AG Training and Together In Prayer

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1 AG TIMES A Bi-monthly publication of Assemblies of God, Singapore MCI ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 May - Jun 2016 (P) 031/08/ AG Training and Together In Prayer The Tabernacle: A Pattern for Worship - Pg 2-3 A Worship Evening with Bob Fitts - Pg 15 God s Work in My Parents Lives - Pg 19

2 ח ם ל בּ ח ז ן כּ קּ ד שׁ ה 2 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES training The Tabernacle: A Pattern for Worship Worship. For the modern Christian, that word is often associated with weekend services where the congregation sings a few songs and contributes to the offering. However, true biblical worship is so much more than that; worship involves our entire relationship with God: our words, our attitudes, and our actions. da-shin) (literal translation, holy of the holies ) before offering their sacrifice to God. רוֹן א ע דוּת ה The Holy Place housed three pieces of ע ל ה ה furniture: If the offering was an animal, both the priest and The Table of Showbread ן ח ל שּׁ ה םי נ פ ם ח ל ים פּ נ ן ח ל ש ה),, the person who brought the sacrifice would ensure ha-shul-chan le-chem pa-nim), that the animal was without blemish, a perfect, ר ט קּ ה ת,ת ר ט ק ה) The Altar of Incense miz-bach ha-qato-reth), and be slaughtered, its blood poured in the four corners of the altar, and the carcass placed into the fire. In נוֹר ה,ה ר ונ מ) The Menorah, me-no-rah). ancient times, the shedding of blood was required for sacrifice. When deemed suitable, the animal would The Most Holy Place housed only the Ark of the atonement. Without the sacrifice of an animal, there Covenant,,ת וד ע ה ן ור א ( aron ha-e-duth). would be no forgiveness of sin for the individual/ In Romans 12:1 we are urged to offer [our] bodies T The Courtyard (,ר צ ח), cha-zer) is is the area that family/community. as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this surrounded the Tabernacle. And it has two pieces of With the arrival, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the writer is [our] true and proper worship. Worship is a lifestyle furniture: of Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus has come to be our that God wants us to live each and every day a The Bronze Basin, כּ ה יּוֹר,ת ש ח נ ת נ ח שׁ ( ר ו י כ ה) ha-kiyon ne- perfect sacrifice, taking away our sins once and for all recognition of who God is and His place in our life. cho-sheth) (Hebrews 10:11-12). We are no longer required to adhere The Altar of of Sacrifice ( מ,ה ל ע ה ח ב ז מ, miz-bach to the. ancient forms of sacrifice to atone for our sins. So how do we live out a life of worship that is holy ha-o-lah). and pleasing to God? One way is to look at God s But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far instructions for worship, given to the Israelites after The entire area (the Tabernacle plus the Courtyard), away have been brought near by the blood of the Exodus. In Exodus 25:8-9, God instructed Moses was known as the Sanctuary.( ha-miq-dash, ש ד ק מ) שׁ דּ ק מ ( Christ. (Ephesians 2:13) to have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, The Courtyard dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its who through the eternal Spirit offered himself In the time of Moses, Israelites who wanted to meet furnishing exactly like the pattern I will show you. unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from with God were required to come to the Sanctuary. There acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the The Israelites were to build a Tabernacle, a dwelling was only one entrance into the Courtyard, located on living God! (Hebrews 9:14) place where God would meet with humanity. The the eastern wall. The Gate was always open and never Tabernacle was a copy and shadow of what is in barred and all who entered did so with the understanding since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Heaven (Hebrews 8:5) so that humanity would that they were coming to worship God. Place by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near to have a glimpse of what is to come. Pitched in the center God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance What is the significance of having one entrance? of the 12 tribes of Israel, the location of the Tabernacle that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to It represented that there was only way to God. For symbolized God at the center of all things; worshiping cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having worshippers today, our only way to God is through God was meant to be central to every aspect of life. our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews Jesus Christ. 10:19,22) The construct and the manner of worship of the I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes True worship stands upon the finished work of Tabernacle is a pattern for worship, both on earth to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) Christ. Entering into the presence of God is only and in heaven, and holds spiritual significance for us I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be possible because of Jesus work on the Cross. We as believers. While the Tabernacle is no longer with saved. (John 10:9) cannot try to flaunt our righteousness neither should us physically, there are many parallels for us as New Testament believers to draw from. True worship is understanding who we worship. Is we frown upon the lack of it for the Bible tells us our Jesus absolute Lord of our life? Are there things, or righteousness are like filthy rags (Isaiah 46:6). Yet on Let s start by reviewing the floor plan of the Tabernacle, situations, that hold us back from worshipping God the other hand, there are times when we feel unworthy its furniture, and the surrounding area. in spirit and in truth? Do we simply go through the to serve God or be in His presence because we feel a The Floor Plan motions in church on the weekends? sense of guilt. That mindset is a lie from the enemy. The blood of Christ has atoned for every sin past, Let s take time to realign our hearts and put Jesus as present and future, enabling us to enter freely into the the only one worthy of our worship. Honor Him in presence of God. how we prepare ourselves for worship. Come with hearts of expectation to meet Him in worship. After having atoned for the sin of individuals/ community, the next furniture the priest would approach After the Israelites enter through the single gate, the first is the Bronze Basin to wash his piece of furniture they would have seen is the Altar of hands and feet with water, a Sacrifice.. Just as we would never enter into someone s symbol of being cleansed. Made home empty-handed, the from mirrors, the priests could The Tabernacle שׁ מ ),ן כ ש מ), mish-kan), a tent that could Israelites came prepared then see the dirt on themselves only be accessed by the priests, was divided into two with an offering. The and wash thoroughly before they parts: Israelites would always proceeded into the Tabernacle. The Holy Place שׁ ד קּ ה ש ד ק ה),, ha-qo-desh) (literal come with a sacrifice in translation, the holy ), and hand and a priest would In Ephesians 5:26, we are told assist them in doing the that Christ has made us holy,, שׁ ד ק,םי ש ד ק ה ים ש ד ק) The Most Holy Place qo-desh ha-qa- necessary preparations cleansing us by the washing of water through the Word. By BY Rev REV Dominic DOMINIC Yeo, YEO, General GENERAL Superintendent SUPERINTENDENT of OF Assemblies ASSEMBLIES of OF God GOD of OF Singapore SINGAPORE

3 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun training The Word is a mirror (James 1:23) and judges the thoughts and attitudes of [our] heart[s]. (Hebrews 4:12). True worship is living our lives in pursuit of holiness. Holiness stands at the center of God s call on our lives as Christians; we are called to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). However, the pursuit of holiness is far from easy. We pick up dirt as we go about our daily lives: filling our minds with entertainment, facing temptations, and inevitably falling into sin. That s why we must continually come back to a place of repentance. 1 John 1:9 tells us that, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Just as the Old Testament priests are careful to clean themselves before entering the Tabernacle, we, as God s royal priesthood, are called to make every effort...to be holy (Hebrews 12:14) and continue to work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). While we have been saved (justified) through the Cross, we must allow God to continually work in our lives so that we are transformed to become more like Christ (sanctified). God has given us victory over sin and death through Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57). Sin has no hold on our lives, allowing us to die to our old self and offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is [our] true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1) If there are areas of your life where God has been speaking to you to change, tap into the power of the Cross, partner with the Holy Spirit, and be an overcomer today. The Tabernacle As the priests enter into the Holy Place, they will see the Menorah. The lampstand provided the only source of light within the entire Tabernacle, just as Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12). The Menorah also represents the illumination of the Holy Spirit living in us: bringing understanding of the Word and enabling us to live as the light. No matter what period we live in whether it s Moses day or today our world will be filled by the darkness of humanity (sin). Sin s sole purpose is to destroy individuals, families, communities, and nations and the only way to overcome this darkness is to shine God s light and point people to God. The Bible reminds us that, [We] are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5) True worship means being the light. It requires us to live as sons and daughters of the Most High and wield our authority to push back the darkness of our world. The next furniture the priest will see is the Table of Showbread, also known as the Table of His Presence. The bread on this table reflects the presence of God in the Tabernacle, as well as the provision of sustenance for the priests. In John 6:35, Jesus tells us that, He is the bread of life Only Jesus can satisfy our spirits. However, many of us try to be filled with the things of the world: possessions, achievements, or relationships. True worship is seeking God as the sustenance of our lives, allowing our spirit-man to be satisfied by the Lord and turning away from the temporal things of the world. For too long, too many of us have lived a spiritually-malnourished life. Instead of hungering for God, we feast on instant meals and junk food. It s time to get hungry for God. Choose to set aside time for God to dwell in His presence, engage in prayer and meditate on the Word. Feed on the bread of life and allow the Holy Spirit to fill each day of your life. The next furniture in the room is the Altar of Incense. As the priest interceded (in prayer) on behalf of the community, he would offer incense a sweet and pleasing aroma to God. In Romans 8:34, we are told that Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us... Isn t it wonderful to know that the Great Intercessor is constantly working on our behalf? The enemy will do whatever it takes to stop humanity from living the abundant life. That is why intercessory prayer is so crucial. True worship is interceding and standing in the gap. It is carrying God s heartbeat for the lost, lifting up our prayers and releasing great power from heaven (Revelations 8:3-5). Let s continue winning the world for Jesus, one prayer at a time. Finally we come to the last piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place, a room separated by thick veils (representing the separation between God and humanity). The act of entering this room could only be done after a period of atonement (at the Altar of Sacrifice), cleansing (at the Bronze Basin), and intercessory prayer (at the Altar of Incense). In the Most Holy Place, we find the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was considered as the visible representation of the presence of God. It reflected God s nature and His attributes of faithfulness, holiness, and protection of those who are His own. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River with the Ark, the waters miraculously stopped (Joshua 3:17) and they were able to cross over on dry ground (Joshua 4:22). The Ark was assurance that God was dwelling among His people. God always intended to be visible and dwelt among His people. Even with the Fall, God made a way for His people to meet with Him through the Tabernacle. To secure an eternal redemption for all humanity, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to take on our sins. The moment Jesus died on the Cross, God immediately ripped open the temple curtains and Man was able to stand before a Holy God. It was a picture of heaven rushing to embrace humanity. True worship is responding passionately to a passionate God. God has made it possible for us to have a relationship with him. He s made the first move and invites us to respond passionately. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) Our Choice Today God has given us a pattern to engage in true worship. Now, it s up to us to decide what we will do: continue living in the status quo or choose to pursue a life of holiness a living sacrifice, pleasing to God. This year, let s choose to move forward in our worship to God. Let nothing hold you back from pursuing Him passionately. Rev Dominic Yeo is the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God (AG), Singapore and the Senior Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre. He is widely recognized as a prophet with a strong apostolic anointing, carrying the heart of God. A mentor and coach to pastors and leaders in Trinity, his visionary and strategic leadership have been pivotal in bringing Trinity to new levels of growth. Being passionate about building pastors, leaders and churches, he trains and provides consultation to churches around the world, helping them experience transformation and breakthroughs.

4 4 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES training The 3 P s of Worship What should be our understanding of worship? Rev Dr Paul David discusses. The word worship usually gets people s attention and is an act that is loved by all. Many times, people say they know the meaning of worship, but in their mind, it is usually related to specifically, a time of praise and worship involving music and singing. Phrases used today, such as worship leader, praise and worship, worship team, worship and prayer have also added to this misunderstanding. This has resulted in a narrow understanding of worship. A biblical survey will bring to one s understanding that worship isn t just about singing. In fact, music is just an aid to worship and while in the truest sense is one of the best ways to express one s worship of God, every component in a Christian gathering is worship, not just the time of praise and worship. Given this understanding, we should always remember that worship encompasses one s entire life and whatever is done should be an act of worship unto Him. The more God speaks and reveals Himself, the more we change and live out a life of worship. Here are the three foundational P s to enhance our understanding of worship. 1. Person One of the oldest definitions and a traditional starting point of worship stems from the Anglo-Saxon word weorthscipe. Weorth means honor and worthiness, while scipe, means to create. This definition talks about giving God the highest praise, because He alone is worthy. You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being (Revelation 4:11). Revelation 4 and 5 give a perfected picture of worship. Both chapters portray an image of concentric circles with the throne in the center, where one day every knee shall bow and confess that He alone is God. These chapters also give a clear understanding of the worth and honor that should be due to God because He alone should be glorified. Worship can never be worship unless God is at the center of it all. When He is not the focus, the worship offered can result in idolatry because someone or something else takes that place. The second commandment, You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3) from the Ten Commandments is an important reminder of how serious this is. A question to ponder: When you worship, is God (Person) at the center of it? 2. Posture Throughout Scripture, it can be seen that worship is both an attitude and an act. There are two key words of worship, shachah in Hebrew and proskuneo in Greek. These two words connote an external physical action. However, a deeper study of these words in their contexts will show that these external actions always reflect the heart s deepest desire of honor, humility, respect, submission, obedience and above all, gratitude. In the Old Testament, the Hebraic understanding of worship always consisted of a whole person s response to God. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:1-4 talks about a totality where the mind, lips, will, body and entire being is engaged in worship. The greatest commandment Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) also highlights and demands a wholehearted response in loving God. Jesus draws from the passage in Isaiah 29:13 and addresses this very issue by saying, You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. (Matthew 15:7-9) The word hypocrite refers to someone who can look worshipful on the outside, but can be devoid of it internally. John MacArthur puts it succinctly by saying that actions cannot make a non-worshiping heart into a worshiping one. The danger is that they can give a non-worshiping heart the sense of having worshiped. Actions can only assist in expressing one s love and adoration towards Him. It is important to kneel, lift up one s hands, fall prostrate, stay silent, bask in His presence to depict the desire of one s heart. The danger lies when one tries to look worshipful on the outside just so people around them have a good impression of them. What one needs to be more concerned with is that God is more interested with the attitude of their hearts. It is therefore important to always balance the external and the internal because He is not interested in lip service, not even eloquent and polished words. He is looking for genuine worshipers, whose actions reflect what the heart says. A question to ponder: Does your external Posture always match your internal heart s attitude? 3. Presence As seen earlier, true worship is the response of a person s entire being. In the same light, the presence of God is not limited to just a Christian gathering or during times of singing. Andrew Hill mentions that the Hebrews negated any notion of separating the sacred (holy in relationship to God) from the secular (a way of life and thought without reference to God). The danger arises when only Sunday is viewed as worship time because it is a sacred day, and the other days of the week are viewed as secular. This understanding reduces worship to just a period of time when Christians gather. A.W. Tozer puts it succinctly, If you cannot worship God in the midst of your responsibilities on Monday, then it is very unlikely you were worshiping God on Sunday! One needs to also make a conscious effort to have their own regular daily personal encounters with Him. At a corporate worship gathering, this personal encounter will enhance the worship atmosphere, as God is always looking for those that are in tune with His Spirit, to pour out His heart upon them. When we come prepared with an expectant heart to exalt Him, our eyes are taken off our favorite song leader or preacher to lead us into worship. The song leader or preacher are just facilitators to assist us in our worship. The focus should never be on them, but on the Person of worship. Psalm 139 highlights that the presence of God is everywhere. God is looking for people who are carriers of His presence wherever they go. He is looking for true worshipers that will always cultivate an awakened heart, aware of His presence and make worship a lifestyle. A question to ponder: Do you live with a conscious awareness that His Presence is everywhere? Let us always remember these 3 P s (Person, Posture and Presence) and continue to grow in our worship of Him till we see Him face to face. Rev Dr Paul David is currently the Dean, School of Creative Arts at TCA College. He has a Doctor of Ministry in Worship from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, USA. He is also an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God as well as lead worshiper and drummer in Creative Ministries at Trinity Christian Centre. A music enthusiast since young, he has been involved in the church s music ministry and productions as well as various secular music performances. He is passionate about teaching and correcting mindsets on worship, nurturing music teams who are first and foremost worshipers, improving musical standards and giving excellence to God by using the arts as a powerful tool in propagating the Gospel and above all seeing lives touched and transformed. He is happily married to his wife, Lynn. By Rev Dr Paul David, TCA College

5 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun training Jesus On Worship What does it mean to worship in Spirit and in Truth? Pastor Daphne Lau explores. 19 Sir, the woman said, I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. 21 Woman, Jesus replied, believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. John 4: This dialogue contains the longest conversation Jesus ever had with anyone in the Bible and interestingly enough, it was with a woman, a Samaritan harlot. And the topic? Worship. I find it really intriguing that Jesus chose to reveal the Father s heart on worship to her. But isn t it just like Jesus to jolt us out of our spiritual slumber, making us pay attention to what He has to say? Isn t it just like Jesus to reach out to the outcasts, the ones deemed the least worthy and make true worshipers out of them? The Father makes known to Jesus that He is seeking true worshipers. Jesus, doing the Father s will, seeks them out and shows what it really means to worship in Spirit and in Truth. The woman is shell-shocked and in an attempt to avoid conviction, tries to engage Jesus in a debate about where worship should be held So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped? (v20). This was completely irrational, but totally something anyone would do when confronted with their sin escape! Notice Jesus doesn t continue talking about her promiscuous lifestyle. I believe He raised that just to get her attention. Now that He had it, He continued with His mission to turn her into a true worshiper. He responds, Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. (v21) By saying this, Jesus teaches that authentic worship isn t about going to a specific place and performing an outward action. Jesus also says this, quoting Isaiah, in Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Jesus is saying the heart must be engaged for genuine worship to take place. It s not important where the worship takes place. External actions do not make worship authentic. He then proceeds to shock her again: You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. (v22) Now let s refresh our memory about who the Samaritans were. They were the Northern Jewish Kingdom s remnants, who had intermarried with foreigners. They erected their own worship place separate from the rest of the Jews, at Mt Gerizim. They also rejected all of the Old Testament except their version of the Torah. As a result, the Samaritans had an incomplete knowledge of God and hence, their worship was deficient. Jesus was telling her that it was very important to know who we worship the one true God. Jesus was slowly directing her understanding of worship from the where to the how and whom, meaning that worship should be from the heart and based on a proper knowledge of God. Jesus then says, But the time is coming indeed it s here now when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. (v23, 24) Pneuma is the Greek word used for spirit in this passage. It is the same word used in passages where the human spirit and the Holy Spirit are referred to. This corresponds with the how and the whom of worship. To me, to worship the Father in Spirit has a two-fold meaning. Firstly, worship must come from our spirit, from the depths of who we are, engaging all our emotions, not just an external display of worship actions. Secondly, to worship in spirit refers to worshiping with our spirit that has been ignited and made alive by the Holy Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3:6) It is our spirit responding to God s spirit in worship. John Piper writes, True worship comes only from spirits made alive and sensitive by the quickening of the Spirit of God. (Desiring God, 82). It is interesting to note that Jesus adds the adjective true before worshipers. The Webster s English dictionary defines true as real, genuine, consistent, steadfast, loyal, legitimate. This means that there are worshipers who are not genuine. Jeff Deyo describes them as worshiping the songs or the music instead of the One who created music, exalting the pastor instead of the One who fashioned and called him, adoring the feelgood experience of being part of a church community of passionate people instead of Christ Himself lots of people go to church, but are they true worshipers? (The Lost Art of Pure Worship, p112 &113). God detests false worshipers. We see it in Amos 5: The Greek word for truth comes from related words that mean true, not concealing anything, and to be true (in doctrine). Hence to worship in truth means to do so in sincerity, based on a true perception and knowledge of God. The hour is coming, and is now here (John 4:23) tells us that this truth centers around Jesus who is the Truth (John 14:6). True worship comes when there is a revelation of who Jesus is. After realizing who Jesus really was, the woman left her water jar behind (symbolizing her leaving her old life) and became a worshiper. A true worshiper. In this exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we learn that God isn t concerned with where the worshiper has been or who the worshiper is. Anyone is welcomed to be a true worshiper. They become one when they have a true encounter with Jesus. Worship is a lifestyle. Gerrit Gustafson sums it up well: Worship is the act and attitude of wholeheartedly giving yourself to the Lord spirit, soul, mind and body. (The Adventure of Worship, p28). External actions are not the essence. It doesn t matter whether we raise our hands or not, sing the latest songs or an age-old hymn, or how conducive the environment is. What matters most is what we do with our hearts and minds. God is looking for true worshipers genuine, authentic disciples who will follow Him all the way, engaging both the head and the heart in worship. To Him, the heart of worship really, is the heart. Daphne resigned from her teaching profession in 1998 to answer God s call to full-time ministry. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor s Degree in Church Music from North Central University in Minnesota, USA. There, she pioneered the music ministry at All Nations Christian Assembly. Upon returning to Singapore in 2003, she became active in fulltime ministry, serving in the areas of Worship and Creative Arts, both in her own church and nationwide. She also served as the AG Singapore s Worship Coordinator from 2004 to Daphne currently teaches a two-week block course, Fundamentals of Worship at Immanuel Bible College in Cebu, the Philippines. A passionate singer, musician and songwriter, she released her first single, Hold My Faith Strong in 2008, coproduced the I Love the Lord worship album in 2010 and most recently released her first album, A New Day, in 2013, distributed by Integrity Music Asia. Daphne is currently on staff at Eternal Life Assembly, serving as the Worship Base Pastor there. By Pastor Daphne Lau, Eternal Life Assembly of God

6 6 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES training Lifting of Hands in Worship instincts would have us lift up our hands. Or even when a policeman was to catch a criminal, his first instruction will always be to lift up your hands. The lifting up of our hands puts us in a vulnerable position. Likewise, as we lift up our hands to the Lord, we are indicating to the Lord that we are opening our hearts and lives to the working of the Spirit. What is the significance of lifting up our hands in worship? Pastor Janet Tang shares. The lifting of hands in worship is a common sight to many of us, especially in Assemblies of God churches. But why do we do it? Some of us were never actually told why we lift our hands in worship. We grew up doing what we see others do during worship, or we simply follow the instructions of the worship leader or pastor. So is the lifting of hands in worship a denominational thing? Many people have asked this, and in fact over the years, it has been associated primarily with the Charismatic movement. The answer lies in the Scriptures. In both the Old and New Testament, we find that the lifting of hands in worship is one amongst the many postures of worship mentioned, including standing, kneeling, prostrating, dancing, clapping, marching, etc. The lifting of hands was never meant to be associated with any movement. It is mentioned many times in the Bible and is a posture of worship used by many men of God such as David, Ezra and Solomon, to name but a few. 6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen! while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6 (NASB) 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire community of Israel. He lifted his hands toward heaven, 23 and he prayed, O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion. 1 Kings 8:22-23 (NLT) 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT) Now that we have determined the scriptural basis of the lifting of hands in worship, let us look at some aspects of the lifting of hands. Meaning of lifting of hands: 1) It is an expression of adoration. Those who ministered in the Temple were exhorted to lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord (Psalms 134:2, NIV). This gesture indicated that the object of praise was the Lord and that the whole person was involved in the act. At concerts or fan meetings with movie stars, we see at least half the crowd lifting their hands in adoration to their idols, holding up light sticks or handmade banners with the pictures and names of the celebrities. Shouldn t we, who behold the beauty of our Saviour in adoration, all the more lift up outstretched arms in adoration to our Lord? 2) It is a physical expression of prayer and supplication. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place (Psalms 28:2, NIV) 3) It is an expression of sacrifice and surrender. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice (Psalms 141:2, NIV). Visualise for a moment with me, if someone were to come up behind you with a gun or a knife pointing at our back, what would be the first thing that we normally do? Our 4) It is an expression of reaching out and thirsting for God. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. (Psalms 143:6, NLT), just as children would reach their hands out to their parents for food or drink when they are hungry or thirsty. Similarly, as we hunger for God in our lives, we express it by lifting up our hands in worship. 5) It is an act of blessing God. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. (Psalms 63:4, NASB) 6) It is a symbolic act of receiving everything that God is doing in our lives. When a King bestows a gift to his subject, the recipient is always on his knees, lifting up his hands to receive his reward from the King. As we lift up our hands unto the Lord, we are also displaying the same act of receiving from the Lord, indicating our willingness to accept all that the Lord has for us. As I pen off, I pray that the understanding of the posture of worship (in this case, lifting of hands) will be an aid in our expression of our worship to Him, but may it never be one that determines our worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Pastor Janet is a former Worship Pastor ( ) and Care Cell Pastor ( ) of Emmanuel Assembly of God. She has been leading worship since the age of 12. It is her heartbeat to go to all nations to lead, preach and teach about worship. She desires to raise a generation of worshipers awaiting His return. By Pastor Janet Tang, Itinerant Minister

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10 10 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community Strong and Healthy Churches: Growing to the Next Level The AG ministers gathered for a time of empowerment and prayer on March 3. This was a lively, engaging training session conducted by Dr Philip Huan, including teaching, attendees participation, small group break-out sessions, and a time for questions. There are two basic premises that Dr Huan held strongly in his presentation: 1. God s DNA for the church is growth (Matthew 16:18). The church of Christ will prevail under all circumstances, and grow no matter how bad or difficult the environment gets. 2. There are different types of growth (1 Cor. 3:5-6): a) Numerical b) Knowing and engaging God more c) Authenticity d) Outreach e) Service and leadership The ideal growth journey is not a straight line ascending from the bottom left corner to the top right corner of a chart. He believes God s ideal type of growth is more like an inverted S-shaped model where there are bottlenecks, plateaus and growth spurts along the way. We need to be sensitive to the Lord and discern where we are precisely on the journey and what exactly God is saying to us. God wants us to depend on Him, so growth is not automatic in spite of our best human efforts. We need to cultivate the ability to see the church through God s eyes. His conviction is that we identify and remove roadblocks to growth and the church will grow naturally. Dr Huan also gave out a problem-solving tool he designed as a hand-out to all attendees. This tool covered 10 key areas. The top five areas were grouped under the category of Culture: DNA/Heart Issues of a Church, and these are: 1. Leadership disunity 2. Community hurt-memory 3. External disengagement 4. Lacking priority for one another 5. Performance self-esteem The unique features of this category include: Lie underneath activities, discerning over time and snap back / pull back effects. The remaining five areas were grouped under Components: Ministry Architecture of a Church, and these are: 1. Preaching 2. Ministry structure and development 3. Mentoring and people development 4. Multi-tiered outreach 5. Alignment of resources Its unique features include: 1. Foundational needs to be built well (God s church is organic) 2. Create pressure when not built well 3. Leads to bottlenecks too much expected from too few people Based on participants responses, the top three areas requiring the most attention are mentoring and people development, alignment of resources and lacking priority for one another. In closing, Dr Huan encouraged all pastors and ministers with 1 Timothy 3:13 (WEB): For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Don t stop believing that your church can grow. AG prayer time led by Rev Gerald Tan Rev Gerald Tan then led a powerful time of prayer starting with a short exhortation from 1 Kings 17:8-16 entitled Refining at Zarephath. Just as God led Elijah to Zarephath for a time of refinement and to prepare himself to face the fear of his life, similarly we need to prepare ourselves in order to confront and overcome our own fears and challenges. Refinement at multiple levels will prepare us for what He wants to do. He then led all the ministers to respond to God to refine us in our walk, our lives and our spirit. Following that, Rev Gerald Tan drew our attention back to the same passage and highlighted that God chose to use the most unlikely people to keep us humble. In this case the most unlikely person was the widow who was preparing to eat her last meal with her son and die. God had prepared the widow ahead of time to feed Elijah but she did not know how; it seemed like such an impossible situation. So God used Elijah through a prophetic word to help her unlock her miracle. Similarly, God would want to use the ministers to challenge people around us to come out from their circumstances into the realm of miraculous breakthroughs. Before that can happen we need to ask God to change our perspective. We need to constantly see through the lens of God and believe He can use the most impossible people. We need to challenge both ourselves and others to do the impossible and develop a prophetic mantle of authority. Moving on to the major prayer segment, Rev Gerald Tan challenged the ministers to pray and believe for all AG churches to grow to the next level. He also led us to pray that there will be greater intensity of worship to reach the heart of God in worship and of anointed word being preached in our pulpits. Our churches will also have strong discipleship that will impact community and the nation. The last major prayer item of the day was the World AG Congress with the theme, #Generation A Prophetic Legacy. We believe there will be a powerful time of impartation and anointing that will be released at the World AG Congress. It s truly going to be an exciting time as AG Singapore host this event on our shores. Let s continue to be in prayer for this meeting in 2017! By Rev Samuel Heng, New Horizon Church

11 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun togetherness - AG Community Humble Beginnings of Teen Challenge Singapore Teen Challenge Singapore (TCS) is turning 40 years old on October 17, As part of its anniversary celebrations, TCS Founder Rev Naomi Dowdy sheds some light on its beginnings. May you be blessed and challenged in your faith as you catch a glimpse of our small and humble beginnings. The tiny sapling has grown into a big tree. This is an exciting year for Teen Challenge Singapore (TCS). On the occasion of our 40th anniversary, it s a special time to look back and reflect on the goodness of God and celebrate all of the miracles He has done through these years. Take a moment and join me on this journey of memories, as I have been asked to share with you how TCS began and some of the challenges we faced. In the mid 1970s, the heroin problem in Singapore was at its peak. Being so close to the Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand), where most of the world s heroin came from until the 1990s, Singapore was an easy target. An increasing number of young people were becoming drug addicts, causing problems for themselves, their families and for society. I first lived in Singapore in 1975, and it was then that I became aware of the problem. I spoke to different Christian leaders, and we agreed we needed to do something to help these people. We needed to be proactive in helping to resolve this problem that was destroying the lives of the next generation of leaders. But everywhere I turned, no one wanted to get involved, no one had any answers and there was no one interested in taking action. I then discovered the Singapore Anti- Narcotics Association (SANA), located in a few old buildings across from Newton Circus in those early days. During my discussions with them, I reflected on my brief connections with Teen Challenge in Los Angeles. I remembered the books about David Wilkerson and the events that led him to start the very first Teen Challenge in New York City some years ago. He had written about the gangs and troubled youth he was able to impact and see their lives changed for the glory of God. But to do that, he had to be bold and he had to trust God. With this limited insight and a boldness from the Holy Spirit, I began to share with the authorities the answer to the drug problem Singapore was facing. The answer was this: Teen Challenge and the Jesus factor. I began by building relationships with the staff in SANA, spending time in discussion with Mr. John Hanam, the first Director of Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). We talked about the problems we had to deal with in regard to this issue and explored the various solutions. I appreciated his friendship and encouragement during those days. From the Word of God and personal experience, I knew the key to achieving success was akin to what the apostle Paul said in Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind There had to be a process for renewing the mind of these individuals. These were the circumstances that moved me to establish Teen Challenge in Singapore. The opportunity was there but the challenges were huge. I was a new pastor of a small, struggling church. I did not have money to launch anything, and I needed a place to operate. I needed people to help me. At that time, I had an account in Springfield with the AG missions department. I wrote and asked them to send some money to me so that I could rent a place and we could begin. Thus was TCS born on October 17, 1976 in Singapore. Up until that time, I had taken in a couple of women with addiction issues into my home to work with them. One was a medical doctor who was addicted to prescription drugs. I housed them in one of my small bedrooms as they required attention on a regular basis, day and night. It was difficult times, but I knew it had to be done. Pang Yang Leng was a school teacher and worshiped at Trinity Christian Centre where I was pastoring. She was my first supporter and came over to help me after her class ended. Once I received some money, I began to pray for someone to help me on a full-time basis, to source for a place of residence for the addicts. I knew with my growing responsibilities as Senior Pastor that I would not be able to devote myself wholly to this project, especially to direct a live-in centre. The Lord spoke to Philip and Monica Lee, and they became our first full-time workers, a great blessing to TCS. The early days were hard as few people understood or even wanted to be involved with drug addicts. We were almost alone in pursuing the assignment that God had laid on our heart. I knew the church was my primary assignment, but I also knew that if I did not do something immediately, then the opportunity to have a voice or the ability to influence the thinking for an approach to resolving the problem would diminish. I had to take bold steps quickly. Doors of opportunity are just that an open door that will not always remain open. It was like Peter when he had to respond to the call of Jesus to come and to step out of his comfort zone. When we stepped out, God made a way. We continued to gain favor with the governmental authorities and with the community. Through divine arrangement, Irvin Rutherford came to Singapore to lead TCS to a new level. Over the course of 40 years, Sam Kuna and many others served long and hard to build the ministry to where it is today. I am confident that Teen Challenge Singapore will carry on to impact lives and families for the glory of God under the present leadership. Thank God for the days of small beginnings those were the times our faith had the opportunity to grow to new levels. Teen Challenge has been built on a firm foundation. May you dare to trust God at a new level, just like we did to get from our past challenges, to hearing and seeing God s miraculous provision. Trust and obey you too can have a miracle in your ministry. By Teen Challenge Singapore

12 12 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community Building Leaders, Lives & Light to the Community Royal Rangers (RR) is a global ministry that reaches out to thousands of boys and girls in over 80 countries. RR Singapore supports the development of the Royal Rangers ministry in Asia-Pacific countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, among others. In November 2015, a team of training staff visited the districts of Bohol and Negros Occidental in the Philippines to conduct programs to equip local leaders. During the trip, the team also visited several churches that were re-built after the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, thanks to the contributions of RR Singapore leaders. With 86 new leaders trained, the RR ministry in the Philippines is gaining more momentum and effective leadership for reaching, teaching and keeping boys and girls for Christ. Trainees travelled great distances to attend the training sessions. When they return home, they will be helping to bring the light of Christ to hundreds of boys and girls through the RR program in their churches. Trainees experienced the RR program through the patrol system and interactive learning, strengthening their friendship along the way. 62 trainees in Negros Occidental from the surrounding villages attended the training program. There was much enthusiasm and excitement among them to bring back what they have learned. The trainees practice their newly acquired skills with much enthusiasm and energy. Filipinos are well known for their hospitality and food. These ladies worked tirelessly to feed 100 people over two days including trainees, trainers and guests. The testimony of Leah (second from left) was really encouraging. Leah was diagnosed with a tumor in her brain four years ago. She was paralyzed and the docs would not operate as the tumor was too large, saying that she would die on the operation table. She came back to church, where they prayed for her and she was healed without surgery or treatment! The Lord is alive and at work here. 24 trainees in Bohol attended the training program. One of the trainees shared about their church seeing over 200 children attend their RR program and how such training sessions prepare them to minister to the children more effectively. By Royal Rangers Singapore

