ISSUE 04/2019
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PULSE CELEBRATING TRINITY@BANGKOK'S 1ST ANNIVERSARY
TRINITY.SG
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FOCUS CONFESSION EQUALS POSSESSION
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UP CLOSE 5 STORIES OF DECLARATION
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THEOLOGY FOR TODAY CAN CHRISTIANS LOSE THEIR SALVATION?
Light up your night with Christmas carols!
Let our 150-strong choir and live ensemble warm your hearts with the peace of Christmas. Tue, Dec 24, 8pm Trinity@Paya Lebar
COMBINED SERVICE FOR ALL AGES
Wake to the joy of Christmas morning!
Join us as we celebrate the reason for the season. Wed, Dec 25, 10am Trinity@Paya Lebar
FIRST
Prayer Meeting OF 2020
Jan 30 & 31
Prayer Conference
Feb 16
Celebration of Marriage
Mar 5-8
Trinity Pastors’ Conference Missions Rally and Missions Weekend
Apr 9-11
Easter Presentation
May 23 & 24
Worship Experience Weekend
Jun 15-18
Church Camp
Jun 25-28
Mandarin Worship Experience (with Stream of Praise)
Jul 12
Children’s Worship Experience
Aug 2
50th Anniversary Service and Lunch
Sep 6
IGNYTE Worship Experience
Sep 25-27
Vision Rally and Vision Weekend
Oct 24 & 25
Social Justice Weekend
Nov 7 & 8
Care Community Services Society (CCSS) Weekend
Dec
Christmas Presentation
Always Comforting Because WE
CARE The passing of a loved one is often an inevitable event in everyone’s life.
For the past decade, Serenity Casket & Funerals has been serving the community to create memorable goodbyes with our dedicated team of professional Female Embalmers, experienced Funeral Directors and our Mercedes Limousine hearse At Serenity Casket & Funerals, we ensure that you and your families are well taken care of during the emotional moments with our utmost care and support. 1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
+65 9618 6689
www.serenitycasket.com.sg | care@serenitycasket.com.sg | www.instagram.com/serenitysg/ t.me/serenitycasket | https://twitter.com/CasketSerenity | https://www.linkedin.com/company/serenity-casket-funerals/
Nurturing The Future Today
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” PROVERBS 22:6
Raffles House Preschool is a premier school that provides quality education programs for children aged 18 months to 6 years old. We are committed to developing the whole child, recognizing the unlimited potential and uniqueness of each child. Our educators are early childhood trained teachers who are caring and dedicated to children’s development. Our goal is to bring forth the best in the children, instilling in them a passion for life-long learning while laying a solid foundation for character excellence in life.
RAFFLES HOUSE Singapore Paya Lebar • Robin Close • Goldhill Ave Indonesia Jakarta, Pluit
Tel 6742 8015 www.raffleshouse.com
contents
IN THIS ISSUE
41
FOCUS
Daily Declarations HEARTBEAT
FOCUS
38
Missions at a Glance
Statistics for January-September 2019
70
Claiming God’s promises for our lives
Missions Report
A highlight of Trinity’s missions efforts from April-June 2019
A Life Fueled By Declaration
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Thank You Trinitarians for Going to the Nations! Missions trips and Waves that happened from July-September 2019
Claiming God’s promises for our lives
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22
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Moving from Faith to Faith
Refreshed, Renewed, Refired!
PULSE
Celebrating Trinity@Bangkok’s first anniversary
PULSE
HEARTBEAT
PULSE
Reaching the Next Generation
A Home for Every Center
Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith Conference 2019
It Takes a Community CCSS
Vision Month 2019
16
COLORS 80
IGNYTE’s first outdoor 84 worship concert
Mighty Bots! 82
Prayer Mountain Retreat 2019
DiscoveryLand Children’s Day event
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UPCLOSE
Real Life Miracles 5 Stories of Declaration Declaring Life in the Midst of Adversity
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Declaring Strength in the Midst of Weakness 54 Declaring Reconciliation in the Midst of 60 Waywardness
Declaring Healing in the Midst of Broken 63 Relationships Declaring Fruitfulness in the Midst of Barrenness
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ISSUE 04/2019
A QUARTERLY NEWS MAGAZINE BY TRINITY CHRISTIAN CENTRE Advisor Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo Chief Editor Pastor Janice Chng Editors Pastor Edward Lim Diana Lim, Jessie Chew Editorial Team Carol Lim, Hannah Tan, Han Mei Zhen, Imelda Lie, June Teh, King Rachel, Koh Zhi Guo Daniel, Kristine Lee, Loh Dan Lin, Lye Huixian, Maryann Goh, Miranda Zhang, Nyon Yit An
30 FOCUS
Contributing Writers Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo Dr Richard Goetz Azaria Sih, Clara Ong, Desiree Yang Jacqueline Cheong, Matthew Chen Melissa Teo, Rebecca Lincoln, Sarah Han, Sherlyn Tan, Tay Chu Yi The Refuge Church, Veronica Yuen Contributing Photographers Campus Photography Team IGNYTE Photography Team Renatus Photography Twenty4Frames
Claiming the abundant life
PULSE
FOCUS
Raising Servant Leaders
Transforming Social Media, One Post at a Time
DiscoveryLand’s Ministry Expressions
IGNYTE Declarations
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44
L005/02/2019
Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?
For Ad Sales Enquiries Contact Jessie Chew at +65 6304 7721 or jessiechew@trinity.sg.
Understanding the relationship between sovereignty and free will
96
Printer and License number Oxford Graphic Printers Pte Ltd
THEOLOGY FOR TODAY
98
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Opinions and views expressed does not necessarily constitute the official stand of the church.
C R N 19 7 802 91 1H
Morning Prayer 2019 Starting the day right with God
MICA(P) 036/04/2019
91
TAG Challenge
Campus Connection event
Designers Hue & Ink
If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
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words from the lead pastor
DAR E TO D E C L AR E
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he year-end is always an exciting time for me. Besides enjoying a season of festivities, I’m grateful for the chance to reflect on the journey God has taken us through this year and since the start of the Decade of Expansion. In addition to celebrating Trinity@Bangkok’s milestone first year (pg 22), I rejoice over the growth that has taken place in our various regional centers. Whether it’s installing our first bi-vocational pastor at Trinity@Jakarta, multiplying to eight services at Trinity@Bukit Batok, or seeing our congregations grow at Trinity@CBD and Trinity@Orchard, all these things are testaments to the truth that obedience leads to increase. Growth is God’s intent for our lives, both corporately and as individuals. You and I have been created for the abundant life – a reflection of our abundant God. But if we want to continue experiencing all that God has for us, we must have the faith to confess what we want to possess (pg 30). Declarations based on God’s Word are what bring us from where we are to where He wants us to be. This is especially true when our circumstances appear hopeless, stagnant, and intimidating. Perhaps you want to believe that better things are ahead, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to defeat the giants of your life.
Friends, the confession of our lips can make all the difference between breaking down or breaking through. That is the power of declaration (pg 30-68). When we speak death, we live in defeat. But when dare to declare life, God will begin turning our situations around so that we can possess life in abundance! Change the way you live by changing the way you speak. Change what’s going on inside of you so that you can change what’s going on around you. Dare to see beyond the present into the future that is waiting for you. It’s time to stop talking about the giants and start talking about our giant-slaying God (Romans 8:31)! As we move into our 50th Anniversary next year, let’s go into it declaring victory. Let’s get excited for the truth that He who has led us to accomplish thus far will lead us to accomplish much more. Keep declaring, keep growing, and keep believing for breakthrough. Get ready for a year of celebration and greater expansion. See you at Watchnight 2019!
VISION MONTH 2019
B Y J AC Q U E LI NE C H EO NG
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A PLACE OF VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE AND INCREDIBLE UNITY, TRINITY IS WHERE PEOPLE CAN GROW IN PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY. THAT WAS THE FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S VISION MONTH – A REFLECTION ON WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE A HOME FOR EVERY CENTER.
What is home? Ask around and you’ll get answers like these: Home is a living space used as a permanent (or semi-permanent) residence. Home is an enjoyable, happy place where you can live, laugh, and learn – a place where you are loved, accepted, respected, and cared for. Home is an anchor, a refuge, and a place for creating special memories with family and friends. Can church be our home? The answer is a resounding “yes!” Church can embody everything described – to be a spiritual home with our spiritual family.
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TRINITY – A HOME BUILT ON FAITH My first encounter with Trinity was in 2017 when Trinity@Bukit Batok was launched. Invited by an ex-colleague, I made Trinity my home because I felt welcomed and embraced. I had finally found a place where I could belong, be nurtured, and grow to become all that God wants me to be. I know that there are many like me who are looking for a spiritual home and spiritual families. With Trinity’s expansion into the West, Central, the CBD, and abroad to Bangkok and Jakarta – our seven regional centers have become places where generations can encounter God and experience life transformation. Vision Rally (September 20) was especially moving with a segment about the ways Trinity has been a home for many. There were entire families that grew up in Trinity, chains of those who were connected and discipled, and generations of Trinitarians who faithfully serve this house!
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My family is blessed to be a part of a generation who serve our Lord in Trinity.
Almost 30 years later, I find myself in similar shoes. I, too, obeyed the call from Pastor Dominic to step into the Board. I also serve in the areas of Finance and Human Resources. More importantly, I also share the same vision for Trinity as we see God fulfill Trinity’s destiny through Trinity@Orchard, Trinity@CBD and Trinity@Choa Chu Kang.
Our Trinity journey started when I was very young. My dad joined Trinity Christian Center in 1973 and together with a small group of Trinitarians, sowed into the vision of our church under the stewardship of Pastor Dowdy. In 1979, my dad obeyed the call from Pastor Dowdy and stepped into the church Board. For the next 20 years, he served in various capacities such as Finance and Human Resources. Growing up, I saw in him and in Trinity an audacious faith and a united vision in seeing Trinity step into God’s destiny. His greatest joy in those 20 years was to see Trinitarians united, believing, giving, and sowing in faith toward Trinity’s vision, as well as being part of the Board in the acquisition of Trinity@Adam Road, Trinity@Lavender, and Trinity@Paya Lebar.
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I thank God for the privilege to be part of today’s generation of Trinitarians who have the same audacious faith and are passionate in giving and sowing into the future of Trinity. Kenneth Tang
(Board Member since 2018)
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Tang Seng Foon
(Board Member from 1979-1999)
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Declaring God's purposes into the lives of our youth
After shifting to our new home, we were looking for a family-oriented church to settle in. That’s when we found Trinity. Since joining, my family has grown in our walk with God. We have been blessed by those who have served before us in Nursery, DiscoveryLand, IGNYTE, and Connect Groups. Everyone in my family is now a Spiritual Parent. We are all actively serving in the ministries and Connect Groups God has assigned to us. Serving as a family has brought us closer to one another and to God. I will not exchange this for anything in the world. Neo You Soon
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EXPANDING OUR FOOTPRINT Rev Doug Clay and Rev Ong Sek Leang, our Vision Rally and Vision Weekend guest speakers (September 19, 21-22), reminded us that all of us have a duty to expand Trinity’s footprint by looking beyond the current realities and seeing things from God’s long-term perspective. Trinitarians committed to making every center a home with a Vision Faith Promise of SGD13,343,395.89. As we continue to move forward in the Decade of Expansion, let’s believe for even greater breakthroughs as we establish more homes for His glory.
More than 10 years ago, God showed me that my family will move out of our home. Each time our condominium was put up for en-bloc sale, I was hopeful that it would go through. But after several failed attempts, we were just tired of the whole thing. In late 2017 the en-bloc exercise started again. A neighbor tried to put a stop to the sale and the purchaser delayed the second five-percent deposit. Rumors were going around that the price was too much for the purchaser. My family wasn’t hopeful at all. But God had impressed upon me that this time it would be successful. He even showed me the amount that it would be sold. So I stood my ground and declared in faith that no one can stop what God has shown and promised. The en-bloc went through at a price much higher than the reserved price, and even higher than the amount God had shown me! When I asked God why, He said He wanted me to sow into His Kingdom. I was humbled by His trust in me. Shortly after, Pastor Dominic shared during LCE that Trinity has acquired
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a property in Choa Chu Kang, and how he would like to pay off without taking a loan for the property. Although I have never been to Trinity@Bukit Batok and don’t know anyone attending the service there, I knew straight away that God wanted me to sow into Trinity@Choa Chu Kang and that I am a vessel used by God to dispense the funds He has prepared. In retrospect, God had not only prepared the funds in advance, He also prepared me in advance. In one of the earlier en-bloc attempts, God impressed upon me to pledge my first “big” amount as a Vision Faith Promise. He fulfilled it later when that en-bloc attempt failed and I received money from the buyer’s forfeited deposit. As I was faithful to what He entrusted to me, He has enlarged my capacity to give again. And He has given back more than I had first pledged. What an awesome God we have! Praise God from whom all blessings flow (Psalm 105:1-2)! Lena Leong
When I saw the Vision Faith Promise card in Jordon’s DiscoveryLand book and asked how he was going to fulfill the amount of $120, he simply replied, “From my savings.” After counting what was in his piggy bank and seeing that he only had half, I told him he would need to save for the rest. He decided to give up some of his favorite dollar notes and monitor his savings. In October, Jordon counted his money again and saw that he had done it! We placed the coins and notes in a zip-lock bag to give the following weekend. When I picked him from DiscoveryLand, he told me about the excitement revolving his giving. When I asked what prompted him to give, he shared that God had told him the amount, even though he didn’t know where the money would come from. He had even written “but I don’t have enough!” on his Faith Promise Card. He didn’t think too much about the “how” but responded to what he had heard. I am so touched to know that God is speaking to our children and assuring them that He is their Provider. Cindy Ow
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CELEBRATING TRINITY@BANGKOK’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY
MOVING FROM FAI T H T O FAI T H B Y TAY C H U YI
AT 7:30AM ON ANY OTHER DAY, YOU WOULD FIND THE ALPHATRACK TEAM BLEARILY SHUFFLING ABOUT, QUIETLY HAVING THEIR BREAKFAST. BUT OCTOBER 27 WAS DIFFERENT. INSTEAD, THE DINING AREA WAS ABUZZ WITH ENERGY. AT 8:00AM, TRINITY ACADEMY’S COZY CORNER IN CHAMCHURI SQUARE WAS ALREADY ASTIR – A STARK CONTRAST TO THE REST OF THE MALL. IT WAS TRINITY@BANGKOK’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY, AND A SMALL TEAM OF TRINITARIANS WAS RUNNING ABOUT GETTING THINGS READY.
