their faith, I asked whether they miraculous guidance, even in the were worried about catching a cold. smallest matter! For example, I had Their simple answer—“We have given instructions to purchase fifty confidence that God will protect us cups for use in the post-baptism Holy and keep us from the cold”—moved Communion service, since about me immensely. Indeed, by God’s forty people were getting baptized. wonderful grace, despite the cold However, at the shop, the owner weather, none of them caught a cold. found he had just two additional Among them was an old sister who, cups left in the store after our for the past twenty years, could only purchase, so he gave these to us for lie on her side in bed; after baptism, free. Little did we expect that when she could sleep normally and lie on we conducted the Holy Communion her back. Another sister had severe that day, exactly fifty-two partook of heart disease, but the full immersion the bread and cup! God is indeed the did not affect her at all, and she came omniscient and loving Father, even up out of the water joyfully. preparing the exact number of cups After the spiritual convocation, the for us! believers grew in their faith in the true church and in their love for the PROCLAIMING GOD’S POWER Lord. Today, TJC in the Hebei region AND LOVE continues to flourish by God’s grace. Similarly, during the baptism Amen. sacrament, there was clear evidence of God’s mighty hand. Even though more than half of those who received baptism were elderly, none of them caught a cold. A seriously-ill elderly couple was among the baptismal candidates. Although they normally had great difficulty moving around, this couple came up from the water, relaxed and happy. In addition, when an elderly lady entered the water to be baptized, Deacon Chen and my father (who was assisting the deacon) detected a fragrance, totally unlike man-made perfume. When the elderly lady was later asked whether she had been using perfume, she said: “At this age, why would I still be using such things?” We concluded then that this was the Lord’s doing—providing the fragrant aroma as sign that the baptism was consistent with His will and manifesting His abidance. Later that year, in November, Preacher Lin Fang, Preacher Wang Hongli and I conducted a two-day spiritual convocation in Hebei. After the spiritual convocation, eight men and women asked to be baptized. Several of them were very old, with one of them being over seventy years old. The end of the year was a period that was usually cold in 1 Sanshan is a town within the city of Fuqing.

Northern China; but that year the 2 Kou Ke Hua, later ordained as a deacon, has been weather was colder than normal. To called to rest by the Lord in Beijing on January 17, 2012.

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A Brief Introduction to the UK churches

HISTORY THE EARLY YEARS and was attended by more than fifty Believers who are unaffiliated with a While they were working or studying believers. church and unable to have fellowship in the UK, members continued to Gatherings were typically held at with other brethren are like branches uphold their faith by gathering in members’ takeaways and restaurants. that cannot bear fruit. This was the their own homes. In London, the For example, in Sunderland, initial situation for the first few isolated brethren were few in number, yet they gatherings took place in Brother members and families who came to continued to meet at several different Kai Pou Liu’s restaurant. In London, the United Kingdom (UK). Gradually, locations for Sabbath services over services were held on the first floor these brethren grew in faith and the years. Venues of worship during of the “Tin Tin Restaurant” in fervency, and eventually established the sixties and seventies included Chinatown from 1976 onwards. the UK churches and the General Plaistow (1966), Chiswick (1970), Starting from 1975, regular Sabbath Assembly of the United Kingdom Bounds Green (1972), and Holloway services were also held in Leicester at (UKGA), but the road to this point of (1975). the takeaway shop of a brother. And development was long and hard. In the north of the UK, where near Portsmouth, the first Sabbath True Jesus Church members from many Ap Chau members resided, service was held at a brother’s Malaysia first migrated to the UK Sabbath services were infrequent in restaurant in Bognor Regis in 1977. for study and work in 1950. Starting the early 1970s. In 1972, Brother Shi- from January 1960, members Hung Hsiao (Deacon Roung-Kuang THE FORMATIVE YEARS from Hong Kong Island, the New Hsiao) of Taiwan, then a student As membership gradually increased, Territories and Ap Chau followed. in Germany, was invited by the the constraints and difficulties Initially, the majority of these International Assembly (IA) to join associated with holding family migrants were single brothers, who Brother Keith Horn (an Englishman services began. In Sunderland, worked extremely hard for a living. baptized in Taiwan) in visiting the UK holding classes in a takeaway shop They were scattered in different members before returning to Taiwan. caused complaints from the neighbors places and did not gather together at At Newcastle, they discussed the and prompted investigations by the first, but through the encouragement importance of observing the Sabbath, police. As a result, the venue had to of some early workers from overseas, the issues of selecting suitable be moved repeatedly. In Sunderland the brethren gradually came together leaders, worshipping venues and so and Leicester, hired halls were used for worship. Gathering places, prayer on. Particular emphasis was placed for services and Religious Education houses, and eventually churches upon the importance of Sabbath (RE) classes, whereas in Newcastle, were established. Today, there are worship. Subsequently, a service, led members had to rent the premises of nine churches and over two thousand by Deacon Paul Tang, was held for the Central Methodist Church. members spread across the UK. the first time in a member’s restaurant Membership in the various locations

