What is Church?

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Rev 2 & 3

2) Matt 16:16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

I am not surprised many Christians, even those older ones have very limited understand of church. It is difficult to know the church because Satan, the subtle enemy, is working very hard to blur the eyes of many Christians to see what the real church is. In the concept of many Christians, the church is a physical building, or a bungalow, or a cathedral with a high tower and a cross on it, where they congregate every Sunday to worship and listen to sermons. Sadly, they hardly know anything of the church as revealed in the Bible.

The church is essentially the Body of Christ, the fullness of Christ. It is the expression of Christ and through the Body of Christ, we could then see how God is realized by us and how He is actually expressed and manifested, both locally as well as universally.

Jesus is the anointed One (Matt 16:16). The anointed One in today’s term simply means the appointed One. So, God has appointed or anointed Christ to carry out His eternal purpose and economy on earth. Jesus is not only our Savior to save us, but also Christ as the appointed One to carry out God’s eternal plan. In order for Christ to carry our God’s eternal plan, He needs the church. In order to produce the church, there are two very important aspects Christ needs – redemptive aspect and imparting of life aspect (Read Sept 08 "Blood Is Thicker Than Water"). What I am saying here is that after redeeming the fallen created man through the cleansing blood of Christ, He had to impart life through the life-giving Spirit into the redeemed and regenerated ones. These redeemed and regenerated people become the living members (Eph 4:16) of the Body of Christ – Church. As the church, the Body is the means by which Christ carries out God’s eternal purpose and plan. Therefore without church, Christ cannot accomplish God’s eternal plan and purpose.

We shall now focus in details the danger of some churches not aligning their plan with God’s eternal purpose. The Bible has warned us not to be drifted away. We have to continue to fall “under the shadow of the wing” (Psalm 17:8). When we are within the shadow of the wing, we must be close to God.

In Revelation 2 & 3, we are being warned of the danger some churches had fallen out of God’s plan. There are seven different churches with different set of characters, which we can learn from. The seven churches in the province of Asia:-

1. The church in Ephesus - Has forsaken the first love. (Rev 2:1-7)

2. The church in Symrna - Under persecution and being hypocrite. (Rev 2:8-11)

3. The church in Pergamum - Has resorting to eating food offered to idols and by committing to sexual immorality. (Rev 2:12-17)

4. The church in Thyatira - Has resorted to apostasy. (Rev 2:18-29)

5. The church in Sardis - In reformation but has gone to “sleep” or dead. (Rev 3:1-6)

6. The church in Philadelphia - The Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David.....the One who kept the Word and have not denied His name...” (Rev 3:7-13)

7. The church in Laodicea - Has degraded, being lukewarmed. (Rev3:14-22)

As living members of the Body of Christ - Church, we must protect and continuously aligning ourselves in God's eternal plan. Avoid being ensnared in any of the enemy's traps as illustrated in Revelation, except the church in Philadelphia, the One who kept the Word and have not denied His name. For those who may have been classified as the church in Philadelphia, we must not be too proud but instead humbling ourselves before God of His Grace and Mercy.

Peace of God and God of Peace

Relevant Bible Verses

1) Phil 4:6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

2) Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every man’s understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

3) Phil 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, what things are true, what things are dignified, what things are righteous, what things are pure, what things are lovely, what things are well spoken of, if there is any virtue and if any praise, take account of these things. The things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace will be with you.

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“Easier said than done”, is a statement made on something seems like a good idea but it would be difficult to do in practice.

In Phil 4:6, it mentions that we should not be worried and anxious about anything in our life but instead by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God. Then the Peace of God, which surpasses all our understanding, will guard our hearts and our thoughts in Christ Jesus.

But are we completely free from anxiety after surrendering our worries to God in prayer? I am sure many will still have anxiety and worries, albeit reduced, after letting our requests be made known to God. This is due to our half heartedness believing in God’s blessing and promises. There must be a genuine total surrender both in reality and practicality in trusting the Lord to completely free us from anxiety.

As believers, we should not only think on the things mentioned in verse 8; we should also practice the things which we have learned, received, heard, seen and read in the scriptures.

In verse 9, it closed with the word, “And the God of Peace shall be with you.” Actually, this is both the promise and blessing of God. The God of Peace is the source of all the good things mentioned in Phil 4:8-9.

Our Lord is both the Peace of God and God of Peace. Therefore, by trusting the Lord in all aspects of our life we shall gain to enjoy God and Peace at the same time.

Pressing Toward the Goal

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Phil 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

2) Phil 3:13 Brothers, I do not account of myself to have laid hold; but one thing I do: Forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before,

3) Phil 3:14 I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called upward. Let us therefore, as many as are full-grown, have this mind; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you. Nevertheless whereunto we have attained, by the same rule let us walk.
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I have been pretty busy lately and was not able to up-date my blog. But I know I have a "race" to run for the ultimate goal. This article is probably issued at the most appropriate timing as I am also in the "race" along with many Christians around the world. Therefore, we must all "press on".

