Time To Wake Up

Tensions in the Middle East. Earthquakes in Asia. Is the end nearing?

Well, the Bible does say we are living in the end times. Whether or not the end is now or in the next 1000 years is still a mystery. We however as Christians, are called to be the light of the world. To reach out, to lead. If this is the end, have we done enough? Have we lived out our faith?

Just the other day I was going through facebook. Tons of people were posting about how we should pray for all the people who were victims in these events. Im not sure how many of them actually prayed themselves, but the question is are we like that? Our calling is much greater than just praying alone. We need to take action. Maybe we can’t help those affected, but we can love those around us. Schoolmates, family members, teachers, friends. The harvest is plentiful, you just have to open your eyes and reach out.

Matthew 25:41-45

Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least among you, you did not do for me.'

So my friends, we have to work out our faith. No point just saying we care and ‘praying’ with no action. These events should be a good reminder to keep on track as you never know when the time is up so keep pressing guys!!


- Alex Tan

Images taken from:
http://www.himho.com/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami/
http://talesfromthelou.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/food-prices-at-dangerous-levels-says-world-bank/

Jesus Christ Our Sacrifice

Hallo everyone, today I want to share about Jesus Christ Our Sacrifice - why does God have to send Jesus Christ to die for Our sins. First of all, before we begin, we ought to ask ourselves why does God want to go through all the hassle of sending His Son to die for us? Why cant He take any other way? Ever pondered upon it?

Well, we have to know when we ask something like this, to wonder why God couldn’t find “another way”, it implies as if we know better than what needs to be done. Tell me then, what can we actually do to save ourselves? Every religion teaches us good things but Christianity teaches us what is truly good, Jesus Himself have said when the Rich Young Man asked him, “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. Now, Jesus is telling us, to change our perception of good, good does not necessarily depict something nice or even pleasant. TRUE goodness talks about perfection, and no one is perfect, no one but God alone that is truly good.

Deuteronomy 32:4reminds us that

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”

His (God’s) thoughts are not our thoughts—they are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8).

Now that we have a glimpse of what is truly good, let us then look a little at God’s Character. As a Good God, He cannot tolerate the sins that we have in our lives, the Bible clearly dictates, Romans 3 : 23, that all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. In the Old Testament, God has prepared the hearts of the Israel nation in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, this is when God instituted that sacrifices of lambs and rams for the atonement of the sinner.

Howsoever, there would be endless bloodshed and even sacrifices, for people will sin over and over again, and sacrifice merely serves as a reminder. But this symbolic act would one day reveal itself in the Form of Our LORD Jesus Christ, when John The Baptist proclaimed in John 1 v 29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), history is written.

Why did Jesus have to die?
1) Remember, the holy God cannot let sin go unpunished. Our own sins would drag us to a life of suffering in a dreadful place call hell. But thanks be to GOD, He kept His promise and send the perfect Lamb (His Only Son) to bear the sins of those who trust in Him. Jesus had to die because He is the only one who can pay the penalty for our sins. Sin requires a punishment, that is why when Jesus came.

He said in Matthew 5 v 17, “

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. "

2) Only Jesus Christ, can give us this fellowship again with God. This is what the blood of animals cannot do. In Hebrews 10 v 1- 4, it says, The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Only with Jesus Christ, can we enjoy fellowship again with God. because, it is God, not man, who offers the appeasing sacrifice - cf. 1Jn 4:10 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Through His death on the cross, Jesus is the way by which God can show mercy, grace, and love to the sinner. This wonderful "propitiation" was given to the whole world but is accessed only by those who believe in Jesus. 1Jn 2:2 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Only when God cleanse us, we can be clean and now freely communicate with Him, because we have now a High Priest that is intercessing for us, God’s Only Son, Jesus Christ. And also, “God made Him (Christ), who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

3) The 3rd reason as to why Jesus Christ have to die, God wants to show us how much He loves us, and also to let us know, we, humans are incapable of writing our own salvation, like I have asked earlier, we think we know how to go to Heavens, we think we got what it takes but what do we have actually? Can we buy our way into Heaven? If we can, please answer me, where is the booth for the ticket sales? The road to Heaven, can only be given by God. About Heaven, it does not necessarily have to begin when we die, it begins right here, as written in John 17 v 3,

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Eternal life truly begins, when we have Jesus Christ, because we are now living in the full knowledge of God’s Goodness. Through Jesus Christ, God wants to teach us, how to live.

