Things Turn Ugly

In the build up to Easter, Rosemary Dawson continues to look at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:1-5)

Betrayal is an ugly word, whatever the circumstance. When in 2001 footballer Sol Campbell left Tottenham for arch-rivals Arsenal, Spurs fans felt angry and betrayed. To add insult to injury, he had let his contract run down and then left on a free transfer, which meant the club received no money for him. When the two clubs next met, Spurs fans showed their disapproval by holding up a sea of ‘Judas’ posters. Even now, their feeling that they were betrayed goes deep.

The name ‘Judas’ has become synonymous with betrayal ever since Judas Iscariot - a close friend and follower of Jesus - betrayed him to the authorities and brought about his arrest and death by crucifixion.

Judas had travelled with Jesus three years, listened to his teachings and watched him change lives and perform miracles. But then he decided to betray the man he called ‘Master’ - and all for 30 pieces of silver. What made him do it?

Maybe he was trying to force Jesus’ hand. He had hoped that Jesus was God’s long-promised Messiah, who would save Israel from its Roman oppressors by military means - but he had begun to realise that Jesus was a very different kind of Messiah from the one he wanted.

Last week, this series looked at how Judas objected when a woman poured very expensive perfume over Jesus. After that occasion, Judas went straight to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, offering to arrange a time and place when they could arrest Jesus with no crowds around. When the time came, in a quiet garden, Judas greeted Jesus with a kiss - thus identifying him to the soldiers - and Jesus was arrested. He was then tried by the Roman Governor, sentenced to death and crucified.

Too late, Judas realised the enormity of what he had done, saying: ‘I have sinned … for I have betrayed innocent blood’ (Matthew 27:4 New International Version). He then went away and killed himself.

Jesus was betrayed for just 30 pieces of silver. Everyone has their price. How willing are we to pay the price, in terms of people’s opinions and misunderstanding, not to betray Jesus but to acknowledge him as the Son of God?

UK & Ireland War Cry 5 April 2014

Lent Bible Reading Series 8th April 2014

·        Bible Reading – Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 2: 1–18

 ‘He knows, he knows the storms that would my way oppose;

  He knows and tempers every wind that blows’.

  (SASB Chorus 127)

 We have the assurance that Jesus understands what it is to be tempted, for he was tempted too. Jesus countered every temptation with scripture, and knowing scripture helps us in our times of trial too. We also have Jesus as our advocate, and when we earnestly seek him in prayer he will answer.

Consider:

·        God will not let us be tempted beyond that which we can bear.

(1 Corinthians 10:13)

Lent Bible Reading Series 7th April 2014

·        Bible Reading – Genesis 3: 1-13, James 1:2–18

Thomas a’ Kempis (1380 – 1471) became an Augustinian monk at the age of nineteen. The following excerpt is taken from the book, ‘The imitation of Christ,’ a Christian classic written by Gerhard Groote and edited by Thomas a’ Kempis. ‘No one is free from temptation because the source of temptation is within us; we are born with sinful desires. When one temptation passes, another is on its way. We will always have temptations because we are sinners who lost our original innocence in the Garden. We cannot win the battle by running away alone; we must not despair when we are tempted but instead seek God fervently asking for his help in time of trouble. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves before God and take shelter beneath his hand. God will lift up all who have a humble spirit and save them in all trials and tribulations’. 

Prayer Points

1. Please intercede for John Lee, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin and Michelle.

2. Please intercede for upcoming event, Holy Week, Good Friday Service, Sun Rise Service, and Easter Celebration.

3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.

• Continue to pray for Malaysia and the continuing search for MH370. Pray for the families of passengers and crew.

• Pray for the ongoing ministry of every Corps, Centre, Home and Community Programme. Pray for Officers and staff, the strength, courage and perseverance, as we face the challenges of ministry in the love and power of Jesus.

• Pray for the Cadets and others, who will be attending the WBCM Preaching Course next week. Pray for the preaching of God’s Word to be powerful in every life as the Word is shared over the coming weekend. Pray for transformed lives through hearing and responding with joy to God’s Word.

WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
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Announcement

12.04.2014: Banana Leaf Ministry Venue:Community Hall (11.00am)

14th - 17th April 2014: Holy Week Venue: Community Hall (5pm-10pm)

18.04.2014: Good Friday Service Venue: Worship Hall (8.00pm)

20.04.2014: Sun Rise Service Venue: Worship Hall (6.00am)

20.04.2014: Easter Celebration Venue: Worship Hall (Time : TBA)

Living On A Prayer

It's not easy being a vicar. Not only does the Rev Adam Smallbone have a misfit congregation to keep happy, but the demands of parenthood are also taking their toll in BBC Two comedy 'Rev'.

