Understanding the Times and Seasons of God

Rev Ronald Ooi

I want to share with you the journey that we have taken with the Lord. It's not about doing God's work. Not about being positioned in ministry or career. At the end of the day, Jesus said go and make disciples.

I'm starting to understand that my walk with God is to be a disciple and to make disciples. To coach and multiply for others to be disciples of Jesus. At the end of the day just one word. That's obedience and to be at the centre of his will.

Sometimes sentiments come in the way and that's wonderful because we are people of emotions. But Jesus said to pick up your cross and follow me. Sentiments can be a major stumbling block to the will of God. I'm not saying we relinquish our responsibility as parents or children but to have a serious walk with God, we come to a place of true discipleship and that's obedience.

More than just coming to church and serving God we want to be his disciples. To flow with God. Take it in with positively when I say to jump in the river. Don't be afraid. Don't just wade in but to jump on.

Genesis 8:22 (NIV)

“As long as the earth endures,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night

will never cease.”

Life on earth is made up of cycles of seasons. As long as the sun and the earth remains, there will be sun, there will be rain, there will be seed, there will be harvest, there will be birth, there will be death, he sets it in cycles. In fact there are more than 800 mentions in the bible that He is concerned with the cycles and the seasons of life. And it's not just astronomical information but it is a revelation of the purposes and the workings of God through these cycles of seasons and times.

There is a place in which the pastors and teachers are to take care of the people but also there are the apostolic that bring into the body of Christ the times and seasons of God and to govern the church with a structure that is biblical and there is a wisdom that the prophets and apostles bring into the body of Christ at large. These are gifting that God has given and prophetic elements of 2018 and so forth and that the year coming forth will be a year of balance.

We will see things happening around the world that will impact us here in Malaysia. It is all interconnected. We need to know the mind of God and understand his purposes. Not just information but revelations.

It is important because it will help you to make right decisions that will be aligned with God's will and purposes. How many of us make wrong decisions in life and we suffer because of it. It will take time for us to be back into a position of stability.

We sometimes don't learn from them making the same mistakes because we didn't understand the times and seasons of God.

Sometimes when things don't go right, perhaps it's not the devil but God that is stopping you. Generally there are three cycles.

One is the weather. We are familiar with it. Day or night. Summer and Winter. Hot and cold. Seed times and harvest times. These are seasons and it also affects the crops throughout the world. We are only familiar in Penang with the durian season. I already put in my calendar 2018 June July maybe November December. I only put in my calendar, I didn't say I'm coming alright.

Then there's the biological cycle. Which is birth, a baby is born and then become a young child, youth, adulthood and then senior age. And I hope everyone of us know which season we are in. Which season you are in determines what you wear. It also determines how you live your life. If you are a married person you are no longer a bachelor. Some married people still think they are bachelors. You adjust your priorities. You still love your friends but you love your wife more.

Then there are challenges in every season. Finance is a challenge, sickness is a challenge. Pain is a challenge.

How do we navigate through all these season? Without becoming a victim. Without being destroyed. This is where we find God in every season. Not just God but also God's people. I'm thankful for all these years not just for God but also for God's people. Sometimes we miss the revelation of God in this season. We miss it when he's trying to show us because we are overwhelmed by our own pain and mistakes and believe system that we cannot see the workings of God in our midst.

1. Season of Revelation - A Season to Know

It is a season to know God. This is a time when God appears to you. He is near you. He brings people to your side. He shows you his care and providence. Recently we had the floods and we are working on a system for care relief. On a social level we think we are helping people but I see God is working in reaching these people. More than just a social effort we carry with us the image of God and the Holy Spirit in us and they can see there is a God that is alive that's working through his people.

For some reason sometimes we don't see it. This is the problem with the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They knew the scriptures and very knowledgeable about it.

Matthew 16:1 (NIV)

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’

He is already a sign from heaven and yet they are looking for the sign. They can read the weather but they can't see him who came from heaven. They could interpret the signs but not the seasons for God. They interpret the physical but not the spiritual.

Read Ecclesiastical and you see there is a time and season for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

But they could not see Jesus for who he is. It took a fisherman to see that.

Matthew 16:16 (NIV)

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

He knew God's timing and could recognise him. But Peter was not too mature then and tried to stop Jesus from being killed. It's like us. We can't see the times and seasons of God.

I was the first in my family to accept Jesus. I want to be faithful and not convert. That was my stand at that time but when I went to church one day the scales fell off. I had heard scriptures and attended Sunday School but that day the revelation came. It is something spiritual and a supernatural work of God.

