Monday, 29th January 2007
Dear Theophili and Theophilae
Thank you all for your comments and words of encouragement. This makes me even more determined to keep my blogspot updated regularly, if not daily.
Another topic that may be of great interest is that of "paradoxes" in the Bible. Growing up in this particular denomination, I was led to believe that the Bible was full of paradoxes, and to accept them as such because "God's ways are higher than our ways". I thank God that I now know for a fact that His message to us is all Yes and Amen, and not yes one moment and no the next as recorded in 2 Cor 1:16-19.
The Bible has no contradictory passages; it is our mis-interpretation of the Bible that makes us think that there are.
One such "paradox" was that of loving vs fearing the LORD, and I have addressed that in another post entitled "What exactly does 'fearing the LORD' mean"?
Another "paradox" deals with that of Christians falling sick...
I recall a conversation that I had with a dear brother of mine regarding 1 Cor 11:27-30:
27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognising the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
He felt that this passage suggested that Christians who are not abiding in Christ, or who do not live as Christians ought to/can become sick and even die. He also felt that this was a paradox that was not so easy and straightforward.
My response to him was that I also used to struggle with that passage (until very recently). I grew up in a very traditional Methodist environment, where the works of the Holy Spirit such as tongues, healings, and other signs and wonders were not emphasised.
I was thus made to believe that healing only happened during the apostolic age, but not for our current generation. Even if healing took place, it was supposed to be the exception rather than the norm, and not meant for everyone. Those who remain ill was to take it that it was God's will for them.
But is it God's will for us to be or remain sick? The will of God is revealed in the Word of God. Hence, we as Christians should not pray and ask whether God wants to heal us, or whether a non-Christian person should be our life partner, or whether we should tithe. Such things are a "given" because God's Word tells us, respectively, that He is our healer, that we should not be unequally yoked, and that our firstfruits belong to the Lord.
If we think that God only chooses to heal some and not others, then the Scriptures becomes a book where passages have to be read selectively. Some passages are meant for a group of believers, while other passages are meant for another group. If we believe our God is one who is supposed to unconditionally extend his agape love to us, then the above interpretation that He selectively chooses to bless some and yet withhold His blessings from others does not seem consistent with this concept of God.
Also, if Jesus is the same God yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8), the fact that Jesus healed 2000 years ago means He still heals today and will continue to heal till His second coming. Having searched the Scriptures, I now know that such doctrine is not only unbiblical, but it puts the blame on the wrong source. We read in John 10:10 that it is actually the devil who comes to steal, kill and destroy our health, our family, our peace, our well-being, etc. Jesus, on the other hand, has come to give us life in abundance.
Being bedridden or being stricken with a chronic disease is definitely not abundant living. So how do we reconcile "paradoxes" in the Bible? If *all* scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16), then there ought not to be any paradoxes in the Bible. God is not a God of confusion. Would it not be ironic if He gives us a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7), and yet contradicts Himself in His Word?
So coming back to the "paradox" in 1 Cor 11:27-30? The secret lies in the verse before this passage. Verse 26 says that "as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until His comes".
What is meant by proclaiming Jesus' death? Are we not as Christians supposed to focus on Jesus' resurrection instead, and the resurrection life we are supposed to be living out? Having meditated on that verse, I submit to you that we are actually proclaiming to those in the spiritual realm, ie. the devil and his fallen angels that are causing us the oppression. We are declaring to them and reminding them of Jesus' finished work on the cross.
Whenever he makes us feel condemned, we remind him that Jesus has taken our condemnation, so that in Christ there is now no condemnation (Rom 8:1). Whenever he makes us feel unrighteous, we remind him that Jesus is our righteousness. Whenever he makes us feel our sicknesses is because of some sin in our life, or the sin of our forefathers, we remind him that by the stripes of Jesus, we have been healed.
Now with the above revelation, let's read 1 Cor 11:27-30 again:
27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognising the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
So what does verse 27 mean by "eating or drinking in an unworthy manner" (or unworthily, as KJV puts it)? In the context of verse 26, it means eating and drinking without realising that the body and blood of the Lord was the means by which the divine exchange took place. Jesus came to earth for that very purpose: to take our sins and sicknesses upon Himself and in exchange, to give us His righteousness and wholeness.
Verse 28 tells us that we ought to examine ourselves before we eat and drink of the Lord's supper, as to whether we are taking the communion as a mere ritual, or whether we are doing so to remember God's greatest act of love for us to free us from the bondage of sin and sicknesses.
Verse 29 tells us that if we do not judge the body rightly, we bring judgment upon ourselves.
The NASB version of 1 Cor 11:30 says "for this reason, many among you are weak, and sick and a number sleep". There is a singular "reason" why Christians are weak, sick or die prematurely, and that is because we do not recognise the body of the Lord as recorded in verse 29, ie. we do not comprehend or believe that His body was broken and striped to deliver us from sicknesses!
Many of us today accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, but how many of us accept Jesus as our Healer? When Jesus died on the cross, He died not only for the forgiveness of our sins, but also for the removal of our diseases. Salvation is via His blood, healing is via His body.
