Alpha Weekend Away

Hi SFers!

I'm sure everyone had a wonderful time at the ALPHA Weekend Away !!!!

We learned much more about the Holy Spirit..
1. Who is the Holy Spirit
2. What does the Holy Spirit do
3. How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit
4. How can I make the most of the rest of my life

I was touched to see such a spontaneous turnout and I am sure everyone who was at the weekend away was revived in a very special way!

Some may feel like this was a once in a lifetime experience but don't forget that the HOLY spirit dwells in us and we just need to invite our Almighty God into our hearts and into our lives!
Some of us felt God speaking personally to us, some were touched by worship, others had a time of reflection and many felt a revival and renewal in their walk with God.. Praise God for that!

As we continue coming back for the last few weeks of Alpha, let us unite as 1 body of Christ, as 1 body in MHI to be God's army.
To Grow deeper in Knowledge of His word and to step forward to spread this Gospel of our wonderful Lord and Saviour!

I thank God for all of you and I pray that He will continue to use each and everyone of us, both in our strengths and weakness to encourage each other in this Ministry, to the HI's and to the world!!!

The Great Commission
Matthew 28: 16 - 29

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

ALPHA SESSION 0 - Christianity Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant

Christianity Boring Untrue Irrelevant
Jesus is the way the truth and the life.

JESUS IS THE WAY
Picture of Plant -Blur Vs Clear
Sometimes we use our (maybe 5 mega pixels) cameras and think we already have very good pictures of our objects just like how we live our lives , very satisfied, very comfortable. But when we use another friend’s (10 mega pixels) camera, we realize that their pictures are so much better .. Just like how we are when we get to try the Jesus way, Life becomes so much BETTER!

JESUS IS THE TRUTH
This is reality in a confused world. We live in a crazy world and it’s important what we believe in. It matters because it determines where our life is heading towards. Our direction.

*Pauline shared about how Jesus being the truth*
One day she asked God, If you are real, change me. She read the Bible and this verse appeared to her. Psalms 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is Good. So she decided to pray and do just that. She went to sleep not thinking that there’d be anything different at first.
Thereafter everyday she woke up and saw little changes in herself everyday. Suddenly her parents were not quarelling and family was at peace with one another. God slowly but surely showed how He was true in her life. Friends asked , “how come we used to have conflicts but not anymore. “ She acknowledges the fact that Jesus was the one who transformed her life.
Now she looks back and thanks God for this experience and said we need to accept God to be able to experience His goodness and understand that JESUS IS THE TRUTH.

JESUS IS THE LIFE
It’s a dark world out there. There is evil in the world and we always need to make the choice between good and evil because everyone has the potential to do good and/or evil in their lives.
With Jesus we have the strength to chose the right ways. Jesus help us to fulfill our potential, He sets us free from things that spoil our lives.

The Line between is not like the line between countries but it’s the line in everyone’s heart to make that choice.

Wk 0 Intro

Hello all,


We had our first session of Youth Alpha last Sunday.
It was a great session, led by this lady named Theresa from Youth Alpha (:
A good start, indeed :D
All of you are encouraged to join us for the next 9 weeks of sessions!
If you miss any one of the sessions, you can approach Lynette and Anthony one of these days to catch up with us.
They are offering to do one-to-one session with you, before the following session.

Lynette mentioned that we are only allowed to invite our friends for the next session.
It's this Sunday, 04 Oct.
Our monthly prayer meeting will be replaced by SF.


See you all over this weekend!

MHI Sunday Fellowship - Alpha

Dear SFers,

As we step into a new season of Sunday Fellowship, let’s remember and thank God for the abundant blessings He had showered upon MHI over the years.

In this coming SUNDAY, Sunday Fellowship will be integrating Alpha Course into our program (do take a look at this form below, no need to fill up) specially for MHI. It is a 10-week fellowship and learning time with one another. There will be lots of food, fun and fellowship!

