From Lesbian and Gay Right Activist to Christ

By admin | October 27, 2007

Watched this youtube!

You will be blessed and encouraged by the love, mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ!

E-C words

Beatrice and David (or rather his dad!) have graciously helped me with some of the words.

61) ministry SHI GONG

62) dynamic DONG LI or huo2 li4 or shen1 qi4

63) assurance of salvation JIU SHU DE PING JU or que1 bao3 de2 jiu4

64) potential qian3 nen2 or qian3 li4 潜能

65) conclusions zong3 jie2 总结

implications HAN YI 含义 ying2 xiang3

66) politics zhen4 zhi4 政治

67) apologetics BIAN HU 辩护 hu4 jiao4

68) Canonization of the Bible shen4 jing4 de1 bian zhi4

69) Church growth jiao4 hui4 de zhen1 zhang3 教会成长

70) secularism SHI SHU LUN 世俗论

71) postmodernism HOU XIAN DAI ZHU YI 后现代主义

72) technology ZHI SHU 技术

73) liberalism ZI YOU ZHU YI 自由主义

74) cost of discipleship

75) conviction XIN NIAN 信念

76) condemnation ZE BEI 责备

77) guilt conscience ZUI ZHUANG LIANG XIN 罪状良心

78) godly sorrow SHEN SHENG AI TONG 神圣哀痛

79) worldly sorrow SHI JIAN DE AI TONG 世间的哀痛

80) fear of God DUI SHANG DI DE JINGWEI 对上帝的敬畏

WHAT ARE U INVESTING IN?

Native American tribe to honour Goh Tong for his help

Monday October 29, 2007

The Star Malaysia

A number of customs that are only extended to our own people have been and will be bestowed on Goh Tong to mark his passing... MICHAEL THOMAS

GENTING HIGHLANDS: The late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong’s legacy does not only live on in Genting, but halfway round the world in the Native American tribe of the Mashantucket Pequot.

Unknown to most Malaysians, in 1991 the late Goh Tong helped the tribe – that was struggling to grow cabbage – by investing in their idea of building a casino, the Foxwoods Resort & Casino, which has now become the largest casino in the world.

The chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, a sovereign nation within the US located in the state of Connecticut, Michael Thomas said the tribe owed a great deal to Lim for his vision and his confidence in them.

“When we wanted to start the casino, we approached 23 lending institutions who all turned us down because there was no guarantee we would pay back the loans,” he said.

As a result of a meeting with the business partner of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Nicky Brown, Thomas and his tribe were introduced to the late Goh Tong who turned out to be the only one who would help them.

“He heard about our situation and actually came to our place to meet our people and see for himself what we were about and what our values were,” he said after meeting with Lim’s family for over two hours at the wake yesterday.

“Within 48 hours of meeting us, he agreed to give his support in the form of a US$$60mil (RM200mil) investment,” he said, adding that Americans widely credited the Pequot tribe for opening the doors for hundreds of other Native American tribes to open their own gaming centres.

Thomas said the success of the Pequot tribe, together with another Native American tribe, now created USS$2.7bil (RM9.02bil) in revenue for the Connecticut state government from “taxes” levied from their slot machines.

Thomas, who led a nine-man delegation from the US, arrived yesterday without some of his luggage as it had been delayed, apologised for his informal dress and said that he would be dressed in traditional attire when giving a eulogy at Goh Tong’s funeral today.

“A number of customs that are only extended to our own people have been and will be bestowed on Goh Tong to mark his passing,” he said.

Thomas said this included all buildings in the nation flying their flag at half-mast for a week, while a sacred stone called Wampum which is sourced from a clam called the Quohog would be given to the family.

“The stone is valuable because it is usually only given to our leaders,” he said.

Thomas said it was important for the world to know that it was the faith Goh Tong had in them that allowed them to succeed beyond their wildest dreams.

Pequot tribe vice-chairman Kenneth Reels said Goh Tong’s help allowed their nation to be self-sufficient while creating some 10,000 jobs there.

“As a nation, if you have to be dependent on somebody else then you are not exercising sovereignty to the fullest.

“He has enabled us to do that. We are here today because we feel it is appropriate to pay our respects to someone who gave respect to us.”

“He is part of our history and we have a family relationship that we will cherish forever. His family is part of ours as ours is part of theirs.”

What are u thinking?!

"Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected." (Philippians 4:8)


Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today's thoughts are tomorrow's actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God's love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others?


Paul says absolutely! It's not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We've got to let the good stuff in. It's not enough to keep not list of wrongs. We have to cultivate a list of blessings. "Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected." Thinking conveys the idea of pondering -- studying and focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us.


Rather than store up the sour, store the sweet!

Max Lucado
From: A Love Worth Giving

E-C words

Anyone cares to verify as well as to fill those missing words?

Thanks.

61) ministry ?

62) dynamic huo2 li4 or shen1 qi4

63) assurance of salvation que1 bao3 de2 jiu4

64) potential qian3 li4 or qian3 nen2

65) conclusions zong3 jie2

implications ying2 xiang3

66) politics zhen4 zhi4

67) apologetics hu4 jiao4

68) Canonization of the Bible shen4 jing4 de1 bian zhi4

69) Church growth jiao4 hui4 de zhen1 zhang3

70) secularism ?

71) postmodernism

72) technology

73) liberalism

74) cost of discipleship

75) conviction

76) condemnation

77) guilt conscience

78) godly sorrow

79) worldly sorrow

80) fear of God

Australian Idol stars banned from talking about God

by Daniel Blake

Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007, 7:27 (BST)

Australian Idol finalists have been gagged from talking about God or anything Christian, according to reports emerging from Australian-based publications.

The final six competitors of the music talent competition have been told that they must not answer questions about their religion or personal beliefs, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.



