APAC 2016 Day 2 H2 at Aug 18, 2016
Afternoon Prayer by John Short (HK)
Being Overcomers in Cross Cultural Mission
Foreigners in Korea are increasing every year
Diverse in Nationality & Status
1st = Chinese (2/3rd Korean Chinese)
2nd = American
Confronting many conflicts especially cross-culture families
Outreach program e.g. Ansan East Assembly (Many Chinese & SEA), Chinese Bible study in Daegu Area (since 2000), Korean language study in Wonju Assembly (monthly Gospel hours + planning 1st Gospel camp in Mongolia by combined assemblies)
Summary
Many things to do in Korea especially for foreigners who suffer language & cultural differences
Please pray for Korean Missionaries (31 missionaries in 16 countries)
Against wrong & false teachings (heretics & cults)
GLO Ministries Australia Report
By Andrew Cowell
I, GLO & you are passionate on Christ
In Australia lost out first love & we need to return back
I, GLO & you love the church
We exist as servant of assemblies to build the church
I, GLO & you long to see people gathering to Christ in discipleship witnessing & discipling in His name
How do we mobilise & motivate the next gen to love Christ & committed to preach Him to the nations? One of greatest challenges!
Aus peaked in 70-80s, plateaued & now in decline. Happening now & in near future for ASEAN countries.
Starting Q: Is there anything we can do to help?
GLO is not large but God provides resources towards helping assemblies. How?
GLO helps the church
1. DESIGN discipleship environments & training
2. DISCOVER people of vision, faith & action
3. Who can be DEVELOPed and then
4. DEPLOYed (send, command) by the church
Helping be a “midwife” for over 50 years
CROSStalk since 1997 eg English as Secondary Language
Fb.com/crosstalk
CROSSconnect discipleship & ministry training in “Practical Christianity” since 1975 trained 500+ people
Fb.com/crossconnect
CROSStrain makes you fit & ready for missions work since 1994 equipping 50 candidates from over 7 countries for missionary service
Challenge to reach the nations with the gospel (2.7b)
Ending Q: Is there anything we can do to help?
GLO Malaysia Update
GLO school setup in Malaysia many years back
It is difficult as missions is not an easy call
Grateful to GLO Australia for helping establish the school
Satisfying to see graduates of GLO Malaysia serve as church leaders & missionaries
Kathmandu Missions Centre in Nepal led by Amar trained through GLO supported by Malaysian assemblies
Every year usually May evangelism & short term mission and Nov for intensive training
Challenges of the need for training
Evening Prayer by Wong from Bethesda
Session 3: Satanic Tribulation for the Church in Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna = Persecution, bitterness, myrrh
40miles N of Ephesus with a beautiful bay in an almost perfect location
Still survives today known as Izmir (only 1 of 7 churches where there’s a living town today)
Known as “the crown of Ionia”
Destroyed 2-3x in its history (earthquakes, war)
Rebuilt – died & lived again!
An ally of Rome & place temple erected dedicated to Caesar
Centre of emperor worship & intolerable of other religions. Can follow all religions except for Emperor’s Day (the lord’s day) where worry citizen had to burn a pinch of incense on the altar. Very difficult for Christians as only one Lord – Jesus Christ.
Some “Christians” may have burnt but many who refused to bow the knee no matter the (high) cost.
Economy: wealthy & wicked city. Main exports wine & myrrh. Myrhh gum raisin tasted bitter but when crushed fragrant.
3 forms of persecution: pagan, Jewish & satanic
Being a Christian in Smyrna was a serious matter. Slandered by Jews. Tortured & killed by Romans. No word of criticism from the Lord to Christians in Smyrna. The Lord understands, sympathises & empathises.
V8 Jesus introduces Himself in 2-fold way
Jesus addresses Himself as first & last. Existed before evil commenced & will still be there when evil has run its course.
A personal relationship with Him will lift is above life’s trails.
To walk with Him & appreciate His love & care.
Previously Christians could worship. Increased interference from governments. Not allowed to wear cross or speak of faith (in the West!)
Registrars of marriage because of personal convictions refuse to marry same sex couples risk being dismissed.
The landscape is changing rapidly.
Our message of a living God is vastly superior to any other message preached on earth.
Our Gospel message is an attractive message in its own power prices people away from what is wrong & come to that which is right. This is our priority.
