NO ONE WINS EXCEPT GOD!

PART 1

Surely, you have heard about siblings’ rivalry. It is not new; it has been there since the times of Cain and Abel and continues until the time of the sons of Abraham – Ishmael and Isaac. Know what, it is still untamed. For centuries, Christians and the Muslims have differences in opinions, beliefs and even terms. Look at history, they fight (major wars and war of words) just to prove each other’s religious stand. NO ONE WINS!

Now as we know, a peaceful country such as Malaysia that has been an attraction of the world for it’s diversity of culture and unity among different races, has shown her ugly sight especially since the ‘Allah’ issue has been politicized. We also hear a lot of dissatisfaction about the policies of this nation, which has been ‘stamped’ by many as a bias governance and full of partiality.

If we keep talking sensitive issues, arguing about who is right and condemning each other’s beliefs, what we gain? Only hatred against each other will keep growing and we ourselves will become the victims of self-destruction.

Christians please listen: Don’t allow hatred to continue to grow in you towards our Muslim brothers and also others of different faith for their wrong doings. Love them because Jesus loves them. Keep your heart and mind and even your church OPEN. We believe the fullness of revival that we have been praying and hoping for is just at our doorstep but it will not come to past without the Muslims come into the fold!

Few days ago, the LORD showed us something wonderful from the book of ACTS chapter 10. When we read and discussed about it, we once again begin to hear the heart of God who is looking out for the lost including the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and devout people of other faith.

Acts 10:1-6 (MKJV) And a certain man named Cornelius was in Caesarea, a centurion of the Italian cohort, one devout and fearing God, with all his household, both doing many merciful deeds to the people, and praying continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, Cornelius! And he was gazing at him, and becoming terrified, he said, What is it, lord? And he said to him, Your prayers and your merciful deeds have come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose last name is Peter. He is staying with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. He will tell you what you must do.

1) God fearing:

Cornelius is not a Jew or a Christian but he was definitely a devout and God-fearing man including his household. Think a moment. Don’t you think there are many Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists etc are devoted and God-fearing people? They spent much time praying, involve in religious activities, giving arms to the needy and want to please God in any way possible by their words and deeds.

We personally have seen these kinds of people. We also have heard of many testimonies, how they found the true light (Christ) as they were searching their own holy scriptures or while they we performing their religious obligations.

2) God encounter:

Can we think a bit loud? If God can give vision of an angel to Cornelius, why can’t He do it again? We believe, God is going to assign His angels to visit many non-Christians who are God-fearing.

There’s going to be divine encounters among others who are yet to be born again Christians. For ones again, God by His mercy and grace will open their eyes to see visions and get the revelation of who Jesus is. Just as it happened to Saul the zealot who later became Paul the apostle and to Cornelius and his household, we know history will repeat itself. Even many of us, while we were still sinners, God knew us and gave us the privilege to accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior.

Without a shadow of doubt, we believe that God - base on the Word of God- will visit or assign His angels to reveal the true path to everlasting life to devoted, God-fearing men and women right in their prayer closets including in the mosques, temples and Sikh gurdwaras.

3) God remembers:

Friends, take note – Our God is not a God of partiality, just as He remembers His covenanted people, He will also remember the prayers and supplications of non-believers who are God-fearing.

The angel told Cornelius that his prayers and generous deeds as come up as a memorial before God. Wow! That’s really wonderful.

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears open to their prayers. But the Lord's face is against those who do evil.

Look, when God finds His chosen among the heathen – just like He chose us – He will give the instructions and direct their path to look for the believers (Christian and Churches) to get further information and revelation in order for them to know what they must do to be saved.

Church, what will be your response when a non-believer suddenly enters your home or even the church to check or to confirm with you what they saw in a vision? You may personally know some of them - he or she could be a well known person, devoted to their own religious beliefs, may be an ‘ulama’ (Muslim religious leader), ‘pusari’ (Hindu priest) or a Buddhist monk.