In the series opener last Monday (24 March), Adam (Tom Hollander) met the new Area Dean (Joanna Scanlan) and Diocesan Secretary (Vicki Pepperdine), who hinted that unless Adam could raise the profile and finances of St Saviour’s Church, they may be forced to close it. While they agreed with Adam that the area was a challenging location, they still insisted that he needed to up his game.

At home, Adam’s wife Alex (Olivia Colman) joined him in feeling frazzled. On top of the exhaustion of looking after their ten-month-old daughter, Alex was worried that her new job would leave her little time for the family. In next week’s episode, the pressure on the family only increases. Alex is feeling run-down, so Adam suggests they go away for a night. The trouble is, Alex is swamped with work and it seems difficult to find a reliable babysitter.

At the church, Adam continues to be harassed by money problems. The Archdeacon (Simon McBurney) says the church has to pay its way. Desperate to keep St Saviour’s open, Adam attends a ‘transform your church’ course, led by his colleague, the Rev Roland Wise (Hugh Bonneville). Roland guarantees Adam that his newfangled methods will fill the pews. Adam, having previously opened his church doors to ‘sure-fire’ methods, is unconvinced.

While Adam struggles to cope with the trials and tribulations of daily life, one thing is constant. He remains in conversation with God. Sometimes, he voices his frustrations about the way the Church is run. Other times, he tells God of his concerns for Alex or acknowledges his shortcomings. Occasionally, he confesses that he doesn’t understand why or how he has ended up with his particular set of troubles.

Although Adam’s search for answers might be an ongoing part of his life, he takes comfort from being able to ask God the difficult questions. He knows that God welcomes honesty. He believes that God can handle whatever people say to him.

In the Bible, even Jesus - God’s own Son - questioned his Father, asking: ‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’ (Matthew 27:46 Contemporary English Version). Dying on a cross, Jesus knew what it meant to feel alone and full of pain - and he wasted no time in telling God about it.

We can do the same. God can take our questions, our doubts and our disappointments. He is willing to listen while we wrestle with the same insecurities over and over again. He is ready for us to pour out our heart, until we get everything out of our system.

When we turn to God, we don’t have to censor what we say, or how we say it. What matters is that we talk to him. What matters is that he can make a difference. What matters is that God is only ever a prayer away.

UK & Ireland War Cry 29 March 2014

Gift Of Perfume Made No Sense

In the build-up to Easter Rosemary Dawson looks at key events in the life of Jesus. This week: Adoration (John 12:1–8)
 
What's the most extravagant gift you have ever received? Is there such an occasion that stands out in your memory? We’re talking more than flowers and chocolates here. We’re talking about someone really showing us how much we mean to them - with money being no object.

Jesus received such a gift during a meal at the home of his friend Lazarus - who he had recently raised from the dead - and his sisters, Martha and Mary. The Bible tells us: ‘Mary took about half a litre of… an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume’ (John 12:3 New International Version).

In those days, women often carried phials of highly concentrated perfume. Mary demonstrated the strength of her devotion to Jesus by using the whole amount. This very extravagant gift was one of the last gifts he received before his death on the cross.

Mary’s action provoked an angry response from Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples: ‘Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages’ (12:5). Judas wasn’t really bothered about the poor; he was thinking of himself. As keeper of the money bag for Jesus and the disciples, he often helped himself to its contents.

His attitude brought rebuke from Jesus: ‘You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me’ (12:8).

Mary could have been more reserved. She could have used just a drop or two of perfume. She didn’t have to use the whole bottle. So why did she? Perhaps it was because she recognised that she had few opportunities left to show Jesus how much she loved him. If not now, when?

Jesus recognised the generosity of the gesture. He accepted her open-handed adoration in the spirit with which it was given. The only gift he wants to receive from us is the gift of ourselves. Is that too much to ask?

UK & Ireland War Cry 29 March 2014

Announcement

1) Holy Week: 21st - 24th April 2014
Venue: Community Hall
Time : 5.00pm - 10.00pm

2) Good Friday Service: 25.04.2014
Venue: Worship Hall
Time : 8.00pm

Prayer Points

1. Please intercede for Tan Thean Sin, Cheong Saw Aing, Tan Hock Hin, Grace Lee and Matthew Tan.

2. Continue Intercede for Corps Programme, Sunday School, Cell Group, Prayer Meeting, Youth Fellowship, Worship Team.

3. Please intercede for one another in your pray, especially those that are not feeling well.

• Pray for our ministry to children all over Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore. Pray also for all Officers and Salvationists who have responsibilities for children’s ministry, hearts of compassion and love as they nurture and teach our children to know and love Jesus. Pray for all children within our Salvation Army network.

