Tuesday, 31st July 2007
I have in earlier posts blogged about the "counsel of the ungodly" and how as believers, we should be wary of embracing philosophies that leave God out of the picture or equation.
Then, there are sayings that appear to sound biblical, but are not. These are equally, if not even more harmful, because we let our spiritual guard down and end up being misled.
Take for example, the often quoted, "Money is the root of all evil". As a result of this, many Christians consider this subject to be taboo. In early church history, we see some who led a life of poverty and self-denial. Yes, they may have impact some, but they could have impacted more.
If we look at Scriptures, we will realise that Paul actually said, "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10). Money by itself, is neutral. It can be used for good and can be used for evil.
Just like fire. It can be used to keep warm and to cook food. But it can also cause great destruction of life and property if not kept under control.
We cannot run away from the fact that money is essential. We need money to send missionaries to the uttermost parts of the earth. We need money to feed and clothe the poor and underprivileged.
God prospers His people, so that we have the means to bless others.
God also prospers His people, so that pre-believers will take notice and be drawn to Him.
As a result of God's covenant with Abraham, he prospered Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to the extent that even the Philistines envied Isaac's wealth (Gen 26:14).
As a result of the new covenant, the tables have turned, and now God blesses Gentile believers, so as to provoke the Jews to jealousy, and make them realise that the Jesus they have been rejecting is the Messiah that they have been waiting for. (Rom 11:11).
Just last Sunday, Pastor KL preached about money, and he mentioned that Jesus spoke more about money than any other topic. I say, preach on brother!!!
Jurassic Park and the Garden of Eden
Monday, 30th July 2007
One of the readers of my blog asked me sometime in March 2007 about whether dinosaurs existed, how they became extinct, and how they fit into Bible chronology.
Well, it just so happens that my church is one of five in Singapore that has invited renowned speakers from Creation Ministries International to come and speak on topics such as creation, evolution, dinosaurs and UFOs from 3 to 5 August, so I thought it would be timely to blog about this topic now.
You can read more about that upcoming event here.
1. Yes, dinosaurs existed
We read in Gen 1:24-25 that on the sixth day, God created the animals, viz
24 And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Animals here would include the species that we term as "dinosaurs". So dinosaurs were there from the very beginning, co-existing with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The Bible does not specifically mention the word "dinosaur". However, 2 very large creatures were described in the book of Job (which by the way is the oldest book in the Bible, even though Genesis appears before it).
In Job 40:15-19, we read about a creature known as the behemoth
15"Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox.
16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly!
17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.
18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron.
19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword.
If such a creature's tail was the size of a cedar tree, can you imagine how big it was?
In Job 41, we read about another creature known as the leviathan, which was described in such as way that even "the sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin." (verse 26).
2. How dinosaurs became extinct
We also read in Gen 6:19-20 that God required Noah to bring into the Ark a pair of all living creatures. That would mean to say that a pair of dinosaurs were brought into the Ark as well.
19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive.
Some would argue that dinosaurs were too huge to enter the Ark. However, there was no mention in Gen 6 that the animals had to be full-grown adults. Hence, a pair of baby dinosaurs would have sufficed.
Save for these dinosaurs, the rest would have perished in the flood, together with those that were shut out from the Ark.
We read in Genesis 7:21-23
21 Every living thing that moved on the earth perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.
If the only dinosaurs that were brought into the Ark with Noah were not able to reproduce themselves fast enough, then they would become extinct.
Oh by the way, Jurassic Park is a figment of Steven Spielberg's imagination. The Garden of Eden was for real.
One of the readers of my blog asked me sometime in March 2007 about whether dinosaurs existed, how they became extinct, and how they fit into Bible chronology.
Well, it just so happens that my church is one of five in Singapore that has invited renowned speakers from Creation Ministries International to come and speak on topics such as creation, evolution, dinosaurs and UFOs from 3 to 5 August, so I thought it would be timely to blog about this topic now.
You can read more about that upcoming event here.
1. Yes, dinosaurs existed
We read in Gen 1:24-25 that on the sixth day, God created the animals, viz
24 And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
Animals here would include the species that we term as "dinosaurs". So dinosaurs were there from the very beginning, co-existing with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The Bible does not specifically mention the word "dinosaur". However, 2 very large creatures were described in the book of Job (which by the way is the oldest book in the Bible, even though Genesis appears before it).
In Job 40:15-19, we read about a creature known as the behemoth
15"Look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox.
16 What strength he has in his loins, what power in the muscles of his belly!
17 His tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.
18 His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like rods of iron.
19 He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword.
If such a creature's tail was the size of a cedar tree, can you imagine how big it was?
In Job 41, we read about another creature known as the leviathan, which was described in such as way that even "the sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin." (verse 26).
2. How dinosaurs became extinct
We also read in Gen 6:19-20 that God required Noah to bring into the Ark a pair of all living creatures. That would mean to say that a pair of dinosaurs were brought into the Ark as well.
19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive.
Some would argue that dinosaurs were too huge to enter the Ark. However, there was no mention in Gen 6 that the animals had to be full-grown adults. Hence, a pair of baby dinosaurs would have sufficed.
Save for these dinosaurs, the rest would have perished in the flood, together with those that were shut out from the Ark.
We read in Genesis 7:21-23
21 Every living thing that moved on the earth perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.
If the only dinosaurs that were brought into the Ark with Noah were not able to reproduce themselves fast enough, then they would become extinct.
Oh by the way, Jurassic Park is a figment of Steven Spielberg's imagination. The Garden of Eden was for real.
It is Well
Sunday, 29th July 2o07
Wow, there are just so many things the Lord has put in my heart recently, especially after ROOTTS turned one.
I have been reading the 40Day 07 "The Stones Cry Out" and have quite a bit to share about it.
I have also finished 17 out of the 22 chapters of the book "Destined to Reign" by Pastor Joseph Prince, and have lots to share from there too.
There has indeed been an overabundance, and you may be thus be receiving this particular meditation a week early.
But this is one topic that has been at the back of my mind, which I feel compelled to blog about today.
My dad recently told me the story of how the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" came about.
The hymnwriter Horatio Spafford first lost his son in 1871. Then fire cause him his business. And then in 1873, his four daughters perished in a shipwreck.
In spite of his physical circumstances, and the attacks upon his family and career by the evil one, he could still have the faith and conviction to write this beautiful hymn.
From the lyrics you can tell that
1. He knew it was satan who was the source of his misfortune
2. He knows that all his sin has been nailed to the cross, and what he was going through was not God punishing him.
3. He was walking by faith, and looked forward to the day when his faith became sight.
Speaking of "it is well", do you know that this term was lifted from 2 Kings 4?
There was this very elderly couple staying in Shunem who extended hospitality to the prophet Elisha, so much so that they reserved a room in their house for him in the attic, so that whenever he passed that way on his journeys, he could spend the night there.
The prophet Elisha prophesised that they would have a son, and sure enough, the woman gave birth shortly thereafter, even though both she and her husband were very advanced in years.
Alas, when the child was a young lad, he suddenly collapsed and died. Just imagine that. Here was the only child of a couple that had waited decades for his arrival, who now lay dead.
Yet, we read the following words uttered by the mother...
verse 23, "... And she said,"it shall be well."
verse 26,"and she answered, "It is well."
Later on in verse 35, we read how Elisha raised him from the dead.
But hey, do you not marvel at the faith of his mother? She could say, "It is well", which is translated from the original Hebrew word, "shalom".
Those of us going through trials and tribulations. May we have equally strong convictions that "it is well with our souls". Amen?
Wow, there are just so many things the Lord has put in my heart recently, especially after ROOTTS turned one.
I have been reading the 40Day 07 "The Stones Cry Out" and have quite a bit to share about it.
I have also finished 17 out of the 22 chapters of the book "Destined to Reign" by Pastor Joseph Prince, and have lots to share from there too.
There has indeed been an overabundance, and you may be thus be receiving this particular meditation a week early.
But this is one topic that has been at the back of my mind, which I feel compelled to blog about today.
My dad recently told me the story of how the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" came about.
The hymnwriter Horatio Spafford first lost his son in 1871. Then fire cause him his business. And then in 1873, his four daughters perished in a shipwreck.
In spite of his physical circumstances, and the attacks upon his family and career by the evil one, he could still have the faith and conviction to write this beautiful hymn.
From the lyrics you can tell that
1. He knew it was satan who was the source of his misfortune
2. He knows that all his sin has been nailed to the cross, and what he was going through was not God punishing him.
3. He was walking by faith, and looked forward to the day when his faith became sight.
Speaking of "it is well", do you know that this term was lifted from 2 Kings 4?
There was this very elderly couple staying in Shunem who extended hospitality to the prophet Elisha, so much so that they reserved a room in their house for him in the attic, so that whenever he passed that way on his journeys, he could spend the night there.
The prophet Elisha prophesised that they would have a son, and sure enough, the woman gave birth shortly thereafter, even though both she and her husband were very advanced in years.
Alas, when the child was a young lad, he suddenly collapsed and died. Just imagine that. Here was the only child of a couple that had waited decades for his arrival, who now lay dead.
Yet, we read the following words uttered by the mother...
verse 23, "... And she said,"it shall be well."
verse 26,"and she answered, "It is well."
Later on in verse 35, we read how Elisha raised him from the dead.
But hey, do you not marvel at the faith of his mother? She could say, "It is well", which is translated from the original Hebrew word, "shalom".
Those of us going through trials and tribulations. May we have equally strong convictions that "it is well with our souls". Amen?
It is Well with My Soul
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
What A Load of Rubbish!
Saturday, 28th July 2007
When the term "pharisee" is mentioned, most (if not everyone) of us will picture a person who has a string of negative traits: self-righteous, obnoxious, conceited... the adjectives can probably go on and on.
Jesus and John the Baptist even singled this group of people out and described them as "hypocrites", "a brood of vipers" and "whitewash tombs".
But let us go back to the time before the New Testament was written. The word Pharisee actually comes from the Hebrew word פרוש ("parush"), which means "separated" or "set apart". Jewish men who took the Torah (the Law and the Prophets) very seriously would want to be "separated" or "set apart" for God.
Unlike the distastefulness and stigma associated with it today, it was considered to be noble and highly-esteemed to be in such a religious sect, and that is why the Apostle Paul actually chose to take that path in his zeal for the Lord.
Becoming a Pharisee during that era in history would be the present-day equivalent of becoming an elder in the context of a church, or a partner in an accounting firm, or even a Cabinet Minister in the context of secular Singapore. It was something considered prestigious and exclusive.
This comes across very clearly when Paul writes in Phil 3:5-6 that he was "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless."
In fact, he was a Pharisee of Pharisees, who studied under Rabbi Gamaliel, who was considered the best teacher then, and in the synagogue in Jerusalem, which was the headquarters synagogue where only the very cream of the crop would have the privelege to study in (a modern equivalent would be Harvard/Princeton/Yale for USA and Oxford/Cambridge for UK).
Yet, if we go on to read this same passage in Phiippians, in verse 8, Paul goes on to say that after knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, all the titles that he had accumulated, he considered as rubbish.
The Greek word used here is skybalon (Strong's G4657) and is also translated into refuse, dung, dregs in the various translations of the Bible. If we look the original Greek word, it actually refers to the excrement of animals.
As I look back upon my own life, I also realise that going to a renown school (ACS) or attending a local university (NTU), or joining a prestigious accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), or obtaining a postgraduate degree (MBA), etc are all but skybalon.
I have shared in a testimony that in 2003 and 2004, I sent out more than 300 job applications, but did not get a single job interview. So much for all the above titles. Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labour in vain (Psalm 127:1).
So those of us who hold titles such as PhD, or MBA, or CPA, or Rev, or Dr, or Er, or MD, or VP, or MP, or PM. Let us emulate Paul and consider them to be skybalon. These are all irrelevant. What is of relevance is the title COG, or "child of God".
