Christians Live Healthier and Longer

Christian Fellowship UK did a survey and found that Christians live healthier and longer life span. It was reported African American who are Christians live 14 years longer than non believers of this category.

From general observation in Churches in Malaysia you can observed that very few Christians smoke. Smoking is one of the important risk factor of many diseases. Christians also generally involved in healthy life-style like exercising regularly, do not eat excessively, and practice healthy habits.

A quote: "The report notes that the mental health benefits for believers include: “well-being, happiness and life satisfaction; hope and optimism; purpose and meaning in life; higher self-esteem; better adaptation to bereavement; greater social support and less loneliness; lower rates of depression and faster recovery from depression; lower rates of suicide and fewer positive attitudes towards suicide; less anxiety; less psychosis and fewer psychotic tendencies; lower rates of alcohol and drug abuse; less delinquency and criminal activity; greater marital stability and satisfaction.”

Although there are many physical benefits from being a Christians, the report cautioned:

“Christians should not promote health benefits as the primary reason for coming to faith in Christ. Jesus came into the world to work a far deeper transformation in human lives than simply curing disease.”

To read the full report click on the title of this post.

Face Book - The Bible Page

Recently Christian Post reported that the Bible page on Face Book has more fans than Justin Bieber and other celebrities. It said that this statistics were from www.Allfacebook.com, after checking the site, it was the number of interactions on a week before 11th April 2011 that were exceeding those of celebrities. During that week,Face Book Bible has 905,000 interactions whereas Bieber only had 872,000. Face Book Bible page has about 6.8 million fans, and Justin has about 24 million. Most important was that many people are reading the Bible via its Face Book page. It was reported that :

"What’s more, just over half of the Bible page fans (51%) are under 25-years-old.

“Young people come to the Bible page with questions about the Christian faith. They ask deeply thoughtful, intelligent and searching questions about the teachings in the Bible,” says Pleace.

“We have the opportunity to address each question individually. We pray for these young people and we’ve been blessed to see some of them come to faith.”

It is not only Christians who are coming to The Bible page, but atheists and Muslims too. They are welcome too, says Pleace ".

Glory to God, that young people are learning about Jesus from Face Book. Despite the many negative things about Face Book, at least this is good news. Praise God!

To read the statistic on AllFacebook.com click on the title.

Lee Strobel - Christ's Resurrection

Best selling author of books like The Case for Christ was a non believer about 30 years ago. When his wife converted to Christianity, he wanted to disprove Christianity by investigating whether what the Bible claims were true, especially the resurrection of Jesus. Strobel was a journalist and he was trained to investigate into the facts of the stories he was reporting. The more he investigated, the more he found the truth in the Bible and in particular the death and resurrection of Jesus.

He said, “One by one, my objections evaporated,” Strobel penned in the WSJ. “I read books by skeptics, but their counter-arguments crumbled under the weight of the historical data. No wonder atheists so often come up short in scholarly debates over the resurrection.

“In the end, after I had thoroughly investigated the matter, I reached an unexpected conclusion: it would actually take more faith to maintain my atheism than to become a follower of Jesus.”

There are many skeptics of Christianity who investigated the facts of the Bible and became believers.

To read the full article click on the title of this post.

The Case for Christ video

Why We Celebrate Easter?

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, a very important day to Christians. But why do we celebrate it?

Watch this video.

Good Friday - 22.4.11

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Universalism

Barna reserch group did a survey in the US to find out what born again Christians believe about salvation. One quarter of these Christians believed that eventually all people will be accepted by God. This is universalism. Barna defines it as "as the belief that all human beings will eventually be saved after death." Personally, I feel this kind of view is disturbing because it means these Christians do not really accept the teaching of Jesus in the Bible, and if this is the case, Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross is of little meaning because these people believe that no matter what you believe eventually God will accept you.

From my own observation, people who are born-again, meaning they also received the Holy Spirit, believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Also from observation, it seem that norminal Christians tend to believe in universalism.

To read the full article of the survey click on the title of this post.

Watch this video to understand better as a Christian.

End Time Confusion

Probably many ordinary people understand about end-time as prophesied in the Bible. I am one of these ordinary people.

