The Spirit Filled Community

Rev Ronald Ooi

The Church did not stop at the resurrection. Nor at the cross. There was the outpouring and baptism of the Holy Spirit. He continues to speak loud and clear. The Holy Spirit was there at the creation of the world. He was brooding over creation. And he was there with the prophets and he came upon the disciples when 120 of them spoke in a language that bewildered them. In the fullness of time, God does the right things. Why were they waiting and who gets drunk at 9 in the morning? They were drunk in the Holy Spirit and they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came upon them and I want to talk about the spirit filled church. The spirit filled community.

I was just interviewed last week by someone doing her PhD and she wanted to talk about the prophet Joel. You can find a lot of info on Joel like the commentaries but her professor wanted her to challenge herself in finding new information on Joel. And she said yes, and she wanted to research on the voice of God. She interviewed me and many other pastors and she said this was information from the original source. Speaking to individuals who have been doing the work of God with the Holy Spirit in our midst.

The early church shouldn't be just called the Acts 2 Church but also the Acts of the Holy Spirit church. It's the original look at the church. This is important because the photocopy you make from the original must look like the original and then you certify it as true copy.

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 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.

It's a daily church. Church is not on Sunday morning only but church is in the house group, the PPN, the reaching out to the community.

The church was meant to be a spirit filled community. And it's connected to the kingdom of God. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will come and you will be my witnesses. Jesus was telling them the divine kingdom of God is more important than the present government of men. We become executives and agent in implementing his governance in our community. A community that would submit themselves to the kingly rule of God, men and women who are bound by their sinful nature cannot govern themselves well. Without the Holy Spirit we are but just a shell. No life of God within us to go back to the original model that God meant to be a Spirit led and powered community.

Back then they could do it because they were a spirit filled community.

Firstly, they displayed the love of God to one another and to the world.

Acts 2:45 (NIV)

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

They saw the need and they were so giving and so gracious. It was not just a Baptism of the Holy Spirit but a baptism of God's love. It was a giving church.

It was also an eating church. The ate together. We don't have a problem as an eating church in Penang I am sure.

What about a praying church, a learning church, a growing church or a miraculous church with sign and wonders.

I was talking to the youth yesterday about a sale that's going on. I better don't mention the place. It's like the new garden of Eden. And they were talking about this brand of clothes. Then the other day, I was at an ice cream shop with the evangelist and Alex found us at Hagaan Daz. Not at McDonalds which is a level 1iice cream but this Hagaan Daz is a higher level. I was hoping he didn't see me. Haha.

Where are we in our level with God. It's progressive and it continues. I'm trying to find a proper English word rather than level but you can see their level of love in their lives. It is God's love shed abroad into their hearts. What is human love and what is divine love?

Level 0. You don't find find Level 0 in elevators and also -1 except at TOP. Level 0 in human love is "I love you because I can get something from you". Next level, Level 1, "I love you because you love me". If you don't love me I don't love you. It's conditional. Level 2 is "I love you even if you don't love me". Have we crossed the level that's more like God's love?

Level 4 is "I love you even if you love someone else". You look at the book of Hosea. The message was his life, Hosea and Gomer. Even though the wife prostituted herself, God told Hosea to bring his wife back. It was like Israel who worshipped other idols, he still loved them.

The next level is "I love you even if you back stab me". Who in the Bible? Judas. Jesus still called him friend. Is it common that you get back stabbed? I'll show you my scars.

Level 5, "I love you even if you hated me". Just like Jesus and the Pharisees who hated him. He was a threat to them.

Level 6, "I love you even if you kill me". Jesus on the cross, Jesus said forgive them because they did not know what they do. Also when Steven was persecuted and stoned. He was one of the men chosen for good governance in the church. He said father forgive them and do not hold this sin against them even as he was killed. That's a high level.

God has poured his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Bob from Dalat School was a missionary back then and he lost his life saving a student. They were at the waterfalls and this girls was swept away by a sudden gush of water and Bob dived in and push the girl to safety but he slipped and he was swept over the waterfall. They found him only many hours later.

The highest level of God's love is Hagaan Daz. Maybe I shouldn't be talking about Hagaan Daz because the durian season is coming soon. We used to eat kampung durians and now we have graduated to D15, D9 and I can read your mind, the Musang King. We graduate to a higher level. Can we move to the next level? Will you love them like Jesus love us? That's why the Holy Spirit needs to be here.

