A band had just arrived from the Philippines on Friday while two other singers were Calvarites.
The five brothers in Christ from our neighbouring country had helped to improve the sound system at CLA. So we were blessed by a better sound quality in the main sanctuary hall.
These gifted musicians also brought us to a higher spirit in singing praise than usual with their lively performance of the voices, drums, bass, guitar and keyboard.
At a secular concert, fans shout to their idols from a distance according to the prices of the tickets they have paid for. At our church concert, we all also stand up to sing, dance, jump, clap or raise our hands together with the artists on stage.
But the real star is our Lord Jesus Christ who dwells in our hearts,
for He is the one who has paid for our entrance fees to Heaven!
When Ps James introduced the guest speaker Ps Glenn, I was surprised to learn that he was the vocalist of the band. Before his preaching, this well-built man sang solo to testify his love to God. His voice was powerful despite his infected larynx. What a blessing to have a pastor who sang so well!
Ps Glenn's sermon was about "How to stand in the midst of criticism". He used the Bible to illustrate the situation where Moses, a godly person, had also gone through criticism. We learnt seven points from "Numbers 12:1-16":
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1. Realize that anyone can criticize you anytime, accept that is the reality in life. (v1)
2. Reflect about the reason(s) of the criticism. (v1)
3. Remember that God heard all criticism against you. (v2)
4. Remain humble. (v3)
5. Regain your identity in God no matter what. (v4-9)
6. Respond to any criticisms with a prayerful heart. (v11-13)
7. Refrain from hitting back by letting God defend you. (v14-16)
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The biblical principles can be applied to anointed leaders as well as any other ordinary people who are willing to humble themselves before God. I was comforted by God's words through Ps Glenn's simple and clear message. My good intentions are sometimes misunderstood and criticised by others. Since I have been learning God's way to deal with the situations, I am no longer upset like before.
At the end of the service, Ps James called upon the congregation to support our Christian fellows in the Philippines both financially and spiritually. And we all stretched our hands to pray for the safe journey of this worship band who was going to perform in other churches in Malaysia.
We look forward to their visit to CLA again next year!
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