King Jehoshaphat was one of the two good kings of Judah. He honoured and obeyed God in the beginning and was successful. His one choice of Israel to be allies led to his downfall.

What are some of our decisions that we need to make changes to avoid falling spiritually?

We must look at how we spend our money. What we spend the major portion of our income would tell us what our priority is. Scriptures tell us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be.

Another telling indicator will be what we spend the major portion of our time. What or where or who is our priority?

We must work hard. But not at the expense of our spiritual pursuit to grow in our relationship with God. A pertinent question would be, ‘How well do I know God?’ Is He the priority in my life?

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Let the word of God be the guiding light for our lives. When we allow His Word to govern our decisions, we will have a spiritual compass that will guide our walk with God.

Sermon

WHAT FAITH?

Romans 15:14-22, John 4:46-54

1. Crisis or Christ

John 4:46-47 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

Matthew 8:23-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

2. Confidence or Christ

John 4:48-49 “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

Matthew 8:5-13 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him,
“I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.

3. It is Christ

John 4:50-54 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Mark 11:22-25 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Questions for Application

1. What are the differences between crisis faith, confident faith and faith in God? Did you ever do things or handle life issues not knowing Jesus is on the boat? How would you resolve that?

2. What should we do in order to have faith in God? What steps or changes will you make to achieve that goal?

• Sermon Date: September 19, 2021
• Date Posted: September 16, 2021
• God's Words: Download

Many of us have learnt to utilize social media to keep in touch with family and friends. While communication may seem to have increased, people have become more isolated. In the past, we could sense and discern the emotional and spiritual condition of one another when we met. Now that we are meeting online, we can mask our real situations. Many choose to hide their pain and despair and try to cope in silence. This may be why we hear of so many cases of depression lately. Depression may be due to the loss of close friends or loved ones. It could be due to our loss of income. It could also be due to health issues or a change in the season in our life. There is no need to be afraid as help is available.

We are created social beings in the likeness of a triune God. There is a need for us to be in the community. Jesus while He was on earth, had good friends like Lazarus, Mary and Martha where He could go for friendship and fellowship. We must cultivate some close friendships that we can go to when we feel lonely, helpless and hopeless. This is the reason why FCC is organized in cell groups. Our cell group should be our refuge where we can be our true vulnerable selves. Our cell group is one place where we can get help in times of trouble.

We need to cultivate an intimate relationship with God. He is sovereign over the whole creation. Everything that happens is according to his plans. He holds our future in His hands. When we cast our cares and troubles on God, our perspective will change. We will be assured. Come to Jesus when you feel afraid and discouraged.  When Joshua was afraid, Moses said to him, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Jesus said to his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Be a friend to someone who is in need of care and concern, someone who may be depressed and in need of help. Let us be the light in a dark and desperate world.

Sermon

LOVE THE WEAK

Romans 14:1-15:1-13, Mark 8:27-38

1. The Weak

Romans 14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
Romans 14:5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Romans 14:10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister ? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

2. Walking in Love

Romans 14:14-15 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

3. Glorifying God

Romans 15:2-3 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
Psalms 69:7-9 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
Romans 15:4-6 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:9-13 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Application

1. Share what your attitude is to people different from you before you became a disciple. How will you treat non-Christians now so as to win them for Christ?

2. Share what are some of the matters that you used to dispute with others about ‘Christian’ practices. What are some non-essentials that threaten to disrupt unity among you?

• Sermon Date: September 12, 2021
• Date Posted: September 11, 2021
• God's Words: Download

Discover your destiny

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Finding our significance and our place in life is such an essential part of human existence. Life without a sense of destiny can be quite meaningless. Mankind seeks all these in the pursuit of success and achievements, hoping that in them, they will find a purpose for them to live for, destiny of their own making.