Even though Paul had experienced and gained Christ exceptionally, he was not afraid to admit he was still struggling to attain the full knowledge of Christ in perfection. However, despite of his imperfection, he continued to encourage the believers to focus on the race in Christ (Phil 3:12).

As Christians, pursuing after Christ should and must be our life primary goal. We cannot be otherwise minded. Walking closer with God will not only make us understand and discern what is right and what is wrong and what is imperative, but will also allow God to align our mind to His centre core economy plan, a mind focused on the pursuing of Christ.

This attractive and deceptive material world can easily distract many Christians from focusing on God’s goal. We need to pursue God’s unique goal and His plan for us so that we will not be distracted, holding on to the unshakable foundation of truth. In Phil 3:13, Paul warned us of the danger of holding on to the “things of the past”. Dwelling on our past experiences can frustrate us from moving forward to the things which are before us.

Lets us continue to pursue toward God’s unique goal and the prize – Christ for our ultimate enjoyment and full knowledge of Christ in maturity.

Moving Forward

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Eph 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

2) Phil 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not account of myself to have laid hold; but one thing I do: Forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before, (14) I pursue toward the goal for the prize to which God in Christ Jesus has called me upward.

3) Eph 3:8 To me, less than the least of all saints, was this grace given to announce to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ as the gospel

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There are many born again Christians who have left the church and simply refused to continue to embrace the faith in Christ. Majority of these people would be too polite to express the real reason(s) for not returning to the flock. Some have gone to the extent to even condemn and discourage others from believing in the fellowship of Christ.

For centuries now, God has mentioned that the fundamental fault with man is his own very heart, there is something twisted, almost demonic within the very heart and soul of human being. Remember it was disobedience that caused man to fall. The insatiable human heart desires to have plenty of the world’s material things and quest for power continues to dominate mankind, blurring their vision to focus on God’s great economy and plan.

Therefore it is important to nurture and saturate the human heart with the Word of God building the unshakable foundation of truth. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph 4:14)

Satan’s cunning ways and persistency in instilling negative thoughts in our mind using religion, culture, philosophy and law that we are not worthy enough to serve the Holy and Gracious God. The unnecessary guilt conscience of not worthy stance and self condemnation naturally have caused people to adopt quickly the “law” to self correct in justification to make right with God.

In the above verses, Paul mentioned of forgetting the past. He encouraged the believers to stretch and move forward for the ultimate fullest enjoyment of Christ in the millennial kingdom as a reward to the victorious runners of the New Testament race. Dwelling on the old teachings can hinder and frustrate our further pursuing after Christ. It is sad we still see many modern day Christians, even the matured ones continue to adopt the old teachings and put upon themselves the burden of the law as bondage on their shoulders.

It is important that we do not fall back to the old teachings (Judaism). We need to keep moving forward with Christ in the new covenant. Christ has come to fulfill the law. The old law has been canceled on the cross (read Hebrews 8). We cannot be justified by observing the law, but by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Not Good Enough

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Rom 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

2) 2 Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness

3) Phil 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
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For centuries now, Satan has been using religion, philosophy, and culture to possess people and to keep them from experiencing Christ in fullness. Although the majority of the simple people (Christians included) are influenced strongly with material things, the more thoughtful ones are hooked by religion, philosophy, culture and self-righteousness.

Overcoming the influence of material things is easier. But overcoming religion, philosophy, culture and self-righteousness are more complicated as these are ingrained within our soul and inner being.

I am sure many Christians would have experienced Christ to a certain degree in their walk with God, but sadly our experience has been severely impeded and constantly blocked by our own philosophy and domestic logic. Satan’s cunning ways and persistency in instilling thoughts in our mind that we are not worthy enough to serve the Holy and Gracious God, thereby making us to think of the “not good enough” position or self-condemnation within our own very heart.

We should be reminded that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember:-

Noah was drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womaniser
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ, 3 times
The disciples, fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
AND...Lazarus was dead!

We have no more excuses to blame on our inferiority complex and inability to be used by God.

Isn't doing nothing is another form of death?

He Made The Stars Also

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

2) Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

3) Phil 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
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I find it really interesting and facinating how the following pictures are presented:-

Picture 1


Pictures 2


Picture 3


Picture 4


Picture 5


Dr. John Polkinghorne is one of the greatest living writers, theoretical physicist and thinkers on science and religion. A truly renowned world-class scientist turned priest.


In one of his university lectures he presented a cosmic slide in a physics class. He mentioned that there are billion of stars in the sky and if you chose to count them at one per second, it will take you 2,500 years just to count those stars.