We would like to specially invite all the past and present SFers to join us.
It will be a DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE for all of us =)

When?? 27th September

Where?? MHI-DIC

What time?? 1130am -130pm

You may click this to zoom.

S.F. comes aLiVe with a new PROGRAMME

Time flies and we've wrapped up our series of Rick Warren's - Purpose Driven Life.
Also, we thank God for Wei Tjin and Yanzhen in their generous contribution to MHI in so many ways and want to continue keeping them in prayer in their endeavours in a faraway land!!!


So..................

What's happening next?
Look out for the introduction of the next programme at Sunday Fellowship!!

When: 13th Sept 2009
Where: MHI (DIC room)

Who's invited: Anyone who's been to S.F. or who want to find out more about this unique ministry and of course what we do on Sundays! =)

MHI-SF CAMP

What an amazing 2.5 days at Salvation Army. Indeed let us give thanks to God for a wonderful time of fellowship and learning together. Not forgetting the protection of our health and safety in all the activities.

There is so much to write about the past 2.5 days and i would like to ask for your help. Can you send me your views, comments, testimonies and thoughts so we can compile and post it all up?

For all those who did take pictures, please bring them to MHI so we can all share them together this weekend :)

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope
for and certain of what we do not see"
Hebrews 11:1

This coming Sunday!!!

Since we met 2 weeks back sharing on What on Earth Am I here For, the next series of Purpose Driven Life drills deeper into the 5 reasons why you and I were born...

This SUNDAY, we look at the very first reason - WORSHIP.

What does that mean?

Join us at 1130am this Sunday after service as we discover more :)

Road to Calvary....

Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com

Some of you must have wondered what is the big fuss with Easter...
After all, almost all countries in the world consider this a public holiday.

Why is this occasion so special?

2 weeks ago, Patrick brought us back 2000 years to the day this all started. It began with a donkey ride into town.........

Follow the preso by Patrick and find out what happened next....

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Life Is a Temporary Assignment - 22nd March

Lets praise God for the safe return of all our team members from Laguna. It was such an exciting trip and the team has so much to share with all of us from their experiences. Look out for the official debrief date. We want to thank the Lord for being with the team throughout their trip and the impact the trip had on everyone.

Last week the video continued with "Life is a Temporary Assignment". We spoke earlier that life is a TEST, a TRUST and a TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT. What does that mean?

Basically, the video reminded us that our life does not end when we breathe our last breath on earth. We are not home yet! Pastor Warren reminds us that "God’s Word compares life on earth to temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not your permanent home or final destination." We are now ambassadors for Christ on earth.

Our identity should be focus on eternity and once we understand this concept, we would not be focus in chasing all the things on earth. "It is a fatal mistake to assume that God’s goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance, and faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.”

Life on earth is a preparation for eternity which is even better than what earth has to offer. Instead what shall we do?

We are asked to focus our eyes on things unseen for what is unseen is eternal. God is more interested in building our characters than our comfort. Let us remember John the Baptist who remained faithful to God yet was beheaded or Paul who was imprisoned. "In God’s eyes, the greatest heroes are not those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat this life as a temporary assignment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity."

So brothers and sisters? What shall we do?
Do we continue to store up our treasures on earth or should
we all learn to treat our lives on earth as a temporary assignment?

cartoon from joyfultoons

Seeing Life from God's View

Last SUNDAY, we welcomed PengPeng, Jasmine, Anthony, Alan and Shifeng to SF . It was good to see friends from MHI's past and our fellowship was definitely enriched with their presence. We all look forward to having fellowship with them again on the 22nd March.

In the video by Pastor Rick Warren, he asked us what is our life's metaphor (image/symbol/analogy)? What is yours? A pack of cards? A roller coaster? A puzzle? A party? We are reminded the metaphor we have of our lives will reflect the way we live our lives. If we think of life like a party, then all we aim to do is to have fun. If we think of life as a competition, our life will be just about winning. Is your life metaphor based on the world's metaphor of success?