For Jeremiah, the Lord said He knew him before he was formed physically. Before his conception in his mother’s womb, God has a calling upon him, a destiny for his life. The destiny and calling of a person are written in the spirit of the person. Before our physical existence, God has already determined our identities and destinies. No one is ever born into this world by accident, or by the sheer will of man, even if it may appear to be so. James Robison, a televangelist who transformed countless lives in the past 50 odd years, demonstrate such amazing truth. James’ mother conceived him as a result of rape. His mother wanted to abort him but failed. She even put up an advertisement for him to be adopted. His years of growing up were turbulent and his future seemed very bleak. But the Lord did not forget the identity and destiny He has written in his spirit. James went on to live out his identity and walked into his God-ordained destiny, after he has come to know Jesus personally.

You too, have your identity and destiny written by God in your spirit. You don’t need to create your own destiny and try to find your calling in life. As you draw closer to God your Heavenly Father, you will discover your true identity and calling in your life.

When Jeremiah was finally called by God to live out his calling, Jeremiah responded by saying he was not ready. The Lord assured him and “put His words into his mouth” in order he might fulfil his calling (Jeremiah 1:6-9). When we realize our calling, we may well be far from ready to answer it. We need equipping. The Diocesan Vocation Committee endeavors to help our members to discern their calling, to suggest ways to equip those who have received God’s call to serve God in His Church.

Whatever your past may look like, it does not determine your future. Your future is in God’s hand. Your destiny has already been planted by God in your spirit. It is the choices you make in your life that will determine whether you will walk in your God-given destiny or the future that you create for yourself.

The choice is always yours. Choose wisely.

By Rev. Canon Kenneth Thien
Chairman
Diocesan Vocation Committee

Sermon

AND DO THIS

Romans 13:11-14, Mark 7:24-37

1. Understanding the Time

Romans 13: 11-12a And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

2. Doing what is Right

Romans 13: 12b-14 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you think When Jesus is coming again. In view of what you believe, what is your plan to share the good news?

2. Share what you think we should put off and what we should put on. How do you share with others to avoid gratifying the desires of sinful nature?

• Sermon Date: September 5, 2021
• Date Posted: September 3, 2021
• God's Words: Download

In the creation story, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15. “Work it and take care of it” is a responsibility assigned to man. All of us can learn to care for the world we live in. Our destiny and well-being are tied to the health of the environment. Plants use carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Some plants can break down toxins in our surroundings. Every day, we make decisions that affect water and air, upon which we depend for life.

We may not feel very strongly about this. We may even feel the responsibility lies with others (the environment department). Our indifference and inaction collectively will lead to irreversible climate change. The deserts are getting bigger. Natural calamities are happening with increasing frequency and severity. What is God saying to us?

Many people have taken up the challenge to plant their own fruit and vegetables. Others have taken up the hobby to plant house plants and flowers. Shredded paper and vegetable scraps are being composted and used in raising organic vegetables. The discharge from our washing machine can be used to water the garden. This help to produce healthy plants and reduce the chemicals washed into the sea. Used cooking oil can be sold to recyclers who convert it to biofuel.

Make every effort to reduce the power consumption which contributes to global warnings. Switch to LED lights which consume less electricity. Commit our homes to recycle to conserve our natural resources. Take a shopping bag with you for your shopping to reduce the use of plastic bags. Buy products in a glass container that you can reuse. We can all do our small part. The total will make a world of difference.

I have strived to create a garden at the back of the church and to green our church by growing potted plants. Over the pandemic, it has been neglected and the plants are in a sad state. I am reminded ‘to work it and take care of it.’ There is nothing that is maintenance-free. We need to be disciplined to “work it and take care of it” regularly. We are to be good stewards to God for all that we have been given. I am reminded of an old hymn,

This is my Father’s world
And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres

This is my Father’s world
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees
Of skies and seas
His hands the wonders rod

This is my Father’s world
The birds their carols raise
The morning light the, lily-white
Declare their Maker’s praise
This is my Father’s world
He shines in all that’s fare
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass
He speaks to me everywhere

God is the Creator. He can restore. He can save our world. Let us do our part in the care of this world as good stewards.

