Title: Do We Understand Each Other?
Scripture: Ephesians 3: 16 – 21
Preacher: Dr Lim Ee Sze
We are celebrating Holy Communion this weekend. Please prepare the elements before starting the video.
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16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… (Ephesians 3:16-20)
We live in a world of crazy deadlines, commitments, and opinions. Sometimes, it feels like we’re barely keeping our heads above water.
Pause, take a breath, and soak in Ephesians 3:16-20. Paul’s prayer for the church of Ephesus is a reminder of how much more God wants for our lives than our short-sighted vision shows us.
The only way to experience the fullness of Jesus’ love is to let Him fully into our lives. God works through us not by pushing us around, but through His Holy Spirit’s guidance. The business of life can drown out the whispers of the Holy Spirit showing us how loved and cherished we are by our Creator. Paul prays we’re strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and we’re given the power to realize just how deep and wide God’s love is for us (Ephesians 3:16-18).
God’s love surpasses our knowledge and our circumstances (Ephesians 3:19). Our lens is infinitely smaller than God’s picture and His plans for our lives. God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). The best-case scenarios in our heads are nothing compared to what God promises to do.
We can pray the same prayer today — that every day we would invite Jesus further into our lives. When we do, we’ll start to see God do more than we ever could dream possible. Let’s not let the pace of our lives cause us to miss out on “immeasurably more.”
Reflect:
• Is the pace of your life allowing you to reflect on the truths Paul highlights in this prayer? Why or why not? Does something need to change?
• How does knowing the depth of God’s love give context to your challenges?
• What’s the best-case scenario in your current situation? Reflect on the truth that God wants infinitely more for you than even this. (NEWSPRING
CHURCH)
KEYS TO HEALTH, WHOLENESS & FRUITFULNESS (FIC)
Date : Sunday, October 4, 2020
Time : 10:30 a.m.
Venue : Rooms 2 & 3, 2nd Floor
2ND LOCAL CONFERENCE 2020
Date : Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Time : 8:30 p.m.
Venue : Multi Purpose Hall
TRAC President Rev Dr T. Jeyakumar or his appointee will preside over the meeting.
2ND DISTRICT CONFERENCE CD2
Date : Thursday, October 15, 2020
Time : 8:00 p.m.
Venue : Trinity Methodist Church, PJ
THE DYNAMICS OF PRAYER
Speaker : Rev Terrence Poh
Date : Friday & Saturday, November
13 & 14, 2020
Time : 8:30 p.m-10:00 p.m. (Friday)
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Saturday)
Fee : RM20 per person
Venue : Wesley Klang
Open to Klang Wesley members only. Admission is by registration.
GOD WHO CALLS YOU IS FAITHFUL: BOOK OF TESTIMONIES
TRAC Board of Evangelism has compiled the testimonies of TRAC pastors especially how God had first called them into fulltime pastoral ministry. The books are available for free at the church foyer (limited copies only). For those who want the softcopy of this book, kindly contact church office.
CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 8:00 a.m.-8:30a.m.
Thursdays only @ 9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Kindly contact church staff for more info.
WEAR YOUR FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES
1. It is mandatory to wear a face mask in church at all times.
2. If you feel uncomfortable, kindly exit the church sanctuary to remove the
mask in the church foyer.
3. The church will be held responsible if you are found not wearing a mask in
church. We seek your kind cooperation in this matter.
METHODIST PLANNER 2021
Kindly sign up on the list at the notice board if you wish to purchase. Cost RM10 each. Kindly pay to church office.
USABLE WASHING MACHINE
A Pakistani family has a need for a washing machine. If you have, kindly contact church office.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Date : Friday, October 9, 2020
Time : 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
A Zoom Webinar organized by the STM Center for Religion & Society. Please register via https://bit.ly/crsfaith20 before October 8, 2020.
ALPHA MALAYSIA GLOW 2020
Date : Fri & Sat, October 9 & 10, 2020
Visit GLOW 2020 website for more information:
https://malaysia.alpha.org/glow2020
LIVE STREAMING MINISTRY
Those who are interested to be a part of the live streaming team, kindly contact Johnny Lim @ 012 203 7784. Training will be given.
Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1
Sunday, (Oct 4) – Praise God for His immeasurable love for us. Pray that He will help us grasp the extravagance of a love that will never let us go, a love that goes all the way to a cross for us, a love that cares enough to die. Pray that He will help us understand a love that loses itself, that denies itself, that empties itself, so that we can live abundantly, and know what it means to be fully human and fully alive. Pray that God will teach us to love as He loves, that our lives will be filled and overflowing with the power of God’s love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honour to Him.
Monday, (Oct 5) – In the month of October, our church will be focusing on the area of Missions. Pray that the Holy Spirit will enable us to embrace God’s heart for the unsaved. Pray for missionaries, for God’s protection upon them (especially during this time of the pandemic), and that God will always be in the centre of their lives and their ministry. Pray for persecuted Christians, that their faith will be deeply rooted in Christ so they will continue to persevere in the midst of all their sufferings and trials. Pray that, as a church, we will get involved in missions through our prayers and finanacial giving, so that people will be redeemed from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation as they respond to the Gospel of Christ.
Tuesday, (Oct 6) – The Health DG said that Malaysia was probably experiencing a “new wave” as Covid-19 cases has continued to climb. Praise God that the health authorities are more experienced now in handling the Covid-19 outbreak. Pray for God’s wisdom upon them to contain the virus and stop it from spreading so rapidly. As the onus is still on everyone to flatten the rate of infection by following the SOPs, pray against the arrogant, selfish and lackadaisical attitude of people who continue to flout the SOPs. Pray that they will have a sense of social responsibility, and will cooperate fully with the authorities to flatten the curve. Pray also that God will grant wisdom to the government to make the right decisions to protect lives and livelihoods.
Wednesday, (Oct 7) – Pray for the mission ministry in our church. Pray for the Orang Asli (OA) believers in Kg Kechau and Kg Lallang to stand strong in their faith, and that they grow as disciples of Christ. Pray for the OA pastors, Pastors Rezo and Noraini, for God’s wisdom and guidance as they disciple the believers. As the 2 pastors spearhead a preaching point in a new OA kampung, pray for God’s protection and blessing, and for a breakthrough. Pray also for the ElShaddai Refugee Learning Centre that meets in our church premises that all the students and teachers will comply with all the SOPs, and for the Lord’s hand of protection to be upon them to keep them safe and healthy.
Thursday, (Oct 8) – Pray for the Nation: Pray for the newly elected state government of Sabah, that the political leaders will govern with righteousness and justice, and work towards eradicating corruption in the civil service and among all government functionaries, and towards abolishing racism and religious extremism. Pray that the various political parties in the state will put aside their differences, and work together for the welfare of the people, and the prosperity of the state, focusing on improving education, telecommunication infrastructure and services, and healthcare services among other things.
Friday, (Oct 9) – Pray for TRAC: Pray for the CD2 District Conference on October 15, 2020. Pray for a smooth meeting. Pray also for wisdom whether it should be an online or a physical meeting (as planned thus far). This is the last District Conference where Pastor Ashok is the District Superintendent. He has served his 6 consecutive years, and is given a 2-year mandatory break according to the Methodist Discipline. Pray for smooth transitioning in 2021 for the new District Superintendent.
Saturday, (Oct 10) – Pray for the World: As the Coivd-19 virus continues to terrorise the world, pray that God will continue to pour His comfort and peace upon those who are infected, for those who have lost loved ones, and those who have lost livelihoods. Pray for protection for the healthcare frontliners, and that God will continue to sustain them with physical, mental and emotional strength.
Title: Helping Those in Conflict within the Body of Christ
Scripture: Philippians 4: 2 – 9
Preacher: Rev Ashok Amarasingham
1) Introduction
1.1 Paul understood the value of friendship – with Christ and his fellow disciples.
1.2 Focus for Today
When conflict (between two parties) in church goes awry, mature leaders get involved to restore the relationship (uniting hearts & minds) to pursue loving God and others again.
2) Conflicts Damage Church Unity which is Mandatory for Pursuing God’s Vision for Evangelism & Discipleship
2.1 Paul just ended chapter 3 on dealing with external threats (like the Judaisers) with the poignant summary of standing firm in the Lord (4:1)
2.2 However, suddenly Paul entreats two women (by name) who are in conflict in the church: Agree in the Lord (4:2).
2.3 Paul requested help from “loyal yokefellow”, Clement and others – to be agents of unity ie help the women to reconcile.
2.4 Practical Application
2.4.1 The best path to reconciliation & unity in conflict is still one to one communication.
2.4.2 Pastor Randy Pope on the difference between “heart forgiveness” & “expressed forgiveness”.
2.4.2.1 Heart forgiveness (based on Mark 11:25)
* “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your your Father who is in heaven, will also forgive your transgressions.
* Vertical Relationship with God – we have no choice whatsoever but only pray to God (eg God, I forgive Ms C for lying to me and cheating me)
* Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)
* but what happens if the offender (Ms C) wilfully knows and offends you, without any repentance?