We as Christians are shortchanging ourselves if we only believe salvation is ours via the cross, but do not understand that healing is ours as well. By the blood of the Lamb, we have received forgiveness of our sins. By the stripes upon the body of our Lord, we have been healed. Why is it easier for us to believe the former by faith, and yet not the latter, also by faith? Things may not happen in the physical realm immediately, but it has already happened in the spiritual. So we have to continue to "call for things that are not as though they are" (Rom 4:17) until they manifest in the physical realm. Just like Abraham was called "father of many" years before Isaac finally came forth.
So there. Another so-called "paradox" debunked. Thanks be to God for His consistent message of redemption. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord!
Brothers and sisters. The sooner we as Christians realise that we can claim this as our right as His children, the sooner we will see fewer cases of Christians who are weak, sick, or die prematurely. Amen?
Shalom
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
2007 is going to be THE Year of Revival!
Sunday 28th January 2007
Even though I got back rather late on
Friday night from the 3L leaders' cell, I thank the LORD for giving me supernatural strength not only to keep my blog active with at least one post per day (for the past 7 days), but also for a good night's rest, so that I could get up early on Saturday morning to attend the ACSJ Fathers' Prayer Group.
This was the 1st meeting of the year, and the turnout was tremendous! There was a total of 23 of us. I was so encouraged that I had to take a photo to commemorate such a momentous occasion.
Even though I got back rather late on
Friday night from the 3L leaders' cell, I thank the LORD for giving me supernatural strength not only to keep my blog active with at least one post per day (for the past 7 days), but also for a good night's rest, so that I could get up early on Saturday morning to attend the ACSJ Fathers' Prayer Group.This was the 1st meeting of the year, and the turnout was tremendous! There was a total of 23 of us. I was so encouraged that I had to take a photo to commemorate such a momentous occasion.
Anyway, the LORD has put in my heart that 2007 is going to be a year of revival on several levels:
1. At the cell level
Roland and I (and our spouses) came out from 3L2 to form 3L7 on 1 Jan 2007. We are so grateful to God that even from the very first meeting, He was already manifesting His mighty power! I was also very encouraged that all our members have been so faithful and commited -- there was a 100% attendance at the recent Fusion 2007.
2. At the cluster level
2. At the cluster level
The best thing to happen to me in church was to join 3L. I thank the Lord for my cluster leaders, Sunny and Yeok Ming because the Lord has given them a heart for people, and the spirit of hospitality. My parents-in-law were led to Christ by them at Easter 2006. I was especially touched when they reminded us that our 3L cluster should not be "exalted above" PLMC. I have been guilty of this in the past, and I would like to apologise to the other cluster leaders if my actions had in any way caused envy or strife within the church. Being a member of the LCEC has also helped me to see things from a wider perspective, and I look forward to building relationships with the other cluster leaders: John, Robert, Alice, Alvin, Choon Seng, John Choo, Roger, Edward, Lorinne and Asher.
3. At the church level
I also thank the Lord for our 3 pastors -- Rev Peter Koh, Rev Barnabas Chong and Rev Tay Kay Leong. My relationship with RevBarnz is pretty good because we were in the same cell (before 3L2's multiplication). I have also gotten to know Rev KL better, having had lunch with him a couple of weeks ago. Although I do not know Rev P that well yet, I am sure that God will grant us many opportunities to work together to carry out our theme for this year, which is "Empower - Growing Deeper with God".
4. At the school level
Coming back to the point being made earlier. There was a record turnout of 23 fathers, and I pray that this figure will increase as the year progresses. God is going to do a great revival work in ACSJ, especially in preparation for the move in 2009.
5. At the denominational level
Together with my cell members, we attended Fusion 2007 (which is an annual event organised by the Methodist Church for the youth). This year, a band from Victoria, Australia called Youth Alive! was invited to perform a 2-night concert. I attended the one on Saturday night with my wife and kids, and was amazed to see the youths jumping and clapping to the music (until the whole ground was shaking). Mind you, these are Methodist youths we are talking about -- so God is raising up a vibrant and passionate generation! This footage was filmed (using my Dopod 838Pro) towards the end of the rally, in which Youth Alive! sang Take It All and Majesty.
3. At the church level
I also thank the Lord for our 3 pastors -- Rev Peter Koh, Rev Barnabas Chong and Rev Tay Kay Leong. My relationship with RevBarnz is pretty good because we were in the same cell (before 3L2's multiplication). I have also gotten to know Rev KL better, having had lunch with him a couple of weeks ago. Although I do not know Rev P that well yet, I am sure that God will grant us many opportunities to work together to carry out our theme for this year, which is "Empower - Growing Deeper with God".
4. At the school level
Coming back to the point being made earlier. There was a record turnout of 23 fathers, and I pray that this figure will increase as the year progresses. God is going to do a great revival work in ACSJ, especially in preparation for the move in 2009.
