Sermon Title : Truth And Faith
Scripture Text : John 8: 31-32; 14: 1-7
Speaker : Mr Stephen Cheah
Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License – 31/07/2022
* Song@Select Advance – 31/07/2022
* Streaming License – 31/07/2022
“To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(John 8:31-32).
Few Scriptures in the New Testament provide such a holistic description of discipleship and the promise of freedom we receive as a result. Let’s look at 3 important aspects of discipleship that ultimately leads to freedom!
Key #1: Faith: First, Jesus is talking to those who believe; everything begins with faith in Christ: faith that Jesus is in control, faith that His words are the truth, and faith that He is our Redeemer. This aspect of our discipleship can be easily overlooked. Without thinking we can say, “Of course I have faith!” but do we really take time to consider if we do right at this very moment? Not just a belief in the knowledge that God is real and that Jesus walked the earth, but a faith where we entrust our lives to Jesus and know that in the current situation (and all situations), He has it all under control. We need to stay strong in our faith as we wait out this pandemic. We can stay strong in our faith during this time by asking God to increase it. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ ” (Luke 17:5)
Q: Prayer can be an excellent way to stay faithful in these difficult times. Are you remaining in prayer?
Key #2: Know His Teachings: Second, we need to know His teachings. Knowledge of the Scriptures and understanding of God’s commands are prerequisite to being a disciple. For many of us, our entire lives have been turned upside down over the past months, but remaining in the Word is essential. “Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’ ” (John 6:68). Look at the apostle Peter’s commitment and reliance on the Word of God even when so many deserted the words of Jesus and refused to continue to learn from Him (to their loss). Our daily routines may have been disrupted but our conviction to be grounded in the Bible must remain.
Q: Are you taking the time to read His Word?
Key #3: Hold to His Teachings: Third, we must hold to His teachings. If we have faith in Jesus and knowledge of His words then all that remains is action. Isolation can be a dangerous situation; our lack of fellowship opportunities may leave us vulnerable to Satan. We need to act upon our knowledge of the Scriptures. We need to encourage one another daily through modern communications: phone calls, text messages, zoom meetings, and Facebook threads. We need to be sharing our faith with our friends and family by inviting them to our amazing, live-stream services every Sunday. We need to continue “agape”- loving our spouses, parents, children and friends.
Q: Are you living out your discipleship even in the pandemic?
Q: Where in your home is your agape love being challenged?
Do we want to be set free? The feeling of complete freedom from everything that would attempt to hold us down? Ultimately, if we live out this Scripture, we will be set free. This is a promise from Jesus. We will have freedom from our sins, our worries, and our corona-virus anxieties. We need to make sure that our faith is strong, our Bible study is consistent, and our lives are seasoned with salt. Consider this small passage, these humble thoughts, and a couple of introspective questions. Let’s take these keys from Jesus and unlock our freedom.
(MAX SECOR)
Sunday, (Nov 21) – Pray that our hearts will become truly free because God has delivered us from all bondage to our own natures and to the world around us. Pray that as free people, the Lord will deliver us through distress, fear and want, through need and death. Pray that we will become joyful, strong and secure children of God who are not discouraged by trials and tribulations, but who fight courageously for His Kingdom until it is revealed to all the world. Pray that God will grant us perseverance and persistence to be all He has created us to be, that He will teach us more of His truth as we choose daily to live in obedience to His Word and His will.
Monday, (Nov 22) – The health DG has advised the public to practise vigilance in observing the COVID-19 health protocols as the R naught, the national infectivity rate, rose over 1.0, warning that another coronavirus wave could break out. Selangor is gearing up for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases as its hospitals have recorded an increase in admissions. Pray that the public will heed the health DG’s warning and will take personal responsibility to strictly follow all the SOPs. Pray also that the health experts and health authorities will be able to give clear, accurate and proper information to the public regarding the need for a third COVID-19 booster shot as a lack of clear information and communication are the main reasons for COVID-19 booster hesitancy among the public.
Tuesday, (Nov 23) – Pray for the pastors that have been abducted – Raymond Koh in 2017, and Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu in 2016 – that they may be found, and that justice will prevail. Pray also for the Malay activist, Amri Che Mat who was abducted in 2016 that he too may be found and released. Pray for comfort, perseverance, strength and hope for their families, as they continue to seek to find out the truth. Pray for their legal teams to be resilient and wise, and to continue with perseverance to pursue justice for these families.
Wednesday, (Nov 24) – Pray for the Nation: Pray against the destructive spirit of racism, systemic apathy, entitlement, mediocrity and exploitation in the nation that is destroying the entire governance system and many key public institutions, while diminishing the productivity of the nation leading to a brain drain. Pray that there will be a return to wisdom and excellence, meritocracy, and prosperity for all the people and public institutions in the nation. Pray for those facing intimidation and harassment in fighting and speaking against corruption and injustice that God will grant them courage and protection.
