It only takes four

I just noticed that the same people who very politely line up to enter the Putra LRT are the same people who push and shove when trying to enter the KTM Komuter? This is a phenomenon! Why does it happen? I don't know.

But i did notice, that we can change this. It only takes four people to start it. There was once (a very rare occasion indeed) that people did line up to enter the Komuter, and it was when four people (strangers) who lined up on either side of the door when the train came. Somehow, the others, seeing the four lining up, joined the line as well, and all went in really hunky dory. Nice.

See, it only takes four to make a difference. Line up! Please! :-)

Simplicity - the beauty of the new testament church

I was so delighted in my meditation today as I spent a few minutes considering the simplicity of how the Lord Jesus has instituted His church. A few things that crossed my mind, i'm sure its not exhaustive:
1. the simplicity of the meetings
When the church is gathered, the Holy Spirit is in charge. He decides who prays, who shares the gospel, who offers a hymn, who starts the meeting. So there is no additional burden on anyone to be anxious about having a specific role in the meeting. All who come with a spiritual heart can be used by the Spirit. We need not have complicated duty rosters, long meetings to plan meetings, etc... Simple.

2. The simplicity of the place of gathering
A gathering of the Lord's people can only be called such when the Lord Himself is present. And His presence has been promised "when two or three are gathered in His name". We don't need elaborate, multimillion dollar buildings, and earthly 'holy grounds' to meet at. All we need is a place to be together, and He is present with us. Our rooms, our homes, or some place where like-minded Christian can meet, is good enough for a church meeting. Simple.

3. The simplicity of providence.
We believe that the 'earth is the Lord's, and its fullness thereof". The Lord is fully able to provide for His church and to provide for its needs not just spiritually, but materially.

4. The simplicity of His government
The Lord has given us His Spirit to be within us. Since we are of One Spirit, and have One Lord, have one faith, been through the one baptism, and are of one God and Father of all, He is then able to lead us and use according to His good will.
Yes, the Lord has allowed that some be called elders, but that is not a magnification of an office, it is merely a magnification of a godly and spiritual work that all believer should aspire to do, but God has chosen some to be in a position to 'take care of His church'.
Our role, our duty, is to submit to His governance. Submitting to His infallible Word, for in them we have instructions for godly living within and without the church. No need for complex heirarchies, and global networks of administration. No need for 'confirmation' of believers and ordination of clergy and laity. Every church in every locality is self-sufficient because when the acknowledge the Lord Jesus as Head and their Great Shepherd, then they "shall not be in want." Simple.

Busy bees

Ah, it has been a long time time and so thank you for actually coming back to this blog to read it.

I was musing on how the church of Christ in our present day has turned into a very 'busy' house. Which is good, because we are to be busy for the Lord. But with being busy, we must be wary of certain things.

Too many young believers are 'pressured' into becoming busy like the rest, and are not given sufficient time to 'enjoy' their new birth in Christ, and to take time patiently to sit as His feet to learn from Him through His Word. The assembly should give sufficient time for the person to grow and have the foundation placed on solid rock. Then, when ready, the young believer will on his /her own accord, come forward with a desire to serve Him. Indeed, His yoke is easy, and His burden is light, but you know, sometimes i wonder if we are guilty of 'adding weight' to it? I don't know, i do hope i'm wrong, but, i don't know...

Are we also busy looking out for others in the church, that we neglect our own households? Dear believers from non-Christian homes, are you more concerned for a brother or sister in church than that of your own unsaved parents or siblings? Return home and look at them, not with bitterness though they give you a hard time, but behold them through the eyes of Christ.

More dangerously, are we so busy at service, we're neglecting time spent with the Word of God? Are the only times we read the bible the times when we take a glance of a verse recommended by some daily devotional and then we meditate upon the thoughts of the writer? What happened to patient, prayerful time spent meditating on God's Word, without care of time spent?

Do you feel that you're very busy? Do you feel like you're know the Lord's work better than the Lord Himself? What new verses of scripture have brought new meaning and revelation for daily guidance in life recently? Or is your spiritual life feeding on verses you remember appreciating years ago?

Remember, even the Lord Jesus, God's Perfect Servant, took time to pray. Took time to isolate Himself from the world, and to be with His Father.

Stop. Relax. Stop rushing. Stop glancing at the clock so much. Come to the One who said "take no though for tomorrow...", and also "...be anxious for nothing...". Sit at His feet and learn from Him. Let Him give you rest.