They displayed the power of God.

Acts 3:6 (NIV)

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

We see that level where what Jesus did has now been transferred to the apostles. Is it the work of the apostle? No, it was the Spirit of God. It is the Holy Spirit that is using us for his power to flow through. We saw how God moved at the miracle and healing rally and it is God that does it. We move one level more in terms of the display of his power but let's move on to a higher level.

I was talking to Ps Peter and I was trying to connect with his son who was not easy to connect with because also of language. I thought he was a girl because of his long hair at first. He was a miracle child if you have heard of Ps Peter's testimony. They were to abort the child but he is today normal and Penial is a big boy. It's a miracle. If you need a miracle it can happen to you this morning.

Acts 4:33 (NIV)

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all

What I like is that Acts chapter 4 goes into chapter 5 and you see two characters. Chapter 4 you saw how the church was loving and generous and then Luke who wrote this next chapter looked at Barnabas. A person whose life was not only transformed but also a life that poured forth the love of God. Then Ananias and Sapphira was mentioned. And I used to think these two should not have been mentioned as it spoilt the early church. But I think in the midst of God's move, they succumbed to greed. So you see the contrast of Barnabas vs Ananias & Sapphira.

You see how one moved from one level to another while the other lied to the Holy Spirit. How can this happen? As I pondered upon this for many years, how can this happen?

God would not allow the original blue print of the early church to be corrupted. It's something for us to learn. Because of the original copy is tainted, all other photocopies will also be tainted.

Let's move from one level to another one at a time. Step by step by step. It took me years to move from the ice cream cone to Hagaan Daz. At the time it's not even ice cream, just ice. Let's move one level at a time. It's never too late.

Beyond the Resurrection

Rev Ronald Ooi

We had a wonderful week last week and it's not the end because Jasmine got a call and someone asked that she wants to know Jesus more and the next day she had a call and led the person to the Lord. Hallelujah.

And yesterday at the youth, four or five of them were baptised in the Holy Spirit. And it's just the beginning. We believe that there's more to come because we believe this is just the beginning.

God is working in our midst. He's present. It's the meeting of God.

Beyond the cross is the resurrection. We see that today Easter is the term we use. And in Sunday School, we give out Easter eggs that symbolises new life. But it has changed to celebration of the holidays and the meaning of the resurrection is lost.

But it didn't end with the resurrection. The story continued.

Acts 1:5 (NKJV)

for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Jesus appeared to more than 500 during the 40 days after the resurrection. He said in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit. And he goes on.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This was a promise he gave to the disciples. And we know in Acts, Peter stood up to explain the phenomena of those who spoke in a language they did not know. Jesus  already promised that these people would be baptised with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:11 (NKJV)

who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

And the angels said Jesus will come back. That is also a promise. So there are two promises. He will baptise them with the Holy Spirit and that he will come back again. So they waited and waited and waited for the promise.

The Holy Spirit is the one that empowers his church to do the work of God. He is the one that brings the results and the final result is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the one that comes alongside us. He was there in the creation of the world and in the Old Testament and in the New Testament Jesus said the Holy Spirit came upon him to do mighty works.

And we are now in the church age, the dispensation where we see the works of the Holy Spirit. He empowers and governs our life. We will receive power. Not only power to be witnesses but also his rule over us. A higher way of living. And Jesus  knew the higher way of living is to allow the Holy Spirit to come and rule our life.

When God rule our life, we come into his kingdom and he's a living and righteous ruler. Let him come and rule your life.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit changed my life. I was an impossible teenager. It was impossible for my parents to change me but the Holy Spirit did. God pulled me into his presence. When we enter into the presence of God, he will draw us. He will bring people into his presence.

It's not just me. My friends who was difficult people came and changed their lives too. So I know God works in lives.

The Holy Spirit came upon them and changed them and at a drugged rehabilitation centre where I was involved in, even a medical doctor came to interview us on how we did it. And I just said we pray with them and had Bible study with them. He said huh? That’s the amazing power of God.

There is no short cuts. The disciples came and waited and waited and waited. We have to celebrate before God and wait and wait and wait.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is also to prepare us for the last days. As we see the world come into a time of war and uncertainty, we know that all these will happen but God is with us because he has given us the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, beyond the resurrection is also the birth of the church.

Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

I call this the modal church. It's meant to be a movement and not a monument. People are changed by the spirit of God and move on and not remain where they are. The church is meant to be a hospital.

I thought on Friday, Saturday and Sunday we got a glimpse of it. And I must commend the church because you prayed and you brought people up. There was a miscommunication with the speaker because he thought the Good Friday service was just a service and that the Healing and Miracle Rally was Saturday. It was wonderful when the church work together with God. We got a glimpse of it and I pray it's not just an event but it’s a lifestyle. Events are good corporately but as individuals it’s a lifestyle. And if you look at Acts 2, it’s a daily thing. We live our life according to Acts chapter 2.

Acts 2 is where the church is meant to be a hospital. A hospital for sinners not a museum for saints. I like this.

1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

That’s why when we have new people we need to reach out. Sometimes a person needs to accept Jesus a few times. Sometimes we need to give them the opportunity. We should be focused on winning the lost for Jesus.

It is a God thing and not a good thing. It is more than just the good, it is the God movement. And that’s what the church is all about. A church where God's presence resides. Its not a club or association but the church is more than that. It is a God movement. An organised organism. The Holy Spirit is the one that guides us.

I was so excited when my wife got pregnant. We walked into the clinic and the doctor said your wife is pregnant and I was so excited. And the baby grew and like the church it’s a growing organism. The baby bump, I was wondering why it was out of shape. That’s because the baby was probing and you can see his elbow pushing and it’s a beautiful process when you see the baby moving. That’s good news because its alive. And if it stops moving that’s not good. So the church is always moving because God is alive. It’s a movement and not a monument. It’s the formation of a new community. Ecclesia or an assembly of God's people. Maybe that's why we are called the Assembly of God church. It’s a new community with a new purpose and a new way of living.

Not just a new community but a spirit filled community that reflects God's love to this world. One heart and one mind.

Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV)

Sharing in All Things

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

One of the best things in life is to belong to a church. It's a journey. There was a time when I thought I would leave church. We are all imperfect but we are on the way to perfection. But what kept me in church is because Jesus loves the church. He died for the church. It is a journey and we grow to love the church.

That was why when I was WhatsApp-ed by Kenny to come here, I said I don't have to be here but I want to be here. Because I love the church of Jesus Christ. As much as we asked the people to give their money to the church, its not about the money. I ask you for your heart. The last thing I want is your heart. Its more important than your money. You will walk and plough with one another. The church is a beautiful organism. I will not exchange it for anything in the world.

Beyond the resurrection, the church grew but they had problems. One of the things is good governance. It is important that it does not stifle the work of God. The revival in the church can be sustained by good governance.

Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)

The Choosing of the Seven

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The problem was resolved by the appointment of deacons. I like that they chose the seven men who was among them. They are known to them. Men and women. And in Acts 6:6 they were commissioned. We need not just be leaders but be spiritual leaders. Nehemiah may be a leader in the secular position but he was a spiritual man.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NIV)

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

It's a noble task. If you were a leader at that time you can expect to be persecuted or to be killed. It's a noble task, don't say no. If everybody says no, there'll be no one to lead the church. Somebody has to say yes. Someone that God has been working on will say yes. When we know the church who stand with us, we can say yes.

Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Empty Promises of Resurrection Sunday

Rev Allan Chan

The Crucifix – cruel death; torture; broken,

bruised; punishment; shame.

What is the DIFFERENCE?

I celebrate the empty cross.

It is FINISHED

John 19:17-30 (NIV)

17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus

19:29, 30pp — Mt 27:48, 50; Mk 15:36, 37; Lk 23:36

28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

What was Finished?

Salvation plan of God which began in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:14 & 15):

The LORD God said to the serpent, “ I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."

God’s Final Sacrifice for Sin

Isaiah 59:16 – And He saw there was no man …then His own arm brought salvation..” 

Jn.1:29 – "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Heb. 9:22 – without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Heb.10:18-19 – Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer (need for) any offering for sin…we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus.

The Empty Cross Speaks of Fullness of God’s Promises

•  Forgiveness & Victory over sin
•  Reconciliation to right relationship with God
•  Restoration of position, status and authority
•  Abundant life now and…
•  Ruling with Christ forever.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

 - 2 Cor.8:9(NKJV)

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed

– 2 Peter 2:24

 For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus).