Sermon

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Romans 13:8-10, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15,21-23

Why we should love our neighbour?

1. Fulfilment of the Law
John 13: 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
Romans 13: 8b For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
John 13: 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

How to love our neighbour?

1. An Unpaid Debt
Romans 13: 8a Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.

2. Does no Harm
Exodus 20: 16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Romans 13: 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.

3. Love them as Yourself
Romans 13: 9b You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
Romans 13: 10 and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.

Matthews 5: 43-44 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Questions for Application

1. Share what you understand by love is the fulfillment of the law. What is one thing that you are convicted to do to show love to your ‘neighbour’.

2. Share what you understand by ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. What debt of love do we owe?

• Sermon Date: August 29, 2021
• Date Posted: August 27, 2021
• God's Words: Download

The pullout of the American troops from Afghanistan after 20 years of occupation has thrown the country into chaos. Missionaries and converts to Christianity will have their faith in God severely tested. Many have chosen to remain. Many Christians will die for their faith. Let us pray that great courage will rise in the face of great adversity. “As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

Man can fail us when things get difficult. God will never fail us. When we are in need or danger, we can call on Him. We can depend on Him to see us through. He was with the Hebrew people in Egypt and delivered them from slavery. He was with Daniel and his three friends when they were living in captivity in Babylon. He was with the early Christians when they were persecuted by their leaders and the Romans. God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. He is with us.

It is tempting to make all kinds of negative remarks about the affairs of our nation. But let us be instructed by Sciprtures to bring to the Lord what concerns us, what troubles us, what angers us, what disappoints us. “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry”. (Psalms 34:15) “Let us keep our tongue from evil and our lips from deceitful speech. Let us turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”. (Psalms 34:13-14). Let us taste and see that the Lord is good.

In his foreword, Cease From Striving, Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng (Chairman of NECF) wrote:

We can be still because He is our refuge, our strength and very present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1) Our God is present among His people and the help of our God is greater than any crisis.

We can be still because He is “Yahweh Sabaoth”, the Lord of hosts (v7). He is the commander of armies, both the army of His people and the armies of heaven. He is the God of all glory and might. This glorious God is with us, His people.

“Be still and know that I am God” is not a call to a contemplative life, important as that may be. Realize that God is essentially saying, “Lay down your arms, surrender, and acknowledge that I am the only one who can usher in indubitable victory.”

Let us be still and know that God is God.

Sermon

LOVE NOT HATE

Romans 12:7-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Why do we hate?

We hate when our identity or personhood is devalued, denied, dishonoured or rejected, when we are violated

Progression towards hate

– Offended, hurt
– Angry
– Bitterness and vengeful
– Hate
– Evil

“Evil goes against anything that is godly and violates what is good”

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

“Hate defiles a person and modifies our emotional responses, attitudes and behaviour”

1 John 2:9-11 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light,
and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

“Not only we need to get out from Darkness, we need to get Darkness out of us”

The antidote for hate is love

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Love cleanses us from the defilement of hate

– Offended, hurt: forgiveness, healing
– Angry: peace
– Bitterness and vengeful: trusting the Just God will avenge
– Hate: love
– Evil: good

Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Questions for Application

1. Why is it important for us to love instead of hate, to overcome evil with good?

2. Share with one another a particular struggle you have between love and hate. Pray and ask the Lord to help you and invite the Holy Spirit to intervene.

• Sermon Date: August 22, 2021
• Date Posted: August 20, 2021
• God's Words: Download

“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.” 1 Samuel 22:1-2

The cave represented an answer to a spiritual need. The circumstances were against David so he had to seek refuge in a cave in the wilderness. But God was with him.

We are in a similar situation where we are surrounded by danger all around. We must put our trust in God that He will provide a safe haven for us.

