29 Sept 2008
Dear Prayer Partners,
(continue from the previous mail.)
1. After Wed night class in the Bible college, I went home to my parents’ place in PJ. In the middle of the night I woke up with tummy ache and started vomitting. I suspect I had a stomach flu.
2. I was purging and was completely knocked out! I had to cancel my breakfast and lunch appointments and rest at home. I struggled with the need to rest as there are people that I want to meet – but the Lord knew the needs of my body better. It was time to recuperate.
3. Towards Thurs evening, though significantly weak, I had to prepare to go and preach in an evening office service. The message went well as the Lord gave me strength to share His word. I shared that in the light of the political turmoils in the country, Jesus said blessed are those who are persecuted for His sake.
4. On Fri noon, I attended a private uni fellowship to observe the new generation. End of last year, I sensed the Lord saying to go back to do tertiary ministry, which I have neglected for some time. So now I am taking every opportunity I have to engage them.
5. Then I was off to a government uni to have Bible Study (BS) with some of the fellowship leaders. I still believe strongly in small group discipling and mentoring. I did this back in 1980’s and have continued to do so as I believe in the biblical mandate. Disciples are made, not borned.
6. After the 2 hours plus BS, I have to rush off to another appointment with one of the leaders from a local Chinese mainline church. I probably will be preaching in one of their meetings in Oct. Pray that as I start sowing among the Chinese-speaking, many will come to Jesus.
7. After the appointment, I was transferred to the person who was fetching me home. They were in someone’s house having a party to celebrate the mooncake festival. When most of them went out to the porch to play the lantern, I chatted with a girl who stayed back.
8. Within 10 minutes of the conversation, she started exhibiting signs that she was under spiritual attack. She is a new believer and was somewhat confused about Jesus and her old religion. In the midst of that confusion, one of her lecturers taught her to chant some mantras.
9. This aggravated the situation, and thus when I was conversing with her, she was like in some trance. Most unfortunately she was not ready to be delivered nor was the situation convenient. I could only give some advice to the leaders there.
10. The next day, Sat, I was preaching in a church where 90% of the members are ex-drug addicts, including the pastors and elders. It is a combination of 4 Christian drug rehab centers coming together to pioneer a church.
11. Many of them testify that they have been in and out of many rehabs, and yet could not be delivered. It was only when they turned to Jesus that they manage to remain clean and sober. Pray for the leaders as they continue to lovingly touch their community with the power of Jesus. http://www.kenosis.com.my
12. On Sun morn, I was preaching to a Malay-language church that was recently pioneered a few months ago. The Lord challenged many of them to live morally pure lives as they are confronted with numerous temptations.
13. They are living away from their families, in the heart of the modern Corinthian city, and have a propensity to indulge in such lifestyle. It is a young church without any theologically-trained pastors. Pray that they will grow and be matured in the Lord.
14. After lunch, I went off to preach in another Malay-language service in PJ. This congregation is slightly different from the morning congregation. The members are married and slightly older, and they are under the supervision of English-speaking pastors. I shared on the need to have divine perspective.
15. On Mon-Wed night, I was back teaching again on Christology. On Tues noon, I preached in the chapel service of the Bible college. They had about 70-80 pastors and trainee pastors. I shared on the importance of digging deep on their foundation, as they prepare themselves for long-term ministry.
16. I have shared all this to show how diverse ministry has become and the increased need to be adaptable to the various congregations. Pray for wisdom and the anointing of the HS to minister to each of them in their context.
Thank you for journeying with me.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us and through our limitations, our ministry will be far more effective than if performed by some highly talented person who relies on himself and fails to depend on God. Lord, we rely on YOU, empower us with Your Spirit!
P/S: You can contact me through several ways :
msn : acrazee@gmail.com
yahoo messenger : acrazee@yahoo.com
skype : acrazee, singapore
facebook : Acra Zee
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Solid foundation
24 Sept 2008
Dear Prayer Partners,
1. TQ for keeping us in prayers during my last trip to Klang Valley (KV). http://global-south.blogspot.com/2008/09/he-is-lord-of-nations.html. The main assignment was to teach in one of the Bible Colleges there.
2. Allow me to take you on my journey. I left Spore on Friday morn and upon arrival at Berjaya Times Square, one of my ex-students whisked me off to do some reflexology. My first time – it was fun and painful!
3. Then it was a mad rush to a suburban church, north of KV as I was preaching that night. I had also invited another person to accompany me so that I can exposed him to other ministries. PTL, we reached the church (A) on time and I could preach the lifegiving Word.
4. On Sat morn, I accompanied the pastor as workers came to carpet the church floor. The pastor – whom I have mentored before in the past, 28 years ago – have just pioneered this church less than 3 months ago. So trying to encourage him in this new ministry.
5. On Sat night, I preached for the youth service in another nearby church (B), which is also under the same pastor’s care. PTL! The anointing of the HS was wonderfully strong during this service. It was like God showed up and many lives were being ministered.
