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1 CALVARYNEWS A PUBLICATION OF CALVARY CHURCH OCTOBER 2018 ISSUE 210 PP5911/11/2012(031323) SERVING GOD, BIG AND SMALL The Security of the Believer By Your Spirit A Night of Laughter and Fellowship

2 THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER By Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam Our security as a born-again believer is in our relationship with Christ, a relationship that reflects a Christ-like behaviour in an ungodly world. When our security is in our self-righteousness, we fail to live by God s grace through faith in God s redemptive work in our lives. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue to the Corinthian Church. I don t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that travelled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). THE WARNING OF FALSE SECURITY (v.1-5) The Israelites were delivered from human slavery and pagan living to live godly lives as a testimony of God s chosen people on the way to god s promised land. Though they were delivered, they continued to live like the ungodly, pagan Egyptians. Their security was not in their relationship with God but was only in name, calling themselves God s people. They did not have a testimony that declared they belonged to God. Similarly, we can be delivered from the slavery of our sinful nature and call ourselves Christians but continue to live like those who are unbelievers. 2

3 a) We say we are Christians but we do not live the Christ life. b) We can be baptized and be a member of a church but live like one who is an unbeliever. c) We can partake communion at the Lord s table and yet continue to live a habitual sinful lifestyle. d) We can be a leader serving in the church but do not have a testimony at home or where we work. Jesus teaches us that our security as a believer is like the parable of the Vine. Jesus says, Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5). Christ is the Vine and we are the branches. The believer s security is found in his dependence on Jesus Christ. God becomes the refuge and shelter we find rest in. Our salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. The believer s salvation should show evidence of what has taken place internally. The Bible says, Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:12-13). God who is working in us grants us the power to live a victorious Christian life. Accepting this truth gives believers great confidence in what we do, allowing the power of Christ to flow through our lives into the lives of others. Ultimately, God desires surrender more than our gifts, for it is through His people that He expresses His love to the world. OUR FALSE SECURITY IS NO MATCH WHEN TEMPTED (v.6-12) A believer who is not secure in his relationship with Jesus Christ will fall into sin when he is tempted. Paul warns us of some of the temptations that hinders our testimonies as witnesses of the Gospel: The craving for evil things (v.6) The sin of idolatry (v.7) The sin of sexual immorality (v.8) The sin of putting God to the test (v.9) The sin of murmuring and complaining (v.10) If we make our own achievements and our self-righteousness our security instead of our relationship with Christ, we will not be able to withstand the temptations thrown at us. 3

4 THE SECURE BELIEVER IN CHRIST IS ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE TEMPTATIONS OF LIFE (v.13) 1. The temptations we face are not unique to us alone. The Bible says, The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience (1 Corinthians 10:13a). The overwhelming situations that life can bring are common for the unbeliever as well as to the believer. Every temptation pushes a person to do wrong and to make him feel like a failure. The difference between the believer and unbeliever is that the believer has a security that does not come from himself but from Christ. 2. God is faithful. The Bible says, Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). The Scriptures also say, Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands (Deuteronomy 7:9). 4. When tempted, God will show you a way out and you will be an overcomer. A branch that abides in the Vine receives more than sufficient power and strength to overcome the temptation faced. Living out the new life that Christ has given us keeps the supply going. The believer s life on earth is never completely free from temptations and challenging situations. However, the Bible says, the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4b). Jesus Christ gives us the power and capacity to bring the giants of our life down, in the security we attain from Him alone. Thus, we have the ability to be an overcomer. Therefore, let us not live below the privileges God has in store for us. May we please Him by making Him our priority that the life of Christ might flow out of us to live, love and serve God in the security we have as believers. All Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation. 3. God will keep the temptation from becoming overbearing. Our Creator God has created us uniquely and He knows exactly how much weight we can take. In His love and grace, He will not allow you to face a situation that is beyond the capacity that He has given you. He will not put anything inside your structure that will cause you to cave in and give up. 4

5 The congregation of Calvary Church in th Anniversary Celebration Service and Luncheon Sunday, 28 October 2018, 9am God has been faithful and incredibly generous in blessing Calvary Church. He has given us the privilege of being part of His work to reach the nations. our history as a Church. An interactive timeline exhibition has also been set-up at the foyer of Calvary Convention Centre and a special 50th Anniversary book will be developed featuring, Calvary Church s journey. In the build-up to our Church s 50th anniversary celebrations, we have put together several items of interest to commemorate this important milestone for Calvary Church. This includes the three 30-foot long banners hanging in main foyer, various testimonies by Calvarites in CalvaryNews since January 2018 and two special videos highlighting All these will culminate in a very special 50th Anniversary Celebration Service when we gather in praise as a grateful family of God. Let s join in and be a part of this amazing landmark celebration and resoundingly cheer, Hallelujah! God is good! 5 Calvary Convention Centre filled to the brim in 2017 Calvary Convention Centre

6 CALVARY CHURCH celebrates 50 YEARS 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Calvary Church. In conjunction with this significant milestone, wonderful testimonies from Calvarites have been featured in CalvaryNews since January This issue features the last five testimonies that add up to a total of 50 testimonies shared. We are sure you will be blessed! GOD S PROMISES AND MIRACLES COME TO PASS IN CALVARY CHURCH I accepted Christ in 1985 and was actively involved in the Youth Ministry as a youth leader and served as a treasurer in a local church. This was also where I met and married my wife, Elaine Mok. After being married for many years with no children, my wife and I realised that only through prayer and faith in God would we inherit His blessings. After 11 years of marriage, God finally answered our prayers and blessed us with a daughter, whom we named Sammi, meaning God has heard in Hebrew. Three years later, God gave us a son and we named him Shannon, Hebrew word for God is gracious. I was so grateful to God for the blessing of my two children that I promised to serve Him in church if given the opportunity. L-R: Elaine, Simon, Sammi and Shannon In 2010, I was given a chance to serve in Calvary Church as the financial controller of the Calvary Convention Centre (CCC) Building Project, using the financial skills and management experience I gained in the corporate world. I was reminded by God that Whatever you do, work at it with your heart as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23). I went through very challenging and turbulent times but experienced God s power in Calvary Church. I thank Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam for his wisdom, encouragement and spiritual guidance. I learned how to listen to God s Word, humble myself and be faithful to God. I am amazed to have witnessed so many miracles and praying that CCC will be completely debt free this year. Amen! Simon Yap 6

7 CALVARY CHURCH, THE CHURCH OF MY FAMILY It was way back in 1977 that my two siblings and I started attending Calvary Church. Our parents used to drop us off at Sunday School (currently known as Calvary Kids) while they attended the main service. Sunday mornings were a delight. We sang songs, listened to Bible stories and enjoyed biscuits during our mid-morning break-time. But truth be told, Sunday s highlight came after Children s Church finished. That was when we all ran downstairs to surround the ice-cream man who also attended Church faithfully on Sundays, on his familiar motorcycle, to sell his tasty delights to kids like us. GOD WORKS THROUGH HIS PLANS AND PROMISES I have been a Christian for 32 years. I thank God for taking care of me in every step of my journey, especially after my husband passed away eight years ago. The Lord has been true to His promise in Jeremiah 29:11, 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. I am thankful to God for Calvary Church and every pastor for their prayers and support all these years. Even though there were many challenges along my Christian walk, God is faithful and has never failed to provide for my every need whether it be spiritual, emotional or financial. So many of my childhood memories were bound up with church-related activities like Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Royal Rangers, the College Students Ministry, Wednesday night prayer meetings which later moved over to Friday nights, the three services held each Sunday at Damansara Heights (DH) which then changed over to our Saturday Worship Service at DH and Sunday Worship Service at the Calvary Convention Centre in Bukit Jalil. There is so much history behind Calvary Church. Fast forward to 2018, together with my wife, Sunita Mathew, we remain at Calvary Church. My brothers, their families, and my parents all attend Calvary Church regularly. Our Sunday School teachers, Royal Rangers commanders and pastors have tirelessly taught, guided and mentored us in the Lord s ways, all these years. As Calvary Church celebrates her 50th anniversary, I feel an immense sense of gratitude. God bless the Church and the people that make up this fountainhead church! I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to serve in the Chinese Ministry as I always had the desire to serve the Lord. This ministry has made me feel accepted and loved, shown me how God works and has increased my faith. I have two daughters and a son, who actively serve the Lord along with their spouses. My three grandchildren give me great joy and their lives have been an encouragement to me. My greatest prayer is that my children and grandchildren will continue to serve the Lord. Molly Yong David Dev Peter 7

8 CALVARY CHURCH, MY STRONG FOUNDATION Praise God, He is ever faithful in my life since the early days of attending Calvary Church at Jalan Sayur, Pudu. I was saved and baptized in water in this Church. As a young person, I attended Christ s Ambassadors (currently known as Calvary Youth) and was actively involved in tracting, Sunday School (currently known as Calvary Kids) teaching, outreach works and combined Youth Camps because the church groups were very small at that time. JOURNEY OF FAITH AND ACTION I started attending Calvary Church in When Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam shared the idea of building Calvary Convention Centre (CCC), I was inspired to step forward to serve. My involvement in CCC fundraising began with the first Calvary Carnival. The Lord blessed our labour with the amount of funds we raised in one day and guided us to establish the model for future carnivals. On 28 March 1964, God blessed my late brother, Tony Lee, and I with life partners in Calvary Church. He married Linda Ng and I married Sally Khoo. We had a delightful double wedding in Calvary Church officiated by Reverend Dr. Delmer Guynes. Time passed so quickly and in the twinkling of an eye, we were in 2014, celebrating our 50th double wedding anniversary. It was so wonderful and thoughtful of our Senior Pastors Prince and Petrina Guneratnam to invite Reverend Guynes to pray for us at the end of the Sunday Worship Service for this occasion. L-R: Richard, Sally, Linda and the late Tony Calvary Church has been my strong foundation ever since my early days. As I grow older now, I thank God for the pastors care given to me and my family. I am grateful for their encouragement to carry on in my ministries in the Life Group, serving in the Calvary Sunshine Home and at funeral services with my accordion. The Lord then continued to lead me to serve in other CCC projects such as Sponsor a Brick, Members Advance, International Golf Fellowships, Sponsor a Seat and also to be part of the CCC Finance Committee. As I look back, I am so grateful to be part of this amazing journey of faith and action. The Lord strengthened our faith and blessed us as a Church as we believed, obeyed and worked to make CCC a reality. We live to love and serve; Jesus lives in us because He loves us and He is the reason why we continue to serve. Daniel Teng To God be the glory! Richard Lee 8

9 Pastor Chee Weng in AG Peshawar challenging the people to rekindle their faith Kimberly sharing her testimony in AG Zargrabad By Your Spirit By michael LOOn From Friday, 24 August to Saturday, 1 September 2018, five Calvarites comprising Michael Loon, Kimberly Woo, Victoria Choi, Samuel Ngeow and Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng, went on a short-term missions trip to Pakistan. On Sunday, 26 August 2018, we ministered at Assemblies of God (AG) Peshawar and AG Zargrabad. In a strongly male dominated society where women seldom speak publicly, Kimberly s testimony touched many of the women. The congregation responded wholeheartedly to God after the messages by Pastor Chee Weng. Our team prayed for the people and it was a blessing to be used by the Holy Spirit. opportunity to speak and the 42 campers responded well to each session. A camper, Samantha Rasheed, testified that she sensed God s calling into full-time ministry and she is committed to obey Him. God also used the cross-cultural experiences to minister to us. Churches thriving in such a non-conducive environment bears witness that it is by God s Spirit. We are extremely grateful to God for this trip. We thank Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam for the opportunity to minister in the mission field and for all those who prayed, particularly at the Wednesday and Friday Prayer Meetings. From Monday, 27 August, to Thursday, 30 August 2018, we ministered at the AG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district s Youth Camp. At the camp, we conducted four main sessions, two workshops, two morning devotions and a Q&A (Question and Answer) forum. Everyone in the team had the Fellowship in the home of a church elder Michael teaching the Men s Workshop Samuel helping the campers prepare as they transition into young adults Victoria praying for a mother in AG Zargrabad 9

10 Senior Pastors laughing during Douglas performance The hall transformed for the festivities Veronica giving the opening speech Joyful fellowship before the event A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER AND FELLOWSHIP The memorable evening began with an energetic drum performance by the Royal Rangers and a prayer of blessing led by Associate Pastor Peter Ong. Organizing Chairperson, Veronica See, appreciated Senior Pastors Prince and Petrina Guneratnam for their guidance, the Organizing Committee for their fine teamwork, all performers as well as everyone who played a part in this event. By ISSAC MATHEW The night progressed with a sumptuous eight-course dinner catered by the Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel and performances by the Calvary Church Music and Creative Arts ensemble led by Nicole Ong as well as LMJazz band led by Andrew Yem. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in the silent auction that had a smorgasbord of items including original paintings, jewellery and travel packages. Rapturous laughter exploded through the air, beautiful music enlivened the environment and wonderful smells wafted across the Multipurpose and Banquet Hall at Calvary Convention Centre. What an entertaining night on Saturday, 18 August 2018 turned out to be! We praise and thank God that 406 guests were welcomed to the fantastic event that was Comedy with a Purpose, organised in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Calvary Church. Later that evening, guests were treated to riveting violin renditions from local violin virtuoso Dr. Joanne Yeoh but the night crescendoed with Malaysian comedy king, Douglas Lim and his hilarious stand-up performance. It was a night no guest will soon forget and all glory goes to God for an event so successfully brought to pass. 10

11 Guests viewing items on auction Douglas sharing a hilarious tale A resounding drum performance by the Royal Rangers Dr. Joanne stunning the crowd with her strings The ensemble entertaining the crowd during dinner 11

12 JAMINAN ORANG PERCAYA OLEH PENDITA KANAN Prince Guneratnam Jaminan kita sebagai orang percaya yang lahir baru adalah dalam hubungan kita dengan Kristus, suatu hubungan yang mencerminkan sikap seperti Kristus dalam dunia yang fasik. Ketika jaminan kita ada di dalam kebenaran diri kita, kita gagal untuk hidup oleh kasih karunia Tuhan melalui iman dalam karya penebusan Tuhan dalam kehidupan kita. Rasul Paulus membahas masalah ini kepada Gereja Korintus. Message translation bm Maka duduklah bangsa itu untuk makan dan minum; kemudian bangunlah mereka dan bersukaria. Janganlah kita melakukan percabulan, seperti yang dilakukan oleh beberapa orang dari mereka, sehingga pada satu hari telah tewas dua puluh tiga ribu orang. Dan janganlah kita mencobai Tuhan, seperti yang dilakukan oleh beberapa orang dari mereka, sehingga mereka mati dipagut ular. Dan janganlah bersungutsungut, seperti yang dilakukan oleh beberapa orang dari mereka, sehingga mereka dibinasakan oleh malaikat maut. Semuanya ini telah menimpa mereka sebagai contoh dan dituliskan untuk menjadi peringatan bagi kita yang hidup pada waktu, di mana zaman akhir telah tiba. Sebab itu siapa yang menyangka, bahwa ia teguh berdiri, hati-hatilah supaya ia jangan jatuh! Pencobaan-pencobaan yang kamu alami ialah pencobaan-pencobaan biasa, yang tidak melebihi kekuatan manusia. Sebab Tuhan setia dan karena itu Ia tidak akan membiarkan kamu dicobai melampaui kekuatanmu. Pada waktu kamu dicobai Ia akan memberikan kepadamu jalan ke luar, sehingga kamu dapat menanggungnya (1 Korintus 10:1-13). Aku mau, supaya kamu mengetahui, saudarasaudara, bahwa nenek moyang kita semua berada di bawah perlindungan awan dan bahwa mereka semua telah melintasi laut. Untuk menjadi pengikut Musa mereka semua telah dibaptis dalam awan dan dalam laut. Mereka semua makan makanan rohani yang sama dan mereka semua minum minuman rohani yang sama, sebab mereka minum dari batu karang rohani yang mengikuti mereka, dan batu karang itu ialah Kristus. Tetapi sungguhpun demikian Tuhan tidak berkenan kepada bagian yang terbesar dari mereka, karena mereka ditewaskan di padang gurun. Semuanya ini telah terjadi sebagai contoh bagi kita untuk memperingatkan kita, supaya jangan kita menginginkan hal-hal yang jahat seperti yang telah mereka perbuat, dan supaya jangan kita menjadi penyembah-penyembah berhala, sama seperti beberapa orang dari mereka, seperti ada tertulis: PERINGATAN JAMINAN PALSU (ayat 1-5) Orang Yahudi dibebaskan dari perhambaan dan penyembahan berhala untuk hidup Ilahi sebagai kesaksian dari umat pilihan Tuhan dalam perjalanan menuju tanah yang dijanjikan Tuhan. Meskipun mereka dibebaskan, mereka terus hidup seperti orang-orang Mesir yang fasik dan kafir. Jaminan mereka bukan dalam hubungan mereka dengan Tuhan tetapi hanya 12