– 2 Cor.5:21 (NKJV)

Jesus EMPTIED Himself that we might be full.  “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

- John 10:10

We Celebrate an EMPTY  TOMB

Without an EMPTY TOMB

1 Corinthians 15:14-19

• Our faith is in vain;
• Our preaching is meaningless;
• We are still in our sins

•  There is NO SAVIOUR
•  There is NO SALVATION
•  There is NO HOPE for eternity.

He is not here:  for HE IS RISEN!

Matthew 28:1-6

•  Jesus was seen ALIVE for 40 days before He ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:3).
•  Mary Magdalene met Jesus (Mk.16:9).
•  The Disciples met and fellowshipped with Jesus (Lu.24:36; Jn.20:26; Jn.21:1-4).
•  500 people saw or met Jesus (1 Cor.15:3-8).

The EMPTY TOMB

•  EVIDENCE of the Resurrection of  Jesus Christ
•  PROMISE that we too will be raised to ETERNAL LIFE.
•  DEATH is defeated – no more fear.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

A Celebration Of  EMPTINESS

•  World gives us promises full of emptiness.
•  But God gives us emptiness full of promises.

Notes taken from the PowerPoint presentation.

Is Divine Healing for Today?

 

Rev Allan Chan

HEALING IN THE BIBLE

In the Old Testament:

• Gen 20:17-18  “Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech” and his household for they had been barren.
• 1 Kings 17:17-24  Elijah raised widow’s son.
• 2 Kings 5:1-14  Naaman healed by Elisha.
• Numbers 21:19  Moses lifts the brazen serpent.

1 Kings 17:17-24  Elijah raised widow’s son.

Vs.21 -“Then he (Elijah) stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child's life come into him again.”  

Vs.22 - And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived.

2 Kings 5:1-14  Naaman healed by Elisha.

Vs.9 - So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. 

Vss.10  - And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”

Numbers 21:9  Moses lifts the brazen serpent.

So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

In the New Testament

(i) Jesus’ healing ministry & miracles

Mt. 4:23 “Jesus was teaching and proclaiming the gospel and

healing every kind of disease

and every kind of sickness

among the people.”

(ii) Apostles and early believers’ preaching was validated by signs and miracles.

Jesus promised: “..he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will also do..” (Jn.14:12).

So, “And they went out and preached everywhere while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.” (Mk.16:20).

Acts 8:6  “The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.”

Philip was:

• One of 7 deacons selected to serve widows and the poor;
• Not an apostle but a lay leader;
• Preached and did miracles in Samaria;
• Baptised Ethiopian eunuch.

(ii) Healing is integral to the Great Commission.

Mk. 16:15 – 20  “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel .. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will  pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 

Vs.20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.”

JESUS said:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.”  -  John 14:12

To God be the glory,

To God be the glory,

To God be the glory

For the things He has done.

With His blood He has saved us,

With His power He has raised us:

To God be the glory

For the things He has done.

Who Killed Jesus

Good Friday Healing & Miracle Rally

Rev Allan Chan

And why it matters that we know?

Introduction

John 18:1-8 (NIV)
Jesus Arrested
18:3-11pp — Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53
1 When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”

• Who was really responsible for the arrest, unlawful trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ?
• Did Jesus have to die in such a cruel manner?
• Is anti-Semitism a justifiable movement?

JEWS as a People/Nation?

• Jesus upset Jewish leaders who plotted to kill Him (Jn.8:59; 10:31; 11:8; 11:53)
• Jesus was arrested by Sanhedrin (Mt. 26:3,4 & 47); brought Him to Romans to be killed (Mt. 27: 1 & 2)
• It was the Jewish religious leaders who were jealous, felt threatened, and instigated the people (Mt.27:20)
• Peter (Acts 2:22 & 23); & Paul blamed Jewish people (1 Thes.2:14-15)

Gentile ROMANS?

• Only Roman authority had power to sentence death (Jn.18:31)
• Roman soldiers scourged and mocked Jesus (Mt. 27: 1 & 2); nailed Him to the cross (Jn. 19:16 – 23)
• But, we can’t blame the whole Roman Empire for acts of Pilate & soldiers in Judea, much less all gentiles.

Annas & Caiaphas?

• High Priest was Caiaphas, but Annas was father-in-law (former corrupt High Priest) illegally questioned Jesus (Jn.18:12 - 24)
• They feared Jesus for reasons of political power, prestige and popularity (Jn.18:19)
• Their focus was on Jesus’ following, His disciples before His teachings.