2.4.2.2 Expressed Forgiveness (Luke 17: 3-4)
* “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying “I repent”, forgive him.
* Hebrews 10: 26-31 warns Christians of deliberately sinning that will mean profaning the precious sacrifice of Christ and putting into contempt the gift of salvation for us – facing God’s judgement.
* we cannot express forgiveness to an offender (say Ms C) who refuses to take the responsibility for his or her own sin.
* Pastor Randy Pope’s father told him: For deserting your mother and you (for someone else)…you will surely forgive me because you are a Christian, right?
2.4.3 When the church leaders must get involved in restoring two injured parties (and not “sweep things under the carpet”).
* some useful pointers for church leaders (mediators)…
3) Helping Self in Internal Conflict: Anxiety
3.1 Anxiety is powerful. The NT Greek (merimnao) means to be unduly worried (4:6)
3.2 The only person who can us with anxiety is God (4:6).
3.3 Practical Application
* Do you believe in God’s divine peace – always available to us?
4) Conclusion/Summary
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I once went on a trip with some good friends whom I consider like-minded. But to my surprise, we quickly began having disagreements over small matters— from our preferences and habits to the best choices for our group. This was especially true for me and one of my friends in the group. We had no major quarrels, but a series of small disagreements grew into a lump of ill-feeling and unhappiness on both sides. Perhaps spending time together 24/7 makes it impossible to ignore each other’s idiosyncrasies and little quirks. Perhaps spending time together 24/7 makes it impossible to ignore each other’s idiosyncrasies and little quirks.
Finally, my friend bravely decided to confront me over the issue and laid out his grievances. It took a while and involved some hurt on both sides, but after the initial indignation subsided, I began to see how foolish I had been in the way I dealt with our disagreements, and we reconciled. Looking back, I can truthfully say that the experience turned out for our good, because we learned more about each other and became even better friends through that experience.
In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul draws our attention to a similar situation when he entreats two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve their differences. These two women were on the same side, working for the same cause, and also headed for the same final destination—heaven. Often, when we’re in the midst of conflicts, it becomes easier to magnify our differences. But when we remember that we are children of the same God, co-laborers of the same cause, and future citizens of heaven, it helps us look past our relatively minor differences and focus on what’s truly important—what binds us together in Christ.
In Philippians 4:3, Paul asks his “true companion” to help the women reconcile. It’s unclear who Paul is addressing here, but it highlights the important role we can play in maintaining unity in the body of Christ. Even if we ourselves are not directly involved in a conflict or disagreement, if we care for our Christian brothers and sisters, we should seek to encourage them and do what we can to help them reconcile.
Paul seeks true reconciliation for these two women. He does not simply hope for them to go through the motions of a superficial reconciliation, but wants them to “be of the same mind in the Lord”. This means we are not called to simply shrug “I’m sorry.” Instead, we are to invest time and energy into working out our differences by communicating with each other, being willing to listen to each other, and to exercise forgiveness and love.
Conflicts are inevitable. It is also often uncomfortable, hurtful, and time-consuming to resolve them. But though it may be painful, it is necessary and can help us grow in deeper love for each other. Whenever conflicts come our way, may we remember Paul’s words to the Philippians and see that because of who we are and what we share together in Christ, we can work through these conflicts and achieve true unity in Christ. (CHONG SHOU EN)
PASTOR ASHOK AWAY
Pastor Ashok will be away from church office on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 as he will be attending the Board of Ministry meeting in PJ.
2ND OFFERING
The 2nd Offering for the month of October will go towards Seminari Theoloji Malaysia.
CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 8:00 a.m.-8:30a.m.
Thursdays only @ 9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Kindly contact church staff for more info.
LIVE STREAMING MINISTRY
Those who are interested to be a part of the live streaming team, kindly contact Johnny Lim @ 012 203 7784. Training will be given.
KEYS TO HEALTH, WHOLENESS & FRUITFULNESS (FIC)
Date : Sunday, September 27, 2020
Time : 10:30 a.m.
Venue : Rooms 2 & 3, 2nd Floor
2ND LOCAL CONFERENCE 2020
Date : Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Time : 8:30 p.m.
Venue : Multi Purpose Hall
All Organisation & Ministry Heads, please submit your report by September 30, 2020. TRAC President Rev Dr T. Jeyakumar will preside over the meeting.
2ND DISTRICT CONFERENCE CD2
Date : Thursday, October 15, 2020
Time : 8:00 p.m.
Venue : Trinity Methodist Church, PJ
METHODIST PLANNER 2021
Kindly sign up on the list at the notice board if you wish to purchase. Cost RM10 each. Kindly pay to church office.