• Pray for Malaysia. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

• Pray for God to speak clearly to Salvationists He is calling to Officership. God is faithful. Intercede on behalf of our future Spiritual Leadership.

• Pray for one another, God’s anointing in prayer, vision, faith and courage to do God’s will in our appointments.

WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
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Jesus Turns The Table On His Opponents

In the build-up to Easter, Rosemary Dawson continues to look at key events in the life of Jesus.
As he journeyed towards his destiny on the cross, Jesus faced many contrasting experiences. On what we know as Palm Sunday, he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Cheering crowds threw branches from palm trees in the road before him, praising him as God’s chosen Messiah. But the cheers turned to confrontation with the Jewish religious authorities. They didn’t like his popularity and were afraid of where it might lead: trouble with the Roman rulers of Judea.

After the Palm Sunday procession, Jesus went straight to the Temple, where he ‘threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants’ (Matthew 21:12 The Message). He called their attention to the Temple’s true purpose, which they had degraded by their greed and commercialism: He said God’s Temple had been ‘designated a house of prayer’, but they had ‘made it a hang-out for thieves’ (21:13).

The officials challenged his authority to carry out such acts, but had no answer when he replied with Scripture.

Next, while Jesus was teaching in the Temple, they challenged his credentials (see 21:23-27). Jesus responded by asking them about the message of another preacher, John the Baptist: ‘Who authorised it - Heaven or humans?’ (21:25). This put them in a conundrum. Either answer would put them in the wrong, so they had to concede that they didn’t know.

Infuriated, a group of Pharisees and Roman sympathisers set out to trap him. They started off with flattery: ‘Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion.’ Then they asked: ‘Tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ (22:16, 17).

Jesus dealt with this by pointing out Caesar’s head and name on their coinage: ‘Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his’ (22:21) - another answer they could not better.

Dealing with confrontation is never easy. We may be the anything-for-a-quiet-life sort of person, but sometimes it’s necessary to resolve a long-held grudge, resentment or family dispute that - if allowed to fester - can cause lasting damage to relationships. And the way to do it? Follow the example of Jesus, who listened carefully to his questioners, before giving a well considered answer.

UK & Ireland War Cry 22 March 2014

Prayer Points

1. Please intercede for Koon Hock Sun; Ooi Ah Seong, Lim Tian Send and Uncle Neoh Ah How

2. Please intercede for Church Programme, Sunday School, Cell Group, Prayer Meeting, Youth Fellowship, Worship Team.

3 Please intercede for one another in your prayer, especially for those that are not feeling well

4. Pray for all young people who received their SPM result, pray that as they plan for their future God will show them His direction for their lives.

5. Praise for God answered prayer in sending rain to break the drought. Continue to pray for families who are struggling.

Worldwide Prayer Meeting:
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Collin & Katie House Warming - Jan 2014

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Covenant Sunday - Jan 2014

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Watch Night Service, December 2013

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Christmas Carolling, December 2013

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Christmas Lunch, Deccember 2013

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Christmas Service, December 2013

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75th Anniversary

Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for Anniversary dinner & Celebration meeting.

2. Please intercede for Majors Raelton & Lynn Gibbs.

3. Please intercede for John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin & Michelle Lee .

4. Please intercede for Hock Sun & Sek Lian, Phee Keat & Peggy, Tuan Ewe, Tuan Ean.

Announcement

1. Youth Fellowship (Drama Practice)
Date: 01/09/13; Time: 7.30pm; Venue: Community Hall
All youth please take note.

2. Soldiers Enrollment
Those who are going to be enroll as senior soldiers and adherent, please see Major Tan after refreshment, thank you!

3. 75th Anniversary Committees Meeting (Final)
Date: 01/09/13(Sun), Time: 12.15pm; Venue Corps Worship Hall
All Committees please take note and attend the meeting.

4. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7.00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral.
Please come and share this celebration with us, if possible do come early to help up. We are pleased to inform that, all our table is now sold off, to God be the Glory!

5. 75th Anniversary Celebration Lunch
Date: 08/09/13 (Sun), Time: 12.30pm, Venue: Community Hall.
Please stay back after the Corps Anniversary Celebration for Lunch fellowship.

6. Methodist Bible Conference
Date: 12-14/09/13, Time: 8.15pm, Fees: Free; Venue: Penang Wesley Methodist Church;
Speaker: Rev. D. A. Carson.
All are welcome!

