Thursday prayer meeting sharing on 1 Thessalonians 2 as a prelude to Psalm 96
Shared by Johnny
“We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,”
1 Thessalonians 2:6-7 NIV
Paul projects gently what it means as a Christian leader
Exercise the fruit of the spirit & wants to meet the needs of the people
Displaying a gentle nature following Christ’s response to the lady at the well, the lady who committed adultery & to Zacchaeus
“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.”
1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV
Caring may be difficult but we can!
What makes one happy? Survey results show it is not success, wealth, achievement, good looks or any enviable assets. The winner is deep close relationships.
We need to be supportive, encouraging & a loving to one another
We need to care for each other in an authentic loving relationship
Best example is our Lord
If any would come after me, take up your cross & follow me
To work toward the common good wanting to bring glory to His name
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.[b]
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.[c]
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
“let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted within me.
15 My mouth[d] is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs surround me,
a pack of villains encircles me;
they pierce[e] my hands and my feet.
17 All my bones are on display;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.
19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver me from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my people;
in the assembly I will praise you.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you[f] I will fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the Lord
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!
Prayer (v1-21)
– Separation from the Father (v1-5)
– Scorn (v6-8)
– Solitude (v9-11)
– Satanic hosts (v12-13)
– Suffering (v14-15)
– Sensitivity (absence of) (v16-18)
Praise (v22-31)
Fully to enjoy God is to glorify Him.
Why Praise?
He is the
– Risen one
– Ruling one
– Righteous one
Prayer (v1-21)
– Separation from the Father (v1-5)
– Scorn (v6-8)
– Solitude (v9-11)
– Satanic hosts (v12-13)
– Suffering (v14-15)
– Sensitivity (absence of) (v16-18)
Praise (v22-31)
Fully to enjoy God is to glorify Him.
Why Praise?
He is the
– Risen one
– Ruling one
– Righteous one
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.””
Matthew 16:19 NIV
God has given us the authority to open the doors of heaven
If you are given the key, you are given he responsibility & signifies implication of authority.
In olden days, King would appoint trusted servant who would be given a key to the treasury.
Keys used to worn on neck for safekeeping & as a sign of authority.
This is what Jesus meant when He spoke to Peter, to the other apostles & even to us today!
The Key
The preaching of the Word of God which is given to every believer – Martin Luther King
Why do we preach the Gospel?
There’s only 2 reasons which should be the motive of every believer
1. We love God
2. We love others
God has already done everything necessary for the whole world to go into heaven.
God has given us the authority to forgive in His name
This is not on our own merit but what God has already done.
Our decision to accepts Christ is made on earth but has a major implication in heaven.a picture of a man who is in sin is tied up by Satan.
When we are saved, our bondage is removed & our sin is forgiven.
It is a great honor that we are God’s messengers to declare His Word. – John Calvin
This is a great privilege & also a great responsibility.
It is humbling & also a great comfort that us mere mortal men can share & impart God’s Word.
Sun Sep 13
The Blessed & The Cursed
Psalm 1
By Lai
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
Psalm 1:1-6 NIV
““Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
Matthew 7:13 NIV
God seems to divide into only 2 groups (eg Cain & Abel, Isaac & Ishmael, Wicked & Righteous)
Which group are we in?
Enter by the narrow gate
a Tale of Two People
V1-3: blessed
V4-6: wicked
Blessings are found many places in the Bible (eg Beatitudes, Psalm)
NOT:
– WALK in the counsel of the UNGODLY
– STAND in the path of sinners
– SIT in the seats of the scornful making fun of the things of God
Does it say we should not mix with sinners or even non-Christian friends?
No. As Jesus Himself mixed & ate with sinners & tax collectors
Because of Jesus being with them, they changed to become like Him
Jesus did not change
We can mix with non-Christians but keeping our Christian values
An example of walking in the counsel of the ungodly is a pastor who committed suicide after he Ashley Madison expose
What God likes
– DELIGHTS in the law of the Lord; the Bible
Humans by nature in sin do not see any value in God’s Word
A person can only delight in God’s Word after being reborn
One way to check ourselves is how we read God’s Word; Is it a joy or a duty?
– Meditates day & night on God’s Word
Like a tree
– PLANTED by the river
A tree does not plant itself
We are only who we are by the grace of God
– Bears its fruits in its season
Fruits of good works bringing others to the Lord
– Leaves do not wither
– What he does — prospers
Not only monetary terms but what he does comes easily (eg the success God gave Joseph in Egypt)
People on the broad way
– “ungodly”, “wicked”
– Like CHAFF
A tree unmovable & stable VS chaff easily blown by the wind & useless
– Blown away by the wind
What happens to them?
– NOT STAND
May say many things today but unable to stand in the day of judgement
Why the psalmist certainty they will not stand?
– For the LORD knows
– The way of the righteous
– The way of the ungodly
– Shall perish
Psalm summarizes all mankind to 2
Those who are godly & those who are not
Where do we stand?
