Issue 88: Our Walk with God A Joyful Life in the Fear of God To Serve: God’s Purpose for His Chosen The Lord Delivers His Servants Issue 88 Vol. 43 No. 1 Publication date: May 2019 Our Walk with God
Vincent Yeung Our Walk Cambridge, UK with God
“Woe is me, for I am undone! The “fear” that we should have is an attitude of reverence Because I am a man of unclean lips, towards God in our lifelong journey towards salvation, rather And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; than the irrational, emotional fear discussed in 1 John. This For my eyes have seen the King, is godly fear (Heb 12:28). When we serve God with fear, we The ORDL of hosts.” (Isa 6:5) can rejoice with trembling (Ps 2:11). This is the progressive The expression mysterium tremendum describes the numinous relationship we should have with God, rooted not only in love, experience of awe and dread in the presence of the almighty but also fear of Him, leading to heavenly joy. and transcendent God. The question is, why had Isaiah not felt this fear and wonder in God’s temple before? The answer So, we see how fear plays a key role in our faith journey and in is that this theophany—or manifestation of God—and the our relationship with God. Many of us start from the position seraphim’s proclamation of God’s holiness (Isa 6:3) made Isaiah of indifference—ignorant and unaware of God’s presence. We aware of God’s holy presence in the temple. He realized his progress to the point of awareness but remain terrified in His utter sinfulness in the light of God’s presence, bringing fear of presence. Isaiah was afraid of the majesty and mystery of God judgment and condemnation. when God appeared because he did not truly know God. Since the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (Prov 1:7), we Today, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the church is must move on in our faith journey to become God’s servant the church of the living God (1 Cor 6:19; 1 Tim 3:15). But have and trusted friend. As we draw closer to Him, we also continue we, in the same way, forgotten that He is the holy God? Is to honor and respect Him, with love and fear. Let us continue God’s presence in our lives merely an abstract concept, easily forgotten, as our worship becomes more sterile? The danger to serve Him in truth, with all our heart (1 Sam 12:24a). of God becoming irrelevant in our life, either consciously or subconsciously, is that we will depart and go our separate way.
Isaiah’s experience prompts us to re-evaluate our relationship with God, and reflect on what He requires of us. In this issue of Manna, we are reminded to keep ourselves in the love of God. If we fall from His grace by not persisting in our faith, how can we find our way back? We need to honor God as the Lord of our life and submit to His sovereignty by fearing Him again.
We may ask, if God calls us His friend, and perfect love casts our fear ( Jn 15:15; Jas 2:23; 1 Jn 4:18), why should we fear Him? Why do we need to work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2:12)? If there “is no fear in love” (1 Jn 4:18a), how can we love and fear God at the same time?
EDITOR IN CHIEF: Anna Khoo MANAGING EDITOR: Marian Shek REVIEW BOARD: Andrew Chu (Australia), Ezra Chong, Joel Chong (Malaysia), Lemuel Leong (Sabah), EG Tay, Philip Shee (Singapore), Michael Chan, Vincent Yeung (UK), Richard Solgot, Stephen Ku, WC Yeh (USA)
Manna (ISSN1528-8617) is published quarterly by the True Jesus Church, IA Department of Literary Ministry, 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Copyright © 2019 True Jesus Church. All rights reserved. U.S. Postmaster: send change-of-address forms to 21217 Bloomfield Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA. Back issues of Manna can be downloaded at: www.mannamagazine.com
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. The goal of Manna is to inspire believers to live an active faith through mutual encouragement and the study of biblical truths. 2 5 10 12 THEME
A Joyful Life in the Fear To Serve: God’s Purpose for Knowledge of the Son of Keep Yourself in the Love of God His Chosen God of God Steven Shek FF Chong Barnabas Chong Simon Chin
True joy comes together Serving God is integral to Knowing Jesus and the How can we persist in our with godly fear and every part of a Christian’s power of His resurrection faith till the very end? obedience. life. leads to eternal life.
16 19 24 26 BIBLE STUDY EXHORTATION TESTIMONY
In Fear and Trembling Parables of the Heavenly Set Your Mind on Things The Lord Delivers His Servants Jachin Kingdom (Part 3) Above KC Tsai Jachin Lemuel Leong and Helen Choi
Why, and how, we should The parable of the mustard What does it mean to be Testimonies of God’s fear God in our lives. seed and the decline of the heavenly-minded? healing upon His workers. apostolic church. 30 35 39 41 COLUMN COLUMN COLUMN MINISTRY EVANGELISM FAMILY
The Power of Zealous Holy Work Series: Inspired by Jesus: My What God Has Joined, Let Prayers in the African Delivering Sermons Evangelistic Wedding No Man Separate (Part 2) Ministry (Part 2) Aun Quek Chin Mellisa Ho Aun Quek Chin
AMC Volunteers God’s grace and guidance of The ideal spirit and How planning a dream Upholding the biblical the African pioneering work. practical advice for serving wedding became an principles of marriage. as a sermon speaker. opportunity to preach.
44 46 COLUMN REFLECTION PENIEL
I Have Loved You with an A Joyful Return Everlasting Love aaliyah KC Tsai
God’s love transcends Psalm 126 and how God all things, even when we brings the captivity back to cannot feel it in our lives. Zion.
48 Call for Articles 49 Articles of Faith
1 THEME SECTION
Steven Shek A Joyful Life Edinburgh, UK in the Fear of God
THE OVERLOOKED AND WEAK IN repent, He would have mercy: who acknowledge God’s discipline will FAITH turn to God in fear of Him. And He will “Behold, I will bring it health and e rarely hear of joy and the heal. God will do many things for His healing; I will heal them and reveal to fear of God spoken in the returned people, such that they will them the abundance of peace and truth. same breath. Most want joyfully magnify His holy name! W … Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a to receive joy from God, without praise, and an honor before all nations of cultivating the fear of Him. But if we do When one has the fear of God at the the earth, who shall hear all the good that not seek after godly fear, then the joy center of his life, he will have a foretaste I do to them; they shall fear and tremble we experience will be short-lived. Any for all the goodness and all the prosperity of heavenly joy. The relationship individual concerned with his salvation that I provide for it.” (Jer 33:6–9) between godly fear and joy is evident must have the motivation to fear God. throughout the Bible. Let us look at how A progressive relationship with God is This prophesy speaks truth to those God’s word is fulfilled from generation rooted not only in God’s love, but also who, when they realize the error of their to generation, and how we, too, can live in godly fear. ways, repent and return to God. Those a joyful life.
A lack of godly fear can lead to sin and, as a result, punishment from God. Through God’s word, Jeremiah foresaw If we do not seek after godly fear, then the devastation that God’s children the joy we experience will be short-lived. … A would bring upon themselves through sin ( Jer 33:1–26). But God also revealed progressive relationship with God is rooted not that, once His people fear Him and only in God’s love, but also in godly fear.
2 Theme
FEAST OF THE PASSOVER Each time the children of God observed the When the Israelites observed the Passover in Egypt, they knew what God Passover, they did so out of the fear of God. This was going to do—He would destroy all is especially true when, after periods of spiritual the Egyptian firstborn and lead His people out of Egypt (Ex 12:1–14, 29–42). darkness, they rediscovered God’s word. And each Indeed, they witnessed God’s salvation time, their spiritual lives were revived with joy and almighty power through this event. After they received the Law of Moses, from God. the Israelites continued to keep the Passover out of the fear of God (Deut Decades later, after returning from brought them out of Egypt. This was 16:1–8). And by observing this feast, they captivity, the Jews again kept the a time of rejoicing, not only in looking rejoiced in God’s deliverance. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened back, but also in looking forward to how Bread (Ezra 6:19–22). They had the fear God would bless them. Everyone was On the first anniversary of the Passover, of God, as those who “returned from invited to this sacred feast of the Lord. during their walk in the wilderness, the captivity ate together with all who the Israelites were to observe the feast had separated themselves from the filth After Nehemiah led the rebuilding of again (Num 9:1–14). However, it became of the nations of the land in order to Jerusalem’s city walls, Ezra, the scribe, known that a group of people had been seek the Lord God of Israel” (Ezra 6:21). read the Law of Moses to the people defiled by touching a human corpse. In the process of seeking God, they (Neh 8:9–18). When they heard God’s These individuals confessed their observed the Passover, and in keeping law, the people were broken-hearted defilement, and they also asked why God’s commandment, they departed and wept over their sins. However, the they could not partake in the Passover. from evil. The wonderful testimony for Levites quieted them and said, “Be still, They were keen to present the offering, us today is that those who kept the Feast for the day is holy; do not be grieved” but did not want to break God’s law of Unleavened Bread did so with joy. (Neh 8:11). The people understood by doing so while unclean. God, in This joy did not arise because Darius what they were taught, and continued His mercy, allowed them to keep the assisted them in rebuilding God’s to study the law. They discovered that Passover a month later, giving them temple, but was bestowed on them by God had commanded them to dwell in time for ceremonial cleansing before God because they observed His will. booths (tents) during the feast of the partaking in this most holy feast (Num seventh month. The people followed the 5:2). We can see the fear of God ruling Each time the children of God observed instructions of the spiritual leaders, and in their hearts, to act according to God’s the Passover, they did so out of the fear “there was very great gladness” (Neh commandments. of God. This is especially true when, 8:17b). Throughout the feast, God’s word after periods of spiritual darkness, was read to the whole congregation of During the kingdom years, after a they rediscovered God’s word. And Israel. We can see that they experienced period of spiritual decline under a each time, their spiritual lives were godly fear, as well as joy. series of ungodly kings, Hezekiah led a revived with joy from God. We know reformation to turn the people back to the Passover prefigures the Holy FEAR AND JOY IN THE God (2 Chr 30). He proclaimed that the Communion, because Jesus is the Lamb APOSTOLIC CHURCH Passover was to be observed—a message of God and our Passover ( Jn 1:29; 1 Cor sent not only to his own people of Judah, 5:6–8). We are to keep the feast with The apostolic church also experienced but also to Israel. The messengers ran to the unleavened bread of sincerity and the joy that comes with knowing every locality, commanding the people truth. Each time we partake in the Holy and following God’s word. After the to return to God so that God would Communion, let us reflect on the truth Pentecost, three thousand souls were return to them. The people were called of Christ’s sacrifice and allow godly fear added to the fold, and the believers to yield to God, to prevent the same fate to reign in our hearts. Then, obedience “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ of desolation that befell those who had to His commands and heavenly joy will doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking transgressed God’s law. Those who did follow. of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42–47). not fear God laughed and mocked, but In those days, hearing God’s word others humbled themselves and went to was enough to put godly fear into the Jerusalem. The hand of God was upon FEAST OF TABERNACLES believers. Having received the Holy Judah. Those who gathered throughout The Feast of Tabernacles is another Old Spirit, this newly established and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were Testament feast that holds prophetic expanding church had the fear of God filled with great joy. We can see the significance for us today (Lev 23:33–44; among them (Isa 11:1–2). As in the days relationship between having the fear of Num 29:12–40; Deut 16:13–17). During of the Feast of Tabernacles, they were God, leading to humble obedience, and the feast, the Israelites would make taught God’s word through the doctrine the joy that comes from observing His offerings and live in tents for seven of the apostles. This cultivated their commandments. days, to remember how the Lord fear of God, which in turn brought them
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joy in the Lord. They “ate their food (Heb 4:8–10). As we are one with the with gladness and simplicity of heart, apostolic church ( Jn 17:20–24), we ought praising God” (Acts 2:46b–47a). to have the same fear and joy, arising from God’s word. Spiritually speaking, we have always been dwelling in tents. The apostle Paul CONCLUSION describes our present perishable bodies The above examples highlight the fact as “our earthly house, this tent” (2 Cor that God’s word alone is sufficient to 5:1–4). The apostle Peter also spoke the induce the fear of Him in our hearts. same truth: In turn, this fear leads us to receive joy from God. We should avoid trying to “Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am generate joy through other means; if in this tent, to stir you up by reminding we are not perfecting our fear of God you, knowing that shortly I must put off through keeping His commandments, my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ then this is not true joy. When God sees showed me.” (2 Pet 1:13–14) that His children truly fear Him, He will personally give them joy. So, whenever We may be living in tents, but we have we have a joyful experience, we should departed from the spiritual Egypt, discern whether it is from God, through having been saved by our Savior, Jesus godly fear. Christ. Therefore, we look forward to “a house not made with hands, eternal May God bless us all to seek the fear of in the heavens” (2 Cor 5:1b). We observe God, so that we can obey God’s will and the weekly Sabbath in anticipation of receive true joy from Him. Amen. eventually putting off our tents and entering into this eternal Sabbath rest
We should avoid trying to generate joy through other means; if we are not perfecting our fear of God through keeping His commandments, then this is not true joy. When God sees that His children truly fear Him, He will personally give them joy.
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FF Chong To Serve: London, UK God’s Purpose for His Chosen
WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE We approach divine work as. ...something or most Christians, to worship God means coming to church, we render to God in the confines of the church, Fsinging some hymns, listening to away from our personal and work lives. However, a sermon, and saying a prayer or two. Over time, weekly church attendance the Bible’s concept of worship and service is very becomes routine, and the worship of different. God inextricably linked with the setting of a church service. At a push, we may bring our worship home in the form of However, the Bible’s concept of worship tend and keep” the garden. Here, “tend” a family service. and service is very different. Rather is translated from abedah, whose root than being distinct from the rest of our meaning is “to serve, cultivate, enslave, When it comes to serving God, we tend day-to-day life, worship and service work.”1 In other words, it was God who to see it as separate from worship. We are very much woven into a Christian’s gave man work, and entrusted man to approach divine work as fulfilling the existence and purpose. work for Him. Man has been divinely duties assigned to us by the church. As ordained to serve God through his long as we perform these tasks with a Then the ORDL God took the man and put labor. willing spirit, God will take delight. In him in the garden of Eden to tend and fact, we further compartmentalize our keep it. (Gen 2:15) This gives rise to the fundamental truth service to God in its own sphere—it that to work for our livelihood is God’s is something we render to God in the After God created man, He placed him confines of the church, away from our in the garden. But it was not for man 1 James Strong, The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, personal and work lives. to idly enjoy; rather, God set man “to 2010), H5647.
5 Theme
positive impulse. Rather, it signals God set man “to tend and keep” the garden. their shift towards a Gentile lifestyle and model of nationhood in a blatant Here, “tend” is translated from abedah, whose root disregard for God and a demonstration meaning is “to serve, cultivate, enslave, work.” In of their unfaithfulness. other words, it was God who gave man work, and Samuel was determined to guide and entrusted man to work for Him. Man has been correct this renegade nation, and he divinely ordained to serve God through his labor. put forth an unchanging principle to them: serve God with all your heart. He even stated this twice in his address to the Israelites (1 Sam 12:20, 24). In the will for us: “Six days you shall work” it invalid and even abominable in God’s first instance, Samuel said, “You have (Ex 34:21). God ordains when we should eyes. done all this wickedness; yet do not work and when we should rest. Not only turn aside from following the LORD, that, our labor must reflect the godliness The example of Cain and Abel says it but serve the LORD with all your heart” that God expects of His children. Paul all. Cain murdered his brother because (1 Sam 12:20b). Samuel did not hesitate elaborates on this expectation for our Cain “was of the wicked one…[and] to right their fundamental wrong—God secular jobs: his works were evil” (1 Jn 3:12)—his behavior reflected his wicked nature. is their King, and the wish to replace God with a human ruler was wicked. Bondservants, obey in all things your The rejection of Cain’s offering was the Nevertheless, even if Israel insists on masters according to the flesh, not tipping point for evil to get the better of installing a king, Samuel reminded with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but him. God exposed his wicked nature, them that they must still follow God. in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And telling him, “If you do well, will you not The nation would not be able to serve whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the be accepted? And if you do not do well, the Lord wholeheartedly without this Lord and not to men. sin lies at the door” (Gen 4:7a). basic principle of obedience. In other (Col 3:22–23; see also Eph 6:5–8) God’s rejection of Cain’s offering words, submitting to God’s word comes We must work for our employers with reveals to us that the way we conduct before serving Him. sincere hearts, as to Christ. For a ourselves impacts our service to God. believer of God, work goes beyond the Spiritual cultivation becomes a must, In the second instance, Samuel added scope of earning a living—it is to fulfill as the foundation to every service we two more factors to the equation. God’s will. We should do our secular render. It must be infused into every The first is: “Only fear theORD L , and work with goodwill, as a service to God. aspect of our lives. serve Him in truth with all your heart” (1 Sam 12:24a). To “fear the Lord” is the Serving God, then, is not only about PREPARATION FOR ACCEPTABLE mindset they should have. The nation of attending service on the Sabbath day SERVICE Israel has committed the greatest evil, and doing divine work in church. Just which is to forsake God. They needed to as Adam had to tend the garden daily, With All Our Heart eradicate all false gods in order to start service to God is a daily and active At Saul’s ordination, Samuel addressed anew with God, believing Him to be the affair. Serving God daily and actively some important teachings relating only true God and Savior. Returning to occasions many moments to ponder to serving God. Leading up to Saul’s God may well be a long and painstaking and gain insight into how to improve ordination as king, the Israelites process, but it is the very foundation of ourselves and our service. And most demanded that Samuel appoint a meaningful service towards Him. The important of all, it gives our lives king to rule over them. This demand, second is: to serve the Lord “in truth.” purpose and meaning. however, did not originate from a The nation of Israel was to reacquaint
SPIRIT OF SERVICE We all desire our service to be God’s acceptance of our service does not depend acceptable to God. But it is important to remember that God’s acceptance is on the type of work; He looks at our hearts more incumbent on the way we conduct our than anything else. If we live our lives contrary to lives. God’s acceptance of our service does not depend on the type of work; He His divine nature, our service will not be acceptable looks at our hearts more than anything to Him. However impressive the work, a corrupt else. If we live our lives contrary to His divine nature, our service will not be nature will render it invalid and even abominable acceptable to Him. However impressive in God’s eyes. the work, a corrupt nature will render
6 Theme
herself with the Law of Moses and serve God strictly according to His way, rather than following the Gentile way of life and worship. This was a reminder that they had to be faithful to the word of God in their service to Him, keeping His word in accordance to His will, and never again assimilate pagan religious practices into their pure faith. Otherwise, God would withhold His divine acceptance and blessing.