Dr.Jim Dixon wrote a book entitled Last Thing Revealed to help Christians understand the teachings in the Bible about this subject and to grow in faith before the end comes.

He said many scholars disagree about the details of end time, but many agreed on some of the signs. He said: "Another key sign is natural calamity, Dixon said. He pointed to the "amazing" numbers of earthquakes, including the ones in Chile, New Zealand, and most recently Japan, as examples".

"Other end times signs include pestilence and famine. Scientists are now creating genetically-engineered pestilence and there are about 2 billion people who make $1-2 a day and are starving. There are also the signs of moral erosion of Judeo-Christian values in the world and the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 and the return of the Jewish people to their homeland.

"All these things are certainly signs of the time. I think there are many indicators that the return of Christ could be relatively soon," remarked Dixon

For people who fear the end-time, the best they can do is to believe in Jesus our Savior.

To read the whole article click on the title of this post

Watch a video on end time.

Focus on Jesus

This morning, Pastor Richard Sim preached on "Focus on Jesus". This is also one of the ethos of our church.

He referred to Mark 10:17-22, this was the story of the rich young man who wanted eternal life, he told Jesus that he has obeyed God's commands since young. Jesus told him that if he wanted eternal life he has to sell all his property give to the poor and follow Him. But this young man could not because he wanted wealth as well as eternal life. He focused on wealth and not Jesus.

Matt 14:25-31 This was the story of Peter seeing Jesus walking on the water and he asked to join Him. Jesus told him to come, he did walk on water for a while, but sank when he lost focus on Jesus.

In both these stories, we can see that people get into troubles once they lose focus on Jesus. Pastor Richard reminded us that before the state election on 16th April, 2011 there were a few prayer rallies organized to pray for the state of Sarawak and the political situation. Now the election is over, we have to continue to focus on Jesus.

Pastor Richard said, Roman 8:31 "If God is for us who can be against us?"

Good Friday

Sarawak State Election

Tomorrow 16th April 2011 will be the date for the 10th Sarawak state election. D-day on 16th April 2011!

This election is historic, never before were there so much activities both in the political and spiritual arenas. Almost all Federal Ministers are here to campaign for the National Parties (BN). Even the Prime Minister is staying for one whole week here in Sarawak to support BN ! Effectively he has taken over the management of the election campaign. This is never heard of in Malaysia. The stake is high for BN because this state election is a barometer for the coming general election.

Spiritually, at least from the Christian view point, this period has been unprecedented in the history of Christianity in this country. The fervency in worship and the unity amongst the Christians community has been tremendous. One can witness this spiritual highs when attending the several prayer rallies organized in Kuching the past few weeks. Not only that, Christians all over the country are praying for this Sarawak state election. Sarawak is a Christian state, about 43% of its people are Christians.

Christians in this nation prayed that the new state government will be a fair and just government. It should also grant religious freedom to all its people. We pray for peace in this country and all its people are treated fairly by the government. We also pray for a peaceful, fair election process tomorrow in all the polling stations in Sarawak. We also pray that all eligible Christians will go out to cast their votes. We have prayed and may our Lord guide us in our decision. In Jesus Most Precious Name, Amen.

To read some news from an online newspaper, click on the title of this post.

Pray Before Crisis Hits

Most of us tend to pray when we are facing crisis or problems. However, this is not what God is teaching us. According to Pastor Alan Phua of Singapore Baptist Convention we should pray before crisis hits. He said people do not pray because they attributed their success as their own effort. We should pray often so that when crisis hits, God is there to hold our hands. For those who are too busy to pray, he said:

"It is this: the work that they are so busy with and the success that they experienced are all from God.

He said: "You may at this moment because of success be blinded by what you think is your own achievement."

We also need to pray intelligently and know what we are praying, he said.

This reminded me of the prayer meeting that Kuching Minister Fellowship arranged last evening to pray for Sarawak and our nation. There were 7 locations in the city where Christians gathered to pray for the coming state election, Christians issues, and the state of our nation. People were praying fervently for our Lord to intercede to bring in a fair and just government. We had a live internet connection to a church in Sabah praying for us in Sarawak! We also prayed for the people of Sabah. In fact, several churches in Kuala Lumpur were praying at the same time our service here was going on. Praise God for the unity of the Body of Christ! We also heard the speaker said Christians in Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong were also praying for us. Glory to God for bringing so many of us together to pray for specific purposes. Certainly this is intelligent prayers.