The bible mentions 3 metaphors that teach us about God's view on life.

• Life is a test
• Life is a trust
• Life is a temporary assignment (next session)

Our entire life is a test!! Wow.... Our characters are developed and revealed through test that God has given to us. "We will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers and by undeserved criticism." During these tests, there will be moments that we will not feel the presence of God just like King Hezekiah (read 2 Chronicles 32). What do we do in moments like these? Do we turn our backs on Him? Do we give up? Let us all understand that God will never test us beyond our capabilities and will always give us strength to endure them. Do read 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Our life is also a trust. The "energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts that God has entrusted to our care and management." We were reminded that God has placed us as stewards and guardians for these things. One item which the video specifically highlighted is money. Are we good managers of our money? Does the manner in which we manage money prevents God from doing more in our lives?

Indeed life is a test and a trust. What are YOU going to do about it? Let us all reflect on these points. Here is a quick summary from Lynette on pdf.

Publish at Scribd or explore
Cartoon from Joyfultoons

What Drives Your Life?

Indeed that is an interesting question. It made me take a hard look at myself and reflect the driving forces of my life.


Rick Warren lists 5 of the most common driving forces of our lives in this chapter.

• Guilt- Many people live their lives burdened by past guilt. Perhaps it is regret or hiding in shame for an episode long ago. "We are products of our past but we do not have to be prisoners of it". God wants to give us fresh start. (Psalm 32:1)

• Resentment & Anger- You may feel there is some unfairness. Because of that you may feel resentful and even anger. While your offender has probably forgotten the offense and gone on with life, we may continue to feel resentful and allow it to continue to hurt us. Warren’s advice is “For your own sake, learn from it, and then let it go.” (Job 5:2)
  

• Fear - Fear is a self-imposed prison that keeps us from becoming what God intends us to be. Perhaps we fear due to an unrealistic expectation or growing up in a tightly controlled environment. During our sharing, someone mentioned that we in Singapore tend to have a fear of "losing out". We banish fear with faith and love. (1 John 4:18)
  

• Materialism - We are all driven by material things. A new phone, a new bag or a new laptop? Even a new car or a new house. We want more things because society has taught us that more is better, more can make us feel more happy, contented and even superior. Our value is not determined by our valuables. God reminds us that the most valuable things in life are not things! (Matthew 6:24)

• Need For Approval -Have you ever felt that you didn't want to disappoint your parents, friends, teachers or partners? In school or office we try to be "cool" and live our life seeking reassurance/confirmation or approval from others for the things we do. Being controlled by the opinions of other is a guaranteed way to miss God’s purposes for your life.

All these 5 reasons will lead us to unused potential, unnecessary stress, and an unfulfilled life. That is why it is important to know God's purpose in our life. In the next week, we will go through 5 benefits to knowing our purpose and lead a more meaningful (purposeful) life.

I am encouraged by this chapter and I want to look beyond the mistakes of my past. I want to live a life that God intended for me.

Care to Join me?

Purpose Driven Life
Image from Google. Link here.

You are not an accident!!!

Indeed we are not!
In Isaiah 44:2, it says...

I am your Creator.
You were in my care even before you were born.

We watched the video by Pastor Rick Warren, who reminded us that God decided how and when we were to be born. As God never makes mistakes, you and I are not accidents. Phew! We have been part of His plans all along, our lives in His mind even before the world was created.

He created us because God is love. All of us are His expression of love towards us. That is why we have this world to live in, a place so meticulously and specially designed that experts have concluded that the fundamental goal and purpose of the cosmos was to be inhabited by mankind :)

In our discussion group last week, we explored areas where we may not be happy with the way we were created. Perhaps some areas of ourselves, our weight, our face, our hair or even our height? (WT?) Perhaps our past or background is not something we are proud of. It was interesting to listen to everyone share about some insecurities and discover that each of us is not perfect.