13 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun togetherness - AG Community Visiting several churches that were re-built after the earthquake and typhoon that hit the entire province in Today, these churches continue to minister to the villagers, and are also the focal point of many village activities. RR Singapore National Commander Chia Eng Kiat (extreme left) receiving a plaque as a token of appreciation from Rev Teody Largo, Rev John Sainz and Rev Roger Tan, District Executive officers of Central Visayas Lower Leyte District Council (CVLLDC)

14 14 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Community 从牧会到自由传道 自 62 年离开学院至今, 转眼已 53 年 在这些年里, 第一年是在做开荒的工作, 接下来的 28 年都在牧养教会 在牧会的最后两年, 心中开始有一个不同的带领, 感到圣灵要我离开牧职去做自由传道, 因为那时我发觉神赐给我布道的恩赐, 每次领会都看见美好的果效, 看见圣灵的膏抹与同工 许多教会牧者同工, 他们也有同感 那时起, 我就不断地应邀到各地的教会带领布道聚会 经过一段时间之后, 当我必须在牧会与自由布道事工之间进行选择时, 我与师母两个人同心寻求神的旨意, 心中越来越清楚神要我做的事, 就是要我离开牧职去做一个自由的传道人, 专心做布道的工作 神那时也为我开路预备, 让我能顺利交棒, 安心离开牧者的岗位 回想起来, 做自由传道的事奉不觉已经过了 25 年 在这期间, 经历了许多神的恩典与信实 这段日子里, 神的看顾与供应毫不停顿, 最重要的是在事奉的生命里头, 感到非常的满足, 充满了喜乐 这 25 年里, 常有弟兄姐妹与同工问我同一个问题, 就是做自由传道是不是比较容易? 我总是这样回答他们, 不是! 我们都要清楚自己的工作岗位或职分是否是神要我们做的, 因为没有所谓比较轻松或者容易的服事 若不清楚主的旨意, 没有神的呼召, 只是自己喜欢, 无论做什么都会带来失败和灰心 牧会或自由传道, 都有各自的挑战和难处 若只靠自己的喜欢, 无论做什么都不会开心, 也不会有果效, 最后必然会害人害己, 一败涂地 因为我们服事的不是事工, 乃是主 不是选择自己喜欢的工作, 乃是做神呼召你做的工作 牧会固然有它的困难, 也有它的优点 自由传道也有它的挑战与难处 第一 : 牧会可以安心的领受每月固定的收入 自 由传道却不然, 而是靠爱心奉献来生活 第二 : 牧会生活较为安定 自由传道需到处奔波, 没有固定的教会事奉 第三 : 牧会有一般弟兄姐妹的支持与同心 自由传道没有会众, 也没有弟兄姐妹的支持 无论是牧会或自由传道都有它各自的挑战和要面对的问题 牧会常常要处理行政 开会和面对弟兄姐妹的问题 此外, 还有领袖们的意见 观点 看法 做法的分歧和人事的摩擦 这会使你感到心灵疲惫, 力不能胜, 甚至有时会苦不堪言, 难以持续 自由传道也要面对许多挑战与困难, 也有各种的压力 自由传道人要面对教会的期待与要求 教会总是要看见果效, 似乎人能否接受主的责任全都在传道者的身上, 所以, 自由传道人所面对的压力是很大的 很多教会除了要求布道, 还要求兼顾培灵, 对未信的, 已信的都要兼顾, 所以, 信息必须能满足两者的需要 更困难的是有些教会只是为布道而布道, 却没有为布道会做任何的准备 教会的弟兄姐妹也没有传福音的热诚, 更没有责任与使命感 故此, 许多时候虽然有布道会却没有未信的人出席 就算有几个, 弟兄姐妹也不会过去给予他们鼓励与分享, 大家都是无动于衷, 却把责任全归于传道者 这是传福音布道者所面对的难处, 他还要面对能否再次被邀请的压力 这些都是自由传道者要面对的难处 除此以外, 他还要到处奔波离开家, 要适应各地的环境 食物 人事, 所以, 有时也会感到疲累 除了各种压力, 自由传道人还要清楚自己是否有布道的恩赐 若不然, 带领布道会是一件苦不堪言的事, 因为他无法清楚传讲福音的信息 事奉能有满足的喜乐是因为你做了神要你做的事, 并非是你喜欢或你认为较为轻松的工作 若不是主的呼召, 无论是牧会或自由传道, 都会无 法感到满足与喜乐 在这 25 年布道的生涯中, 我每次带领聚会都看到许多人归主 当呼召的时候, 见到圣灵的运行与同工, 人的心被打开, 接受耶稣作他们个人的救主, 我就清楚知道这是圣灵的工作, 而我确实感到非常的满足与喜乐, 甚至觉得非常兴奋 因为我清楚知道这就是神要我做的事, 所以我深信神必会负责 我只有心存感恩靠主继续地走下去, 直到神为我另作安排 阿门 胡民气传道

15 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun togetherness - AG Churches An Evening Of Worship With Bob & Kathy Fitts A time of powerful worship and ministry with Bob Fitts. On Sunday, February 21, Grace Assembly had the privilege of having Bob Fitts and his wife, Kathy Fitts, hold a concert at its Bethel hall. Attended by more than 400 people, the evening concert was a wonderful two-hour session of lively, exuberant praise, adoration, thanksgiving and worship to God! Bob, together with Grace Assembly s own band Praise Band, played his newest songs and some old favourites to a delightful crowd, who joined along in praise and worship. Age, I Am that I Am, I Love to be with You, He will Come and Save You and Rest. Towards the end, Bob shared that God is such a good Father that He wants us to be in His presence, to enjoy His presence, as He is willing to heal and to set us free. Many came forward to the altar area to be prayed for, to be encouraged and ministered to. We thank God for Bob and Kathy Fitts, for sharing their hearts and thoughts with us during the session. May God continue to use their ministry powerfully in encouraging people and uplifting the Body of Christ around the world. The repertoire of songs that were sung included Called to Worship, Song of Every Photos courtesy by Patrick Toh By Ronnie Lee, Grace Assembly of God