If anyone should boast, let him boast in the Lord! Amen?
When the term "pharisee" is mentioned, most (if not everyone) of us will picture a person who has a string of negative traits: self-righteous, obnoxious, conceited... the adjectives can probably go on and on.
Jesus and John the Baptist even singled this group of people out and described them as "hypocrites", "a brood of vipers" and "whitewash tombs".
But let us go back to the time before the New Testament was written. The word Pharisee actually comes from the Hebrew word פרוש ("parush"), which means "separated" or "set apart". Jewish men who took the Torah (the Law and the Prophets) very seriously would want to be "separated" or "set apart" for God.
Unlike the distastefulness and stigma associated with it today, it was considered to be noble and highly-esteemed to be in such a religious sect, and that is why the Apostle Paul actually chose to take that path in his zeal for the Lord.
Becoming a Pharisee during that era in history would be the present-day equivalent of becoming an elder in the context of a church, or a partner in an accounting firm, or even a Cabinet Minister in the context of secular Singapore. It was something considered prestigious and exclusive.
This comes across very clearly when Paul writes in Phil 3:5-6 that he was "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless."
In fact, he was a Pharisee of Pharisees, who studied under Rabbi Gamaliel, who was considered the best teacher then, and in the synagogue in Jerusalem, which was the headquarters synagogue where only the very cream of the crop would have the privelege to study in (a modern equivalent would be Harvard/Princeton/Yale for USA and Oxford/Cambridge for UK).
Yet, if we go on to read this same passage in Phiippians, in verse 8, Paul goes on to say that after knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, all the titles that he had accumulated, he considered as rubbish.
The Greek word used here is skybalon (Strong's G4657) and is also translated into refuse, dung, dregs in the various translations of the Bible. If we look the original Greek word, it actually refers to the excrement of animals.
As I look back upon my own life, I also realise that going to a renown school (ACS) or attending a local university (NTU), or joining a prestigious accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), or obtaining a postgraduate degree (MBA), etc are all but skybalon.
I have shared in a testimony that in 2003 and 2004, I sent out more than 300 job applications, but did not get a single job interview. So much for all the above titles. Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labour in vain (Psalm 127:1).
So those of us who hold titles such as PhD, or MBA, or CPA, or Rev, or Dr, or Er, or MD, or VP, or MP, or PM. Let us emulate Paul and consider them to be skybalon. These are all irrelevant. What is of relevance is the title COG, or "child of God".
If anyone should boast, let him boast in the Lord! Amen?
Can Grace be Over-Emphasised?
Friday, 27th July 2007
Recently, I have been "on a roll", so instead of a backlog, I'm in the pleasant situation of a "forward"-log. So you may be receiving this a week early :-)
Oh ya, before I proceed, I better start with a warning here that this blog entry contains what some would describe as "severely disturbing" content.
Some people have laid the accusation that grace should not be over-emphasised. That we need to balance law and grace, and not swing to one extreme or the another. Better take the safe and middle road.
Paul mentions very clearly in Romans 7 that such a philosophy is akin to spiritual adultery.
Romans 7
An Illustration From Marriage
1Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.
4So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
We, the church, is described as the bride of Christ. Jesus is our bridegroom.
A wife has a covenant with her husband, and she is supposed to be totally devoted and committed to him. She is to forsake all others. I am sure all of you out there has any quarrel with this.
Yet, when it comes to the covenant between God and us (upon which the marriage between a man and a woman is a shadow of), we take issue when we hear messages or sermons that tell us that we are to forsake the Law and be completely under Grace?
In fact, Rom 5:17 tells us that receiving grace in abundance is one of the 2 keys to the victorious life (the other being the gift of righteousness).
The Greek word in question is perisseia (Strong's G4050).
That means to say that we should not just be receptive to the gospel of grace, but be receptive to it in abundance!
So can grace ever be over-emphasised? Not if we want to reign in life and have victory over sin and whatever else the evil one tries to throw at us. Amen?
Recently, I have been "on a roll", so instead of a backlog, I'm in the pleasant situation of a "forward"-log. So you may be receiving this a week early :-)
Oh ya, before I proceed, I better start with a warning here that this blog entry contains what some would describe as "severely disturbing" content.
Some people have laid the accusation that grace should not be over-emphasised. That we need to balance law and grace, and not swing to one extreme or the another. Better take the safe and middle road.
Paul mentions very clearly in Romans 7 that such a philosophy is akin to spiritual adultery.
Romans 7
An Illustration From Marriage
1Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? 2For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. 3So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.
4So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. 5For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. 6But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
We, the church, is described as the bride of Christ. Jesus is our bridegroom.
A wife has a covenant with her husband, and she is supposed to be totally devoted and committed to him. She is to forsake all others. I am sure all of you out there has any quarrel with this.
Yet, when it comes to the covenant between God and us (upon which the marriage between a man and a woman is a shadow of), we take issue when we hear messages or sermons that tell us that we are to forsake the Law and be completely under Grace?
In fact, Rom 5:17 tells us that receiving grace in abundance is one of the 2 keys to the victorious life (the other being the gift of righteousness).
The Greek word in question is perisseia (Strong's G4050).
That means to say that we should not just be receptive to the gospel of grace, but be receptive to it in abundance!
So can grace ever be over-emphasised? Not if we want to reign in life and have victory over sin and whatever else the evil one tries to throw at us. Amen?
Badges of Honour
Thursday, 26th July 2007
I mentioned in some earlier post that I had lots of acne during my teenage years and was given nicknames such as "crackers face" and "disease face".
It really hurt back then, but God has since removed the sting of pain from those words.
One practical way to deal with the hurtful is to turn it around into one's own advantage.
Take for example the cross. It was the most shameful and humiliating object of punishment that the Romans had ever invented. Yet, it has now become a badge of honour that Christians display in their churches, their homes, their cars, at the end of necklaces, etc.
At the turn of the last century, Christians who were zealous about their faith were labelled "Jesus freaks" . That term has since lost its stigma, and even become fashionable. D.C. Talk composed a song about it (which happens to be my all-time favourite) and I am shown wearing a shirt with these words in a picture on my blog.
Turning to an event that took place more recently. Early this year, a dear brother described the content on my blog to be "severely disturbing" and hence refused to link his blog to mine. Even though I likewise have issues with some of the legalistic and performance-based doctrines he subscribes to, I have no problems linking mine to his.Truth be told, I was initially rather upset by the lack of reciprocation. But now, not only do I forgive that dear brother, I have come to realise that those hurtful words can in fact be turned around in my favour and be worn by my blog as a badge of honour!
Hence, a quotation is shown across the top of my blog with a warning that contents should be handled with care and caution lest readers become "indoctrinated" by "heresies". There is even a warning label that resembles what one sees on music CDs that contain explicit lyrics :-)Oh by the way, that dear brother is none other than Rev Barnabas Chong, who is extremely against the grace gospel. Thanks RevBarnz for the badge of "dishonour", which ROOTSS wears proudly as a banner. I am sure we can laugh about it some day when we are in heaven...
That's his prerogative, but as for me and my household, we choose to believe it in radically. Amen?
Let Go and Let God
Wednesday, 25th July 2007
When I was in the army doing my National Service, one of the terms that was commonly used was SBC or "simply bo chap". (SBC was the acronym for Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, what is now known as MediaCorp).
"bo chap" is Hokkien for "don't care" or "can't be bothered" and is used to describe a soldier who could not care less about things happening around him.
But the irony is that this is the way a Christian is supposed to live -- carefree and without worries. The Scripture says "do not be anxious about anything" and "cast all your cares upon Him".
Yes, everything in our life may not be appear to be smooth sailing. The boss may be on our backs. There are dozens of deadlines to be met. Our kids are struggling with their studies. Yet, the way we are to respond is not like the world responds, because they do not have Christ. We as believers have to learn to let go and let God.
I would like to share the following except of a DVD compilation called Humorous Bible Illustrations, which I blogged about back in January 2007.
This one is entitled "Letting Go", and unveils the secret to overcoming all our fears, worries anxieties, cares, concerns, bitterness and resentments.
So let us learn to let go, and let God. Amen?
When I was in the army doing my National Service, one of the terms that was commonly used was SBC or "simply bo chap". (SBC was the acronym for Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, what is now known as MediaCorp).
"bo chap" is Hokkien for "don't care" or "can't be bothered" and is used to describe a soldier who could not care less about things happening around him.
But the irony is that this is the way a Christian is supposed to live -- carefree and without worries. The Scripture says "do not be anxious about anything" and "cast all your cares upon Him".
Yes, everything in our life may not be appear to be smooth sailing. The boss may be on our backs. There are dozens of deadlines to be met. Our kids are struggling with their studies. Yet, the way we are to respond is not like the world responds, because they do not have Christ. We as believers have to learn to let go and let God.
I would like to share the following except of a DVD compilation called Humorous Bible Illustrations, which I blogged about back in January 2007.
This one is entitled "Letting Go", and unveils the secret to overcoming all our fears, worries anxieties, cares, concerns, bitterness and resentments.
So let us learn to let go, and let God. Amen?
Licence to Sin?
Tuesday, 24th July 2007
Warning: this blog entry has "extremely disturbing" content. Please read with care and caution.
I got my copy of Pastor Prince's "Destined to Reign" and will be sharing nuggets of God's truth over the next few days (maybe weeks).
So those who are concerned with "extremely disturbing" content, you have been warned :-)
One of the concerns of legalistic people is that an overemphasis on grace will lead to licentiousness.
But frankly, does anyone need a "licence" to sin? Man, by his fallen nature, is sinful. He does not need a licence to sin, as it were. He goes ahead and sins anyway, whether there is a "licence" or not. Even from a very young age, you see that babies are selfish and self-serving. They do not need to be taught, because this is in their very nature.
Receiving grace does not make one go out and sin more. On the contrary, it is being under the law that keeps people in a sin trap, unable to break free. In 1 Cor 15:56, Paul says "the strength (or power) of sin is the law".
So the fear that preaching grace will cause people to go out and sin is not based on the Bible, but one's own prejudices. I may even go so far as to say that it is the lie of the devil that we have to tamper or mix grace with law. Like mentioned previously, this is tantamount to spiritual adultery, like Paul describes in Romans 7.
In Pastor Prince's book Destined to Reign, he recites a testimony of a person by the name of Victor King on pages 46-47. In that testimony, Victor says, "It is a lie that when God's grace is preached, people will go out and sin more. In fact, it was His grace that changed a wretch like me". Victor was born into a Christian family, but grew up to become a gangster, drinker, smoker, womaniser and pornography addict. It was only when grace was preached to him, that his life was gradually transformed.
So rather than speculating about the effect of preaching grace, let's hear it from a horse's mouth! Grace did not make him sin more. Instead, it made him realise how much Jesus loves him, and that knowledge made him want to sin less, and to reciprocate that love in return.
I shall talk about the"over emphasis on grace" in a future blog entry.
Warning: this blog entry has "extremely disturbing" content. Please read with care and caution.
I got my copy of Pastor Prince's "Destined to Reign" and will be sharing nuggets of God's truth over the next few days (maybe weeks).
So those who are concerned with "extremely disturbing" content, you have been warned :-)
One of the concerns of legalistic people is that an overemphasis on grace will lead to licentiousness.
But frankly, does anyone need a "licence" to sin? Man, by his fallen nature, is sinful. He does not need a licence to sin, as it were. He goes ahead and sins anyway, whether there is a "licence" or not. Even from a very young age, you see that babies are selfish and self-serving. They do not need to be taught, because this is in their very nature.
Receiving grace does not make one go out and sin more. On the contrary, it is being under the law that keeps people in a sin trap, unable to break free. In 1 Cor 15:56, Paul says "the strength (or power) of sin is the law".
