by Admin | Nov 1, 2024 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
Persecuted for Christ:
Share in His Suffering, Share in His Glory
This week, we remember the International Day for Persecuted Christians. It is a time we pray for the suffering saints of the Persecuted Church. During my undergraduate days, I read “Tortured for Christ” by Richard Wurmbrand, which deeply impacted me. I began noting the Bible verses and passages that relate to persecution and suffering for Christ and discovered that they are connected to discipleship.
During our courting days, my then-boyfriend Chee Lu and I would pray for God’s guidance in our lives to be aligned to His will and purpose for us. We also studied Romans together and learnt not to be ashamed of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16) by confessing our faith despite parental objections and even persecution. I had also earlier learnt that from my mother’s faithful example in enduring my father’s violent persecutions at home.
After marriage, we decided to obey Acts 1:8 to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear witness for Christ. First at our home base (our Jerusalem) to lead Chee Lu’s siblings and parents one by one to faith in Jesus Christ through acts of sacrificial giving and practical loving concern. Second, our workplaces (our Judea) where by God’s grace a good number of my students whom I had taught in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur had come to faith in Christ. Then in the 1980s, the Lord began nudging us to move south to Singapore (our Samaria).
Through my first Mission Trip to the Golden Triangle in northern Thailand, the Lord gave clear indication of His Mission call to us to venture further afield for His Kingdom. I began preparation by my resignation from my job to receive theological training in Singapore Bible College while Chee Lu provided for the family and my training. After God graciously provided adequately for our children’s tertiary education, Chee Lu also resigned from his job to be prepared for the Lord’s opening for overseas mission ministries, first in Mongolia, then in the land next to her.
The cross-cultural missions field is both a battleground and a learning facility with lessons, tests and examinations all prepared for the panting pilgrim to experience like the deer thirsting for water in the wilderness. We need to continuously drink of God’s Spirit, the Living Water (John 7:31-39), to be constantly recharged and empowered for the task at hand to make disciples of those nations. We also need to feed daily on God’s word to be strengthened in faith and sustained for the demanding multiple ministries to be fulfilled faithfully and fruitfully. Above all, we need to know God’s presence as we nurture our vital relationship with Him through prayer and with His dear Blood–bought children who proved to be such a great blessing to us.
Whilst in the missions field, God had assigned for us faithful witnesses of our Lord. Their unswerving faith, heart-stirring testimonies and unwavering courage in face of cruel threats and even death itself demonstrate their resounding victory through the three-prong key of Revelation 12:11 –
“They overcame him (Satan) by (i) the blood of the Lamb and by (ii) the word of their testimony for (iii) they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Take heed the following verses on persecution and suffering: (i) Matt 5:10-12; (ii) Luke 9:23-26; (iii) John 15:20-21 (iv) 1 John 3:13; (v) 1 Peter 2:21 (vi) Acts 14:22; (vii) Phil 1:29; (viii) 2 Timothy 3:12 (ix) 1 Thessalonians 3:3; (x) Romans 8:17; (xi) 2 Corinthians 4:17.
We do well study these scripture verses and passages. It is such examples of faith that we sing about in the hymn Faith of our Fathers.
As Luke 18:8 asks, “Will Christ find such faith when He comes?”
By Sister Leong King Teng
by Admin | May 12, 2023 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
She was Jochebed ( Numbers 26:59) whose lovely God-honouring name means ‘ Jehovah is Glory’. With Amram, her husband, she gave birth to Aaron, Moses and their sister Miriam in Egypt, the land of slavery, under extremely oppressive and cruel circumstances (Exodus 1:8-22). Jochebed’s courage and ingenuity in preserving the life of baby Moses are well known as recorded in Exodus 2:1-10. Though unnamed in Hebrews 11, she and her husband were listed as Moses’ parents among the Heroes of Faith.
Prayerfully ploughing through Hebrews 11:23-28 with reference to Exodus 2:1-10 and Acts 7:17-22, we can gain insights into the role, resolve, resilience and resourcefulness of Moses’ mother Jochebed. Upon careful reflection one may ask, “How was Moses able to:
1)refuse such a prestigious princely title as ‘the son of Pharaoh’s daughter’?
2)make such a difficult choice as to be mistreated along with God’s people rather than to enjoy the palatial pleasures of sin?
3)regard disgrace for Christ’s sake as of greater value than the bountiful treasures of Egypt?
4)be fearless of the deadly threat of the king’s anger and to endure the deep disappointment at the rejection of his own people whom he was trying to help until he had to leave Egypt ( Exodus 2:14-15)?
The answers are very likely to be found in what were imparted to him from infancy by his parents especially his mother, much like the way Timothy received faithful teaching from infancy from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice – 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15. Apparently then, during the infant-nursing years that Jochebed had with Moses, she must have diligently and carefully imparted to him a strong sense of his true identity, a clear understanding of different values and holy virtues, and a vision of faith in the true and living God with a deep sense of destiny that produces great courage in the face of challenges. The early impressionable years of a child are crucial for imparting knowledge, truth and values. The Jesuit priest Ignatius Loyola once said, “Give me a child for the first 7 years and I will have him for life.” This underscores the significance of vital influence during the years of infancy.
Moses had imbibed well from his biological mother Jochebed who had bred and nurtured him faithfully despite the absence of Scriptures and depending only on meticulously memorised oral traditions that were subject to community correction and refinement at that time. God was preparing Moses to be the very first writer of His Word, the Holy Scriptures. Hence the highest academic training in the Egyptian palace (Acts 7:22) and the vital spiritual and moral input of his parents, particularly his mother since his father had to be at the worksite slaving away under tyrannical task masters and leaving Jochebed to attend to the children.
God was also preparing Moses to lead His people out of Egypt to fulfil His sovereign purpose of preserving a special people and holy nation from which the Messiah, the Saviour of the world would come. Jochebed had faithfully fulfilled her role in this great holy purpose of God. We pray on this Mother’s Day that all mothers and those having mothering roles will faithfully fulfil their responsibilities in imparting godly vision, eternal values, spiritual virtues and a right sense of true identity to their children and charges so that God’s will be done and Christ’s name be glorified through the work of grace by the Holy Spirit. A very Blessed Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers and all ladies assuming parenting responsibilities to impact young lives for eternity!
By sister Leong King Teng
by Admin | Nov 18, 2022 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us that God’s thoughts and ways are not those of ours; they are infinitely higher as the heavens are so over the earth. We keep learning this timeless truth even in our Mission experiences.
Our Lord Jesus’ final injunction for mission before His ascension reflects God’s way for mission procedure and advancement: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
As we prayerfully rely on the Lord for His Spirit’s filling to empower us to be His faithful witnesses we learn that He does lead us to bear faithful witness for Him from near to far – at home, abroad to neighbouring regions and further beyond borders to reach out to the lost and needy.
Hence, having led family members and workplace contacts through various means of grace, one by one, over many years, to come to Christ for salvation, we were led to leave our home country to be equipped for more challenging tasks of evangelistic outreach beyond borders.
After having been engaged with a ‘creative access nation’ for over 20 years in discipling, mentoring and counselling ministries, we were given a needed break when COVID-19 hit our planet. In the rhythm of life this hiatus in 2020 was a significant time for spiritual refreshment with intensified vigilance (watchful prayer) while resting and reflecting on God’s prophetic word. We took note of His sovereign grace, guidance and governance over all global events, and reaffirmed His unmistakable calling for us in mission ministries as specified by our Lord in His Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
The missional reality remain unchanged: the harvest is still plentiful but labourers few (Matthew 9:35-38). The sovereign initiative of God was evident once more as He opened the door to online teaching of His vital end-time message in the Book of Revelation. Teaching online allowed us to reach beyond borders to those who hunger for God’s truth in these tumultuous times plagued with fake news and numerous false teachings! In Christ’s love, God prepared a technical team who worked with us to learn together to bring God’s Word to online attendants. Thus the crucial lessons from Christ’s last word to His church were broadcasted with love to folks near and far beyond borders! Many were greatly blessed, we learned. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving to our great God!
