Notices: August 15-16, 2020

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Editorial Team

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.

WORSHIP SERVICES
Please take note that Klang Wesley will continue with online Worship Services in August 2020, using live streaming. Visit the church website: www.klangwesley.com

FEDERAL & SELANGOR STATE GOVERNMENT SOPs
THOSE WHO CANNOT COME TO CHURCH YET:
1. Foreigners and Permanent Residents
2. Temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius.
3. Have BMI of above 40, severe hypertension or diabetes mellitus, live in a nursing home, haemoglobin disorders, immunocompromised, liver disease, serious heart condition, on kidney dialysis & chronic lung disease.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Please take note that the church office will be closed on Thursday, August 20, 2020 in view of the public holiday.

CHURCH STAFF MEETING
Please take note that the church staff meeting is held on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m-4:30 p.m. Kindly avoid calling the office staff then, unless it is very urgent.

UPDATES FOR DONORS OF ASRAMA HARAPAN BARU (AHB)
Important Updates for donors of Asrama Harapan Baru Hostel, Sabah on 31 August, 2020 via ZOOM online meeting.

Please contact Dr Lim Ee Sze 012-2331545 or Ms Stephanie Tan 017-6751118 for details.

CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 8:00 a.m.-8:30a.m.
Thursdays only @ 9:00pm-10:00 p.m.
Kindly contact church office for more information.

ABLAZE: TRAC WORSHIP FESTIVAL ONLINE CONFERENCE 2020
This online event is organized by TRAC Board of Worship & Music.
Dates : Saturdays, August 22 & 29,
September 5 & 12, 2020
Time : 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost : RM50 per person
For more information, register at:
bit.ly/TRACAblaze-Reg
Closing Date of Registration: August 15, 2020.

APPRECIATION
Mr & Mrs Terrence Tan & family would like to thank Pastor Ashok, Jane & church members for their support and prayer during their time of bereavement.

UP COMING EVENT (2020)
Aug 23 MW Sunday in Church

Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

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Prayer Lists: August 16, 2020

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Editorial Team

Sunday, (Aug 16) – Pray that the Lord will grant us generous hearts, and free us from greed and attachment to material things so we may be generous in using the finances and resources He has given us for His glory and for the good of others. Pray that God will help us to let go of our wants, and trust Him to provide for all that we need. Pray that He will deliver us from the consumerism culture that celebrates instant gratification, and teach us to be content with whatever we have, that will pave the way for a life of joy and financial freedom. Pray that we will not value material things above the spiritual, and will always give priority to help to fund the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

Monday, (Aug 17) – As the restrictions caused by the MCO has gone on for months, teenagers are feeling restless due to physical isolation. Pray for the Youth Ministry, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades Ministries, that God will grant the leaders of these ministries wisdom to come up with creative ideas and ways to make their online meetings meaningful and impactful for the teenagers. Pray for patience and perseverance for the youths that they will continue to participate in their online meetings. Pray for God to intervene in the situation, so the authorities will allow the youths to meet physically in the near future, albeit with strict SOPs in place.

Tuesday, (Aug 18) – Pray for the Nation: Thank God for the Prime Minister and his Cabinet who have a heart for the rakyat, especially during this time when many are suffering under the strain of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic turmoil. Pray for a continuing work of the Spirit to be upon those in the Cabinet to bring about cleansed hearts, sincere motives, good conscience and empowerment to genuinely serve the people with integrity of heart and effective competencies.

Wednesday, (Aug 19) – Pray that the Church in Malaysia will come in repentance before God in areas where we have fallen short of His glory. Pray that, as believers in this present age with overwhelming demands and distractions, counterfeits and falsehood, we will continue to be renewed in our thoughts and spirits, that our hearts and our minds will be aligned to the truth of God. Pray that we will be salt and light in our communities and that we will touch lives personally in our daily walk with God, and bring hope, healing and reconciliation to our broken communities.

Thursday, (Aug 20) – Malaysia’s northern states, which were previously model cases in terms of relatively low Covid-19 infections, have been hit by a relentless wave of new cases and new clusters. Kedah was the worst-hit state, possibly due to one person who returned from overseas, and violated the mandated 14-day home quarantine, thereby infecting dozens of people. Pray that the public will continue to act responsibly, and not let their guard down, but continue with strict adherence to all the SOPs, so as to prevent new Covid-19 clusters from sprouting up all over the nation. Pray also for protection and wisdom upon the Health Ministry as it continues to work tirelessly against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Friday, (Aug 21) – Pray for TRAC: Pray for Living Hope Methodist Church (Bukit Rimau). The church building fund (including renovations) is more than RM1.6 million. To date only about RM250,000 has been raised. Pray that God will provide the finances in due time. Pray also that Rev Gaurri Maniam and the leadership of the church will work together towards achieving this target, as well as in the other areas of church ministry in the times ahead.