Yet all of us were reassured by the passage in the bible that God is our Creator and has a purpose for each and everyone of us.

Check out Isaiah 46:3-4 , Isaiah 45:18, James 1:18 and Romans 12:3

It all starts with God !!

Greetings in the name of the Lord !!!

For the next 3 months (6 sessions), SF will be going through the book, Purpose Driven Life - Chapter 1, What on Earth Am I Here For?

Last Sunday, we looked at Session 1 - It All Starts With God!
There was a short video (which i unfortunately cannot reproduce here due to copyright issues) but will try to summarise here.

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. - Eph 1:11 (The Message)

We talked about a car. We all know cars are used to transport us from one place to another. However for someone who has never drove a car, been driven in a car or seen a car, he or she will wonder what is the car used for? he or she will need to ask the creator of the car to find out its purpose.....

Similarly, since we did not create ourselves, would it not be wise if we ask our Creator? Should we not ask God the purpose He created you and I?

We went through a few questions this week..
1. You discover your purpose and identity through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about Him.
3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity.
Do take some time and read what the bible has to say on this, (Hint: read Psalm 57:2, Job 12:10)

See you this coming SUNDAY,

I would leave all of you with this question today,

How does knowing God's purpose make a difference in your life?

Bible as the Word of God - 12th Dec 2008

A couple of weeks back, we looked at the Bible a little more closely.
Indeed many of us own a bible, some even more than one (like me)
But have we asked ourselves,

How did the bible come about?
Who decided what books goes into the bible?
Is the bible just a book on history?

The bible is more than just a book of our christian history. Many shared during our discussion that the bible is a book where we discover God intimately and His will for us, a source of comfort in times of distress and a guide in our life.

Owning a bible is simple. Reading the bible daily and engaging God is where all the fun and joy begins. As we start 2009, let us try and make it a point to engage God and read the bible as often as we can.

I have attached a link where you can read God's work and do some personal quiet time.
OUR DAILY BREAD

See you all on SUNDAY :)

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Family Life Worship & Penang Adventure

This SUNDAY we will have an update from the team that went to Penang. Loads of stories to share with all of us including the many friends they met during their trip up north..

But before that, we will be joining Family Life Service at YWCA (details from Ant below).

See all of you there !!!!

-----
Dear all,

MHI will be joining in Family Life Worship at YWCA this SUNDAY (30 Nov). Kindly take note of the details:
Event: Family Life Worship
Venue: YWCA Ballroom (Level 2)
Date: 30 November 2008
Time: 10.00am to 11.30am

The organising committee has kindly reserved 3 rows of seats for our ministry on the left front section of the ballroom. Do join us for a time of family bonding in Christ!

Please take note that there will be no interpreted service at Wesley Prayer & Praise Hall on 30 Nov.

*image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wesleypg2.jpg

Jesus Will Come Again - 23rd Nov 2008

Last Sunday we were reminded that Jesus will return again to bring us all to be with Him. Some people ask..., when will Jesus return? why is Jesus returning? how will He return?

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am

These are all very valid questions and we should take time to learn and discover the answers. Have a look through the presentation...to find your answers.

If you have any questions or doubts...you can speak to any of your discussion leaders in SF. Have a blessed week ahead.

SF231108
Get your own at Scribd or explore others:

Church as a body of Christ - 9th Nov 2008

Yesterday, Lynette led us in our study and discussion on the "Church as a body of Christ."

All of us must feel honoured that we make up the Church. It is not the buildings we congregate each Sunday or during Easter/Christmas. The church is made up of the people, you and I.
We are the church!!!!

Knowing the fact that we make up the church gives each of us a responsibility to uphold. Read the preso below and see some suggestions on how we can work together and build each other in growing our "church".

SF091108Get your own at Scribd or explore others: