Sunday Sermon 9 Aug 2009

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Solomon Abraham

Grace Assembly, Petaling Jaya

http://www.fileqube.com/file/CPLRdb208684

(10MB MP3)

16 AUGUST 2009

16 Aug 09

Liong KC
Kai Yew
Colleen, Lareina, Richard
Lydia Sim, Jonathan Long
Anna Sim

Tian Sia, Moses Tan
Manjit, Hiew FF

Successful Christian Living

We are to grow up in all aspects into Him (Ephesians 4:15)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free (Galactians 5:1)

There are two concepts which determine the victory and fruitfulness of a Christian. The first concept is maturity. Paul wrote: "We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ ... to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13,15). God has given us everything we need to grow to maturity in Christ (2 Peter 1:3). But Satan is opposed to our maturity and will do anything he can to keep us from realizing who we are and what we have in Christ. We must experience victory over the dark side before we can fully mature.

The second concept of the successful Christian life is freedom. Paul declare: "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (Galactians 5:1). This verse not only assures us that God wants us free, but also warns us that we can lose our freedom by returning to the law.

Before we received Christ, we were slaves to sin. But because of Christ's work on the cross, sin's power over us has been broken. Satan has no right of ownership or authority over us. He is a defeated foe, but he is committed to keeping us from realizing that. He knows he can block your effectiveness as a Christian if he can deceive you into believing that you are nothing but a product of your past, subject to sin, prone to failure, and controlled by your habits. As long as he can confuse you and lbind you with his dark lies, you won't be able to see that chains which once bound you are broken. You are free in Christ, but if the devil can deceive you into believing you are not, you won't experience the freedom which is your inheritance. I do not believe in instant maturity, but I do believe in instant freedom, and I have seen thousands of people set free by truth. Once a person is free, you would be amazed at how quickly he or she matures!

We rejoice that it was for freedom that our Lord came to set us free. Holy Spirit remind us today to walk in Your freedom.

- Neil Anderson

When Your Adult Child Moves Home

You thought your adult children were gone, but suddenly they are back in your house. Many couples have discovered that the main problem was their reactions to each other. The adult child was fine, but the two of them found themselves fighting each other. If you find yourself fighting, please seek a negotiator and let him or her help you draw up some reasonable guidelines that will make life easier for everyone. This may be a counselor, pastor, or trusted friend.

Planners and Strugglers
Two types of young adults return home: planners and strugglers. Planners come home to prepare for independent living. Their goals usually include saving money, paying school debts, and building a nest egg for the future. They add vitality to their parents’ lives.

Strugglers tend to return home out of necessity. They find the outside world threatening and don’t want to struggle on their own. Parents who can respond with understanding will help them reach the level of maturity necessary to go out on their own and lead productive lives.

Terms and Conditions
When your adult child returns home, it is important that you work out an agreement on a few critical issues. First, establish a time limit for the nesting experience. Second, formulate a financial agreement that will take into account the financial goals of all parties. And third, respect the need for privacy. Your marriage will not only survive but thrive if you work together in forging such an agreement.

A Thriving Marriage
Parents who have adult children at home can consider themselves fortunate in several ways. First, they are able to help their children. Parents of strugglers also have the opportunity to rectify past mistakes. They have additional time with their children while the children are developing life values.

Nurturing your own marriage is extremely important for your adult children. They need to see a model of two adults loving and encouraging each other through the years. In order to encourage our adult children, we need to encourage each other in our marriage. Giving each other words of encouragement not only sets a model for your adult children, but it gives your spouse the emotional fuel to keep going.


There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Parenting Your Adult Child: How You Can Help Them Achieve Their Full Potential by Dr. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

I Will Sing Devotional

From Don
05.08.09

Lyric Excerpt for “I Will Sing”
I will sing, I will praise.. Even in my darkest hour.. Through the sorrow and the pain.. I will sing, I will praise.. Lift my hands to honor You.. Because Your Word is true.. I will sing..