Through social media, lost contacts were recovered and old friendships renewed across borders. Thus, my ex-students of over half a century ago invited me to share in their church which they are pastoring. Hence, when travel lines were opened, mission trips resumed. The first was to our neighbouring country to help a small struggling church both spiritually and practically, and then to South Asia to encourage a Brethren mission organisation by practically supporting their 28 extensive ministries to reach out to the many who were down and out, poor and needy, marginalised, desperate, sick and helpless.
All in all, love was rekindled and much was learnt as lessons were taken to heart to walk more closely with our precious Lord Jesus to plant our feet in His footprints! To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen!
By sister Leong King Teng
by Admin | Nov 22, 2020 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
Hebrews Chapter 11 documents for us great examples of heroes of faith under the Old Covenant. This is so that Christ’s disciples of the New Covenant can draw inspiration and encouragement to persevere in hope through our pilgrimage on earth. We, like Abraham for example, journey towards the same destination which is the City with foundation (Rev 21:14) whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:10).
Like the heroes of faith, we admit we are strangers on Earth longing for a better country, a heavenly city, which God has prepared for His own. (Heb 11:13-16). These heroes of faith were all well commended for their faith to which they still held on even though they did not receive what was promised to them when they died – because God had planned to include us, His redeemed children, to join them in receiving the complete fulfilment of all His promises together (Heb 11:39-40). Hence the great Grand Gathering on Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem portrayed in Hebrews 12:22-24 is a preliminary sketch of the delightful scenes presented in Revelation 14:1-5 and chapters 21-22, which are so very exhilarating, indicating the arrival of Christ’s faithful disciples at their Destination!
The 144,000 (Rev 14:1) who joyfully gathered with Christ, the Lamb, on Mount Zion, symbolizes the totality of the redeemed community. They are further portrayed as the Bride of Christ, the ultimate goal of our salvation, in Revelation 21 & 22 where the associated symbolic numbers 12, 144 & 12,000 are used.
This is truly a blessed community (Rev 22:14) which has met the 7-point criteria indicated in Revelation 14:1, 4-5 which practically defines discipleship:
- Identity: Their foreheads have Jesus’ and His Father’s name, signifying their identification with God as His children (John 1:12) and with Christ as co-heirs (Rom 8:17).
- Redemption: They have been purchased or redeemed from the earth by the blood of Christ according to 1 Peter 1:18-19.
- Purity: They have kept themselves pure like virgins (2 Cor 11:2) and aligned themselves with God’s will by staying away from sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3; 1 John 3:3; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Rev 21:7-8; 27; 22:14-15).
- Faithful Discipleship: They have followed Christ faithfully wherever He goes (1 Peter 2:21).
- Dedication: They are offered as first fruits to God & Christ, which means they are regenerated through God’s word of truth according to James 1:18, and set apart as holy being dedicated to God according to the concept of Jeremiah 2:3. That means they fully belong to God in consecration to Him to be at His disposal as they live for Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15).
- Truthfulness: No lie is found in their mouths as they are completely truthful without fraud or falsehood. (Rev 21: 8, 27; 22:15; Prov 6:16-19).
- Innocence: They are given the verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ and declared as innocent, free from blame and all accusations. (Ps 19:13-14; Rom 8:33-34).
These 7 characteristics that define the 144,000/ the Redeemed Community should challenge us to live our lives right according to God’s will to be found in that number. In these perilous times ( 2 Tim 3:1-5) of chaos, compromise, confusion, violence, deception and lawlessness, we as disciples of Christ need to stay focused on our Lord Jesus Christ of Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, our destination and our blessed hope (Titus 2:11-14) .
By Sister Leong King Teng
by Admin | Jun 23, 2019 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
God’s Word in 1 Peter 4:17 tells us that it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God – which we believe to consist of all of God’s chosen and redeemed people (Revelation 14:3-5) including faithful disciples of Jesus Christ (v4 they follow the Lamb wherever He goes).
The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due us for things done in the body (i.e. while on earth), whether good or bad. In Romans 2:16 he says that God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, and Romans 14:10-12 says we will all stand before God’s judgment seat and each of us will give an account of himself or herself to God.
