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1 CALVARYNEWS A PUBLICATION OF CALVARY CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE 209 PP5911/11/2012(031323) pledging in faith Serve in the Newness of the Spirit A Dialysis Centre, an Expression of God s Love Mission Possible - Watch for Him

2 SERVE IN THE NEWNESS OF THE SPIRIT By Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam When we serve God in our carnal, sinful state, we are like pagans, who are trying to be righteous by being religious. The Bible says, We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6a ). The Apostle Paul declares to us how we can serve God in the new way of living in the Spirit (Romans 7:1-6). Paul says, Now, dear brothers and sisters you who are familiar with the law don t you know that the law applies only while a person is living? For example, when a woman marries, the law binds her to her husband as long as he is alive. But if he dies, the laws of marriage no longer apply to her. So while her husband is alive, she would be committing adultery if she married another man. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries. So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. (Romans 7:1-6) Paul refers to the law to help us understand our relationship with God as born-again believers in Jesus Christ. When a person lives under the law, he lives under the dominion and rule of the law as long as he lives. He is only free from the law when he dies. Paul refers to the law of marriage to illustrate this fact. God s institution of marriage involves one man and one woman. What sets them free from the marriage law is death. In the same way, we can only be set free from the law of sin by being crucified with Christ. The Bible says, My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die (Galatians 2:20-21). Therefore, we are to serve God in the newness of the Spirit, realizing that we died to our old sinful life 2

3 and are made alive by God s grace through faith. The Bible says, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV). The believer is to be a fruitful branch if he abides in the Vine who is Jesus Christ, giving him the ability and strength to serve God. THE LAW AFFECTS THOSE WITHOUT CHRIST The Bible says, For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith (Romans 3:20-24, 27). If the law could set us free and make us righteous before God, then Jesus Christ died in vain. The Bible says, But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, Abba, Father (Galatians 4:4-6). The only way to be set free from the subjection of the law is to acknowledge ourselves as dead to the law and alive in Christ Jesus. The Bible says, This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17a) and So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). It is only in this way that believers can live, love and serve God in a manner that pleases and glorifies Him. THE UNBELIEVER IS UNLAWFUL IN HIS WAYS 1. He is controlled by his sinful nature. The Bible says, When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death (Romans 7:5). 2. He lives and produces evil desires. The Bible says, What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don t have what you want because you don t ask God for it (James 4:1-2). 3. His sinful nature is evil and wicked. The Bible says, The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions (Galatians 5:17). 3

4 4. His final destination is hell. The Bible says, But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshippers, and all liars their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death (Revelation 21:8). THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST IS FREE TO LIVE AND SERVE GOD IN THE NEWNESS OF THE SPIRIT So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the condemnation of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God (Romans 7:4). The secret to serving God in the newness of the Spirit is dying to self and living in the Lord Jesus Christ. Water baptism demonstrates this truth as an outward testimony of the inward work of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Bible says, have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him (Romans 6:3-8). As born-again believers, we are no longer condemned by the law for there has come a newness of life by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 1. We can bear fruits of righteousness. The Bible says, And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life (Romans 6:21-22). 2. We can have the fruits of Christ s character, the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible says, Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better (Colossians 1:10). 3. We can manifest the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). As believers, we are responsible and obligated to die to the flesh and live in the Spirit. We need to understand our God-given role as children of God to live, love and serve in the newness of the Spirit (Romans 8:12-17). May we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and lead us, teaching us His ways and directing us to the Word of God, enabling us to live our Christian lives with purpose and meaning for God s glory. All Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation, unless otherwise stated. 4

5 CALVARY CHURCH celebrates 50 YEARS 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Calvary Church. In conjunction with this significant milestone, CalvaryNews will be featuring 50 testimonies of Calvarites throughout Be blessed by these testimonies... DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD AT CALVARY CHURCH It has been almost 20 years now since our family accepted the Lord and started worshipping in Calvary Church. Over the years, our journey with God has been greatly blessed by our beloved Church and caring pastors. Our three children, Rachel, Adrian and Ashley, were raised in this Church. They have been well fed with God s Word and though they are currently living in various locations ordained by God, they are continually showered with love and care from our pastors. My wife, Lucy Tan, and I are involved in different ministries in Church, serving the Lord with passion, joy and thankfulness. God s teaching on humility has impacted us the most and serving in Church has taught us the true meaning of Philippians 4:13. I thank Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam for the opportunity to lead the Calvary Convention Centre Dedication Celebration committee in It was the most significant challenge in my serving thus far. Thank God for pastoral guidance and a dedicated committee that helped me. For my wife, what started as a vocation working with children turned into her ministry when she was called to serve in Tadika Calvary four years ago. Serving together with faithful ones and pastors are the most assuring and joyful times for her. God used Calvary Church and His Word to draw us even closer to Him and with one another. We are forever grateful to God and the Church that we are able to leave a spiritual legacy to our children. Puan Chen Keck L-R: Rachel, Chen Keck, Lucy, Adrian and Ashley 5

6 SETTING MY EYES UPON JESUS In my early years at Calvary Church Damansara Heights, Turn your eyes upon Jesus was one of the choruses sung during altar calls. The lyrics, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face... frequently ministered to me, more so after the Word shared zeroed in on my innermost being, encouraging me to look at Jesus regardless of the challenges I was facing. As a microbiologist then, one of my main tasks was to lead my team in assisting the hospital in identifying invisible enemies causing havoc through infections, diseases, and subsequently provide suggestions to doctors on how to eradicate these germs to cure patients. THE STEADFAST LOVE OF THE LORD NEVER CEASES Having been Christians for many years, we can truly testify that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. My wife and I started attending Calvary Church at Jalan Sayor, Pudu and later moved to Damansara Heights in We fondly recall the many years of walking with our Lord and the involvement in the various ministries of the Church such as the Youth Ministry, School of Christian Growth, Children s Ministry and in my case, the Board of Deacons. As I learnt to focus on Jesus and sought His wisdom, I experienced the wonder of His grace. It was manifested through obtaining information and consultations from relevant experts locally and internationally. His grace was sufficient to help me excel in my numerous responsibilities as the head of this team. L-R: Andrew, Patricia, Adelene and Paul (not in picture, Audrey) Throughout my 40 over years in Calvary Church, I also had other exciting opportunities to experience His amazing grace. Today, I serve with a marvellous team at Calvaryland. We are still fighting against invisible enemies that seek to rob people of the rich and abundant lives Jesus wants to bless us with. The glamour and career satisfaction of being a senior scientist in a big hospital pales in comparison with what I have now the unmatched thrill and excitement of Jesus and I, together, doing eternal things for our Heavenly Father. Pastor Shereen Wong The Youth Ministry in particular was one of the most memorable and fulfilling ministries we served in. The Christ s Ambassadors (CAs), now known as Calvary Youth, were a vibrant and committed group of young people who participated in many activities such as group prayer and evangelism. As a result of their tracting and witnessing, a few outreaches were established by the Church. A number of these young people heeded the call to full time service and are very successful ministers of the Lord today. Calvary Church is our second home. We met each other in Church, married and were blessed with three wonderful children, Audrey, Adelene and Andrew. They grew up in Church and their involvement in activities like Vacation Bible School, Missionettes and Royal Rangers provided a strong foundation to their spiritual growth and development. We are indeed grateful to God, the Church and our pastors for the spiritual nourishment, guidance and the opportunity to serve. Paul Yem and Patricia Wong 6

7 JOURNEYING WITH CALVARY CHURCH We started our journey in Calvary Church way back in 1992 through a Christmas Evangelistic production held at Stadium Negara. It was there that both of us accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour. There was no difficulty in fitting in as the warmth and hospitality of the Church made it easy for us to grow in our new found faith. The Life Group (LG) Ministry was an added advantage for us to grow in our knowledge of the Bible with proper guidance and nurturing. FOREVER GRATEFUL My journey with Calvary Church started way back in 1969 when I accepted Jesus Christ at Billy Graham s crusade in Stadium Negara. I started attending Calvary Church and grew in my Christian faith, service and talents. Calvary Church gave me the opportunity to grow in my faith by serving in various capacities such as being a deacon and serving as a Calvary Convention Centre Project Fund Raising Committee member, to only name a few. In the 70s, the Calvary Quartet was formed, comprising Roland Low, Associate Pastor Peter Ong, Walter Ong and I. The Calvary Quartet had the privilege of accompanying our Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam on his speaking engagements regionally. We ministered in songs and testimonies before he shared the Word. One of the most memorable experiences was the opportunity to minister to the soldiers at the United States Air Force base in Thailand. We are grateful to God for the opportunity to serve in the Hospitality and LG ministries, the ministries we hold dear to our hearts. We are thankful for the proper spiritual guidance for both our children too, Ben Jin and Li Sha, at the Carpenter s Workshop, Christ s Ambassadors (now known as Calvary Youth) and College Students Ministry. They were taught good spiritual values and virtues, which we are proud to see them still holding on to. The realization of Calvary Convention Centre is an inspiration to our very own journey with the Almighty God. Each step, which may sometimes seem impossible, is made possible when we have the faith to believe that the vision will come to pass, if it is of God s. All glory to God as we rejoice with our Calvary family to celebrate 50 years of God s goodness and faithfulness! Patrick Chin and Woong Suh Shian L-R: Lawrence, June, Melanie, Bryan, Shu Ling (Bryan s wife), Matthew and Zachary It was also in the early 70s that I met my beautiful life partner, June Leong, and we were married in Calvary Church in God has blessed us with two wonderful children, Melanie and Bryan, and two adorable grandsons, Matthew and Zachary. I also praise God for His mercy and faithfulness as my entire extended family accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. Truly God s Word in Acts 2:21 is a verse I hold dear for His promises are Yes and Amen! For the last 49 years, Calvary Church has been my home church and as we celebrate Calvary Church s 50th anniversary I cannot help but to give praise to Jesus Christ for His goodness all these years. Words cannot express how great God has been and I am forever grateful to Him. Lawrence Mak 7

8 Goh speaking at the launch L-R: Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng, Dr. Lee Wan Tin (A member of NKF Board of Directors), Associate Pastor Steven Kum, Senior Associate Pastor Petrina Guneratnam, Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam, Goh Seng Chuan (Vice-Chairman of NKF), Chua Hong Wee (CEO of NKF) A DIALYSIS CENTRE, AN EXPRESSION OF GOD S LOVE Pastor Steven sharing a light hearted moment with the attendees to the society during his address at the launch. To officiate the launch, Associate Pastor Steven Kum, Calvary Church s Missions Pastor, prayed for God s blessing, that the community will experience God s love through this centre. Thank you, Calvarites, for your Faith Promise giving that has enabled the establishment of this dialysis centre! For enquiries or to admit a patient to the centre, kindly call the NKF Welfare Department at By Melissa Samuel On the sunny Tuesday morning of 24 July 2018, the Pusat Dialisis NKF-Calvary was officially launched! This dialysis centre was opened in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) to provide subsidized treatment to the ever-increasing number of needy dialysis patients. The proceedings of the day began with a walkthrough of the pristine centre, guided by the capable NKF staff. The attendees were shown that this centre is equipped with 12 dialysis machines which can cater to a maximum of 72 patients. All glory to God, there are already 34 patients receiving treatment here. Conversing with one of the patients at the dialysis centre It was also further explained that this is also the first centre in Malaysia that provides treatment specifically for hepatitis positive patients. This is the ideal medical practise to prevent cross infection to non-hepatitis patients. Goh Seng Chuan, Vice-Chairman of the NKF, thanked Calvary Church for generously giving back Praying for God s anointing on the centre 8

9 Children participating in Faith Promise with joy and faith Mission possible watch for him wordless booklets God created us (gold) but we fell into sin (black) so Jesus came to die for us (red), to wash us as white as snow and forgive our sins (white) so that we may grow in the Lord (green). The night ended with great fun as the children played a stimulating game conveying the message that the Good News is meant to be shared and not kept to ourselves. In line with the Calvary Church s Missions theme, the children were challenged on Sunday, 29 July 2018, to Watch for Him. With great excitement and enthusiasm, they participated in the July to December 2018 Faith Promise Commitment to be part of God s missions work to reach and touch people for Christ. By william hor In conjunction with our Church s Missions Emphasis, Calvary Kids embarked on the first missions journey on Friday, 27 July 2018, by going back in time to journey with Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. It is never too late to start, never too young to give and never too little to love. Together we Watch for Him! Just like Paul, the children were inspired to bring the gospel to all people by using five-coloured, Teachers and children committing their pledges to God Filling up the Faith Promise cards 9

10 Senior Pastor encouraging the congregation with the Word of God Praying for the Faith Promise pledges pledging in faith In both the Saturday and Sunday services, Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng, on behalf of the Church, expressed appreciation for the congregation s prayer, involvement and giving in missions from January to June A video was shown reflecting the work achieved. Highlights included the newly launched Pusat Dialisis NKF-Calvary, training of Orang Asli Bible School Students at Pusat Latihan Kristian Mentakab, the new Tamil Ministry, community development in Tulid and Tatalaan, Sabah, as well as helping Syrian refugees with contributions to early childhood development and training. By sharon tan On 27, 28 and 29 July 2018, Calvary Church held its bi-annual Missions Emphasis Weekend services. Calvarites gathered on Friday night for the screening of an inspiring movie entitled The Insanity of God, encouraging everyone to follow, love, and walk with Jesus even when it does not make sense. Many responded to the altar call to live with even more fervour for Him. On Saturday, Pastor Chee Weng encouraged the congregation at Calvary Damansara Heights to come to God as we are. He shared that many temples were built as places of worship but today, as believers, we are the temple of God because He A revitalizing time of worship led by the musicians, choir and ensemble decked out in traditional clothing Calvarites filling up their cards at Calvary Damansara Heights 10

11 Calvarites at Calvary Convention Centre pledging in faith lives in us. He continued to highlight that God wants to restore us, beautify us on the inside, and He can only do this if He is enthroned in our lives. At Calvary Convention Centre during the Worship Service on Sunday, Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam brought the message entitled The Battle of Idolatry. He encouraged us to let nothing in our lives be an idol. Our faith will be tested and immediate obedience is required of us, just as Abraham immediately obeyed God s voice to sacrifice his only son as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:1-16). Abraham truly feared God and did not turn God s wonderful blessing (Isaac) into his idol. provide. A Calvarite testified, when we have been Christians for many years and our walk with God seems to stagnate, Faith Promise is a tangible challenge given to us so we may grow our faith and trust in the Lord. The Missions Emphasis concluded with a powerful prayer that the Church would experience a greater growth of faith and the Lord s goodness. Watch Senior Pastor s and Pastor Chee Weng s full messages on our YouTube After being encouraged by God s Word in the services, the congregation filled their Faith Promise cards together, trusting in God to Pastor Chee Weng sharing the missions video highlights 11

12 MELAYANI DALAM PEMBAHARUAN OLEH ROH OLEH PENDITA KANAN Prince Guneratnam Ketika kita melayani Tuhan dalam kedagingan kita, keadaan berdosa, kita seperti orang kafir, yang cuba untuk menjadi orang benar dengan menjadi orang saleh. Alkitab berkata, Demikianlah kami sekalian seperti seorang najis dan segala kesalehan kami seperti kain kotor; kami sekalian menjadi layu seperti daun dan kami lenyap oleh kejahatan kami seperti daun dilenyapkan oleh angin (Yesaya 64:6). Rasul Paulus menyatakan kepada kita bagaimana kita dapat melayani Tuhan dengan cara hidup baru dalam Roh (Roma 7:1-6). Paulus berkata, Apakah kamu tidak tahu, saudarasaudara, --sebab aku berbicara kepada mereka yang mengetahui hukum--bahwa hukum berkuasa atas seseorang selama orang itu hidup? Sebab seorang isteri terikat oleh hukum kepada suaminya selama suaminya itu hidup. Akan tetapi apabila suaminya itu mati, bebaslah ia dari hukum yang mengikatnya kepada suaminya itu. Jadi selama suaminya hidup ia dianggap berzinah, kalau ia menjadi isteri laki-laki lain; tetapi jika suaminya telah mati, ia bebas dari hukum, sehingga ia bukanlah berzinah, kalau ia menjadi isteri laki-laki lain. Sebab itu, saudara-saudaraku, kamu juga telah mati bagi hukum Taurat oleh tubuh Kristus, supaya kamu menjadi milik orang lain, iaitu milik Dia, yang telah dibangkitkan dari antara orang mati, agar kita berbuah bagi Tuhan. Sebab waktu kita masih hidup di dalam daging, hawa nafsu dosa, yang dirangsang oleh hukum Taurat, bekerja dalam anggota-anggota tubuh kita, agar kita berbuah bagi maut. Tetapi sekarang kita telah dibebaskan dari hukum Taurat, sebab kita telah mati bagi dia, yang mengurung kita, sehingga kita sekarang melayani dalam keadaan baru menurut Roh dan bukan dalam keadaan lama menurut huruf hukum Taurat (Roma 7:1-6). Paulus merujuk pada hukum untuk membantu kita memahami hubungan kita dengan Tuhan sebagai orang percaya yang dilahirkan kembali di dalam Yesus Kristus. Ketika seseorang hidup di bawah hukum, dia hidup di bawah kekuasaan dan aturan hukum selama dia hidup. Ia hanya bebas dari hukum ketika ia meninggal. Paulus merujuk pada hukum pernikahan untuk mengilustrasikan fakta ini. Institusi pernikahan Tuhan melibatkan satu lelaki dan satu wanita. Apa yang membebaskan mereka dari hukum pernikahan adalah kematian. Dengan cara yang sama, kita hanya dapat dibebaskan dari hukum dosa dengan disalibkan bersama Kristus. Alkitab mengatakan, namun aku hidup, tetapi bukan lagi aku sendiri yang hidup, melainkan Kristus yang hidup di dalam aku. Dan hidupku yang kuhidupi sekarang di dalam daging, adalah hidup oleh iman dalam Anak Tuhan yang telah mengasihi aku dan menyerahkan diri-nya untuk aku. Aku tidak menolak kasih karunia Tuhan. Sebab sekiranya ada kebenaran oleh hukum Taurat, maka sia-sialah kematian Kristus (Galatia 2:20-21). Oleh kerana itu, kita harus melayani Tuhan dalam pembaharuan Roh, menyedari bahwa kita mati untuk kehidupan lama kita yang berdosa dan dihidupkan oleh anugerah Tuhan melalui iman. Alkitab mengatakan, Sebab karena kasih karunia kamu diselamatkan oleh iman; itu bukan hasil usahamu, tetapi pemberian Tuhan (Efesus 2:8). Orang percaya adalah menjadi cabang yang berbuah jika ia tinggal di Pokok yang adalah Yesus Kristus, memberinya kemampuan dan kekuatan untuk melayani Tuhan. HUKUM MEMPENGARUHI MEREKA YANG TANPA KRISTUS Alkitab berkata, Sebab tidak seorangpun yang dapat dibenarkan di hadapan Tuhan oleh karena melakukan hukum Taurat, karena justru oleh hukum Taurat orang mengenal dosa. Tetapi sekarang, tanpa hukum Taurat kebenaran Tuhan telah dinyatakan, seperti yang disaksikan dalam Kitab Taurat dan Kitab-kitab para nabi, yaitu kebenaran Tuhan karena iman dalam Yesus 12