Saturday, (Aug 22) – Pray for the World: The state of Victoria in Australia has seen a renewed Covid-19 outbreak more than a month ago, and its capital, Melbourne, is under strict lockdown. Pray that God will grant strength and wisdom to the government as it navigates the threats to lives and livelihoods. Pray for the police force and emergency services as they seek to maintain order in the city. Pray that the Australians will accept the limitations on their freedom, and cooperate and comply with the regulations set in place by the authorities to curb the spread of the virus.

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Recorded Live Streaming Worship Service – 9th Aug 2020

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Editorial Team

Title: Disciples Work Together With One Spirit And One Mind
Scripture Text: Philippians 1: 19 – 30
Preacher: Rev Ashok Amarasingham

SERMON NOTES:

1) INTRODUCTION
1.1 Recap the last sermon on Disciples Advancing The Gospel.

1.2 Focus for Today
Petty differences can destroy our unity. Our unity in Christ is vital to complete God’s work on earth and then we be ready to depart – be united with God, forever.

2) DISCIPLES MUST BE PREPARED FOR DEPARTURE: THE NEED FOR HEAD AND HEART TO BE IN SYNC WITH GOD’S PLAN FOR US
2.1 A poem about God’s master plan for us.
“God did it well, but man chose to rebel,
God corrected the wrong, through Jesus, the Strong,
But does man really want to be, with God the Trinity, for all eternity or
Man refuses to let go of earthly family, good company & his afternoon cuppa tea!“
(by Pastor Ashok)

2.2 The meaningful liturgy at Wake services or the funeral seem so nice and well for the departed one in the casket but am I willing to be the next one in the casket?

2.3 Paul has his heart and head in perfect sync. The far better choice was to depart and be with Christ (God) (Phil 1:23).
2.3.1 The ultimate goal for the children of God is to be with God forever and ever. Otherwise Christ would never have died for our sin.
2.3.2 The NT Greek word for “depart” (1:23) had several applications…

2.4 Paul states “Christ will be honoured in my body whether by life or by death” (1:20).
2.4.1 Paul was a spiritual giant. However he recognised that everyone is important in God’s ministry.

2.5 Practical Application
2.5.1 Are we prepared to die? Like Paul, can we say with confidence: Christ will be honoured in my body whether by life or by death?

2.5.2 We should never say: it was an untimely death because ultimately God ordains all of our days on earth (Job 14:5).

2.5.2 If you are afraid of death, begin by talking daily with Jesus. Learn to love God more that indeed your deep desires will be to be with the Lord, forever.

3) DISCIPLES ARE SOLDIERS OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND CITIZENS OF HEAVEN.
3.1 Philippi was a Roman colony and thus the Philippians were Roman citizens.

3.2 Similarly, the Philippians were citizens of heaven living on earth and carrying out their assigned tasks by the King himself, Jesus.

3.3 Soldiers of the gospel must stand firm and be united in spirit and in mind (1:27) and expect opposition (1:28).

3.4 Practical Application
3.4.1 Every means can be used for evangelism but for transmitting the faith of the gospel (from this generation to successive generations) we need unity and teamwork. The church is only one generation away from extinction (if the transmission fails).

3.4.2 Let us empower the youth and young adults – to keep the faith. Let us show them the way to be responsible citizens of heaven, here on earth.

4) CONCLUSION

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Living As Citizens Heaven

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Editorial Team

You belong to a colony of heaven; therefore, you must behave like citizens of heaven. You must let your manner of conduct be worthy
of the government to which you belong, the kingdom of God and the gospel of Christ.

How should you live as a citizen of heaven? Paul mentions two essential things. First, stand firm in one Spirit. Never depart from complete dependency on the Spirit of God to do through you everything that needs to be done. The Christian life is lived by a totally different process than you lived before you came to Christ. It is God’s life through you. It is the indwelling Lord Jesus expressing Himself in terms of your human personality. Never depart from that. The second essential is to never let anything but serious heresy keep you from working side by side in the Gospel.