I grew as a believer and realised that the church is also the work of God. We are all the work of God. I was placed in a Bible School to set up the structure and systems. It's not about the money but our love for God. I always ask God to open my eyes so that I can see the workings of God.

Yesterday at lunch someone said to me she cannot believe that in 10 months God gave us two pastors. She said she never imagined that. This is the first time in one church you have two because usually we try to get one pastor. Can you see God working? It is not just information but to have our spiritual eyes open.

There is such a positive atmosphere here, it has to be God. I just spoke to someone that everyone's name is under a Care Group whether you are attending or not. One pastor told me it's impossible and I told him we did it at TOP. We want you to be in a Care Group.

It is such a tremendous experience when we learn to do life together. Your life will be that much richer. It is so vital that we see God working and we do not want to miss it. What do we do? Just flow with it and we jump into the river. Don't hold back. Just jump into the river because it is God's river. You will not drown. You will grow in it. Look at the workings of God and flow with it. It took me a while to learn this. Now we just flow with God's work. We don't want to be left behind.

When he work we recognise what he is doing. Then we anticipate his miracles and provision. His increasing anointing in your life and his favour. Not by your own work but by him.

Our grandchildren were running in our empty house. It's just a small house but we are anticipating to be there. To be there to give to Australia not to take from Australia. We are sons of Abraham and it's meant to be a blessing to be the nations.

Relax, don't struggle with God. Just jump in. Break out from your own insecurities and comfort zone.

2. Season of Assignment - A Season the Sow

A season to know and a season to sow. When we know the seasons of God we will do the right things and do the things right.

1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV)

from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do —200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

1 Chronicles 12:38 (NIV)

All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king.

Was it God's season to make David King? All of us will come to a place where God put us in a position of influence. We must understand that time. Too many leaders don't understand the times and don't want to fade over for someone else to take over and overtake us. The work is more important than the worker itself.

They knew that was the time for David to be the leader. When it's the time it's time to flow with it. Don’t wait to give your support to Pr Melinda and Pr Koay. We need the support of the Ministry leaders and the Care Group leaders.

Esther 4:14-16 (NIV)

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Who would imagine it's a pheasant girl. She said if she die she die. But she didn't die. It's the enemy that perished. Thank God I answered God's call. I have no regrets although there is pain and back stabbings and politics and disunity but I'm here to serve God. We will stick with it all my life.

TOP, you sown from January with lots of prayer. Now it comes the time for celebration. What season of assignment you are in. Do you know your signs of the times? Like my time is over soon and we will move on and we will plunge into the next assignment.

One of my favourite games with my grandchildren is to go to the wall of a fence and close my eyes like that. Then they'll ask me what is the time Mr Wolf. Then I said 1 O'clock and they'll take one step closer to me. And then I'll said suddenly it's dinner time and they'll run. I can't catch them now. The only one I can catch is their grandma.

We all need to know what is the spiritual seasons of our time. Coming out to Penang 30 years ago wasn't my time. But it was God's time. When I walk into the church they'll ask me is this my first time here. BCM also wasn't my time. I was ready to give my whole life to Penang. But there was this need and they needed someone with a Masters to be the president. But it was God's time. I've no regrets.

Coming back to Penang wasn't my time but it was God's time. It is not our time but God's time is always the best time. Don't fall behind in his time, don't go ahead of his time be right in the centre of his time.

3. Season of Multiplication - A Season to Grow

Once the seed has been sown the time for harvest will come. You sow right seeds in the right season. You don't sow seeds in summer. You need to sow seeds in spring when the ground is still a little bit soft. Then it will sprout. You don't sow seeds in winter too. It's too wet. And this is the time TOP. You are in a season of sowing. Sow into the young adults the children, the youth. And in due time you will bear the fruits of multiplication. When it grows, it's a time of celebration. My season now is a time of celebration. I'm just sitting back and enjoying the seeds I've sown. In my family, in the church and young pastors. They have overtaken me in so many ways with information but the old man still has got revelation. And so I celebrate.

I'm glad my son called me this morning and wished me happy birthday. I said thank you Josh and that I'm just sitting back and enjoying the fruits of my labour. His photograph just came out in Monash University. The only Asian face among all the other four Australian scientists. I better stop now before I'm thought to boast about my son but all glory to God.

We are not perfect. We are all still learning. Jasmine just told me in Australia we have to unlearn because it's a different culture. We have to relearn. At 63 years old, I'm still unlearning and relearning. Because I want to know God's timing and God's way of doing life on planet earth.