6. The pastor was happy and immediately asked me to come and preach for their family camp at the end of Nov in Port Dickson. Thus I will be preaching for that camp. Pray?
7. Sun morning service (B), I preached on Paul’s desire and priestly duty to plant churches in areas where the gospel is not yet being proclaimed.
8. Sun night service (A), this service is the first official Mandarin service for them. It was a small turnout but there was a lot of fun. They “forced” me to preach in my broken Mandarin! They helped me read the Chinese text and supplied the words that I am not sure. They had fun at my expense!
9. But unknown to them that day (7th Sept) was my birthday (21st? ), and I felt it was the Lord’s way of challenging me to preach in Mandarin. I have been jokingly telling people that I will preach my first Mandarin sermon this year, but I had never planned for it – until that night.
10. All the months of attending Mandarin service and learning the language is now paying a bit of dividend. Nevertheless, I am not too hasty. I still have a long journey ahead. God willing, I hope to go to China next year. Pray?
11. Then from Mon-Wed nights, I was in the Bible College teaching on Christ and Salvation. I have 11 pastors and church leaders. A number of them are taking Systematic Theology for the first time in their lives – and thus overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge and the required depth of thinking.
12. But this course is extremely essential and I dare not dilute it, as they will be preaching to many people in the years to come. If they miss the deity and humanity of Christ, then their preaching is not based on solid foundation. We must proclaim Christ and Him resurected Him!
(I will continue on my Prayer Letter next few days so that you will not be bored reading such a long mail.)
God bless!
TQ for your presence, prayers, and provisions. Jesus is God! Worship Him!
P/S: You can contact me through several ways :
msn : acrazee@gmail.com
yahoo messenger : acrazee@yahoo.com
skype : acrazee, singapore
facebook : Acra Zee
P/S: If you want to support, our bank account details are:
Dear Prayer Partners,
1. TQ for keeping us in prayers during my last trip to Klang Valley (KV). http://global-south.blogspot.com/2008/09/he-is-lord-of-nations.html. The main assignment was to teach in one of the Bible Colleges there.
2. Allow me to take you on my journey. I left Spore on Friday morn and upon arrival at Berjaya Times Square, one of my ex-students whisked me off to do some reflexology. My first time – it was fun and painful!
3. Then it was a mad rush to a suburban church, north of KV as I was preaching that night. I had also invited another person to accompany me so that I can exposed him to other ministries. PTL, we reached the church (A) on time and I could preach the lifegiving Word.
4. On Sat morn, I accompanied the pastor as workers came to carpet the church floor. The pastor – whom I have mentored before in the past, 28 years ago – have just pioneered this church less than 3 months ago. So trying to encourage him in this new ministry.
5. On Sat night, I preached for the youth service in another nearby church (B), which is also under the same pastor’s care. PTL! The anointing of the HS was wonderfully strong during this service. It was like God showed up and many lives were being ministered.
6. The pastor was happy and immediately asked me to come and preach for their family camp at the end of Nov in Port Dickson. Thus I will be preaching for that camp. Pray?
7. Sun morning service (B), I preached on Paul’s desire and priestly duty to plant churches in areas where the gospel is not yet being proclaimed.
8. Sun night service (A), this service is the first official Mandarin service for them. It was a small turnout but there was a lot of fun. They “forced” me to preach in my broken Mandarin! They helped me read the Chinese text and supplied the words that I am not sure. They had fun at my expense!
9. But unknown to them that day (7th Sept) was my birthday (21st? ), and I felt it was the Lord’s way of challenging me to preach in Mandarin. I have been jokingly telling people that I will preach my first Mandarin sermon this year, but I had never planned for it – until that night.
10. All the months of attending Mandarin service and learning the language is now paying a bit of dividend. Nevertheless, I am not too hasty. I still have a long journey ahead. God willing, I hope to go to China next year. Pray?
11. Then from Mon-Wed nights, I was in the Bible College teaching on Christ and Salvation. I have 11 pastors and church leaders. A number of them are taking Systematic Theology for the first time in their lives – and thus overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge and the required depth of thinking.
12. But this course is extremely essential and I dare not dilute it, as they will be preaching to many people in the years to come. If they miss the deity and humanity of Christ, then their preaching is not based on solid foundation. We must proclaim Christ and Him resurected Him!
(I will continue on my Prayer Letter next few days so that you will not be bored reading such a long mail.)
God bless!
TQ for your presence, prayers, and provisions. Jesus is God! Worship Him!
P/S: You can contact me through several ways :
msn : acrazee@gmail.com
yahoo messenger : acrazee@yahoo.com
skype : acrazee, singapore
facebook : Acra Zee
P/S: If you want to support, our bank account details are:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A true church of Christ will be grounded in Scripture and teach Christ’s doctrine without apology.
"Church" of Fools?
July 5, 2004
By Glenn Ansley
ShipofFools.com, subtitled the Magazine of Christian Unrest, recently launched its latest project at ChurchofFools.com. This innovative virtual community is attracting much attention from both the media and the general public. Simon Jenkins, the head of Ship of Fools stated in a recent interview, “Not many churches have Satan hijacking the pulpit or over 8,000 visitors per day.”
Does Church of Fools hold up to the requirements of a New Testament church though? I am concerned that their attempt to become a genuine church will prevent a potentially constructive site from doing more good than harm. Church of Fools.com is no more a “church” than the already countless number of web sites offering open discussion on all things religious. By claming to be so, it misrepresents the true identity of a church with innovative technology that could be much more beneficial to Christianity as a virtual coffee shop.
Scripture has much to say about the character and structure of the bride of Christ. Church of Fools.com violates many of the foundational elements that Christ left behind as characteristic traits identifying His body of believers.
1 Tim 4:6 “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
A true church of Christ will be grounded in Scripture and teach Christ’s doctrine without apology. Although the Methodist Church of Great Britain sponsors Church of Fools.com, there is no statement of belief or doctrinal creed one must hold to be an active participant of the online church. The site attests to the Ecumenical decrees, yet they offer no guidance to what those may be. They openly invite individuals from all faiths to join them in worship and debate. While the true church is commanded to be open to all people and to refrain from prejudice or disrespect, it is not permitted to water down Christ’s doctrine in the hopes of bringing additional members inside its walls. Church of Fools.com has stated that their purpose is to reach those that wouldn’t regularly attend a church meeting, yet they provide no structure to point the people that come to the one true God.
Acts 2:42 “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early church met with likeminded believers to fellowship, encourage, and to instruct one another in the truths of their faith. This was important because their week was dedicated to encountering nonbelievers in the midst of their day-to-day routines. Anyone who visits Church of Fools.com for more than five minutes will quickly discover the all too familiar presence of endless argumentation, bickering, provoking, and name calling that prevail in religious chat rooms across the web. This behavior can be found in both the crypt and the sanctuary. It has escalated to such an extent that “wardens” are needed to “smite” those who behave inappropriately. Even with these Holy Ghost figures that see and hear all, conversation remains offensive and foul. This is a problem that the church admits to and seemingly accepts: “The church is partly intended for people on the edges (and beyond) of faith, so please be aware that the language and behavior in church is often colorful and occasionally offensive. Church of Fools is currently not suitable for children.” The true church of Christ gathers together to worship, encourage, and learn from one another; this includes the children!
Mat 18:15 “And if your brother sins go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother…”
And what would a true church be without the capacity to provide accountability and discipline for its members? Scripture makes it abundantly clear that both are needed in the community of believers. This becomes an obvious problem as members of the Church of Fools may visit under their own conditions. Upon arriving at the site, one is first given the option to enter the church as a “solid” (able to interact with others) or as an “observer” (invisible to everyone but himself.) Even if they wanted to, those who choose to enter as observers, have no opportunity to seek out questions or counsel with those around them. Furthermore, even the solids are anonymous when it comes to their true name, identity, or beliefs. The accountability and discipline Christ commands His true church to uphold is (in all senses of the phrase) “virtually impossible.” If one is uncomfortable with what another person is saying, all he must do is turn off his computer. No questions, no excuses, no further contact. It’s safe, non-threatening, and ineffectual. Church of Fools.com holds no means of conducting biblical accountability or discipline with those who enter its “walls.”
As far as online chat rooms go, Church of Fools is innovative and extremely successful. I enjoyed creating my own character, exploring the different areas, and intermingling with others. If one wishes to evaluate the idea of a church however, one will find that Church of Fools leaves much to be desired. By labeling this project a “church,” it gives countless individuals a deepening misconception of what it means to be involved in a community of believers. Because Scripture has set forth such specific purposes for what church meetings should entail, Church of Fools will continue to do more harm than good as long as they package their community as a “church.”
July 5, 2004
By Glenn Ansley
ShipofFools.com, subtitled the Magazine of Christian Unrest, recently launched its latest project at ChurchofFools.com. This innovative virtual community is attracting much attention from both the media and the general public. Simon Jenkins, the head of Ship of Fools stated in a recent interview, “Not many churches have Satan hijacking the pulpit or over 8,000 visitors per day.”
Does Church of Fools hold up to the requirements of a New Testament church though? I am concerned that their attempt to become a genuine church will prevent a potentially constructive site from doing more good than harm. Church of Fools.com is no more a “church” than the already countless number of web sites offering open discussion on all things religious. By claming to be so, it misrepresents the true identity of a church with innovative technology that could be much more beneficial to Christianity as a virtual coffee shop.
Scripture has much to say about the character and structure of the bride of Christ. Church of Fools.com violates many of the foundational elements that Christ left behind as characteristic traits identifying His body of believers.
1 Tim 4:6 “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
A true church of Christ will be grounded in Scripture and teach Christ’s doctrine without apology. Although the Methodist Church of Great Britain sponsors Church of Fools.com, there is no statement of belief or doctrinal creed one must hold to be an active participant of the online church. The site attests to the Ecumenical decrees, yet they offer no guidance to what those may be. They openly invite individuals from all faiths to join them in worship and debate. While the true church is commanded to be open to all people and to refrain from prejudice or disrespect, it is not permitted to water down Christ’s doctrine in the hopes of bringing additional members inside its walls. Church of Fools.com has stated that their purpose is to reach those that wouldn’t regularly attend a church meeting, yet they provide no structure to point the people that come to the one true God.
