GotQuestions.org - Question of the Week
Question: "Where is God now? Where is God when it hurts?"
Answer: The Bible teaches that God reigns over the nations from His holy throne in Heaven (Psalm 47:8; Isaiah 6:1, 66:1; Hebrews 4:16). Even though we know that God's presence is in some sense uniquely in Heaven, the teachings of Scripture also make it clear that God is omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time). From the beginning of Scripture, we see the presence of God hovering over the earth, even when it was still formless and empty (Genesis 1:2). God filled the world with His creation, and His presence and glory continue to inhabit the whole earth (Numbers 14:21). There are many examples throughout Scripture of God's presence moving amidst the earth, interacting with His creation (Genesis 3:8, Deuteronomy 23:14, Exodus 3:2, 1 Kings 19:11-18, Luke 1:35, Acts 16:7). Hebrews 4:13 says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must given an account." Jeremiah 23:24 exclaims, "'Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord." Psalm 139 is an amazing study in God's omnipresence.
Where is God? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God is with you, beside you, above you, and inside you. God's presence and watchful care never leaves you. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, God is right in front of you, inviting you, drawing you, offering you the love, mercy, and grace that He longs to give you. If you are unsure of your relationship with God through Jesus Christ, please read our article on how to " Get right with God." Perhaps a better question than "Where is God?" is "Where are you, in relationship to God?"
Where is God when it hurts? It seems we desire to know the answer to this question most when faced with painful trials and attacks of doubt. Even Jesus, during His crucifixion, asked, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). To the onlookers of that time, as well as to those who first read the story, it seems that God did forsake Jesus, so we obviously conclude that He will forsake us as well in our darkest moments. Yet, upon continued observation of the events that unfolded after the crucifixion, the truth was revealed that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death (Romans 8:37-39). After Jesus was crucified, He was glorified (1 Peter 1:21, Mark 16:6,19; Romans 4:24-25). From this example alone we can be assured that even when we do not feel God's presence in the midst of our pain, we can still believe His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). "God sometimes permits what he hates to accomplish what He loves." (Joni Erickson Tada)
We put our trust in the fact that God does not lie, He never changes, and His word stands true forever (Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Psalm 110:4, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 7:21, 13:8, James 1:17, 1 Peter 1:25). We do not lose heart over painful circumstances because we live by faith in every word that has proceeded from the mouth of God, not putting our hope in what is seen or perceived. We trust God that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs all the suffering that we will endure on this earth. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, because we know and believe that what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 5:7). We also trust God's Word, which says He is constantly working things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Even though we do not always see the good ends to which God is working things out, we can be assured that a time will come when we will understand and see more clearly.
Our lives are like the illustration of a quilt. If you look at the back side of a quilt, all you see is a mess of knots and loose ends hanging out all over. It is very unattractive and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to the work. Yet when you turn the quilt over, you see how the maker has craftily woven together each strand to form a beautiful creation, much like the life of a believer (Isaiah 64:8). We live with a limited understanding for the things of God, yet a day is coming when we will know and understand all things (Job 37:5, Isaiah 40:28 Ecclesiastes 11:5, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 John 3:2). Where is God when it hurts? The message to take with you in hard times is that when you can't see His hand, trust His heart, and know for certain that He has not forsaken you. When you seem to have no strength of your own, that's when you can most fully rest in His presence and know that His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Recommended Resource: Where is God when it Hurts? by Philip Yancey.
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Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Rebecca's 1st Birthday
Today is the FIRST birthday of our super adorable youngest GG member - Rebecca.
Blessed and happy birthday to her!
Best wishes,
From all the Uncles, Aunties, Cheh-chehs and Kokos.
Blessed and happy birthday to her!
Best wishes,
From all the Uncles, Aunties, Cheh-chehs and Kokos.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
2 Boys and 1 Girl
The 'Balinese' Boys.
2 Boys and 1 Girl - Reuel (middle), Jordan and Rebecca.
(At Antioch Centre, 15 April 2007)
Ministers For God's Purposes
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Main Points
1) We share the gospel in the fear of the Lord.
2) That is why our motives must be pure.
3) We are committed to evangelism because we have been transformed by the love of God.
4) Indeed we no longer view life from a wordly point of view.
5) God has reconciled the world to Himself through the death of Christ.
6) And He has made us His ambassadors, appealing to the world through us.
7) Therefore we continue to commit ourselves to the ministry of evangelism.
(By Dr Tan Soo Inn)
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Main Points
1) We share the gospel in the fear of the Lord.
2) That is why our motives must be pure.
3) We are committed to evangelism because we have been transformed by the love of God.
4) Indeed we no longer view life from a wordly point of view.
5) God has reconciled the world to Himself through the death of Christ.
6) And He has made us His ambassadors, appealing to the world through us.
7) Therefore we continue to commit ourselves to the ministry of evangelism.
(By Dr Tan Soo Inn)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Easter at Bukit Beruntung
The backdrop.
Preparing for worship.
The congregation.
Our Baptism candidate - Warren.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Reuel turns 2 today!
Our charming and handsome toddler - Reuel is 2 years old today!
Blessed Birthday to you, Reuel.
May God continue to watch over you and bless you.
Blessed Birthday to you, Reuel.
May God continue to watch over you and bless you.
Easter Sunday Sermon
THE RADICAL DISCIPLE’S POWER & AUTHORITY
Easter Sunday
Jesus is Alive!
He has risen from the death
The Mighty Power of God
Had raised Jesus from the dead
Ephesians 1.18-2.5
Jesus is Alive!
He has risen from the death
The Mighty Power of God
Had raised Jesus from the dead
Ephesians 1.18-2.5
The Greatness of God’s Power
• Resurrection power is like no other power on earth
– It is unique, and has no possible rival
• It is the kind of power that operates in the midst of death & evil
– Therefore, if you learn to live by resurrection power you can be alive and vital when everything and everyone around you is dead and lifeless
• Resurrection power is irresistible
– Keep on keeping on
The Greatness of God’s Power
Paul’s prayer:
You & I (Christians) might keep on experiencing this incredible power of God in our lives
Resurrection power is at work in a disciple who believe
His past,
His present,
& His future!
The Consequences of God’s resurrection power at work in us
• The Believer’s PAST: We were spiritually DEAD (2.1)
We were captive to sin (Eph 2.1b, Romans 6.23)
We were under Satan’s control (Eph 2.3b)
Under the control of both sin and Satan—they are powerful allies
We were Dead!
• We were dead but we are made ALIVE!
“. . . but because of his great love for us, God . . . made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions”(Ephesians2.4-5)
We are set free from the prison of death
—so exercise our freedom! Walk free!
Satan is a disarmed and defeated foe (Col 2.15)
• FUTURE
Our confident hope of resurrection from death
“Death has been swallowed up in victory
Where, O death is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law
But thank be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15. 54b-57)
No longer afraid of death or evil
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentarily troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory far outweighs them all” (2Cor 4.16-17)
Recall Paul’s prayer in Eph 1.18:
You & I (Christians) might keep on experiencing this incredible power of God in our lives
Resurrection power is at work in us who believe presently
not only our past,
& in the future,
but also our present life,
The present consequences of God’s power at work in us
Resurrection life as our present experience
“. . . he (God) raised him (Jesus) from the dead & seated him at His right hand . . . far above all rule and authority . . .
and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms”! (Eph 1.21b-22, 2.5b)
The Present Consequences of God’s power at work in us
Alive, we has started to reign with Christ now—we are given authority and power from on high to be God’s kingdom ambassador
• He (Jesus) gave them power & authority (Luke 9.1-2, 10.19, 20)
• Learn to take authority. We are the head not the tail! This is the position we are in—it has nothing to do with our maturity
• It means we carry with us Jesus’ badge of authority
• Jesus has us covered
• The power that keep us keeping on
‘ . . . This all-surpassing power is from God . . . We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed”(2 Cor 4.7-11)
• The power to overcome the Enemy: “Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power . . . For our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world” (Eph 6.10-12)
God has given us power for “victory over the darkness”
The battle is ON & on going!
– Our mind the battle field
Acts 5.3 Satan had filled the heart of Ananias (a believer) to lie to the Holy Spirit. Satan can put thoughts into our mind
– “During supper, the devil have already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot . . ,to betray Jesus” (John 13.3)
• Our mind the battle field
• Some having difficulty concentrating and reading the Bible
• Some struggle with accusing and condemning thoughts
• Some are hearing “voices”
• Some have repeated nightmares or demonic dreams
Are we mentally unsound or are there a spiritual battle going on in our mind?
Power to Overcome our Enemy
• Remember your position in Christ (Eph 2.5b)
• God has given us power for “victory over the darkness” (2 Cor 10.4, Luke 9.1-2)
Jesus has you covered
• Satan is a disarmed and defeated foe (Col 2.15)
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities (Satan & his demons), he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross”
but he will continue to lie to us that he has more power and authority over us. The truth—He has no authority and power over us unless WE give him the right
JESUS IS ALIVE & THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION IS AVAILABLE NOW
-You need a little bit of help to gain the victory. You need not fight the battle alone. We are here to help you with the problem because there is a battle going on for your mind which God has given us the power n authority to win.
(By Elder Christopher Leong, Bandar Utama Chapel)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
Blessed 50th Birthday to Elder Wing Cheong
Today is our Elder Wing Cheong's 50th Birthday. We had a simple birthday celebration for him at his very own home, last night.
The programme:
The Birthday Cake!
The lovely couple
The beautiful and happy family (with a sexy look)
The extended happy family!
The programme:
- Dinner - roast lamb, cauliflower cheese, egg with tuna, quiche, potato salad, foo chuk, noodle, roast duck, rice
- Cake Cutting ceremony - Mango Cake
- Showing off birthday presents
- PowerPoint presentation - "The Blessed Life of The Wongs"
- Question & Answer Session
Uncle Wing Cheong, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for sharing your life with us. May God continue to shower his richest blessing upon you and your family - Aunty Sue, Michelle and Rachelle.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Radical Disciple & His Cross
(Sunday Sermon at Antioch Centre by Elder Christopher Leong)
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Today is Palm Sunday
– The start of the Passion Week
– The day Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, not on a horse or chariot)
He came as the King of peace
– In 5 days time, Jesus would be crucified on Good Friday
The message of the cross was foolishness to the Greek & a stumbling block to the Jews (1 Cor 1.23)
==================================================
The Call to Radical Discipleship
Why radical discipleship?
Jesus is a Radical
– Who being in very nature God
. . . made himself nothing
. . . taking the very nature of a servant
. . .he humbled himself &
. . .became obedient to death—
. . . even death on a (Roman) cross! (Phi 2.6-8)
==================================================
Jesus the Radical LORD called us
to take up our cross
and followed Him
Luke 14.25-35
==================================================
The Radical Disciple & His Cross
Large crowds were travelling with Jesus (v.25)
Being a member of a crowd or being a radical disciple of Jesus?
Three Things distinguished a Radical Disciple of Jesus
==================================================
3 Crucial Areas of Our Life
Personal Relationship (Luke 14.26)
Personal Goals & Desires (Luke14.27)
Personal Possessions (Luke 14.33)
==================================================
Realignment Our Priority
If anyone comes to me and
does not hate his father and mother,
,his wife and children, his brothers and
sisters—yea even his own life—he CANNOT be my disciple
(v.26)
Putting Jesus and His agenda, His mission, our top priority
Today who compete with your loyalty to Jesus?