In every situation, we are not alone as God will bring people alongside us. David had his family and also those who are in need gathered around him. Our Cell Group is a place we can experience this – God bringing people alongside us, God using us to be the people alongside others, where we can be there for one another. Cell Group is a home where everyone feels included and belongs.

At the beginning of the church, Acts recorded for us, “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”Acts 2:44-47

We may not be able to gather physically in this season. But let nothing stop us from caring for one another. Let nothing stop us from extending help to those in need. Let nothing stop us from expressing concern for one another. Let nothing stop us from walking the extra mile for one another. The Lord is with us in every season. May the Lord make our Cell Group a “cave” for many. May it be a place where many will find God and experience Him as a refuge and a home.

Sermon

OUR FAMILY

Romans 12:9-16, John 6:51-58

Romans 12:9-13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

1. Love Must Be Sincere

1.1 Let love (agape) be sincere/without hypocrisy
1.2 Hate what is evil
1.3 Cling to what is good
1.4 Be devoted to one another in brother love
1.5 Honor one another above yourself

2. Love Be Expressed

2.1 Never be lacking in zeal

– to recognize the importance of the mission
– to recognize the importance of our own health
– to recognize that we can do part of the job

2.2 Keep your spiritual fervor
2.3 Serving the Lord
2.4 Be joyful in hope
2.5 Patient in affliction
2.6 Faithful in prayer
2.7 Contributing to the needs of the saints
2.8 Given to hospitality

Questions for Application

1. Share what is the evil we need to hate? What is one good thing that you would like to cling to?

2. What are the practical acts of love that Paul listed? Share which ones are most relevant to you?

• Sermon Date: August 15, 2021
• Date Posted: August 13, 2021
• God's Words: Download

A well-kept lawn is a joy to behold. It is a delightful area for recreation and quiet contemplation. I have allocated an hour each evening to rehabilitate my lawn. I have learnt many spiritual lessons working on it.

For the lawn to be beautiful, weeds have to be removed. They are tough to kill. You cut them down and they spring up faster and more prolific than the grass that you want to keep. You need to find them and pull them up by the root one by one. This takes regular ad consistent effort. After a prolonged period of tender loving work, we are beginning to see the fruit of our labour.

In our walk with the Lord, we need to spend time with Him daily. In our busy schedules, carve into our day the reading of Scriptures, quiet reflection and prayer. We need to set aside time daily to hear Him speak into our lives, our situations, and our circumstances. Let His word instruct our minds, guide our speech and conduct. Be intentional to pull out the weeds that are in our lives. Jesus taught that one of the weeds in our life is the worries of the world and the anxieties of this age. Another weed is the deceitfulness of riches and the desire for worldly things. ‘Weeds’ that steal our time and keep us in bondage.

I learnt from tending to my lawn the need to revisit regularly the patch that I have worked on. It is amazing how many weeds can sprout after a few days. It is the same with our lives. We have to keep working on the areas where we are weak, where we have failed.

NECF 40 days fast and prayer starts today (7 Aug – 15 Sep). Together as a church family, let us enter this season of fast and prayer to intercede for the nation.

Download the prayer booklet https://www.necf.org.my/eventsmaster.cfm?&menuid=13&action=viewevent&retrieveid=462

The content page gives us an exciting glimpse of the 40-day journey ahead – to Cease from Striving, identify The way forward and Be An Overcomer Who Rises Above the Storm.

Daily Devotion and Prayers
Day 1-5: Come
Day 6-10: Repentance
Day 11-15: Knowing Who God Is
Day 16-20: Knowing His Works (In the Past)
Day 21-25: Knowing His Works (In the Present)
Day 26-30: Knowing His Works (In the Future)
Day 31-35: Knowing His Word
Day 36-40: Practical Ways To Be Still

Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng (Chairman of NECF) encouraged us,
“In such tumultuous times as the world grapples simultaneously with health, economic and financial crises, we would do well to heed what the Lord tells us in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Sermon

OUR GIFTS

Romans 12:3-8, John 6:35, 41-51

1. Be Humble

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

2. Be Faithful

Romans 12:3c ..in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

3. Be United

Romans 12:4-8 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by c one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Questions for Application

1. Share why it is important to have a sober judgement of ourselves? Share what you plan to use your gift to bless the church.

