I've found a friend who died for me

Just to let you guys know, Jamie, Isaiah and I have been and will be fasting and praying for the cell every monday. Why? Because, as fantastic as we are, we can do nothing by ourselves (Yeap. Your leaders are pretty useless.)

And, we also know it is by His power (and His power alone!) that things are done.

We hope this belief will become a truth for each of you guys too :) All of you are welcome to join us as we interceed for the cell before God, if not for the fasting, then at least for the praying bit.

It's really not that hard. All you have to do is set aside some time during the day to seek Him.

For starters, why not ask God to reveal what He had in mind when He placed you in this cell? Yes we are all to come and learn bible stuff, make friends, and have fun, but I believe each of us has an individualised role to play in this cell.

A unique role, created for you, that no one else can fulfill.

If you fail to step up to your God-ordained vision, the cell will be like a puzzle that's missing a piece.

Incomplete.

Get the picture?

Oh. Feel free to ask us anything. We might be cell leaders to the world, but in God's kingdom we are to be YOUR servants.
Consider what Jesus taught:
"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35)
"The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matt 23:11).

Well have a good week, guys!
-Jeremy

Hey guys and girls,

Click here. <-- Don't worry, not a virus.

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Done it yet? So how did you fare on the quiz? Good? Better? Excellent?

Or, bad?

Anyway, just another plug for "Walk Thru' The Bible" that's gonna take place this Sat 1pm - 6pm. I know it's 5 hours... and $20.

But, what's $20 in return for a wealth of knowledge that'll help you better understand and appreciate God? What's 5 measly hours compared to the 24 He gave you each day?

Tangy was right when he referred to the bible as the infallible truth... but the truth is only useful when you actually know it. Amen? So seriously think about it.. and call Jeremy soon!

In His love and mine,
jamie.

By the way! What should we do for the next cell? Mexican? Sandwich? Italian? The polls are open!

Hope this isn't too heavy.

A couple of pointers for and against evolution. (Not exhaustive)

1) Natural selection is the process by which favorable heritable traits become more common in successive generations of a population of reproducing organisms, and unfavorable heritable traits become less common. Natural selection acts on the phenotype, or the observable characteristics of an organism, such that individuals with favorable phenotypes are more likely to survive and reproduce than those with less favorable phenotypes. The phenotype's genetic basis, genotype associated with the favorable phenotype, will increase in frequency over the following generations. Over time, this process can result in adaptations that specialize organisms for particular ecological niches and may eventually result in the emergence of new species. In other words, natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution may take place in a population of a specific organism.

1A) Agree with natural selection (also see adaptation) but using natural selection to prove evolution takes place and that there may be an emergence of a new species? Selection and evolution are two totally separate issues. Natural selection does not create new information (so it cannot create new species). In fact, it reduces information.

"Say a population of plants has a mix of genes for the length of its roots. Expose that population over generations to repeated spells of very dry weather, and the plants most likely to survive are the ones which have longer roots to get down to deeper water tables. Thus, the genes for shorter roots are less likely to get passed on (see diagram). In time, none of these plants will any longer have genes for short roots, so they will be of the ‘long root’ type. They are now better adapted to dry conditions than their forebears were."

Now is that evolution or just selection/adaptation? You decide.

2) Despite the uncertainty on how life began, it is clear that prokaryotes were the first organisms to inhabit Earth, approximately 3–4 billion years ago.

2A) Well, I am certain of how life on earth began (God created everything). Billions of years? See here for the evidence for a young world.

I notice words such as 'Random', 'Coincidence', 'Chance' in many evolution articles and arguments. It's just like saying, "In the beginning, there was nothing. Then it exploded" (Big Bang). Believing in randomness or chance only seeks to explain what cannot be explained by observation. Leaving things to plain chance is just the easy way out. Evolution is not even a theory.

"Evolution is not a proven fact so it should not be promoted dogmatically. The problem with using the word ‘theory’ in this case is that scientists use it to mean a well-substantiated explanation of data. At best, evolution is only an unsubstantiated hypothesis."

Scientist can tell you what happened but they can hardly ever tell you why it happened. Survival of the fittest? Natural selection? So why are we even here in the first place? Chance again? Randomness? Brute fact? Why do people think about their purpose in life/what are they here for? There must be something we are not seeing here.