USABLE WASHING MACHINE
A Pakistani family has a need for a washing machine. If you have, kindly contact church office.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Date : Friday, October 9, 2020
Time : 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
A Zoom Webinar organized by the STM Center for Religion & Society. Please register via https://bit.ly/crsfaith20 before October 8, 2020.
ALPHA MALAYSIA GLOW 2020
Date : Fri & Sat, October 9 & 10, 2020
Visit GLOW 2020 website for more information:
https://malaysia.alpha.org/glow2020
GRACE & ADDICTION
Date : Saturday, October 3, 2020
Time : 9:00 a.m.-12 noon
Registration closes on September 28, 2020.
Register at tiny.cc/gracenaddiction
CONDOLENCES
Our deepest condolences to:
1. Dr Yuen Kwan Yoke on the demise of his wife, the late Mdm Fong Lai Mee on September 19, 2020.
2. Mdm Teo Geok Eng, Ellen Ong, Steven Ong & family on the demise of her husband/father, the late Ong Thye Leong on September 21, 2020.
WEAR YOUR FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES
1. It is mandatory to wear a face mask in
church at all times.
2. If you feel uncomfortable, kindly exit the church sanctuary to remove the
mask in the church foyer.
3. The church will be held responsible if you are found not wearing a mask in
church. We seek your kind cooperation in this matter.
UP COMING EVENT (2020)
Nov 13-15 Seminar by Rev Terence Poh
Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1
Sunday, (Sep 27) – Just as Christ paid the price for a full and lasting reconciliation between us and God, pray that as God’s children we will choose to embrace a spirit of reconciliation in conflict situations. Pray that we will guard against unbridled anger, and watch what we say, choosing to communicate God’s grace with our words. Pray that we will always rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to work within us to be peacemakers. Pray that the Lord will teach us to forgive and resolve conflicts quickly and peacefully. Pray that when possible, we will also help others resolve their conflict situations. Pray especially that the Holy Spirit will help resolve conflict situations in marriages and families.
Monday, (Sep 28) – Pray that God will give us the courage to give thanks for everything to Him in every circumstance, for this is His will for us in Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen our prayer life, and when events come along that threaten our peace and cause us to worry, He will remind us to seek the Lord in prayer. Pray that we will learn to let petitions and praises shape our worries and anxieties into prayers, letting God know all our concerns. Pray that He will, then, displace the worry in our hearts with His shalom peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, (Sep 29) – Pray that we will guard our hearts and minds against the corruption in the world by being selective about what we allow into our minds. Pray that everyday, we will make a conscious choice to dwell on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. Pray that we will fix our minds on what is best in this life and allow these thoughts to shape our words and deeds. Pray that the Lord will protect us against the chaos and distractions of the world, and by His Spirit we may live in obedience to His Word that He may be glorified in us.
Wednesday, (Sep 30) – Pray for the Nation: As the political turmoil in the nation escalates, pray that God will demolish the strongholds in the unseen realm of demonic activities, secret plotting and witchcraft. Pray that the intensifying efforts of the evil principalities and powers in stirring and stoking disunity, corruption and deception, and plotting unholy alliances, will all fail and be destroyed by God’s almighty power. Pray that our political leaders will not focus on their own personal agendas, but will choose to work together sincerely for the good of the nation and the welfare of the people.
Thursday, (Oct 1) – There is a definite increase of Covid-19 spreading in the community based on the rising number of active cases, especially in Sabah. Pray that God will grant wisdom to the health authorities to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading, and that no new clusters will develop. Pray that the situation will not lead to a potential new wave. Pray for comfort for those whose families have been touched by illness or death during this time. Pray that the new initiatives introduced by the government which gives a lifeline to cash-stapped businesses and help people weather the effects of the pandemic will be effective in helping the economy to recover.
Friday, (Oct 2) – Pray for the Methodist Church in Malaysia: Pray for the Consecration Service of the new Bishop elect, Rev Dr T. Jeyakumar on October 4, 2020 in Trinity Methodist Church, PJ. Pray for good weather. Pray that this service will bring glory and honour to God. Rev Jeyakumar has served God well over the past 8 years as TRAC President. Pray that he will remain close to God always, especially from 2021 onwards as he takes on a higher calling in the Methodist Church.
Saturday, (Oct 3) – Pray for the World: A number of European countries are reporting sharp increases in Covid-19 infections, the number of coronavirus cases in the world have surpassed 32 million, with more than a million deaths, and people are becoming increasingly weary and hopeless as the pandemic drags on with no end in sight. Pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire Christians to find ways to be the loving embrace of God to the world, and help people find life and hope in Christ.