What would be their motivation to serve God in fear and truth? Samuel told them to consider the great things God had done for them (1 Sam 12:24). Historically, God had saved their forebears from the Egyptians; the story of this great deed was passed down from one generation to another. In Samuel’s time, God again saved them from extinction by the hands of the Philistines. On reflection, these deeds should lead to a greater the lowest even before His incarnation to first submit himself to God’s will, understanding of God’s love towards (Phil 2:7–11). The very fact of His coming by following Paul’s instructions. He His chosen (Deut 10:15). How could the to the world is the epitome of humility. would also need to exercise humility Israelites respond, if not with gratitude? And in spite of unceasing opposition in the event of provocation and false and shame showered upon Him, He accusation. Doing this would enable Samuel reminded the Israelites that in persevered to fulfill the Father’s will. him to overcome the immediate serving God with all their heart means discomfort, and to do whatever he can a service that is founded on obedience, Having learned from Christ’s example, with reverence, in the hope of saving fear, and truth. This means having a Paul too submitted himself fully to God’s the deceived from Satan’s snare. willing heart to serve God, a fear for God authority in his service. He understood as their rightful Ruler, and keeping the the heart of Christ, which is a heart Evidently, to serve God requires us to word of God faithfully without bringing of sacrifice for the church. In his final forgo our own will and status. More in other pagan or secular ideals. These message to the elders of Ephesus, this often than not, to suffer shame and values likewise apply to us today in our understanding is apparent in his care pain is part of serving God. However, service to God. and tears for the church (Acts 20:17–35). all these become more bearable when He toiled and labored for the faith of our heart is no longer dictated by Today, understanding God’s love, the believers, counting everything as ego, knowing that Jesus Himself went as manifested through Christ (Rev loss, and suffering the loss of all things through the greatest of suffering and 1:5), should similarly generate in (Phil 3:8–9). And he persevered, despite shame for us. Humility directs our heart us an unquenchable motivation to constantly being plotted against. to let go of negativity and any sense of reciprocate. The momentum of such grievance. At the same time, it focuses gratitude will help us overcome any When we feel attacked or aggravated, our attention on God, which assuages difficulties we face in the course of our natural instinct is to become any pain we feel in the process of serving God, enabling us to serve with a defensive and retaliate. But if we lose accomplishing God’s work. The sense of heart of thanksgiving. Not only this, we control of ourselves in such situations, peace and joy obtained from exercising would seek to do so in full obedience, we put the work of God in jeopardy. humility, despite unrelenting fiery departing from evil, and with a pure This is why Paul told Timothy to correct darts, is inexpressible. faith. We should be determined to those in opposition with humility (2 Tim remain faithful, knowing that we have 2:25–26). already been saved. With a Heart of Purity Correcting those taken captive by Satan The Book of Revelation gives a vivid With All Humility is a mission fraught with danger. First, account of those who survived the Christ’s death on the cross is the most we expose ourselves to the risk of great tribulation. Instead of depicting notable example of accomplishing being deceived. Second, we risk being the excruciating sufferings the saints God’s work with all humility. In order falsely accused by the deceived, since went through, John emphasizes how to carry out the work of redemption, they are no longer capable of telling the saints came through the trials Jesus, being God, humbled Himself to the truth. With humility, Timothy had unscathed. This provides us with food
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More often than not, to suffer shame and pain is part of serving God. However, all these become more bearable when our heart is no longer dictated by ego, knowing that Jesus Himself went through the greatest of suffering and shame for us. for thought. In our times of trial, do CONCLUSION we only seek for a way of escape or are Serving God is a lifelong endeavor, we concerned about keeping ourselves which reflects the greatness of God’s pure and righteous in the eyes of God love received by His people. Though (Rev 7:9, 14)? once alienated from God and dead in sin, we are now made alive in Christ In the vision, the victorious saints are and are the children of God. We have standing on a sea of glass mingled with been handed the opportunity to serve fire. The fire indicates their struggle the Lord and, in fact, divinely ordained against the beasts (Rev 14:9; 15:2), and to work for God. Our service to God, the suffering they underwent. Despite however, is not to be isolated from our their ordeals, the saints managed everyday lives. To serve God acceptably, to find their way to come before the as we have seen from the examples in throne. They could only do so because the Bible, is to redirect our entire lives of two elements. First, they kept their towards God: to serve Him with all our robes white and pure. Keeping our hearts, in obedience, fear, and truth. robes clean is the only way to draw We serve Him with humility, even to closer to God, and it is by cleansing the point of suffering shame and loss, through trials that we experience God’s knowing that God has to be placed abiding presence. God is interested in before everything else in our service. the spiritual wellbeing of His chosen And we serve with a heart of purity, more than anything else. And it is only a heart that is not shaken or stirred through purging trials that He ensures in tribulation or temptation, but that we are spiritually healthy (Isa 4). desires to stand before God on that great day.
The second element is victory. Aside The Book of Revelation indicates that from overcoming sins, John conveys the the end-time true church has been trust and endurance that the tribulation divinely ordained to fulfill the final saints had to have. The victory that phase of God’s plan, during the most the saints obtained is a victory over challenging time period. John reveals deception. In the Gospel of Matthew, that, for our service to be ultimately Jesus describes how deception will be accepted, we must stand before God’s ever on the increase, so much so that throne. The greatest struggle we face is it will become profoundly difficult to the work of the beast against the church, identify. If we are to stand before God’s as he does his best to obscure the right throne, then our top priority must be way of salvation. Only the servants of to hold to the truth in the face of great God shall be sealed by the Holy Spirit, deception. on account of their faithfulness towards the gospel of salvation (Rev 7:3; Eph 1:13). In our service to God, then, we ought to These victorious saints shall always remember where our focus lies. It is not serve before the throne of God (Rev about escaping and finding the quickest 7:15; 22:3–4). Let us all therefore carry way out of our trials and difficulties, out our duties with enthusiasm and an but maintaining our purity and appropriate conduct in the assurance righteousness before God. Moreover, in that, by doing so, God will accept our the face of growing deception, we have service. to remain faithful in our service and to stand firm and not be swayed.
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Theme
Adapted from a sermon by Barnabas Chong Knowledge Singapore of the Son of God
n his letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges God’s elect to “all come to Jesus rose from the dead by the power of the Ithe unity of the faith and of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, this is the same power that knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the will raise us up. If the same Holy Spirit dwells in us stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph today, it means we, too, are bound for that final 4:13). What is the knowledge of the Son of God? How can we, as God’s elect, and glorious resurrection. mature into the stature of the fullness of Christ? Jesus, in order to gain and embrace our death, if by any means I may attain to To have the stature of Christ, we must eternal life? the resurrection from the dead. know Him and what He has done, and (Phil 3:10–11) continues to do, for us. As Jesus said in KNOW JESUS AS OUR SAVIOR Eternal life is resurrection from death His prayer, the gift He came to give was We must know and believe that Jesus and, in relation to our knowledge of eternal life, so that we may know the is our Savior and giver of redemptive Jesus, it is understood in two parts. only true God, and Jesus Christ whom grace. This is the fundamental tenet of He sent ( Jn 17:3). The concept of eternity our Christian faith. Beyond knowing is difficult enough to understand, let this fact, we need to accept it as a Power of Resurrection alone understanding what it means to promise. Paul writes: First, we need to know the power receive eternal life. Hence, the Gospel of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus did not of John links eternal life to knowing That I may know Him and the power of resurrect simply to impress future Jesus. But what is it specifically that His resurrection, and the fellowship of generations of Christians with His John is telling us we should know about His sufferings, being conformed to His supernatural abilities. We must seek to
10 Theme
understand what this power actually themselves to God know that He has the God has called us to swim against the means for us, as the elect of God today. power to strengthen them—as long as currents of the world, to stand defiant Paul elaborates: they wholeheartedly rely on Him. and rooted against society’s waves of conformity. We have been promised But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus Another piece of practical advice we persecution. But that is just one half from the dead dwells in you, He who should heed is when Jesus says, “Watch of the promise. Above all, we have also raised Christ from the dead will also give and pray, lest you enter into temptation. been promised a family and a faith to life to your mortal bodies through His The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh hold on to during these persecutions. Spirit who dwells in you. (Rom 8:11) is weak” (Mt 26:41). First, we need to Today, this family is the True Jesus watch, which means we have the intent Church. To know Jesus is to know of The resurrection of Jesus can been to overcome our weakness. Second, Him through the love, service and seen as a telescope and a mirror. It is a we need to pray—to rely on God. It is a ministry of the church—to be a living prophecy and reflection of the core and very simple, but effective, action. Many member of this great body. On one common Christian hope, that one day a time, we pray, but we are not vigilant hand, Jesus’ death was a tragedy, but on we will rise from our mortality, as Jesus in our thoughts and our actions. If the other, it was the greatest act of love did, and gain new life with God. This these do not align with the Bible, then since creation. verse also tells us that Jesus rose from our prayers will have little effect on our the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. weaknesses. Likewise, this is the same power that LIVE FOR CHRIST Our sinfulness has brought us to will raise us up. If the same Holy Spirit Fellowship of Christ’s Sufferings God’s church, in the hope of salvation. dwells in us today, it means we, too, Second, we need to know the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice keeps us here. And it are bound for that final and glorious through the fellowship of His sufferings. is our duty to know that God loves us, resurrection. Conversely, without the Christians suffer as all men do, but we and understand how His love manifests Holy Spirit in us, we will not receive suffer differently. We suffer with Jesus in our lives. Additionally, we must eternal life on the last day. This is a key Christ. This seems very different from share this indefatigable love with those reason why we emphasize that every the messages of peace and blessings around us. We must “all come to the believer must receive the Holy Spirit. that we hear. Not many will preach that unity of the faith and of the knowledge Moreover, once we believe in Christ, are we must have fellowship with Christ in of the Son of God” (Eph 4:13). baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit, we suffering, and, at the end, be conformed Today, we may simply thank God should constantly and carefully prepare to His death. It does not sit well with for loving us. How many of us have ourselves for that final day when we will us, and we start asking: Does it really considered: Why does God love me? Am rise again, as Christ did. Elder James need to be like that? The reality is that I worthy of His love? Paul even went tells us: Christians need to suffer as Christ suffered. Hence, whenever we undergo one step further: Since God loves me so Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil trials, persecution and sorrow, we need much, what should I do? and he will flee from you. Draw near to have this deeper understanding of For the love of Christ compels us, because to God and He will draw near to you. our fellowship with Christ. As Paul we judge thus: that if One died for all, Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and writes: then all died; and He died for all, that purify your hearts, you double-minded. those who live should live no longer for (Jas 4:7–8) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the themselves, but for Him who died for Submitting to God is both a momentous, ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man them and rose again. (2 Cor 5:14) life-changing occasion, and a lifelong will one die; yet perhaps for a good man Paul describes how the love of Christ journey that improves with practice. We someone would even dare to die. But God compels and motivates us all. These are should thoughtfully and sincerely begin demonstrates His own love toward us, in the indisputable truths we hold dear to in submission, and continue in the that while we were still sinners, Christ our hearts. What do they tell us? That same spirit. In order to put to death the died for us. Much more then, having now through the knowledge of the Son of deeds of the flesh, we must rely on God. been justified by His blood, we shall be God and His resurrection, we have no By submitting to God, we are submitting saved from wrath through Him. greater commission nor higher calling to all the teachings of the Holy Bible. (Rom 5:6–9) than to live for Him. We must no longer Take anger, for instance. It is one thing Have we ever pondered why Paul conform to the ways of the world. With to understand that anger is bad, but it is describes the love of God in this way? the power of the Holy Spirit, we need to another to accept that our anger is our Paul’s description demonstrates his resolve to put to death the deeds of our responsibility. We cannot lay the blame mature understanding; he does not body (Rom 8:13). In short, we should no on others and accuse them of inciting simply say, “God loves me.” Instead, he longer live for ourselves, but aspire to our wrath. If we do so, then we have invites us to think: Why would this Man live up to the greatness of the death and not submitted to God. Though weak die for us while we were still sinners? How resurrection that save us. Amen. and prone to sin, those who truly gives should we respond?
11 Theme
Simon Chin Perth, Australia Keep Yourself in the Love of God
ut you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy After accepting baptism and the saving grace of Bfaith, praying in the Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus, many of us lose sight of what a life keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus of faith means, and our zeal declines. We become Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 20–21) lax in fearing God, keeping His commandments, Our life of faith begins when we come to and submitting to Him as Ruler of our lives. know God and accept that Jesus Christ is our only Savior, by whose death and blood shed on the cross our sins are we rely on our own accomplishments, They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s forgiven. After repentance and baptism abilities, wealth, careers, status descendants, and have never been in in Jesus’ name, our life should transform and interpersonal relationships, to bondage to anyone. How can You say, from one of bad habits, sinful character live not by faith—as the Lord Jesus ‘You will be made free’?” (Jn 8:33) and carnal lusts to a life that is godly, recommends—but by sight. We may feel it is safe to relax and become more sober and righteous (Tit 2:11–13). They could not let go of their existing casual in our faith. But what are the status as God’s elect, and rejected Jesus’ However, after accepting baptism and dangers of a casual faith? teaching that they needed to abide in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, many of us lose sight of what a life of THE DANGER OF DEPARTING His word. Later, when Jesus proclaimed, faith means, and our zeal declines. We During Jesus’ ministry on earth, there “[B]efore Abraham was, I AM,” they even become lax in fearing God, keeping were some Jews who initially believed took up stones to throw at Him ( Jn 8:31– His commandments, and submitting in Him, but could not understand how 58). This shows that Jesus’ word had no to Him as Ruler of our lives. Instead, the truth would set them free: place in them ( Jn 8:37).