According to the Herald, “although no wrongdoing has been proved (most Idol contestants have huge communities supporting them, whether it be a country town or a church community) television chiefs are concerned about the effect of the stories on the 'street cred' of the show."

"They promised the Idols they wouldn't have to talk about Christianity," a spokeswoman for Australia's Channel Ten said.

"They've all been really upset by the stories that are floating around. The interview can't go ahead if you ask them about religion," she said, after initially cancelling an interview with The Sun-Herald because it would include questions about their beliefs.

The interview did eventually get permission to go ahead though following an agreement that Christianity would not be talked about.

The contestants have expressed their shock at the ban, but have now agreed to abide by the show’s demands.

Contestant Matt Corby said, “I don't really mind [talking about religion], but obviously I won't if they say so.”

Sydney contestant Daniel Mifsud said: "I think sometimes it can overshadow what we're here for, that's not the point of being on Idol. I don't have any real religious affiliations, I'm not here to push my religious views on anyone. It's already been stated that some people go to church. Let's leave it at that."

However, another contestant Tarisai Vushe was not happy to find out she was being prevented from giving her views.

"It's not allowed? I didn't know about that," she said.

FremantleMedia is the content and production division of RTL Group, Europe's largest TV, radio, and Production Company. Its world headquarters are located in London, England.

The company acquired various British and Australian production companies including Grundy Television, Crackerjack Productions, which have now merged to become FremantleMedia Australia, Thames Television and Talkback Productions.

Article from Christian Today:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/australian.idol.stars.banned.from.talking.about.god/14105.htm

Copyright © 2006 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don't let shame over sexual sin destroy you

Gutsy Guilt

John Piper | posted 10/19/2007 08:27AM

The closest I have ever come in 26 years to being fired from my position as a pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church was in the mid-1980s, when I wrote an article for our church newsletter titled "Missions and Masturbation." I wrote the article after returning from a missions conference in Washington, D.C., with George Verwer, the head of Operation Mobilization.

Verwer's burden at that conference was the tragic number of young people who at one point in their lives dreamed of radical obedience to Jesus, but then faded away into useless American prosperity. A gnawing sense of guilt and unworthiness over sexual failure gradually gave way to spiritual powerlessness and the dead-end dream of middle-class security and comfort.

In other words, what seemed so tragic to George Verwer—as it does to me—is that so many young people are being lost to the cause of Christ's mission because they are not taught how to deal with the guilt of sexual failure. The problem is not just how not to fail. The problem is how to deal with failure so that it doesn't sweep away your whole life into wasted mediocrity with no impact for Christ.

The great tragedy is not masturbation or fornication or pornography. The tragedy is that Satan uses guilt from these failures to strip you of every radical dream you ever had or might have. In their place, he gives you a happy, safe, secure, American life of superficial pleasures, until you die in your lakeside rocking chair.

I have a passion that you do not waste your life. My aim is not mainly to cure you of sexual misconduct. I would like that to happen. But mostly I want to take out of the Devil's hand the weapon that exploits your sin and makes your life a wasted, worldly success. Satan wants that for you. But you don't!

What broke George Verwer's heart back in the 1980s, and breaks mine today, is not that you have sinned sexually. It's that this morning Satan took your 2 A.M. encounter—whether on TV or in bed—and told you: "See, you're a loser. You may as well not even worship. No way are you going to make any serious commitment of your life to Jesus Christ! You may as well get a good job so you can buy yourself a big widescreen and watch sex till you drop."

I want to take that weapon out of his hand. Yes, I want you to have the joyful courage not to do the channel surfing. But sooner or later, whether it's that sin or another, you are going to fall. I want to help you deal with the guilt of failure so that Satan does not use it to produce another wasted life.

God Makes a Way

The backdrop of Colossians 1-3 is Colossians 3:6: "On account of these the wrath of God is coming." Hanging over the whole world is the holy, just, unimpeachable anger of God at sin and rebellion. His wrath is coming, and the salvation spoken of in Colossians 1-3 is the only rescue from it. No one wants to meet the wrath of "the Lamb" when it comes (Rev. 6:16). So God in his mercy provides a way out.

Christ did something in history before we existed that obtained and guaranteed our rescue and the transformation of all who would come to trust in him. The distinctive and crucial thing about Christian salvation is that Christ accomplished it decisively, outside of us and without our help. When we put our faith in him, we do not add to the sufficiency of what he accomplished in covering our sins and achieving the righteousness that counts as ours.

The clearest verses on this point are Colossians 2:13-14: "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the Cross."

Those last words are the most crucial. God set aside this record of debt that stood against us, nailing it to the Cross. Make sure you understand this most glorious of all truths: God took the record of all your sins—all your sexual failures—that made you a debtor to wrath. Instead of holding them up in front of your face and using them as the warrant to send you to hell, he put them in the palm of his Son's hand and nailed them to the Cross.

Beautiful Substitution

Whose sins were punished on the Cross? The sins of all who despair of saving themselves and trust in Christ alone. Who was punished on the Cross? Jesus. That is the beautiful thing we call substitution.

Paul wrote in Romans 8:3, "By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh." Whose sin? Ours. Jesus had none (only the likeness of sinful flesh, not sinful flesh). Whose flesh? Jesus'.

Have you ever wondered what the next verse, Colossians 2:15, means? Right after saying that God nailed the record of our debt to the Cross, Paul says, "[God] disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." This is a reference to the Devil and all his demonic hosts. How are they disarmed? How are they defeated?