Preparing TOP for the Future

Rev Jasmine Ooi

As I was preparing this message I was asking the Lord if this is the right word to share or it is what the Lord wants me to share to TOP. This morning as I was reading the Daily Bread even though I only read it once in a while and guess what? It's on Small Groups! It just jumped out at me. This is what I wanted to share.

It's about this couple who wanted to open their home for care groups and they were saying that they felt inadequate because their home was too small. And their budget was too tight but when they did it God gave them so there's more than enough.

and the story was about Elijah in 2 Kings 4:44 how there were a hundred people to feed. And somebody brought 20 loaves of bread. And the servant said not enough to feed them. And Elijah said just go ahead. And there was more than enough and even left overs. We have the miracle of the feeding of the hundred in the Old Testament and not just the New Testament.

So I want to encourage the care group host and hostess, for opening up your homes. Pastor Ronald was telling me now dint have to attend already, should take a step back. But I said I want to go. I really enjoy myself. So young people, thank you.  You brought so much joy.

My message today is Preparing TOP for the Future.

Yesterday's Youth Conference was called Glow so I'm still glowing in this bright yellow. You see me so bright and glowing. I'm glad no one said I look like "poh kong" but I've no gold to give you but I've got gold nuggets from the word of God to you.

We are coming to the close of the year. Ps Teh last week said we are moving but not advancing. We do not want to be like that. That's how I want to prepare TOP for the Future.

I want to thank all of you for feeding us so much and for loving us so much. You all have been taking so much care of us and now I have a bit of a problem in making my ends meet. My jacket now cannot button because the left side cannot meet the right side. Thank you. You've really made us feel so welcomed in TOP. And the church board has been so supportive and for sponsoring the Youth to go for the youth conference, to believe in them. I'm so proud of the church, the board members and the pastoral team as well.

So how do you prepare TOP for the Future?

Exodus 13:18 (NKJV)

So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.

It's about the children of Israel leaving Egypt and proceeding into the promise land. But I like what the word said. That they were armed for battle. Or prepared for battle.

So when you go into the new year, we want you to be equipped and it will be a year of celebration.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

What is God calling you to be and to do? Before we go into the future, let's take a step back. Where are you now?

When you go to the washroom there is this sign. Does it look familiar to you? Our Objective.

Tabernacle of Praise will know who we are in Christ and be released to do God's will and purpose in Jelutong, Penang, Malaysia and the nations!

Great objective. But do you know who you are? What is God calling TOP to be?there was this church with a big slogan in front of the church. We are a hospital for sinners, not a museum for Saints. That was catchy. The church is not called to collect saints but to transform them. This is supposed to be a life changing place. We get better, we get restored, we get fixed and reach out.

Some may say the church is an army of soldiers like the Israelites.

The Bible says the church is a loaf of bread.

1 Corinthians 10:17 (NKJV)

For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

For we being many are one bread. And one body. That's a symbol of unity. Bread is made from flour which came from wheat. All the wheat seeds come together to make bread. The seeds has to be  harvested and put into the furnace to make bread.

Furnace has friction and gets hot a bit. That's how it's like in the care groups because you rub and gel together and become bread. And it's meant to be eaten. It's to be shared with many.

The church is also stones in God's building "You also, like living stones, are being build into a spiritual house".

The stones come in all shaped and sizes and they are in different positions, some higher some lower but all is important. All of them has a place in God's kingdom. Some may say I'm not important and wants to drop out, and if you drop out you become a stumbling stone. So stay intact he place and role God has given you.

You are many members but one body.

It's speaks of vitality because we are connected to the head. We have diversity, unity and the purpose is that you will grow up, maturity.

Where are you now and where do you want to go?

Grow in the word, Serve with Love, Transform Lives!

Our theme. Have you grown? Are you transformed? And are you serving? We are 39 years now. Where are we, looking at this beautiful slogan. We have all grown and not just laterally.

Many of you have grown and is serving. Let's look at where we can be?

We come in as little lambs. And we eventually have to grow and produce wool. We are producing for the good Shepherd. We want to move you and train you to become a Shepherd. Spiritually the sheep can become a Shepherd. That's what we need in this church. It's the model that God is using.

How do you plan to get there?

Empowerment of leaders and development of people.

How did Jesus do it? Relational Discipleship. Best kind of discipleship to fulfil the great commission and the great commandment. I know that's what all.you you desire to be.

One day, God is going to separate the sheep front he goat. Remember the parable? What's the difference between a sheep and goat. Remember they came to God and God said I don't know you. Only all who obey and follow God are sheep. You are assured. Some of you still have doubts if you'd make it to heaven or not. But if you faithfully wants to obey him, you are his disciples, you are his sheep. You're not a goat.