==================================================
Releasing Our Goals & Desires
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple (v.27)
In the times of Jesus, there is not mistaking to any passer-by that a person carrying the Roman cross is heading—it meant certain death
“The subject is commitment, a high level of consecration on the part of those who wish to be disciples of Jesus”
The eg. of Abraham in the OT (Gen 22.1-2)
– Dying to our own dreams and desires
– To find God’s true destiny for yours and mine
The film-Armageddon (calling a select group of men and woman to give up their own ambition in order to save the earth from being hit by a huge meteorite)
==================================================
As you think through the major decision you have made, have they please the Lord or fed your ego.
Have you taken your goal before the Lord for His approval? Are you willing to change?
==================================================
Relinquishing Our Possessions
“So therefore, no one of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14.33)
Things! These takes so much of our times and energies
Things must not allowed to possess us, i.e. to be our Master or become our idol
We become slaves to them—their wish is our command
==================================================
BE FREE & CLAIM YOUR DESTINY
Realigning Our Priority
Releasing Our Goals & Desires
Relinquishing Our Possessions
Why?
The Time is Near!
The World will be Destroyed
Jesus is Coming!
A New World Coming
==================================================
"Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleedings, and I do not hide from Thee the terror of parting. I come trembling, but I do come.
Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thy may enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shall my heart has not need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself shall be my light, and there shall be no night there”
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Today is Palm Sunday
– The start of the Passion Week
– The day Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, not on a horse or chariot)
He came as the King of peace
– In 5 days time, Jesus would be crucified on Good Friday
The message of the cross was foolishness to the Greek & a stumbling block to the Jews (1 Cor 1.23)
==================================================
The Call to Radical Discipleship
Why radical discipleship?
Jesus is a Radical
– Who being in very nature God
. . . made himself nothing
. . . taking the very nature of a servant
. . .he humbled himself &
. . .became obedient to death—
. . . even death on a (Roman) cross! (Phi 2.6-8)
==================================================
Jesus the Radical LORD called us
to take up our cross
and followed Him
Luke 14.25-35
==================================================
The Radical Disciple & His Cross
Large crowds were travelling with Jesus (v.25)
Being a member of a crowd or being a radical disciple of Jesus?
Three Things distinguished a Radical Disciple of Jesus
==================================================
3 Crucial Areas of Our Life
Personal Relationship (Luke 14.26)
Personal Goals & Desires (Luke14.27)
Personal Possessions (Luke 14.33)
==================================================
Realignment Our Priority
If anyone comes to me and
does not hate his father and mother,
,his wife and children, his brothers and
sisters—yea even his own life—he CANNOT be my disciple
(v.26)
Putting Jesus and His agenda, His mission, our top priority
Today who compete with your loyalty to Jesus?
==================================================
Releasing Our Goals & Desires
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple (v.27)
In the times of Jesus, there is not mistaking to any passer-by that a person carrying the Roman cross is heading—it meant certain death
“The subject is commitment, a high level of consecration on the part of those who wish to be disciples of Jesus”
The eg. of Abraham in the OT (Gen 22.1-2)
– Dying to our own dreams and desires
– To find God’s true destiny for yours and mine
The film-Armageddon (calling a select group of men and woman to give up their own ambition in order to save the earth from being hit by a huge meteorite)
==================================================
As you think through the major decision you have made, have they please the Lord or fed your ego.
Have you taken your goal before the Lord for His approval? Are you willing to change?
==================================================
Relinquishing Our Possessions
“So therefore, no one of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14.33)
Things! These takes so much of our times and energies
Things must not allowed to possess us, i.e. to be our Master or become our idol
We become slaves to them—their wish is our command
==================================================
BE FREE & CLAIM YOUR DESTINY
Realigning Our Priority
Releasing Our Goals & Desires
Relinquishing Our Possessions
Why?
The Time is Near!
The World will be Destroyed
Jesus is Coming!
A New World Coming
==================================================
"Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleedings, and I do not hide from Thee the terror of parting. I come trembling, but I do come.
Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thy may enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shall my heart has not need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself shall be my light, and there shall be no night there”
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