Acts 2:42 “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early church met with likeminded believers to fellowship, encourage, and to instruct one another in the truths of their faith. This was important because their week was dedicated to encountering nonbelievers in the midst of their day-to-day routines. Anyone who visits Church of Fools.com for more than five minutes will quickly discover the all too familiar presence of endless argumentation, bickering, provoking, and name calling that prevail in religious chat rooms across the web. This behavior can be found in both the crypt and the sanctuary. It has escalated to such an extent that “wardens” are needed to “smite” those who behave inappropriately. Even with these Holy Ghost figures that see and hear all, conversation remains offensive and foul. This is a problem that the church admits to and seemingly accepts: “The church is partly intended for people on the edges (and beyond) of faith, so please be aware that the language and behavior in church is often colorful and occasionally offensive. Church of Fools is currently not suitable for children.” The true church of Christ gathers together to worship, encourage, and learn from one another; this includes the children!
Mat 18:15 “And if your brother sins go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother…”
And what would a true church be without the capacity to provide accountability and discipline for its members? Scripture makes it abundantly clear that both are needed in the community of believers. This becomes an obvious problem as members of the Church of Fools may visit under their own conditions. Upon arriving at the site, one is first given the option to enter the church as a “solid” (able to interact with others) or as an “observer” (invisible to everyone but himself.) Even if they wanted to, those who choose to enter as observers, have no opportunity to seek out questions or counsel with those around them. Furthermore, even the solids are anonymous when it comes to their true name, identity, or beliefs. The accountability and discipline Christ commands His true church to uphold is (in all senses of the phrase) “virtually impossible.” If one is uncomfortable with what another person is saying, all he must do is turn off his computer. No questions, no excuses, no further contact. It’s safe, non-threatening, and ineffectual. Church of Fools.com holds no means of conducting biblical accountability or discipline with those who enter its “walls.”
As far as online chat rooms go, Church of Fools is innovative and extremely successful. I enjoyed creating my own character, exploring the different areas, and intermingling with others. If one wishes to evaluate the idea of a church however, one will find that Church of Fools leaves much to be desired. By labeling this project a “church,” it gives countless individuals a deepening misconception of what it means to be involved in a community of believers. Because Scripture has set forth such specific purposes for what church meetings should entail, Church of Fools will continue to do more harm than good as long as they package their community as a “church.”
A convert is “stuck” between the pressure from an Islamic government, Islamic society, and a weak church
Egypt: Former Muslim still in hiding one year after conversion to Christianity
by Ethan Cole, Christian Post
Posted: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 11:46 (BST)
Egypt’s most well-known convert to Christianity is still hiding a year after he filed the landmark case to become the first Egyptian Muslim to sue the government for rejecting his application to officially change his religion.
Mohammed Ahmed Hegazy, 25, had lost his case in January when an Egyptian judge ruled that a Muslim who converted to Christianity cannot legally change his religious status.
Now, eight months after his case was closed and a year after he filed the case, Hegazy is still hiding out of fear for his life.
Since January 29 when the court ruled against him, Hegazy, his wife and baby daughter have had to move five times, according to the persecution watchdog agency, Compass Direct News.
“The verdict for my case was discriminatory [on the part] of the judge,” Hegazy told Compass in an interview last month. The judge had based his decision on Islamic law that says someone can convert “up”, or to more recent religions, such as from Judaism and Christianity to Islam, but not vice versa.
But even after the media stopped reporting on his case, Hegazy said he still remains a target – as all converts do – of Islamic militants.
During the trial, Hegazy’s face was splattered across TV channels and newspapers, making him easy to recognize to any extremists.
“The most difficult thing for me is that the lives of my wife and daughter are in danger all the time,” Hegazy said.
He recalled last October that a friend had called and said one of his lawyers had given authorities his address and he should quickly move.
Hegazy and his family moved immediately and within a day the fundamentalists came to attack them. The extremists camped around his former house for several days and set fire to the apartment next door to his, killing the female resident inside.
The female neighbour was his wife’s best friend who had helped them during their difficult time in hiding.
“The church denied that she was killed, and it was never reported publicly,” he said.
Hegazy dreams that he and his family can leave the country someday, but they do not have passports. Obtaining passports would require them to go back to their hometowns where Hegazy says they will be killed as soon as they arrive.
“Even if it’s not family, others will do it, so I can’t take that risk,” he said.
A convert is “stuck” between the pressure from an Islamic government, Islamic society, and a weak church, Hegazy said.
He does not think his case alone can be resolved, but thinks a change is possible if Egyptian converts overseas and in Egypt filed a joint case.
Human rights groups also need to push harder for convert cases, he said.
