Author: IGGC

Christlikeness by Sinnappan

Topic that bothers & haunts the speaker?!
The only way to attain Christlikeness is to keep going forward
There will be many obstacles along the way

Christlikeness = live like Jesus

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Excellent relationship with men & God the father (Luke 2:52; Matthew 17:5; John 8:29)

2. Prayer Life (Luke 5:16; John 17; Luke 23)

3. Compassion – relationship & concern for others (Matthe w 9:36)

4. Devotion to the Word (Matthew 4:4; John 17:17)

5. Holy, pure & righteous (Collosians 1:21-22; Hebrews 1:9; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Let the Beauty of Jesus
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me
All His wondrous compassion and purity
O Thou Spirit Divinr all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

1 Thessalonians 3-4
By Wong
Theme: Practical Christian Living
In relation to the Lord’s return

Recap nearby chapters:
Ch 1: salvation in relation to the Lord’s coming
Ch 2: service in relation to the Lord’s coming
Ch 3: sanctification set apart to be holy in the coming of the Lord
Ch 4: certainty of resurrection
Ch 5: security of the believer in the days of the wrath of the God

The good news from Thessalonica
• Being a Christian could cost us everything
• We can trust God to do what we cannot do

1) Perfecting that which is lacking
Paul not looking at absolute perfection
But to be completely equipped to continue a journey or perform a task

The sermon on the mount is NOT an ideal list of perfection
God is absolutely perfect

2) Sanctification the will of God
• The Christian life is progressive
• It must be growing towards Christlikeness
• Set apart for holy use (more importantly set aside for God)
• Worshipping a Holy God demands the worshipper to live a holy life

3) A challenge to balanced living
• … Your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business & work with your hands
• Answer to the problem of restlessness & wanting to seek attention
• Often mistaken as being zealous for the Lord
• (Not) a compulsive urge to set other people right in their own sight & forgetting to take care of their own problems first
• We serve not only man, but God. Our occupation becomes a powerful sermon when it is done with honesty, diligence & faithfulness
• Our lives are sermons that daily draw others to Jesus or push them away from Him
• How we work is as crucial as how we pray

Summary
• A holy life – free from immorality
• A harmonious life – always increasing in brotherly love
• An honest life – living quietly, minding your own business, working with our own hands

Ezekiel 18
Father’s Day
By Mr Ung

Introduction
Is God just? Yes!

A
God’s law governing individual responsibility (Eze 18:1-4)
1. Misunderstanding of the proverb (cf Exo 20:5)
“Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭24:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
2. God’s response to the proverb

The last 5 kings of Judah
1. Josiah
2. Jehoahaz
3. Jehoiakim
4. Jehoiachin
5. Zedekiah

B
God’s law governing the individual’s righteousness

Relevant Qs for today in the light of the laws of yesterday
• Can this Law (principle) be applied to a present day sinner who seeks salvation?
• Is salvation by works of righteousness?
No (cf Rom 3:9, 10)
• How can a person be saved?
Cf Eph 2:8,9
• Does a sinner inherit his son from his father/ancestors
Yes (from Adam) but covered by Jesus’ death in the cross (cf Rom 5:12-14)
• How is the Sinner responsible for his personal sun?
Cf Rom 3:23; 6:23
• Should a righteous parents feel guilty for a prodigal son?
A righteous person should surrender to the will of God

3 Fathers
1. Righteous son of righteous father
2. Unrighteous son of righteous father
3. Righteous son of unrighteous father

Summary & Review
All people or are individually responsible for their own behaviour. We are not saved by good works but are saved to do good works.

Full exposition available at www.berita-bethel-ung.com

Sun Message May 8
By Sinnappan

On prayer meetings

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why do members not attend prayer meeting?

1. Lack of will (need to set aside time to pray together w brethren in prayer meeting (discipline, commitment))

2. No sense of need for God (purpose: to worship Him)

3. Don’t consider prayer mtg as a priority (priority to pray as one body)

4. Privacy & unwilling to share own problem (accountability, trust & love)

5. Lack of love (praying is an evidence of love)

On Galatians 2:11-21 by Johnny

“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!””
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:11-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

– Obey 10 commandments
– Not self sufficiency
– A perfect obedience to the law is beyond all of us
– Justification is by faith in the Lord Jesus
– Not a religion but a personal relationship w God
– By observing the law, no one will be justified
– If a person can be easily justified, leads to sin
– A person in Christ has become a new life
– Our old life is finished upon our death & resurrection (from sin as a human)

– Living by the law vs justification by faith
– Law = restricts freedom
– Living by faith leads us by the HS & to the Lord
– To communicate with God daily
– Living by grace produces good food
– Living by faith lives freely instead of legalism

1 Thessalonians 2
By Wong

Recap 1 Thessalonians 1: Burden lifted as God working in the life of this young believer

“You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God blessed the message & God saves

“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Dare to preach the Gospel in view of persecution
Boldness not on own strength but God’s strength
Bold despite suffering
We should not worry what others think of us when we share the Gospel

Why do we share the Gospel?
1. As a believer we have received the grace of God & He is worthy, thus we must speak of Hik
2. Because we care & love others (love your neighbour as yourself)