They have many weapons. But they are disarmed of the one weapon that can damn us—the weapon of unforgiven sin. Be sure you see the connection between Colossians 2:14 and 15. In 2:14, it says God nailed the record of our debt to the Cross. It's punished. It's finished. And in the next breath, it says that God disarmed the rulers and authorities. He triumphed over them. Sure, they can beat us up, tempt us, scare us, and accuse us, but they cannot damn us. That weapon is out of their hands. Only unforgiven sin damns. And that was nailed to the Cross.

Many see so little of the beauty of Christ in this salvation that the gospel simply sounds to them like a license to go on sinning. If all my sins are nailed to the Cross, then let's all sin that grace may abound (Rom. 6:1). Paul confronted that blindness in his own day and said, "Their condemnation is just" (Rom. 3:8). The reason they will be condemned is that we are saved by grace through faith. This faith connects you with Jesus so that his death counts for your death and his righteousness counts for your righteousness (compare Rom. 5:1, "by faith," and Rom. 8:1, "in Christ"). This faith receives Christ. It's not an adding to what Christ has done. It is a receiving. Saving faith receives Jesus as Savior and Lord and the Treasure of your life.

This faith will fight anything that gets between it and Christ. The distinguishing mark of saving faith is not perfection. It is not that I never sin sexually. The mark of faith is that I fight. I fight not with fists or knives or guns or bombs, but with the truth of Christ. I fight anything that diminishes the fullness of the lordship of Jesus in my life. I fight anything that threatens to replace Jesus as the supreme treasure of my life.

So if all you can see in the Cross of Jesus is a license to go on sinning, then you don't have saving faith. You need to fall on your face and plead that God would open your eyes to see the compelling glory of Jesus Christ.

I haven't mentioned justification, but it is very closely related to the work of God in nailing our sins to the Cross. Justification is the act by which God declares us not only forgiven because of the work of Christ, but also righteous because of the work of Christ. God requires two things for our right standing before him: (1) Our sins must be punished, and (2) our lives must be righteous. But we cannot bear our own punishment, and we cannot provide our own righteousness (Rom. 3:10).

Therefore, God, out of his immeasurable love for us, provided his own Son to do both. Christ bears our punishment and performs our righteousness. When we receive Christ as the Savior and Lord and Treasure of our lives, all of his punishment and righteousness is counted as ours (Rom. 4:4-6; 5:1; 5:19; 8:1; 10:4; Phil. 3:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:21). Justification conquers fornication.

False Hopelessness

Being armed with biblical knowledge of God, Christ, the Cross, and salvation can give such ballast to the boat of your life that the wind of temptation will not be able to tip it over easily. The reason this is not a popular remedy for temptation today is because it is not a quick fix. It's the work of a lifetime.

You have a tremendous weapon against the Devil when you know your punishment for sin has already been paid in Christ and your righteousness before God has already been achieved in Christ, and you hold fast to these truths with heartfelt passion.

With this passionately embraced theology—the magnificent doctrines of substitutionary atonement and justification by faith (even if you don't remember the names)—you can conquer the Devil tomorrow morning when he lies to you about your hopelessness.

I WIll Rise

What will you say to him? Micah 7:8-9 is a picture of what you say to your enemy when he scoffs at your defeat. I call this practice "gutsy guilt." The believer admits that he has done wrong and that God is dealing roughly with him. But even in a condition of darkness and discipline, he will not surrender his hold on the truth that God is on his side. Pay close attention to these amazing words. Use them whenever Satan tempts you to throw away your life on trifles because that's all you're good for.

Micah 7:8-9 is what victory looks like the morning after failure. Learn to take your theology and speak like this to the Devil or anyone else who tells you that Christ is not capable of using you mightily for his global cause. Here is what you say.

"Rejoice not over me, O my enemy." You make merry over my failure? You think you will draw me into your deception? Think again.

When I fall, I shall rise. Yes, I have fallen. I hate what I have done. I grieve at the dishonor I have brought on my King. But hear this, O my enemy, I will rise. I will rise.

When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Yes, I am sitting in darkness. I feel miserable. I feel guilty. I am guilty. But that is not all that is true about me and my God. The same God who makes my darkness is a sustaining light to me in this very darkness. He will not forsake me.

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. Oh yes, my enemy, this much truth you say: I have sinned. I am bearing the indignation of the Lord. But that is where your truth stops and my theology begins. He—the very one who is indignant with me—will plead my cause. You say he is against me and that I have no future with him because of my failure. That's what Job's friends said. That is a lie. And you are a liar. My God, whose Son's life is my righteousness and whose Son's death is my punishment, will execute judgment for me. For me! And not against me.

He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. This misery that I now feel because of my failure, I will bear as long as my dear God ordains. And this I know for sure—as sure as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is my punishment and my righteousness—God will bring me out to the light, and I will look upon his righteousness, my Lord and my God.

Falling Less Often

When you learn to deal with the guilt of sexual failure by this kind brokenhearted boldness, this kind of theology, this kind of justification by faith, this kind of substitutionary atonement, this kind of gutsy guilt, you will fall less often. Why is this so? Because Christ will become increasingly precious to you.

Best of all, Satan will not be able to destroy your dream of a life of radical obedience to Christ. By this Christ-exalting gutsy guilt, thousands of you will give your lives to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.

John Piper is the pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. This article is adapted from a message delivered at Passion '07.

Copyright © 2007 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

The Pastor's Coach

When is it time to leave?
by Dan Reiland

It's difficult to know when its time to leave, especially if you love your church. No pastor assumes leadership in a new church with the idea that it's a short term gig on the way to something better. Yet, any leader who believes they will never change churches is naïve. We don't accept a new church with conditions and “out-clauses”, but the reality is that most pastors make between three and ten transitions to another church over the course of their career. When to make a transition is a tough decision.

Jason has served as senior pastor for five years. He was warmly welcomed and the church grew for the first two years. The church has plateaued for the last three. Should Jason stay and give it all he's got -- praying for a breakthrough? Or is it time to leave? Should he stay until the church begins to decline? Does that position the church well for the next pastor?

