Editorial Notes

Harlow...... It is your editor once again! Trust that all of you are well and growing in the Lord. Well... guess most of you must be mugging for the exam at this moment. So, this issue must have come at the right time to help you guys and gals out there take a break from your books! For those of you who do not have any exam, you don't know what you are missing out! Hee! I'm too stress out here ;*( hmmm... all I can say is "You lucky fellows out there!" Well, I hope that none of you have waited too long for this second issue. I won't want to mistake anyone as a giraffe the next time I see any of you.

H mm... I think I better confess.... Alright... Shei and I have been too bz with our work, therefore, the publication of this issue is delayed. But, by the grace of God, we still make it in time before the semester officially ends. To make amends for this late issue, we have made it a super duper thick publication of 26 solid pages of articles, testimonies, information, book review, music review and also not forgetting some humour to help you relax amidst your study schedules.

O .k... for those of you faithful readers out there who care to read this note before you flip the pages, this issue includes a inspiring and encouraging article written by our very own CCM president, Angie Ng. Next, we have a series of testimonies from some of our brothers and sisters who were at the Easter camp; truly have the word, anointed, implied in every sentence! Must read! Especially when you are bugged down and stress up with studying- read it, be encouraged and remember that our Father Lord is with you and EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!! Then there is the usuals.... leave you to find out......

O h... next! A very special, worth pulling out and framing article on the review of the Easter Camp written by a brother who would soon be departing for Singapore. Last few days to get his autograph before he's gone! Those of you who miss out on the camp, don't miss this article!

T he reading for this issue is penned by my co-editor, Shei, who so graciously shared with us what she have learnt from a book by Max Lucardo, In the Grip of Grace. Another must read! In the Music section, our dear brother Paul shared with us his thoughts on 2 CDs and how he has been inspired to walk closer to God by the songs. The last section, our dear Lizzie Bear contributed the jokes, which she have read somewhere, to help you relax throughout these stressful weeks. Till the next issue, God Bless! - Karen.

Recently, I come across this statement. Wow! I thought, how true this statement is. I don't know about you but it's really alive in my own life. Troatman says no one, umm, wait a minute, did I read it wrongly? - no one ever followed Jesus who didn't become a fisher of men? Hmmm, no one - which comprises everyone (in that there is no exception) - who follows Jesus will not become fisher of men. But the statement doesn't end here, Troatman says, "if you are not fishing, it's questionable how closely you're following"! As you read this article, my challenge to you is to really consider how close your walk with Jesus is. Are you a "fisherman" for Jesus?

A s I said earlier, this statement is really alive in my live. For those who don't really know me, I would like to just share a bit of my background. I accepted Jesus into my life during my first year at Uni, on 4 August 1995. When I first become a Christian, I'd always asked the people around me, "Why do Christians always want to share about Jesus and want others to know him as they do?" I have seen Christians who have given up their jobs to serve God full-time by helping the church to evangelise. I told myself, making a promise to myself, that I would never tell people about Christianity.

I n the beginning, I thought that Christianity would be just another religion, where it doesn't matter who or what people follow or believe. However, a few months after I began my walk with Jesus, all my attitudes changed. As I experienced a real relationship with Jesus and experienced the abundance of life that He promised, I had no choice but to desire to share God's goodness with others. The more I experienced the love of God, the more I wanted to tell others about God. Just as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14 ".... the love of God compels us to share." The light of God come to me saying, "Hey, Christianity is not just another religion, it's our personal relationship with the true and living God. God is so real - no one can ever deny this." And it's only through Jesus that we can have a relationship with God.

M y heart was just so overwhelmed and excited to tell others about Jesus. When I first started to share about Jesus, I didn't really know how to do it. I just started to tell my friends about God's goodness in my life. Every letter or e-mail that I wrote to my friends and brother, would surely have mention of Jesus. It's not hard to share about Jesus, all it takes is just to share our life's testimony with others. Don't underestimate your testimony, it's really effective and powerful.

T he first person that God used me to lead to Christ had been led through my personal testimony, not my own eloquence and persuasiveness. No one could ever argue with the subjective truth of our own personal experience. Many new Christians think that to share Jesus is a very difficult task and is only for older and more knowledgeable Christians. Actually, sharing Jesus is a very easy thing to do. If we think that we are not equipped to share the gospel, we need only to share our testimony. Giving our testimony is a very easy thing to do because we share with others what we see, hear and experience with Jesus.