Because God is a God of LOVE, He provided God Himself provided the only sacrifice (Jesus) who could atone for the sins of His people, Our LORD Jesus Christ.

- Johnson Khor

Images taken from: http://willohroots.wordpress.com/2009/11/ http://callmejacob.blogspot.com/2010_08_29_archive.html http://pemilikhidupku.blogspot.com/

Dating, at God's will.

For these recent years, many people have approached me to inquire whether I have court/date/“pak-toh” before. The answer is no. Then people will start probing the criteria of me choosing my life-partner or trying to match-make me with someone else (for fun) or ask me to change Church for ”better chances” to get to know people who are about the same age as me.

Waiting for the right one is always hard for most of us, especially in this world that progresses so rapidly. Many of my peers have chosen what they seem best but might not be in sync with God’s will. If you are courting someone, would not you intent to marry that person? If so, why should we court someone whom we do not want to marry? Some years ago, I read a book by Debby Jones & Jackie Kendall entitled “Lady in Waiting”. Until today, if I face with doubts or tests pertaining to boy-girl relationship (BGR), I’ll re-read this book. There’s also “I kissed dating goodbye” and many other good books in libraries or Christian bookstores. I suggest those of you who are also struggling with these issues to grab one of these books and let God speak to you!

When comes to the topic of BGR, some of us might just shy away. However, I find that it is essential for me to share how I go through these years of peer pressure and temptations. I must say that all these are real and we have to rely on God’s word and strength to resist the culture, peer pressure and temptation that meet us daily.

From childhood till adulthood, I have lots of crushes on someone and vice versa. Ever since I came to the Lord, I have determined to please God and thus I’ll pray to God every time I face such peer pressure and the attractive someone. Sometimes I would just awake from cold sweat after having a dream of that person and there I quickly grab the Bible or the BGR book that I used to read. Then, I will enquire of the Lord, whether he’s the right one or shall I wait for the right one still…Seriously, many years have passed and I am still waiting for the right one while busy serving at Church with no regrets :)

I did have questions, for example, what if my right one did not come (in view that I have gotten older and older each year ;P)? If indeed God wants me to remain single for the rest of my life, may God give me the courage and I respond like Mary (Luke 1:38, New King James Version) –

Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word. I still trust that God has a plan for me, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11, New King James Version)

It is also amazing how God want to keep me from sinning against Him! Just lately the test came again and God has so graciously forewarn me even before I was and still being tested. God’s word is very clear in Joshua 23:11-13 (New King James Version)

Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God. Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations (people who are not believer of our God) – these that remain among you – and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you….. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.

Seeing the impact of Christian unequally yoked with non-believer, I am sure you would not want to be one of them! I encourage you to ponder and bring it to God even before you step into any BGR. Fret not, God is forever faithful and He will not short-change us. :)

- Yit Mun

Images taken from:
http://datingsitesnz.net/
http://myreverence.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/i-kissed-dating-goodbye/
http://americanvision.org/4068/the-time-is-short/

Despite it all, He still loved me

“I’m gonna make sure I’ll ride a sports car right in front of the school gate, and then everyone is gonna stare at us in awe.” I said excitedly and with full of pride.

“Yeah wei, we’ll make sure we’ll prove them wrong in their face!” Daryl responded.

We were walking up the pedestrian bridge over to uptown as we were having a conversation about how rich we were gonna get, thinking about earning Rm60k in our first month and then subsequently our first million in less than a year by the age of 17 thrilled us beyond words.

