Professor Dr. Paul Nah is a Retired Lecturer. He was an Associate Professor in the University of Malaya.
He spends his time doing research and studying on topics that are affecting churches today in Malaysia. This is his view after going through the following 27 Articles written by different individuals.
A REVIEW OF 27 ARTICLES
References:
1. A Manual on Christian Conflict Resolution, Wong K K. 2. Christians and Lawsuits, G. O. Wood, Superintendent, AOG, USA. 3. INAPPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTIONS by D. Goins 4. 1 Cor 6:1-11 by D. Chadwell 5. 1 Cor 6 – No Shield for Lawbreakers, W. JACKSON. 6. Exegetical Paper/1 Corinthians 6 1-8 7. Litigation between Brethren, W. W. Blue 8. 1 Cor 6:1-11, An Exegetical Study 9. 1 Cor 6 “Scriptural Litigation 10. 1 Cor 6:1-11, Dealing With Spiritual Immaturity, G. DeLashmutt. 11. 1 Cor - "Revelation Or Litigation? Pastor D. Legge 12. CHRISTIANS AND LAWSUITS "TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT" by Matthew Tozer 13. Christians and Lawsuits 14. What is your view of lawsuits between Christians? 15. Christians and Lawsuits 16. W. Nee on Christians Filing Lawsuits 17. Should Christians Sue in Court? M. Fairchild 18. 1 Cor 6:1-11 - Avoiding Lawsuits with Christians 19. How to Resolve Legal Issues Biblically, T. Morgan, 20. When Do You Need to See a Lawyer? Crown Financial Ministries 22. When Can Christians Sue? R. Ross 23. Opinion: should Christians sue? L. Burkett 24. AN EXPOSITION OF 1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 6. C. Hodge 25. Adam Clarke Commentary, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 23. 26. Joseph Beet Commentary: SOME OF THEM GO TO LAW, AND THAT BEFORE UNBELIEVER 27. 1 Corinthians CHAPTER 6:1-11 24. Law and Justice in New Testament Times, J. R. Albrektson.
Ways of resolving Christian disputes:
1. Love & Forgive Matthew 5:44 – 48, 18:21-22
2. Suffer wrong & bear cost. 1Corinthians 6:7, Matthew 5:39 – 42
3. Christian Mediation Matthew 18: 15 – 17
4. The Corinthian Christian Lawsuit. 4. 1Corinthians. 6: 1 – 8
5. Paul’s acceptance of the Roman Govt as established by God 5, Romans 13: 1 – 5
6. Paul appealed to the Roman Legal system to for justice, Acts 16: 37-39, 22:25, 25:11
1. Love & Forgive Matthew 5:44 – 48, 18:21-22
Christians are often badgered by pastors into believing that Christian disputes can only be resolved by loving and forgiving the perpetrator. However the truth is, if Christian love is to be a healthy one it must be balanced by firm discipline. Many remember Jesus as sweet and mild, forgetting that once He used the whip to clear in His Father’s temple of the many thieves and robbers lurking there.
Just L-O-O-O-V-E and FORGIVE even our enemies? (Mat 5:44.)
Why don’t we heed the advice of Dr. James Dobson, a famous Family Life teacher and Personal Advisor on American Family to the President of the USA and author of the widely-read book entitled “Love and Discipline” where he strongly recommended that we should ALWAYS BALANCE LOVE WITH DISCIPLINE in the bringing up of our children.
What does God have to say about this?
“....Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child." (Heb 12:6)
"But if you are WITHOUT CHASTISEMENT… then you are BASTARDS and not sons." (Heb 12:8 MKJV)
Dr Richard D. Dobbins, a Christian Psychologist and Family Life Teacher has this to say – “if you ONLY love your child you will end up with a spoilt person whom nobody likes. If you JUST DISCIPLINE you will get a person who cannot love himself.”
2. HOW MUCH SUFFERING OF WRONG MUST WE BEAR ?
“But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, LET HIM SLAP YOU LEFT CHEEK ALSO. And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, LET HIM HAVE YOUR COAT ALSO. And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, CARRY IT TWO MILES.” (Mat 5: 39 – 42)
Note that cost demanded in the three situations are ALL quite small – a slap, a coat, a mile (and some pride.) They are affordable or manageable so you can live with it. What if you can’t afford the demands e.g someone defrauds you of RM One million or all of your life’s saving and you are already 70 years old. Are you going to forgive and forget? Can you?? You would be most stupid not to go to court! Furthermore, by bringing that person to court you are protecting another Christian of a possible fraud.
So THE PRINCIPLE IS: if you can AFFORD it, then overlook the matter and move on with your life. If you can’t then don’t feel guilty by 1 Cor 6, if you have to go to court.
Furthermore, in 2 COR 11: 19 & 20 PAUL REBUKED the Corinthians for allowing false teachers to SLAP THEM ON THEIR FACE.
3. CHRISTIAN MEDIATION
“But if your brother shall trespass against you, (first) go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, (second) take one or two more with you, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established and if he shall neglect to hear them, (third) tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, (fourth or lastly) let him be to you as a heathen and a tax-collector.” (Mat 18: 15–17)
Once the church has been consulted and there is no admission of guilt then we are asked to treat the brother as a heathen and a tax-collector. This means we can now take the person to the SECULAR LAW COURT because all avenues have already been exhausted (Wong Kim Kong, Advisor, NECF & George O. Wood, Surperintendent, AOG Council, Misouri. USA)
4. THE "1 COR 6: 1 – 8" LIABILITY.
I describe this as a liability because it often read in such a shallow fashion that impression it gives is that Paul is against Christians going to the secular law court. NOTHING IS FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. Let’s read through 1 COR 6: 1 – 8.
v1 - If any of you have a dispute with another Christian, how dare you go before heathen judges instead of letting God's people settle the matter?
v2 - Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? Well, then, if you are to judge the world, aren't you capable of judging small matters?
v3 - Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more, then, the things of this life!
v4 - If such matters come up, are you going to take them to be settled by people who have no standing in the church?
v5 - Shame on you! Surely there is at least one wise person in your fellowship who can settle a dispute between fellow Christians.
v6 - Instead, one Christian goes to court against another and lets unbelievers judge the case!
v7 - The very fact that you have legal disputes among yourselves shows that you have failed completely. Would it not be better for you to be wronged? Would it not be better for you to be robbed?
v8 - Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.