Now interestingly enough, all the wiles of the devil, all the thrust and power of his activity is aimed at these two things. To keep us from observing them, the enemy tests us first on one point, and if he can’t derail us there, he goes to the other point. First, he tries to get you to depend upon yourself, not on the indwelling life of Christ, and to make you therefore fearful, worried, discouraged, impatient, or upset with something. Haven’t you felt this? This is the attack of the enemy, trying to budge you from your position in Christ which makes for victory.

Whenever we get discouraged, we are depending on ourselves. We’re discouraged because we were expecting that we could do something and we failed. We’ve been self-confident, counting on ourselves, thinking we have all it takes to do the job. We think we don’t need any help from God. We then move from that position of dependency on God’s Spirit. We get worried, anxious, fearful, timid, impatient. We have yielded to the attack of the enemy and temporarily have shifted from that position of dependency.

If that doesn’t work, and we stand firm, then the enemy tries another strategy. He tries to make a breach between us and those who labor with us. He tries to split us up, divide us, create suspicion, smoldering resentments and personality conflicts. He tries to get us to not talk with each other, have nothing to do with one another, look down on others, cut them off from our fellowship and conversation and contact.

We often feel in spiritual warfare that every time we turn around, we’re under attack, and we never know when he will strike next and we have to be constantly on guard. But that isn’t true. We have only two things to watch: that we stand firm in one Spirit, and that we strive side by side together in the Gospel. That’s all. If we are careful to keep our eyes open to the power of God working within in these two areas, our conduct will become worthy of the Gospel of Christ. (RAY STEDMAN)

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Notices: August 8-9, 2020

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Editorial Team

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.

WORSHIP SERVICES
Please take note that Klang Wesley will continue with online Worship Services in August 2020, using live streaming. Visit the church website: www.klangwesley.com

FEDERAL & SELANGOR STATE GOVERNMENT SOPs
THOSE WHO CANNOT COME TO CHURCH YET:
1. Foreigners and Permanent Residents
2. Temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius.
3. Have BMI of above 40, severe hypertension or diabetes mellitus, live in a nursing home, haemoglobin disorders, immunocompromised, liver disease, serious heart condition, on kidney dialysis & chronic lung disease.

CHURCH STAFF MEETING
Please take note that the church staff meeting is held on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m-4:30 p.m. Kindly avoid calling the office staff then, unless it is very urgent.

CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 8:00 a.m.-8:30a.m.
Thursdays only @ 9:00pm-10:00 p.m.
Kindly contact church office for more information.

COLLECTIONS: JANUARY-JULY, 2020
Offering/Tithes & Others Year To Date RM562,902.46
Year 2020 Planned Expenses RM1,065,494
Actual vs Planned 53%
Missions Faith Pledge Year To Date RM30,556.00
Year 2020 Pledge Amount RM76,100
Actual vs Planned 40%

NECF 40-DAY FAST & PRAYER E-BOOKLET
Free e-copies Prayer Booklet (NECF) are available. Kindly ask church office staff to forward to you.

ABLAZE: TRAC WORSHIP FESTIVAL ONLINE CONFERENCE 2020
This online event is organized by TRAC Board of Worship & Music.
Dates : Saturdays, August 22 & 29,
September 5 & 12, 2020
Time : 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost : RM50 per person
For more information, register at:
bit.ly/TRACAblaze-Reg
Closing Date of Registration: August 15, 2020.

UP COMING EVENT (2020)
Aug 23 MW Sunday in Church
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

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Prayer Lists: August 9, 2020

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Editorial Team

Sunday, (Aug 9) – Pray that as citizens of heaven, we will not strive for this world’s values of money, power, pleasure and prestige. Pray that God will help us live a life that is worthy of Him, that like the apostle Paul, our whole purpose in life will be to speak out boldly for Christ, and to become more like Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower us to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel of grace, and strive side by side with our brothers and sisters in Christ for the faith of the Gospel. Pray that God will give us greater unity of purpose, and greater courage in the face of opposition so we can show the world that we are His children and Christ’s disciples.

Monday, (Aug 10) – Praise God that one of our Orang Asli (OA) teams was able to go back last Saturday, August 1, 2020, after a long break because of the MCO. Praise God that the 2 OA pastors are rising up in the area of discipling the OA adults, and helping the OA children with their education. Pray that the OA community will learn to be more self sufficient. Pray also for the OA Raub Hostel as the OA students have gone back to school. Pray for God’s wisdom for the warden and assiatant warden as they take care of the physical, spiritual and academic needs of the students. Pray that the students will settle well in the hostel and the school.