We were not the only excited ones. Fifteen minutes before the breakfast reception, pockets of people were already streaming in. Some even joined for pre-service prayer! Before long, every breakfast table was occupied. Celebration Hosts were quick to
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identify and connect guests and first-time visitors. The spirited conversations of 141 members and five first-time visitors continued up to the very second everyone was called to take their seats. The celebration kicked off with a surprise dance item by the AlphaTrack team and a time of worship. There was such a joyful atmosphere of victory as the congregation declared God’s goodness and reign. We were blessed to be joined by Reverend Surasit Tempornsatien (General Superintendent, Full Gospel Assembly of Thailand) and Cavell Roswell (Pentecostal Assembly of Canada) for this milestone event. Despite the Gospel’s nearly two century-long presence in Thailand, only a small percentage of people are Christians. It will take the help of many to expand the reach of the Gospel. When Pastor Dominic shared Trinity’s expansive plans for Thailand, Reverend Surasit was pleased. “Trinity has a great people, a great vision, a great heart, and a great pastor,” he declared. Thumbing through the commemorative booklet, it is not difficult to be of the same mind. Many Trinitarians have sowed into Trinity@Bangkok, participating in Waves to serve the church and reach out to pre-believers. Today we see a local congregation so hungry to know and serve God in this land of smiles. Sharing from Romans 1:16-17, Pastor Dominic’s message exhorted the
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Today we see a local congregation so hungry to know and serve God in this land of smiles. church to grow from faith to faith. As we move, we establish a memorial of God’s faithfulness and share His message of hope, rejoicing when five people made decisions for Jesus that day! As we celebrated Trinity@Bangkok’s first anniversary, the role of faith truly cannot be underestimated. The decision to launch Trinity@Bangkok was an act in and through faith. As a result, we now have Trinity Academy at Chamchuri Square as a stunning physical memorial of God’s faithfulness. More importantly, people in Bangkok are hearing the Gospel of hope. In multicultural and multi-religious Singapore, most people have a vague notion of who Jesus is. But in Thailand, the name “Jesus” is almost unheard of. It is awesome to see how God has positioned Trinity strategically in Bangkok. In my short time here, I have been gripped by God’s undeniable love for His people. Many have said that the ground here is hard. However, the love and power of God will always be greater. The work is certainly tiring but, with eyes fixed on God, so valuable. There is no doubt that as Trinity@Bangkok moves from faith to faith, God will do even more extraordinary works. May this place have even greater memories in the years to come.
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Many have said that the ground here is hard. However, the love and power of God will always be greater.
Celebrating with Rev Surasit Tempornsatien and his wife
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HE AR W HAT O T HERS SAY Phongsatorn Winaisombut (Peng) This celebration helped me realize that we have grown a lot in the past year. I can see the change in all the members. When we first started in Mandarin Hotel, we were a small group of believers. Now we can see many people coming. Truly, Trinity@Bangkok is a place where we can come together to praise God. Prapawarin (Fern) The celebration was one that was very warm and full of love. A lot of people greeted me with smiles and welcomed me to church. I am happy to be here for the celebration and really thankful to be a part of Trinity@Bangkok.
Pronpattra Kanjananapanich (Nest) I have been in Trinity for about one month. The first time I came was to learn English. Over time, I became open to know about God and eventually accepted Jesus into my heart. At the celebration, I saw that many people also trust in God and it increased my faith. Through Trinity@Bangkok, I want to know more about God because I want to have more faith. I also want to see my friends here. Vincent Zee I can see that it is a big change from the first day of Trinity@Bangkok. We have drawn closer together and formed a community. And I believe that this community will continue to grow.
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REFRESHED, RENEWED, REFIRED! PRAYER MOUNTAIN RETREAT 2019
B Y AZ ARIA S IH
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Trinity’s first-ever Prayer Mountain Retreat took place on October 14-17. About 120 of us – a mixture of Trinitarians and members of other Singapore Assemblies of God churches – came together at the Osanri Choi Jasil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain in South Korea for different reasons. Some were seeking direction. Some needed a time of refreshment with the Lord. Our common denominator was a corporate hunger for God’s presence and revelation. Every person was encouraged to go on a full fast for the three days we were on the mountain – a great challenge for many of us first-timers. I dreamed of GrabFood on the first night and another participant dreamed he ate a burger. Though many were plagued with headaches at the midway point, we pressed on, confident that God would sustain us. With extended times of worship, corporate prayer, and messages by Pastor Ong Sek Leang, Pastor Dominic, and Pastor Gerald, our hearts and minds were prepared for our personal times of prayer. Each night ended with a revival meeting. The four days seemed to fly by, preciously soaked in encounters with the Living God.
Don’t wait until 2021 for the next Prayer Mountain Retreat. Dare to create your own times of extended prayer right here! Bring others along and fast together. Create the time and space to hear God’s voice and enjoy unhurried moments in His presence. You will never be the same!
Coming away from this mountain top experience made me more conscious
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of God’s presence in my life. It also affirmed the importance of tarrying in His presence particularly when life gets busier. Fasting made me appreciate that God is the source of all things and that one can exercise restraint and discipline by His grace.
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F R OM LI V ES R E FI RED.
THESE ARE SOME TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHOSE LIVES WERE REKINDLED AT PRAYER MOUNTAIN RETREAT 2019! Esther Loo It has been my desire to come and experience this prayer mountain since I heard about it 26 years ago. It was a fantastic experience. Thank you for organizing this, Trinity!
James Chuang I am inspired by Pastor Ong’s sharing on Abel’s better sacrifice. Now, I ask myself what better sacrifice I could bring to please God.
Brigid Pang The retreat has been a time of personal encounter. He has taught me to abide in Him more and to encounter Him like Elijah through a gentle whisper.
Alfred Hui This retreat taught me to fast and pray. I thought I couldn’t do it, but I did by focusing on developing a hunger for God.
Chang Chue Tun 1 am so moved and inspired by Pastor Ong’s sharing on praying all kinds of prayers. I want to deepen and broaden my prayer life, daring to pray prayers that I normally won’t pray.
Lisa Ramadihardja I got to hear God more clearly and received a new vision for next year. It was a very intimate time that passed so quickly!
Wedha Setiawan I came here purposely seeking for direction. I encountered God and He revealed a new direction and a new season ahead.
Agnes Hon I thank God that I made it to the retreat. It is the first time I went on a full fast for so many days. I did not experience hunger pangs, gastritis and bloating of stomach – things that I would normally experience when I miss a meal. It is indeed His strength.
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CO N F ESSI O N EQUALS
o sFs Ee sAsTi o n Dp E BY LEAD PASTOR DOMINIC YEO
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God wants all His children to experience the abundant life – a life filled with tremendous favor, extraordinary blessings, and overflowing provision.
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n John 10:10, Jesus says that – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” But look at the verse again. By using the word “may” instead of “will,” Jesus is saying that the abundant life is available, but not guaranteed. Why is that so? It is not because God is selective. Rather, it is because abundant living requires us to establish the right spiritual dynamics. These dynamics have to do with our positive confession – declarations of who God is and who He is in our lives. When the filling of our souls is dependent on the confession of our lips, what we confess can either trap us or bring us into a place of miracles and breakthroughs. By looking at Scripture, we discover how the right confession leads to the possession of God’s abundance for our lives.
THE PITFALLS OF NEGATIVE CONFESSION
At Watchnight, I shared about the pitfalls of negative confession and how it hinders the work of God in our lives. In Numbers 13, we read how the Israelites were hindered from reaching the Promised Land because they chose to believe and confess the wrong things. Despite evidence of a land flowing with milk and honey, and despite God’s promise that they would inherit the land, 10 spies chose to make God smaller than the challenges ahead – “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are…. We seem like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” – Numbers 13:31, 33
READ THE WATCHNIGHT SERM ON HERE
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Their negative confession resulted in them zeroing out – the 10 spies never fulfilled their destiny of entering the Promised Land. We are all works in progress. All of us are on a journey to become more and more like Christ. While the Holy Spirit desires to help us in this process, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is dependent on our confession. If all we confess is negativity, our confession hinders the Holy Spirit’s ability to help us move forward. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Likewise, death comes by hearing words of death. If all we utter are complaints and criticisms, the hearing of our negative confession leads to unbelief. Our negative confession naturally leads us to doubt that our circumstances and situations can ever turn around.
While the Holy Spirit desires to help us in this process, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is dependent on our confession.
If we confess sickness, we remain in sickness. If we confess weakness, we remain weak in body, mind, and spirit. If we confess failure, we will remain the tail and never the head. To go from defeat to victory and death to life, it starts by developing the habit of positive confession in order to possess all that God has for us.
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to demonstrate our dependence on Him and our faith that He will provide. We see these principles outlined in Romans 10:9-10 –
CON F ESSION BRIN GS POSSESSION When my children were growing up, I made sure they had pocket money. Sometimes they wouldn’t have enough. Though I saw how they struggled, it was only when they asked me for more money that I would open up my wallet. The same is true with our Daddy God. Sometimes, the abundant life alludes us because we have not asked God for abundance. You do not have because you do not ask God. – James 4:2 It’s not as though God doesn’t know our needs. God knows every thought that runs through our minds and desires to give us every good thing.
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If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess saved – Romans 10:9-10 your faith and are saved. 9
While our hearts can believe in Jesus, belief is not enough for salvation. It is only upon the full manifestation of our belief – our confession – that eternal life is ours. Confession for possession is not limited to salvation. When we learn to declare the Word of God, Scripture promises that we have the power to move mountains. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours yours. – Mark 11:23-24 23
Possession starts with the confession of our lips – a declaration born from the conviction in our hearts. In 2 Corinthians 4:13, Paul echoed this truth when he wrote: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”
In a life filled with hardships and challenges, you and I might be knocked down, but we don’t have to stay down. When the devil comes “to steal, kill, and destroy” ( John 10:10), we can fight back by confessing the power of our life-giving God.
To receive all that God has for us, we must dare to ask –
If we want healing, we must declare Isaiah 53:5, that “by His wounds we are healed.”
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If we want salvation in our family, we must declare Acts 16:31 that says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” If we want a bad situation to turn around, we must declare Genesis 50:20 that says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
James 3 goes to great lengths to demonstrate the power of the tongue – the declaration instrument of our confession. By comparing our tongue to a bit, a rudder, and a fire, we see how something so small can be of great influence and impact. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts… 3
As we confess faith, we activate faith – faith that fortifies our souls and gives us the strength to keep fighting the good fight. Friends, the abundant life is ours. All we have to do is ask. As we confess the promises of God in our lives, dare to believe that our confession will clear every obstacle and open the storeroom of heaven!
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C ONFESSION S HAP ES OUR LIV ES
There’s a children’s rhyme that goes, “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” How many of us know that’s not true? We become what we declare. And very often, we declare the wrong things into our lives without realizing it. When we stub our toe on a table leg, our first reaction is to swear. When our boss doesn’t treat us well, our initial reaction is to complain or curse. When we look in the mirror, we comment about our imperfections. As tempting as it is to default to the negative, we must realize that every negative word released from our mouths has a corresponding impact on our spirit.
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With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing cursing. – James 3:3-5, 9-10 9
That’s why Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” When we declare death, we will live in death. But when we declare the life-giving words of God, we will experience new life.
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When we put God’s Word in its proper place, every day will become a great day as our confession takes us into our destiny and speaks into our legacy.
As we declare who we are in God, our confession shapes us into who God wants us to be. As we declare the great future we have in God, our confession will begin to lead us to possess the blessings and promises of God. As we confess who God is and who we are in God, we strip the devil of his power to steal, kill, and destroy. When we put God’s Word in its proper place, every day will become a great day as our confession takes us into our destiny and speaks into our legacy. Until there is confession, there can be no possession. So, if you’re ready for the new things of God, the time for confession is now. Dare to confess the promises of God so that it can be released in our lives!
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C O NF E S S I O N R E L E A S E S H E A VE N I NT O O U R L I VE S
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, thanksgiving present your requests with thanksgiving, to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 6
Prayer, petition, and thanksgiving are all forms of confession. When we pray and petition, we seek God’s help by confessing who He is and professing our faith in Him. In thanksgiving,
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TH E WORD OF GOD
declares that...
Until there is confession, there can be no possession.