Scripture reference: Psalm 145:17-18
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, And loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, To all who call on him in truth.”(NIV)

When you’re privileged to do what I do, to travel around the country and minister to others through worship, you see a lot of church signs. And depending on what neck of the woods you’re in, some signs just don’t make a lot of sense. Like the one I saw out in front of a beautiful white clapboard chapel on a state highway in Louisiana. It said, “Today’s Sermon: the Word of God.” Trouble was, besides the obvious fact that all sermons should be based on the Bible, I passed that sign on a Thursday. That sermon was long finished.

Another sign I saw recently really confused me. It read: “Pot Luck Revival, Sunday-Wednesday.” I’m still not sure it that church was having a revival or a four-day buffet.

But one church sign seems to be cropping up more than others these days: “Sinners welcome here.” And every time I see one, I think: “Thank the Lord for just telling it like it is.”

The only difference between the sinners inside churches and the sinners outside churches is the amazing grace and forgiveness of God. The saints really are sinners who still fall down, but by the outstretched arm of a merciful God, we get up again. And again.

Trouble is, too many Christians think that they have to be worthy to worship the Lord. Many walk through the workweek feeling that God is far away. They don’t try to pray because they’re not convinced He’s listening. And besides, the anger and fear and doubt that consumes their thoughts isn’t really the stuff you’re supposed to tell God about, right?

Few things are further from the truth. Psalm 145: 18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” You can—in fact God wants you to—tell Him what you really think. To be honest about what’s going on in your life and in your heart. He already knows what’s going on anyway, but He longs for you to tell Him all the same.

The reality is that everyone goes through days when we feel God is far away. There’s a phoniness in some Christian circles that says you don’t admit that. But just look at Psalm 109 where David – the sweet psalmist of Israel who said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times’ – tells God all about his fear and doubt, in no uncertain terms. Why is he so bold? Because he couldn’t be anything but honest before the Lord. That’s what God wants in our worship—our spirit and our truth.

The truth really does set us free. Free to worship with our whole hearts. Don’t be afraid. Be bold and tell God the truth about something you’ve been holding back. Release that sin or bitterness or anger by confessing it, and let the truth set you free.

- Don

The Love Language of Physical Touch

This week we are going to focus on the love language of physical touch. We have long known the emotional power of physical touch. Research has shown that babies who are held, hugged, and kissed develop a healthier emotional life than those who are left for long periods of time without physical contact. I suspect the same is true of adults.

Physical touch is a powerful vehicle for communicating marital love. Holding hands, kissing, embracing, and sexual intercourse are all ways of communicating emotional love to one’s spouse. All marriages are enhanced by tender physical touch.

If Your Spouse Doesn't Enjoy Physical Touch
One wife said, “I want to touch my husband, but when I try, he draws back. He acts like it irritates him, unless of course we are having sex.” What is this man telling his wife by his behavior? That physical touch is not his primary love language. He will respond much better to “words of affirmation” or one of the other love languages. If physical touch is your spouse's primary love language, they will welcome tender touches any time you want to give them.

Some people will find it difficult to speak the language of physical touch. They were not touched as children, and touching is uncomfortable for them. But anyone can learn to speak this language. Remember, love is seeking to meet your spouse's needs, but your own. You don’t touch because it feels comfortable to you, but because it communicates love to them.

Dialects of Love
In marriage, the love language of physical touch has many dialects. This does not mean that all touches are created equal. Some will bring more pleasure to your spouse than others. Your best instructor is your spouse. Your wife or husband knows what they perceive as a loving touch. Don’t insist on touching them in your way and in your time.

Respect their wishes. Learn to speak their dialect. Don’t make the mistake of believing that the touch that brings pleasure to you will also bring pleasure to them.