Background of the Corinthian church.
The Corinthians were extremely immature and carnal (1Cor 3:1,2). Disputes resulted in the church being divided into at least four factions (1 Cor 1:12). They indulged in all sorts of sins including sexual sins and cheating one another (1Cor 5:11). From their behaviour you could barely distinguish them from a non-believer!
Now, lets go to verse 1 of 1Cor 6.
It states clearly that the Corinthian Christians were settling their disputes before heathen judges instead of coming before their fellow Christians in the church. The disputes that were generally trivial - in different translations given as a matter, a complain, and in 1Cor 6:2 as insignificant cases (GW, ISV), smallest matters (ASV, KJV, MKJV, GNB), small problems (CEV), small judgments (LITV). The disputes didn’t really require them to go to the secular courts.
But why couldn’t they resolve it within the church? It likely that they were so divided, into at least four factions (1Cor 1:12), that it becomes impossible to find someone who could be a neutral mediator. So by going to the secular judges an even more horrendous predicament resulted - a shameful Christian testimony before the heathen Judges and all the many non-believers who attended the law courts. The very people whom the Corinthian Christians were supposed to reach with the gospel were the very people they were scrambling to get help to resolve their PETTY PROBLEMS. The Corinthian Christians failed miserably in their CHRISTIAN MISSION!
Can you now understand why Paul was so angry that he used words like “how dare you?’ (1Cor 6:1) and “shame on you” (1Cor 6:5), However, Paul’s strong emotional reaction was NOT DIRECTED AT THE CORINTHIANS GOING TO THE LAW COURTS but to the FAILURE OF THE CHRISTIAN MISSION. Furthermore the disputes were SO TRIVIAL!
Wong Kim Kong, Advisor, NECF, in his article “CHRISTIAN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND LITIGATION” says PAUL in 1Cor 6:1-11 IS NOT CONDEMNING the secular law courts. In another part he states “There may be times when Christians could morally use legal opportunities”.
George O. Wood, Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri, USA., in his article “Christians and Lawsuits” said Paul never addressed the theme of whether a lawsuit would be appropriate once the church had declared a party to be a "pagan and a tax collector.“ (Mat 18:15 – 17) Perhaps such would be permitted under the teaching of Rom 13:1–5 that the secular government exists to uphold justice and to prevent lawlessness.
5. IF WE GO TO COURT TODAY WILL IT BE VERY DAMAGING TO OUR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY?
CHURCH-RELATED DISPUTES and some SELECTIVE CIVIL CASES should be settled through CHURCH MEDIATION by Godly Christian leaders. (If the church cannot settle it, the dispute may have to be referred to the LAW COURTS because there is no other recourse).
ALL OTHER CIVIL CASES and ALL CRIMINAL CASES are REQUIRED BY LAW to be settled in the LAW COURTS. Christians have no choice here even if it brings about a bad testimony.
So in answer to the question, IF WE GO TO COURT TODAY WILL IT BE VERY DAMAGING TO OUR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY, the answer is IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE! Christians who have to go to the law courts will have to go to the law courts.
6. GOD’S REPUTAION IS OF LESSER IMPORTANCE TO HIM THAN HIS DESIRE FOR HIS PEOPLE TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY.
In 2 Chronicles 36:11 …17 recorded that Zedekiah, King of Judah :
1. Sinned against the LORD
2. Stubbornly refused to repent
3. Caused the people to sin.
So the LORD brought the King of Babylonia to attack the Israelites.
God’s people were totally defeated by the Babylonians. Isn’t that a BAD TESTIMONY FOR GOD?
The Babylonians could then say their gods were greater than the Almighty God of Israel. Isn’t that a BAD TESTIMONY FOR GOD?
BUT WHO BROUGHT THE KING OF BABYLONIA TO ATTACK ISRAEL? GOD HIMSELF !
What is God trying to tell us? – God’s reputation is important to Him
BUT MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT WE LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY BEFORE HIM!
Some Christians express concern that going to the Law Court will be a bad Christian testimony.
HOWEVER, THE TIME TO BE CONCERN ABOUT BAD CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY IS ALREADY PAST.
THE BAD CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY IS ALREADY KNOWN WORLDWIDE.
WHAT THE WORLD IS NOW WAITING FOR IS, TO SEE WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT !
IF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE HAS BEEN COMMITTED, DO WE HAVE THE GUMPTION TO MAKE OR BRING THE CASE TO COURT? THAT IS A GOOD CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY !
OR ARE WE GOING TO JUST SWEEP IT UNDER THE CARPET? – WHICH WILL BE A HORRENDOUSLY BAD TESTIMONY !
“For the time has come that JUDGEMENT must begin in the HOUSE OF GOD” (1 Pet 4:17)
7. PAUL SAYS CHRISTIANS SHOULD SUBJECT THEMSELVES TO THE ROMAN (SECULAR) LEGAL SYSTEM (Romans 13: 1 -7)
"EVERYONE MUST OBEY state authorities, because NO AUTHORITIES EXIST WITHOUT GOD’S PERMISSION, and the EXISTING AUTHORITIES have been PUT THERE BY GOD." (Rom 13:1) This clearly states that we must subject ourselves to the Secular Law Courts as Paul subjected himself to the Roman Secular Legal System.
8. PAUL HIMSELF APPEALED TO THE ROMAN LAW TO GET JUSTICE
In Acts 16, Paul and Silus were thrown into jail for casting out a demon from a slave-girl. They were publicly beaten and thrown into jail. They prayed and sang hymns and an earthquake occurred that led to the salvation of the jailer. Later in Acts 16:37, PAUL TOLD THE GUARDS, "… WE’RE ROMAN CITIZENS”.
“When the Roman officials heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, THEY WERE AFRAID." (Acts 16:38 – 39) So the officials went to the jail and APOLOGISED to Paul and Silas.”
We can see here how Paul, because of his understanding of Roman (secular) Law was able to bring the Roman Officials to near submission! There are two other examples of Paul using the Roman Legal System to seek justice for himself, Acts 22:15 – 19 and 25: 9 -11.
IF, THEREFORE, PAUL COULD SEEK JUSTICE FROM THE ROMAN LEGAL SYSTEM IN HIS TIME, THEN WHY CAN’T CHRISTIANS DO THE SAME THING FROM THE MALAYSIAN LEGAL SYSTEM TODAY?
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR CHRISTIANS TO APPRECIATE CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MALAYSIAN LEGAL SYSTEM IN ORDER TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN WHAT IT CAN OFFER:
1. They are religiously neutral. It has nothing to do with the Syariah Court.
2. They carry out their functions with high professionalism.
3. The Malaysian Legal System is based on English Law which has its roots in the Biblical Teachings. It is totally separate from the Syariah Laws.
4. It is compulsory for ALL Criminal and many Civil cases to go to court whether or not you like it as a Christian.
5. The proceeding are quite private and unlikely to give rise to bad publicity. In the past several years there have been at least about 5 cases of “church members vs pastors” lawsuits that were brought to the attention of the Malaysians Courts and practically no one knew anything about them. Furthermore, they did not attract any media attention whatsoever.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Christian Involvement in Law Suits by Dr George Wood
This is an article written by Dr. George O. Wood, the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, USA, http://ag.org/top/General_Superintendent/index.cfm
This article is taken from : http://www.ag.org/TOP/Beliefs/charctr_14_law_suits_.cfm
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church's Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
__________________________________________________
Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? Are there biblical principles that apply to Christians in these matters? Is it permissible for Christians to sue others who harm them?
Paul’s main concern in advising believers not to bring lawsuits against other believers (1 Cor. 6:1-8) is the discredit such action brings on the reputation of the church and the cause of Christ. With this understanding in mind, it is appropriate to ask when legal action is appropriate and when it is not. Since the Bible is our authoritative rule for conduct we must study Scripture to see if it permits or prohibits such action.
The Old Testament clearly indicates there should be compensation or satisfaction for injuries or losses. The Mosaic Law of retaliation (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life—Ex. 21:23,24), while seeming cruel or barbaric by today’s western-world standards of justice, actually worked to limit vengeance and eliminate inter-family feuds. No one could exact as penalty more than one life for a life or more than one eye for an eye. In less serious cases, money could be paid by the guilty party to compensate the loss suffered by the injured party (cf. Ex. 22:12 to 23:9). Prior to the monarchy under Saul and his successors, judgment was often administered by the elders of a town (Ruth 4:1-12). Under the monarchy, punishment for civil and criminal wrongs was left to the king and his administration (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Jesus held His disciples to a higher standard of behavior than required under Old Testament law. Instead of retaliation toward a wronging party, He directed the injured or offended person to turn the other cheek, to give up one’s cloak, and to go the second mile. Enemies were to be loved, prayed for, and forgiven (Matt. 5:38-48, 6:14,15). Such behavior overcame evil with good and had the intended effect of shaming the wrongdoer into reforming his ways (Rom. 12:17-21). This "new righteousness" forced the injured party to be more concerned with his own inner attitude and the eternal destiny of his "enemy" than with a wrong to be corrected, an injury punished, or a loss compensated. This does not mean that an offended person was left without any practical recourse for righting a wrong, but the first act was to be an attempt to achieve personal reconciliation. If reconciliation was not successful, a third-party believer might be asked to arbitrate. If that failed, the matter was to be presented before the entire church. When an offender refused to obey the judgment of the church, he was to be treated as a pagan (Matt. 18:15-20).
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 the apostle Paul addressed the problem of a believer who brought a lawsuit against another believer in the secular courts. Since most of the believers in Corinth were poor (1 Cor. 1:26-31), and the lawsuit dealt with one financially cheating another, it is likely that the suit involved two of the more prominently wealthy persons in the Corinthian church. It appears that the plaintiff had filed the suit rather than following the admonition of Jesus (Matt. 5:38-48) or involving the church according to Matthew 18:15-20). Unfortunately, the Corinthian church had done nothing while the Christian community was scandalized by the airing before a secular court of a struggle between two believers. Here was a church recognized for its "wisdom" (2 Cor. 11:19), but which had not had "anyone wise enough to judge a dispute" (1 Cor. 6:5). Paul chastised the plaintiff by telling him it would have been better to have suffered wrong rather than to disgrace the church (1 Cor. 6:1-7); he chastised the defendant for having cheated and done wrong (1 Cor. 6:8); and he chastised the church for not taking care of the matter (1 Cor. 6:2-6).
Paul never addresses the question of whether a lawsuit would be appropriate if the church had declared the offending party to be "a pagan and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17). Perhaps such a lawsuit would be permitted under the teaching of Romans 13:1-5 that the secular government exists to uphold justice, prevent lawlessness, and punish the wrongdoer.
So when a believer is wronged by another believer, the offended believer must seriously consider whether or not he or she should simply drop the matter, leaving the judgment to God alone. If the believer, following prayer and careful consideration, determines the matter should be pursued, then a face-to-face meeting with the offending party should be the first step. Failing that, one should seek out a believer mediator. If that does not provide resolution, the dispute should be brought to the church (the pastor, the recognized board of elders or deacons, and if need be the membership).
Sometimes the legal conflict does not pit believer against believer, but believer versus unbeliever. What is the Christian response then? Paul himself exercised the right of defending himself under Roman law (Acts 16:37-40; 18:12-17; 22:15-29: 25:10-22). Clearly, Paul did not interpret "turning the other cheek" to include forfeiture of all legal rights pertaining to citizenship. No doubt he exercised those rights consistent with his Spirit-given understanding that the function of government is to uphold justice and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13). Punishing wrongdoers also means protecting the innocent. Thus the question for a believer is never "How do I get personal vengeance?" Instead, the proper question is "Which action on my part (filing or not filing a lawsuit) will best promote justice in society, punish the one who does wrong, protect the innocent, and bring the least possible negative reflection on the cause of Christ?
If all avenues of settling a matter between believers have been exhausted, and the offending party refuses to correct the wrong, then the injured believer must balance Matthew 5:38-48 and 6:14,15 with Romans 13:1-5. The following questions, to check personal motivation, should be asked.
1. Is my desire for a redress of injury motivated simply by personal gain, or am I involving the secular power of the court in order to uphold justice and prevent lawlessness?
2. If I bring action before a secular court, will that, in the context of American rather than Corinthian society, bring harm to the Church and the cause of Christ?
3. Am I totally honest with my claim (or defense), or am I seeking through self-deception to gain (or avoid) a compensation that is more (or less) than the injury suffered?
4. Since the Holy Spirit will never counsel a believer contrary to the Word He has inspired, after a thorough season of prayer, what course of action "seems good to the Holy Spirit"?