So the fear that preaching grace will cause people to go out and sin is not based on the Bible, but one's own prejudices. I may even go so far as to say that it is the lie of the devil that we have to tamper or mix grace with law. Like mentioned previously, this is tantamount to spiritual adultery, like Paul describes in Romans 7.
In Pastor Prince's book Destined to Reign, he recites a testimony of a person by the name of Victor King on pages 46-47. In that testimony, Victor says, "It is a lie that when God's grace is preached, people will go out and sin more. In fact, it was His grace that changed a wretch like me". Victor was born into a Christian family, but grew up to become a gangster, drinker, smoker, womaniser and pornography addict. It was only when grace was preached to him, that his life was gradually transformed.
So rather than speculating about the effect of preaching grace, let's hear it from a horse's mouth! Grace did not make him sin more. Instead, it made him realise how much Jesus loves him, and that knowledge made him want to sin less, and to reciprocate that love in return.
I shall talk about the"over emphasis on grace" in a future blog entry.
Divine Interventions
Monday, 23rd July 2007
Okay, let's take a short break today and move away from "severely disturbing" content to talk about something else that God did in my life when I was in my late teens.
At the recent Ohana Camp, Choon Seng was the Camp Commandant.
In December 1987, he was also the Camp Commandment -- of a combined "MYF-Sunday School Camp".
What is the relevance you may be asking? Read on...
I have been a believer since Dec 1978, when I went forward to accept Jesus Christ at the Billy Graham Crusade held in the soon-to-be-demolished National Stadium.
My spiritual life was a series of ups and downs however.
I backslid pretty badly during my secondary school, JC and early part of my army days (1980 to 1987). During those dark years, I would hang out with the "naughty" boys who sat at the back of the class and lecture theatres and make fun of those "holy-joelies" from the ACS/ACJC Christian Fellowship. Every other word that came out from my mouth was a Hokkien
vulgarity.
One particular weekday afternoon in 1985, about 80 of us skipped lessons to watch the movie Breakin' - Breakdance the Movie at Orchard theatre (the predecessor of Cineleisure Orchard), and went to Cuppage Centre Hawker Centre (I don't think it's there anymore) for a puff and a drink.
We were all in our college uniforms, and I recall the disapproving look on the faces of some people sitting at nearby tables. I overheard one person saying that he would not send his children to ACJC.
The very next day, I heard that the Further Maths lecturer was asking how come the back of the lecture theatre was practically empty. I thought it was cool to be part of that crowd. Thankfully, word did not get to the discipline master that we had played truant and smoked in our school uniforms.
Having grown up in a Christian family, I was probably the biggest hypocrite then, appearing like an angel on Sundays, but living the life of a devil on the other days.
Having wandered in the wilderness for 9 years, the turning point came in Dec 1987. Choon Seng had seen me in church and invited me to join a combined MYF-Sunday School camp, where he was the Camp Commandant. [I was neither in MYF nor Sunday School then, preferring to attend the church service with my parents and grandmother.]
I politely declined, because the last thing I wanted to do was to join a bunch of "holy-joelies", and having my "other life" exposed to all and sundry.
But God had other plans for me...
I was a medical orderly in the army, and part of our duties was to perform medical coverage for major activities. There were 3 of us from the same army unit who were on a roster -- Shih Mean, Soon Huat and myself.
At that particular time at the end of 1987, Shih Mean was selected to attend a 2-month further training (what is known as Medic Class I), so he was "attached out" to the School of Military Medicine.
That meant that Soon Hock and I had to cover all the duties during that 2-month period.
One of the most "siong" or tough duties was to cover a 5-day exercise, where we had to stay out in the field under the moon and stars without being able to take a bath and had to eat combat rations.
I had just gone for one in Sep 87, and the one in Dec 87 was to be covered by Soon Huat.
Soon Huat was taking part in the Annual Marathon, which took place on the Sunday, two days before that exercise. When he did not come to camp on Monday, we found out that he had collapsed from fatigue at the Marathon, and was given 3 days MC.
I was supposed to be clearing my leave before the year-end, but because there was no other medic left, I had to cancel my leave and go for that 5-day exercise in Soon Huat's place.
Hours before setting off for the exercise, I called him at home from camp on Tuesday afternoon in order to jibe him playfully. After all, it was not his fault that he fainted two days before. But to my horror, his mom said that he went to catch a movie! Can you believe that? Here I was, having to cancel my leave to cover for him, and there he was enjoying himself even though he was supposed to be resting at home!
Needless to say, I was fuming mad during those entire 5-days and very resentful of Soon Huat.
But looking back now, I thank the LORD for the turn of events.
Because I had to cancel my leave that week, I had to reschedule it another week.
Because I had to clear my leave by year-end (else it would be forfeited), the only week left for me to take was the week of the MYF-Sunday School Camp (other medics from other units but in the same medical centre had already scheduled leave in Christmas week, and there was not to be more than 3 medics on leave at any one time, because we had medical centre duty as well to fulfill).
So I had to take leave on the 3rd week of December, and somehow when Choon Seng saw me again in church, this time around, I signed up for the camp!
To cut a long story short, God was calling me back to himself, and I re-dedicated my life to Him at that Camp. I was also given the "Best Camper" Award for that camp, and joined the MYF straight after that.
My spiritual life picked up again, and I served the Lord zealously the following years in the NTU Christian Fellowship in various capacities including Publicity and Programme Coordinator, Editor, Vice Chair of a Subcommittee and Chairman of the Freshmen Orientation. In fact, my CCA involvement was heaviest when in the University.
Shih Mean, my camp and unit mate, came back from his Class I training in Jan 1988 and must have seen the change that God did in my life. I brought him to church, and we were both followed-up by Jeffrey Khaw. He was "Best Camper" in the MYF Camp of 1988. In fact, the year I was Vice Chair of NTUCF's Resource & Publications Subcommittee, he was the Chairman. He is now serving the Lord as a cell leader in another church.
I will be 40 in December this year. As I look back upon my life, I thank God for His timely interventions in 1979 (new convert), in 1986 (near-death experience), in 1987 (rededication), in 2002 (restoration of marriage), in 2005 (restoration of career) and 2006-2007 (progressive revelation of the finished work of Jesus on the cross).
All praise and glory be to Him and Him alone!
Okay, let's take a short break today and move away from "severely disturbing" content to talk about something else that God did in my life when I was in my late teens.
At the recent Ohana Camp, Choon Seng was the Camp Commandant.
In December 1987, he was also the Camp Commandment -- of a combined "MYF-Sunday School Camp".
What is the relevance you may be asking? Read on...
I have been a believer since Dec 1978, when I went forward to accept Jesus Christ at the Billy Graham Crusade held in the soon-to-be-demolished National Stadium.
My spiritual life was a series of ups and downs however.
I backslid pretty badly during my secondary school, JC and early part of my army days (1980 to 1987). During those dark years, I would hang out with the "naughty" boys who sat at the back of the class and lecture theatres and make fun of those "holy-joelies" from the ACS/ACJC Christian Fellowship. Every other word that came out from my mouth was a Hokkien
vulgarity.One particular weekday afternoon in 1985, about 80 of us skipped lessons to watch the movie Breakin' - Breakdance the Movie at Orchard theatre (the predecessor of Cineleisure Orchard), and went to Cuppage Centre Hawker Centre (I don't think it's there anymore) for a puff and a drink.
We were all in our college uniforms, and I recall the disapproving look on the faces of some people sitting at nearby tables. I overheard one person saying that he would not send his children to ACJC.
The very next day, I heard that the Further Maths lecturer was asking how come the back of the lecture theatre was practically empty. I thought it was cool to be part of that crowd. Thankfully, word did not get to the discipline master that we had played truant and smoked in our school uniforms.
Having grown up in a Christian family, I was probably the biggest hypocrite then, appearing like an angel on Sundays, but living the life of a devil on the other days.
Having wandered in the wilderness for 9 years, the turning point came in Dec 1987. Choon Seng had seen me in church and invited me to join a combined MYF-Sunday School camp, where he was the Camp Commandant. [I was neither in MYF nor Sunday School then, preferring to attend the church service with my parents and grandmother.]
I politely declined, because the last thing I wanted to do was to join a bunch of "holy-joelies", and having my "other life" exposed to all and sundry.
But God had other plans for me...
I was a medical orderly in the army, and part of our duties was to perform medical coverage for major activities. There were 3 of us from the same army unit who were on a roster -- Shih Mean, Soon Huat and myself.
At that particular time at the end of 1987, Shih Mean was selected to attend a 2-month further training (what is known as Medic Class I), so he was "attached out" to the School of Military Medicine.
That meant that Soon Hock and I had to cover all the duties during that 2-month period.
One of the most "siong" or tough duties was to cover a 5-day exercise, where we had to stay out in the field under the moon and stars without being able to take a bath and had to eat combat rations.
I had just gone for one in Sep 87, and the one in Dec 87 was to be covered by Soon Huat.
Soon Huat was taking part in the Annual Marathon, which took place on the Sunday, two days before that exercise. When he did not come to camp on Monday, we found out that he had collapsed from fatigue at the Marathon, and was given 3 days MC.
I was supposed to be clearing my leave before the year-end, but because there was no other medic left, I had to cancel my leave and go for that 5-day exercise in Soon Huat's place.
Hours before setting off for the exercise, I called him at home from camp on Tuesday afternoon in order to jibe him playfully. After all, it was not his fault that he fainted two days before. But to my horror, his mom said that he went to catch a movie! Can you believe that? Here I was, having to cancel my leave to cover for him, and there he was enjoying himself even though he was supposed to be resting at home!
Needless to say, I was fuming mad during those entire 5-days and very resentful of Soon Huat.
But looking back now, I thank the LORD for the turn of events.
Because I had to cancel my leave that week, I had to reschedule it another week.
Because I had to clear my leave by year-end (else it would be forfeited), the only week left for me to take was the week of the MYF-Sunday School Camp (other medics from other units but in the same medical centre had already scheduled leave in Christmas week, and there was not to be more than 3 medics on leave at any one time, because we had medical centre duty as well to fulfill).
So I had to take leave on the 3rd week of December, and somehow when Choon Seng saw me again in church, this time around, I signed up for the camp!
To cut a long story short, God was calling me back to himself, and I re-dedicated my life to Him at that Camp. I was also given the "Best Camper" Award for that camp, and joined the MYF straight after that.
My spiritual life picked up again, and I served the Lord zealously the following years in the NTU Christian Fellowship in various capacities including Publicity and Programme Coordinator, Editor, Vice Chair of a Subcommittee and Chairman of the Freshmen Orientation. In fact, my CCA involvement was heaviest when in the University.
Shih Mean, my camp and unit mate, came back from his Class I training in Jan 1988 and must have seen the change that God did in my life. I brought him to church, and we were both followed-up by Jeffrey Khaw. He was "Best Camper" in the MYF Camp of 1988. In fact, the year I was Vice Chair of NTUCF's Resource & Publications Subcommittee, he was the Chairman. He is now serving the Lord as a cell leader in another church.
I will be 40 in December this year. As I look back upon my life, I thank God for His timely interventions in 1979 (new convert), in 1986 (near-death experience), in 1987 (rededication), in 2002 (restoration of marriage), in 2005 (restoration of career) and 2006-2007 (progressive revelation of the finished work of Jesus on the cross).
All praise and glory be to Him and Him alone!
The Big Picture
Sunday, 22nd July 2007
It's been a week since the news officially broke that Pastor B would be moving on to become a pastor at Cairnhill Methodist Church.
Many of us are saddened by the rather abrupt and unexpected departure. My mom, for one, and some of my ex-cell members were clearly very upset about this.
Of course, Pastor B will be fondly remembered for his great contributions to PLMC, especially in the areas of youth and music and worship. I blogged about how I personally felt about the situation last Sunday, after the announcement was made to the congregation.