Jennifer is on staff as director of small groups. The church averages about 400 in attendance and is pretty healthy in general. Jennifer is sharp, well liked, and a good leader. However, she is a frustrated with the senior pastor because of his lack of support for small groups. Jennifer understands that he is under pressure to focus on other things, but he made a strong commitment to small groups clear when she joined the staff team four years ago. Jennifer is a team player, but this has gone on for a long time and the pastor doesn't seem to have time to meet and talk about the situation. Two other churches are courting her to be their small groups pastor, but her heart remains with her current church. And her family is all nearby. Should she stay or is it time to go?

I know you want more information to render an opinion for either of the above stories. But you can connect with the circumstance enough to be reminded that it's not easy to make the decision to leave.

The irony of the local church is that if you stay too long you may get invited to leave. So you ask yourself. . . “Am I being irresponsible about my commitment and abandoning the flock if I leave now? Or am I doing the right thing by opening the door for God to bring the next right person here, and spiritually positioning myself to hear from God for my next assignment?”

The following are a few questions and principles that may help you wrestle through the tough decision of when its time to leave.

Three important questions you need to answer:

• Why are you leaving?
  

  This question is simple on the surface but runs deep when you examine your heart and motives. Is it about vision, chemistry, opportunity, competence, frustration, ego, personal / family, insecurity, or just the right thing to do? Knowing why you're leaving gives you confidence and puts others at ease. It you are unclear others begin to question “what's really going on?” That's one of the most common ways churches can get into hot water during staff transitions.

• Are you discerning the circumstances correctly?
  

  It is common for a staff member who is “looking” for another position to begin to view their current church with less than positive eyes. This can erode to becoming critical of the current church, and interpreting the next church through rose colored glasses.

  We all know the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence, even though it sometimes looks that way. Nonetheless, we are still tempted. Whatever the issue is, from leadership to culture and morale, take the time to really understand both sides of view. Get wise counsel and seek insight from a small number of people you trust, who are objective and mature. This small group of people should not be limited to your close friends, fans and colleagues. Get honest answers!

• How can you make the greatest impact for God's kingdom?
  

  I love to play guitar and I have always wanted to play in a cool band or worship team. But if I did, I would have a negative impact and, well, it's just not going to happen. I must be honest about my skill level and just play for fun. It's not so different in the local church. I meet too many pastors who have not accurately assessed their skills and abilities. I'm not referring to how good a leader they are in general, but their ability to find their sweet spot and play to it. For example, there are many senior pastors who are good and godly people, but average senior pastors. These same people would be incredible staff members. Ask yourself if you are in the spot where you can make the greatest impact for God.

Three helpful points of guidance:

• Listen for the voice of God's spirit.
  

  Romans 8:14 states that “because those who are led by the Spirit of God, are sons of God.” What a gift and blessing to have the assurance that you are not required to make these decisions blindly. Instead, you can ask God to guide you and He will. The answer doesn't always seem clear, but more often than not it's because we all cloud the issue, not God. Our personal experiences, desires, hurts, insecurities, successes etc., make it difficult to set everything aside and hear the voice of God's Spirit with clarity. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is ready to speak if we can properly prepare our hearts to listen.

  Personally, I have found that the way I cloud the answer is by not being prepared to say yes to whatever God asks. I like to hear what He has in mind first! But He wants my obedience before He tells me what it is. When I say yes, “no matter what”, the cloudiness is removed and the decision is clear.

  Don't confuse a clear decision with being free of challenges or difficulties. That's not part of God's promise. God tells us the right thing to do, He doesn't guarantee it will be an easy road to travel.

• Pay attention to your inner sense of being released from the work.
  

  Being “released” (I don't mean fired) is common language but sometimes difficult to know for sure. When God starts to release you from a ministry, He begins to disengage your heart, lift the burden, and your sense of ownership begins to fade. It's not that you no longer care about the people, but no matter how you slice it, you don't feel the same as you once did. The reason this is difficult is because we all have some of those thoughts from time to time on a temporary basis. When God releases you, it is a permanent thing, and you know you are done.

• Timing is everything.
  

  Do you wait to land another job first? Do you step out in faith not knowing where you are going? Is it the right time for you and the church to make a change? These are important questions. Perhaps the church is in the middle of a building campaign and if you, as the senior pastor, left now it would really hurt the church. You might be a staff member sensing God's prompt for a change, but a couple other staff changes just happened so you need to hold for awhile to help the church stabilize. It might be that you want to go but God wants you to stay! Or maybe you have served well and its just time for you to go. The possibilities are endless. The point is for you to be sensitive to timing.

If you are diligent to listen to the Holy Spirit, then trust your heart. And remember, wherever you serve, it's not ultimately about you. It's about God and His redemptive plan to save the world. It is simply a privilege that you and I get to be part!

Pastor Appreciation Month

Invest in a Pastor's Life

Keith Manuel

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- As a seminary student, I was blessed to have a great pastor. When George Berger invited me to be a part of his staff, I didn't realize how God was going to use him to prepare me for ministry.

Every Sunday, George forced me to stand before the congregation and read the Scripture passage. My voice was maturing, so it cracked and made all kinds of sounds. The congregation politely laughed with me as I stumbled over the wording of the King James Version week after week. George and the kind folks in the church would encourage me just enough to get me back up there the next Sunday.

George gave me opportunities to preach, even though I struggled to communicate the Gospel clearly. Jo Ann, his wife, always made me feel like she just heard Billy Graham after my meager efforts to share God's Word.

When I accepted my first pastorate, he endured endless phone calls that often began, "Dr. Berger how do I...."