I am whole in body, soul, and spirit (Isaiah 53:5) My mind and emotion lines up with the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)
I’m healed of all diseases and free from all pains (Psalm 103:3)
I possess absolute freedom because the Son has set me free ( John 8:36)
The love of God enables me to love everyone (1 John 4:7-8) I am strong and not weak (Isaiah 40:29) I am a success and not a failure ( Jeremiah 29:11) I am above and not beneath, the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)
I suffer no lack because God will meet all my needs (Philippians 4:19)
I will have favor with God and with man (Psalm 5:12) I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31,37) I am blessed when I go in and blessed when I go out (Deuteronomy 28:6)
No weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17) No tongue raised in condemnation against me will have adverse effects in my life (Isaiah 54:17) I am an overcomer (Philippians 4:13) I am the beloved of the Almighty (1 John 3:2) I am a blood-bought child of the Living God (Hebrews 9:14)
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our confession is one that stems from a grateful heart. When we confess, we possess because heaven is released into our lives. We know this because verse 7 promises us the “peace of God.” While praise is the language of heaven, peace is the ambience of heaven. Revelation 21:4 tells us that heaven is a place where there is no mourning, crying, or pain. State of rest free of strife and worry, it’s no wonder that peace is such a coveted thing here on earth. Confession can either take us to where God wants us to be or completely derail us from His plans. That is why we must learn to confess because confession moves the hand of God. The power of positive confession cannot be overstated, especially amid impossible odds. Let me share with you the story of Joyce Smith, a mother who exercised the power of declaration in the midst of an impossible situation. Upon reaching the hospital where her 14-year-old-son laid comatose, doctors informed Joyce of his dire situation. Having fallen through the ice of a frozen lake, John had been submerged in sub-zero temperatures for over 15 minutes before being pulled out. By the time Joyce got to the hospital, the staff had been trying to revive John for over 40 minutes to no avail. While doctors were ready to declare John’s death, Joyce was not. Years ago, the Lord told her and her husband to adopt John because He was going to use this boy’s life to deliver a message to the world. And Joyce was not about to let go of that promise. Before the doctors could say another word, Joyce loudly declared life into her son. Moments later, the heart rate monitor detected a pulse. Though the pulse was weak and slow,
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life had come back into his body. Doctors cautioned that John would not return to his original state. His brain had been deprived of oxygen for so long that he would come back in a vegetative state. Instead of responding in despair, Joyce responded by saying, “Do your best, God will do the rest. But I do not want negativity to be spoken in his presence. When you are in the room, I only want him to hear positive things.” When John was eventually discharged, he walked out of the building with all of his physical and mental faculties intact. John has been interviewed by major US television shows, and his story is now a feature-length movie, Breakthrough, that was released this year. What do you want to possess in your life? If you’re ready to possess the blessings and breakthroughs of God, it’s time to confess life so that you will have the abundant life! Allow God to shape your words, help you establish the right spiritual dynamics, and claim His promises. Dare to declare. Get ready to experience heaven on earth as you begin to experience life and life to the full.
PASTOR DOM INIC Y EO is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Christian Centre.
Follow him on social media at PDomYeo Hear this message and others at www.trinity.sg (Watch > Sermons) or on the Trinity app.
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A LIFE FUELED BY D E C L A R AT I O N B Y J ES S I E C H E W
1 PETER 4:11 TELLS US THAT “IF ANYONE SPEAKS, HE SHOULD DO SO AS ONE SPEAKING THE VERY WORDS OF GOD.” READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW TO MAKE DECLARATION A PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE!
WHAT IS DECLARATION? Declaration is speaking forth, with confidence and in faith, things we want to come to pass. More than sharing a list of things we want God to do for us, declaration is about what God wants to do in and through us – His will, plans, and purposes for our lives. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. JOHN 15:7
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This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 JOHN 5:14-15
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WHY DECLARATION MATTERS A language that transforms us. We become what we declare. And because the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), what we say impacts the way we live. Living a life of victory and purpose starts by declaring that we are valuable, worthy, and blessed! A language that transforms others. Declaration is not limited to us. We can also speak into the lives of others – to be messengers of encouragement and hope. Rather of speaking death by condemning, criticizing, or complaining, choose to speak life! A weapon against the devil. Life is about perspective. Our thoughts shape our words, our actions, and the world around us. That is why the devil always looks for ways to fill our minds with lies. An enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), he will do whatever it takes to rob us of our hope and joy. Dare to combat the devil’s lies with God’s truth!
Declaration is about what God wants to do in and through us – His will, plans, and purposes for our lives. A reminder of who God is. When life doesn’t work out the way we want it to, it’s easy to slip into fear, hopelessness, and doubt. But when we declare the truth of who God is and who we are in Him – every falsehood is exposed and broken, freeing us to live the abundant and blessed life. A reminder of who we are in God. The world will seek to form our identity based on our background and achievements. And when we don’t measure up, it’s easy to be labeled as being “less than” or “not worthy.” But “in Christ,” our identity is not based on our circumstances, what we have done, or what we can do. Instead, our identity is based solely on who God says we are – fearfully and wonderfully made, in His image, with many gifts, to accomplish His purposes. A way to commit Scripture to memory. It can be a challenge to remember Scripture. But when we read text out loud, research confirm that doing this greatly improves our memorization skills.1 If you want to keep God’s Word in your heart, start by declaring it from your lips! 1 “Reading Information Aloud to Yourself Improves Memory,” Neuroscience News, December 1, 2017, accessed October 25, 2019, https://neurosciencenews.com/memory-reading-aloud-8084/.
Portions of this article were adapted from the sermon series "In Christ." ISSUE 4
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WHAT DO WE DECLARE? We declare God’s Word. Words are important. Words have power. Words have the power to change circumstances and shape destinies.
HOW DO WE DECLARE GOD’S WORD? Reciting Scripture. In the Bible are many first person declarations that we can recite word for word, such as the Psalms. The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. PSALM 23:1
When we only declare facts, our words leads to unbelief. When say that something is impossible, our declaration leads to despair. But when we declare the Word of God, our words build faith because they are words of life and hope (Romans 10:17). When He gives us a promise, He is faithful to keep them (Numbers 23:19). When He says He’ll do something, it will be done! To stay strong and last long, start by declaring the Word of God. Dare to speak His life and hope into your life!
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. PSALM 28:7 We can also personalize verses by putting them in the first person or inserting our name. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [my] heart and [my] mind in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:7
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. ROMANS 10:17 (NKJV)
”For I know the plans I have for [Sarah],” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper [her] and not to harm [her], plans to give [her] hope and a future.” JEREMIAH 29:11
God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfil? NUMBERS 23:19
When we declare the Word of God, our words build faith because they are words of life and hope. ISSUE 4
For the Spirit God gave [me] does not make [me] timid, but gives [me] power, love and self-discipline. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 Summarizing God’s Word. We can also bundle verses into summaries. Turn to the next section to see how!
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D A I LY D E C L A R AT I O N S B Y T H E RE F U GE CH U RCH A N D K O H Z H IGU O DAN IEL
DECLARATIONS ARE NOT FOR THE “WHATS” IN LIFE. DECLARATIONS AFFIRM “WHO” WE ARE – IMMUTABLE TRUTHS BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD. DARE TO DECLARE YOUR IDENTITY IN GOD EVERY DAY! AS YOU STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, BUILD YOUR OWN ARSENAL OF DAILY DECLARATIONS. CITE VERSES, MEDITATE ON THOSE “GOD-BREATHED” WORDS (2 TIMOTHY 3:16), AND WRITE DOWN WHAT THEY REVEAL ABOUT WHO YOU ARE. MEMORIZE THEM AND DECLARE THEM VICTORIOUSLY AS YOU LIVE THEM IN FAITH!
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H E R E AR E S OM E DAI LY DE C L ARAT ION S T O G E T YO U S TAR T E D.
As I am obedient in the areas of tithing and giving, God will supply all of my needs, He will give me power to gain wealth and add no trouble to it, will increase my store of seed, and will cause me to live in crazy favor.
(Philippians 4:19; Malachi 3:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 9:10, 11)
I am a new creature in Christ, forgiven and free of shame and condemnation, washed by His powerful blood.
I am blessed to be a blessing. I will sow and reap generously on every occasion, will live to give cheerfully, and will learn to steward well God’s blessings in my life.
(2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1)
I live by faith, not by sight or by feelings, and my faith is rooted in the eternal Word of God.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 11; Matthew 25:21) I have everything I need today concerning life and godliness. Therefore, I will live a pure life, striving for the holiness of God, casting down vain imaginations, taking disobedient thoughts captive, and walking in my identity in Christ.
(2 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 2:6, 7) I refuse to receive a spirit of fear today because I am given by God a spirit of power, love, and selfcontrol.
(2 Timothy 1:7)
(2 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6)
I can do all things today through Christ as He gives me strength. His strength is made perfect in my weaknesses, and whatever I face today, He will give me the strength to match it and to overcome it.
My home is built on Christ and will stand when the storms hit. My children are blessed and protected, and as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
(Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
(Mathew 7:24-25; Proverbs 10:25, 14:26; Joshua 24:15)
I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am His workmanship, His masterpiece. Therefore, I will praise Him at all times, and I will not walk in insecurity.
Today I will increase in favor with God and man, in compassion for others, in anointing and godly influence, in wisdom, and in faith.
(2 Peter 1:5-7)
(Psalm 139:14; Ephesians 2:10)
Š The Refuge Church. Reprinted with permission.
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PIN UP THESE WORDS OF DECLARATION TO KEEP YOU GOING!
I N C H R I S T,
I H AV E I AM I WILL
(FILL IN WITH YOUR OWN WORDS)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 (NLT)
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IGNYTE DECLARATIONS
TRANSFORMING SOCIAL MEDIA, ONE POST AT A T I M E B Y SA RA H H A N
STARTED IN APRIL 2018, IGNYTE DECLARATIONS IS MOVEMENT WHERE OUR YOUTH TESTIFY OF GOD’S GOODNESS ON A SOCIAL MEDIA. FROM SINGING TO DANCING TO TESTIMONIES, OVER 500 POSTS (#IGNYTEDECLARATIONS) HAVE BEEN POSTED SO FAR! BE ENCOURAGED BY THESE DECLARATIONS. BE INSPIRED TO BE GOD’S MESSENGER OF HOPE TODAY! launana_ Hello this is my first #ignytedeclaration huhu so do give it a listen!! Just wanted to give you guys a short encouragement to spur you on and a reminder to give thanks even in your stressful season! — “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
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xiao_yun_yun_ I really just want to share with you guys what God did in my life and how amazing He is :) You tell mountains they must fall and they fall. You tell oceans to be still and they're calm. You tell sickness it must leave and it's gone. In my weakness, God I know You are strong. You are the One above it all, I stand in awe. You're the God over all I know. No higher name, no greater throne, You stand alone. You're the God over all I know. You tell broken things be healed and they're whole. You tell fear it has no place it must go. You tell death it has no chance, it won't win. And if You are for me, God, what can come against?
b.rantay #ignytedeclaration really out of my comfort zone but here’s something to encourage all of y’all "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." - Psalm 125:1
You are the One above it all, I stand in awe. You're the God over all I know. No higher name, no greater throne, You stand alone. You're the God over all I know.
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perfectcadence_ Frankly speaking my life has never been a bed of roses. On the contrary, it feels like I have been lying on thorns underneath the roses to a point where I sometimes question God whether he really has a purpose for me in this world.
shawn_chia.we | Come As You Are | #ignytedeclaration — This was a song that God reminded me of over the last week or so when I felt tired and drained in my walk and when I felt like I failed him in some aspects of my life.
"Though my world may fall I'll never let you go." This line in the song is what truly held me together for so long that even though things may not be going well, even though everything feels like it's going wrong, I'll hold on to God and never let him go.
This song talks about how we can ALL come to Him in our weaknesses and failures; just as we are. He is a God that is near!
I hope that this song can and will strengthen those going through the storm like how it has strengthen me. Whenever it feels like the storm is too overwhelming for us, always remember that God has been and will always be in the boat to calm the storm :))
I know that even in my imperfections, He welcomes me with open arms. May this song bless you just as how it has blessed me.
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beth.tsinjie So I decided on the song Oceans because it truly speaks about how God has been so faithful all the time :-) I’ll be honest and say that school hasn’t been the easiest and sometimes I just wonder why God even let me into the course when I can barely survive :”) but this song reminded me about how even though I am in the oceans getting tossed and turned in the waves, I am still able to call upon his name and look above the waves that come crashing over me.
f4ithhh #ignytedeclaration! posting a declaration on ig is smth that is definitely way out of my comfort zone but it’s something that God has been challenging me to do for a very long time so here it is!! :-)
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Through the busy and tiring times, my soul can be assured that I can rest in his embrace and presence :”) I hope that this song encourages those who may be going through rough seasons and remind y’all that there is a place where we can find hope and assurance. :)
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REAL LIFE MIRACLES
DECLARING LIFE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY B Y L O H D A N L IN
FOR JEREMY AND SUNSHINE ANG, THE BIRTH OF THEIR SECOND CHILD CALEB WAS CAUSE FOR GREAT CELEBRATION. BUT THEIR JOY SOON TURNED TO DESPAIR WHEN THEIR FIVE-DAY-OLD SON HAD TO GO FOR EMERGENCY SURGERY. DIAGNOSED WITH A LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION, IT SEEMED LIKE A LOSE-LOSE SITUATION. BUT AS THE ANGS DECLARED LIFE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY, GOD RELEASED HEALING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.
After getting married at Trinity in 2010, Jeremy and Sunshine welcomed their first child, Calyn in 2013 and their second child Caleb two years later. Both their names are a declaration and an aspiration for the family to look beyond what human eyes could see by holding on to God’s promises.1 Rosy-cheeked and weighing 3.7 kilograms, nothing seemed out of the ordinary with newborn Caleb. The only concern Jeremy and Sunshine had was that he frequently threw up milk when fed. The doctor suspected that Caleb had a stomach infection and had him placed in a special care unit so that blood tests could be conducted.