Egypt has the largest Christian population in the Middle East, which makes up about 10 per cent of the country’s population.
by Ethan Cole, Christian Post
Posted: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 11:46 (BST)
Egypt’s most well-known convert to Christianity is still hiding a year after he filed the landmark case to become the first Egyptian Muslim to sue the government for rejecting his application to officially change his religion.
Mohammed Ahmed Hegazy, 25, had lost his case in January when an Egyptian judge ruled that a Muslim who converted to Christianity cannot legally change his religious status.
Now, eight months after his case was closed and a year after he filed the case, Hegazy is still hiding out of fear for his life.
Since January 29 when the court ruled against him, Hegazy, his wife and baby daughter have had to move five times, according to the persecution watchdog agency, Compass Direct News.
“The verdict for my case was discriminatory [on the part] of the judge,” Hegazy told Compass in an interview last month. The judge had based his decision on Islamic law that says someone can convert “up”, or to more recent religions, such as from Judaism and Christianity to Islam, but not vice versa.
But even after the media stopped reporting on his case, Hegazy said he still remains a target – as all converts do – of Islamic militants.
During the trial, Hegazy’s face was splattered across TV channels and newspapers, making him easy to recognize to any extremists.
“The most difficult thing for me is that the lives of my wife and daughter are in danger all the time,” Hegazy said.
He recalled last October that a friend had called and said one of his lawyers had given authorities his address and he should quickly move.
Hegazy and his family moved immediately and within a day the fundamentalists came to attack them. The extremists camped around his former house for several days and set fire to the apartment next door to his, killing the female resident inside.
The female neighbour was his wife’s best friend who had helped them during their difficult time in hiding.
“The church denied that she was killed, and it was never reported publicly,” he said.
Hegazy dreams that he and his family can leave the country someday, but they do not have passports. Obtaining passports would require them to go back to their hometowns where Hegazy says they will be killed as soon as they arrive.
“Even if it’s not family, others will do it, so I can’t take that risk,” he said.
A convert is “stuck” between the pressure from an Islamic government, Islamic society, and a weak church, Hegazy said.
He does not think his case alone can be resolved, but thinks a change is possible if Egyptian converts overseas and in Egypt filed a joint case.
Human rights groups also need to push harder for convert cases, he said.
Egypt has the largest Christian population in the Middle East, which makes up about 10 per cent of the country’s population.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The spiritually sensitive are going to experience revelation knowledge of those who are dying of spiritual malnutrition and disease.
Get Ready to Serve
by Steve Hill
Something powerful is on the horizon. The Lhttp://global-south.blogspot.com/ord is equipping His church for the greatest outpouring the world has ever seen. We must do everything possible to prepare our hearts and to train others for this soul-saving revival. We also must be willing to be used by the Lord in new, unfamiliar ways.
A fresh evangelistic anointing is about to rest upon true believers. Fear will give way to Holy Ghost-boldness as the Spirit of God directs His people into uncharted spiritual territory. The thirsty masses are about to be handed an unsolicited cup of cool water that will change them for eternity.
In a recent interview with a major news organization I was asked if the evangelical church should be responsible for solving the world's starvation and disease epidemic. Though I don't believe the answer lies solely with the church (it's a little more complex than that), I do believe that we are mandated to feed, clothe and help the poor. If we don't, then according to the Word of God, our religion is lifeless.
However, we can't ignore those who are starving for fresh bread and fresh water from heaven. Their deep hunger pains can only be satisfied as we offer more of God's presence, power and prophetic insight.
We can do this by allowing the Lord to show up in our church services and home groups without restraint and by showing the hungry and thirsty multitudes that God wants to meet their needs. He can save, He can heal, He can deliver—and we can prove it.
The world is craving a touch from the Creator. We must provide the atmosphere and the opportunity for miracles to take place.
I believe God is going to empower us by sending a new wave of revelation as a foundation for operating in the prophetic. The Lord is going to take the anointing we enjoy inside the sanctuary to those who need it most—outside in the marketplace! Our cup is running over and we're about to offer it to strangers.
In the months and years ahead God's people are going to become acutely aware of the spiritually malnourished around them. He will reveal to us the depth of their cravings as if we were watching a documentary on starvation.
The spiritually sensitive are going to experience revelation knowledge of those who are dying of spiritual malnutrition and disease. Vivid images of their desperate plight will be dropped into our spirits. This will take place in schools, shopping malls, the local grocery store—anywhere we find the spiritually destitute.
Without warning, the Lord will use His obedient followers to delve into the very core of the lives of strangers. Hidden secrets will be revealed to the believer, and out of a heart of compassion, he or she will share them with the lost to prove that Jesus Christ is alive. These words will be so direct and precise that conversions will take place.
My favorite prophetic words have always been those that are given outside the church walls. These are the divine appointments that reach into the lives of people who often know nothing of biblical principles and doctrine. All they know is that some brave heart just read their mail.
Such precious, God-ordained meetings will become more commonplace in the days to come. God wants our words, anointed of the Holy Ghost, to penetrate their darkness of doubt and fear. These words, fitly spoken, will literally shock the unbeliever into reality.