Shortly after arriving at this first church, Billy Hanberry, a retired businessman who was a member of another congregation, took me under his wing. Billy's son, Scott, was our part-time youth minister so Billy knew I had a passion to see people come to faith in Jesus. He invited me to join him on Thursdays at a nearby prison to do personal evangelism in the lock-down.

I was scared to death the first time those prison gates clanked shut, but Billy patted me on the back and pushed me forward. He let me observe him for a few visits and then he sent me down a row of cells on my own. We led several men to faith in Christ. I was so excited I couldn't sleep that night.

Week after week, Billy would pick me up for the 40-minute drive to the prison. He would listen to my challenges and triumphs in ministry. Then he would give me nuggets of godly advice and encouragement. When we would stop at the hamburger shop for a late lunch, he'd pray for me and mention each of my needs to our Father.

I've never felt alone or isolated in ministry because of pastors like George or laymen like Billy. When I needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, men like these two were near.

There are pastors who are struggling in our cities. Men who need someone to come alongside them. They need encouragement or maybe even some advice from a more seasoned servant of the Lord. Maybe a young pastor could use your extra copies of commentaries or even the latest devotional book because his small church can't provide these kinds of helps. Many of our state conventions are starting initiatives to plug pastors into other pastors through mentoring relationships.

Two great ministry tools I discovered in evangelism are a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Both have served me well as a seeker is searching for a relationship with the Lord. I'm learning the same tools come in handy when sitting with a discouraged pastor as he struggles to do the work of an evangelist.

During October, Pastor Appreciation Month, maybe God would burden you to invest into the life of another struggling pastor. I am thankful someone cared enough to invest in me.

Keith Manuel is an evangelism associate on the Louisiana Baptist Convention's evangelism & church growth team.
© Copyright 2007 Baptist Press. Used with permission

Murphy's Lesser-known Laws

1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak.

2. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

3. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

4. The 50-50-90 rule:
Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right,
there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

5. The things that come to those who wait will be the things left by
those who got there first.

6. A fine is a tax for doing wrong.
A tax is a fine for doing well.

7. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of
12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

The Chinese way of counting a person's age

How old are you actually?



89, 90 or 93?
Expert sheds light on tycoon’s age

Thursday October 25, 2007

PETALING JAYA: The different ages of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong used by family members and newspapers have generated curiosity and interest among the public but a Chinese culture expert has an answer for that.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Assoc Prof Dr Lim Chooi Kwa said 89 was the biological age of the founder of the Genting Group and one of the world’s richest men.

“The Chinese consider themselves one year old when they are born as they count the period in the womb as well.

“That is why Goh Tong celebrated his 90th birthday early this year. That is his traditional Chinese age,” he said in a telephone interview yesterday.

Family members have asked newspapers to use 90 as his age, said to be a more auspicious for a senior citizen. Goh Tong’s age was reported in various newspapers as either 89 or 90, and in the obituary advertisements states his age as 93.

Chooi Kwa said the Chinese would hold a big birthday celebration when someone turned 70, 80 or 90 because the zero denoted completion.

“In Goh Tong’s obituary, the age stated is 93 because the Chinese add three years to the age – each comes from tian (heaven), di (earth) and ren (people) – when someone dies.

“The community believes that good people have a long life. So by adding three years after the death, the life of the deceased seems longer that it was,” he said.

E-C words

What is the Chinese hanyu pinyin for these words?

61) ministry

62) dynamic

63) assurance of salvation

64) potential

65) conclusions and implications

66) politics

67) apologetics

68) Canonization of the Bible

69) Church growth

70) secularism

English-Chinese

Some E-C words from Mdm Beatrice.

56) Persecute bi po

57) Decision jue ding

58) distracted bei gan rao

59) disturb da rao

60) A balance Christian ping heng de xin tu

TQ! Deliverance

22 Oct 2007

Dear Prayer Partners,

1. Thank you for prayers! As mentioned in the previous letter, http://global-south.blogspot.com/2007/10/pl-now-to-kuching.html, I was invited to preach in a tertiary camp in Kuching, Sarawak.

2. The Lord graciously moved among the campers. Around 15 people indicated their desire to accept Jesus for the first time. Then there were many manifestations as the people repented of their sins and were set free from demonic influences.

3. Ministry among people with animistic background would normally have such expressions. There is a lot of spiritual warfare involved due to their close association with the spirit realm. That’s why your intercessory prayers were so critical. Thank you for standing with us and covering us with your prayers.

4. We needed to nurture an atmosphere where the presence of God was conducive to be present. For we know it is only through His glorious power that can set people free from their bondages. I just happened to be the available vessel for Him.

We seek to establish an atmosphere where the presence of God is pleased to dwell. For ONLY in His presence there is deliverance, healing, and victory. May it always be our hearts’ desire to nurture His presence in our lives and ministries!

5. I am back to Spore and have to hit the books for my doctorate course. http://global-south.blogspot.com/2007/10/dmin-module-syllabus.html. Thank you for upholding me. It’s hard to study when you are older. The eyes play tricks on you.

6. I will be preaching in a camp in Tapah, Perak, in late November. Pray for the preparations on top of the DMin studies. Pray also that the Lord will minister to the participants. Many of them are in need of a touch from the Father.

7. During this period, I will also be preaching-teaching in various Bible Study groups and services. I really need the Lord’s strength and anointing so that lives will be transformed by the Spirit and His eternal Word.

8. A quick note. I am trying to organize a one-month Malay-language residential discipleship-leadership training course in Kuching, Sarawak in Jan 2008. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and guidance as we are trying to get all the logistics, right individuals to help and teach as well as the appropriate participants.

9. Being the main organizer, I would also have to raise funds to sow and invest into the lives of the participants. Pray for the Lord’s abundant provisions, if this course is His desire. I will share more once details are being worked out. At present, I need more prayers as more ministries are being birthed.