5. As an additional safeguard, what is the counsel of other believers who are in a position of leadership or eldership in the body of Christ?
CONCERNS:
In American society, another matter needs to be considered: liability and other forms of insurance. Public policy has established insurance as a means of compensating an individual for a wide variety of injuries suffered. In many cases, while a litigant may be the legal defendant in a suit, the actual payer for the injuries may be an insurance company. Suppose, for example, that a Christian is severely injured by the bad driving of another believer. A suit between the two really does not stem from personal malice, but is an effort on the part of the injured person to reclaim financial losses stemming from the accident, which will be compensated by the insured’s automobile liability policy. In such a case, the believers have not brought the church into censure before a worldly court (as was the situation in Corinth), but have simply availed themselves of a legal system which seeks, as a matter of public policy, to help victims to be made "whole" from their injuries.
In many American communities, attorneys who are believers have formed Christian conciliation or mediation groups that a wronged person may also seek out. The legal advantage to seeking mediation from such an organized group is that, upon proper stipulation by the parties, the judgment of the Christian conciliation group may be recognized by the secular course as a substitute for the court’s involvement
____________________________________________
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
This article is taken from : http://www.ag.org/TOP/Beliefs/charctr_14_law_suits_.cfm
This document reflects commonly held beliefs based on scripture which have been endorsed by the church's Commission on Doctrinal Purity and the Executive Presbytery.
__________________________________________________
Should Christians be involved in lawsuits? Are there biblical principles that apply to Christians in these matters? Is it permissible for Christians to sue others who harm them?
Paul’s main concern in advising believers not to bring lawsuits against other believers (1 Cor. 6:1-8) is the discredit such action brings on the reputation of the church and the cause of Christ. With this understanding in mind, it is appropriate to ask when legal action is appropriate and when it is not. Since the Bible is our authoritative rule for conduct we must study Scripture to see if it permits or prohibits such action.
The Old Testament clearly indicates there should be compensation or satisfaction for injuries or losses. The Mosaic Law of retaliation (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life—Ex. 21:23,24), while seeming cruel or barbaric by today’s western-world standards of justice, actually worked to limit vengeance and eliminate inter-family feuds. No one could exact as penalty more than one life for a life or more than one eye for an eye. In less serious cases, money could be paid by the guilty party to compensate the loss suffered by the injured party (cf. Ex. 22:12 to 23:9). Prior to the monarchy under Saul and his successors, judgment was often administered by the elders of a town (Ruth 4:1-12). Under the monarchy, punishment for civil and criminal wrongs was left to the king and his administration (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Jesus held His disciples to a higher standard of behavior than required under Old Testament law. Instead of retaliation toward a wronging party, He directed the injured or offended person to turn the other cheek, to give up one’s cloak, and to go the second mile. Enemies were to be loved, prayed for, and forgiven (Matt. 5:38-48, 6:14,15). Such behavior overcame evil with good and had the intended effect of shaming the wrongdoer into reforming his ways (Rom. 12:17-21). This "new righteousness" forced the injured party to be more concerned with his own inner attitude and the eternal destiny of his "enemy" than with a wrong to be corrected, an injury punished, or a loss compensated. This does not mean that an offended person was left without any practical recourse for righting a wrong, but the first act was to be an attempt to achieve personal reconciliation. If reconciliation was not successful, a third-party believer might be asked to arbitrate. If that failed, the matter was to be presented before the entire church. When an offender refused to obey the judgment of the church, he was to be treated as a pagan (Matt. 18:15-20).
In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 the apostle Paul addressed the problem of a believer who brought a lawsuit against another believer in the secular courts. Since most of the believers in Corinth were poor (1 Cor. 1:26-31), and the lawsuit dealt with one financially cheating another, it is likely that the suit involved two of the more prominently wealthy persons in the Corinthian church. It appears that the plaintiff had filed the suit rather than following the admonition of Jesus (Matt. 5:38-48) or involving the church according to Matthew 18:15-20). Unfortunately, the Corinthian church had done nothing while the Christian community was scandalized by the airing before a secular court of a struggle between two believers. Here was a church recognized for its "wisdom" (2 Cor. 11:19), but which had not had "anyone wise enough to judge a dispute" (1 Cor. 6:5). Paul chastised the plaintiff by telling him it would have been better to have suffered wrong rather than to disgrace the church (1 Cor. 6:1-7); he chastised the defendant for having cheated and done wrong (1 Cor. 6:8); and he chastised the church for not taking care of the matter (1 Cor. 6:2-6).
Paul never addresses the question of whether a lawsuit would be appropriate if the church had declared the offending party to be "a pagan and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17). Perhaps such a lawsuit would be permitted under the teaching of Romans 13:1-5 that the secular government exists to uphold justice, prevent lawlessness, and punish the wrongdoer.
So when a believer is wronged by another believer, the offended believer must seriously consider whether or not he or she should simply drop the matter, leaving the judgment to God alone. If the believer, following prayer and careful consideration, determines the matter should be pursued, then a face-to-face meeting with the offending party should be the first step. Failing that, one should seek out a believer mediator. If that does not provide resolution, the dispute should be brought to the church (the pastor, the recognized board of elders or deacons, and if need be the membership).
Sometimes the legal conflict does not pit believer against believer, but believer versus unbeliever. What is the Christian response then? Paul himself exercised the right of defending himself under Roman law (Acts 16:37-40; 18:12-17; 22:15-29: 25:10-22). Clearly, Paul did not interpret "turning the other cheek" to include forfeiture of all legal rights pertaining to citizenship. No doubt he exercised those rights consistent with his Spirit-given understanding that the function of government is to uphold justice and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13). Punishing wrongdoers also means protecting the innocent. Thus the question for a believer is never "How do I get personal vengeance?" Instead, the proper question is "Which action on my part (filing or not filing a lawsuit) will best promote justice in society, punish the one who does wrong, protect the innocent, and bring the least possible negative reflection on the cause of Christ?
If all avenues of settling a matter between believers have been exhausted, and the offending party refuses to correct the wrong, then the injured believer must balance Matthew 5:38-48 and 6:14,15 with Romans 13:1-5. The following questions, to check personal motivation, should be asked.
1. Is my desire for a redress of injury motivated simply by personal gain, or am I involving the secular power of the court in order to uphold justice and prevent lawlessness?
2. If I bring action before a secular court, will that, in the context of American rather than Corinthian society, bring harm to the Church and the cause of Christ?
3. Am I totally honest with my claim (or defense), or am I seeking through self-deception to gain (or avoid) a compensation that is more (or less) than the injury suffered?
4. Since the Holy Spirit will never counsel a believer contrary to the Word He has inspired, after a thorough season of prayer, what course of action "seems good to the Holy Spirit"?
5. As an additional safeguard, what is the counsel of other believers who are in a position of leadership or eldership in the body of Christ?
CONCERNS:
In American society, another matter needs to be considered: liability and other forms of insurance. Public policy has established insurance as a means of compensating an individual for a wide variety of injuries suffered. In many cases, while a litigant may be the legal defendant in a suit, the actual payer for the injuries may be an insurance company. Suppose, for example, that a Christian is severely injured by the bad driving of another believer. A suit between the two really does not stem from personal malice, but is an effort on the part of the injured person to reclaim financial losses stemming from the accident, which will be compensated by the insured’s automobile liability policy. In such a case, the believers have not brought the church into censure before a worldly court (as was the situation in Corinth), but have simply availed themselves of a legal system which seeks, as a matter of public policy, to help victims to be made "whole" from their injuries.
In many American communities, attorneys who are believers have formed Christian conciliation or mediation groups that a wronged person may also seek out. The legal advantage to seeking mediation from such an organized group is that, upon proper stipulation by the parties, the judgment of the Christian conciliation group may be recognized by the secular course as a substitute for the court’s involvement
____________________________________________
The above statement is based upon our common understanding of scriptural teaching.
All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise specified.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Inspirational Short Story for September
There once was a girl who hated herself. You see, she had become blind in her early teens from a rare disease. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else too. She was angry at the world, angry at God, angry at everyone.
There was one person, however, who had known her for years and stood by her side through all this. It was her childhood friend, who loved her ever since grade school. Now in their 20’s, he wanted to marry her.
One day he worked up the nerve to ask her for her hand in marriage. Her reply was that if she could only see the world, she would marry him.
Soon after, someone donated a pair of eyes and she went to surgery to have her malfunctioning ones replaced. It was a miracle. After a few weeks, she took off her bandages and she could see once again. And who was standing by her side, as always? Of course, it was the man who loved her.
"Now that you can see the world, he said, “Will you marry me?" The girl was shocked to discover that he too was blind, and sadly, still refused his hand in marriage. Undeniably, he was devastated.
Sometime later, she received a letter from him, sharing his undying love for her. He signed it, "Please, my love, just take care of my eyes."
[Hmmm. A sweet story. But few of us remember what life was like when we were yet blind to the truth of our salvation in Yeshua (Jesus) -- and who to thank for their labor in love and prayer and boldness in sharing that truth with us, no?]
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
From Worthy News
**************************************************
Thanks Bro Paul G for this story.
There was one person, however, who had known her for years and stood by her side through all this. It was her childhood friend, who loved her ever since grade school. Now in their 20’s, he wanted to marry her.
One day he worked up the nerve to ask her for her hand in marriage. Her reply was that if she could only see the world, she would marry him.
Soon after, someone donated a pair of eyes and she went to surgery to have her malfunctioning ones replaced. It was a miracle. After a few weeks, she took off her bandages and she could see once again. And who was standing by her side, as always? Of course, it was the man who loved her.
"Now that you can see the world, he said, “Will you marry me?" The girl was shocked to discover that he too was blind, and sadly, still refused his hand in marriage. Undeniably, he was devastated.
Sometime later, she received a letter from him, sharing his undying love for her. He signed it, "Please, my love, just take care of my eyes."
[Hmmm. A sweet story. But few of us remember what life was like when we were yet blind to the truth of our salvation in Yeshua (Jesus) -- and who to thank for their labor in love and prayer and boldness in sharing that truth with us, no?]
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
From Worthy News
**************************************************
Thanks Bro Paul G for this story.
Friday, August 28, 2009
WHEN IT'S RIGHT TO GO TO COURT
This article was sent in by a regular reader of CT. Please visit http://www.pbc.org/ for the original source of this article
by Doug Goins
Peninsula Bible Church
Let me briefly address the issue of when we do legitimately need to get involved in the justice system. I will not try to be at all comprehensive. We are citizens of the nation, and we do have civil obligations. If we're required to answer a charge or to testify, we have to respond, because as Christians we live under the law of the land just as much as anyone else. There are times when we need legal clarification of different kinds of agreements such as contracts, real estate deals, and insurance coverage. There are some things that only a court of law can provide interpretation of. Sometimes, tragically, the quarrels or disagreements between Christians over financial issues and property issues get so tangled that they do have to have a secular court step in to render an expert legal judgment.
My own conviction is that in a criminal matter, a believer may need to sign a complaint against another believer who has broken the law, because sometimes failure to do so would condone the lawlessness. Any time that a Christian is being divorced by his or her spouse, the law requires a secular court to be involved. That may also be the case for child abuse, spousal abuse, financial irresponsibility, or child neglect. In those kinds of situations a parent or spouse may be forced to seek court protection.
But with all those exceptions to the principles of 1 Corinthians 6, going to court should always be seen as the last resort. And our motive must be to glorify God, never to gain selfish advantage. We must be concerned about the cause of Christ in the life of the other party; that must be central. Dr. Gordon Fee, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, talks about this issue of the motivation, the spiritual issues in being involved in litigation: "Litigation will hopefully be the last resort even with non-Christians. If it is out of concern for the one defrauded and for all others who might be taken in, then it is fully justified."
by Doug Goins
Peninsula Bible Church
Let me briefly address the issue of when we do legitimately need to get involved in the justice system. I will not try to be at all comprehensive. We are citizens of the nation, and we do have civil obligations. If we're required to answer a charge or to testify, we have to respond, because as Christians we live under the law of the land just as much as anyone else. There are times when we need legal clarification of different kinds of agreements such as contracts, real estate deals, and insurance coverage. There are some things that only a court of law can provide interpretation of. Sometimes, tragically, the quarrels or disagreements between Christians over financial issues and property issues get so tangled that they do have to have a secular court step in to render an expert legal judgment.
My own conviction is that in a criminal matter, a believer may need to sign a complaint against another believer who has broken the law, because sometimes failure to do so would condone the lawlessness. Any time that a Christian is being divorced by his or her spouse, the law requires a secular court to be involved. That may also be the case for child abuse, spousal abuse, financial irresponsibility, or child neglect. In those kinds of situations a parent or spouse may be forced to seek court protection.
But with all those exceptions to the principles of 1 Corinthians 6, going to court should always be seen as the last resort. And our motive must be to glorify God, never to gain selfish advantage. We must be concerned about the cause of Christ in the life of the other party; that must be central. Dr. Gordon Fee, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, talks about this issue of the motivation, the spiritual issues in being involved in litigation: "Litigation will hopefully be the last resort even with non-Christians. If it is out of concern for the one defrauded and for all others who might be taken in, then it is fully justified."
Saturday, August 8, 2009
You Have No Right to Judge Pastors? by Paul G
From: Paul G
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 10:39 PM
To: Calvary Today
Subject: You have no right to judge pastors?
This E-mail is in response to an angry sms that I recently received. The person not only said I have no right to judge others especially pastors but even implied that I am in danger of going to hell. She quoted James 4:11 & Romans 14:10. Obviously, she does not understand the Scriptures. It is not enough to just read (as reading the newspaper) the Bible, we must study it (2 Tim 2:15) prayerfully asking the Holy Spirit to guide us ( Jn 16:13). Anyway, like it or not, it is the duty of every born-again Christian who genuinely love the body of Christ to expose errors (1 peter 4:17; 2 Tim 4:2-4; 2 Tim 3:16; Titus 1:13, 3;10; Rom 16:17; Eph 5;11; etc.)
Is It Right to Judge Ministers, pastors or other Christians?
The Lord Jesus commanded us to Judge
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "Judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). He told a man, "Thou hast rightly judged" (Luke 7:43).
The Apostle Paul asked men to judge
Apostle Paul wrote, "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say" (1 Corinthians 10:15).
Again, he declared, "He that is spiritual judgeth all things" (1Corinthians 2:15).
The Apostle John asked men to judge
Apostle John wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test, judge] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
[Note: There are dozens of verses in the Bible asking us to judge righteously ! ]
Misunderstood Verses
[If we take a verse or a part of a verse out of its context, we can make the Word of God appear to teach the very opposite of what it really does teach. Anyone who does this is in serious trouble for twisting God’s Word (2 Peter 3:16)]
JAMES 4:11 - "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."
This verse refers to an evil spirit of backbiting and fault finding, not to judging whether teachers or teachings agree or disagree with God's Word. The Bible never contradicts itself. To understand one portion of Scripture we must view it in the light of all Scripture. "No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private [isolated] interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). "Comparing spiritual things [the Word] with spiritual [the Word]” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
[Note: We should read the whole chapter to understand this verse]
ROMAN 14:10 - "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
Romans 14 is discussing how we are to deal with matters NOT CLEARLY TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE. In matters in which God has not plainly spoken, we should not judge others. The two examples plainly given by the apostle are eating meats and keeping holy days. These are matters about which the Bible is silent. This verse does not forbid Christians from judging others regarding doctrinal or other errors.
[Note: We should read the whole chapter to understand this verse]
1 CORINTHIANS 4:3-5 – “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
The Apostle Paul is telling the Corinthians not to judge him based on human reasoning (man’s judgement). Obviously, some of them were questioning his motives (counsels of the hearts). He warned them that only God can judge a person’s heart…And every person’s motives will be exposed when the Lord Jesus comes.
For a full explanation, click here: http://www.wayoflife.org/files/51498bc0e8c5666f8c4630a56a61ecf5-155.html
MATT 7:1-5 -
These verses are addressed to a hypocrite--not to those who sincerely want to discern whether a teacher or teaching is true or false to God's Word. It is a solemn warning against hypocritical judgment. In fact, the last statement of this passage commands sincere judgment--"Then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
[ Note: God wants His children to be like the Bereans who "searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so"(Acts 17:11). The Bereans did not blindly follow the Apostle Paul’s teachings even though he was an apostle but checked everything against the scripture and the
Holy Spirit commended them for that by calling them NOBLE. ]
[Other misunderstood verses: The "Wheat and Tares" parable of Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The Lord is talking about judging the world not the church/Christians. See 1 Cor 5:12 ]
Naming names…can we?
It is necessary to name names to warn others about a person’s ministry. If not how are others going to know who or which ministry are you talking about? That’s why the Apostles John and Paul warned Christians about false teachers and trouble makers in the church by their names (3 John 1:9, 1Tim 1:20)! Also, an error which is being propagated publicly must also be refuted publicly (1 Tim 5:20), e.g., the Apostle Peter was rebuked publicly by Apostle Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).
But if it is a personal offense then it is best to deal with the person according to Matthew 18:15-17.
Further information: http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Introduction/fdmatt18.htm
God is extremely displeased with Christians who refuse to judge/expose doctrinal/moral & other type of errors.
Remember Eli? God was very angry with Eli because he did not check the errors of his sons, even though Eli personally did not offend God . God will also be angry with us if we do not take a stand (Jude 1:3) against false doctrines or immorality in the church (Proverb 24:24&25; Ezekiel 3:18; Rev 2:14,15 & 20; 1 Cor 5; 2 John 1:11; 2 Cor 11:4; etc.)
1Sam 3:13 - "For I have told him (Eli) that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile and he did not restrain them."
Who has NO right to judge?
Hypocrites are forbidden by the Bible to judge
(i.e., Matt 7:1-5; Romans 2:1-3)
Also, we should not judge others with a holier-than-thou attitude or out of jealousy,
bitterness, hatred ,wrath, wrong motives, etc. We should neither slander [accuse someone
falsely] (Col 3:8) nor curse (Roman 12:14; James 3:9,10) anyone.