"They [most Americans] believe that the Earth is billions of years old and that life evolved gradually from simple to complex forms. But they also believe that evolution was a means by which God carried out a plan to create humans. For tactical reasons, Darwinists don’t rush to tell all these people that they are missing the point, but all in good time. Let people first learn that evolution is a fact. They can be told later what evolution means."[Darwinists’ tactics]

Fact - "Generally, a fact is defined as something that is the case, something that actually exists, or something that can be verified according to an established standard of evaluation."

Since evolution is not a proven fact, don't be drawn into false conclusions.

I remember taking philosophy classes in year one (2006) and they were talking about evolution. They gave the example of how some white/black moths evolved. What they did not teach is that the data collected were fabricated! (See here). As science continues to gather new data, it is important that we gather our data too instead of sitting back and allowing them to attack us without any resistance.

See creationontheweb.org for more scholarly articles on creation to gain up to date information about the flaws of the evolution hypothesis.

I pray that as we continue to seek wisdom, we will not be blinded or lured into false facts. Read his word (bible). It's the infallible truth.

-Tangy

Japanese Night

Please volunteer:

Rice - Rachel
Seaweed + Mat - Stephanie
Crab Sticks - Rebekah
Cucumber sliced into long strips - David + YX
Avocado - Jamie
Japanese Mayo - Michael
Wasabi + Soy Sauce - James
Tuna mixed with mayo - Allison
Teriyaki Chicken - We have smoked salmon!
Omelette - Jamie
Desserts -
Miso Soup - David + Yee Xiang
Noodles, either fried or soup - Jeremy (cold noodles)
Drinks - Tangy aka David Tang

Quick before the easy ones are taken up!

Here is the video of our angelic choir giving a beautiful Easter Sunday tribute to their King of Kings!
(The video will take some time to load.. be patient k..)

This is a bible reading chart that you might find useful. Just click to enlarge and print.

Yes people... read your bibles. :)

Hello boys and girls!

Easter "break" is over and its back to school for most of us. :( But I'm sure you've had a good rest and is now recharged to be more fruitful in your work? Yes?

(Obviously NOT, for me as I'm still trying to finish up my readings for tmr. HahaHA.)

Anyway, the roster for this week is out and can be found below. :) The rest of you, please pray for the ones on duty - that they will be spirit-led as they perform whatever duties they are on, as well as protection, so nothing can hinder them from doing their best!

Also, exciting exciting... we're going to have a "Japanese" themed night this Friday. What is that?!! No... it doesn't mean you have to rock up to cell in a kimono or geisha-style makeup. What it does mean is that each of you will have to bring a dish this Friday that's at least vaguely Japanese.

And please ah, bring a dish = bring a pot/plate/Tupperware of FOOD. Please don't bring an empty sushi box from your leftover Nagano lunch and tell me you brought a dish ah.

But of course, I'm sure you're all smarter than that yea? Haha. By faith we shall believe.

Don't be stressed about this either, alternatively you can pair up to bring something. More economical for you as well. :)

Some suggestions that may or may not already be taken up:

Sushi (duh, how much more Japanese can you get right?)
Miso Soup (which our dear Jeremy has very eagerly offered to do)
Tempura
Noodles
Teriyaki
etc. (Just search online lah - I'm sure there's a wealth of resources there)
(for Yee Xiang + David --> More Pocky and other Japanese snacks? Haha)

P.S: Tell me if you prefer some DIY sushi thing - i.e. each of us contributes an ingredient and we'll make the sushi in cell.

By the way, look at the side bar <--. It's great that James has posted the cell prayer list up! Please do continue (or start) to pray hard for this cell group. Let's not lose track of our cell vision that is to seek for and FIND Him in cell and in all that we do. How can we achieve that solely on passively attending church and cell alone? So, please take an active role to pray as well... and believe that lives and hearts will be changed by the power of the cross. Alriteys... till Friday! jamie.

Roster for Friday*
Word: Jeremy
Worship: Jene
Games: Rachel + Michael

* I think this was the arrangement agreed upon. If it's wrong, please msg me soon okie? :)

Watch the touching drama during Easter celebration. Enjoy!

Hello wonderful people!

Finally we have "Music" and "The Message" in our blog! Tell me what music you want to be play in our blog and I will put it up for you. Happy contributing!

James

Here is the animation..i hope it works!!=)

Hey,
thought I'll post the youtube link (I've no idea how to put it on the blog itself...)for the animation Jamie showed us during cell.
=)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILKcnaoPEgg
Jene

"Why"
- Nicole Nordeman

We rode into town the other day, just me and my
Daddy. He said I’d finally reached that age, and I
could ride next to him on a horse that of course
was not quite as wide We heard a crowd of people
shouting and so we stopped to find out why There
was that man that my dad said he loved, but today
there was fear in his eyes

So I said Daddy why are they screaming? Why are
the faces of some of them beaming? Why is he
dressed in that bright purple robe? I bet that
crown hurts him more than he shows Daddy please
can’t you do something? He looks as though he’s
gonna cry You said he is stronger than all of
those guys-Daddy please tell me why, why does
everyone want him to die?

Later that day the sky grew cloudy and daddy said
I should go inside Some how he knew things would
get stormy, boy was he right But I could not keep
from wondering if there was something he had
to hide So after he left I had to find out, I was
not afraid of getting lost So I followed the
crowds to a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from a cross:

And it said : Father why are they screaming. Why
are the faces of some of them beaming? Why are
they casting their lots for my robes?? This crown
of thorns hurts me more than it shows. Father
please can’t you do something? I know that you
must hear my cry. I thought I could handle a cross
of this size, Father remind me why, why does
everyone want me to die. When will I understand
why?

My precious Son, I hear them screaming. I’m
watching the face of the enemy beaming but soon I
will clothe you in robes of my own. Jesus this
hurts me much more than you know, but this dark
hour I must do nothing. Though I’ve heard your unbearable
cry — the power in your blood destroys all the
lies, soon you’ll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look there below see the child trembling by her
father’s side. Now I can tell you why, she is why
you must die.

THE LAMB OF GOD

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
He came the sinless Son of God
To cleanse our hearts within

He hung upon the blood-stained cross
Thinking of you and me
Dying like some hardened criminal
His body in agony

His blood flowed down from the cross
His body tormented with pain
He cried out to His Heavenly Father
But it seemed no answer came

People stood and jeered at Him
Mocking to the end
Who Jesus was and why He came
They couldn’t comprehend

Their hearts were indifferent to the Lord
Their consciences grew ever cold
His mother watched on - unable to bear it
As the sword pierced through her soul

As you try to grasp this picture
The pain that Christ went through
Remember that day you were on His mind
He endured it all for you

Just so you could know His love
And forgiveness for your sins
To know His resurrection power
And to have His life within

He cares that much about your life
He endured the cross for you
Like those who jeered, or those who loved
With Jesus – what will you do?

© By M.S.Lowndes 2006

Thanks God for a wonderful time during Easter cell! I love the way how Isaiah and Jene wove the whole Easter story together in a game that involved the whole cell. You guys rock man for coming out with such creative idea! Worship was awesome with our resident guitarist Tankie aka David Tang. The lyrics of the last song "Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice" touches me the most and I guess some of you as well. It is a simple yet powerful reminder for us Christian that God loves us so much that He send His one and only Son to die for us so that we may have eternal life! Kudos for Isaiah, our budding speaker of the day for telling us to make room for our Saviour. How do we make room for Christ? Go read your "living room catalogue" and you will know that Jesus desires us to spend time with him and be busy for him as well! Have a great Easter weekend guys and see you all on Sunday for more celebration of His love and grace!

His love,
James

Meeting Place: Broadway Fair (but transport to Broadway will be provided to those who need it)
Venue: Matilda Bay
Time: 5 - 7ish
What? Easter egg hunt, games, picnic pot-bless, WORD, worship and sharing... :)

Come with an expectant heart yea?!

Hey friends! It's the holidays! Hurray!

:)

And, it's Easter as well.

Which of course, is greater cause for celebration and praise because it marks the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

This Easter, I know many of us have great plans to catch up with school work (myself), sleep (dunno who), cook for people (hahaHA!) etc. BUT, let's all also take the time to reflect on our relationship with our Heavenly Father... to ask for our eyes to be opened to HIS great and awesome love that made HIM give His only Son for us, to suffer and die on the cross so ALL of us (yes, that's YOU and me, whether you're a cell intern, or just coming for fun, it includes YOU) can have a new lease of life.

Where once we were doomed to eternal death, today, because of Him, we are saved and safe in His arms.

And Easter... the proof that we are all following and serving a God who is alive!

Isn't that just awesome to know?

So boys and girls... let's continue to be "cross eyed" - to keep our eyes focused on the cross and the One who conquered it.

Amen?

Cya all tmr!
jamie.

Hello guys!

I chance upon Rachel today at student cafe during the lunch hour. She has recovered after a full day of rest. Praise the Lord for granting her rest and healing her in the process!