First and the Last = Deity
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.” – Isaiah 41:10-11 NIV
““Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last.” – Isaiah 48:12 NIV
Next: description of Jesus’ humanity
Dead… and Alive: an encouragement to martyrs
He died voluntarily & gave His life voluntarily
V9
I knew thy works
I know thy tribulations
I know thy poverty
I know the blasphemy directed against you
Remained faithful in spite of suffering
Directed to fellow saints rather than those in Smyrna
If one is in old age, disability, young in faith, etc the Lord understands
But for the rest of us who are well & there is not much persecution… yet… We need to take action before its too late
Tribulation = pressure = man placed on ground with stone heavy unbearable until life goes away
Poverty = employment & business opportunities restricted by being believers
Poverty not known from birth but thrust upon them
Poor yet rich spiritually (eternal treasures in heaven) & joyful in the spoiling of their goods
Those who persecute His people will one day face Him & need to answer to what they have done to His flock
Blasphemy – those who said they were Jews historically & in connection with own religious practices but the Lord said they are NOT Jews but of the devil
These Jews attacked Christians verbally & spread lies accusing of being a secret organisation with abominable practices like cannibalism (eating body & blood of Christ), immorality (love feasts on regular basis), anti-family (driving families & friends apart)
atheists (did not believe emperor was lord of all), disloyal to heritage, country, God & Roman Empire (as spoke of King of another kind – Jesus), & doomsayers (constantly speaking of end of world where Christ reigns)
Synagogue of Jews had become synagogue of Satan
V10 Do not be afraid of even 1 of these things
Faith of those in persecuted is to be admired & applauded as fear not even 1 of these things
Battle has been fought & victory has been won – devil defeated
Easy to say but when the storm breaks & fire comes, would we stand tall with our heads held high? A huge challenge.
Devil working to imprison believers
Devil = one who lays traps & snares catching men alive
Cast = hurl violently facing hunger, chains, darkness, solitude & torture
Cast one by one causing fear & testing to destruction
John is writing to encourage the saints. What hope can he give them? It will last for 10 days
10 days = 10 years? = 10 emperors? = literally 10 days
Limited by divine sovereignty to short period of time in God’s grace & mercy
Faithful into death we are given the reassurance of the crown of life
Crown of life = martyrs crown = symbol of triumph = token of public honour = life in its fullness
Something to be enjoyed not only in heaven but also on earth (Joy!)
# Hebrews 11
V11 Letters brought to us lessons
Overcometh = succeeds in the trial
All genuine believers are overcomers will not be hurt of 2nd death (the lake of fire)
Parallels Israel in bondage
# Matthew 24
Challenges
• Poverty & suffering
• Blasphemy & fear
• Suffering & faithfulness
Practical Lessons
• We are to thank God for His grace & mercy for us, largely without persecution… but it will come
• Jesus Christ was there in glory before it all started, today is still there & when it is all done will be there
Sharing by Indonesia
By Pak Suko
Total Population: 255.0m
Unreached: 155.6m
Largest Religion Islam: 80%
Under new government, Christianity not considered as a minority religion
Increasing openness of Indonesians repealed by harsh extremisms & legalism
Vision: New Testament church planting movement established in Indonesia
Today 13 assemblies in Indonesia (Jakarta 1, West Java 1, East Java 8, & Central Java 3) with 14 elders & 12 church planters
Even though some think Indonesia is a barren field, there are many opportunities asking through the Lord of the harvest
Change daily conversation topics to the gospel by building bridges = good relationships
Mercy ministry targeting the poor (pre-evangelism), student sponsorship programs (129 students from elementary to high school), traditional medicine, fresh water aid (especially dry season), and youth & outreach camp
Thank all who support especially Jalan Imbi, Kajang & GLO.
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”” – Matthew 9:37-38 NIV
Pray for Indonesia
Keep praying
Keep seeking
Keep praising
Keep hoping
Keep believing
God shows up in unexpected ways
Thanksgiving for the food by Teo Pek Bing, SNGH
Corporate Prayer
Thanksgiving for Korea
• Praise God for many missionaries sent out
• His goodness & faithfulness in protecting Korea
Pray for Korea
• NK open up & Gospel proclaimed
• Content for GNTV reaching lost
Prayer for Ephesus Message
• His right hand holds church leaders
• Encourage & rest in His mighty hand & seek His leading
Remember & nurture our first love for God, His people & His work
Session 4: The Church at Pergamos Impure Doctrine
Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamos = Pergamum = Twice married (at same time); Strange name; Tower + Married (Greek)
20 miles from sea & built on a hill
Messenger who carried these messages went in an arc upwards
Pergamos = Ancient capital of Asia Minor
Symbol = sword = granted authority to impose death penalty wo referring to Rome
Unofficial centre for pagan religion; Important for scientific & medical research; Hospital & manufacturer of medicinal ointments; Insignia = serpent of medical profession; Library 2nd only to Alexandria
Academic city rather than commercial but did manufacture ointments + parchments
Spiritually filled with idolatry, altars & temples; Centre for emperor worship & God of medicine
This letter is the only evidence there was an assembly in Pergamos
If the Lord today would write to all churches here today, would be interesting & instructive. Yet as is autonomous nothing we can do about the conditions that prevail there. Most important to us would be own church.
