How Can We Change To Make It Better?

by Rev. James Wong

Bishop Thomas Tsen and Bro. Fung Yin Khun flew in from KK whereas Bro. Lo Lie Meng and I flew in from Sandakan and we met in the KLIA on last Sunday evening. We were going to Seremban for the Global Leadership Summit (19-20 Oct 2009), held at the Agape Gospel Assembly church. The venue was most appropriate because of its modern facility. Just the LCD projector cost RM50,000! There were more than 500 participants.

What is Global Leadership Submit? Here is a brief write up:

“The Willow Creek Association's vision for The Global Leadership Summit is that every Christ-follower with leadership gifts, skills, or aspirations would gather once each year, dedicating themselves to raising their level of leadership on behalf of the local church and other organizations.

We hold a deep belief that if you change a church leader, you can change a church, and if enough churches start changing, you can change an entire region, country, and eventually the world.

In 1995, this belief gave birth to The Leadership Summit. Now, 14 years later, the Summit in North America has grown from 1 site to over 140 sites linked together via satellite and over 65,000 leaders in 2008. And in 2008, The Global Leadership Summit brought together via video-cast over 46,000 people in 114 cities and 50 countries.”

“The Global Leadership Summit is a trusted, high-caliber event that’s designed to transform Christian leaders on behalf of the local church with an annual injection of vision, skill development and inspiration.

Together with your entire leadership team:

• Explore cutting-edge leadership principles from some of the world's foremost leadership experts and communicators
  
• Engage in live, heartfelt worship that will refresh your soul and draw you closer to our great God
  
• Tackle issues unique to leaders, including casting vision, motivating others, self-management, team building, managing volunteers, problem solving, decision making, and much more.”

The two days of seminar was most revealing and inspiring. We had uninterrupted time to listen to world class leaders who have brought significant changes to the world. After each session we had the opportunity to discuss. Leaders must learn to change and adapt to change to achieve maximum impact and results through the local church. “How can we change to make it better” is a question that a good leader must embrace. Let us aspire to be effective leaders for God.

Lessons On Relationship (Part 4)

Restoring Relationships: Sympathize
by Rick Warren

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).

The third biblical step toward restoring a relationship is to sympathize with the other person's feelings.

Use your ears more than your mouth. Before attempting to solve any disagreement you must first listen to the other's feelings. Paul advised, "Look out for one another's interests, not just for your own" (Philip. 2:4 TEV). The phrase "look out for" is the Greek word skopos, from which we form our words telescope and microscope. It means pay close attention! Focus on their feelings, not the facts. Begin with sympathy, not solutions.

Don't try to talk people out of how they feel at first. Just listen and let them unload emotionally without being defensive. Nod that you understand even when you don't agree. Feelings are not always true or logical. In fact, resentment makes us act and think in foolish ways. David admitted, "When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, I was as stupid as an animal" (Psalm 73:21-22 TEV). We all act beastly when hurt.

In contrast, the Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Prov. 19:11 NIV). Patience comes from wisdom, and wisdom comes from hearing the perspective of others.

Listening says, "I value your opinion, I care about our relationship, and you matter to me." The cliché is true: People don't care what we know until they know we care.

To restore fellowship "we must bear the 'burden' of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others . . . Let's please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good" (Rom. 15:2 LB). It is a sacrifice to patiently absorb the anger of others, especially if it's unfounded.

But remember, this is what Jesus did for you. He endured unfounded, malicious anger in order to save you. "Christ did not indulge his own feelings . . . as scripture says: The insults of those who insult you fall on me" (Rom. 15:3, NJB

Growing In The Word Series

Word family: boldness, boldly.
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Synonyms: Courage, confidence, fearlessness
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Related ideas: Zeal, strength, fear, David & Goliath, Daniel in prayer
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Definition: Boldness is an attitude of strong confidence in God, such that godly things are said and done openly without fear of the consequences.
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Greek References: παρρησια parreesia (literally "all speak") 3954 (Strong) cf 3956 pan, all and 4483 reo, spoken
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Scripture:

Boldness in prayer
Heb 4:16 “...come boldly to the throne of grace...”
Heb 10:19 “...having boldness to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...”
1Jn 5:14 “...this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us”

Boldness for the Judgment
1Jn 2:28 “...when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed...”
1Jn 4:17-18 “...boldness in the day of judgment... there is no fear in love...”