Pontius PILATE?

• He was Roman Governor of Judea and allowed self-government by Jews, so long as imperial authority maintained and taxes collected (Jn.18:31; 19:4)
• He believed Jesus was innocent (Jn.19:4; Mt.2723) and could have set Him free, but wanted nothing to do with Jesus’ fate (Mt.27:19 & 24)
•  Pilate tried to absolve himself of the responsibility but yielded to mob demand and gave the order for crucifixion.

Answering Anti-Semitism

• Anti-Semitism based on Mt.27:25 “His blood be upon us and on our children”
• Interpreted as a multi-generational indictment on all Jews throughout time
•  In Acts 2:38 & 39, Peter used same words to offer salvation and Holy Spirit to all who would repent – he was referring to the  1st century generation then Peter added Vs. 39.
• Jews just as eligible for salvation thru Jesus as anyone else.

YOU  and  ME?!

• Rom.5:8 & 9 – “…while we were sinners, Christ died for us… justified by His blood”
• I Cor 15:3 – “Christ died for our sins”
• 2 Cor 5:15 – “He died for all…that we should live unto Him who died for us”
• Heb 2:9 – “…that Jesus should taste  death as a man for every man”
• 2 Cor 5:20 – He…became sin that we might be the righteousness of God.”

ABOVE ALL

GOD’S Sovereign Will

• Rev.13:8 – It was God’s plan from the start (Gen.3:15; Acts2:23: 2Tim.1:9; Tit.1:2)
• Mt.26:42; Jn.18:11, 37 – Jesus chose to submit to God’s will (Lu.22:42)
• Phil. 2:8 – Jesus was obedient unto death of the cross
• Jn.10:17 & 18; Mt.26:53 & 54 – Jesus had power to save Himself, but…
• “IT IS FINISHED”.

OUR  RESPONSE

• How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation (Heb. 2:3)
• You are bought with a price, you are not your own; so glorify God in body and spirit (1 Cor 6:20)
• We are God’s “workmanship”, created and called unto works He has ordained (Eph 2:10)
• Continue what Jesus began until completion (2 Cor 5:18 & 19)

These are notes compiled from the Powerpoint presentation by Rev Allan Chan.

Rev Allan Chan praying for those that needs healing or a miracle.

Is Jesus God?

 

Kenny Song at Harvest Revival Centre

Today is Palm Sunday and at our church this morning, the preacher spoke about Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people laid palms along his path, often used to greet royalty. They were waving them too, shouting Hosanna, Hosanna to the Son of David. 

But they were expecting a different Jesus. They were expecting the Messiah King, a military King who would come to deliver them. They had been under Roman rule for more than 90 years and they thought this Jesus  would finally come to free them. These same crowd, would a week later be shouting crucify him. They were expecting a different Jesus. 

I grew up as a devout Buddhist and because I was born 11 years after my brother, my dad had more time with me and I would follow him to the temple every 1st and 15th day of the lunar month, follow all his religious rituals and go "cheng beng" with him. My dad was a very religious person so I just followed being a filial son. He would also come out to Penang every time before my exams to see a particular medium to bless me and for me to take the burnt "hu" - burnt fish paper.

Of course, years later I would discover that this was not exactly Buddhism per se. But that was my experience growing up. 

With this background, I grew up with a very specific concept of god and the deities.

First, they are not all powerful, because my dad will sometimes tell me one god is more powerful than another and sometimes we switch allegiance when results were not favourable.

Second, each god had a specific portfolio. One to bless your business and studies, a different one for protection, a different one to ward off evil and so on.

Third, they don't always work together. So even when I wear a talisman, it had to be odd numbers so that they don't "fight" each other.

So, my concept of God was always transactional. I do this and I get that. Or I do this and bad omens won't happen. I do this and I earn favour. There was no relationship and definitely no concept of love with the deities.

So it was extremely difficult for me to understand an all powerful creator God when the gospel was shared to me, especially when that God came in the form of a man who was bloodied and died suffering on the cross. But I did accepted him as Lord and Saviour and lo and behold so did my whole household including my religious dad, non religious mom and all my siblings.

That testimony of my family's salvation will have to be for another sermon, another day.

