Religion refers to a belief in and reverence for God or some supernatural power that is recognised as the Creator and Ruler of the universe; an organised system of doctrine with an approved pattern of behaviour and a proper form of worship; Worship in Spirit and Truth, for God is Spirit. Faith without deeds is as lifeless as a corpse. The classic New Testament passage on religion is: Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead. - James 2:17 -

You surely know that Abraham our father was justified by his deed because he offered his son Isaac on the altar? There you see it: faith and deeds were working together; his faith became perfect by what he did. This is what scripture really means when it says: Abraham put his faith in God and this was counted as making him justified; and that is why he was called 'the friend of God'. - James 2:21-23 -

The New Testament contains several references to Romans who were ruling at this time. Among them were Caesar Augustus - Luke 2:1 - Quirinius - Luke 2:2 - and Tiberius Caesar - Luke 3:1; 20:22 - Other minor officials ruled on behalf of Rome particularly those of the Herodian dynasty. The birth and development of Christainity took place within the borders of the Roman Empire.

The Book of 'The Acts Of The Apostles' shows how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Under apostle Paul, the Gospel may have been preached as far west as Spain. - Rom. 15:28-29 - By the time, Saint Paul wrote his Epistle[Letter] to the Romans (A.D. 58) a large Christian community existed in the imperial city. Paul's appearance was ironic because he came as a prisoner and not as a missionary. - Acts 25:11-12; 27:1; 28:17-31 -

When Christians were accused by the Jews of breaking the law, they were acquitted. Rome even protected Christians from Jewish fanatics and assured apostle Paul the right of a proper trial. - The Book of Acts - Most Christians had a positive and respectful attitude toward Roman authority. Jesus spoke about paying taxes. - Mark 12:17 - Saint Paul appealed for respect, pray for and honour Roman governing authorities. - Rom. 13:1-7; 1Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 3:1-2 -

The first known persecution of Christians by the Roman authorities took place under Nero. Many Christians including apostles, lost their lives at this time and a vast multitudes of Christians who were arrested, tortured, crucified and burned. Hardships came to Christians in parts of Asia while Domitian was emperor. Later, under Trajan, there were further problems especially in Bithynia, where Pliny was governor (A.D. 112). Ignatius, bishop of Antioch was martyred during this persecution. Rome may have feared that Christians could become a political threat because they would not acknowledge Caesar as lord.

Marcus Aurelius took official action against Christianity. As emperor, he was responsible for the death of Justin Martyr. (A.D. 165) Celcius (A.D. 249-251) launched attacks against Christians and like Nero, used them as scapegoats for his own failures. Under Diocletian intense persecution of the Church, many Christians were martyred, took place for three years. (A.D. 303-305)

With the coming of Constantine, however, this policy of persecution was reversed. His Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 made Christianity the official Religion of the Roman Empire.

                                                                       Page 1

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By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

In the New Testament, proselyte is used in a specific sense to designate Gentile converts who had committed themselves to the teachings of the Judaism. A full fledged proselyte or convert to Judaism under went circumcision and worshiped in the Jewish Temple or synagogue. They also observed all ritual and regulations concerning the Sabbath, clean and unclean foods and all other matters of Jewish custom. - Matt. 23:15 -

By the New Testament period when communities of Jews were widely scattered over the Gentile world, many Gentiles came into contact with Judaism. They found worship of one God and its wholesome ethical teaching attractive. Tired of pagan gods and heathen immorality, the Gentiles came to the synagogues to learn of the one true God and of His call to holiness, justice and mercy. Many of them accepted the religion, morality and life-style of the Jews. Not all Gentiles sympathizers went to far as to be circumcised but by New Testament times proselytes were nevertheless a significant part of Judaism as the references to them in the Book of Acts. - 2:5-11; 6:5-6; 13:43 -

These 'halfway proselytes' proved to be rich mission field for the early Church. Unable to accept the binding requirements of the Jewish law, many of them turned to Christianity. This new faith, welcomed all people, regardless of their background, culture, colors or religious tradition. This universal appeal of Christianity was largely the result of the pioneering work of the apostles.

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By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Devil is the main title for the fallen angelic being who is the supreme enemy of God and man. Satan is his name and devil is what he is - the deceiver and accuser. The term comes from a Greek word that means "a false witness" or "malicious accuser".

