"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:13-14).
No peace in this world
Before stepping down, Kofel Annan (the former UN secretary) mentioned that his greatest disappointment during his office is he couldn't stop the war in Iraq. How miserable one may feel when even an organization like the United Nation can do nothing to stop the war and to maintain peace and promote harmony among mankind. More so, when we are living under the threat of terrorism, more and more natural disasters (earthquakes and typhoons) and human disaster (wars and religious conflict). Peace is something we really long for.
In order to have peace we must first reconcile with God
Our present turmoil is the result of God's wrath upon us. The Bible tells us that "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36). What makes God angry with us? "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Rom 1:18). All of us are guilty before God, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23).
Though we have sinned against God, He took the initiative to prepare a way for us that we might reconcile with him. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement" (Rom 5:6-11).
So, the first step to appease God is to get right with Him. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (II Cor 5:17-20). There is no reason why God would still be angry with you if you accept Jesus Christ -- the only Mediator between God and man. So, have you reconciled with God?
The promise of peace from Jesus (John 14:27; Phil 4:7)
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:2). These are the parting word of Jesus Christ to His beloved disciples before His crucifix. And again He said: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
The peace that a Christian experiences is calmness and strength in the presence of God even in the times of trouble, trial & testing. For it is "…. the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).
God wants to grant us peace, true peace with Him and on earth. It is only made possible when we come to Him. Humble ourselves before Him and accept the "peace offering" (salvation through Jesus Christ - the Lamb of God offered on the cross of Calvary). This is the best gift that God offers us for Christmas!
So, dear friends, would you want the peace that God offers you? Come now and put your trust in Him so that His peace will come upon you!
Affectionately,
Paster David Wong
Christmas Lunch (24/12/06)
You're cordially invited to stay back for a Christmas lunch after the Christmas Service today. We would like to thank members and friends who have brought food and beverages to share. Please note that Team A & B are on duty today.
Christmas Dinner (25/12/06)
The Sunday School Department is organising a special dinner tomorrow (7pm) for all the staff as a token of appreciation for their services. The Session members will be joining the dinner too. Venue: Restaurant Yat Hiong Tin (Indah Putra).
Group Prayer Meeting (27/12/06)
The English Prayer Group will be meeting this Wednesday (27/12/06) at the home of Dn. & Mrs. Jeffrey Foo. Chairman: Dn. Jeffrey Foo. As it is the last prayer Meeting of 2006, participants are asked to prepare a short sharing.
J.B. Sunset Gospel Hour (31/12/06)
Those who are on duty on the 31/12/06 are: Chairman: Dn. Jeffrey Foo, Speaker: Pastor David Wong, Ushers: Mrs. Wong & Priscilla, Pianist: Pastor David Wong.
J.B. Bible Study (11/01/07)
There will be no Bible Study for the JB group for this week. The next Bible Study will be on 11/1/07 to be held in the Church. Chairman: sister Priscilla Teo. Pastor David Wong will lead to study I Cor 13:1-13 'Love in Excercising of the Gift of Holy Spirit'.
2006 Annual Report
The Church Secretary has requested all the Fellowship Groups (YF/YAF) & Departments (SS/Mission) to submit an Annual Report for the AGM. Please try to send in your report to the office before the year closes. Thank you.
Year End Testimony
If you have been blessed by the Lord in 2006, we would like to encourage you to share with us. We intend to print your testimony in our weekly. Please submit your write-up before 28/12/06.
2007 Flower Giving & Lunch
If members and friends would like to offer flowers on Sunday and to contribute lunch for the Monthly Fellowship Lunch, please kindly sign up at the lists provided at the notice-board. May the Lord bless every cheerful giver.
Volvo For Mission
An American brethren has donated a 1987 Volvo (240GLE) to Kemaman Church. In supporting our mission endeavour to China, Kemaman Church has decided to sell the car and offer the money to us. Interested buyer please call Pastor David Wong.
Praise God for the Worship Service last Sunday and the messages delivered by Pastor David Wong (9am & 11am ).
Thank God for good health and journey mercies granted to all of us.
Elder Peter Lew wants to thank God for protecting him during the flood.
Thank God that the flood in Johor had subsided.
Thank God for the Session Meeting which was held last Sunday.
Thank God for granting journey mercies to Dn. Tony Fraude & family (KL).
Lord's Day Service (31/12/2006)
Chinese Worship Service (9AM)
Chairman: Bro. Vincent Pang, Speaker: Pastor David Wong
English Worship Service (11AM)
Chairman: Elder Peter Lew, Speaker: Pastor David Wong
Sunset Gospel Service (6PM)
Chairman: Dn. Jeffrey Foo, Speaker: Pastor David Wong
Continue to pray for the sick & unwell :
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Mr. Lee Boon Khuan (pray for his health)
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Mrs. Joseph Liu (lung cancer)
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Bro. Alan Chiou (having pain on his right shoulder)
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Mrs. Doris Chiou (flu)
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Bro. Stephen's daughter (breathing problem)
Pray for God's mercy to provide all of us with good health.
Pray for Bro. David Foo that he will get ready for his National Service (Mar ~ May 2007).
Pray for Sis. Helen for her faith and conviction in Christ.
Pray for God's protection over the safety of our homes.
Pray for those who are travelling:
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Bro. Vincent Pang (KL)
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Bro. Wilson Lim & family (Kedah)
Let us continue to pray for the salvation of our unsaved family members.
Pray that God will grant wisdom and patience to our Sunday School teachers as they impart God's truth to our children.
Pray for those who are considering to get baptised.
Pray that God will help us to find a pastoral assistant for Kulai & JB ministries.
May the Lord help those who are facing work tension and anxiety.
Pray for the Sunset Gospel Hour that more members will be consistent.
Pray for friends who were with us originally.
Pray for the flood victims.
Pray for those who are preparing for the 2006 Annual Report.
Pray for the publication of 'Heavenly Companion' (Chinese RPG) in China (fund needed & permit).
Please remember all the B-P ministers in your prayers.
Pray that God will send forth full-time workers to: Kemaman BPC, Evangel BPC & JB BPF.
Pray that God will grant wisdom & vision to our missionaries in Thailand: Mrs. Yang, Ev. Lee Tian Shou & family, Ev. He De Ern & family, Ev. Yan Xiang You & family.
Pray for Mr. Yang Sheng Yong who is studying in the Bangkok Theological Institute.