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Like these Jews, who believed at first but eventually sought to stone Jesus, There are believers in the church today who there are believers in the church deny our Lord. Although purchased with the blood today who deny our Lord. Although purchased with the blood of Christ, of Christ, they cut themselves off and depart from they cut themselves off and depart from the fold. the fold. They no longer fear God or submit to His sovereignty. This is a sad outcome, for the grace of justification Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I you may.” The eunuch answered, “I and sanctification unto eternal life is no am strong. (2 Cor 12:9b–10) believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of longer available to them: God” (Acts 8:37). He had searched the This was how Paul remained faithful, Scriptures and found Jesus; his faith For it is impossible for those who were submitting to God’s divine sovereignty, was established on the word of God. once enlightened, and have tasted the and keeping himself in the love of Such faith will endure. heavenly gift, and have become partakers Christ—the One who lived and died for of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the him (Gal 2:20). While we search the Scriptures, we need good word of God and the powers of the to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us with age to come, if they fall away, to renew A LIFE OF FAITH spiritual wisdom ( Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 2:13). them again to repentance, since they The Holy Spirit helps us to understand While undergoing trials and suffering crucify again for themselves the Son of the word of salvation and know Jesus could potentially make us depart from God, and put Him to an open shame. Christ, whom we have believed. The Christ, the reality is that we need to (Heb 6:4–6) mystery of God’s word, revealed by persevere even when life is going well. the Holy Spirit, grants us wisdom for How can we avoid this outcome and How can we maintain a life of faith that salvation through faith (2 Tim 3:15), and keep ourselves in God’s love? enables us to endure to the end and it is shown to those who search the receive the salvation of our souls? Scriptures and seek God with a pure TRIALS AND SUFFERING heart ( Jer 29:13). Those who find Christ Often, we are in danger of departing Seek and Know God through the Jesus shall know Him, and be motivated from God’s grace when we meet trials Scriptures by His love to live and die for Him (Rom and tests, and we struggle to trust in While the Ethiopian eunuch traveled 14:7–8). God. If we do not fear the Lord with a home from worshipping at the temple reverent heart, it will be difficult for us in Jerusalem, he was reading the Through the revelation of the Holy to accept trials or overcome suffering. prophecy of Isaiah (Acts 8:26–39). He Spirit, the apostle Paul learned the invited Philip to board his chariot and hidden wisdom of God—how Christ’s During his ministry, Paul suffered explain the passage: death on the cross redeems men from from a thorn in his flesh. It was only sin and grants salvation grace (1 Cor by submitting to God and remaining “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; 2:4–10). Knowing Christ deeply is how faithful that he was able to overcome And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, Paul remained steadfast when facing the pain that would stay with him for the So He opened not His mouth. trials: rest of his life. He prayed three times to In His humiliation His justice was taken God to remove the thorn, but the Lord away, For this reason I also suffer these things; told him, “My grace is sufficient for And who will declare His generation? nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I you, for My strength is made perfect in For His life is taken from the earth.” know whom I have believed and am weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). This led him to (Acts 8:32b–33) persuaded that He is able to keep what I declare: have committed to Him until that Day. Starting from this Scripture, Philip (2 Tim 1:12) Therefore most gladly I will rather boast preached Jesus to the Ethiopian in my infirmities, that the power of eunuch. As they rode on, they came Fear God and Keep His Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take across a natural spring and the eunuch Commandments pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in requested baptism. Philip replied, Fear God and keep His commandments, needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for “If you believe with all your heart, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, The reality is that we need to persevere even Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. (Eccl 12:13b–14) when life is going well. How can we maintain a life This was King Solomon’s conclusion of faith that enables us to endure to the end and in the Book of Ecclesiastes, written receive the salvation of our souls? after a lifelong quest for wisdom. Jesus
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may even entertain thoughts of repaying The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the word evil with evil. To harbor such hatred is akin to murder (1 Jn 3:15), and can lead of salvation and know Jesus Christ, whom we have them to practice unrighteousness. Such believed. The mystery of God’s word, revealed by the believers doubt that God will judge righteously, and defend their cause, Holy Spirit, grants us wisdom for salvation through and may even depart from the faith. faith. But for those who fear God, Elder Peter’s words are instructive: is the Judge, who will appear on the his brothers, so they would not perish For this is commendable, if because of last day with His angels to execute His in the famine (Gen 45:3–8). conscience toward God one endures grief, righteous judgment, and recompense suffering wrongfully. For what credit is each individual for what he has done. After their father, Jacob, died, the it if, when you are beaten for your faults, The righteous shall rise to everlasting brothers were afraid that Joseph would you take it patiently? But when you do life, and the wicked to everlasting take revenge for the evil they had done good and suffer, if you take it patiently, punishment. to him. But Joseph said: this is commendable before God. For to However, some believers forget this “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place this you were called, because Christ also and live as though they will not face of God? But as for you, you meant evil suffered for us, leaving us an example, judgment—they lack the fear of God against me; but God meant it for good, in that you should follow His steps. and go on to commit sins of sexual order to bring it about as it is this day, to (1 Pet 2:19–21) immorality and covetousness, yielding save many people alive. Now therefore, Furthermore, if we leave all judgment to the lust of their flesh and love of this do not be afraid; I will provide for you to the righteous and faithful God, we world. When this happens, they are and your little ones.” And he comforted would pursue good in all circumstances: unable to continue in the saving grace them and spoke kindly to them. of Christ Jesus; they have despised His (Gen 50:19–21) Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard divine mercy and submitted to sin, Joseph had the favor of God because for good things in the sight of all men. making them enemies of the cross. he feared Him and did not succumb to If it is possible, as much as depends on Joseph is a good example of one who vengeance and the desires of the flesh. you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, feared God throughout his life. In Egypt, He departed from evil (Prov 3:7). For do not avenge yourselves, but rather when his master’s wife attempted to believers who lack the fear of God, they give place to wrath; for it is written, seduce him, he rejected her advances, find themselves unable to forgive those “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says saying, “How then can I do this great who have wronged or spoken unkindly the Lord. Therefore wickedness, and sin against God?” to them. In some cases, the hurt can “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; (Gen 39:9b). Out of fear of the Lord, cause them to lose faith in Jesus. They If he is thirsty, give him a drink; Joseph fled from her, leaving behind his garment that was later used to falsely accuse him of impropriety. When he was imprisoned, Joseph found favor with the jailer and interpreted the dream of Pharaoh’s cupbearer. It was only after two years that the cupbearer remembered Joseph and recommended that he interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. This turn of events brought Joseph to the height of power within the Egyptian government, second only to Pharaoh himself.
Up until this point, Joseph had suffered many misfortunes, beginning with his brothers selling him as a slave to Egypt. Yet, he did not take revenge on his brothers when he was in the position to do so. His fear of the Lord remained. He knew that the Lord had sent him to Egypt to preserve life and a posterity for
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For in so doing you will heap coals of fire good fight, I have finished the race, I have on his head.” kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome me the crown of righteousness, which the evil with good. (Rom 12:17–21) Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also Honor God and Submit to His to all who have loved His appearing. Sovereignty (2 Tim 4:6–8) [T]here is one God, the Father, of whom When Agabus prophesied how chains are all things, and we for Him; and one and imprisonment awaited Paul in Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all Jerusalem, the brethren pleaded with things, and through whom we live.” Paul not to embark on his onward (1 Cor 8:6) journey. Paul replied:
Jesus, whom we serve with all our heart, “What do you mean by weeping and is the Lord of life. He is the way, the breaking my heart? For I am ready truth and the life ( Jn 14:6)—the God who not only to be bound, but also to die is Sovereign over all creation. at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13) If we are to be victorious, we must fear God and submit to His sovereignty. In This was Paul’s submissiveness to the Revelation, Elder John recounts his sovereignty of Jesus Christ, the Lord of vision of those who were victorious over his life. the beast. They were standing on the sea of glass mingled with fire, holding CONCLUSION harps and singing: If we do not submit to God’s sovereignty “Great and marvelous are Your works, over our lives, then we are probably Lord God Almighty! not living according to His divine will. Just and true are Your ways, Without submission, we cannot be O King of the saints! victorious. Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and To remain in the love of God and endure glorify Your name? until eternal life, we must seek Him, For You alone are holy, know Him through the Scriptures, fear For all nations shall come and worship Him and keep His commandments, and before You, submit to His sovereignty. Let us look to For Your judgments have been God’s grace and trust in His righteous manifested.” (Rev 15:3b–4) judgment, as we serve Him as the Lord These victorious saints had the peace of our life. If we do this, rest assured, of Christ Jesus ruling in their hearts, His grace will bear in us the fruit of having yielded to God’s sovereignty. salvation when the time comes.
Peter and Paul led lives of faith and submission, despite imprisonment and persecution during their ministry (Acts 12:4; 16:24–25). They endured hunger and thirst, and were misunderstood, falsely accused and reproached by fellow brethren (2 Cor 12:10). Eventually, they were martyred for the word of God. But they were victorious, and kept their faith till the end.
Knowing that his death was imminent, Paul submitted fully to God’s path for him, writing:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the
15 Theme
Jachin In Fear Singapore and Trembling
hen we reflect on the in the dead of night ( Job 4:14–15), an encounter with a demon. If we do not Christian message, we often experience which made him tremble belong to God, as in the case of King Wfocus on the mercy and love and shake. In the New Testament, the Saul after he departed from God’s grace, of God, but overlook the call to fear disciples twice reacted in a similar way the demon has the potential to harm or Him. Yet, throughout the Bible, we are when they caught sight of the Lord torment us. But, as children of God, reminded to fear and tremble before Jesus—once, when He was walking we have nothing to fear—if we remain the Lord. In this article, we will consider on the water at night (Mt 14:25–26), in the Lord and under His protection, why we need to fear God, and how to and again on meeting Him after He we cannot be brought under the devil’s manifest this attitude in our lives. resurrected (Lk 24:33–37). Both times, dominion. the disciples thought they had seen a ghost. But should we be afraid of It is clear, then, that God’s children have WHO OR WHAT DO WE FEAR? ghosts? little to fear. So why should we fear our It is part of the human condition that loving and merciful God? we are beset by a multitude of fears. The Bible indicates that there are only These range from the rational to the three types of spirits that a person will irrational. Some individuals are scared see or experience on earth: the Spirit We all know the story of Daniel, God’s of the smallest things, such as insects, of God, angels, and demons. Once a faithful servant who continued to which we have the power to control and person passes away, his spirit does not worship God despite the risk of death. destroy—surely, such fear is irrational. remain in the world, nor can it return. After God delivered Daniel from the Others are afraid of the unknown Any ghosts people claim to see are lions’ den, Darius—a Gentile king— things of the spiritual realm—of ghosts, nothing but the tricks of evil spirits. magnified the Lord and commanded in particular. In the Book of Job, Eliphaz his subjects to fear and tremble before claimed to have had an eerie encounter Most of us would be terrified by an the God of Daniel:
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I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear We rejoice in God because of His salvation. before the God of Daniel. But we need to fear Him as well, to ensure that For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; we conduct ourselves in such a way that does His kingdom is the one which shall not not anger our kind and forbearing God. be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, God is to be feared because He controls Ananias and Sapphira experienced the And He works signs and wonders the vast and tumultuous oceans with a swift and decisive judgment of God. In heaven and on earth, wall of sand, and they stay within the Perhaps Ananais and Sapphira, who Who has delivered Daniel from the power boundaries He has set. In contrast, were Jewish believers, had forgotten of the lions. (Dan 6:26–27) God’s people—the Israelites—refused that this God is the same God of to listen to their Creator. Indeed, they righteousness and judgment they If we had been in Daniel’s shoes, who were a stubborn and rebellious nation had feared in their recent past. Not would we fear? Most humans would who did not fear and tremble before surprisingly, after they died, fear and naturally fear the king who has the God. trembling came upon the church (Acts power to put a man to death, or the 5:11). Although the believers learned a ferocious lions that could effortlessly Are we like the Israelites? Or are we tough lesson, the positive outcome was rip a person to shreds. In the face of like the oceans, who acknowledge God’s that they saw God in a more holistic such danger, why did Daniel persist in sovereignty? Or Daniel, who feared God light. his daily habit of praying to God in his more than death itself? upper room, with the windows open The Psalmist of Psalm 2 sings about toward Jerusalem, in clear view of his rejoicing with trembling (Ps 2:11). How enemies? Surely it was because he WHY SHOULD WE FEAR GOD? do these two seemingly contradictory was not afraid of the king or the lions, God’s Righteousness emotional states coexist in our but he feared and trembled before the Sometimes we have a misconception, relationship with God? Of course, we Almighty God. or, rather, we do not know enough rejoice in God because of His salvation. about God. We focus solely on His But we need to fear Him as well, to “Do you not fear Me?” says the LORD. goodness and mercy and forget about ensure that we conduct ourselves in “Will you not tremble at My presence, His righteousness. We assume that He such a way that does not anger our kind Who have placed the sand as the bound will overlook any sins we commit, and and forbearing God. of the sea, so neglect to fully follow His will. By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? In Psalm 2, we learn that not only Work Out Our Salvation And though its waves toss to and fro, the Israelites rebelled against God’s In Philippians 2:12, Paul exhorts us to Yet they cannot prevail; command—the nations and the kings “work out [our] own salvation with fear Though they roar, yet they cannot pass of the world were also averse to and trembling.” And yet, many writers over it.” (Jer 5:22) having God rule over them and placing in the wider Christian community restrictions on their lives. But could conveniently ignore this teaching, Here, God asks the Israelites, “Do you they really escape from the living God? choosing instead to emphasize not fear Me? Will you not tremble at My God’s mercy. They believe that once presence?” After all, He is the One who Now therefore, be wise, O kings; a person is saved, he can never lose created the heavens and the earth, and Be instructed, you judges of the earth. this entitlement. To them, fear is an has the power to set the boundary of the Serve the LORD with fear, emotion incompatible with the gospel seas. These words echo those He spoke And rejoice with trembling. and salvation. However, Paul is clear: to Job: Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, salvation is a journey—one that needs to And you perish in the way, be embarked upon and continued with “Or who shut in the sea with doors, When His wrath is kindled but a little. a lifelong attitude of fear and trembling. When it burst forth and issued from the Blessed are all those who put their trust womb; in Him. (Ps 2:10–12) There are also Christians who quote When I made the clouds its garment, Elder John’s words: “There is no fear And thick darkness its swaddling band; It is true that God is slow to anger, in love; but perfect love casts out fear, When I fixed My limit for it, but to say that He will never be angry because fear involves torment” (1 Jn 4: And set bars and doors; is untrue. Sometimes we behave like 18a). So is John contradicting Paul? Let When I said, children, pushing the boundaries of our us read carefully what John wrote: ‘This far you may come, but no farther, forbearing Father until His goodwill And here your proud waves must stop!’ ” and patience expire. We see such an Love has been perfected among us in this: (Job 38:8–11) outcome in the Book of Acts, when that we may have boldness in the day of
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judgment; because as He is, so are we in of God at the hands of the Babylonians. When a person serves God, especially this world. There is no fear in love; but God describes how every man will grip if he is eloquent, there is a danger that perfect love casts out fear, because fear his loins like a woman in labor, faces pale others will focus their attention and involves torment. But he who fears has with fear. The effect of God’s judgment admiration on the worker rather than not been made perfect in love. day in the end time will be like this, if on God. Alert to such a risk, Paul took (1 Jn 4:17–18) we have not been perfected in love. Will care to undertake his ministry with the we stand before God with confidence right attitude, making sure that God John explains that this type of fear arises or with trepidation? It all depends on would be given all the honor and glory. when we are not perfected in love and whether we fear and tremble before Do we fear and tremble when we preach are, therefore, unprepared for the day Him on our faith journey, as we work the gospel? of judgment. As the writer of Hebrews out our salvation. points out, all we can do in such a In Showing Hospitality to God’s situation would be to wait for that day HOW CAN WE MANIFEST OUR Workers with a fearful expectation (Heb 10:27). FEAR AND TREMBLING? And his affections are greater for you as This type of fear is different from the Aside from the exhortation to work out he remembers the obedience of you all, one that Paul refers to in Philippians. our salvation with fear and trembling, how with fear and trembling you received The fear Paul speaks of is godly fear, a Paul mentions other areas of our faith him. (2 Cor 7:15) positive force that motivates us to work and life where we need this attitude. on our salvation and to perfect our love. Here, Paul writes of how the Corinthians When we do this, we will not have the received Titus with fear and trembling. In the Ministry of Evangelism trepidation that John describes. So what They understood that they were not And I, brethren, when I came to you, did does godly fear look like? It is similar to merely receiving a friend, but a servant not come with excellence of speech or of being a conscientious student, who not and ambassador of Jesus Christ (Mt wisdom declaring to you the testimony only studies hard, but also constantly 10:40; Jn 13:20). reviews his progress to see if there are of God. For I determined not to know any areas he needs to improve upon anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with In Submission to Our Employer before the exam. If we know that we Bondservants, be obedient to those you in weakness, in fear, and in much will stand before the judgment seat of who are your masters according to trembling. And my speech and my God one day, would we not constantly the flesh, with fear and trembling, in preaching were not with persuasive review the state of our faith and ask for sincerity of heart, as to Christ. (Eph 6:5) God’s help to become perfect and more words of human wisdom, but in like Him (Mt 5:48)? demonstration of the Spirit and of Employers come in all shapes and power, that your faith should not be in sizes: some are good and fair; others, For thus says the LORD: the wisdom of men but in the power of harsh and unreasonable. Paul reminds “We have heard a voice of trembling, God. (1 Cor 2:1–5) all workers to serve and obey their Of fear, and not of peace. superiors with fear and trembling. We We often associate preaching the gospel Ask now, and see, may question why we should do this, with attributes such as confidence and Whether a man is ever in labor with child? and Paul’s answer is that the One we authority. But here, Paul says that when So why do I see every man with his hands serve is not the person we see before us, he was preaching to the Corinthians, on his loins but rather Jesus Christ. Knowing this, he did so with fear and trembling. Like a woman in labor, we should do our work with sincerity It indicates that he was aware of And all faces turned pale? and with fear and trembling. Alas! For that day is great, his inadequacy. However, when he ministered with such humility, God So that none is like it; CONCLUSION And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, worked through him with great power. As a Christian, our life should have But he shall be saved out of it.” More importantly, it meant that the God at its center: from our personal (Jer 30:5–7) Corinthians could see that the message Paul delivered was divine, and they salvation, to preaching the gospel, Here, the prophet Jeremiah warns the were able to place their faith in God and receiving a worker of God, and being Israelites of the impending judgment not on Paul. a good employee in the workplace. Daniel and Paul knew how to conduct their lives with fear and trembling for the glory of God. Are we able to do the If we know that we will stand before the same? judgment seat of God one day, would we not constantly review the state of our faith and ask for God’s help to become perfect and more like Him?
18 BIBLE STUDY SECTION
KC Tsai Parables of the Heavenly Kingdom (Part 3): Toronto, Canada The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Editor’s note: The seven parables in Matthew THE MUSTARD SEED “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a 13 have an important significance: they enable After delivering the parable of the tares, grain of wheat falls into the ground and men to find the true church through knowledge the Lord Jesus immediately spoke the dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it of the kingdom of God. In the first parable, parable of the mustard seed. He said: produces much grain.” (Jn 12:24) the parable of the sower, seeds are widely sown but only those that fall on good soil will “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard He came to His own, and His own did become deeply rooted, grow, flourish and bear seed, which a man took and sowed in his not receive Him. But as many as received fruit. Everyone has an equal chance to find field, which indeed is the least of all the Him, to them He gave the right to become the heavenly kingdom. However, only a truly seeds; but when it is grown it is greater children of God, to those who believe in receptive heart will understand the gospel, than the herbs and becomes a tree, so His name. (Jn 1:11–12) come to the true church and continually walk that the birds of the air come and nest in in God’s word. In the second parable, the its branches.” (Mt 13:31–32) Jesus had come in the flesh to preach parable of the tares, tares are sown among the words of the kingdom of heaven the good seed. Although troublesome, the tares Birth: The Gospel Seed is Sowed to the world, humbly commencing will ultimately be weeded out and destroyed. Jesus used the mustard seed as an the gospel work. Although His people, The devil attempts to disrupt the true church analogue for smallness (Mt 17:20). In the Jews, rejected and crucified Him, through false brethren. This is a trial of faith. this context, the parable of the mustard when He is lifted up from the earth, True believers should not lose heart but trust seed highlights the “small” or modest He will draw all peoples to Himself God to eradicate these sons of the wicked one. beginnings of the kingdom of heaven. ( Jn 12:32). He was one humble grain, This mustard seed was sown by a man but His death, burial, resurrection and This instalment continues with the third in his field. This man refers to the Lord ascension produced much grain. In parable. Jesus, who began the gospel work in the fact, after Jesus ascended to heaven, the house of Israel. Holy Spirit descended to establish the
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church on earth. His Spirit guided the chains. His epistles transcend time and When the apostles were still alive, apostles to preach the words of life and space to edify those who read them. their defense and exhortation helped be His witnesses, not only in Jerusalem to keep at bay the heresies creeping and in all Judea, but also in Samaria and Infiltration: Distortions of the Truth into the church. But new challenges to the end of the earth (Acts 1:6–11). When the mustard seed has grown and arose. One of these was persecution. becomes a tree, the birds (plural) of the The Romans had previously maintained Growth: Spirit’s Abidance air come and nest in its branches. Three a neutral policy towards the faiths of and Satan’s Attacks points are noteworthy: the nations within their empire, but Although it is the least of all the seeds, this changed because of the Jewish the mustard seed grows into a tree, 1. Becomes a tree revolt in 66 C.E. The Roman authorities became more alert to uprisings within greater than the herbs. This prophecy In the land of Palestine, mustard can different ethnic communities. In of growth was fulfilled during the grow to approximately ten feet (about contrast to the enclosed culture of apostolic times. With the presence of three meters) in height. However, it Judaism, Christianity was preached to the Holy Spirit, the church was full remains a bush. If the small mustard all peoples, and its doctrines opposed of spiritual wisdom and power. She seed has grown to become a great tree, the polytheism and pagan practices expanded outwardly, in accordance with branches so large that birds can common throughout the Roman to the instruction and prophecy of the build nests therein (Mk 4:32; Lk 13:19), Empire. Not only were Christians Lord Jesus prior to His ascension (Acts it means that this particular plant perceived as a political threat, many 1:8). has changed its essential nature. God also hated them, making them the ideal created all things according to its kind When the church carries out the gospel scapegoats when the people needed to (Gen 1:12). Herbs and trees may grow work diligently, the devil will just as be appeased. In the period between 60– but should remain as they are, nature diligently seek to attack and destroy. 300 C.E., around ten Roman emperors unchanged. The Lord is not willing for any to perish, persecuted Christians. From Nero but the devil is not willing for any to (54–68 C.E.) to Diocletian (284–305 C.E.), be saved. Thus, the devil perpetually 2. Birds of the air Christians were subject to varying strives to mislead and confuse man Birds may prefigure or represent forms and degrees of persecution. regarding the truth. For instance, when different things in different parables (cf. Barnabas and Paul went to preach in Prov 1:17; Mt 6:26). However the parables However, many believers remained Salamis, Cyprus, Elymas—a sorcerer in Matthew chapter 13 all pertain to undeterred and continued to and false prophet—tried to hinder the mysteries of heaven and are thus evangelize. As a result, even some their work so that the proconsul would related. Therefore, as the Lord Jesus pagans were moved to believe. One of not believe in the truth. Paul, filled Himself explained in the parable of the these was Constantine I, or Constantine with the Holy Spirit, saw through this sower, “birds” in these parables refer to the Great (306–337 C.E.), the first Roman work of the devil. Elymas was rebuked the wicked one, i.e., Satan (Mk 4:15) or emperor to convert to Christianity. and became temporarily blind. The the devil (Lk 8:12). His conversion was a turning point. proconsul believed when he saw what In 313 C.E., the edict of Milan provided had been done (Acts 13:4–12). On 3. Nest in its branches Christians with limited freedom within another occasion, when the gospel was The tree grown from the mustard seed the empire. In 315 C.E., various anti- preached from Asia Minor to Europe, has become the dwelling place of the Christian practices and regulations a spirit of divination tried to cause wicked one, Satan. were abolished, and in 325 C.E. an edict trouble through a servant girl. So Paul was issued, advising all people within cast out the devil in the name of Jesus PARABLE FULFILLED IN the empire to convert to Christianity. Christ (Acts 16:16–24). CHURCH HISTORY For Christians, this was hope amidst darkness.1 Jesus had already sounded the warning Holy Spirit Departs from the Church through the parable of the tares: The fulfillment of the prophecy that While Constantine’s conversion growing pains are inevitable. The “birds of the air” will nest in the had removed persecution, the new devil will relentlessly undermine the branches (Mt 13:32) and under the challenge of secularization emerged. true church’s gospel work. But the shade (Mk 4:32) of the mustard tree, The emperor convened the first church can triumph by relying on whose nature has changed, was seen Ecumenical Council in 325 C.E. in the sending and guidance of the Holy after the apostolic period. Infiltrated Nicaea. Among the key achievements Spirit. The apostolic church is proof by worldly customs and heresies, the of this council were consensus on the of this. Despite the devil-instigated church was no longer able to uphold Christological issue of God the Son slander and hindrance from the Jews the pure doctrine. Satan could nest and His relationship to God the Father, and Gentiles, the gospel prevailed. within the church. During this period, and the adoption of the Nicene Creed, The church grew continually amidst the secularized church grew in terms of the first uniform Christian doctrine. persecutions and difficulties. Paul even size, but she no longer had the abidance 1 Lin Dayi, Research on the New Testament Background preached the gospel truth to Rome in of the Holy Spirit or belonged to God. (Taichung: Palm Press, 1990), 316.
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making the church a nest for the devil.3 Truth is revealed only through God’s By then, because the Holy Spirit had departed from the church, the church inspiration, not artificially constructed and leaders argued endlessly over their driven by man’s desire to unite church and own theological ideas, based on their own thoughts and opinions. As for the state, or different denominations. believers, many of them became lost in their faith because they were unable to receive genuine spiritual food: they The creed became the basis on which facts, or is susceptible to manipulation. were taught to kneel before images, to subsequent Christian denominations World history is rife with examples worship angels, Mary and the relics of defined their statements of belief on of the latter. The tolerance that the deceased. As a result, the church the Godhead and canons of doctrinal Constantine I had towards Christians departed further and further from the orthodoxy.2 These efforts resulted from stemmed mainly from political strategy. Bible. Constantine’s earnest desire to unify He wanted to make use of Christianity the church and the nation. However, at to restore the corrupt hearts of the A church that has lost the truth is like a that point, he was still not baptized! Not people, and to unite the various races herb that has grown into a tree—it has only did he attend the council as a non- within his jurisdiction. As such, his changed in type and in essence. believer, he even chaired the entire decision to embrace the church led, meeting. This was not a trivial issue. ironically, to her eventual corruption. The True Church Must Remain Alert The resolutions of the council would The Lord Jesus prayed to the heavenly In 321 C.E., Constantine I allowed the subsequently become the standard Father: of general church belief, and breach church in Rome the right to accept of these beliefs would be deemed bequests. At first glance, this opened “Sanctify [My disciples] by Your truth. heretical. Evidently, the Nicene Creed up a great channel of wealth for the Your word is truth. As You sent Me into had a significant negative impact on church—a blessing indeed. However, the world, I also have sent them into later church development. church history shows that this move the world. And for their sakes I sanctify diverted the focus of the church Myself, that they also may be sanctified ministry away from pastoral care and Several implications from Constantine’s by the truth.” (Jn 17:17–19) evangelism, towards money generation, effort to unify the church and the power and status, resulting in people The apostolic church was established nation serve as important reminders fighting for wealth and power within the through a miraculous downpour of for the true church today. First, only church. Constantine stipulated the first God’s Spirit. But with the demise of the God, and God alone, is the source day of the week as a day of rest for all apostles, heresies infiltrated, the truth of truth ( Jn 8:40). God’s word is the people except farmers. Taking Sunday was lost, and the church was no longer truth ( Jn 17:17), and is bestowed upon as a day of rest gradually replaced the sanctified by the truth. The church those whom He has selected through rest and worship of Sabbath. became an organization as secular as the Holy Spirit ( Jn 17:6–8, 14–19; 1 Cor any other, subject to the same political 2:10–13). Truth is revealed only through In 380 C.E., Theodosius I (347–395 C.E.) intrigues, personality-led decision- God’s inspiration, not artificially made Christianity the national making and the introduction of constructed and driven by man’s desire religion. When everyone claimed (or celebrations and festivals to please the to unite church and state, or different was compelled) to be a Christian, the masses. This is the period of church denominations. Otherwise, “truth” will church started to become a worldly development described in the parable just be the compromised articulation organization filled with people with of the mustard seed. Although there of the pre-existing, and flawed, beliefs no genuine faith. Although the entire was significant growth in the number that we are seeking to integrate. nation converted to Christianity, many of churches and believers, it was no of them were unwilling converts, and longer the church that the Holy Spirit Second, the truth should not be many races were unwilling to forsake established during the apostolic era— ascertained by a resolution passed by the their old traditions and practices the church which had the truth. majority, without reaching a consensus of worship, such as Saturnalia—the or common understanding. Biblical worship ceremony of the solar deity. The true church is the pillar and ground examples remind us that the majority of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). At all times, decision can often be erroneous (Num Worse, the political ideologies and and through all time, she must firmly 13:31–33; Lk 23:23), especially if the structure of the Roman Empire were uphold the truth. general population does not have deep brought into the church. This resulted in the essence of the church being 3 Lin Dayi, Research on the New Testament Background experience and knowledge of biblical (Taichung: Palm Press, 1990), 308–317. exegesis, is not in full possession of the changed, turning it—eventually and inevitably—into a political organization. 2 “First Council of Nicaea,” Wikipedia, accessed April The papal system emerged, resulting in 1, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_ of_Nicaea. further corruption of the church, and
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EXHORTATION
Jachin Singapore Set Your Mind on Things Above
ommon sense has told generations of guileless Be alive on earth and dead in your sins, CChristians that being too heavenly-minded means you will never or be alive in the heavenly places and dead be useful on earth. But this simplistic to your sins. This is a clear-cut choice, and admonishment neglects to take into account the millions of lives that have definitely not an easy one. come and gone since the beginning— lives of the most worldly of people who, despite pursuing success, wealth, minded is to set our mind on things But if we want to be a true Christian and honor, and all varieties of pleasure, are above. He urges us to bury our earthly please God, we must ask ourselves: what burdened by regret and resentment. hopes with the fleshly body of sin. In occupies us, and what place do we hope place of these mortal hopes, we will to one day occupy? Our mind is where Perhaps we need to reconsider what the gain better ones from God Himself— our hopes are, so we need to carefully Bible says about heavenly-mindedness. hopes that are spiritual and eternal. consider what to set our mind on. We know it is good, but what is it exactly? And how do we achieve it? The Christian calling insists that the RENOUNCING SIN things of heaven and earth be mutually How do we set our mind on things EARTHLY VERSUS HEAVENLY exclusive; we can have heaven or earth, above? As mature adults with real- HOPES but not both. The choice, then, is this: world responsibilities, we rarely give Set your mind on things above, not on be alive on earth and dead in your sins, ourselves the time to consider this. things on the earth. (Col 3:2) or be alive in the heavenly places and However, in times of uncertainty, dead to your sins. This is a clear-cut referring to the Bible should always be Here, Paul tells us that to be heavenly- choice, and definitely not an easy one. our first resort.
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Paul writes: This shedding of our old behaviors is not “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, easy, not by any means, but it is necessary. uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and To this end, God has given us His word, covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Col 3:5) the Bible, as a mirror, and His Spirit as a This verse tells us that a person who sets his hope on things above begins to do so Counselor. They both guide us step-by-step in by putting to death his members on the our pursuit of perfection. earth. What are these? Paul describes various types of sexual impurity. Our sexual behavior most tellingly reveals to do such things because we think deepening our understanding of His the state of our relationship with God. we will not be caught, or because the nature. Knowledge of God, as any If we can learn to sever ourselves from punishment is not all that bad, is to long-time Christian will tell you, is our strongest desires and give ourselves think as a child—and we must grow up. not just knowledge. It is knowledge fully to God, who asks for our finite self that changes you, that forces you to do in return for nothing less than infinity, When God tells us to lead our lives in a something about the way things are. It then we will be holy and pleasing to certain way, He wants us to understand is not idle knowledge. If we choose to Him. and remember the all-important fact accept the challenge and blessing of that we are different. And we are. We transformation, we must continually Desire applies more broadly to other must be. Priests, the elect, the chosen— be renewed in knowledge and allow aspects of our lives as well. Desire and we are all these and more; we are ourselves to become more Christ-like. hope are not bad things but, misplaced, special, called out and loved. If we seek can lead us to destruction. If we do not the anonymity of the world, we scorn When Christ who is our life appears, then stand our ground in our faith or guard our privilege. God knows our names, you also will appear with Him in glory. our desires and hopes with the same and this is a great blessing—should we (Col 3:4) possessive jealousy and love with which spend the rest of our lives trying to This is the ultimate aim of a Christian God guards us, then we will bring about make Him forget us? life—the goal toward which we are all our own end. God wants us to put off the old man. now marching together. Therefore, let It is also important to remember that Paul says that when we come into God’s us set our minds, hopes and desires on putting to death our members on the grace, we should naturally change. Paul things above. Let us make our way to earth is not a one-time affair. Rather, it likens this process to changing a set that heavenly place, one day at a time, is a process, in which we must remain of clothes: you put off the old set—the until we come to the promised rest with ever-vigilant. old man with his deeds—and then put our God who loved us and showed us on a new set—the new man according the way. PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN to God’s image. This shedding of our old behaviors is not easy, not by any Paul describes a second step in setting means, but it is necessary. To this end, our minds on things above: God has given us His word, the Bible, as But now you yourselves are to put off all a mirror, and His Spirit as a Counselor. these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, They both guide us step-by-step in our filthy language out of your mouth. Do pursuit of perfection. not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF put on the new man who is renewed in GOD knowledge according to the image of Him Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly who created him. (Col 3:8–10) in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and We must put on the new man by knowing spiritual songs, singing with grace in and emulating Christ. It is admittedly your hearts to the Lord. (Col 3:16) very tempting to dismiss our “minor” sins as negligible and unimportant in In everything Jesus did, He manifested the larger scheme of things. We cannot the image of God. If we are to put on imagine ourselves suffering serious this same image, we must come to spiritual consequences simply because know Jesus better, through His word. we lose our temper or use profanities. The word of Christ can transform us It may be so. But to permit ourselves if we keep it in our hearts, constantly
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The Lord Delivers His Servants
Editor’s note: When the apostle Paul implored God to remove the thorn from his flesh, God Lemuel Leong replied “My grace is sufficient for you, for My Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). The Lord does not promise that our service to Him would be without suffering and difficulties, but He does promise to be with us— God’s Marvelous Healings that, if we rely on Him, He will give us help and grace in our time of need. Servants of God who pray for healing may not receive a miraculous, aving been born into a True I could not control the muscles on the on-the-spot healing. But, without fail, God’s Jesus Church family, I have right side of my body and, at times, I grace is sufficient, and He strengthens faith. Hreceived abundant grace from would suffer from cramps and spasms Here are the testimonies of two ordained God all my life. Here, I would like to in my right arm and leg. I would drop workers who have experienced such amazing testify of two occasions when I received my utensils during mealtimes, or knock grace from God. God’s marvelous healing. I cherish over food or drinks, and my right leg these experiences for life and, by dragged so much when I walked that sharing them with a heart of gratitude, I my shoes would quickly wear out from hope to give all glory to God. the friction.