Manna 38 INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY grew and prayer churches were set zealous in participating in divine Simon Hsu to the UK for six months of up in the early 1970s. With forty work. For example, Leicester practical training. At the time, youths members, the Sunderland prayer Church bought a place of worship in who had previously participated house was established in 1972. In Peterborough, a city in a neighboring in the RE work in Hong Kong’s the same year, the Cambridge prayer region, to ensure regular services Kowloon Church also assisted in the house was formed, followed by the could take place in the area. As the divine work. Under the guidance of Newcastle prayer house with two number of members increased, many God, each UK church made plans hundred members in 1973. Prayer churches either moved or extended for further advancement, and a houses were further established in their existing buildings. For example, national conference for ministers Edinburgh in 1976 and Portsmouth Sunderland Church relocated and and church board members was and Leicester in 1978. expanded its premises in 1982 and held in Newcastle that same year. A Initially, services were rudimentary 1994, respectively. A constant stream resolution to request that the IA send in form. For example, because of a of members from other parts of a preacher to assist in the divine work lack of service leaders in Edinburgh, the world increased the number of in the UK was reached. Thank God, as services simply consisted of hymn- members in London to 175 in 1992; a result, Deacon Hsu was dispatched singing, prayer and Bible-reading. therefore, the church moved to a to pastor the UK churches for one As the membership increased and nearby five-storey building at Old year. In November 1983, in light the members became more mature Street in 1996. In 1994, Edinburgh of the need for a resident preacher in their faith, the responsibilities Church decided to branch out; the for the Newcastle and Sunderland of the prayer house extended to new church, which comprised about churches, Preacher Aun-Quek Chin members in neighboring towns, such 250 members, kept the name of was invited by these two churches to as Dundee, Prestwick, and Elgin. Edinburgh Church, while the former help out with the pastoral work. Members visited one another and church, which had a membership helped to lead family services. of 180, was renamed Gifford Park GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE In August 1975, Deacon Cephas Church. Similarly, London Church UNITED KINGDOM Yau from Hong Kong visited the decided to establish a church in On October 24, 1989, a National members in the UK and helped with South London. After eight years, Church Delegates Conference the pastoral work in Newcastle, four moves, and three unsuccessful was held at Newcastle Church. Its Sunderland, and Edinburgh. Although bids for church properties, Forest Hill main purpose was to discuss the there were as many as seven hundred Church in South London was finally establishment of a General Assembly members living in the UK at the time, established in 2012. In addition (GA). After the delegates had voted they did not own a church building. to this, a four-storey building for in favor of the proposal, thirteen Following Deacon Yau’s continuous Leicester Church was dedicated in members were elected to serve on reminders to take action to acquire July 2013. the General Assembly board. A a church building, the first True Jesus Thanks to the recent influx of committee responsible for drafting Church in the UK was dedicated to members from mainland China, we the by-laws, rules, and regulations the Lord in Newcastle on July 12, now have many gathering places in was also elected. Following lengthy 1976. This was also the first true the UK, including those in Glasgow, discussions by the first GA board, a church established in Europe, and Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. formal set of rules and regulations the name of the Lord was greatly In Cardiff, which also started out was adopted for all the UK churches. exalted. Sunderland and Edinburgh as a gathering place, membership In the beginning, UKGA workers followed suit in July 1979, London grew and a prayer house was thus focused on encouraging the middle- in 1983, Leicester in 1984, Elgin in established in 2011. aged members to return to the Lord. 1985, and Portsmouth in 1989. At the same time, they tried to give As the churches grew and prayer PASTORING WORK PRIOR TO THE care and guidance to the younger houses turned into churches, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UKGA generation. The Youth Theological members became increasingly In July 1977, the IA sent Deacon Training Course (YTTC) was set up in July 1991 to train and prepare Churches since 1997, eight years after the UKGA was established: potential workers for future church development. In addition, the Youth Coordination Centre was established in 1992, and a full-time preacher was assigned to care for the UK youths. In 2003, the UKGA enhanced the care of members’ families and the counseling of married couples by emphasizing the importance of Excludes Dublin. family life and practical faith. Since