T he most effective tool in witnessing is our abundant life. If our walk with Jesus is a close one, we will surely experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. Tell your testimony to others of the abundant life that you have found in Christ. Each of our testimonies is unique and is not similar to others'. Just like God has used my testimony to touch others, God can use your testimony to touch others. Bill Hanks Jr. says, "People do not necessarily want to know how you became a Christian... the important thing most people want to know is why you placed your faith in Him and what he has done for you. In essence, they want to know how He has affected the quality of your life." We can share Jesus without referring to ourselves, but if we share from experience we will have the edge on someone who simply argues from the Scriptures. We might have all the theological answers but who can refute us when we say "My life was a mess and now I'm a new person?"

O f course, not everyone that you share with will come to Christ. But remember that our job is to continue to sow and not to just be totally obsessed with reaping. Jesus says in John 4:37 "...one sows and another reaps."

J esus says in Matthew 9:37-38 that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord that He send out labourers into the harvest. God truly needs each one of us to rise-up to become a "fisher of men" for Jesus. I really want to challenge everyone to consider how close your relationship with Jesus is. Are you one of His " fishermen"? Continue to guard your relationship with Jesus. Let the love of Christ drive and propel you on to sharing the gospel. Do not allow the enemy to steal your abundance of life that comes with knowing Jesus. As Troatman says "no one ever followed Jesus who didn't become a fisher of men." If your relationship is right with God, you will surely be His fisherman.

A ll of us have been empowered to witness. Jesus has commanded us to make disciples of all the nations...(Matthew 28:19-20) and He has entrusted us to fulfil the Great Commission. I believe each of us has plenty of opportunities to share our testimonies. Be alert with every opportunity that God opens to you, and remember that there is no wrong person to share with!

Angie

I n this section, let us read some heart-felt feelings about how our brothers and sisters are touched and changed by God in the Easter camp.

I just want to say that the camp was fantastic and I am really glad that I went. Initially, I didn't want to go, but I suppose that God had a purpose for wanting me to go. So He sent my two closest friends to bug me. After awhile, I simply agreed.

A efore the camp, there were many things that I did not believe. However, in the camp, God showed me just how REAL He is, and I was really touched.

S o, all of you out there who didn't go for the camp, if you are still here next year, and there is only one camp you can go to, make it the Easter camp. Like me, you'll not regret it!

April

I praise and thank God for having given me an opportunity to attend the annual Church Camp and now for giving me this chance to be able to give a testimony unto His name. It was a blessed annual Church Camp. There are a lot of things I really want to give thanks to our mighty God for in the annual Church Camp.

I n the past, I had been a person who always relied on my ability to serve Him and I just took my calling as a responsibility, serving sometimes without a joyful heart. As a result, I could not serve Him powerfully and effectively. Additionally, I complained a lot and even thought of giving up serving Him. I don't know why I felt like this, because I was being blessed by God more and more.

D uring the annual Church Camp, I really was reminded and touched by God through the preaching "The Anointing Breaks The Yoke", and by the hearts of brothers and sisters. I realise now why I had not been able to serve God with joy. Because of the lack of anointing. At the same time, there were a lot of curses and yokes in my natural life that I could not break off by myself. But I praise God, that by the power of anointing we can do what He has appointed us to do!

N ot only do we need to be anointed, but our anointing needs also to be increased day by day so that we can serve Him with all of our hearts, all of our strength, and all our minds. I thank God that I have learnt a lot of principles and concepts, and I know now how to be an overcomer. I desire to put all of them into practice and pray for the people of God so that we can enlarge His Kingdom under the power of Anointing. Amen!

Lap Chan

W hat a great blessing it has been for me to be able to attend the 8^th annual church camp. I was one of those unsure of whether I was going to go, but by the grace of God, I was able to attend.

H onestly, I wasn't really excited about attending the church camp, only contented that I was going. It wasn't until I saw the eagerness in the hearts of others that I began to realize that I had to change my attitude. I had to believe that God was going to move in a mighty and powerful way and to expect something wonderful from Him.

O ver the days and nights, as the whole church came together and prayed before each meeting, I sensed a great harmony and unity between people and even those who were unfamiliar.

E ach time we gathered to praise and worship the Lord, I could feel God's almighty presence flowing like rivers and saturating the whole room, touching the hearts of his people. I was certainly touched during each praise and worship session. The worship team was fabulous, but more importantly, God's mighty and was directing the move of His Spirit on His people. I yearned for more of God's presence, and the desire to hear from Him for the first time increased as the nights progressed.

I sensed a war raging inside of me. I was either going to commit myself wholeheartedly to the Lord, or to rely on my own strength in whatever situation I was in, or whatever I did. It was on one of the last nights that I felt really far away from God even though others prayed for me. I finally asked God why I didn't have peace in my heart and couldn't feel His presence. The harder I tried, the more frustrated I got. Then a thought came to mind, saying that I needed to give up compromising with the things of this world. To forget about the earthly wants and desires and to put my whole trust and belief in the one and only true God. As soon as I received these words, I thought that maybe this could be God's way of speaking to me. Excitement filled me knowing that I had heard from God. I was so overjoyed that I made a commitment to trust and obey His truths. A fresh anointing filled me as I began once again to praise and worship the Lord, thanking Him for the many blessings He's showered upon my life.

A final note to those of you struggling in your relationship with the Lord. Remember to commit each day to the Lord, put your whole trust in God and believe that He can help you in whatever situation you face. I hope that each one of you is encouraged and excited about our Heavenly Father, as we pursue to run the race set before us and to keep pressing on towards the prize.

Paul Chew

M y greatest reward in coming to Australia has not been the experience gotten, or the degree to be received at the end of my course. It has been the friendship and covenant I have found in Jesus. I believe that it was God's plan that I came to Australia instead of going to New Zealand to pursue my degree.

I n only two and a half months, so many things have happened in my Christian walk with God.

1^st April 1998. The day I accepted Christ.
T his night marked the turning point in my life. All through my five years as a Catholic, I was under the misconception that only those who have been baptised could be considered Christians. However, God has really opened my eyes and has proven me wrong. It was through a friend of mine that I came to learn that all we ever really need is faith in God. It was through this simple faith of hers that she received the gift of tongues on the same night that I accepted Christ. God really touched my heart as I witnessed the whole scene unfold before me. I had never before thought of Christianity as anything but a religion. In truth, it is hardly a religion, but a true relationship with God, and as such, putting our faith and trust in Him. This was the first time I felt so close to God and I was left overwhelmed, and my desire to be a part of him was so great.

10^th to 13^th April 1998. The Easter church camp.
T he church camp was an enriching experience for me, and by far, the most memorable one. I was baptised in the Holy Spirit as well as in water during the camp. Previously, I was water baptised by the sprinkling of water, however it is in God's will, and his Word, that I should be baptised by immersion. I had been in a dilemma. A part of me wanted to be obedient to God, yet another part of me was gripped with fear. Fear of my parents' rebuke. I kept praying to God to speak to me and He did. He answered my prayers. I was baptised by the Holy Spirit and I could feel His overwhelming power come upon me, making me realize just how worthless and powerless my earthly body is. I strongly felt God's presence in me, comforting me as I cried out to him. I even received the gift of tongues. Eventually I chose to obey God for I knew He would make a way. I have the faith that He will make my parents understand and perhaps even come to accept God too when they see the great change in me when I go back home at the end of the year.

G od has blessed me in and with countless things, like my baptism, my studies, my gift of tongues, and I think that it's worth a mention, my credit transfer results. I had applied for some credit transfers to come to study at Monash. Much to my disappointment, I got only one subject exempted instead of the six that I had anticipated. On my second application, I simply prayed to God that He would help me. During my first shepherding session, God gave me this verse: "Ask and you shall receive."

S ince then, I never forgot to include this verse in my prayer. I even asked specifically for the other five subjects I wanted exemptions from. As you'd guess, I got just what I wanted. Praise God!

G od has performed many miracles, not only in my life, I believe. I really thank Him each day for the life He has renewed in me and for the gift of eternal life.

Su Fern

I 've looked forward to the camp with Great Expectations. One was to have a restful break from Uni, and the other was to seek God for a clear indication of how I could serve him here. Unlike going to the movies, where there's a high chance of disappointment if you have too high hopes, God NEVER disappoints us if we go to Him with a heart of humility and anticipation:

A nd that's what I've received from the Lord during the Easter Camp... something more than I'd asked for.

I t was a restful and fun camp indeed. Every praise and worship session was a time of refreshing. All the lessons that Dr. Varun taught were not new, but they were a fresh reminder and provided a new perspective of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As for my quest for direction, God instead decided to touch my life and perform a healing operation in my heart.

T o cut a long story short...

O n the last night of the camp, Dr. Varun spoke of the generational curse. As I was searching, the Holy Spirit began to reveal. I'd not realised that there have been still hurts and bitterness in me, or that I'd been living under an accusation of the devil. Then Jesus brought me to the foot of the cross once again, and reminded me of His blood. I had always pondered: "Why did Jesus need to experience such a tragic death?" The answer lies in the critical conditions we were in. He had to break every curse and heal every wound and hurt in His people's lives, and so he had to pour out His blood freely and completely. In faith, I went forward to pray for substantial healing. On the way there, the Lord was prompting me to count the cost, and lots of memories were flashing across my mind, of which I had no idea as to what they were at that moment. Like a sacrifice, I placed myself on the altar in complete surrender to Christ. The presence of God came so strongly that my knees gave way, and at that moment, so did my flesh and will.

W hen I came back from the camp, that was when the "rubber met the road". The challenge began...

S omehow, I always feel that new 'born-agains' have a better grasp on the lesson of " regeneration". I think it's because of their child-like faith. And so, I'm hanging onto the promise of a "newness of life" (Romans 6:4) with a simple faith. Indeed, God has been faithful. Now, looking back, I begin to understand what the counting of cost had been for. Life is never to be the same again. The struggles I face today are different from those I faced in the past. And the concerns I have today are no longer self-centered. I can boldly say it: "The life I live now, I live for Christ.". As for my ministry, I believe that I am, like all Christians are, entrusted with "the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

Timothy

D o not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the day approaching.

C CM meets regularly every week for a time of fellowship, praise & worship and Bible-study. Do come along for these meetings, as they are catered to refresh your heart, mind and soul with fresh words from our Father, and warm love from His children. Thi s is where friendships blossom and commitment grows as the Word is instilled in our lives and we experience the marvellous presence of Our God.

Transportation is not an issue with us as we have ample volunteers each week to drive our members and visitors home. So come along for a totally stress free, worshipful evening with your friends here at CCM!

Sports and Recreation

E very alternate Saturday, CCM organises a sporting day, where members get together for a time of fitness & fun. Most of this takes place at the very new, very improved sport complex at the Clayton campus, where we indulge in court games like Tennis, B asketball & Squash. So should you be interested in a fortnightly session of sports and rec and plain good company, give Newson a buzz at 0414-336-585 and I'm sure he'll be happy to fix you up with any of the available groups.

I was asked to write a review of the camp and I consented. In writing, I could probably gather information and present to you highlights of the camp... from the people, food to the activities that we did in the camp.

I believed that if there is anything that Dr.Varun (our speaker for the camp) and sister Da (his wife) would like to see after they left, is the messages that they shared with us being lived out in our lives.

T hus in the next few pages of this newsletter, I would like to review the gist of some of the messages shared during the camp. I have also added outside materials and my own views to enrich and make this article flow well (I hope). The theme of the camp is 'The anointing breaks the yoke'. Dr.Varun expounded on two major topics; the anointing and generational curse. However, in this review, I am only going to cover one of them; the anointing.

What Is Anointing?

T he word anointing comes from at least four Hebrew words and a Greek word. However, we are not going to look at those words in detail in this article. Therefore, I am going to give you two definitions of the word, anointing.

1. It is a demonstration of the power of God.

2. It is God's divine enablement through the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purposes.

What Brings The Anointing?

I t shall come to pass in that day that his burden would be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil."

Isaiah 10:27 NKJV - italics mine

The oil symbolises the presence of God.

"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Acts 10:38 NKJV - italics mine

F rom the two Scriptures above we could see that the presence of God brings the anointing.

Why Anointing?

I firmly believed that if we could walk our Christian lives successfully with our natural strengths, we really have to re-examine our so-called Christian lives. True Christian life is too challenging, difficult and virtually impossible to walk without the supernatural power of God.

F riends, have we ever been able to resist temptations, carry our cross, love our enemies, wash others' feet, minister to people's needs with our own strengths, wisdom, resources and love?

I guess we all know the answer is no. God clearly said that it is neither by our might nor our power, but by His Spirit. Lord Jesus would not have asked the disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power from above, if He thinks that the disciples could actually accomplish what they ought to do with their natural strengths and abilities.

Friends, if Jesus thinks that we need more than just our own strengths and abilities to do what He wants us to do, we better agree with Him. He knows it better.

Three Kinds of Anointing¹

S cripture reveals three kinds of anointing of the Holy Spirit. Knowledge of them will help bring your potential as a Christian into focus.

1. The Leper's Anointing (Leviticus 14)

E very born-again believer has experienced the leper's anointing, which deals with salvation. Leprosy in this case is a type of sin, incurable in the natural world, but curable by God. Sin is the same; man can do nothing to remove its effects.

Just as the blood of Jesus Christ flows out to all who call upon His name, so the leper's anointing crosses all national and denominational barriers. For when anyone experiences the grace of Jesus Christ, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts him of sin and assures him of God's forgiveness.

T hus it is that at salvation you experience the first anointing -the leper's anointing - which reveals the power of the blood through the oil of anointing that pours over you.

2. The Priestly Anointing (Exodus 30:33)

E very member of the Body of Christ should have a ministry. And this is the anointing for ministry unto the Lord, which includes leading souls to Him, but not service of Him in battles against the devil and the disease, but ministry to Him as priests. For we are all priests of God, although not necessarily ordained to stand behind a pulpit or to conduct evangelistic and healing services.

I f we, therefore, are ministers to God, we must have the power of the Spirit to do so. And that means we are to be baptised in the Holy Spirit, which is the priestly anointing of the Holy Spirit upon us. Without it, we will accomplish little.

T he priestly anointing is not a one-time, which the leper's anointing is. Under the old covenant, the priests were anointed with oil every day. The same must be with you under the new covenant. You need daily anointing.

T he priestly anointing brings the presence, the communion and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Revelation knowledge comes with the leper's anointing, we are introduced to God in an extraordinary and wonderful way and we see our total need for Jesus Christ. But we really don't understand much more.

I t is so sad that many Christians stay at the leper's anointing level, by choice. They don't seek more. They simply don't surrender. Their ears are dull; they don't hear God's voice.

The leper's anointing (salvation) is a one-time experience and cannot be lost unless you wilfully walk away from it. God will never let you go unless you let Him go. This requires a decision that you would rather perish than be saved.

T he priestly anointing (the presence), on the other hand, can be lost, for if sin comes into your heart, it leaves. That is why it must be renewed daily; it will bring you into the presence of God- so near, so real that the tears will course down your cheeks.

3. The Kingly Anointing (2 Samuel 5: 3-7)

O nce you have experienced the leper's anointing and gone to the priestly anointing, do not stop there. They are important and wonderful, but more is possible.

N othing can compare with the kingly anointing, the most powerful of them all. This lifts a person to a place of high authority over devils, the power to rout demons with one word. Only this will give you the power to send the enemies of God flying as apostle Paul did.

T he kingly anointing is the most difficult to receive. Whereas the leper's anointing comes by accepting Jesus and the priestly anointing comes by fellowship with Jesus, the kingly anointing comes by obeying Jesus.

How to increase the anointing in your life?

I believe I could safely say that these are the prices we have to pay as Christians, if we desire more anointing in our lives.

1. Feed yourself with the Word of God (Num 11:8, Deut 32:13)

2. Willingly receive correction (Psalm 141:5)

3. Get rid of dead flies (Ecc 10:1)

4. Live a pure life (Ecc 9:8)

5. Maintain and develop of an attitude of seeking God (Luke 24:28-30, Jer 29:13-14)

6. Faithful in small things that God has entrusted unto your life (Luke 16:10)

7. Spend time in praise and worshipping Him (Psalm 22:3)

God inhabits the praises of His people. As praises bring the presence of God, it will bring the anointing too.

8. Associate with Jesus and the right people (Acts 4:13, 1 Sam 22:1-2, 2 Sam 23:8)

We need to spend time with Jesus, as well as mixing with the right kind of people.

9. Have a contrite and humble heart (Psalm 51:16-17)

T hose who are humble will depend on Him. Many times, only when we have an attitude of needing Him, then is He able to release His power in and through our lives. A life of prayers will obviously mark those who depends on God.

Corporate Anointing

B esides an individual anointing, there is also corporate anointing. We, as individual or corporately is the temple of God. (1 Cor 6:19, 1 Cor 3:16) Corporate anointing is present when the presence of God comes to fill His temple (a group of believers). Corporate anointing is greater than the individual anointing.

I have seen people being touched as God's presence descended during the praise and worship session in our CCM meetings. It requires no one to say anything. People just melted when His anointing (presence) touched them.

A question might be raised. How to maintain and increase the corporate anointing? I believe all the principles are the same with how to increase individual anointing, as explained above. I believed that as the individual anointing of the people in the congregation increased, the corporate anointing would also increase.

A n additional important factor affecting the corporate anointing is the unity of the people in the congregation. I would challenge you to find a group of hungry (I mean hungry for God, not food) Christians having a united prayer and worship session and you will surely find a great corporate anointing there.

D o you want a great corporate anointing in your meetings? Then you have to do your part. Come to the meeting with a hungry heart, have nothing against anybody and flow fully with what God is doing that day.

Conclusion

F riends, we need the anointing of God badly to walk a victorious Christian life and to do an effective service for Him. Do you need or want a greater anointing in your life? I could assure you that God will surely give it to you. However the question I would impose to you is this "are you willing to pay the price"?

P.S: We all know that God is omnipresence. He is everywhere. Thus, when I mentioned the "presence of God", I am referring to the manifested presence of God.

Michael Lee

S o goes the back-cover blurb of Max Lucado's sweetly simple and humourously honest look at God's Grace. In the Grip of Grace is by far one of the most satisfying reads I have come across in a long while. It is honest, not just in terms of the author's sentiments, but honest also by the truths it lifts up : that God's Grace is unsurpassable ; that 'neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Rom. 8 :38-39) ; and that when we are able to confess that we need the Grace God offers, when we are not too proud to place our care in the hands of 'someone stronger', we recognise our weaknesses and are able to allow our Father's hands to work the miracles He desires to work in our lives.

I n effect, In the Grip of Grace is a look at what Paul wanted the people of Rome to understand when he wrote to them. Here, Lucado draws from Paul's principled and indoctrinated pen the truths about the Grace of God, and with most-times side-splitting and always poignant anecdotes, he refreshes our look at the book of Romans, dividing our journey into three stages.

I n part one, we are made to recognise the utter mess that we are, as Paul had hoped the Romans could see themselves: as 'Hut Building Hedonists' (Rom. 1:18-32), who are self- indulgent and see no need for Grace; as 'Fault-Finding Judgmentalists' (Rom 2:1-11), who are finger-pointers and see that Grace is needed only by others; and as 'Rock-Stacking Legalists' (Rom 2:17-3:20), who are so intent on finding their own way to God that they fail to see His hand stretched out to take them into His Grace. All of us, at one point in time or other, may have been one of the above. But most of us have had the chance to experience God's Grace, because we have confessed, that, "Yes, Lord, I need your mercy. " This confession allows us to be called 'Grace-Driven Christians', who are not afraid to admit to the sovereignty of our Father, and as such, show our weaknesses.

F or indeed, the God we love and serve is omnipotent, and so confident is He of His everlasting sovereignty that He is able to show us His weakness and humility by coming clothed as we are, in mortal flesh. Part two of the book focuses on such a God, who

S o, we can be perfect before God. But not because of anything we have done, by no means... It's His Grace entirely that allows me to come before Him, and it's Grace that enables me to choose how I might respond to Him.