Several descriptive phrases applied to the devil in the New Testament, point out the nature of his wicked personality and the extend of his evil deeds. - The Lord's Prayer - Matt. 6:13; The parable of the sower explained - Matt. 13:18-19; The parable of the darnel explained - Matt. 13:38 -

Starting with Eve, the devil has attempted to deceive every living soul. Evil men operating under the power of the evil one will continue to deceive. He was a murderer from the beginning are strong words from the lip of Jesus. The devil killed Abel and the prophets and he wanted to kill Jesus before His time. You are well aware, then, that anybody who tries live in devotion to Christ is certain to be attacked; while these wicked impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and deceived themselves. - 2Tim. 3:12-13 -

When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive all the nations in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, and mobilise them for war. His armies will be as many as the sands of the sea; they will come swarming over the entire country and besiege the camp of the saints which is the city that God loves. But fire will come down on them from heaven and consume them. Then the devil, who misled them will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur where the beast and the false prophet are and their torture will not stop, day or night, forever and ever. - Rev. 20:7-10 -

In the spiritual war, the devil is strong but Christians are stronger through the Lord. They have the protection needed to withstand his assaults. The devil tempts but God provides a way of escape. The devil always tries to take advantage of people but he will flee if fought. We should not fear the devil, for Jesus is more powerful than this deceiving prince and princess of the demons. In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ had overcome death through and in the Passion, Death and Resurrection.

Finally, grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God's armour on so as to be able to resist the devil's tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God's armour or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens or have enough resources to hold your ground.

So stand your ground with truth buckled round your waist and integrity for a breastplate, wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace and always carrying the shield of faith so that you can use it to put out the burning arrows of the evil one. And then you must accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the word of God from the Spirit to use as a sword.

Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit of every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all the saints; and pray for me to be given an opportunity to open my mouth and speak without fear and give out the mystery of the gospel of which I am an ambassador in chains; pray that in proclaiming it I may speak as boldly as I ought to. - Eph. 6:10-20 - 1Cor. 10:12-13; James 4:7-8; 1John 4:4 -

And so we will not be outwitted by Satan-we know well enough what his intentions are. - 2Cor. 2:11 -
                                                                     Page 1
If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Judas Iscariot - The Anti-Christ - the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Judas' name appears in the three of the lists of the Twelve disciples, although it always appears last. - Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:14-16 - Worked miracles and preached with other disciples. He stayed with Christ for almost 2 years. His name is missing from the list of the 11 disciples in Acts 1:13; by that time Judas had already committed suicide.

During the week of the Passover festival, Judas went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus for a reward. - Matt. 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11 - At the Passover Supper, Jesus announced that He would be betrayed and that He knew who His betrayer was; - Mark 14:20; John 13:26 - When the Lord announced the Eucharist, Judas secretly resolved to leave. The Lord knew it and said, "Have I not chosen you, all twelve. Yet one of you is a devil". - John 6:71 - The first observance of the Lord's Supper (Eucharistic Celebration) was probably celebrated afterward, without Judas. - Matt. 26:20-29 -

Judas carried out his betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. By a prearranged sign, Judas singled out Jesus for the soldiers by kissing him. The gospels do not tell us why Judas was needed to point out Jesus who had become a well-known figure. It is possible that Judas disclosed where Jesus would be that night so that He could be arrested secretly without the knowledge of His many followers and supporters. - Matt. 26:47-50 -

Later, Judas realizing what he had done and repented from the sin of betrayal, Judas attempted to return the money to the high priests. When the high priests refused to take it, he threw the money on the Temple floor, went out, fell into the sin of despair and hanged himself: his belly burst open and the internal organs poured out. After the Ascension, the place of Judas Iscariot was taken by Matthias who was a witness of Jesus' resurrection. - Acts 1:15-26 -

                                                                         Page 13

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Thomas - The Glum - He had an ardent love for the Lord Jesus Christ and was willing to die for him. Saint Thomas is probably best known for his inability to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. For that inability to believe, he earned the name "doubting Thomas"

He was not present when Jesus first appeared to His disciples after the resurrection. Upon hearing of the appearance, Thomas said, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my hand into His side, I will not believe". - John 20:25 - A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, including Thomas. When Jesus invited him to touch the nails print and put his hand into His side, Thomas response was, "My Lord and My God!" - John 20:28 - Jesus said to him: "You believe because you can see me, Happy are those who have not seen yet believe". 'He doubted that we may believe'.

