GIFTS! NEVER MIND THAT IT ISN'T CHRISTMAS YET

Welcome to the firebrands blog! :D *Stadium full of people cheering*

Seperti biasa, prayer started at 7.15 and this time, we have Mr. Ong here to lead us into a time of prayer.

Prayer, Pasar Malam style

And after that, some time enough for one to quickly hit the release valves on the bladder. Scientists have found that it only took one minute to answer nature's call. Fact 

Of course, you know SOME people just wanna check their 'reflection' in the lenses of a camera. 

So, with our systems thoroughly flushed and deprived of waste, the poor mic is forced to work icebreaking session begins! 

Eulene most probably decided to wear the same colour as the mic's wires. Copycat :P

Batman Derek and Benjamin returns! Its been a while :)

Two ties. Played in a single direction (One Direction, anyone?). Two loops are to be made around the participants' necks before taking it out and passing it to the next person. The tie behind the first has to catch up with the other. Person with two ties are doomed to the depths of the forfeit world. (Made it in under 60 words for a 15 minute icebreaker)

Once again. Seriously?? xD

To those who were sent to the forfeit world, there was only one thing that they had to do to redeem themselves. And. The. Rest. Of. The. Firebrands. Made. Them. Do. A. . . . . .
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Lion dance :D

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They said I could become anything, so I became a lion. RAWR yo xD

Worship followed after that, and to keep up with the pace of our heartbeats, the first song happened to involve actions and for some of us, memories of our childhood. Hint : 

Waves of mercy, waves of grace.

Like how you sing love songs to the one you love, you sing it to God.
Like how you thank the people in your life, you thank God for the life you have.
Like how you talk your friends and family, you talk to God.
Worship.

Next up, Pastor Cowan!
2 Timothy 1:5-7
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame to gift of God, which is in you through the laying of on of my hands.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

"I am reminded of your sincere faith". "Sincere faith". Just how sincere or genuine is our faith towards God?
If this faith is all about big talk and no action, it will fail, because God will test this faith we claim to have.

Me <-------> God.

That's what it is. A real relationship with God, and we have got to have it. How can you not have a connection or a bonding with the One who made you? With a relationship, the mutual trust that arises from it will allow God's giftings to be manifested in you.*

A spirit of fear is not one of the gifts!
Say Amen to that sentence in the abnormally large font because its right.
People, we need to realise that we are young (Fun. ft. Janelle Monae) and that it is us - Our generation that will take over in time to come. Check your watches and mark your calenders because that time is near! Let not fear intervene in the workings of the powers of the gifts God has bestowed upon us.

power.
Something we have that is God-given. We need it to rise up for Him

love.
Not a love between you and anyone, but with you and your Father

self-discipline.
It is a great help when it comes to resisting temptations.

1 Timothy 4:14 tells us to not neglect our giftings.

*Here are some of the spiritual gifts that God promised.
Romans 12                       1 Corinthians 12
- Exhortation                       - Administration
- Giving                               - Apostle
- Leadership                       - Discernment
- Mercy                              - Faith
- Prophecy                          - Healing
- Service                             - Helping
- Teaching                           - Knowledge
                                           - Miracles
                                           - Teaching
                                           - Tongues (better understanding of languages)
                                           - Tongues
                                           - Interpretation
                                           - Wisdom

Ephesians 4                       Other Passages
- Evangelism                        - Celibacy
- Pastoring                          - Hospitality
                                           - Martyrdom
                                           - Missionary
                                           - Voluntary Poverty

After that, the altar was open for those who wanted to receive/ make use of their gifts that God gave.
Service ended, and it isn't wrong to say that many were blessed that night.