King David in Psalm 62 ends with the statement that God will surely reward each person according to what he has done. Prophet Jeremiah in 17:10 pronounces God’s declaration, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve”. Psalm 94:15,23 affirms that judgment will again be founded on righteousness and the Lord will repay the wicked for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness. According to what we learn from Matthew 7:21-23, there are evil doers among professing Christians. This is a very sad reality.
King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 11:9b speaks to young people saying, “Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment”. He concludes the Book with these words, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil”.
In addressing pre-believers in Athens who had gone off in wrong directions, the apostle Paul in Acts 17:30-31 proclaims that in the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a Day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead. 2 Timothy 4:1 mentions Christ Jesus’ appearing and His kingdom (Revelation 11:15, 17-18) and that He will judge the living and the dead (Revelation 20:11-15). Hebrews 10:30-31 adds, “For we know Him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”.
All the above Scripture passages mentioned provide very sobering thoughts. Let us then heed Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so serve/worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire’”.
By Mrs Leong-Lian King Teng (YCKC Bulletin 23 June 2019)
by Admin | Jun 2, 2018 | Leong King Teng, • Timely Word •
The little chorus of this same title that we used to sing some decades ago expresses our simple yet deep desire to emulate Christ whom we profess to trust, follow and serve.
But alas, a few decades down the trail of our discipleship journey, we discover to our sadness and, I believe, to the Holy Spirit’s grief, that in so many ways we are so unlike our Lord Jesus.
1 Peter 2:21 clearly states our discipleship calling: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.”
The apostle Peter continues, ”He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate. When He suffered He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
Instead of striving for position and power, or personal glory in man’s applause & accolades, or material gains and wealth, we should seriously lay up treasures in heaven and earnestly desire our heavenly Father’s pleasure, our Lord Christ’s approval and the power and joy of the Holy Spirit by following the example of our Lord Jesus who completely submitted Himself to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42).
He was not guilty of any crime yet had to endure false accusations. No deceit was found in His mouth as He spoke the truth plainly and boldly (e.g. Matthew 23). When insults were thrown at Him, He took them gallantly without spiteful retaliations. He suffered with courage without making threats or intimidations. Most importantly, He entrusted Himself to Father God who is the ultimate righteous Judge with absolute sovereign authority to have the final say, as only He, can and will give the conclusive verdict.
Hence the triumphant tone of Psalm 2, a Messianic Psalm of Christ’s victory in the face of His enemy’s plots and ploys, fumes and fury; verse 4 says “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” We ought therefore to “serve our Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling” verse 11 exhorts. This is in order since “we all must appear before the Judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10), and “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12), and “God will give to each person according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6).
May we therefore never be like the Sadducees of Acts 5:17 who persecuted Christ’s faithful servants because of jealousy.
A good contemporary example of such a faithful servant is Professor Living Lee C.P. mentioned by Ravi Zacharias in his recent talk. CP is a good friend of a few of my ex-students in a neighbouring country. For standing up for his faith in Christ, he endured great humiliation by a horribly hostile speaker who tore our faith in pieces in his talk. This hostile speaker publicly slapped Lee and asked for his shirt as well as trousers when Lee turned the other cheek upon his taunting derisive demand, purportedly based on Christ’s teaching in Matthew 5:38-42. I was truly touched and inspired by Lee’s Spirit-given courage in obeying our Lord Jesus’ commands. Upon hearing his wonderful testimony, my first thought was: ‘Praise the Lord! He is so like Christ!’ My thoughts travelled back to Pilate’s judgment hall on that very first Good Friday when our dear Lord was so extremely humiliated and mocked!
Emulation of Christ begins from our inside, our thought life. Philippians 4:8 teaches us what to think. The adjectives there can aptly describe our Lord Jesus. He is true and noble, right and pure, altogether lovely and admirable and most excellent and praise worthy. Jesus Christ therefore should always be the focus of our thoughts and actions.
May God help us to fix our eyes upon Jesus and follow His supreme example (Philippians 2:5-8) and truly endeavour to be like Him, our Saviour, Master and King.
By Leong-Lian King Teng (YCKC Bulletin 2&3 June 2018)