When Jesus made known his intention to go into Judea where only a short time before the Jews had threatened to stone Him. Thomas urged his fellow disciples, "Let us go too and die with Him". - John 11:16 - Knowing that His earthly life would soon end, Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for His followers and that they knew the way. Thomas asked, "Lord, we do not know where You are going and how can we know the way?" - John 14:5 - To that Jesus replied, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" - John 14:6 -

After the resurrection Thomas was on the Sea of Galilee with six other disciples when Jesus signaled to them from the shore and told them where to cast their net. - John 21:2 - Thomas was also with the other disciples in the Jerusalem upper room, after the Ascension of Jesus. Saint Thomas is also known as the Apostle of India because he went to preach the Gospel in that country until he got into trouble with king Mazday for his wife believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and wanted to convert to Christianity. Eventually, Thomas were martyr, he was led to the top of a hill and killed. His feast day is on July 3.

                                                                        Page 12

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Jude Thaddeus - The Secular - He was probably born in Caesarea Philippi in Galilee, spoke both Greek and Aramaic and was a farmer. At the Last Supper, he interrupt Jesus shouting, "Lord, what can have happened that You mean to disclose Yourself to us alone and not to the world?" - John 14:22 - He was shocked at this breach between Himself and the world. Only a moment before, Jesus said that 'the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth'. - John 14:17 - But Thaddeus was saying, 'It's alright to say You are the Messiah but You will never win the secular world without secular techniques'. The Lord Jesus answered that He has fellowship "only with those who love Him". - John 14:22-23 -

He is the author of the "Letter of Jude" whose purpose was to warn against false preachers who lived in sin and divided the Church. He wrote: "These intruders designated for condemnation, are godless persons who pervert the grace of God into licentiousness; they cause divisions and are devoid of the Spirit". - Jude 4,19 - Jude last word on the problem of corruption in the Church is preserved in a memorable benediction. Only God can keep us from error and bring us to Himself: 'Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Saviour, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen'.

Saint Jude Thaddeus is traditionally depicted carrying the image of Jesus with which he cured king Abgar of Edessa. He is also shown with a flame on his head, signifying the Holy Spirit and holding a book, representing the letter he wrote. According to tradition after preaching the Gospel in many countries, Saint Jude died as a martyr in Persia together with Saint Simon the Zealot in about 65 AD. Both are venerated on October 28.

                                                                        Page 11

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Simon the Zealot - The Revolutionary - His name rarely appeared in Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible. He often gave a dirty look to Matthew for his political collaboration with the Romans. Simon would have hated any foreign domination or interference. He was previously affiliated with the Zealot Party which was a fanatic religious and political group determined to resist the Roman occupation in Judea and to defend the Jewish religion. They refused to pay taxes and called for rebellion. Although Simon was a fearless revolutionist, he gradually converted his flaming nature until he became an apostle of peace.


After Pentecost he went to preach the Gospel in Samaria and in Suanis, Persia where he suffered martyrdom together with Saint Jude Thaddeus in about 65 AD, Saints Simon and Jude are venerated on October 28. His attribute in art is the saw since he was sawn in half by his executioners while still alive, like the prophet Isaiah.

                                                                         Page 10

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint James, son of Alphaeus - The Reciprocal - He was known as the brother of the Lord Jesus although he was only his cousin. - Matt.13:55 - He was also called the Less or the Younger [Saint James the Less or the Younger] He is not a believer in Jesus initially and even wanted to have Jesus put away by 'taking charge of Him'. The Lord was constantly vilified because of James and his family: Even his brothers had no faith in Him. - Mark 3:21-31; John 7:5 - Jesus often sighed, "A man will find his enemies under his own roof". - Matt. 10:36 -

After Jesus' crucifixion, however, James became a believer. Saint Paul indicated that James was a witness to the resurrection of Jesus and called James an apostle. - 1Cor. 15:7; Gal.1:19 - In the Book of Acts, James emerges as the leader of the Church in Jerusalem. He had a great prestige in the early Church and was appointed as the first Bishop of Jerusalem.

At the Council of Jerusalem in 49 AD, the decree of the Council of Jerusalem cleared the way for Christianity to become a Universal [Catholic] religion. Gentiles who accept the Christian faith were asked to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled and from blood, and need not be circumcised and follow all the ritual rules of the Jews. - Acts 15:12-21 - The intent of this decree was practical rather than theological. It asked the Gentiles to observe certain practices which otherwise would offend their Jewish brethren in the Lord Jesus and jeopardize Christian fellowship with them.