Ask God, this year, to give you words in season for the unconverted. That cup of cold water and taste of fresh bread could be the beginning of the end of spiritual world hunger.
by Steve Hill
Something powerful is on the horizon. The Lhttp://global-south.blogspot.com/ord is equipping His church for the greatest outpouring the world has ever seen. We must do everything possible to prepare our hearts and to train others for this soul-saving revival. We also must be willing to be used by the Lord in new, unfamiliar ways.
A fresh evangelistic anointing is about to rest upon true believers. Fear will give way to Holy Ghost-boldness as the Spirit of God directs His people into uncharted spiritual territory. The thirsty masses are about to be handed an unsolicited cup of cool water that will change them for eternity.
In a recent interview with a major news organization I was asked if the evangelical church should be responsible for solving the world's starvation and disease epidemic. Though I don't believe the answer lies solely with the church (it's a little more complex than that), I do believe that we are mandated to feed, clothe and help the poor. If we don't, then according to the Word of God, our religion is lifeless.
However, we can't ignore those who are starving for fresh bread and fresh water from heaven. Their deep hunger pains can only be satisfied as we offer more of God's presence, power and prophetic insight.
We can do this by allowing the Lord to show up in our church services and home groups without restraint and by showing the hungry and thirsty multitudes that God wants to meet their needs. He can save, He can heal, He can deliver—and we can prove it.
The world is craving a touch from the Creator. We must provide the atmosphere and the opportunity for miracles to take place.
I believe God is going to empower us by sending a new wave of revelation as a foundation for operating in the prophetic. The Lord is going to take the anointing we enjoy inside the sanctuary to those who need it most—outside in the marketplace! Our cup is running over and we're about to offer it to strangers.
In the months and years ahead God's people are going to become acutely aware of the spiritually malnourished around them. He will reveal to us the depth of their cravings as if we were watching a documentary on starvation.
The spiritually sensitive are going to experience revelation knowledge of those who are dying of spiritual malnutrition and disease. Vivid images of their desperate plight will be dropped into our spirits. This will take place in schools, shopping malls, the local grocery store—anywhere we find the spiritually destitute.
Without warning, the Lord will use His obedient followers to delve into the very core of the lives of strangers. Hidden secrets will be revealed to the believer, and out of a heart of compassion, he or she will share them with the lost to prove that Jesus Christ is alive. These words will be so direct and precise that conversions will take place.
My favorite prophetic words have always been those that are given outside the church walls. These are the divine appointments that reach into the lives of people who often know nothing of biblical principles and doctrine. All they know is that some brave heart just read their mail.
Such precious, God-ordained meetings will become more commonplace in the days to come. God wants our words, anointed of the Holy Ghost, to penetrate their darkness of doubt and fear. These words, fitly spoken, will literally shock the unbeliever into reality.
Ask God, this year, to give you words in season for the unconverted. That cup of cold water and taste of fresh bread could be the beginning of the end of spiritual world hunger.
He is Lord of the nations!
4 Sept 08
Dear Prayer Partners,
1. Thank you for your indispensable support and intercessions. I left for Klang Valley and upon arrival preached for the National Uni of Malaysia (UKM) Christian fellowship.
2. It brought back memories as I was involved with them since 1988 when some of my East M’sian tribal students became leaders and committee members in the fellowship. It was encouraging to see another new generation taking the baton.
3. After preaching and the mandatory drinking (“mamak” sessions) with the students, I returned to the city for supper! I was advising an emerging elder-leader on how to manage a new church and the leadership requirements.
4. The next day rushed off to the airport to fly off to Sibu, Sarawak . At night, as my host was involved, I joined in the last session of the 40 days of purpose-driven life campaign, conducted by the Chinese Methodist church.
5. The next day, headed to the campsite and preached for the Curtin Uni students who arrived from Miri, a 7 hours bus journey. It consisted of mainland Chinese students, Nigerians, Zimbabwean, West M’sians Chinese and Indian, tribals, half-Italian, and Bruneian.
6. The camp theme was God’s promises – based on Noah’s life. I believe the Lord chall eng ed many of them to believe in God’s unfailing faithfulness. On the return trip to Miri, we saw two beautiful rainbows, a reminder of God’s promises to Noah.
7. After a night in Miri, I flew off to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah . One of the ex-student on holiday took me to Manukan Island , a beautiful beach with many coral fishes. It was part of the Amazing Race USA . But we got sunburned!
8. The next two days was catching up with various people and ex-students whom I have not seen for some years. Also ministered in a family meeting where the Lord touched their lives and chall eng ed them to return to Him.
9. Then I flew back to Miri to preach in a family camp for a Baptist church there. The camp theme was Families on a Mission . A number of them were working in oil and gas related companies as well as Curtin Uni. One of the lecturer brought 10 mainland Chinese students, most of them non-believers.
10. The Lord was gracious and touched many of the parents’ heart through the preaching of His Word and through the altar call times. There were some deliverances from demonic oppressions.