2. Share what you think is the most desirable gift and why? If you have a choice, what do you think is the most needed gift and how to use it in the church?

• Sermon Date: August 8, 2021
• Date Posted: August 5, 2021
• God's Words: Download

Diocesan Welfare Sunday

Shalom Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I bring greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from the Diocesan Welfare and Disaster Relief Board.

Our Diocesan Welfare Week which usually falls on the first Sunday week of every June month has been delayed for this year due to the FMCO (Forced Movement Control Order) for the whole month of June 2021. With permission granted by Archbishop Melter Tais, we have decided to adopt the first Sunday week of August 2021 as our Diocesan Welfare Week just for this current year. I would like to take this opportunity to share with all of you some of the broad ministries works that the Board is involved in, namely,

1) Seguntor Alternative Learning Centre, Sandakan & Kundasang Community Learning Centre ran by St. Paul’s Church, Ranau – the Board is presently supporting these two centres with an annual grant for their educational ministry amongst the undocumented children of foreign workers. Both centres have been in operation for quite a number of years already.

2) Sabah Prison Fellowship – the Board has been giving annual grants to support their work and ministry amongst fellow prisoners, past and present.

3) Education –the Board provides a one-time study grant to local institutes of higher learning for ten eligible and deserving students on a first come first serve basis annually. Parents’ total income of less than RM1,500.00 per month is eligible to apply. All application forms can be obtained from the priest in charge of the respective parishes in our diocese and all completed forms are to be handed back to the said priest to forward them to the Welfare Board.

4) Financial Assistance – the Board provides various financial assistance to disaster-stricken members of our diocese. In the recent flood in Tenom, we provide some funds to St Peter’s Church for food assistance to some of their affected parishioners. Food assistance was distributed to the needy families within our diocese last year in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. May I call upon the parish priests to take note and inform us whenever the well-being of our diocesan members is affected? The Board will do our very best to assist as and when necessary. Medical-related assistance is also taken into consideration on a case to case basis. A grant was recently given to a diocesan member for his son’s operation in the hospital.

5) Community-related projects – All Saints’ Cathedral has recently applied to Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) to serve as a Vaccination Centre for the KK City area and we are presently awaiting their approval. We want to serve the community by opening up our church compound to a worthy cause and also to encourage those of our Diocesan members in the greater KK area to register and get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is with the hope that the other town parishes within our diocese will emulate this act. From time to time, the Board will identify the worthy project(s) to be implemented within the diocese to alleviate and remedy the personal, social and economic life of all Diocesan members.

As the Board desires to reach out to bless more people in need, let us all continue to uphold the Welfare Board wholeheartedly in prayers and with financial support through our generous offerings.

I would like to apologize for the non-availability of the Diocesan Welfare Fund envelopes for this year as the Diocesan Office decided not to print and distribute the envelopes to every local parish due to the various MCOs and no regular on-site Sunday services.  However,  you may contribute through your local church by using a church or normal envelope and mention “For Welfare Fund”.  Alternatively, you may transfer or bank in your offerings through DIOCESE OF SABAH HSBC Account No. 392-013397-001 or RHBB Account No.2101 03 0000 9829 and mention also “For Welfare Fund from …….name of Church”. Kindly send your bank in slip to Diocesan Account Department via WhatsApp @ 016833 3371 or email: lilyliau@gmail.com.

May the gracious Lord look upon us with favour as we gladly serve those who are in need. My Board members and I would like to thank you all for your faithful contribution. Praise the Lord!!