I have attended/visited [by God’s grace] various Christian denominations for 20 over years and I realize the “LOUDEST” protesters in these churches who oppose Christians who speak against error are from these 2 groups:
1. Genuine Christians ( the few) who have been misled by others because of their lack of understanding of the Bible.
&
2. Hypocritical “Christians” ( Matt 7:21; 2 Tim 4:3 ,etc) who feel uncomfortable about Christians exposing their sins or sins of their leaders (Matt 7:15) through God’s WORD. This second group will continue to protest no matter how many times you tell them that the Bible allows/commands us to judge righteously because they do not belong to Jesus.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" — John 10:27
"For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved." — John 3:20
[Important note: The Greek word for church—ekklesia-- means a called out assembly. A church is not a building but is an invisible living spiritual organism, composed of all the born-again Christians worldwide from various denominations(Baptist, Presbyterians, Charismatic, Methodist, etc). The devil or anyone can never break this church (body of Christ)—Matthew 16:18; 1 Cor 12:12,13; 1 Peter 2:5; John 17:20-21, etc. So do not be troubled if someone were to tell you that by exposing error you might divide the body of Christ ; on the contrary, God is using you to purge the leaven of error within the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 5: 6-13; Ephesians 5;11; 2 Corinthians 6;17 , etc).
Speaking the truth in love,
Paul G , Th.B
REFERENCE:
IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE ? Fundamental Evangelistic Association
The Administrators of BC has withheld publishing Paul G's full name for confidentiality purposes. If you wish to contact him, please write to calvarytoday's email and we will forward your mail to him. We also wish to inform our readers that Bro. Paul is not known to any of the administrators of CT & BC, so we take this opportunity to thank Bro. Paul for this email and many other emails he has sent to us earlier to encourage us. Thank you and God bless you, Bro. Paul.
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 10:39 PM
To: Calvary Today
Subject: You have no right to judge pastors?
This E-mail is in response to an angry sms that I recently received. The person not only said I have no right to judge others especially pastors but even implied that I am in danger of going to hell. She quoted James 4:11 & Romans 14:10. Obviously, she does not understand the Scriptures. It is not enough to just read (as reading the newspaper) the Bible, we must study it (2 Tim 2:15) prayerfully asking the Holy Spirit to guide us ( Jn 16:13). Anyway, like it or not, it is the duty of every born-again Christian who genuinely love the body of Christ to expose errors (1 peter 4:17; 2 Tim 4:2-4; 2 Tim 3:16; Titus 1:13, 3;10; Rom 16:17; Eph 5;11; etc.)
Is It Right to Judge Ministers, pastors or other Christians?
The Lord Jesus commanded us to Judge
The Lord Jesus Christ commanded, "Judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). He told a man, "Thou hast rightly judged" (Luke 7:43).
The Apostle Paul asked men to judge
Apostle Paul wrote, "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say" (1 Corinthians 10:15).
Again, he declared, "He that is spiritual judgeth all things" (1Corinthians 2:15).
The Apostle John asked men to judge
Apostle John wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test, judge] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
[Note: There are dozens of verses in the Bible asking us to judge righteously ! ]
Misunderstood Verses
[If we take a verse or a part of a verse out of its context, we can make the Word of God appear to teach the very opposite of what it really does teach. Anyone who does this is in serious trouble for twisting God’s Word (2 Peter 3:16)]
JAMES 4:11 - "Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge."
This verse refers to an evil spirit of backbiting and fault finding, not to judging whether teachers or teachings agree or disagree with God's Word. The Bible never contradicts itself. To understand one portion of Scripture we must view it in the light of all Scripture. "No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private [isolated] interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20). "Comparing spiritual things [the Word] with spiritual [the Word]” (1 Corinthians 2:13).
[Note: We should read the whole chapter to understand this verse]
ROMAN 14:10 - "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
Romans 14 is discussing how we are to deal with matters NOT CLEARLY TAUGHT IN SCRIPTURE. In matters in which God has not plainly spoken, we should not judge others. The two examples plainly given by the apostle are eating meats and keeping holy days. These are matters about which the Bible is silent. This verse does not forbid Christians from judging others regarding doctrinal or other errors.
[Note: We should read the whole chapter to understand this verse]
1 CORINTHIANS 4:3-5 – “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
The Apostle Paul is telling the Corinthians not to judge him based on human reasoning (man’s judgement). Obviously, some of them were questioning his motives (counsels of the hearts). He warned them that only God can judge a person’s heart…And every person’s motives will be exposed when the Lord Jesus comes.
For a full explanation, click here: http://www.wayoflife.org/files/51498bc0e8c5666f8c4630a56a61ecf5-155.html
MATT 7:1-5 -
These verses are addressed to a hypocrite--not to those who sincerely want to discern whether a teacher or teaching is true or false to God's Word. It is a solemn warning against hypocritical judgment. In fact, the last statement of this passage commands sincere judgment--"Then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
[ Note: God wants His children to be like the Bereans who "searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so"(Acts 17:11). The Bereans did not blindly follow the Apostle Paul’s teachings even though he was an apostle but checked everything against the scripture and the
Holy Spirit commended them for that by calling them NOBLE. ]
[Other misunderstood verses: The "Wheat and Tares" parable of Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The Lord is talking about judging the world not the church/Christians. See 1 Cor 5:12 ]
Naming names…can we?
It is necessary to name names to warn others about a person’s ministry. If not how are others going to know who or which ministry are you talking about? That’s why the Apostles John and Paul warned Christians about false teachers and trouble makers in the church by their names (3 John 1:9, 1Tim 1:20)! Also, an error which is being propagated publicly must also be refuted publicly (1 Tim 5:20), e.g., the Apostle Peter was rebuked publicly by Apostle Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).
But if it is a personal offense then it is best to deal with the person according to Matthew 18:15-17.
Further information: http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Introduction/fdmatt18.htm
God is extremely displeased with Christians who refuse to judge/expose doctrinal/moral & other type of errors.
Remember Eli? God was very angry with Eli because he did not check the errors of his sons, even though Eli personally did not offend God . God will also be angry with us if we do not take a stand (Jude 1:3) against false doctrines or immorality in the church (Proverb 24:24&25; Ezekiel 3:18; Rev 2:14,15 & 20; 1 Cor 5; 2 John 1:11; 2 Cor 11:4; etc.)
1Sam 3:13 - "For I have told him (Eli) that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile and he did not restrain them."
Who has NO right to judge?
Hypocrites are forbidden by the Bible to judge
(i.e., Matt 7:1-5; Romans 2:1-3)
Also, we should not judge others with a holier-than-thou attitude or out of jealousy,
bitterness, hatred ,wrath, wrong motives, etc. We should neither slander [accuse someone
falsely] (Col 3:8) nor curse (Roman 12:14; James 3:9,10) anyone.
I have attended/visited [by God’s grace] various Christian denominations for 20 over years and I realize the “LOUDEST” protesters in these churches who oppose Christians who speak against error are from these 2 groups:
1. Genuine Christians ( the few) who have been misled by others because of their lack of understanding of the Bible.
&
2. Hypocritical “Christians” ( Matt 7:21; 2 Tim 4:3 ,etc) who feel uncomfortable about Christians exposing their sins or sins of their leaders (Matt 7:15) through God’s WORD. This second group will continue to protest no matter how many times you tell them that the Bible allows/commands us to judge righteously because they do not belong to Jesus.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" — John 10:27
"For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved." — John 3:20
[Important note: The Greek word for church—ekklesia-- means a called out assembly. A church is not a building but is an invisible living spiritual organism, composed of all the born-again Christians worldwide from various denominations(Baptist, Presbyterians, Charismatic, Methodist, etc). The devil or anyone can never break this church (body of Christ)—Matthew 16:18; 1 Cor 12:12,13; 1 Peter 2:5; John 17:20-21, etc. So do not be troubled if someone were to tell you that by exposing error you might divide the body of Christ ; on the contrary, God is using you to purge the leaven of error within the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 5: 6-13; Ephesians 5;11; 2 Corinthians 6;17 , etc).
Speaking the truth in love,
Paul G , Th.B
REFERENCE:
IS IT RIGHT TO JUDGE ? Fundamental Evangelistic Association
The Administrators of BC has withheld publishing Paul G's full name for confidentiality purposes. If you wish to contact him, please write to calvarytoday's email and we will forward your mail to him. We also wish to inform our readers that Bro. Paul is not known to any of the administrators of CT & BC, so we take this opportunity to thank Bro. Paul for this email and many other emails he has sent to us earlier to encourage us. Thank you and God bless you, Bro. Paul.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
NECF's Call to Pray - 40 Days Fast & Pray
NECF Malaysia has called Christians in Malaysia to unite and pray for the people in the Nation starting TODAY (22 July 2009). Let us as fellow Christians in Malaysia, join hands with NECF and other Brothers and Sisters in Christ, set aside time to pray together.
Event : National 40 Days Fast & Pray
Theme: Love Our Neighbour
Date : 22-Jul-2009 to 30-Aug-2009
Venue : Nationwide
To find out more, click : http://www.necf.org.my/eventsmaster.cfm?action=detail&menuid=13&retrieveid=184
Prayer Booklets
English (PDF, 1.3MB)
Bahasa Malaysia (PDF, 1.3MB)
中文 Chinese (PDF, 2.9MB)
Tamil (PDF, 13.2MB)
Children Prayer Booklets
English Children (PDF, 0.83MB)
Bahasa Malaysia Children (PDF, 0.36MB)
儿童中文版 Chinese Children (PDF, 0.28MB)
****************************************************
Coming Together to Love our Neighbours
A Shining Light To The Nations
Malaysia as a nation enters its 52nd year of independence this year. The dynamics in the country have changed so much that Malaysia itself has become a mission field. There is so much that we can do in our very own backyard. Therefore, the theme for our 40-Day Fast & Prayer, "Love our Neighbours – A Shining Light to the Nations" has been chosen to meet the growing challenges the churches are facing.
When our Lord met the Samaritan woman, the first thing He did was not to introduce Himself and offer to help her get out of the terrible situation she was in. Instead, Jesus said, "Give me a drink" (John 4:7). Jesus asked for help to give Him something which He could have provided for Himself. He, however, became weak in order to win over this woman who was rejected and regarded as an outcast by society.
Our Lord Jesus cares for those who have been overlooked and cast aside. He is concerned about people with needs. When we open our hearts to those whom God cares, we encounter His presence. The recipients in turn will experience the change and blessings when we allow God to work through us in compassion.
The churches in Malaysia therefore need to come together in unity and in action to care and bring about change and blessings. This is how we become the salt and light to the community and nation. In today’s society, people are so distant and detached from religion and faith that they will not usually respond immediately to our witness. We need to be with them, to understand them and help them understand us.
My prayer is that while we intercede for the nation, we should humbly come together in unity of hearts and minds to seek and be sensitive to the Lord’s direction to respond to the practical needs around us. In that way, we will "let our light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).
Sam Ang
NECF Malaysia Secretary-General
July 2009
Event : National 40 Days Fast & Pray
Theme: Love Our Neighbour
Date : 22-Jul-2009 to 30-Aug-2009
Venue : Nationwide
To find out more, click : http://www.necf.org.my/eventsmaster.cfm?action=detail&menuid=13&retrieveid=184
Prayer Booklets
English (PDF, 1.3MB)
Bahasa Malaysia (PDF, 1.3MB)
中文 Chinese (PDF, 2.9MB)
Tamil (PDF, 13.2MB)
Children Prayer Booklets
English Children (PDF, 0.83MB)
Bahasa Malaysia Children (PDF, 0.36MB)
儿童中文版 Chinese Children (PDF, 0.28MB)
****************************************************
Coming Together to Love our Neighbours
A Shining Light To The Nations
Malaysia as a nation enters its 52nd year of independence this year. The dynamics in the country have changed so much that Malaysia itself has become a mission field. There is so much that we can do in our very own backyard. Therefore, the theme for our 40-Day Fast & Prayer, "Love our Neighbours – A Shining Light to the Nations" has been chosen to meet the growing challenges the churches are facing.
When our Lord met the Samaritan woman, the first thing He did was not to introduce Himself and offer to help her get out of the terrible situation she was in. Instead, Jesus said, "Give me a drink" (John 4:7). Jesus asked for help to give Him something which He could have provided for Himself. He, however, became weak in order to win over this woman who was rejected and regarded as an outcast by society.
Our Lord Jesus cares for those who have been overlooked and cast aside. He is concerned about people with needs. When we open our hearts to those whom God cares, we encounter His presence. The recipients in turn will experience the change and blessings when we allow God to work through us in compassion.
The churches in Malaysia therefore need to come together in unity and in action to care and bring about change and blessings. This is how we become the salt and light to the community and nation. In today’s society, people are so distant and detached from religion and faith that they will not usually respond immediately to our witness. We need to be with them, to understand them and help them understand us.
My prayer is that while we intercede for the nation, we should humbly come together in unity of hearts and minds to seek and be sensitive to the Lord’s direction to respond to the practical needs around us. In that way, we will "let our light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).
Sam Ang
NECF Malaysia Secretary-General
July 2009
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