Desire alone is never sufficient, but it is the beginning. Desire must be bathed and immersed with prayer in order for it to explode into reality in our lives.

Set Me Free

Set Me Free

Set me free, free to be a servant

Set me free, free to be a slave

Set me free to be bound to You

Enamored by the life You gave

Free, free from this cold heart

Set me free, free from my past

Set me free, free to live an honest life

Completely Yours at last.

Lord, set me free...

Break these chains that bind me

I want the world to find me

Serving in the presence of Your peace

My desires recapture, let me know the rapture

Of giving You the praise for my release.

Set me free...

Craig Bidondo

© 1990 - Little Peach Music, Inc.

CCLI # : __________

PL: Now to Kuching

3^rd Oct 2007

Dear Prayer Partners,

1. Thank you for your prayers and partnership. I had a good time teaching the trainee pastors about Interpreting the OT for 2 weeks in KL.

2. Many of them have developed a greater appreciation of correctly interpreting the Scriptures. They learned new principles and techniques that they were not exposed to before. Pray that they will use them and become even more effective in their ministry.

3. This remains a passion in my life to help people, especially among the natives, to rightly understand the Scriptures. It is most unfortunate that we do not have enough Biblical literature and resources in the language that they are most familiar with.

4. Maybe in the future, when I have enough time, experiences, and finances, I hope to devote some time to write such materials to enable them to be better preachers of the gospel. The harvest is indeed great, we need more laborers – preferably laborers who are skilled in the Word and full of the HS.

5. During the 2^nd week that I was there, Jessie, her mom and Ana came up. It was a good opportunity for family reunion, and to introduce Ana to her cousins. She was in her element, and kept giving hi-5s to everyone in sight.

6. Pray for me for the next coming weeks. I will be flying off to Miri to participate in a seminary course that I helped to initiate. This is part of my long term love affair with cross-cultural mission in East Malaysia. Pray that this will raise and equip more leaders for the Body of Christ.

7. Then I will be flying to Kuching to preach in a camp during the Hari Raya hols. Pray that the campers, most of them undergraduates, will experience life-transformations through the power of the HS and the truths of God’s word. They have asked me to share on ministry and spiritual gifts. Pray for God’s anointing to empower them to do His work.

8. Immediately after the camp, I will need to prepare for my next doctorate module. I need to read about 3000 pages. http://global-south.blogspot.com/2007/10/dmin-module-syllabus.html. Pray for more grace and more strength.

God has given us a free will. We have the right to serve Him or not. However, there is a blessing that comes with obedience and a curse that comes with disobedience. If we have any sense at all, we would believe God and take Him at His word. We would make sure we are doers of the word. One thing that always stands out in the Word of God is just how amazingly generous the Lord is with us. He is always looking for an opportunity to bless us and He always multiplies what He has already given to us.

Harry Potter as a Christian Tale?

Final 'Harry Potter' Hits Shelves … as a Christian Tale?

Whether Christians may agree with it or not, the newest and final volume of the “Harry Potter” series has come full force into bookstores.

by Kevin Jackson, Christian Today US Correspondent

Posted: Sunday, July 22, 2007, 9:01 (BST)

Whether Christians may agree with it or not, the newest and final volume of the “Harry Potter” series has hit bookstores worldwide.

Excitement reached fever pitch over the last few weeks ahead of the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, and that anticipation was finally satisfied midnight Saturday for the many who queued up to get their hands on a copy.

“Speculation has been mounting for weeks, if not years in fan circles, as to how the final book will conclude the best loved story of the modern day,” explained Christian author Nancy Carpentier Brown in a statement. “Will Harry die? Is Snape really a good guy or bad guy? Will the dead Dumbledore play a part in the last book? Will Harry conquer the evil Lord Voldemort?”

While many Christians have criticised the boy wizard of occult magic, others have been quite impressed with the children's novels. And with all the press going towards the seventh book in the “Po tter” series, Christian groups have been jumping in as well to promote Christian values that they feel are inherent in the fantasy tale.

The Church of England just recently came out with a study guide to accompany “Harry Potter” using the popularity of the literature to tie in with Christian themes.

Other Christians have gone even further, however. Some say that the bo oks are indeed Christian-centered novels and always have been.

"In the midst of all this political correctness, this tolerant, non-judgmental, relativistic world, enters a story about a school where right and wrong are defined, rules are enforced, misbehavior comes with detention, evil is evil and must be fought and goodness is rewarded," said Brown, author of "The Mystery of Harry Potter: A Catholic Family Guide" and a former opponent of the novels.

“Rowling has packaged a Christian story with a wrapping of witchcraft and magic, and through this disguise had drawn millions of children – millions of adults to read a redemptive moral story that perhaps can teach more than a religion class ever could," she added.

Looking at the symbolism in the JK Rowling creations, other people have gone so far as to claim that Harry Potter is even a symbol to represent the Son of God – Jesus.

"As we approach the release of the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series, Potter friends and foes alike ar e in for the surprise of their lives," wrote Abigail BeauSeigneur in an article on the most-visited Harry Potter fan site, Mugglenet.com. "The story of Harry Potter is, and always was, a Christian allegory – a fictionalised modern day adaptation of the life of Christ, intended to introduce his character to a new generation."

To back up her claims, she cites examples such as their prophetic births, personality traits, life events, opposition to authority, battles against evil, unfair trials, as well as similarities between Lord Voldemort and the devil.

So the question that remains is whether or not Rowling is a Christian in disguise.