He wrote and the author of the "Letter of Saint James" where he admonished to make no distinctions between rich and poor. He also clarified that "faith without works is dead. A person is justified by works and not by faith alone. For just as a body without a spirit is dead". - James 2:17-26 -

James was called 'the Just' on account of his holiness; his knees were hard like those of a camel, for he was continually at prayer. In the year 62 AD, the high priest Hanna II had him thrown down from the pinnacle of the Temple for preaching that Jesus was the Messiah. Since he survived the fall, he was stoned to death and finished with a beating on the head. Before dying, he turned his eyes to heaven and said: I beseech you, O Lord God, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Saint James was buried in the Mount of Olives and his feast day is on May 3.

                                                                         Page 9

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Matthew - The Unpopular - He is from Galilee was named Levi - Mark 2:14 - but after his conversion Jesus called him Matthew which means "Gift of God". Matt. 10:3 - Matthew was hated just because he was a publican or a money or tax collector/gatherer. Publicans were generally regarded as criminals; they were classed with Gentiles - Matt. 18:19 - with harlots - Matt. 21:31-33 - and with sinners. - Matt. 9:10-11 - But when Jesus said to him "Follow Me" he rose and followed Him. More than that he "left all/left everything behind". -Mark 2:14; Luke 3:27-28 -

The only thing he took was a pen; he needed that to write his Gospel. That night he gave a dinner party and invited all his friends. The Lord was there. It was the first night in years that anyone with a good name sat at his table. The Pharisees and lawyers complained to the Lord, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collector/gatherer and sinners?' - Luke 5:30 - Overhearing the remark, Jesus said: "Those who are well do not need a physician but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners". - Matt. 9:12-13 -

The Gospel of Matthew, reflecting his past experience of precise accounting offers the most complete, accurate and systematic arrangement of Jesus' teaching in the New Testament and the early Church. Because of its proven and emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, Matthew is well suited as the opening book of the New Testament. In it the promises of God are recalled and the their fulfillment in Jesus Christ is announced.

Now all this took place to fulfill the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel, a name which means "God-is-with-us". - Matt. 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23 -

It was originally written in Hebrew and addressed to the Jews and was later translated into Greek. The original Hebrew text is now lost. In art, Matthew is symbolized by a winged man because he began his Gospel with Jesus' human genealogy; while Mark is represented by a lion, Luke by an ox and John by an eagle. Saint Matthew after evangelizing in Judea for 15 years went to preach to the East, where he suffered martyrdom. His feast day is on September 21.

                                                                         Page 8

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Philip - The Business - When Jesus said to him, "Follow Me" - John 1:43 - the lone sheep immediately followed the Good Shepherd and immediately he went out and made a convert. He must tell others of the Saviour he found or rather the Saviour Who found him. When the 5,000 in the desert were hungry, the Lord turned to his accountant to test him and said,

"Where are we to find bread to feed these people?" - John 6:5 -

 Philip used his computer and came up with the exact amount. He calculated without Christ. At the Last Supper he rudely interrupted the beautiful discourse of the Lord about His Father, being concerned only with a physical vision of Him, not Christ's oneness with the Father. And Jesus replied, 'Have I been all this time with you, Philip, and you still do not know me?' - John 14:8-9 -

The most noted conversion as a result of Philip's ministry was the Ethiopian EUNUCH, an official of great authority under Candace, the queen of the Ethopians. Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. The eunuch was reading the book of Isaiah 53, the passage about the SUFFERING SERVANT. Philip used this great opportunity to preach the Lord Jesus Christ to him. The eunuch said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God". - Acts 8:26-40 - Then Philip baptized the eunuch. After this event, Philip preached in Azotus and Caesarea.

After preaching the Gospel in many places, Saint Philip was crucified at an old age at Hierapolis, in Asia Minor. Until 1955 the feast of Saint Philip and Saint James the Less was on May 1 but when Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, they were moved to May 3.

                                                                       Page 7

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Bartholomew - The Big Shot - The name means Son of Talmai. In 2Samuel 3:3, there is mention of a Talmai who was king of Geshur whose daughter was one of king David's wives. It is believed that it was from this Talmai that Bartholomew was descended and is sometimes called Nathanael. When Saint Philip told him that he had found Jesus of Nazareth, he scoffed, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth? - John 1:46 - As a resident of Cana he looked down at rival Nazareth. The answer of Philip was "Come and See". Prove yourself, overcome your prejudice. When Jesus saw him, He said, "Here is an Israelite worthy of the name; there is nothing false in him". - John 1:48 -

Bartholomew said to Jesus; 'How do you know me?' Jesus replied, 'Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree'. He was surprised by the omniscience of Jesus and made an instant profession of faith: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God". He was the first of the Apostles to proclaim, "You are the Son of God". - John 1:50 -

According to ancient writers, he preached the Gospel in Armenia and India, where he converted many from idolatry. Tradition said that he was condemned to be flayed alive at Albanopolis in Armenia. His skin was cut into stripes and removed, leaving him agonizing with his flesh open and bleeding for a long time before being beheaded.