11. The China students who were atheists, were touched by the Lord for the first time in their lives. They never had hands laid on them and felt the power of God. You should have seen their faces when the anointing of the Holy Spirit hit them!
12. It was the last day and I quickly left for the airport to fly back to JB, and to meet with another pastor to discuss the program of his camp. I am preaching again in Miri in Dec on Love, Sex, and Dating. (I am Dr. Love?!)
13. Now I am busy preparing to leave this Friday to Klang Valley for 2 weeks to teach in a Bible School there. http://www.bcm.org.my/ Pray for the Lord’s anointing as I teach the pastors and leaders on the Deity of Christ and His salvation.
14. Pray for Jessie and Anastasia. When I told Ana today that Daddy is going away, she replied in surprise, “Again?!” It was so heartbreaking to see her sad 2 year 8 months old face.
Thank you for your presence, prayers, and provisions. Jesus is Alive! Worship Him!
P/S: You can contact me through several ways :
msn : acrazee@gmail.com
yahoo messenger : acrazee@yahoo.com
skype : acrazee, singapore
facebook : Acra Zee
Dear Prayer Partners,
1. Thank you for your indispensable support and intercessions. I left for Klang Valley and upon arrival preached for the National Uni of Malaysia (UKM) Christian fellowship.
2. It brought back memories as I was involved with them since 1988 when some of my East M’sian tribal students became leaders and committee members in the fellowship. It was encouraging to see another new generation taking the baton.
3. After preaching and the mandatory drinking (“mamak” sessions) with the students, I returned to the city for supper! I was advising an emerging elder-leader on how to manage a new church and the leadership requirements.
4. The next day rushed off to the airport to fly off to Sibu, Sarawak . At night, as my host was involved, I joined in the last session of the 40 days of purpose-driven life campaign, conducted by the Chinese Methodist church.
5. The next day, headed to the campsite and preached for the Curtin Uni students who arrived from Miri, a 7 hours bus journey. It consisted of mainland Chinese students, Nigerians, Zimbabwean, West M’sians Chinese and Indian, tribals, half-Italian, and Bruneian.
6. The camp theme was God’s promises – based on Noah’s life. I believe the Lord chall eng ed many of them to believe in God’s unfailing faithfulness. On the return trip to Miri, we saw two beautiful rainbows, a reminder of God’s promises to Noah.
7. After a night in Miri, I flew off to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah . One of the ex-student on holiday took me to Manukan Island , a beautiful beach with many coral fishes. It was part of the Amazing Race USA . But we got sunburned!
8. The next two days was catching up with various people and ex-students whom I have not seen for some years. Also ministered in a family meeting where the Lord touched their lives and chall eng ed them to return to Him.
9. Then I flew back to Miri to preach in a family camp for a Baptist church there. The camp theme was Families on a Mission . A number of them were working in oil and gas related companies as well as Curtin Uni. One of the lecturer brought 10 mainland Chinese students, most of them non-believers.
10. The Lord was gracious and touched many of the parents’ heart through the preaching of His Word and through the altar call times. There were some deliverances from demonic oppressions.
11. The China students who were atheists, were touched by the Lord for the first time in their lives. They never had hands laid on them and felt the power of God. You should have seen their faces when the anointing of the Holy Spirit hit them!
12. It was the last day and I quickly left for the airport to fly back to JB, and to meet with another pastor to discuss the program of his camp. I am preaching again in Miri in Dec on Love, Sex, and Dating. (I am Dr. Love?!)
13. Now I am busy preparing to leave this Friday to Klang Valley for 2 weeks to teach in a Bible School there. http://www.bcm.org.my/ Pray for the Lord’s anointing as I teach the pastors and leaders on the Deity of Christ and His salvation.
14. Pray for Jessie and Anastasia. When I told Ana today that Daddy is going away, she replied in surprise, “Again?!” It was so heartbreaking to see her sad 2 year 8 months old face.
Thank you for your presence, prayers, and provisions. Jesus is Alive! Worship Him!
P/S: You can contact me through several ways :
msn : acrazee@gmail.com
yahoo messenger : acrazee@yahoo.com
skype : acrazee, singapore
facebook : Acra Zee
Monday, September 22, 2008
One of the primary responsibilities of leaders is to grow new leaders
Church facing leadership crisis, warns Evangelical Alliance
Posted: Monday, September 22, 2008, 12:29 (BST)
The church is facing a crisis of leadership and we need to act – that was the challenge facing 60 leading evangelicals at the Evangelical Alliance council this week.
The council responded by endorsing a set of potential initiatives to mentor young leaders and use new media to inspire them into deeper theological engagement.
Key thinkers on leadership appealed to the council last Wednesday and Thursday to address the problem of an aging church leadership, being depleted through factors including exhaustion and depression, and a lack of younger leaders to replace those who are leaving or retiring.
Pete Greig, International Director of 24/7 Prayer, preached on excellence in leadership, using the example of Moses and Joshua. He said leaders need to aim not to simply to replicate themselves but instead to encourage their replacement to have the same spirit but in their own style.