Agape,
James

Dear Lord Jesus,

You are our Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick. We as a cell ask You to touch Rachel Chia with Your healing spirit. Lord, we pray that You will give her the strength in body, courage in spirit, and nourishment for her well-being. Let her recovers completely so that she can serve you during the Easter celebration. We give all praise and glory to You!

In Jesus' Mighty name we pray. Amen!

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

Isaiah 53:5 (Amplified Bible)

Just a quickie:

Our dear Rachel is super sick, so do keep her in prayer yea?

jamie.

Hello people! Wow we got new contributions! Thanks Jene for the lovely attachment of our Lord Jesus's CV. I think all the bosses will hire him straight away. I too have something to share. Have a great weekend guys!

Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

Agape,

James

1. Guest Speaker
Who? Pastor Mark Pomery
When? Saturday 15th March & Sunday 16th March
Where? Murdoch Lecture Theatre & Elizabeth Jolley Lecture Theatre respectively
What? Spread the word to all your friends and come excited!

2. Ushering & Zion Kidz Recruitment Drive
When? Saturday 15th March @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Where? Zion Center

3. Creative Arts Ministry (CAM) Vision Day
When? Sunday 16th March @ 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Where? Elizabeth Jolley LT (Curtin Uni)
What? RSVP to Bijia or Dorcas early because they need to arrange for your FREE lunch!

4. Easter Celebration & Carnival
What? Combined Easter Service and carnival after that!!
When? Sunday 23rd March
Where? Elizabeth Jolley LT @ Curtin
Why? Come on guys! Easter is a GREAT opportunity to reach out to our unsaved friends! So start praying (not preying) now and remember to ask ALL! :)

In His love and mine,
jamie.

Hey everyone,

It's quite interesting that I'm typing a post because I've never blogged in my life before and this is my first time. Anyway, to show my support for this lovely idea, I thought I'll try posting up something. Hopefully it works...

I got this in my email, and thought it's extremely meaningful - a gentle reminder of who our God is and how much He loves us.

Enjoy!

Love,

Jene

Yippee! I have added the rest of our names to the cell members section. Finally we are a complete cell! As for the cell directory, I will email everyone a soft copy. Check your mail! Have a good rest and see you tomorrow in cell!

Agape,
James

Hey all! We finally got our cell blog, thanks to our dear Allison. So the big question, why a blog? Why not just email each other, like all the other cells? The answer my curious friends, lies in the fact that:

1. Typing multiple email addresses is troublesome (compared to a single blog URL)
2. A blog is cooler than plain ole email. I think.

Anyway, do check up on this space now and then and by all means, take the liberty to post anything that you think might be of spiritual value to each other. And I do emphasize “of spiritual value”. After all, we are a Christian fellowship right? And what was our cell vision again? Ahah! I bet no one remembers. Just because I’m nice, I’m going to say it again:

“To find God in our lives through encounters with His spirit, through service and spiritual support.”

And this blog, my dears, is part of the spiritual support we’re talking about. A place to encourage and edify, and of course, to post administrative things like roster and all – simply because it is convenient. J

So, bookmark this page! And read it – regularly.

-------

On another note, wasn’t the word on Saturday just awesome? For those who weren’t there, or were not mentally there (i.e. sleeping), the essence of what Pastor Jacks said is this:

1. Life here on earth is not about us, or our wants. It’s about Him.
2. Death is not the end as we know it to be – there’s life after this life.

Of course, more was said, but I’m quite lazy to type in the rest (maybe someone else might want to do it, then by all means!). Anyway, doesn’t it just echo what was shared earlier in cell? That we need to focus on Him and fill our minds with things of God?

I don’t know about you, but to me, this can only mean that God is speaking, and He really, really wants us to seek Him first in everything we do. This might come naturally for some of you but not so much for the rest. But let’s all continue to press in, into His presence and His will for our lives. Like what Jeremy shared, feel free to test the Lord and see that He is good!

This week, why not try spending at least 5 – 10 minutes in quiet communion with Him? Pour out your burdens into His hands and ask Him to reveal more of Him in your lives. You’ll never know how He’ll work in your lives!

Till the next time!

--------

Roster for next week*:
Games: Rachel
Worship: Jeremy
Word: Jamie
Refreshments: Michael + any kind soul(s) who might want to volunteer to bring nourishments for a bunch of hungry people J

* Any opposition, speak now or forever hold your peace.