Michelangelo was so impressed by this saint that he made his self-portrait on the skin of Saint Bartholomew represented on the Last Judgment in Sistine Chapel. His feast day is on August 24.

                                                                        Page 6

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Andrew - The Public Relations - In the Gospels, he is always found introducing someone to someone else. He introduced his brother, Simon to the Lord Jesus Christ - John 1:40-42 - he introduced the boy with the five loaves and two fishes to Jesus; and as a proof of his broad-mindedness, he brought a crowd of Greeks to Jesus. - John 12:20-22 - Absolutely selfless, knowing that his brother, Simon Peter was the leader, he was content to take a back seat.

According to the Gospel of John, Andrew and an unnamed friend were among the followers of John the Baptist. - John 1:35-40 - When John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, both he and Andrew followed Jesus. Andrew then brought his brother Simon to meet the Messiah. - John 1:41-51 - An action that continues to be a model for all who bring peoples to Christ.

When Jesus prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem. In the company of Simon Peter, James and John, Andrew inquired: "Tell us, when will this happen and what is the sign?" Jesus answered: "Take care that no one deceives you". The one who have faith in Christ and perseveres to the end will be saved. - Mark 13:1-23 -

After preaching the Gospel in many lands. Andrew was crucified at Patras, in Greece, on a X-shaped cross from where he preached to the people for three days before he died. His feast day is on November 30.

                                                                       Page 5

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint James - The Quiet - His name always appears among the first three of the Apostles. - Matt. 10:2; Mark 1:19 - and always mentioned with his brother John; the Lord took him, Peter and John along privately on three special occasions. He accompanied Jesus when He healed the daughter of Jairus, witnessed Jesus transfiguration and also with Jesus in His agony in Gethsemane. - Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33; Luke 8:51, 9:28; Matt. 17:1, 26:37 -

He was called Saint James the Great to distinguish him from Saint James the Less or the Younger. James is never mentioned apart from his brother John in the New Testament even at his death.

James and John must have contributed a spirited and headstrong element to Jesus' band of followers because Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder" - Mark 3:17 - On one occasion - Luke 9:51-56 - when a Samaritan village refused to accept Jesus, the two asked Jesus to call down fire in revenge as the prophet Elijah once had done. - 2Kin. 1:10-12 - On another occasion, they earned the anger of their fellow disciples by asking if they could sit on Jesus right and left hands in glory. - Matt. 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45 -

Saint James the Great was the first apostle to die as martyr and the only one whose martyrdom is mentioned in the New Testament. - Acts 12:2 - In 44 AD during the persecution of king Herod Agrippa 1, he was captured and killed by the sword.

Tradition says that Saint James the Great preached the Gospel in Spain. In the year 40 AD, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him upon a pillar (Nuestra Senora del Pilar) telling him to go back to Jerusalem for his martyrdom. His body was transferred back to Spain, to the Church of Santiago de Compostela which became one of the greatest centers of pilgrimages. His feast day is on July 25.

                                                                       Page 4

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint John - The Chancery - Close to the Saviour. Known as "the beloved disciple"; Cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ. John wanted to use his privileged position to gain authority along with his brother and wanted the Lord Jesus to do them a favour by 'Allowing them to sit one at the Lord right hand and the other at the Lord left in His glory' but Jesus corrected their misconception by explaining:
When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John so Jesus called them to him and said to them: You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:41-45; Matt. 20:24-28; Luke 22:24-27 -

John also wanted the Lord to stop others from driving out devils. - Mark 9:38 - He also begged Jesus to 'call down fire from heaven to burn up' inhospitable Samaritans. - Luke 9:54 -

For John, Jesus goes beyond the bounds of Judaism. John gospel reports a fiercer conflict between Jesus and the Jews than the other Gospels do. The gospel begin before time - John 1:1 - and it shows that Jesus is timeless. Jesus speaks not to any one nation or ethnic group but to the human condition. John portrays Jesus for the widest possible readership. This is one reason why the fourth gospel has spoken so deeply to Christians in all ages. If there is doubt to whom John writes, there can be no doubt about why John writes. The gospel contains a clear statement of purpose: "These [signs] are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you may have life in His name".