TESTIMONY 1 My parents consulted a highly respected doctor in my hometown of Tawau, Finding Faith through Illness Doctor Matthew Chen, who once headed In 1982, as an eleven-year-old school the central hospital in Tawau. Despite student, I contracted a strange illness. three months of treatment under him,
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my condition did not improve and there was no diagnosis. I then went to the I decided to accept and live with my ill- central hospital for further treatment. health as a mark of grace. I stopped seeking However, even specialist doctors could not diagnose my condition; I was a cure. Instead of praying for healing, I relied admitted to hospital for eight days of on God’s mercy. Indeed, the Lord covered me observation. with His strength. During my hospital stay, I would wake up every morning unable to control my hands. If I woke with my palm open, I was praying in the back row at the time. mercy. Indeed, the Lord covered me would not be able to close it; if I woke with His strength, which was made with a closed fist, I would be unable God had released me from the woe of perfect in my weakness. My illness was to unfurl it. My mother would have a persistent illness, and now He had not an obstacle in my full-time ministry, to massage my hand for three to five called me to take up His commission. and I was even able to climb to the top minutes before it returned to normal. This was confirmation of the path God of Mount Kinabalu—the tallest peak in When I was first admitted to hospital, wanted me to take in my life. A year South East Asia. This goes to show that my father had decided to fast and pray later, on January 8, 1995, I responded the Lord’s grace is sufficient for me—in for five days. But when he saw the lack of to God’s call and entered the first fact, it was more than sufficient (2 Cor progress, he became more resolved to theological training program run by 12:9)! rely on the Lord. He vowed that, if God the Sabah General Assembly. Three years later, Brother Huang also took the were to heal me, he would let me serve Unexpected Grace and Healing the Lord when I grow up. Miraculously, entrance exam to join the second intake The year 2017 was the centennial of God’s amazing intervention came on of theological students, and was later the True Jesus Church’s founding. I the fifth day, when my condition rapidly ordained as Preacher Boaz. was serving in the evangelistic and improved. I was able to hold a pen to pastoral department of the Sabah write, and move around as normal. On Lingering Health Problems General Assembly at the time, and the eighth day, I was discharged from Despite God’s healing, I still suffered we were responsible for organizing hospital. from lingering side effects, this time emerging on the left side of my body. and promoting five major outdoor evangelism events across the state. Called By the Holy Spirit Whenever I was too tired, I would feel weak and numb from my cheek down This meant many choir and orchestra During my formative years, my mother to my leg; and my fingers would quiver, rehearsals, plus a series of intensive would constantly remind me that God affecting my fine-motor skills. These conferences to prepare for these had sustained my life, and that I should did not impact my day-to-day life, but it events. All this was on top of our usual share this grace. One day, when I was gradually became a burden, physically ministerial responsibilities: regional twenty-three, I joined the 5.30 a.m. and mentally, much to my shame and pastoral affairs, theological seminary morning prayer at the church in Tawau. misery. I spent a lot of money seeking matters, overseas ministries, and other As I prayed, I was suddenly filled treatment from doctors trained in important duties. This was perhaps the with the Holy Spirit and my heart was Western medicine as well as traditional most challenging year of my twenty- greatly moved. In my mind, I heard the Chinese medicine. I also adjusted my two-year service as a preacher. Holy Spirit say, “Jump out! Jump out!” diet and daily routines. On top of these, Immediately, my body felt weightless, I prayed persistently and earnestly. But In order to support the heavy workload, like a leaf carried by the wind, and I all to no avail. the evangelistic committee members steadily moved from where I had been fasted and prayed every Sabbath, praying—on the left side of the seventh Eventually, I decided to accept and live earnestly asking for the Lord’s guidance row—to the front of the pulpit. After with my ill-health as a mark of grace. and spiritual strength. As these events this, the Holy Spirit said, “Bring Huang I stopped seeking a cure. Instead of approached, true to God’s faithfulness Gang-qian with you.” Brother Huang praying for healing, I relied on God’s and mercy, He did not disappoint. We were able to resolve every difficulty, and each event was well attended, so that God’s name was lifted high and I was suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit glorified. and my heart was greatly moved. In my On August 19, 2017, after one of mind, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Jump these evangelism events, it suddenly out! Jump out!” Immediately, my body felt occurred to me that the left side of my body felt fine and that my fingers no weightless, like a leaf carried by the wind. longer trembled. The Lord had healed
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However, my ear did not fully recover, He quietly healed my fragile body so that I even after I had completed the course of medication. would have the stamina to serve Him. I felt so undeserving of such immense grace. Slow Road to Recovery My dormitory in the theological seminary faced a busy and noisy me from the ill-health that had plagued That night, when my father-in-law, street, but because my hearing was still me for thirty-five years! The gracious Deacon Thomas, learned of my ear muffled I was able to enjoy good quality Lord was compassionate and merciful infection, he specifically made the trip sleep at night. Funnily enough, my ear towards me, even though I had not from the mountains of Tinuhan to come infection meant I was well-rested and asked for it. He quietly healed my fragile and lay hands and pray for me. After could concentrate on my work better. body so that I would have the stamina to the prayer, he gave me these solemn serve Him. I felt so undeserving of such instructions: “Go ahead with your On September 7, I could faintly hear immense grace. God indeed fulfilled the trip to Indonesia; you will get better the sounds of the busy street and promise He gave His servants: gradually until your ear fully recovers.” motorcycle engines when I covered my I truly admired his faith, and was greatly right ear. The ringing in my left ear was “So you shall serve the LORD your God, touched that my ninety-two-year-old still there, but I estimated that I had and He will bless your bread and your father-in-law would travel such a great recovered about twenty percent of my water. And I will take sickness away from distance—twenty-five kilometers from hearing. the midst of you.” (Ex 23:25) Tinuhuan to my home—to show his love and concern for me. It is indeed a On the evening of September 11, I TESTIMONY 2 rare grace for a preacher to receive the received a call from a Taiwanese Stricken by Partial Deafness laying of hands. brother, and we talked for about twenty On August 30, 2018, as I drove home minutes. A few minutes into the call, I Actually, I had been struggling within to Tuaran after a general assembly suddenly realized that I was holding myself about whether to delay or cancel meeting, I suddenly lost hearing in my my mobile phone to my left ear—and the Indonesia trip. But, encouraged by left ear. I felt an intense nerve pressure I could hear every word! I could not my father-in-law, I decided to take the in my head, particularly my forehead, suppress my emotion, crying out, leap of faith and proceed with it. After and all I could hear was a sharp metallic “Thank God!” My left ear was more than all, the God I serve is the merciful, sound. I was due to fly to Indonesia ninety percent recovered. Almighty God. three days later, and I could not help but worry that my ear problem would My work in Indonesia ended on worsen due to the changing air pressure A Stress-Free Trip September 25. Before I departed, I on the five-and-a-half-hour flight. On the morning of September 3, I flew used my earphones to test my left ear— to Kota Semarang, Indonesia. Thanks indeed, the ringing had disappeared The following Friday and Sabbath, I to the prayers of my family and the and my hearing had fully recovered. I was assigned to speak three sermons. church members, I felt no pain from recalled my father-in-law’s words, and As I spoke, I was unable to hear the the pressure in my ear. Following this gratitude filled my heart. interpreter properly, and I became flight, I spent another hour on the road increasingly anxious over the accuracy to reach my destination, Salatiga, in After this experience, I could now relate of the interpretation. After I finished central Java. Under God’s protection, to and empathize with those who have delivering the Sabbath morning the entire journey was free of further hearing impairment. I am resolved to sermon at the church in Kolombong, issues. listen to God more attentively, to praise Deaconness Mary Wong enquired about Him through hymns all the days of my my condition. When she realized how As my father-in-law predicted, my ear life, and to proclaim God’s amazing bad it was, she took me to a nearby clinic. infection gradually improved and the work. May all thanksgiving, praises and It turned out that I had an ear infection, sharp sound faded during my stay at glory be given to our Lord Savior and even though I felt no pain. The doctor the theological seminary in Salatiga. true God, Jesus Christ. Amen! injected oxygen into both ears to reduce the pressure, but it did not improve as expected. So he prescribed three different types of medication, including I am resolved to listen to God more antibiotics. During the closing prayer of the Sabbath afternoon service, I prayed attentively, to praise Him through hymns earnestly for God’s help. Indeed, after all the days of my life, and to proclaim God’s the prayer I distinctly felt God’s comfort and peace in my heart. amazing work.
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the Sabbath worship at church, having Helen Choi been invited by my husband. It was after Edinburgh, UK the service that she spoke of an incident that had happened after my husband’s operation. While she was doing a ward round on night duty, she had shone a Saved from the Brink of Death torch onto my husband and discovered that his lips and nails had turned blue. She immediately called the doctors, who took emergency measures to save him. allelujah, in the name of our had contracted malaria—the first case My husband had suffered an adverse Lord Jesus Christ, I testify to of its kind in Edinburgh. reaction to the general anesthetic. the Lord’s abundant grace H The parasites had affected him severely, and mercy—of how He delivered my Once again, God had saved my husband damaging almost every internal organ husband, Elder Simon Hsu, from the from a life-threatening situation. This and causing kidney failure, which brink of death. time, it was through the mouth of a meant he needed emergency dialysis stranger that we learned of the Lord’s Be anxious for nothing, but in (the scar from the shunt on his wrist is deliverance, for even my husband had everything by prayer and supplication, still visible today). We were only allowed not been aware of his brush with death. with thanksgiving, let your requests be to communicate with him through a made known to God; and the peace of glass barrier. The love of God is truly marvelous. We God, which surpasses all understanding, could never repay His kindness. May When the church members learned of will guard your hearts and minds God continue to accept our service and his condition, they prayed earnestly for through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6–7) guide our path ahead. All glory be unto him. Most members owned and worked His holy name! There were two occasions when the in Chinese takeaway businesses, so they would gather at church after work, Lord stretched out His hand to save my FINAL NOTE FROM ELDER HSU husband. around midnight, to pray and beseech God to have mercy on my husband. Twice the Lord has delivered me from death’s door. His grace is truly Thank God, I was able to devote myself to immense! HEALED FROM MALARIA caring for him with a God-given peace. In 1980, when my husband was serving as With complete trust towards the Lord, “In whose hand is the life of every living a preacher, he was sent on a missionary I prayed, “Oh Lord, he is Your servant. thing, trip to Lagos, the capital of Nigeria I am sure You will take care of him, as And the breath of all mankind?” at the time. He traveled with Deacon he contracted malaria whilst preaching (Job 12:10) Meishi Tsai from the USA. Unlike today, Your word. But even if You decide to where preachers are given information receive him into Your heavenly home, Whatever your hand finds to do, and training on how to prepare for such I will not contend with You, as I know do it with your might; for there is no trips, my husband and Deacon Tsai that You will surely provide for me and work or device or knowledge or wisdom knew very little about practicalities my two boys. Let Your will be done.” in the grave where you are going. such as taking anti-malarial tablets. (Eccl 9:10) They set off submissively, full of faith With the earnest prayers of the and fervency to serve the Lord. brethren, God showed us mercy and For none of us lives to himself, and no grace. My husband gradually made a one dies to himself. For if we live, we live A week after my husband’s return from full recovery. As it transpired, Deacon to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Nigeria, he started to have heavy flu- Tsai had also contracted malaria Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, like symptoms. He consulted our GP and suffered liver damage. The Lord we are the Lord’s. (Rom 14:7–8) (general practitioner), who assured likewise showed mercy on him, and he him that it was nothing serious. too made a full recovery. However, after delivering a sermon during a spiritual convocation, he POST-SURGERY COMPLICATIONS went to his room and found a note The second occasion where God saved from the GP saying he needed to go to my husband was three years later, the hospital immediately. We followed in 1983. After undergoing a minor this instruction and my husband was operation under general anesthetic, he admitted to the local hospital. That stayed in hospital for a few days before night, he became delirious and was being discharged. urgently transferred to the Royal Infirmary, the best-equipped hospital A few weeks later, one of the nurses in Edinburgh. Doctors confirmed he who had cared for my husband joined
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The Power of Zealous Prayers in the African Ministry (Part 2)
Editor’s note: For some believers, volunteering for pioneering missionary trips to overseas territories Jonathon Ho requires a level of spiritual cultivation and servitude not reached by many—this seems like a task Elgin, UK for the ordained ministers and most gifted workers of the church. However, if we are committed to spreading the truth throughout the world, we must correct this misconception so that more will rise up Date of Trip: to labor in these faraway fields. November to December 2015 Country Visited: Kenya The Africa Ministry Committee (AMC), under the administration of the General Assembly ofthe United Kingdom (UKGA), has made many in-roads in this respect over the past couple of decades. n the name of the Lord Jesus, I By setting up an AMC Volunteer Team (AMC VT) and conducting annual training seminars, the testify. I thank God for giving me AMC has equipped many young volunteers to participate in the evangelistic, pastoral and religious I the opportunity to help with the education work in Africa. This has also raised awareness of the work being done, and enabled more National Student Spiritual Convocation believers to envision themselves participating in this ministry. The AMC has established a good model (NSSC) in Kenya, in 2015. Because I have for other missionary committees to emulate. been so blessed, I owe it to the Lord to share my experiences and testify of His In issue 85, we published the testimonies of three AMC volunteers, who shared on the power of prayer power and love for His children around and God’s grace in their ministry on the African continent. Here, we share a further two testimonies the world. that reveal how, despite all difficulties, God accomplishes the work and, at the same time, refines His workers. These are the lessons they learned. I had never envisioned myself participating in the African ministry. Africa seemed too far away, too hot, and completely out of my comfort zone. I could think of many reasons not to go. But, having heard many testimonies
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from other African ministry volunteers, I also wanted to experience God’s power It is evident that God is present within in its most raw and tangible form. So I decided to volunteer. In Africa, you are our church, even when we are visiting our away from home comforts and worldly brethren in far-flung countries. The power of distractions. When these are not around you, your spirituality and reliance on prayer is the same in your own country as it God are heightened. You depend on is in any African country. Him more and your eyes are opened to witness His presence. Throughout my time there, I experienced His guidance, took her into another room to pray. helps in times of pain. I am grateful to especially with my health, which was Picture the setting: we were out in the God for granting me the opportunity not good at that time. I had heard about countryside with dozens of students; to personally witness this. He is all- the effects of malaria and dehydration, it was extremely dark at night and we powerful and so loving to His children. and also about the rural places we only had paraffin lamps to light the He forgives, heals and comforts when would visit, far away from healthcare church. Hearing the powerful prayers they call on His name. facilities. So I had to put all my trust of the workers, mingled with the child’s in God, believing He would protect me weeping, was unsettling at first. Thank God for my experiences in Kenya. from serious harm. I thank God for allowing me to remain relatively healthy However, we witnessed the power Deal bountifully with Your servant, throughout my trip. of God; this child repented and was That I may live and keep Your word. healed. The following day, she was at Open my eyes, that I may see peace and very attentive in the lessons. As well as this, I would like to share Wondrous things from Your law.” The drastic change in behavior really three incidents in which I witnessed (Ps 119:17–18) opened my eyes to the power of God God’s power. and prayer. THE INJURED CHILD THE CHILD YET TO RECEIVE THE The first incident happened at our HOLY SPIRIT church in rural Simerro, when a The last incident I would like to testify Rachel Chan young girl, a church member, ran into about is the one that made the greatest Sunderland, UK another child whilst they were playing. impact on me. One student had yet to The child, who had not yet been receive the Holy Spirit. During every Date of Trip: baptized, was badly injured and had prayer session, he went to the front of the September to October 2016 trouble breathing. We suspected that hall to receive the laying of hands, and Country Visited: Kenya she might have broken a rib, but the he never lost heart. One by one, every nearest hospital was many hours away other student received the Holy Spirit, ome may think that the secret to by car. We were all very concerned; the but he did not. So, for the last prayer a smooth and successful Africa teachers and workers of God prayed of the convocation, we all gathered Sministry trip is to be adaptable earnestly for her, but to no avail. We around this brother and prayed for and prepared; with this approach, contemplated calling an ambulance, him. During the prayer, I could hear the a volunteer would avoid any major but instead we persevered and prayed sound of praying in tongues. The noise problems. But the truth is, without more. Thank God, the next day, the was overwhelming—it felt like a wave prayer, we would not be able to child was unrecognizable from the crashing down on me. It got to the point accomplish anything. Just as the Holy night before—she was playful, running that I opened my eyes to see what was Spirit empowered and directed the around, and full of life. She had fully happening. Everyone was praying so disciples in the time of Acts, He also recovered! earnestly for this brother. Tears were works through His servants today. shed and voices became hoarse. Thank THE DEMON-POSSESSED CHILD God, this brother received the Holy During my first trip to Kenya, I The second incident involved a twelve- Spirit during this prayer. experienced firsthand that we can only year-old girl, a truth-seeker. She had serve by the grace, power and will of been acting strangely throughout The main message I want to share God, not by our own strength or ability. the NSSC. During one prayer, she through these three testimonies is the I soon came to understand that “no broke down in tears and, afterwards, power of prayer. It is evident that God prayer means no work,” which became admitted her sins and wrongdoings. is present within our church, even my theme for the trip. I can confidently We were shocked by what she had when we are visiting our brethren say that if we had not had an hour-long done, and we soon learned she was in far-flung countries. The power of prayer every morning and evening, the also demon-possessed. The preacher prayer is the same in your own country work would not have been as fruitful as and other workers immediately as it is in any African country. Prayer it was.
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GOD’S PRESENCE SHOWN IN PRAYERS AND HYMNS I experienced firsthand that we can only During the two-week workers’ seminar held at the church in Alendu, one of my serve by the grace, power and will of God, not duties was to teach hymns from the by our own strength or ability. I soon came to Hymns of Praise hymnbook. This was so that the participants could teach them understand that “no prayer means no work,” to their local church members upon which became my theme for the trip. their return home. During a testimony session, two participants testified of experiences they had in prayers during truth, teaching him this hymn to recruit and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, found the seminar, both involving these and encourage him to serve. herself singing a spiritual hymn. This hymns. hymn was O Think of the Home Over There.2 Brian’s Testimony Jacinta’s Testimony The second testimony is from Sister Brother Brian was the youngest member Jacinta, whom I can attest truly has At this juncture, I should add my own attending the workers’ seminar. He the heart to serve God. Not only did experience. During an earlier prayer was seventeen or eighteen at the time, she take time off from her work as session, I was praying over which hymns while most participants were religious a nurse to attend the seminar, she I should share with the members. At affairs officers aged between forty and also accompanied us on every home this point, the Holy Spirit inspired me seventy. Not only that, he had only visitation in her local area. However, 3 been baptized for two months. I was to sing three hymns: At the Cross, Send she was suffering from kidney failure 4 encouraged seeing someone so young the Light, and O Think of the Home Over and, lately, the pain had affected her dedicate his time and energy to travel There. As I sang, this medley of hymns commitment to prayer. such a long distance to learn about God. blended and repeated throughout the The seminar’s purpose was to equip the prayer. Although I wondered if I had One night during the seminar, she workers in servitude through in-depth truly received these hymns from God, had a dream. Although she did not Bible study—not an event to be attended or whether it was just my imagination, elaborate on the content, it made her casually—so I could see how zealous he I decided to teach them in the next question how much time she had left to was for God. hymnal session. serve God. The dream began to weigh When Brian arrived, he had not yet on her mind and she struggled with 2 By DeWitt Clinton Huntington (1830–1912). worry in her heart. During an evening 3 By Isaac Watts (1674–1748) and Ralph Erskine received the Holy Spirit. But during Hudson (1843–1902). the first morning prayer, God blessed prayer, she prayed about this matter 4 By Chas H Gabriel (1856–1932). him with the Holy Spirit and he began to sing To the Work1 repeatedly. He had never heard or sang this hymn before, but the words and melody came to him in that prayer. Without knowing this had happened, I decided to teach this very hymn to the seminar participants. When Brian heard it, he was shocked and overjoyed—God had already taught him this hymn in prayer!