So why am I introducing today's sermon this way? It is because Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday is next week, and it revolves around that one man I mentioned who died bloodied on the cross. Who exactly is Jesus? Is he just a prophet like Muhammad? Or a great teacher who did much good works?

Jehovah’s Witness will say he believes in Jesus. But to him, Jesus is “Michael the archangel, first creation of Jehovah-God, who came to earth as a man, died and rose as a spirit.

To the Mormons, Jesus is similar in that he is also an angel. A Spirit child of Elohim who is in the class of Spirit. He is the Spirit brother of the Lucifer who became the Devil.

To the Moonies, Christ failed in His earthly mission leaving Rev. Moon to finish the task.

How can Christians call him a God? The answer to this question is critical to our faith. If Jesus, the Son of God is not deity, then you and I are all here worshipping in vain and believers all over the world for all time would have followed a lost cause.

Do the Scriptures claim that Jesus possessed the unique characteristics of God? Has He existed eternally as the eternal Creator? Is He all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and everywhere present (omnipresence). Is He unchanging (immutable)?

Certain characteristics are unique to God. No one but God - surely no created being - can possess them. Let us consider whether or not Jesus possesses these qualities. If He possesses the character which only Deity can possess, then this confirms that He possesses Deity. To claim He possesses these qualities when He is not Deity would be blasphemy.

Note that some passages already studied make general claims which necessarily imply that Jesus possesses the qualities of Deity. He possesses all the fullness of Deity (Colossians 2:9). He is the very image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), and had the form of God (Philippians 2:6). He also wears the unique names of God. It follows that He must possess the characteristics of God.

Let us consider these qualities individually to see whether or not the Bible affirms that Jesus did possess them. Remember that, if Jesus ever possessed these qualities, then He has always possessed them and always will possess them (Hebrews 13:8). Deity cannot cease to be Deity and cannot lose the characteristics of Deity.

If we have time, I want to cover 5 aspects this morning about the characteristics of Christ.

1. Eternally Existent

Eternal existence is a unique characteristic of God.

Time is a concept that applies only to created beings. I used to love the science fiction - "The Time Machine". Later "Back to the Future" movie series. That's fiction. In real life, everything around us is bound by time. A beginning and an end. We are all bound to now. You cannot go back in time to undo nor can you go into the future to see. God has given all of us only the "now".

But Jehovah the true God has always existed and always will exist. He was not created. There was never a time when God did not exist. He is the everlasting Maker or Creator of all temporal, created things. The power of eternal existence is inherent in His nature (self-existence). He is the "living" God.

It is easier for us to comprehend that God is eternal. But what about Jesus, the Son of God?

Psalms 90:1-4

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place

throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the whole world,

from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn people back to dust,

saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

4 A thousand years in your sight

are like a day that has just gone by,

or like a watch in the night.

Jehovah is "from everlasting to everlasting you are God"

Job 36:26

How great is God—beyond our understanding!

The number of his years is past finding out.

Do Jesus possesses the characteristic of eternal existence? Jesus is not a created being but existed eternally.

Isaiah 9:6

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He is called "Everlasting" Father

Psalms 102:24-27

24 So I said:

“Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.

25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

26 They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

Like clothing you will change them

and they will be discarded.

27 But you remain the same,

and your years will never end.

His "years are throughout all generations." The heavens and the earth are temporary so they will perish, but His "years will have no end."

How do we know this is talking about Jesus?

Hebrews 1:8,10-12 prove this was spoken to Jesus.

Hebrews 1:8, 10-12

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11 They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.

12 You will roll them up like a robe;

like a garment they will be changed.

But you remain the same,

and your years will never end.”

Many passages show that Jesus was not created but is the Creator of all created things.

John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

This eternal existence of Jesus is a very important characteristics of a deity. 

2. All-powerful (Omnipotent)

Unlimited power over all created things is a unique characteristic of the true God.

Men and created beings may have some power over some other created things, but this power is limited. Only God's power is unlimited or absolute such that He has all power over all created things. Nothing is impossible for God. He has the power to do anything with His creatures that He chooses to do.

Matthew 19:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And in my dictionary, what does ALL means? Everything and anything.

Jeremiah 32:17

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Note the connection between creation and unlimited power. God possesses all authority over all that He created. Because He made it, it belongs to Him, and He has the right to do all whatever He chooses with it.