Everything seem so promising, the business set up, the people we’re working with, the office and the compensation plan. We thought we were on the right track, money and fame await us as we were told to not only traditionally work hard, but to work smart too. We just got to buy their products and then expand your network, and these people will be earning money for you while you shake your leg at home eating roti canai. (okay this is random)

And that night, we were walking to their “mini” office for our usual meeting.

They were also keeping the hype by repeating the upcoming news of moving into a huge office at Berjaya Times Square and having a grand opening right at the entrance at the ground floor. We were thinking if this is a scam, it wouldn’t be this big!

True enough, it wasn’t a scam. But we still didn’t make it.

Reason? We realized it’s more than just the business, the key to “MLM” (Multi level marketing) was the network. It’s the people in the business that matters ultimately. Regardless of how much their pay out is, how great their product could be, the business can’t go far without great team leaders and team mates spurring and working together.

We emptied all our bank account, Daryl got into quite a debt. We ended with nothing. But that didn’t break our spirit. Figures like Ray Kroc (The father of franchising & the person who made McDonalds the fastfood icon today), Howard Schultz (The person who made Starbucks the icon of coffee today), Sam Walton (Founder of Walmart, the largest and most powerful hypermarket in the world) inspired us to go on .

Al l their stories come with the similar tale, never give up. Trust me, they all tried very hard and failed so many times to reach wherever they are today.

We knew it ourselves, inspiration alone won’t get you there, with aspiration, you would. Or so we thought.

We tried from researching our own recipes to sell high end biscuits, branding it as “Irisdae”, to opening our own float store right in front of our secondary school to learn things from scratch, and ultimately “ESPGL.com” the online gaming community for the famous game, Call of Duty 4.

We sweat it out, we spent our money, we had countless sleepless nights, we were mocked, laughed, ridiculed by our friends and even relatives. But that only made us stronger, we wanted to proved them wrong even harder. But, eventually it all came to an end. (There are many reasons why but let’s not dwell on that now)

Because through it all, we knew deep down we have left God far, far, far, far, far, far away in a place that we will never visit again. But God loved me so much, that He couldn’t bear to see me go any further and He had to take the rod and tell me, “it’s enough, don’t be foolish any longer.”

Through the adventure, I’ve upset my parents countless times, embarrassed them to their other relatives whenever they asked what we were doing, never finished my studies properly thinking that I would be earning millions anyway, so does the certificate even matter?

I’ve also lost my girlfriend whom I loved so deeply over 4 years because I was just too busy trying to keep the business going.

Made so many empty promises to so many people, building false hope and broken dreams. We also made plenty of enemies in the process.

And then God helped me realized, I’m really starting to lose it all.

You know what’s the best part? He told me this.

“And yet, I still Love you.”

Despite all the things I’ve done against everyone and most of all to Him. Despite how much I should deserve to be left somewhere to be labeled as a “failure” and a “very selfish person”. Despite how arrogant I thought I knew how life should be lived and God can stay out of it, He was always there waiting and waiting, just bearing it all watching His own child going deeper into darkness.

Why this story? Well I was watching “The Social Network” the other night and seeing how “Mark Zuckerberg” found Facebook and becoming the youngest billionaire and also entering into Time’s magazine. It reminded of those days, if God hadn’t showed me the way of life, he would have been my next biggest inspiration, my biggest hero maybe.

But today, I watch the show and thought to myself “oh okay, so this is how facebook was found, it’s good to know =) “

That’s it. It only meant that much to me, or should I say, “little”?

Because to everyone in this world, who can be compared to our Almighty Loving God? I’m already His precious child, should I need to achieve fame and fortune? What could mean more than living eternal life? =)

“You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
I'm seeking You like a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name

Taking my cross my sin my shame
Raising again I praise Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I run dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all”


-Gary Heng

Images were taken from

http://malaysia-cuti.com/
http://www.hdap.com/professional.html
http://halo2and34u.com/call_of_duty_4.aspx
http://www.documentic.com/diploma/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/6196827/Facebook-faces-Arab-boycott-for-putting-the-Golan-Heights-in-Israel.html
http://www.kandle.ie/2008/09/17/the-cross-a-sign-of-hope/

The Scientist and the Chauffeur

Here’s something I got in my mail the other day which I thought I’d like to share with the rest of you.

