LCSJ Guidelines on Donation & Expense Claim

This post was created to get members’ feedback concerning the issue of making donations and expense claimable for projects undertaken with public funds received, including allocations made to such projects from club accounts.
All members are requested to vote based on the poll listed herein and the results can be viewed at the end of your vote and they will change as the voting continues. Do visit the site from time to time and see the results as they are updated. I will then summarise the findings for presentation at the next BOD meeting.

Claims for meeting expenses

New Work In Kota Kemuning

New Work in Kota Kemuning

 

There is something to be said about church work. James says, show me your faith without your work and I will show you my faith by my work. Without work faith is dead (James 2:14-26). Work is important; we are not justified by faith alone. In work, faith is made perfect.

The book of Revelations (Chapter 2 and 3) describes Jesus’ vision concerning the seven churches in Asia Minor. He revealed that God knew the works of the churches. Many of these churches met with God’s displeasure. Some were luke warm whilst others have lost their first love. What was this first love that Christ spoke about? Is it loving God as He loved us and if so how do we exhibit that love? Was it building up each other’s faith? Or is it in defending the truth? All of which I must say are important and part of the duties of the church, the pillar of truth.

But there is something about that first love that is found in new converts the day they were baptized that God said was missing. Remember the time when we were reborn as new babe in Christ. How delighted, earnest we were and we went about telling others of this new found love for God and preaching to friends and relatives that they too can enjoy this hope of salvation. What did Andrew do when he first discovered the Lord – John 1:41? Similarly what did Philip first do when he discovered the Lord”? John 1:45; What did the Samaritan woman in John 4 first do when she discovered the Jesus? John 4:28,29. What did Matthew do? Matt. 9:9. What did Paul first do? Gal 1:17-22, etc It is that first love that we must return to. The woman at the well went about proclaiming of the Messiah that she met, the Ethiopian eunuch went about rejoicing, the early Christians sharing everything that they have in common and they met daily exhorting one another. That love that they had went cold. And our God said that He will spew them out or have the candle stick removed. Evangelism and missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church. The Ephesians had left their first love for God. Although they still maintained the doctrines of religion, and opposed the advocates of error, they showed less ardour of affection towards him directly than they had formerly done.

Likewise, we must not allow what happened to the Ephesians to affect us and seek to revive and recover that first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and pray earnestly, and watch diligently, as we did when we first became new babes in Christ. The Ephesians church became complacent and lethargic, leaving their first love. Loving God requires every part of us to return to that love from which we are loved by God. How is our first love? Is it still burning hot and strong, proclaiming to the world that we are Christians and we have the word of God to share? Are we still active in saving souls or is our oil running out? If our flame of love for Him is flickering, there is a need to discover a way to rekindle that fire and the love we have left.

Individually we too have instructions to go forth into the world to preach, baptizing them into Christ and teaching them to observe all that were taught. This is Christ’s parting words to his disciples, these words are critical to how we serve in his Kingdom. Matt 28: 18-20 is well understood as Christ’s Great Commission. Perhaps we may lost focus and are too preoccupied with matters of administrative nature (housekeeping as it is usually termed) than to do the will of God. Like the early apostles we should not be pre-occupied with serving tables alone? (Acts 6:2-4 or Luke 10:40-42 concerning Martha’s preoccupation with serving).

Having added the new babes in Christ upon their obedience to the gospel, we have to teach and minister to the new babes. John 21: 15-17, Christ pulled aside Peter, and painstakingly repeated three times to his chief disciple, “Feed & Tend my sheep”. The call to the leaders is clear; the children of God need to be tended to. Their spiritual and physical needs must be identified and attended and it is best looked into when there is a local church to minister to such needs and elders are appointed to such tasks.

Additionally, we are asked to cloth and feed the least of them in the kingdom (Matt 25:34-40) and to preach in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:2). The call to preach and teach to all nations is a call to evangelise, to save as many whose hearts are touched and who respond. The labourers are few and the field is ripe unto harvest. It is incumbent upon each of us to do our part and not to leave it to others or the full time workers. The apostles went to the field and they helped in the formation of many churches in the cities that they visited beginning with the church in Antioch.

When asked upon to serve, the brethren in K Kemuning and Shah Alam did not hesitate. Like the prophet in Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Here I am! my co-workers in the faith resounded. They did so when they pledged to serve, when they gave so liberally and when they did not hesitate to be a part of this new work. This collective decision to start a new work in KK is the first step forward. Having decided, the plans are currently being placed into action.

Is there a need to start a new church?

This work is not starting because the founding members are displeased with their current congregation or leadership, it is not because they are seeking honour or have nothing better to do, it is not because they have been pushed into it, or that they are power crazy. Why start a new work you may ask and reduce the numbers in the respective congregations? Allow me to suggest that bigger is not necessarily better. Small and medium size churches have their place in the Kingdom of God. We must not think that only the larger churches are truly “successful”. As a matter of fact, studies in the States showed what many of us sense intuitively, that the small and midsize churches are often healthier and more effective in such things as evangelism, ministry, community life, and members’ participation in church activities than large and mega churches. There is certainly an important place for larger churches! But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only the larger church is healthy and successful. We should see the landscape of the country dotted with many churches of 50 as well as some of 100 or 500 or even 1,000.

Perhaps one of the motivations in starting a new work is to make it convenient for the lost to hear the word of God. If there is a local congregation in their neighbourhood, then the visibility and presence may make it easier to reach out to them. This effort can take the form of local tract distribution, invitation to neighbours, or drop-ins. When the word is preached and obeyed, the new babe in Christ is added to the church. Now if there is a congregation nearby then the new babe can attend services there. Yes, with modern transportation, the distance one has to travel is less of an issue, but for many who cannot travel the distance or have higher inertia, the closeness of the place of assembly helps.

Another motivation is the push factor. If we are not pushed to do the extra, we may not grow as fast. SJ is an example. Today SJ has more than 70 members including school going teenagers but excluding young children. Had the previous members stayed on in their respective congregations, there may be no congregation in SJ and the numbers in their previous congregation may not be much higher because of limitation of space.

Teaching the new converts. Churches are platform to teach and to observe all that our Lord commanded. The great commission requires us to teach the new converts to observe all things. The church is entrusted with the responsibility to teach, strengthen and to encourage one another. When travelling becomes a problem, new converts may use that as an excuse to look for another closer to home. At this point they are young in faith and easily swayed by friends and relatives. Once they have informed their friends that they have just become Christians, everyone seems to have a say on the matter. And they can return to their old ways or to another congregation thinking that all churches are the same.

The Biblical Example. We read in Acts that there are local churches in each city that the disciples visited. Whether it is in a home or a meeting place, the church exists when there gathered two or more Christians.

Contending for the faith. Do we let other churches proliferate or must we do our part to teach the truth? ….because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I John 4:1 …..and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unnoticed. Jude 3, 4a How effective are we if we do not start a work? Jesus not only promised He would build His Church, but He instruct that the church do its part and to preach and to teach and for disciples to observe all things taught as “. . . the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15)

New churches challenge other churches to self-examination. The “success” of new churches often challenges older congregations in general to evaluate themselves in substantial ways. Sometimes it is only in contrast with a new church that older churches can finally define their own vision, specialties, and identity. Often the growth of the new congregation gives the older churches hope that ‘it can be done’, and may even bring about greater enthusiasm and positive attitude. Example when we read of conversions in numbers among those working in Batu Pahat, Yong Peng, Kuching or Kuantan. Such encourages us and reminds us that we are on the right track.

The Work in KK

 When K Kemuning started as a home fellowship 5 years ago, we were supported by many Klang brethren, most of whom have stayed until this day. As a home fellowship the emphasis is on building closer rapport with each other and visitors. Over the years we have various guests but few were converted. There are limitations of using home meetings as an outreach esp if such home is far from the places of worship. It is well and easy for us to stay this way and enjoy the great fellowship and food that the wives prepare each meeting. The question posed was, do we stay the same or do better? The evangelism seminar and the meeting among the leaders this year (2009) became an opportune time for us to reflect. Cheras started with a small number and they did not wait too long before they launched into full evening service. Kepong as an outreach started with even less members, most of whom came from outside Kepong. On the other hand, KK has 5 or more families and the township is ripe unto harvest, yet we remained status quo.

I am happy to find comrade in service in the person of the founding members, their dedication and enthusiasm despite the odds. Not just work to be done but sacrifices to be made. I am encouraged by the support of these brethren; they readily take up responsibilities and give so generously. Like the Macedonians, they gave liberally. Five families and over RM30K pledged for a new work. The brethren were willing to offer their services, to relocate away from a congregation they grow up with, where they were so well established with so many friends and relatives, comfortable and well accepted in the current congregation to a new challenge and into uncharted territory. I am sure it was not an easy decision for all despite willingness of the spirit.

We are starting small. Everyone has a role and a duty to perform. A Protem committee has been set up.

PRAYER – We seek after God’s guidance and enabling, for God to open doors and generate contacts in the community, for God to raise up the church and for God to use this work to bring glory to His name, to bring the Gospel to the lost, to “build his church” (Matthew 16:18). Right from the beginning prayer of this nature affirms that this is all about GOD and what HE wants to do. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ps 127:1

Building a house and watching over a city cannot succeed (according to divine standards of success) if God is not included in man’s plans and efforts. We are reminded of the planting of God to bring forth fruit to His glory. 1 Cor. 3:10 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 

 Do keep us in your prayers and that our work will withstand the test of fire.

10th August 2009

Bottomline

 

Bottomline

 

The things that matter, that occupy most of our time are often about the issues of life, financial security and material possession. These are the things of the world, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes (1 Jn 2:15-16). We labour for our sustenance, to satisfy the flesh and after that we accumulate wealth to satisfy our desire to have more. Our demands start from a young age often pressuring us to excel in our studies. We study hard to prepare for a better future. At work we struggle to make an impression on our employers hoping to get a better increment, bonus or a promotion. In business we look at the profits earned each year – the bottomline. The decisions we make to maximize profits and to enhance return on capital employed are all for the sake of bottomline. The author of motivational books says begin with the end in mind. Consider the bottomline and then set your strategies towards achieving that end result.

For many people life is a continued struggle; so many bills to pay. Some in trying to catch up with the Jones ended up in debt and thus having to work harder to meet their debt obligations. It’s always the demands of the flesh and what we can do to satisfy its needs. We seek after recognition, material gains and status in life. We hope the hard work will translate into results and onwards to financial gains. We are in such a rat race today, building our barns and storing our treasures always believing that life will go on… and on. But the reality is that our efforts can only take us a certain distance. To help us reflect upon what should matter most, let us examine a tragedy that shook the world, a reminder that at the end of the day, the thing that matters is not our possessions but something else.

Lesson from The Titanic

Slightly less than a century ago in 1912, the world heralded the launch of the transatlantic crossing by the largest vessel built ‘The Titanic’. The ship was the largest movable object built with the latest safety technology. It was about 3 times the length of a soccer field and weighed 46,328 tons. The portion above the water stood taller than any of the tallest buildings of that time. A double-hull of one inch thick steel plate was constructed together with a system of 16 water-tight compartments sealed by massive doors. Titanic was proudly declared as the “Unsinkable Ship”. Titanic carried the cream of British nobility, American industrialists and the best of New York and Philadelphia society. Many of them probably wanted to be a part of history in the making, speculating about the headlines that Titanic would make when it reaches the other shore of Atlantic – Another milestone in the history of sea travel. Yet Titanic was on her way to make a different headline.

Early warnings of peril

Titanic received several warnings of ice in her path. But the speed of the ship increased. Just before midnight on the 14th April 1912, one of the men in the crows nest saw a black object ahead. He struck the bell three times. Actions were taken but by then it was too late. Less than 40 sec after the bridge had been warned, the ship hit the iceberg. It was not a direct hit but the starboard side stroke along the berg. Plates were buckled, rivets torn and the first of 5 water tight compartments damaged. Within less than 3 hours of the collision, the ‘unsinkable’ broke into two massive pieces and went down the water. Some of us who saw the show shed tears of sadness as we saw the passengers struggling and fighting to get on board the few lifeboats.

If you were on board the Titanic…..

The warning about the presence of icebergs in the waters nearby was ignored. Perhaps this warning was ignored in the wave of overconfidence. We now know that big does not equate to security. In the dead night of 14th April 1912, when the icy water rushed into the ship through the slits on the body caused by the collision, the passengers were awakened to an unavoidable reality of human life – death and beyond. On that tragic night, the chill of death seemed to be more terrifying than the freezing waters of the Atlantic. Many who cannot get on board the life boats jumped into the dark waters! When the strains of ‘Nearer my God to thee’ echoed on board, there was nothing else but eternity to be faced.

Reflections

Today the same warning bells are ringing telling us about impending danger if we do not take heed of the teachings in the Bible. The Bible says that it is accounted of man to die once and then the judgement (Heb 9:27). Every one of us will have to say farewell to this temporal world. God has given us many warnings of the need to be saved of the consequences of sin and eternal punishment. What does it take to be saved? Render obedience to His words, be baptized for the remission of your sins, and stay faithful. But do you listen in disbelieve, like the crew because things are going on well and you do not want to change course. Dying moments What were the thoughts of the people on board the sinking ship? Survival instinct could do nothing. They sink with the ship in total surrender. Did God figure in their minds? Perhaps they did and realized that they had heard the gospel but did not obey. If you were on Titanic what would have been your thoughts at those last moments? Money… Possessions… Pleasure…. Or the fear death? Obviously not about your possessions – your mind races through the recent events played out as in the movie, about your family and what’s going to become of them (the living) when you are gone and eventually what’s going to become of you. The paradox is that many, for the most of their lives seek after things which have no value in the final moments of life and thereafter. Jesus asked in Matt 16:26, “What profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?”