I love part three the best. Because it makes me think about how I'm living my life. You see, for a long time now, consciously and unconsciously, I have been bits of all three "messy " types. And while I'd like to think of myself as the Grace-Driven Christian, sad to say, I have been proven to be otherwise. Because Grace-Driven Christians are apt to give Grace as freely as they receive it. And whilst I am learning to give, fumbling a lot on the way, secure that God's Grace is sufficient for me to make mistakes and learn from them, there are things I have thought, and things that I have said that I am not entirely proud of. And so, Chapter 16 spoke directly to me:

N ot all people on the face of this earth rub me up the right way. And sad to say, I have often condemned a person for not doing so. But reading this book, amongst other things God's showing me in life, has made me aware that I have absolutely no right to condemn a person just because he doesn't do things like I do things. Question, yes, for I can question a person's fruits, and examine a person's faith. But to judge and to condemn, that's for the Master to do. I must reverently leave to Him what is His sacred duty, and content myself with doing what He has commanded me to do (which without the added burden of judging and condemning, is plenty enough to keep me busy a lifetime through): love God, and love my neighbour. If my neighbour is producing sound spirit-endowed fruits in the name of Christ, who am I to say that he is wrong? Even if his methods seem to me less-than-perfect, 'if God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God allows me, with my foibles and failures, to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?' Don't I know enough of the omnipotence of God to understand as Paul did, that, "They are God's servants, not yours. They are responsible to him, not to you. Let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. And God is able to make them do as they should" (Rom. 14:14 TLB).

I now understand not only the Grace that was given to me the minute I confessed that Christ redeemed me by His blood, but I have now a growing awareness of the power of the Grace that I possess, so that as I freely come to God, I can freely go to others, offering the very thing that made me free: Grace.

P raise God!

Shei

Like all Hillsongs albums, Simply Worship is an inspiring worship album, with a collection of some of our favourite and greatest worship songs. Churches all around the world have been greatly blessed with worship from Hillsongs, and this album is no exception. Darlene Zschech writes that Simply Worship is "a collection of intimate worship songs written to draw you closer to Jesus."

Throughout the years, I have been able to listen to Hillsongs' worship over and over again. Their worship has drawn me closer to God and has made me realize that we need to surrender our whole lives to God ('I Give You My Heart').

Familiar songs like 'Shout To The Lord', 'Jesus, What A Beautiful Name' and 'I Will Run To You' are included in this album. All these songs have become part of our daily worship to our Heavenly Father.

One of the newer songs in this album is 'One Hope'. This is the first recording for this song. Its lyrics say that we are joined to Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, and that we may now be united with him for eternity.

I'm sure that you too will be inspired by this wonderful album and "simply worship" Jesus the way we ought to. I hope that you will be able to enjoy this album the way I do, and take it to heart and really get to know God more through worshipping Him - the one and true God!

My Utmost For His Highest - The Covenant

This album is the second in a two part collection. The first album was called My Utmost For His Highest. This album, The Covenant features many different Christian artistes from different backgrounds.

Compiled on this album are artistes like Anointed, Susan Ashton, Michael W. Smith, and Be Be Winans. Many of these have been on the Christian music scene for awhile. Then we have also those who are budding and new on the scene, like Clay Crosse. All of these musicians have made this album truly unique.

An interesting instrumental combination of songs is the two fully orchestrated pieces that have been included in this recording. One is a reprise of 'All Of Me', sung by Be Be Winans and the other is a reprise of 'My Utmost For His Highest'.

One of my favourites is the duet by Michael W. Smith and Anointed singing 'Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee!' This upbeat remake of the traditional song is well worth a listen to, just like the rest of the album.

All of these songs have inspired me to make a covenant with God and to promise Him that I will follow Him till the day I die. I will never give up hope on Him, because He is always there, even when you don't fellowship like He is. He is always looking out for His faithful servants.

Paul Chew

In Boston a minister noticed a group of boys standing around a small stray dog, "What are you doing, boys?"
"Telling lies," said one of the boys.
"The one who tell the biggest lie gets the dog."

"Why, when I was your age," the shocked minister said, "I never even thought of telling a lie."

The boys looked at one another, a little crestfallen. Finally one of then shrugged and said, "I guess he wins the dog."