13 dalam daging, hawa nafsu dosa, yang dirangsang oleh hukum Taurat, bekerja dalam anggotaanggota tubuh kita, agar kita berbuah bagi maut (Roma 7:5). 2. Dia hidup dan menghasilkan keinginan yang jahat. Alkitab berkata, Dari manakah datangnya sengketa dan pertengkaran di antara kamu? Bukankah datangnya dari hawa nafsumu yang saling berjuang di dalam tubuhmu? Kamu mengingini sesuatu, tetapi kamu tidak memperolehnya, lalu kamu membunuh; kamu iri hati, tetapi kamu tidak mencapai tujuanmu, lalu kamu bertengkar dan kamu berkelahi. Kamu tidak memperoleh apa-apa, karena kamu tidak berdoa (Yakobus 4:1-2). Kristus bagi semua orang yang percaya. Sebab tidak ada perbedaan. Karena semua orang telah berbuat dosa dan telah kehilangan kemuliaan Tuhan, dan oleh kasih karunia telah dibenarkan dengan cuma-cuma karena penebusan dalam Kristus Yesus. Jika demikian, apakah dasarnya untuk bermegah? Tidak ada! Berdasarkan apa? Berdasarkan perbuatan? Tidak, melainkan berdasarkan iman! (Roma 3:20-24, 27). Jika hukum dapat membebaskan kita dan membuat kita menjadi orang benar di hadapan Tuhan, maka Yesus Kristus mati sia-sia. Alkitab mengatakan, Tetapi setelah genap waktunya, maka Tuhan mengutus Anak-Nya, yang lahir dari seorang perempuan dan takluk kepada hukum Taurat. Ia diutus untuk menebus mereka, yang takluk kepada hukum Taurat, supaya kita diterima menjadi anak. Dan karena kamu adalah anak, maka Tuhan telah mengutus Roh Anak-Nya ke dalam hati kita, yang berseru: ya Abba, ya Bapa! (Galatia 4:4-6). Satu-satunya cara untuk dibebaskan dari penaklukan hukum adalah mengakui diri kita sebagai mati terhadap hukum dan hidup di dalam Kristus Yesus. Alkitab berkata, Jadi siapa yang ada di dalam Kristus, ia adalah ciptaan baru: yang lama sudah berlalu, sesungguhnya yang baru sudah datang (2 Korintus 5:17) dan Demikianlah sekarang tidak ada penghukuman bagi mereka yang ada di dalam Kristus Yesus (Roma 8:1). Hanya dengan cara inilah orang percaya dapat hidup, mengasihi dan melayani Tuhan dengan cara yang menyenangkan dan memuliakan Dia. MEREKA YANG TIDAK PERCAYA HIDUP DENGAN TIDAK ADA HUKUM DALAM HIDUPNYA 1. Dia dikawali oleh sifatnya yang berdosa. Alkitab mengatakan, Sebab waktu kita masih hidup di 3. Sifatnya yang berdosa adalah jahat. Alkitab mengatakan, Sebab keinginan daging berlawanan dengan keinginan Roh dan keinginan Roh berlawanan dengan keinginan daging--karena keduanya bertentangan--sehingga kamu setiap kali tidak melakukan apa yang kamu kehendaki (Galatia 5:17). 4. Tujuan akhirnya adalah neraka. Alkitab mengatakan, Tetapi orang-orang penakut, orang-orang yang tidak percaya, orang-orang keji, orang-orang pembunuh, orang-orang sundal, tukang-tukang sihir, penyembahpenyembah berhala dan semua pendusta, mereka akan mendapat bagian mereka di dalam lautan yang menyala-nyala oleh api dan belerang; inilah kematian yang kedua (Wahyu 21:8). ORANG PERCAYA DALAM KRISTUS BEBAS HIDUP DAN MELAYANI TUHAN DALAM PEMBAHARUAN ROH Sebab itu, saudara-saudaraku, kamu juga telah mati bagi hukum Taurat oleh tubuh Kristus, supaya kamu menjadi milik orang lain, yaitu milik Dia, yang telah dibangkitkan dari antara orang mati, agar kita berbuah bagi Tuhan (Roma 7:4). Rahsia dalam melayani Tuhan dalam pembaharuan Roh ialah salibkan diri sendiri dan hidup di dalam Tuhan Yesus Kristus. Pembaptisan air menunjukkan kebenaran ini sebagai suatu kesaksian lahiriah dari pekerjaan batiniah Roh Kudus dalam hidup kamu. Alkitab berkata, Atau tidak tahukah kamu, bahwa kita semua yang telah dibaptis dalam Kristus, telah dibaptis dalam kematian-nya? Dengan demikian kita telah dikuburkan bersama-sama dengan Dia oleh baptisan dalam kematian, supaya, sama seperti Kristus telah dibangkitkan dari antara orang mati oleh kemuliaan Bapa, demikian juga kita akan hidup dalam hidup yang baru. Sebab jika kita telah menjadi satu dengan apa yang sama dengan kematian-nya, kita juga akan menjadi satu dengan apa yang sama dengan kebangkitan-nya. Karena kita tahu, bahwa 13

14 manusia lama kita telah turut disalibkan, supaya tubuh dosa kita hilang kuasanya, agar jangan kita menghambakan diri lagi kepada dosa. Sebab siapa yang telah mati, ia telah bebas dari dosa. Jadi jika kita telah mati dengan Kristus, kita percaya, bahwa kita akan hidup juga dengan Dia (Roma 6:3-8). Sebagai orang percaya yang dilahirkan kembali, kita tidak lagi dihukum oleh hukum kerana telah ada kehidupan baru oleh Roh Kudus yang hidup di dalam kita. 1. Kita dapat menghasilkan buah kebenaran. Alkitab berkata, Dan buah apakah yang kamu petik dari padanya? Semuanya itu menyebabkan kamu merasa malu sekarang, karena kesudahan semuanya itu ialah kematian. Tetapi sekarang, setelah kamu dimerdekakan dari dosa dan setelah kamu menjadi hamba Tuhan, kamu beroleh buah yang membawa kamu kepada pengudusan dan sebagai kesudahannya ialah hidup yang kekal (Roma 6:21-22). 2. Kita dapat memiliki buah dari karakter Kristus, buah-buah Roh (Galatia 5: 22-23). Alkitab berkata, sehingga hidupmu layak di hadapan-nya serta berkenan kepada-nya dalam segala hal, dan kamu memberi buah dalam segala pekerjaan yang baik dan bertumbuh dalam pengetahuan yang benar tentang Tuhan (Kolose 1:10). 3. Kita dapat memanifestasikan karunia-karunia Roh Kudus (1 Korintus 12:7-11). Sebagai orang percaya, kita bertanggung jawab dan berkewajiban untuk mati kepada kedagingan dan hidup di dalam Roh. Kita perlu memahami peranan yang diberikan Tuhan kita sebagai anak-anak Tuhan untuk hidup, mengasihi dan melayani dalam pembaharuan Roh (Roma 8:12-17). Semoga kita membenarkan Roh Kudus untuk memenuhi kita dan memimpin kita, mengajarkan kita jalannya dan mengarahkan kita kepada Firman Tuhan, memampukan kita untuk menjalani kehidupan Kristen kita dengan tujuan dan bererti bagi kemuliaan Tuhan. Semua petikan Alkitab berasal dari Alkitab Bahasa Indonesia, melainkan dinyatakan. 按着圣灵的新样事奉文 : 古纳南主任牧师 当我们在肉体, 陷于罪的境况下服事神, 我们就像异教徒一样努力藉着宗教行为来成为义人 圣经上说 : 我们都如不洁净的人, 所行的义都像污秽的衣服 ( 赛 64:6) 使徒保罗向我们宣告, 我们怎样才能按着圣灵的新样来事奉神 ( 罗 7:1-6) 保罗说 : 弟兄们, 我对你们这些明白律法的人说, 你们岂不知道律法约束人是在他活着的时候吗? 就如女人有了丈夫, 丈夫还活着, 她就被律法约束 ; 丈夫若死了, 她就从丈夫的律法中解脱了 所以丈夫还活着, 她若跟了别的男人, 就叫淫妇 ; 丈夫若死了, 她就脱离了律法, 虽然跟了别的男人, 也不是淫妇 我的弟兄们, 这样说来, 你们藉着基督的身体对律法也是死了, 使你们归于另一位, 就是归于那从死人中复活的, 为要使我们结果子给神 因为我们属肉体的时候, 那因律法而生犯罪的欲望在我们肢体中发动, 以致结出死亡的果子 但如今, 我们既然在捆绑我们的律法上死了, 就从律法中解脱, 使我们服侍主, 要按着圣灵的新样, 不按着仪文的旧样 ( 罗 7:1-6) 保罗提到律法是为了帮助我们理解作为重生的耶稣基督的信徒, 我们与神的关系 当一个人生活在律法之下, 只要他活着, 他是生活在律法的辖制和统治之下 他只有在死后才脱离律法的辖制 保罗引用婚姻法来说明这一事实 神的婚姻制度是涉及一男一女 让他们脱离婚姻法的是死亡! 同样地, 只有与基督同钉在十字架上, 我们才能脱离罪的律法 圣经上说 : 现在活着的不再是我, 乃是基督在我里面活着 ; 并且我如今在肉身活着, 是因信神的儿子而活 ; 他是爱我, 为我舍己 我不废掉神的恩 ; 如果义是藉着律法而获得, 那么基督就白白死了 ( 加 2:20-21) 所以, 我们要按着圣灵的新样事奉神, 意识到我们是向旧人死, 靠着神的恩典藉着信心活过来 圣经上说 : 你们得救是本乎恩, 也因着信 ; 这并不是出于自己, 而是神所赐的 ( 弗 2:8) 信 14

15 徒若住在葡萄树上, 耶稣基督就使他有能力和力量事奉神, 成为结果子的枝子 律法影响那些没有基督的人 圣经上说 : 所以, 凡血肉之躯没有一个能因律法的行为而在神面前称义, 因为律法本是要人认识罪 但如今, 神的义在律法之外已经显明出来, 有律法和先知为证 : 就是神的义, 因信耶稣基督加给一切信的人 这并没有分别, 因为世人都犯了罪, 亏缺了神的荣耀, 如今却蒙神的恩典, 藉着在基督耶稣里的救赎, 就白白地得称为义 既是这样, 哪里可夸口呢? 没有可夸的 是藉什么法呢? 功德吗? 不是! 是藉信主之法 ( 罗 3:20-24,27) 如果律法能使我们自由, 使我们在上帝面前成为义人, 那么耶稣基督的死是徒然的 圣经上说 : 等到时候成熟, 神就差遣他的儿子, 为女子所生, 且生在律法之下, 为要把律法之下的人赎出来, 使我们获得儿子的名分 因为你们是儿子, 神就差他儿子的灵进入我们的心, 呼叫 : 阿爸, 父! ( 加 4:4-6) 要使自己脱离律法的辖制, 唯一的办法就是承认自己对律法是死, 在基督耶稣里是活的 圣经上说 : 所以, 若有人在基督里, 他就是新造的人, 旧事已过, 都变成新的了 ( 林后 5:17) 和 如今, 那些在基督耶稣里的人就不被定罪了 ( 罗 8:1) 只有这样, 信徒才能以讨神喜悦和荣耀神的方式生活 爱和事奉他 不信者的行为是违法的 1. 他被他的罪性所控制 圣经上说 : 因为我们属肉体的时候, 那因律法而生犯罪的欲望在我们肢体中发动, 以致结出死亡的果子 ( 罗 7:5) 2. 他生活并生出邪恶的欲望 圣经上说 : 你们中间的冲突是哪里来的? 争执是哪里来的? 不是从你们肢体中交战着的私欲来的吗? 你们贪恋, 得不着就杀人 ; 你们嫉妒, 不能得手就起争执和冲突 ; 你们得不着, 是因为你们不求 ( 雅 4:1-2) 3. 他的罪性是邪恶的 圣经上说 : 因为肉体的情欲和圣灵相争, 圣灵和肉体相争, 这两个彼此敌对, 使你们不能做所愿意做的 ( 加 5:17) 4. 他最终的目的地是地狱 圣经上说 : 至于胆怯的 不信的 可憎的 杀人的 淫乱的 行邪术的 拜偶像的和一切说谎话的人, 他们将在烧着硫磺的火湖里有份 ; 这是第二次的死 ( 启 21:8) 在基督里的信徒, 有自由按着圣灵的新样生活和事奉神 我的弟兄们, 这样说来, 你们藉着基督的身体对律法也是死了, 使你们归于另一位, 就是归于那从死人中复活的, 为要使我们结果子给神 ( 罗 7:4) 按着圣灵的新样事奉神的秘诀是向自己死, 而在主耶稣基督里活 水的洗礼显示了这一真理, 作为圣灵在你生命中内在工作的外在见证 圣经上说 : 难道你们不知道, 我们这受洗归入基督耶稣的人, 就是受洗归入他的死吗? 所 以, 我们藉着洗礼归入死, 和他一同埋葬, 是要我们行事为人都有新生的样子, 像基督藉着父的荣耀从死人中复活一样 我们若与他合一, 经历与他一样的死, 也将经历与他一样的复活 我们知道, 我们的旧人和他同钉十字架, 使罪身灭绝, 叫我们不再作罪的奴隶, 因为已死的人是脱离了罪 我们若与基督同死, 我们信也必与他同活 ( 罗 6:3-8) 作为重生的信徒, 我们不再被律法定罪, 因为有住在我们里面的圣灵带来了新的生活 1. 我们能结出公义的果子 圣经上说 : 那么, 你们现在所看为羞耻的事, 当时有什么果子呢? 那些事的结局就是死 但如今, 你们既从罪里得了释放, 作了神的奴仆, 就结出果子, 以至于成圣, 那结局就是永生 ( 罗 6:21-22) 2. 我们可以拥有基督品格的果子, 圣灵的果子 ( 加 5:22-23) 圣经上说 : 好使你们行事为人对得起主, 凡事蒙他喜悦, 在一切善事上结果子, 对神的认识更有长进 ( 西 1:10) 3. 我们可以彰显圣灵的恩赐 ( 林前 12:7-11) 作为信徒, 我们有责任和义务向肉体死, 在圣灵里活 我们需要明白作为神的儿女神赐给我们扮演的角色, 才能按着圣灵的新样生活 爱和事奉 ( 罗 8:12-17) 愿我们让圣灵充满我们, 带领我们, 教导我们他的道路, 指引我们进入神的话语, 使我们能够为神的荣耀而过有目的和意义的基督徒生活 上经文是采用中文圣经和合本修订版 15

16 Pastor Lee Siu sharing devotion A group photo of attendees and the beautiful family trees made LET S CONNECT IN LOVE! Pastor Quek Lee Siu shared a timely devotion to encourage families to build their family on the foundation of God s love. She also highlighted that by loving one another, others will see Christ s reflection in us. The picnic ended with families playing telematches and creating a family tree collage as a reminder to always embrace one another in God s love. By Lydia Soong We praise God for a great time of connecting in love. On Saturday, 21 July 2018, Calvary Kids organized a fun indoor picnic themed Let s Connect in Love with the purpose of building a closer relationship amongst the Calvary Nursery Care (CNC) teachers, helpers, parents and children aged 4 months to 4 years old. A total of 35 children, 44 parents with 18 teachers and helpers attended and developed stronger bonds with each other. Here are some testimonies from Calvarites who enjoyed this family bonding event: Thank you Calvary Kids teachers and helpers for arranging this indoor picnic! It truly warmed the heart to have been part of this event with my child! - Eilen Guek and Caleb Goh (mother and son) Thank you for the time and effort you took to organise this event, Calvary Kids teachers and helpers! We had a really wonderful time and the kids really enjoyed the indoor picnic. - Raymond Lai with his daughters, Elissa and Asher Families were warmly welcomed with an ice breaker followed by an action-packed praise and worship session that ushered in the joy and love of Christ. Having a break with yummy food A fun time of worship Families crafting their collages 16 Children waiting for their own animal-shaped balloon

17 The Discipleship Team THE HEART OF DISCIPLESHIP JESUS! WHO? ME? MAKE DISCIPLES? The key is not in the technique, but in the heart. Think of someone who had a great influence on your life. What truly mattered was the person cared and had a genuine interest in you. Our goal is be a friend, bring people to Jesus and nurture them. ARE YOU READY TO DISCIPLE? You will need to ask yourself, Am I rooted in God? Do I really know Him? Do I have a day to day relationship with Him? We can only make disciples when we are disciples of Christ ourselves. By Helen Read The Discipleship Ministry was formed in March 2016 and Pastor Susan Tan started with training a small team that has now grown into 30 enthusiastic disciple makers. Since then, the team has connected and discipled more than 300 respondents and visitors. They were encouraged to join Life Groups, get water baptized, become members, attend School of Christian Growth classes, Prayer Meetings and serve in various ministries. Fellowship with respondent after Sunday Worship Service WHY DISCIPLESHIP? SOME ENCOURAGING TESTIMONIES FROM THE DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY: Jesus said, go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19a). That is why we are serious about it. Discipleship is a journey. It takes every one of us on the greatest adventure in a life of knowing God and discovering ourselves. 1. A new visitor to Calvary Church who was discipled two years ago is now serving in the Discipleship Ministry! 2. During one of the Sunday Worship Services at Calvary Convention Centre, a discipleship team member invited a lady seated behind her to respond to the altar call and prayed for her salvation. We welcome you to join the Discipleship Ministry! Please enquire at the Calvary Convention Centre Information Counter after the Worship Service on Sundays or contact ext 427 for more enquiries. Discipling in action 17