"Rowling is a genius to tell a Christian story in the unexpected disguise of a witchcraft tale – people who would never pick up an overtly Christian story are reading Potter by the millions, attracted to it by its modern themed packaging," concluded Brown in a statement. "Christianity has always produced great writers. Tolkien, Lewis, Percy, Chesterton to name just a few. I believe JK Rowling is a Christian writer."

But then again, there are many Christians who would disagree.

“[T]he movie version of ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ is liable to still do great business at the box office,” stated Dr Ted Baehr, founder of MovieGuide.org, as the fifth instalment of the "Harry Potter” film series released last week.

“Regrettably, however, this means that even more children will be lured away from God and His Infallible Word, which says that witchcraft is evil and abhorrent. Instead of dreaming about the joys that God gives us through Jesus Christ, they will be dreaming of casting spells, using magic spells, riding brooms, and rebelling against their parents.”

According to the Associated Press, "Deathly Hallows" has a print run of 12 million in the United States alone, and Internet retailer Amazon says it has taken 2.2 million pre-orders for the book. The Royal Mail says it will deliver 600,000 copies on Saturday; the US Postal Service says it will ship 1.8 million. Over 20,000 requests were received at Amazon.com on July 17 alone.

Article from Christian Today:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/final.harry.potter.hits.shelves.as.a.christian.tale/11776.htm

Copyright © 2006 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter author reveals books’ Christian allegory, her struggling faith

After years of averting questions on whether Christian themes were present in her wildly popular Harry Potter books, author J.K. Rowling finally opened up this week about the Christian allegory in her latest book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

by Elena Garcia, Christian Today Correspondent

Posted: Friday, October 19, 2007, 8:44 (BST)

After years of averting questions on whether Christian themes were present in her wildly popular Harry Potter books, author J.K. Rowling finally opened up this week about the Christian allegory in her latest book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

During a press conference at the kick-off of her “Open Book Tour” on Monday, the British author told reporters that while religious themes were always present she purposely refrained from referencing any particular religion in order to conceal the ending.

“To me, [the religious parallels have] always been obvious,” Rowling said. “But I never wanted to talk too openly about it because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going.”

And where did the story end up? (Spoiler warning: Read no further if you don't want to find out what happens.)

Apparently, the last installment of the series is about resurrection and life after death.

In “Deathly Hallows,” Harry visits his parents’ graves at Godric’s Hallow and sees two biblical references on his parents’ tombstones, reading: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” and "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

The first refers to 1 Corinthians 15:26 and the second is a direct quote from Jesus in Matthew 6:19.

By the end of the book, Harry becomes the "Master of Death" and “resurrects” from the dead the spirits of his parents, his godfather, Sirius Black and his old teacher Remus Lupin.

"They're very British books, so on a very practical note Harry was going to find biblical quotations on tombstones," Rowling explained. "[But] I think those two particular quotations he finds on the tombstones at Godric's Hollow, they sum up — they almost epitomize the whole series."

The book also begins with two religiously-themed epigraphs – one Christian, the other pagan.

Even though her books contain religious themes, the church-going author revealed that she struggles with believing in a basic Christian tenet of life after death.

"The truth is that, like Graham Greene, my faith is sometimes that my faith will return. It's something I struggle with a lot," Rowling admitted. "On any given moment if you asked me [if] I believe in life after death, I think if you polled me regularly through the week, I think I would come down on the side of yes — that I do believe in life after death. [But] it's something that I wrestle with a lot. It preoccupies me a lot, and I think that's very obvious within the books.”

Rowling was raised Christian in the Anglican Church and currently attends the Church of Scotland.

However, many conservative Christian leaders have strong denounced the author’s books as anything but detrimental to Christians and children, saying that it promotes witchcraft and the occult.

James Dobson, founder of US-based Focus on the Family, had publicly criticised Harry Potter books.

“[I]t's difficult to ignore the effects such stories (albeit imaginary) might have on young, impressionable minds,” said Dobson in a statement noting the trend toward witchcraft and New Age ideology.

Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, had even condemned the books, writing that their “subtle seductions, which act unnoticed ... deeply distort Christianity in the soul before it can grow properly.”

But Rowling has yet to take warnings on her book’s potentially adverse influence seriously, retorting, “I go to church myself.”

"I don't take any responsibility for the lunatic fringes of my own religion,” she added.

Chuck Colson, founder of US-based Prison Fellowship Ministries, advised parents in a past commentary on Harry Potter to teach their kids to be discerning like Daniel, who read pagan literature but “didn’t defile himself.”

Colson also recommended Christian-themed alternatives such as Irish-born C.S. Lewis's Narnia books, as well as Oxford professor Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“These books also feature wizards and witches and magic, but in addition, they inspire the imagination within a Christian framework—and prepare the hearts of readers for the real-life story of Jesus Christ,” said Colson.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and final of Rowling’s novels on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has been out since July 21 and has sold more than 350 million copies worldwide.

Article from Christian Today:
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/harry.potter.author.reveals.books.christian.allegory.her.struggling.faith/14052.htm

Copyright © 2006 Christian Today. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

God is love vs Love is God

I received this general mail in my email. I thot I share it with everyone.
What are your thots on it?



Dear friends,

You will by now be familiar with the recent issue of the gay community
submitting a parliamentary petition via NMP Siew Kum Hong on Oct 17.
The petition is for the government to repeal S377A of the Penal Code
which prohibits homosexual male acts.

A recent NTU survey found that 7 out of 10 Singaporeans do not support
homosexuality and society in general still wants to preserve the family
values we hold dear. While we continue to embrace them as our family
and friends, we cannot allow our fundamental family values to be
changed by a vocal minority.

It is therefore time for us to speak up. www.KEEP377A.com is an online
petition by some concerned Singaporeans in an open letter to our Prime
Minister to retain S377A of the Penal Code in the interest of the
majority.