So what's the difference between a sheep and a goat? A goat has horns to butt each other. So the goat always say but but but. Can you do this  but but but comes in. Every time ask you to do something you say o want to pastor but but but. That's a goat.  We want more sheep.

What's a meta church model. You have talked about mega churches but we want to talk about meta church. TOP can be a meta church. The word meta means change. It's about change. It's the way the church accomplishes the expansion of the kingdom of God. And instead of organising around programmes, a meta church is about relationship and discipleship and intentional shepherding. Through the the care groups. And today is the care group day. Where sheep can be mentored in the faith, identify and use their spiritual gifts in a safe and secure environment and provide care for one another. Each person will feel more cared for. Care giving is shared by many rather than just by the pastor.

Intentional Shepherding.

Best leadership model in the Bible to equip disciples.

Jesus modelled it. Jesus practised it. He did it. He spent much of his time with no fewer than 3 of his 12 disciples. In the New Testament, you find there are those.who day they belong to Peter or they belong to Apollos or they belong to Paul. It's not so much about who you belong to but about group discipleship so that you do not become a clone of any one member.

Like in the case of Paul and Timothy, it's about mentoring leadership and not about base discipleship. The New Testament model about group life discipleship has many advantages.

The New Testament model is one to one relationship for leadership discipleship. 

New Testament models of Leadership

1 Peter 5:1-4 (NKJV)

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Be Shepherd of God's flick under your care watching over them not because you must but because you are willing. Eager to serve. Be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. How many of you want the crown of glory. Wonderful.

Intentional Shepherds. We are preparing the Care Group leaders to do shepherding. They are consciously discipling members to become the following.

Roles to play. They have compelling vision. Their character. And they are also managing team building because they are not doing it alone. To developed and mentor leaders to also become a Shepherd. That's how we will multiply and we will broaden the base. So that the leaders are not so tired.

What are benefits of having a Shepherd?

Sheep needs to be fed and led to green pastures. In the care groups there is the word and fellowship and that's how we grow.

Sheep may get sick or injured. They are cared for and healed. The Shepherd anoint oil on the sheep to care for them.

Sheep tend to stray and get lost. So they get rescued and restored. Sometimes in our spiritual life we go astray and that's when the good Shepherd looks out for you.

Sheep tends to get frightened easily and they are cared for and encouraged. This is very much the care provided by the care groups. I've seen how the Sungai Nibong Care Group did a marvellous job of handling funeral services in our absence. So that the pastors don't have to be the one having to run around. All these are spread out among the care group members.

Sheep may venture into danger. In care groups you are warned and guided according to God's word.

Sheep are vulnerable to attacks. Here you are guarded and protected.

Disciple process through Care Groups

• Grace - to experience grace in your life and to extend grace to others.
• Growth - to grow spiritually to be like Christ
• Group - to Shepherd one another in loving authentic community
• Gifts - to discover, develop and deploy our gifts to serve
• Good Stewardship - to steward our time and treasures for God's redemptive plan for the world. 

The Church needs a Network of Shepherds

Can the pastoral staff alone provide personal and consistent care? For every member of the church? We want to come together and share the work load.

God calls for a network of Shepherds to do the work of equipping.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Equipping Ministry, is not just teaching ministry but a means of shepherding people.

Equip (Katartizo)

• Doctors - Adjusting a limb/setting a broken bone
• Sailors - preparing a ship for voyage
• Soldiers - equipping army for battle
• Fisherman - mending/repairing of nets (Matt 4:21)

Personal Benefits to the Shepherd

• Personal growth and expansion
• Leaving a legacy - you mentored and multiplied
• He who refresh others will himself be refreshed (Prov 11:25)
• Rewarded with the Crown of Glory

These are the words of declaration given to me by an intercessor whom we've asked to pray along with us. When we told them what we're doing with TOP. And we told then we never done this before.

You now have two bi-vocational pastors. This is new. When we first came in, many of you said can this be done? We've never done that before.

I want to share this with you as it's also the word of you at this season for your life.

You are being tasked with pioneering and launching into the unknown. As you release the sound that is being born deep inside the spirit, the right people will come. God will send the right people as you release the sound. They will be drawn to the sound. They will hear the faith, the power, decree and the hunger God is giving you people. Resources and room to grow. I hear you say it, build it and they will come. It's time to arise and build. History belongs to the brave. Hallelujah.

Conclusion: Declaration

Together we will arise and build TOP to disciple and shepherd people relationally in care groups for the purpose of growing in Christlikeness, loving God and one another contributing to the work of the church and expansion of God's kingdom.