However, instead of getting emotionally carried away, let us remember what Pastor Peter Koh said about the itinerant system adopted by TRAC, which is the English-speaking section of the Methodist Church. This system works because pastors can preach boldly without fear or favour. Like Pastor Peter said last week, he can "scold" us without being beholden to us.
The TRAC President has the prerogative to assign pastors to churches according to the needs of each of the congregations under his charge, as the LORD has impressed upon him to do so.
Cairnhill needs Pastor B more than we do, so let us send him off without any feelings of animosity towards that church (or even our President). I for one, will visit Cairnhill (like I have done so for the past 3 years already) when a Thanksgiving Service is held there sometime in mid-November 2007 to give praise to God for seeing the ACSJ boys through the year.
I also know for a fact that the President, being an "old boy" of our church, would have sentimental feelings towards his own home church. The last thing he would do is to harm our church, right?
With all the hoo-ha about Pastor B leaving, we have neglected the fact that a new pastor, Pastor Reuben Ng will be joining us on 1 August 2007.
From what sources tell me, he is also very good with the youth and a fantastic preacher. He is a father of 2 young girls.
Before graduating from Trinity Theological College, he attended Rhema Bible Training Centre, together with our cluster leader Yeok Ming and our church staff Andy Toh. I found the following testimony of his on Rhema's website.
So let us see the bigger picture here. Come 1 August, let us extend our warmest hospitality to Pastor Ng and his family to make them feel at home. Maybe invite themm to our cell meeting, and even take them out of lunch or dinner. Amen?
It's been a week since the news officially broke that Pastor B would be moving on to become a pastor at Cairnhill Methodist Church.
Many of us are saddened by the rather abrupt and unexpected departure. My mom, for one, and some of my ex-cell members were clearly very upset about this.
Of course, Pastor B will be fondly remembered for his great contributions to PLMC, especially in the areas of youth and music and worship. I blogged about how I personally felt about the situation last Sunday, after the announcement was made to the congregation.
However, instead of getting emotionally carried away, let us remember what Pastor Peter Koh said about the itinerant system adopted by TRAC, which is the English-speaking section of the Methodist Church. This system works because pastors can preach boldly without fear or favour. Like Pastor Peter said last week, he can "scold" us without being beholden to us.
The TRAC President has the prerogative to assign pastors to churches according to the needs of each of the congregations under his charge, as the LORD has impressed upon him to do so.
Cairnhill needs Pastor B more than we do, so let us send him off without any feelings of animosity towards that church (or even our President). I for one, will visit Cairnhill (like I have done so for the past 3 years already) when a Thanksgiving Service is held there sometime in mid-November 2007 to give praise to God for seeing the ACSJ boys through the year.
I also know for a fact that the President, being an "old boy" of our church, would have sentimental feelings towards his own home church. The last thing he would do is to harm our church, right?
With all the hoo-ha about Pastor B leaving, we have neglected the fact that a new pastor, Pastor Reuben Ng will be joining us on 1 August 2007.
From what sources tell me, he is also very good with the youth and a fantastic preacher. He is a father of 2 young girls.
Before graduating from Trinity Theological College, he attended Rhema Bible Training Centre, together with our cluster leader Yeok Ming and our church staff Andy Toh. I found the following testimony of his on Rhema's website.
So let us see the bigger picture here. Come 1 August, let us extend our warmest hospitality to Pastor Ng and his family to make them feel at home. Maybe invite themm to our cell meeting, and even take them out of lunch or dinner. Amen?
Divisions in Church History
Saturday, 21st July 2007
A couple of days ago, I received an email from a dear sister telling me that she felt uncomfortable about my blog entry "The Path Already Taken", because it may result in dividing the body, rather than edifying and uniting it.
Granted that she does have a point. But I am just blogging from my heart in all truthfulness and honesty. And that dear brother Jonathan did make those comments; it was not a figment of anyone's imagination.
The question therefore is whether we should remain silent so that we do not "divide the body"?
I would pose a similar question to Martin Luther. When he started to protest against papal practices, it divided the Catholic church. What resulted was the Reformation.
I would pose a similar question to John Wesley. When he reached out to the coal miners, it divided the Anglican church. What resulted was Methodism.
I would pose a similar question to Lawrence Khong. When he started speaking in tongues, it divided the Baptist church. The result was Faith Community-Baptist Church.
Come to think of it, "stealing sheep" is a misnomer, because it is not carried out so easily nowadays.
Sheep these days are not so dumb as to get "stolen" by other shepherds. Nor do they just merely follow their fellow sheep blindly. They move about willingly and with much mobility because there is a hunger within them for food that nourishes their souls.
So shepherds that see an outflow of sheep should instead examine themselves, and ask the Lord to reveal to them whether what they have been feeding their flock remains relevant for their spiritual growth.
A couple of days ago, I received an email from a dear sister telling me that she felt uncomfortable about my blog entry "The Path Already Taken", because it may result in dividing the body, rather than edifying and uniting it.
Granted that she does have a point. But I am just blogging from my heart in all truthfulness and honesty. And that dear brother Jonathan did make those comments; it was not a figment of anyone's imagination.
The question therefore is whether we should remain silent so that we do not "divide the body"?
I would pose a similar question to Martin Luther. When he started to protest against papal practices, it divided the Catholic church. What resulted was the Reformation.
I would pose a similar question to John Wesley. When he reached out to the coal miners, it divided the Anglican church. What resulted was Methodism.
I would pose a similar question to Lawrence Khong. When he started speaking in tongues, it divided the Baptist church. The result was Faith Community-Baptist Church.
Come to think of it, "stealing sheep" is a misnomer, because it is not carried out so easily nowadays.
Sheep these days are not so dumb as to get "stolen" by other shepherds. Nor do they just merely follow their fellow sheep blindly. They move about willingly and with much mobility because there is a hunger within them for food that nourishes their souls.
So shepherds that see an outflow of sheep should instead examine themselves, and ask the Lord to reveal to them whether what they have been feeding their flock remains relevant for their spiritual growth.
Telling It Like It Is
Friday, 20th July 2007
Consider the following passages of Scripture
"You brood of vipers!" (Matt 3:7)
"You are like whitewash tombs" (Matt 23:27)
"You foolish Galatians!" (Gal 3:1)
The first remark was made by John the Baptist.
The second remark was made by Jesus Christ.
The third remark was made by the apostle Paul.
If one were to be on the receiving end of the above, would one feel offended and consider the remarks to be of "strong and rude language"?
I guess so.
So why did the above men utter these rather harsh and angry words?
And why did the Holy Spirit see fit to have them recorded in the Word of God?
Could it be because of the gravity and severity of the matter at hand, that they had to "tell it like it is", and not mince their words or hide behind niceties?
In Matt 3:7, John the Baptist directed his remarks at the Pharisees and Sadducees, who knew the Law like the back of their hand.
In Matt 23:27, Jesus likewise directed his remarks at the scribes and the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law.
In Gal 3:1, Paul directed His remarks at the church of Galatia, because they were going back to the Law.
From the above, it cannot be over-emphasised that legalism goes against the very heart of the gospel.
Fast forward to today. There are still people who insist on keeping the Law, even though they are now under Grace. We cannot mix the two together, because it is akin to spiritual adultery, which is the way Paul describes in Romans 7.
These are also the very people who consider such Mt Zion grace teachings as heretic, labelling their followers as "lawless" and "licentious". It is like they have a culture shock when they come across such believers.
Hmm...in the days when certain customs were considered to be the "right thing to do", it must have been a similar culture shock to see "lawless" and "licentious" people not fasting when others did (Matt 9:14), or helping themselves to corn as they walked through a cornfield (Matt 12:1), or not washing their hands first before eating (Matt 15:2).
So how should our response be to such legalistic people? I say let's follow the example of John, Jesus and Paul and tell it like it is to them too!
If they find the language too "strong and rude", maybe they should instead be examining their own hearts. Amen?
Consider the following passages of Scripture
"You brood of vipers!" (Matt 3:7)
"You are like whitewash tombs" (Matt 23:27)
"You foolish Galatians!" (Gal 3:1)
The first remark was made by John the Baptist.
The second remark was made by Jesus Christ.
The third remark was made by the apostle Paul.
If one were to be on the receiving end of the above, would one feel offended and consider the remarks to be of "strong and rude language"?
I guess so.
So why did the above men utter these rather harsh and angry words?
And why did the Holy Spirit see fit to have them recorded in the Word of God?
Could it be because of the gravity and severity of the matter at hand, that they had to "tell it like it is", and not mince their words or hide behind niceties?
In Matt 3:7, John the Baptist directed his remarks at the Pharisees and Sadducees, who knew the Law like the back of their hand.
In Matt 23:27, Jesus likewise directed his remarks at the scribes and the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law.
In Gal 3:1, Paul directed His remarks at the church of Galatia, because they were going back to the Law.
From the above, it cannot be over-emphasised that legalism goes against the very heart of the gospel.
Fast forward to today. There are still people who insist on keeping the Law, even though they are now under Grace. We cannot mix the two together, because it is akin to spiritual adultery, which is the way Paul describes in Romans 7.
These are also the very people who consider such Mt Zion grace teachings as heretic, labelling their followers as "lawless" and "licentious". It is like they have a culture shock when they come across such believers.
Hmm...in the days when certain customs were considered to be the "right thing to do", it must have been a similar culture shock to see "lawless" and "licentious" people not fasting when others did (Matt 9:14), or helping themselves to corn as they walked through a cornfield (Matt 12:1), or not washing their hands first before eating (Matt 15:2).
So how should our response be to such legalistic people? I say let's follow the example of John, Jesus and Paul and tell it like it is to them too!
If they find the language too "strong and rude", maybe they should instead be examining their own hearts. Amen?
The Path Already Taken
Thursday, 19th July 2007
I have shared elsewhere on this blog that I was contemplating leaving the church of my forefathers to join 15,000 others.
Well, the truth is that the LORD has not asked me to leave yet, so my season still remains here. I am grateful that in the meantime, God has provided me with the means to continue to receive Pastor Prince's anointed messages. I have subscribed to his sermons, so about a week after he preaches, I receive that same sermon via the mail, so that I am kept up-to-date with what is happening over at NCC.
Pastor Prince was recently in Hillsong Australia, the largest church in Sydney, on the invitation of Brian Houston, to preach on his pet topic -- Law and Grace. So the LORD continues to bless and multiply his ministry, not just in Singapore but overseas as well. And in so doing, his critics are being silenced. He does not have to vindicate himself, because God has done that for him.
Anyway, I happen to come across the following comments that were written on a blogger's website:
Jonathan wrote:
Hi, just want to comment on NCC which I attended for past 1yr. I have grown in a deeper relationship with Jesus & known the love of God in a deeper way that lead me out of my panic attacks. I have never been more passionate in my faith than when I was in my previous Methodist Ch in Boundary Road, when I served as a cell leader, worship leader, Boys Brigade & various committees. In fact the previous Methodist Pastor-in-charge tried to teach on the Blood Covenant (our blessings in Christ) but things never progressed after he moved on to greater calling in the Methodist organization here. Now the new pastors of that Methodist Ch said in a prayer meeting that "evil has entered the Church" after someone shared on taking holy communion in their cell groups (having learnt from NCC). Its funny cause the pastors have no idea many of their serving members are taking in spritual food from NCC. For me, I'm new wine and won't fit into the old wineskin anymore. Amen. Jonathan
19/2/07 9:59 PM
So looks like I am not the first to feel this way. The path has already been taken by this other dear brother.
But my time is not yet, so I will continue to serve the Lord as Treasurer and cell leader where I currently am. Praise be to God!
I have shared elsewhere on this blog that I was contemplating leaving the church of my forefathers to join 15,000 others.