7. Malaysia Day Celebration (Combined Churches Prayer)
Date: 15/09/13 (Sun), Time: 7.30pm, Venue: Komtar G. Dome
Please do come and join to pray and celebration for our nation.

8. Lt. Andrew & Fiona’s Wedding
Date: 14/09/13 (Sun), Time: 10.00am, Venue: Ipoh Corps.
Those who received the invitation card, please reply RSVP to Lt. Fiona, and please inform Corps Officer for transportation arrangement. Thank you.

9. Women’s Camp
Date: 20-22/09/13, Venue: Putri Resort, Melaka; Fees: RM250.00

Unforeseen Consequences

When I was a teenager, I went to a concert, and after it I saw a young woman sitting alone. I offered her a cup of tea. Gratefully, she accepted. She and I have now been married for 43 years, have five children and two grandchildren - and all because of that cup of tea.

We can never foresee the full consequences of even our smallest action. So it was with Adam and Eve. They were warned not to eat the fruit of one particular tree and were told what would happen to them if they did so. But they took no heed and did it anyway. It seems a very small, innocuous thing that they did. Taking a bite from a piece of fruit hardly compares with theft, rape or murder. Yet it resulted in God’s unprecedented anger. Why?

Because God is perfect, even the smallest of our sins offends him and places a wedge between him and us. Not only that, but Adam and Eve showed no regret and refused to accept responsibility for what they had done.

Consequently, they were ‘banished… from the Garden of Eden’ (Genesis 3:23 New International Version). They lost the peace, security and beauty that they had once experienced. Whereas before they would have lived for ever, now they would experience death. They were separated from God - they no longer knew his closeness.

As a result, we have inherited that legacy. We show all the same traits that Adam and Eve displayed. We are born with a longing for what they lost - peace, security, beauty and a never-ending life. Because they do not sense his closeness, many people do not believe that God even exists.

Yet, despite the fact that humankind continues along the path that Adam and Eve took, God longs to give us back what once we had.

UK & Ireland War Cry August 2013
War Cry photo

Prayer Requests

1. Please intercede for Cadets public welcome meeting on 25/8/13

2. Please intercede for 75th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner

3. Please intercede for Thean Sin, Saw Aing, Hock Hin, Grace and Matthew Tan

4. Please intercede for Ang Chye Thiam and family

Announcements

1. 75th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Date: 25/8/13 (Sun), Time: 12:15pm; Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All committee please take note and attend this important meeting.

2. Corps Sport & Outing
Date: 31/08/13, Time: 8:00am, Venue: To be confirm


3. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
- We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, those who have financial difficulties may please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.
- To those who still holding the dinner tickets, please return your unsold ticket to Major Brenda as soon as possible.

4. Women's Camp
Date: 20-22 September 2013; Location: Putri Resort, Melaka. Fees: RM250
Speakers: Col. Bronwyn & Lt-Col Evelyn. Please see Major Brenda for more information.

What Have You Done?

Tell a young child not to do something and not only do they often do that very thing, but they also may try to get a companion to share in their misdeed. We humans are social animals and tend to find comfort and courage when someone else is supporting us in what we are doing.

So, too, then with Eve. No sooner had she eaten the forbidden fruit than she shared it with Adam 'who was with her’ (Genesis 3:6 New International Version). Adam was by Eve’s side, yet did nothing to dissuade her from loitering near the tree that contained such a strong temptation. He also did nothing to stop her taking fruit from it and eating it. If that wasn’t bad enough, he then accepted her offer and ate the fruit himself. Immediately, the pair experienced guilt for what the they had done.

Even if no one else knows what we have done, we can feel so bad about our wrongdoing that all we want to do is hide. Though our actions may be a secret, guilt can make us feel as as though everyone knows.

We feel shame and regret. We wish the ground would open up and swallow us. We cannot understand how we allowed ourselves to get into such a position. Oh, how we wish we could turn back the clock and do things differently!

Such thoughts were possibly in Adam and Eve’s minds after they had disobeyed God. Feeling the need to hide, they covered themselves with fig leaves (see 3:7). Whereas they had once felt safe and secure in God’s care, now they felt exposed and vulnerable. And there was a new element in their lives - they feared God (see 3:10).

God knew that there was only one reason for this change of attitude. He knew what they had done, but he still wanted to hear it from them. ‘Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?’, he asked (3:11).

When we get things wrong and feel as though we want to hide, God does not abandon us. He is still willing to speak to us. But he asks that we are honest that we have failed.