Tuesday, (Aug 11) – Pray that God who is the highest Judge will rule and reign in the judiciary system in our nation. Pray that He will put this system on the right path of righteousness and justice. Praise Him for the righteous verdicts that were carried out recently. Pray for God’s protection upon all the courageous judges and prosecuting lawyers and their families. Pray that all judges will abide by the guidelines and rules of the law of the land. Pray that God will direct the minds and hearts of the judges presiding over the high-profile cases that are ongoing, grant them courage to do that which is right.

Wednesday, (Aug 12) – The NECF 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting began on August 7, 2020 until September 15, 2020, with the theme Hearing the Holy Spirit for the Times We Live In. Confess before God that we have not walked closely with Him as He commanded, that we slack in prayer and in the study of His Word, that we often walk in pride and lust after the things of the world, that we do not endeavour to renew our mind and walk in holiness, and we are not enthusiastic in wanting to obey His voice. Pray that we will humbly repent and take time to faithfully come before God daily to listen to what He is saying to the spirit of our inner man during these 40 days of prayer and fasting.

Thursday, (Aug 13) – Health frontliners, battle-scarred when Covid-19 was at its peak in the country, are appealing to the rakyat not to let up in ther precautions against the virus. This comes about as cities from Melbourne to Manila are seeing a surge in infections. Pray that the public will strictly comply with all the SOPs the government has set in place, and that the authorities will enforce them diligently. As many of the new cases of infections are from people who have returned from overseas, pray that these people will faithfully adhere to the 2-week quarantine period and diligently follow all the SOPs for returnees.

Friday, (Aug 14) – The TRAC Executive Board meeting will be held tomorrow, August 15, 2020. Pray for TRAC President, Rev Dr T. Jeyakumar, as he chairs this Zoom meeting. Prior to MCO time, the meeting was scheduled to be held in Port Dickson. Pray that the Conference will wind down smoothly as the quadrennium ends in a few months’ time. Pray that all the Boards will be able to carry out unfinished business. Pray that TRAC pastors and churches will continue to look to God for guidance and strength during this RMCO period.

Saturday, (Aug 15) – A massive explosion at a port in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, has injured thousands, including children, with the death toll so far surpassing 100. Pray for the injured and the families of those who lost their lives. Pray for the hospitals and emergency services who are struggling to cope with the magnitude of this disaster on top of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pray that the international community will bury their differences and generously provide humanitarian assitance, medical aid and help with rebuilding the port which is the key entry point for food and other essential resources.

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Recorded Live Streaming Worship Service – 1st & 2nd Aug 2020

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Editorial Team

Title: Disciples Advance The Gospel Using Every Opportunity
Scripture Text: Philippians 1: 1-18
Preacher: Rev Ashok Amarasingham

We are celebrating Holy Communion this weekend. Please prepare the elements before starting the video.

 

SERMON NOTES:

1) INTRODUCTION
1.1 Let’s Discuss Covid-19 and Church Worship Service

1.1.1 PTL! The government allowed churches to open the doors (as of June 2020)

1.1.2 Pre-MCO Days (before March 18, 2020)
• Church doors open wide. All are welcome.
• No pre-recorded service. No house family worship.
• Average weekend attendance = 280.

1.1.3 MCO Days (until July 11)
• Church doors are shut by Order of Government
• Everyone worships at home using pre-recorded service
• Some people don’t know how to use internet, etc

1.1.4 RMCO Days (July 11 till now)
• Dual system: Come to Church OR Worship at home.
• SOP states only Malaysians are allowed in church!
• Hence, life-streaming continues

1.1.5 What happened to the average attendance…
• Pre-MCO = 280 pax
• Now = 95 pax
• Difference about 185 pax?

1.1.5.1 The SOP bars people from coming to church…
• Red MyKad holders (PR) & Foreigners.
• People in the list of medical conditions.
• Temperature of that day more than 37.5 degrees Celsius.
• Having issues wearing mask in church.

1.1.5.2 More Reasons…
• My children cannot sit still
• No family bubble seating in church.
• If one family member cannot come to church, all stay at home.
• FEARFUL of Covid-19 in church
• If I don’t come to church, the seat can be given up for another.
• TOO COMFORTABLE & TOO CONVENIENT worshipping at home.

1.1.6 A Final Note
• Life streaming is only meant for people who genuinely cannot come to church and have to worship God at home- but not for ALL & SUNDRY!
• Where there is a will, there is a way!
• God forbid but if Klang becomes a Red Zone or there is a lockdown – then the church doors will close for worship service. Let us return to church NOW to worship God.

