A New and Living Way

We managed to gather again for fellowship over breakfast in Air Itam market. Fellowship is an important part of our faith. Coming together to support one another is an experience that allows us to learn, gain strength, and show the world exactly what God is.

Besides providing encouragement, fellowship helps us grow and makes us stronger.  It also reminds us that we are not alone.

Hebrews 10:24-25 shares this idea, saying, "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (NASB)

Christian's Fellowship

We were blessed that we habitually  have the privilege to gather and fellowship together with God's people.

We managed to meet up with an old church member of over 30 years over dinner.

We had mee goreng, kueh teow goreng and roti planta at Restoran Nasi Kandar JR MAJU before adjourning to Gurney Drive for our desserts. We had Pinacolada, Paris Brest, Chempedak Cheese Cake, accompanied with Cappuccino and Latte.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (NASB)

God’s Design for Marriage - Peter Tan Chi

God’s Design for Marriage - Peter Tan Chi

God knew that it was not good for Adam to be alone so He made Eve, an “ezer kenegdo” for him (Genesis 2:18). “Ezer kenegdo” means life giver and support.

Commitment.  Marriage transfers your loyalty from parents to your spouse (Genesis 2:24-25).

Exclusivity.  God designed marriage to be monogamous; no extramarital parties.  Marriage is between a man and a woman (Mark 10:6-8).

Permanent.  God’s design is for husband and wife to stay together regardless of past failures or present feelings.  No one is to separate them (Mark 10:9-12).

For Pleasure and Enjoyment.  A husband and wife are to enjoy oneness and intimacy in marriage.  Sex is beautiful and enjoyable in the context of marriage (Proverbs 5:18-19).

A Picture of Our Relationship with God.  It was designed to help us better understand God and His love for us, and to pass on a godly legacy.

Following God’s Design

Wives are to submit and respect their husbands as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22).

Hope in Christ:  God will take care of you.  He is your source of security (Hebrews 6:19).

Encourage:  It is a command to intentionally encourage him daily (Hebrews 3:13).

Respect:  Honor, esteem, love, and admire him exceedingly (Ephesians 3:55).

Submit:  Share your opinion, but always follow his decision (1 Peter 3:1-5).

Husbands are to lead and love their wives and children as Christ loved the church.

Lead and Love (No Blame):  You are responsible before God for your family.

Example (No Excuse):  You should not allow your family to use you as an excuse not to follow God.

Affirm (No Insecurity):  Be generous in affirming your wife and children.

Disciple (No Negligence):  Always mentor your wife and children.

Children, it is God’s command for you to honor your parents. Make an intentional effort to appreciate, love, and care for them (Ephesians 6:1-3).

God is our Designer and our Maker. He knows and wants the best for us. The more intimate we are with God, the more we follow Him. For best results in life, follow God’s design.

A Relationship with God, the life giver

One swallow does not make a spring nor one hot day a summer; nor will a few minutes of frantic praying before service bring out the tender buds or make the flowers to appear on the earth.  The field must be soaked in sunshine over a long period before it will give forth its treasures.  The Christian's heart must be soaked in prayer before the true spiritual fruits begin to grow.  As the field has learned to live intimately and sympathetically with the rain and the sunshine, so must the Christian learn to live with God. - A.W. Tozer 

Genesis records, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26).

God loves us and offers a wonderful plan for our life.

God’s Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

God’s Plan

[Jesus Christ speaking] “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” [that it might be full and meaningful]. John 10:10 (NIV)

Though we have believed in God and followed Him now, if we don’t seek and practice the truth, if we are unable to revere and obey God, give our hearts to God, or live before God, then we won’t have a normal relationship with God.  If so, we will lose God’s enlightenment and guidance, and furthermore, maybe we will be abandoned and eliminated by God.  Therefore, establishing a proper relationship with God is crucial for us.

To established a proper relationship, we must give our hearts to God and allow Him to take charge.  We also need to have prayer and association with God, and obtain the guidance of the work of the Holy Spirit.
We must frequently read God’s words, and practice God’s words.  We also must seek to love God in our hearts and practice loving God, and allow God to take charge and hold power in all things.