This was not the only way God showed Brian His presence and grace. Brian shared how he had come to the seminar with many worries and problems, both physical and emotional. He was suffering from ill-health and backache, though on the surface you would not be able to tell, since he had such a happy demeanor. But by the grace of God, his problems were solved, one by one, over the course of the seminar. I believe God could see his genuine heart to seek the
1 By Fanny J Crosby (1820–1915).
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Jacinta was familiar with the first two hymns, but O Think of the Home was new to her. So later, when God answered her prayers with this hymn, she was deeply comforted and full of thanksgiving. The hymn encouraged her to set her sight on the Lord and our heavenly home. While we still have time and life in us, we should use it wisely to serve the Lord.
Not only this, but I was later informed by Jacinta’s niece that her aunt no longer needed to take medication for her kidney failure. Thank God, she had been healed!
Together, these testimonies reveal that God is true and His Spirit abides with the true church. God worked in the lives of three witnesses, and His name was glorified. God knows what is in our hearts, and He gives us reminders, strength, encouragement, direction and hope through His precious Holy Spirit. This is how He testifies to us that lives, but their faith is also simple and LASTING FAITH LESSONS we belong to Him. These experiences humble: trust in God in all things and are not just for the moment, but to give Some may have the impression that the us strength for a lifetime of service to He will be our salvation. They love to work in Africa always goes according God. pray, which is a powerful way to show to plan. The workers preach, many their love for God—to give thanks to His come to believe, demons are cast out, and great miracles are wrought. This is THE SIMPLE FAITH AND name and to pray for His will. true, and I have witnessed it myself. But SERVITUDE OF OUR BRETHREN Not only did I learn from the faith of during this trip to Kenya, God guided The members I met had such pure me to a great realization: the path of our African brethren, but also from and simple faith; their joy in the Lord servitude is not always straightforward; their servitude. They were very willing would overflow from their hearts and things do not always go according to to give, even out of their own poverty. be poured out into their actions. At the plan, but we must always press forward. workers’ seminar, after each morning They did not have much, but they gave prayer, we would go around to shake the best they had—their time, their It may seem that, in Africa, people each other’s hands, greeting one physical strength, their humility and simply believe and are baptized into the another in the name of Jesus and saying, their willing hearts. For example, they fold. But like everywhere else, problems “Praise God.” There was an elderly sister provided us with hot and cold water arise. Where God is working, the devil is named Bella who was a good example of every night so that we could wash with also trying to obstruct the work. People genuine joy in the Lord—every morning warm water. Bear in mind that without fall due to pride and temptation, and she would give me the biggest hug and kettles or boiler tanks, heating up vats some leave the church. Going to Africa, widest smile. Her enthusiasm was so of water was neither fast nor easy. I did not anticipate that I would witness contagious that we would stand there During our time in Alendu, the same this side of the ministry. happily praising God together. few sisters cooked for us—three meals I heard about situations where a day for two weeks. Those with access The members truly love God and are individuals had departed from God to conventional ovens, electric kitchen content with whatever He gives them. and, in doing so, decided to bring harm gadgets and supermarkets cannot In more developed countries, our faith to the church. It made me feel sad begin to imagine the labor involved in towards God may be conditional. It is and discouraged to hear such things, cooking without such conveniences. based on what we can see before us, and but I brushed these feelings aside the current state of our life—whether These sisters had to build fires and and distracted myself with the joys of it is peaceful, unsatisfied or full of work in the heat all day long just to cook spending time with our family in Christ. worries, for example—rather than an and wash up for us. I tried to help but, unwavering love for God. The African believe me, it was not easy. I sincerely However, God knows what is within our members may lead simple and humble thank God for their love and care. hearts. I noticed that, throughout the
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Through the Holy Spirit, He gave me the message to keep moving forward. No matter what happens in church, no matter who may depart from God, nothing that has happened or will happen can dilute or degrade the sacrifice given by our Lord Jesus. trip, I would often sing spiritual hymns I felt vulnerable, but at the same time, during prayer. But these experiences a feeling of relief and comfort flooded were different from previous ones: I me. At that moment, everything clicked. was moved to sing hymns from the I realized that, during my trip, I had hymnbook. This made me very self- suppressed these sad thoughts rather conscious, and I was unsure whether I than deal with them. But even if we try was being moved by the Holy Spirit, or to hide our deepest thoughts, the Spirit singing of my own accord. I would try of God knows what lies in our hearts: to suppress it by pausing and speaking “Hallelujah,” but it would instantly come Likewise the Spirit also helps in our flowing out even stronger. I would sing weaknesses. For we do not know what different hymns, sometimes blending we should pray for as we ought, but the one into another, or the melody would Spirit Himself makes intercession for us be slightly different. There were times with groanings which cannot be uttered. I would sing a hymn I was not very Now He who searches the hearts knows familiar with, and would have to search what the mind of the Spirit is, because for it in the hymnbook afterwards. He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Upon reflection, there was a running (Rom 8:26–27) theme between the hymns I was moved God had been encouraging me all to sing. Many were about the cross, the along, so I could continue to serve blood of Christ, and about the heavenly Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He kingdom and following God to the end. gave me the message to keep moving Even so, I could not understand why I forward. No matter what happens in was receiving these hymns and why it church, no matter who may depart was happening so often. I eventually from God, nothing that has happened came to a half-satisfying conclusion or will happen can dilute or degrade that it was because I felt weak. the sacrifice given by our Lord Jesus. He shed His blood and gave His life on Several months after the trip, I attended the cross—paying the price for our sins. the Africa Ministry Training Course Nor will anything tarnish God’s glory or (AMTC) 2017 in London. The participants impede God’s salvation plan. Therefore, who had already visited Africa were all we can and must do is follow Him till asked to share their experiences during we reach the heavenly kingdom. a scheduled sharing session. During the evening prayer, on the day before the sharing session, I prayed and asked God what I should share. I briefly thought back to my experiences of receiving hymns in prayer, but dismissed it fairly quickly. I thought, How could I share something that I still don’t really understand myself? On thinking this, I suddenly felt a strong feeling within that said, “It’s because you were discouraged.” These words pierced me;
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Aun Quek Chin Singapore Holy Work Series: Delivering Sermons
Editor’s note: Learning a new skill has never many ways to deliver a sermon as mere vessels for God’s word. We speak been easier—there are countless how-to-guides there are workers chosen to serve in not for ourselves, but to glorify God’s and online videos offering guidance on almost this ministry. Nevertheless, there are name. God does not need great sermon anything we may need for work or leisure, important principles sermon speakers speakers; He needs sermon speakers from the mundane to the esoteric. However, should follow. Most critically, we should who can speak of His greatness. when it comes to serving God, there is no guide do this holy work with the attitude God better than God’s inspiration—His word and wants us to have. Receiving and proclaiming God’s His Spirit. With God’s guidance, we need not message are crucial to our faith. Yet, worry, but entering any ministry new to us can THE CORRECT ATTITUDE there are many today who do not be daunting. In this new Holy Work Series, we esteem sermons, either as the speaker will look at various ministries, duties and roles Sent by God to Preach His Word or the listener. This is not surprising, within the church, and ask experienced workers As sermon speakers, we must as the apostle Paul warns us: “For to offer practical advice for carrying out these understand that we are being sent by the time will come when they will not works, as well as outlining, more importantly, God to preach. God desires all men to endure sound doctrine” (2 Tim 4:3a). As the spirit we should have. We hope these guides be saved, but He does not force them to sermon speakers, we may occasionally will benefit both beginner and experienced believe. Nor does He command angels find some congregants dozing off workers alike. to appear and preach, astounding men during our sermons. This should not into immediate obedience. Instead, God discourage us, but remind us to review sends His servants, so that whoever what factors could have contributed to hears and believes will be saved (Rom their lack of attention and engagement. t would be difficult to come up with 10:14–15). More importantly, we must resolve to a definitive method for preparing put in the utmost effort to speak every Iand delivering a sermon on the Beginning the sermon in the holy name sermon well. This is because we have pulpit. In fact, there are probably as of the Lord Jesus reminds us that we are been sent by the Lord to speak His word.
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verses that support our message. These As God’s messenger, we deliver His word are the small pleasures of sermon preparation—we experience how the to His people so that they can realize their Holy Spirit moves and guides us to sins and inadequacies, to repent and seek His understand and apply the truth. forgiveness. Like the prophets and apostles of From the start of the idea generating old, our responsibility is to explain the word process, to gathering information and organizing the message for the pulpit, of God, to lead man to come before Him. we must seek to have the Holy Spirit work with us.
If we do not esteem sermon speaking, when we speak sermons, we ought to ESSENTIAL ADVICE: BRING THE we will prepare and speak sermons work with and rely on the Holy Spirit RIGHT “PRICE” perfunctorily. Instead, we should give to understand and preach the word of Just as one pays a price for any quality our best and treasure each opportunity God. product, sermon preparation and we have to serve God in this ministry. delivery also demands a “PRICE.” Below The common anxieties that beset the are five essential tests a sermon speaker sermon speaker are many. A lack of Sermon Speaking is Holy should use to ensure his sermon is original ideas or access to information As God’s messenger, we deliver His valuable in God’s eyes. can throw off even the most word to His people so that they can experienced speaker. But these worries realize their sins and inadequacies, to are secondary. The first thing that Passion: Touch People’s Hearts repent and seek His forgiveness. Like should come to mind as we prepare to Luke records Jesus meeting two of His the prophets and apostles of old, our give a sermon is whether the Holy Spirit disciples on the road to Emmaus, after responsibility is to explain the word of is present with us throughout. His resurrection: as He spoke on the God, to lead man to come before Him. Scriptures, their hearts burned within When we are preparing our sermon them (Lk 24:32). Beyond eloquence, As a holy ministry that brings man script, there are times when we have what truly gets the message across is before God, sermon speaking must to stop because we run out of ideas or being able to touch the hearts of the be revered and taken seriously. Paul cannot understand certain things; this listeners. said he labored and strived to warn is when we should seek the Holy Spirit’s and teach every man in all wisdom, to inspiration. There are also times when Some speak eloquently, with well- present every man perfect in Christ we suddenly remember a relevant prepared scripts. While listeners may Jesus (Col 1:28). Our sermons should not Bible passage we can reference, or enjoy these sermons, their hearts are be an attempt to display our intellectual ability or showcase our scriptural knowledge. Importantly, we must appeal to the listeners’ hearts. This does not mean that we use rhetoric to appeal to sentiment or manipulate emotions. Instead, it is a reminder that our eloquence will not truly reach the hearts of God’s children if we do not first prepare our sermons knowing that God is the Author of all worthwhile wisdom. It is His word, not ours, that must be shared.
Working with the Holy Spirit Paul writes that he speaks not with words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches (1 Cor 2:4, 13). The Lord said that when the Spirit of truth comes, “He will guide you into all truth,” and “the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (Jn 16:13; 14:26). Therefore,
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not touched. Sermons that touch hearts an example to the believers in word, in using accessible words and examples. are those that carry the authority of conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in God’s word, and trigger a sense of awe purity. By continuing in these, we will When Paul repeatedly states that it is and fear toward God. Such sermons save both ourselves and those who hear not eloquence or wisdom that redeems make the listeners feel remorseful us (1 Tim 4:12, 16). A sermon speaker his message, he is not confessing before God and bring about repentance. was once asked how long it took him to ineptitude. Rather, he is reminding us They are filled with hope, making the prepare a sermon. “Fifty years,” came that the basics—relatable, simple ideas, listeners yearn for the better home in the reply. “Every teaching worth telling told in relatable, simple language—are heaven. is built on a lifetime of practice, and we all we need. Instead of copying and are also preparing to live out what we pasting everything we stumble across— Hence, a touching sermon is not about preach.” an increasingly tempting option with eloquence. Ultimately, it is about technology at our fingertips—we ought whether the sermon speaker works to slow down and digest the gospel to Interesting: Capture Attention with the Holy Spirit, and whether he the best of our abilities. This is a crucial puts his heart and soul into his sermon. During His earthly ministry, the Lord first step. Jesus’ words were well received by His hearers. Apart from sparking initial Relevance to Believers’ Lives interest with intriguing questions, the Clarity: Organize the Message A sermon is not just about expounding Lord often used characters, events Clearly biblical knowledge, it should also and parables to explain the truth. This In homiletics—the study and practice of help the members grow and renew allowed the audience to understand preaching sermons—good organization their faith. It ought to explain how easily, as well as sustaining their and clear sermon structure are this truth can be relevantly applied interest (Mk 12:35–36). indispensable. Some speakers do not in the listeners’ lives; to this end, a believe in organizing their sermons. sermon should have breadth and depth. We do not speak on topics that interest They are of the view that to structure a The message delivered by Moses in us only. Rather, we need to stir the sermon script based on man’s thoughts Deuteronomy was one that was relevant congregation’s interest so that we produces lifeless sermons; they are to the congregation’s lives, teaching can hold their attention. This does convinced that life-giving sermons are them to obey the word of God and, not mean that we have to tell jokes or only produced through the Holy Spirit’s thereby, gain God’s favor instead of recount entertaining stories. Instead, movement. They speak whatever incurring His wrath (Deut 32:46–47). the Lord’s example teaches us to comes to mind, claiming such to be explain the significance of the truth by the moving of the Holy Spirit. From the If a sermon only focuses on depth using familiar and relatable characters congregation’s perspective, this usually (deepening scriptural knowledge), it will and situations. This helps the listeners results in bits and pieces of scriptural be too highbrow for many congregants, understand and sustain their attention. exposition, stitched together in a and is of no relevance to their lives. haphazard manner, if at all. Believers feel that such sermons are To be able to do this, we must research, dry and dull. Hence, one has to apply read and gather information. When we Luke did not write the Gospel of Luke breadth—helping believers see the are not lacking in information, we can whenever he felt moved by the Holy relevance of these scriptural precepts make the content of our sermons rich Spirit, and stop writing when he did and concepts to their lives. Then, they and interesting. not. He carefully studied the words will be edified. he had heard from the beginning, and If we hear feedback that our sermons wrote them down in chronological Delivering sermons differs greatly from are too profound and hard for the order (Lk 1:1–4). During the writing giving speeches. Audiences applaud the congregants to understand, we are not process, he prayed for the guidance speaker if his speech is entertaining or being asked to stop speaking profound and moving of the Holy Spirit. If the interesting. They respond to his public sermons. Rather, we should spend more written word requires structure to rhetoric and have minimal expectations time explaining any complex concepts convey a coherent message, what more of his private life. But sermons deliver the word of God, so we have to live out the words we speak. While the congregants listen to our sermon delivered on the While the congregants listen to our pulpit, they will observe our behavior off the pulpit. If the sermons we sermon delivered on the pulpit, they will speak are unable to transform us, observe our behavior off the pulpit. If the how can we demand that the hearers be transformed? Therefore, Paul sermons we speak are unable to transform encouraged Timothy to give attention us, how can we demand that the hearers be to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. transformed? One ought to pursue improvement, be
37 MINISTRY
the spoken word, which is fleeting and the source of much misunderstanding has to be processed at a faster pace. and confusion, and can wreak as much Useful techniques like not digressing spiritual havoc as outright deception. from our central theme and signposting Therefore, we ought to be cautious our main points are ways that can help when we speak sermons. We should us communicate our message more practice correct exegesis (biblical clearly. We ought to list the main points interpretation), backed by scriptural rather than mix everything up in one evidence, rather than eisegesis (reading undefined chunk of information. our own ideas into Scripture). Do not, In addition, the main points should for the sake of novelty, deviate from the be logically organized: each section teachings of the Bible. And, finally, do should be coherent and flow smoothly not speak things which are pleasing to to the next section. Logical structure the congregation, in order to humor or and clarity will help the listeners stay flatter them (Gal 1:10). attentive and focused, able to follow and understand the sermon. A FAITHFUL PROPHET The opportunity to serve in the pulpit Explain: Expound the Bible ministry is a blessing from our Lord Rather than simply reciting Bible Jesus. We must approach this with the passages or mindlessly rehashing right mindset and heart. The pulpit well-worn clichés, sermon speakers is not a public platform for us to have to do their best to break down the showcase our eloquence and increase meaning of biblical passages, parables, our popularity with the congregation. and principles. When Philip asked the It is a holy ministry for us to help our Ethiopian eunuch if he understood brethren understand God’s will and what he was reading, the latter word, completely and correctly, so that answered, “How can I, unless someone we can all grow together as the body guides me?” So Philip explained the of Christ. Every opportunity to speak Bible to him (Acts 8:30–35). Sermon must thus be treasured, and every effort speakers are also sent to explain the be made to prepare ourselves for this Bible to the members, to help them work. Let us ask God to guide us in our better understand the word and, thus, ministry as faithful bearers of His word strengthen their faith. to His children.