Lord instructed John to write like many times in Revelation
V12
Sharp sword = drawn; not in sheath/scabbard = Word of God = Rapid, swift, painful, impossible to escape (2 edges)
For this city there is no higher court of appeal
Suggestive of fact there is a higher authority than the city, council, Caesar – Jesus Himself
Suggestive God’s authority to examine & expel any wrong doing in the church
The Word of God is our final court of appeal
Everything to be examined on that basis alone
Anything non-scriptural must be removed
Assemblies must not change? No! Change is necessary but within the scope of God’s Word
V13 Starts off in normal way “I know thy works” – fully, completely, comprehensively
Where thou dwellest – Your works considered in connection to where you are
Abraham (Hebrew) = Passer through
Dwelling in the world, not just passing through
Where Satan’s seat is = in the city of the serpent & perhaps in temple of Asclepius (god of medicine) where serpents are worshipped presided by Satan
Satan was there first, & the assembly of God was placed there angering Satan to destroy the assembly
In other cities (eg Babylon) asked to flee but in Pergamos to hold fast showing determination & strength to be faithful
My name speaks of authority & holding fast not only to His Word but to His Name (2 edged & sharp challenge)
Has not denied MY faith = trust in His as the highest, ultimate & heavenly jurisdiction
Everything we have belongs to Him
I want you to remember those days when Antipas was a member of your assembly described by the Lord as my “faithful witness” which Jesus used to describe Himself
Slain = killed outright by Satan
Among you = killed at your side in your sight
Antipas was put inside a hollow brass bull which was heated to impassible temperatures suffocating & burnt to death
Jesus knows you were probably thinking “I’m next”
Jesus encourages, blesses & reminds them He once sat where they once sat being attacked by Satan, Jews & pagans
We must not marvel to find broken bones & blood near the lions’ den, like we find in Pergamos
V14-15
Few things against the church
Few = not indicative of number although there were 3
Assembly here had become divided into 3 sections
1. Still honoured the Lord’s name
2. Followed doctrine of Balaam
3. Followed the doctrine of Nicolaitans
Attacked not only outside but within
Balaam was called to curse Israel & almost killed if not saved by dumb ass
Balaam still continued to try to curse Israel for personal gain yet recognised that could not go against God
Balaam planned for beautiful Moabite women to stumble Israelites
Balaam & Balak succeeded by deceit
Suggested that it was ok for believers to mix in & have an attitude of worldliness
Worldliness = believers indulge in pleasures = accepting its manners = copying its habits = sharing its ambitions = submitting to its wisdom
“Let’s forget about separation & intertwine with the people” casting a stumbling block (trap) entangling the feet of the children of Israel
Today beware still the doctrine of Balaam & the need to disavow the world
Lest will become entangled in the foot & become useless
Fornication = spiritual and/or physical
Nicolaitans tolerated by assembly this evil = guilty!
Sin = feelings of guilt that debilitates the individual
V16 Was there any means of escape?
Repent!
Where there is repentance, there is possibility of recovery
I will come – the divine promise
Sword of the mouth – like angel w drawn sword in story of Balaam
V17 I will give him the hidden manna feeding the children in dark days
Manna spoke of the person of Jesus Christ
Only one that can save Pergamos is Jesus
Manna is described as small (humility), round (perfection), white (purity), (freshness), coriander (fragrance), fresh oil (authority), wafers mixed with honey (sweetness), colour of bdellium (preciousness)
White = livery of heaven (eg garments, robes, linen, throne)
Overcomers promised a new name (eg Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah; Jacob to Israel; Saul of Tarsus to Paul), hidden manna, new direction & new relationship with God
Relates to Israel in the wilderness
Parable of the mustard seed
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13 KJV
Individuals need to be careful who one associates with, & likewise the church
No compromise with the state & Christianity
Road to recovery = Putting Jesus first
New things to be done & great things to be achieved
Thus let us take heed the advice to Pergamos