Yes! We are fully aware of incidents where the police personals from the special branch or the religious departments send spies to check on Christian activities in churches from time to time. Despite all these, how as a true born again, Spirit filled Christian, we would handle this issue?

Will we put them off because of law and shut our doors on their faces because of fears? Let’s say if they are truly genuine and you know it, how would you handle them?

PART 2

Act 10:7-8 And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from those who waited on him continually. And explaining all things to them, he sent them to Joppa (to meet Peter).

Be ready Church...the non believers are definitely coming our way when God opens the door. Now someone got to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to help open their eyes as well, so that they can serve the one, true, living and loving God.

Don’t worry my dear friends, just as you were saved – may be through the help and concern of others – God can do the same, by using us to set others free from their bondage. The only requirement is our willingness to submit to God, obedience and courage to work hand in hand with the Almighty

4) God prepares:

We believe, God will prepare His people to hear Him well and to respond to His call – that is to set the captives free. Even though it was not easy for Peter to make decision but at last, he did it.

Act 10:9-23 On the next day, as these went on the road, and drawing near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.

And he became very hungry and desired to eat. But while they made ready, an ecstasy fell on him.

And he saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel like a sheet coming down to him, being bound at the four corners and let down to the earth;

in which were all the four-footed animals of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the birds of the heaven.

And a voice came to him, saying, Rise, Peter! Kill and eat!

But Peter said, Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.

And the voice spoke to him again the second time, What God has made clean, you do not call common.

This happened three times, and the vessel was received up again into the heaven.

And while Peter doubted within himself what the vision which he had seen might be, even behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius had asked for Simon's house and stood on the porch.

And they called and asked if Simon whose last name is Peter was staying there.

And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you.

5) God commands:

Just as the LORD commanded Peter, He will give His church clear instructions how to handle such kind of issues. God will remove our doubts and help us to see things through His eyes. We just have to trust God, obey Him and share His good news of love to the oppressed as He commands us to do so.

Act 10:20-43 Therefore arise and go down and go with them without doubting, for I have sent them.

And going down to the men, those sent to him from Cornelius, Peter said, Behold, I am the one you are seeking. For what reason have you come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man and one who fears God, and one of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear words from you.

Then he called them in and lodged them. And on the next day Peter went away with them, and certain brothers from Joppa went with him.

And the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped.

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up! I also am a man myself.

And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.

And he said to them, You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man, a Jew to keep company with or to come near to one of another nation. But God has shown me not to call any man common or unclean.

Therefore I came without complaint, being sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me.

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour. And at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.

And he said, Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your merciful deeds have been remembered before God.

Therefore send to Joppa and call here Simon whose last name is Peter, he is staying in the house of Simon, a tanner by the seaside; who, when he comes, shall speak to you.

Therefore I immediately sent to you, and you have done well to come. Now therefore we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded you by God.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Truly I see that God is no respecter of persons;

but in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him.

You know the Word which God sent to the sons of Israel, preaching the gospel of peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all!);

that word which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed;

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him.

And we are witnesses of all things which He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed Him and hanged Him on a tree;

but God raised Him up the third day and showed Him openly,

not to all the people, but to witnesses hand-picked before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.

And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.

All the Prophets give witness to Him, that through His name whoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

6) God takes over:

Act 10:44-48 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word.

And those of the circumcision, who believed (as many as came with Peter), were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also.

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

Can anyone forbid water that these, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we, should not be baptized?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they begged him to stay certain days.

My dear friends, the good news is…our God is in the business of taking over. When God moves, He will take over the entire family, clan and even nation. When we the church obey God with all our heart, soul and strength, He will turn every situation around for His glory.

The people that ones said to be untouchables will be touched by His mighty power. Let’s believe God together that the unsaved people group will be saved by His great love and mercy. Hallelujah!! God will surely WIN by winning them over to His side.

THE END.