1.2 Focus for Today
Discipleship fosters closer fellowship that strengthens partnerships to advance the gospel by any means.

2) PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL POSITIVELY BUILD UP EACH OTHER TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL
2.1 Paul could not be Apostle to the Gentiles (Gal 2:8) alone. He needed partners in the gospel.

2.2 “In my mind” (1:3)…Paul used good memories of the Philippians to tell them…

2.3 “In my heart” (1:7)…Paul acknowledged that the Philippians stood with Paul in his current imprisonment and defence/confirmation of the gospel.

2.4 “In my prayers” (1:9)…Paul knew the power of prayer that cannot be shackled by imprisonment or anything else.

2.5 Practical Application
2.5.1 There can never be discipleship and partnership in the gospel advancement without building up each other in love.

• Avoid the black dot on the white paper syndrome. Begin by celebrating good effort/work done by people.

• Learn how to use the five languages of love to strengthen people. They are words of affirmation, acts of service, spending time, physical touch & giving gifts.

2.5.2 Never underestimate the power of prayer where God can do the ultimate because the gospel is God’s gospel.

3) THE GOSPEL CAN AND MUST ADVANCE DESPITE NEGATIVE SET BACKS
3.1 Despite Paul’s imprisonment, the gospel has been proclaimed by Paul and others (1: 12-14).

3.2 There emerged two groups of people proclaiming the gospel motivated by diametrically opposite forces (1: 15-17)

3.3 What was Paul’s conclusion? Praise God that as long as the gospel is proclaimed (more & more)- Paul rejoices! (1: 18)

3.4 Practical Application
3.4.1 Stephen (Acts 6-7) and Paul are sterling examples of witnessing for Christ (Acts 1: 8). Only difference was Stephen ended only in Jerusalem but Paul, to the ends of the earth.

3.4.2 For gospel sharing and salvation, the bottom line: “the more it is done, the merrier” eg Evangelistic Dinner, Healing Rally, XEE, over the internet (motivation does not matter).

3.4.3 However for long term discipleship – we all need good solid Biblical teaching and learning – so that we become fully mature disciples of Christ.

4) CONCLUSION

Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
Account #: 464937
* Copyright License – 31/07/2021
* Song@Select Advance – 31/07/2021
* Streaming License – 31/07/2021

 

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How Suffering Serves To Advance The Gospel

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Editorial Team

Paul is going to challenge you to view your adversity in light of its Kingdom contribution. In doing so, he insists that adversity does not hinder the Gospel; rather, it advances the Gospel. Paul puts it like this: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” (Philippians 1:12-13)

Even though Paul’s imprisonment may have seemed like a setback, it actually served to advance the Gospel among those in Rome. In God’s sovereignty, the Lord ordained Paul’s imprisonment in Rome so many people would hear the Gospel who would not otherwise have heard it. Furthermore, many of these people are significant and influential people, who in the future, have a great impact for God. Although God closes a prison door behind Paul, He opens a new door for the Gospel. Always remember, Jesus is Lord even in prison! He has His people behind bars so they can spread the Gospel! This is why Paul cares more about the progress of the Gospel than his own problems. He is confident that God is always at work. And he believes that you can have your best witness in your worst circumstances.

Similarly, God uses your painful circumstances to advance His Gospel. You may not like your job, your school, your neighborhood, or your marriage, but God has you “chained up” to some people who need Christ. Have you ever stopped to ponder the fact that God placed you in your school so that you might share Christ? Have you realized that God gave you a particular job in order for you to share Christ with your boss and coworkers? Are you aware of the fact that God directed you to buy a house in a particular neighborhood with neighbors who need to hear about His Son? There are no mistakes or coincidences. God has a plan and He is advancing His kingdom through YOU.

Adversity will come to you sooner or later. Unfortunately, you’re not given a choice about most of the things that happen to you. You’re in one of three situations: Either you’re in a trial right now, or you’re just coming out of a trial, or you’re about to enter a trial and just don’t know it yet. But opportunity knocks whenever you experience a tragedy or trial. Thus, you must train yourself to see every tragedy as a divine opportunity to advance the Gospel. The question is not, “Is what’s happening to me fair?” but instead, “Is what’s happening to me accomplishing something for God? Is what’s happening to me being useful to God in some way? Is it furthering His purposes in the world?” (KEITH KRELL)

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