UK & Ireland War Cry August 2013
Library photos

Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for General Elect, Commissioner Andre Cox

2. Please intercede for 75th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner

3. Please intercede for Choon Eng, Jenny, Scott an Chui Peeng

4. Please intercede for Chris, Sheila & Declan Lee

5. Please intercede for Dave, Lilly, Daniel & Jacqueline Clarke

Announcements

1. Youth Fellowship
There will be not program during the school holiday for 2 weeks. All youth please take note.

2. Prayer Ministry
Date: 9/2/2013 (Fri), cancel due to public holiday.
Kindly see Major Tan for a copy of prayer request. 


3. 75th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Date: 11/8/13 (Sun), Time: 12:15pm; Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All committee please take note and attend the meeting.

4.Family BBQ Dinner
Date: 16/08/13 (Fri), Time: 6:30pm, Venue: Penang Children's Home
Please do come and join us for this special event together.

5. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 17/08/13 (Sat), Time: 11:00am, Venue: Community Hall
Please do come and help in the banana leaf ministry. Volunteers needed.

6. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
- We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, those who have financial difficulties may please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.
- To those who still holding the dinner tickets, please return your unsold ticket to Major Brenda as soon as possible.

7. Women's Camp
Date: 20-22 September 2013; Location: Putri Resort, Melaka. Fees: RM250
Speakers: Col. Bronwyn & Lt-Col Evelyn. Please see Major Brenda for more information.

What Went Wrong?

In his play 'Lady Windermere’s Fan' Oscar Wilde has Lord Darlington boldly assert: ‘I can resist anything except temptation.’ While that may raise the odd smile, real-life temptation is no laughing matter.

In his conversation with Eve, Satan distorts what God had said about not eating the forbidden fruit. He argues that, by commanding Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, God is withholding benefits that would otherwise be theirs and stopping them from becoming more like God himself. In effect, Satan is calling God a liar. Contradicting what Eve has been told, he tells her: ‘You will not certainly die’ (Genesis 3:4 New International Version).

The story goes on to say that when Eve ‘saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it’ (3:6).

The sad thing about Eve is that instead of taking herself away from what is tempting her, she hovers around it. We tend to do the same. Instead of turning our minds to other things, we continue to mull over the possibilities and remain enticed by forbidden fruit.

When we want to do something that we should not, we often look for ways in which to justify ourselves and make wrong seem acceptable. Little wonder Satan is depicted as a snake, for we know how, in our minds, he can slither around any obstacle to get us to do what he wants.

Wrong things are not necessarily always bad things. That fruit wasn’t poisonous. It ‘was pleasing to the eye’. What temptation isn’t attractive? It always offers pleasure of some sort. It is always desirable in some way.

But, as Eve discovered, the pleasure or promised benefit of giving in to temptation is short-lived. It leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouths.

UK & Ireland War Cry July 2013
Photo credit: War Cry pictures

Prayer Requests

1. Please intercede for High Council meeting and General election.

2. Please intercede for 75th Anniversary Celebration and dinner

3. Please intercede for Freddy, Alice, Ailyn, Daniel & Sandy Cheong

4. Please intercede for Kim Aun, Jasinta, Jonathan, Joshua Lim

5. Please intercede for recruits and enrollment of soldiers

Announcements

1. Youth Outing
Date: 28/07/13 (Sun), Time: 7:30pm Venue: Youth Outing
All youth please take note.

2. Cell Group Ministry
Date: 2/8/13 (Fri), Time: 8:00pm; Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Please contact your own cell group leader for more information.

3. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 17/08/13 (Sat), Time: 11:00am, Venue: Community Hall
Please do come and help in the banana leaf ministry. Volunteers needed.

4. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
- We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, those who have financial difficulties may please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.
- To those who still holding the dinner tickets, please return your unsold ticket to Major Brenda as soon as possible.

5. Women's Camp
Date: 20-22 September 2013; Location: Putri Resort, Melaka. Fees: RM250
Speakers: Col. Bronwyn & Lt-Col Evelyn. Please see Major Brenda for more information.

Is Enough Ever Enough?

When we tell a little child not to do something, what does that child typically do?

As a Father, God was generous to our first parents, Adam and Eve. And the Garden of Eden - where they lived - is described as a place of abundance and beauty. God wasn’t a kill-joy. He wanted them to enjoy his creation and gave them the freedom to do so.

There was just one thing - just one single thing - that God told Adam he was not to do. There was a superabundance of trees providing enough variety and more than enough quantity of food to keep Adam satisfied and free from hunger. But he was told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). For Adam’s own good, God warned him of the consequences of any disobedience - death.

But then Satan, in the form of a snake, questioned what God had commanded. He asked Eve: ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden?”’ (Genesis 3:1 New International Version).