Thursday, (Nov 25) – Methodist Women (MW) Annual General Meeting – Commit to the Lord the upcoming AGM of the Methodist Women of Klang Wesley that would be held on Saturday, 27th November, 2021 via zoom. Pray that the elections will be carried out smoothly and that God will raise more leaders to carry out the ministry of MW. We praise God for many lives the MW ministry has blessed and we continue to pray for God’s leading in MW. Pray that MW will be able to discern the specific areas of ministry that they should focus upon.
Friday, (Nov 26) – Pray for TRAC: We praise God for the smooth running of the 46th Session TRAC. We rejoice for all that God is doing through the TRAC Churches. Continue to pray for all TRAC Churches to be united in living out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Pray for all TRAC Churches as we prepare to celebrate the Advent season. Pray that we would make room in our hearts once again to welcome the King of kings and the Lord of Lords.
Saturday, (Nov 27) – Pray for the World: Christians in China are facing a rapidly deteriorating situation as new restrictions on the internet, social media and religion are being applied to limit freedom. Online sales of Bibles and even Bible apps are being restricted. Pray for church leaders to exercise wisdom and discernment and also to endure as they lead their congregations in the light of oppressive surveillance. Pray for strength as the Church in China undergoes the fires of refining, that they will be empowered in their witness and fruitful in their ministry. Pray that God will protect His Church from harm.
CHURCH RESUMES IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE & SOPs
Please take note of the following:
WORSHIP SERVICE
Please log on to klangwesley.online.church to follow the weekend services.
CHURCH BUILDING CLOSED
Please note that the Church building is still closed for meetings and other activities.
2nd OFFERING FOR NOVEMBER
The 2nd Offering for the month of November will go to the Hope Anglican Centre, Port Klang Building Fund Project, a project by St Barnabas Church Klang. You may give through online banking to Wesley Methodist Church Klang, Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1.
NEXT WEEKEND SERVICE
(November 27 & 28, 2021)
Sermon Title: Be Thankful To Jesus
Scripture Text: Luke 17: 11-19
Speaker: Rev Gaurri Maniam
HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATION IN DECEMBER
The Holy Communion for the month of December will be celebrated on December 4 & 5, 2021.
THURSDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETINGS
(via ZOOM)
The topics for the Thursday Evening Prayer Meetings at 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. will be as follows:
Meeting ID: 868 7905 5124
Password: 763853
MISSIONS FAITH PLEDGE 2022
The Missions Faith Pledge Form 2022 can be submitted through the church website. Click on ‘Giving’, select the correct form, fill-up your details and submit.
METHODIST WOMEN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(via ZOOM)
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
Time: 2:00 p.m
There will be elections for President and Committee members to serve for the next 2 years. All ladies are encourage to attend.
Meeting ID: 818 2139 7478
Password: 725982
TALK ON “I AM FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE”
(via ZOOM)
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ms Anne Abraham, a corporate figure and much sought-after speaker, facilitator & moderator
Organized by TRAC MW. All are welcome to join the Talk./span>
Meeting ID: 899 4818 3329
Password: 688055
LCEC MEETING
(via ZOOM)
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Time: 1:00 p.m.
VIRTUAL KIDS HOLIDAY CAMP
“DONUT FORGET TO PRAY”
Date: Thurs-Sat, December 16-18, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Age: 6 – 13 years old (5 years old must be accompanied by a guardian)
Fees: RM30 (includes camp kit & t-shirt)
Speaker: Pastor Nicholas Choo
Registration Link: https://rebrand.ly/donutforgettopray
Registration Closes: November 14, 2021
For further information, please contact:
Hurry! Registration closes when maximum participants reached.
TITHES & OFFERING
While we acknowledge that many people are affected by the current pandemic situation, we encourage you to continue giving your tithes/offering during this time through online banking. The details are below:
Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1
Title: Being Strong In The Lord
Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10 – 24
Preacher: Rev Gaurri Maniam
Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License – 31/07/2022
* Song@Select Advance – 31/07/2022
* Streaming License – 31/07/2022
Title: Being Strong In The Lord
Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10 – 24
Preacher: Rev Gaurri Maniam
Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License – 31/07/2022
* Song@Select Advance – 31/07/2022
* Streaming License – 31/07/2022
God relates to us so, so differently than our enemy does. God rescues us. He intercedes and shows us mercy. He seeks our good. We can feel safe letting down our walls in God’s presence and speaking with vulnerability because He has shown Himself to be trustworthy. The enemy, however, does not seek our good. He seeks to kill and destroy (John 10:10). Paul’s letter to the Ephesians describes how we battle against one who schemes against us, who is evil, and who partners with other leaders in the realm of darkness (Ephesians 5:11–12).
