25 Sept 2013 by Donna Uning CM-
The night downpour did not deter the church as they gathered for Worship Nation at SIB Kuching, last weekend. Worship Nation is a platform for local Christian bands to celebrate Jesus through their God given talents.
At a late start, the praise and worship ended just before 8:30 pm. Bro Derek Morris, from SIB Kuching went on stage to speak to the young people before the concert started. There were 10 local bands from various churches and denominations all over the city slated to perform. With the theme “Kebesaran Yesus,” Bro Derek gave his message from the Book of Colossians.
Colossians 1: 25-26, “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.”
“Tonight is about Jesus’ greatness; it is always about Jesus,” said bro Derek, telling God’s greatness is beyond measure.
“The God that King David worships is the same God we serve now,” he told. In the Old Testament and in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Colossians 1: 5-6, “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”
“It takes just 15 minutes to change your lives,” told bro Derek to the anxious, mostly young crowd. “What is the Good News? There are two important aspects to message,” he said. “First is faith and second, love.”
What is about this Good News that brings out faith and love? “It says of the Good News that can change a person’s life from the day you heard it and bearing fruit,” he said of the letter from Paul to Colosse that speaks of the fruits of faith and love in the people upon hearing the Gospel.
“That was during the Apostle Paul’s time. Today, we hear it too and we need to respond to the Good News as we truly understood God’s grace,” he added asking, “Friends, have you heard the Good News, do you hear the message of grace?” If you have heard it, share it. “If you want to see more faith in your life and more love in your life, grace will lead you,” he told.
Colossians 1:13-14, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
“God has a rescue plan; He did not leave us in the darkness and let us save ourselves. Jesus did the job for you,” he said. “God rescued you, gives you strength and brought you into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Wherever you go, He will always be with you. That’s the good news,” he continued.
Are we free? This is profoundly mentioned in verse 14. “What it means is that our sins are forgiven,” he told, excited about the Good News. “When you speak about God’s grace, it is God’s Word.”
Colossians 1:27, “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
“The last verse says Christ is in you so you can enjoy His fullness, hope of glory,” he said. “Before I was saved, I used to think that glory and honor belongs to God alone; but when you come to Christ, He turns around and says, ‘I share it with you,’” he told. “Can you believe that?”
“He is the only God who shares His glory and fullness with His people,” said bro Derek. He closed the message with two things – first, God says Jesus Christ is in you so you can share His glorious riches. This mystery has been revealed to you and your sins are forgiven. Second, because the Good News has come to you and to the nations, nothing can stop. “I prophesy to all of you tonight that you continue to share the Good News.”
“It is not enough to be born in a Christian family but you need to be born into Christ’s family,” he said as he led the people in salvation prayer.
The Christian bands onstage include Grace Wave, Shalom Worship Band, Faith Cross, Team Praise Valley/Lembah Pujian, BEM Kota Padawan, New Life, Favor Revolution, Iris Garden Band, Olive Garden and The Awaken. Some of the bands performed original songs. Hundreds of youths attended the concert held at SIB Kuching.
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