Satan, questioning God, sowed further doubt in Eve’s mind. Eventually, she persuaded Adam. They ate the forbidden fruit and faced the consequences. They were cast out.

Today, little has changed. Satan still questions God, sows doubt, distorts truth and tempts us into disbelief and disobedience.

One consequence is that many people think that God is all about people not enjoying themselves - that he is a thou-shalt-not God. But that’s not the case. On the contrary, he wants us to enjoy what he has given us. Jesus made it clear that abundant life - life in all its fullness - is what God wants for us. It is what he sent Jesus for (John 10:10).

Through his sinless obedience, Jesus also showed that eternal life is not to be found in doing what we prefer or think best, but in living to please God. We have a choice to make.

UK & Ireland War Cry July 2013
Photo credit: The War Cry

Tong Sing & Irene Baby Dedication, July 21, 2013

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Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for Jimme Lee & family.

2. Please intercede for Devi, Kaseh & family.

3. Please intercede for Mahen Daren, Lectchimi, Krihore, Dashalini, Pravayarni, Somansri, Vennila, Pavithra.

4. Please intercede for Hock Hin, Grace and Matthew Tan.

Announcements

1. Youth Worship
Date: 21/07/13 (Sun), Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
All youth please take note.

2. Soldiership Class
Those who wish to join soldiership class, please stay back for the class. Do see Major Tan or Brother Tan for more information.

3. 75th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Date: 28/7/13 (Sun), Time: 12:45pm; Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All committee members please take note and attend the meeting

4. Prayer Ministry
4th Friday of the month, all brothers and sister are encourage to pray at own convenience time for the Corps Ministries. Please see Major Tan for a copy of prayer request list.

5. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
- We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, those who have financial difficulties may please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.
- To those who still holding the dinner tickets, please return your unsold ticket to Major Brenda as soon as possible.

6. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 17/08/13 (Sat), Time: 11:00am, Venue: Community Hall
Please do come and help in the banana leaf ministry. Volunteers needed.

Marriage - God’s Design For Life?

It can be hard to enjoy some of life’s rich variety of experiences when you are on your own. Often we get far more pleasure from what we have or what we experience when we share it with another person.

According to Genesis, Adam - the first man God created - had a comfortable life. God provided ‘trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food’ (Genesis 2:9 New International Version) and company and help in the form of animals and birds. But none of those creatures were adequate companions for Adam.

So, ‘God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man’ (2:21, 22). The debate over whether these words are to be taken literally or metaphorically can mean there’s a danger of losing some splendid truths contained in them.

With a rib missing, Adam would never be complete. In being united with Eve, Adam got his rib back - he was complete once more. Bible scholar Matthew Henry explores this idea further: Eve, he writes, was ‘made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.’

Genesis 2:24 reads: ‘That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.’ The King James Bible talks about Adam ‘cleaving’ to - or adhering strongly to - his wife. This indicates God’s intention for the strength of their bond.

But no relationship flourishes without commitment and the investment of time, care and attention. It is God’s design that marriage should last. A good marriage requires the mutual determination to be married for good.

UK & Ireland War Cry July 2013

Welcome Cadet Sunday, July 14, 2013

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Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for 75th Anniversary Celebration & Preparation

2. Please intercede for SAFE Fellowship, Dr Goh & Capt Harry Haran

2. Please intercede for Seow Hwee, Loo Thoe & Khye Lin

3. Please intercede for Soon Bee, Wei Lin & Ethan Ong

4. Please intercede for Ah How, Yen Wong, and Tian Seng.

Announcements

1. Youth Drama Practice
Date: 14/07/13 (Sun), Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Youth please take note.

2. Soldiership (Membership) Class
Those who wish to join soldiership class, please stay back for the class. Do see Major Tan or Brother Tan for more information.

3. Cell Group Ministry
Date: 19/07/13 (Sat), Time: 8:00pm, Venue: Cancel due to SAFE Fellowship on 20/07/13.

4. SAFE Fellowship (Pot-Bless Dinner)
Date: 20/07/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Community Hall
Guest Speaker: Capt Hary & Dr. Goh. Please bring a dish to share and please see Mrs Tan for more information.

5. 75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.

6. Banana Leaf Ministry
Date: 17/08/13 (Sat), Time: 11:00am, Venue: Community Hall
Please do come and help in the banana leaf ministry. Volunteers needed.

Bowling Outing July 13, 2013

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We're In Charge

Look at the way humankind has taken over the earth. Everywhere we go, from the coldest Arctic or Antarctic to the remotest equatorial rainforest, there are people. And humankind has not only populated the planet, but also taken control of it.