There are appropriate and inappropriate ways to touch in every society. All societies have some form of physical touching as a means of social greeting. This is also true in marriage. Physical touch can make or break a relationship. It can communicate hate or love. Tender physical touch can be a powerful language of love, but harsh abusive touch can actually destroy love. Clearly our bodies are made for touching, but not for physical abuse.

There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Sunday Sermon 2 Aug 2009

Speaker: Bro. Caleb Ramachandran
White Fields Assembly, Seremban

http://www.fileqube.com/file/noNabhFwC208661
(5MB MP3)

9 AUGUST 2009

9 Aug 09

Tom C.
Shankar R.
Hong Lu, Foong Yee, Siew Pin
Meng Fhui, Jun Fhui
Ken Fhui
Darren
Ken Fhui, Colleen
Hiew FF, Manjit

Godly Goals And Desires

Has (God) said, and will not do it? Or has He spoken, and will not make it good? - Numbers 23:19

One key to successful living is learning to distinguish a godly goal from a godly desire.

A godly goal is any specific orientation reflecting God's purpose for your life that does not depend on people or circumstances beyond your ability and right to control. Virtually no one but yourself. The only person who can block a godly goal or render it uncertain or impossible is you.

By contrast, a godly desire is any specific orientation that depends on the consideration of other people or the success of events or favourable circumstances you cannot control. You cannot base your self-wroth or your personal success on your desires, no matter how godly they may be, because you cannot control all the people or circumstances that affect fulfilment.

When people or circumstances block our goals, we get angry. If our mentally perceived goal is uncertain, we feel anxious. If the goal appears impossible, we get depressed. But what God-given goal can be blocked, uncertain, or impossible? With God all things are possible, and I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me (Matthew19:26, Mark 1-:27, Luke 18:27, Phillipians 4:13). No one can keep us from being what God wants us to be except us.

Notice how God distinguishes between goals and desires. John wrote, "My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin" (1 John 2:1). Certainly God desires that we do not sin, but His status as God and His purposes cannot be blocked by anyone who exercises his will against repentance. But it is God's desire that everyone repent even thought not everyone will.

God accomplished His goal when Jesus said, "It is finished." What God has determined to do, He will do, so we can be all that He created us to be.

- Neil Anderson

We Shall Meet on that Beautiful Shore

The mother of our beloved Elder, Lim Swee Boon has gone to be with the Lord today.

Official memorial: Sunday, 2 August @ 8pm
Funeral: Monday, 3 August @ 10am
.

Getting Rid of Bitterness

Have you ever been deeply hurt by your spouse? Some of you may be saying, “Yes, again and again and again.” Then chances are you have also felt anger and bitterness toward your spouse. What are you going to do with these strong emotions that won’t seem to go away?

Unexpressed and Uncontrolled Anger
Let’s look at two negative ways and one positive way of responding to anger and bitterness.

First, there is unexpressed anger; holding it inside and letting it smolder. When we do this, the bitterness becomes like a malignant cancer slowly destroying the fiber of life. Then, there is uncontrolled expression of anger. Like an explosion it destroys everything in its range. Such an outburst is like an emotional heart attack and may produce permanent damage.

There is a better way. It begins by saying to yourself, “I’m extremely angry and bitter about what my spouse has done. But I will not allow their wrong to destroy me and I will not attempt to destroy them. I will turn my spouse over to God who is just, and I will release my anger and bitterness to God.” The Biblical challenge is “get rid of anger and bitterness” (Col. 3:8).

Releasing to God
Confess to God that you have held your anger inside and that you are bitter. Ask His forgiveness for handling your anger in a sinful way. Then confess your bitterness to your spouse and ask forgiveness. Find a counselor or trusted friend who can help you release your spouse and your anger to God, in order to live a constructive life in the future. Let me admit that a one time confession of bitterness may not eliminate all hostile feelings. If the bitterness has been there a long time, the hostile feelings may die slowly.