I couldn't help but think of a verse in the Bible that says, He made the stars also!

Dr. Polkinghorne mentioned further that when we look at the earlier days of the formation of the world and universe, the expansion and contraction rates had to be so precise and the margin of error so small that it would be like taking aim at a one square inch object at the other end of the universe twenty billion light years away and hitting it bulls-eye!

Simply by just looking at the pictures above and what were mentioned by Dr Polkinghorne, one cannot deny the great power behind the creator of the universe. These have reminded me of the greatness of God. And Bible says that by the mere utterance, God created the universe! How great and poweful God truly is! And we humans think we are all powerful by our little supremacy here on earth controlling a little tribe of nation given to us.

Remember, we don't have authority and power if we surrender all our principles, we merely have an office.

Beholding and Reflecting

I am honored that Bro. David Chong from Kuching, East Malaysia, is able to contribute an article in my blog. I got to know him during my stay in Australia 10 years ago. A lawyer by training. He used to attend the weekly Friday cell meeting at my Melbourne city apartment. He is now a happily married and God fearing man with two lovely children. Thank you David.


by David Chong


2 Cor. 3:18 But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit.
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Have you ever wondered why teenage boys like to ride motorcycles or drive souped-up cars at breakneck speeds? Or why teenagers experiment with drugs, smoking and drinking copious amounts of alcohol?

Brother David Vinson from Texas, USA pondered these questions a lot. A medical doctor by profession, he spent countless hours in emergency rooms trying to save the lives of teenage American kids who had either overdosed on drugs like cocaine or were involved in accidents due to DUI or just plain reckless foolishness. He has concluded from his observations over the years that there are certain laws operating which explains these behaviours. He shared his observations with us during a conference in Kuching last year and it goes something like this:

1. You reflect what you behold.
When you behold something long enough, you will reflect it. Why do some people have weird hairstyles, ghastly tattoos or pierce their body parts with metal objects? That's because they hang around with people with similar hairstyles, tattoos or body-piercings. 1 Cor. 15:33 cautions us not to be deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals. You will reflect what you behold.

2. You behold what you love.
You will only behold something/someone that you love. Sadly, for most teenagers today, be it in the US or in Malaysia, what they love more than anything else are their friends or acceptance by their friends. They place this social acceptance above the teachings of the Bible or their parents. In the end, they only behold their friends or the opinions of their friends for that is what they love above all things.

3. You love what you set your heart upon.
Now we get to the crux of the matter, which is your heart. You will love what you set your heart upon. So crucial is this matter of the heart that Jesus even linked it to our seeing and hearing. In Matthew 13:14-15 we see Jesus quoting Isaiah which says, "In hearing you shall hear and by no means understand, and seeing you shall see and by no means perceive. For the heart of this people has become fat, and with their ears they have heard heavily, and their eyes they have closed, lest they perceive with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart, and they turn around, and I will heal them".

So we see that the key here is our heart. Whenever the heart turns to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. This is what we should practice day by day, moment by moment. It all boils down to the little decisions we make daily. When we wake up, do we read our Bible or the newspaper? While driving to work, do we muse on God's word or do we think of other mundane things? Liverpool vs Man U match, do we stay at home to watch the match or attend the youth meeting held at the same time? Being an overcomer means making the right decisions day by day and making these decisions depend upon what you love and set your heart upon.

4. Ultimately, you become what you love.
The pinnacle of all this is as promised in 2 Cor. 3:18, whereby if we turn our hearts to the Lord, behold and reflect Him moment by moment throughout our lives, we shall be transformed into the same image as He is. What a glorious thought this is!

Full Grown Man

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) 1 Thes 5:23 God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2) Heb 4: 12 For the word of God is living and operative and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

3) Eph 4:13 Until we all arrive at the oneness of the faith and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, at a full-grown man, at the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
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The Bible says that “as many as received Christ, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name.” (John 1:12). Then the next logical step after becoming the chosen children of God is to grow up into a matured person.

Becoming the children of God can be very rich in its implications. It implies that we have received the divine nature of God and grace of Christ in our now regenerated life. In a proper sense we need to boast of our status being bestowed as children of God. Christians indeed are considered very privilege to have received the grace and mercy of God.

God works in a miraculous way. He deals in our spiritual grow gradually. Firstly God takes possession of our spirit through regeneration in the blood of Christ. Secondly by spreading and mingling Himself as the life-giving Spirit with our human spirit to saturate our soul. The full saturation of the soul with the Spirit of God will transform our soul and ultimately enliven our mortal body through our soul and transfiguring our body by His life power. It is mysterious to see God’s miraculous way working throughout our tripartite human being – spirit, soul and body.

I am going to bring you back to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This event will illustrate God’s divine intervention and process in our spiritual growth and ultimately leading us into the promised land (Canaan).