5. At the denominational level
Together with my cell members, we attended Fusion 2007 (which is an annual event organised by the Methodist Church for the youth). This year, a band from Victoria, Australia called Youth Alive! was invited to perform a 2-night concert. I attended the one on Saturday night with my wife and kids, and was amazed to see the youths jumping and clapping to the music (until the whole ground was shaking). Mind you, these are Methodist youths we are talking about -- so God is raising up a vibrant and passionate generation! This footage was filmed (using my Dopod 838Pro) towards the end of the rally, in which Youth Alive! sang Take It All and Majesty.
6. At the national level
Last but definitely not the least, there is going to be a revival at the national level. This will require unity among all the churches in Singapore, be they Methodists, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Brethren, Lutheran or the "independent" mega-churches such as City Harvest, New Creation and Faith Community-Baptist. After all, there are no denominations in heaven. Let us as one united body of Christ come together to intercede for our nation. Like David said in Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!"
Shalom
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Humorous Bible Illustrations
Saturday 27th January 2007
Last night, our 3L cluster had its 1st cell leaders' meeting for the year 2007, and some of my fellow cell leaders were given the privilege and honour of sitting in the car that God has so blessed my family with.
Some of them even joked that the next vehicle I get should be a double-decker. [In a testimony I shared with some of my fellow church members, I had told them that I nearly became a taxi driver]. Seriously though, I do enjoy being a "chauffeur", as it were, and look forward to be given the privilege of fetching the entire cluster leadership to a retreat in Malaysia, maybe in a mini-bus :-)
But I digress...
I have mentioned in another post that the main reason for my accelerated spiritual growth in the last 2 years was because I have been feeding on the Word of God as spoken via a truly-anointed man of God -- Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church.
Two weeks ago, the LORD impressed upon me to get his entire sermon and book catalog, so that others too can benefit and be edified by the anointed messages on the gospel of grace and the finished work of the cross.
One of my personal all-time favourites is a DVD entitled Humorous Bible Illustrations.
This DVD contains 30 short clips (of between 3 to 10 minutes) extracted from sermons that contain biblical truths presented in a most humourous way. When watching them, I would end up both laughing (at the jokes), and crying (as the Holy Spirit ministered to my inner man, moving me to tears).
A wide range of diversified topics are covered, ranging from sex appeal, to nagging, to child discipline to the rapture.
I was at Suntec City attending Fusion 2007 on 13 Jan 07 and decided to drop in at the Rock Gifts and Book Shop (located above Carrefour). It seems that this DVD is currently out-of-stock. Thankfully, I had previously bought 2 of it (1 of which is loaned out at the moment).
Here is the trailer of that DVD to whet your appetite :-)
Those of you who are interested to borrow it, please do drop me an email.
Shalom,
His redeemed
Last night, our 3L cluster had its 1st cell leaders' meeting for the year 2007, and some of my fellow cell leaders were given the privilege and honour of sitting in the car that God has so blessed my family with.
Some of them even joked that the next vehicle I get should be a double-decker. [In a testimony I shared with some of my fellow church members, I had told them that I nearly became a taxi driver]. Seriously though, I do enjoy being a "chauffeur", as it were, and look forward to be given the privilege of fetching the entire cluster leadership to a retreat in Malaysia, maybe in a mini-bus :-)
But I digress...
I have mentioned in another post that the main reason for my accelerated spiritual growth in the last 2 years was because I have been feeding on the Word of God as spoken via a truly-anointed man of God -- Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation Church.
Two weeks ago, the LORD impressed upon me to get his entire sermon and book catalog, so that others too can benefit and be edified by the anointed messages on the gospel of grace and the finished work of the cross.
One of my personal all-time favourites is a DVD entitled Humorous Bible Illustrations.
This DVD contains 30 short clips (of between 3 to 10 minutes) extracted from sermons that contain biblical truths presented in a most humourous way. When watching them, I would end up both laughing (at the jokes), and crying (as the Holy Spirit ministered to my inner man, moving me to tears).A wide range of diversified topics are covered, ranging from sex appeal, to nagging, to child discipline to the rapture.
I was at Suntec City attending Fusion 2007 on 13 Jan 07 and decided to drop in at the Rock Gifts and Book Shop (located above Carrefour). It seems that this DVD is currently out-of-stock. Thankfully, I had previously bought 2 of it (1 of which is loaned out at the moment).
Here is the trailer of that DVD to whet your appetite :-)
Those of you who are interested to borrow it, please do drop me an email.
Shalom,
His redeemed
Friday, January 26, 2007
SGR7557L (See God's Revelation of His Perfect Grace, Favour, Rest and Love)
Friday 26th January 2007
Dearest Theophili and Theophilae
I am overjoyed because at lunchtime today, I went to collect the brand-new set of wheels that Jehovah Jireh has blessed me with. It is a 8-seater Mitsubishi Grandis.
The one that I was previously driving was a Mitsubishi Lancer, and it was bought 11 months ago in Feb 2006. At that time, it was sufficient for my immediate family's needs.
Then at Easter 2006, my parents-in-law were led to the LORD by our cluster leaders, Sunny and Yeok Ming. We were also encouraged to bring them along whenever we had cell activities.