Whose Responsibility?
Paul said, “Never pay back evil for evil... Never take your own revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:17,19). You may have been greatly wronged by your spouse, but it is not your responsibility to punish them for their sin. They must face God with their sin, and God is a just judge. Verbal retaliation accomplishes no constructive purpose. Seeking the good of your mate, which the Bible calls love, has much potential for good.


There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Hope for the Separated by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Understanding Personality Differences

We often hear of personality clashes. If we are going to understand each other, we must identify our personality differences.

The Peacemaker
Let's take a look at the peacemaker. This is the calm, slow, easy-going, well-balanced personality. This person is typically pleasant, doesn’t like conflicts, seldom seems ruffled, and rarely expresses anger. The peacemaker has emotions, but does not easily reveal them. In a marriage the peacemaker wants calm, tends to ignore conflicts, and avoids arguments at all costs.

The down side of this personality is that conflicts are often left unresolved. If they do get into an argument, the peacemaker will try to calm the other person by giving in even if he does not agree. They are kindhearted, sympathetic and want everybody just to enjoy life.
The Controller
What about someone who has a controlling personality? The controller is the quick, active, practical, strong-willed person. They tend to be self-sufficient, independent, decisive, and opinionated. Finding it easy to make decisions for their self, they often make decisions for other people as well.

Problems are seen as challenges to the controller. They have dogged determination and do not sympathize easily with others. The controller does not easily express compassion or warm emotions. While controllers typically accomplish much in life, they often run over others who stand in their way. If one has a strong controlling personality, he or she will likely need help in understanding how their actions affect others.

The Party Maker
Next, let's look at the party maker. This is the warm, lively, excited personality. For this person, all of life is a party. The party maker enjoys people, does not like solitude, and is at their best when surrounded by friends.

The downside of this personality is that others often see them as undependable and undisciplined. They are so much into the moment that they often forget previous commitments. If you are married to a party maker – enjoy the ride – and, ask your spouse how you might help them keep life on track.

The Journey Toward Harmony
The reason it is so important to understand personality types is that we tend to seek to meet our psychological and spiritual needs in keeping with our personality. If we understand the role that personality plays in motivating our behavior, we will understand each other better. Understanding leads to greater harmony in relationships.


There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from Desperate Marriages by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Hindrances to Emotional Intimacy

Emotional intimacy has its roots in sharing passions, emotions, thoughts, experiences, desires and frustrations. We want someone who will be interested in knowing us and sharing life with us; someone who will take time to ask questions and time to listen to our answers.

Past Pain?
I am often asked, “Why won’t my spouse share their feelings with me?” One reason some husbands and wives do not share feelings is that they are not in touch with their emotions. For others, the pain of parents separating, the memory of physical or sexual abuse, the grief over the untimely death of a parent, or other experiences of emotional pain was never processed as a child. Years ago, the person stopped feeling because the pain was so intense. They separated their intellectual life from their emotional life and are no longer in touch with how they feel.

For this person to find health and healing, it will likely require the help of a trained counselor. It does not help for the spouse to condemn them for not sharing their emotions.

Emotions are Not Sinful!
Another reason some people do not share their emotions is that they have been taught that certain emotions are sinful. If we believe that it is wrong to feel anger, fear, and depression, then naturally we will try to deny these emotions rather than discuss them with a spouse. The Bible does not condemn emotions, but challenges us to process these emotions positively. “When I am afraid,” the Psalmist said, “I will trust in the Lord.” He does not deny the emotion, but rather chooses his response.
Reaching Out To overcome such fears, we must first acknowledge them. The next step is to share this information with our spouse in a non-condemning way. “I’ve been thinking about us and I have realized that I often do not share my feelings with you because I am afraid that it will stimulate anger in you, so I keep my feelings inside. I know this is not good for our relationship. I need your help in overcoming this."
The Center of It
Because the desire for marital intimacy is so deeply rooted in our psyche, it greatly affects all other aspects of family life. Time and effort spent in developing emotional intimacy in your marriage is time wisely invested. Emotional intimacy is at the heart of what marriage is all about.