13 dalam nama, menyebut diri mereka umat Tuhan. Mereka tidak memiliki kesaksian yang menyatakan bahwa mereka adalah milik Tuhan. Demikian pula, kita dapat dibebaskan dari perhambaan sifat dosa kita dan menyebut diri kita orang Kristen tetapi terus hidup seperti mereka yang tidak percaya. a) Kita mengatakan kita adalah orang Kristen tetapi kita tidak menjalani kehidupan Kristus. b) Kita dibaptis dan menjadi anggota gereja tetapi hidup seperti orang yang tidak percaya. c) Kita mengambil bagian dalam perjamuan di meja Tuhan namun terus menjalani gaya hidup berdosa senantiasa. d) Kita menjadi pemimpin dan melayani di gereja tetapi tidak memiliki kesaksian di rumah atau tempat kita bekerja. Yesus mengajarkan kita bahwa jaminan kita sebagai orang percaya sama seperti perumpamaan tentang pohon anggur. Yesus berkata, Tinggallah di dalam Aku dan Aku di dalam kamu. Sama seperti ranting tidak dapat berbuah dari dirinya sendiri, kalau ia tidak tinggal pada pokok anggur, demikian juga kamu tidak berbuah, jikalau kamu tidak tinggal di dalam Aku. Akulah pokok anggur dan kamulah ranting-rantingnya. Barangsiapa tinggal di dalam Aku dan Aku di dalam dia, ia berbuah banyak, sebab di luar Aku kamu tidak dapat berbuat apa-apa (Yohanes 15:4-5). Kristus adalah Pohon Anggur dan kita adalah rantingnya. Jaminan orang percaya ditemukan dalam ketergantungannya pada Yesus Kristus. Tuhan menjadi perlindungan dan tempat berlindung kita yang menjadian tempat istirahat. Keselamatan kita adalah oleh kasih karunia melalui iman di dalam Kristus Yesus. Keselamatan orang percaya harus menunjukkan bukti dari apa yang telah terjadi secara dalaman. Alkitab berkata, Hai saudara-saudaraku yang kekasih, kamu senantiasa taat; karena itu tetaplah kerjakan keselamatanmu dengan takut dan gentar, bukan saja seperti waktu aku masih hadir, tetapi terlebih pula sekarang waktu aku tidak hadir, karena Tuhanlah yang mengerjakan di dalam kamu baik kemauan maupun pekerjaan menurut kerelaan-nya (Filipi 2:12-13). Tuhan yang bekerja di dalam kita memberi kita kekuatan untuk menjalani kehidupan Kristen yang penuh kemenangan. Menerima kebenaran ini memberi keyakinan besar pada orang-orang yang percaya pada apa yang kita lakukan, memungkinkan kuasa Kristus mengalir melalui hidup kita ke dalam kehidupan orang lain. Pada akhirnya, Tuhan menginginkan penyerahan lebih dari pemberian kita, kerana melalui umat-nya lah Dia menyatakan kasih-nya kepada dunia. JAMINAN PALSU KITA TIDAK BERGUNA KETIKA DICOBA (ayat 6-12) Orang percaya yang tidak dijamin dalam hubungannya dengan Yesus Kristus akan jatuh ke dalam dosa ketika dia dicobai. Paulus memperingatkan kita tentang beberapa godaan yang menghalangi kesaksian kita sebagai saksi Injil: Keinginan untuk hal-hal jahat (ayat 6) Dosa penyembahan berhala (ayat 7) Dosa seksual yang tidak bermoral (ayat 8) Dosa menguji Tuhan (ayat 9) Dosa merungut dan bersungut (ayat 10) Message translation Jika kita membuat jaminan kita dalam pencapaian kita sendiri dan dalam kebenaran diri kita sendiri daripada hubungan kita dengan Kristus, kita tidak akan mampu bm menahan godaan yang dilemparkan kepada kita. JAMINAN UMAT YANG PERCAYA DALAM KRISTUS MAMPU MENGATASI COBAAN DALAM KEHIDUPAN (ayat 13) 1. Cobaan yang kita hadapi tidaklah unik bagi kita sendiri. Alkitab berkata, Pencobaan-pencobaan yang kamu alami ialah pencobaan-pencobaan biasa, (1 Korintus 10:13a). Situasi luar biasa yang dibawa oleh kehidupan adalah hal yang biasa bagi orang yang tidak percaya dan juga bagi orang percaya. Setiap godaan mendorong seseorang untuk berbuat salah dan membuat kamu merasa gagal. Perbezaan antara orang percaya dan tidak percaya adalah orang percaya memiliki jaminan yang bukan berasal dari dirinya sendiri tetapi dari Kristus. 2. Tuhan adalah setia. Alkitab berkata, Semoga Tuhan damai sejahtera menguduskan kamu seluruhnya dan semoga roh, jiwa dan tubuhmu terpelihara sempurna dengan tak bercacat pada kedatangan Yesus Kristus, Tuhan kita. Ia yang 13