Well, the truth is that the LORD has not asked me to leave yet, so my season still remains here. I am grateful that in the meantime, God has provided me with the means to continue to receive Pastor Prince's anointed messages. I have subscribed to his sermons, so about a week after he preaches, I receive that same sermon via the mail, so that I am kept up-to-date with what is happening over at NCC.
Pastor Prince was recently in Hillsong Australia, the largest church in Sydney, on the invitation of Brian Houston, to preach on his pet topic -- Law and Grace. So the LORD continues to bless and multiply his ministry, not just in Singapore but overseas as well. And in so doing, his critics are being silenced. He does not have to vindicate himself, because God has done that for him.
Anyway, I happen to come across the following comments that were written on a blogger's website:
Jonathan wrote:
Hi, just want to comment on NCC which I attended for past 1yr. I have grown in a deeper relationship with Jesus & known the love of God in a deeper way that lead me out of my panic attacks. I have never been more passionate in my faith than when I was in my previous Methodist Ch in Boundary Road, when I served as a cell leader, worship leader, Boys Brigade & various committees. In fact the previous Methodist Pastor-in-charge tried to teach on the Blood Covenant (our blessings in Christ) but things never progressed after he moved on to greater calling in the Methodist organization here. Now the new pastors of that Methodist Ch said in a prayer meeting that "evil has entered the Church" after someone shared on taking holy communion in their cell groups (having learnt from NCC). Its funny cause the pastors have no idea many of their serving members are taking in spritual food from NCC. For me, I'm new wine and won't fit into the old wineskin anymore. Amen. Jonathan
19/2/07 9:59 PM
So looks like I am not the first to feel this way. The path has already been taken by this other dear brother.
But my time is not yet, so I will continue to serve the Lord as Treasurer and cell leader where I currently am. Praise be to God!
Alive and Kicking
Wednesday, 18th July 2007
In an earlier blog entry, I had mentioned what my all-time Top 10 Christian rock/pop songs are.
Just to recap, they are:
01. Jesus Freak - DC Talk
02. Take Me To Your Leader - Newsboys
03. More Sold Out - Whiteheart
04. I Am On The Rock - Petra
05. (Never Gonna Be As) Big As Jesus -Audio Adrenaline
06. Little Drummer - Jars of Clay
07. To Hell With The Devil - Stryper
08. Original Superman - Pillar
09. All For You - JONAH33
10. Alive - POD
I have already blogged about the songs from #1 to #9, so that leaves #10 to wrap this topic up.
P.O.D. stands for "payable on death", referring to the price that Jesus paid for us by His redemptive work when he died on the cross for our sins. They hail from San Diego, California and their music is classified as Nu Metal.
This particular song "Alive" speaks about the abundant life that a believer has in Christ.
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed, the new has come".
As believers, we are alive (and kicking). Amen?
In an earlier blog entry, I had mentioned what my all-time Top 10 Christian rock/pop songs are.
Just to recap, they are:
01. Jesus Freak - DC Talk
02. Take Me To Your Leader - Newsboys
03. More Sold Out - Whiteheart
04. I Am On The Rock - Petra
05. (Never Gonna Be As) Big As Jesus -Audio Adrenaline
06. Little Drummer - Jars of Clay
07. To Hell With The Devil - Stryper
08. Original Superman - Pillar
09. All For You - JONAH33
10. Alive - POD
I have already blogged about the songs from #1 to #9, so that leaves #10 to wrap this topic up.
P.O.D. stands for "payable on death", referring to the price that Jesus paid for us by His redemptive work when he died on the cross for our sins. They hail from San Diego, California and their music is classified as Nu Metal.
This particular song "Alive" speaks about the abundant life that a believer has in Christ.
Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed, the new has come".
Everyday is a new day
I’m thankful for every breath I take
I won’t take it for granted (I won't take it for granted)
So I learn from my mistakes
It’s beyond my control,
sometimes it’s best to let go
Whatever happens in this lifetime
So I trust in love (So I trust in love)
You have given me peace of mind
Chorus:
I, I feel so alive
for the very first time
I can’t deny you
I feel so alive
I, I feel so alive
for the very first time
And I think I can fly
Sunshine upon my face (Sunshine upon my face)
A new song for me to sing
Tell the world how I feel inside (tell the world how I feel inside)
Even though it might cost me everything
And now that I know that
it's beyond my control
It's like I can never turn my back away
And now that I’ve seen you (and now that I see you)
I can never look away
As believers, we are alive (and kicking). Amen?
One Year On...
Tuesday, 17th July 2007
17 July may not be a significant day for many people, but it is for yours truly.
Nope, it's not my birthday or wedding anniversary.
It's the day that ROOTSS was first launched.
ROOTSS first appeared on 17 July 2006 in Yahoo 360, when I felt the need to put the thoughts that God had been impressing upon me on electronic paper.
Back then, I had just read a book by Pastor Prince called Right Place Right Time (which appeared as a blog entry on 18 July 2006).
But it was only at the start of this year that blogging became a more passionate activity for me.
ROOTSS was "uprooted" and "replanted" on Blogspot on 17 January 2007.
Needless to say, I have been receiving mixed feedback from various persons.
On the one hand, there has been positive feedback from very unexpected quarters where brothers and sisters have told me that they were very edified and encouraged by my posts. I blog from my heart, with no hidden agenda whatsoever, and I suppose there is a freshness in the frankness that comes across.
On the other hand, there has also been negative feedback (especially from the "establishment" types) that my blog contain entries that are "severely disturbing", that the doctines I subscribe to are heretic, that my favourite pastor leads a cult church whose growth comes about by stealing sheep from other churches, etc.
There is even a brother who refuses to link his blog to mine (even though I have no problems linking mine to his). May God bless his dear heart :-)
I take comfort from the fact that the disciples of our Lord Jesus Himself themselves encountered opposition. The holier-than-thou Pharisees and scribes would have accused Him of "starting a cult" that went against the religious establishment of Judaism.
Just imagine the look on their faces, for example, when they saw Jesus' disciples breaking the Sabbath by helping themselves to the corn when they walked through the field, as recorded in Matt 12:1 .
Or when they saw that they did not wash their hands before partaking of a meal, as recorded in Matt 15:2.
At the end of the day, we are here to please God and not men (Acts 4:19).
And that affirmation came by means of the Best Christian Blog of the Week award that was bestowed upon ROOTSS on 4 February 2007. Thank you, Lord!
ROOTSS turns one today. Like William Hung would say in response to Simon Cowell, "I have done my best. I have no regrets at all."
You can thus expect more of the same in the year to come.
Yes, more radical posts about the gospel of grace and the finished work of the cross.
Unreservedly. Without apologies. No holds barred.
More good years!
17 July may not be a significant day for many people, but it is for yours truly.Nope, it's not my birthday or wedding anniversary.
It's the day that ROOTSS was first launched.
ROOTSS first appeared on 17 July 2006 in Yahoo 360, when I felt the need to put the thoughts that God had been impressing upon me on electronic paper.
Back then, I had just read a book by Pastor Prince called Right Place Right Time (which appeared as a blog entry on 18 July 2006).But it was only at the start of this year that blogging became a more passionate activity for me.
ROOTSS was "uprooted" and "replanted" on Blogspot on 17 January 2007.
Needless to say, I have been receiving mixed feedback from various persons.
On the one hand, there has been positive feedback from very unexpected quarters where brothers and sisters have told me that they were very edified and encouraged by my posts. I blog from my heart, with no hidden agenda whatsoever, and I suppose there is a freshness in the frankness that comes across.
On the other hand, there has also been negative feedback (especially from the "establishment" types) that my blog contain entries that are "severely disturbing", that the doctines I subscribe to are heretic, that my favourite pastor leads a cult church whose growth comes about by stealing sheep from other churches, etc.
There is even a brother who refuses to link his blog to mine (even though I have no problems linking mine to his). May God bless his dear heart :-)
I take comfort from the fact that the disciples of our Lord Jesus Himself themselves encountered opposition. The holier-than-thou Pharisees and scribes would have accused Him of "starting a cult" that went against the religious establishment of Judaism.
Just imagine the look on their faces, for example, when they saw Jesus' disciples breaking the Sabbath by helping themselves to the corn when they walked through the field, as recorded in Matt 12:1 .
Or when they saw that they did not wash their hands before partaking of a meal, as recorded in Matt 15:2.
At the end of the day, we are here to please God and not men (Acts 4:19).
And that affirmation came by means of the Best Christian Blog of the Week award that was bestowed upon ROOTSS on 4 February 2007. Thank you, Lord!
ROOTSS turns one today. Like William Hung would say in response to Simon Cowell, "I have done my best. I have no regrets at all."
You can thus expect more of the same in the year to come.
Yes, more radical posts about the gospel of grace and the finished work of the cross.
Unreservedly. Without apologies. No holds barred.
More good years!
Destined to Reign
Monday, 16th July 2007
Today's blog entry is actually the title of the 324-page hardcover book just released by Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church.
In this book, he journals the journey of how the Lord placed in his heart the need to preach boldly and unapologetically the gospel of grace and finished work of the cross.
This has resulted in the explosive and phenomenal hundredfold growth of his church from a mere 150 to more than 15,000 in 2007.
Here is a brief write-up of the book...
"The secret to effortless success, wholeness and victorious living.
Discover the secret of reigning over every adversity, lack and destructive habit that is limiting you from experiencing the success, wholeness and victory that you were destined to enjoy.
Find out how it is not about what you have to do, but what has already been done.
It is not about what you must accomplish, but what has already been accomplished for you.
It is not about using your will power to effect change, but His power changing you.
Start reigning over sickness, financial lack, broken relationships and destructive habits today! "
You can place an online order for the book here.
I just did :-)
Today's blog entry is actually the title of the 324-page hardcover book just released by Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church.
In this book, he journals the journey of how the Lord placed in his heart the need to preach boldly and unapologetically the gospel of grace and finished work of the cross.
This has resulted in the explosive and phenomenal hundredfold growth of his church from a mere 150 to more than 15,000 in 2007.
Here is a brief write-up of the book..."The secret to effortless success, wholeness and victorious living.
Discover the secret of reigning over every adversity, lack and destructive habit that is limiting you from experiencing the success, wholeness and victory that you were destined to enjoy.
Find out how it is not about what you have to do, but what has already been done.
It is not about what you must accomplish, but what has already been accomplished for you.
It is not about using your will power to effect change, but His power changing you.
Start reigning over sickness, financial lack, broken relationships and destructive habits today! "
You can place an online order for the book here.
I just did :-)
Stealing Shepherds?
Sunday, 15th July 2007
Exactly 3 months ago, on Sunday 15th April, I blogged on the topic of "Stealing Sheep?"
It is no mere coincidence that 3 months later, on Sunday 15th July, I would be blogging on the topic of "Stealing Shepherds?"
I guess by now you must have received the news that our dear Pastor B will be leaving us on 1 August to go to Cairnhill Methodist Church.
This may have come as a surprise or shock to many of us, because he has only been with PLMC for slightly over a year and a half. Yet, in this relatively short period, the Lord has already used him mightily to impact the lives of many, and made inroads, especially among the children and youth.
Personally, I have also been ministered in at least 3 areas.
Firstly, he is the only pastor I know that is humble enough to join a cell group. It was truly a divine appointment that he and his lovely wife May and kids Aaron, Elisha and Josiah became members of 3L2 in July 2006.
Secondly, his talk at Fusion 2007 about Dusting For Satan's Fingerprints was an eye-opener for many (including myself) to be wary about the music, movies and TV programs that we listen to or watch.
And thirdly, he wrote the song Great God for our Ohana Camp, a song which will go down in the history of PLMC as the very 1st song written by a pastor of PLMC, and be remembered for generations to come.
So you can be sure that I will be misssing the author of Missingrims ...
Then again, having said all the above, there is reason to rejoice...
Pastor B will be moving on to shepherd a flock of about 180 members with the potential to grow at least fourfold.
CMC now worships at the hall of ACSJ, but will be moving to the 700-seater auditorium of the new school premises in a couple of years' time.
They require a visionary to come up with programs and activities that will spur the members on to greater heights.
And I can think of no other person who fits the bill better than our dear Pastor B.
I remember three years back when our previous PIC, Rev Wee Boon Hup had to move on to assume the office of TRAC President.
Sure, many of us in PLMC were sad to lose an "old boy" who had seen us through more than 10 years.
Yet, we knew that God had a higher calling for him to impact not just one, but all the TRAC churches in Singapore.
So just like the earlier post about Stealing Sheep, let us also be magnanimous here and not get upset about a shepherd of ours being "snatched away", so to speak.
His season with PLMC is about to come to an end, but his season with CMC is about to commence, and I am sure God has even greater plans for him over there. Amen?
Exactly 3 months ago, on Sunday 15th April, I blogged on the topic of "Stealing Sheep?"
It is no mere coincidence that 3 months later, on Sunday 15th July, I would be blogging on the topic of "Stealing Shepherds?"
I guess by now you must have received the news that our dear Pastor B will be leaving us on 1 August to go to Cairnhill Methodist Church.
This may have come as a surprise or shock to many of us, because he has only been with PLMC for slightly over a year and a half. Yet, in this relatively short period, the Lord has already used him mightily to impact the lives of many, and made inroads, especially among the children and youth.
Personally, I have also been ministered in at least 3 areas.
Firstly, he is the only pastor I know that is humble enough to join a cell group. It was truly a divine appointment that he and his lovely wife May and kids Aaron, Elisha and Josiah became members of 3L2 in July 2006.
Secondly, his talk at Fusion 2007 about Dusting For Satan's Fingerprints was an eye-opener for many (including myself) to be wary about the music, movies and TV programs that we listen to or watch.
And thirdly, he wrote the song Great God for our Ohana Camp, a song which will go down in the history of PLMC as the very 1st song written by a pastor of PLMC, and be remembered for generations to come.
So you can be sure that I will be misssing the author of Missingrims ...
Then again, having said all the above, there is reason to rejoice...
Pastor B will be moving on to shepherd a flock of about 180 members with the potential to grow at least fourfold.
CMC now worships at the hall of ACSJ, but will be moving to the 700-seater auditorium of the new school premises in a couple of years' time.
They require a visionary to come up with programs and activities that will spur the members on to greater heights.
And I can think of no other person who fits the bill better than our dear Pastor B.
I remember three years back when our previous PIC, Rev Wee Boon Hup had to move on to assume the office of TRAC President.
Sure, many of us in PLMC were sad to lose an "old boy" who had seen us through more than 10 years.
Yet, we knew that God had a higher calling for him to impact not just one, but all the TRAC churches in Singapore.
So just like the earlier post about Stealing Sheep, let us also be magnanimous here and not get upset about a shepherd of ours being "snatched away", so to speak.
His season with PLMC is about to come to an end, but his season with CMC is about to commence, and I am sure God has even greater plans for him over there. Amen?
For Nation and For God
Saturday, 14th July 2007
There is a philosophy that the church and state must remain separate. That politics and religion cannot mix. That patriotism and piousness are at odds with each other.
I beg to differ.
King David was a prime example of one who loved both his country and the Lord with equal zeal. From the age of twelve, he defended his country against the Philiistines (which was Israel's sworn enemy), and killed Goliath, their giant warrior. He was subsequently made King of Israel. Yet, at the same time, he was described as a man after God's own heart, and wrote the most of the Psalms.
Prophets such as Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hosea, and mighty men/women of God such as Daniel, Ezekiel and Esther, were also zealous for both nation and God.
Fast forward to today. We who profess our love for the Lord can likewise be equally passionate about our nation, referred by many as the Antioch of Asia.
With National Day just around the corner, citizens are encouraged to fly the flag in the months of July and August to celebrate Singapore's 42nd year of independence.
So let's do so...
Let's stand up for Singapore, because there is where our God has placed us.
For nation and for God!
There is a philosophy that the church and state must remain separate. That politics and religion cannot mix. That patriotism and piousness are at odds with each other.
I beg to differ.
King David was a prime example of one who loved both his country and the Lord with equal zeal. From the age of twelve, he defended his country against the Philiistines (which was Israel's sworn enemy), and killed Goliath, their giant warrior. He was subsequently made King of Israel. Yet, at the same time, he was described as a man after God's own heart, and wrote the most of the Psalms.
Prophets such as Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Hosea, and mighty men/women of God such as Daniel, Ezekiel and Esther, were also zealous for both nation and God.
Fast forward to today. We who profess our love for the Lord can likewise be equally passionate about our nation, referred by many as the Antioch of Asia.
With National Day just around the corner, citizens are encouraged to fly the flag in the months of July and August to celebrate Singapore's 42nd year of independence.
So let's do so...
| be it at home... |  |
| at the office... |  |
| or anywhere else :-) |  |
Let's stand up for Singapore, because there is where our God has placed us.
For nation and for God!
The Stones Cry Out!
Friday, 13th July 2007
If the title of today's post sounds familiar, it is because that is the theme given to the 40-day prayer that has been prepared by LoveSingapore.
LoveSingapore started out as a pastors' prayer meeting in March 1993 in a tiny container at Elim Church on Serangoon Road.
The current committee reads like a "who's who" of anointed men of God, namely:
Rick Seaward (Victory Family Centre)
Eugene Seow (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Derek Hong (Church of Our Saviour)
Lawrence Chua (Living Sanctuary Brethren Church)
Guna Raman (Agape Baptist Church)
Lawrence Khong (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Edmund Chan (Covenant Evangelical Free Church)
Benny Ho (Faith Community Church)
Moses Tay (retired Archbishop of Anglican Church)
James Lee (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Chua Hock Lin (Victory Family Centre)
Alan Lim (Youth With A Mission)
2007 marks the 11th year of this series of meditations, that is to begin each year on 1 July and end 40 days later, on 9 Aug, the day of our nation's birthday, no less.
This year's meditations (simply entitled 40Day 07) are very thought-provoking and I will share some thoughts on them over the next few days.
Till tomorrow.
If the title of today's post sounds familiar, it is because that is the theme given to the 40-day prayer that has been prepared by LoveSingapore.LoveSingapore started out as a pastors' prayer meeting in March 1993 in a tiny container at Elim Church on Serangoon Road.
The current committee reads like a "who's who" of anointed men of God, namely:
Rick Seaward (Victory Family Centre)
Eugene Seow (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Derek Hong (Church of Our Saviour)
Lawrence Chua (Living Sanctuary Brethren Church)
Guna Raman (Agape Baptist Church)
Lawrence Khong (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Edmund Chan (Covenant Evangelical Free Church)
Benny Ho (Faith Community Church)
Moses Tay (retired Archbishop of Anglican Church)
James Lee (Faith Community Baptist Church)
Chua Hock Lin (Victory Family Centre)
Alan Lim (Youth With A Mission)
2007 marks the 11th year of this series of meditations, that is to begin each year on 1 July and end 40 days later, on 9 Aug, the day of our nation's birthday, no less.
This year's meditations (simply entitled 40Day 07) are very thought-provoking and I will share some thoughts on them over the next few days.
Till tomorrow.
I Don't Bother
Thursday, 12th July 2007
There is this "game" that is "played" when two persons happen to say the same word at the same time.
One person will attempt to say to the other first, "Jinx!"
If both happen to say the word "jinx" contemporaneously, then one person will attempt to say to the other first, "Double jinx".
If again, both persons happen to say the words "double jinx" simultaneously, then the game is supposed to end with "Give me a soda!".
Well, my son has added a fourth which is "I don't bother".
As a matter of fact, this has now become one of his favourite phrases.
Come to think of it, not being bothered is Biblical when the time calls for it.
Jesus Himself told Martha in Luke 10:41, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things" (NASB)
We see in Luke 8:22 our Lord Jesus not being bothered by the wind and the storm, fast asleep in the boat.
We see Paul telling us in Phil 4:6 not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, to make our requests be known to God.
We see Peter telling us in 1 Pet 5:7 to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.
So the next time the devil tries to bring worry, fear or anxiety upon you, respond the way my son does and tell him, "I don't bother!" Amen?
There is this "game" that is "played" when two persons happen to say the same word at the same time.
One person will attempt to say to the other first, "Jinx!"
If both happen to say the word "jinx" contemporaneously, then one person will attempt to say to the other first, "Double jinx".
If again, both persons happen to say the words "double jinx" simultaneously, then the game is supposed to end with "Give me a soda!".
Well, my son has added a fourth which is "I don't bother".
As a matter of fact, this has now become one of his favourite phrases.
Come to think of it, not being bothered is Biblical when the time calls for it.
Jesus Himself told Martha in Luke 10:41, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things" (NASB)
We see in Luke 8:22 our Lord Jesus not being bothered by the wind and the storm, fast asleep in the boat.
We see Paul telling us in Phil 4:6 not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, to make our requests be known to God.
We see Peter telling us in 1 Pet 5:7 to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.
So the next time the devil tries to bring worry, fear or anxiety upon you, respond the way my son does and tell him, "I don't bother!" Amen?
Giving Credit to Whom it's Due
Wednesday, 11th July 2007
I was just listening to the latest sermon by Pastor Prince that he preached on 1 July 2007 entitled Don’t Fight – Feed! He was mentioning that the world today seems to be attributing bad things to God, and good things to the devil!
For example, insurance policies exclude calamities that result from “acts of God” such as earthquakes, tsunamis and the like. But we know that these are actually acts of the devil, because he is the thief that has come to kill, steal and destroy.
On the other hand, terms like “handsome devil” and “sinfully sweet” have become part of our vernacular.
It is our Lord Jesus who is the fairest of ten thousand (Song of Songs 5:10), while everything about the devil is ugly and detestable .
Let us also refrain from using words that desensitize the gravity of the word “sin”, because it is the root of all the chaos and calamity around us.
If not for sin, mankind would have remained in the earthly paradise that was the Garden of Eden, enjoying unbroken fellowship with the Living God. If not for sin, we would not have to put up with all the unpleasantness that we see around us.
So let us give credit to whom it is due, and correctly attribute good things to our good God, and the evil things to the evil one. Amen?
I was just listening to the latest sermon by Pastor Prince that he preached on 1 July 2007 entitled Don’t Fight – Feed! He was mentioning that the world today seems to be attributing bad things to God, and good things to the devil!
For example, insurance policies exclude calamities that result from “acts of God” such as earthquakes, tsunamis and the like. But we know that these are actually acts of the devil, because he is the thief that has come to kill, steal and destroy.
On the other hand, terms like “handsome devil” and “sinfully sweet” have become part of our vernacular.
It is our Lord Jesus who is the fairest of ten thousand (Song of Songs 5:10), while everything about the devil is ugly and detestable .
Let us also refrain from using words that desensitize the gravity of the word “sin”, because it is the root of all the chaos and calamity around us.
If not for sin, mankind would have remained in the earthly paradise that was the Garden of Eden, enjoying unbroken fellowship with the Living God. If not for sin, we would not have to put up with all the unpleasantness that we see around us.
So let us give credit to whom it is due, and correctly attribute good things to our good God, and the evil things to the evil one. Amen?
Murphy's Law? Mosaic Law?
Tuesday, 10th July 2007
Continuing our reflections on the "counsel of the ungodly", many of you must have heard of the saying "it never rains but pours". This used to describe a situation where something bad does not just hit a person, but hits him very seriously.
A similar term to the one above is "Murphy's Law" -- if something can go wrong, it will.
Again, we as believers should ask ourselves whether we should embrace such worldly philosophies. Does it contradict Biblical principles if we subscribe to the belief that bad things happen in the extreme, or that things will go wrong if given the opportunity to?