There are five love languages. What's yours? Take the 30-second quiz.
Excerpt taken from The Family You've Always Wanted: Five Ways You Can Make it Happen by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Gary Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Song Story: Give Thanks

From Don
05.06.09

Because Give Thanks is one of the most recognizable songs that I sing, many people think that I wrote it. However, it was written by Henry Smith.

The year was 1978, and Henry had a lot to be thankful for. Recently graduated from seminary and soon to be married, he found himself deeply touched when his pastor preached about 2 Corinthians 8:9. In this verse the apostle Paul explains how Christ, though rich, became poor for our sake in order to help us understand and receive the true and eternal riches He offers us. Henry remembers being filled with peace when he heard this, and amazed at the depth and completeness of Christ’s love.

A seed was planted in him that soon blossomed in Give Thanks. Eight years later, he discovered that the song had “sung” its way into congregations across America.

“I consider what I did to be totally unremarkable,” says Henry. “But what God has done in carrying the song around the world and into people’s lives is incredible. He could have chosen anyone. I’m just thankful to be in His flow and a part of things He’s doing.” I am blessed to sing this song!

- Don

Live Responsibly Today

Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. - Matthew 6:34

Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Jesus said, "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they read, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more then they?" (Matthew 6:26). Birds are not created in the image of God. We are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we shall. Birds are mortal; mankind is immortal. If God takes care of the birds, so much more will He take care of us. That's why the apostle Paul could write, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philip 4:19).

Matthew 6:30,31 states: "If God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then." God lays His own reputation on the line. If we trust and obey, He will provide. This is a question of God's integrity. "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things ... Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:32,34)

God's will is that we live responsibly today and trust Him for tomorrow. Are we people of little faith, or do we really believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy us more than earthly possessions? Do we really believe that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we shall be satisfied? Do we really believe that if we seek to establish God's kingdom, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory? If we do, then we will seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to us. Most of all, we will stop worrying about the tomorrows and let each tomorrow worry about itself. We thank our Lord, for His faithfulness in caring for us. We gladly cast all our cares on Him. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 7:33-34).

- Neil Anderson

2 AUGUST 2009

2 Aug 09

Caleb R.
Peggy Tan
Tian Sia, Jun Fhui, Siew Pin
Grace Lee, Jocelyn Lee
Darren
Kai Yew
Meng Fhui, Timothy C.
Tom C., Hiew FF

Keeping Our Instruments Safe

From HERE

The Holy Spirit Guidance

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. - Romans 8:14.

A young pilot had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse. Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth. Putting total trust in the cockpit instruments was a new experience for him, for the ink was still wet in the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instrument flying.

The landing worried him the most. His destination was a crowded metropolitan airport he wasn't familiar with. In a few minutes he would be in radio contact with the tower. Until then, he was alone with his thoughts. His instructor had practically forced him to memorise the rule book. He didn't care for it at the time, but now he was thankful.

Finally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller. "I'm going to put you on a holding pattern," the controller radioed. Great! Thought the pilot. However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person. He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn't see. Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, "This is not a seasoned pro up here. I would appreciate any help you could give me."

"You've got it!" he heard back.

For the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog. As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realised the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the rule boo firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.

The Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions of the flight manual. His guidance was based on that. Such is the case with the Holy Spirit: He can guide us if we have a knowledge of God's word and His will established in our minds.

- Neil Anderson

Sunday Sermon 19 July 2009

Speaker: Pastor David Rajaiah
St. Mark's Church, Seremban

http://www.fileqube.com/file/YOtpopYhD206254

26 JULY 20009

26 July 09

Barnabas P.
Peter Long
Gigi, Jacquelina, Richard
Jun Fhui, Meng Fhui
Terry/Weng Ern
Ken Fhui
Moses Tan, Tian Sia
Tommy, Tom C.