God commanded Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, from which they were delivered. Secondly when the children of Israel were in the desert, from which they wandered. Finally, when they entered into Canaan, from which they experienced the full enjoyment of God and kingdom rest.

“Their history in these three places signifies the three stages of their participation in God’s full salvation. This is a type of us, the New Testament believers, in our participation in the full salvation of God. In the first stage, we receive Christ and are redeemed and delivered from the world. In the second we become wanderers in following the Lord; our wandering always takes place in our soul. In the final stage we partake and enjoy Christ in a full way; this is the experience in our spirit.” (Extracted from footnote Heb 4:12Recovery Version Bible)

Therefore until we take the word of God seriously, as it is living and operative and sharper than two-edged sword, we can still be wandering in the “wilderness”.

We must press on as Caleb and Joshua did with conviction believing in the word of God, obeyed the Lord and entered into the Canaan land with full enjoyment of Christ “at a full-grown man, at the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Why Does God Allow Pain & Temptation?

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) 1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

2) 1 John 4:4 You , dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

3) Matt 6:13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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I attended the weekly Friday evening cell group meeting in one of the brother’s new house. Currently we are pursuing a series of discipleship and last week’s subject was “Victory over Temptation”. Amongst the many issues that were raised, discussed and studied, one very good question (which was not answered with full satisfaction) that was asked particularly in reference to verse 1 Cor 10:13. In this verse, it says that God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted way beyond what we can bear and that God will provide a way for us so that we can stand up under it.

The question was, “Why do we still see devoted and committed Christians (even leaders and pastors) fall under the power of temptation, if God will not allow us to be tempted way beyond what we can bear? Why didn’t God provide a way for them when temptation was before them?

The same questions could be asked about Adam and Eve.

In the Christian world, we believe that God is the creator of the universe. When God created and fashioned human beings in His own image (Gen 1:27), the greatest gift that God gave to mankind was in the freedom for self-determination, i.e. the right to choose (Gen 2:16…"You are free to eat from any tree…") and the entrustment attached along with it.

Thus, we can either trust and obey God in the definition of right and wrong attained or to become our own definer of right and wrong. By the exercise of the will to reject (disobey) God’s claim on good and evil or right and wrong, man “sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Re-defining good and evil by man was the instrumental source of evil, temptation, pain and downfall.

In addition, for centuries God has mentioned that the fundamental problem with man is his own very heart that’s something twisted, almost demonic within the heart of man. The insatiable human heart desires to have plenty causing the misalignment of the heart with God’s great economy and plan. I have even heard from a finest evangelist confessing, “The worst thing I can say to you ladies and gentlemen is that sometimes minutes before delivering a sermon on the enormous theme of the holiness of God, some of the most unholy thoughts are still raging in my heart.” How deceitful and desperately wicked is the human heart? (Ps 36:3).

I have also a short story which, I hope to further answer the above questions.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
"I don't believe that God exists!"

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?
Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer.

"That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!

That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.
That's why there's so much pain, temptation and suffering in the world."

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, everything to God in Prayer.

Be Watchful

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.

2) Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain,

3) Luke 12:37 Blessed are those slaves whom the master, when he comes, will find watching…
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Oblivious as we always are, we do not realise how people around us observe our every move, and mostly through their subtle glances. They may not seem to be very interested in what you do and/or possess but believe me, they do!. So, be watchful. They observe the way we live, the cars we drive, the shirts we wear, the house we own, the things we write in our blog and many other activities we do in our daily life. When we only take it for granted that they don't.

A good friend and ex-accountant of mine from Australia sent me an email which I find it very appropriate to forewarn us not to take people for granted and to be careful in our walk with the Lord. Although we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and are freed from the bondage of sin and death, we should “be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1Cor 8:9).

Read on….,

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a Church in Houston , Texas .

Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.

When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.'

Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?

Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.

Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship.

I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.

I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said,


'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'
This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I'm glad I received this reminder!

The Law of Garbage Truck

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Matt 5:38-39 An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to resist him who is evil; rather whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

2) Matt 5:45,48 So that you may become sons of your Father who is in the heavens, because He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. You therefore shall be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

3) James 4:6 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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My wife and I were busy shopping for food and groceries on the Saturday just before Chinese New Year (CNY) at the wet market near our house in preparation for the coming auspicious day. It was quite normal that the market was much busier than usual during this period as more Chinese people were rushing to store up sufficient food for the coming CNY celebration.

After our rounds in the crowded wet market and our usual weekly wanton noodle breakfast, we quickly whipped our car out of the busy and congested market area only to realize we had forgotten to pack some noodle breakfast for our two kids who were waiting impatiently at home. I made a U-Turn into the busy market area heading towards the noodle stall and was caught in a massive jam.