That’s a situation that calls for armor. But tough, steely armor wouldn’t be very effective at protecting us against all the armies of darkness. We need even better protection: the Armor of God. We exchange belts for truth and sandals for peace. We exchange shields for faith and swords for the strong and Holy Spirit of God. “Put on the full armor of God,” said Paul to his audience, “so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Suiting up in this way doesn’t mean we will always be fool-proof; even people who trust in Jesus can make foolish choices. But it does give us much better tools to defend ourselves against the enemy. Because it isn’t just us fighting now. We’re part of a supernatural partnership with our victorious God.
Friends, there is a battle going on for our hearts and souls, and we have a part to play in defending them. As we lace up hiking boots before thrashing through poison ivy or strap on motorcycle helmets to avoid injury, shouldn’t we prepare ourselves even more for spiritual threats? Even though I still don’t love the imagery that armor conjures up, I think that’s the point—our enemy doesn’t like the imagery either. He knows how powerful truth, righteousness, faith, and peace really are. No matter how many flaming arrows get thrown, they still aren’t strong enough to penetrate when we have clothed ourselves in Christ. God has equipped us with everything we need to stand against the darkness.
We will have days that feel victorious.
We will have days that feel less than victorious.
But He is always with us.
Lord, have mercy.
(BAILEY GILLESPIE)
Sunday, (Nov 14) – Pray that Wesley Methodist Church, Klang will learn to overcome struggles and battles by putting on the full armor of God by prayer. Pray that each one of us will not depend on our own strength but will truly believe in the strength that comes from the Lord. Pray that we as a church will stand and remain strong in the Lord no matter what challenges come our way. Pray that we will not neglect our time with God, for it is by sitting at the feet of God that we regain our strength.
Monday, (Nov 15) – Pray for the well-being of pastors, ministry and administrative workers in churches as they are vulnerable to being infected by the coronavirus due to the nature of their calling and ministry. Pray for church members and leaders to also be wise, taking every necessary precaution and measure to reduce exposure to infection as in-person worship services are restored. Pray that God will keep us all stay safe and healthy as we take responsibility to follow all SOPs, and also for the grace of living with the COVID-19 virus. Pray that the Lord will protect and preserve those who serve more in the “front-lines”, e.g. conducting wakes and funeral services, weddings, ministering to the bereaved and lonely, etc.
Tuesday, (Nov 16) – The number of daily COVID-19 cases seems to be rising again, and the infectivity rate (R-naught) has begun to climb again, which indicates the possibility of a new COVID-19 wave if this continues. The lifting of restrictions on interstate and international travel has seen an increase in the average COVID-19 cases over the past week. The clusters mainly come from the workplace, gatherings, re-opening of schools and high-risk groups, such as those living in nursing homes. Pray that the public will continue to be vigilant and follow all the SOPs. Pray for divine wisdom for the government and health authorities to make the right decisions to bring the pandemic under control.
Wednesday, (Nov 17) – Pray for the Nation: Pray against the destructive spirit of racism, systemic apathy, entitlement, mediocrity and exploitation in the nation that is destroying the entire governance system and many key public institutions, while diminishing the productivity of the nation leading to a brain drain. Pray that there will be a return to wisdom and excellence, meritocracy, and prosperity for all the people and public institutions in the nation. Pray for those facing intimidation and harassment in fighting and speaking against corruption and injustice that God will grant them courage and protection.
Thursday, (Nov 18) – Every 3 in 10 adults aged 16 years and above in Malaysia suffer from some form of mental health issues. Pray for people who are experiencing overwhelming emotional distress and life’s pressures that can lead them to self-harm. Pray for supportive and compassionate friends and family to surround those who are trying to cope with their mental health issues that have been aggravated by the pandemic. Pray too for the health authorities to intervene, address and remove the strong social stigma and discrimination towards mental illness that has caused sufferers to delay treatment.
Friday, (Nov 19) – Pray for TRAC: Pray for Bishop Joshua Khong (TRAC Bishop) and Mr Yap Koon Roy (Conference Secretary). Both are in their first year of holding these important positions in TRAC. The 46th Session TRAC will be held online tomorrow, 20th November 2021. Pray that they will lean upon God’s strength always. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance upon them. Pray that they will diligently serve God and the people. Pray for a spirit of unity to prevail throughout the conference, and that all the conference delegates will be sensitive to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. Pray that everything will run smoothly and that there will be a good, strong and stable internet connection throughout the conference.
Saturday, (Nov 20) – Pray for the World: Pray for Christians in Pakistan who are facing the most extreme persecution. Pray for the evil forces of darkness to be pushed back. Pray for all the churches in the nation to be protected from terrorist attacks. Pray that the Gospel will flourish even under the harsh conditions, and that the believers will have the courage and wisdom to know when and how to share their faith. Pray for protection over the women and girls from abduction and forced marriages. Pray that the believers will find peace and comfort in the Lord, and be able to live for Christ under these difficult circumstances.