16 16 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES togetherness - AG Churches A Year of Sabbath for Eternal Life Assembly 2016 is a year of the Sabbath to rest, restore, recharge and get ready for our church s Jubilee year in A year of Sabbath I don t think we are the first church in Singapore to do this but the timing is divine appointment. In 2016, we will celebrate our 49th year as a church, which means we have completed seven cycles of seven years. We call this a Sabbath s Sabbath! God also led our Senior Pastor to declare this year a Sabbath Year, following the biblical practice mandated by God for His people (the Israelites) in Leviticus 25:1-7. Sharing of thoughts at the Silent Retreat On a personal level: We will endeavor to keep the weekly Sabbath. We will spend time to pray and reflect on our individual life and ministry. Launch of Sabbath Year Sabbath Slumber Party Keeping the Sabbath reassures us that our origin and destiny is rooted in God. It provides us with a sense of continuity with the past and a hope for the future. It invites us to rest in God while living in a restless middle and waiting for that endless rest and peace that awaits the people of God. 1 So 2016 is a year to rest, restore, recharge and get ready for our Jubilee year in 2017 when we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary. In the words of one of our speakers Rev Steve Mckinney, While we rest, we are trusting God and placing everything in God s hands. What does this mean, practically speaking? On a church level: We will not be embarking on new initiatives this year. We will spend time to pray and reflect on what God Life Group Leaders Silent Retreat has called us to do as a church, beginning with all the ministries planning a (silent or spiritual) retreat to achieve this. We will launch a monthly prayer emphasis for the church with a specially-designed prayer card from Navigators Press. We will do an integrated series The Life You ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg from Mar 12 April 24, to help members become what God wants them to be. We will launch a Church Building Fund to help repay all outstanding debts so we can be debt-free for our Jubilee year celebrations. We will spend time to pray and reflect on what God has called us to do as a church, beginning with all the ministries going on a retreat (silent or spiritual). We will pray together with the church. We will participate in the integrated series The Life You ve Always Wanted. We will participate in the Church Building Pledge project. Jesus reminded us that The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27) We rest so that we can be ready for God. And in doing so, we are echoing the sentiments of Dr Michael Tan who wrote, Seriously, we don t keep the Sabbath so much as the Sabbath keeps us. 2 We hope to be ready for what God wants done in and through us as we move in our Year of Jubilee and beyond. 1 Tamara C. Eskenazi, Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. and William H. Shea, The Sabbath in Jewish and Christian Traditions, ed. (New York: Crossroad Publishing Co, 1991) p 88.) 2 Michael Tan, Keep the Sabbath Holy, Eagles Vantage Point, (Nov-Dec 2007): p 14.) By Rev Alvin Ngo, Eternal Life ASSEMBLY OF GOD

17 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun togetherness - AG Churches Missions Convention 2016 Every year, Trinitarians come together to celebrate how the church has carried a Passionate Heartbeat for the Nations for that year. From embarking on missions trips to sponsoring destitute children, Trinity has made a difference in the lives of young and old by meeting their needs and sharing the Good News. Missions Convention is also a time to reflect on what it means to partner with God so that all men will know Him. This year, the convention took place from March 4 to 6, 2016, when our guest speakers Reverend Wayne Francis and Pastor David Godwin reminded Trinitarians about what it means to carry that Passionate Heartbeat by praying, giving, or going. Through their personal anecdotes of time on the missions field, they reminded every Trinitarian that God needs our partnership so His name will be glorified throughout the nations. What s in it for me? When we are called to give our time, talents, and treasures, our flesh will naturally see what we get out of the situation. Giving to Trinity s missions endeavors is no different, especially since we may never see the impact of our sacrifice. When you ask, What s in it for me? Pastor David asks at Missions Rally, I ll tell you: one person who gives their life to Jesus will change your life forever. What does it mean to give for missions? As Trinitarians progressed to Missions Weekend, Reverend Wayne Francis layered the message of missions with a charge for Trinitarians to be a part God s great plan. This weekend is not about me or this message, he shared, it s about you and your relationship with the Missions Faith Promise Card. All we are is a pencil in God s hand. The story we re about to write is not just for tonight, tomorrow or the next night it will be for eternity. One day when we are in heaven, we will find out how our giving has touched, saved, and transformed lives. At the same time, Pastor David shared the importance of giving towards missions. The Missions Faith Promise card is like a ballot, a vote. You can fold up the card and put it in your pocket, effectively voting to withdraw all the missionaries, choosing not to sponsor thousands of children an indication that you do not want to help the destitute women and children of Project Rescue. There are some of us who will choose to vote cautiously by reducing the amount they will give this year. But let me ask you this: which one of our missionaries will you choose to bring home? Which field out there does not need them? For those who intend to maintain the same amount of giving as before yes, Trinity will be able to sustain its missions endeavors. However, she loses the opportunity to sponsor a thousand more children, send the next two missionaries out to the field, or minister to more victims of human trafficking. Choose to give in faith so that more can be done for the glory of God. What are we willing to do? Were Trinitarians willing to sacrifice for missions? The answer seemed to be a resounding yes!, judging by the completed Missions Faith Promise Cards that came in. Trinitarians were choosing to be used for greater things. Some even committed their time and talents to go on a missions trip within the year! Trinitarians, thank you for choosing to vote in favor of reaching the lost. May we continue to be used as a pencil for God s great plan. By June Teh, Trinity Christian Centre

18 18 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES transformation Ministry Trip Update For December 2015 The ministry in December was challenging but it was also exciting and encouraging as God s miracles unfolded and lives were touched. I want to give glory to God for what He has done during this trip. I have highlighted one example from each place we visited. You can watch the rest in the video clip that s been uploaded on my Facebook page at: This journey was tiring and long. I was due to leave Singapore for our neighboring country by Night Express Bus at 10pm, but the bus was delayed by two hours. With the journey to Butterworth being 12 hours, I only arrived at about noon the next day. The pastor picked me up and we then continued driving for another hour to Kulim, where I was due to conduct a Healing Seminar and pray for the sick at two services at the church. At one of the healing sessions, there was a brother who couldn t walk properly. He had trouble stepping his feet on the ground and he was imbalanced when walking. Nevertheless Jesus touched him, and he managed to rise up to walk. Not only could he step his feet on the ground without difficulty eventually, he was also walking fast and strong. Then on Sunday in Butterworth, I shared in the branch church of the church in Kulim. I then left for S. Awan, where I stayed from Monday to Wednesday. There I visited sick patients with the pastor and the leaders there. God is indeed a God of variety! He uses different ways to heal the sick. In the Bible, we learn that sometimes Jesus spoke the word to heal, and at other times He used mud to make the blind to see. There was also an incident where He put His finger into a deaf man s ear and commanded his ears to open. In the Old Testament, God used David, as he played the harp, to set Saul free from spiritual oppression. During the ministry with the sick on this occasion, God used singing in the Spirit with music to set a sister free from a heavy heart. She was stressed out and felt a heavy burden on her when she met us, but after we ministered with singing and music, she was touched and felt a lifting of the stress that was weighing her down. Praise God and give Him all the glory. Next, I went to Kluang, where I ministered in a Chinese Pentecostal church. I also joined them in their Christmas caroling sessions. In one of the ministry sessions, there was a sister and a brother who had spinal cord problems. They testified that when we prayed for them, they felt Jesus adjusting and fixing their spinal bones. From Kluang, I travelled by train about 1.5 hours to Gem, where I conducted a Christmas and healing service in the church. I was there in April 2015 and the pastor had invited me again for the Christmas service. This church is very unique, as it has four services in different languages Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese and Tamil. Accordingly, the preaching of God s word was interpreted into these languages so everyone could understand. At the service, I was blessed to see the turnaround of a man who was drunk. In April 2016, when I was in G. Mas, I visited this man and his family. He was still a drunk then, and had spent all his money on alcohol. What s worse, he would get violent every time he got drunk, and his wife and children would bear the brunt of it when he got home. After I prayed for him, I gave him a challenge that I didn t want to see him drinking when I came back. Praise the Lord that he accepted the challenge, and promised that he would quit in two or three months. Thank God that Jesus has set him free completely. During this trip in December, I ministered in his church again, and his wife came to me to tell me of the good news that he kept his promise, and had quit drinking in two to three months after I issued him the challenge. From Gem, I moved on to Labis a journey of about 30 to 45 minutes. I had the privilege of ministering in this church as well as to the kids from the orphanage. The church has two congregations English and Chinese, as well as the Tamil congregation. God is good. I praise God for what He has done. In King Jesus Business, Ev Johnnie Tan Evangelist, Healing Ministry JESUSPOWERHOUSE by EV Johnnie Tan, itinerant evangelist

