CHRISTMAS 2009

Hey guys, my christmas was awesome. :) partied from 7pm - 24th december till like 5am - 25th december.

I didn't really party until 5am. I slept at 3am cuz I still want to make it to our christmas service. :) It was really really awesome.

Got BORED

Hey guys, i'll post the things i've learnt soon yeah. I haven't really read a lot cuz of christmas preparation. :)

Anyway, I got bored and I googled the meaning of my name and to my shock the meaning of my name is 'Ivan - GOD IS GRACIOUS'. I was really surprised.

I also googled some people's name and here are the results. Aaron means mountain of strength. Jerold means spear ruler. Michelle is the feminine of michael which means gift from God. Nikita means unconquered. :)

I never really thought that my name has biblical meanings cuz my name wasn't really mentioned in the bible if i'm not mistaken. Haha.

Oh well. I feel so blessed after what i've found out about my name. Haha. I thought my name was boring. But now. I'm happy that my name is Ivan.

Salvation

Hey guys. Its been quite a while. Sorry yeah. Well to cut things short. Was busy. Ok? Up to todays topic! :)

All sins has its roots in and grows up out of unbelief. Humans are now self-centered instead of God-centered. Self is the heart of all sin, whether in Satan or in man.

*GOD IS THE CENTER OF TRUE LIFE AND SHOULD BE ITS BEGINNING AND END*

Sin is like a weed that spread through out the garden. It will choke out all the good in our lives if we allow it to grow.

In Romans 3:23, it says,
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

How can you assure that you are going to heaven?
By doing countless good deeds? NO!
By receiving Christ and accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour.

When a friend invited me to go to their church 6 years ago, first question I asked was 'what religion?'
Then I laughed when I heard born again. Why? Because i stupidly thought that I would have to literally go back to my mother's womb and be born again from there. How stupid right? I came to know that being born again means to a reborn in the spirit.

In order to be saved, we must be born of the spirit.

What does it mean to be a sinner?
Being a sinner means that you have failed to do what God requires to be in right relationship with Him. You have failed to do God's law.

Romans 3:10 - 18 says,
as the scriptures say,
"No one is righteous, not even one. No one is truly wise, no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one."
"Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies"
"Snake venoms drips from their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitternes,"
They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow then. They don't know where to find peace.
They have no fear of God at all.

Remember this, no amount of good deeds can send you to heaven or please God. Without Christ, it is impossible to please God no matter how hard you try. Because we sin, we were seperated from God and could not be a part of His kingdom.

When Ps. Peh Han asked me last thursday, 'what is the judgment for sin?' I answered death.
I was correct. Its not physical death but SPIRITUAL DEATH.

Notice in Genesis, God said to Adam and Eve that they were free to eat any fruits from the garden except for one for they will surely die.

They didn't die physically, but spiritually.

If you refuse to accept God's love and offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then you will remain in your sin and continue to be separated from God. If you die seperated from God, you are condemned to an eternity without God in what the bible calls hell.

Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that we are saved by grace - favor of God gives you. It is undeserved, unearned and given freely. Grace comes through faith. Faith is being totally convinced that something is true.

This is what I've learnt for the past 3 days. Well mostly was from my Bible study with Peh Han last thursday. Hope you guys learn something too. :) I'm done for now. I'll impart whatever I learn next very soon. Thank you Peh Han for offering a bible study for me every Thursday! :)

sorry

Sorry guys. haven't posted for quite some time. I haven't got the time to post the things I've learnt this past few days and been busy with christmas preparations.

Hopefully I'll blog later or tomorrow.. :)

BELIEVING

An update for what I've learnt today! :)

Some people do not believe in God or the Bible. Why? Because they do not or cannot understand it all or simply they're just not yet ready.

I believe that if people do not open their hearts to God, they will never come to know or understand Him and His teachings. Each and everyone of us may not be able to understand him fully, but as christians, we must believe in Him.

The wisest and ablest people in the world are those who are ready to listen to what God tells them, to use what He has given them and to believe in Him and His love.

Unbelieving is the biggest sin according to the Bible.

How does sin comes to human heart?
It comes through temptation.

The devil takes delight in misinterpreting God. He tries to make us think that God is holding back on us. He tells us to pay no attention to God but just do what WE think is right.

Take the serpent in the Bible as am example.

The serpent put in Eve's heart the wicked, terrible thought that there are some other better plan than God's plan.

The devil makes promises but he never does it unlike our Almighty God. God always keep his promises and fulfills them.

I am assured that I won't get tempted to a certain extent that I, myself can't handle. Why? Because, God has promised, wherever there is a temptation, there is also a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, the temptations in your life are no different from what others experiences. And God is faithful. He will not allow temptation to be more than you can stand.

We are just humans, we tempt a lot. We cannot avoid it but God wouldn't let the temptation to cross a certain level where we cannot take it anymore.

NEVER DOUBT GOD. GOD ALWAYS DOES WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU. HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK. HE LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY!

6 terrible results came upon the whole world when they chose to sin. (Adam and Eve)

1. The ground was cursed.
2. There would be suffering in childbirth.
3. Humans would now have to toil in order to live.
4. There would be physical and spiritual death.
5. There would be fear of God instead of fellowship with Him.
6. Humankind was expelled from the Garden.

Not only humans get tempted, Jesus WAS also tempted by Satan but Satan did not succeed and Jesus didn't fall for the temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11)

*it is important that we know the scriptures for us to resist the temptations of the devil.

What does sin do to us?
1. SINS TAKES AWAY OUR KINGDOM.
Ps. Peh Han have shared to us, '30 minutes of pleasure, can ruin 30 years of ministry'.

2. SINS TAKES AWAY YOUR FEAR OF GOD.
-->one act of compromise leads to action, then leads to habit then forms our character and character leads to destiny.

*whatever is not of faith is sin.

Why is sin terrible?
-->because God hates it. It seperates up from Him and keeps us from heaven. It brings forth death.

Who convicts up of sins?
THE HOLY SPIRIT.

God is a merciful God. He will forgive us if we come to him.

I question I always bear in mind - is what we're living for, Christ worth dying for??

Sorry for the very late blogging. I was doing some stuff but I have written this earlier today. Wasn't able to blog cuz was side tracked! Haha. Very sorry. I'll talk about who knows what tomorrow. Only God knows.

PRAYER AND FASTING

Today, some of us are fasting, I took the opportunity to have a read on my book and learn some more about God. :)

From now onwards, I'll post all the things I learn from christian books and the Bible.

Today, I started out reading the Bible and my personal Praise and Worship. After that, I proceed reading the book 'God's Plan'.

Today, I've learnt about angels.

What are angels?
Angels were created by the Lord to do his bidding. In other words, Angels serve the Lord.

According to the Bible, angels are a distinct class mer beings who have never been human beings.
--> They are ministering spirits.

Hebrew 1:14 says that, 'therefore, angels are only servants - spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation'.

God has MUCH MORE for us humans. So if you want to be an angel, I'm afraid you won't make it. God doesn't want you to be an angel. You are one of God's children, and God's children are meant to reign with Him. Angels will serve Him.

Believers in Christ are called saints. They are not addressed as angels.

The word 'angel' which literally means 'messenger' is used in scriptures with reference to 3 distinct kinds of beings.
(1) It is used with reference to God himself, i.e. 'the angel of God'
(2) Also used in reference to men messengers.
(3) A host of spiritual creatures.

I also learnt that there are two classes of angels, namely:
(1) Those who serve God, and
(2) The fallen angels who followed Satan in his revolt against God.

Take note! Special work of an angel is to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.

What are archangels?
The archangel defends the holiness of God and fight against Satan.

Besides angels, I also learnt how to resist the devil, by using the ARMOR OF GOD.

Everyday we must wear,
(1) THE BELT OF TRUTH - means that no place for deceit in our lives.

(2) THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS - as Christians we have the righteousness of Christ.

(3) THE SHOES OF PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE - that means we are always ready to tell the way of salvation wherever we are.

(4) SHIELD OF FAITH - by trusting Christ for strength, we can keep from the devils power.

(5) HELMET OF SALVATION - we must know that we are christians. We must know it because God tell us so in His Words, and His Spirit bears witness with up that we are His children.

(6) The only offensive weapon we have is the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT - which is the Word of God. Christ resisted Satan by quoting words from the scriptures.

In Psalms 119:11, it says, 'Your words I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You'.

Overall, what's missing from the Armor of God? Did you notice that nothing is covering our back? Or a defensive item to protect us? It's because as Christians, we do not retreat in Christian life. We always march as an offensive army.

I'm gonna continue reading. :) This is my very first fasting as a christian. It's really great! I don't even feel hungry for not eating. But I'm hungry for God! :) I'll continue to read and learn more. I'll blog more of what I learn on daily basis. :) I'll see you guys soon

funny videoz~

TEAMWORK :)

Hey guys, I just got home from having a heart to heart talk with Ps. Pei Han. We had lunch together in easyway. He's really a good man to talk with that much I can say.

It was really good. And yeah after lunch we went back to AFC and had a nice long chat with Jerold. :)

Ok ok. I didn't blog to talk about my lunch had a long chat with Jerold.

Ok, what is teamwork? Surely people have their own ways of explaining it right? Anyways, it is important. Especially when a group is doing something.

As what they always say, two heads are better than one. :)

Some might say that 'I work better alone and under pressure!'
Yeah, that may be true but, its always good to have someone to help us ok.

Well, nothing much to say. But seriously man, I'll share something soon. Let me see what I can get yeah. But for now I would say, don't own up all the work that you could share with other people.

I CAN'T HIDE

Hey guys, lately I haven't been able to blog regularly. I know I promised I'll be blogging to keep you guys updated but things has been crazy around me and I can't think straight. Sorry about that.

Now, the title of my blog for today is 'I CAN'T HIDE'. Well you guys might not understand it now but surely you'll find out if you're fast enough in understanding things as you read through.

Smiling, but not meaning it. Saying 'i'm ok' but not really. Answering 'yeah' whenever they ask, everything ok? That's me lately.

The only time I can make a real smile is when I'm in church or our home group meetings. My friends has something in them that can really make me smile everytime I see them. They're totally turning my frown to a smile.

Well, I haven't really told anyone about this yet cuz I thought it was fixed long ago but turns out, no. I was trying to fix everything on my own.

I'm not an attention seeking person. That's what I can say. I'm not the kind of person to grab everyone's attention while their attention is elsewhere! Seriously, I'm not like that. I can be annoying, that one I will admit but will never be an attention seeking person, maybe a little bit but not like all the time.

I used to be the kind of person who like to broadcast stuff using facebook or I'll even msg everyone when something happened or I'm angry with someone and follow up with swearing.

So I won't broadcast any names here, but I know you're one of the regular readers of this blog. I would say this, My network of friends is wide. You can't go telling people what I'm not. Stop making stories about me man, so not manly of you. And if you think my REAL friends will turn against me, think again! You may have turned some people against me, but you can't get through me. I won't let it anymore man. I admit, I was down cuz I wasn't expecting it all to come from you.

You caught me off guard but will never happen again. Anyways, who am I to judge. I'm not God. So i'll just forgive and forget. Cuz if I continue being down or hold grudges, it'll just consume me. If God can forgive, I can too. I'll just have to pretend that none of this happened.

Hey guys, I know you keep saying that I've changed. But that doesn't give you the right to blame my church friends. You have no right to judge them cuz they didn't force me to change. It was my own will to change. So don't blame them. Plus if I changed, just accept the fact. There's no need to hate people. Ok? Stop blaming. :)

If you think you dunno me anymore then get to know me again. Seriously, i'm still me. Only some things changed. Not all ok? I'm still me. I just don't swear anymore. So stop making me go back to my old ways when something little happen I will say F... See, I've got my own ways now. Not only through that word ok? So chill, I'm still me.

Remember this, to everyone, THE ONLY CONSTANT THING IS CHANGE.
So can't avoid it.

RACHEL CHIN'S BIRTHDAY!

Hey guys sorry for not blogging for quite some time. Busy with some stuff. To be specific, i'm busy practicing. :) singing that is.

2nd Dec 09 - Rachel had her birthday party at her house!! Man had a lot of fun!

It was so much fun. We went home very late. What did we do?? Hmmm how to start?

It all started out with the dinner! BARBECUE! Haha. Then we sang using the game singstar! :) we sang loads of songs! Haha

The pictionary was so intense! Aaron and the others were shouting! Yeah, till his voice broke! Haha.

3rd december 09 - worship practice! I loved it! Man singing with them was really really good! But i still need my training! :)

Nothing much new. I just can't wait for tomorrow which is Sunday! Haha. And the day my mom and I are gonna go shopping for christmas!!!

FRESH FIRE PART 2. LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES

See how fun it was!! Haha. My very first FRESH FIRE CONFERENCE was really something! I really learned a lot! I wish it could be longer but unfortunately it had to come to an end. Next year, I will definitely go again, there's a lot more to learn...

Anyways, here's some of the things we did during our leisure time!


We swim!!! Wait till Angie uploads the other pictures by the pool and you will see how crazy it was for youths to play at the kid's slide! Ahaha



We went jalan jalan! HAHA. MICHELLE LOOKS SO BANGANG!!! :P
WE ALWAYS GO PARKSON FOR LUNCH!! AHAHA





Youths went to the coast to take pictures! Sunset was so cool!!! haha



Look at Jonathan. He's trying to say, "Angie! It's not too late to repent! You must seek deliverance!"
Everyone else in the background says, "YES ANGIE! WOOOOOOOOOOOOH!"

Ok that's lame haha..



If I'm not mistaken, this picture was taken right before the 4th session began. Haha. the taking pictures was my idea and everyone seemed to like it and joined in!

More pictures to come. most pictures are in facebook already so just go check there.Its really really one great moment to remember! :)

Part 3 will be about our journey going back to brunei! ahaha

=.= Can't think =.=

Good morning guys. I didn't get to blog yesterday and some people kept on messaging me last night to 'please blog ivan! Please!'. Sorry guys but seriously my brain is somehow in a holiday mood. Plus, nothing has been going on around me except for me being extremely happy to be at church like usual.

I finally got the pictures from fresh fire. Visit my facebook profile. I'll blog again later ok? I'll blog for the part two a.k.a activities during leisure time. :)

I'm still sleepy. =.= Happy birthday to Rachel Chin, Cynthia Choo and Loo Kuoh Hou! :)