Reminded of #John 3
– Nicodemus — a Pharisee, a Bible teacher yet realized that he was lacking
– Jesus said you will not enter the gate
– Jesus replied that you need to be born again
False evidences
#Matthew 7
– I do not know you
– Depart from me
A true Christian is not because of what you do but who you are
Do you know the Lord Jesus Himself?
Review of Psalm 1: Signs of new life
– A delight of the Bible
– Growth in knowing God better & becoming more like Jesus
– Bears fruit
– Love for believers
Intro
Did you know that coins used to be irregular (not quite round) & made from precious materials like silver. People started shaving off the sides of coins to get precious materials. Coins with the help of machine made perfectly round & milled at the sides (either lines or words). There are even idioms on coins such as 2 sides of the same coin. Meaning: Very closely related although seems different. Today we are looking at 2 sides of the same coin through grace & mercy in Hebrews 4.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
Grace
– Unmerited favor; getting what we do not deserve
Over 170x in NT… yet we often struggle to understand grace as humans we often only reciprocate to favors
Why unmerited? Our sinful nature. God’s laws show us how far we fall short. Not one of us can be saved by our own works. Yet all of us can come to a merciful God.
Why does God show grace? God gives us life. God gives us love. God gives us redemption.
– God’s throne of grace:
“True prayer is an approach of the soul by the Spirit of God to the throne of God.”- Spurgeon
So we behave in lowly reverence to approach Our Father who is hallowed, almighty, the King of kings & Lord of lords
– Why confidence? Thankfulness, joyfulness & trust knowing Our King will not give us scraps or broken pieces but is the seat where He dispenses grace.
How often do you stop to worship God & reflect on who He is?
What is your attitude when you come to God?
Mercy
– Loving compassion despite being sinners; Not getting what we deserve
– Our redeemer God. God’s plan of redemption shows His unlimited love not sparing His son.
Blood is shed in substitutionary atonement because without it there is no forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ blood is the only way. God is our redeemer.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
– When we fail, God comes to us with mercy & compassion that never fails!
Imagine being in God’s metaphorical shoes facing sinners every day. Repeatedly sinning. Yet humans responding in love & mercy being slow to anger.
How will you thank God for His mercy?
How do you show mercy & compassion to others? How will you behave the next time your blood starts to boil?
Conclusion
We need God else we are lost. Forever. Our provider God gives us all that we need & knows what is best for us. We need to approach God in love, thanksgiving, awe & reverence. By desiring to know & experience God, we will draw closer to Him & really know Him. And our actions on how we treat our fellow men with grace & mercy will draw others to eventually know His grace & mercy. We are all to offer our best to God who has given us such grace & mercy!
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: (John 16:8 NIV)
Convicts us of sin
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:5 NIV)
Born of the spirit; Life is imparted
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NIV)
Encourages
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)
Indwells believers
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (Ephesians 1:13 NIV)
Life secure sealed by the spirit
according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11 NIV)
Strengthened by the spirit
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. (1 John 2:20 NIV)
GOWW 21st Anniversary Celebration on Sat Jul 4 at Kajang Life Chapel
Jun 1996 start of 1st missionary work in Cambodia
18 years of missionary work published in a book last year
Jing Yong & Jing Yi performanceI have Jesus down in my heart (My fav Khmer song) group performance
Testimony sharing from Cambodians
Munir
Sharing by sister Munir
I came from a broken family. My father was an alcoholic who beat his wife & children. We often slept at night in bushes, straw or neighbors house starving to avoid being beaten. My mother ran away from home after being beaten until fainted. I often gazed to the skies praying to the moon as I believed that god was there.
When I was 16, I went to Phnom Penh to help my grandparents sell rice. Nearby was SLCC where I learnt English & was led to Christ.
Then only could I start to forgive my parents & be filled with joy. Whenever I face difficulties in life, I pray to God & He answers my prayers. Even when I did not share my needs with anyone, but God knows & provided an electric bicycle to continue studies.
My husband & I faced pressure from family when marrying but insisted that their wedding must glorify God & share God’s Word with non-believer guests. Today, my husband & I happily serve God together. Also our family members are saved.
Indeed it is a change from life without meaning to one whereby I can share God with others.
Kazakhstan Mission started in 1995
Sharing how God is working in Kazakhstan.
Malaysians came to Kazakhstan bringing the good news.
Missionaries made friends & share the gospel.
We started a church & baptized believers.
We made disciples & are one family at Zhiger Gospel Center.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 NIV)
Madina sharing
Sharing by sister Madina
I am really grateful to God I was born into my family. But it was not that way back then.
I was given material needs but lacking love. My father was a drunkard who spent many nights away from home. I still remember mother’s eyes full of pain & hatred screaming at him. When my father was back, my younger sister & I hid under our beds so our drunk father could not find us.
I always asked God why? Who is God? What can I do so God can love me?
Even though I didn’t know God, He knew me & heard me.
I grew up as a bad child & had a boyfriend when I was 12. I grew up with my goal to be rich. I started to drink & smoke from young & didn’t care what others thought. I thought my answer was in the mosque & often went to the mosque to get noticed by boys. I felt abandoned by my parents & even my best friend.
I quarreled with my family & friends. I lost my meaning in life & contemplated suicide.