Following behind another car turning into the back lane trying to avoid the jam, the car in front stopped suddenly and just parked his car right in the middle of the through road, blocking me. When I signaled him to move his car, he shouted at me asking me to reverse my car instead. Then he gently opened the door for his wife and kids, walked away from his car and into the restaurant for their breakfast, while my wife and I sat in our car shocked and speechless! How could a normal man, with children and wife next to him behave so rudely, ill-mannered, oblivious, insensitive and total disregard for others? I asked silently.

There were so many evil retaliation thoughts running wild in my mind at that moment in time. It was a perfect time to engage in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth position! Anyway after about the longest 2 minutes seated in the car speechless thinking about all the “evil things” I could do to this person and his car, I reluctantly engaged the reverse gear and backed off our car, speechless and furiously mad, while the person and his family looked unperturbed, seated in the restaurant ordering their breakfast!

Since that unforgettable outraging incident, I have been waiting for the right moment to relate this experience in my blog until I read the following email sent to me:-


by David J. Pollay

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly he/she can get back her focus on what's important.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here's what happened.

I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

Many people are like garbage truck. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally.

You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.

So this was it: The 'Law of the Garbage Truck.' I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?

It was that day I said, 'I'm not going to do it anymore.' I began to see garbage trucks.

I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best.

Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Teachers and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you?

What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?


Sometimes, it may seem unfair on ourselves that we have been taken advantage of the situation or perhaps being bullied. But in the above Bible verses, the Lord is asking us to resist whatever that is evil and be kind to those who offended us - go with him the second mile!

How difficult it is to be kind to people who offended us, but God gives grace to those who humble.

The Mask

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ...

2) Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me…

3) Phil 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is out of law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is out of God and based on faith

4) Eph. 4:15 But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ.
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The Mask is a movie about an incredibly nice and shy bank clerk by the name, Stanley Ipkiss, who has just discovered a mysterious ancient green wooden mask by the sea that is inhabited by Loki, the Norse night god of mischief. When Stanley puts on the mask, he transforms into an uncontrolled reflection of himself in a wacky-suited green-skinned cartoony romantic maniac that does craziest things and amazes the people in search of justice and a good time too. The transformed new super-hero could perform acts beyond the wildest dream of any man on the street without actually exposing the real identity of Stanley.

Many a time we are like the transformed Stanley, hiding ourselves behind the mask and wearing not only one but variety of masks to suit different occasions or when dealing with different sets of people. We can become a better actor than those in the Hollywood with so many masks available for our selection. It is very natural for us to act differently in front of different sets of people. In the Christian life it is easy to agree and follow certain practices. For example, we may be told that we are not a good listener and later quickly adopt the practice of good listening skills. We may also join Lion Club or other charity organizations to embrace and harness generosity when we find lack of charitable heart. We may succeed to become a better listener and a very generous person and yet fail to live Christ.

It is one thing to follow a certain practice or custom; it is another thing to live Christ. I do not think God cares too much of how holy, spiritual, or victorious we are in ourselves. Actually, to live in this way by self-effort and pretense can be a struggle for many. In effect by doing so, we are striving to keep the law. What counts in the eyes of God is the righteousness of Christ living in us (See “New Covenant”). It is by faith in the righteousness of Christ which is of God and His grace that we have been saved.

“The problem in your life and mine is not the availability or the lack of availability of truth. It is the hypocrisy in our search….” (Dr Ravi Zacharias).

Let us not put on masks in our daily walk with Christ but instead live Christ and put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph 6:13). But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ (Eph 4:15).

Sitting on a Gold Mine

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Luke 10:39-41 Martha had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!". "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

2) 1 John 2:16 The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and vainglory of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.
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There is a particular firearm presently being exhibited in a Canadian provincial museum. The story behind the display is quite intriguing.

The firearm was used in a bank robbery in 1990 by a 24-year old man, named Curtis. It was the biggest mistakes of Curtis’ life that caused him eight years behind bars for his crime. On the night before the intended and well plan robbery, Curtis went to his father’s home for supper. While the parents were busy in the kitchen, he sneaked into his parents’ bedroom and stole his father’s gun.

The next day he used the gun to hold up a bank and managed to leave with two canvas bags filled with $6,000.00 of cash. The police was able to identify him after reviewing the recorded video camera tapes. He was eventually arrested in his apartment and the holdup weapon was seized as evidence.

You see, Curtis had no need to rob the bank. He stole $6,000, but paid a very high price for it. He had his dad's gun that he used to hold up the bank. That was no ordinary gun. It was a .45-caliber Colt semi-automatic made by the Ross Rifle Company back in 1918. This limited edition antique firearm was valued at $100,000, more than 16 times the value of the stolen money. He was sitting on a gold mine without even realizing it.