In Christ we serve,

The Chairman of Diocesan Welfare and Disaster Relief Board  

Sermon

FAITH IN REALITY

Romans 13:1-7, John 6:24-35

Romans 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1. Do Good

Romans 13:3-4 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

2. Submit

Romans 13:5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority

3. Pray

1 Timothy 2:1-3 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.

Romans 1:17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Questions for Application

1. Why is it necessary for believers to submit to authorities?

2. How can we be intentional in praying for those in authority?

• Sermon Date: August 1, 2021
• Date Posted: July 30, 2021
• God's Words: Download

How we look at the present circumstances is dependent on our perspective. We may be tempted to feel life is unfair. Or we can be filled with thankfulness that God is on the throne. God sees everything and has everything under His control. We may not understand fully what is happening around us. We may have many questions in our minds and feel our prayers are left unanswered.

May I encourage you to always to look to God and place your trust in Him. No matter where we are or the circumstances we are in, we need to trust that God is sovereign overall. Talk to Jesus. Listen to His still, small voice.

Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers to Egypt. He was doing well as a slave but was thrown into prison through fraudulent charges. He continued steadfastly in his belief that God was in control of his life and rose to second in command of Pharoah.

Daniel was taken captive as a boy and brought to Babylon. There he distinguished himself in his service to a pagan king. He continued to be faithful to God. The people who were jealous of him plotted to destroy him. God delivered him and he became the chief advisor to the king.

Prophet Jeremiah was called by God to speak to the Jews who were in exile in Babylon. God said through Jeremiah, “For I know the plans 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 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Let us arise from all our circumstances, pray and seek God. Discern what God wants us to do to serve Him. Stand in the gap and move the hands of God through prayer and intercession. The Lord will hear us. Let us be salt and light wherever He places us. Let us be a blessing to the nations.

Sermon

A LIVING SACRIFICE

Romans 12:1-21, Matthew 20:20-28

1. Therefore

Romans 12:1a Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, ….

2. Be Merciful

Romans 12:1b …in view of God’s mercy, …

3. Be Worshipful

Romans 12:1c …to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

3.1 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice
3.2 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice
3.3 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God
3.4 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God

Philippians 1:20 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.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 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; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Questions for Application

1. Would you say you live “in a certain way” as Christians? Share an example and explain why.
2. Are you are merciful person? Share why you think that yourself.
3. Pray for your Cell Group – to be worshipful and merciful.

• Sermon Date: July 25, 2021
• Date Posted: July 22, 2021
• God's Words: Download

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalms 118:1

How do we declare this verse when we are in a state where the pandemic is most severe? I have learned that there is power in words. When we open our mouths and declare what God has laid upon our hearts, He will honour our words for His namesake. “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

I am praying Psalm 91 for protection over our church. I believe that we will pass through this trial and come out stronger if we continue to proclaim His protection. Let this pandemic be a reminder to us that we are to be salt and light in this world. Amid this most troubling season, join me in declaring, ‘I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord.” Psalms 118:17

Let us declare and personalize the following verse: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

Let us continue to put our trust in God believing that He is in control. Let us confess with our mouth daily that His plans for us are for our good. Amen. Remember we have a friend in Jesus. We can talk to Him. All day. All night. All the time. May I share another I learnt recently:

Sermon

INGRAFTED BRANCH

Romans 11:11-24, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

1. We are the wild olive shoot

Romans 11:17-19 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”

2. We depend on the root

Romans 11:20-21 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.
Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

3. God’ continued kindness

Romans 11:22-24 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

Questions for Application

1. How does a branch on a tree continue to fulfill its function and be fruitful? Share how we can apply physical lessons to our spiritual life?

2. What is the lesson that we can learn from the Jewish nation? Share what lesson we have learnt from the message that we can apply to our Christian life and witness.

• Sermon Date: July 18, 2021
• Date Posted: July 15, 2021
• God's Words: Download