Suddenly, the Lancer was not big enough for our needs anymore. God was giving us an abundance of crop, but the barn was too small to contain it.
I struggled with whether to upgrade, and even went to check out the Grandis in Jun 2006. At that time, the price was hovering above S$90K and my salesman Mike told me that people prefer to buy a brand new car than one that was 4 months old.
Fast forward to 22 Dec 2006 when the LORD more than restored my bank balance by giving me the biggest bonus ever in my entire career. That was also the day that 3L2 held its 12-hour extravaganza, and Roland managed to fetch a total of 11 persons in his Honda Odyssey from SICC Island to his home! That was the LORD's way of confirming to me that it was time to get a bigger car, so that others could be blessed.
Truth be told: had I wanted to show off and walk in the flesh, I would have gotten a BMW. But in God's economy, the possessions He entrusts us with (be it cash, condo, car or club memberships) are meant to be used to bless others.
So why SGR 7557 L?
The number I have chosen for this car is SGR 7557 L.
My favourite number is 7 (hence my email addresses are mloh77@starhub.net.sg and mloh77@yahoo.com.sg , and even my current and previous handphone numbers all ended with the number 7. This is because 7 represents perfection and rest. God created in 6 days, and rested on the 7th to indicate His work of creation was complete.
The number 5 signifies God's grace or unmerited favour. As I look back over the past 4 years, God has been so gracious in not only restoring my family, marriage and career, but also in blessing me with exceeding abundance.
I thus dedicate this car to be used for God's Kingdom work. Let it be a reminder for us to See God's Revelation of His Perfect Grace, Favour, Rest (7-5-5-7) and Love.
Hallelujah!
Dearest Theophili and Theophilae
I am overjoyed because at lunchtime today, I went to collect the brand-new set of wheels that Jehovah Jireh has blessed me with. It is a 8-seater Mitsubishi Grandis.
The one that I was previously driving was a Mitsubishi Lancer, and it was bought 11 months ago in Feb 2006. At that time, it was sufficient for my immediate family's needs.
Then at Easter 2006, my parents-in-law were led to the LORD by our cluster leaders, Sunny and Yeok Ming. We were also encouraged to bring them along whenever we had cell activities.
Suddenly, the Lancer was not big enough for our needs anymore. God was giving us an abundance of crop, but the barn was too small to contain it.
I struggled with whether to upgrade, and even went to check out the Grandis in Jun 2006. At that time, the price was hovering above S$90K and my salesman Mike told me that people prefer to buy a brand new car than one that was 4 months old.
Fast forward to 22 Dec 2006 when the LORD more than restored my bank balance by giving me the biggest bonus ever in my entire career. That was also the day that 3L2 held its 12-hour extravaganza, and Roland managed to fetch a total of 11 persons in his Honda Odyssey from SICC Island to his home! That was the LORD's way of confirming to me that it was time to get a bigger car, so that others could be blessed.
Truth be told: had I wanted to show off and walk in the flesh, I would have gotten a BMW. But in God's economy, the possessions He entrusts us with (be it cash, condo, car or club memberships) are meant to be used to bless others.
So why SGR 7557 L? 
The number I have chosen for this car is SGR 7557 L.
My favourite number is 7 (hence my email addresses are mloh77@starhub.net.sg and mloh77@yahoo.com.sg , and even my current and previous handphone numbers all ended with the number 7. This is because 7 represents perfection and rest. God created in 6 days, and rested on the 7th to indicate His work of creation was complete.
The number 5 signifies God's grace or unmerited favour. As I look back over the past 4 years, God has been so gracious in not only restoring my family, marriage and career, but also in blessing me with exceeding abundance.
I thus dedicate this car to be used for God's Kingdom work. Let it be a reminder for us to See God's Revelation of His Perfect Grace, Favour, Rest (7-5-5-7) and Love.
Hallelujah!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tshirts with Christian messages and themes (XT)
Thursday, 25th January 2007
I have built up quite a collection of Christian-themed tee shirts (or XT for short, where X="Christian" and T="tee shirt") . Just yesterday evening, I picked up my 20th XT from FunkyB, which operates a pushcart located at Level 2 of Bishan Junction 8, in front of Hush Puppies.
In earlier days, I used to order XTs from USA websites, but ever since I discovered FunkyB and Spectrum Design (located at Level 4 of Hougang Mall), my main sources are now these 2 outlets: the former for ready-to-wear designs and the latter for personalised/customised designs.
It gives me great pleasure now to walk you through my entire XT collection :-)
1. DARWIN IS DEAD. JESUS IS ALIVE (2003)
This is the very first XT I bought from Tecman back in 2003.
It has a simple design of a submarine and a fish, yet also a very profound declaration, "Darwin is dead. Jesus is alive". Darwin was the scientist who theorised that man evolved from apes. As this XT is now nearly 4 years old. I usually only wear it to sleep.
2. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (version 1) (2004)
I saw this XT at the shop located at Level 4 of Amara Shopping Centre, and decided to get one for my wife and me.
It is based on Gal 5:22-23 where Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
3. SMILE, JESUS LOVES YOU (2004)
That shop in Amara also carried this design. The Japanese like to coordinate and synchronise attire for their entire family, and it was with this in mind that I bought blue ones for my son Mark and myself, and red ones for Sock Pin and daughter Rachel.
Just looking at this design brings a smile on your face, doesn't it?
4. CHRISTIAN ROCK (2005)
Why should the devil have all the good music? Instead of "rock n roll", how about some "Christian rock"? Instead of "heavy metal", how about some "heavenly metal"?
This website offers Christian rock, hard rock and even hiphop! I purchased this XT as a sign of support and affirmation to their cause. Do check it out to hear the latest offerings from the likes of Switchfoot, Disciple and Relient K.
5. JESUS FREAK (Mar 2006)
Speaking of good Christian music, one of the best songs ever written is Jesus Freak by DC Talk. Jesus Freak was a derogaratory term used to label those of us who are zealous about our faith, and I am so glad that DC Talk took the negative connotations out of it by penning a song with this title.
While doing a Google search, I chanced upon the JFreak website, and ordered this XT from there.
6. JESUS IS MY FINAL ANSWER (Mar 2006)
My Google search on "Christian Tshirts" also led me to a webstore called ChoiceShirts. [This site also sells secular-themed tshirts.] I purchased about 10 tshirts from this site to give to the male members of my then cell 3L2, and I remember being "chided" by the co-leader as to why there was nothing for the female cell members. Anyway, this design's appeal is because it is based on the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". The host would ask "Is that your final answer?" Our response as Christians is Jesus is our final answer.
7. EARTH'S ANGELS (Mar 2006)
ChoiceShirts also has designs where we can insert our own text. This particular shirt allows one to include up to 12 names! I only chose to have 4 -- that of my wife Sock Pin, daughter Rachel, son Mark and my own. I usually wear this shirt on occasions where we meet people for the first time, or when catching up with old friends, because it saves me the effort of telling them our names.
8. GET CONNECTED (Mar 2006)
1st design bought from FunkyB
When I narrowed my Google search to "Christian Tshirts from Singapore", I was pleasantly surprised to discovered there was actually a physical store located here in Singapore at Bishan Junction 8 called FunkyBeliever (or "FunkyB"). It is a push cart located on Level 2, facing the walkway linking Junction 8 and the mutistorey carpark above the bus interchange.
This was the very first XT I bought from them, and it shows a series of bars of increasing length, like what you see on a mobile phone when connected to the operator's network. The difference is that the tallest bar is replaced by a cross, indicating that we should be connected to Jesus. I bought a similar ladies' design for Sock Pin and Rachel.
9. BE LIKE JESUS (Mar 2006)
2nd design bought from FunkyB
The 2nd XT I bought from FunkyB shows a stick man with horns and another stick man with a beard. Under the man with horns is written "Satan is bad". Under the man with a beard is written "Jesus is good". And then finally right below in a box is written "Be Like Jesus". Simple child-like statements and yet profound and powerful in conveying the truth. Amen?
Having found a local source for ready-to-wear designs, the challenge was now to find one for customised designs. Back in 2001, when Rachel was in K1, we brought her to Hougang Mall to pierce her ears, on the recommendation of my 2nd sister, Vivian. While walking around the shopping centre, I saw a shop called Spectrum Designs and Research ("Spectrum"), and noticed that they produce customised calendars, mugs, tshirts, posters, etc. Little did I realise that 5 years later, I would become one of its most regular and faithful customers :-)
10. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (version 2)
(Apr 2006) 1st design to be printed at Spectrum
Our kids attend classes at Heartland Mall and there is a Christian bookshop on Level 2 called Daily Gifts that sell books, CDs and pocket cards. One such pocket card shows the fruit of the spirit written in Chinese characters, and I felt that this would look equally, if not better on the front of a tshirt. I scanned it, stored in on a thumb drive and brought it down to Spectrum. And so it was, and it became the first customised and locally-produced XT in my collection.
11. JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SON AND SAVIOUR
(Apr 2006) 2nd design to be printed at Spectrum
My favourite Christian emblem is the fish. This symbol was used by the early church to identify one another, as they were persecuted by the authorities. In Greek, "ichthus" means fish and is an acronym for Iesous Christos Theou Uios Soter, meaning "Jesus Christ, God's Son and Saviour".
12. YES! AND AMEN! (Apr 2006)
3rd design to be printed at Spectrum
Because of what I went through from 2002 to 2006, 2 Cor 1:20 has become my favourite verse. It reads "All the promises of God in Christ are Yes and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Hence this XT, where the Yes! and Amen! are in large print.
13. FOUR FACES OF GOD (May 2006)
4th design to be printed at Spectrum
I was attending a disciple track session on the Old Testament, and the speaker spoke about Eze 1:10. This brought to mind a book that Ronnie and Yoke Ping gave me entitled the Four Faces of God.
Matthew portrays Jesus as King (the Lion), Mark portrays Jesus as Suffering Servant (the Ox), Luke portrays Jesus as Son of Man (the Man) and John portrays Jesus as Son of God (the Eagle). This became the inspiration for the design to this XT, with the 4 faces shown surrounding a cross.
14. 3L CLUSTER (Jun 2006)
5th design to be printed at Spectrum
I have shared with many fellow church members that the best thing to happen to me in PLMC was to be part of the 3L cluster, led by Sunny and Yeok Ming.
When coming up with this design, it was essential to first include the logo of Paya Lebar Methodist Church, since we are part of the church.
The lettering for 3L is in rainbow colours, reminding us of all of God's promises, while the 3-dimensional effect is to emphasise that His promises are for us yesterday, today and forever (by the way, it was my son Mark who showed me how to "three-dimensionalise" it).
The meaning of the 3 Ls are then spelt out:
1. Learning the Word of God (depicted by the Bible)
2. Loving one another as Christ loves us (depicted by the heart)
3. Looking forward to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit (depicted by the dove)
Finally, 3 pictures (the Bible, the heart and the dove) which corresponds to the 3 Ls appear at the bottom of the logo.
I first wore this shirt at the Cluster Event at Pasir Ris Park on 17 Jun 06, and ended up getting Spectrum to print more than 50 pieces, so that those in the cluster could wear it at the Project Uplift Walk on 8 Jul 06.
15. JESUS CHRIST (spoof of Cocacola) (Sep 2006)
3rd design bought from FunkyB
This was the 3rd design I bought from FunkyB, which is a spoof of Cocacola. It reads Jesus Christ in the same font, and in small print, "Always Refreshing". He is the our living water. Whoever drinks of Him will never thirst, as the water He gives us will become in us a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn 4:14)
16. SACRIFICED FOR ME (spoof of Starbucks Coffee) (Oct 2006) 4th design bought from FunkyB
The 4th design I bought from FunkyB is a spoof of Starbucks Coffee. It reads Sacificed For Me, and has a picture of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and showing His nail-pierced hands. In the background behind Him are also 2 crosses, one of His left and one on His right.
17. THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Nov 2006)
6th design to be printed at Spectrum
Sometime in Nov 2006, we were given a copy of the Methodist Message, wherein there was an article explaining the message hidden in the 12 Days of Christmas.
This became the inspiration for this shirt, which shows 12 pictures at the top, and their meanings at the bottom.
1 partridge = Jesus
2 turtle doves = OT and NT
3 French hens = faith, hope and love
4 calling birds = 4 gospels
5 golden rings = 5 books of Moses
6 geese-a-laying = 6 days of creation
7 swans-a-swimming = 7 gifts of the Spirit
8 maids-a-milking = 8 beatitudes
9 ladies dancing = 9 fruit of the Spirit
10 lords-a-leaping = 10 commandments
11 pipers-piping = 11 faithful disciples
12 drummers drumming = 12 points in the Apostles' Creed
18. PULL AND PUSH (Dec 2006)
7th design to be printed at Spectrum
This design reminds us all to P-U-L-L and P-U-S-H, ie.
Petition Unto the Lord of Lords and Pray Until Something Happens. In Luke 11:5-10, Jesus gives the illustration of a pesky neighbour who gets what he wants because of his persistence, so He tells us to ask, seek and knock.
19. HEBREW ALPHABET (Jan 2007)
8th design to be printed at Spectrum
I have been listening to a series of sermons by Pastor Prince on the beauty of the Hebrew language, and this became the source of inspiration for this design.
On the left, it shows all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet from Aleph to Tav. At the top right is a quotation by St Augustine, "The Old is in the New revealed, the New is in the Old concealed", This means that when we read the OT, we should ask ourselves how Christ can be seen in it.
In John 19:19-22 we read
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read:JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Now what was it that made the Chief Priests so upset? This was because the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" in Hebrew read, "Yeshua HaNazarei Wemelekh HaYhudim". The 1st 4 letters "YHWH" is transliterated into Yahweh or Jehovah. Pilate did not realise that he was declaring that Jesus was God!
"Baruch ha ba B'Shem Adonai" means "Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord". (prophesied in Ps 118:26, fulfilled in Lk 19:38)
20. THE DIVINE GOD (spoof of The DaVinci Code) (Jan 2007)
5th design bought from FunkyB
I just picked up this shirt yesterday. 
It is a spoof of The DaVinci Code. This is the 1st shirt I have that has something printed on the front and on the back. The front shows a picture similar to what appears in the book, while the quotes Jn 8:32 "You shall know the TRUTH, and the truth will make you FREE."
I have built up quite a collection of Christian-themed tee shirts (or XT for short, where X="Christian" and T="tee shirt") . Just yesterday evening, I picked up my 20th XT from FunkyB, which operates a pushcart located at Level 2 of Bishan Junction 8, in front of Hush Puppies.
In earlier days, I used to order XTs from USA websites, but ever since I discovered FunkyB and Spectrum Design (located at Level 4 of Hougang Mall), my main sources are now these 2 outlets: the former for ready-to-wear designs and the latter for personalised/customised designs.
It gives me great pleasure now to walk you through my entire XT collection :-)
1. DARWIN IS DEAD. JESUS IS ALIVE (2003)This is the very first XT I bought from Tecman back in 2003.
It has a simple design of a submarine and a fish, yet also a very profound declaration, "Darwin is dead. Jesus is alive". Darwin was the scientist who theorised that man evolved from apes. As this XT is now nearly 4 years old. I usually only wear it to sleep.
2. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (version 1) (2004)I saw this XT at the shop located at Level 4 of Amara Shopping Centre, and decided to get one for my wife and me.
It is based on Gal 5:22-23 where Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
3. SMILE, JESUS LOVES YOU (2004)That shop in Amara also carried this design. The Japanese like to coordinate and synchronise attire for their entire family, and it was with this in mind that I bought blue ones for my son Mark and myself, and red ones for Sock Pin and daughter Rachel.
Just looking at this design brings a smile on your face, doesn't it?
4. CHRISTIAN ROCK (2005)
Why should the devil have all the good music? Instead of "rock n roll", how about some "Christian rock"? Instead of "heavy metal", how about some "heavenly metal"?This website offers Christian rock, hard rock and even hiphop! I purchased this XT as a sign of support and affirmation to their cause. Do check it out to hear the latest offerings from the likes of Switchfoot, Disciple and Relient K.
5. JESUS FREAK (Mar 2006)Speaking of good Christian music, one of the best songs ever written is Jesus Freak by DC Talk. Jesus Freak was a derogaratory term used to label those of us who are zealous about our faith, and I am so glad that DC Talk took the negative connotations out of it by penning a song with this title.
While doing a Google search, I chanced upon the JFreak website, and ordered this XT from there.
6. JESUS IS MY FINAL ANSWER (Mar 2006)My Google search on "Christian Tshirts" also led me to a webstore called ChoiceShirts. [This site also sells secular-themed tshirts.] I purchased about 10 tshirts from this site to give to the male members of my then cell 3L2, and I remember being "chided" by the co-leader as to why there was nothing for the female cell members. Anyway, this design's appeal is because it is based on the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". The host would ask "Is that your final answer?" Our response as Christians is Jesus is our final answer.
7. EARTH'S ANGELS (Mar 2006)ChoiceShirts also has designs where we can insert our own text. This particular shirt allows one to include up to 12 names! I only chose to have 4 -- that of my wife Sock Pin, daughter Rachel, son Mark and my own. I usually wear this shirt on occasions where we meet people for the first time, or when catching up with old friends, because it saves me the effort of telling them our names.
8. GET CONNECTED (Mar 2006)1st design bought from FunkyB
When I narrowed my Google search to "Christian Tshirts from Singapore", I was pleasantly surprised to discovered there was actually a physical store located here in Singapore at Bishan Junction 8 called FunkyBeliever (or "FunkyB"). It is a push cart located on Level 2, facing the walkway linking Junction 8 and the mutistorey carpark above the bus interchange.
This was the very first XT I bought from them, and it shows a series of bars of increasing length, like what you see on a mobile phone when connected to the operator's network. The difference is that the tallest bar is replaced by a cross, indicating that we should be connected to Jesus. I bought a similar ladies' design for Sock Pin and Rachel.
9. BE LIKE JESUS (Mar 2006)2nd design bought from FunkyB
The 2nd XT I bought from FunkyB shows a stick man with horns and another stick man with a beard. Under the man with horns is written "Satan is bad". Under the man with a beard is written "Jesus is good". And then finally right below in a box is written "Be Like Jesus". Simple child-like statements and yet profound and powerful in conveying the truth. Amen?
Having found a local source for ready-to-wear designs, the challenge was now to find one for customised designs. Back in 2001, when Rachel was in K1, we brought her to Hougang Mall to pierce her ears, on the recommendation of my 2nd sister, Vivian. While walking around the shopping centre, I saw a shop called Spectrum Designs and Research ("Spectrum"), and noticed that they produce customised calendars, mugs, tshirts, posters, etc. Little did I realise that 5 years later, I would become one of its most regular and faithful customers :-)
10. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (version 2) (Apr 2006) 1st design to be printed at Spectrum
Our kids attend classes at Heartland Mall and there is a Christian bookshop on Level 2 called Daily Gifts that sell books, CDs and pocket cards. One such pocket card shows the fruit of the spirit written in Chinese characters, and I felt that this would look equally, if not better on the front of a tshirt. I scanned it, stored in on a thumb drive and brought it down to Spectrum. And so it was, and it became the first customised and locally-produced XT in my collection.
11. JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SON AND SAVIOUR (Apr 2006) 2nd design to be printed at Spectrum
My favourite Christian emblem is the fish. This symbol was used by the early church to identify one another, as they were persecuted by the authorities. In Greek, "ichthus" means fish and is an acronym for Iesous Christos Theou Uios Soter, meaning "Jesus Christ, God's Son and Saviour".
12. YES! AND AMEN! (Apr 2006)3rd design to be printed at Spectrum
Because of what I went through from 2002 to 2006, 2 Cor 1:20 has become my favourite verse. It reads "All the promises of God in Christ are Yes and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Hence this XT, where the Yes! and Amen! are in large print.