The World Trade Centre

The Titanic may have happened too long ago for it to have a serious impact upon us. Let us take a look at an event closer to our time, where vivid memory of the incident still haunts us. Back in 2001, when terrorists flew the two planes into the WTC on the dreadful day of Sept 11, many who were hanging on to the windows of the building to escape the intense heat and smoke, fearing their imminent deaths, knowing they could not hang on for long, what went through their mind? Probably the same as those on the Titanic. These people were working for prestigious companies dealing in mega dollar deals. They were most likely successful, thinking that things have been working out for them. That morning, many would be hoping to strike new deals, sign contracts and planning for their future. They would not have expected that two planes will come crashing into their buildings. When the first struck, the people in the other tower must have looked with disbelief the scene before their eyes. The warning of danger was clear, but how many ran out/left the building? All in all, excluding the 19 hijackers, 2,974 died on that day. Today the same warning rings in our ears – a different danger but the same consequence – death. Heb 9:27 says “It is appointed of man to die once and then the judgement”. We will surely die, but when we do not know – it could be sooner than later. We still have time to make amends, to repent of our sins and be savecd. Will we heed the warning? Many people still ask for a sign. What other signs do we need? The Tsunami and the earthquakes that struck Sichuan province showed little or no sign. Perhaps you may think that these two events are remote in Malaysia. What about accidents on the road, the Highland Tower and Bkt Antarabangsa landslide, the Nipah virus, the SARS, H1N1 and May 13?

The Bottomline

Bottomline, are you saved? Are you saved from everlasting pain in hell? Are you saved from the consequences of sin? Do you know of heaven; and if so, do you want to be in heaven. Will you not care enough for your soul as to where it will be headed? The scripture tells us that the soul survives physical death and is fully conscious and can feel pain and sufferings. Remember the account of Lazarus and the rich man; the rich man died and was tormented in Hades. (Luke 16:19-31) If you are not saved what must you do to be saved?

Consider the Parable of the Rich Fool as told by Jesus, “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” — Luke 12:16-21. Bottomline, a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions. When shall be our day? Is it going to take place when we are in-door? Will it take place when we are on the road going home? Or when we go on holiday? When will our Lord return to take us home? Of that day we do not know. It could come as a thief in the night when we are fast asleep. [2 Peter 3:10 ,1 Thess 5:2.]

How do we prepare for eternal salvation?

Eccl 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. The conclusion of the whole matter is the true bottom line. In the field of accounting the bottom line is reached when all expenses have been subtracted from all income. Understanding the actions required in achieving a desired end is important. You may ask, “How will I be regarded in life?” To have a good reputation is wonderful, but it must be rooted in reality. The Pharisees had a reputation of being godly but according to Jesus, they were not. Our Lord referred to them as “whitewashed tombs.” They were concerned about cleaning the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they were filthy. They had “a form of godliness but denied its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5a). Reputation is what people think about you, but character is what matters to God. “The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b). We can base our reputation on deception or on truth. There are some that go about “deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). We should ask, “How will I be received in eternity?” Will you receive retribution in hell or reward in heaven? Jesus will say to some religious gurus, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23) The apostle Peter exhorts believers, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). Will you be approved or ashamed “before Him at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)? If you are a faithful Christian, you will hear Jesus say, “Well, done good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21a).

Solomon presents the true bottom line. “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Bottomline, only Christ can save us from eternal damnation. All our bad deeds and evil thoughts will be brought into judgement; and we have our fair share of such. Only through Christ can we have our sins forgiven. Two of the most remarkable statements by Jesus are found in one verse. a. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” b. “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Jn 14:6 The world says that Jesus is a good man. A good man does not lie. Jesus claimed to be the only way to salvation. I hope that this message will help convince you to reflect upon the destination of your soul. Are you saved? We will all end up dead whether we are rich or poor and whether we are high in the society or low in the workplace. There is no partiality in death. It is the great equalizer. Give thoughts to where you are heading and make your election sure.

19th July 2009

A Time for Change and Healing

America today voted in a black President, a most unlikely candidate, but Barack Obama with much tact and perseverance managed to convince the electorate of a need for major change. Americans have spoken. What a change it was. Obama scored a bigger electoral victory than Bush did in either 2000 or 2004. He polled 349 against McCain’s 174, a margin of 2:1 America has shown the world leadership in race relations. They have put aside their racial differences and voted as a united people disregarding petty differences for a greater good.

With three small words, he captured the hopes of not just America, but of the world. ‘Change has come,‘ said Barack Obama. In his acceptance speech, President Barack Obama spoke of the dreams of the people and the values they all share. This phrase is meaningful: “…we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, ‘We are not enemies, but friends though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.’

All across the world, people of various nationalities and colour celebrated his victory. Kenya declared Thursday a public holiday. Obama’s father was from Kenya. In Singapore, a post in the Straits Times wrote, ‘This is our moment. This is our time…that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond…Yes, we can.’

Yes we can, the campaign theme of Obama resonates even now to the rest of the world, telling us that we must unite and promote peace if we are to build a future for our next generation.