But God is the one who stopped me from committing suicide & started to live again.
My friend introduced me to Evelyn. And Evelyn shared with me about Jesus but I resisted. I finally went for a camp & met teachers (who at that time I didn’t know we’re Christians) who were so friendly, kind & loving. I left the camp knowing Jesus but not accepting Him.
One night I was watching a tv show when the program showed Jesus healing a man. I was afraid as Jesus is portrayed as evil there but I felt a need & calling to know Jesus. I ran to my teacher & asked her about Jesus. I could not resist Jesus anymore & accepted Jesus. The emptiness in my heart was filled. Now that I have Him, I cannot imagine life without Him.
Vessels of Blessings performance by KLC
Mr Loh sharing
Tank your for the performance & sharing from Cambodia & Kazakhstan.
Thank you to friends & partners in our kingdom enterprise who have come.
GOWW has 3 mission lines
1. Mekong River
2. Silk Road
3. Eastern Europe
Theme: True to His Promises
21 Years of His Blessings
1 Cor 1:9 “God, who has called you into fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful”
God has the whole world in His heart. He has an eternal plan for the world.
1990 KLC founded
1992 KLC started missions with Thailand in 1992
1994 GOWW founded
1995 1st Open Mission Conference (with OMF)
1994-2003 NW China backed up by OMF Missionaries
2004-2015 New Partnership in China
1995-2003 Kazakhstan backed up by OMF Missionaries
2004-2015 New Partnership in Kazakhstan
1996-2015 Cambodia with supporting churches
2004 Myanmar survey visit
2005 MMM established
2008-2015 Church planting
2010 Romania
2011 Albania
God willing, days ahead.
There is nothing we can not do for the Lord.
China: continue to care & teaches the Lord leads in the NW. Train & support China potential cross-cultural missionaries.
Kazakhstan: continue to care & teaches the Lord leads as is now autonomous.
Cambodia: Originally 2016 to plant another church after PP goes autonomous for a year.
Myanmar: God willing, to plant 2 more churches in 2016.
Romania Gypsy: To support a full time worker in 2016.
Tajikistan: Starting in 2015 Aug (Pop 8m; 90% Muslim)
Indonesia: We want to go, God willing (17,508 islands; Pop 245m; 87% Muslim)
Our Lord cares & commands. Will you not care & obey?
Will you not say to the Lord, “Here I am Lord, send me!”
The Fruit of Hope: Endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3) by Sinnappan
We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NIV)
The apostle Paul, together with Silas & Timothy, is thrilled with joy to hear of the spiritual testimony of the saints in the church of Thessalonica. His happiness flows out as thanksgiving to God. He points out 3 particular evidences which prove their salvation.
1. Evidences of Salvation – In the Triad of Blessings
– Faith: Leading to good works among men
It is expresses in energetic waiting for the fulfilment of the action & benevolent activities (Heb 6:9-10).
We are created to do good works (Eph 2:10).
We should not be weary in working out (proving) our salvation.
– Love: Leading to hard work for The Lord (Gal 5:6, 6:9).
We prove our love for God by our toil of sweat, blood & tears! (2 Cor 5:14)
– Hope (Elpis): Leading to patient expectation through trials.
The heroes of faith of Hebrews 11 illustrated the need of enduring patience waiting for the fulfilment of the hope of salvation (heaven).
It is trusting the unseen & intangible as real & true (Lam 3:24; Luke 8:15)
2. Endurance of the Saints – In the trail of believers
Our hope is in:
– His promises – It never fails (Josh 21:45)
– His power – It never faints
He has risen & will keep His word (Matt 19:26)
His resurrection power (John 14:1-2)
Hope keeps you watching in prayer, waiting in patience, working with persistence, witnessing with passion & warfare with perseverance.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 NIV)
1. Dangers that a Christian face
2. Defense against dangers
3 Dangers
1. Possibility of straying from God’s Word
2. Sinning against God
3. Succumbing to the impurities of the world
7 Defense
1. Do not neglect the Word of God (read God’s Word daily)
2. Recount (memorize) God’s verses that speaks to us
3. Meditate & consider God’s Word
4. Hide God’s Word in our hearts
5. Live it out in our lives
6. Consider whether does it help promote God’s Kingdom
7. Delighting & rejoicing in God’s Word
Teach me your decrees. Do not let me stray from your command.
God’s Word is not dead. It is alive!
Would we be happier to get a million dollars or God’s Word?
If you don’t find it joyful, you may need to check the state of your spiritual health & do some soul searching
Need to read God’s Word daily, hiding it in out heart & living it. And to pray for this joy in our lives.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV)
Dealing with Hostility:
1. Passion for goodness – Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
Be in love with goodness. Make it your joy, your life & your goal.
What is goodness? James 1:27
2. Pliability in suffering – But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled…
Pliability = Adaptability
A joy, privilege & honor if face suffering in the name of Christ
3. Place for Christ – Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts
4. Preparedness to answer – always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness & reverence
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)
Know what you believe
Answer with gentleness, meekness, humility & reverence
5. Pure conscience – and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14 NIV)