14 memanggil kamu adalah setia, Ia juga akan menggenapinya (1 Tesalonika 5:23-24). Alkitab juga berkata, Sebab itu haruslah kau ketahui, bahwa TUHAN, Tuhanmu, Dialah Tuhan, Tuhan yang setia, yang memegang perjanjian dan kasih setia-nya terhadap orang yang kasih kepada-nya dan berpegang pada perintah-nya, sampai kepada beribu-ribu keturunan (Ulangan 7:9). 信徒的保障文 : 古纳南主任牧师 作为一个重生的信徒, 我们的保障是在于我们与基督的关系, 这种关系反映出基督样式的行为在一个不虔诚的世界里 当我们的保障是在于我们自己的义, 我们就无法靠神的恩典, 藉著相信神在我们生命中的救赎工作而活 使徒保罗对哥林多教会阐述这个问题 3. Tuhan akan memelihara supaya pencobaan tidak akan melebihi hadnya. Tuhan Pencipta kita telah menciptakan kita secara unik dan Dia tahu berapa banyak berat yang dapat kita ambil. Dalam kasih dan anugerahnya, Dia tidak akan membiarkan kamu menghadapi situasi yang berada di luar kemampuan yang telah diberikannya kepada kamu. Dia tidak akan memasukkan apa pun ke dalam struktur kamu yang akan menyebabkan kamu tumbang dan menyerah kalah. Message 4. Ketika dicobai, Tuhan akan menunjukkan jalan keluar dan kamu akan menjadi pemenang. Cabang 弟兄们, 我不愿意你们不知道, 我们的祖宗从前都在 yang tinggal di pohon anggur translation menerima lebih dari 云下, 都从海中经过, 都在云里 海里受洗归了摩西, kuasa dan kekuatan yang cukup untuk mengatasi 并且都吃了一样的灵粮, 也都喝了一样的灵水, 所喝的 godaan yang dihadapi. Menjalani kehidupan baru 是出于跟随着他们的灵磐石 ; 那磐石就是基督 但他们 yang diberikan Kristus kepada kita membuatkan CHI 中间多半是神不喜欢的人, 所以倒毙在旷野里了 这些 perbekalan berterusan. 事都是我们的鉴戒, 使我们不要贪恋恶事, 像他们贪恋过的一样 也不要拜偶像, 像他们中有些人曾经拜过 Kehidupan orang percaya di bumi tidak pernah sepe- 如经上所记 : 百姓坐下吃喝, 起来玩乐 我们也不可犯奸淫, 像他们中有些人曾经犯过, 一天就倒毙了二万三千人 也不可试探主, 像他们中有些人曾试探主就被蛇咬死 你们也不可发怨言, 像他们中有些人曾经发过, 就被毁灭者所灭 这些事发生在他们身上, 要作为鉴戒, 而且写下来正是要警戒我们这末世的人 所以, 自以为站得稳的人必须谨慎, 免得跌倒 你们所受的考验无非是人所承受得了的 神是信实的, 他不会让你们遭受无法承受的考验, 在受考验的时候, 总会给你们开一条出路, 让你们能忍受得了 ( 林前 10:1-13) nuhnya bebas dari godaan dan situasi yang mencabar. Namun, Alkitab mengatakan, Roh yang tinggal di dalam kamu lebih besar dari roh yang hidup di dunia (1 Yohanes 4: 4b). Yesus Kristus memberi kita kekuatan dan keupayaan untuk menjatuhkan musuh hidup kita, dalam jaminan yang kita peroleh darinya sendiri. Dengan demikian, kita memiliki kemampuan untuk menjadi pemenang. Kerana itu, janganlah kita hidup di bawah hak istimewa yang Tuhan sediakan bagi kita. Semoga kita menyenangkan Dia dengan menjadikan Dia keutamaan kita agar kehidupan Kristus dapat mengalir keluar dari kita untuk hidup, mengasihi dan melayani Tuhan dalam jaminan yang kita miliki sebagai orang percaya. Semua kutipan Alkitab berasal dari Terjemahan Alkitab Indonesia. 对虚假保障的警告 (1-5 节 ) 以色列民从埃及人的奴役下和异教信仰的生活中被拯救出来, 在进入神应许之地的路上过着敬虔的生活, 作为神选民的见证 虽然他们被拯救了, 但他们仍然像不敬虔和不信神的埃及人一样生活 他们的保障不在于他们与神的关系, 而只是名义上称自己为神的子民 他们却没有见证宣告他们是属于神的 同样, 我们也可以从我们罪恶本性的奴役中被拯救出来, 称自己为基督徒, 但仍像那些不信的人一样地生活 14

15 a) 我们说我们是基督徒, 但我们没有活出基督的生命 b) 我们可以受洗, 成为教会的会友, 但我们的生活却像一个不信的人 c) 我们可以领受主的圣餐, 但仍继续过着一种惯性的罪恶生活方式 d) 我们可以在教会中担任领袖, 但在家里或工作地点却没有见证 耶稣告诉我们, 我们作为信徒的保障就像葡萄树的比喻 耶稣说 : 你们要常在我里面, 我也常在你们里面 枝子若不常在葡萄树上, 自己就不能结果子 ; 你们若不常在我里面, 也是这样 我就是葡萄树, 你们是枝子 常在我里面的, 我也常在他里面, 这人就多结果子, 因为离了我, 你们就不能做什么 ( 约 15:4-5) 基督是葡萄树, 我们是枝子 信徒的保障是在于他对耶稣基督的依靠 神成为我们安息的避难所和庇护所 我们的救恩是靠恩典和藉着信基督耶稣 信徒的救恩应该有证据表明心里发生的事 圣经上说 : 我亲爱的, 这样看来, 你们向来是顺服的, 不但我在你们那里, 就是我现在不在你们那里的时候更是顺服的, 就当恐惧战兢完成你们自己得救的事 ; 因为是神在你们心里运行, 使你们又立志又实行, 为要成就他的美意 ( 腓 2:12-13) 在我们里面工作的神给予我们力量, 让我们过着得胜的基督徒生活 接受这个真理使信徒对我们所做的事充满信心, 让基督的能力透过我们的生命流出, 流入别人的生命中 最终, 神渴望我们的降服胜过我们的礼物, 因为祂是透过他的子民向世人表达他的爱 当我们被试探时, 我们的虚假保障是无法匹敌的 (6-12 节 ) 在与耶稣基督的关系中得不到保障的信徒, 当他受到试探时便会犯罪 保罗警告我们, 有些试探阻碍我们为福音作见证 : 贪恋恶事 (6 节 ) 拜偶像的罪 (7 节 ) 犯奸淫的罪 (8 节 ) 试探神的罪 (9 节 ) 发怨言的罪 (10 节 ) 如果我们以自己的成就和自己的义为保障而非与基督的关系, 我们将无法抵挡向我们袭来的试探 在基督里有保障的信徒能够抵挡生活的试探 (13 节 ) 1. 我们面对的试探并不是我们独有的 圣经上说 : 你们所受的考验无非是人所承受得了的 ( 林前 10:13a) 压倒性的生活情境, 对不信者和信徒来说都是共同的 每一个试探都迫使一个人去犯罪, 让你觉得 Message translation CHI 自己是个失败者 信徒和不信的人的不同之处在于信徒的保障不是来自他自己, 而是来自基督 2. 神是信实的 圣经上说 : 愿赐平安的神亲自使你们完全成圣! 愿你们的灵 魂 体得蒙保守, 在我们的主耶稣基督来临的时候, 完全无可指责 那召你们的本是信实的, 他必成就这事 ( 帖前 5:23-24) 圣经也说 : 所以, 你知道耶和华 - 你的神, 他是神, 是信实的神 他向爱他 守他诫命的人守约施慈爱, 直到千代 ( 申 7:9) 3. 神不会让你们遭受无法承受的试探 我们的神创造者造了我们, 让我们每一个人都是独特的 他知道我们能承受多少压力 在他的爱和恩典中, 他不会让你面对他给你的能力范围之外的情况 他不会在你的构造里使任何东西, 让你承受不住而放弃 4. 当受试探的时候, 神会指引你一条出路, 而你将成为一个得胜者 一根连于葡萄树的枝子能获得足够的能力和力量去战胜它所面临的试探 活出基督赐给我们的新生命, 使我们继续得到供应 信徒在地上的生活永远不能完全摆脱受试探和面对挑战的情况 然而, 圣经上说 : 那在你们里面的比那在世界上的更大 ( 约一 4:4b) 耶稣基督赐给我们力量和能力使我们能把我们生活中的巨人打倒, 这是我们唯有从耶稣基督而得的保障 因此, 我们有能力成为得胜者 所以, 我们不可活在低于神为我们预备的特权 愿我们讨他的喜悦, 使他在我们的生命中居首位, 好叫基督的生命从我们里面流出来, 在我们作为信徒的保障中, 生活 爱和事奉神 上经文是采用中文圣经和合本修订版 15

16 Group photo of the happy volunteers Transporting plants to be spruced SERVING GOD, BIG AND SMALL Planting Papaya trees By NELLIE LOW The Wednesday of 22 August 2018 started out bright and sunny at Sungai Pelek, Sepang. At 8.30am, a throng of 86 people arrived at Calvaryland comprising 12 Young Adults, 13 Men of Calvary, 3 College students, 50 Royal Rangers and eight Calvaryland children and staff. The Beautify Calvaryland Grounds Project began with a roll call by Associate Pastor Peter Ong and a short devotion and prayer led by Pastor Shereen Wong. Felling and trimming trees around the compound 43 Papaya trees, four Rambutan trees, clearing stones and debris, felling and trimming of trees, repainting of water and fire-fighter pipes as well as sprucing and repotting more than 200 plants. With excitement, everyone broke into groups to perform the tasks they were assigned. After five hours of enthusiastic labouring, workmanship, fun and laughter, they accomplished in planting To appreciate their magnanimous efforts, a mouth-watering lunch was served. It was a truly productive day and the lyrics of the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful encapsulated that our Almighty God created all that they saw, touched, and laboured on: All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all. Young adults carrying pots to be used He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell, How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well. Re-painting water pipes 16

17 Sharmila enlightening participants on protecting children s rights PROTECTING CHILDREN AGAINST CHILD ABUSE There are many issues affecting children today, for example, physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, forced marriage, cyber bullying, and many others. Some of these abuses may not have immediate physical effects but can have serious long term implications. Therefore, we should engage in regular dialogues to raise public awareness on child abuse. It is the poverty of the parent-child experience... that leads to poor child outcomes rather than poverty of a material kind. Sometimes as parents or adults, we tend to ignore when a child complains about being abused. We often ask, Should we believe children when they report being harmed? Do children lie about this? or Are they manipulated into making claims? Not only must we not ignore their cries for help but instead also be observant to notice physical signs of child abuse like physical injuries in the mouth, genital or rectal areas and torn, stained or bloody under-clothing. We also need to watch out for emotional signs like depression, withdrawal from family, angry outbursts and irritation with others. By Jason Sia On Saturday, 25 August 2018, 75 participants comprising parents, teachers and guardians attended the talk organized by Calvary Life Ministries (CLM) entitled Keeping Children Safe How to protect the children you love? at Theaterette 1, Calvary Convention Centre. Sharmila Sekaran, Chairperson of the Voice of the Children (VoC), a child advocacy group that fights for the protection of every child s rights in Malaysia, was the guest speaker. She concluded by recommending that organizations such as churches and schools should have a Child Protection Policy. This will help create safe environments for children and demonstrate an organisation s commitment to children s safety. Indeed it is a crucial issue that is facing our society more than ever now. Each of us must do our part in protecting the children, and it should start with us today! Here are some of the highlights from her talk: All levels of society have a duty to protect children, be it parents, guardians, teachers, local authorities, churches or government bodies. Whilst child abuse may be committed behind closed doors, it should never be swept under the carpet. Attendees praying for safe and conducive environments for our children Serena In, Head of Counselling at CLM, welcoming participants Constance Briscoe 17

18 FIRE, Fire, FIRE! By MELISSA samuel Emergency is a sudden, unexpected, or impending situation that may cause injury, loss of life, damage to the property and environment which requires immediate attention and remedial action. We have moved to Calvary Convention Centre (CCC) since What should you do in case of fire in CCC? We would like to share and outline the Emergency Evacuation Procedures (EEP) to help all of you evacuate during emergency. PROCEDURES IN CASE OF FIRE If you discover a fire: Help people in immediate danger. Warn others by shouting Fire, Fire, Fire, raise the alarm if not done so. Do not attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you have never been instructed on how to use one. If you can put out the fire then do so, if not proceed to evacuate the building. When you hear the fire alarm ringing, listen for instructions to evacuate the building and proceed to the assembly area immediately: DO NOT PANIC and look for KELUAR (EXIT) sign. Only follow the KELUAR sign to evacuate the building. Leave all personal belongings behind. Walk down the fire escape staircase; DO NOT use the lifts. Give priority to children, pregnant women and seniors. Move to the assembly area in orderly manner and listen to the fire marshal s instruction. Ensure that your friends and family members are there with you. Remain in the assembly area until you are informed that you may leave or move by the marshal The photos above are from a fire drill conducted at CCC on Sunday, 29 July 2018 for our Calvary Kids age 4 months to 11 years. 18

19 praying for our nation By MELISSA SAMUEL On Friday, 31 August 2018, Calvarites came together for the Combined Prayer Meeting to pray for our nation on the 61st year of Merdeka (Independence Day). We brought prayers before the Lord for: The New Government - that God will grant wisdom and discernment to the appointed men and women and for an emergence of a constructive political system. The Rakyat - that race and religious harmony will prevail and any effort to create division, unrest and violence will be dispelled. Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam leading in prayer The Church - as God has positioned us in this nation, we will proclaim the Gospel throughout this country. The Harvest of Souls - that all individuals regardless of race or religion will have the opportunity to hear the gospel and have the liberty to choose their own faith. This powerful prayer night ended with a resounding declaration of God s blessing on the nation of Malaysia. HAVE YOU BEEN PRAYING FOR YOUR LOVED ONE S SALVATION? By Associate Pastor Timothy Ong SALVATION AND IDOLS REMOVED! I thank the Lord Jesus that my mum, who is 80 years old, has made a total commitment to believe in Jesus. I had been praying for my mum s salvation for more than 30 years. She had always resisted my sharing of Jesus with her but I thank God that there were opportunities to pray with her when she was very sick. In December 2017, an 11cm growth was found in her abdomen and she was diagnosed with cancer. She accepted Christ on 3 January 2018 but she would not commit to Jesus and still prayed to her idols. Then in July 2018, she was very sick again. Praise God, on 18 August 2018, she personally asked me to remove all her idols from her house. Jesus saves! Liew Way Hong If you are committed and persevering in prayer for the salvation of your loved ones, the Calvary Prayer Tower will kneel alongside you in prayer, and hope in the Lord. Write to us at calptower@gmail.com and include your: Name, Telephone number, The name of the person you are praying for salvation, and The person s relationship with you. CALVARY PRAYER TOWER calptower@gmail.com

20 WORSHIP SCHEDULE OCTOBER 2018 Saturday, 5.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights 06 Associate Pastor David Seah Communion 13 Associate Pastor Chan Lee Peng 20 Associate Pastor Peter Ong Water Baptism ACTIVITIES YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Saturdays, 06 & 20 October 2018, 1.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights Topic: Why the Cross? WATER BAPTISM Saturday, 20 October 2018, 5.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights Closing date for submission of application: Sunday, 7 October 2018 TAMIL FELLOWSHIP Sunday, 21 October 2018, 11.30am Theatrette 2, Calvary Convention Centre Speaker: Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam 27 Combined with Calvary Church 50th Anniversary Celebration on 28 October 2018 at Calvary Convention Centre Sunday, 9.00am Calvary Convention Centre 07 Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam Communion 14 Associate Pastor Peter Ong 21 Associate Pastor David Seah 28 Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam Calvary Church 50th Anniversary Celebration 50th Anniversary Celebration Service and Luncheon Sunday, 28 October 2018, 9am Calvary Convention Centre CALVARY CHURCH (Assemblies of God) 2 Jalan Damansara Endah, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Senior Pastor Rev. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Prince Guneratnam CALVARY CONVENTION CENTRE 1 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia @calvary.org.my calvarykl calvaryone