I believe the majority can make our stand clear by doing 2 simple steps:

1. Visit www.KEEP377A.com to put your name down on this petition

2. Forward this petition website to your family and friends and urge them
to make their voices heard by signing the petition.

It's time we speak. For the sake of our children, our families and our
future. Keep 377A.

Warmest regards

DANIEL ONG

THE AMAZING LOVE OF GOD

God’s love cannot be multiplied …

God’s love cannot be divided …

God’s love cannot be added to …

God’s love cannot be subtracted from …

God does not love some more than others …

God does not love some less than others …

God’s love is unchanging – cannot be manipulated or exploited …

God’s love is universal – infinite – eternal – unlimited …

God’s love is personal – impartial – unconditional …

God’s love is forever!

One cannot earn God’s love! – One cannot lose God’s love!

YOU CAN REJECT GOD’S LOVE!

He will not make you, force you, coerce you to accept His love!

God loves each of us with a perfect love …

Whether we deserve it or not!

“GOD IS LOVE”

Should God cease to love, He would cease to be God!

There is simply no way to avoid God’s love … except by refusing to receive it – turning one’s back on it – ignoring it.

“But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Grace and peace,

Richard C. Halverson

Typed by Elvon

Chinese-English

Continuing on the English-Chinese vocab, i have merged the two previous lists into one.
If you have any English-Chinese words, especially common words used among Christian circles,
please do write.

Thanks.

1. Bible study = Cha(2) jing(1)

2. Prayer Meeting = Dao(3) Gao(4) hui(4)

3. Sunday service = zhu(3) ri(4) chong(2) Bai(4)

4. Cell Group = xiao(3) zu(3) xi(4) bao(1)
(Cell = xi bao , small group = xiao zu)

5. Christmas = sheng(4) dan(4) jie(2)

6. Easter = Fu(4) huo(2) jie(2)

7. Resurrection Fu(4) huo(2)

8. Good Friday = shou(4) nan(4) jie(2)

9. santa Claus = Sheng(4) Dan(4) lao(2) ren(2)

10. Saints = Sheng(4) tu(2)

11. Spiritual Warfare = Shu(3) Ling(2) zhen(1) Zhan(4)
(Spiritual = Shu Ling, warfare = zhen zhan)

12. Satan = Mo gui / Sa (3) dan (4)

13. Praise and worship = Jing (4) Bai (4) zan (4) Mei (3)

14. Pray Unceasingly = Bu(4) Zhu(4) de(4) dao(3) gao(4)

15. Prince of Peace = Ping(2) an(1) de(4) jun(1) wang(2)

16. Give Thanks = Gan(3) En(1)

17. Difficulty = Kun(4) Nan (2)

18. Fast and Pray = Jing(4) Shi(2) dao(3) gao(4)

19. Yahweh = Ye(2) He (2) Hua(2)

20. Faith = Xin(4) Xin(1)

21. hope = xi(1) wang(4)

22. Persevere = Ren(3) Nai(4)

23. Baptism xi li

24. Spiritual leadership su ling ling xiu

25. Spiritual growth su ling cheng zhang

26. Good news hao xiao xi

27. Gospel fu yin

28. Evangelizing chuan fu yin

29. Disciple men tu

30. Discipleship men tu xun lian

31. Salvation jiu en

32. Redemption jiu shu

33. Grace & mercy lian min en dian

34. Justification cheng yi

35. Mission xuen jiao

36. Christian ji du tu

37. Trinity san wei yiti de shen

38. Heavenly Father tian fu

39. Son of God shen zi

40. Children of God shen de er nv

41. Holy Spirit Sheng Ling

42. Spiritual Gifts su ling ern ci

43. Pentecostal wu xun jong

44. Charismatic ling ern

45. Speak in tongues jiang fang yuan

46. Prophecy yi yuan

47. Revelation ci shi qishi

48. Hell di yue

49. Heaven tian tang

50. Sin zui

51. Righteousness gong yi

52. Fellowship tuan qi

53. Rapture bei ti

54. Angels tian shi

55. Spiritual su ling de zhen zan

English-Chinese

i received this batch of new words from meohwa, who has kindly included the tonal sound.

i hope to consolidate the earlier words with this batch.

Anyone who has new words to contribute - even one - do just send thru the comment section. It will be helpful to learners like me!

-----------------------


1) bible study = Cha(2) jing(1)

2) Prayer Meeting = Dao(3) Gao(4) hui(4)

3) sunday service = zhu(3) ri(4) chong(2) Bai(4)

4) Cell Group = xiao(3) zu(3) xi(4) bao(1)
(Cell = xi bao , small group = xiao zu)

5) Christmas = sheng(4) dan(4) jie(2)

6) Easter = Fu(4) huo(2) jie(2)

7) Good Friday = shou(4) nan(4) jie(2)

8) santa Claus = Sheng(4) Dan(4) lao(2) ren(2)

9) Saints = Sheng(4) tu(2)

10) Spiritual Warfare = Shu(3) Ling(2) zhen(1) Zhan(4)
(Spiritual = Shu Ling, warfare = zhen zhan)

11) Satan = Mo gui / Sa (3) dan (4)

12) Praise and worship = Jing (4) Bai (4) zan (4) Mei (3)

13) Pray Unceasingly = Bu(4) Zhu(4) de(4) dao(3) gao(4)

14) Prince of Peace = Ping(2) an(1) de(4) jun(1) wang(2)

15) Give Thanks = Gan(3) En(1)

16) Dificulty = Kun(4) Nan (2)

17) Fast and Pray = Jing(4) Shi(2) dao(3) gao(4)

18) Yaweh = Ye(2) He (2) Hua(2)

19) Faith = Xin(4) Xin(1)

20) hope = xi(1) wang(4)

21) Persevere = Ren(3) Nai(4)