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When the results showed no sign of infection and the hospital gave an all-clear to go home, Caleb was discharged on the fourth day. But the vomiting continued and the Angs were worried that Caleb was not getting sufficient nutrition. When Caleb was brought to the polyclinic for a routine jaundice check-up on the fifth day, doctors recommended that he check into KK Women and Children’s Hospital (KKH) for phototherapy for high jaundice levels.
1 In Numbers 13, 12 spies from each of the tribes were sent by Moses to survey Canaan, the land which God had promised Abraham. Only Joshua and Caleb declared that they should conquer the land for God has given it to them.
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THE WORST NEWS As Caleb was undergoing the checkup, another instance of vomiting occurred. This time, the doctor noticed that Caleb had blood streaks in the vomit. When a senior doctor was consulted, Caleb was immediately rushed for x-rays and a battery of tests to find out what was going on. Everything was a blur. There was a flurry of activities and medical staff fussing over Caleb. We felt helpless as we prayed and waited outside the A&E for someone to tell us what was happening. The diagnosis was not good. Caleb’s small intestines were badly twisted and deprived of blood. He would have to be rushed to an operating theater for emergency surgery. Baby Caleb in the NICU
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Jeremy and Sunshine were crushed. Why is all this happening? Caleb was only five days old! Their hearts broke at the thought of their baby boy going through such an invasive surgery.
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Caleb’s small intestines were badly twisted and deprived of blood. He would have to be rushed to an operating theater for emergency surgery.
Immediately, they got their family, Connect Group, and pastors to pray for Caleb as they waited anxiously for the surgery to be completed. Many replied promptly that they were praying for healing and reminded the couple to trust God. When the operation was over, the doctor came to meet Jeremy and Sunshine. But the news was even worse. While she managed to unknot Caleb’s small intestines, 80 percent had been deprived of blood flow for too long. Showing a picture of his dark red intestines, the doctor shared that this was one of the most severe cases of intestinal rotation. Twisted four times at two crucial spots,
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untwisting the intestine meant that Caleb would be at high risk of infection and systemic shock that could lead to death. He would need to be under observation for several days in the children's intensive care unit before the doctor could check on his intestines again. She continued to say that there were a few possible scenarios that could take place in the next operation. If more than 60 percent of Caleb’s intestines were good, the doctor would be able to cut away the bad parts and stitch up the good. But the endeavor risked many complications. As Caleb’s intestines grew, scarring on the stitched-together parts might cause constriction.
Jeremy and Sunshine could not believe what they were hearing. As they looked at Caleb in his medically-induced coma, a million thoughts ran through their heads. What kind of options were these? How can they choose? Sunshine’s mind was overwhelmed with possible scenarios for the future. I was thinking, “If Caleb needed to be warded until his teenage years, perhaps I should quit my job and find one that allows me to take care of him. But how about Calyn? She was only 18 months old! Would she feel neglected if I was caring for Caleb full-time?” Then I started to worry about finances. “How would our family manage the financial demands of taking care of a child with special medical needs?”
If less than 60 percent of Caleb’s intestines were good, the doctor could still cut away the bad parts and stitch up the good. However, since Caleb would not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients through his extremely-shortened small intestines, he would have to be tube-fed with liquid nutrients directly into his blood for his whole life. Besides the constant risk of infection, Caleb would not be able to eat solid food and would have to stay full-time in a hospital until at least his teenage years. In short, the surgery would greatly diminish Caleb’s quality of life.
COMFORT AND REVELATION
There was one other scenario. If Caleb’s intestines were unsalvageable, the last option was to let Caleb go. The doctor would stitch him back up, untreated, and he would pass on in the next two to three days.
Jeremy and Sunshine took turns to keep watch over Caleb at the hospital during the day. Amid their despair, family, pastors and Connect Group members gathered to pray for and support them. At times, there were
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My heart also ached at the thought of Caleb not being able to enjoy solid food or have a normal life. “What kind of life would it be if he could not eat or play? Should we even register Caleb’s birth certificate? What’s the point now?”
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no words to say, only tears. But the presence of their biological and spiritual family gave them great comfort and strength. One night while Jeremy was praying at home, God gave him a revelation – God reminded me that He is for living and not for death. He reminded me that He is Caleb’s Creator and no one, even us as parents, has the right to take away Caleb’s life. No matter what lies ahead, we must choose life because when there is life, there is hope. With that, everything became clear. Jeremy and Sunshine told the doctors that no matter what happened, she must do her best to keep Caleb alive. They also chose to apply for Caleb’s birth certificate. Though it’s a simple act that most parents take for granted, it was a tremendous declaration of faith. Even as the situation looked dire, Jeremy and Sunshine chose to keep their eyes on God and believe that He would sustain their child.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH Less than a week after he came into this world, baby Caleb was wheeled into the operating theatre for the second time. Family, pastors, and Connect Group members joined Jeremy and Sunshine in the waiting room to support and pray for them. “I remember telling someone that I did not want to see the doctor come out of the operating theatre so soon because if she did,
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it means there is nothing much she can do for Caleb,” Jeremy recalls. Half an hour later, the doors of the operating theatre swung open. Jeremy and Sunshine became extremely worried. The operation should have taken at least two hours. As the surgeon approached, they saw her red, watery eyes. But it was not for the reason they expected. To this day, the Angs remember exactly what the doctor said to them – Congrats! The miracle you prayed for has come true. I have never seen such a case in my years of practice. Jeremy and Sunshine couldn’t believe their ears. God had indeed performed a miracle! The doctor showed them pictures of Caleb’s small intestine. They were bright red, a massive contrast from the dark red they had seen a few days ago. The family rejoiced and praised God for saving Caleb. His intestines were one hundred percent healthy and did not require a single cut!
NOT OVER YET Though Caleb still had to remain in the hospital for observation for a few more weeks, the worst was over – Jeremy and Sunshine could breathe a little easier. But there was more bad news on the horizon.
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One day while in the high dependency ward, Caleb’s heart rate monitor went off. The medical team sprang into action and Caleb was stabilized. After some tests, he was diagnosed with Wolf-ParkinsonWhite (WPW) syndrome. Caleb had an extra nerve in his heart that could “short-circuit,” causing the heart to pump at a dangerously-high rate. A condition known as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Caleb was fortunate that his first episode of SVT was in the hospital so that he could be stabilized quickly. If it had happened elsewhere, Caleb could have passed away quietly and without warning. The doctors assured Jeremy and Sunshine that Caleb could still lead a normal life with WPW. Besides going for checkups three times a year, he would need to be on daily blood pressure medication until adulthood when he could undergo surgery to fix the condition.
Caleb’s baby dedication in 2017
Over time, they went back to their normal sleeping routine. Since God had already rescued Caleb before, they had to keep trusting that God would sustain him. Every night, the act of tucking Caleb in bed and returning to our bedroom was a declaration of faith. We are trusting that God will watch over Caleb. Yet, a heavy burden remained in Sunshine’s heart for years. Every time she prayed for Caleb at night, she would choose her words carefully. When I prayed with the children, I would pray for God to bless us generally, but I would never pray for Caleb’s salvation. I feared that the moment he knew God, God would take him back.
The Angs would also have to monitor Caleb closely and send him to the hospital immediately if another episode of SVT happens. Since there was no trigger for SVT, there was nothing they could do to prevent it from happening. Caleb could still play, run, and exert strength like any other child.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Despite these assurances, Jeremy and Sunshine couldn’t help but worry. For the next few days, they would take turns to sleep on the floor of Caleb’s room, waking up at the slightest stir.
A few years later, Sunshine’s Connect Leader suggested that she go for the Divine Exchange and Wholeness (DEW) ministry. Sunshine wasn’t convinced then that she needed DEW but went anyway. She didn’t
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consider her fear of losing Caleb something she needed to overcome. During one of the sessions, Sunshine saw a vision of a mansion that God had given her in His Kingdom. Caleb was in that vision as well and he had an even bigger mansion next to hers. It was God’s way of showing her that He was taking care of her son. When the DEW worker asked Sunshine to lift her hands, a symbolic act of lifting Caleb into God’s hands, Sunshine broke down. She couldn’t do it. It was as though her hands were tied down by a large weight. Tears flowing uncontrollably down her face, she summoned the strength and courage to obey. Suddenly, she felt the heavy burden lifted off her shoulders. At last, she finally and completely trusted God to take care of her son.
A HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIFE
Because we brought Caleb to the polyclinic for his jaundice check, he was referred to the hospital for treatment. Because his vomit had streaks of blood during the hospital checkup, we discovered his intestinal condition. Since Caleb was warded for his intentional condition, we also discovered his heart condition. They also reflect on what their journey has taught them about faith in the face of great uncertainty. God is faithful and He has sustained us with enough strength for each day. We share our family’s testimony in hopes that others will be encouraged to trust God every step of the way – to live by faith and not by sight.
Today, Caleb is a happy four-year-old foodie who loves Legos and running. He and Calyn attend DiscoveryLand on Saturdays where they learn how to declare God’s Word into their lives. Jeremy and Sunshine look forward to the day when they can tell Caleb about the story of how he got the scar on his stomach, as well as all the ways God has sustained him through the years. Looking back, God’s hand was on Caleb right from day one. Every step we took had a purpose.
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REAL LIFE MIRACLES
DECLARING STRENGTH IN THE MIDST OF WEAKNESS B Y J E S S IE C H E W
WHEN EVERYTHING STARTED TO GO WRONG DURING A CRUCIAL POINT OF HIS CAREER, TIMOTHY NG TRIED EVERYTHING TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT. IT WAS ONLY WHEN HE REACHED THE BOTTOM THAT GOD BEGAN TO SHOW HIM THE BETTER THINGS AHEAD.
2012 was the year of the golden touch at work. I managed every project well, had tremendous favor with my colleagues, and provided deliverables that were wellreceived by clients. My year-end reviews were outstanding, resulting in a promotion. I attributed every success to God, knowing that it was His favor that made that year so good. I faithfully tithed my bonus and prepared for the coming year when I would be working towards a career milestone – promotion to Manager in a Big 4 accounting firm. Things were looking great!
and I was constantly reprimanded by my superiors. Obstacle after obstacle and setback after setback, my golden touch was gone. Everything I touched was now turning to ashes. Thinking that I wasn’t working hard enough, I started putting in more hours. But nothing I did turned my situation around. Things got so bad that I was on the verge of depression, dragging myself to work every day and constantly wondering what I had done wrong. Maybe I’m not cut out for this job.
FROM GOLD TO ASHES
Maybe it’s time to move on.
In 2013, I was given bigger projects and more responsibilities to see if I was ready to go to the next level. Although I didn’t change my working style, things just didn’t go according to plan. Clients were unhappy
Compounding the stress and anxiety was the reality that I was getting married the following year and looking to purchase our first property. Besides having to plan for a wedding, the HDB loan we sought was
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denied and our appeals were constantly delayed. Without the loan, we couldn’t start looking for a home. As tempting as it was to consider looking for another job, there was a banquet to pay for and many big-ticket items to purchase. Every paycheck counted so I stayed on, determined to fight to the end.
A REVELATION Just as I was reaching my breaking point, a breakthrough finally came. In a sermon about the sifting process, Pastor Dowdy shared words that I will never forget – “We must be tested to see what we’re made of...it is not only the weak that go through trials and temptations but also the strong. A life that is seldom tested is a life of relatively little value or potential in the Kingdom of God.” For six months, I blamed myself for everything that had gone wrong. But that evening, God revealed that He had intended for me to go through all these things. I realized that I had to stop striving and start seeking God for the purpose of this season. What did He want me to learn? What chaff did He want to remove from my life?
Maybe I'm not cut out for this job. Maybe it's time to move on. presence. Suddenly, the Bible came alive as God spoke to me through His Word – such as Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6. I began to declare them into my life because I knew they were God’s promises to me. ”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” JEREMIAH 29:11 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. PROVERBS 3:5-6 5
PROMISES TO HOLD ON TO I started doing Time Alone With God (TAWG) daily and was encouraged in God’s
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When God Encounter Meetings started in July, I went every Friday. After a long week at work, I looked forward to spending time with God and enjoying His presence. One night, I went down for an altar call when a pastor declared these prophetic words over me: I have taken everything away from you that you may find Me, that you may be totally surrendered to Me. It is not a mistake, I have allowed these things to happen so that you will not rely on your own strength but learn to rely on Me. Continue to seek Me with all your heart and I will release everything to you in time.
I resolved to let things unfold as God intended because He has a plan and knew what’s best for me.
DOWN BUT NOT OUT At the beginning of 2014, I was the only person in my department to be passed over for a promotion. I didn’t receive a bonus and one of my peers had jumped way ahead of me with a double promotion. Instead of feeling disgruntled and anxious, I was filled with God’s peace and assurance. Holding on to the promise of Isaiah 40:31 (another verse God revealed in my TAWG), I knew that this was a temporary setback. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ISAIAH 40:31
Encouraged by these words, I claimed God’s promises. I grew even more determined to make this season count. In my TAWG, God released His Word into my life through Psalm 27:14 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-3. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. PSALM 27:14 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build. ECCLESIASTES 3:1-3 1
Though there were moments where I was tempted to take matters into my own hands,
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As I put my trust in God, He would cause me to soar above the others, to run ahead and not be as tired as my peers would in trying to achieve the same career goals.
PROMISES FULFILLED As the year progressed, things started to turn around. My projects started to do well and I was regaining favor with my colleagues and clients. I got married in March in a beautiful and memorable wedding filled with God’s presence and joy. A few months later, our HDB loan was approved and we were even given a large grant
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I serve in Sound as a Ministry Expression. I lead a weekly prayer group in my workplace. I tithe and fulfill my Faith Promises. In May 2019, I went on my first overseas missions trip to Bihar, India. My relationship with God is completely different from what it was back in 2012, largely due the final Word God placed in my heart before releasing all His blessings.