Apollos had good understanding of the Scriptures, but he only knew the baptism of John. Therefore, Aquila and Priscilla made the effort to explain the word of God more clearly to him. Similarly, some members may only have partial understanding of the Bible. It is thus the speaker’s duty to thoroughly expound the word to them.
In Colossians 1:25, Paul says that he became a minister according to the stewardship from God, so he had to preach the complete word of God. When we explain the Bible, we must do so completely, accurately and correctly. Paul reminds us to rightly divide the word of God (2 Tim 2:15); while Peter warns us not to interpret the Scriptures based on our personal interpretation (2 Pet 1:20–21).
Explanations have to be complete and biblically accurate. Incomplete truths and misleading messages are
38 EVANGELISM
Mellisa Ho Sunter, Indonesia Inspired by Jesus: My Evangelistic Wedding
MY THOUGHTS, NOT GOD’S with strains of romantic arias in the be strange not to have one. My wedding THOUGHTS background—that was my dream is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I ost of us dream of one day wedding. Such a wedding was not going thought. It should be perfect! finding that one person we to be easy to achieve, but my then- Mlove—the one we will marry fiancé and I were willing to save up to What should I do? What does God really and live together with for the rest of make our dream a reality. want me to do? My thoughts were in our lives. That sense of anticipation It was a truth universally acknowledged: disarray—torn between having my culminates on the wedding day, which weddings had to be this way. Or so I dream wedding and the simple wedding is the start of a shared life together. It thought… that everyone around me espoused. I is no surprise that weddings are highly thought that I was not strong enough to esteemed, pompously celebrated, and In the months before my wedding, as let go of my dream wedding. However, planned to perfection. We even imagine my fiancé and I were chatting with as I look back and reflect, I realize the the smallest of details, perhaps paying other brothers and sisters about truth of this Bible verse: no attention to how much time or their wedding experiences, we were money it may cost. astonished to discover that several of “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, them had nothing more extravagant Nor are your ways My ways,” says the I was no different. A beautiful wedding than a simple church ceremony. A LORD. dress, a wedding venue lavishly preacher even suggested, “Maybe it is “For as the heavens are higher than the decorated with luxurious flowers not necessary to have a wedding feast.” and sparkling crystal chandeliers, an earth, extravagant wedding cake in the shape No feasting and no banquet? I had So are My ways higher than your ways, of a small white castle, hundreds of always thought that a banquet was an And My thoughts than your thoughts.” lavish and sumptuous banquet dishes, integral part of any wedding—it would (Isa 55:8–9)
The wedding of Brother Venus Hariono and Sister Mellisa Ho.
39 EVANGELISM
UNDERSTANDING FROM GOD These thoughts were running through Sometimes we have to take a step back and my mind as I attended several wedding banquets held by relatives and friends. reflect on our true intentions and the underlying Then, the most peculiar thing happened: desires that we are seeking to satisfy. my feelings began to change. Attending those banquets, I felt a deep sense of emptiness and lack of meaning. The suddenly came to mind. I recalled Fourthly, we prepared evangelistic more banquets I attended, the stronger a sister and her husband once told pamphlets, a ten basic beliefs flyer, and this feeling grew. me their dream wedding was an a pen as our wedding souvenirs. Last of “evangelistic wedding service.” This all, we recruited brothers and sisters It was confusing and unnerving. I was because, during a matrimonial as ushers, to accompany and preach asked myself, Why do I no longer feel the service, many family members and the gospel to our non-believing friends same joy and desire for my own dream friends willingly come to church, like and relatives during the post-ceremony wedding? I prayed and asked God what “fish happily swimming into the net.” lunch at church. We even went to the these feelings meant. It would be an excellent opportunity to extent of preparing seating plans and preach the gospel to them. This felt like providing background information on I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test a eureka moment, as if the Lord Jesus target guests. you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure”; were telling me that this is the type of but surely, this also was vanity. (Eccl 2:1) wedding He wanted me to have. Initially, we were really anxious because this evangelistic wedding concept was If then you were raised with Christ, seek Moreover, if we did not have a separate very different, and had never been those things which are above, where banquet in another venue after the done in our local church before. I was Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. wedding service, all of our guests would afraid to ask the church to help with Set your mind on things above, not on have to come to church. They can learn our plans, but God gave me the courage things on the earth. (Col 3:1–2) about and experience worshipping in to go ahead. By the grace of God, the God is truly miraculous. In the the True Jesus Church. As the Bible evangelistic team were very supportive midst of my confusion towards my says: and more than willing to assist with our change of heart, He gave me a clearer wedding plans. I thank God that He gave Preach the word! Be ready in season and understanding. I started to question me the strength to carry out His will for out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, myself: Why did I want a wedding feast? me. with all longsuffering and teaching. Was it because I wanted to be the “princess (2 Tim 4:2) My fiancé and I pressed on with our of the day,” the fairest of them all? All plans and, praise the Lord, the wedding eyes would be on me, as the center of My fiancé supported the idea, and we went smoothly! Afterwards, one of the attention, for all to admire. But if so, reorganized our plans so that we could non-believing guests shared with one where do I place my Lord Jesus? have an evangelistic wedding service. of the ushers that he was touched by I came to realize that, after being Throughout this whole process, it felt the ceremony and would be willing to baptized as God’s child, “I” am no like God was guiding us each step of the return to attend church service. longer the most important. We should way. The “evangelistic wedding” also edified always put God first whatever the the members, and many even started situation, even on our wedding day. We IMPLEMENTING OUR PLANS encouraging young couples to do should walk a God-centered life, “[f]or To start off, we had to explain the likewise. Rather than spending our [we] were bought at a price; therefore concept of an evangelistic wedding money to glorify ourselves, it would be [we ought to] glorify God in [our] body service to the officiating preacher and better if we use it to bring glory to our and in [our] spirit, which are God’s” the members who would be helping Lord Jesus Christ instead. Sometimes (1 Cor 6:20). This way, our life will not be to organize the big day. Firstly, we we have to take a step back and empty and full of vanity. requested that the sermon message reflect on our true intentions and the during the ceremony be changed to underlying desires that we are seeking emphasize how man needs Jesus and MY WEDDING, A CHANNEL FOR to satisfy. MY GOD the truth. Secondly, we requested that After a great struggle, God finally the choir presentation and hymns be Remember, we have all been bought at changed my heart, and I no longer themed on God’s love, and man’s need a price, and our lives are no longer ours wanted that girlish “dream wedding” for God. Thirdly, we invited a brother (1 Cor 6:19–20). In all that we do, we anymore. Instead, I wanted to do and a sister to share testimonies, under ought to give glory to God (1 Cor 10:31). something meaningful for God. the guise of “speeches from the friends May all the glory, honor and praise be of the bride and groom.” My fiancé unto Him. Amen. As I pondered on how to have a even prepared a testimony on how meaningful wedding, a thought God’s grace had led us to that moment.
40 Family
Aun Quek Chin What God Has Joined, Singapore Let No Man Separate (Part 2)
Editor’s note: The first of this three-part to such a state, we must clearly And your wife by covenant. series, published in issue 87, focused on understand and firmly uphold God’s But did He not make them one, understanding God’s will and His purpose in established principles for the marriage Having a remnant of the Spirit? instituting marriage. This second part looks covenant. And why one? at God’s principles for marriage and extends He seeks godly offspring. these principles to our relationship with Him. There are three key principles of Therefore take heed to your spirit, marriage that God’s children must And let none deal treacherously with the isagreements and difficulties believe and practice: wife of his youth. arise in every marriage. The “For the LORD God of Israel says Dworld offers solutions such as ONE HUSBAND, ONE WIFE That He hates divorce, marriage counseling and therapy to And this is the second thing you do: For it covers one’s garment with help couples get through their rough You cover the altar of the LORD with violence,” patches. Christians have the additional tears, Says the LORD of hosts. privilege of having an Almighty God who With weeping and crying; “Therefore take heed to your spirit, is always ready to see them through So He does not regard the offering That you do not deal treacherously.” these storms. Yet, we hear of Christians anymore, (Mal 2:13–16) who ultimately divorce; we see couples Nor receive it with goodwill from your in cold, loveless relationships—they hands. Monogamy is God’s intended marital remain together but can barely tolerate Yet you say, “For what reason?” arrangement for man. We can infer this each other. If we look at God’s original Because the LORD has been witness from various parts of the Scriptures. plan for marriage, we will see that such Between you and the wife of your youth, First, God created only one wife– situations are not what God intended. With whom you have dealt treacherously; Eve—for Adam. He could have created To prevent our marriage from declining Yet she is your companion multiple spouses to meet Adam’s need
41 FAMILY for companionship and help. But it was multiple partners is genuine. Such love us to give up on our marriage. In such His will to create just one woman for may be real, but it is certainly not pure. moments, we must remind ourselves the first man. From the beginning, the that while we enjoy the benefits and Creator has already indicated that He God’s love for man is pure love, and this pleasures of marriage, we must also be does not tolerate a third party within a is the type of love He expects in return. prepared to share and bear its burdens marriage. We thus have a responsibility Jesus reminds us that a person cannot and responsibilities. Demanding the to be faithful to our spouse. serve two masters. We may proclaim good times and fleeing the difficult the Lord with our lips, but if our heart is is indicative of our immaturity and Second, the prophet Malachi reiterates distant from Him, our love is deceitful irresponsibility. Worse, it shows we God’s expectation of monogamy (Mal and impure (Isa 29:13). In the same were lying when we said our vows. 2:15), declaring that adultery incurs way, God expects us to have a pure love God’s rejection. Malachi rebuked towards our spouse. Our marriage bed What is the significance of making our God’s people for having extramarital should never be defiled by a third party, vows before God? relationships. He warned them that as the physical relationship between God was fully sympathetic with the husband and wife is sanctified. We must God is faithful and unchanging. He is our wronged wives. Helpless to prevent ask God to help us maintain a pure love ultimate standard, a worthy witness to their husbands’ infidelity, the former towards our spouse. the covenant we make with our spouse. prayed and wept at the altar of God Hence, the marriage vow is sacred. In (Mal 2:13). Consequently, God rejected TILL DEATH DO US PART a wedding ceremony, the most solemn the offerings of their philandering Or do you not know, brethren (for I part is the making of the vows. The husbands. speak to those who know the law), that congregation is generally very attentive the law has dominion over a man as and excited to see the bride enter and Dealing treacherously with one’s long as he lives? For the woman who walk down the aisle. However, everyone spouse and divorce are abominations to has a husband is bound by the law should be even more attentive when God. Even as we obey God to worship to her husband as long as he lives. But the couple say their vows, because their Him in spirit and in truth, we must also if the husband dies, she is released from words form the basis of a covenant speak and act with sincerity toward the law of her husband. So then if, made before God. The words are also others. We would be hypocrites if we while her husband lives, she marries very useful as a reminder to those in the harbor hatred towards our spouse, have another man, she will be called an congregation, who are already married, romantic feelings for a third party, or adulteress; but if her husband dies, of whether they are truly continuing to indulge in an extramarital affair. Our she is free from that law, so that she is love their spouses in all circumstances. heavenly Father watches from heaven. no adulteress, though she has married Uttering these words insincerely Even though it seems we have deceived another man. (Rom 7:1–3) or unthinkingly is tantamount to others and there is nothing our spouses trivializing the wedding ceremony, or can do, God will mete out judgment. To God, marriage is for life. It is the most worse, committing perjury. serious and longest lasting covenant For I am jealous for you with godly that a person can make. Since it is a Set me as a seal upon your heart, jealousy. For I have betrothed you to promise made before God and man, it As a seal upon your arm; one husband, that I may present you as must be upheld, as the traditional vows For love is as strong as death, a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest state, “for better, for worse, for richer, Jealousy as cruel as the grave; somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve for poorer, in sickness and in health, Its flames are flames of fire, by his craftiness, so your minds may be until death do us part.” Unfortunately, A most vehement flame. corrupted from the simplicity that is in financial difficulties, long-term illness, Many waters cannot quench love, Christ. (2 Cor 11:2–3) incompatible personalities and myriad Nor can the floods drown it. other factors may drive a wedge between If a man would give for love God’s expectation of our marital fidelity the couple. Intense and sustained All the wealth of his house, is rooted in His expectations of our conflict in these situations may tempt It would be utterly despised. (Song 8:6–7) relationship with Him. Paul says we are betrothed to Christ, who will come for us one day. We must be faithful whilst waiting, meaning we must be God’s expectation of our marital fidelity is single-minded towards Jesus. Our rooted in His expectations of our relationship hearts should not stray, and we should remain chaste. Our declarations of with Him. Paul says we are betrothed to Christ, love for our spouse are hollow if we are also harboring affections for another who will come for us one day. We must be person. Proponents of polyamory like faithful whilst waiting, meaning we must be to claim that they have sufficient love single-minded towards Jesus. to share, and that their love for their
42 FAMILY
plan for human lives. God’s plan is perfect, as long as we abide by His principles for this holy union. When we start to go beyond His boundaries for marriage, problems arise. And as humans imagine more and more possibilities for how to define marriage, complications multiply in tandem. We can safeguard our marriages by upholding God’s principles, remembering that the quality of our relationships ultimately impact our relationship with God.
Of course, even when we adhere to God’s boundaries for marriage, dissatisfaction can still arise with time. In the concluding article, we will look at how to grow together with our spouse, and how to deal with conflicts within our marriage.
