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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

An outward declaration of an inward change! - RuoCheng's testimony

I was born into a family that was very deeply rooted in idolatry. From young, I would follow my parents and extended family members to temples everywhere and was, myself, very devoted to Buddhism.

When I was in Primary 6, my father got involved in an industrial accident and broke both legs. This had a very great impact on my family. My mother had to go out to work as a result, and my father was hit by depression. All of a sudden, my parents were taken away from me; my mother by work and my father by depression. As a growing teen, it meant a lot to me that I had people to share my life and my problems, but I could not burden my father with anymore of my troubles and I did not want to add on to my mother’s fatigue after she had had a hard day at work. I had nobody to share my joy and troubles with. I started staying out late because I had lost all reasons to be home early. Even when I had nothing on, I would just stay in school or go out with friends, just so I did not have to go home to packed lunches or dinners. I started spending a lot of time with my friends, for I would always be able to find a listening ear among them, and they were interested in my life. I would spend all day hanging out with them, and even neglected my studies. My parents, especially my mother, saw me as a child turned bad and rebellious, and we were eventually on very bad terms. It became a vicious cycle that I could not see its end.

Our family sought a number of people and religions for the solution to my father’s illness, but our cries went unanswered. Finally last year, my mom met a colleague who is in FCBC, and she brought all of us to church. Within 3 months, my father gave his life to Christ and was cured of depression! We were all very happy for him, but I still did not know personally who this God is. My mother forced me to attend service with them every week, and though I obliged, I was very reluctant.

Until one day in June last year, I heard a voice telling me how foolish I had been to be living my life in such a manner. Then, I just knew it was God talking to me. He surfaced all my feelings of loneliness and showed me what I was doing to my life. He told me He loves me, and He will give me a new life, if I would just believe in Him. That very moment, I gave my life to Him.

Now, I am a child of God, no longer a slave of the evil one! And by His grace, loneliness no longer has any hold over me. Today, my whole family has given our lives to the Lord, and in just a short period of less than 9 months, the Lord has worked miracles in my family. With this common conviction and faith, my parents and I now have many common topics to talk about, and we can just share everything with one another. Through the love of the Lord, I now feel even more deeply the love my parents have for me. They, too, seem to understand me more. We now support and cover each other with prayers and the love of Christ has given our family a new sense of intimacy with each other.

It is a miracle how God can change my family in just 9 months! Praise the Lord!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Sermon by Doug Lambert, 28 Jan

Sermon by Doug Lambert

This week’s sermon is about fear and faith.

“If Jesus said that we can hear the voice of God, why can’t we?”

This is cause, we are scared. Actually, fear is nothing more than faith in the wrong way.
We get to choose whether to believe a lie or the word of God

Romans 8: 14 -17
“.. 14because those who are led by the spirit of God, are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry “Abba father”. 16The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are heirs – heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share his sufferings in order that we may also share his glory.

Isaiah 7:12
“But Ahaz said: “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.”

Faith establishes a man and allows his to make decisions. Fear keeps us from getting what God wants to give us. God wants to speak to a heart that is ready to listen. We must be ready to listen to God’s voice and obey. Many a times, we are afraid that God wants us to do something we don’t want to do. But we must obey and miracles can take place.

“Man does not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.”

After we carry out God’s will, we would like to do it again and again. However, when we posses things, we prevent God from doing what he wants to. As you answer to God’s voice each time you hear it, faith will begin to rise up in you.
You will never know until you try it!

Are you ready to listen to God’s voice and obey him?”


Amanda

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Surrender is the key to victory( Sermon on 21 Jan by ps Melyvn)

Sermon by Pastor Melvyn Mak

Title: Surrender is the key to victory

Scripture reading: Phil 2:5-11


Philippians 2:5-11
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”


How can we experience this kind of victory?

1. SONSHIP - encounter God's love as a son/daughter

Philippians 2:5-6
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped


God himself portrayed this sonship through his own son, Jesus Christ while he was baptized by John the Baptist

In Luke 3:22,
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

At that point of time Jesus was only 30 years old and had yet to start his ministry. Although he did nothing to serve God or his ministry, but yet God affirmed him as his son and confirmed his identity and sonship in him. This phrase gave him the endurance and security which brought him right up to the cross.

We shouldn’t seek the approval of our parents/teachers/bosses to feel loved and accepted. Instead, we should place our sense of identity and security in God’s unconditional love. Our worth is not dependent on our performance, rather, we are all precious in God’s sight regardless of our achievements as we are his sons/daughters.