B.Kumarathevan and Josephine Kumar

Love & Forgiveness

JUST few days ago, our nation that was always looked up as a peaceful, multi-racial and multi-cultural country was slapped with one of the worst religiously motivated attack on churches in our country’s history.

The arson attack on four churches in Klang Valley have been condemned by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as well as political leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties.

Some call this the black day and some others say that this is truly a sad day for Malaysia. This is an act of extremism, which could dampen the government’s effort in promoting 1Malaysia concept.

Never the less, the beauty of these scenario is that the leaders of the Metro Tabernacle Church - that was badly effected in these incident - said that they do not harbour any ill-feelings against the culprits but choose to forgive those responsible.

The senior pastor of the church, Rev Ong Sek Leang was quoted saying: “We have a congregation of about 1,700 who are Godly and forgiving.”

That is a peaceful and Christ-like remark. I salute them for their stand. This shows their true Christian spirit of love and forgiveness.

Nowadays, we can see lack of love and problem of forgiving all around us, even within the church. Therefore, we have to be careful.

These are the days, whereby we should be alert and be ready to go through all temptations and trials just as Jesus went through all.

For sure, we cannot bear or to go through temptation and trials by ourselves, but be sure that by the power of the Holy Spirit and with the help of God, it is possible for us to do anything including "forgiving".

First of all let us see what the word of God says : – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

(Matthew 5:44). Auch! How could we forgive or love our enemies when we do not have the heart to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ?

But let me tell you that Jesus our LORD says : “If someone slaps you on your left cheek, give also the right side.” – This shows that we should forgive ‘on the spot’ anyone who hurts us. Easy to say, takes courage to practice.

We may ask: “How many times must we forgive the one who keeps on sinning against us?” Jesus ask us to forgive seventy times seven and the forgiveness must be from our heart. – Please see Matthew 18:21-35.

It is written in Matthew 6:14,15 - “If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive the wrongs you have done.”

Also in Luke 17:3,4 it says: “If your brother sins, rebuke him and when your brother repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times a day, and each time he comes to you saying I repent, you must forgive him.”

“And when you stand and pray, forgive anything you may have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will forgive the wrongs you have done.” – Mark 11:25,26.

“Instead, be kind and tender hearted to one another and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.” - Ephesians 4:32.

Let us see what Apostle John says in 1 John 2:9,10 –

“Whoever says that he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is in the darkness to this very hour. Whoever loves his brother lives in light, and so there is nothing in him that causes someone else to sin.”

From this verse, we can see that we are the people of light who have to shine just as Jesus shone; And let us work hard to bring the people in the darkness to the light; Amen!

We cannot say ‘No!’ in order to forgive and to love others, for Jesus never said that to us while we were still sinners.

Maybe it is quite hard for us to forgive someone who is a Christian or a close friend who have hurt us, than to forgive a non-believer, but Christ says: “Forgive and you’ll be forgiven,” and the word of God in – Romans 12:10 says

“Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and be eager to show respect to one another.”

We have to know that these incidents are brought to us by the evil one. So we as Christians must go against our only enemy, Satan ; for it is quoted in the Bible in Romans 12:21 – “ Do not let the evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. ”

So how are we going to conquer evil with good if we do not want to forgive or love?

Anyway, let us try our best to practice them, for Jesus himself told in John 13:34,35 – “…love one another as I have loved you, you must love one another. If you’ve love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.”- From this particular verse, we can see that our Lord is commanding us to be a good example.

Just say, “If someone has done you wrong; do not repay him with wrong. Do everything possible on your part to leave in peace with everybody” - Romans 12:17,18.

We must not revenge anyone, for it’s written in Romans 12:19 – “Never take revenge my friends, but instead let God’s anger do it. For the scripture says: I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” – So why must we worry?

And when you pray, “Ask God to bless those who persecute you – yes ask Him to bless, not to curse” – Romans 12:14.

Let us pray, “God, forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others had done us.” (Matthew 6:12 ). Teach us Lord to love as you have loved us and proved it by giving your life for us – Amen.

B.Kumarathevan.