According to Solomon, love is as strong as For this reason God gave them up to death and its flames are unquenchable. vile passions. For even their women These verses underline the fact that the exchanged the natural use for what is flames of love transcend lustful desire against nature. Likewise also the men, or simple emotion. The flames of love leaving the natural use of the woman, are holy and are from God, which is why burned in their lust for one another, men they cannot be quenched. with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty Love sparked by our carnal desires for of their error which was due. sex, money or fame often end quickly. (Rom 1:26–27) Carnal desires will not last forever; the heat from these sputter out once they Our Omniscient God and Almighty are gratified. Flames of emotion are Creator would clearly have been aware good, but they are weak and unstable. if homosexuality were part of His Couples in a good mood tell each other intended design. But what we repeatedly “I love you” but when they are in a bad see in the Scriptures is a rejection of mood, they spit “I hate you!” at each this inclination. Those who indulge other. The flames of true love from God in these “vile passions” will receive are unchanging because this love is “the penalty of their error.” However, based on God’s love. in His love, God is not willing for any to perish. For those people inclined ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN towards homosexuality, the Holy Spirit can help them exercise self-control if The third principle underlying marriage they choose to heed God’s words, and is that God instituted this covenant submit to Him. In contrast, for those for a man and a woman. Today, some who choose to follow their passions and liberal countries have legalized same- fleshly desires, God will give them up sex marriage, and some Christian and let them do what they want. Both denominations conduct same-sex women and men who do so will receive wedding ceremonies. Many people God’s judgment. justify such developments on the basis that gay and lesbian individuals do not choose their sexuality; they are born CONCLUSION that way. But this is not what the Bible Our Almighty God instituted marriage at says. His creation, as part of His foundational
43 PENIEL
KC Tsai Toronto, Canada I Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love
he LORD has appeared of old to peoples, and have thus disappeared.1 “When your days are fulfilled and you me, saying: “Yes, I have loved They are known as the Ten Lost Tribes. rest with your fathers, I will set up your Tyou with an everlasting love; Judah was also later destroyed by seed after you, who will come from your Therefore, with lovingkindness I have Babylon in 586 B.C.E. Jerusalem’s walls body, and I will establish his kingdom. drawn you.” (Jer 31:3) were destroyed, the temple burned, He shall build a house for My name, and many of its inhabitants exiled to and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. … And your house God spoke these words, through the Babylon. Seventy years later, some and your kingdom shall be established prophet Jeremiah, to all the families captives returned to Jerusalem to forever before you. Your throne shall be of Israel ( Jer 31:1). But who were these rebuild the temple and, subsequently, established forever.” (2 Sam 7:12–13, 16) families of Israel? Who exactly are the another group returned to reconstruct recipients of God’s everlasting love? the city walls. But, primarily, they Regarding this everlasting kingdom, continued to be governed by foreign God later sent an angel to Mary, saying: Jeremiah was born in the southern powers until 1948, when the nation of “You will conceive in your womb and kingdom of Judah, after Assyria defeated Israel was re-established. However, this bring forth a Son, and shall call His name and destroyed the northern kingdom of present nation is a republic, governed JESUS. He will be great, and will be called Israel in 722 B.C.E. As part of the Assyrian by an elected president, prime minister the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God campaign, many Israelites were and parliament—far from the Davidic will give Him the throne of His father displaced to Assyria, and the Samarian kingdom that God promised to establish David. And He will reign over the house of cities were repopulated by people from forever. As God revealed to David, Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath and through the prophet Nathan: will be no end.” (Lk 1:31–33) Sepharvaim (2 Kgs 17:24). The ten tribes that formed the northern kingdom 1 “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, This is a kingdom established through accessed April 1, 2019, https://www.britannica.com/ were gradually assimilated by these topic/Ten-Lost-Tribes-of-Israel. Jesus’ blood, a new covenant offered to
44 PENIEL those who are willing to come to Him. God’s love transcends life and death, and Before God concluded the writings of the Old Testament (OT), He sent cannot be measured by whatever is happening to the prophet Malachi to His people. us in the immediate present. The Book of Malachi opens with what sounds like a conclusion of God’s long- suffering love for His chosen people: God loves us with an everlasting love. everlasting love, God has drawn us to However, our limited experience and Himself. Since we have not lived forever, “I have loved you,” says the LORD. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was knowledge make it difficult for us to how can we appreciate everlasting understand this love. Take the case love? In fact, God’s love transcends life not Esau Jacob’s brother?” Says the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved.” (Mal 1:2) of the kingdom of Judah. Although and death, and cannot be measured God said, also through Jeremiah, that by whatever is happening to us in the The physical descendants of Abraham His thoughts toward His people were immediate present, or by the success were given the covenant to be God’s thoughts of peace and not of evil, He of our secular pursuits in this physical elect. But at the close of the OT, when sent His servant Nebuchadnezzar, king life. His love for us lives on, even after God reminded them of His love, they of Babylon, to invade their cities and we die. appeared to be unaware of being loved. destroy the temple. This kind of peace God’s love may not be apparent at As Moses said to the chosen people, the is hard to comprehend. But He did so to certain points in time, but when we faithful God keeps His covenant and is give them a future and a hope ( Jer 29:11). look back at the path God has guided us merciful for a thousand generations, The people of Judah had been living in on, we will see His mercy and will for towards those who love Him and keep spiritual darkness, worshipping Baal us. For this, we cannot but give thanks, His commandments (Deut 7:9). But His and other false gods alongside offering every moment of our lives. rebellious children broke the covenant sacrifices in the temple of God ( Jer 7:8– which He established with their As we experience God’s love, we 11). So it was out of love that God took forefathers with their own hands. also learn to patiently love others. them to a different environment for Whatever the circumstances, if we love seventy years, to reflect on their past This is why the prophet Jeremiah persistently, it will eventually bear fruit, sins. While in exile, God’s children sat proclaimed that God was ready to make even if it is unappreciated by the other by the rivers of Babylon and wept when a new covenant: party at the time. they remembered Zion (Ps 137:1). They “Behold, the days are coming when I will yearned for the celebrative worship [W]e have had human fathers who make a new covenant with the house of back home, and their hearts were again corrected us, and we paid them respect. Israel and with the house of Judah—not drawn to God in this foreign land. True Shall we not much more readily be according to the covenant that I made to His promise, when God’s people in subjection to the Father of spirits with their fathers in the day that I took returned to Him, He returned to them. and live? For they indeed for a few them by the hand to lead them out of the Experiencing God’s love in this way, days chastened us as seemed best to land of Egypt, My covenant which they they realized that He had never been far them, but He for our profit, that we broke, though I was a husband to them, from them—a realization that brought may be partakers of His holiness. Now says the LORD.” (Jer 31:31–32) true peace. no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, This new covenant was inaugurated We can never fully appreciate what afterward it yields the peaceable fruit through Jesus’ blood, and offered to all everlasting love is, but we know that of righteousness to those who have been who are willing to come to Him. God has chosen us in Christ before the trained by it. (Heb 12:9–11) foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). He Therefore, when God tells the families has “called us with a holy calling, not We enjoy many blessings and joyful of Israel, “I have loved you with an according to our works, but according moments from God. However, even everlasting love,” He is speaking to the to His own purpose and grace which was within God’s love, we experience pain spiritual family that includes those given to us in Christ Jesus before time and stress as He purifies us. Certainly, within this new covenant—the kingdom began” (2 Tim 1:9). This is love beyond “all things work together for good to of Jesus. This is the spiritual church human comprehension—we were those who love God, to those who are the whose members were chosen by God chosen purely because, in His eternity, called according to His purpose” (Rom before the foundation of the world, yet He loves us. This is an unchanging and 8:28). Time, and our commitment to hidden in Himself until the apostolic everlasting love. Not even calamities, walk with God all our lives, will produce era, as revealed to the apostles and such as Judah’s seventy-year captivity, the peaceable fruit of righteousness. prophets through the Holy Spirit (Eph could cast doubt on the beauty of this 3:5–11). So, aside from the OT saints and And when we finally reach the end of love. the apostolic believers, these words of our life’s journey, we will surely see how everlasting love are also directed to us Our time on earth is brief, while He has loved us with an everlasting love! today. God’s love is everlasting. Through this
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aaliyah UK A Joyful Return
hen the LORD brought back the which were sung by the exiled Jews as people yearned for the land they had captivity of Zion, they “ascended” from Babylon to their left, for the God they had forsaken. WWe were like those who dream. homeland, Jerusalem, during the time Indeed, when the returning exiles sang Then our mouth was filled with laughter, of Ezra the Scribe. Seventy years before, of God’s mercy and deliverance, they And our tongue with singing. God had allowed the Babylonians to were poignantly described as being Then they said among the nations, capture Judah, as punishment for the “like those who dream.” God, in His “The ORDL has done great things for latter’s disobedience and idolatrous mercy, had brought them back from the them.” ways. Yet, during this period of exile, foreign land of Babylon to the promised The ORDL has done great things for us, God still kept His covenant with land. For any lost or wayward child of And we are glad. Abraham. At the appointed time, He God, the experience of returning to Bring back our captivity, O LORD, stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, King of God’s fold is akin to a dream. Today, we As the streams in the South. Persia, to allow the exiled Jews to return hear of numerous testimonies, going Those who sow in tears to the promised land. Later, as part of back many generations, of God’s grace Shall reap in joy. the Levites’ duties in the holy temple, and guidance in bringing back those He who continually goes forth weeping, they would also sing these psalms, who were once lost. Bearing seed for sowing, accompanied by instruments, as they Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, ascended the stairway to the inner In the UK, for example, the early Bringing his sheaves with him. court. believers who emigrated from the (Ps 126:1–6) island of Ap Chau in Hong Kong underwent such a spiritual journey. In GOD BROUGHT BACK WAVES OF the 1960s, the first batch of Ap Chau Psalm 126 is one of fifteen psalms CAPTIVES youths arrived in the UK. They settled in known as the “Songs of Ascents,” In the darkness of their captivity, God’s areas far from the existing fellowship of
The dedication of True Jesus Church in Newcastle, UK in 1976.
46 REFLECTION
True Jesus Church members, primarily composed of Malaysian students in We may have been entrapped by the and around London. The Ap Chau world, before eventually being brought back immigrants lived under the roofs of strangers, in unfamiliar territories, by the Lord. Therefore, we can testify to the without family or church support. They Lord’s abidance, and rejoice over His abundant lived like the people of the world. As a result, their faith spiralled downwards. mercy. However, we will also find ourselves Scattered throughout the UK, they were thinking of our brethren who are still lost in like lost sheep without a shepherd (Ezek 34:5–6). Although there were moments the world. of spiritual revival during fellowship gatherings, their faith became stagnant without the guidance of a shepherd. back our captivity, O LORD, as the gathers her brood under her wings, but streams in the South,” many of their you were not willing!” (Lk 19:41; 13:34b). As they ceased calling on the name fellow countrymen were still in captivity. of the Lord, these members entered Likewise, today, we want our loved ones ONLY GOD CAN DELIVER a period of spiritual darkness. to be set free from the world, to join us From the history of the Jews and of the Nonetheless, God did not forsake them. as we ascend into the inner court of our UK church, we know that only God can He sent His servants to encourage King. Some of these brethren may even deliver His people from captivity. When His people—in 1972, the International be our physical family members. Our we dwell upon the past forty-plus years Assembly started to send workers to hearts ache for their return. of church development in the UK, it is shepherd these members and help evident that “the LORD has done great establish regular services. By 1975, God For this reason, we “sow in tears” things for us.” Our hope and trust is that had brought the majority of the Ap in prayer and continually go “forth He will continue to do the same, today Chau population to the UK, pushing the weeping” each day, only to end each and tomorrow. The love and guidance number of members to seven hundred. day still weeping. It seems a strange of our Lord Jesus Christ are constant And through the continual labor of phenomenon, yet this is the result when and, as such, we should rely fully on the workers, several prayer houses you see your own still enslaved, despite Him who longs to gather us together. were established in the UK during repeated efforts to bring them back. this period. By God’s bountiful grace, At times, it seems as though the more As we rely on our Savior, we can in 1976, the first True Jesus Church in abundantly we love them, the less we continue to “sow in tears,” knowing the UK was dedicated to the Lord in are loved (2 Cor 12:15). Often, workers that we will eventually “reap in joy” Newcastle upon Tyne. of God experience the most rejection and “shall doubtless come again with when reaching out to lost sheep. It is rejoicing”—just like our forefathers. The When members recall these events, deeply painful when you pour your seeds that we sow are not only words some forty years later, they still clearly heart out to someone, only to be met of doctrine and life, but also deeds of remember the abundant grace of with indifference or rejection. This love. Seeds of love have the best chance God. Such stories of God’s love and was the pain the Old Testament (OT) of surviving in the harsh environment compassion toward our forefathers in prophets experienced as they “went of a heart in captivity. It was the love the midst of despair can seem like a in bitterness” to the captives (Ezek of the OT prophets, our early workers, dream, and we can indeed proclaim: 3:14). Perhaps our early UK workers and ultimately the love of God, which “The LORD has done great things for us, felt similarly, toiling to re-establish the brought back those in captivity. and we are glad.” faith of the members. Therefore, we have this assurance, that “God is not unjust to forget your work SOWING IN TEARS FOR THOSE The Bible shows us that, throughout the and labor of love which you have shown STILL CAPTIVE ages, our Lord has patiently waited for toward His name,” and we will no doubt Many of us have made this same His children to return to Him (2 Pet 3:9). “come again with rejoicing, bringing journey from captivity back to God. In Even in the beginning, when Adam and [our] sheaves with [us]” (Heb 6:10; Ps dark moments of our faith, we may have Eve were ensnared by temptation, God 126:6). been entrapped by the world, before called out, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9). Though the physical church has been eventually being brought back by the As each generation falls captive to the established, we must toil daily in the Lord. Therefore, we can testify to the world, we see the heartache of our God, arduous task of building up the spiritual Lord’s abidance, and rejoice over His who is “grieved” and “crushed by their church. May we continue to strive for abundant mercy. However, we will also adulterous heart which has departed this dream through relying on our Lord find ourselves thinking of our brethren from [Him]” (Gen 6:6; Ezek 6:9). When Jesus, sowing seeds of love as we ascend who are still lost in the world. Jesus was in the world, He lamented over Jerusalem: “How often I wanted to into the inner courtyard of our Lord When the returned Jews sang, “Bring gather your children together, as a hen and King. Amen.
47 Articles due Call for Articles August 1, 2019 Articles of Faith Issue #90: Family Altar
In Romans 16:5, Paul mentions the church in the house they learn to honor their parents and gradually take Jesus the True God Holy Bible of Priscilla and Aquila. In the early apostolic church, it responsibility for their own faith? Does this role change was common for believers to gather in their homes to as seasons pass and our relationship with our parents Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, died on The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New worship and break bread together. change? the cross for the redemption of sinners, resurrected Testaments, is inspired by God, the only scriptual Today, we need to return to the apostolic model, No matter what our family looks like, if we can establish on the third day, and ascended to heaven. He is the truth, and the standard for Christian living. bringing our faith into our family lives, and creating a a family altar and open our doors to brethren and only Savior of mankind, the Creator of the heavens church at home through regular family Bible reading non-believers alike, then we can truly stir up love and and earth, and the only true God. and prayer times. If we can establish God as the center good works, exhorting one another as we see the day and foundation of our home, then we can truly shine approaching (Heb 10:24–25). Baptism forth as lights, and ambassadors for Christ, in every area of our lives. Holy Spirit Water baptism is the sacrament for the remission How can we nurture a God-centered family and establish of sins for regeneration. The baptism must take a good spiritual environment for our children to grow Receving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in place in natural living water, such as a river, sea, up in? How can newlyweds start their lives together in tongues, is the guarantee of our inheritence of the or spring. The baptist, who already has received the right direction, building their service to God at the kingdom of heaven. baptisms of water and the Holy Spirit, conducts same time as building their career, in preparation for the the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. future? How can empty-nesters and retired couples pivot And the person receiving the baptism must be their lives when they no longer have the responsibility completely immersed in water with head bowed of raising their children, to find purpose and play a Footwashing and face down. positive role in the wider family and church community? And what role does a child play in their household, as The sacrament of footwashing enables one to have a part with the Lord Jesus. It also serves as a constant reminder that one should have love, holiness, humility, forgiveness, and service. Every Church person who has received water baptism must have Manna only accepts submissions written by True Jesus Church members. The True Jesus Church, established by our Lord General If you are planning to write an article (regardless of topic), please try to his/her feet washed in the name of Jesus Christ. adhere to one of the genres below. Mutual footwashing may be practiced whenever it Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit during the is appropriate. time of the “latter rain,” is the restored true church Writing Guidelines Christian Living of the apostolic time. A Christian Living article gives practical biblical guidance on real-life Content issues and how to use Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. Article length: 1500–2000 words. • Content should be biblically sound and adhere to biblical principles. • The article should be organized and have a logical flow of thought. Bible Study Holy Communion • The main point or teaching of the article should be clear to the reader. A Bible Study explores a passage or character from the Bible and draws Sabbath Day • Readers should be able to apply what they have read to their daily lives. out the teachings for readers to apply to their lives. The Holy Communion is the sacrament to • Do not plagiarize the work of other writers or institutions, published either in print Article length: 2500–3000 words. commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. or online. Any quotations, ideas, or concepts taken from other sources must be The Sabbath Day, the seventh day of the week It enables us to partake of the flesh and blood of properly referenced. Doctrinal Study (Saturday), is a holy day, blessed and sanctified by our Lord and to be in communion in Him so that we A Doctrinal Study examines an aspect of True Jesus Church beliefs and God. It is to be observed under the Lord’s grace Grammar/Style may present it in comparison to other beliefs. can have eternal life and be raised on the last day. • Use active instead of passive voice. for the commemoration of God’s creation and Article length: 2500–3000 words. This sacrament shall be held as often as possible. • Write concisely. salvation, and with the hope of eternal rest in the Exhortation Only one unleavened bread and grape juice shall • Use concrete words and ideas instead of abstract concepts. life to come. • Use “plain English” instead of obscure, academic language. An Exhortation encourages and admonishes the reader in different be used. • Use the NKJV version when quoting Bible verses. aspects of the Christian faith. • Use American spelling, if possible. in print or online. Article length: 2000–2500 words. Testimony A Testimony recounts an experience in the Lord that will encourage and Judgment Day SUBMISSION INFORMATION edify the reader. Salvation Article length: 1500–2000 words. The Lord’s Second Coming will take place on the Please email articles as Microsoft Word documents to [email protected] Creative Writing Salvation is given by the grace of God through faith. last day when He descends from heaven to judge Please direct any questions to [email protected] or Fax: +1-562-402-3190 Creative Writing pieces include poems, parables, or short stories that Believers must rely on the Holy Spirit to pursue the world: the rightous will receive eternal life, In your submission, please include your name, mailing address, email illustrate a biblical teaching or idea. Keep in mind as you’re writing: how holiness, to honor God, and to love humanity. while the wicked will be eternally condemned. address, and telephone number even if you wish to remain anonymous. will this edify the reader?
48 45 Articles of Faith
Jesus the True God Holy Bible
Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, died on The Holy Bible, consisting of the Old and New the cross for the redemption of sinners, resurrected Testaments, is inspired by God, the only scriptual on the third day, and ascended to heaven. He is the truth, and the standard for Christian living. only Savior of mankind, the Creator of the heavens and earth, and the only true God.
Baptism
Holy Spirit Water baptism is the sacrament for the remission of sins for regeneration. The baptism must take Receving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in place in natural living water, such as a river, sea, tongues, is the guarantee of our inheritence of the or spring. The baptist, who already has received kingdom of heaven. baptisms of water and the Holy Spirit, conducts the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And the person receiving the baptism must be completely immersed in water with head bowed Footwashing and face down.
The sacrament of footwashing enables one to have a part with the Lord Jesus. It also serves as a constant reminder that one should have love, holiness, humility, forgiveness, and service. Every Church person who has received water baptism must have his/her feet washed in the name of Jesus Christ. The True Jesus Church, established by our Lord Mutual footwashing may be practiced whenever it Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit during the is appropriate. time of the “latter rain,” is the restored true church of the apostolic time.
Holy Communion Sabbath Day The Holy Communion is the sacrament to commemorate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Sabbath Day, the seventh day of the week It enables us to partake of the flesh and blood of (Saturday), is a holy day, blessed and sanctified by our Lord and to be in communion in Him so that we God. It is to be observed under the Lord’s grace can have eternal life and be raised on the last day. for the commemoration of God’s creation and This sacrament shall be held as often as possible. salvation, and with the hope of eternal rest in the Only one unleavened bread and grape juice shall life to come. be used.
Judgment Day Salvation The Lord’s Second Coming will take place on the Salvation is given by the grace of God through faith. last day when He descends from heaven to judge Believers must rely on the Holy Spirit to pursue the world: the rightous will receive eternal life, holiness, to honor God, and to love humanity. while the wicked will be eternally condemned.
4945 CONTACT INFORMATION For additional information on the True Jesus Church, contact us or visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you! True Jesus Church, 21217 Bloomfield Ave, Lakewood, CA 90715 USA Phone: +1-714-533-8889 | Fax: + 1-562-402-3190 | email: [email protected] | website: http://www.tjc.org