Luke 15 talks about the Prodigal Son.
The father looked out everyday for his son, waiting for him to come home, and when he did, ran out all the way to embrace him. The son himself did not run to the father, but the father to the son. Just like God running towards us, if we repent he will accept us no matter what we have done.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The love of God gives us a position of freedom.

John called himself “the disciple Jesus loved” and really believed it with all his heart. John was the only disciple who had the courage to witness Jesus’ death on the cross, and so Jesus assigned him to take care of his mother, Mary. While the rest of the disciples fled, John believed that “perfect love drives out all fear” and he was secure enough in that love to stay on.


Numbers 13:33
We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

______ (fill in your name), the disciple whom Jesus loves!

We will have victory over the inheritance!

2. SURRENDER - Enthrone God's right over your life

Philippians 2: 7- 8
7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[a] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Adam never took ownership of his sin. The devil stirred up the desire within Adam to lead his own life. Adam never repented, but God forgave him. However, the intimacy was broken, and they left the Garden of Eden.

The tower of Babel.

Genesis 11:4
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

Their motivation was to make a name for themselves, not for God.

Although we don’t surrender, God still loves us. But we can never enter into the victory of God.

2 Chronicles 20:33

The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.

Does God have a monopoly over your life?

Joyce :D

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Warriors of Light - Soldiers of the Cross (sermon by Ps Eugene, 14 Jan)

Sermon today by Pastor Eugene.
Warriors of Light - Soldiers of the Cross
Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

-Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer.

Firstly, let's be reminded of our promise for this year! =)

2 Corinthians 2:14
-But thanks be to GOD who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.-

So back to the sermon. What does it take to rise up as a warrior of light? Or what is the call of warrior?

-Place your confidence in God, like Paul did.
2 Timothy 1:12 - That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced he is able to guard what I ave entrusted to him for that day.

-Be prepared to be persecuted.
2 Timothy 3:10-12 -You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the LORD rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

-Fight the good fight.
2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Three Aspects of the Warrior's Call

It is a Call To Fight - Going deep in prayer

Our basic duty as a soldier of Christ is SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 - For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of GOD, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For GOD did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Ephesians 6:12-13 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

P.U.S.H!
Pray Until Something Happens!

Don't quench the Holy Spirit.

It is a Call To Fight Together - Going deep in purpose and patience

The word 'soldier' gives the idea that he/she is part of a larger and greater army, which is the army of GOD. We need a new level of unity, agreement and discipline.

Matthew 18:19-20 - Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Psalms 133 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Deuteronomy 32:30 - How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?

2 Timothy 2:23-25 - Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the LORD's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

P.U.L.L!
Pursue Unity - Live Love!

Don't quarrel.

A Call to Fight Together to Win - Going deep in passion

2 Timothy 4:6-8 - For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Endurance is a weapon. With endurance we can win.

Revelations 12:11 - They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Always have the end in mind and be driven by eternity!

Romans 5:15 - Therefore, since we have been justified though faith, we have peace with GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in whch we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of GOD. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perserverance; character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because GOD has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

P.R.E.S.S
Praise, Rejoice, Endure - Salvation is Sure

Don't Quit.




Finally,

2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5. - In the presence of GOD and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

DON'T QUIT! THE LORD KNOWS WHO ARE HIS! =)


nicole :D

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Enter the Year of Victory - Be a warrior of light (Sermon by Ps Khong, 7th Jan)

Theme for 2007: Enter the Year of Victory - Be a Warrior of Light
2 Corinthians 2:12-17

We have just ended the Year of Celebration and now, we enter into the Year of Victory and it's time to rise up and be a Warrior of Light. Basically, that's what Ps Khong talked about during service today; about how we should take a different view of life, and attitudes that
we should have, challenges that we have to take up and arenas where we are given to win people for the Lord. Also, on how we shouldn't just be a Sunday Christian where you act all 'holy' on Sundays and submerge underwater the remaining 6 days of the week. I recall him saying, "Church beings on Monday". So everyday, before you step out of the house, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and show the world who you are because you know a King that's awesome, spread the word and let people know what a wonderful God you have.

The Apostolic Call:
1. God is pleased with the church and I am pleased with the church.
2. God has given us spiritual breakthroughs
3. We will be warriors of God as we enter into the Year of Victory.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place"
- 2 Corinthians 2:14


Let's Enter the Year of Victory - The Spiritual Atmosphere

Three Attitudes:
1. Always thankful (Chang chang gan en) 常常感恩
In everything, be it good or bad, we should give thanks. God has his plans for us, and perhaps maybe something happened because of lessons that we need to learn or to connect us to what would happen in the future. I personally believe that everything happens for a reason, somewhere, somehow. In everything, we should give thanks.