So it’s amazing to read in the opening book of the Bible, written thousands of years ago, about God telling the first people he created to ‘be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’ (Genesis 1:28 New International Version). It was also God’s intention for humankind to rule over the earth and all the creatures in it.

But is today’s world how God planned it to be? While in many ways we are similar to other creatures, we all know that we are not the same. Something sets us apart. We have an ability to consider and communicate issues which go above and beyond the little world we each live in. We have the potential to choose what is best rather than what is to our own personal advantage. We have these faculties because we are created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:27).

The Bible also describes God as being pure and perfect. In the beginning, humankind was a perfect reflection of what God is like. But then something happened which resulted in that image of God in us being spoilt. Instead of feeling responsible to him for all he had given them and living to please him, the first human beings rebelled and decided to follow their own selfish impulses.

Humankind does indeed fill the earth and has subdued it. But sadly, through selfishness and greed, we have spoilt so much of what God made us responsible for. We have polluted the land, the sea, the air we breathe and even outer space. We have caused the extinction and near-extinction of so many wonderful creatures. We have acquired the capability to destroy ourselves and the world. Sometimes it seems we are in danger of doing so.

Our only hope lies in us restoring our right relationship with our Creator.

War Cry UK & Ireland July 2013
Photo credit: War Cry pictures

Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for Major Raelton & Lynn Gibbs and family

2. Please intercede for Steven, Casey and Allison Foo

3. Please intercede for John, Shirley, Cheryl, Robin & Michelle Lee

4. Please intercede for Hock Sun, Phee Keat, Tuan Ewe, Tuan Ean.

5. Please intercede for SAFE Fellowship & Capt Harry Haran

Announcements

1.Youth Drama Practice
Date: 07/07/13 (Sun), Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Youth please take note.

2. Soldiership (Membership) Class
Those who wish to join soldiership class, please stay back for the class. Do see Major Tan or Brother Tan for more information.

3. Prayer Ministry
Date: 12/07/13 (Sat), Time: 8:00pm, Venue: Children's Home
All are encouraged to join and share in fellowship.

4.Corps Sports and Outing: Bowling
Date: 13/07/13 (Sat), Time: 3:00pm Venue: Penang Bowl
Please see Sis Jasinta or Bro Kim Aun for more information.

5.75th Anniversary Site Visit & Food Tasting
Date: 13/07/13 (Sat), Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
Committee members please see Major Tan for more information.

6.75th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Date: 14/07/13 (Sat), Time: 12:30pm, Venue: Worship Hall
All committee please take note and attend the meeting 

7.SAFE Fellowship (Pot-Bless Dinner)
Date: 20/07/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Community Hall
Guest Speaker: Capt Hary & Dr. Goh. Bring a dish to share and please see Mrs Tan for more information.

8.75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.

Cell Group & Major Tan Birthday June 21, 2013

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Ending On A High

The Book of Psalms contains everything from praise and wonder at God’s creation to desperate prayers for help and guidance. In this series, we have looked at nine prayers of praise, penance and petition.

Many psalms start with a clear statement of faith and confidence in the Almighty. For example, Psalm 25 begins: ‘In you, Lord my God, I put my trust’ (New International Version). Psalm 27 takes it further: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?’

But, as we also discover, life doesn’t always go according to plan. Difficult experiences sometimes cause the psalmist’s faith to dip for a while. So it is that Psalm 86 does not begin confidently but with the plea: ‘Hear me.’

However, whatever the circumstances, the writer of that psalm never doubts God’s existence. He believes that God will hear his prayers and answer them in his own good time, according to his divine will and purpose.

Neither does he stop his dialogue with God. He may question what is happening to him and ask what God is doing about his problems, but, as he prays, he is reminded of God’s goodness and mercy in his life: ‘You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’ (86:5-7).

And so the crisis passes, confidence is restored, and once more he is able to sing a hymn of praise: ‘For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God’ (86:10).

Are the Psalms relevant for us today?

Our modern-day dilemmas may seem very different from Old Testament living, but human nature doesn’t change. We have the same worries, family troubles, disappointments and heartaches - but we also have the same reliable, comforting, loving God to help us face them. If we would like to talk to him about something, we can be assured that he is only a prayer away.

UK & Ireland War Cry June 2013
Photo credit: War Cry pictures

Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for 75th Anniversary Celebration.