Sharing the hope of Jesus in Bihar
unexpectedly. After only two viewings, we found our ideal home. The value of the grants, the decreased resale value of the apartment (due to a cooling property market), and the reduced cash-over valuation amount was an amount much larger than any bonus my company could give me. What’s more, the apartment required minimal renovations and the owners of the unit offered to give us most of their big-ticket items, saving us thousands in furnishings and appliances. God knew exactly what we needed. God had one more promise to fulfill: the one related to my career. In 2015, a headhunter contacted me out of the blue about a regional position at a Fortune 500 company. I was eventually offered the role. Today, I am the Global Transfer Pricing Leader (a specialized form of taxation) – a position rare outside of the US. My former employers are now my service providers.
BEING HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT Today, I serve God whenever and wherever I can. I host and co-lead a Connect Group with my wife.
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When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.
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Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day.
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Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
12
He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have 15
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Because He saw me through the fire, I know without a shadow of doubt that He is real.
produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today. DEUTERONOMY 8:10-17
to move on. But oftentimes, God desires to guide us through seasons of pain and suffering to take us to a new level of faith – to make us the best version of ourselves that we could possibly be, if we let Him. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
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While those two years were among the most painful of my life, they were also the most beautiful and precious. I encountered God in such a personal and powerful way. Because He saw me through the fire, I know without a shadow of doubt that He is real. He is dependable and He is faithful to keep His promises. I made a commitment never to forget this journey and to faithfully steward everything He provides, being wholly dependent on Him in all seasons.
SEASONS OF FAITH When we go through tough times in life, it’s easy to believe that it’s our fault or a sign
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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. JAMES 1:2-4
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When the hard times come, be strong and courageous. Look above and hear from God, go back to basics, and be wholly dependent on Him. Allow the refiner’s fire to work in and through your life. Dare to be molded so that you can grow in Christ-likeness and realize your full, God-given potential. 058
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REAL LIFE MIRACLES
DECLARING R E C O N C I L I AT I O N IN THE MIDST OF WAY WA R D N E S S B Y J E S S IE C H E W
FOR FLORENCE LEE, SEEING HER TEENAGE SON RYAN WALK AWAY FROM GOD WAS HEARTBREAKING. FOR YEARS, SHE PRAYED AND BELIEVED THAT RYAN WOULD COME BACK. IN A MOMENT OF SURRENDER, GOD’S PROMISES STARTED TO COME TO PASS IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED WAY.
Ryan started growing up in a single-parent household at the age of six. Committed to raising my family in the ways of the Lord, I made sure that we were at church every weekend – me in the main service and him in DiscoveryLand. It was also extremely important for me to include God in our everyday life. On weekdays, we would go through the Power Word, share what God was doing in our lives, and do Time Alone With God together.
A DECISION TO WALK AWAY When Ryan became a teenager, he transitioned to IGNYTE. Though he attended Connect Group and service
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every week, I could sense that his faith was starting to wane. When I asked about his relationship with God, he would either not respond or become hostile at my questions. At 15, Ryan decided that he no longer wanted to attend church. He was unsure if God is real. Though I tried to persuade him to give God another chance, I knew there was little I could do. He was old enough to make his own decisions and independent enough to stay home alone. Ryan meant so much to me, and my only wish was for him to grow in the ways of the Lord. But I knew that he would have to find his own faith, even if that meant walking away from God for a season. When I was a younger Christian, there was a time
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I kept attending Connect Group and serving so Ryan could see that God was still a big part of my life.
where I, too, had walked away from God. But His stubborn love pursued me and I eventually came back to Him. Despite all these things, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed with myself. Many questions and thoughts ran through my head. Was he falling away because I didn’t do enough to build his faith? Did I properly steward the life God entrusted to me? Have I failed as a parent?
KEEPING MY FOCUS ON GOD While salvation is God’s part, I knew that I had to keep doing my part in being a godly example. I continued to attend Connect Group and serve as a Spiritual Parent. I kept serving as a District Helper in DiscoveryLand. Ryan could see that God was still a big part of my life and would occasionally come for IGNYTE events.
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I continued to pray fervently for Ryan by declaring God’s promises over the family. I declared that my entire household would be saved (Acts 16:31). I declared that no weapon formed against us would prosper (Isaiah 54:17). In moments when I felt that there was no hope, I declared that my help came from the Lord, who keeps us from all harm and watches our every step (Psalm 121). Through all this, I am grateful for the support of my Connect Group. They would occasionally ask how Ryan was doing. When I needed to share my worries and doubts, they were there with a listening ear and words of encouragement. They also partnered with me in prayer, believing and declaring that God would make a way for Ryan to come back to Him. During one Connect Group meeting, a member shared that she had a vision of Jesus sitting across from Ryan while he was doing his homework. I was reassured of God’s goodness and continued to press in for him.
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forward to claim God’s promises for my family once more. Despite my doubts and feelings, I chose to put my trust in God and believe that He would make a way. When I got home, I found my son lying on the floor reading the Bible. I couldn’t believe my eyes! He shared how he had been looking everywhere for answers but to no avail. But that night, he remembered how I told him that the Bible has answers to all of life’s questions and decided to give God another chance. I reassured Ryan of God’s love and declared that he would find the answers he was seeking. A few weeks later, he rang to tell me that while looking for a book in his room, he found a gift from an IGNYTE friend with “29:13” written on it. He excitedly shared that it must be God telling him to seek Him and that He will be found!
A CHANGE OF HEART For so long, I felt I was in a tunnel that didn’t have an end. But during a time of reflection during 29:13 breakthrough meetings, God spoke to me about His light. That reassured me once more that He would provide direction and clarity. In a later segment, Pastor Gerald sensed a need to pray for those whose family members seemed to have darkness over them. Ryan immediately came to mind. He was 19 now, in polytechnic, and considered himself an atheist. Though it seemed like nothing could change his mind, I was determined to press in for a breakthrough. At the altar call, I stepped
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Today, Ryan is regularly attending another church where he is growing in his relationship with God. Through a weekly bible study and times of fellowship, he has become more open to talking about his faith. I rejoice with every victory and every breakthrough because I know that God is faithful to keep His promises. For parents with prodigal children, I encourage you not to lose hope. Our children are gifts from the Lord and He loves them much more than we ever could. As you remain faithful in praying, serving, and keeping family bonds strong, hold on to His promise of salvation and believe that He will bring all men unto Him. Indeed, God will make all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
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REAL LIFE MIRACLES
DECLARING HEALING IN THE MIDST OF B R O K E N R E L AT I O N S H I P S B Y C L A RA O N G
AFTER A BITTER FALLING OUT IN CLARA ONG’S FAMILY, RECONCILIATION SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE. BUT WITH PATIENCE AND PRAYER, GOD BEGAN TO ORCHESTRATE EVENTS THAT WOULD HEAL HEARTS AND REBUILD FAMILY TIES.
Fifteen years ago, my sister, aunties, and uncles fell out with my parents. Warm bonds were replaced by anger and broken trust. Extended family gatherings that I loved and looked forward to eventually stopped.
with roadblocks. For many years, special occasions such as Chinese New Year involved multiple get-togethers. I would first celebrate with my parents before celebrating with my extended family.
Since my parents were at the center of the falling out, I struggled in our relationship and often prayed to forgive and bless them. Over the years, I found my emotional healing in God who helped me appreciate and love them wholeheartedly.
Reconciliation seemed far away, but I believed God could do the impossible. I learned to give the pain of this family separation to God so that I could be His peacemaker. I kept declaring Malachi 4:6 into my family’s situation, believing that He could heal hearts and turn things around.
Beyond the healing of my own heart, I asked God to heal the relationships between my family members.
CLAIMING GOD’S PROMISES
Every time I felt discouraged, I would speak faith into my spirit by praying 2 Corinthians 1:20.
While God had given me the grace and favor to stay in contact with all parties, every attempt to make peace was met
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He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents… MALACHI 4:6
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For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him, Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 (NKJV)
Our God is a God of reconciliation who desires for us to live in harmony.
Many times, I would pray in tongues and worship God. When I felt His presence, I knew that He remembered my situation. My favorite song of the season was “My Greatest Love Is You.” It reminded me that God’s mercies are new every morning. Every new day Your glory unfolds Filling my eyes with Your treasures untold The beauty of holiness Brings worship anew My greatest love is You
A GLIMPSE OF BREAKTHROUGH When I came to Trinity in 2016, my Connect Group members often prayed for reconciliation in my family. By this time, my relationship with my aunts and uncles had improved as I joined them for occasional gatherings. Though reconciliation still seemed very distant, it felt closer than before. A year later when I moved into a new home, I invited my aunts, uncles, and cousins to visit. My cousins would come for lunch and my aunts and uncles for dinner. When my parents found out, they volunteered to cook dinner. It was a step forward. On that day, some of the cousins visited my parents to help carry food to my home. It was the first time they had seen my parents in over 12 years, and their visit brought much joy to my parents and me.
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With renewed hope, I continued to claim God’s promises and wait on Him. When God provided open doors, I would speak my heart with my aunts and uncles seeking to bring peace and share my desire for a united family.
BREAKTHROUGH IN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY In late 2017, an unexpected situation happened in my sister’s home. Out of desperation, she confided in me and I suggested asking our dad for help. I knew that breakthrough was coming when she suddenly said “yes.” Immediately, I rallied my Connect Group to intercede for this opportune moment and for the first time in 13 years, my dad and sister, who lives in Sydney, reconnected over the phone. Soon, my parents were flying over to see her family. At the end of the year, she and her family stayed in my parent’s home for the first time since the falling out. My parents and I gave thanks for this precious victory. As I updated my Connect Group on the progress in our family, they continued to pray fervently for us. Though it was still difficult to get the extended family together for gatherings,
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Clara (extreme left), her parents (sixth and seventh from the right), and the extended family at the charity dinner
I held on to God’s promises, continuing to declare Malachi 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 1:20 into our situation.
FROM CRISIS TO BREAKTHROUGH In August 2019, my mother suffered a heart attack. Preparing for the worse, I told my sister and brother what happened. For some reason, I felt the need to tell an aunt and a cousin as well. As my Connect Group and I urgently prayed for my mom’s life and health, I asked God for a reconciliation to take place with my aunts and uncles while my parents were still alive and able. Though my mother initially felt numbness when she was admitted to the hospital, she suffered no paralysis. I was grateful that she could interact with us normally though she was weak from the heart attack. Working behind the scenes, God’s hand was upon this situation. My brother came to visit my mom with my nephew. My aunt informed the other aunts and uncles of what happened and, one by one, they came to visit – not just once, but repeatedly. I was very touched by their love.
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My mom was especially heartened and blessed by the visits from her siblings, their spouses, and my cousin. God had answered her prayers! My mom and dad expressed their gratitude by inviting my aunts and uncles to a charity dinner in late October. As all in the family accepted the invitation with a resounding “yes,” I felt truly blessed and overjoyed. It has been a real privilege to witness the grace and power of God upon my family. Even as I saw my family come together again, it was clear that more than anything, I had experienced the overwhelming goodness and faithfulness of God. Indeed, “Your love Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies” (Psalm 36:5). If you have broken relationships in your family, or know someone who does, do not lose hope. Many friends have stood alongside me offering their support and prayers throughout the years. Even when the situation seemed bleak, they persisted in believing with me that our God is a God of reconciliation who desires for us to live in harmony. Dare to be the peacemaker and stand on His promises. God can work through you to bring about transformation in your situation. Your breakthrough is coming!
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REAL LIFE MIRACLES
DECLARING FRUITFULNESS IN THE MIDST OF BARRENNESS B Y MA T T H E W C H E N
WHEN AN UNCOMMON MEDICAL CONDITION LEFT MATTHEW AND MIRANDA CHEN UNABLE TO EXPAND THEIR FAMILY, YEARS OF TRYING LEFT THEM ON THE VERGE OF HOPELESSNESS. IT WAS ONLY WHEN THEY SURRENDERED THEIR SITUATION TO GOD DID HE DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.
AN UNCOMMON CONDITION I lived most of my life with a hormone deficiency, which was diagnosed when I was 15. It was not a commonly seen medical condition, occurring in between 1/4,000 and 1/10,000 males. Nobody knew why – it just was. The treatment sounded simple enough – just replace the hormone that I was lacking.
PAINFUL INJECTIONS What followed, however, were years of painful injections (given monthly) with needles so long that I could feel them scraping against my bone. At one point, I got fed up and stopped treatment completely. This left me perpetually tired, pale, and unable to
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keep up with my daily activities. Unable to keep up with my peers, I was even chastised by a teacher for being “lazy.” I was embarrassed by my condition and kept it a secret from almost everyone, apart from my immediate family. I knew the treatment was supposed to be helpful but emotionally, I could not carry on.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS My outlook changed when God sent Miranda my way in 2009. She was the first person who made me feel normal – someone I could be completely honest with. I grew to be more accepting of my condition, able to come out of my shell and share with some close friends about what was going on. I also decided to go back to those painful injections.
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Though I forewarned Miranda that this would probably be a huge obstacle to having kids in the future, she stuck by me and we got married four years later.
…and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. EXODUS 23:26
Since we knew that expanding our family wouldn’t be easy, we sought medical expertise early. My injection medication was changed and had to be administered three times a week. But when I received the report of my first fertility test, my worst fears were confirmed: I had no sperm at all.