If we believe in a God of the impossible, then even how bleak a situation may be, it will not be overwhelming. Even though it is raining, it will never pour. Instead, we should look forward to the rainbow, which is a symbol of God's covenant with us.
Even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil because our Shepherd's rod and staff comfort us and protect us from harm (Ps 23:4).
Even though something can go wrong, we will not allow it to, because we can speak against it. Being made in God's image, there is a similar power in our words. For example, we can name and claim perfect eyesight for our children, even though science tells us that myopia is genetic.
Even though a thousand may fall at one side's and ten thousand at one's right hand, no harm can come near us because we are dwelling in the secret place of the Most High (Ps 91:7).
So it does not matter whether it is Murphy's Law or the Mosaic Law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law.
We are a people no longer under the Law, but under Grace. Thanks be to God!
Continuing our reflections on the "counsel of the ungodly", many of you must have heard of the saying "it never rains but pours". This used to describe a situation where something bad does not just hit a person, but hits him very seriously.
A similar term to the one above is "Murphy's Law" -- if something can go wrong, it will.
Again, we as believers should ask ourselves whether we should embrace such worldly philosophies. Does it contradict Biblical principles if we subscribe to the belief that bad things happen in the extreme, or that things will go wrong if given the opportunity to?
If we believe in a God of the impossible, then even how bleak a situation may be, it will not be overwhelming. Even though it is raining, it will never pour. Instead, we should look forward to the rainbow, which is a symbol of God's covenant with us.
Even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil because our Shepherd's rod and staff comfort us and protect us from harm (Ps 23:4).
Even though something can go wrong, we will not allow it to, because we can speak against it. Being made in God's image, there is a similar power in our words. For example, we can name and claim perfect eyesight for our children, even though science tells us that myopia is genetic.
Even though a thousand may fall at one side's and ten thousand at one's right hand, no harm can come near us because we are dwelling in the secret place of the Most High (Ps 91:7).
So it does not matter whether it is Murphy's Law or the Mosaic Law. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law.
We are a people no longer under the Law, but under Grace. Thanks be to God!
Open Door / Close Door Policy
Monday, 9th July 2007
Last Friday, our cell group watch the movie Facing The Giants during our cell meeting
It was a very touching and inspiring movie, and I thank Pastor B for introducing it to PLMC.
In one particular scene, the main character Coach Grant Taylor quotes Rev 3:7, "What He (Jesus) opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open".
This has been a very timely reminder for me that God is in control of every situation. If He has opened for us the door to blessings such as divine health and prosperity, then no demon or deacon can shut it.
Likewise, if He has shut the door to curses such as poverty and generational diseases, then the devil cannot open it to bring them upon us.
Praise be to God for His "open door / close door policy" :-)
Last Friday, our cell group watch the movie Facing The Giants during our cell meeting
It was a very touching and inspiring movie, and I thank Pastor B for introducing it to PLMC.
In one particular scene, the main character Coach Grant Taylor quotes Rev 3:7, "What He (Jesus) opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open".
This has been a very timely reminder for me that God is in control of every situation. If He has opened for us the door to blessings such as divine health and prosperity, then no demon or deacon can shut it.
Likewise, if He has shut the door to curses such as poverty and generational diseases, then the devil cannot open it to bring them upon us.
Praise be to God for His "open door / close door policy" :-)
Heart to Heart 心连心
Sunday, 8th July 2007
If the title of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the theme given to our church's 75th anniversary celebrations.
To start it off, we had a combined Sunday service this morning, where more than 2,500 worshippers gathered together at 3 separate locations within the church premises to commemorate this momentous and joyous occasion.
The 3 locations (namely the Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall and the Chapel) were linked up (thanks to modern technology), the latter two serving as "overflow rooms".
We had the privilege of having our TRAC President (and immediate past PIC) Rev Wee Boon Hup to be our Guest-of-Honour, and he delivered a truly inspiring and anointed message entitled Continuous based on Eph 5:15-21.
In his sermon, Rev Wee told us that the just like a mobile phone that needs to be switched on so that it can received signals that are always in the air, we also likewise need to be "switched on" so that we are in a receiving mode to be filled by God's Spirit.
When he talked about a mobile phone that had to be switched on, the LORD brought to mind tshirts that I had bought from FunkyB for my wife, daughter and myself entitled "Connected". It shows a series of bars indicating the strength of the signals like what is seen on a mobile phone, but the tallest bar has been replaced with a cross.
But I am digressing here... :-)
Anyway, in order to be "switched on", there are 4 things that we need to do contemporaneously (ie. at the same time)
1. fellowship (speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs);
2. worship (singing and making melody with your heart with your heart to the Lord);
3. gratitude (always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord);
4. submission (be subject to one another in the fear of Christ).
What was an eye-opener to me was his pronouncement that revival has to start with oneself, so we should not go around looking for it.
We also saw a video of how our church had progressed from a congregation of less than 50 in the 1930s to a congregation of almost 2,500 as it stands today.
Here's to PLMC's next 75 years!
If the title of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the theme given to our church's 75th anniversary celebrations.
To start it off, we had a combined Sunday service this morning, where more than 2,500 worshippers gathered together at 3 separate locations within the church premises to commemorate this momentous and joyous occasion.The 3 locations (namely the Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall and the Chapel) were linked up (thanks to modern technology), the latter two serving as "overflow rooms".
We had the privilege of having our TRAC President (and immediate past PIC) Rev Wee Boon Hup to be our Guest-of-Honour, and he delivered a truly inspiring and anointed message entitled Continuous based on Eph 5:15-21.
In his sermon, Rev Wee told us that the just like a mobile phone that needs to be switched on so that it can received signals that are always in the air, we also likewise need to be "switched on" so that we are in a receiving mode to be filled by God's Spirit.
When he talked about a mobile phone that had to be switched on, the LORD brought to mind tshirts that I had bought from FunkyB for my wife, daughter and myself entitled "Connected". It shows a series of bars indicating the strength of the signals like what is seen on a mobile phone, but the tallest bar has been replaced with a cross.
But I am digressing here... :-)
Anyway, in order to be "switched on", there are 4 things that we need to do contemporaneously (ie. at the same time)
1. fellowship (speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs);
2. worship (singing and making melody with your heart with your heart to the Lord);
3. gratitude (always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord);
4. submission (be subject to one another in the fear of Christ).
What was an eye-opener to me was his pronouncement that revival has to start with oneself, so we should not go around looking for it.
We also saw a video of how our church had progressed from a congregation of less than 50 in the 1930s to a congregation of almost 2,500 as it stands today.
Here's to PLMC's next 75 years!
Oh Seven Oh Seven Oh Seven
Saturday, 7th July 2007
Today marks the 7th day of the 7th month, in the 7th year (of the 21st century).
Otherwise written as 07.07.07.
This day is supposed to be a significant day for Christians because 7 represents perfection.
Out of curiosity, my wife and I went to attend a gathering of believers where the speaker was renowned to have the gift of prophesy. During the meeting, he prophesied that God would raise someone who was present there to become a person of great influence in our nation -- a Cabinet Minister, no less!
This was a very timely prophesy, not only because it occured on 07.07.07, but because we truly need men and women of God to be placed in positions of influence, if our nation is to fulfil its role as the Antioch of Asia.
We already see the winds of change sweeping across our land. Very soon, we will be seeing casinos at our doorstep. Strong lobby groups are also pressing for changes to our Penal Code. Many songs, movies and plays that are being released nowadays have themes that run contrary to Biblical principles.
If we are not careful, we will be slipping down the slope towards moral decadence.
Like Rev Kong Hee mentioned in his sermon series on "Marketplace Evangelism", the church has traditionally been very strong in 2 of the 7 pillars of society, namely family and religion.
The body of Christ needs more labourers in the other 5: businesses, education, government, the arts, and media.
As we approach the endtimes, let us continue to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to do His kingdom work in all aspects of society.
Today marks the 7th day of the 7th month, in the 7th year (of the 21st century).
Otherwise written as 07.07.07.
This day is supposed to be a significant day for Christians because 7 represents perfection.
Out of curiosity, my wife and I went to attend a gathering of believers where the speaker was renowned to have the gift of prophesy. During the meeting, he prophesied that God would raise someone who was present there to become a person of great influence in our nation -- a Cabinet Minister, no less!
This was a very timely prophesy, not only because it occured on 07.07.07, but because we truly need men and women of God to be placed in positions of influence, if our nation is to fulfil its role as the Antioch of Asia.
We already see the winds of change sweeping across our land. Very soon, we will be seeing casinos at our doorstep. Strong lobby groups are also pressing for changes to our Penal Code. Many songs, movies and plays that are being released nowadays have themes that run contrary to Biblical principles.
If we are not careful, we will be slipping down the slope towards moral decadence.
Like Rev Kong Hee mentioned in his sermon series on "Marketplace Evangelism", the church has traditionally been very strong in 2 of the 7 pillars of society, namely family and religion.
The body of Christ needs more labourers in the other 5: businesses, education, government, the arts, and media.
As we approach the endtimes, let us continue to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to do His kingdom work in all aspects of society.
All Bad Things (Come to an End)
Friday, 6th July 2007
Continuing the subject of the "counsel of the ungodly", there is a earthly proverb that says that "all good things must come to an end".
In fact, there is even a song in the pop charts at the moment that goes by that name! (which makes one feel kind of depressed after listening to it, but that will the subject of another post).
When a series of pleasant experiences happen, many people will start to look over their shoulders and expect that something bad is going to happen, because "luck will run out" or "the law of averages will kick in".
But as believers, are we to subscribe to such a philosophy? Must all good things come to an end?
I submit to you that this is but a subtle lie of the evil one to prevent us from believing that God can be that good. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. He knows the plans for us, to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11).
Since God's plan is to prosper us and not to harm us, why should we believe that good things will come to an end? Do we choose to take Him at His Word, or do we rather believe the wisdom of the world, which is in effect the counsel of the ungodly?
If anything, the Christian's response to that proverb is "all bad things must come to an end". In Rom 8:28, we read that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even though our current situation or circumstance may appear to be bleak, we know that if God is for us, who can be against us? He will see us through!
We see many examples of the Lord's triumphant victory over the evil one.
In Genesis, we read how Joseph was sold as a slave to Egypt, ended up in prison for being wrongly accused by Potiphar's wife. Things appeared to be getting from bad to worse. Yet God was with him all the time, and raised him up to be the Pharoah's right-hand man, and he helped save his own family from starvation due to the famine.
In 1 Samuel, we read how David was hunted down by Saul and his army like an animal. Yet God preserved his life and he became one of most respected and revered kings in the history of Israel.
In the Gospels, we read how Jesus was whipped, mocked, tortured and met the most cruel form of punishment that existed at that time -- death by crucifixion. Yet 3 days later, the Holy Spirit raised Him from the dead, and that same Spirit is in us today, giving life to our mortal bodies.
Finally, we read in Revelations 20 how the devil, the personification of all that is bad and evil, will be thrown into the lake of fire.
So do not for one minute believe that all good things must come to an end. On the contrary, it is all bad things that must come to an ultimate end. Amen?
Continuing the subject of the "counsel of the ungodly", there is a earthly proverb that says that "all good things must come to an end".
In fact, there is even a song in the pop charts at the moment that goes by that name! (which makes one feel kind of depressed after listening to it, but that will the subject of another post).
When a series of pleasant experiences happen, many people will start to look over their shoulders and expect that something bad is going to happen, because "luck will run out" or "the law of averages will kick in".
But as believers, are we to subscribe to such a philosophy? Must all good things come to an end?
I submit to you that this is but a subtle lie of the evil one to prevent us from believing that God can be that good. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. He knows the plans for us, to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11).
Since God's plan is to prosper us and not to harm us, why should we believe that good things will come to an end? Do we choose to take Him at His Word, or do we rather believe the wisdom of the world, which is in effect the counsel of the ungodly?