13. FOUR FACES OF GOD (May 2006)4th design to be printed at Spectrum
I was attending a disciple track session on the Old Testament, and the speaker spoke about Eze 1:10. This brought to mind a book that Ronnie and Yoke Ping gave me entitled the Four Faces of God.
Matthew portrays Jesus as King (the Lion), Mark portrays Jesus as Suffering Servant (the Ox), Luke portrays Jesus as Son of Man (the Man) and John portrays Jesus as Son of God (the Eagle). This became the inspiration for the design to this XT, with the 4 faces shown surrounding a cross.
14. 3L CLUSTER (Jun 2006)5th design to be printed at Spectrum
I have shared with many fellow church members that the best thing to happen to me in PLMC was to be part of the 3L cluster, led by Sunny and Yeok Ming.
When coming up with this design, it was essential to first include the logo of Paya Lebar Methodist Church, since we are part of the church.
The lettering for 3L is in rainbow colours, reminding us of all of God's promises, while the 3-dimensional effect is to emphasise that His promises are for us yesterday, today and forever (by the way, it was my son Mark who showed me how to "three-dimensionalise" it).
The meaning of the 3 Ls are then spelt out:
1. Learning the Word of God (depicted by the Bible)
2. Loving one another as Christ loves us (depicted by the heart)
3. Looking forward to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit (depicted by the dove)
Finally, 3 pictures (the Bible, the heart and the dove) which corresponds to the 3 Ls appear at the bottom of the logo.
I first wore this shirt at the Cluster Event at Pasir Ris Park on 17 Jun 06, and ended up getting Spectrum to print more than 50 pieces, so that those in the cluster could wear it at the Project Uplift Walk on 8 Jul 06.
15. JESUS CHRIST (spoof of Cocacola) (Sep 2006)3rd design bought from FunkyB
This was the 3rd design I bought from FunkyB, which is a spoof of Cocacola. It reads Jesus Christ in the same font, and in small print, "Always Refreshing". He is the our living water. Whoever drinks of Him will never thirst, as the water He gives us will become in us a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn 4:14)
16. SACRIFICED FOR ME (spoof of Starbucks Coffee) (Oct 2006) 4th design bought from FunkyBThe 4th design I bought from FunkyB is a spoof of Starbucks Coffee. It reads Sacificed For Me, and has a picture of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and showing His nail-pierced hands. In the background behind Him are also 2 crosses, one of His left and one on His right.
17. THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Nov 2006)6th design to be printed at Spectrum
Sometime in Nov 2006, we were given a copy of the Methodist Message, wherein there was an article explaining the message hidden in the 12 Days of Christmas.
This became the inspiration for this shirt, which shows 12 pictures at the top, and their meanings at the bottom.
1 partridge = Jesus
2 turtle doves = OT and NT
3 French hens = faith, hope and love
4 calling birds = 4 gospels
5 golden rings = 5 books of Moses
6 geese-a-laying = 6 days of creation
7 swans-a-swimming = 7 gifts of the Spirit
8 maids-a-milking = 8 beatitudes
9 ladies dancing = 9 fruit of the Spirit
10 lords-a-leaping = 10 commandments
11 pipers-piping = 11 faithful disciples
12 drummers drumming = 12 points in the Apostles' Creed
18. PULL AND PUSH (Dec 2006)7th design to be printed at Spectrum
This design reminds us all to P-U-L-L and P-U-S-H, ie.
Petition Unto the Lord of Lords and Pray Until Something Happens. In Luke 11:5-10, Jesus gives the illustration of a pesky neighbour who gets what he wants because of his persistence, so He tells us to ask, seek and knock.
19. HEBREW ALPHABET (Jan 2007)8th design to be printed at Spectrum
I have been listening to a series of sermons by Pastor Prince on the beauty of the Hebrew language, and this became the source of inspiration for this design.
On the left, it shows all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet from Aleph to Tav. At the top right is a quotation by St Augustine, "The Old is in the New revealed, the New is in the Old concealed", This means that when we read the OT, we should ask ourselves how Christ can be seen in it.
In John 19:19-22 we read
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read:JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.
21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Now what was it that made the Chief Priests so upset? This was because the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" in Hebrew read, "Yeshua HaNazarei Wemelekh HaYhudim". The 1st 4 letters "YHWH" is transliterated into Yahweh or Jehovah. Pilate did not realise that he was declaring that Jesus was God!"Baruch ha ba B'Shem Adonai" means "Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord". (prophesied in Ps 118:26, fulfilled in Lk 19:38)
20. THE DIVINE GOD (spoof of The DaVinci Code) (Jan 2007)
5th design bought from FunkyB
I just picked up this shirt yesterday. It is a spoof of The DaVinci Code. This is the 1st shirt I have that has something printed on the front and on the back. The front shows a picture similar to what appears in the book, while the quotes Jn 8:32 "You shall know the TRUTH, and the truth will make you FREE."
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