RESURRECTION SUNDAY – THE MIRACLE IN OUR LIVES (JOHN 20)

Dear Members in Christ,        

Resurrection Sunday – the miracle in our lives (John 20) 

Today is a special day of remembrance as we gather to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. On this Sunday, we remember this special event in history, the day of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is it that is so remarkable that we remember and rejoice on this day? The answer is, that the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, a great miracle of God, is central to our faith. It is central to God’s plan of salvation revealed in His Word.

While the Lord Jesus walked and ministered amongst the people in the Holy Land some 2000 years ago, He performed many miracles, and of all the miracles, there is none so spectacular as the miracle of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. All these miracles, including the miracle of the Resurrection, had a purpose.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31

The purpose is to reveal to the believers that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. So, those who have been called to salvation, and have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will know and confess to the truth of the Resurrection. The believer who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit illuminated to know the truth, will know from the scriptures that the Lord Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. What a wonderful work of the Holy Spirit in granting faith and conviction to the elect. So, it was this wonderful work that was seen in the lives of the believers.

A. The astounding scene before the disciple’s eyes

It is recorded in the Bible, that on that day, the women came to the tomb, bringing spices to anoint the body of the Lord Jesus. But when they saw the empty tomb, they supposed that someone had carried away the body of the Lord. The Bible records that Mary Magdalene (with the other women) had come to the tomb and witnessing the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty,

“Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.” John 20:2

This tells us about the thoughts of the disciples in those perplexing moments. Their beloved Lord had been cruelly executed, was laid in a tomb, and suddenly on the first day of the week, the tomb is empty!

“Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.” John 20:8-10

The disciples saw this astounding sight. A tomb emptied, a body missing. Does it not sound like a passage from a suspense novel. The reason the disciples were not rejoicing as we are today is because “for as yet, they knew not the scripture that he must rise again.” Dearly beloved, it is our blessing and privilege that we have the scriptures which reveals to us the miracle of the Resurrection. Do not take this for granted, for this is the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, revealing to us that Jesus is the Son of God. Treasure this revelation in your life, praise and thank God for His work in your hearts.

B. Seeing is believing, but not seeing and believing is a greater blessing

In the midst of the early hours, the confusion of the news of the empty tomb, the disciples gathered and prayed. Why did they do that? The Bible tells us that it was because of fear.  

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” John 20:19-20

Perhaps they were fearful that having crucified the Lord, the religious authorities will now come after the disciples. But the Lord Jesus miraculously appeared before them! Thus is recorded the familiar passage of doubting Thomas’ quest fulfilled when the Lord Jesus asked him to feel His wounded hands and sides. To which Thomas cried, “My Lord and my God.”

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29

Beloved, we have the privilege of the written revelation of God, telling us of the wonderful miracle of the Resurrection of the Lord. We have the witness of the Holy Spirit convicting us, granting us faith to trust in His Resurrection, and the salvation that God freely gives to all who believe in Him. This one might say, is the miracle in our lives; the conversion of a sinner, to the knowledge of salvation in his Risen Lord. Let us rejoice this day in the remembrance of the Resurrection. Let us rejoice in the gift of salvation. May God be praised. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor

 

TESTIMONIES

Adult Baptism

Brother Freddy Yong

My friend brought me to Calvary Jaya 15 years ago. It was here that I heard of the gospel for the first time in my life. However, I took a long time to believe. I wanted to read the Bible to find out more about this faith. I thank God that after 15 years, He has moved my heart to accept Christ as my Saviour this year. Christ has made me see that I am a sinner condemned to hell. I believe that He has died for my sins and only through Christ that my sins can be forgiven. I will continue to pray to God and read the Bible daily so that I can grow spiritually. May God help me. Amen.

Transfer of Membership

Sister Lau Sau Ngoh

I was born in a Christian family and was baptized when I was a child at the Chinese Methodist Church in Ipoh. Being young then, I naturally did not know anything about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was only a few years old, and I was already around during the Japanese Occupation. Churches and schools were shut then. When they reopened, I was then able to attend Sunday School classes quite regularly with my grandma, who was a faithful Christian.

I came to understand the Gospel more when I started going to school, as it was run by Christian missionaries. I love to hear about the Christian message and sang hymns every Friday morning in school (even some of the hymns are still sung in Calvary Jaya B-P Fellowship today). As I grew, I followed my parents to church worship service regularly. That is how I came to know Jesus Christ and received Him as my Lord and Saviour. I knew that I was a sinner, and in need of a Saviour.

When I have an opportunity to find sound scriptural books, I would purchase and read them. I have also shared the Good News to my loved ones and friends whenever there is an opportunity to do so.  May God continue to encourage me in the meditation of His Word regularly.

My favourite memory verse is John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

To God be the Glory!

Sister Lee Mei Hua

My mother brought me to church when I was an infant. I also followed my sisters to Sunday School when I was older. Thank God for sending the missionaries from Singapore BP churches to conduct VBS for Kemaman church. I was much blessed from the singspiration and Bible lessons taught by the Sunday School teachers. My faith in Christ slowly built up through listening to Bible Lessons. I acknowledged that I am a sinner and I need Christ to be my personal Lord and Saviour. I reaffirmed my faith when I was 13 years old. I know I can cast all my cares and worries to the Lord after conversion. God is in control. Nothing happens by chance. This is my greatest comfort and encouragement after believing in Christ.  I will continue to study God’s Word by the help of FEBC online course. Thank God for the encouragement from brethren to take up my first online course in 2018. May God continue to help me to press on to study more and more God’s Word through attending various bible studies.

Sister Lee Mei Yee

I followed my neighbours to church ever since I am 4 years old. I attended Kemaman Life Bible-Presbyterian Church from young until my secondary school. I thank God for every missionary that came to Kemaman church every week and teach the Bible lessons without fail. I have been attending Sunday school since I was young. Around 2005, I acknowledged that I am a sinner and I need Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. This was around the time when my father passed away. I have more delight in reading God’s Word and pray without ceasing after conversion. At time, I feel down but I know that God is in control, and He will take care of me no matter how hard the trials are. Thank God for helping me and my family throughout these years. I started to enrol in FEBC online courses in 2018, may God continue to help me to serve Him faithfully and continue to study God’s Word by attending various bible studies.