Title: Being Strong In The Lord
Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10 – 24
Preacher: Rev Gaurri Maniam
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Account #: 464937
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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.
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 20 & 21, 2021)
Sermon Title: Truth And Faith
Scripture Text: John 8: 31-32; 14: 1-7
Speaker: Mr Stephen Cheah
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.
SEMINAR ON PARENTING YOUTH
(via ZOOM)
Date: Sunday, November 14, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Speaker: Pastor Andy Yeoh (Associate Pastor in Acts Church Subang Jaya)
Registration: Contact Raymond & Elaine Tan at 019-3832868
Meeting ID: 524 487 2890
Password: 123773
METHODIST WOMEN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
(via ZOOM)
Date: Saturday, November 27, 2021
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 818 2139 7478
Password: 725982
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: Submitting To One Another
Scripture: Ephesians 5:21 – 6:9
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
Christ stands everyone on their head when it comes to submission. And when it comes to submission, don’t be fooled, Paul lets no one off of the hook.
We have seen that submission applies to Christ. Think of Christ’s entrance into this world — manger — cow’s stall, poverty, no financial means — He who was rich became poor — no social power — lived life as a servant — died as a criminal — died in submission to our needs — continues to be our Advocate before the Father — continues to intercede — continues to live among us. Paul writes, “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy…” (Ephesians 5:25-26)
Submission applies to the church. For a church to refuse to submit to the authority of Christ would be to deny its very right to exist in the first place. That is the very nature of the church, she submits to Christ. Without that submission she is no longer the church. It is through that very submission to Christ that we become washed, sanctified and cleansed. It is through submission that we become a member of Christ’s Body. To deny that submission would be to deny that we are a part of Christ’s Body.
Submission applies to men as well as women. For a woman to deny submission to her husband would be to deny the very nature of the marriage relationship. For a man to refuse to submit himself to the needs of his wife would be paramount to Christ denying submission to His church or the church denying submission to Christ. It would be like Christ denying His oneness with the church. The woman is to submit to the husband just as the husband is to submit to Christ. Yet, in this relationship where Christ is totally submitted to our needs, we are led full circle to being in subjection to one another through Christ. To fail to submit is to deny Christ. To fail to submit is to deny ourselves the ability to fill our deepest need through submission to one another. It is through this profound relationship that we become the Body of Christ and members of one another.
Submission applies to fathers and children. “Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” (Ephesians 6:4, THE MESSAGE)
Submission applies to slaves (servants) and masters. Paul wrote, “Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real Master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.” (Ephesians 6:5-9, THE MESSAGE)
What would this approach to problem solving do for our homes, our congregations and our workplaces?
(JAMES R. DAVIS)
Sunday, (Nov 7) – Pray that the Holy Spirit will help us who reverence Christ to be submissive to each other. Pray that husbands and wives will choose to submit to each other – that the Lord will help wives to respect their husbands, and husbands to be loving and considerate towards their wives. Pray that parents and children will choose to submit to each other, that the Lord will help children to obey their parents, and parents will act in the best interests of their children, and not provoke or frustrate them. Pray that employers and employees will submit to each other, and God will help employees render the work for which they are paid, and employers to be fair and show kindness to their employees.
Monday, (Nov 8) – Pray for the Nation: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that polling day for the Melaka state elections will be on November 20, 2021, with nominations to take place today (November 8, 2021). Pray that this state elections will not undermine the successes made in containing the pandemic as what had happened at the Sabah state elections last year. Pray for protection against another coronavirus outbreak during campaigning and voting. Pray for God to raise only men and women of integrity who will work for the good of the people of Melaka and the nation. Pray that all deceitful political ploys and manipulations will be nullified.
Tuesday, (Nov 9) – Wesley Methodist Church, Klang will resume in-person worship services on the 13 & 14 of November 2021. Pray for all preparations to go on smoothly. Pray for God’s protection to be upon all people who would be coming back to church. Pray that God would help us re-connect with one another. Pray that we would be able to encourage and edify one another with our presence in church.
Wednesday, (Nov 10) – Praise God that more than 95% of the adult population and about 50% of the teenagers have been fully vaccinated. Pray that parents and guardians will ensure that their teenagers will keep their second vaccine dose appointments as schools are now reopening in stages, and teenagers who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated run the risk of contracting COVID-19. Pray that parents will continue to be vigilant to protect their children as there are many cases of the very infectious Delta variant of the virus. Pray that the Ministry of Health will soon come out with concrete plans to immunise children below 12 years old.
Thursday, (Nov 11) – Pray for the Parenting Youth Webinar that will be held this coming Sunday, November 14, 2021. Pray for the speaker. Pastor Andy Yeoh, for wisdom and insight from God as he prepares the message. Pray that what he shares will fall on fertile soil, and the parents will learn and apply the principles learnt so they will be able to build strong and loving relationships with their teenage children. Pray for good attendance from parents, that they will be willing to sacrifice their Sunday afternoon to attend the webinar. Pray for the two moderators, the host and co-hosts to work well together in unity. Pray for good, strong and stable internet connection throughout the webinar.
Friday, (Nov 12) – 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 is less than one month away, and will be held online on 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 good health for them and for God’s protection upon then and their respective families.
Saturday, (Nov 13) – Pray for the World: In India, many Christians face extreme persecution. Praise God that many are coming to faith through miraculous healing from COVID-19 and the witness of Christians. Pray for protection for those from Hindu backgrounds who have chosen to follow Christ as they may become targets of conservative religious nationalists. Pray for village churches to be protected from violent attacks. Pray for the Christians for courage, love and wisdom to know when and how to share their faith. Pray also that they will continue to stand strong in their faith.