2. Always victorious in Christ (Chang chang kua sheng) 常常夸胜
Claim victory over sin, in healing and that miracles will happen.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall directyour paths."
- Proverbs 3:5-6

Place your confidence in Him, and proclaim it by faith that you will always be victorious in Christ.

3. Always a blessing to all (Chang Chang Zhu Fu) 常常祝福

Let's Become Warriors Of Light - The Personal Challenge
You're a star & I'm a star :D

1. Be Light
"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
- Daniel 12:3
" 'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.' You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:13-16

2. From Salt

- Matthew 5:13
` Penetration to Presence (Awareness)
` Viablity to Visibility (Acknowledgement)
` Salt to Light (Attractiveness)

3. Be a Warrior
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldeir gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer."
- 2 Timothy 2:3-4
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
- 1 Timothy 6:12
Ps Khong made a reference to the Vietnam War. The Vietnamese soldiers were able to defeat the strong army of the Americans because they had the characteristics of a good soldier - endurance. We, as warriors, also have to endure whatever that we may face, and to see that in the end, good will triumph over evil.

Three Arenas:
1. Personal life
2. Family
3. Marketplace

Be the Pastor of your marketplace and win people for the Lord, as well as in your personal/family life.

Key Strategies:
1. Go Deep.. In Christ
2. Look Far.. In vision
3. Ask Big.. In faith

Using the matrix that came together with the bulletin during Sunday's service, to plan out your goals for the year.

It is the Year of Victory, and it's another year where you don't know what to expect. Everyday forms a new chapter/phase in your life, and certain events may just turn your life into topsy turvy town or maybe give it a 180 degree change for the better. Your path ahead for you may be unclear, but have the faith to believe God for opportunities that He'll place in front of You. The year has been lined up with numerous church events so grab hold of the opportunities and share your own personal testimony to your friends and relatives in your arenas to bring them to the Lord.

So be Warriors of light, and shine for God (:


yijing

Expecting the unexpected!

"Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.
[Zechariah 4:6]

Indeed, it was only last Sunday that I truly understood what this verse means. You know, I have been praying for my cousin Eric to receive Christ for 4 years. That might not seem very long, but that is more than one fifth of my life! Haha. The truth is, i almost gave up praying for him already... I didn't even invite him for Magic of Love (MOL) because every MOL that he came for, he always gave the 'sian' look or was just too sleepy to care about the show.

But last Sunday, when i was waiting to go in front to be prayed for by Ps Khong, I suddenly saw a familiar figure walk pass me. He looked just like my cousin Eric and I found out from my friend Keng San, that it really was Eric and he had received Christ! I was in utter shock. I just cannot stop thanking God for His goodness and faithfulness. Indeed, as the Holy Spirit comes in power, the world will turn to Jesus.

The Lord then brought me back to the very first service we had at Expo in 2006. Pastor Eugene had asked us to ask God for a person's name, whose salvation we were going to trust God for in 2006, and I remember asking God for my cousin's salvation. He had worked beyond my expectations and was faithful in spite of my lapse in prayer. Indeed, my God is a God of EXTRAORDINARY POSSIBILITIES! That is why, i will never stop trusting Him. I am now believing Him for my best friend's salvation, for my extended family's salvations because He is an almighty faithful God.

This year 2007 is indeed a year of victory! I want to prepare myself for that one day when The Lord "will remove the sin of this land in a single day." [Zechariah 3:9-10]. My friends, let us press on to run the race with excellence!

Jiahui
5 Jan 2007

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Yoznet 144 Retreat

From the 30th to the 31st of December 2006, we had a retreat at Salvation Army Praisehaven.

Although I was not present for most of the night activities, what I will remember most clearly from the retreat are the goals that Pastor's 12 are setting for the new year, to draw closer to God.

They have inspired me by their example what it really means to go deep in God's word, by each studying 2 books from the Bible - one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Because of that, one thing I know I will pray for in the coming year is that God will give me a greater desire to really know His word better. I don't want to just read the Bible because I should, but because I really want to.

Of course I will remember how so many of our leaders (like Pastor and Jiarong) were sick, but still tirelessly serving God. They have really shown us what it means to serve God with commitment and dedication!

At the retreat, I also had the chance to get to know a lot more people in yoznet. It's really amazing to be in a family where everybody loves God and loves one another :) I know that in the coming year, God will continue to bless these friendships we've started to build at the retreat.

-Denise :D

Friday, January 05, 2007

changes!

As you noticed, there have been some changes! I'm sorry that some of the posts were changed slightly! This is because some of the picture links were broken, and when I changed them, I think some other stuff got changed along the way!

Anyway, we will be posting more stuff soon, so please wait in great suspense and anticipation :D watch this space!