“For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

To be a WA today as a lot of teachings are not from the word of God, often with partial truths mixed with errors
Paul’s message was without any false motive

“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Final test of every sharing to others & any Christian life lived = What does God think about it?
Each of us have this ability to serve in church & share the Gospel, pleasing God

“You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Came not to tell them they were good but that they were lost in sin & needed Jesus’ salvation

“Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:7-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul loved the people whom he had never met before
Labouring day & night in those days was extraordinary
Paul took upon himself in a personal way to share his life & bring others to Christ
We may be unaware that many non believers are looking at us & our lives as Christians
As believers we are saved from the penalty of sin but we are still in a sinful world
God calls us to live our lives as children of God

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

People received the gospel not because Paul is a good speaker but because it is the word of God

“But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:17-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul in situation had to leave due to severe persecution & hindered by Satan but was very concerned & cared for them

We simply do not what is next in a series of events in our lives
We need to be content knowing God is working in our lives
E.g God’s plan for Joseph

Paul looked to these young Thessalonians as his crown of rejoicing
There will be complete justice & Jesus will right every wrong

Luke 2:22-40
By Wong

“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 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), 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.” 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 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, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 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. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:22-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/luk.2.22-40.niv

1st event circumcision.
2nd event purification & ceremonially clean (v22).
3rd event presentation of firstborn child.

Simeon & Anna actually testified that He is the messiah.
Revealed by the Holy Spirit & praised God with no hesitation.
Strange that Simeon sang a song saying that the savior would be a light for the Gentiles (v29-32).
Anna is a widow yet came in the same way praised God as the savior.
Both Simeon & Anna were watchful for the savior, praying with the right attitude & praying for the savior.
We as well can apply the same principles as we await the 2nd coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
With 2015 we have seen brutalities, economic & political instability.
We have seen bankruptcies not of individuals & companies but countries.
In Malaysia as well scandal after scandal.

In the new year we look at many things we have done & plan to do the following year.
It is good & continue good works, but importantly like Simeon & Anna we need to be watchful for the coming of Christ.
Don’t be like watchmen sleeping on our jobs.
So not be worried but watchful as Christ is coming soon.
Let us be like the two Godly people.
Blessed new Year!

ALC The Trial of Faith
Dec 6-8
Keynote by Mr Loh

1. Introduction
The end of days

““Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:9-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Trials are not only real but can be unmistakably horrifying
Chronic diseases, sociopolitical instability, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, etc
20th century alone, >26m documented cases of martyrdom

2. Trials & Persecutions: A Christian way of life

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:32-36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

3. The trial of faith by Peter & James

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The trial is necessary

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The trials are manifold
Can ask why. Although may not get an answer.
Importance of believing its His purpose.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are called to a life of faith

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Die to self

“for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:19-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:7-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Whether we live or die, we belong to God

Coping with pressures & trials.

Seek the Lord’s will. Some may be called to flee (Matt 20:23). Some to stay & endure (Luke 22:41-52)
Exercise legal privileges (Acts 22-25)

Children age 4-14 window best for disciple making (Deu 4:14)

5 proposals:
1. Know the time & God’s eternal plan & believe the sovereign One is in control.
2. Teach the Word & prepare ourselves & the church to stand firm & testify for God when the time with all its trials come.
3. Aware of the Kairos moments for His Kingdom & be courageous to act on them.
4. Look unto Jesus, have faith in God, stay connected & seek His sovereign will.
5. Double up for mission & be prepared to die for our faith.

Breakout
Helping believers with loss after disaster
1. Prayer
2. Presence
3. Purpose
4. Practical help

Practical help
1. Counseling
2. Support in person (not over the phone)
3. Provide accommodation (believers home, church premises, hotel, etc)
4. Provision of clothing, food, transportation, etc (shared among congregation)
5. Provide advise for insurance, legal & other services
6. Rebuilding/repair/cleaning of home destroyed
7. Church & committee in place to handle emergencies

Injury/loss of life practical help
1. Be there personally & appropriate words of comfort
2. All possible assistance
3. Prepared to conduct funeral rites w a gracious heart & reverence

Where & how to gather for worship
1. Meet at cell groups at any available venue (rotate among members not only leaders homes)
2. Negotiate for alternate venues
3. Maintain communication chart
4. Leaders keep copy of song book
5. Walkie talkies

Priorities each day in the face of danger
1. Not focus on worry but focus on God
2. Reconsider priorities especially earthly possession
3. Give thanks to God in all circumstances & situations
4. Complete all plans to God
5. Have faith

Perception/understanding concerning how God is using the authorities governing the country?
1. Although world’s perception that govt is inefficient & discriminatory, will accept that govt is placed as per God’s plan
2. Pray for wise & courageous leaders to be wise including seeking aid from authorities without compromising politically

“But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Sun Nov 22
Psalm 96
By Johnny

Psalm 96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.
11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

1. The Lord has saved us
2. He created us
3. He dwells within us
4. He is majestic & holy

4 Imperatives
1. Exalt His Name
2. Extend His kingdom
3. Express His greatness
4. Expect His coming