19 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES May - Jun transformation God s Work in My Parents Lives God transformed my parents. Sometime in December 2015, we learned that my father had developed Stage 3 colon cancer. He is 77 years old and this news shocked our family. Suddenly my siblings and I had to make decisions and at the same time not let our parents know about the illness so they wouldn t worry. The doctor suggested surgery in the earliest time possible, and we were left with only one choice - to go ahead with it. My father went through countless tests in the following weeks: MRI, a colonoscopy, scans and blood tests. They got suspicious but we distracted them, though I could still see fear in their eyes. We were having a tough time communicating with them, and whenever they asked questions we would change the subject. I don t know how we did it, but we managed to hold back our tears. My father went for surgery on January 13, 2016 and was warded at the National University Hospital (NUH) for more than a week. During the stay, my sister began to pray simple prayers with my father, such as, God grant me speedy recovery, Jesus, please take away the pain or Lord, grant me a good night s rest. We also gave him gentle reminders like Jesus loves you and Jesus will protect you when we bade him goodbye at the hospital. At the same time, we also prayed and assured my mother that Jesus would cover everything; we just needed to trust and believe in Him. After my father was discharged, he requested to know more about Jesus. We were shocked but happy and proposed to my parents that my pastor speak to them. They accepted readily. On Saturday, February 13, Pastor Robert Lum went to my parents house to share the gospel with them. Two of my cell group members, my sister and brother-in-law and their church friend also came to give support. By God s grace, both of them said the Sinner s Prayer. They also agreed to being baptised when Pastor Robert proposed the idea. All of us saw God s blessings on them. Somehow in His arrangement, our Member of Parliament (MP) Mr Chan Chun Sing also appeared at the doorstep to celebrate the occasion! My parents attended their very first church service at Eternal Life Assembly the next day. When we went home, my father started asking many questions like who is God and Jesus, how to say grace before meals, and he also asked about the message given during service. God is speaking to him! A miracle as he was always a stubborn and self-believing man. With our guidance, my father has started doing daily devotions (Daily Bread) and simple prayers. He even took out the Bible I gave him many years back, that I thought he d thrown away. As for my mother, she declared to all the people and friends at her workplace that she is a Christian now. To God be the glory. My parents, Loh Kok Kwan and Chow Oi Leh received Christ and were baptised on February 13, 2016 By Alvin Loh, Eternal Life Assembly of God

20 20 May - Jun 2016 ISSUE 025 AG TIMES transformation High Cancer Marker Disappeared! The #Jubilee50K Challenge The power of prayers changed my health results. My 2014 health screening report showed that the tumor maker on my nose was positive (around 177). Elder Evelyn prayed for me. I was scheduled for a CT scan and blood test early in 2015, but didn t go for it due to an increased workload. I decided to wait for the usual September health screening report instead, hoping that the tumor maker would be negative. When I received the report, I was shocked to find out that it had gone up five times the original number (to 585)! I began to worry. During one of our Sunday services, my cell leader Diana and Yvonne asked me to give God my health concerns in prayer. When Pastor Cher came to pray for me, I began to cry. She comforted me and hugged me. Without being told what I was praying about, she told me that God is able to manage all things. After this, I rescheduled my CT scan and blood tests, and received results that showed no abnormality on my nose! Just to be sure, the doctor sent me for a biopsy. The result still showed no cancer in my nose! I thank God He can indeed make something beautiful out of our fears and worries. All Glory to Jesus! I also want to thank my pastors, Elder Evelyn and my cell group for their prayers. Patrick Koh saw that his colleague was in dire straits. Though the situation seemed impossible, Patrick held on to the promise of God s favor in this Year of Jubilee. My colleague, a forklift driver from Malaysia, shared that his application for a Long Term Work Permit had been rejected after several appeals by his MP. He was in a big dilemma because he needed to stay in Singapore to take care of his wife, a Singaporean, who requires dialysis on a regular basis. I offered to assist him and wrote to ICA to appeal the rejection. Although I was relentless in my follow-up, I did not receive a response. I committed the appeal to the Lord in prayer and continued following up with the authorities, believing that this was the Year of the Lord s Favor. In the midst of this process, I also persuaded the Human Resources department to retain him as an employee even though they would need to pay a higher levy for him if his Work Permit was approved. After several weeks, I received a call and an from ICA informing me that they would process my colleague s application. Soon, we got a response from them. He did not get a Work Permit. Instead, God gave something even better: Singapore Permanent Resident status! was able to experience the Lord s favor and blessings through this #Jubilee50K act. All glory to God! What is the #Jubilee50K Challenge? The #Jubilee50K Challenge is about transforming our world through blessing and proclaiming these acts on social media. Find out more at com/ Bless and Proclaim, Transform our World! Chief Editor: Asst. Editors: Coordinator: Design: Publisher: EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Rev Simon Ang Rev David Lim Rev Winnie Wong Stephanie Siow Carol Lim Infinite Print Solutions The Assemblies of God of Singapore 8 Lorong 27A Geylang #02-08 Guilin Building Singapore Praise the Lord! With God, there are no boundaries on whom and how He blesses. I m glad that my colleague Printer: Singapore Press Holdings Ltd May - Jun 2016 By Chan Wai Cheng, Church of Praise By Patrick Koh, Trinity Christian Centre