18 Front Row L-R: Susan Nanyama Mustard, Olivia Francis, Mica Tan Bee Kah, Lisa Stephanie Eng Li Lian, Claire Chong Chooi Peng, Joanne Ng Shin Rui, Cinddy Chan Sook Yee, Dionavil Espanola Assentista, Germelyn R. Malate, Yong Doh Lin Back Row L-R: Eden Chang Chin Wen, Joe Lim Chu Han, Patrick Seow Voon Hong An Act of Obedience By associate pastor peter ong Congratulations to 13 Calvarites who followed Christ in water baptism on 11 August 2018 at the Saturday Worship Service at Calvary Damansara Heights. The Lord bless your step of obedience in your journey with Him. Peter said, Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. (Acts 2:38 MSG) Water baptism is very important because: It is an example set by Jesus for us to follow. It is a command of the Lord. It proclaims the Gospel death, burial and resurrection. It pictures an experience of a new life. It declares our hope in Christ. We thank God that 69 people have been water baptised this year. The Church will conduct water baptism monthly on the following dates: 22 September November October December 2018 For enquiries and to obtain water baptism forms, please contact BABY DEDICATION On 28 July 2018, Liam Karson Edward was dedicated to the Lord by Senior Pastors Prince and Petrina Guneratnam at the Saturday Worship Service at Calvary Damansara Heights. They also prayed for the parents, together with their grandparents, that they will bring up their children in the ways of the Lord. Senior Pastors praying for baby Liam L-R: Andy Wong, Angela Doh, Annabelle Wong with baby Liam, Karl Edward, Hoe Wee Fang, Edward Rajasingam For baby dedication enquiries, please contact ext 434.

19 GOD ANSWERS YOUR WRITTEN PRAYER REQUESTS By Associate Pastor Timothy Ong The Prayer Tower is always here for you, to stand with you in prayer for your needs. Your requests will be prayed for during Prayer Meetings as well as by intercessors. ENCOURAGING ANSWERS TO PRAYER: 1) Giving all glory and honour to God Almighty for His blessings in our lives as a family. Our children and their young families are able to live together peacefully. We praise God for His provisions and His faithfulness! Yes, His great love for us endures forever! We thank you most sincerely for your prayers and pray that God will continue to bless you so that you can be a great source of blessings to others. Mere 2) I shared Christ with my neighbour and brought her to the Prayer Meeting. She accepted Christ that night and we committed her vertigo illness to the Lord. The following week, she brought her husband to the Prayer Meeting and he prayed the sinner s prayer too! Moon 3) I was very worried about my spiritual, financial, career and health needs but I am now more calm and happy. Thank you for your helpful prayers! Camille DO SUBMIT YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS TO THE PRAYER TOWER TO PRAY! Write in using the My Response Card provided during Church services. Please write your name, and telephone number clearly. your request to us. Send an SMS to (this line only receives text messages). When God meets your need we want to rejoice together with you! your testimony to us. CALVARY PRAYER TOWER calptower@gmail.com OPEN SESSION WITH PRAYER Friday, 28 September 2018, 7.30pm Calvary Damansara Heights Message by Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam All are welcome! Kid s programme (ages five to 11) will be held concurrently. Saturday, 29 September am pm Calvary Damansara Heights By invitation and registration through Life Group Leaders. PLENARY SESSIONS For more information, call the Life Group Ministry at ext 414 or to pascare@calvary.org.my

20 WORSHIP SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 2018 Saturday, 5.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights 01 Associate Pastor Timothy Ong Communion 08 Associate Pastor Peter Ong 15 Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng 22 Associate Pastor Steven Kum Water Baptism 29 Associate Pastor Raymond Yong Sunday, 9.00am Calvary Convention Centre 02 Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam Communion 09 Senior Associate Pastor Petrina Guneratnam 16 Associate Pastor Timothy Ong 23 Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng Membership Intake 30 Associate Pastor Steven Kum ACTIVITIES YOUTH FELLOWSHIP Saturdays, 08 & 22 September 2018, 1.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights Topic: Built to Last WATER BAPTISM Saturday, 22 September 2018, 5.00pm Calvary Damansara Heights TAMIL FELLOWSHIP Sunday, 30 September 2018, 11.30am Theatrette 2, Level B2, Calvary Convention Centre Speaker: Associate Pastor Yong Chee Weng CHINESE EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS Saturday & Sunday, 22 & 23 September 2018, 5.00pm Theaterette 2, Level B2, Calvary Convention Centre Speaker: Rev. Lawrence Yap Senior Pastor of Charis Christian Centre and General Secretary of the Malaysian Assemblies of God Special songs by Music & Creative Arts Ministry including the One Voice Children s Choir 36TH COUNCIL OF ACHIEVEMENT Psalm 139:14 Sunday, 30 September 2018, 11.30am Theatrette 1, Level B2, 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