Manna 39 INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

2011, the UKGA has been reminding that most modern families living in abode and are often scattered around the UK members to turn their hearts the West nowadays opt to raise at the country, receiving no support from back to God so that they will not most one or two children. In addition, local churches. The establishment follow the trends of the world and the church has always encouraged of a coordinating committee has drift away from their faith. members to preach and spread the improved communication and The number of full-time preachers gospel; however, as a result of the coordination among these Chinese in the UK has increased from three older generation’s limited ability to brethren. We continue to encourage in 1997 to six in 2012. However, communicate in English and a general them to establish places of worship we are still short of manpower lack of understanding of the Bible to facilitate regular services and because of the heavy workload in the amongst the brethren, it has been fellowships. The goal would be to pioneering areas, both in the UK and difficult to preach to non-Chinese develop these places of worship into abroad. Most of the time and energy people. Efforts towards this end need prayer houses. For example, Sabbath of our preachers is spent on either to be strengthened with the help of services amongst a small number of evangelistic or training work, leaving our Lord. Our children and youths are believers started in Cardiff in 2007, very little time for pastoral work. The the future of the church, so we hope with workers from other churches care of the local churches has been the next generation will be able to assisting in the pastoral, training, and left to their church board members, do a better job than we have. Thank evangelistic work. We thank the Lord with IA workers providing some God, many UK youths have had the that the membership grew and a assistance. opportunity to experience work in prayer house with fifty-five members As of December 2012, a total pioneering areas and have realized was established in 2011. of nine churches and two prayer its value because of volunteer- Another challenge that the UK houses have been established in training seminars, particularly the churches are facing is a shortage of the UK, with a total membership of Africa Voluntary Workers Missionary workers. The increase in the number 2,690. There are currently thirty-four Training (AVWMT). of gathering places such as those in deacons, eighteen deaconesses and The UK membership has increased Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast six preachers. May the almighty and markedly since 2004, when many and Dublin has led to a greater need merciful Lord continue to guide and brethren began to migrate to the for speakers, interpreters, and RE support us. UK from Fujian, China. While the teachers. Additionally, the UKGA is increasing number of brethren from responsible for the African ministry CURRENT CHALLENGES AND China has helped the growth of the and the pastoral work in many DEVELOPMENTS church in many ways, it has made European countries, which require The slow growth of the UK pastoral work more difficult, as many the involvement of many workers. membership may be due to the fact of the Chinese brethren have no fixed In order to meet these challenges, the UKGA has encouraged retired and gifted brethren, ministers, and YTTC graduates to participate in church work. In addition, more training opportunities have been established: the duration of the YTTC has been increased from three to four years, and in 2011, an annual adult theological training course was introduced. These take place in addition to the annual AVMT and regular pastoral training for church workers.

Through the grace and guidance of God, following the efforts of the UKGA and all the UK churches, the members in the UK are gradually being transformed and strengthened in their faith. May all glory and praise be given to God!

Manna 40 YOUTH

So We May Boldly Say: “The Lord Is my Helper” Brian Lee—South Korea

Hallelujah, in the name of the Lord be an officer, which allowed him to to the countryside. It was as if out Jesus Christ I testify. I am from take some days off on weekends. To of one hundred people, ninety-nine South Korea. Korea is not simply a be an officer, you have to serve for were sent to Iraq and I was sent close country of K-pop with stars like Girls two years and six months, but you to New York. So everyone envied me. Generation or Super Junior; it is a have more freedom. I decided to Some asked if my dad worked in the country full of God’s grace. Just like do the same and began to pray for army, but it was not the case. It is just in any other part of the world, God this matter. I prayed for three years. that I had God watching over me, is present among us. I would like to Then a year before applying, I started because I am His child. Luke 12:28 share with you how God guided me to prepare for the officer training says, “If then God so clothes the during my military service in Korea. entrance test. I woke up at six every grass, which today is in the field and Korea is a divided country and morning, exercised for one hour, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, men who are over eighteen years then studied military science. how much more will He clothe you, old must do military service for a I went through all this preparation O you of little faith? And do not seek year and nine months. The military for the officer exam because I what you should eat or what you service is not easy. Nowadays, it is a wanted to keep the Sabbath. I felt should drink, nor have an anxious lot better, but previously, everyone that if I did not go to church once mind.” Through this event, I could had to suffer beatings, insults and a week, I would not be able to experience that God, the heavenly wrongdoings from senior officers or endure the harsh military life. But father, knows my situation better senior soldiers. From young, I have my parents were not very happy. than anyone in this world, and He heard many negative stories about At that time I was studying at Seoul knows what is best for me. military service, so I was quite afraid National University of Education to My unit was a twenty-minutes to enter the army. become a teacher. They thought that car drive away from the nearest by preparing for the officer exam, I True Jesus Church. As an officer, I PREPARING FOR MILITARY would fail in my studies to become needed to be on duty during some SERVICE a teacher. Thanks to God’s grace, weekends, but, thank God, through One Sabbath, when I was in twelfth I passed both the officer exam and prayers, I was granted permission to grade, I met a brother who was the exam to become a teacher; a rare go to church every Saturday. When doing military service. The next happening at that time in Korea. my friends learned of this, they week and the week after, the brother started calling me Lucky Brian. But continued to attend Sabbath service. LUCKY BRIAN? was I really lucky? I was really surprised that he could Finally, it was time to join the army. do so while serving in the military. I was sent to serve in a place near It turned out that he had applied to town, while many were sent far away

Manna 41 YOUTH YOUTH

be promoted and had to spend the rest of his military service in another Because I had much work and training, I could not sleep more location under a senior officer who than four hours a day. My mind and my body became tired—but treated him worse. God trained me. I woke up early in the morning and prayed in Today, I have been discharged another room or underneath the blanket. Sometimes, while I was safely, and I am able to share God’s undergoing training, I would say a quick prayer in the bathroom. grace with you. So, do you think I I carried a small Bible with me, and read a chapter every day. am lucky? Should I be called Lucky Brian? Let us read Nehemiah 4:9: “Nevertheless we made our prayer TRAINED AND SUSTAINED BY rule. So I had to attend these drinking to our God, and because of them GOD parties, but I never drank any alcohol we set a watch against them day As an officer, I had thirty soldiers because I am God’s child. However, and night.” Nehemiah prayed and under my command. All had serious merely having to attend these parties guarded the wall day and night. In the problems. Some were affected was very stressful. But God helped church of God, there is no such thing by troubled single-parent family me avoid drinking parties. There as luck. We live under God’s grace. backgrounds, while others even had would often be parties when I was Yet we cannot simply live under such criminal records. I do not discriminate on leave or sent to another place for grace without putting in any effort. against them, but they tend to be training. We have to pray day and night, be relatively more unstable and insecure. Once, there was a drinking party on our guard and strive to receive People called my platoon the “bomb while I was on duty. The partygoers His grace. Despite the tribulations platoon”; they felt that something became very drunk and caused and temptations we face, through could go wrong at any time. some trouble; everyone except me steadfast prayers and through our In addition, I worked together with were punished. In 1 Corinthians good conduct, we can confidently my senior officer in the same unit. He 10:13, Paul says: “No temptation say, “The Lord is my helper” (Heb was very harsh in character. From day has overtaken you except such as is 13:6). May we all be filled with God’s one, he interfered with everything common to man; but God is faithful, wonderful grace. I did and made me do his work. who will not allow you to be tempted Whenever he could, he insulted me beyond what you are able, but with and verbally attacked me. I also had the temptation will also make the to share a room with him. Usually, way of escape, that you may be able after training, I would return to my to bear it.” Through the trials and room around 11 p.m. If I went to bed temptations that I had to encounter, before him, he would play his K-pop committing my way to the Lord was music very loudly or talk to me. He my way of escape. was also obsessed with cleanliness; Because I had much work and in the summer, I could not open training, I could not sleep more than the window because he didn’t want four hours a day. My mind and my dust in the room. I had to do all body became tired, but God trained the cleaning, laundry, and cooking, me. I woke up early in the morning which is how I learned to cook very and prayed in another room or well. Even though he mistreated me, underneath the blanket. Sometimes, I obeyed him. I did not resist or file a while I was undergoing training, complaint to my superiors because in I would say a quick prayer in the Ephesians 6:5, we are encouraged to bathroom. I carried a small Bible with “be obedient to those who are your me, and read a chapter every day. masters according to the flesh, with God’s Spirit and word enabled me to fear and trembling, in sincerity of endure my military service. I did my heart, as to Christ.” best in my duties and God guided me During this period, I also had and answered my prayers. to go to drinking parties. Initially, there were lots of drinking parties, THE LORD IS MY HELPER sometimes up to four a week. The After two and a half years, army in Korea has a very authoritative miraculously, the soldiers who were culture. If your superior tells you to under my command were discharged do something, you have to obey him, without any problems. The senior even after your shift is over. That’s the officer who harassed me failed to

Manna 42 LOVE@HOME

I Grieve with You in Pain Patricia Chen—Irvine, California, USA

FACING GRIEF inadequate. I wanted to reassure her the valley of weeping—it was as Life has times of prosperity and times that even though I might not have if their pain were mine. I began to of adversity, times of joy and times understood all that she was going ponder the fear, anxiety, and sorrow of sorrow. Ultimately, everyone will, through, I knew that it must be awful of losing a loved one—indeed, at some point, face burdens, loss, and sorrowful beyond description. the pain was deep and immense. I fear, or anxiety. In our darkest, most Not long after, another sister realized that my words seemed empty anguished hours, how do we handle told me that her mother had been back then because I was frightened our emotions? admitted to hospital, and without by their pain and grief. Different people associate different any warning, passed away there. things with loss and anguish. To some, Again, taken aback by the news, I HEALING THROUGH THE POWER it means having days when putting didn’t know what to say. Deep down OF PRAYER one foot in front of the other feels inside, I wanted to genuinely comfort This trial forced me to confront difficult; accepting the love, care and her, but no words seemed fit for my emotions: worry, fear, grief, hugs of friends seems impossible. To someone facing a mountain of grief. and anxiety. I was aware of their others it means crawling into bed at Sometimes, in moments like these, existence, but I didn’t know how to night, curling into a ball, and crying, we don’t know what to say or how identify them, thinking that I was echoing pain and grief in the Psalms to comfort. We simply freeze. There strong enough to hold everything in. (e.g., Psalm 6:6, “I make my bed does not seem to exist any magical Yet I knew that I desperately needed swim … with my tears”). word that can remove the mixture a state of inner peace separate from of feelings brewing inside someone my circumstances and emotions. AT A LOSS FOR WORDS who grieves. Many people bottle up their Last year in August, I received news emotions when they don’t know from a friend telling me that her EXPERIENCING GRIEF FIRST HAND how to handle them. However, father had suddenly passed away. About three months after I received these uncomfortable emotions can I could hear my heart racing as my the news about the sister’s mother, I resurface and plague us if they are mind struggled to comprehend what I personally experienced uncertainties not dealt with. We must seek a had just heard. The news parched my and anxieties. A dear family member release that will let us adequately throat. I paused, unsure of what to seemed to be nearing the end deal with them. say. Eventually, I managed to mutter, of his life, with his health rapidly During a Bible study on Jesus’ “I am so sorry to hear that.” I wanted deteriorating. Initially, I panicked. The prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, to communicate something from uncertainty crippled me. I became it dawned on me that all the fear my heart, but mere words seemed empathetic towards the pain of the and sorrow I felt had also been felt sisters who were still going through by the Lord Jesus when He prayed