There is however one thing that God cannot do. Anyone knows the answer?

Don't ask me the question - Could God create a rock so heavy He could not lift it?

This question is frequently asked by skeptics of God, the Bible, Christianity, etc. If God can create a rock that He cannot lift, then God is not omnipotent. If God cannot create a rock so heavy that He cannot lift it, then God is not omnipotent. 

So, the first part of the question is based on a false idea - that God being almighty means that He can do anything. In fact, the Bible itself lists things God cannot do - like lie or deny Himself (Hebrews 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2). 

The other thing is God cannot make you love him simply because he gave you free will. The freedom of choice. If he did not, then we would be just like the animals God gave us dominion over. Ruled by instincts not by moral choice.

So the question of the rock is actually asking if God can make a contradiction - which He cannot. Because a rock is material which cannot be infinite while only God is infinite.

That's God.  Jesus possesses unlimited power because He made and owns all things.

Matthew 28:18 - Jesus possesses all authority in heaven and on earth.

Colossians 1:16

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

All things were created through Jesus and for Him. This is exactly the point we mentioned already regarding Deity. Jesus made everything, so all exists for His purposes and pleasure.

Note that unlimited power does not mean that God does everything He has power to do; rather, it means He has the power to do whatever He wills or chooses to do. For example, God still has power to destroy all men by means of a flood, but He voluntarily limits His power and does not exercise it because He has so chosen (Genesis 9:8-17).

Likewise, while on earth, Jesus still possessed all power because He was still God. But in order to fulfill His purpose here as a human servant (Philippians 2:6-8), He limited His use or exercise of His power, so He did not use it in any way that would conflict with His purpose as servant (Matthew 26:53,54).

Remember on the night Jesus was arrested and one of his companions drew sword and cut the soldier's ear? Jesus told him to put his sword back.

Matthew 26:53-54

53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

He was often said to completely conform to the will of the Father even as all humans should. After His resurrection, all His glory and privileges were given back to Him by the Father, so He again fully exercises all power which was His by right from the beginning.

3. All-Knowing (Omniscient)

Unlimited knowledge is a unique characteristic of Deity.

This characteristic is strongly tied to God's unlimited power. Because God has power to do everything He chooses to do, it follows that He has the power to know everything He chooses to know. God is unlimited in wisdom and knowledge in the same sense that He is unlimited in power. Unlimited power implies and results in unlimited knowledge.

Psalms 139:1-6

1 You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

Our finite mind cannot comprehend an infinite God. That is why I always believe you cannot reason a person into the kingdom of God. God saves. Not us. We are to just preach the gospel, share the good news. Conviction of the heart is by the Holy Spirit.

I mentioned that I grew up as a religious boy because of my father. God gave me a Christian classmate that Sat by me for three year sharing the gospel. But I was not moved and in fact argued with him.

At one time, I was supposed to play a badminton match but refused and pulled out of the competition because I found out the match would be played in a church badminton Hall! I was that against Christianity.

But one day, my sister from Singapore called up and told my father that she needs everyone in the family around as she has a very important news to share.

She flew up and told all of us she's become a Christian. My father almost fell off the chair. She's had an encounter with God on a Friday and she called us on a Saturday and flew up on a Sunday. Because she said she cannot risk not sharing with us by delaying. If anything happens to us, she would not see us in heaven. Her conviction was so strong.

She shared the same gospel I've heard umpteenth times. But it was different. God stirred my heart. And I made a very simple prayer. If there is a God, the creator God whom my sister mentioned, if he's real, I want to know him. And that's why I'm now here.

I'm glad someone planted the seed when I was in school. His words were never in vain.

You can never win an argument in order to win a person to Christ. God had to do the saving.

Psalms 147:4-5

4 He determines the number of the stars

and calls them each by name.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;

his understanding has no limit.

Note the connection between His power and His knowledge.

The ability to know everything He chooses to know and, in particular, to know what is in the hearts of men, is a unique characteristic of God.

Jesus possesses this unlimited wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3

2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

John 2:24-25

24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Jesus had the ability to know what was in the hearts of all men without being told. Remember, he also knew that Judas would betray him when none of the disciples had any inkling.

Note that this was expressly stated to be a unique power of Deity, yet Jesus possessed this power and He exercised it even while on earth.