To read the Singapore Baptist Convention article click on the title of this post

Promise of Persecution

What have been happening in Malaysia recently regarding the Malay Bible issues and other issues the Christians are having with the authority are forms of persecution. These are mild forms as compared to many around the world that we read in the news.

Secular historians agreed that there were 10 major persecutions against Christians over the ages. In fact, in a recent survey it was found that 75% of religious persecution is against Christians worldwide.

One of the inspiring story of persecution, was that of Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp. He was martyred in AD 155 because he would not denounce Jesus Christ as Lord even though he was ordered by the Roman Proconsul. He was burnt on the stake to death.

Persecution appeared to be beneficial to the Christian faith. Like the 10 major persecutions in the past was supposed to wipe out Christianity, but they did not. Christians became stronger.

Persecution has unify Christians, even today we can witness this in Egypt, China, Sudan, Malaysia etc.

Jesus said " 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20).

Jesus has warned us that we will be persecuted if we chose to follow Him.

To read the full story click on the title of this post.

10-Point Solution End of Bible Issue ?

Today in The Star, the government said the 10-point solution is the end of the Bahasa Bible(Malay Bible) issue. Really ?

The Home Ministry Secretary General said he has received instruction from Datuk Idris Jala to retamp the 30,000 Bibles with "Invalidated by KDN" ( KDN Malay language for Home Ministry). Datuk Idris Jala had also on 9th April met with Association of Sarawak Churches (ACS) to explain the 10-point solution. There will be no more stamp or serial numbers on the Bibles for the future, Bibles can be printed or imported into Sarawak. This appeared that the Bahasa Bibles for East Malaysia - Sarawak and Sabah seemed to be solved.

However, there was no news about similar case in Peninsula. Recently after the announcement of the 10-point we heard that Christians organizations disagree with the double standard regarding the Bahasa Bible, that is stamping, serial numbers for Peninsula and non for East Malaysia.

At this juncture, it appears that the Bible issue is long from over. Christians Federation of Malaysia(CFM), had asked all Christians to remain calm in resolving this issue and many other issues that are outstanding.

As Christians we continue to pray for peace for this nation, and for a rational government who is sensitive to Christians as well as others in our country. Let all Christians be united in prayers in obedience to our God because He commanded us to pray unceasingly.

To read the news article click on the title of this post.

What Would Happen If We Didn't Pray?

"Prayer is one of the unlimited resources available to each of us. In this bound-up world, prayer may be a lost art, but it is always the starting point when we move toward God. In prayer we set aside our agendas, letting God's priorities become our priorities, and we receive his resources".

John F. Westfall

Calamities Judgment of God?

With the recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many people are thinking that perhaps these calamities were God's judgment on the people. These disasters seem to come close to each other, like after the tsunami, Myanmar experienced an earthquake too. There were floods in Thailand and Malaysia also.

However, a recent survey done in the US found that most Americans do not see the disasters as God's judgment but natural disasters are caused by climate change. But evangelical Christians think otherwise :

White evangelical Protestants are the exception to this pattern. Among evangelicals, about six-in-10 (59 percent) believe natural disasters are a sign from God, and a smaller majority (53 percent) believe that God judges nations for the sins of some of their citizens. Only one-in-five white mainline Protestants or Catholics believe God punishes nations for the sins of some.

People from countries where their relatives have been tortured and killed during World War II may think the tsunami was punishment of God on the people of Japan for the killing their armies did during that time.

One thing that is heart warming, is that people from all over the world (including those hurt by Japan during WW II)send help to Japan. This is a sign of forgiveness and reconciliation.

No matter how hard it is to forgive, as Christians we have to follow the commands of our God.

"If you forgive men when they sin against you your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14

To read more click on title of this post.