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in the garden. Matthew 26:37 and Christ Jesus.” too trivial for God’s love to heal. Mark 14:33 both mention that Jesus When I started praying, even became sorrowful, troubled, and though my circumstances didn’t BECOME A CHANNEL OF HEALING “deeply distressed” in prayer. “And change, I could feel the peace FOR OTHERS being in agony, He prayed more of God filling my heart in a way In the Gospel of John, Jesus showed earnestly. Then His sweat became beyond my understanding. At the Thomas and the other disciples His like great drops of blood falling end of the prayer, I felt renewed and nail-pierced hands and spear-pierced down to the ground” (Lk 22:44). strengthened through the power of side. Sometimes, I wonder why those Lastly, Jesus prayed, “O My Father, the Holy Spirit. Regardless of any marks remained on His risen body. if this cup cannot pass away from Me uneasy emotions, I could rest assured Was it so His friends could identify unless I drink it, Your will be done” and be certain of a God on whom I Him? Surely. But I believe there is a (Mt 26:42). The Bible describes could trust and rely. deeper meaning: when our wounds Jesus as someone grieved and God will not let us suffer alone. are healed, the marks remain so that distressed, so much so that His soul “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our we can become testimonies for our was “exceedingly sorrowful, even to weaknesses. For we do not know what Lord Jesus Christ. We no longer feel death” (Mt 26:38). we should pray for as we ought, but despair because of the marks of our Although Jesus was in agony, the Spirit Himself makes intercession pain. Rather, the healed wounds the Bible states that He entrusted for us with groanings which cannot become channels of healing for everything to God in prayer: His be uttered” (Rom 8:26). Whether we others. prayer was not to avoid death but are on the peak of the mountain or in In the process of inner healing, to find the strength to cope with the depths of the valley, God is with Jesus will gradually set us free to be what was coming. At that agonizing us. Through our loss ... through any a comfort for those in need. Jesus moment, Jesus turned to God and loss, He is near. did not rebuke men, women, and made God His focus. children who came to Him with With that realization, I knew I CARRY EACH OTHER’S BURDENS their needs—whether it was hunger, needed to pray. Isaiah 55:6 reminds Sometimes, we neglect to grieve with illness, or other problems. He met us to “[s]eek the Lord while He may our friends and loved ones. However, people where they were. He fed be found, [c]all upon Him while He the Bible encourages us to “bear one them, healed them, and received is near.” Through prayer I began to another’s burdens, and so fulfill the them fully and compassionately. understand that if I tried to solve my law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). problems by myself, God couldn’t be Through praying in the Holy Spirit, “But He was wounded for our glorified in my weakness—I would I found an outlet for my emotional transgressions, He was bruised for not be allowing God to display His responses to life’s experiences. Yes, our iniquities; [t]he chastisement might. Only through prayer can we I may feel anxious or sorrowful for our peace was upon Him, [a]nd endure agony, because it is God who towards a particular incident, but by His stripes we are healed.” (Isa strengthens us. I can also have joy. Joy in knowing 53:5) Indeed, turning to God in prayer that God can lift us up with His grace. and experiencing His peace was the The Bible also tells us that we should GIVING SUPPORT IN TIMES OF exact prescription needed for my fear- not grieve without hope (1 Thess GRIEF ridden heart and mind. Philippians 4:13), because Jesus has risen from When my sister was going through 4:6–7 states, “Be anxious for the dead, and He gives the hope of a severe sickness, a few church nothing, but in everything by prayer resurrection to all who believe in Him. members visited her to comfort her and supplication, with thanksgiving, I decided I would make every effort and to let her know that they were let your requests be made known to to sincerely empathize with those there for her. Spiritually, their presence God; and the peace of God, which who were grieving. No pain is so was powerful, and their persistent surpasses all understanding, will deep, so long-standing, that the love and intercessory prayers at her house guard your hearts and minds through of God cannot reach. No wound is were much more meaningful than a text or phone call. So, to sensitively reach out and support those who are grieving, God will not let us suffer alone. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in we first need to make contact. Tell our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as them that you care and that you are we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with praying for them; say, with sincerity, groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom 8:26). Whether we are “If there is anything I can do, just let on the peak of the mountain or in the depths of the valley, God is me know.” with us. Through our loss ... through any loss, He is near. In some situations, it might be appropriate to pray together, asking God for strength, faith, and peace.