Boldness in speaking God's word
1Th 2:2-4 “"...we were bold in our God to speak the gospel to you...”
Act 4:29-30 “...Lord grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word...”
2Co 3:12 “...since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech...”
Jhn 7:13 “...no man spoke openly...”

Boldness in life and death
Php 1:20 “"...with all boldness... Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death.”
Jsh 1:7 (read vv 1-9) “Only be strong and very courageous.”

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Comment: Boldness is not arrogance. With arrogance, the trust is in self. With boldness, the trust is in God. (source: simplybible.com)

The Legal Implications Of Conversion To Islam

Boys' Brigade Officers' Equipping Conference (OEC)

16-18 October 2009

I attended the above conference which was held in the Methodist Centennial Park, Sibu Sarawak. The purpose of the conference is “shaping leaders, impacting lives”. A total of 46 officers from different states of Malaysia participated in this conference.

Mr. Steven Low was the invited speaker for the conference. He was in the life and General Insurance industry more than 25 years, then he gave his time to serve the Lord. He ministers widely in evangelistic preaching, Bible teaching and discipleship-making through church camps and retreats, short term Bible schools, Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship chapters, Christian Fellowships of school, colleges and universities. He is also the Training Manager of WorldTech (Walk-Thru the Bible) Ministry.

The courses conducted in the conference are very useful not only for the officers of the Boys’ Brigade, but for Sunday school teachers and all who serve in the church ministries. We were reminded that as a disciple of God we must always be alert of our daily and spiritual life, which is, always keep the fire burning (Lev 6:8-13).

What impacted me was on the subject of a leader’s influence and the importance of leaders having the communication skill who can stand out and talk to influence the followers. Christian leaders must be hungry for God’s words, the Bible, which is the greatest leadership guide book. The temptations of leadership were also covered in the conference. I felt very much blessed by God in this conference. It has helped me to learn to be a leader.

Sabah Theological Seminary's Fund Raising Concert

Report by Pr. Lo Shen Loon

On 17th October, the fund raising concert for Sabah Theological Seminary’s Multi Purpose education Centre was smoothly conducted. About 500 persons attended the concert. A 70 plus strong choir led by Preacher Lo and the tambourine group from BCCM Sandakan presented hymns, anthems and songs. 9 students from STS also presented 2 musical items. The principal of STS, Rev. Datuk Dr. Thu shared about the importance of STS to train pastors and lay leaders. He also shared about the needs o f STS, especially about the building project of the Multi Purpose Education Centre. There is still a deficit of Rm3 million and he urged brothers and sisters to help contribute to this deficit. A total of RM72,290 was raised from this concert. May all glory be unto God.

"In addition, other brothers and sisters have also pledged about RM80,000.00 to the project. May all glory be unto God."

Tambourine Dance From BCCM Sandakan

Presentation of Cheque to Sabah Theological Seminary

Choir Presentation

Church Concerns

1. Words of Welcome
Welcome everyone to God’s house. It is indeed good that we can worship God in His house today. May God’s word bring encouragement, hope and transformation to our lives.

2. VISITATION BY ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH
A group of brothers and sisters from St. Mark Lutheran Church will be visiting our church on 28 October (Wednesday). Our church will host a dinner for them on 28 October, 7pm. Brothers and sisters are welcome to join the dinner and the fellowship after dinner. The deadline is today. If you want to join, please register and pay RM15 per person to brother Wong Vui Min.

3. CHOIR RECRUITMENT
The English congregation choir is recruiting new members. We hope that brothers and sisters could come and join our choir. It will be fun to sing together in the choir. The practice is on every Thursday, from 8:00pm to 9:30pm. All are welcome. Please inform Pr. Lo if you want to join or just drop in on Thursday night.

4. SABAH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY’S FUND RAISING CONCERT
This event was smoothly conducted on 17th October. A total of RM72,290 was raised for STS. Thank you, brothers and sisters for your support.

5. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Church Welfare Committee will give Academic Excellence Award to children of our congregations (English, Chinese & Indah) studying in kindergarten, primary & secondary school. The qualifying academic standard will be based on last year’s (2008) results. Details are posted at the entrance of the church and are also attached to the application form. Application forms are available from the Enquiries table. Please hand in completed application form to Rev. James Wong by 25 October 2009 (today).

6. SUNG SIEW SCHOOLS ANNUAL DINNER
The Annual Dinner of the Sung Siew Schools will be held this coming Saturday, 31st October, 7:30pm at Sabah Hotel Ballroom. Pastors , church council members, school board members and church staff who have confirmed their attendance, please remember to be there on time.

7. ENGLISH AND CHINESE JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
The English and Chinese Joint Management committee will meet on 29th October, 7:45pm at Wisma Charis Conference Room.

8. PRAYER MEETING
The monthly church prayer meeting on 28th October (Wednesday) has been cancelled due to our church hosting a dinner that evening for brothers and sisters from Brisbane. There will be morning prayer on 29th October (Thursday), 6:45am

Church Activities For This Week

Understanding Ordination

by Rev. James Wong

The ordination service of Pastors and Reverends was held in BCCM KK on the 17 Oct 2009 (Saturday) at 2:00pm.

In our church we have three levels of pastoral posts; Preachers, Pastors and Reverend Pastors at the highest level. The status conferred on the candidate of ordination is a recognition of a person’s fitness for the pastoral office and a public recognition of a person’s commitment to serve the church. It is not a promotion. Especially the ordination to Reverend, it is the candidate’s public declaration of a life long commitment to serve the Lord and His people. He/she makes a public promise to be faithful in carrying out the work entrusted to him. Thus, ordination is a defining moment in the life of those who serve full-time in the ministry. Here are the various qualifications for the different pastoral posts.

The qualification of Preachers: (1) Graduated from recognized Theological Seminary or Bible College and posses at least Certificate in Theology. (2) Must be a dedicated Christian with a calling to serve.

Qualification of Pastors: (1) Graduate from recognized Theological Seminary or Bible College and possess at least Bachelor of Theology or equivalent qualifications. (2) Served as preacher for at least one year. (3) Assessed and recommended by the Pastors Ordination Committee (4) Must be a dedicated Christian with a calling to serve.

Qualification of Reverend Pastors: (1) Graduate from recognized Theological Seminary or Bible College and possess at least Bachelor of Theology or equivalent qualifications. (2) Served as pastor for at least three years. (3) Recommended by the Pastors Ordination Committee and pass the qualifying examination. (4) Must be a dedicated Christian with a calling to serve.

In our church we do not ordain a person to become Preacher. We commission them to be Preacher. However, Pastors and Reverends are ordained. Ordination is for life unless due to unforeseen circumstances, the ordination is revoked.

The chief responsibility of the ordained ministry is to build up the body of Christ by proclaiming and teaching the Word of God, by celebrating the sacraments, and by providing guidance for the life of the community in its worship, its mission, and its caring ministry. This ministerial task is founded on Ephesians 4:11-13, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (NIV).”

The main task of pastors is to acquire the skill to train God’s people for ministry because serving Christ is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. It is the mobilization of the whole church for ministry is one of the most daunting tasks of pastors. Support your pastors in prayer always and serve the Lord wherever you can. Serving Christ is not reserved for ordained pastors.

Joining Hands, Building Together

Rev. Datuk Dr. Thu En Yu

Introduction

Nehemiah’s Concern

Nehemiah was concerned about the city of Jerusalem, about the temple of Jerusalem. Why?

The city of Jerusalem / the temple of Jerusalem signify:
Wall of Jerusalem / Temple of Jerusalem signify:
The identity of the Jews

Fall of Jerusalem:
Loss of identity, influence, worship centre.
Became a people of shame.

Resistance from Within and Without

Parallel Stories / Testimonies Between the Wall of Jerusalem and STS

What is the Identity / Center Point of Christianity in Malaysia?
Malaysia is 52 years old now, do we have a common identity which can hold us or unite us together?

Nehemiah presented the vision to people who would do the work

The entire construction project was completed in 52 days.

Unity is power. People get united through the Nehemiah project. The project was completed in 52 days.