Prayer Rally for Sarawak and Our Nation

Last evening, yet again we witness the out pouring of the spirit of Christians in Kuching. Churches throughout Sarawak were praying at the same time too. This prayer rally was organized in three churches, Calvary Church for English speaking, Good news Fellowship for Bahasa Malaysia and Iban, and Blessed Church for Mandarin speaking. At Calvary where I attended, the crowds filled up the whole church. It was reported the same situation went to the two other churches. Our fellow brothers and sisters in Peninsular were also joining in the prayers through the work of NECF. Christians in Sabah are also praying for Sarawak.

Starting from 5th April to 12th April 2011 all Christians will be praying on five prayers points: 1)Thank God for Sarawak, 2)Pray for the state election 3)pray for incoming state government 4)pray for people of Sarawak, 5)pray for religious freedom and revival in our nation.

The worship last evening was fervent and spirit filled, as we witnessed the worshipers crying out to God on all the five prayer points. People were grouped into smaller groups to pray over the 5 points, each point taken by different pastors present. Praise God, that those present could really feel the presence of our God!

In our midst was Pastor Teo from Assembly of God, KL. She brought alone a prayer team to pray for Sarawak, and she was encouraged to witness our unity. We thank all of brothers and sisters in Peninsular for their prayers.

Thank God again for the out pouring of our spirits and the unity of all Christians to stand up and be counted in the religious realm as well as political future of this state and our nation.

To read an on line news report on this prayer rally click on the title of this post.

Video

From 2011-04-06 Prayer Meeting

Christian Groups Cautious

As the Christians are welcoming the positive change over the Bahasa Bibles ( Malay Bibles) issue, the Home Minister dropped a bombshell by implying that the Federal Government may renege from the 10-point solution released over the weekend.

Before the Home Minister's comments, Christians Federation Malaysia (CFM)said that if the government is sincere they should drop the appeal to the "Allah" legal case. CFM and other Christians leaders also expressed their cautions over the 10-point solution because over the years the government had on many occasions reneged on what they promised to the Christians community. Sure enough before the Christians can digest the 10-point solution, the Home Minister made his remarks stated above.

All Christians will continue to pray for peaceful and matured solutions to all these issues.

Read the full article by clicking on the title of this post.

10-Point Solution to Bibles Issues

Glory to God, for the latest development regarding the Bahasa Bibles ( Malay Bibles ) issue! Yesterday, Datuk Idris Jala, a Christian, Minister in the Prime Minister's department announced a 10-point solutions to the Bible issue. The gist is that the Bibles can be imported in all languages including Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, they can be printed in Malaysia, no restrictions at all for Bibles in Sarawak and Sabah in view of the large Christians population, in Peninsula, the Bibles will bear words "Christian Publication", and also a Cross,etc. ( You can read the details by clicking on the title of this post).

As Christians we can witness the power of prayers by all Christians in Malaysia. Christians have been praying fervently over these issues as well as the political situations in Malaysia for sometime now. However, we never witness this kind of unity amongst the Christians. On 24th March, the Sarawak Ministers Fellowship organized a Prayer Rally in Kuching attended by nearly 3000 Christians from all walks of life, races, and denominations. Hallelujah! Praise God!

Some say that the government reacted so quickly regarding the Bible issues is because of the coming Sarawak state election. Whatever it is, we know God has a hand in this outcome and even the two events ( Bible issues and state election) happening close to each other.

We thank God for all His help and His intervention in these events, and we continue to pray for Him to strengthen all Christians to uphold His Words and be obedient to His commands.

Biggest Discovery Since Dead Sea Scrolls ?

Watch this news video.

Persecution of Christians

The recent cases involving the Bahasa Bibles (Malay Bibles)being retained by the authority as well as the ban on the use of the word "Allah" to refer to God has highlighted the plight of Christians in Malaysia. In our case, the persecution may be subtle, like banning the Bahasa Bible as well as use of "Allah", the issue is that all Christians worry that this situation may worsen in the future if nothing is being done. All that Christians in Malaysia is asking is the restoration of our rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution - nothing more.

A UK Catholic organization did a survey which says of all religious persecution in the world, 75% is against Christians. The survey were done on 33 countries. It was also found that in countries where nationalism is rising, persecutions against Christians increased.

To read more click on the title of this post.

Watch this video, it may be a few years old, persecution against Christians still holds true.