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In some situations, it might be appropriate to pray together, asking God for strength, faith, and peace. Never underestimate the power of prayer. The Bible sometimes depicts the Holy Spirit as fine olive oil. Like a lubricant, the Holy Spirit will work in the heart of the afflicted: “He heals the brokenhearted [a]nd binds up their wounds” (Ps 147:3).

Never underestimate the power of from repenting one’s wrong. We prayer. The Bible sometimes depicts need to turn to God with a contrite the Holy Spirit as fine olive oil. Like a heart and seek for His forgiveness (cf. lubricant, the Holy Spirit will work in Ps 51:17). the heart of the afflicted: “He heals the brokenhearted [a]nd binds up JOY IN CHRIST their wounds” (Ps 147:3). God is love, and He will respond “Nevertheless, God who comforts to our prayers through His word to the downcast, comforted us by the encourage and empower us. There is coming of Titus.” (2 Cor 7:6) healing in God’s word. Scripture can calm people. Sometimes, that’s all Helping a hurting friend is both that people caught in crisis need. a blessing and a responsibility for We can also help practically Christians. With God’s grace, love, by preparing meals, do grocery and healing power and through shopping, clean around the house etc. sincere intercessions, we can be As important as spiritual intercession ambassadors of comfort and hope. is, practical support should not be By sharing our loved ones’ burdens overlooked either. and pain, we will experience joy Pain does not go away easily, so, when our Lord Jesus Christ leads we need to support those who are them out of the valley of darkness. hurting. Every person is different and every relationship is unique; indeed, we need to respect the time and space of those who suffer. When they are ready, allow them to freely express their emotions, because they are part of a normal grief response. It is vital to help them identify their feelings and express them, instead of burying them. When our grieving friends are ready to share, avoid making judgments or put downs. Try not to say too much; with love, a hug or a comforting hand on the shoulder can say more than words at times. Keep questions to a minimum; just listen. Even though we may not understand, we need to listen and guide. However, while we encourage and comfort, we may also have to highlight the need to repent and change, especially, if the person’s plight is the result of his or her sins. In such a case, we need to point out to our friends that true comfort comes

Manna 45 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 person who has received water baptism must have his/her feet washed in the name of Jesus Christ. Mutual footwashing may be practiced whenever is appropriate.

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