An old scientist supplemented his retirement income by traveling from university to university with his chauffeur, Bob, and delivering a lecture on his field of expertise. Over the long weeks of travel, the scientist and Bob became friends.

One day as they drove to the next lecture, the scientist said, “I’m getting tired of giving the same lecture every day. You give the lecture this time, Bob.”

“Are you kidding?” Bob protested. “I’m no scientist.”

“These people don’t know that,” the scientist explained. “They have never seen either of us before. Besides, you’ve heard the lecture so many times you practically know it by heart. So you be the scientist, and I’ll be the chauffeur.”

“Bet the audience always asks questions after the lecture,” Bob argues.

“They ask the same old questions every time, and you have heard me answer them all. Just answer the way I do.”

After thinking about it for a moment, Bob smiled. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

The lecture went off perfectly, and nobody suspected that the ‘scientist’ addressing the audience was really a chauffeur. And during the question-and-answer period, Bob sounded like an expert. He had heard the scientist answer the same questions many times before.

Then someone asked a new question-the most difficult and complex question the chauffeur had ever heard. “That’s a great question,” Bob said. “It’s so simple, in fact, that even my chauffeur can answer it.” Nodding toward the front row, he added, “Take it away, Bob.”

Bob was a wise man not because of what he knew, but who he knew. As long as the scientist was close by, Bob had nothing to worry about. But if he ever tried to do a lecture without the scientist, Bob would be in trouble.

As Christians, we may not look wise or powerful to our non-Christian friends around us. In fact, we might choke on some of the tough questions about our faith that they throw at us. But we are intimately involved with someone who doesn’t just know the answers; but is the answer. And as long as we live in a close, daily relationship with Him, we can count on His power and wisdom to be ours. When the tough questions fly at us, we can always look His way and say,

“Take it away, Jesus.”

- Jo-Yi

Newspaper Charity Drive!

Finally, TTDIGC Youth made the first move to make some impact to the community of TTDI!

There were around 11 or 12 of us in total (I expected a little more honestly :o) and we just head out to go door-by-door to ask for old newspapers. Was very encouraged to see how it all turned out, especially when the rain came and everyone was still determined to finish up our quota of 100 houses!

Here are some of the photos of it:-










Feel free to check out the other photos at the top over at Facebook! :)

We were informed that the van just collected their papers, otherwise we would had more! Well, will just have to get a better timing - next time.

May we continue to serve - in His name.

God bless,
daryl 's u n d a e' heng

Our Calling

I was walking out from the lecture hall today with a group of friends when we saw a huge crowd of people gathered in front of the library. Curious, we all stopped to see what was going on. To my amazement, a guy about my age was standing on a chair, proclaiming the gospel at the top of his voice. People actually stopped and listened to what he was saying. He told the huge and growing crowd how much God loved them and urged them to get to know Him. At the end, he encouraged them to come for our university's Christian Fellowship to learn more.

I was really, really moved by his passion for Christ. I was very encouraged and was greatly reminded of our place here in this world. More often than not, we are very selfish and want to do whatever we are comfortable with. We develop this 'tidak apa' attitude and often complain about our life, our studies, our parents etc. Our calling is to deny ourselves and follow Christ. He has given us so much, blessed us so abundantly but yet we often take everything for granted and completely forget what we are here for.

Every day that God gives us is a blessing. He gives us so much more than we deserve. What do we do with the life God has blessed us with? Do we use it to tell others about Him? To be the salt and light of the world? Or are we selfish and complain about our lives and refuse to move out of our comfort zones?

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23

- Phoebe Lim

Images taken from:

http://www.zazzle.com/be_bold_share_the_gospel_tshirt-235849556164223157
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_steady64/168152772/