You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. DEUTERONOMY 7:14
DEALING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT For years we tried to conceive. It was discouraging and disappointing at many points. When people around us were having kids, it felt like there was no hope in sight. We were even angry at ourselves for this impossible situation. But God was good, assuring us that it was only a matter of time. He blessed us with amazing family and friends who were very supportive. He sent people to help us and give us messages of hope and peace in the most difficult of times. He also blessed us with an empathetic marriage pastor who guided us through the whole journey. He placed us in a Connect Group with the most wonderful people. He sent us testimony after testimony of people who went through similar trials. Most of all, He gave us verses to hold on to – Exodus 23:26, Deuteronomy 7:14, and Matthew 6:33.
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But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. MATTHEW 6:33-34 33
A GLIMMER OF HOPE Four years into the new treatment, we had a breakthrough: I finally received positive news for my fertility test. While the results was still abnormal, we finally had something to work on. But this wasn’t the end of our trials. After trying for another six months to no avail, we decided to go for assisted methods of reproduction.
ANOTHER OBSTACLE During the preliminary checks before starting intrauterine insemination (IUI), we discovered that Miranda's eggs did
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not always fully mature. Even though there was finally sperm, the eggs may not be able to be fertilized. Due to this, Miranda had to start taking hormone supplements, causing her moods to take a dip now and then. I’m glad that she was aware of what was happening and spoke to me candidly about how I could support her. We maintained open communication and, of course, prayed a lot. We then proceeded with IUI three times and failed. Again, we cried out to God and asked why we still couldn’t have a child. The hormone supplements, countless injections, and endless trips was draining us emotionally and physically. We didn’t know how much more we could take.
SURRENDERING ALL TO GOD In 2018, we decided to go for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This time, we would leave everything in God's hands. If we conceived, praise God. If we didn't, we would still praise God. In a way, after so many years of hopes and disappointments, we finally reached a point where we felt that we had tried “everything.” There was nothing more we could do on our own. We knew that we had to then release any control we think we had to God and hold on to our faith in His promises. Once we surrendered everything to God, we felt His peace and courage to face whatever was to come.
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The journey to expanding one’s family is never easy but God’s mercies were what kept us going. IVF certainly wasn’t a walk in the park, especially for Miranda. It meant more injections and invasive procedures. We thank God that all the procedures went smoothly.
OUR MIRACLE ARRIVES Two weeks after we had transferred an embryo into the womb, our miracle came – we had a positive pregnancy test! The entire gestation was also very smooth with the baby meeting every milestone on the dot. On September 21, 2019 we welcomed our daughter Elizabeth into the world. We thank God every day for her, and are grateful for the journey that God has led us through. The journey to expanding one’s family is never easy. It can be months or years (20 years in my case) but God’s mercies were what kept us going. For couples wanting to expand their family, don’t lose hope. Surrender your situation to God, trust His timing, and keep clinging on to Him for your miracle. Indeed nothing is impossible for our Heavenly Father!
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TRINITY’S MISSIONS ENDEAVORS TO DEMONSTRATE A PASSIONATE HEARTBEAT FOR GOD’S GLOBAL AGENDA BY EMPOWERING AND EQUIPPING CHURCHES, ORGANIZATIONS, MINISTRIES, MINISTERS, AND COMMUNITIES. THIS INCLUDES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF, AND/OR SUPPORT TO, CHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN WORKS, AS WELL AS EQUIPPING OF PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERSHIP.
MIS S ION S RE PORT M ISS IONS AT A G L ANCE
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2019
ST AT IS T ICS F O R JA N U ARY SEPT E M B E R 2 0 19
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GO MISSIONS IMPACT TEAMS (MITs)
135
Trinitarians
7
56
countries
CAMBODIA INDIA INDONESIA MALAYSIA SINGAPORE TAIWAN THAILAND
Trinitarians going for the first time
070
12 MITS
1,349 decisions
33
healings
2019
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THAILAND
TRINITY@BANGKOK Trinity@Bangkok has moved its Services and Life Skill Courses to Chamchuri Square. Strategically located next to the Chulalongkorn University, the church is now positioned to reach out to many young adults studying, working, and living in the city.
At the inaugural service on August 18, five people became the first to receive church membership at Trinity@Bangkok.
October 6), six participants completed the training, catching the heart of connect and disciple, and learning how to share the Gospel. Members of the Silver Force and the Wave teams comprising AlphaTrackers continue to come alongside with Trinity@Bangkok in connecting and discipling through street evangelism, Connect Group, events, and Trinity Academy courses.
INDONESIA
At the first Spiritual Parenting course (September 28 and
TRINITY@JAKARTA On July 21, the pre-service prayer was launched where members intercede for the
WAVES TO REGIONAL CENTERS
86
9
trips
Trinitarians
44
Trinitarians going for the first time
service and various needs submitted by the congregation 15 minutes before the start of worship. On August 25, Trinity@Jakarta reached another milestone with the installation of Pastor Budi Haryanto as her first bi-vocational pastor. To continue empowering and developing Spirit-filled leaders, two classes were conducted – Introduction to the Trinity Family (water baptism and church membership class) and Connect Leaders’ Training (training of small group leaders).
TRAINING AND CONSULTATION TRIPS ^
14
1,349
trips
16 decisions
21
healing
9
GIVE
destitute children
SPONSORED IN INDIA, INDONESIA, MYANMAR, THAILAND
countries
Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan, United States, Vietnam
48 ministries supported
^ Training and Consultation trips are counted by the number of destinations and do not include preaching and exploratory trips.
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MISSION IMPACT TEAMS
In the third quarter of this year, 114 Trinitarians (53 going for the first time) went to Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore for missions trips (pg 74).
LANGUAGE MINISTRIES
On September 15, the four Language Ministries (Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, and Thai) and the Chinese Ministry had their first combined Leaders’ Meeting. It was a time of celebration as each ministry shared what God had been doing in their ministry, ending with a time of prophetically praying over each of the ministries.
TRAINING AND CONSULTATION
Trinity continues to equip churches from around the world through training and consultation trips. This quarter, our pastors went on five trips to four countries (China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam) to continue ongoing cell church training with the network of churches.
SPONSORSHIP OF CHILDREN
The giving of Trinitarians support 1,349 destitute children in four countries (India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand). Through your financial support, these children have opportunities to develop intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially.
TRINITARIANS, THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE NATIONS BY PRAYING, GIVING, AND GOING! IN THIS DECADE OF EXPANSION, CONTINUE TO BE PART OF TRINITY’S GROWING MISSIONS ENDEAVORS SO THAT MORE LIVES CAN BE TOUCHED AND IMPACTED FOR HIS GLORY.
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PRAY
• Missions Impact Teams and Wave Teams:
Safe travels and God’s manifest power to be seen through their ministry
• The Children:
To know God intimately and to grow in favor with God and man
• Ambassadors and Trainers:
Fresh anointing, and impactful, lasting ministry
• Expansion Endeavors:
Divine alliances and wisdom for our leadership
Be a partner with Trinity’s Missions – Pray, Give, and Go!
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THANK FOR
YOU GOING TO
T R I N I TA R I A N S ! THE NATIONS!
T RI NIT Y’S MI S S IONS IMP A C T TR I P S A N D WA VE S F ROM J U LY- S EP T E M B E R 2 0 19
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In the third quarter of the year, 114 Trinitarians chose to be God’s hands and heart – 53 for the first time! Let’s continue to pray for the lives that have been touched and decisions made for Christ. May every seed sown be watered and nurtured to fruition!
TAIPEI TAIWAN
[Evangelistic]
J U LY 2 2 -2 8 7 TEAM MEMBERS 5 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children, youth, and adult programs Engaged in home visitations
150 LIVES TOUCHED 70 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
BANGKOK THAILAND [Evangelistic]
JULY 24- 31 (CAMPUS) 1 8 TEAM MEMBERS 1 3 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Supported Trinity@Bangkok’s services Engaged in street evangelism and feeding program
133 LIVES TOUCHED 3 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
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2019
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TAINAN TAIWAN
[Evangelistic]
J U LY 2 8-AUGU S T 4 1 0 TEAM MEMBERS 6 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children and youth programs Engaged in street evangelism and revival meeting
184 LIVES TOUCHED 4 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
I have been blessed to serve in this trip. It has expanded my confidence and trust in God. Indeed, God can use anyone do His work, including me. I hope that sharing my time on this trip can be a way to show my friends and family how Jesus has impacted my life. I R ENE TAN
BANGKOK THAILAND [Evangelistic]
JU LY 3 0–A UGUS T 1 1 (ALPHATRACK ALUMNI) 1 1 TEAM MEMBERS 5 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Supported Trinity@Bangkok’s service Engaged in street evangelism, feeding program, and prison ministry
When we reached the feeding program, many were waiting for us to minister to them. The Holy Spirit moved and I saw so many people tearing. God taught me to love people and carry His heart to the nations.
195 LIVES TOUCHED 10 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
ALAN HAN
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When I shared the colors Gospel with the children, many wanted to receive Christ into their lives. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity because I saw that it wasn’t about how well I presented it or what material I had – the Gospel itself has the power to save.
CHIANG RAI THAILAND [Evangelistic]
AUGU S T 7-1 4 7 TEAM MEMBERS 1 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children and youth programs
ELENOR SOH
620 LIVES TOUCHED 280 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
J O G JAK AR TA
INDONESIA
[Evangelistic]
A U G U S T 1 2-1 8 1 0 TEAM MEMBERS 3 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children and youth programs Engaged in youth and adult revival meetings Assisted in children's home renovations
400 LIVES TOUCHED
I thought the language barrier would’ve been a hindrance to ministry, but God showed me that the heavenly language of His Spirit overcomes this limitation and builds those who hunger and seek Him.
300 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
KO H Z H I X I O N G
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I am thankful for the opportunity to pray for two believers for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even though I felt unequipped, I stepped out in faith and one of the them started speaking in tongues! That helped me see that when we partner with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to do incredible things!
TAIPEI TAIWAN
[Evangelistic]
A U G U S T 1 2 - 1 8 1 2 TEAM MEMBERS 2 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children, youth, and young adult programs Engaged in home visitations and street evangelism
313 LIVES TOUCHED 90 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
L E E H AN E E
C C S S, C AR E H U T SINGAPORE [Humanitarian]
A U G U S T 14 -1 6 1 1 TEAM MEMBERS 5 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children’s program
114 LIVES TOUCHED
I am glad to see that the children enjoyed the activities more and more each day. When we taught about leadership, it was great to see some of them rise up to encourage others and do their best. CHONG YU WEN
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While sharing a message during the feeding program, I saw the eyes of those who came. They were hungry both physically and spiritually. The responses to healing and salvation were beyond my expectations. I was reminded that the harvest is plentiful but laborers are few.
BANGKOK THAILAND [Evangelistic]
A U G U S T 1 4-1 8 7 TEAM MEMBERS Supported Trinity@Bangkok’s service Engaged in street evangelism, feeding program, and prison ministry
380 LIVES TOUCHED 1 DECISION FOR CHRIST
RICHARD LEE
KAOHSIUNG TAI WAN
[Evangelistic]
AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 2 1 0 TEAM MEMBERS 6 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Conducted children and youth programs Engaged in home visitations, street evangelism, and evangelistic rally
150 LIVES TOUCHED 19 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
BANGKOK THAILAND [Evangelistic]
S E P T E M B E R 9-1 5
(IGNYTE)
1 1 TEAM MEMBERS 7 FIRST-TIMERS ON THE TEAM Supported Trinity@Bangkok’s service Engaged in prison ministry
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RUSSIAN CHURCH OF CHRISTIANS OF EVANGELICAL FAITH CONFERENCE 2019
REACHING THE NEXT G E N E R AT I O N B Y JESSI E CH E W A N D C H ER I E O N G
REPRESENTING OVER 2,300 CHURCHES AND MORE THAN 350,000 BELIEVERS, THE RUSSIAN CHURCH OF CHRISTIANS OF EVANGELICAL FAITH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS IN RUSSIA.
Besides making the Gospel relevant, it is important for this generation of leaders to demonstrate conviction and authenticity in their Christian faith.
Every year, Christians from across the vast nation come together for an annual conference for a time of empowerment and impartation. This year, the city of Perm hosted about 2,000 delegates (from pastors to youth) in workshops and sessions focused on reaching, retaining, and raising the next generation for kingdom purposes (Psalm 78:6).
conviction and authenticity in their Christian faith. Through the example of Trinity’s various ministries, he also provided insight and practical handles on how local churches could connect and disciple children, youth, and young adults.
Joining a multitude of international guest speakers was Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, whose sessions helped delegates understand the realities, wants, and needs of Millennials and Generation Z. Besides making the Gospel relevant, he stressed the importance for this generation of leaders to demonstrate
With the global Christian community increasingly looking to Trinity for guidance and inspiration, may we continue to be a people who build the body of Christ by our example. Indeed, we are expanding for such a time as this!
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9TH CONGRESS WORLD ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
MADRID / SPAIN
LA CAJA MÁGICA
Make it a holiday for the whole family next March!
MAR 19-21, 2020
MORE THAN
50
ANOINTED SPEAKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
MORE THAN
20
WORKSHOPS, PLENARY AND PANEL SESSIONS
CHOOSE FROM
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SIMPLE OPTIONS AND REGISTER NOW!
SCAN TO REGISTER NOW:
Early bird registration ends Dec 31, 2019!
Main Congress attendee (>35yrs)
Next Gen Congress attendee (13-35yrs)
Children’s Program (3-12yrs) NEW Fees have been waived!
Main Congress Group of 12 (2 go free) 30 (5 go free)
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CARE COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
I T TAK E S A COMMUNITY
CareLibrary’s showcase at CCSS’ annual Charity Golf dinner, featuring participants and their caregivers.
B Y SH E RL YN T A N
ONE OF THE MOST PRESSING NEEDS OF OUR SOCIETY IS HOW TO HELP THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA – A DEGENERATIVE BRAIN DISORDER THAT AFFECTS 82,000 PEOPLE IN SINGAPORE. 1 BUT THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES IMPACTED BY THIS ILLNESS. CAREGIVERS AND FAMILIES OFTEN STRUGGLE TO CARE FOR THEIR NEEDS.
In November 2017, CCSS assumed the management and provision of CareLibrary – a vibrant, safe, and supportive environment for seniors at risk of cognitive impairment. Through multi-sensory fitness exercise, cognitive activities, and music engagement, CareLibrary’s goal is to slow down the cognitive decline of our participants, enabling them to retain their functional abilities and stay integrated within the community. To date, CareLibrary has served more than 120 senior adults and helped their families improve their quality of life, including Madam Yeoh.^ Diagnosed with young-onset dementia at age 61, Madam Yeoh could no longer lead an independent life.
In 2016, she started attending CareLibrary at least once a week and has improved tremendously. She participates in various activities and has become more expressive. “CareLibrary noticed my mother’s interest in singing and engages her through music,” shared Madam Yeo’s daughter. “Even though her memory is failing, the lyrics of the old songs flow effortlessly out of her. Singing continues even when she is at home, bringing much joy to the home.” CareLibrary has also helped Madam Yeoh’s family by giving them handles on how to effectively communicate and manage her behavior. Besides helping families, CareLibrary partners with hospitals, resident’s committees, and social service agencies to improve dementia awareness in Singapore. “We want to see everyone who comes through the door of CareLibrary know that they can be themselves without stigma,” said Cheryl Han (Director of Programs). “I hope CareLibrary is a place where a community is forged, where love, care, and support are found.” *Name have been changed to protect identities
Play a part in expanding dementia awareness in Singapore! CONTACT US AT +65 6959 7500 OR CCSS@CCSSCARES.SG TO FIND OUT MORE.
1 Tay, R. (2019) 82,000 people in Singapore today have dementia – and 3 in 4 feel ashamed and rejected because of the illness. Accessed 30 Sep. 2019. ISSUE 4
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C OLOR S HIS COLORS, MY CANVAS
BY SA RA H H A N
6 ORIGINAL SONGS 5 HUNDRED IGNYTE DECLARATIONS 4 MONTHS OF PLANNING 3 LIVE TESTIMONIES 2 MONTHS OF REHEARSALS 1 NIGHT TO REMEMBER
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hat does it mean to be all for Jesus? Early in the year, IGNYTE embarked on its biggest project ever – an outdoor concert on the shores of Sentosa. All hands were on deck to bring the church to the world. After months of planning, IGNYTErs took to social media to declare how God had colored the canvas of their lives. More than five hundred posts were posted on Instagram in the weeks leading to COLORS – declarations filled with joy and courage as they shared God’s goodness with their followers. As evening approached on September 8, people from all walks of life descended
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People from all walks of life descended on Palawan Beach ready to experience COLORS. on Palawan Beach ready to experience COLORS. With 1,594 people in attendance (including 1,052 first-time visitors), it was a testament to the truth that when we act in faith, God will draw all unto Him. As the sky grew darker, the colors from our LED wristbands grew brighter. In a sea of lights, the atmosphere was heavy with excitement as the worship team took to the stage. Opening with the chorus of “Reckless Love,” the ground began to shake from the multitudes dancing and praising the King of Kings. Three IGNYTErs took to the stage to testify of a God who gave them purpose and brought healing into their lives. Bringing COLORS together was Pastor Gary Chia who shared the Gospel using the colored wristbands.
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While heaven is for all (yellow), humanity’s sin keeps us from being with God (black). But with Jesus’ death on the cross (red), the curse of sin is broken – we have been cleansed and reconciled with God (white)! By putting our trust in Jesus, we all have the opportunity to experience a new life (green). God’s presence that night was overwhelming and undeniable. When the call to salvation was given, many ran to the front eager to receive this invitation. We praise God for the 111 who chose to let God color the canvas of their lives with His hope and love. Although COLORS has come and gone, may we continue to let God paint our lives into His masterpiece.
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STORIES OF LIVES CHANGED
Growing up in a broken home, Lucas Teng (age 17) became so fearless that he started to break the law. One day, God powerfully met him at an Easter presentation that his friend brought him to and his life started to turn around. Today, he is serving actively in IGNYTE as a Celebration Host and as a leader in his Connect Group. He desires to keep proclaiming the goodness of God all his life.
Unloved and unwanted. That’s how Deon Lee (age 19) felt for so much of his life. It was as though he was just a puppet moving about the world. In a moment of desperation, he accepted an invite for a special IGNYTE service with guest speaker Gurmit Singh. As Deon chose to come back to IGNYTE, God met him service after service and started to fill the void in his heart. In time, Deon accepted Jesus into his life. He now lives each day knowing that he is loved by God and is His beloved child.
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Lucas Teng
Esther Ng Deon Lee
When she found out her dad had passed away, Esther Ng (age 19) felt that her whole world had come crashing down. As she struggled with the loss of her earthly father, God showered His love on her through her IGNYTE leaders and friends, showing her that He will always continue to pursue her. As her Heavenly Father, He would make sure that she would never be alone.
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#ignytedeclarations
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"First #ignytedeclaration post! Certainly wasn't easy, who said stepping out of the comfort zone was easy? Just wanted to use this platform to invite you for the Colours concert on the 8 Sept, happening at Palawan Beach, Sentosa and if you are interested do DM me for more info!" "COLORS Concert is happening real soon! An exciting time of food, games and songs awaits and you will not want to miss out on this! Swipe to find out more about this concert! This invitation goes out to all of you. DM me if you're interested!"
TES TIMON IES F ROM IGN Y TERS Chloe Sim, age 19 I had tried many times to invite a friend to church but was always rejected. While praying, God promised me that he would come and I shouldn’t give up. With faith, I invited him for COLORS and he accepted! Though he was quiet throughout the event, his heart was open and he rededicated his life to Jesus. He is now attending church with his family!
Hayden Tan, age 15 When I was asked to serve for COLORS, I hesitated. I felt inadequate and my walk with God wasn't the best. Overwhelmed by the stress of school and rehearsals, I felt exhausted and wanted
to give up. But I thank God for giving me the strength to persevere. At the first dress rehearsal, I understood what God was doing through COLORS. On the day of the concert, I was so impacted by those who experienced God – praising, crying, kneeling, and giving their hearts to Jesus. I am blessed to be His vessel and have found joy in serving Him.
Brittney Toh, age 17 When we started singing “Reckless Love,” I felt God’s presence flooding the beach and I immediately encountered His love. I can take heart and know that He is with me every step of the way.
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MIGHTY BOTS!
DISCOVERYLAND CHILDREN’S DAY EVENT BY RE BE CCA L IN CO LN
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secret lab and robots make the perfect setting for an action-packed drama!
At this year’s Children’s Day events (October 12 and 13), our children and their friends accompanied three robots – Melody, Smash, and Data – on a journey to discover their unique talents. But when each bot tries to be like one another, chaos ensues. All hope seemed lost until their friend Intern Cordex reminded them of the Maker, who loves them dearly.
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Our guest speakers (Pastor Lee Mei Yee, Sister Jeanette Kwek, and Sister Brenda Lee) used Mighty Bots! to share with the children that God is a personal God who made them and knows everything about them! What’s more, three of our PreTeens took the stage to testify of God’s love! Even when they felt insecure and constantly compared themselves to their friends, verses such as Jeremiah 29:11 and John 3:16 changed their perspectives and spurred them to read the Bible to discover more of God’s truths.
While the weekend hosted 775 children (with 57 first-time visitors), the fun was not over yet! Over the next two weekends, our children also learned to embrace their unique gifts, that they were created for a purpose, and could be a blessing to others. Many invited friends for Mighty Bots! The children at Trinity@Bukit Batok also dared to go tracting over two weekends to invite more children to learn about God.
At the end of their testimonies, they boldly called for children to respond to the love of God. Praise God that 141 children made decisions for Jesus!
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May our children continue to use their unique talents and personalities to be mighty bots for Jesus!
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T E S T I MON I E S F ROM PART IC I PAN T S Zachary Wee, age 8 I learned that God made us unique and everyone is different. I enjoyed watching the Mighty Bots! Eann Koh, age 9 I learned that God made us wonderfully. I enjoyed playing the games. Darlyn Yeow, age 9 I learned that God has created each of us in a unique way and that God will guide us when we are in need. I thank God for sending the pastors and teachers to help us learn more about God. Hoy Chor Wen, age 10 I learned not to compare myself with others because that will suck the joy out of me!
Charlotte Tay, age 10 I learned that I am created for a reason and that God always loves me. Sarah Tan, age 10 I learned that I am not a mistake – I am loved and special in God’s eyes. It was like God was speaking directly to me. Vera Tan, age 11 I enjoyed the testimonies shared by Kylie and Sister Brenda because it shows how God has impacted their lives. Natania Ooi, age 11 God spoke to me while I was using the God Loves Me tract. He told me I was a leader.
Celeste Saw, Volunteer At one of our Sunday services, I met a firsttime visitor who came because he received a flyer from tracting! Over time, I got to know his parents because we stay in the same block. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to invite them for service and Connect Group. If we have ever wondered and doubted that will there be any successful invite through the tracting giving out the flyers, or wondered if the flyers goes to the trash immediately, that’s not true! Our labor in the Lord is never in vain!
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RAISING SERVANT LEADERS
DISCOVERYLAND'S MINISTRY EXPRESSIONS BY ME L ISSA T E O
IN DISCOVERYLAND, WE DON’T JUST LOOK AFTER CHILDREN – WE RAISE LEADERS! BESIDES BEING FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE BY GOD, OUR CHILDREN HAVE MANY SPIRITUAL GIFTS. OUR ROLE IS TO HELP THEM SET GODLY EXAMPLES BY BEING GOOD STEWARDS OF THEIR TIME AND TALENTS. ONE OF THE WAYS WE DO THAT IS BY ENCOURAGING OUR CHILDREN TO SERVE IN MINISTRY EXPRESSIONS(ME).
DISCOVERYLAND’S MINISTRY EXPRESSIONS
CELEBRATION HOST
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
HOLY COMMUNION SERVER
TECH
Our children lead their peers in prayer and assist teachers in collecting offerings.
Our children show what it means to honor this sacred time of celebration. Dressing their best, they serve the emblems of communion to their peers and teachers.
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Our children partner with teachers on stage to inspire the posture and heart of worship.
Our children partner with teachers to ensure a smooth flow during service by manning the slides while our pastors and teachers teach God’s Word.
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OUR NEWEST MES!
BE-MY-FRIEND PROGRAM On October 12, we launched our newest ME, the Be-My-Friend Program. Through this, our children connect and disciple our first-time visitors so that these newcomers feel at ease.
PRE-TEENS OPS FORCE Exciting things are also happening in Pre-Teens! Since the launch of the Ops Force this year, our teachers have been able to focus even more on nurturing and discipling those under their care.
Lives are being transformed through this ME! When a Trinitarian invited a colleague to come for service, the colleague also brought her children. When one of the children attended DiscoveryLand, her immediate connection to a befriender led the child to keep asking her parents to bring her back to DiscoveryLand! Now the whole family is coming to church!
Here’s a summary of their many responsibilities! 30 MINUTES BEFORE SERVICE
DURING SERVICE
AFTER SERVICE
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Support the teachers during Service set up to ensure that we are operationally ready! Ensure the tidiness and orderliness of the service hall Provide operational and logistical support to pastors and teachers during the sharing of God’s Word Strike set Provide feedback on ways to improve the operations of service
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ME PLAY DAY With so many Pre-Teens serving alongside each other, there was no doubt that a strong sense of team spirit would form. To further strengthen these bonds, help our Pre-Teens grow in ministry, and foster greater ownership for God’s house, a new quarterly initiative was started – ME PlayDay. At the first ME PlayDay on Nov 2 and 3, 127 Pre-Teens came together for a time of games and an impartation of God’s Word. May they continue to be God’s leaders wherever they are placed!
Our children have many spiritual gifts. Our role is to help them set godly examples by being good stewards of their time and talents.
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Help your children become God’s leaders today by signing up to serve in a Ministry Expression!
SIGNUPS ARE HELD IN JANUARY AND JULY, DURING NORMAL SERVICE TIMINGS. LOOK OUT FOR IT IN AN UPCOMING PARENT’S MEMO IN THE NEW YEAR!
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TAG CHALLENG E CAMPUS BY VE RON ICA Y U EN
“3…2...1...FIGHT!” THE BATTLE CRY WAS RAISED FOR 27 TEAMS (235 CAMPUS FOLKS AND OIKOS) IN THE TAG CHALLENGE – AN ELECTRIFYING NIGHT OF ARCHERY, NERF, AND LASER HELD AT TRINITY@PAYA LEBAR ON SEPTEMBER 13.
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eyond food, fun, and games, God moved mightily as we worked in unison to help our 82 oikos experience the biblical community. Many were touched by E-Ning and Shaun’s heartfelt testimonies, as well as Brother Chong Lin’s message about redemption through Christ.
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Today, I stand here knowing that I am fully healed by God. I am assured of my Father’s love for me. - Lim E-Ning Even though I had given up on myself, God’s love never stopped pursuing me. Today, I stand here knowing that I am fully healed by God. I am assured of my Father’s love for me. Lim E-Ning (NUS, Year 4)
Through my sister’s Connect Group, my eyes were opened to see God’s overwhelming love that pursues me and completely filled the void in my heart since my mother’s passing. I found a new purpose in Christ and witnessed my father’s salvation too. All glory to God!
T ES TIMON IES FROM PARTICIPAN TS Cherylene Tan (NUS, Year 2) During service, God dropped the name of my friend and her roommate into my heart. I had been praying for them and felt a sense of urgency to invite them to TAG Challenge. I was rather disappointed as my friend couldn’t come but glad that her roommate could. During the event, she was very touched by how warm the people were. My Section Leader connected very well with her and the roommate eventually made a decision for Jesus!
Ang Hui Qin (SIT, Year 2) During our weekly outreach, God allowed us to invite our friends to TAG Challenge. We eventually formed two full teams of people from SIT! Indeed, God is the one who brings in the oikos. He delights in our willingness to partner with Him! Ada Cheng (SMU, Year 4) The SMU section gathered, pressed in to God, and persevered in praying fervently for our oikos. We praise God for the seven who came for TAG Challenge! They were very open to knowing about God and would like to come back for future Campus events!
My eyes opened to see God’s overwhelming love that pursues me and completely filled the void in my heart.
Shaun Tan (NTU, Year 2)
We praise God for the massive turnout, with oikos expressing interest to come back to church! Indeed, there is power when we come together to connect!
- Shaun Tan Testimonies have been edited for clarity and length.
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S TAR T I N G T H E DAY R I G H T WITH GOD MORNING PRAYER 2019
BY D E SI RE E Y A N G
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DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR ONCE SAID THAT “TO BE A CHRISTIAN WITHOUT PRAYER IS NO MORE POSSIBLE THAN TO BE ALIVE WITHOUT BREATHING.” JESUS SHOWED US THE CENTRALITY OF PRAYER IN HIS LIFE IN MARK 1:35, WHERE IT IS RECORDED THAT HE ROSE EARLY IN THE MORNING TO COMMUNE WITH GOD IN PRAYER.
rom November 11-15, Trinitarians followed in His footsteps, sacrificing precious hours of sleep to start their day in communion with God at Trinity@Paya Lebar. Over the five mornings, Pastor Melvin Lim and Pastor Wendy Chang led Trinitarians in studying the church in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, and Philadelphia (Revelations 2-3). Beyond the teaching, the pastors led us in times of reflection and prayer – to capture God’s heart for our lives and identify areas that needed to be realigned to His heart. The time of prayer also gave Trinitarians the opportunity to intercede for the church as well.
I felt the Holy Spirit strongly resonate in me as I set aside time for Morning Prayer. I feel more confident with walking with God as I choose to be faithful in prayer. M E LV I N TAN ISSUE 4
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Even though Morning Prayer was physically tiring, there was a spiritual refreshment and awakening each day I came. God met me where I was and tugged my heart in the areas that needed realignment. I’m excited about the greater things God is going to do in and through my life for His glory and kingdom. S H AW N V I N C E N T
I went for Morning Prayer with the intention of seeking God for different areas of my life. Though I’m not a morning person. God always woke me up before my alarm each day and I managed to go for every session! He spoke to me about different deep issues in my life, including my fears and pride. I have been very blessed and ministered through the five days and I thank God for all that He has spoken to me! C E L E S T E TAN
Even though I could only come for three days, God spoke to me through the message and prayers. Through Morning Prayer, I have become more disciplined to spend more time with God and properly praying to Him every day. I will definitely come again. CLAUDIA FOONG
The reflections from Morning Prayer have been really apt and timely for me. Having to set aside time for worship and prayer was such a privilege as I disciplined myself to commune with God and listen intently to what He had to say! By choosing to set aside time to go for Morning Prayer, I experienced what it means to be refreshed by the Lord as I choose to seek Him first. I hesitated to go on Wednesday because of the long day ahead, but I experienced God’s sustenance for the next 19 hours! I knew that He was the One giving me the strength to sustain through that day! C H L O E TAN
During Morning Prayer, I learned what it meant to truly wait upon the Lord – to be still and just being in His presence.
L OW S Z E T I N G
On the first day of Morning Prayer, an altar call was given for those who faced disappointment in ministry. The person praying for me identified that I felt misunderstood and reminded me that God loves me. That prayer started breaking down the walls I had built around me. In the next few days, God reminded me that I am beautiful and I am His pride and joy.
Waking up early is not something I like to do but the opportunity to be in His Presence gave me the motivation. One thing I took away was Revelation 2:9. God not only sees and knows our present tribulation but also knows our future victory and triumphs.
I am reminded and have resolved to make more time for God, allowing more time for prayer and reflection so that God can regularly speak into my life, correct me and guide me in His ways. I'm so blessed that Morning Prayer has helped me break out of my current stagnation – to deal with the walls I have built up this season. Looking forward to greater breakthroughs.
VERA LEONG
KING RACHEL
R AE NA Y E O N G
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THEOLOGY FOR TODAY
CAN CHRISTIANS LOSE THEIR SALVATION? B Y DR R I C H AR D G O ETZ TC A C O L L EG E
theology for today
IN JULY, JOSHUA HARRIS (AUTHOR OF THE POPULAR CHRISTIAN BOOK “I KISSED DATING GOODBYE”) ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN. 1 A FEW WEEKS LATER, HILLSONG WORSHIP LEADER MARTY SAMPSON ALSO SHARED HE WAS HAVING SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, DECLARING HIS FAITH WAS ON “SHAKY GROUND.” 2
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very Christian knows of people who were once followers of God, but at some point fell away from the faith. It could be family members, colleagues, or friends. Such actions often lead one to consider the following question: can Christians lose their salvation?
A MATTER OF INTERPRETATION This question has been a significant part of Christianity since the Protestant Reformation, when the biblical teachings of sola fide and sola gratia (salvation by grace through faith alone – Ephesians 2:8-9) was brought back into the theological landscape.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 8
If salvation is a choice of faith, then can one later choose to spurn grace, abandon faith and reject their salvation? Whether and under what conditions one can lose their salvation is called “perseverance,” with two sides emerging in this debate: • those who argue Christians will never lose their salvation; they cannot choose to give it up or abandon it (Calvinism),3 and
The question of whether one can get out of the Christian faith is directly related to how one gets into the Christian faith in the first place.
• those who argue that Christians can choose to give up their salvation (Arminianism).4 The issue of perseverance is not, however, one which can (or should) be examined in isolation.
1 https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZBrNLH2sl 2 https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2019/august/hillsong-leader-denies-renouncing-faith-but-says-hes-on-incredibly-shaky-ground 3 This refers to the theological teachings of French reformer, John Calvin. 4 This refers to the theological teachings of Dutch pastor and teacher, Jacob Arminius. ISSUE 4
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theology for today
On the concept of salvation, One must fully understand how to “get in” before answering the question of “getting out”. The question of whether one can get out of the Christian faith is directly related to how one gets into the Christian faith in the first place (salvation).
The disagreement has to do with the understanding of faith. Does the faith to receive this salvation come from us or from God? For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. EPHESIANS 2:8-9 8
FIRST THINGS FIRST: SALVATION How we understand the concept of salvation will determine whether that same salvation can later be rejected. In other words, one must fully understand how to “get in” before answering the question of “getting out.” Both Calvinism and Arminianism agree on sola gratia and sola fide – salvation by grace through faith alone. But if both sides accept this essential Christian biblical teaching, then why do they differ so greatly about perseverance? Both sides agree that grace is from God in the person and work of Jesus Christ; Christ’s death and resurrection triumphed over sin and death and procured our salvation (Romans 5:8-11).
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Unfortunately, Ephesians 2:8-9 does not make this entirely clear. Paul uses the definite article “this” to describe the part of salvation which comes from God. He does not specify, and the context does not clearly indicate, whether the use of “this” refers only to “grace” or to both “grace and faith.” Let’s look at two options: • Grace comes from God, faith comes from us (Arminianism). If faith comes from man – that one must exercise free will to receive salvation – the opposite must logically
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Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
be true: one can exercise free will to reject faith and walk away. • Grace and faith come from God, nothing comes from us (Calvinism). If this is true – that grace and faith are God’s gift for humanity – then God cannot and will not allow us to lose this gift. This leads us to another set of theological concepts that we must explore: the sovereignty of God versus the free will of man.
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SOVEREIGNTY VERSUS FREE WILL The Bible strongly emphasizes God’s sovereignty. King David asserts God’s sovereignty over all in Psalm 103:19 when he says, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” The apostle Paul also affirms God sovereignly sustains all things in Colossians 1:17 – “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” God’s control over everything would seem to include our actions (including our decision to trust and follow Christ), so how can we be free or in any way responsible for those actions? Yet, the Bible also emphasizes human free will and human responsibility. Peter encourages the shepherds of God’s flock to serve as overseers “not because you must but because you are willing” (1 Peter 5:2). In John 10:25 Jesus declares the responsibility of the Pharisees for not believing in Him or in His answer to their questions is on themselves: “I did tell you, but you did not believe.” And Jesus invites all those “whosoever will,”
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in Matthew 11:28, to “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Therefore, if humanity is completely free, in what sense can we say that God is sovereign and in control? If we can freely choose to do what we want when we want (including the choice to follow and then reject Christ), is God still in control? The sovereignty of God and the free will of humanity are affirmed repeatedly throughout the Bible. This, then, sets up our dilemma: if God is completely and totally sovereign, how and in what sense can we meaningfully say that humanity is free?
THE TROUBLE OF THE EXTREMES Extreme Calvinism claims that individuals who walk away from the faith have not fallen away because those whom God saves are necessarily kept (or persevere) in the faith (“once saved, always saved”). This is a heartening conclusion until one considers the possibility that those who walk away from the faith
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were, perhaps, never really Christians to begin with. While extreme Calvinism preserves the notion of God’s sovereignty by downplaying free will, this view makes a mockery of sincere expressions of faith, especially when that faith is exercised for an extended period of time. Moreover, extreme Calvinism means that one can never know for certain whether expressions of faith are genuine, even our own. Rather than supporting any assurance of salvation, this viewpoint completely undermines it. Moreover, emphasizing God’s sovereignty as being so strong that it completely over-rides human free will ultimately render humans as mere robots. On the other hand, extreme Arminianism claims that while a person can fall away or lose their faith (and come back to faith again), God cannot prevent the falling away nor can He control the coming back. While this view affirms humanity’s ability to choose and lose our salvation, it also undermines Gods’ ability to guide individual persons and human history in general to any specific
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Being a Christian is a process of understanding and accepting God’s revelation.
conclusion. This compromises God’s omnipotence and His omniscience. God is not really in control after all, but only hoping to bring about a future which He would like to have happen. God is essentially “making it up as He goes along.”
logically opposite. We do not fully understand how God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will work together, but affirming they are not opposites and that they do work together is not a logical contradiction. It is, in fact, a biblical necessity.
While each extreme side in this debate captures one part of the picture, neither viewpoint does justice to the full biblical revelation regarding both God’s sovereignty and human free will. That’s why we need to affirm a more biblical, but still challenging, middle ground.
For example, in Acts 4:28, the prayers of the saints declare of Jesus’ crucifixion that “they [Herod and Pilate] did what Your [God’s] power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”
FINDING THE MIDDLE GROUND Affirming both God’s sovereignty and human free will is ultimately a paradox or mystery, but it is not a contradiction. A contradiction occurs when two statements are
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Herod and Pilate are affirmed to have freely chosen the path to Jesus’ crucifixion which God had planned all along, affirming both God’s sovereignty and human free will and responsibility. Even Jesus’ death on the cross was done both with God’s set purpose and foreknowledge (Acts 2:23) and through Jesus voluntarily laying down His own life (John 10:17).
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Scripture affirms this same paradoxical outlook when it comes to our salvation. To affirm that my salvation was both declared by God but chosen by me is to affirm that God’s viewpoint is not mine; what is freely chosen by me within my fixed point in time, can also be declared or determined by God within His freedom of eternity. A balanced view acknowledges that while God “wants all people to be saved” and will work in their lives to help them “come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4), the provision of free will means that He will permit people, in His sovereignty, to walk away from the faith.
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downs. Being a Christian is a process of understanding and accepting God’s revelation, and many times, that process can involve deep questions about one’s beliefs. Besides active listening and non-judgmental conversations, we must be fervent to engage in prayer – interceding for the Holy Spirit to reveal misguided perceptions and heal past hurts.
So, when Joshua Harris, Marty Sampson, or any Christian decides to renounce the faith, was it their free will decision to do so? Yes. Was it somehow also within God’s sovereignty? Also, yes.
WHEN OUR LOVED ONES CHOSE TO WALK AWAY While it’s painful to see loved ones struggle or walk away from the faith, we must remember that salvation is a journey filled with ups and
Can we guarantee that our prayers will have the desired effect? While all people have the free will to accept (or reject) God’s gift of salvation, our all-powerful God is also able to turn those fallen hearts back to Himself – not compulsively, but persuasively.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
As we dialogue with our loved ones and keep them in prayer, we need to remember the patience of God (2 Peter 3:9). They may have for the moment chosen to neglect, reject, or abandon God, but God has not rejected or abandoned them. God is not finished with them yet.
–2 Peter 3:9
Dr Richard Goetz has been a professor of theology at TCA College since April 2010. He earned his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, USA. Dr Goetz’s teaching interests include systematic theology, apologetics, church history, and ethics.
Recommended Reading
Chosen But Free, Norman Geisler Why I Am Not a Calvinist, Jeffrey Walls and Joseph Dongell Why I Am Not an Arminian, Robert Peterson and Michael Williams Against Calvinism, Roger Olson For Calvinism, Michael Horton ISSUE 4
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