Doubt no longer but believe. Thomas replied, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him: 'You believe because you can see. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe'. There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may have life through his name. - John 20:28-31; 1John 5:13 - John writes that the sole purpose of life is that 'you may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in Him'. - John 30:37-38 - Thus, we might know and encounter the Father and experience life eternal through faith, hope and love in the Son. [Jesus Christ]

No one ever loved the Lord Jesus Christ more and the night of the Last Supper, John's consoled Him with his love. - John 13:23-25 - John was present at the Transfiguration. - Mark 9:2 - For John, love is not a feeling or attitude toward others. God is love and He acts in love on our behalf. Love therefore is something one does, by keeping God's commandments 'in deeds and in truth' and above all, by loving others. It is hypocritical to profess love for God and to show hatred toward others. The love of God does not take us out of this world. Rather, it draws us into fellowship with God.

In 49 AD John settled at Ephesus where he witnessed the assumption of the Virgin Mary. There he wrote the fourth Gospel and three Letters which contain the sublime definition of the divinity: "God is Love". From Ephesus he was exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. John is represented in art with an eagle because of his sublime theology. Saint John died in peace at Ephesus in 101, at the age of 94. His feast day is on December 27.

                                                                      Page 3

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -

Saint Peter - The Impulsive - The most prominent of Jesus' twelve apostles. The New Testament gives a more complete picture of Peter than of any other disciple, with the exception of Saint Paul. Peter was the first disciple to be called - Mark 1:16-18 - and the first to be named an apostle. - Mark 3:14-16 - His name heads every list of the twelve in the New Testament. He was apparently the strongest individual in the group. He frequently served as a spokesman for the disciples and he was their recognized leader. - Mark 1:36; Luke 22:32 - Peter's being an impulsive and dominant personality was his readiness to walk to Jesus on the water - Matt. 14:28 - and to ask Jesus the awkward question of how often he should forgive a sinning brother. - Matt. 18:21

Called to a post where the keys of heaven would swing from his fisherman's cinture. No proportion between his weak "Simon" nature and the name "Rock" given by Christ to a man who was only a reed. Jesus began the process which would lead to Peter's awareness by asking a non-threatening question.

'But you', he said 'who do you say I am?' Then Simon Peter spoke up, 'You are the Christ', he said 'the Son of the living God'. Jesus replied, 'Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the under-world can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven. - Matt. 16:16-19 -

Peter had an impulsive personality and a sincere love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing the Lord during a storm he stuck his foot outside the boat and asked to walk on water and then lost faith and begun sinking. - Matt. 14:28-31 - He proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and then was rebuked for rejecting the cross. - Mark 8:33 - He promised to die for Jesus and then denied Him three times. - John 13:37-38 - How ironic that the one who denied Jesus most vehemently in His hour of suffering should be the first person to witness to His resurrection from the dead. Yet according to the Gospel of Luke 24:34 and Paul, 1COR. 15:5, Peter was the first apostle to see the risen Lord. We can only marvel at the grace of God in granting such a blessing to one who did not seem to deserve it. Peter's witnessing of the resurrection was a sign of his personal restoration to fellowship with Christ. It also confirmed His appointment by God to serve as a Leader/Pope in the emerging Church.

After a meal Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of Jonah, do you love me more than these others do?' He answered, 'Yes Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs". A second time he said to him, 'Simon son of Jonah, do you love me?' He replied, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, "Look after my sheep". Then he said to him a third time, 'Simon son of Jonah, do you love me?' Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and said, 'Lord, you know everything; you know I love you'. Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep".

Dull in mind when he could not understand what the Lord said about blind leading the blind and asked; 'Tell us what the parable means'.

At this, Peter said to him, 'Explain the parable to us', Jesus replied, 'Do even you not yet understand? Can you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes through the stomach and is discharged into the sewer? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and it is these that make a man unclean. For from the heart come evil intentions: murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. These are the things that make a man unclean. But to eat with unwashed hands does not make a man unclean. - Matt. 15: 15-20 -

After the Council of Jerusalem, Peter went to preach the Gospel in Rome. He was crucified downwards on Vatican Hill during the persecution of Nero in 64 AD. He is venerated with Saint Paul on June 29.

                                                                      Page 2

If you wish to donate. Thank You. God bless.

By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -