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.

Season of Transition

Pastor Teh Yung Huat

I bring this video along to show young people the church is the greatest thing on earth. Let's believe that God will use everyone of us here to do great things.

When God saved you like how the children of Israel in their entry into the promise land, there was a journey they had to go through, the wilderness.

Salvation is only the beginning. The journey is where they really see the nation of Israel and they see God. This is the purpose God saved the nation of Israel and established them as a nation.

For too long we have been looking at salvation as the focus of the church. We are more than being saved. We have to reach out to see the promise land. His Kingdom that he has prepared for us. So the church needs to demonstrate his Kingdom. His Kingdom coming on earth.

Too long we say to people you are saved and going to heaven. God has given you promises individually and as a church. But often we let that dream go off.

Exodus 13:17-18 (NIV)

17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

Deuteronomy 8:15 (NIV)

He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.

When God delivered them from Egypt, he led them through the dessert instead of a shorter way. The Philistines were there and God knew they were not ready to face the Philistines. They were not ready.

Your transitional journey actually depends on you. It's not God's problem. It's your problem. It wasn't God that you are not ready. But it's a journey that you have to take before you enter the promise land.

There will be things that will happen that you did not think of but you have to be ready. To be ready for change. If you're not willing to change, you'll just be like the nation of Israel, stubborn and harden. We have to embrace change. The world is constantly changing but we cannot stay still. Time have moved on. So we need to ask God what is he doing at his moment.

Some people don't like change. They kept looking back at Egypt even through it was not a pleasant place. They were saved there but they were used to the life there.

Change is the norm in transition.

Moses was probably the most powerful leader but Moses could not lead them because they refused to change. Too often we look to leaders but it takes them to change. They blame Moses and the leaders and worst they blamed God. End of the day they have to change.

Even Moses the great man of God failed. Are you shocked? God told him to lead them into the promise land. Did Moses enter the promise land? No.

How did Moses fail? When God wanted to destroy them, Moses said God cannot do that. He said if you want to kill them kill me too. You think Moses has more mercy or grace than God? You're mistaken.

God listened to Moses but eventually Moses knew he should have listened to God if he had wanted to enter the promise land. So the people never entered the promise land. In transition many things will happen but we have to look to God and learn the lesson God wants us to learn.

The transition is a tough time.

We should be in that transition all the time. Because God is changing us from glory to glory so we are constantly in transition. Even if God has used us greatly in the past we have to look at what is now. He's looking at our good and not just our want. They expected instant results, like how they were delivered from Egypt, like salvation. God is looking at our long term success and not just now.

They would have caused havoc in the promise land if they are not ready. If we are going through difficulties, know it is to equip you so that you can inherit what he has for you. It's a journey that we have never been before. Doing things that we've never done before. So transition time is not an easy time. There are dangers like snakes and scorpions. Some will die and God knew.

They were not ready to face the Philistines. God is looking at the long haul. He's preparing you for your promise land. He has better and greater things for us. Don't worry about problems. He led them through the dessert.

Deuteronomy 8:16 (NIV)

He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you.

In the end it will go well with you. He is taking you step by step so that in the end it will go well with you. God will not take you to a battle that you are not ready or cannot win. God doesn't fight fair. He favours us.

It's something your father had never known. Don't say this is the way we do church. Don't look back to the past how you've done it. Manna was a new experience. Don't have a fix idea how church can be done? Have you seen a church like ours in Tawau? That's God. We're expecting greater things. God wants to lead you into new experiences. Be open. Not like the Jews that are harden. They settled for less because they were not willing to change.

Often instead of facing problems and move forward we stay back. God wants us to experience new experiences. That's exciting. The church today is not the same as the church of yesterday. It's the same God we have so God can do new things here too.

Before it happens you have to remember things will get worst before it gets better.

Numbers 20:4-5 (NIV)

4 Why did you bring the Lord’s community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink! ”

In this journey there will be times when you ask why. Why? Why? They were now facing difficulties and it seems to be worst than Egypt. Moses, why? There will be times things will get worst before it gets better. For our good. Not because God need to but we need it. There may be things that happens in church and you may say it shouldn't happen because it's in church. But you must know church is under construction. So it's messy and dirty but wait till it's completed and you'll see its beauty.

I don't want to tell you what happened that shouldn't happen but I'll tell you one because my members are not here.

In the midst of the building project, a small group left our church. We never expect it to happen but it happened. They thought if they leave the project will not happen. In our midst, has anyone given you one million before? You should be glad because if you can give one million means you have more. Here someone gave one million and he wanted it back. And if we don't give back he'll take us to court. When you go through transition things happen that you think won't happen in church. There are scorpions.

God sees things for the long term good. Not the immediate. God can handle any problems, just we cannot. So we have to put our hands in his and we're declared a winner but you may have to go through some problems.

Things will get worst before it gets better. It don't have to be but it does. And if you quit you'll miss what God has for you. We have to change our mindset. Look from God's perspective. Don't just moan and complain and miss your promised land.

When God leads you, he will not hand everything to us all at one time.

Deuteronomy 7:22 (NIV)

The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.

Little by little. Sometimes we're impatient because we think God takes such a long time. God wants to establish you before he takes you another step. If not it will collapse when it's tested. God knew. What we need to build. That's why they didn't conquer the nations all at once. How fast depends on us. How ready are we? To face those challenges.

Even if we are impatient, his timing is perfect.

In order to enter into the promise land. You have to fight. Those who refuse to fight will not enter. You've got to fight. There will be obstacles and difficulties and you've to fight. You have to have that warrior spirit. Even Caleb. Sometimes it's not us but because the people are not ready. Caleb and Joshua had to wait. But when the time came for him to enter he had to fight. You want to break through as a church there will be warfare and you'll have to fight.

The enemies occupied the promise land. Fortified cities and giants occupying the promise land. The goings that God is wanting to give you someone else is occupying them. Another kingdom is occupying them that's why you have to fight. Don't be afraid of problems. They're just stepping stones.

Great problems come with great miracles. Seven nations greater and stronger than Israel. So they had to fight. When we have problems and giants, we rise up. We will be giant killers. Like David. We are winners. That's who we are.

Don't just live because you are saved. We're just doing the religious thing. A lot of movement but not advancing. That's the wilderness experience. We aim for the promise land because the wilderness is not our destination.

Because our God is with us. Who would have thought in Tawau a church will build a building like that. A small church doing that. Because we have a great God. The same God is leading you through a new season. So I hope this message will encourage you as you enter a new season. Rising up together with the new leadership fighting to enter the promise land that God has for you.

Ps Teh delivering his sermon.

What is Truth?

Bro Koay Kheng Hin

We are entering into Passion week and today is Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly. It is a big day for some Christians as it has a lot of tradition associate with it.

I want to start with John.

John 18:38

“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.

Some may say he asked because he is confused. Some said he was being cynical. But there is something we can gather in Pontius Pilates answer. He does not care. He probably only care what Caesar says. Truth to him is Caesar.

The question is not whether Pontius Pilate care or not but whether you care about truth or not. If you care, then when you listen to sermons on the Internet or YouTube, do you think is it truth?

Today we will see what Jesus meant when he said the truth.

Matthew 4:17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus started his public ministry using the kingdom of heaven. What does the Bible says about the Kingdom of Heaven? Some passages use the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of Heaven is synonymous with the Kingdom of God. Jesus is asking the people to repent because the Kingdom of God is near.

Is the Kingdom of Heaven synonymous with the church of God? Some of you may think it's the same. The Kingdom of Heaven is not exactly the church. When the Kingdom of Heaven is mentioned it encompasses the heavens. It includes all of creation including he angels and the church itself. The angels are not the church. The church is us.

The Kingdom of Heaven is now manifested in the church primarily because Jesus is the head of the church.

Is there a difference? Actually the words we use do make a difference.

I went to Teluk Kumbar outreach and I saw a church and I thought the name has changed. Later I saw our Teluk Kumbar and I told the people there that there's another church there. When we mentioned church, we see it in a smaller frame. We don't try to be technically correct. We use the term - our church.

Generally, when we use the word church we are talking about our church and less of the other churches. But when we use the word Kingdom there's no way we can say my kingdom.

We are Kingdom people with a Kingdom purpose and a Kingdom vision. Then we can see beyond our own church. Jesus is the King of his Kingdom.

I want to use goldfishes as an example. When you put it in a bowl it will grow to a certain size but it won't grow to its maximum size. The space will limit its growth. But if you give it a bigger space, it will grow to its potential.

We see ourselves as a church but we also need to see ourselves as part of the Kingdom of God. It will open up a new perspective. It will broaden our vision and perspective and what we do is not about the Jerusalem per se but has a much bigger purpose in the Kingdom of God.

We often use word church and hardly talk about the Kingdom of God. This concept or reality about the Kingdom of God help us understand what happened on Palm Sunday.

Matthew 21:6-9

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.

8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

This is drawn from Psalm 118. The word Hosanna is translated save us. It was a word of thanksgiving and cry that gave praise to God for delivering Israel from the enemies. Hosanna became not just a prayer but became a praise. Son of David symbolises the Messiah. They were singing praise be to God who saves and the person Jesus came as a Messiah.

That praise is not just on earth but also in heaven that the Messiah is praised.

I want to connect this with a same incident in John.

John 12:13

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

The laying of palm leaves were to welcome royalty. The numbers estimated were 2 million. It's a lot of people. Jerusalem was pack as pilgrims came. There are Jews who were in Jerusalem and also Jews who followed Jesus. There were Jews who saw Jesus raising the dead, healing the lepers and healing the blind. What other signs do they need? That's why they say Hosanna to the Son of David.

These people were proclaiming Jesus as the king. The name of Jesus was being lifted up. But something was wrong. When they sang Hosanna, they were already 90 years under Roman rule.

The Romans to be fair compared to other communities allowed a lot of leeway for them to practice their faith. Under that Roman oppression they were waiting for the Messiah king to throw the Romans out of Israel. They were thinking of a military king. They had in mind the Romans would be overthrown and he will reestablish the Davidic Kingdom. They saw Jesus as a political king.

In the 12th and 13th century was 200 years of the crusade. It was known as the Holy War. They saw Christianity as a political Kingdom. Today they say we have learned from the crusades. That Jesus will not set up an earthly kingdom. It's true that if you go to any church, they will say we will not take up arms to create a political Kingdom.

But many Christians still have in their mind an earthly kingdom. They think that the Kingdom of God is riches and cannot get sick. That there will be success and prosperity. That we will enjoy all that the kingdom promises here and now.

When it comes to money, I am very happy at the end of the month because I'm a teacher. Sometimes we get a pay rise so I'm very happy. I also want to be healthy. That's why I go jogging and stop badminton temporarily because when I saw some of my friends I don't want to collapse in court.

But these are not the focus of the Kingdom of God. These promises comes with the Kingdom of God but it is not the focus of the kingdom. It will come along the way but it is not our focus.

John 18:33-37

33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Pilate asked Jesus  the question and Jesus answered Pilate with a question. Pilate answered quite smartly and said am I a Jew? Pilate is saying it's your people that brought him.

Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world. He did not deny that he is a king. If this kingdom did not come on earth then it must be from heaven. It is a Kingdom where God rule and reign.

As much as God wants to provide and bless our health, he does bless us but you must understand those are temporal. Temporal means what my mother tells me, you cannot bring it over. None can bring over. When you move over, you don't need this body already, however much you go to the gym. However much money you have. It's temporal. Your successes. You are the leader of a big company. You don't even need to wait till you move over, the day you retire you lose the recognition.

Jesus  is operating a spiritual and eternal kingdom. A Kingdom that will last forever. And he is our Messiah King. That is our focus. We must get our focus right. We are people who is part of a spiritual kingdom.

After this passage, Pilate asked what is truth? Here is where the word truth comes.

Truth has two meaning. One is, it refers to the Word of God. But it also refers to the person of Christ. In this case, it would primarily be the Word of God. It is what the Word of God says. The Word of God that is the sword of the spirit.

The political Kingdom is mainly reigned by the sword. But in the spiritual kingdom it is the truth that bears the power. The expansion of the Kingdom of God or the church it must primarily be truth in the Word of God as it is empowered by the Spirit of God.

We can plan and strategise but at the end of the day, it is the Spirit of God that empowers. That is why when Rev Allan Chan comes it is the Spirit of God that will heal and miracles happens. All glory to God.

I read that goldfish you cannot buy any fish food. They have less protein and more carbohydrates. They can grow until one foot. But you need to give it a big tank and feed the right food. For us to grow spiritually mature, if I tell you that you will pray and you will prosper and will succeed and you will be free from sickness. If I just teach you this, then it's not the whole counsel of God. Paul says he will teach the full counsel of God. 

The other example is this. I asked my wife whether infants need to drink milk for how long. My wife said maybe after 6 months can take some porridge and after some time can eat rice. I'm not syre ya so if not correct go and see my wife. Christians, when you first accepted Christ you will have your issues and burdens. If you just accepted Jesus and the person who disciples me tell me I have to die for Christ I will run away. I am just a young Christian.

20 years down the line the prayer I prayed 20 years ago I'm still praying how to grow? It's a process. The disciple will slowly see and appreciate a Kingdom purpose. You will know Jesus is coming again and that God is more than just the earthly.

Just now I prayed that the message will come with the grace and gentleness and the patience of a teacher. I have grown in the word. I'm a teacher and so I'm a reader. If I don't read the Bible I'll read something else.

We have to be patient because all of us grow at different rate. We cannot  impose on people our standards. In our kingdom context, we cannot take the proficiency approach. Growth is based on the individual's progress. 

I pray that in the church we encourage and edify each other.

What should our pursue and focus be in God's spiritual kingdom? The character and focus on the Kingdom of God. The best passage would be the beatitudes.

In the kingdom of the world it is the rich and famous that gets the applause. Also the powerful and the beautiful. But in the kingdom of God it's the meek and the merciful. The values are different.

Someone's says this. We are in the world but we're not of the world. If the ship is in  the water it is fine. But if the water is in the ship it is disastrous. We are in the world, and instead of the church influencing the values of the world, the world values have influenced the church.

Matthew 5:3-10

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

You will see these are the characters of the kingdom of God. Very different from the values of the world. What makes the kingdom bears kingdom power? It's because of the king.

Revelation 19:11

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.

Revelation 19:16

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.

The spiritual kingdom of God is where Jesus is the centre of it all.

There are 107 questions of the  WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM. What is the first question?

What is the chief end of man? What is the chief purpose of you?

Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy it forever.

Glorifying God is an enjoyable experience. It is no accident that almost in all the epistles it ends with - To Him be the glory. Amen.

Waiting for Christmas

Rev Gideon Lee

Luke 2:22-38

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Christmas is just around the corner and how many of you are excited about Christmas? It's the holidays and there's going to be good food and the children can't wait for Christmas because they get to open their presents.

But this morning what are you waiting for this Christmas? What are you hoping to achieve this Christmas?

I read that some children writes to Santa hoping to get the presents they long for. Maybe for us, Christmas is just another event or another celebration. Many people are depressed during the the festive period because they miss their loved ones who's not there. What does Christmas means to us?

Simeon was waiting for Jesus. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel. Also known as the comforter. During Simeon's time, Israel was under the rule of the Romans and he was looking for comfort. Maybe some of you here are looking for comfort.

This morning at Hokkien service, Sis Siew Kim was worship leading when news came that her mother fell down. She still served and went home immediately after her worship leading and Sis Grace prayed for her. Maybe we need comfort. Simeon was like that, living in difficult times and under a difficult king.

This morning I say to you, you will see the comfort of God. Simeon wanted the comfort. Look at verse 28.

Luke 2:28-32

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

Under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit Simeon was summoned there and he took him in his arms. He took the child and began to prophesy.

What about the prophetess Anna? She was looking for the redemption of Israel. What does redemption means to you? What will you think of in redemption?

It talks about people in captivity and how we wait for someone to redeem us. Jesus redeemed us from sin. Look at what she said.

Luke 2:38

Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

We all need comfort. Maybe some of us here needs forgiveness. We need to get our life right. Anna was waiting for forgiveness. What about you? Is it just another celebration? I hope not. We need to be marvelled. Or be in awe. Do you marvel at Christmas?

Sometimes we can become so jaded and forget how to marvel. Like how your children used to marvel at you when they were young. Then they grew up and they think they know more than their parents. And we are no longer their superman. And we like to say we eat more salt than they eat rice. We can come to that stage where we no longer marvel at what God did. One of the most important doctrine is Christmas, is that God became man, Emmanuel. God became man. The incarnation. That was what God did for us. God is with us.

On Christmas day, I still marvel at why Jesus came and what he did. Why should he come and be with us? Born in a manger. I marvel at what he did. Marvel at Christmas. Jesus came.

Joseph and Mary marvelled at who he is. Even the parents marvelled. They were parents who saw his birth yet they marvelled. I hope we all marvel at him.

Not just that but become a mover.

Luke 2:27-28

27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

I hope this morning all of us are movers. We need to have action. This Christmas the cells are having their Christmas event. If the Lord speaks to you to bring someone, invite someone. Be a mover. Dead people are still. Not just be marvelled but be a mover. Simeon was a mover. When the Holy Spirit directed him he came. He was a mover.

Don't just sit still this Christmas but be a mover.

Last but not least, be a messenger. We are alive to do something. When the wise men saw the star, they knew something special was happening. If they did not follow the star they would not have seen Jesus. We need to move this Christmas when the Lord challenges us. When we marvel at God it is easy to be a mover. Like the wise men. They brought gifts to worship him. Knowledge must always end with worship. We need to apply the knowledge that God gives you.

Be a messenger.

Luke 2:38

Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

She gave a message to everyone there about Jesus. Out there the message of Christmas has been confusing enough. How many of you saw the Christmas decoration at Queensbay? There's Santa and sleigh and reindeer. That's not Christmas and not very Malaysian too. We only have rain and flood. Tell them the true meaning of Christmas.

Is there something special that you are waiting for this Christmas? Be marvelled and be moved. Then be a messenger.

There was once a rich man who has a passion for the arts. He has a huge collection of paintings. And he shared his passion with his son. They talked a lot about art everyday.

One day the war came and the son was drafted to be a soldier. Sadly a few weeks later he received a letter that his son was killed. He was so disheartened and disappointed. He fell into a depression and it was near Christmas.

He had a knock on his door and a young man was at the door. He told the man that his son died trying to save me. He said he had nothing to remember him so he drew a portrait of his son and he wanted to give the man. He saw the drawing of his son but he was not a good painter. But when he saw his son's portrait his heart lifted. He placed the portrait of his son above the fireplace. All his other paintings no longer attracted him. He just looked at his son's portrait.

When he died many collectors wanted to buy his many collection. When the auction came, all gathered to buy his paintings. The first picture was the picture of his son. Everyone was disappointed because it was amateur and not one of the good ones. But the auctioneer said the owner wanted the portrait of his son to be sold first. Everyone thought they would not be interested and waited for this to past so they can get to the good stuff.

But a man behind said he will buy it because he said he was a friend of the son in school. He said he didn't have much but can only offer 10 dollars for it. The auctioneer asked if there's any other bid but no one was interested. It was sold to the young man and the auctioneer said the auction is now over.

The others murmured and said where are all the other good stuff? And the auctioneer said the owner said this "He who has the son has everything else".