“We need a new generation of leaders, not to replace anything that has been done by the last generation, but to entrepreneurially think of new ways of taking the timeless gospel of Jesus and making it relevant,” he said.
Internationally acclaimed author, speaker and futurologist Tom Sine warned the council that we are facing an “incredible shrinking western church” in which only 17 percent of members are predicted to be aged between 20 and 44 by 2025. Mr Sine explored ways forward based on his research from his book The New Conspirators.
“We’re struggling with diminishing resources, but I think there’s tremendous potential in young people,” he said, adding that the church needs to take young people more seriously and listen to them.
“We need to re-imagine succession that welcomes the imagination of a new generation.”
Richard Tiplady, British Director of European Christian Mission and an expert in leadership in a postmodern context, told the council good leadership succession can be like an Olympic relay race.
“Winning is all about the handover,” he said.
“One of the primary responsibilities of leaders is to grow new leaders. If you’re not doing that, you’re not being strategic.”
And Ruth Valerio, manager of A Rocha’s Living Lightly 24:1, speaking on Passing the Baton, identified a problem of several churches doing the same job in the same area, and all needing resources.
“I wonder, quite bluntly, whether some of our institutions and organisations are going to need to die in order to accommodate this new situation,” she said.
“I think some of these churches should die and come together and we can use our money, we can use our dwindling resources so much more effectively. Then, maybe, we can use some of that money to help people who are in need instead of propping up our churches.”
Krish Kandiah, the Alliance’s Executive Director of Churches in Mission, drafted a set of potential initiatives for the Alliance to address the issue, based on recommendations from the council.
These included facilitating mentoring programmes across denominational and cultural boundaries and making greater use of new media to encourage deeper theological engagement for leaders.
Dr Kandiah said: “The Alliance is uniquely placed to help catalyse leadership development across the denominations. We are already involved in this through resources like Slipstream, which networks younger leaders together across the country – engaging with thinkers as diverse as David Jackman from the Proclamation Trust to Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne.
“There was a real sense of unity among the gathered MPs, denominational leaders, pastors and agency directors on the need to work together to support both current leaders and raise up the next generation.”
Posted: Monday, September 22, 2008, 12:29 (BST)
The church is facing a crisis of leadership and we need to act – that was the challenge facing 60 leading evangelicals at the Evangelical Alliance council this week.
The council responded by endorsing a set of potential initiatives to mentor young leaders and use new media to inspire them into deeper theological engagement.
Key thinkers on leadership appealed to the council last Wednesday and Thursday to address the problem of an aging church leadership, being depleted through factors including exhaustion and depression, and a lack of younger leaders to replace those who are leaving or retiring.
Pete Greig, International Director of 24/7 Prayer, preached on excellence in leadership, using the example of Moses and Joshua. He said leaders need to aim not to simply to replicate themselves but instead to encourage their replacement to have the same spirit but in their own style.
“We need a new generation of leaders, not to replace anything that has been done by the last generation, but to entrepreneurially think of new ways of taking the timeless gospel of Jesus and making it relevant,” he said.
Internationally acclaimed author, speaker and futurologist Tom Sine warned the council that we are facing an “incredible shrinking western church” in which only 17 percent of members are predicted to be aged between 20 and 44 by 2025. Mr Sine explored ways forward based on his research from his book The New Conspirators.
“We’re struggling with diminishing resources, but I think there’s tremendous potential in young people,” he said, adding that the church needs to take young people more seriously and listen to them.
“We need to re-imagine succession that welcomes the imagination of a new generation.”
Richard Tiplady, British Director of European Christian Mission and an expert in leadership in a postmodern context, told the council good leadership succession can be like an Olympic relay race.
“Winning is all about the handover,” he said.
“One of the primary responsibilities of leaders is to grow new leaders. If you’re not doing that, you’re not being strategic.”
And Ruth Valerio, manager of A Rocha’s Living Lightly 24:1, speaking on Passing the Baton, identified a problem of several churches doing the same job in the same area, and all needing resources.
“I wonder, quite bluntly, whether some of our institutions and organisations are going to need to die in order to accommodate this new situation,” she said.
“I think some of these churches should die and come together and we can use our money, we can use our dwindling resources so much more effectively. Then, maybe, we can use some of that money to help people who are in need instead of propping up our churches.”
Krish Kandiah, the Alliance’s Executive Director of Churches in Mission, drafted a set of potential initiatives for the Alliance to address the issue, based on recommendations from the council.
These included facilitating mentoring programmes across denominational and cultural boundaries and making greater use of new media to encourage deeper theological engagement for leaders.
Dr Kandiah said: “The Alliance is uniquely placed to help catalyse leadership development across the denominations. We are already involved in this through resources like Slipstream, which networks younger leaders together across the country – engaging with thinkers as diverse as David Jackman from the Proclamation Trust to Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne.
“There was a real sense of unity among the gathered MPs, denominational leaders, pastors and agency directors on the need to work together to support both current leaders and raise up the next generation.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