2. Please intercede for Thean Sin, Saw Aing, Hock Hin, Grace & Matthew Tan

3. Please intercede for Any Chye Thiam and family

4. Please intercede for Francis, Maggie and Fernando Elias.

Announcements

1.Youth Fellowship
Date: 30/06/13 (Sun), Time: 7:30pm Venue: Worship Hall
Worship: William; Sharing: Major Tan; Games: Sin Kai & Jihhan. Youth please take note.

2. Soldiership (Membership) Class
Those who wish to join soldiership class, please stay back for the class. Do see Major Tan or Brother Tan for more information.

3. Cell Group Ministry
Date: 05/07/13 (Fri), Time: 8:00pm, Venue: Community Hall
All are encouraged to join and share in fellowship.

4.Senior Citizen Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 06/07/13 (Sat), Time: 8:00am, Venue: Paya Terubong
All seniors are welcome to join.

5.Corps Sports and Outing: Bowling
Date: 13/07/13 (Sat), Time: 3:00pm Venue: Penang Bowl
Please see Sis Jasinta or Bro Kim Aun for more information.

6.SAFE Fellowship (Pot-Bless Dinner)
Date: 20/07/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Community Hall
Guest Speaker: Capt Hary. Bring a dish to share and please see Mrs Tan for more information.

7.75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, please see Bro Tan or Bro Steven for more information.

Father's Day June 13 2013

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On A Wing And A Prayer

Long before Aled Jones found fame with his version of ‘Walking in the Air’, boy chorister Ernest Lough hit the high notes with Mendelssohn’s ‘O, for the Wings of a Dove’ with the Choir of Temple Church in London. Its release in 1927 caused a sensation, and in 1962 its lasting popularity made it the first classical single to sell a million copies in HMV’s history.

The title of Ernest’s solo, ‘O, for the Wings of a Dove’, is based on verses from Psalm 55: ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm’ (Psalm 55:6–8 New International Version).

The psalm writer wasn’t having a good day. He was busy fighting a battle, his stronghold was under siege
and the enemy seemed to be gaining ground. To make matters worse, he had also been betrayed by someone he thought was a loyal friend. In distress and fear, he makes this urgent prayer: ‘Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught’ (55:1, 2).

But then he does what many of us do. He longs to escape from it all - ‘Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!’ - in the hope that his troubles will somehow magically disappear.

How do we cope when the going gets tough? We may choose to ignore unpleasant situations by burying our head in the sand and hoping they will go away on their own. The bad news is, they usually don’t! At some point, we have to face up to reality and deal with them.

As the psalmist reflects on God’s past goodness towards him, his fears are quelled and his soul calmed. His friend may have deserted him, but he finds peace in knowing that God never will.

We can take his sound advice for difficult times: ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you’ (55:22). God doesn’t promise to make our problems go away, but he does promise to give us the strength to get through them.

UK & Ireland War Cry June 2013
Photo credit: War Cry pictures

Prayer Request

1. Please intercede for Tong Sing, Iris & their new born baby girl.

2. Please intercede for Dave, Lily, Daniel, Jacqualine Clarke

3. Please intercede for Sunny, Rachel, Elizabeth, Susan & John

4. Please intercede for Chin Kheng, Ewe Kheng, Cindy, Eng Soon, Eng Heng

Announcements

1. Congratulation
We please to congratulate brother Tong Sing an Iris for their new born baby. Please pray for their family.

2.Youth Outing
Date: 23/06/13 (Sun), Time: 6:30pm Venue: To be Confirm
Youth please take note

3. Soldiership (Membership) Class
Date: 23/06/13 (Sun), Time: 12.15pm, Venue: Corps Worship Hall
Those who wish to join soldiership class, please stay back for the class starting today, please see Major Tan or Brother Tan for more information.

4. 75th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Date: 30/06/13 (Sun), Time: 12.45pm, Venue: Corps Worship Hall
All committee please take note and attend the meeting.

5.Senior Citizen Breakfast Fellowship
Date: 06/07/13 (Sat), Time: 8:00am, Venue: Paya Terubong
All seniors are welcome to join.

6.Corps Sports and Outing: Bowling
Date: 13/07/13 (Sat), Time: 3:00pm Venue: Penang Bowl
Please see Sis Jasinta or Bro Kim Aun for more information.

8.SAFE Fellowship (Pot-Bless Dinner)
Date: 20/07/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Community Hall
Guest Speaker: Capt Hary. Bring a dish to share and please see Mrs Tan for more information.

7.75th Anniversary Dinner
Date: 07/09/13 (Sat), Time: 7:00pm, Venue: Holy Spirit Cathedral
We wish to include as many Corps members as possible, please see Bro Tan for more information.

Freddy & Alice - Son, Daniel Cheong Wedding, 1 June 2013

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