In the above passage, we can see two sisters with two different sets of character; Martha being busy and distracted by all the preparations that had to be made, while Mary did nothing but only sat at the feet of Jesus listening to what He has to say.

Many a time we are like Martha, always wanting to do things and ended up being distracted with the preparations that had to be made so much so we forgot to appreciate the real Christ within us. We worry and desire for the material things of the world, which do not belong to the Father.

Although we may have all the energy and capacity to be patient and hardworking, but soon our natural body shall eventually be exhausted. Our natural patience and strength are limited. When our patience and strength begin to deplete, we can easily be provoked and quick to anger as did Martha – blaming her sister Mary for not doing anything. As the result with the lack of wisdom, Martha had lost the opportunity to be with the Lord and thus impeded her growth in God.

Christ’s patience is inexhaustible and immeasurable. He is our refuse, ability, power, patience, love and wisdom, all with unlimited greatness and without measure. If only we are willing to humble ourselves sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him. It is so important to know what has been installed for our lives with the blood of Christ in eternity - our stance, position, vision, purpose and destiny in the divine God’s great plan and economy.

We do not want to be working so hard and fighting aimlessly, to the extent of robbing the banks yearning for the finer temporal things of this world where we already have in our possession the “crown jewel” or “pot of gold” right under our nose. Let us not failed to realize that we are in effect sitting on a gold mine in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ provides the answer to the dying soul and He is the life beyond the grave.

Walking with the King

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) 1 John 2:16 The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and vainglory of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.

2) 2 Cor 12:1 must go on boasting…, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

3) 2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

4) Rev 19:16 …KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
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Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays celebrated by all the Chinese around the world. It is also known as the Lunar New Year especially by the people in the mainland China and Taiwan.

A reunion dinner is traditionally held at the home of the most senior member of the family on the eve of the New Year where members of the family, near and far away come together for this auspicious celebration. Red packets (“angpows”) are often distributed to the younger unmarried immediate family members during the reunion dinner. These packets contain money that reflects good fortune, prosperity and honorability.

It was indeed a very joyful and merry atmosphere when we had our reunion dinner in my house. I could observe non-stop dialogues, the “catching-up” conversations and exchanging of ideas between family members. It seemed like everybody was talking and no one was listening around the dining table. It was rowdy. Issues of life, children, schools, career path, holidays and other life in general were discussed. But there was one particular discussion or topic that really caught my attention. It has prompted me to think about our current position being a Christian.

The discussion was about a strong charismatic devoted pastor who divorced his wife, left his children and turned into a very successful businessman. Apparently the separation compensation for the wife ran into millions of dollars. In a friendly casual conversation with one of my family members, this ex-pastor was boasting about his boundless high profile networks and proudly mentioned that he walked along with the king of Malaysia in one of the official ceremonial events. One of the many comments out of the reunion dinner table that night that hit the nail on the head triggering me to write this article was, “he has forgotten once he was walking with the King of kings”! How timely and appropriate?

What could possibly go wrong? Is the situation that bad? Temptation must be strong? Life must be good and better in the circular world. I asked quietly.

1 John 2:16 mentioned that the lust of the eyes and vainglory of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. Materialism is the lust of the eyes. These are the “finer things” in life people of this world yearn for (see article “Humility”).

God has mentioned for centuries now, that the fundamental problem with man is his own very heart that’s twisted, almost demonic within the heart of man. The insatiable human heart desires to have plenty causing the misalignment of the heart with God’s great economy and plan. How deceitful and desperately wicked is the human heart? (Ps 36:3). Bible called this sin.

We need Christ for us to overcome the wickedness and craftiness of our human heart. We must, with persistency and single mindedness, focusing on the visions and revelations from the Lord. Praying faithfully and consistently that we would not be tempted (Matt 6:13). So that we can ultimately be proud to proclaim, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

We do not want to wake up in the morning standing in front of the mirror and seeing nothing!

Unnecessary Preacher

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Phil 1: 9-10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

2) Phil 1: 15-17 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

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I do not think it is an easy task to preach with full conviction week after week behind the pulpit if we do not recognize the authority of the Word of God. One has to humble himself or herself before God and rely on the Spirit of God to reveal the truth and the much intended meaning of the Word before he or she can even start writing about it. I have now discovered the hard work after started this blog 3 months ago. I can’t believe I am still writing. But His Grace is sufficient for me.

The convenience and the advancement in this fast changing modern world had affected all facets of life and church life is not spared either. We can see the pattern of how church services are conducted in this modern age so as to suit and be relevant to this fast changing world. We know and do understand that a church is not a social club, neither is it a place for the holy ones. In fact it is a body of Christ where we gather to have fellowship with one another in the Lord.

I am very concerned with the paradigm shift in some of the ways preaching are being conducted by some pastors these days. I am prepared to and interested to listen and discuss about theology, perhaps even spirituality and at least humanity in our lives. Maybe some current affairs and politics would be bearable. But when preaching are focused so much on physical church buildings, strategies, and formulas of success (prosperity gospel), something in me just shuts down. Worst if the preaching is not at all aligned with the Word of God. It is not enough to just preach the Word or content of it. We have to be gloriously reigned with conviction, humbling ourselves before God, taking up the responsibility to study and truly understand the authority of the Word of God, building the unshakable foundation of the truth. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” (Eph 4:14)

In Phil 1:9-10, Paul prayed that the Philippians would be fully reigned with conviction in the Word and be able to discern to distinguish between his preaching and that of the Judaistic believers (see articles “New Covenant” and “Judaism”). All believers today also need to discern between the many different kinds of preaching and not be distracted from the main stream of God’s Word. We have to ask whether or not such preaching is for God's economy and His move on the earth today.

Certain famous charismatic preachers may be very knowledgeable and eloquent in their words. But if we have discernment, we shall realize that the ulterior motive of their preaching is for the furtherance of their own work, not for the advancement of God's economy. In order to discern the preaching of others in this way, we need more experience of Christ. The closer we get to Christ, the more we begin to understand and discern what is right and what is wrong and what is imperative.

Only the experience of Christ can cause love to abound in us in full knowledge and all discernment. Let us encourage one another to love as Paul did to the Philippians, but to love in knowledge and discernment, not in foolishness and in blindness.

Humility

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) 1 Cor 8:1 We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

2) Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

3) Matt 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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I stumbled upon some very encouraging sermons of an apologist by the name of Dr Ravi Zacharias in my iPod. I did not know that this friend of mine who gave me the iPod had actually downloaded Dr Zacharias’ sermons on it. I truly enjoyed his words and I am thankful that God is using people of such great minds in our time to reach out to the lost as well as to the believers. One particular sermon that prompted me to write this article is entitled “Character Counts from the Leadership and the Political Arena”.

The higher we climb in the corporate world, the more resources we shall possess, the more power and authority we shall be given, the more liberty we shall become, the more respect we shall command and more pride shall emerge. These finer “things” in life are what most people yearn for in this world. Therefore it is really not surprising to me when I read about people who are prepared to cheat and even kill, stooping themselves down to the lowest self esteem point in their lives in order for them to have these finer “things” in life.

Where is God among all these so-called “finer things” in life? My understanding of the word “poor” in Matt 5:3 is simply being empty or nothingness. When our hearts are filled with all these finer things in life, there is simply no room for God. We need to empty ourselves so that God can come in and be blessed. Leaders of all spectrum of life are most vulnerable, no matter how immensely gifted they are. We must live up to the truth in God in the pursuit of life where we embrace humility and recognize His Grace is sufficient for us. Always consider others better than ourselves.

Therefore...

“The greatest mark of a great leader is humility, one who recognized his or her poverty of spirit. Not untamed passions or wanton power or unteachable temperament.
The greatest mark of a great leader is humility, willing to accept that he or she is a sinner saved by Grace standing before God.” (Dr. Zacharias)

Christ came and exhibited his humility by serving the people. Remember, in this world, we are judged by how many people serve us. But in that world, we will be judged by how many people we have served.

Temptation

Relevant Bible Verses:-

1) Matt.6:13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

2) 1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has taken you except that which is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow that you be tempted beyond what you are able, but will, with the temptation, also make the way out, that you may be able to endure it.

3) 1 Pet. 5:8 Be sober; watch. Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion , walks about, seeking someone to devour
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I was having a pleasant after dinner evening chat with the husband of a friend whom my family was staying with during our last holiday in Jakarta. He was a young chap who was nice to hold conversation with. One thing led to another, and we were on the subject of cars. A very knowledgeable person in automotive and he knows the technical aspects of cars in details. Without me realizing there was actually a brand new 911 Carrera S Porche parked in his closed up double-garage. He’s just spray-painted the car and has recently fitted it with a complete full body car kit set.

I was hoping that the invitation to test-drive the car to come. True enough the invitation came faster than I expected and it was going to be at midnight the same day where there would be much less traffic in the Jakarta highway. Well, well, well… Who in the right frame of mind who hasn’t driven a Porche before and with 28 years driving experience would reject such an invitation? Invitation accepted!

Temptation is very often difficult to avoid and resist. I am only talking about test driving a Porche. There are of course many other temptations in life, which can be way too powerful for humans to resist, than a mere invitation to test-drive a brand new Porche. Most of these temptations will often lead us into sin.

The first occurrence of temptation in the recorded history of mankind is found in Genesis 3:1-7, where serpent (Satan) successfully tempted Eve and Adam to sin. It may be succinctly said that temptations are a certainty of life that every person will experience it, be they Christian or non-Christian. In Matthew 6:13, the Lord taught us to pray that we would not be brought into temptation. We cannot predict when temptation will come before us. But we can still pray faithfully and consistently that God would not bring us into temptation. This prayer is for our protection.

As Christians we need to also recognize the power of the Scripture in overcoming temptation. "Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalms 119:11). When God's Word becomes an integral part of our lives, it fortifies and protects us against the power of temptation.

How much more do we need Christ and His Word to redeem and protect us from temptations.

In the beginning was the Word…the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Manna our Daily Bread (Part 2)

Relevant Bible Verses:

1) Matt 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.

2) Matt 6:31-33 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (KJV)

3) Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
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To be fully constituted with God, we need to continue to partake Christ as our daily bread.

In God’s salvation, He desires to work Himself into us to be everything to us. God intends to be our everything so that we can be built up as His dwelling place on earth. God has a purpose in His salvation, there is no need for us to beg Him to have mercy upon us and to rescue us. All the hard works have already been completed by Christ on the cross of Calvary. In Exodus, we see that the children of Israel were not to be anything or to do anything. Whenever they did something, the Lord was offended, even when they did something good. The Lord simply wanted the people to be in His hand so He could work Himself into them.

Matthew 6:11 shows us that we have to look to God and pray to Him every day. The Lord teaches us to pray, "Give us today our daily bread". We do not pray weekly, but daily. Just as we cannot eat for the rest of the week or month, likewise we cannot pray for weekly bread or monthly bread; we have to pray for bread daily. How much trust in God is required here! The Lord is not ignorant of our daily needs; He does not tell us to forget about praying for these needs. Rather, He tells us to pray daily. It was the same reason why the manna was provided for the Israelites in the wilderness from the heavens on daily basis. Actually, the Father already knows the things that we need. The Lord wants us to ask God for our bread day by day because He wants us to learn to look to the Father day by day; He wants us to exercise our faith day by day. The Lord wants us to depend upon Him in all things.

God is working in us and for us, and He knows all our needs. If we know the Lord and His ways, we shall not complain or murmur whenever we have a need. Instead, we shall say, “Praise the Lord! He knows our every need. He knows our need, and He will send the supply at the right time. He knows what is best for us. Let us accept with a grateful heart whatever He gives us and not be anxious in anything.

We often extend our worries too much into the future, and we stretch our prayer too much into the future. Brothers and sisters do not worry about tomorrow; sufficient for the day is its own evil (Matt 6:34).

Praise the Lord! Christ is our Redeemer.

Manna our Daily Bread (Part 1)

1) Exodus 12

2) John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

3) Matt 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.

4) Matt 6:31-33 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (KJV)
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Wishing you a Happy And Wonderful New Year! Bye Bye 2008, Hello 2009...

I took my family to Jakarta recently for a short holiday and stayed with a friend whom we have not seen for almost 8 years. She was a student at Monash University and attended the weekly Bible study meeting at my apartment in Melbourne.

We insisted for local Indonesian food as we wanted something than our usual diet. The local food was different and I enjoyed it - initially. But after a few days of those food, I begin to long for Malaysian food. This has prompted me to think about the Isaelites in the wilderness when they were led out of Egypt. There were murmurs and complaints that Moses and Aaron had to deal with the Israelites, particularly of their desire for Eqyptian food.

In the previous article, we have seen the importance of the Passover which implies redemption and regenerated life in Christ. In this posting, however, we are going to see God’s intention to change our constitution; that is, He intends to reconstitute us through change of diet.

Although the children of Israel had been redeemed and delivered, they were still Egyptian in their constitution. As far as constitution is concerned, there was no difference between them and the Egyptians. They were a composition of the Egyptian element, for they grew up in Egypt and were raised on the Egyptian diet of cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. Everything they ate was Egyptian. Like the children of Israel, we today have been delivered out of "Egypt", out of the world, but in our nature and constitution we are still worldly. Therefore, it is necessary for us to grasp the concept concerning the change of constitution.

Over a period of forty years in the desert, God gave the children of Israel nothing to eat except manna. No one knows the essence or element of manna. We only know that it daily came from the heavens. In John 6 we learn that this heavenly manna is a type of Christ. Christ came from God to be our diet, our daily bread. We need to eat Him, drink Him, and breathe Him. We need a change in our inward constitution, not merely a change in our outward behavior. If we would have such an inward change, we need to have a change of food supply, for the food we eat is the source of our constitution. The more we eat Christ, the more we are like Christ. As God’s people today, we need to be reconstituted with Christ as our very element. In this way, we shall become Christ as far as our constitution is concerned. Through the change of diet, we receive the heavenly essence that reconstitutes us with Christ.

Praise the Lord! Christ is our daily bread, similar to the manna in the wilderness which was provided by God to the Isrealites on a daily basis.