Christians in Malaysia do need a strong centre / focal point of our religious, spiritual, cultural, educational, economic and political activities.

Theological Education in Malaysia
There are about 500,000 Protestants in Sabah. Presently, a shortage of 1,600 pastors in the indigenous church, based on a recommended proportion of about 1:200. A similar need applies to the indigenous churches in Sarawak.

The total construction cost for the new Education Centre is 6.5 million ringgit. STS is still RM3 million short in meeting the total cost of the project.

Conclusion

Lessons On Relationship (Part 3)

Restoring Relationships: Take the initiative
by Rick Warren

"If you enter your place of worship and are about to make an offering, but you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God" (Matthew 5:23-24 Msg).
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The second biblical step toward restoring a relationship is to take the initiative.

It doesn't matter whether you are the offender or the offended, God expects you to make the first move. Don't wait for the other party. Go to them first.

Restoring broken fellowship is so important, Jesus commanded that it even take priority over group worship. He said, "If you enter your place of worship and are about to make an offering, but you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God" (Matt. 5:23-24 Msg).

When fellowship is strained or broken, plan a peace conference immediately. Don't procrastinate, make excuses, or promise, "I'll get around to it someday." Schedule a face-to-face meeting as soon as possible. Delay only deepens resentment and makes matters worse.

In conflict, time heals nothing; it causes hurts to fester.

Acting quickly also reduces the spiritual damage to you. The Bible says sin, including unresolved conflict, blocks our fellowship with God and keeps our prayers from being answered, besides making us miserable. Job's friends reminded him, "To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do," (Job 5:2, TEV) and "You're only hurting yourself with your anger" (Job 18:4, TEV).

The success of a peace conference often depends on choosing the right time and place to meet. Don't meet when both of you are tired, rushed or could be interrupted. The best time is when you both are at your best.

Growing In The Word Series

Word family: Faith, faithful, faithfulness.
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Synonyms: Believing, belief, confidence, trust
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Related ideas: Trustworthiness, receiving or accepting, assurance of hope,
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Greek References: πιστις pistis 4102 (Strong) cf 4103
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Definition: Faith is full acceptance of the gospel of Christ --belief in its facts, commitment to its principles, trust in its Author, acknowledgement of his authority, confidence in his promises, obedience to his commandments.
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Scripture:

Faith for all
John 3:16 “God so loved the world... that whoever believes may... have everlasting life”
Romans 1:16-17 “salvation for everyone who believes”

Faith for living
Galatians 2:20 “...the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God...”
Ephisians 2:8-10 “By grace you have been saved through faith... created in Christ Jesus for good works...”
Jude 1:3 “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints”
James 2:14-26 “faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected... by works a man is justified, and not by faith alone.”

Faith for perfection
Philippians 3:9 “...not a righteousness of my own... but that which is through faith in Christ... the righteousness which is from God by faith”
Hebrews 11:1,6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God”
Hebrews 12:2 “Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”
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Comment: Protestant reformation theology held that faith is entirely a work of God for his chosen who are saved by faith alone. Paul's teaches “the obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5) agreeing with James that one is saved by faith and works together, not by either alone. (Source: www.simplybible.com)

Marriage

Congratulation

Testimony Sharing Night

9th October 2009
Report by Lin Yet Far

“Love Can Make Up For the Breach of Life” a testimony shared by Pr. Chung Su Ming who is from Taiwan. She is married with a daughter Hui Xin who is born with congenital brain damage and is physically handicapped in the eyes and the nose which are not properly formed. Her vertebral column curved to one side, legs not of the same length, defect in the left ear and defects in the teeth and jaw bones. It was a bolt from the blue to the family. She and her husband are healthy and there is no hereditary disease record in the family. She was totally devastated and lost hope. She thought of suicide with her daughter, but heard God speaking to her of His love. God never fails in His promises and love to this family. Hui Xin was an angel sent by God to bring countless encouragement to many people.

Their testimony was a challenge of faith. The right attitude that human beings should adopt toward God is that of self-surrender. The cross does not solve the problem of human suffering, but it gives us the right perspective from which to view it. It was a night that many of us would not easily forget.

“For I know the plan I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11