If anything, the Christian's response to that proverb is "all bad things must come to an end". In Rom 8:28, we read that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even though our current situation or circumstance may appear to be bleak, we know that if God is for us, who can be against us? He will see us through!We see many examples of the Lord's triumphant victory over the evil one.
In Genesis, we read how Joseph was sold as a slave to Egypt, ended up in prison for being wrongly accused by Potiphar's wife. Things appeared to be getting from bad to worse. Yet God was with him all the time, and raised him up to be the Pharoah's right-hand man, and he helped save his own family from starvation due to the famine.
In 1 Samuel, we read how David was hunted down by Saul and his army like an animal. Yet God preserved his life and he became one of most respected and revered kings in the history of Israel.
In the Gospels, we read how Jesus was whipped, mocked, tortured and met the most cruel form of punishment that existed at that time -- death by crucifixion. Yet 3 days later, the Holy Spirit raised Him from the dead, and that same Spirit is in us today, giving life to our mortal bodies.
Finally, we read in Revelations 20 how the devil, the personification of all that is bad and evil, will be thrown into the lake of fire.
So do not for one minute believe that all good things must come to an end. On the contrary, it is all bad things that must come to an ultimate end. Amen?
Impossible is Nothing
Thursday, 5th July 2007
If the title of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the motto of Adidas, the sportswear giant from Germany.
Instead of "nothing is impossible", where "nothing" is the noun and "impossible" is the adjective, they have flipped to words such that the "impossible" becomes the noun and "nothing" becomes the adjective.
This is true about our God. To Him, the impossible is nothing. There is a Latin term "creatio ex nihilio" which means "creation out of nothing".
God, truly created everything out of nothing. We read in Genesis that He only had to speak the words, "light be" and light was.
Nothing is impossible with God, and to God, all things are possible. To Him, impossible is nothing.
The theme of "nothing is impossible with God" also came across in Pastor B's sermon last week on Facing the Giants, based on the movie of the same name. I was checking out the DVD that I just bought, and noted that it also comes with a Study Guide!
This Guide can be used for bible study or cell groups. It contains 8 topics for discussion, based on 8 scenes from the movie. The study materials for clip #3 "Attempting the Impossible" is shown on the right.
If the title of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the motto of Adidas, the sportswear giant from Germany.
Instead of "nothing is impossible", where "nothing" is the noun and "impossible" is the adjective, they have flipped to words such that the "impossible" becomes the noun and "nothing" becomes the adjective.
This is true about our God. To Him, the impossible is nothing. There is a Latin term "creatio ex nihilio" which means "creation out of nothing".God, truly created everything out of nothing. We read in Genesis that He only had to speak the words, "light be" and light was.
Nothing is impossible with God, and to God, all things are possible. To Him, impossible is nothing.
The theme of "nothing is impossible with God" also came across in Pastor B's sermon last week on Facing the Giants, based on the movie of the same name. I was checking out the DVD that I just bought, and noted that it also comes with a Study Guide!This Guide can be used for bible study or cell groups. It contains 8 topics for discussion, based on 8 scenes from the movie. The study materials for clip #3 "Attempting the Impossible" is shown on the right.
Time Doesn't Heal, God Does
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
On 18th June, I blogged about the counsel of the ungodly, which encompasses "worldly wisdom" because it is devoid of God.
One often-quoted saying is "time heals all wounds". This is not true. Only God does.
And this point was put across by Pastor Peter Koh during the Ohana Camp.
As I reflect back upon my own life, I realise that this has indeed been the case. As a teenager with a face full of acne, classmates would tease me with nicknames such as "crackers face" or "disease face". It was a painful time, and my way of dealing with it was to escape into the world of pop music (hence I am very familiar with the songs of the 1980s - but that is a topic for some other time).
Did I feel hurt about those comments? Of course I did, and very much so. Even many years later. But things changed when I surrended those hurts to the Lord. Time did not heal those wounds. God did.
There is another worldly saying, "Forgive and forget". The addition of the word "forget" may seem to be no big deal, but many believers struggle to forgive others because they find it difficult to forget the incidents which have left them feeling hurt.
If you were to search the Scriptures, you will not be able to find the above phrase.
We are asked by the LORD to forgive others, not so much for their sake, but for our sakes' because harbouring resentment and bitterness actually keep us in bondage. By releasing forgiveness to those who have hurt us, we ourselves are being released from those strongholds.
But can we forget? I don't think that is possible because Satan will continue to put those bad thoughts into our head in an attempt to keep us from victory. Forgiveness is a choice. If we choose to forgive, God starts the healing process to remove the sting from and pain of those memories.
Twenty five years later, I can still recall those nasty remarks from my secondary school classmates. But I can tell you, hand on heart, that those remarks do not upset or hurt me anymore, because God has healed the wounds.
Praise be the God!
On 18th June, I blogged about the counsel of the ungodly, which encompasses "worldly wisdom" because it is devoid of God.
One often-quoted saying is "time heals all wounds". This is not true. Only God does.
And this point was put across by Pastor Peter Koh during the Ohana Camp.
As I reflect back upon my own life, I realise that this has indeed been the case. As a teenager with a face full of acne, classmates would tease me with nicknames such as "crackers face" or "disease face". It was a painful time, and my way of dealing with it was to escape into the world of pop music (hence I am very familiar with the songs of the 1980s - but that is a topic for some other time).
Did I feel hurt about those comments? Of course I did, and very much so. Even many years later. But things changed when I surrended those hurts to the Lord. Time did not heal those wounds. God did.
There is another worldly saying, "Forgive and forget". The addition of the word "forget" may seem to be no big deal, but many believers struggle to forgive others because they find it difficult to forget the incidents which have left them feeling hurt.
If you were to search the Scriptures, you will not be able to find the above phrase.
We are asked by the LORD to forgive others, not so much for their sake, but for our sakes' because harbouring resentment and bitterness actually keep us in bondage. By releasing forgiveness to those who have hurt us, we ourselves are being released from those strongholds.
But can we forget? I don't think that is possible because Satan will continue to put those bad thoughts into our head in an attempt to keep us from victory. Forgiveness is a choice. If we choose to forgive, God starts the healing process to remove the sting from and pain of those memories.
Twenty five years later, I can still recall those nasty remarks from my secondary school classmates. But I can tell you, hand on heart, that those remarks do not upset or hurt me anymore, because God has healed the wounds.
Praise be the God!
A Little Ditty
Tuesday, 3rd July 2007
A couple of weeks back, I was blogging about meditation on God's Word being the key to the victorious life, and how meditation implies that those scripture verses have already been committed to memory.
At the PIC-CL meeting two days ago, we were shown a video of a sermon by Pastor Edmund Chan, during which he also emphasised the importance of memorising the scriptures as a means to strengthen one's inner life.
As a starter, he shared that his signature verse is 2 Cor 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight", which is an easy verse to remember.
I also blogged about how music enables us to commit to memory. When Pastor Chan mentioned this verse, it brought to mind a song that we sang at the Ohana Camp (remember the one where Pastor B made us walk back and forth across the hall? Too bad I did not record it on video, because I was also walking back and forth). Here are the lyrics of that song:
Do you know that just this one song contains the essence of four Scripture verses?
2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight
Heb 2:13 I will put my trust in God
Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you will prosper
Rom 8:31 If God is for us, who is against us?
By singing this little ditty, we are committing 4 verses to our memory. Wonderful, isn't it?
So that's another 3 more verses to add to that 1st one :-)
A couple of weeks back, I was blogging about meditation on God's Word being the key to the victorious life, and how meditation implies that those scripture verses have already been committed to memory.
At the PIC-CL meeting two days ago, we were shown a video of a sermon by Pastor Edmund Chan, during which he also emphasised the importance of memorising the scriptures as a means to strengthen one's inner life.
As a starter, he shared that his signature verse is 2 Cor 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight", which is an easy verse to remember.
I also blogged about how music enables us to commit to memory. When Pastor Chan mentioned this verse, it brought to mind a song that we sang at the Ohana Camp (remember the one where Pastor B made us walk back and forth across the hall? Too bad I did not record it on video, because I was also walking back and forth). Here are the lyrics of that song:
I Walk by Faith by Chris Falson
I walk by faith
Each step by faith
To live by faith
I put my trust in You
Every step I take is a step of faith
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
Every prayer I make is a prayer of faith
If my God is for me then who can be against me
Do you know that just this one song contains the essence of four Scripture verses?
2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight
Heb 2:13 I will put my trust in God
Isa 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you will prosper
Rom 8:31 If God is for us, who is against us?
By singing this little ditty, we are committing 4 verses to our memory. Wonderful, isn't it?
So that's another 3 more verses to add to that 1st one :-)
Great God Ringtone
Monday, 2nd July 2007
I checked out Pastor B's Missingrims weblog recently and noticed that he has blogged about how the Ohana Camp theme song evolved. Makes very interesting reading :-)
He has also made available on his blog several versions of the song for your listening pleasure.
I've decided to jump on the bandwagon, and made available for download the chorus, which you can set as a ringtone on your mobile phone.
Great God chorus Adaptive Multi-Rate (.amr) format
Great God chorus Qualcomm PureVoice (.qcp) format
Great God chorus mp3 format
The .amr format can be used on most non-MP3 playing phones.
Most phones are bluetooth-enabled nowadays, so you can transfer the file to your phone via that method.
For those without the bluetooth function, but are WAP-enabled, you can check out Coolservice, which is a website that provides free WAP-enabled services where you can upload ringtones, wallpapers, etc from your computer to be download onto the phone.
I checked out Pastor B's Missingrims weblog recently and noticed that he has blogged about how the Ohana Camp theme song evolved. Makes very interesting reading :-)
He has also made available on his blog several versions of the song for your listening pleasure.
I've decided to jump on the bandwagon, and made available for download the chorus, which you can set as a ringtone on your mobile phone.Great God chorus Adaptive Multi-Rate (.amr) format
Great God chorus Qualcomm PureVoice (.qcp) format
Great God chorus mp3 format
The .amr format can be used on most non-MP3 playing phones.
Most phones are bluetooth-enabled nowadays, so you can transfer the file to your phone via that method.
For those without the bluetooth function, but are WAP-enabled, you can check out Coolservice, which is a website that provides free WAP-enabled services where you can upload ringtones, wallpapers, etc from your computer to be download onto the phone.
Facing the Giants
Sunday, 1st July 2007
If the subject of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the title of the awesome sermon that Pastor B just preached, based on the movie of the same name :-)
After the service, I obtained feedback from several people who have watched it that the movie was equally awesome (and tear-jerking).
The Lord placed in my heart to go and get a copy (which I finally managed to get from Trumpet Praise, having checked out several other stores that are currently out-of-stock, probably because of the buzz created by Pastor B preaching this at the TNG service last night as well).
Here is a synopsis of the movie:
From the award winning producers of FLYWHEEL, comes an action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure.
In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation.
When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love!
Will be showing the movie at our upcoming cell meeting this Friday, after which I will make it available. Do feel free to borrow it from me if you want to watch it or show it at your cell meeting.
If the subject of today's post looks familiar, it is because it is the title of the awesome sermon that Pastor B just preached, based on the movie of the same name :-)
After the service, I obtained feedback from several people who have watched it that the movie was equally awesome (and tear-jerking).
The Lord placed in my heart to go and get a copy (which I finally managed to get from Trumpet Praise, having checked out several other stores that are currently out-of-stock, probably because of the buzz created by Pastor B preaching this at the TNG service last night as well).
Here is a synopsis of the movie:From the award winning producers of FLYWHEEL, comes an action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure.
In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation.
When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love!
Will be showing the movie at our upcoming cell meeting this Friday, after which I will make it available. Do feel free to borrow it from me if you want to watch it or show it at your cell meeting.
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