Again, this unlimited knowledge rests on the Divine power to do whatever God wills. God knows because He chooses to know. But we learned previously that God's power is exercised or not exercised according to His will. He knows things only when it suits His purpose to exercise His power to know them.

In this way, while He was on earth accomplishing His purposes as a servant, Jesus did not always exercise this unlimited power to know all things. Mark 13:32 lists one thing in particular that He did not know.

Mark 13:32

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

We conclude, based on the above passages, that it did not serve His purposes on earth to exercise His power to know this matter.

Yet Jesus possesses the Divine power to know all things that He chooses to know, just as He possesses Divine power to do all things that He chooses to do.

4. Everywhere Present (Omnipresent)

The ability to be everywhere at once is a unique characteristic of God.

Man is limited by a physical body, hence he can be only in one place at any one time. God, however, is spirit and can be everywhere in the universe at the same time. This power, however, is also related to His unlimited power to act and to know. God is present everywhere in the sense that everything everywhere is in His presence - He can see, know, and act in all places at once.

Psalms 139:7-12

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

Wherever man is, God is there seeing him and knowing what man is doing.

Acts 17:27 - Men everywhere can find God because He is not far from each of us.

That is why we say God is only a prayer away.

It is because of this unique characteristic of God that He is able to know all things that men do, to read the hearts of all men, and to hear and answer the prayers of all of His people wherever they are.

Jesus also possesses this unique characteristic of God.

Do you think it is possible for Jesus to be at two places at one time? Not if you are thinking of Jesus in the flesh that walked this earth 2,000 years ago. Yet, scripture tells us that Jesus today is ever present.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 28:20

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We have already seen that Jesus has all power and can know all things, including what is in the hearts of all men. This is the fundamental concept of being present everywhere.

While on the earth, Jesus limited His power by taking on a physical body, being physically present where that body was. Nevertheless, He possessed the power to be everywhere at once, a unique characteristic of God, in that He is able to see, know, and act upon events no matter where they are.

5. Unchanging (Immutable)

Immutability is also a unique characteristic of God.

I often quote this. The only constant is change. The world we live in change. People change. We change.

You know how young couples just see how perfect the person they fell in love with is? They can do no wrong. And they say I love you just the way you are. Never change. You are perfect.

Then what happened? They got married.

When they were courting, they hold hands at the mall everywhere they go. So romantic. After marriage the husband says, we still always hold hands. If I let go, she shops!

Fortunately I married a practical wife. When at the mall, we split. She goes where she wants and likewise me. Then we meet at an agreed time and place. And she don't window shop. To my wife I say…don't change.

Man's character is flawed, hence we must continually be changing our character to make it what it ought to be. But God's character is perfect - without flaw - therefore it never needs to change and never does change. We have already studied certain characteristics unique to God. These characteristics He has always possessed and always will possess.

Malachi 3:6 - I am the Lord, I do not change.

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Numbers 23:19

God is not human, that he should lie,

not a human being, that he should change his mind.

Does he speak and then not act?

Does he promise and not fulfill?

To suit His eternal purpose, God has changed the laws and commands He has given to men, and He has at times changed what He does to suit His purposes. But His own character is what never changes. It follows that God can never lose His Divine characteristics. God cannot cease to be God and cannot cease to have the character of God.

Jesus possesses this characteristic of never changing.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hence, Jesus also possesses this unique characteristic of Deity. He is not like men who change but like the Father who does not change.

Note again that, since Jesus possesses this particular characteristic, but in order to accomplish His purposes, God may voluntarily choose at times not to exercise or use certain abilities. Jesus did this while on earth in order to fulfill His role as a human servant.

Philippians 2:6-8

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Conclusion

Jesus possesses all the unique characteristics of God. Jesus possesses true Deity even as does the Father and the Holy Spirit. These three together constitute the Godhead, the one true and living God we worship

So even as we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday next week, let's be mindful that this Jesus that died bloodied on the cross did not have his life taken away. He gave his life. And he laid down his life for you and me. The creator God making the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be reconciled back to God.

Love for us drove him to the cross and because Jesus is not just a man, he rose again on the third day and conquered death. No man no matter how great has done that. They all died.

We have a glorious hope because of that and I pray, you will see Jesus in a very different light after today.

I leave with you a quote I wrote some time back.

"‎Many great men have left their mark on this world, but only one man bore marks on His hands and feet for all men for all times. We salute all these great men, but we worship only one!"