One Body, Many Parts

Bro Kenny Song

If you are surprised to see me up here…you are not alone. I am just as surprised when pastor asked me to take this last Sunday of the year. Pastor Gideon has been very gracious towards sharing the pulpit. We have all been blessed by Bro Koay, Sis Melinda and Bro Vive's pulpit ministry. I always look forward to home-cooked food. Bro Koay's is like going to theological seminary, you get doctrinal gems, my wife…she loves to tell stories, much like our Lord with his parables and bring across hard truths simply and Bro Vive, being a corporate man bring biblical truth systematically to all of us. Aren't we all blessed?

Me? I don't think you guys have heard me… but if Jesus can use a donkey, hopefully he can use me. But please don't address me as a donkey after service :)

Since this is the last Sunday of the year, I would like all of us to look at ourselves in the context of TOP and ask ourselves this simple question. Why am I here? Why am I in Tabernacle of Praise? Why did God place me within this body of Christ? I want you to hang on to this question.

If you have a US dollar, (Bro Jacob, he always has some in his wallet?) you will find the Latin words E Pluribus Unum. It is the motto found on the Great Seal of the United States. A symbol of an eagle holding Olives on one claw and 13 arrows on the other. This words are on a ribbon held by it's beak. A committee of the Continental Congress consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, adopted the phrase E Pluribus Unum, which means “out of many, one” and refers to the idea that the United States is one nation consisting of several different states. Out of many, one nation. Today, the country has grown from the original 13 states (much like Malaysia) to 50 states but the vision remains the same: From the many states, and from different races, backgrounds and nations of origin, one united nation, the United States of America. Out of many, one.

Paul could very well have used this motto in 1 Corinthians 12 in his description of the church as the body of Christ. He uses the physical human body as a metaphor for the church, an analogy to explain how the church is designed to function in the purpose of God.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

One Body, Many Parts

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

The bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And Paul chose to use this body of ours as analogy, and I say this is the best analogy, even better than E Pluribus Unum. Because v18 says God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. Not the pastor, your department head or your cell leader, but God.

I was recently involved with IMU Healthcare in developing a campaign that addressed a core issue with healthcare in Malaysia. The CEO I dealt with (an Adventists) has been in Healthcare in Malaysia for the past 35 years and he says this. It has become a huge business, often driven by business goals. Look at all the hospitals that are expanding. Gleneagles, Loh Guan Lye, Adventist etc. There are quotas to achieve, equipment to pay off and beds to fill. To some, being a doctor has become a job, not a calling. He says Adventist Hospital's motto was simple, "God Heals, We Help".

Surgery testimony - Incidentally, I was assigned to take a photo sequence of a gall bladder operation at Adventist Hospital and I saw how once a patient goes under anaesthesia, the surgeons and his team hold hands around the patient and prayed before the procedure. (God heals, we help).

Today, it is said that when a patient enters the hospital, we see Dollar $igns walking in. This is because of the one doctor, one patient system. Doctors are rewarded for procedures, not the health of the patient. They are required to bring back a return of investment by the hospital for million dollar equipment. They are to fill the beds due to the expansion programmes of the hospitals.

So IMU takes on a different approach. Doctors will be salaried and rewarded for the health of a patient. They are not rewarded because they performed an operation. You may hurt your back and before an x-ray is performed, the chiropractor takes a look at you.

One patient, a team of caretakers. Because…listen to this…the body is an organism and to ensure the health of that organism, every part of the body has to be healthy. Dietician, patient counselling, treatment, physiotherapy are all part of a plan to empower patients to be responsible for their own health and to take care of their body.

Now let's step back and look at the church today. We have so many programmes and methods to grow the church…in the name of God…to expand His kingdom. The question is…like healthcare, has it become a kind of business run like an organisation rather than a calling led by Christ?

Yes, we are the body that God needs, to establish his kingdom, but there is a difference…we are NOT THE HEAD. Christ is. Not just the head but also the cornerstone of the church. It is God that adds to the church.

Several times in this passage Paul makes the point that though it is made up of many parts and consists of many members, they are all part of one body. Notice what he says beginning in verse 12: This body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.

Today, let us see what we can learn from this passage and how it applies to you and me within this body of Christ, Tabernacle of Praise.

 1. WE NEED EACH OTHER.

Notice what Paul says in verse 21:The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” Nor, as Paul says in verse 15, would the foot cease to be part of the body if it said: “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.”

The bottom line is this: In the body of Christ, we need each other, and we belong to each other. We understand that no one can rightly say: “I’m useless. I have nothing to offer.” And no part of the body can say, with an attitude of superiority, to another part of the body: “I don’t need you.” 

Maybe you’ve heard the story about a visit D.L. Moody made to a prominent Chicago businessman. The man said to Moody: “I believe I can be just as good a Christian without the church as I can be with it.” Moody said nothing in response. Instead, he went over to the fireplace where a fire was blazing to give heat against the winter cold. He removed a single burning coal and placed it on the side. The two men sat in silence as the hot coal died out. “I see,” said the man. “I’ll be in church on Sunday.” 

Some people believe they don’t need the church, they don’t need to come to church, they don’t need to be part of the church in order to live as a follower of Christ. They think they can go it alone in the Christian life. They think they can be “lone ranger Christians.” 

We belong to each other in the body of Christ. We need each other. When you are cut off from one another, the fire of our faith and love can grow dim.

There is nothing or no one who is too insignificant to be an important part of the body of Jesus Christ. Remember that! What you do and who you are.

There are many unsung heroes in TOP. Things many of us takes for granted. Who does the PowerPoint for the announcements each Sunday? Yi Lin (claps). Who plans the Worship and Duty Roster each week? Alvin (claps). Who prepare the Communion for us each first Sunday of the month? Who is overseeing the renovation of our 4th Floor sanctuary? I always marvel at Bro Wilbur's resourcefulness and energy (claps). What I'm trying to say is what we do for God is never too insignificant or unimportant. Why? Because it is in service for the king of kings and Lord of lords. Is what Bro Koay, Bro Vive or Sis Melinda does more important than what Bro Wilbur does? No!

I like that illustration by Pastor Lawrence about us seeing the eyes, the nose, the arms and legs of a person yet the parts of the body hidden like our liver, heart and kidneys are just as important if not more so. That's why they're called vital organs. We don't see them, but  they are vital to the health and function of the body.

2. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER

Though this is obvious, it needs to be said – and understood. We differ from one another for good reasons.

I am very different from my wife. I hate spoilers, she loves them. She likes fiction, I only read non-fiction. She loves to dance, I only dance on the badminton court.

Recently she was videoed doing a Nyonya Dance performance. And she proudly showed me the video before bed. 5 minutes long the video! After about one minute, I handed back her smartphone and she got offended! Didn’t watch until finish (laughs). I ask you how to watch until finish? 5 minutes you know? Then I found an escape clause. I said if I showed her a football match how long will she watch the video? I think less than 30 seconds la. We are different but we celebrate our differences and that adds diversity in our lives. Maybe that's why opposite attracts.

Paul says is v17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

A body that is all eyes or all ears or just a giant foot isn’t a body. Each member of the body of Christ, is unique, distinctive, irreplaceable, and different. There has never been a member of Christ’s body just exactly like you. Or me. And there is a particular role in the body that God has uniquely designed each of us to perform. The body of Christ, thank God, we are not made up of cookie-cutter Christians - like the gingerbread man! All look the same.

We all differ from one another. We have been designed by God to complement one another – that is “complement” with an “e.” We were designed by God to fit well together. To work well together. To play on each other’s gifts and strengths. With each member doing his/her part for the healthy functioning of the whole.

I am always encouraged by my cell members. Each of them have different gifting and all of them is always ready to serve. But you need them to serve in their gifting and they take it like fish to water and ever so willingly. Bro Koay is our emergency facilitator. Anyone who cannot take the word that evening goes to him. He is ever-ready. In fact I think he shares better when you ask him last minute. That's why he's so good for funerals (laughs). But don't ask him to song lead. He admitted he used to be tone deaf but I think he has improved tremendously. Bro Alan is our impromptu song leader. The Choong brothers offer their homes as emergency venue.

Bro Rodney and Andrew are our event managers. They can organise anything easily. But with Rodney so busy nowadays, Sis Joyce have stepped up. And our tax collector is Sis Esther. When it comes to collecting money, she is queen. We collect for homes we support. The cell is also a giving cell. And I have a very capable assistant cell leader in Bro Tommy. Always faithful in all that is asked of him.

All of them are very different. That is why Sis Joyce testified that even though there is an age gap, she fits right in. And through the cell, Bro Hooi, Tommy, Andrew have become a part of this body of Christ.

How many of you enjoyed the Christmas dance performance? They gave their time and talent over months of practice. If you asked all my cell members to do that dance, I think you'll faint first. We all have different gifts because we are different parts of the same body.

Last but not least,

3. WE ARE CALLED TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER IN THE BODY

In verses 25 and 26, Paul says there is to be no division and no dissension in the body, but every part should have respect and concern for one another. Every part of the body should care for one another. 

When one part of the body is hurting or in pain, the whole body feels it. If you accidentally kicked the curb and hurt your foot, would you mouth say "padan muka?" And when one member is honoured or has a reason to celebrate, the whole body shares its joy. As Paul says in Romans 12:15, we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and to “mourn with those who mourn.”

The way we care for one another is by knowing one another and by entering into each other’s joys and sorrows. By sharing our hopes and disappointments, our hurts and heartaches, our victories and our struggles. We come alongside one another to support one another and to spur one another on. To love one another. That is also why the cell is the perfect place to develop meaningful relationships.

We serve as a family. We honour one another above ourselves. We bear with one another. We pray for one another. We comfort one another. We encourage one another. We share with one another. We forgive one another. We bear one another’s burdens. And in so doing, we fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)

Let's recap what this passage teach us. Within this body of Christ:

1. We need each other
2. We are all different
3. We care for each other

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Sometimes we can be like that in church.

Do you remember the questions I asked at the beginning?

Why am I here? Why am I in Tabernacle of Praise? Why did God place me within this body of Christ?

Or I can put it in another way.

• Have you found your distinctive role, your ministry function in the body?

• Have you looked for it? Have you prayed about it?

• Have you asked God to show you where and how you fit best in the body?

Sometimes we think we volunteer our services. Do slaves volunteer? The Bible calls us love slaves because we have been bought with a price. He paid our ransom. We are not serving the church. We are serving God and one another.

Let us reflect on whether we have found our function in this body of Christ. As we enter 2016, let us put our hands to the plough because many makes the load lighter. Labourers are indeed few. We can't do everything but by doing something all of us can fulfil God's plan for this church, which is you and I. Let's take our walk with God to the next level in 2016 and serve in an area of our calling. Pastor will be sharing on GST at watch night service. Come and find out what it is.

Growing Deeper by Going Smaller

December is here. We have made it to the end of the year. At the beginning of the year you probably think how you will make it this year. But we are now in December. We made it.

And there are a lot of things and programme happening in December. Yesterday the youth and young adults visited the paediatric ward at GH. Some of them was their first visit to the General Hospital. And they ask me how come no aircon? I purposely chose the GH. Some of them were so sick at a young age. The young who has cancer. And some of the youth were thankful for their own health and blessings in their life.

The other event is 19 December, an acoustic Christmas with Amy Yeoh. We have about 70 tickets left. Please don't waste any tickets. One ticket could mean one soul. Take the tickets and reach out. Go and get your tickets. If you are on duty that day, we ask you not to take any tickets. We want to invite as many outsiders as possible. We want to maximise every seat. If you want a place to sit, get yourself a ticket. No ticket no seat. We go according to tickets.

If we have walk ins on that day, I'm going to ask our church members to give your seats to these people. For servers, there will be a briefing next Sunday after service. Theresa and Esther will be giving a briefing. All those involved have to be there.

Please pray for the event. Everything the church does is a spiritual exercise. The church has to pray for this event. That people, will not be stopped from coming. We are going to ask God to give us an open heaven for the event. The dancers, the ushers and those of you who are serving, can you fast a day for this. Amen? Amen church?

This morning I want to talk about growing deeper by going smaller.

Our church theme for the last two years is what? Arise! Shine! Next year we will be focusing on another aspect. So I want to talk about the theme for 2016/17. And at watch night service and the first service of 2016, our vision casting service, where I will share more in detail.

The area that we want to focus on is the cell group. Grow deeper by going smaller. Next year it is our desire to increase the cell attendance. It's now about 30 to 40% attending cell. How many is that? Any accountant here? That's about 80 people attending cell. We can be better.

Acts 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

You may say it this way, Day after day in the church and cell group to cell group they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Some don't like to use the name cell group because it reminds us of the terrorist cells. We use terms like small groups or breakout groups. But it's actually the same.

How many of you hear of good things that come in small packages? Like your wedding ring. How would you like it if your fiancé gave you a big present instead of a small box with a ring?

The Bible is full of testimonies of God using small things to do great exploits. Like Samuel. God says man look at the outward appearance while God looks in the heart. God used him and he was the next king of Israel.

Remember Bethlehem? It was so insignificant. Jerusalem was the centre of all attraction. Nobody goes to Bethlehem. If not for Christ's birth no one would have heard of Bethlehem. God used small things. Jesus was born in a lowly manger.

What is the biblical backing for small groups.

Because our Saviour led a small group

Mark 3:13-14 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

He started with a small group and he turned the world right side up. We see our Saviour doing it. If it is important enough for Jesus to invest in 12 so is it important for the church.

The early church practised small groups

Acts 2:46-47 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The early apostles preached the gospel and God added to the church daily. And in order to maintain the vitality, they broke bread from house to house and God continued to add to the church. They met in homes. So we ought to do the same.

Paul practised small groups

Acts 20:20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

If it is important for Paul it is important for us.

You may ask what is in it for me?

We get support. In small groups you are never alone. When you have a problem who do you call? The cell leader. The first point of contact and care is from your cell. 

Some of you may not know but it is with sympathy I tell you that Bro Ho have passed away. I respected him because he not just talk the talk but he also walk the talk. He will share the gospel with the community people. He preached the gospel. When he first passed away, I believed Sis Ho called the cell leader and when I reached the hospital, the cell leader came next and then the cell members. They are elderly and their only son is in Singapore so the immediate support came from the cell.

It is in the cell that we learn to stand with one another. In the cell you see both the good and bad in a person. That's what you get when you get close to someone. First point of support is from the cell.

I salute the cell leaders because week in and week out every Friday you prepare your lessons.

Do not think that because you are not in the cell, pastor will not bury you. No. This brings me to the next point.

Everything starts with a relationship.

We do things not because of duty but because of relationship. I do it because I love you. I cannot build lasting relationship with everyone. The only way you can do that is through the cell. You have praise and worship and exhortation and the word. And food, which you cannot get in church. All the cell have good food. I see laksa, curry chicken with Bengali roti, man, always good food. They say those that eat together stay together. It is in the cell that we build lasting relationships.

There will be people that will offend you or people you don't like but because we are a family of God, we see Jesus. You take Jesus' face and put it on that person. You know porcupines?

One day it was getting cold in the forest and in this den was a group of porcupines. In order to get warmth, they needed to get close to one another. But they prick one another. So they bear one another in order to keep warm.

Sometimes we have to do that. But sometimes we may have bad relationship but there are also good relationships. Do not let one bad relationship destroy your ability to build lasting relationships with others. You may drop out of church if we don't build relationships.

Yesterday I was so encouraged that there was an old lady who wanted to join the youth for the hospital visitation. And she was a blessing. And she said every Sunday she kena tembak because she is not in a cell. But she said next year she wants to attend cell and she chose Bro Allan's cell.

Last but not least, you will be grounded.

Some people ask me if I can preach deep deep deep deep deep sermons. Sunday sermons are to encourage, inspire and to challenge. If you want something solid, go for Sunday Bible Study by Bro Koay.

Or go to the cell, knowing God through his names. Even I benefitted from it. You don't go, you rugi. It's the place where you can get solid food. On Sunday, what can I do in 45 minutes? On Sunday you cannot ask questions. In a cell it's two way. You can ask questions. The cell leader can do that or the members can help you. A cell is important. You have to be in a cell.

One day it may become illegal for us to meet like this. What happens then? The church is where 2 or 3 are gathered, that's where God is.

You need life in the cell where you don't only meet on Friday but also days outside of the cell. Go for outings and mission trip. The cells that are doing well meet outside of Friday. It’s a place where we can grow spiritually.

We are going to push for this next year. Everyone. Everyone means? ALL. All means? EVERYBODY! You need to make a commitment to come.

On Sunday mornings you are charged up by the word. Monday you go to work and you are charged up. By Tuesday your battery is almost finished. By Wednesday we have prayer meeting and you get charged up again. Thursday you are superman. By Friday you wonder how you get through when your boss dumps work on you. Then there's cell. You get charged up and you're ready for Saturday. Then Sunday no problem.

But some of us only come on Sunday. Not enough. It important that you need to be found in a cell. I grew up in a cell. It is important and it is based on relationships. If you do not build relationships in the cell it is very difficult.

So how many of you will sign up for cell? You may ask how do I join a cell? Very easy. Cell leaders all stand up. Go and see a cell leader. Find a cell nearby. We are like 7 Eleven. We have 9 branches. So you cannot say where to go?

How many of you have a bulletin? The last page list down all the cells that we have. It lists the cell Christmas event. Go join them. Don't need to wait until next year. If you don't want me to talk about this like for the last 5 years, go join a cell. Then I will stop talking about this.

Let's do something new next year.

Galatians 6:7-10

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Cell leaders, I know sometimes you feel weary and tired. I pray for you and I try to give you breaks. But do not give up. Do not be weary of doing good. You will reap the harvest.